„„ www.themorning.lk „„ Provincial VOL 01 | NO 02 | Rs. 30.00 { FRIDAY } FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 SLAF AIR VICTORIOUS INDIA DOG UNIT COME BACK HOME WORKING TOWARDS A SAFER SRI LANKA

ELEPHANT CONFLICT NCPI-BASED AND ELEPHANT INFLATION DECREASED CONSERVATION IN DECEMBER 2020 »SEE PAGE 11 »SEE PAGES 5 »SEE BUSINESS PAGE 1 »SEE PAGE 14 PHIs oppose Only 2,500 tourists WP schools permitted daily reopening BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE reported from workplaces and BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE including four cargo flights. positive for Covid-19 but it was CART) recommendations and Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) this would create a problematic After reopening Sri Lanka’s borders for tourism With the country opening not due to passenger handling, in alignment with the ACI have raised concerns over the situation in the coming weeks. yesterday (21), the Government has decided to limit up for tourism yesterday, and instead contracted the Aviation Business Restart proposed reopening of schools Before restarting schools, the tourist arrivals to 2,500 per day due to Covid-19-related a few tourists arrived too,” virus from outside, said and Recovery guidelines along in the Western Province. authorities must take into account capacity issues, The Morning learnt. Sumanasekara said. Sumanasekara. with industry best practices. PHIs Union President Upul the decisions made by the relevant Speaking to The Morning, arrivals and how the arrival He further explained: Safety measures Sumanasekara further added Rohana claimed that if movement committees composed of the area’s Airport and Aviation Services capacity is handled at present, “Airport staff is well set to are guaranteed 100%, that this certificate had been is not restricted in high-risk areas, principals, parents, and teachers,” (Sri Lanka) (Pvt.) Ltd. Director he noted. handle the arrivals. We have Sumanasekara assured. issued only for 190 airports including within the Western said Rohana while speaking to The Shehan Sumanasekara said “At the moment, we have around 4,300 staff members According to Sumanasekara, from 1,200 airports in the Province, to some extent, Covid- Morning in this regard yesterday that the decision was taken only limited the tourist arrivals at the Mattala Airport in this is the main reason that the world. 19 may spread even further around (21). considering the PCR testing and do not have any intention Hambantota, the Bandaranaike Airports Council International When queried about the schools and workplaces. According to Rohana, the PHIs capacity, the availability of to limit the repatriation process International Airport (BIA) in (ACI) certified the BIA’s total income from the recent “This may create a situation have issues with the current hotels and tour guides, and where the total repatriation- Katunayake, and the Colombo commitment to prioritising pilot project implemented where other schools would also policies regarding the issue and restrictions at the country’s related arrivals reported in a day International Airport in health and safety measures in connection with bringing have to be closed down. We have the Government’s decisions taken airports. were 207 and the total of such Ratmalana, who are all well in accordance with the down Ukrainian tourists, already informed the Health pertaining to such, and are not However, there is a arrivals during the last nine experienced to handle any International Civil Aviation Sumanasekara confirmed that Minister of this through a letter. satisfied with the ongoing Covid- possibility of increasing this months was 70,000. Yesterday crisis.” Organisation Council Aviation it was a sum of Rs. 42 million The situation could be worse since 19-related safety measures. number according to the tourist (21), we received 13 flights Only 10 of them tested Recovery Task Force’s (ICAO within 18 days. Covid-19-positive cases are being Contd. on page 2 THE CAPTIVE ELEPHANT Imran Khan’s visit yet to be confirmed A visit by Pakistani potential visit, we were told Prime Minister Imran Khan that an agenda would only is yet to be confirmed, be released if and when such despite international a visit is confirmed. media reports stating that If the visit does go ahead, he is scheduled to visit Khan would be the first by the end of February, head of government to The Morning learnt. visit the island since the Media Secretary to the pandemic struck last year. State Minister of Regional It would also take place Co-operation Deshan just over a month after a Gonawela told The Morning visit by Pakistan’s regional yesterday (21) that there is rival India’s External Affairs no confirmation of a visit Minister S. Jaishankar. by Khan, but that even if In December 2020, it does take place, it would Islamabad and Colombo Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan only be confirmed 10 days held Foreign Secretary- prior to his arrival. Commission too said that yet. When inquired about level “Bilateral Political The Pakistan High no visit has been confirmed the likely agenda of a Consultations” virtually.

HUMAN-ELEPHANT CONFLICT SATYAGRAHA UNHCHR report sent to Wild Elephant Presidential The United National Party’s newly appointed General Secretary Range Bandara and other appointees to the party’s Working Committee were sworn in before Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe in Sirikotha yesterday (21) PHOTO LALITH PERERA Mgt Reserve to Secretariat BY PAMODI WARAVITA An advanced copy of the United Nations Cabinet soon (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights (HCHR) report on Sri Lanka, which is New Covid symptom on BY PAMODI WARAVITA the Satyagraha campaign is expected to be tabled at the United Nations A cabinet paper for the proposed continuing in Walsapugala for Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Wild Elephant Management the fifth day today (22) since Switzerland this March, has been handed tongue: Researchers Reserve in Hambantota is due to 18 January. The locals are over to the Presidential Secretariat which be handed over to the Cabinet of demanding that the proposed Wild is currently studying it with the Ministry z Ministers soon by the Ministry of Elephant Management Reserve of Foreign Affairs. SL officials on lookout despite no reports Wildlife and Forest Conservation in Hambantota be gazetted as a Speaking to The Morning yesterday (21), BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE an increasing number of Covid-19 Asymptomatic transmission refers to as a solution to the ongoing relief to the problems they face State Minister of Regional Co-operation Ever since the outbreak of the deadly patients in the UK. transmission of the virus from a person Satyagraha campaign by locals due to the human-elephant conflict Media Secretary Deshan Gonawela said Covid-19 pandemic, the symptoms of “These symptoms include the tongue who does not develop symptoms. in Walsapugala, Hambantota. (HEC) in the area. that the Presidential Secretariat has received the viral infection have been constantly being coated, thick patches having We have to look for those with the “Regulations for the said “Land grabbing from the higher the said report and is currently considering evolving as well as increasing, with formed all over it, redness of the tongue, new symptom but if you notice patches Cabinet paper are currently being areas up until Gonnoruwa Road the formal stance that the Government of the latest and strangest among them, strawberry tongue, and ulcers in the on your tongue, you must consult your discussed at the Ministry, along has resulted in elephants losing Sri Lanka should take regarding the matter. termed “Covid-19 tongue”, riddling mouth. These are symptoms of an acute doctor and get yourself tested, Perera with the support of the Mahaweli their natural habitat and entering Gonawela added that a reply to the report the oral cavity, in particular the tongue infection inside the mouth.” added. Authority, and will be finalised the village,” claimed Seneviratne. could be expected as soon as possible. with a host of afflictions. However, according to Dr. Perera, a Meanwhile, epidemiologist and soon,” said Ministry Co-ordinating Mahaweli Authority Residential The upcoming 44th UNHRC session which According to Lady Ridgeway majority of children in Sri Lanka do not King’s College, London Prof. Tim Secretary Nihal Premasinghe. Business Manager Osmond De is due to be held in March will commence Hospital for Children (LRH) show these symptoms and have also Spector has claimed an increase in A cabinet memorandum on the Silva said that since the reserve is under UNHCHR Michelle Bachelet, who in Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal tested negative when administered the the number of Covid-19 patients matter has already been tabled by within the Mahaweli Authority’s her update to the UNHRC on 14 September Perera, who spoke to The Morning rapid antigen test. suffering from symptoms like oral Subject Minister C.B. Rathnayake. land area, they have agreed to 2020, had noted a “negative trend” in Sri in this regard, researchers now claim “Even if the children have the ulcers – not yet listed by the World According to Viyaparika Kiri co-operate with the Ministry for Lanka with regard to human rights. that an unusual symptom associated infection which gives rise to the Health Organization (WHO) as one Govi Sanvidana organisation the drafting of the regulations. Contd. on page 2 with the infection, called “Covid- particular symptoms, the majority are of the Covid-19 symptoms. Secretary Thushara Seneviratne, Contd. on page 2 19 tongue”, had been observed in asymptomatic,” claimed Dr. Perera. Contd. on page 2 Covid-19 CASES TOTAL CASES SL a gem with a bright future: Nat Rothschild ACTIVE CASES Member of the famous posted on his official Twitter @PresRajapaksa and its electronics. management of CHEC Port British-born financier who Rothschild family, Nathaniel account yesterday (21). pandemic response as well During his visit to the City Colombo said they now lives in Switzerland, 55,526 Rothschild, who was in Sri He also heaped praise as the businesses I met.” island nation, Rothschild appreciated Rothschild’s visit, and a descendant of the Lanka recently, has called the on the Government and its The big ticket investor and his delegation also paid and expressed willingness world’s most famous banking DEATHS RECOVERED country “a true gem with a pandemic response, as well as recently concluded his brief a visit to the Colombo Port to continue dialogue with dynasty, the Rothschilds. He great future”. Sri Lanka’s businesses. business trip to Sri Lanka to City, which concluded with Rothschild for possible future is the chairman of Volex 7,266 276 47,984 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU “SL is a true gem with a great “Came away highly look into Sri Lanka’s suitability Rothschild’s positive remarks co-operation. PLC and has a wide range of THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 9.50 P.M. ON 21 JANUARY 2021 future. #GoSL #SriLanka,” he impressed by govt. of as a manufacturing location for on the project. The senior Nathaniel Rothschild is a international business interests. 42 „„ www.themorning.lk { NEWS } Friday, January 22, 2021

BY PAMODI WARAVITA The rice gall midge fly (gok massa) has had an increased negative impact on paddy cultivations, due primarily to the prevalent climatic Rice pest decimates paddy and weather-related conditions which have allowed this pest to thrive, The Morning learnt. The damage has been caused in the Northern, Eastern, North Central, and Uva Provinces and has resulted in crops in four provinces significant economic damage during this Maha season for farmers in these z RDDI also blames farmers for lack of constant vigilance z No decision yet on compensation provinces. Speaking to The Morning, Rice since been consistent, has also led to chemical fertilisers. Thus, he stressed planting at once, and the planting of Research and Development Institute these conditions that are favourable that awareness among farmers, paddy varieties which are suitable for (RRDI) Additional Director – Research for the rice gall midge. Moreover, the continuous observation of the the respective areas. Entomology R. Sarathchandara said he noted that since farmers tend to crops, and harm estimation at the Sarathchandara was unable to that the damage due to the rice gall observe their crops less during the early stages, are needed to reduce comment on the exact extent of the midge insect has been considerably rainy season, this time around, early the economic damage to the crops. damage as the RRDI is still calculating higher this year when compared to identification and prevention methods “This is also a good experience the extent of the damaged land. that of previous years. had not been carried out effectively. for the next Maha season as we hope Meanwhile, RRDI Director “Due to the changing climate and “If the identification of this pest farmers would observe their crops D.M.J.B. Senanayake told The weather patterns, specifically the is done at the initial stages, there from the beginning of the season Morning that they were conducting prevailing low temperature and high are ways of getting rid of it without and implement proper control and discussions with the Department of humidity environment and the fact that resorting to the use of chemicals. But prevention methods,” Sarathchandra Agriculture on how to raise awareness there has been only around three hours the problem remains that farmers said. among farmers about the rice gall of sunlight per day thus far during the only identified this pest once the According to him, the prevention midge. course of this month, the rice gall midge harm caused had reached significant methods include planting pest-resistant Both the Department of Agriculture pest has had extremely favourable Rice gall midge fly levels, to the point that the damage varieties of paddy, controlling the and the Ministry of Agriculture were conditions to thrive in the context of could be observed from afar,” said water levels in the field, the use of unavailable for comment on whether this Maha season,” Sarathchandara gall midge and the sown rice fields in though the rains which usually Sarathchandara. urea fertiliser only when necessary, due compensation schemes would be noted. general, Sarathchandra added. commence in October (2020) had He warned that if the harm reaches the removal of weeds, the removal implemented for farmers who have The conditions are also unfavourable Furthermore, Sarathchandra said been delayed, the advent of monsoonal high levels, the economic damage of parasitic plants, the planting of incurred heavy financial losses due to for both the natural predators of the rice that with regard to this Maha season, rains in January this year, which have cannot be recovered even with the use of paddy during the correct season and the crop damage this season. Ensure credibility of testing, Two fires at world’s largest DGHS tells private sector vaccine maker’s factory kill 5 Two fires broke out within hours of each other yesterday (21) at the Serum Institute of India (SII), the world’s largest vaccine maker, where India’s Covishield vaccine is being developed. At the time of going to print, the first blaze had left five people dead and no casualties had been reported from the second fire. A few more trapped in the building had been rescued. According to Indian media, the massive blaze at the vaccine- Fires which broke out at SII yesterday (21) maker’s Pune facility, at a building that is under some loss of life at the told India’s NDTV: “We Narendra Modi tweeted construction, is unlikely incident. We are deeply are trying to rescue one to say he was anguished to hit the production of saddened and offer our or two people, that’s our by the loss of lives. Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva and Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena Covishield, the coronavirus deepest condolences to only priority now. We will SII, the world’s largest Director General of carry out such tests in vaccine developed by SII the family members of the assess the situation later vaccine-maker, is spread Health Services (DGHS) accordance with approved in partnership with the departed,” SII CEO Adar on the damage on all other over 100 acres in Pune. Dr. Asela Gunawardena provisions and guidelines Oxford University and Poonawalla tweeted. counts.” Manjari, the complex has requested the private because concerns have British-Swedish pharma It took around three The five who died were where the fire broke out, sector to ensure the been expressed with firm AstraZeneca. hours for firemen to bring contractual labourers, is a few minutes’ drive credibility of Covid testing regard to the reliability “We have just received the blaze under control. and SII has announced a from the facility where methodology without and accuracy of such tests some distressing updates; The fire is believed to compensation of 25 lakhs the Covid-19 vaccines are resorting to malpractices, by certain affected parties upon further investigation have started because of in Indian rupees to each of produced. It is believed the National Operations since they sometimes we have learnt that there an electrical fault. their families. to be part of a Special Centre for Prevention provide contradictory has unfortunately been Poonawalla had earlier Indian Prime Minister Economic Zone (SEZ). of Covid-19 Outbreak results.” (NOCPCO) said. Meanwhile, Gen. Silva The NOCPCO said Gathering of private sector top management has requested the private yesterday (21) that this laboratory technicians sector to reduce the fees was discussed when guidelines and regulations regional testing places and charged for PCR tests. Army Commander to ensure the credibility of mini laboratories which He said the private sector Man who spat at Shavendra Silva and Dr. Covid testing. have not received any PCR charges of Rs. 6,750 Gunawardena jointly met At the meeting, it has authorisation from the for Board of Investment a gathering of private been brought to the notice Ministry. (BOI) company employees sector top management that testing methodology Army Commander remain unchanged. laboratory technicians has been twisted and Gen. Shavendra Silva “It is better if those PHI gets 6 years RI yesterday. attempts are made by said: “Only 30 technically existing price ranges for Dr. Gunawardena certain private sector equipped such laboratories such tests can be further BY LAHIRU POTHMULLA He was arrested for that eight charges including Rs. 10,000. Additionally, requested the technicians hospitals to carry out are authorised by the reduced for the benefit of The man who spat at obstructing the duties criminal intimidation, the he was ordered to pay to strictly adhere to PCR and antigen tests at Health Department to the masses,” he said. a public health inspector of four health officials use of criminal force, and compensation to the four (PHI) who was performing including two PHIs who disobeying quarantine health officers who lodged duties in Atalugama was were visiting the area orders were filed against the complaint against him. sentenced to six years of in December last year. the suspect in court. The court ordered the rigorous imprisonment (RI) Police Media Spokesman The suspect was given convict to pay Rs. 100,000 CARTOON OF THE DAY by the Panadura Magistrate’s Deputy Inspector General two years of RI each for the each to the four health Court yesterday (21). of Police Ajith Rohana said three charges and was fined officials.

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committees representing school relevant authorities. PHIs... principals, staff, and parents. A total of 86 agrarian associations The groundwork of PHIs is now in the area currently support the being controlled unnecessarily, he protest action. claimed. UNHCHR... “We called for travel The commitments to restrictions between districts reconciliation, accountability, and New... during the festive season, warning human rights which were made Spector said in a tweet that he has of an increased spread of Covid- by the Resolution 30/1 which the seen an increase in such patients. 19, but the Government did not former United National Front- However, when contacted, Deputy listen to us,” Rohana said. led Government co-sponsored Director General of Health Services Voicing concerns about with the UNHRC in 2015 were (DDGHS) Dr. Hemantha Herath undetected patients living in renewed in 2017 and 2019 in two confirmed that the “Covid-19 society, Rohana said that a large further UNHRC Resolutions. tongue” symptom has not yet been number of patients are detected in With the change of the regime in reported from Sri Lanka. the Colombo Municipal Council 2019, the new Government voiced While new and unusual symptoms area and the Colombo District as a its intentions to withdraw from of Covid-19 continue to expand whole, as well as in the Gampaha the co-sponsorship which it then and increase, it is also important and Kalutara Districts. proceeded to do in February 2020. to be aware of the most common Speaking to The Morning, and classic symptoms. The novel Ministry of Education Secretary coronavirus brings along a wide Professor Kapila Perera said that Wild... range of medical conditions that can the final decision on reopening The Walsapugala village has go from mild to severe symptoms. schools will be taken according to been suffering for many years due Some of the most common signs of the information obtained from the to the HEC that has left villagers Covid-19 are fever, dry cough, sore Zonal and Divisional Directors in constant fear for their lives, throat, runny and stuffy nose, chest of Education and the Covid-19 with pleas going unheard by the pain, and shortness of breath. 43 Friday, January 22, 2021 { NEWS } „„ www.themorning.lk Over 100,000 ADHD more households sans electricity common among zProject for low-income/Samurdhi groups in April obese children BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY equal to or more than 25 is for the association between There is a higher prevalence of attention deficit considered overweight. obesity and ADHD is not Minister of Power Dullas Alahapperuma addressing a meeting held at the hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children with obesity “The prevalence of ADHD known, but eating patterns Ministry of Power on 20 January compared to non-obese children, a pioneering study that among the whole study (where impulsivity, the researched the association between obesity and ADHD population was estimated lack of concentration, A total of 118,975 Sri Lankan The Minister further instructed locally found. to be 24 (11.48%), with the and distractibility and households lack electricity the Ceylon Electricity Board The study pointed out that comparison group comprising number of obese children with inattentiveness could be facilities, noted Minister of Power Chairman to not expect any profit this finding highlights the 104 non-obese children ADHD being 18 (17.15%) factors that contribute to poor Dullas Alahapperuma. when providing the said groups importance of including a attending the out-patient and the number of non-obese meal planning, nourishment Addressing a meeting held with access to electricity, but to child psychiatry component in department (OPD) of the LRH, children with ADHD being issues, and obesity), lifestyle, at the Ministry of Power on 20 charge them at cost. the management of childhood all between the ages of six and six (5.7%). Further, ADHD and the caloric intake have January to review the progress of Also addressing the said obesity, as the association 12 years. was more common among been suggested as possible the project to supply electricity to meeting, State Minister of Solar between obesity and ADHD The required sample size males (15 – 62.5%) compared associated factors. Another all citizens within the course of Power, Wind, and Hydro Power has significant clinical and for each group was calculated to females (nine – 37.5%). hypothesis is that ADHD and 2021, he instructed the Samurdhi Generation Projects Development therapeutic implications. to be 101. The participants When compared with non- eating disorders share common Authority to provide him with a Duminda Dissanayake stated that It is crucial to identify and were selected through the obese children with ADHD, neurobiological factors. report on the matter before 10 when building the electricity manage the symptoms and convenient sampling method a majority of children with Furthermore, children and February. circuits for houses and other signs of ADHD in obese (for example, the first 10 obesity had both started to adolescents with ADHD who This report is to identify the related matters, trained personnel children early to treat and children, from either gender, show ADHD symptoms at an have not been medicated are low-income and Samurdhi from the Vocational Training improve their quality of who attended the OPD every earlier age (two to five years) reported to be more at risk of beneficiary families that did not Authority and Civil Defence Force life, the research noted, also morning during the study and were found to have had being overweight and obese have electricity, why the latter should be employed. emphasising that a better period were selected as the ADHD for a longer duration when compared to medicated groups had not become electricity Steps to commence the project understanding of this topic comparison group). Their (four to six years among 55%, children. Treatment with consumers yet, and the sustainable to supply electricity to such groups will help reduce the suffering, height and weight were compared to two to three years methylphenidate has been solutions that could be provided before the conclusion of the year disability, and economic costs measured. in the case of 50% of non- reported to cause an average to remedy the situation. will commence in April, he added. related to ADHD and obesity. ADHD was assessed by obese children with ADHD),” decrease of BMI within two These findings were made interview, using a particular the findings revealed. years. in an original paper titled schedule and based on certain Also, the monthly income Thus, the treatment of RURAL ROAD CONSTRUCTION IN THE EAST “Association between obesity criteria. The clinical diagnosis of the family was significantly ADHD in the subset of and ADHD in children at of ADHD was delivered higher in the study group children with obesity may a tertiary care outpatient by a consultant child and with obesity when compared improve symptoms of both Johnston rips into setting: A comparative study”, adolescent psychiatrist, while to the situation concerning conditions, and therefore, authored by Anuradhapura a test was used to assess non-obese children, and in addition to screening for Teaching Hospital consultant non-verbal intelligence. The this finding, the researchers addiction (food and drink) psychiatrist A. Ellepola, relevant scores indicated pointed out, was in contrast to and binge eating in the contractor delays Lady Ridgeway Hospital for average intelligence in a previous studies showing an obese population, children BY HEMANTHA LIYANAPATHIRANA should hand over the road Children (LRH) consultant majority of the children association between obesity with obesity should also be Minister of Highways Johnston construction work on the iRoad child psychiatrist G.S. and adolescents from both and low income. evaluated for ADHD. Fernando has taken the contractors Project to the Road Development Wijethunge, and University categories. Demographic ADHD is a common In Sri Lanka, children with behind the Integrated Road Authority (RDA) if they could of Colombo Community data was collected using an childhood psychiatric disorder obesity are assessed and Investment Programme (iRoad) not deliver on time. Medicine Prof. N. interviewer-administered that may negatively impact the managed in an outpatient Project in the Eastern Province to The Minister expressed these Gunawardena and published questionnaire. development of an individual, clinic at the LRH. The task over the unsatisfactory nature sentiments at a meeting held at the recently in the Sri Lanka The condition of being as it has comorbidities. researchers, however, noted of the progress made in rural road Ministry premises yesterday (21) Journal of Psychiatry. overweight and obesity ADHD is also associated with that a psychiatric assessment construction work. with the officers of the Eastern This was a cross-sectional are defined as abnormal or lower levels of education and is not routinely conducted According to Fernando, it had Provincial RDA to review the comparative study among two excessive fat accumulation employment status. Several at this clinic. The authors taken over a year and a half to progress of road development groups of children; namely, that presents a risk to health. studies have reported ADHD recommended that clients construct roads with a length of projects in the East. the study group comprising A person with a body mass to be associated with obesity, attending this clinic are, less than one km, adding that “We intend to develop 1,150 105 children with obesity index (BMI) of 30 or more is signs of overnutrition, a higher therefore, likely to benefit construction of roads with a km of rural roads in the Ampara who were attending the generally considered obese, BMI, or higher value of fat. from a psychiatric assessment distance of less than one km in District alone.” LRH obesity clinic, and the while a person with a BMI The exact mechanism and management if needed. certain villages in the Ampara, The said roads are to be Batticaloa, and Trincomalee constructed in areas such as Districts in the East have also Ampara, Lahugala, Bokkabedda, not been completed. Uhana, Ethul Oya, Bakmitiyawa, Cops shouldn’t do VIPs’ He admonished the Paththalgama, Maha Oya, and COPA urges contractors, stating that they Kurunduwinna. more public housework: Sarath Weerasekera servant input on SJB wants minority ‘complex issues’ involvement in A policy decision should be taken to create a greater space for public servants new Constitution to present their views on decisions taken The Samagi Jana Balawegaya He stated this addressing a by the Cabinet of Ministers on “complex (SJB) requested the Government media briefing held yesterday issues”, the Committee on Public Accounts to utilise the methodology adopted (21) at the Opposition Leader’s (COPA) has recommended. by the former United National office. COPA Chairman Prof. Tissa Vitharana Front-led Government in seeking Kiriella noted that while they made this recommendation at a recent to formulate a new Constitution. had no issue with the committee COPA meeting held to discuss the special SJB MP and Chief Opposition of experts, comprising lawyers audit report on the rental of a private Whip Lakshman Kiriella further and legal academics, that has been building for the Ministry of Agriculture. stated that the entire Parliament appointed by the Government It was also discussed that a formal should be made a Constitutional and tasked with drafting a new inquiry should be held into the leasing Assembly, and that the process Constitution, the fact is that in an of a private building for the Ministry of should necessarily involve the exercise of this nature, the entire Agriculture at a cost of Rs. 1,524 million ethnic/racial minorities. country should be involved. from government funds, contrary to the proper procurement process, sans transparency. Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture SL leaders congratulate Sumedha Perera had said that an Minister Dr. Sarath Weerasekera at the meeting with police officers investigation is being carried out at the ministry level regarding this incident. It Biden and Harris was revealed at the COPA meeting that the Police officers attached to the after taking into consideration factors Security Maj. Gen. Jagath Alwis, also President Gotabaya Rajapaksa The President and Premier leasing of a private building for the said security detail of persons designated such the population, geographical area, speaking at the occasion, explained and Prime Minister Mahinda also expressed the intent of the Ministry was done in accordance with a as dignitaries, Very Important and grama sevaka/niladhari divisions, that by developing criteria for the Rajapaksa both congratulated and Government to work together with decision taken by the Cabinet during the Persons (VIPs) and Very Very there was a cadre requirement of cadre and facilities required for police wished US President Joe Biden the US administration towards tenure of the previous United National Important Persons (VVIPs), should 116,520 and that there were 11,369 stations according to their grading (A1, and Vice President Kamala Harris strengthening mutually beneficial Front (UNF)-led Government. not be engaged in or employed for vacancies at present. The police A2, A3, B, and C), the work would on their assumption of office. bilateral relations. The COPA had further discussed the private work of the households of officers had further informed that per be made more convenient. need to formulate a proper system to said individuals, Minister of Public annum, around 2,500 could be trained, At the meeting, both the Minister prevent such incidents from recurring, Security (Retd.) Rear Admiral Dr. and that a large number retired from and the IGP were also of the view NATIONAL EYE HOSPITAL ADVISES PATIENTS with a focus on the need to formulate new Sarath Weerasekera stated. the force every year. They noted that that the use of the phrase “police rules and regulations for this purpose. He noted that the police service was this in turn made the achievement of checkpoint” should be done away Minister Udaya Gammanpila; State a respectable one and that therefore targets difficult. with and that the use of the phrase Initial clinic visits must Ministers Lasantha Alagiyawanna, such an involvement was not suitable In response, Dr. Weerasekera stated “police station” itself was sufficient. Duminda Dissanayake, and Dr. Sudarshini to the office of police officers. that soldiers of the Nandimithra The Police had briefed the Minister Fernandopulle; MPs D.Y.G. Ratnasekera, The Minister noted this at a meeting Balakaya of the Civil Security about the new police stations to be booked in advance Dr. Upul Galappaththi, Weerasumana held at the Ministry premises regarding Department would be deployed to be established, which the Minister The National Eye Hospital has The call should be made to Weerasinghe, Tissa Attanayake, Prof. new police stations and vacancies in public places in the relevant districts. noted should be done on the basis informed that patients making their the telephone number of the Ranjith Bandara, Buddhika Pathirana, and the police force. Police officers present He added that training should be of population to land area ratio. first clinical visit to the Hospital relevant room where one’s S. Shritharan; and government officials at the meeting including the Inspector increased to at least reach the target He had also pledged to provide the should call prior to their visit particular clinic is to be held, were also present during this meeting. General of Police (IGP) informed that of 3,500 new recruits per year. facilities required for these new and reserve an appointment for a on a working day when the according to a research conducted, Secretary to the Ministry of Public police stations. particular date/day and time slot. clinic is conducted. 4 „„ www.themorning.lk { INTERVIEW/NEWS } Friday, January 22, 2021

How do you think complex material like that can be introduced to university students in a way they can engage with it? In Sri Lanka, “theory” is presented, received, and talked about with a sense of esotericism. There is an elitist aura about it which can be intimidating. Even if Sinhala medium students want to read a little bit of theory and understand it, the way theory-knowing people carry themselves in society, where their personal conversation could be filled with jargon and name dropping, could intimidate students. That culture is counterproductive in making theoretical knowledge accessible to novice readers who read mostly in Sinhala. When these theoretical concepts from the West were introduced to the country in the 1970s and 1980s, there was an elitist aura about these people. This was not there among the people who began these theoretical movements internationally, like the early feminist Virginia Woolf. Though their writing about the predicament of women in a patriarchal society were complex, they bring in simple examples from everyday life. One of the failures of our western educated intellectuals is that they fail to connect this knowledge with real life examples of our typical Sri Lankan life. You need to put in an effort and prepare to make such connections and teach complex theory.

Is there a possibility of uniting the teaching of these literatures in Sri Lanka that is now divided along the lines of its language medium? I tried designing a comparative literature programme, a programme that studies literature across linguistic and cultural boundaries for the University of Peradeniya. It is extremely difficult Prof. Liyanage Amarakeerthi unless we have the authority to select students. Why can’t we get rid of these national language lines and call it literature, world literature, or comparative literature? Literatures are divided into departments of different languages; they are located next to ‘In Sri Lanka, theory each other but very few people from the departments talk to each other. Other than an “Introduction to Sinhala and Tamil Literature” course that was introduced into the Department of English in the University of Peradeniya has an elitist aura’ by Prof. Ashley Halpe 20 years ago, we don’t have such courses. zProf. Liyanage Amarakeerthi says literature must not be divided along language lines The Columbia University in New BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI sense of surprise. You might have the background of the teachers. Sinhala York has a course called great books, planned your lesson but there is literature teaching could be conservative where texts like Dhammapada and University education in Sri Lanka is at a crossroads as it has to adapt to the still an element of surprise that you in most courses. It is taught as a part of Plato’s Republic can be studied in the new challenges that a seemingly unending global health crisis has thrown discover in the process of teaching. the cultural heritage, the history, and same course. But this cannot be done up. As it resorts to modes of virtual teaching, The Morning spoke to Prof. As a teacher myself, I come into life identity. It is taught as something to be without the power to admit bilingual Liyanage Amarakeerthi from the Department of Sinhala of the Faculty of in the presence of students in a regular proud of. students to follow these courses. You Arts of the University of Peradeniya about the specific changes that have classroom. The element of walking in One thing with English literature need to know your English, and Sinhala taken place in teaching and learning literature, its pre and post-pandemic the class as students work is like a play, is that it is difficult to claim as a part or Tamil. Such students don’t enter challenges, and possible visions for the future of literature education in Sri a performance which is not there in of a cultural heritage because of the Sinhala departments. If we do introduce Lanka. Prof. Amarakeerthi is also an award-winning Sinhala novelist, short Zoom classrooms. language it is written in. The teachers such a course, we need lecturers who story writer, and translator. The following are excerpts of the interview. Students today seem to be more in English departments are trained could teach in all these languages and comfortable speaking in front of a better with postgraduate training from teachers who are equally qualified in Universities switched to virtual classes held early in the morning, and screen. It is sad in a way because foreign universities and are attuned to these languages. Good lecturers can be classes after the pandemic. How has it students would not want to turn on their having your confidence, self-esteem, the critical literary discourses outside found to teach English literature, but been teaching literature virtually? cameras. and being able to speak your mind the country. In Sinhala departments, it is a bit difficult to do so for Sinhala. Teaching on Zoom has not in the presence of others is what most of the classes are taught by young However, since Prof. M.A.M. Nuhuman been totally different from regular Do you think virtual classes have we should be after when teaching lecturers who are still doing their retired from the Department of Tamil in classrooms. My teaching is interactive opened up new possibilities? these students. But they are more postgraduate work and even the people Peradeniya, it is extremely difficult to and usually in live classrooms I would I manage to get students to speak comfortable in conceptual, cubicle- who have the postgraduate training are find a scholar to teach Tamil literature walk around and get students to more on Zoom. Because they are like situations, not even in front of a not exposed to the theoretical material in English. I think the medium of interact. I want to look at their faces. hidden behind this machine, a mask laptop monitor but a smaller screen, the you find in English departments. instruction will have to be English or My students from the department of of sorts, because they do not turn on smartphone. They are comfortable in Schools of thought and theories that bilingually between Sinhala and English. Sinhala wouldn’t speak much in class, the camera, I feel that the students front of little machines and it is at odds reflect on and critique society like Because of the war, the Tamil so it is very useful to see their facial are reacting better than they do in with the typical university sub-culture postcolonial theory, feminist theory, academia suffered as it sometimes expressions. The most important aspect physical classes. Some students might of celebrated togetherness where and queer theory, are still foreign to delayed their postgraduate education. of live classes that I miss is being able be intimidated by the presence of the students are always seen in groups, in Sinhala departments. Right now, we don’t have the students to look at their faces, their very subtle teacher or their peers. But on Zoom, the company of others. But this is changing now. We have and academics to have such a course, reactions. When you teach a piece of they are alone so that element of reconceptualised our curriculum and to an extent. The biggest issue is literature or when you are in the middle intimidation is less. Another aspect You are a professor of Sinhala introduced schools of thought such as that modern literature is named after of a literary discussion, every once in a is that when they are in their homes literature who also teaches courses feminism and its theories. When you ethnic groups, which is misleading. while, you see a hint of shock, tension surrounded by family, as a university for students from the Department teach literature in a conservative way, We should learn literature of different going through their faces, a smile, a student, they speak up and actively of English of the University of students end up being conformist. languages as part of a shared literature. giggle. take part in the discussion; they Peradeniya. Do you think there are There are conceptual and intellectual You cannot understand contemporary We don’t get that through Zoom could sometimes impress their family fundamental differences between gaps between the two departments. Sinhala literature without referring to because students don’t turn on their members, maybe to show the family how English and Sinhala literature Another one of the major reasons Latin American, French, German, or cameras for several reasons. The first what university education is. So, there courses are taught and studied in the for this gap is the lack of western Russian literature because we have been reason is the understanding that turning are elements that Zoom brings to the University? theoretical texts in Sinhala. This influenced by so many other traditions. on the camera consumes more data. table. There is a conceptual difference. I scholarship is mostly produced in So, what does it mean to say that this The second is that they don’t have However, this is not a supplement. teach a course for final year English English and we have recommended is Sinhala literature? It would be better good internet access in remote areas, You cannot replace regular live classes special students at the University of them in Sinhala literature courses. to say that this is a world literature that and the third is that they perhaps don’t with Zoom with or without a camera. Peradeniya. It is an introduction to But our students cannot read and is written in a local language called like to do it. I don’t force them. They When reading a piece of literature contemporary and classical Sinhala understand as these texts are complex Sinhala. When we teach literature under are sometimes at their houses with or a poem aloud, you experience a literature. One difference is to do with even for experienced teachers. one language, we miss these elements. SEXUAL AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE Rehabilitation programmes needed for offenders BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY society in connection with that such offences are not Affairs, the conducting of focus on systemic reforms of SGBV and the attitudes with a view to eliminate being made available in The implementation existing laws dealing with repeated. comprehensive research aimed at protecting their that have resulted in its gender stereotypes, trilingual format) in this of proper rehabilitation SGBV, and were made Explaining that legal on SGBV, and updating dignity and safety. For this rates of prevalence. Armed particularly in subjects regard. Teachers teaching programmes for perpetrators as recommendations in a interventions in the form the school curricula and purpose, adequate resources with such information, relating to health, social such curricula should be of acts of sexual and gender- report on legal reform to of reforms to the criminal introducing comprehensive, should be allocated through Wikramanayake and Faliq studies, and biology, and provided proper training. based violence (SGBV), combat SGBV, authored by justice system alone are not age-appropriate sex annual appropriations to noted that the State will be to introduce comprehensive One of the purposes of which involves mandatory Khyati Wikramanayake and sufficient to curb the rates education. carry out this mandate. better able to implement sex education at multiple this endeavour, according to counselling, education, and Inshira Faliq and published of SGBV, the duo noted that The said Ministry, They also requested to tailor-made solutions age-appropriate intervals the researchers, is to teach where deemed necessary, recently by the Centre for it is important that policy which should be helmed carry out comprehensive designed to suit the throughout a child’s adolescents to recognise monitoring, has been Policy Alternatives. The reforms are also put in place, by a cabinet minister, islandwide studies to particular national context. education at school after and resolve to not commit recommended as a measure report further explained that to address the root causes of should be tasked with the ascertain the prevalence On school-based consulting experts in the SGBV, and to demystify that could reduce the these programmes should the problem. These should advancement of women, not of SGBV – the figures education-related changes fields of health, psychology, sex, so that both healthy and incidence of SGBV. be put in place as part of necessarily include, among just for the development of presently available are required, the duo called sociology, and gender unhealthy sexual behaviours These reforms were the sentencing for SGBV- others, the establishment the status of women as per vague due to underreporting for the updating of school studies when designing a can be recognised and proposed by the civil related offences, to ensure of a Ministry of Women’s social indicators, but to also – and in addition, the causes curricula for all grades, curriculum (with material discussed openly. 45 Friday, January 22, 2021 { SPOTLIGHT } „„ www.themorning.lk AN ELEPHANT-SIZED MESS IN HOROWPOTHANA Conjoining elephant conflict and elephant conservation z Are SL authorities clueless or careless?

BY SUMUDU CHAMARA

The National Audit Report of 2020 on the “Performance of the Horowpothana Elephant Holding Ground” revealed the startling fact that the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), Sri Lanka’s state authority overlooking matters relating to wildlife, was unaware of what happened to 31 elephants that were in the said premises.

The report, which evaluated the for a lifetime. Therefore, whether activities implemented by the DWC they are alive or dead does not make between 16 October 2015 and 30 any difference from a biological September 2019, noted that according perspective, as they cannot transfer to the findings of the elephant census their genes to generations to come and conducted in June 2019, out of 52 they will no longer hold any role in elephants retained in the holding maintaining the ecological balance. ground, only nine were remaining. Therefore, these types of methods The report added that 12 elephants cannot be identified as effective had died during the same period – five methods of elephant conservation,” he of them due to malnutrition resulting explained. from the lack of sufficient food, and Expressing his opinion on the 31 two due to unattended translocation to elephants unaccounted for at the the said holding ground. Horowpothana Elephant Holding “Keystone species have low on elephants nor the dedicated conducted during the dry season in The report also revealed that the Ground, Dr. Fernando said that Sri functional redundancy, which means government research arms. What Horowpothana, which he said would DWC lacked information as to Lanka’s wildlife authorities should that if the species were to disappear Sri Lanka currently does is conduct start in July this year. Speaking of whether the remaining 31 elephants take the responsibility for the missing from the ecosystem, no other species sample research which involves the number of elephants currently at had died or fled the holding ground. elephants, as it was them who took the would be able to fill its ecological taking samples from a certain area and the Horowpothana Elephant Holding The holding ground, located in a initiative to confine the elephants to niche. The ecosystem would be forced interpolating the findings to cover the Ground, he further stated that they did land of 997 hectares in Horowpothana, the said holding ground and that they to radically change, allowing new and entire country. It cannot be accepted not have the necessary information Anuradhapura, was established cannot abdicate on their responsibility. possibly invasive species to populate as a very effective method. Wild and that they hoped to conduct an in accordance with a cabinet He also raised concerns over the the habitat,” the National Geographic elephants pop up in various areas of elephant census at the Horowpathana memorandum dated 17 March 2012 total number of elephants that had Society further stated. the country on different occasions Elephant Holding Ground in July this with regard to establishing a wild been retained at the Horowpothana Elephants are identified as an – some in small groups of three or year. elephant holding ground. It was the Elephant Holding Ground since its herbivore keystone species, whose four, and some in large groups. There As remedial measures for the issues first of four elephant holding grounds establishment in 2013, even though consumption of plants contributes should be a way to conduct researches identified concerning the situation of that were planned to be set up in Sri the report in question covers only to help control the physical and on these elephants as well. When an the Horowpothana Elephant Holding Lanka. the period from October 2015 to biological aspects of an environment. elephant enters a village, there is no Ground, the report put forward several However, the report further September 2019. He opined that the way for us to know whether they were recommendations. stated that it was observed that the total number of missing elephants is Proper land management could help there in the first place or came from objective of the establishment of the more likely to be over 31. manage situation another place. We are concerned about Horowpothana Elephant Holding Meanwhile, the report further “Deforestation and poorly planned the elephants that are unaccounted Ground had not been achieved. revealed that without determining the development projects are the main for; they may have become someone’s maximum capacity of the land area of reasons that lead to the destruction private property by now, and if that Environmentalists identify Confining elephant habitat: An the Horowpothana Elephant Holding of elephants’ habitats and migratory is the case, they may be used for elephants as a ‘keystone species’, ineffective method of conservation? Ground, it had been intended to retain routes, which in turn compels entertainment purposes,” he added. and their existence has a direct Environmental activists and groups 30 rogue elephants, adding that it had elephants to enter and/or attack However, speaking on research link with the ecological balance. in general are of the opinion that even been observed that such elephants had villages,” Dabare said, adding that conducted on elephants in Sri Lanka, Significantly limiting the movement though restricting the natural habitats been deprived of the needs integral the incidence of the human-elephant Dr. Fernando said that Sri Lanka is of and removing elephants from an and movements of elephants may be to their lives and an appropriate conflict can be greatly reduced by the country where the most number ecosystem will result in a great deal beneficial to a certain extent to reduce environment to express their natural effectively addressing the issue of the of research has been conducted on of damage to the environment they the incidence of the human-elephant behavioural patterns. Accordingly, this underutilisation of Sri Lanka’s land Asian elephants and that Sri Lanka are in, and may even cause that conflict, in the long run, it cannot be had led to the deaths of 12 elephants. resources. has produced a number of research particular ecosystem to cease to exist identified as a method that can deliver Raising concerns over the wellbeing According to Dabare, 33% of Sri projects that have gained international the expected outcomes. of the elephants, the report revealed Lanka’s lands can be utilised for recognition. CEJ Chairman Attorney-at-Law They also expressed concerns another observation, which is that agricultural activities. However, out of “The field of research is essentially Ravindranath Dabare about separating elephants from their the health condition of the elephants this 33%, only 10-11% of lands have a science that is universal to the natural and/or adopted habitats, and/or retained at the Horowpothana been utilised properly. “Instead of entire world, and the application of curtailing the elephants’ involvement Elephant Holding Ground had deforesting the wild animals’ habitats, appropriate scientific methodologies is “Constant supervision should with their natural and/or adopted remained at a poor level and that no we should learn to cleverly manage what makes a research successful,” he be exercised on the protection of habitats, as being detrimental to the follow-up action had been taken on the the land resources we have, and explained. the elephants from their release to entire ecosystem and ecological health of the elephants. priority should be given to utilising In response to the claim that the holding ground. A conducive balance. underutilised lands,” he added. Sri Lanka does not have a proper environment should be created to According to the Oxford Reference He opined that elephants have research culture, Dr. Fernando said it cater to their basic needs. A proper of the Oxford University Press, the more of a right to freely exist in is true that there is no major research follow up mechanism should be put term “ecological balance” describes their territory than humans and culture within Sri Lankan universities in place on the elephants. The welfare “a state of dynamic equilibrium Whether they are alive or dead that deforesting elephants’ habitats regarding researching elephants, of the elephants should be properly within a community of organisms, in does not make any difference from a is tantamount to trespassing on adding that the CCRSL has conducted maintained,” the report stated. which diversity (genetic, species, and biological perspective, as they cannot their lands. He claimed that the the most number of research into Lastly, the report also recommended ecosystem) remains relatively stable transfer their genes to generations Horowpothana Elephant Holding elephants in Sri Lanka. that steps should be taken to make but can change gradually through to come and they will no longer Ground incident shows that the the Horowpothana Elephant Holding natural succession”. hold any role in maintaining the authorities do not have a proper Authorities’ response Ground a successful project before When contacted by The Morning, ecological balance. Therefore, these plan as to how to address the State Minister of Wildlife the establishment of another holding Centre for Environmental Justice types of methods (holding grounds) human-elephant conflict, while the Protection, Adoption of Safety ground in Sri Lanka. (CEJ) Chairman Attorney-at-Law cannot be identified as effective Government seems to be under the Measures including the Construction It would not be an exaggeration to Ravindranath Dabare opined that methods impression that they own forests and of Electrical Fences and Trenches, state that the information revealed confining wild elephants to a limited of elephant conservation that the forests exist for human needs. and Reforestation and Forest in the report calls into question Sri area is neither an effective method Dabare added that the CEJ has filed Resource Development Wimalaweera Lanka’s wildlife conservation projects, of elephant conservation nor a good CCRSL Chairman a case in the Court of Appeal, seeking Dissanayake told The Morning that especially the Horowpothana Elephant strategy to deal with the increasing Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando a court order for the introduction a ministry-level investigation is to Holding Ground, executed with two incidence of the human-elephant of a management system for the be carried out into the incident at the main objectives: Conservation of conflict. wildlife zones as well as the elephant Horowpothana Elephant Holding elephants and reducing the incidence Speaking about the Horowpothana Elephants are a ‘keystone species’ population. Respondents of this case Ground. of the human-elephant conflict. Even Elephant Holding Ground, he said “Elephants are animals that include the DWC and the Ministry of He said this investigation will be though the findings of this report the premises does not have adequate cannot and are not meant to be Environment. conducted under his direct supervision may be important in rethinking the space for elephants and that this lack retained in holding grounds or and that necessary steps would be establishment of similar facilities of space, in turn, results in a number other types of restricted areas. They Research vital to find solutions for taken based on its findings. However, for elephants in the future, this calls of issues since elephants require a are a key species whose absence conflict and conservation Minister of Environment Mahinda for the authorities’ attention towards large amount of food per day and or detention adversely affects the Speaking on the importance of Amaraweera, claimed that he was not ongoing projects as well as projects prefer to walk throughout the day, both environment. Environmentalists conducting proper research in order aware of the incident involving 31 scheduled to commence in the of which are limited in this holding identify elephants as a ‘keystone to be used for, among others, elephant unaccounted for elephants at the said foreseeable future. ground. He stressed that restricting species’, and their existence has a conservation methods, environmental holding ground. Given that Sri Lanka is a country elephants’ movement to a limited area direct link with the ecological balance. activists who spoke to The Morning Many attempts made by The gifted with limited but unique is tremendously unfair to the entire Significantly limiting the movement expressed mixed views. Morning to contact DWC Director natural resources, this incident ecosystem and elephants themselves, of and removing elephants from an Dabare, speaking on research General Chandana Sooriyabandara also emphasises the importance of and that elephant conservation ecosystem will result in a great deal of pertaining to elephants in Sri Lanka, yesterday (21) to discuss future steps conservation projects being effective programmes should be conducted with damage to the environment they are claimed that there are issues with in connection with the situation of in the long term, rather than being a focus on how such programmes may in, and may even cause that particular regard to the research methodologies the Horowpothana Elephant Holding merely attractive in the short term. affect elephants in the long run. ecosystem to cease to exist,” Dabare adopted by those carrying out research Ground proved futile. The Horowpothana Elephant Holding When queried as to what the level of stressed. pertaining to wildlife, in particular However, speaking to The Morning Ground can be more than a failed effectiveness is of confining elephants According to the National elephants, and that Sri Lanka currently on this matter on Monday (18), he project, if the relevant authorities use to a specific area in order to conserve Geographic Society, one of the does not have a proper research said the DWC would be conducting it as a lesson to prevent the recurrence them and reduce the incidence of the largest non-profit scientific and culture. While stressing that research an investigation at the Horowpothana of such incidents in the future. human-elephant conflict, Centre for educational organisations with a methodologies used in Sri Lanka need Elephant Holding Ground in Conservation and Research Sri Lanka focus on environmental and historical to further improve, he also claimed connection with the 31 elephants that (CCRSL) Chairman Dr. Prithiviraj conservation, geography, and natural that Sri Lanka has had to depend on have, according to the National Audit Fernando said the major purpose of science, a keystone species is an private researchers as Sri Lanka’s Report of 2020, either fled the area or taking such measures is to address the organism that helps define an entire research culture still needs to be died. human-elephant conflict rather than ecosystem, without whose existence developed in order to carry out certain Sooriyabandara further stated that conserving elephants. the particular ecosystem would be research. in order to clarify what has been “If elephants were retained there, it dramatically different or cease to exist “Sri Lanka has neither the adequate said in the report in question, an is the same as them being in captivity altogether. facilities to conduct proper research independent investigation needs to be 46 „„ www.themorning.lk { VIEWS } Friday, January 22, 2021 Inclusive economic growth key to recovery Figure 1

BY WIMAL NANAYAKKARA peaceful and developed country, economic growth needs to be inclusive, though it is a significant High levels of inequality impede sustainable growth and development of challenge. Thus, any strategy for a country. Sri Lanka made impressive strides to reach an upper middle- post-Covid-19 recovery should income country (UMIC) status in July 2019, only to slip back a year later. ensure IEG (independent evaluation The Covid-19 crisis, amid growing inequities, is likely to make the task of group) that would create economic regaining UMIC status even harder. and employment opportunities for all, The present health pandemic is UMIC Status in 2019 including, especially, the poor and the exerting significant adverse impacts A number of facts showed that vulnerable. For Sri Lanka’s persistent across many sectors of the Sri Lankan Sri Lanka was not ready for UMIC high-income inequality to be bridged, economy. In particular, economic status in 2019, such as declining gross the following categories of persons activities related to tourism and travel domestic product (GDP) growth rates require special attention: (1) self- and associated activities of hotels and and relatively high levels of inequality. employed; (2) daily wage earners; (3) restaurants are struggling. So too are Sri Lanka’s GDP had been declining returning migrant workers and their apparel exporters, small/medium- from 5% in 2015 to 3.2% in 2018 and families; (4) tourism sector workers scale enterprises, and construction- to just 2.6%, after the terror attacks Tourism: When the sector was exporters, the overall export earnings (5) socioeconomic groups with a high related activities. Many of these in April 2019, and the country’s GNI gradually recovering after the April which declined from $ 966 million in incidence of poverty, and (6) all others economic activities are dominated dropped to $ 4,020 per capita in 2019, 2019 Easter attacks, Covid-19 struck February 2020 to $ 282.3 million in whose livelihoods have been hit. by the self-employed and daily wage pushing it back to LMIC status. the country in March 2020 bringing April, managed to make a “V”-shaped Pro-poor and inclusive growth earners. Covid-19 in particular has Although Sri Lanka managed to bring the tourist arrivals to zero thereby recovery reaching $ 1.09 billion by strategies should also include: (1) been especially harsh on the poor, down poverty to a satisfactory level as affecting the livelihoods of more than July 2020 and then to remain around co-ordinated and targeted social safety running the risk of widening existing per its national poverty headcount ratio, 400,000 Sri Lankans who directly £ 1 billion until September 2020. nets; (2) equitable, quality education socioeconomic inequalities. Indeed, according to UMIC standards, more depend on the industry. The number Unfortunately, the second wave of and skills development; (3) agricultural any further increase in income than 40% of the country’s population of those indirectly affected could be as Covid-19 has pushed export earnings sector development, including inequality, which is already high in Sri would be in poverty. This is based on $ high as 1.5 million. down to $ 848 million in October and modernisation and guidance to increase Lanka (Figure 1), could lead to social 5.50 per person a day, the global poverty Migrant workers: By mid-October then to $ 819 million in November. productivity; ethical marketing unrest. line for UMICs. 2020, over 54,000 migrant workers The EDB’s (Export Development facilities; and minimising post-harvest This article highlights the main Another major issue is persistently had returned and around 43,000 were Board) revised target for 2020 is $ wastage; and (4) increased female sectors and social groups that are high income inequality. When such still awaiting repatriation. However, 13.4 billion, out of which 88.5% was labour force participation, by creating adversely affected, and explains the a large proportion of the country’s there is an increase of 3.9% in achieved by November. decent employment opportunities closer need for inclusive economic growth population is in poverty, with high worker remittances from January to The remarkable performance in to where they live, permitting working (IEG) post-Covid-19 for Sri Lanka to income inequality, is it possible to November 2020 ($ 6,291 million), the export sector up to September from home, flexible working hours, etc. emerge as a peaceful and developed consider Sri Lanka a UMIC? The compared to the same period in 2019 2020 clearly shows that possibilities (The writer is a Senior Visiting country. policies implemented thus far have ($ 6,052 million). Encouragingly and exist for Sri Lanka to recover and Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies Although Sri Lanka achieved UMIC failed to reduce the gap between defying expectations, remittances hit move forward with new thinking, of Sri Lanka [IPS] with research status in July 2019 based on its gross rich and poor. This gap could further a historic high of $ 813 million for efficient planning, swift action, interests in poverty, and is a specialist national income (GNI) of $ 4,060 per widen due to the adverse effects of December 2020 reflecting a 22.2% and collaboration between public in sampling. He was previously capita in 2018, the country was at the Covid-19, which impacts the poor year-on-year (YoY) growth compared and private sector agencies. It is engaged at the Department of Census lower end of the threshold for UMICs. disproportionately. to December 2019. Therefore, the noteworthy that the Government and Statistics, where he functioned As predicted in an earlier blog, Sri main concerns related to this sector has given the highest priority to as the Director General for 12 years. Lanka slipped back to a lower middle- Setbacks and opportunities at present would be the reintegration develop this sector which would He received his BSc in Mathematics income country (LMIC) in July 2020. Following are some of the key of the returnees and survival of the create employment and economic and Physics from the University of This was due to; (1) the revision of sectors of the economy affected by families who depend on remittances opportunities at all levels, while Peradeniya and holds a Postgraduate the threshold for UMICs by the World Covid-19 which were earning much- from their loved ones. earning much-needed foreign Diploma in Applied Statistics from the Bank in 2020 and (2) Sri Lanka’s poor needed foreign exchange for the Exports: Due to the combined exchange, at this difficult juncture. University of Reading, UK. [Talk to economic performance in 2019. country. efforts of the Government and the For Sri Lanka to emerge as a Wimal – [email protected]]) The foreign policy challenges Biden inherits US President Joe Biden’s In Afghanistan, where a US compromise, saying: “We need to It is China, however, that poses administration. At a regular be possible “if Iran comes back foreign policy to-do list is long, troop drawdown continues, based help defend Saudi Arabia against the biggest test to US power, press briefing on Wednesday into compliance. We would too”. complicated, and may soon on the previous administration’s aggression directed at Saudi according to Blinken, who said: (20), a spokeswoman for China’s A question possibly emerging hit speed bumps left by his agreement with the Taliban, Arabia, including from Yemen.” “There is no doubt that it poses the Foreign Ministry asked Biden now is who jumps first? Iranian predecessor. Biden’s team has yet to be made Perhaps where the bilateral most significant challenge of any to look at China rationally and President Hassan Rouhani said In the past four years, tensions aware of the full details concerning relationship risks greatest damage nation state to the United States.” objectively, meet China halfway, on Wednesday that “the ball is in with China and Iran have grown, the deal. is over the lingering fallout Biden’s pick for Secretary of and in the spirit of mutual the US court now. If Washington Russia has gone rogue, North Blinken told his Senate from the brutal murder of Saudi Defence General (Retd.) Lloyd respect, equality, and mutual returns to Iran’s 2015 nuclear Korea has become a greater confirmation hearing, “We have to journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside Austin, said the same during his benefit, push China-US relations deal, we will also fully respect our nuclear threat, and relationships look carefully at what has actually the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in hearing: “Asia must be the focus back towards the right track of commitments under the pact”. with allies have been damaged. But been negotiated... to understand 2018 at the hands of a hit team sent of our efforts and I see China in healthy and stable development Biden’s Communications perhaps the biggest impediment to fully what commitments were from Riyadh. particular as a pacing challenge for as soon as possible. Director Jen Psaki told reporters Biden is that much of the previous made, or not made by the Taliban.” Biden’s new Director of National the department.” Biden’s answer has already in the administration’s first president’s overseas dealings were Several Afghan officials, Intelligence Avril Haines said Evidence of that came shortly begun, signing executive orders, news briefing that Biden wants shrouded in secrecy. speaking in the past year on the she would release an unclassified after Biden was sworn in, with including re-joining the Paris to “lengthen and strengthen the At his inauguration, Biden’s basis of anonymity to protect report into Khashoggi’s murder Beijing imposing sanctions on 28 climate change accord his nuclear constraints on Iran and message to allies – and by their Government’s relationship to Congress, telling senators: former members of the previous predecessor withdrew from, and address other issues”, all of which implication to America’s enemies with the previous administration, “Absolutely I will follow the law.” US administration, accusing them in so doing, according to Blinken, Iran has previously rejected. too – was simple: “To those said they were opposed to the Relations with close ally Israel of “a series of crazy moves which mustering vital support from Iran’s Foreign Minister said beyond our borders: America has US-Taliban deal because it won’t be straightforward either have gravely interfered in China’s allies that will provide a “source Biden’s predecessor had been been tested and we’ve come out endangered Afghans, and wanted following the last administration’s internal affairs”. of strength for us in dealing with “relegated to the dustbin of history stronger for it. We will repair our Biden to end it. tight embrace. Biden will keep The move followed a series of China”. in disgrace”, adding: “Perhaps new alliances and engage with the Saudi Arabia, another US the US embassy in Jerusalem, but final moves by the outgoing White The early signs for Biden folks in DC have learned.” world once again.” ally, also presents Biden with according to Blinken will reset House targeting China, including are good, and the outpouring In the meantime, Iran continues But engagement won’t be easy, challenges. to the traditional US policy of sanctions aimed at officials and of support from allies has been increasing its illegal stockpiles of as his picks for top administration Blinken told senators the pushing for a “two-state solution”, a declaration on its final day strong. low and medium enriched uranium, jobs revealed during confirmation administration’s priority would saying: “The challenge of course is that the Chinese Government European Commission President as well as making prohibited hearings the day before. Biden’s be discovering the extent of how to move forward.” had committed genocide against Ursula von der Leyen, speaking uranium metal, shortening its path predecessor was unorthodox in the America’s involvement in Saudi’s But it is America’s enemies, Uyghur Muslims and ethnic and for almost half a billion European to a nuclear bomb. extreme, meeting with enemies like war in Yemen: “First and foremost, according to Blinken, that will take religious minority groups in its Union citizens, said on Wednesday: At his hearing, General Austin Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North making sure we understand exactly priority, with Russia being “very western region of Xinjiang. “This new dawn in America is testified: “If Iran were ever to get Korea’s Kim Jong-un one-on-one, what support we’re actually high on the agenda”. When Blinken was asked by the moment we’ve been waiting a nuclear capability, most every leaving many in his administration currently providing.” In a break with many in the last Republican Senator Lindsey Graham for so long. Europe is ready for a problem that we deal with in the and the world wondering what he’d Relations with Saudi, a administration, Blinken openly if he agreed with his predecessor that new start with our oldest and most region would be tougher to deal agreed to. particularly close ally of the last criticised Russia’s President over the the Chinese Communist Party had trusted partner.” with because of that.” President Antony Blinken, Biden’s choice administration, could get rocky. arrest of opposition leader Alexey “engaged in genocide regarding the Atop the EU’s priorities is Biden has indeed inherited a plate for Secretary of State, told a Senate Blinken told the hearing: “We will Navalny. “It is extraordinary how Uyghur Muslim population”, Blinken getting Biden to reverse the full of pressing foreign policy hearing several times that the new end our support for the military frightened Vladimir Putin seems to said “yes”. previous administration’s course problems. If he plays them right, administration doesn’t know the campaign led by Saudi Arabia in be of one man,” he said, adding that However, Beijing has also on Iran and rejoin the 2015 America’s allies will help, and the scale of the problems they are Yemen.” He also hinted they might the challenge posed by Russia “is appeared to indicate it is willing multinational nuclear deal. world can get a little safer. inheriting. be prepared to find a degree of urgent”. to co-operate with Biden’s new According to Blinken, that could (CNN) 47 Friday, January 22, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

ASPI S&P SL20 Market Market closed Share volume 8,131.25 3,196.73 377,652,229 246.80 100.38 Turnover business 3.13% 3.24% 14,202,424,465.20 NCPI-based inflation decrease in Industrial manufacturing sector grows by 5.3% The third quarter of 2020 At present, the value of loans the restarting of all activities showed a significant growth provided under the loan scheme of the manufacturing sector. in the industrial manufacturing is close to Rs. 180 billion, for The chemical products sector compared to the previous almost 63,000 businesses that and basic pharmaceuticals December quarter of 2020, statistically were affected. production grew during this Headline inflation, as measured by the year-on-year (YoY) change in the and non-food categories were recorded at confirming that the country’s The Department of Census period by 13.1%. The food and National Consumer Price Index (NCPI, 2013=100), decreased to 4.6% in 1.02% and 0.01%, respectively, in December economic trajectory is moving and Statistics noted that in the tobacco production activities December 2020 from 5.2% in November 2020. 2020. Accordingly, within the food category, in the right direction even third quarter of 2020, there also contributed 6.9% of GDP increases were observed mainly in the prices during the Covid-19 pandemic. was a significant growth and saw a considerable growth This was due to the statistical effect of annual average basis decreased marginally of coconut, vegetables, potatoes, rice, and The growth has been of 5.3%, compared to the of 11.5%. In addition, there the high base prevailed in December 2019. to 6.2% in December 2020 from 6.3% in red onions during December 2020. achieved due to the steps same period of the previous was a considerable growth of Meanwhile, food inflation (YoY) also November 2020. Furthermore, YoY core inflation increased taken to follow the healthcare year, showing the national 4.2% in other non-metallic decreased to 7.5% in December 2020 from The monthly change of NCPI, recorded at to 4.7% in December 2020 from 4.5% in practices to restore the lives accounting estimate of the commercial products and an 9.4% in November 2020, whereas non-food 1.03% in December 2020, was mainly due November 2020, while annual average core of the people, under the third quarter of 2020. The increased production of 4.8% inflation (YoY) increased to 2.2% in December to increases observed in prices of items in inflation decreased marginally to 4.1% in guidance of President Gotabaya department showed that the in rubber and plastic products. 2020 from 1.7% in November 2020. the food category. December 2020 from 4.2% in November Rajapaksa and Prime Minister total industrial activity of the However, there was a decline The change in the NCPI measured on an Moreover, monthly changes of food 2020. Mahinda Rajapaksa. quarter rose significantly by of 9.1% in the construction Thus, this includes restricting 0.6%; the growth has occurred industry which also showed a imports and providing working due to the re-opening of the downgrade in mining activities capital and financing to the country after the second wave from 6.8% as a result of the affected businesses. of the Covid pandemic and Covid pandemic. Keells Food Products PLC records profits in 4Q20 Keells Food Products PLC (KFP) stated it of 5%, compared to the same period in the recorded a profit of Rs. 79.84 million during the previous year, when it recorded a gross profit quarter ended 31 December 2020, compared of Rs. 778.09 million. to a profit of Rs. 49.81 million during the same The company’s Earning Per Share (EPS) period last year, which is an increase of 60%. saw a growth of Rs. 3.13 during this period, The company stated that KFP recorded a compared to an EPS of Rs. 1.95 during the profit of Rs. 198.43 million in 2020, compared third quarter of 2019. to a profit of Rs. 145.74 million for the nine Keells Food Products PLC is a food months ended on 31 December 2020, which is manufacturer in the processed meat industry, an increase of 36% compared to the previous with two segments: manufacturing and trading. year. The company’s product portfolio includes KFP stated that they have recorded a gross chicken sausages, ready-to-fry formed meats, profit of Rs. 291.42 million during the quarter pork lingus, and bacon whopper sausage, that ended at 31 December 2020, compared among others. to a profit of Rs. 284.27 million during the KFP products are distributed to consumers comparative period, which is a decline of through a multichannel network comprising 2%. Also, the company stated, it recorded a general trade outlets, modern outlets, as well gross profit of Rs. 736.53 million for the nine as hotels and restaurants. It also operates months ended 31 December 2020, a decline approximately 17,000 retail outlets. Central Bank of Sri Lanka Union Assurance records ‘Sri Lanka opens its doors to the world’ highest MDRT qualifiers zAnnounced at the travel trade awareness session in Mumbai z of production, and must reapply Chief Executive Officer (CEO) A virtual awareness session While welcoming the versa. Sri Lanka Tourism has Produces 172 qualifiers for membership annually to ensure Jude Gomes stated. for the travel trade in Western gathering, the Consul General published “Safety Protocols” Union Assurance makes a new they continue to meet MDRT The company claimed to have India was held on 19 January said: “Although the threat of to be followed by the tourism record of Million Dollar Round standards. Moreover, “Top of the recorded the highest growth rate of 2021 to announce the reopening Covid-19 is still out there, industry stakeholders and Table (MDRT) qualifiers to achieve Table” membership is claimed 9% in the new business category in of Sri Lanka for international the launch of the Covid-19 visitors. “Sri Lanka does not number one position in Sri Lanka. to allow members to access the a landscape in which the industry tourists from 21 January 2021. vaccination drive gives us require a minimum number of With 172 qualifiers, the company “highest level of member benefits showed a marginal growth of 1% This was the first awareness new hope to fight against days to stay and around 131 achieved industry-leading status and recognition”. for the first nine months ending session organised for the Indian the pandemic. Sri Lanka is hotels certified by SLTPB for recording the highest number of “Professional development is a September 2020. It is stated market to inform of Sri Lanka’s very optimistic and Sri Lanka following health guidelines “Top of the Table” achievers (five), cornerstone of Union Assurance’s to have received recognitions reopening and the “safety tourism gears up to welcome will provide accommodation 10 “Court of the Table” qualifiers, sales force advancement. We including Domestic Insurer of the protocols” associated with international visitors again.” for tourists. In the initial 14 and 157 MDRT qualifiers. invest significantly on leading- Year, Best Brand, Best Employer the reopening of the country She also took the opportunity days of the stay, travellers MDRT is a global, independent edge training platforms and have Brand, among others, leading to for tourists. to thank the stakeholders in the can stay at any number of association of the world’s leading rapidly adapted to the digitisation the number one “Most Awarded Sri Lanka Tourism Indian travel industry for the ‘Safe & Secure’ certified, life insurance and financial of training. Customer-centricity Brand” in the Insurance category Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) continued support rendered to Level 1 hotels which provide services professionals with 66,000 is at the core of everything in 2020. Chairperson Kimarli Fernando, Sri Lanka throughout. accommodation exclusively members in 72 countries from we do, and it makes our team Reflecting on the hardships of the Consul General of Sri Lanka The SLTPB Chairperson for international tourists,” she more than 500 of the world’s demonstrate the highest levels last year, Gomes commented: “Our in Mumbai Chamari Rodrigo, made a detailed presentation added. leading companies. of integrity and competency. corporate purpose has held through, Travel Agents’ Association of on the groundwork put The event concluded with MDRT focuses on networking, It makes me immensely proud and guided our journey to not just India President Jyoti Mayal, in place by the Sri Lanka a Q&A session to address the education, and personal and to have team Union Assurance navigate, but thrive in an uncertain Travel Agents Federation of Government to welcome concerns of the gathered Indian professional growth, adhering to recognised in the highest environment. It is heartening to see India Acting President Pradip the tourists to the country in travel industry partners. ethical standards and outstanding echelons of insurance and how Union Assurance has stood by Lulla, travel agents based in the accordance with the health The Sri Lanka Consulate client service. Members must meet financial services professionals as its purpose and been the strength to Western region of India, and guidelines to prevent the General in Mumbai in strict requirements for membership, the number one MDRT Achiever guide our achievers on their journey senior officials of the SLTPB spread of Covid-19 from collaboration with the SLTPB Union Assurance CEO Jude Gomes including satisfying certain levels in Sri Lanka,” Union Assurance of success.” participated at this meeting. tourists to locals and vice organised the event. 48 business „„ www.themorning.lk { CORPORATE } Friday, January 22, 2021 Talal Rafi nominated as Climate Ambassador 2021 Fully subscribed rights by World Bank GYCN The Global Youth Climate Network issue boosts Prime (GYCN), an initiative of the World Bank Group, appointed Talal Rafi as a Climate Ambassador for 2021. GYCN is a part of the World Bank’s Youth to Youth (Y2Y) Community, a network of Finance’s core capital young professionals dedicated to engaging and empowering young people in global Prime Finance PLC, a Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). development. The initiative is said to motivate member of the Prime Group, The company is assigned with young people to work together to develop and announced that it raised an issuer rating of [SL] BBB- implement innovative programmes regarding capital of Rs. 526.68 million (pronounced SL triple B minus) climate change, and also to “inspire, educate, following the successful with an outlook by ICRA Lanka and connect with their communities to mitigate conclusion of its fully Ltd., a subsidiary of ICRA Ltd. climate change”. subscribed rights issue in which is a group company of Rafi is a Sri Lankan entrepreneur and December 2020. Moody’s Investors Service. consultant who works across multiple fields Prime Finance carried out rights A licensed finance company by in developing entrepreneurship. He has World Bank Climate Ambassador Talal Rafi issue of 41.8 million ordinary shares the Monetary Board of the Central been an advocate on the topic of climate in the proportion of 19 new ordinary Bank, Prime Finance provides change through his work in entrepreneurship on formulating recommendations for the shares for every 36 ordinary shares Prime Group Chairman Prime Finance CEO personal and business finance development as he claims to mentor and advise G7 and G20 leaders on gender equality of the company at an issue price of Brahmanage Premalal Maduranga Heenkenda solutions. The company offers start-ups in ensuring their business models are post Covid-19. He is also a member of Rs. 12.60 per share, amounting to fixed deposits, savings deposits, environmentally sustainable and help mitigate the Forbes Business Council of Forbes Rs. 526.68 million. compliance with core capital (CBSL) as well as the minimum leasing, vehicle loans, mortgage climate change. magazine. Rafi was also nominated as The objectives of the said requirements stipulated by public holding requirements set loans, and real estate development The newly elected Climate Ambassador is a Young Global Leader by the World rights issue were to ensure the Central Bank of Sri Lanka out in the Listing Rules of the and related services. said to be consulting as an industry expert at Economic Forum. the University of Moratuwa Entrepreneurship “As Sri Lanka was previously ranked the Centre under the World Bank’s “AHEAD” second most vulnerable country in the world project. Rafi was also on the Selection to climate change, there is a real urgency to Committee of Asian Development Bank’s tackle the issue. Being appointed as a World Sterling Automobiles launches “#DigitalAgainstCovid-19” global innovation Bank GYCN Climate Ambassador gives series. me the platform to engage with national As an expert member at Chatham stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and industry ‘Steorra’ loyalty programme House London, Rafi worked with other leaders on developing forward-thinking, industry experts from the World Bank, environmentally sustainable businesses,” Goldman Sachs, and other organisations Rafi shared. SLT-Mobitel launches ‘Power to Your Dreams’ Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT- services such as voice and beauty, daily essentials, Mobitel) announced that mobile telephony, 4G LTE, medical and healthcare, it is all set to launch the SLT Broadband, SLT Fibre, education, special occasion “Power to Your Dreams” and Peo TV services. services, financial services, campaign to provide the “Micro-businesses e-commerce and software latest connectivity solutions are the bedrock of Sri development, professional to micro-businesses on Lanka’s economic services, construction 25 January 2020. This activity, supporting day- support, and transportation programme aims to provide to-day transactions for and delivery services are ICT solution packages millions of people. It is said to be able to benefit encompassing products vitally important that they from the packages launched and services essential for receive the full benefit of by SLT-Mobitel with their micro-businesses at alleged the connectivity solutions specific industry needs maximum affordability. offered by the national ICT taken into consideration. In the efforts of solutions provider, SLT. SLT-Mobitel claims to understanding the The brand unification of have undertaken the task of Officials of HNB and Sterling during the event connectivity needs of SLT-Mobitel means that facilitating the connectivity PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM the micro-business now we can offer a full of micro-businesses around segment, the promotion bouquet of products and the country with the aim of Sterling Automobiles Lanka came forth with exceptional customer services. Like into one of three loyalty categories – Silver, claims to provide them services to our clients. This enabling them to “thrive” with the “Steorra” loyalty programme HNB, it has remained as one of the popular Gold, and Platinum – based on the services solutions that fulfill their promotion will ensure that as they get accustomed which was launched in partnership with brands for customers who are on the lookout they have received so far. requirements. Accordingly, micro-businesses from to the requirements of a Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB). With for optimum value for money. As such, we Customers will have the benefit of being communication, business various segments can now country recovering from a this partnership, customers will get the are excited to offer our mutual customer offered the option of having the loyalty networking, cloud access the connectivity pandemic. opportunity to convert points accumulated base with the best possible value through points acquired by obtaining services from technology, entertainment, solutions most important for SLT-Mobitel’s efforts through the Steorra loyalty programme to this partnership.” the Sterling Aftercare Centre credited to a and Internet of Things their businesses to thrive,” to connect businesses cash via a Sterling-HNB co-branded debit Sterling has also partnered with a host savings account through the HNB-sterling (IoT), communications SLT-Mobitel General to the wider world of card issued by the bank. of automobile-related service providers co-branded debit card. This includes all devices, and business Manager – SME Business networked solutions is HNB Deputy General Manager – Retail including vehicle battery, audio, tyres, and HNB debit card deals and offers from a wide infrastructure services for Development Sanjeewa also said to be inspired by and SME Banking Sanjay Wijemanne security system suppliers, as well as leasing range of merchant partners such as retail various market segments Jayamaha stated. the nation’s efforts towards said: “Sterling Automobiles is globally and insurance companies to provide benefits stores, restaurants, and hotels; ability to get within the micro-business Micro-businesses digitalisation and rebuilding synonymous with offering services that to customers. Also, the centre’s existing a loan against savings at 0% interest with a ecosystem is provided with operating in entertainment Sri Lanka’s economy in the exceed the expectations of their customers. customer base and new customers who repayment of 12 months, and free internet SLT-Mobitel products and and leisure, fashion and new normal. Sterling is striving to offer affordable vehicles register for the programme are said to fall and mobile banking facilities for one year. Standard Chartered donates to Foundation of Goodness to improve digital learning of students Standard Chartered Sri Lanka children as part of the bank’s employee announced the donation of Rs. 3,680,000 volunteering mechanism,” Standard ($ 20,000) to the Foundation of Goodness Chartered Sri Lanka Head of Corporate (FoG) to improve digital literacy skills of Affairs, Brand, and Marketing Anuk De students at their centres in rural villages. Silva said. The donation will help equip these FoG is a Sri Lanka-based non-profit centres with upgraded IT infrastructure, organisation that is dedicated to unite the benefiting over 2,500 students in urban/rural divide through humanitarian the Northern, Eastern, and Southern and developmental programmes across 500 Provinces. villages in Sri Lanka, reaching over 35,000 “Sri Lanka saw a sudden switch in beneficiaries annually, free of cost. FoG the education system from physical empowerment centres have been offering to virtual due to the pandemic-driven free computer training courses with high nationwide lockdown, proving the standards of IT training for many years. inevitable dependence on technology. However, most existing computer systems However, the lack of IT infrastructure in are outdated, causing disadvantage to the our country has made keeping up with rural youth looking to develop essential the change difficult, especially for the technological skills required for them to rural communities. Standard Chartered, excel in a digitised world. both globally and locally, is dedicated to Expressing his gratitude towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Standard Chartered, FoG Founder/Chief Development Goals (UN SDGs), and Trustee Kushil Gunasekera said: “This we believe that this donation will take donation means so much to us because us one step closer to achieving inclusive it’s going to impact the lives of so many and equitable education to students Standard Chartered Sri Lanka CEO Bingumal Thewarathanthri handing over the donation to FoG Founder/Chief Trustee Kushil Gunasekera youth in rural areas who are in need of an across Sri Lanka,” Standard Chartered Sri up-to-date digital learning environment. Lanka CEO Bingumal Thewarathanthri Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the new IT digital learning tools in lessons. in need with vital digital infrastructure Our centres in Rathgama, Mathagal, commented. equipment purchased through the project “In today’s day and age, it is facilities enabling them to learn new Monaragala, Sittandy, Oddusuddan, Standard Chartered Sri Lanka claims is said to include high-speed computers important that youth keep abreast of the and more innovative educational content Thirukkovil, and Bandarawela are to recognise the need for digital learning with upgraded software, fast internet developments in the world, especially necessary for their growth. This year- absolutely thrilled to have access to the and has facilitated this donation with connections, and audio-visual equipment, in the digital front. Standard Chartered long project also creates an avenue for latest technologies which will enable them the goal of creating equal learning allowing teachers to help facilitate a values the opportunity to create a positive staff at Standard Chartered to share their to keep up with the rest and succeed in the opportunities for students across blended teaching approach by integrating impact in this area, supporting students skills and expertise with the beneficiary digital age.” business 49 Friday, January 22, 2021 { CORPORATE } „„ www.themorning.lk Logicare launches NTB American Express ‘LogiNext’, professional retailer delivery service Logicare, a Sri Lankan logistics declares contest winner solutions provider, announced the launch of its new service yesterday Nations Trust Bank (NTB) American Express recently announced the winner of (21), LogiNext, which is defined as its “Stand a chance to win the phone of your dreams” promotional campaign a last-mile delivery (movement of carried out in collaboration with PickMe and Life Mobile (Pvt.) Ltd. in the month goods from a transportation hub of September 2020. to the final delivery destination) The promotion was designed as a rewarding Express Card on the PickMe app during the platform that is available to retailers scheme to appreciate the loyalty of American promotion period. with the aim to enhance their online Express card members and was valid from NTB partnered with PickMe to have food shopping experience for customers. Logicare Manager – Strategy and 1 to 30 September, 2020. and groceries delivered to American Express Moreover, last-mile delivery is Growth Almaaz Ahamed Dipan Amalean walked away as the winner card members’ doorsteps, facilitating not only said encompass a delivery service of the draw, choosing a black Apple iPhone a convenient purchasing solution but also that starts with a call to the customer, 12 as his reward, courtesy of Life Mobile. a safe option. Each usage of the American pick up, and the delivery of the To enter the draw to win a flagship phone Express card on PickMe earned them an product without the need for their of their choice up to a value of Rs. 250,000, additional entry into the draw, increasing own delivery partner. card members had to use their NTB American the chances of winning. LogiNext claims to assist online merchants to manage and grow their businesses while offering integrated logistics solutions ranging CIMA launches CGMA Leadership Programme from order fulfilment and last-mile delivery to return management. Logicare CEO Saminda Deshapriya Global e-commerce sales is said to to support students, employees, and universities have seen a steady growth over the effective way.” Logicare Manager past few years and a rise in 2020 – Strategy and Growth Almaaz The Chartered Institute of due to the stay-at-home orders and Ahamed stated. Management Accountants (CIMA), concerns over exposure to Covid- Logicare states that a well- a UK-based institution offering training 19, which prevented shoppers from executed delivery is likely to make and qualification in management visiting retail locations. a strong impression on the end- accountancy and related subjects who Consequently, e-commerce sales customer and that “perfect” delivery accompany a university in Sri Lanka are expected to grow despite the experience often translates into announced the launch of its digital full recommencement of operators, loyalty for both B2B (business- learning platform, the CGMA Finance as the majority of consumers will to-business) and B2C (business- Leadership Programme (CGMA FLP) reportedly stick to online shopping to-client) relationships. Therefore, yesterday (21) to students, employees, even after the Covid-19 pandemic the right fulfilment and delivery and universities across the country as a is over. Moving forward, LogiNext strategy is believed to be vital for new alternative approach to completing aims to leverage on this trend. the success of online businesses. the CIMA professional qualification. Whilst having been partnered Even though an in-house fulfilment CIMA also highlighted the global with some of the “fast-growing” strategy allows e-commerce retailers launch that was held across Europe, e-commerce retailers that are to control online business fulfilment Asia, and Africa by The Association looking to increase customer and delivery, complications may of International Certified Professional satisfaction through order accuracy arise when they start fulfilling a Speakers from the panel. From left: LSEG CEO Fadhil Jiffry (FCMA and CGMA), CIMA Country Manager Zahara Ansary (ACMA, CGMA), Accountants, a collaboration between and CIMA Student Society Investment Associate President Shehan Senanayake and speed of delivery, LogiNext’s large number of orders from all the American Institute of Certified PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE vision is to lead in the e-commerce over the country. Public Accountants (AICPA) and order fulfilment and last-mile The company also suggests CIMA. Moreover, this was in response a place for traditional learning and on their educational knowledge, board as what it claims to be the first delivery service in Sri Lanka. that a poor delivery experience to the rising worldwide demand to examinations in test centres, it is credentials, and experience with their university programme in Sri Lanka Logicare claims that the company can turn a great shopping interaction deliver remote access and “self-paced” right in a digital age that we now employer or college being able to to provide the CGMA FLP route. It is supported by its expertise in into a lost customer and negative online learning. It was also predicted offer alternative pathways to learn, support and monitor their student as was also declared that there are a few warehousing, transportation, reviews that will impact sales for that this programme would develop understand, and apply finance,” they progress. state and private sector universities value-added services, on-site years to come. Therefore, many future generations of Chartered Global AICPA Global Markets Managing In addition, on the completion of awaiting registration to be recognised as management, order fulfilment, and “fast-growing” online retailers have Management Accountant designation Director Irene Teng commented. each of the three levels of learning universities providing this access. This last-mile delivery for ecommerce, realised that the most efficient way holders that would support in driving She continued: “Understanding and assessments, students are required was also believed to be an “attractive yard storage, and supply chain out is by outsourcing fulfilment and business performance. finance is the foundation to so to pass the business simulation case route” and facility for Sri Lankan consultancy services. delivery to a reliable third-party Furthermore, CIMA elaborates many careers in business and study exams and meet professional undergraduates as it enables them “Our team of logistics experts logistics company. Outsourcing how “traditional in-person” tuition opens up career opportunities to be requirements to become a CGMA to to complete the CIMA professional works with our clients to fulfilment can eliminate the logistics and examination methods are being a successful business leader. This gain access to the AICPA which claims qualification whilst completing their determine the right fulfilment difficulties of the online businesses challenged by the Covid-19 pandemic new approach allows us to capitalise to comprise over 650,000 members. undergraduate studies. and last-mile delivery strategy and the online retailers can return to along with the digital acceleration and on innovation and ride the wave of Furthermore, present at the launch was Also, London Stock Exchange Group to meet the needs of their focusing on running their business. how this new e-learning and assessment digital acceleration. We are now able CIMA Country Manager Zahara Ansary (LSEG) CEO Fadhil Jiffry (FCMA and growing businesses. We have “Same-day delivery is a game- platform aims to provide online access to reach more people, support more (ACMA and CGMA), who introduced CGMA) highlighted how access to resources such as a sufficient changer because it combines the for “aspiring business and finance employers, and provide better access the digital platform, elaborated on the CIMA professional qualification workforce to do all the picking immediate product availability of leaders” to learn finance skills needed to the profession.” the programmes, and clarified doubts via the CGMA FLP would be for and packing, strategically located bricks-and-mortar stores with the in business to the equivalence of a The CGMA FLP claims to cover whilst highlighting how students can students as well as employees whilst warehouses to store inventory, convenience of ordering from home. master’s degree level of education. competencies in finance, accounting, join this programme via a registered CIMA Student Society Investment and delivery networks to ship Online retailers are expected to “CIMA’s CGMA Finance Leadership business, people, and digital skills tuition provider who is assigned as a Associate President Shehan orders to customers’ doorsteps. benefit from reduced delivery time, Programme has been launched set out in the CIMA professional reseller; two providers will soon be Senanayake mentioned his experience More importantly, as the most as the demand is expected to increase in response to the changing world qualification syllabus and assesses announced in the future. as a student and how CIMA has technologically advanced 3PL significantly given the compelling we live in and meets the growing their application across operations, Additionally, it was announced that become a “trendsetter” in changing provider in the market, we do it value proposition of same-day demand to deliver business finance management, and strategy. Students can the University of the West of Scotland the professional education space and at scale and with a better suite delivery for consumers,” Logicare and accounting skills through self- allegedly start learning at an appropriate (UWS) offered by the Imperial College how helpful this platform would be of technologies to implement Chief Executive Officer (CEO) paced e-learning. Whilst there is still entry level in hopes of expanding of Business Studies (ICBS) joined on for students given the current context. it in a fast, efficient, and cost- Saminda Deshapriya commented. George Steuart & Co. restores centuries-old artefacts

George Steuart & Co., within the economy of the time, to be involved in the restoration a Sri Lankan mercantile including his alleged enrolment of the George Steuart collection establishment, recently as the first member of the of artefacts. A collection such commenced a project to restore Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. as this adds rich detail to our a repository of artefacts that Furthermore, included in the knowledge of how early Ceylon trace back to its founding in restoration are items of historic functioned. There is a great 1835 and its early operations interest such as monetary necessity to find, restore, and in the present. notes and coins the company archive artefacts of this nature The recently uncovered had used in the 17th Century, in order to have a more thorough artefacts include diaries and correspondence with officials understanding of the building journals belonging to the in Britain, furniture, books, blocks of our socioeconomic founders, ledgers, profit and and journals with handwritten history. It is admirable that loss accounts, company seals, notes that offer a glimpse into over the centuries, George employment records, and the establishment of the early Steuart & Co. has maintained many more documents from commercial ventures, a handful this collection through the the early 1800s. The restoration of which continue in some form many changes that have taken is being conducted under the to this date. The collection also place in the nation as well as careful guidance and expertise comprises newspapers from the in the company. We hope more of the National Library and belonged to the three founding related to the company itself 1800s as well as first editions companies with similar heritage Documentation Services Board brothers of George Steuart & claim to offer a glimpse into of poetry books and lithographs will partner with us to preserve Sri Lanka in order to preserve Co. – James Steuart, Joseph the day-to-day workings of that depict reflections of early their archives,” National Library and archive the rare collection. Steuart, and George Steuart mercantile Ceylon during the Ceylon by travellers and and Documentation Services Another discovery was a – who reportedly sailed to Empire. There is evidence of merchants. Board Chairman Sonala Interior of the Logicare/LogiNext warehouse collection of documents that Ceylon in 1806. The records George Steuart’s performance “It is a delight and an honour Gunawardana commented. Millennium IT ESP celebrates silver jubilee anniversary

MillenniumIT ESP, a Sri Lankan following all Covid-19 guidelines standing employees who were story was also shared in the form systems integrator and information and precautionary measures also the chief invitees for the of a thoughtful video, acted out systems provider, completed its advised by the Government. company’s 25th anniversary by the company’s own employees silver jubilee anniversary on 3 The wider public and their cake-cutting ceremony; and showcasing MillenniumIT January 2021. In place of this larger ecosystem were given the MillenniumIT Finance Assistant ESP’s journey thus far. Additional celebration, MillenniumIT ESP opportunity to join the festivities Manager Sajeevani Perera and celebratory videos included organised a town hall event online through live streaming via MillenniumIT Head of Managed testimonials from long-lasting (MiTown Hall) that could be the company’s official YouTube Services and Customer Support clients of over 20 years, current attended virtually by their channel (MillenniumIT ESP). Madhura Perera were presented employees’ one-word thoughts of members of staff, partners, and In addition to following with a “Special Service” award in what MillenniumIT ESP stands for clients, with a selected few being traditional customary rituals, appreciation of their commitment today, and the most cheered, dance invited to attend the physical event the company appreciated and to the company. virus attack video “MiAhasaYata” Ambeon Holdings PLC Group Chairman Sanjeev Gardiner delivering his speech held at their head office whilst celebrated their 25-year long- MillenniumIT ESP’s 25-year were also showcased. 104 business „„ www.themorning.lk { MARKET } Friday, January 22, 2021 Unit trust prices­ at 20 Jan. 2021 CSE Price List 21 Jan. 2021 Fund name Unit selling price...... Unit buying price V.W.A. V.W.A. CHANGE V.W.A. V.W.A. CHANGE Assetline Income Fund 16.7612...... 16.7612 SE­CUR­I­TY VOLUME PREVIOUS OPEN HIGH LOW TODAY’S (RS.) SE­CUR­I­TY VOLUME PREVIOUS OPEN HIGH LOW TODAY’S (RS.) Assetline Income Plus Growth Fund 18.3839...... 17.8928 A.SPEN.HOT.HOLD...... 101,766...... 33.70 ...... 33.70 ...... 35.40 ...... 33.50 ...... 34.80 ...... 1.10 SIGIRIYA VILLAGE...... 2,129...... 35.90 ...... 34.60 ...... 36.00 ...... 34.60 ...... 36.00 ...... 0.10 Senfin Growth Fund 8.89...... 8.57 ABANS...... 4,089...... 142.50 ...... 142.50 ...... 145.75 ...... 138.00 ...... 145.25 ...... 2.75 SINGER FINANCE...... 288,051...... 18.50 ...... 18.70 ...... 18.80 ...... 17.80 ...... 18.00 ...... (0.50) Senfin Money Market Fund 15.022...... 15.022 ACCESS ENG SL...... 5,537,805...... 30.80 ...... 30.80 ...... 31.70 ...... 29.00 ...... 30.50 ...... (0.30) SLT...... 84,740...... 40.50 ...... 39.50 ...... 41.50 ...... 39.50 ...... 41.40 ...... 0.90 Senfin Shariah Balanced Fund 13.25...... 12.93 ACL...... 343,880...... 116.25 ...... 116.25 ...... 117.50 ...... 112.00 ...... 115.00 ...... (1.25) SUNSHINE HOLDING...... 446,274...... 86.00 ...... 85.00 ...... 97.50 ...... 85.00 ...... 92.30 ...... 6.30 Senfin Shariah Income Fund 12.4036...... 12.4036 ACL PLASTICS...... 14,036...... 314.00 ...... 311.50 ...... 335.00 ...... 311.50 ...... 325.25 ...... 11.25 SWISSTEK...... 2,341,698...... 116.00 ...... 119.00 ...... 145.00 ...... 118.50 ...... 141.25 ...... 25.25 CAL Balanced Fund 12.0249...... 12.0249 ACME...... 174,454...... 6.30 ...... 6.40 ...... 6.40 ...... 6.20 ...... 6.20 ...... (0.10) TALAWAKELLE...... 337,432...... 75.00 ...... 75.20 ...... 93.00 ...... 75.20 ...... 92.50 ...... 17.50 CAL Corporate Debt & Gilt Trading Fund 21.2173...... 21.2173 AGALAWATTE...... 16,663...... 30.10 ...... 30.00 ...... 32.70 ...... 29.90 ...... 30.00 ...... (0.10) TANGERINE...... 11,695...... 43.50 ...... 43.50 ...... 44.10 ...... 40.00 ...... 40.70 ...... (2.80) CAL Corporate Treasury Fund 18.2614...... 18.2614 AHOT PROPERTIES...... 165...... 43.10 ...... 44.20 ...... 44.20 ...... 43.20 ...... 43.80 ...... 0.70 TEA SMALLHOLDER...... 6,880...... 39.80 ...... 40.60 ...... 42.70 ...... 40.00 ...... 40.10 ...... 0.30 CAL Gilt Fund 7.1553...... 7.1553 AITKEN SPENCE...... 1,215,026...... 67.60 ...... 68.00 ...... 72.50 ...... 65.00 ...... 71.20 ...... 3.60 TEEJAY LANKA...... 1,641,114...... 40.60 ...... 40.60 ...... 43.20 ...... 40.50 ...... 42.50 ...... 1.90 CAL Gilt Money Market Fund 4.3347...... 4.3347 ALLIANCE...... 35,533...... 57.10 ...... 57.90 ...... 58.00 ...... 54.10 ...... 57.00 ...... (0.10) THREE ACRE FARMS...... 65,267...... 214.25 ...... 210.00 ...... 227.00 ...... 210.00 ...... 220.00 ...... 5.75 CAL Gilt Trading Fund 50.1748...... 50.1748 CAL High Yield Fund 24.3797...... 24.3797 AMANA BANK...... 6,147,084...... 3.90 ...... 4.00 ...... 4.00 ...... 3.50 ...... 3.60 ...... (0.30) TOKYO CEMENT...... 1,258,533...... 86.00 ...... 85.10 ...... 88.00 ...... 83.80 ...... 86.60 ...... 0.60 CAL Income Fund 20.5674...... 20.5674 AMAYA LEISURE...... 271,874...... 41.60 ...... 41.90 ...... 52.00 ...... 41.90 ...... 47.00 ...... 5.40 TOKYO CEMENT [TKYO.X0000]...2,745,656...... 76.80 ...... 76.80 ...... 79.50 ...... 74.00 ...... 78.80 ...... 2.00 CAL Investment Grade Fund 19.8219...... 19.8219 ASIA ASSET...... 11,219...... 8.40 ...... 8.40 ...... 8.50 ...... 8.20 ...... 8.30 ...... (0.10) UNION BANK...... 2,168,960...... 15.60 ...... 15.60 ...... 15.60 ...... 14.70 ...... 15.00 ...... (0.60) CAL Medium Risk Debt Fund 15.685...... 15.685 ASIRI...... 58,270...... 32.00 ...... 32.00 ...... 32.50 ...... 31.70 ...... 32.50 ...... 0.50 UNION CHEMICALS...... 117...... 793.75 ...... 790.00 ...... 830.00 ...... 790.00 ...... 826.00 ...... 32.25 CAL Quant Equity Fund 20.4138...... 20.8267 ASIRI SURG...... 256,264...... 16.50 ...... 16.50 ...... 16.50 ...... 16.00 ...... 16.50 ...... - UNISYST...... 1,154,350...... 16.20 ...... 17.00 ...... 20.20 ...... 17.00 ...... 20.20 ...... 4.00 Ceybank Century Growth 85.2...... 81.46 AUTODROME...... 3,548...... 81.90 ...... 78.00 ...... 81.90 ...... 76.00 ...... 81.20 ...... (0.70) UNITED MOTORS...... 20,090...... 77.70 ...... 77.00 ...... 78.00 ...... 77.00 ...... 77.00 ...... (0.70) Ceybank Gilt Edge Fund (A Series) 14.4556...... 14.4556 BAIRAHA FARMS...... 87,762...... 145.50 ...... 144.25 ...... 155.00 ...... 140.00 ...... 150.50 ...... 5.00 VALLIBEL...... 2,209,869...... 7.90 ...... 7.90 ...... 8.30 ...... 7.90 ...... 8.10 ...... 0.20 Ceybank Gilt Edged Fund (B Series) 10.9167...... 10.9167 BALANGODA...... 4,098...... 16.10 ...... 16.20 ...... 16.50 ...... 15.90 ...... 16.00 ...... (0.10) VALLIBEL FINANCE...... 442,263...... 81.50 ...... 89.00 ...... 101.75 ...... 87.10 ...... 99.80 ...... 18.30 Ceybank High Yield Fund 13.7693...... 13.7693 BUKIT DARAH...... 3,442...... 349.00 ...... 350.00 ...... 350.00 ...... 345.00 ...... 347.00 ...... (2.00) VIDULLANKA...... 283,797...... 5.90 ...... 5.90 ...... 5.90 ...... 5.80 ...... 5.80 ...... (0.10) Ceybank Surakum Fund 12.361...... 12.361 C M HOLDINGS...... 30,428...... 100.25 ...... 102.00 ...... 103.00 ...... 100.25 ...... 100.75 ...... 0.50 WATAWALA...... 59,304...... 60.00 ...... 60.50 ...... 61.00 ...... 58.90 ...... 60.30 ...... 0.30 Ceybank Unit Trust 27.77...... 26.06 C T HOLDINGS...... 838...... 169.75 ...... 170.50 ...... 170.50 ...... 169.75 ...... 169.75 ...... - YORK ARCADE...... 334...... 171.50 ...... 190.00 ...... 190.00 ...... 186.00 ...... 188.25 ...... 16.75 Ceylon Dollar Bond Fund (in $) 0.7348...... 0.7311 CARGILLS...... 74,569...... 218.00 ...... 216.00 ...... 220.25 ...... 215.75 ...... 220.00 ...... 2.00 SECOND BOARD Ceylon Financial Sector Fund 7.19...... 6.9 CARGO BOAT...... 14,789...... 69.20 ...... 68.50 ...... 70.40 ...... 68.50 ...... 69.90 ...... 0.70 ABANS FINANCIAL...... 2,120...... 27.70 ...... 27.70 ...... 27.70 ...... 27.70 ...... 27.70 ...... - Ceylon Income Fund 22.1137...... 22.1137 CARSONS...... 3,626...... 305.50 ...... 306.00 ...... 306.00 ...... 300.00 ...... 305.75 ...... 0.25 AMBEON CAPITAL...... 247,815...... 7.20 ...... 7.20 ...... 7.30 ...... 6.70 ...... 7.00 ...... (0.20) CEYLON Index Fund 52.15...... 50.03 CDB...... 85,295...... 110.50 ...... 113.00 ...... 122.00 ...... 113.00 ...... 120.00 ...... 9.50 ARPICO...... 1,419...... 202.75 ...... 201.00 ...... 203.00 ...... 200.00 ...... 200.25 ...... (2.50) Ceylon IPO Fund 5.72...... 5.61 CDB [CDB.X0000]...... 158,384...... 81.10 ...... 83.00 ...... 89.00 ...... 82.00 ...... 87.60 ...... 6.50 ASIA CAPITAL...... 266,722...... 7.00 ...... 6.90 ...... 7.00 ...... 6.70 ...... 6.90 ...... (0.10) Ceylon Money Market Fund 17.2629...... 17.2629 CENTRAL FINANCE...... 610,590...... 92.60 ...... 93.00 ...... 96.00 ...... 90.00 ...... 92.20 ...... (0.40) BROWNS BEACH...... 3,904...... 13.50 ...... 13.80 ...... 13.80 ...... 13.30 ...... 13.70 ...... 0.20 Ceylon Tourism Fund 3.96...... 3.81 CENTRAL IND...... 181,367...... 128.25 ...... 128.00 ...... 133.00 ...... 127.00 ...... 128.00 ...... (0.25) COMM LEASE & FIN...... 869,466...... 8.80 ...... 7.80 ...... 9.00 ...... 7.80 ...... 8.40 ...... (0.40) Ceylon Treasury Income Fund 6.16...... 6.16 CEYLINCO INS...... 24...... 1903.00 ...... 1989.75 ...... 1989.75 ...... 1950.00 ...... 1903.00 ...... - DISTILLERIES...... 542,753...... 23.30 ...... 23.30 ...... 23.30 ...... 22.90 ...... 23.10 ...... (0.20) Comtrust ADL Mudarabah Fund 11.6652...... 11.6652 CEYLINCO INS. [CINS.X0000]...... 4,196...... 1131.25 ...... 1179.75 ...... 1200.00 ...... 1179.75 ...... 1200.00 ...... 68.75 FIRST CAPITAL...... 121,026...... 58.50 ...... 58.00 ...... 58.80 ...... 57.60 ...... 58.00 ...... (0.50) Comtrust Equity Fund 19.62...... 18.75 CEYLON GUARDIAN...... 38,880...... 140.00 ...... 138.00 ...... 144.50 ...... 138.00 ...... 142.75 ...... 2.75 GOOD HOPE...... 45...... 1121.90 ...... 1042.50 ...... 1074.50 ...... 1031.25 ...... 1121.90 ...... - Comtrust Gilt Edged Fund 10.4319...... 10.4319 CEYLON INV...... 154,170...... 82.90 ...... 82.00 ...... 82.00 ...... 78.10 ...... 79.30 ...... (3.60) KOTMALE HOLDINGS...... 300...... 233.00 ...... 231.00 ...... 231.00 ...... 231.00 ...... 231.00 ...... (2.00) Comtrust Money Market Fund 11.843...... 11.843 CEYLON TOBACCO...... 4,985...... 1116.50 ...... 1121.00 ...... 1121.00 ...... 1100.00 ...... 1101.25 ...... (15.25) LOLC DEV FINANCE...... 3,759...... 92.00 ...... 82.00 ...... 86.50 ...... 78.30 ...... 85.60 ...... (6.40) First Capital Equity Fund (FCEF) 1,434.23...... 1,362.52 CHEMANEX...... 110,880...... 94.90 ...... 95.00 ...... 95.00 ...... 91.00 ...... 94.90 ...... - LOLC FINANCE...... 12,973,551...... 7.90 ...... 7.80 ...... 8.70 ...... 7.10 ...... 8.50 ...... 0.60 First Capital Fixed income Fund 1,851.14...... 1,851.09 CHEVRON...... 184,093...... 110.25 ...... 110.50 ...... 112.00 ...... 109.25 ...... 110.75 ...... 0.50 MADULSIMA...... 4,621...... 9.20 ...... 9.30 ...... 9.90 ...... 9.30 ...... 9.60 ...... 0.40 First Capital Gilt Edged Fund 1,492.77...... 1,492.77 CIC...... 3,598,423...... 66.90 ...... 67.00 ...... 70.00 ...... 66.50 ...... 68.70 ...... 1.80 ODEL PLC...... 3,832...... 20.70 ...... 20.70 ...... 21.50 ...... 20.60 ...... 21.10 ...... 0.40 First Capital Money Market Fund 1,905.20...... 1,905.20 CIC [CIC.X0000]...... 2,064,955...... 54.70 ...... 54.50 ...... 57.00 ...... 53.00 ...... 55.80 ...... 1.10 PDL...... 3,112...... 125.75 ...... 128.00 ...... 128.00 ...... 125.75 ...... 125.75 ...... - First Capital Wealth Fund 1,129.66...... 1,129.63 CITRUS LEISURE...... 37,248...... 11.50 ...... 11.40 ...... 11.50 ...... 10.90 ...... 11.30 ...... (0.20) SELINSING...... 45...... 915.20 ...... 816.00 ...... 869.00 ...... 816.00 ...... 915.20 ...... - Guardian Acuity Equity Fund 19.8614...... 19.4847 COLD STORES...... 41,321...... 710.00 ...... 710.00 ...... 730.00 ...... 710.00 ...... 726.25 ...... 16.25 SERENDIB LAND...... 53...... 1812.50 ...... 2072.00 ...... 2100.00 ...... 1960.00 ...... 1812.50 ...... - Guardian Acuity Money Market Fund 20.27...... 20.27 COLOMBO CITY...... 205...... 959.50 ...... 960.00 ...... 994.25 ...... 960.00 ...... 993.00 ...... 33.50 SINGER SRI LANKA...... 1,436,901...... 66.00 ...... 70.00 ...... 82.50 ...... 70.00 ...... 82.50 ...... 16.50 JB Vantage Money Market Fund 27.5534...... 27.5534 COLOMBO LAND...... 368,463...... 27.00 ...... 27.00 ...... 30.90 ...... 26.00 ...... 29.60 ...... 2.60 DIRI SAVI BOARD JB Vantage Short Term Gilt Fund 14.8761...... 14.8761 COMMERCIAL BANK...... 1,220,516...... 96.70 ...... 96.00 ...... 96.00 ...... 92.50 ...... 93.70 ...... (3.00) AGSTAR PLC...... 589,631...... 8.10 ...... 8.00 ...... 8.30 ...... 7.70 ...... 7.90 ...... (0.20) JB Vantage Value Equity Fund 27.81...... 26.15 COMMERCIAL BANK [COMB.X0000].155,039...... 89.50 ...... 89.90 ...... 89.90 ...... 85.30 ...... 87.40 ...... (2.10) ALUMEX PLC...... 11,733,032...... 25.80 ...... 27.00 ...... 32.20 ...... 26.50 ...... 31.20 ...... 5.40 NAMAL Bank Fund 9.9124...... 9.5342 CONVENIENCE FOOD...... 11,640...... 1408.75 ...... 1500.00 ...... 1760.75 ...... 1435.00 ...... 1760.50 ...... 351.75 AMANA LIFE...... 104...... 9.40 ...... 9.10 ...... 9.40 ...... 9.00 ...... 9.00 ...... (0.40) NAMAL Growth Fund 149.066...... 139.1306 DANKOTUWA PORCEL...... 954,737...... 14.50 ...... 15.00 ...... 16.00 ...... 14.20 ...... 14.90 ...... 0.40 AMANA TAKAFUL...... 6,518...... 11.30 ...... 11.30 ...... 11.30 ...... 10.60 ...... 10.90 ...... (0.40) NAMAL High Yield Fund 24.7135...... 24.7135 DFCC BANK PLC...... 2,407,164...... 71.40 ...... 74.00 ...... 74.00 ...... 69.00 ...... 71.90 ...... 0.50 AMBEON HOLDINGS...... 734,938...... 23.70 ...... 24.60 ...... 24.90 ...... 23.70 ...... 24.20 ...... 0.50 NAMAL Income Fund 14.3899...... 14.3899 DIALOG...... 1,789,848...... 12.80 ...... 12.80 ...... 12.90 ...... 12.70 ...... 12.90 ...... 0.10 AMF CO LTD...... 4...... 339.25 ...... 361.00 ...... 361.00 ...... 361.00 ...... 339.25 ...... - National Equity Fund 36.5027...... 34.1465 NDB Wealth Gilt Edged Fund 18.6895...... 18.6895 DIMO...... 14,468...... 591.00 ...... 597.75 ...... 600.00 ...... 580.75 ...... 599.50 ...... 8.50 ARPICO INSURANCE...... 12,346...... 23.50 ...... 23.90 ...... 23.90 ...... 22.30 ...... 23.70 ...... 0.20 NDB Wealth Growth & Income Fund 49.05...... 47.4 DIPPED PRODUCTS...... 3,533,330...... 441.00 ...... 475.00 ...... 625.00 ...... 475.00 ...... 576.00 ...... 135.00 ASIA SIYAKA...... 904,296...... 3.10 ...... 3.20 ...... 3.20 ...... 3.10 ...... 3.10 ...... - NDB Wealth Growth Fund 11.56...... 11.05 DOCKYARD...... 106,824...... 86.30 ...... 87.00 ...... 91.50 ...... 87.00 ...... 90.00 ...... 3.70 BANSEI RESORTS...... 21,279...... 10.30 ...... 10.70 ...... 10.70 ...... 9.80 ...... 9.80 ...... (0.50) NDB Wealth Income Fund 15.989...... 15.989 DOLPHIN HOTELS...... 6,927...... 25.10 ...... 25.60 ...... 26.90 ...... 25.60 ...... 26.00 ...... 0.90 BERUWALA RESORTS...... 142,280...... 0.90 ...... 1.00 ...... 1.00 ...... 0.90 ...... 1.00 ...... 0.10 NDB Wealth Income Plus Fund 17.0414...... 17.0414 DURDANS...... 44,479...... 102.25 ...... 103.00 ...... 108.00 ...... 102.50 ...... 102.50 ...... 0.25 BOGALA GRAPHITE...... 22,340...... 24.60 ...... 26.00 ...... 26.10 ...... 25.20 ...... 26.00 ...... 1.40 NDB Wealth Islamic Money Plus Fund 16.2905...... 16.2905 DURDANS [CHL.X0000]...... 100...... 97.10 ...... 94.00 ...... 94.00 ...... 94.00 ...... 94.00 ...... (3.10) BOGAWANTALAWA...... 5,915...... 13.80 ...... 13.80 ...... 14.00 ...... 13.50 ...... 13.60 ...... (0.20) NDB Wealth Money Fund 20.6072...... 20.6072 E B CREASY...... 1,199...... 7782.75 ...... 7700.00 ...... 7700.00 ...... 6600.00 ...... 6764.00 ....(#######) BPPL HOLDINGS...... 339,683...... 15.50 ...... 15.20 ...... 15.50 ...... 15.00 ...... 15.30 ...... (0.20) NDB Wealth Money Plus Fund 23.5298...... 23.5298 EAST WEST...... 273,954...... 12.70 ...... 12.50 ...... 12.80 ...... 12.50 ...... 12.60 ...... (0.10) BROWNS...... 390,286...... 152.25 ...... 153.00 ...... 170.00 ...... 140.00 ...... 168.50 ...... 16.25 Premier Growth Fund 7.02...... 6.67 EASTERN MERCHANT...... 90,692...... 7.10 ...... 7.10 ...... 7.50 ...... 7.00 ...... 7.10 ...... - BROWNS INVSTMNTS...... 88,859,160...... 6.80 ...... 6.70 ...... 6.80 ...... 6.50 ...... 6.60 ...... (0.20) Premier Money Market Fund 18.6142...... 18.6142 EXPOLANKA...... 7,203,378...... 51.30 ...... 51.00 ...... 51.90 ...... 49.00 ...... 50.70 ...... (0.60) C T LAND...... 13,005...... 31.50 ...... 31.90 ...... 33.10 ...... 31.90 ...... 32.40 ...... 0.90 Softlogic Equity Fund 127.356...... 121.0604 FORT LAND...... 297,216...... 17.40 ...... 17.50 ...... 18.30 ...... 17.10 ...... 17.90 ...... 0.50 C.W.MACKIE...... 7,644...... 53.90 ...... 53.90 ...... 56.00 ...... 50.00 ...... 51.20 ...... (2.70) Softlogic Money Market Fund 104.1384...... 104.1384 GESTETNER...... 2,106...... 90.10 ...... 100.75 ...... 100.75 ...... 92.10 ...... 98.40 ...... 8.30 CEYLON BEVERAGE...... 15...... 754.00 ...... 750.00 ...... 770.00 ...... 750.00 ...... 754.00 ...... - GRAIN ELEVATORS...... 251,939...... 126.00 ...... 125.00 ...... 134.00 ...... 122.00 ...... 128.75 ...... 2.75 CEYLON TEA BRKRS...... 177,270...... 4.10 ...... 4.10 ...... 4.10 ...... 4.00 ...... 4.00 ...... (0.10) Unit holders can contact relevant Fund Managers to obtain Unit Prices for redemptions within HAYCARB...... 402,578...... 770.25 ...... 845.00 ...... 1155.25 ...... 845.00 ...... 1154.25 ...... 384.00 CFI...... 3,276...... 79.60 ...... 80.00 ...... 85.00 ...... 80.00 ...... 85.00 ...... 5.40 short duration from the date of investment where exit fee is applicable. HAYLEYS...... 1,833,706...... 577.50 ...... 720.00 ...... 860.00 ...... 630.00 ...... 780.00 ...... 202.50 CIT...... 867...... 119.50 ...... 119.50 ...... 148.50 ...... 119.50 ...... 127.25 ...... 7.75 HAYLEYS FABRIC...... 11,420,179...... 33.30 ...... 35.00 ...... 41.60 ...... 34.90 ...... 41.50 ...... 8.20 CITRUS HIKKADUWA...... 204,722...... 6.20 ...... 6.20 ...... 6.30 ...... 6.00 ...... 6.20 ...... - HAYLEYS FIBRE...... 116,361...... 146.00 ...... 169.00 ...... 255.50 ...... 165.00 ...... 255.25 ...... 109.25 CITRUS WASKADUWA...... 573,429...... 4.10 ...... 3.90 ...... 4.10 ...... 3.90 ...... 3.90 ...... (0.20) HDFC...... 35,471...... 46.80 ...... 48.00 ...... 48.00 ...... 44.00 ...... 44.10 ...... (2.70) COM.CREDIT...... 64,297...... 28.50 ...... 29.50 ...... 29.50 ...... 26.70 ...... 27.30 ...... (1.20) Ex­change Rates 21 Jan. 2021 HEMAS HOLDINGS...... 1,308,147...... 95.10 ...... 95.00 ...... 95.10 ...... 93.50 ...... 94.10 ...... (1.00) COMMERCIAL DEV...... 1,220...... 117.75 ...... 117.25 ...... 120.50 ...... 117.25 ...... 119.75 ...... 2.00 (1) The average rates of the following (2) The approximate exchange rates HNB...... 888,361...... 139.50 ...... 140.00 ...... 141.50 ...... 137.00 ...... 138.25 ...... (1.25) DILMAH CEYLON...... 172...... 681.00 ...... 682.00 ...... 700.00 ...... 680.00 ...... 697.25 ...... 16.25 currencies quoted by commercial of GULF currencies based on previous banks in Colombo for Telegraphic Trans- day’s market weighted average rate for HNB ASSURANCE...... 531,771...... 60.00 ...... 60.50 ...... 61.40 ...... 59.90 ...... 60.50 ...... 0.50 E - CHANNELLING...... 56,310...... 7.20 ...... 7.20 ...... 7.30 ...... 7.00 ...... 7.00 ...... (0.20) fers (TT) at 9.30 a.m. are as follows. the US$ are as follows. HNB [HNB.X0000]...... 1,975,578...... 121.00 ...... 121.50 ...... 122.50 ...... 116.75 ...... 117.50 ...... (3.50) EDEN HOTEL LANKA...... 752,455...... 13.10 ...... 13.40 ...... 13.60 ...... 12.40 ...... 13.40 ...... 0.30 CURRENCY BUYING RATE...... SELLING RATE COUNTRY CURRENCY...... INDICATIVE RATE HORANA...... 62,002...... 23.60 ...... 24.00 ...... 25.40 ...... 23.30 ...... 25.20 ...... 1.60 ELPITIYA...... 152,717...... 53.10 ...... 52.40 ...... 53.50 ...... 51.80 ...... 52.50 ...... (0.60) Australian Dollar 149.1749...... 154.4735 Bahrain Bahrain Dinar...... 516.6302 HOTEL SIGIRIYA...... 1,339...... 69.50 ...... 67.00 ...... 70.00 ...... 67.00 ...... 69.90 ...... 0.40 EQUITY TWO PLC...... 50...... 58.90 ...... 58.70 ...... 58.70 ...... 58.70 ...... 58.90 ...... - Canadian Dollar 151.8469...... 157.7670 Kuwait Kuwait Dinar...... 643.2586 HOTELS CORP...... 2,104...... 13.20 ...... 13.20 ...... 13.20 ...... 12.90 ...... 13.10 ...... (0.10) FORTRESS RESORTS...... 4,710...... 12.40 ...... 12.00 ...... 12.40 ...... 12.00 ...... 12.10 ...... (0.30) Chinese Yuan (Renminbi) 29.0023...... 30.7760 Oman Oman Rial...... 505.9557 Euro 232.6594...... 240.3180 Qatar Qatar Riyal...... 53.5012 HUNTERS...... 58...... 698.50 ...... 680.00 ...... 680.00 ...... 675.00 ...... 698.50 ...... - GALADARI...... 432,186...... 9.40 ...... 9.50 ...... 10.00 ...... 9.50 ...... 9.90 ...... 0.50 Japanese Yen 1.8707...... 1.9174 Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian Riyal...... 51.9385 INDUSTRIAL ASPH...... 80,928,361...... 0.50 ...... 0.50 ...... 0.60 ...... 0.40 ...... 0.60 ...... 0.10 GUARDIAN CAPITAL...... 3,176...... 34.20 ...... 34.60 ...... 34.60 ...... 34.20 ...... 34.50 ...... 0.30 Singapore Dollar 145.1007...... 149.8858 UAE UAE Dirham...... 53.0330 JANASHAKTHI INS...... 110,402...... 30.50 ...... 31.00 ...... 31.50 ...... 30.00 ...... 30.10 ...... (0.40) HAPUGASTENNE...... 2,349...... 17.60 ...... 18.40 ...... 18.40 ...... 18.40 ...... 18.40 ...... 0.80 Sterling Pound 263.4662...... 270.9590 JKH...... 4,049,530...... 157.00 ...... 157.00 ...... 162.00 ...... 157.00 ...... 162.00 ...... 5.00 HARISCHANDRA...... 752...... 4491.00 ...... 4400.00 ...... 4400.00 ...... 4380.00 ...... 4400.00 ...... (91.00) Swiss Franc 215.6624...... 223.6000 KAHAWATTE...... 8,636...... 31.20 ...... 31.00 ...... 31.10 ...... 30.30 ...... 31.00 ...... (0.20) HATTON...... 120,311...... 9.30 ...... 9.10 ...... 9.70 ...... 9.10 ...... 9.70 ...... 0.40 US Dollar 193.1600...... 197.6800 KANDY HOTELS...... 17,027...... 5.70 ...... 5.80 ...... 5.90 ...... 5.70 ...... 5.80 ...... 0.10 HNB FINANCE...... 149,474...... 10.40 ...... 10.40 ...... 10.50 ...... 10.00 ...... 10.10 ...... (0.30) KEGALLE...... 51,831...... 120.50 ...... 120.00 ...... 150.00 ...... 115.00 ...... 141.25 ...... 20.75 HNB FINANCE [HNBF-X-0000]...... 66,420...... 9.10 ...... 9.00 ...... 9.00 ...... 8.80 ...... 8.80 ...... (0.30) KELANI CABLES...... 207,474...... 182.25 ...... 182.25 ...... 187.00 ...... 175.50 ...... 180.25 ...... (2.00) JETWING SYMPHONY...... 7,850...... 10.10 ...... 10.10 ...... 10.30 ...... 10.00 ...... 10.00 ...... (0.10) Market Indicators 21 Jan. 2021 KELANI TYRES...... 1,091,370...... 100.00 ...... 102.50 ...... 111.50 ...... 100.00 ...... 109.75 ...... 9.75 JOHN KEELLS...... 12,150...... 65.60 ...... 67.90 ...... 70.00 ...... 67.90 ...... 69.80 ...... 4.20 Price indices Today...... Previous day KELANI VALLEY...... 279,964...... 82.00 ...... 83.60 ...... 105.00 ...... 83.60 ...... 94.00 ...... 12.00 KEELLS FOOD...... 13,858...... 142.50 ...... 150.00 ...... 153.00 ...... 143.50 ...... 150.00 ...... 7.50 CSE ALL SHARE INDEX 8,131.25...... 7,884.45 KINGSBURY...... 544,884...... 12.30 ...... 12.30 ...... 15.30 ...... 12.20 ...... 14.80 ...... 2.50 KEELLS HOTELS...... 394,244...... 11.20 ...... 11.20 ...... 11.50 ...... 11.10 ...... 11.30 ...... 0.10 S&P SL 20 INDEX 3,196.73...... 3,096.35 KOTAGALA...... 504,844...... 7.10 ...... 7.20 ...... 7.30 ...... 7.00 ...... 7.10 ...... - LANKA CERAMIC...... 13,072...... 142.25 ...... 149.00 ...... 177.00 ...... 142.25 ...... 176.50 ...... 34.25 TRI ON ALL SHARES *********...... ********* L O L C HOLDINGS...... 3,012,627...... 231.75 ...... 236.00 ...... 289.50 ...... 235.00 ...... 281.00 ...... 49.25 LANKEM CEYLON...... 5,681...... 32.00 ...... 32.00 ...... 33.00 ...... 31.50 ...... 32.00 ...... - TRI ON S&P SL SHARES 5,250.34...... 5,085.47 LAKE HOUSE PRIN...... 48...... 168.25 ...... 157.25 ...... 158.25 ...... 157.25 ...... 168.25 ...... - LAUGFS POWER...... 121,637...... 13.20 ...... 13.20 ...... 13.20 ...... 12.60 ...... 13.00 ...... (0.20) EQUITIES : VALUE OF TURNOVER(Rs.) 14,202,424,465...... 9,370,172,153 LANKA ALUMINIUM...... 207,269...... 146.00 ...... 145.00 ...... 155.00 ...... 130.50 ...... 148.25 ...... 2.25 LAUGFS POWER [LPL-X-0000]...... 208,683...... 8.90 ...... 9.00 ...... 9.00 ...... 8.20 ...... 8.30 ...... (0.60) DOMESTIC PURCHASE 14,067,153,703...... 9,245,624,499 LANKA ASHOK...... 9...... 900.00 ...... 883.00 ...... 883.00 ...... 880.25 ...... 900.00 ...... - LIGHTHOUSE HOTEL...... 405...... 38.80 ...... 36.80 ...... 36.80 ...... 36.80 ...... 36.80 ...... (2.00) DOMESTIC SALES 13,601,046,126...... 8,595,980,220 LANKA HOSPITALS...... 46,467...... 55.00 ...... 55.60 ...... 55.80 ...... 53.00 ...... 53.90 ...... (1.10) LOTUS HYDRO...... 166,956...... 11.00 ...... 11.40 ...... 11.40 ...... 11.00 ...... 11.30 ...... 0.30 FOREIGN PURCHASE 135,270,762...... 124,547,654 LANKA IOC...... 940,104...... 28.40 ...... 28.00 ...... 28.40 ...... 26.60 ...... 27.10 ...... (1.30) MAHAWELI COCONUT...... 13,954...... 28.60 ...... 29.30 ...... 29.30 ...... 26.10 ...... 28.30 ...... (0.30) FOREIGN SALES 601,378,339...... 774,191,933 LANKA REALTY...... 3,136...... 37.00 ...... 37.00 ...... 37.10 ...... 37.00 ...... 37.10 ...... 0.10 MAHAWELI REACH...... 150...... 16.80 ...... 16.60 ...... 16.60 ...... 16.10 ...... 16.10 ...... (0.70) VOLUME OF TURNOVER(NO.) 377,652,229...... 287,957,121 LANKA TILES...... 1,134,734...... 186.25 ...... 198.00 ...... 232.75 ...... 198.00 ...... 232.75 ...... 46.50 MARAWILA RESORTS...... 435,603...... 2.30 ...... 2.30 ...... 2.30 ...... 2.20 ...... 2.20 ...... (0.10) DOMESTIC 370,564,913...... 281,626,679 LANKA VENTURES...... 21,170...... 55.00 ...... 55.20 ...... 55.20 ...... 52.10 ...... 53.30 ...... (1.70) MASKELIYA...... 11,500...... 14.10 ...... 14.30 ...... 14.30 ...... 14.00 ...... 14.00 ...... (0.10) FOREIGN 7,087,316...... 6,330,442 TRADES (NO.) 67,831...... 49,876 LANKA WALLTILE...... 658,699...... 186.25 ...... 196.00 ...... 232.75 ...... 196.00 ...... 232.75 ...... 46.50 MILLENNIUM HOUSE...... 106,118...... 7.00 ...... 6.90 ...... 6.90 ...... 6.80 ...... 6.90 ...... (0.10) DOMESTIC 67,026...... 48,988 LAUGFS GAS...... 80,473...... 28.00 ...... 26.60 ...... 28.50 ...... 26.60 ...... 28.10 ...... 0.10 NUWARA ELIYA...... 1...... 1145.25 ...... 1005.00 ...... 1005.00 ...... 1005.00 ...... 1145.25 ...... - FOREIGN 805...... 888 LAUGFS GAS [LGL.X0000]...... 125,575...... 22.50 ...... 22.50 ...... 23.20 ...... 22.00 ...... 22.80 ...... 0.30 ON’ALLY...... 1,015...... 34.90 ...... 35.70 ...... 35.70 ...... 33.00 ...... 33.00 ...... (1.90) LISTED COMPANIES (NO.) 283...... 283 LAXAPANA...... 367,035...... 14.70 ...... 14.70 ...... 15.00 ...... 14.50 ...... 14.60 ...... (0.10) ORIENT FINANCE...... 115,301...... 15.00 ...... 14.80 ...... 15.00 ...... 13.30 ...... 14.80 ...... (0.20) TRADED COMPANIES (NO.) 276...... 272 LB FINANCE...... 359,618...... 186.50 ...... 200.00 ...... 225.00 ...... 196.50 ...... 221.00 ...... 34.50 PALM GARDEN HOTL...... 1,936...... 31.50 ...... 28.00 ...... 30.50 ...... 28.00 ...... 30.30 ...... (1.20) MARKET PRICE EARNINGS RATIO(PER) 13.523...... 13.1125 LEE HEDGES...... 17,458...... 79.00 ...... 78.50 ...... 78.90 ...... 76.50 ...... 76.70 ...... (2.30) PEGASUS HOTELS...... 210...... 39.30 ...... 35.80 ...... 39.50 ...... 35.80 ...... 39.00 ...... (0.30) MARKET PRICE TO BOOK VALUE (PBV) 1.3469...... 1.306 MARKET DIVIDEND YIELD (DY) 2.2...... 2.3 LION BREWERY...... 30,003...... 591.25 ...... 585.00 ...... 587.75 ...... 580.00 ...... 580.00 ...... (11.25) PEOPLE’S MERCH...... 10,352...... 9.70 ...... 9.70 ...... 9.70 ...... 9.70 ...... 9.70 ...... - MARKET CAPITALIZATION (Rs.) 3,554,485,108,682...... 3,446,596,841,979 LMF...... 275,200...... 156.75 ...... 158.00 ...... 179.00 ...... 158.00 ...... 174.25 ...... 17.50 PRIME FINANCE...... 21,272...... 13.80 ...... 13.80 ...... 14.00 ...... 13.50 ...... 13.50 ...... (0.30) LVL ENERGY...... 349,717...... 10.10 ...... 10.10 ...... 10.10 ...... 9.80 ...... 10.10 ...... - RAIGAM SALTERNS...... 184,003...... 6.80 ...... 6.80 ...... 6.80 ...... 6.60 ...... 6.80 ...... - MALWATTE...... 179,310...... 11.60 ...... 12.10 ...... 13.00 ...... 12.00 ...... 12.80 ...... 1.20 RAMBODA FALLS...... 937...... 19.00 ...... 20.80 ...... 20.80 ...... 19.30 ...... 19.30 ...... 0.30 MALWATTE [MAL.X0000]...... 90,929...... 9.00 ...... 8.60 ...... 9.20 ...... 8.60 ...... 9.10 ...... 0.10 RENUKA CAPITAL...... 648,300...... 8.30 ...... 8.30 ...... 8.60 ...... 8.30 ...... 8.30 ...... - 1. Overnight Money Market Transactions MELSTACORP...... 967,797...... 60.20 ...... 60.00 ...... 62.10 ...... 59.40 ...... 61.20 ...... 1.00 RENUKA HOTELS...... 3...... 70.00 ...... 70.00 ...... 70.00 ...... 70.00 ...... 70.00 ...... - Call Money Market...... Repo Market MERC. SHIPPING...... 100...... 94.60 ...... 90.90 ...... 90.90 ...... 90.90 ...... 90.90 ...... (3.70) RICH PIERIS EXP...... 4,144...... 348.50 ...... 350.00 ...... 375.00 ...... 345.00 ...... 365.25 ...... 16.75 Weighted Average Rate (%) 4.54...... 4.55 MERCHANT BANK...... 165,606...... 9.00 ...... 9.10 ...... 9.20 ...... 8.80 ...... 8.90 ...... (0.10) ROYAL PALMS...... 1,000...... 18.20 ...... 18.00 ...... 18.00 ...... 18.00 ...... 18.00 ...... (0.20) Minimum Rate (%) 4.52...... 4.53 MULLERS...... 412,295...... 1.40 ...... 1.50 ...... 1.50 ...... 1.30 ...... 1.30 ...... (0.10) SATHOSA MOTORS...... 11...... 255.00 ...... 241.75 ...... 255.00 ...... 241.75 ...... 255.00 ...... - Maximum Rate (%) 4.55...... 4.65 NAMUNUKULA...... 2,725...... 180.00 ...... 182.00 ...... 188.75 ...... 182.00 ...... 182.00 ...... 2.00 SERENDIB ENG.GRP...... 64,761...... 7.00 ...... 7.00 ...... 7.00 ...... 6.60 ...... 6.80 ...... (0.20) Total Gross amount (Rs. million) 2,750...... 10,207 NAT. DEV. BANK...... 787,940...... 93.70 ...... 95.00 ...... 98.00 ...... 92.00 ...... 95.30 ...... 1.60 SERENDIB HOTELS...... 13,473...... 17.30 ...... 17.60 ...... 17.60 ...... 17.00 ...... 17.40 ...... 0.10 Total Net amount (Rs. million) 2,750...... 10,207 NATIONS TRUST...... 409,106...... 66.70 ...... 66.80 ...... 66.80 ...... 64.50 ...... 66.10 ...... (0.60) SERENDIB HOTELS [SHOT.X0000]...... 2,100...... 10.80 ...... 10.50 ...... 10.50 ...... 10.50 ...... 10.50 ...... (0.30) NAWALOKA...... 123,363...... 5.80 ...... 5.80 ...... 5.80 ...... 5.60 ...... 5.70 ...... (0.10) SINGER IND...... 42,187...... 91.70 ...... 96.00 ...... 114.50 ...... 96.00 ...... 114.50 ...... 22.80 2. Use of the CBSL Standing Facility NESTLE...... 1,272...... 1264.50 ...... 1264.50 ...... 1285.00 ...... 1264.50 ...... 1277.50 ...... 13.00 SINGHE HOSPITALS...... 100,701...... 3.10 ...... 3.20 ...... 3.20 ...... 3.00 ...... 3.10 ...... - Standing Deposit Facility (Rs. million)...... 160,117 OVERSEAS REALTY...... 3,992,280...... 15.00 ...... 15.10 ...... 15.30 ...... 14.80 ...... 15.00 ...... - SINHAPUTHRA FIN [SFL.P0000].....13,956...... 4.60 ...... 4.90 ...... 4.90 ...... 4.60 ...... 4.60 ...... - Standing Lending Facility (Rs. million)...... - PAN ASIA...... 1,590,932...... 18.70 ...... 18.90 ...... 18.90 ...... 17.50 ...... 18.10 ...... (0.60) SOFTLOGIC...... 280,376...... 13.40 ...... 13.10 ...... 13.50 ...... 13.10 ...... 13.40 ...... - 3. CBSL Treasury Bill/Bonds Holdings PANASIAN POWER...... 3,557,325...... 4.10 ...... 4.00 ...... 4.10 ...... 3.90 ...... 4.00 ...... (0.10) SOFTLOGIC CAP...... 610,920...... 4.50 ...... 4.40 ...... 4.70 ...... 4.40 ...... 4.50 ...... - Face Value (Rs. million)...... 731,246.88 PEOPLE’S INS...... 578,452...... 30.20 ...... 29.70 ...... 30.80 ...... 28.80 ...... 29.80 ...... (0.40) SOFTLOGIC FIN...... 81,225...... 13.10 ...... 12.90 ...... 13.50 ...... 12.00 ...... 13.30 ...... 0.20 Book Value (Rs. million)...... 717,274.12 PEOPLES LEASING...... 1,370,824...... 15.10 ...... 15.40 ...... 15.40 ...... 14.70 ...... 14.90 ...... (0.20) SWADESHI...... 4...... 18324.80 ...... 21500.00 ...... 21500.00 ...... 21500.00 .....18324.80 ...... - PIRAMAL GLASS...... 6,970,546...... 10.30 ...... 10.40 ...... 10.40 ...... 9.90 ...... 10.10 ...... (0.20) SOFTLOGIC LIFE...... 402,115...... 34.00 ...... 34.00 ...... 34.10 ...... 33.10 ...... 33.50 ...... (0.50) TOP 10 GAINERS PRINTCARE PLC...... 6,484...... 34.00 ...... 34.00 ...... 34.50 ...... 33.40 ...... 33.70 ...... (0.30) TAL LANKA...... 11,520...... 16.30 ...... 16.20 ...... 16.50 ...... 16.00 ...... 16.30 ...... - R I L PROPERTY...... 1,867,922...... 8.50 ...... 8.40 ...... 8.50 ...... 8.20 ...... 8.30 ...... (0.20) TRANS ASIA...... 1...... 65.10 ...... 70.00 ...... 70.00 ...... 70.00 ...... 65.10 ...... - Company VWA VWA Change Change REGNIS...... 582,169...... 115.50 ...... 122.00 ...... 144.25 ...... 122.00 ...... 144.25 ...... 28.75 UDAPUSSELLAWA...... 14,515...... 30.20 ...... 30.00 ...... 30.00 ...... 29.50 ...... 29.50 ...... (0.70) Prev. Close Days Close (Rs.) % RENUKA AGRI...... 1,245,970...... 4.90 ...... 5.00 ...... 5.00 ...... 4.70 ...... 4.80 ...... (0.10) UNION ASSURANCE...... 319...... 314.50 ...... 320.00 ...... 325.00 ...... 317.00 ...... 320.25 ...... 5.75 HAYLEYS FIBRE 146.00 ...... 255.25...... 109.25...... 74.83 HAYCARB 770.25 ...... 1,154.25...... 384.00...... 49.85 RENUKA CITY HOT...... 11,124...... 248.50 ...... 242.00 ...... 243.00 ...... 230.00 ...... 243.00 ...... (5.50) VALLIBEL ONE...... 16,735,397...... 44.50 ...... 47.00 ...... 55.60 ...... 47.00 ...... 55.50 ...... 11.00 HAYLEYS 577.50 ...... 780.00...... 202.50...... 35.06 RENUKA FOODS...... 57,988...... 17.90 ...... 18.00 ...... 18.00 ...... 17.00 ...... 17.80 ...... (0.10) WATCH LIST BLUE DIAMONDS 0.30 ...... 0.40...... 0.10...... 33.33 RENUKA FOODS [COCO.X0000]...... 14,511...... 14.30 ...... 14.30 ...... 14.30 ...... 13.90 ...... 14.00 ...... (0.30) ANILANA HOTELS...... 852,461...... 1.50 ...... 1.50 ...... 1.50 ...... 1.40 ...... 1.40 ...... (0.10) DIPPED PRODUCTS 441.00 ...... 576.00...... 135.00...... 30.61 ROYAL CERAMIC 215.75 ...... 278.75...... 63.00...... 29.20 RENUKA HOLDINGS...... 501,673...... 20.00 ...... 20.40 ...... 20.40 ...... 18.20 ...... 19.70 ...... (0.30) BIMPUTH FINANCE...... 25,125...... 10.00 ...... 10.00 ...... 10.10 ...... 9.10 ...... 9.50 ...... (0.50) SINGER SRI LANKA 66.00 ...... 82.50...... 16.50...... 25.00 RENUKA HOLDINGS [RHL.X0000]...87,879...... 14.20 ...... 14.00 ...... 14.50 ...... 14.00 ...... 14.40 ...... 0.20 BLUE DIAMONDS...... 25,382...... 0.80 ...... 0.70 ...... 0.80 ...... 0.70 ...... 0.80 ...... - CONVENIENCE FOOD 1,408.75 ...... 1,760.50...... 351.75...... 24.97 LANKA WALLTILE 186.25 ...... 232.75...... 46.50...... 24.97 RESUS ENERGY...... 16,686...... 27.00 ...... 27.00 ...... 27.00 ...... 26.90 ...... 27.00 ...... - BLUE DIAMONDS [BLUE.X0000].....38,609...... 0.30 ...... 0.30 ...... 0.40 ...... 0.30 ...... 0.40 ...... 0.10 LANKA TILES 186.25 ...... 232.75...... 46.50...... 24.97 RICHARD PIERIS...... 831,806...... 15.40 ...... 15.50 ...... 15.50 ...... 15.00 ...... 15.40 ...... - HUNAS FALLS...... 64...... 152.00 ...... 155.00 ...... 158.75 ...... 155.00 ...... 152.00 ...... - ROYAL CERAMIC...... 2,033,627...... 215.75 ...... 225.25 ...... 300.00 ...... 225.25 ...... 278.75 ...... 63.00 HVA FOODS...... 138,451...... 6.20 ...... 6.20 ...... 6.20 ...... 6.00 ...... 6.00 ...... (0.20) TOP 10 LOSERS S M B LEASING...... 4,524,093...... 0.70 ...... 0.70 ...... 0.80 ...... 0.70 ...... 0.70 ...... - LANKEM DEV...... 387,578...... 4.70 ...... 4.70 ...... 4.70 ...... 4.50 ...... 4.50 ...... (0.20) Company VWA VWA Change Change S M B LEASING [SEMB.X0000]...4,227,062...... 0.40 ...... 0.40 ...... 0.40 ...... 0.30 ...... 0.40 ...... - MACKWOODS ENERGY...... 243,996...... 3.70 ...... 3.60 ...... 3.70 ...... 3.50 ...... 3.60 ...... (0.10) E B CREASY 7,782.75 ...... 6,764.00 ...... -1,018.75...... -13.09 SAMPATH...... 3,632,132...... 166.75 ...... 167.00 ...... 169.50 ...... 162.25 ...... 165.50 ...... (1.25) MULTI FINANCE...... 17,704...... 9.20 ...... 9.20 ...... 9.20 ...... 8.90 ...... 8.90 ...... (0.30) NATION LANKA 1.00 ...... 0.90 ...... -0.10...... -10.00 AMANA BANK 3.90 ...... 3.60...... -0.30...... -7.69 SAMSON INTERNAT...... 513...... 151.00 ...... 150.25 ...... 150.25 ...... 148.25 ...... 150.00 ...... (1.00) NATION LANKA...... 1,685,860...... 1.00 ...... 1.00 ...... 1.00 ...... 0.90 ...... 0.90 ...... (0.10) MULLERS 1.40 ...... 1.30 ...... -0.10...... -7.14 SANASA DEV. BANK...... 790,658...... 66.10 ...... 67.00 ...... 68.00 ...... 64.00 ...... 65.90 ...... (0.20) RADIANT GEMS...... 355...... 29.30 ...... 30.80 ...... 30.80 ...... 29.10 ...... 29.10 ...... (0.20) LOLC DEV FINANCE 92.00 ...... 85.60...... -6.40...... -6.96 LAUGFS POWER 8.90 ...... 8.30...... -0.60...... -6.74 SEYLAN BANK...... 1,856,037...... 65.90 ...... 67.00 ...... 68.00 ...... 60.00 ...... 64.70 ...... (1.20) SINHAPUTHRA FIN...... 44,360...... 8.80 ...... 8.70 ...... 8.70 ...... 8.50 ...... 8.70 ...... (0.10) ANILANA HOTELS 1.50 ...... 1.40...... -0.10...... -6.67 SEYLAN BANK [SEYB.X0000].....7,086,865...... 55.80 ...... 57.00 ...... 60.00 ...... 50.60 ...... 57.50 ...... 1.70 STANDARD CAPITAL...... 988...... 86.40 ...... 90.00 ...... 90.50 ...... 88.50 ...... 90.00 ...... 3.60 TANGERINE 43.50 ...... 40.70...... -2.80...... -6.44 SEYLAN DEVTS...... 87,719...... 16.70 ...... 16.60 ...... 17.10 ...... 16.30 ...... 16.50 ...... (0.20) TESS AGRO...... 2,041,466...... 0.60 ...... 0.60 ...... 0.70 ...... 0.60 ...... 0.60 ...... - HDFC 46.80 ...... 44.10...... -2.70...... -5.77 ON’ALLY 34.90 ...... 33.00...... -1.90...... -5.44 SIERRA CABL...... 7,530,576...... 9.60 ...... 9.60 ...... 9.90 ...... 8.90 ...... 9.60 ...... - TESS AGRO [TESS.X0000]...... 61,399...... 0.60 ...... 0.50 ...... 0.60 ...... 0.50 ...... 0.60 ...... - 114 Friday, January 22, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk J-Lo criticised for Thought for ‘Let’s Get Loud’ reference the day “It is our attitude during Biden inauguration at the beginning of a Jennifer Lopez is getting some heat over her difficult task which, performance at Joe Biden’s inauguration ceremony on more than anything Wednesday (20). The 51-year-old star took to the stage else, will affect its to perform “This Land is Your Land” and “America successful outcome.” the Beautiful”. As her performance drew to a close, – William James the star sang the words “Let’s Get Loud” before diving back into the ending of “This Land is Your Land”. This has drawn plenty of negative reactions from viewers, many of whom suspected Lopez was using the inauguration brunch to promote her brand.

SLAF Air

Dog Unit selected for narcotic training, and it took roughly six months to train them up to standard. Wing Commander Kumarasinghe explained that these dogs will be used to eradicate the drug mafia in Working towards the country. “These dogs are also amazing actors,” he added. “They can also participate in air dog shows, for events like children’s day parades. a safer Sri Lanka Upon request, government and non-government organisations can also hire them for air dog shows.” A look at the SLAF Air Dog Challenges Speaking to The Morning Brunch, veterinary surgeon, SLAF Diyatalawa Explosive and Narcotic Unit as it graduates Detection Dog Course Officer in Charge, and SLAF BY VENESSA ANTHONY assistance to VIPs, clearance and checking of Squadron Leader (Dr.) L.K.H.R.T. Amarasiri aircraft, and protecting airfields. These dogs informed us that these dogs first underwent an With airports having officially opened to tourists yesterday (21), the Bandaranaike are also capable of providing security under the obedience training session, where they were International Airport, Katunayake (BIA) was a flurry of activity after nine months of requisition of the Police, military, or any private taught all the commands and how to respond to hiatus. The Air Dog Unit at the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Base in Katunayake held a organisation. They are also involved in tracking them. Next, they went through a session called toy “Passing Out Parade” on 13 January for the newly inducted Air Dogs of the Unit. The and search and rescue operations. training for a month, where they learned to get used event was held at Katunayake and Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sudarshana to explosives and narcotics. Training period He noted the biggest challenge of this training Pathirana reviewed the parade as the Chief Guest. The parade was attended by The dogs were brought down to Sri Lanka was obtaining real drugs to train the dogs, “We Director – Ground Operations Air Vice Marshal Camillus Labrooy, Southern Air from the Netherlands on 18 February 2020, already handled explosives so it wasn’t a problem Commander and SLAF Katunayake Base Commander Air Vice Marshal Udeni where they were then placed in the Diyatalawa to obtain them. Even having 2 g of drugs on you Rajapaksa, and a limited number of senior officers of the SLAF due to the health Combat Training School: Kennel Division under can get you sentenced to a lifetime in prison. Even restrictions which are in place. probation for a month, so they could adjust the Police usually use dummies in such training, The 20 Air Dogs who passed out and were to the vast climate change from their country but we wanted the dogs to reach a standard where inducted to the SLAF in the year 2020, were of birth. They began their training after the we can assure that they sniff out all drugs.” He from the Netherlands. These Air Dogs are month, with a focus on explosives detection and explained that they obtained drugs like heroin, made up of five Belgian malinois, five labrador narcotics detection, which Wing Commander cocaine, hash, and cannabis with the help of retrievers, five German shepherds, and five Kumarasinghe said, is the first time the SLAF the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board. English springer spaniels. They are specially undertook narcotics training. These Air Dogs and Handling narcotics is no easy task, as Dr. Amarasiri trained as sniffer dogs in detecting narcotic their handlers were especially trained with joint had to weigh them constantly to assure that nothing substances and will be deployed at international support and expertise of the Sri Lanka Police was amiss and ensure that these narcotics did not airports. Financial assistance for these Air Dogs Kennel Division in Asgiriya and the National fall into the wrong hands. “The Dangerous Drugs was provided by the Civil Aviation Authority of Dangerous Drugs Control Board where they were Control Board does not have the authority to give Sri Lanka. trained with the use of live samples of explosive out drugs to us; we had to obtain permission from and narcotic substances for the first time. the Director General – Health.” He added that they History of SLAF Air Dog Unit Out of the 20 dogs, the best eight were faced many obstacles, but overcame them and went The SLAF Air Dog Unit has a long history on with the training of these dogs. of service to the nation. Initially established involved in airfield defence operations, search Sri Lanka does not have proper machinery to on 23 August 1972, the Air Dog Unit was re- operations at all international airports of the detect narcotics as of yet, which is why the training designated as the No. 48 Regiment Wing in 2012 country, search and rescue operations during of these dogs needed to be so precise, so that the and further re-designated as the Air Dog Wing in situations of natural calamities, and explosive/ SLAF can make sure they are able to sniff out all early 2013. As of 16 July 2013 to date, the unit narcotic detection operations.” drugs, especially in the airport, even if hidden well. is known as the SLAF Air Dog Unit. The unit In 1985, 12 Air Dogs were inducted and in “Drugs are currently a big trend in the country, is commanded by Wing Commander Niroshan 1998, another 17 Air Dogs were inducted from and many people tend to get addicted and their Kumarasinghe. England. In 2006, another 12 Air Dogs were life is destroyed from there on. If these dogs can Speaking to The Morning Brunch, Wing inducted from Germany, and 10 more Air Dogs sniff out all the drugs incoming to the country, Commander Kumarasinghe said: “The SLAF were inducted from the Netherlands in 2013. we can actually prevent this and make life better Air Dog Unit functions under the purview of the Currently, there are 14 Air Dog Units in Sri for all citizens and help them live in a safe Director – Ground Operations and is actively Lanka to undertake various duties like providing environment,” Dr. Amarasiri stated.

Together we can: Enhance, Empower, and Engage the first day will focus on two primary various devices available to us. SLACD to host 5th biennial topics of “Early detection” and “Early The second day will be intervention”. She said that the focus dedicated to discussing behaviour science conference areas and sessions will discuss the and associated problems in children essential time periods in a child’s and adolescents, featuring common BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE only organisation in the medical development stages, particularly behavioural problems during field that not only features medical referring to the developing brain childhood and their management The Sri Lanka Association for specialists but also specialists from when it is at its smartest, which is at and the impact on child mental Child Development (SLACD) will be numerous other fields. Speaking its earliest, and the first month, first health. Additionally, the session hosting their fifth biennial to SLACD Treasurer and 1,000 days, three-year, and five-year to be held tomorrow will discuss science conference today paediatric neurologist Dr. milestones. Participants will also child protection issues in children (22) and tomorrow (23), Piyara Dilani Ratnayake, she get an introduction into the autism with disability, including a panel to be held at the Sri Lanka shared that the purpose of spectrum disorder (ASD), followed discussion on vocational training and Medical Association the SLACD is to promote, by a multidisciplinary assessment on integration into society. (SLMA) from 8 a.m. facilitate, and support the Visit www.slacd.lk and click on the ‘Conference 2021’ tab to register cerebral palsy. Many of the sessions will be onwards. advancement of knowledge She said that they will also focus carried out by specialists joining Themed “Together we and skills, research, and She said that it is an organisation developmental outcome for any and on exposure to electronic devices, in from abroad, representing their can: Enhance, Empower, interest in child development where professionals from multiple all children; not particularly paying particularly during these Covid times various fields of expertise and reputed and Engage”, the and developmental disorders fields get together in order to special attention to any particular where we are unable to be amongst institutions. conference will discuss a number of in children. She added that they, as work towards the common goal group, and focusing on achieving the people physically and often interact essentials for child development. The an organisation, have strived to apply of furthering child developmental best potential outcome in our work,” through screens. She also pointed Free registration is available SLACD encourages not only medical these purposes for the welfare of outcomes, and she provided that their she said. out that they will introduce access for virtual participation children concerned, their families, professionals but also parents to join focus groups prioritise all children for parents and caregivers to a tele- and you can register for the event; an online link is available and the community through activities and are not limited to children facing The conference health service. Additionally, they will for registration, for free. determined by the Council of the developmental challenges. “It is in Dr. Ratnayake shared that as the feature sessions on how to improve both days. Visit the SLACD The SLACD is at present the SLACD. order to provide for the best possible conference is broken into two days, development and learning through website at https://slacd.lk/. 124 brunch „„ www.themorning.lk { EVENTS } Friday, January 22, 2021

Twelve years ago, we were the only restaurant in the area; over the years, the whole place has evolved and has earned a name as the place to be at,” Gooneratne shared his thoughts on this commemorative day, speaking to The Canapes served at the celebration Morning Brunch. He added that Park Street has BY VENESSA ANTHONY been the pioneer for many events in bringing about foreign entertainment, Park Street Mews Restaurant, lit festivals, and many more. Speaking a stylish restaurant reflecting about their extensive menus, he shared a cool yet unpretentious that Park Street Mews Restaurant was the first to introduce homemade ice ambiance, was the first cream to the country, adding that all restaurant to pop up in the Park Street restaurants have many skilled chefs complex 12 long years ago. They that whip up the finest dishes for their celebrated this achievement customers. on Wednesday (20) in a night “We were the first movers and consisting of their signature shakers to take the bold step and start cocktails and canapes with the Mews up something of this nature. I’m happy pioneers of Park Street Mews that my staff has been with me for and members of the media. over 10 years; we’ve been through the April bombings to two waves of Covid “It has been an exciting journey – we have seen it all. Without them, bringing this unique, relaxing Asian this wouldn’t have been possible. I’m fusion restaurant concept to the Restaurant grateful to them and to their families city. The success of the restaurant set the trend with exciting cuisine, for the late nights we’ve done to keep is attributed to the loyal guests and this place alive and happening,” he to my staff that have continuously and guest chef appearances, such as the dinner event curated by Kumar shared proudly. supported me right through,” Harpo’s PHOTOS ESHAN DASANAYAKA Hotels, Cafes, and Restaurants Pereira of MasterChef Australia and MasterChef Australia All Stars, added Founder/CEO Harpo Gooneratne TURNSstay positive during these challenging reflecting great hospitality12 to engage variety that was enjoyed by all. said, speaking at the event. times. We look forward to serving you those who share the same passion. “We continue to offer great Some of the popular entertainment all for years to come,” he added. The menu presents a selection of and promotional events co-ordinated food, quality service, and a welcome In 2013, the restaurant was Asian fusion dishes, chef’s specials, atmosphere for all to enjoy, while we by Park street Mews Restaurant are refurbished to include the now popular and weekly deals crafted and served Beatlemania, Ghalib Ghallab jazz trio Curve Tapas Bar and Restaurant, to satisfaction. Its unique culinary from Las Vegas, monthly soul funk DJ established as the go-to place for live offerings, consistent quality, warm events, and lit talks and book signing music and great cocktails, and for service, and stellar ambiance have kept Park Street Restaurant is events by well-known authors as part introducing tapas culture in Colombo. customers coming back for the past of the Galle Literary Festival. an old warehouse – a funky Entertainment highlights at the bar many years. environment that had never been “Park Street Restaurant is an old featured Proteus from Hong Kong The resident chefs, who are an warehouse – a funky environment done before. Twelve years ago, Desserts served at the celebration and Natalya from Toronto, along integral part of the restaurant’s journey, that had never been done before. we were the only restaurant in with well-known local talent featured the area; over the years, the whole regularly. place has evolved and has earned Park Street Mews offers delightful a name as the place to be at fusion cuisine, with its own range Harpo’s Hotels, Cafes, of delicious homemade ice cream, and Restaurants Founder/CEO premium liquor, fine wines, local Harpo Gooneratne and imported beer, and fresh juices,

Harpo’s Group Park Street Mews Corporate Award-winning Director – Public Restaurant etiquette trainer media Relations Dharshini Chef Bertrand and TV host personality The staff at Park Street Mews restaurant Harpo Gooneratne Sumanasekera Dubois JC Kumar de Silva Savithri Rodrigo ‘BEATS OF ONE NATION’ For music-loving islanders

courtesy of Sri Lanka Unites Anjana, from Kandy Esala, from Gampaha Janeth, from Colombo BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE Unites has its offices, with 178 contestants participating, from

Sri Lanka Unites (SLU) will which they shortlisted a total of 19. Once Randhir and his team had The main objective behind this be hosting an online event project of Beats of One Nation is for the “Beats of One Nation” their input, seven participants were finalised. Hakkani added that these to foster unity Season 2 album launch, seven fresh talents they discovered and harmony amongst which will be livestreamed represent all ethnic and religious all Sri Lankans. Music has the on 23 January at 6:00 p.m. groups in Sri Lanka. capacity to bring event, thereby giving them the science, medicine, and law. Music “The main objective behind this the various communities ability to reach youth who are at a and arts are often not options to Headed by Sri Lankan rapper in Sri Lanka together Randhir Witana, who has been project of Beats of One Nation is to higher risk of engaging in violent pursue. “We believe an initiative that volunteering with the Sri Lanka foster unity and harmony amongst all Beats of One extremism. helps them experience the possibility Unites music department for Sri Lankans. Music has the capacity Nation Project Manager He also pointed out that it is of a career in the arts will also have a long time, Beats of a Nation to bring the various communities Hakkani Majeed important to note that in developing a positive impact on society,” he Neelambary, from Jaffna in Sri Lanka together,” explained countries such as Sri Lanka, parents expressed. had its very first edition back in student leaders from all 25 districts Majeed. SLU has ten years of mainly emphasise on academia and The event will feature the seven 2018. The event’s success was at their annual conference, and this celebrated, and even honoured experience with engaging over 3,500 moulding a career for oneself out of finalists performing six original has proven to be a great pilot for this traditional choices like commerce, tracks, created entirely for the event, with a visit by the US Embassy theory, he further added. Deputy Assistant Secretary of with the music composition courtesy He stated that young men and State Daniel Rosenblum, who of Ken Lappen Studios and lyrics women of various backgrounds have visited the organising team and penned by Chamath Nalaka and the concert participants during a had their first positive experience Uthpala Maduwanthi. Additionally, recording session. across ethno-religious lines, often as audiences can look forward to guest The Beats of One Nation concert a result of the music and arts section performances by Randhir and The Singing Potatoes. stands above most live musical events at their conference, and as they look SLU invites music lovers around held in and around the island, as it to engage the broader audience the country to tune in on Sunday, and features fresh talent from all corners across the nation, he shared that they join their fresh young talented artists of Sri Lanka. have learned that initiatives such as from across the island who will be Beats of One Nation Project Beats of One Nation, with celebrity accompanied by some of Sri Lanka’s Manager Hakkani Majeed shared musicians and diverse local talents, most popular musicians. that they held auditions in all Abdullah, from Puttalam will attract a new audience that may Hemashi, from Matara Sadushi, from Colombo eight provinces where Sri Lanka not usually attend a reconciliation PHOTOS © BEATS OF ONE NATION brunch 134 Friday, January 22, 2021 { CAUSE/LIFESTYLE } „„ www.themorning.lk

The famous landspeeder shot in Lucas’ Star Wars (1978)

Akash Sunethkumara in conversation with Robert Dalva

BY KAVISHNA WIJESINGHE How CGI affects editing Rendering CGI (computer- Robert Dalva, the Academy Award-nominated film editor behind generated imagery) elements used flicks such as Jumanji (1995), The Black Stallion (1979), Captain to take such a long time back when America: The First Avenger (2011), and Jurassic Park III (2001) movies like Jumanji were made in the spoke to the High School Junkies about his extensive film career. THE ART 90s. Robert reminisced an instance where the shot of a CGI lion leaping down from the third floor was the The San Francisco-based first shot that they handed over to 78-year-old veteran was also a ILM (Industrial Light & Magic). director for a plethora of commercials OF EDITING And it was also the last shot that they and also helmed The Black Stallion got back. Nowadays the time taken Returns (1983), the sequel to the to render CGI is less than it used to original for which he was nominated with Robert Dalva be and greatly speeds up the editing for an Oscar. As Akash Sunethkumara process too. needled him for insight into his them feel something by staying ahead drive the rhythm and also the extensive career and the art of film of the audience at all times. He added story, instead of the audio. About Advice to young filmmakers editing, here’s what we learned: that bad editing will take the audience dealing with “snowblindness” or the Robert stated that the great out of the movie, for instance if a shot condition where a creator becomes difference between his time and now Entry into the industry is too long or too short – the audience impervious to the flaws of his work is that the most expensive parts of Robert got into the film business of a floating vehicle by adding angled might not know the reason but they do from constant viewing, he advises filmmaking are no longer expensive. when he was a student at university. mirrors to the underside of the speeder. feel something amiss subconsciously. screening versions to test audiences Whilst camera equipment can cost a He managed to acquire work as an He worked as an assistant for a week or friends in order to determine what bit, getting a shot stored on media is active member of the fraternity that to Verna Fields who was the editor How editing has evolved works and what does not. no longer expensive. Back in the day, controlled the movie programme. on Steven Spielberg’s Jaws. The duo (if at all!) film stock could cost a fortune. And He was running the film booking worked together on propaganda films When questioned as to whether Dealing with a smart audience with smartphones, there is hardly any Everyone sees better editing and started screening movies which for the US. Robert’s Oscar-nominated editing as an artform has evolved excuse not to make films. Robert’s nowadays due to content being piqued the interest of college students turn as editor for The Black Stallion through the years, Robert opined that parting advice was to hunt bombarded constantly via social and resulted in the programme landed him the gig as the director of it’s the same process with different down opportunities, media and streaming services. turning a profit. He applied to USC its sequel by direct invitation from tools. He believes that editing is unique contact producers, and As a result, people are easily (University of Southern California) legendary filmmaker Francis Ford try to get a job no matter to filmmaking while the other four able to identify good editing where he learned all five main areas of Coppola himself. how small and to work (camera, sound, writing, and directing) as the digital age has filmmaking (writing, camera, directing, your way up. have existed in other forms of media. provided a passive sound, and editing). While at USC, he Robert believes that film It’s all about How a veteran edits education to the the passion. met future filmmakers such as George is about emotion audience. Therefore, Robert also finds rhythm in Lucas, Walter Milius, and Walter While it can teach the audience gaining more experience his footage. The rhythm comes Murch amongst others who were later something, it’s all about making in the field from performance of the actors and dubbed The Dirty Dozen. the audience feel something by of editing storytelling. Robert cuts “by feeling” – movement of camera, the dialogue is also Robert Dalva delivery. The edit accentuates and Creating iconic work in an instinctive manner. He stated that to consume in action Robert worked on the famous cutting is all about how you respond exaggerates certain rhythms. He more content landspeeder shot in Lucas’ Star Wars and how you see. And a good editor advises against editing to a beat, consciously. (1978) where he created the illusion can manipulate the audience and make as he believes the picture should THE MONSTERS Huawei rolls out UNDER THE EMUI 11 for tablets Huawei debuted its EMUI 11 interface BED ARE REAL update at the Huawei Developer Conference spoken and reported areas in 2020 (Together), which By the criminal justice system, aims to offer a better UI mainly due to the fact (user interface), more Raneesha intuitive interaction, and that on most occasions, PHOTO THE GUARDIAN De Silva the perpetrator is better device integration, well known (adult among other features. With The grooming them and in turn s/he will experience Seeing the word “pandemic” itself authoritative figures the update having begun feel the “weight” of apps, process mostly happens victim blaming; 3) threaten to harm the rolling out to a wide range is distressing by now, but hear me out labelled as “safe” by and greater fluidity in over a long period of child/family member/pet. If the victim of Huawei devices in for a second. I assure you that it gets parents) to the victim the process when sliding better…(well, not exactly. Today’s time, over a few months responds with silence, confusion and/ December 2020, Huawei through applications in (e.g., family member, family announced that it will soon column is morbid, but essential). and sometimes even years or fear, the perpetrator will justify it as the background, as well as friends, teachers, and priests). (!). The process is extremely compliance. be available for its range of Whilst the rest of the world had more pronounced effects It is an important disclaimer subtle that it may not feel and/or look The sexual grooming process tablets as well. to slow down and re-evaluate their when users press harder on to state that not all individuals who like “textbook abuse”, which is why is now easier more than ever due to The new EMUI’s lifestyle during lockdown periods, the screen – blurring the prey on children are individuals with it is easy to go unnoticed by not only easy, affordable, and anonymous use primary difference is an certain individuals rather thrived on the line between digital and paedophilic sexual interests. Yes, it is bystanders, but also by the victim him/ of the internet. The growing need of upgraded look and feel, opportunity that vulnerable populations physical interactions. true that the sexual interest in children herself. Isolated children with low self- appropriate sex education for both Huawei noted, with a such as women and children will be Huawei also noted is termed as “paedophilia”. However, esteem, and unstable and dysfunctional children and adults is substantial. How design based on research socially isolated. Complaints of gender- the addition of numerous a mere interest is not a crime, unless family background (e.g., single do you expect children to recognise into human factors to based violence and child sexual abuse gestures for easier an act was committed. Contrary to the mothers/parental drug abuse) easily fall and report “bad touch”, if they do present not only improved skyrocketed in Sri Lanka. navigation, such as a popular notion, not all individuals who prey to the sexual grooming process. not know which actions constitute visuals, but a streamlined simple downward swipe to This is a vast area to speak In a snapshot (sorry, no flowery it? Do not allow cultural factors to interaction experience about: Why do people physically, engage in sexual acts with children browse through previous filters in this scenario), the perpetrator conceal abuse – encourage children to through every gesture. media in the gallery app, emotionally, psychologically, sexually, have paedophilic sexual interests. will verbally and physically desensitise speak against adults who cause them The upgrade will and fluid animations for and/or socially abuse others? How Some of them choose a child to fulfil their sexual needs mostly due to easy the child towards sexual acts (i.e., discomfort. Now that you know what also allow Huawei tablets its pinch-to-zoom features does such abuse affect victims? Why to support long-take access, their lack of intimacy/social watching them change clothes, sexual grooming looks like, call it out to create a more vibrant aren’t victims more forthcoming? Why animation, inspired by the skills to sustain intimate relationships “accidental” touching, exposure when you see it. Educate the victim’s experience overall. The won’t law enforcement authorities to phonographic material, offering cinematography technique, with consenting adults, and/or perceive parents. Do not misperceive it as you visual overhaul extends to prioritise these complaints? Why does to teach masturbation), implying getting involved in personal affairs. It is which aims to allow children to be less threatening than the charging experience as it take so long to seek justice? As I as if it is for the child’s benefit. your civic duty to be a whistle-blower users better focus and well, with a detailed 3D adults. Many of these perpetrators hope to discuss the aforesaid concerns Once successfully desensitised, the for the right reasons. easy navigation through animation that allows users in upcoming columns, in today’s have adapted a “trustworthy and perpetrator will begin to further isolate If you found today’s writing smoother transitions. An to check on the device’s column I will address “child sexual entertaining” persona to lower parental the child physically (e.g., offers to to be too technical and filled with example would be when charging status at a glance. grooming”, as it is one of the less suspicions. babysit/give a ride home) and mentally jargon, “Abducted in Plain Sight” is a a user browses through The upgrade’s (i.e., psychologically and socially Netflix documentary which distinctly photos, gets distracted, new multi-screen separate from close support networks demonstrates the sexual grooming and forgets where they collaboration feature aims such as family and friends). Finally, the process of a very unfortunate yet real- are – the EMUI’s long- to facilitate users that perpetrator will approach the child for life story of 12-year-old Jan Broberg. take animation solves this rely on Huawei tablets sexual acts such as sexual intercourse, I highly recommend that everyone, by making it easier for for various workloads oral sex, and/or masturbation especially parents, watch it. users to find what they’re including document through systematic physical contact (The writer is a forensic looking for when switching editing, calculation, (e.g., rubdown, undressing, bathing psychologist based in Sri Lanka who pages. design, and many others, together), verbal lead-ins (e.g., suggest currently leads a QR-GCRF-funded The EMUI 11 also while also upgrading the playing sex games), and explicit sexual research project regarding post- supports more intuitive Notepad’s features for discussions. crisis disaster management of armed gesture navigation on better note-taking, thus On the (un)fortunate possibility forces. She has research and clinical Huawei tablets with its bringing together subtle that the child realises these sexual acts experience across a maximum-security new “spring engine” to design enhancements and to be “bad touch”, and may decide prison, military hospital, and high- make gestures feel more considerable performance to alert an adult, the perpetrator will secure hospital. Her research interests realistic. This includes upgrades to create a far convince the child that it is: 1) their include trauma and recovery, bullying, subtle animations and better user experience loss to lose the special attention s/ callous and unemotional traits, effects to enable users to through the EMUI 11. Fig. 1 pic source: Source: Olson, 2007 he receives; 2) nobody will believe psychopathy, and serial homicide) 144 sports „„ www.themorning.lk { sports } Friday, January 22, 2021

the way we played the series,” Rishabh Pant told news agency ANI at the airport. A journey that began in August last year It has been quite a journey for Indian Victorious India cricketers since the sport restarted after the unwanted Covid-19 break. Pant, Rohit Sharma, and several other members of the Indian team travelled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in mid-August last year for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 with their respective franchises. The two-month long IPL, which was held from 19 September to 10 November come back home 2020, concluded with the players flying directly to Sydney for the all-format tour of z Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, and Coach Ravi Shastri land in Mumbai while Australia. The gruelling cricketing schedule – which ran for almost five months -- took Rishabh Pant arrives in Delhi its toll on the players as several members of the team reported injuries during the Indian cricketer Rohit and are expected to reach the country team had arrived from their Aus tour on course of the bilateral series. Sharma arrives in Mumbai after India early morning today, Friday (22), NDTV Thursday morning and they have been In fact, only two players – Ajinkya successfully defended Sports said. advised to remain in seven-day home Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara – played the Border-Gavaskar quarantine. all four Tests for India in Australia. Trophy in Australia Rahane cut a cake The Indo cricket team members were On their arrival in Mumbai, Rahane, to undergo RT-PCR tests on their arrival England series to begin on Shastri, Sharma, Thakur, and Shaw were at the airport, Brihanmumbai Municipal 5 February felicitated by Mumbai Cricket Association Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal has officials, including President Vijay Patil told the Press Trust of India (PTI). The homecoming, however, is going and Apex Council members Ajinkya Naik, “The players are also advised to remain to be a short one for the players as they Amit Dani, and Umesh Khanvilka. Rahane in home quarantine for next seven days,” all are expected to assemble once again also cut a cake to celebrate the team’s win. Chahal had added. with the rest of the members of the team An injury-ravaged India beat Australia by for another big series against England. three wickets in the series-deciding fourth No heroes’ welcome The fact that the England assignment is at Test in Brisbane on Tuesday (19) to clinch The Times Now News said the Covid-19 home does give the players some breathing the rubber 2-1 and retain the prestigious pandemic in India “devoid Team India space but they all would be expected to Border-Gavaskar Trophy. of a heroes’ welcome” on Thursday. The remain in a bubble as cricket resumes in safety of the players had to be given utmost India for the first time in the Covid era. One week of home quarantine priority in these times, it emphasised. With the series set to begin on 5 February, Meanwhile The Hindustan Times said “I am so happy that we retained the the Indian players are expected to regroup that five members of the Indian cricket trophy. The whole team is very happy with by 29 January.

Members of the triumphant Indian cricket contingent, including stand-in Skipper Ajinkya Rahane and Head Coach Ravi Shastri, returned to the country on Thursday (21) after their momentous Test series victory over Australia on Tuesday (19). Rahane, Shastri, star batsman Rohit Sharma, pacer Shardul Thakur, and opener Prithvi Shaw landed in Mumbai, while Brisbane Test hero Rishabh Pant arrived in Delhi early last morning. ‘Nittu’ lands in Bengaluru Meanwhile, Thangarasu Natarajan, nicknamed Nittu, who was originally picked as a mere net bowler but eventually became the first Indian cricketer to make his international debut across all three formats during the tour, landed in Bengaluru and is on his way to his village in Tamil Nadu’s Salem District. The players from Chennai, including veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, Stand-by Captain Ajinkya Rahane (on rookie Washington Sundar, and Bowling extreme left) and Head Coach Ravi Shastri Coach Bharat Arun are currently in Dubai after their arrival in Mumbai yesterday (21) SL Tennis Nationals Champions

Sri Lanka Tennis Nationals 2020 was held at the Sri Lanka Tennis Association (SLTA) hard courts in Colombo from 9-19 January. Here are the major title winners of the event, which is considered the most significant domestic tennis tournament in Sri Lanka. Photos Ishan Wanniarachchi

The champions in women’s doubles, Janali Manamperi (left) and Savini Jayasuriya, who beat Anika and Alana Seneviratne in the event’s final 6/3, 3/6, 10/4 on Tuesday (19)

Anika Seneviratne won her second women’s singles title on Sunday (17) beating Janali Manamperi 6/0, 6/4. Seneviratne had won her maiden women’s singles title in 2018

Former Ananda College Chathurya Nilaweera (left) and Thehan Wijemanne in their southpaw Yasitha de Silva, the men’s doubles semi-finals on Monday (18). The 16 and 17-year- newest Sri Lanka men’s national old (respectively) duo had upset the fancied and title-defending champion, serving in the finals Sharmal Dissanayake and Rukmal Cooray 6/2, 6/3. They won the on Sunday (17) against Sharmal semis beating Archana Lokuge and Dilvan Herath 5/7, 6/2, 11/9 Dissanayake whom de Silva before winning the title in the finals on Tuesday (19) beating beat 7/6 (7/3), retd. Sankha Atukorale and Yasitha de Silva 3/6, 6/3, 10/5 sports 154 Friday, January 22, 2021 { sports } „„ www.themorning.lk Binura, Chamika test positive for Covid-19

Binura Fernando and Chamika Karunaratne, who a routine testing process,” it are part of the 22-member training pool ahead of further said. Sri Lanka’s tour of West Indies, have tested positive Fernando, a left-arm pacer, for Covid-19. Sri Lanka is planning to travel to the last appeared for Sri Lanka Caribbean towards the end of February for two Tests, against Pakistan in 2015 where three ODIs, and three T20Is. he played two T20Is while Karunaratne played one Test “The two players were added. – against Australia – in 2019. found to be positive, following “The squad which Both players were training to a PCR test carried out on 20 commenced training on be part of the limited-overs leg January,” Sri Lanka Cricket 18 January at the SSC in the Caribbean tour. (SLC) said in a statement. (Singhalese Sports Club) Chamika Karunaratne, “Immediately upon grounds, underwent a PCR 24, is the younger brother identification, they have test on the 20th, whilst the of Olympic badminton been directed to follow the rest of the players will once player Niluka and national Government’s health protocol again undergo a PCR Test on badminton player Diluka laid out on Covid-19,” SLC 26 January 2021, as part of Karunaratne.

Chamika Karunaratne Binura Fernando

Lasith Malinga (left) with Akash Ambani, the elder son of Indian business tycoon Mukesh Ambani. Akash Ambani is the owner of the most successful IPL franchise, Mumbai Indians

Sri Lanka Head Coach Mickey Arthur during the national Test team’s final practice session yesterday (21) in Galle before the second Test today (22) Sri Lanka Cricket ‘MI legend’ Malinga retires responds to Galle Test hubbub from franchise cricket Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) issued seriousness of the alleged z‘I’d have liked him to be part of our bowling attack for another five years’ says Akash Ambani the following media release incident which was reported by yesterday (21) clarifying their the mainstream media, SLC has only two IPL editions − 2018 and 2020. He franchises around the world. stance on the current allegation instructed Team Manager Asantha Kandy served as the bowling mentor of the side of sexual misconduct by a young de Mel to submit a report into the in 2018 before returning to playing duties Never played since March 2020 Sri Lanka player during the first incident forthwith in order to find Musings by in 2019 and delivered MI another title win. With 390 wickets in 295 matches, he is only Test in Galle. out the veracity of the said news That was his fourth with the side. He has behind Dwayne Bravo in the list of leading SLC wished to submit the reports. Hafiz Marikar done so with what has turned out to be his T20 wicket-takers. His last T20 appearance following clarification pertaining SLC wished to state that once the final delivery in the competition. came in March 2020, when he led Sri Lanka to several media reports, published Team Manager submits his report, Lasith Malinga has retired from all against West Indies.Malinga hasn’t played in the recent days which purported an inquiry will be conducted into franchise cricket, the Indian Premier League Other franchises any games during the pandemic and even in to have been claimed that a national the alleged incident, if the findings (IPL), etc. He missed the 2020 season due to personal the Lanka Premier League (LPL) which was player, who is currently in the Test of the report warrant such an His IPL franchise Mumbai Indians (MI) reasons but remains the highest wicket-taker held at the end of last year. squad playing against England, and inquiry. revealed on Wednesday (20) that the Sri in the tournament’s history. He has taken a female health official assigned SLC holds a zero-tolerance Lankan speedster had informed his decision 170 scalps, from 122 appearances. Akash Ambani’s response to the team have misbehaved policy against misbehaviour and to the MI management earlier this month, The low-arm slinger nicknamed “the Akash Ambani, owner of MI has said in inappropriately. stern action will be taken against making himself unavailable for the upcoming Yorker King” has also been a part of the media: “Lasith Malinga has been at the In consideration of the any party if proven guilty. season. Jamaica Tallawahs, Guyana Amazon core of Mumbai Indians for 12 years. We Malinga has been a part of Mumbai Indians Warriors, Khulna Tigers, Rangpur Riders, respect his decision, even though I would have since the second season of IPL. He has missed and Melbourne Stars among other T20 liked him to be part of our bowling attack for another five years.” “Malinga is an MI legend. His contributions Mumbai Indians have treated me like family: Malinga to Mumbai Indians’ journey are invaluable. Indian media yesterday (21) and therefore it is best to make this in every situation both on and off We will miss the Wankhede chant for him, but quoted legendary Sri Lanka decision now. the field, and always giving me he will always be in the heart of all MI fans. speedster Lasith Malinga saying “I have discussed the same with the confidence and the freedom to “At Mumbai Indians, Malinga will always that the Indian Premier League the Mumbai Indians management play my natural game whenever I be a part of the MI family and we hope we (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians in recent days as they prepare for walked onto the field. can continue to lean on his experience in a (MI) treated him as a family. the upcoming auction and they “I have collected so many happy non-playing capacity in the future.” “After discussing with family, have been very supportive and memories that I cherish and I am I think now is the right time to understanding. I would like to take very grateful to have played for MI has seven spots open now retire from all franchise cricket. this opportunity to thank the Ambani so long for the best franchise in The defending champions MI, who won a The pandemic situation and the family, everyone at the Mumbai world cricket. I would like to wish record fifth title in 2020, now have 18 players restrictions on travel will make it Indians franchise, and all our fans Mrs. Nita Ambani, coach Mahela in their squad with seven spots open which difficult for me given my personal for the wonderful 12 years. (Jayawardene), Akash (Ambani), can be filled in a mini-auction soon. Mickey Arthur’s social media response to the scandal that erupted on circumstances to participate fully in “Mumbai Indians have treated me and the MI family all the best for This also means that MI can go and pick Wednesday (20) franchise cricket for the next year like family, supporting me 100% the upcoming season.” as many as four overseas players for the next season. „„ www.themorning.lk Friday, January 22, 2021 Man United reclaim top spot Paul Pogba scored a superb win as Manchester United reclaimed top spot in the English Premier League on Wednesday (20) by coming from behind to a 2-1 club record-equalling away win at Fulham. In what 50,000 for the London Marathon 2021! is becoming a familiar pattern for Ole Gunnar London Marathon organisers are optimistic that a Solskjaer’s side outside Manchester this record 50,000 runners will be able to take part in season, they fell behind early in the the race when it is held on 3 October this year. The game. Also on the same day, Man City 2020 race involved only elite athletes running a beat Aston Villa 2-0 and the Leeds vs. specially designed closed-loop course because of sports Southampton match was postponed. the coronavirus pandemic. Ramesh Mendis likely to make Test debut z SL to play for pride and much more as second Test begins in Galle

Trailing 0-1 despite an impressive meant on the eve of the match, England second-innings fight-back, Sri announced their playing XI, with Jimmy Lanka will be desperate for a victory Anderson being brought in, in place of when they take on England in the Stuart Broad. final Test in Galle, starting Friday, Despite that, spin will remain the 22 January. key weapon for both sides in this Test, If Sri Lanka are to achieve that objective, especially with the pitch expected to be they’ll need more consistency in their drier than in the first Test. batting, predicted icc-cricket.com yesterday (21). Remember the last time Sri Lanka opted to bat, but were Ramesh Mendis to make dismantled by England, with Stuart international debut! Broad making the early inroads News from Galle yesterday said Sri before Dom Bess took a 5/30 to Lanka may make three major changes to bundle out the home side for their side with Oshada Fernando, who had 135. The collapse would suffered from injuries, returning to the side prove costly as England, in place of out-of-form Kusal Mendis. led by Captain Joe Wanigamuni Ramesh Tarinda Mendis, Root’s 228, posted better known as Ramesh Mendis, a 25-year- a daunting 421 old all-rounder batting right-handed and in their first bowling right-arm off-break, will most innings. likely make his Test debut today. He has never played international cricket though he has played in 45 first-class matches scoring 2,434 runs at 43.46 taking 83 wickets at 38.26. He is a Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda schoolboy. Fate in first Test He has played for Bloomfield, Moors, and Singhalese Sports Club while also playing for Sri Lanka A. He will take the place of all-rounder Dasun Shanaka, reports predicted yesterday. In the first Test, Sri Lanka’s combustion for 135 in the first-innings cost them the match, despite their commendable fight-back in the second innings, when they posted 359.

Oshada to replace Mendis Sri Lanka fought back in the second It puts the spotlight on a few players in innings, a century from Lahiru Thirimanne, the batting line-up, with Kusal Mendis and half-centuries from Kusal Perera, and chief among them – the Sri Lanka No.3 Angelo Mathews helping the side to 359. is in a rut, with a score sequence reading However, given their lowly first-innings 0, 0, 0, 0, 15 in his last five innings. effort, England merely had to chase 74 With the young and highly-rated Oshada to win. They did wobble, losing three Fernando waiting in the wings, Sri Lanka wickets, but the visitors came through seems to have decided to make the change, for a seven-wicket win. with reports suggesting Kusal was released from the team bio-bubble ahead of the What they said second Test. Angelo Mathews, Sri Lanka batsman: “It’s not about being conservative. You Lakmal to open bowling always have to look to score runs. But They will also hope Suranga Lakmal, you need to understand how you can who has been nursing a hamstring problem, score runs off these bowlers and in these has recovered and gained enough match conditions.” fitness to be in contention for this one. Joe Root, England Captain: “These tours England made a change as well, although and these games are all about winning but Ramesh for altogether different reasons. England the experience you get can really benefit Mendis is set to make his are set to play India in a marquee four-Test you further in your career if you have international series shortly after the ongoing matches in the right attitude and go about it in the debut today Sri Lanka, and their management will be right manner.” Overview (22) in Galle mindful of the need to rest their players – it Sri Lanka (probable XI): Sri Lanka vs. England, 1. Kusal Perera, 2. Lahiru Thirimanne, 3. Oshada Fernando, 4. Dinesh Chandimal 2nd Test (Captain), 5. Angelo Mathews, 6. Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 7. Ramesh Mendis, 8. Dilruwan Perera, 9. Suranga Lakmal, Galle International 10. Lasith Embuldeniya, and 11. Asitha Fernando Stadium, Galle England (probable XI): 1. Dom Sibley, 2. Zak Crawley, 3. Jonny 22-26 January 2021 Bairstow, 4. Joe Root (Captain), 5. Dan from 10 a.m. onwards England in their last practice session yesterday (21) before the Lawrence, 6. Jos Buttler (wk), 7. Sam second and final Test Curran, 8. Dom Bess, 9. Mark Wood, 10. Jack Leach, and 11. James Anderson

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