Wednesday 9 JUNE 2021 Lanka Sathosa to sell confiscated food items E-Paper By Thameenah Razeek

Cabinet approved the resolution to hand over essential food items confiscated by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and Sri Lankan Customs to Lanka Sathosa. Speaking at the weekly Cabinet Media briefing yesterday (8) at the Government Information Department, Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Lanka Sathosa has implemented a system to provide essential food items to the public at affordable prices, without any shortage. The Minister of Ports and Shipping and the Minister of Trade submitted this joint resolution.

Construction of elevated expressway 1,100 Families to get alternative housing By Thameenah Razeek

Cabinet approved the proposal to provide alternative housing facilities to 1,100 families due to the construction of the four-lane elevated expressway from the New Kelani Bridge to Athurugiriya. They will be provided with housing facilities from the Kolonnawa, Henamulla, and Maligawatta housing projects of the Urban Development Authority (UDA). This covers families living on encroached lands on Cabinet Green- which the Dematagoda Stadium is planned to be built as well. Speaking at the weekly Cabinet Media briefing yesterday (8) at the Government Information Department, Co-Cabinet Spokesman Udaya Gammanpila said Cabinet approved the Lights Beautifying construction of a four-lane elevated expressway from the New Kelani Bridge to Athurugiriya, and that the need for alternative housing facilities for 1,100 families residing in the area had been identified. The proposal was tabled by Minister of Highways Johnston Fernando. 100 Cities By Thameenah Razeek cities scattered throughout the island, by untidy, ugly, and a disturbance to the public improving their basic facilities. for a long time, while the majority of them can With the help of all Government sector Speaking at the weekly Cabinet Media be converted into public-friendly, pleasing Banks to issue pensions on 10, 11 June institutions and all other parties entrusted briefing yesterday (8) held at the Government cities by coming up with a strategic plan. with the supply of infrastructure facilities, Information Department, Cabinet Spokesman He went on to say that the ‘Hundred Cities’ Cabinet approved the implementation of a Keheliya Rambukwella said due to project will be launched with the help of the Transport for programme called ‘Hundred Cities,’ aimed at unorganised development, some second and commercial and Government sectors to seniors being systematically beautifying 100 recognised third level cities across the island have been achieve long-term growth. prepared – Gen Silva By Faadhila Thassim Posting false news on social media Issuing liquor I didn’t reroute production licences Transport will be provided for pensioners to collect their ITSSL head allowances from banks on 10 bus headed for SJB MP and 11 June, said Head of the National Action Centre questions Govt’s for the Prevention of the quarantine remanded Spread of the COVID-19 By Hansi Nanayakkara priorities amid General Shavendra Silva. – Weerasekara He added the tri-forces and Police will support this effort By Gagani Weerakoon and Methmalie Colombo Magistrate pandemic and that the banks will be Dissanayake Rajindra Jayasuriya permitted to operate on yesterday remanded, By Gagani Weerakoon and these two days. Minister of Public Security Rear Admiral till today, the head of Methmalie Dissanayake He said discussions were (retired) Sarath Weerasekara made a special the Information held with the State Minister of Vehicle Regulation, statement in Parliament yesterday (8) with Technology Society of Samagi Jana Bus Transport Services and Train Compartments regard to various allegations being publicised Sri Lanka (ITSSL), who Balawegaya (SJB) and Motor Car Industry Dilum Amunugama to against him on mainstream and social media. was charged with MP Buddhika arrange transport facilities for seniors, adding that He said reports claiming that he had rerouted posting fake news, on Pathirana yesterday similar preparations were made during the first a bus carrying a group of people sent to social media, claiming a massive cyber-attack had (8) alleged in COVID-19 wave in Sri Lanka. quarantine after attending a birthday party at a been launched targeting websites of several State Parliament that the five-star hotel in Colombo were completely institutions including the Presidential Secretariat Government is false. and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. planning to issue “I did not do such thing. Some reports even The suspect was identified as Yasiru Kuruvitage. liquor production claimed that my son transported a few things He had been arrested on 7 June and produced in licences while for this group to Passara as well. These are not Court yesterday. neglecting priorities Police screens true at all. The CID will initiate action against The CID charged the suspect with having flouted such as those who publish fake news in the country,” provisions contained in Sections 6 and 10 of the implementing a he stressed. Computer Crimes Ordinance. proper vaccination vehicles entering drive. Speaking in Parliament, Pathirana said, “State Minister Colombo of Finance recently said that permission will SLBC Chair held at Grade One admission for 2022 be given for supermarkets to sell liquor to 78,022 counted on generate income. But we spend millions on checkpoint for two hours treatments for those who fall ill due to Monday; 976 turned back Closing date liquor and tobacco. How can we generate an By Treshan Fernando No comments due income like this?” he queried. extended to 31 July “A report was published on a website A total of 78,022 vehicles entered Colombo recently that a company named ‘Royal Sake’ between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on 7 June, Police to on-going probe By Thameenah Razeek which uses corn to manufacture ‘sake’ will Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana confirmed. He added be granted licence to manufacture liquor. that of this total, Police determined that 976 vehicles – Rambukwella The deadline for receiving There are also reports that five liquor were entering Colombo without a valid reason and applications for the admission manufacturing licences are to be issued to turned them away. By Thameenah Razeek of students to Grade One for companies. Tax relief will be given to the The highest number belonged to banking sector the school year 2022 has been aforementioned ‘Royal Sake’ company. Has employees with 20,392 vehicles, DIG Rohana The Minister of Mass Media did not extended till 31 July. the Finance Ministry understood their further said. The second and third highest number comment on the recent incident in which a Although the closing date for priorities? How do you expect to generate an belonged to the health sector and tri-forces and Police officer inconvenienced Sri Lanka receiving applications was 30 income in this manner?” other security forces with 9,710 and 8,250 vehicles Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) Chairman June, Secretary to the Ministry Pathirana further highlighted public’s respectively. Jayampathy Heenkenda in Kandy on 6 May. of Education, Prof. Kapila grievances. DIG Rohana further noted that within a period of Minister Keheliya Rambukwella stated he Perera, said the decision was “Fisheries community cannot sell fish due 24 hours, Police have arrested 1,028 persons for did not want to make any statements that taken owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and to the situation following the X-Press Pearl violating health guidelines. From the total arrested, could jeopardise the inquiry into the incident. disasters linked to inclement weather. disaster. People are suffering from floods. 158 were from Matale. 108 from Kandy and 93 from The SLBC Chairman was travelling from He added that steps will be taken to replace Saloons have been closed for months. Nikaweraitiya. Colombo to Kandy on official business when textbooks destroyed in floods and landslides. Children and teachers are suffering due to Police also conducted drone operations in he was halted by a Chief inspector at the Prof. Perera has instructed parents to notify the online education system. There are so many Dematagoda and arrested 22 individuals for Kadugannawa checkpoint. Heenkenda was Ministry of Education through the Zonal Directors problems like these in this country for the violating travel restrictions, DIG Rohana said. The not allowed to proceed for two hours despite via the principal of the school if their children’s Government to solve. But they are going to total number of persons arrested for violating health explicitly stating that he was the Chairman of textbooks have been damaged as a result of sell liquor without paying attention to any of guidelines since 30 October 2020 is now 25,886. the SLBC. disasters. them. This is not fair,” Pathirana said. A2 WEDNESDAY 9 JUNE 2021 NEWS Systematic Strategy Vital to Curtail Issues Affecting Country

By Sandeep Tissaaratchy reduce the impact of natural Indian Ocean. Followed by flooding disasters. and natural disasters,” he said. A systematic strategy should be He said there has been an He added that an immediate implemented by the Government to oversight in efficient management of solution should be provided to solve – UNP Chairman prevent casualties from COVID-19 the pandemic, which can be seen by the problems that are occurring in and natural disasters, Chairman of the recent events, which has the country, followed by a long-term were open to society,” Abeywardena mechanism in this country to do this the UNP Vajira Abeywardena told a resulted in a massive increase of disaster management plan which will stressed. in a more systematic manner,” he Media briefing in Colombo COVID-19 patients across the prevent such issues from recurring. He said, if the process is added. yesterday(8). country. Prioritising the work of essential streamlined, a larger number could Meanwhile, Abeywardena Abeywardena said that during his Abeywardena said if there was service workers and Government have been vaccinated and added that criticised the Government’s improper time in the previous government proper monitoring, the disease could officials during COVID-19 must be local government officials should not management of the travel restriction there was no political interference have been suppressed in 2020 and carried out by the Government, he be afraid to criticise the Government programme implemented throughout into work carried out by his Ministry. normal activity could have resumed. further said. for failing to fulfil its duties. the country. “During that time, we faced disasters “At the moment there are three “The safety of essential service “In our time decisions were made “We need to think more broadly such as floods and drought disasters affecting Sri Lanka. The and health sector workers has not by officials. People were given the and arrange these activities in a systematically and financial aid was long-running COVID-19 pandemic been taken into consideration. There opportunity to appeal if there was a more systematic manner. Or we given to affected communities,” has been going on for more than a are a large number of people under mistake in their decisions. If there could have locked up the country for Abeywardena said as he criticised year now. Then, for the first time, a the age of 30 among these employees was a shortcoming it could be a full 14 days if we were to control the Government’s failed efforts to ship exploded near Sri Lanka in the and they are yet to be vaccinated and corrected. Therefore, there is a this with travel restrictions,” he said.

National Environmental Inclement weather and related disasters Act to be amended Death toll increases to 20 By Thameenah Razeek Environmental Authority (CEA) lacks By Paneetha Ameresekere to inclement weather fell to 176,419 (49,015 from 11,801 families); the authority to take action against yesterday, from 271,110 on Puttalam (29,283 from 7,828 Cabinet approval has been granted environmental destruction. It’s like Number of fatalities increased Monday and the related families to families); Ratnapura (8,141 from to revamp the National having a dog who can bark, but not from 17 to 20; number of houses 44,946 yesterday, from 67,613 on 2,043 families); Kalutara (5,173 Environmental Act with 42 bite,” he said. destroyed from 17 to 20 and Monday. from 1,382 families); Kegalle (1,059 amendments. Speaking further, he stressed until damaged, from 978 to 1,083; Consequently, those highly from 253 families); Kurunegala Among the proposed 42 now, the CEA’s primary mechanisms yesterday over Monday, the impacted and in Government (1,018 from 369 families); Nuwara amendments is a mechanism to for environmental protection were Disaster Management Centre shelters fell to 60 families Eliya (301 from 70 families) and impose a fee from factories based on Environmental Permits and (DMC), with reference to the impact comprising 747 people yesterday, Kandy (46 from 13 families). the level of contamination in the Environmental Risk Assessments. caused by the recent floods, from a figure of 6,177 families In related developments, the wastewater they discharge. Highlighting that the proposed landslides, rockfalls, earthslips and comprising 26,806 people on Irrigation Department said though Speaking at the weekly Cabinet revisions will add new sections to the similar disasters, said. Monday. Kuda Ganga is at the minor flood Media briefing yesterday (8) held at Act that are essential for chemical The fatalities comprised five from And those seeking shelter among level, its water levels were falling. the Government Information management, he said the Act would Kegalle; three each from Gampaha, relatives and friends fell to 1,442 However, in respect of the Department, Co-Cabinet Spokesman also include provisions for the Ratnapura and Kalutara; two each families comprising 5,084 people, Attanagalu Oya, the Irrigation Udaya Gammanpila said the factory management of hazardous waste. from Puttalam and Kurunegala, yesterday, from a figure of 5,710 Department issued an ‘alert’ owners will then be financially Provisions for estimating natural and one each from Colombo and families comprising 22,975 people warning, meaning that if the rains motivated to discharge more cleansed resources and rectifying Galle. The number injured stood on the previous day Monday. continue, it may reach minor flood wastewater into the environment. environmental harm caused by gem unchanged at five yesterday. The number of State shelters too level. He said the National Environmental and sand mining are among the other However, the number missing fell fell 60 yesterday from 106 on However, in respect of Kalu Act No. 47 of 1980 will be amended to proposed revisions. to zero yesterday from two on Monday. Ganga and Maguru Ganga, though reflect technological improvements To examine the combined Monday. The injured comprised two Meanwhile, the breakdown of the the Department said that their and increased public awareness of environmental impact of a number of from Kalutara and one each from aforesaid 176,419 people impacted waters had reached ‘alert’ levels, environmental degradation. projects, a Strategic Environmental Gampaha, Ratnapura, and Nuwara by the inclement weather as at nonetheless, their levels were “In the face of environmental Impact Assessment will be added to Eliya. yesterday were Gampaha (79,710 falling, it further qualified its degradation, the Central the environmental law. Meanwhile, those impacted due from 20,538 families); Colombo statement.

Govt to purchase unsold Ill-fated MV X-Press Pearl Sri Lanka’s oxygen produce from farmers SJB MPs go to HRC By Thameenah Razeek shortage of vegetables and demand rising – GMOA fruits at a reasonable price. over damage to Cabinet approval has been This proposal was tabled by By Dilanthi Jayamanne help reduce the seriousness of granted to purchase unsold the Minister of Agriculture. fisher community the disease and stop its spread. stocks of vegetables and fruits According to the rates set by Sri Lanka has reached third But the number of new daily from farmers, recognising the the District Price Committee, By Nabiya Vaffor place in South Asia in its cases is still not less than 2,500 tremendous economic the programme would allow to requirement for oxygen for while the COVID death toll difficulty that small, medium, purchase stocks of vegetables Samagi Jana Balavegaya(SJB) MP Dr. COVID-19 patients, Executive continues reach the 40s and 50s and large scale farmers are and fruits that could not be Kavinda Jayawardena and Dilip Wedaarachchi Committee Member of the on a daily basis contrary to experiencing as a result of the sold due to travel restrictions lodged a complaint at the Human Rights Government Medical Officers’ expectations,” he said. travel restrictions. Cabinet by the District Secretaries/ Commission, (HRC) yesterday (8) regarding the Association (GMOA), Dr. Prasad Meanwhile, travel restrictions Spokesman Keheliya Government Agents. damage caused to the fishing community by the Kolambage said. have been relaxed to a certain Rambukwella, speaking at the The decision will also allow ill-fated MV X-Press Pearl vessel. Dr. Kolambage said according degree in the past few days to weekly Cabinet Media briefing the COVID-19 Treatment “The Government has continued to pollute to data received during the facilitate essential services which yesterday (8), said farmers are Centres, all Government the environment since the beginning of its months of April and May 2021, he urged the public not to facing challenges owing to the Hospitals, Tri-Forces, tenure. Starting with the Sinharaja forest, the oxygen requirement in Sri misuse. destruction of their products, Displaced Camps, and Anawilundhawa and now the Marine resource of Lanka increased by 441 per cent. Fielding questions with regard particularly vegetables and families who have lost their the country have been damaged. This has “According to statistics we are in to the 750 French sailors who fruits, due to the difficulty to livelihoods to receive the ruined the way of life of the entire fishing third place when considering arrived on tour in Sri Lanka, Dr. transport and trade as usual. purchased vegetables and community,” Jayawardana added. oxygen requirement for COVID Kolambage said that although He also mentioned that fruits free of charge until the He said the Government was attempting to patients. Only Nepal and tourism was important to the consumers are facing a travel restrictions are lifted. avoid paying compensation to the affected fisher Vietnam are ahead of us,” he country’s economy the Tourism community, until the owners of the ill-fated lamented. Ministry and Tourism Authority vessel paid compensation to the “The health services and public should ensure that they adhere Government. “This will take years to be paid and expected travel restrictions to to health guidelines. that money will never reach the public. The Passengers bound for China Government still hasn’t revealed the amount of plastic or the quantity of chemicals that has been released into the sea by the fire on the Chinese Embassy X-Press Pearl vessel. Meanwhile, about USD 400 million New Secy to the State Ministry compensation was collected from the ship which Deepa Liyanage has been letter from Secretary to the suspends green health burnt previously and yet no one from the fishing appointed as the new Secretary President P.B. Jayasundera, at community was given any compensation yet,” he to the State Ministry of Skills the Presidential Secretariat, declaration codes added. Development, Vocational yesterday (8). Jayawardana expressed these views yesterday Education, Research and Deepa Liyanage is a Special The Chinese Embassy in Sri the relevant particulars are (8) at The Human Rights Commission premises Innovation. Grade officer of the Sri Lanka Lanka on Monday (7) said they notified as follows: From now after lodging the complaint with the HRC. She received her appointment Administrative Service. were suspending the issuing on, this Embassy will suspend of green health codes/ health the issuing of green health declaration codes for codes/ health declaration passengers from third codes for passengers from countries bound for China via third countries bound for Sri Lanka. China via Sri Lanka, and will Moratuwa Uni to assess air pollution Giving reasons for the only issue green health codes/ suspension, the Embassy said health declaration codes to “Recently the COVID-19 passengers who work and live situation in South Asia is in Sri Lanka. caused by ill-fated vessel becoming more and more If there is no direct flight complex and severe. After the between the country of origin By Faadhila Thassim marine environment but will cover consideration will be that of the traditional New Year and China, and you have every aspect including possible air number of days where fishermen were (‘Avurudu’) holiday in April, urgent and special need to The Government has instructed pollution. unable to engage in fishing activities the epidemic situation in Sri come to China via Sri Lanka, specialists attached to the University Perera further added that there has and the loss incurred as a result. Lanka deteriorated sharply obtain the prior consent of the of Moratuwa to assess if there has not been an oil leak reported from the “Over 90 per cent of fish deaths with a high number of newly Chinese Embassy or been any air pollution as a result of vessel thus far stating that such leak reported following the fire were as a confirmed cases and deaths in Consulate in the country of the fire that broke out in the MV was the most feared repercussion as it result of the consumption of plastic a single day. In order to origin and the Chinese X-Press Pearl Vessel, SLPP MP Dilan would immensely affect the particles that were released due to the ensure the health and safety Embassy in Sri Lanka.’ Perera said. environment. fire and not due to chemicals released of passengers to China, avoid Green certificates certify He added that the assessment of He further stated that when by the vessel,” he added. the risk of cross-border that the holder is COVID-19 pollution caused by way of the fire will assessing the impact of the fire on the Perera was speaking at a Media transmission of COVID-19, free. (PA) not be limited to the impact on the fisheries industry, one main briefing yesterday (8). news wednesday 9 june 2021 A3 Premier inquires X-Press Pearl disaster zone into COVID jab NARA Report Says Fish programme By W. K. Prasad Complex. The Premier told Manju from Area Safe to Eat them to focus on the vaccination programme, By Naalir Jamaldeen Exports, Kanchana for consumption. Wijesekara said that such Prime Minister Mahinda inform relevant sectors if Wijesekara, said that the Various parties say that views have been circulating Rajapaksa inquired into the there were shortcomings State Minister of National Aquatic Resources eating fish harvested from on social media recently. progress of the COVID-19 and assist the programme Ornamental Fish, Inland Research and Development the disaster site may carry According to NARA’s vaccination programme for its successful Fish and Prawn Farming, Agency (NARA) had informed health risks since chemical preliminary investigation yesterday (8) in Parliament. implementation. Fishery Harbour him that fish harvested from leaked from the burnt vessel report there is no such risk The Premier queried from It came to light that nearly Department, Multi Day the vicinity of the recent had mixed with the sea from consuming fish from the Ministers, State Ministers 3.4 million doses of vaccines Fishing Activities and Fish X-Press Pearl disaster is safe water. aforesaid area, he added. and Parliamentarians of the have been received in the ruling party the progress of country so far and that the vaccination programme together with the one and how it was being million doses of the carried out throughout the Sinopharm Vaccine country. expected to arrive today (9) Food distribution in Gampaha Moonshiner He requested for the total number of doses information regarding the will increase to 4.4 million. programme from people’s Meanwhile, arrangements caught in representatives who had are being made to get the come to the Prime Minister’s remaining required doses as office at the Parliamentary soon as possible. Karaitivu By Naalir Jamaldeen

The Sammanthurai Police yesterday (8) arrested a suspect for allegedly distilling moonshine (kasippu) in Karaitivu area. Following a tip off, a team of officers led ‘Implement by Karaitivu Police check post in charge Sub-Inspector K. K. Anaranandha searched the said area and arrested the decision to use suspect. The suspect has been identified as a resident of the 8th Division, Karaitivu. organic fertiliser, Police seized 40 bottles of Moonshine in the suspect’s possession. Sammanthurai Police are conducting despite challenges’ further investigations and will produce the Distributing food parcels to those affected by inclement weather and floods in Gampaha suspect before the Magistrate’s Court President’s advice to People’s Pic By Laksiri Rukman following formal inquiries. representatives

President Gotabaya these remarks during a Rajapaksa has told meeting held with people’s representatives to Chairmen of District U.S. assists Sri Lanka SLCFA appreciates move forward to implement Development Committees, the decision to use organic at the Presidential fertiliser as it is beneficial Secretariat, on Monday (7). to battle COVID-19 Chinese aid to to the people, despite the The move towards U.S. Embassy Charge March 2020, the U.S. has challenges posed during organic agriculture is not a d’Affaires Martin Kelly and provided $ 6 million, plus a the transition period. sudden decision by the Secretary to the Ministry of donation of 200 ventilators to overcome pandemic The ‘Vistas of Prosperity Government. Its position Health Dr. S.H. Munasinghe control the spread of COVID-19, Sri Lanka - China Friendship Association (SLCFA) and Splendour’ National on this was clearly set out commemorated the donation of address urgent health needs of appreciates the friendship of the Government of the Policy Framework affirms in the ‘Vistas of Prosperity critically needed emergency the Sri Lankan people, and People’s Republic of China for assisting Sri Lanka in this that to produce a healthy and Splendour’ policy supplies, including pulse ultimately save lives. This time of need by donating over a million jabs of Sinopharm and productive citizenry, statement as well as in the oximeters, protective goggles, assistance has reached millions vaccines and also for encouraging Sri Lanka to initiate local the Government must last Budget. But the failure examination gloves and KN95 of people in all 25 Districts and production of the vaccine. ensure the right of the to apprise farmers in this masks donated by the American nine Provinces to mobilise Issuing a press communique, SLCFA President Ananda people to access a non- regard has led to creating people at the request of the critical supplies and expertise Goonatilleke, Attorney-at-law, said,” The third wave of the toxic and balanced diet. To undue fear among farmers. Government of Sri Lanka to support the Government’s COVID-19 pandemic is having a devastating impact on Sri achieve this objective, the “There is great potential yesterday. The donation arrived response to the pandemic. The Lanka and vaccination is the key for the country to return Government has taken in Sri Lanka for agriculture at Bandaranaike International funding also helps to mitigate to normal in the long term. However, given that rich measures to ensure that based on organic fertilizer”, Airport on Saturday. the pandemic’s negative countries are hoarding doses of COVID vaccines, after only organic fertiliser he said. The President also “The U.S. and Sri Lanka have economic impacts and help the having bought enough doses to vaccinate their entire would be used in the stated that it is the policy worked closely together to country recover. populations three times over, nearly 70 low-income agriculture sector in the of the Government to respond to the COVID-19 The U.S. Agency for countries will only be able to vaccinate one in 10 people. country in the future. provide maximum relief to pandemic since the outset,” International Development Moreover, in March 2021, rich members of the World President Rajapaksa farmers to overcome said Charge d’Affaires Kelly. (USAID) has invested over $26 Trade Organization blocked attempts by over 80 developing emphasised that the difficult situations during “We recognise the serious million in the past 20 years to countries to waive patent rights to boost production of programme should be the transition period. personal toll of the pandemic. improve the health and well- COVID-19 vaccines for poor nations. These deliberate and implemented for the benefit Due to farmers using At the Government’s request, being of Sri Lankan families callous moves of some western nations have also of future generations, chemical fertiliser for we’re providing these urgently and to combat diseases such as undermined the Covax initiative to assist poor countries. notwithstanding criticism several decades, it has needed supplies to the Ministry malaria, avian influenza and At a time when Sri Lankan efforts to secure vaccines from from some sections of resulted in an increase in of Health to ensure they reach now, COVID-19. This is one the West failed, China has stepped in by donating vaccines. society. the number of people living those in need as fast as component of the longstanding Chinese associations involved in promoting friendship also Despite attempts to with non-communicable possible”,she added. partnership between the have helped to donate PPEs and other equipment to fight create a shortage, sufficient diseases. The shipment of these American and Sri Lankan COVID-19 directly through organisations such as the fertiliser has been imported Minister Douglas emergency relief supplies people to support self-reliance SLCFA. China has also encouraged Sri Lanka to explore until the next season. Devananda, Secretary to follows the White House and promote economic growth. the possibility of producing the vaccine in the country. Therefore, all cultivation the President P.B. announcement last Thursday USAID’s programme in Sri The SLCFA, appreciates these commendable moves. activities can be carried out Jayasundera and a group that the U.S. will make Lanka, totaling more than 350 China has always been a friend to Sri Lanka and the without any hindrance, the of Ministry Secretaries available nearly seven million billion LKR ($2 billion) since pandemic has brought the two nations closer. There is a lot President said. were also present at the vaccine doses for countries in 1961, promotes a healthy, of anti-China propaganda by those egged on by the same The President made occasion. South and Southeast Asia, educated, and employed countries that have thwarted attempts by the Global South including Sri Lanka. Since population. for more equity in access to the vaccines.

‘Understanding Korea Contest 2021,’ Rs 864,000 in cash prizes on offer The Korean Government is The essay contest, titled of its subsidiary, ‘Center for offer Rs 360,000), four prizes of offering prizes ranging from a ‘Understanding Korea Contest International Affair.’ AKS 400,000 Won each (Rs 288,000 minimum of Korean Won 2021,’ closes on 31 July. functions under Korea’s ) and six prizes of 200,000 Won 200,000 (Rs 36,000) to a The essay should comprise Education Ministry. each (Rs 216,000), respectively, maximum of Won one million three ‘A4’ size pages and The total number of prizes thereby making it a grand total (Rs 180,000) on essays on should be submitted to either on offer is 12. They comprise of Rs 864,000 in cash prizes on Korea, the Korean Embassy in the Academy of Korean Studies two prizes of one million Won offer. Sri Lanka said recently. (AKS) website or to the website each ( equivalent to total on (PA)

Relief arrives in isolated Thirukkovil One hundred and thirty Kajendran. one isolated families The picture shows a team including Police Officers in from the Divisional the Thirukkovil Divisional Secretariat headed by K. Secretariat received dry Sathisekeran distributing rations recently. relief items to affected Relief packages worth Rs. families. The Administrative 5,000 and Rs. 10,000, Officer, Grama Niladaries depending on the duration and development officers of isolation due to the were also present at this COVID-19 pandemic, were occasion. issued as per the advice of (Picture by M.A.P. Deen – Divisional Secretary T. Ampara Correspondent) A4 wednesday 9 june 2021 focus

150 MW Solar PV tender in 2020 (Tariff Offered)

Location Solar Capacity MinimumTariffOffered CEB (Grid Substation) (MW) (LKR per unit) Ampara 10 8.89 committed Deniyaya 10 11.38 Kosgama 10 10.26 Mathugama 6 10.42 to Solar Mahiyanganaya 10 8.94 Veyangoda 6 11.58 Galle 5 10.89 Power Matara 10 9.45 Pannala 10 9.68 Maho 10 9.50 Kurunegala 10 8.91 Polonnaruwa 7 9.78 Habarana 3 9.63 The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is committed to Beliatta 10 10.48 boosting access to renewable development in Sri Lanka has energy. Hence CEB is fully energy, clean energy or green been gaining momentum with committed and float solar energy - whatever term you the rapidly falling cost of power tenders to attract more Horana 7 11.10 use to identify eco-friendly technology and global trends investors who are willing to power generation; with solar in the improvement in solar take part on solar power Anuradhapura 10 9.50 power taking the lead as one PV technology as a clean form generation using this open of the main contributors. of energy resource. At market principles. Generation of clean and present, with the facilitation While promoting solar Vavunathivu 3 10.49 reliable power in Sri Lanka of Ministry of Power, CEB and energy from its inception, a with the projected target of Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Gradual transformation from ‘as much as possible’ or a Authority (SLSEA), Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) scheme to Athurugiriya 5 12.96 minimum of 70 per cent development of grid scale competitive bidding process power by 2030 in accordance solar PV power projects, has also been introduced by Madampe 5 9.49 to the declared policy of the small scale distributed solar the CEB aimed at tariff Government and gives top PV projects and rooftop solar reduction trend in the global priority to finance solar PV installations are achieving market. power projects across the significant growth in With the introduction of country through private commercial scale. Distributed competitive bidding process, Price Reduction Trend (Rs./kWh) sector participation and solar PV resource Solar power developers bid customers in line with development has its own very competitive prices and meeting the declared policy advantageous and challenges that has come down from Rs. objectives of the Government. that require careful 23 to Rs. 10 per unit. This 23.10 Owing to our geo-climatic consideration. Similar to the has helped to reduce the conditions we are blessed wind resource, the technical generation cost and 25.00 with diverse forms of potential of integrating solar eventually that benefit will 17.06 renewable energy resources. PV resources into the power pass to electricity customers. 15.60 As a developing Nation we system is assessed by the As long-term generation 20.00 have reaped the benefits from renewable energy grid plans are updated and revised these indigenous renewable integration study conducted once every two years, the 10.18 energy sources for decades, by Ceylon Electricity Board. renewable energy additions 15.00 which supports sustainable LTGEP are increased gradually in line economic growth. with the technological f (Rs./kWh) We utilise almost all our Currently approved Long advancements, cost 10.00 major hydro-power resources Term Generation Expansion decrements in renewable and and expect to phase out the Plan (LTGEP) 2018-2037 as proposed transmission system use of thermal power well as the subsequent draft improvements. In order to 5.00 gradually. Energy experts are plans have been prepared to absorb more renewable energy Avg. tarif of the view that the world will comply with the Paris into the grid, CEB has already experience the gradual agreement and the resultant invested Rs. 25,961 million 0.00 reduction of fossil fuel by Nationally Determined (approximately Rs. 26 billion) mid-century. Contributions (NDCs). Initial to enhance grid capacity and FIT 2017 2018 2020 Our electricity energy needs submission of NDCs for to reinforce the transmission are predominantly met by electricity sector in 2016 network. Further, Rs. 7,183 renewable energy sources proposed 4 per cent million (approximately Rs. 7.2 with major hydro-power unconditional and 16 per billion) has been allocated for resources being the main cent conditional reduction of future capacity enhancement Proposed Solar PV capacity additions contributer, enabling us to GHG emissions in 2030 of transmission network and maintain green credentials compared to reference augmentation of grid with low carbon emissions scenario. These figures were substations for the per capita level in electricity based on the approved LTGEP development of renewable generation throughout the 2018-2037. In the second energy. 2,759 past years. However, the submission of NDCs which is Draft LTGEP 2020-2039 3000 rising economic growth and in the draft stage currently, it proposed an increased the energy demand is proposed to increase the renewable energy addition necessitate the development unconditional target to 5 per target (including solar PV) 2500 of different power generation cent and conditional target to compared to the approved 1,829 sources. In a context where 20 per cent based on the LTGEP 2018-2037. As the 2000 global consensus is in place increased renewable LTGEP 2020-2039 is not to combat climate change, Sri additions in the latest draft approved yet, even months Lanka is ambitious and long-term generation after its submission, currently 1500 progressing towards low expansion plan. CEB is preparing the draft carbon pathways through The long-term generation LTGEP 2022-2041 and it has MW renewable energy expansion plans have been even more increased 1000 development. Substantial prepared to comply with the renewable energy addition 414 increase of the contribution prevailing policy guidelines at targets to achieve the of indigenous renewable the time of preparation as per renewable energy share by 500 energy sources is envisaged the grid planning code. At 2030 as stipulated by the in the electricity sector and it present, the prevailing policy prevailing policy guidelines. 0 will reduce the greenhouse guidelines are General Policy The solar PV additions gas emission as well as Guidelines in Respect of the proposed in the latest plan 2020 2025 2030 enhance the energy security Electricity Industry which under preparation with the aspects. has been issued on 10 April current solar PV installed Sri Lanka, being located 2019 under the provisions capacity is compared in the within the equatorial belt, stipulated in Section 5 of the following table. has substantial potential in Sri Lanka Electricity Act. CEB already initiated the Solar PV Proposed Solar Proposed Solar solar resource. Solar resource Initially, the CEB first phase of the planned installed PV installed PV installed maps of the country indicate introduced the cost reflective 7,000 ground mounted solar capacity as at the existence of higher solar feed-in tariff scheme to power projects with installed capacity as at capacity as at resource potentials in the attract investments for the capacity of 75 kW (AC) each December end of 2025 end of 2030 northern half, eastern and new technology. Once the (total project target ~ 525 MW) 2020 southern parts of the solar power industry to be positioned at rural and country. Resource potential matured, CEB gradually semi urban areas of the in other areas including introduced the competitive country. The project promoted Capacity mountainous regions is bidding process in line with under the theme of ‘Gamata (including rooftop) 414 MW 1,829 MW 2,759 MW mainly characterized by the Sri Lanka Electricity Act. Balagarayak’ and aim to climatic and geographical As at December 2020, 414 attract local entrepreneurs for features. Exploitation of MW of Solar power capacity the project. Therefore, a huge Increase from present available resource requires has been grid connected. opportunity exists in Sri installed capacity - 1,415 MW 2,345 MW the consideration of Interestingly, solar power Lanka for the development of competing land uses and generation has become an Solar Power Projects and CEB availability of transmission open market for many all over is fully committed to facilitate Percentage increase and distribution the world who expect to those projects under open from present - 342% 566% infrastructure. exploit the freely available market principles as per the installed capacity Solar Photovoltaic and almost non-exhaustible Sri Lanka Electricity Act.

,xld úÿ,sn, uKav,h ,yq;if kpd;rhu rig Enrich life through Power... CEYLON ELECTRICITY BOARD Asia Wednesday 9 June 2021 A5 Mongolia votes for new Yangon, Myanmar President amid COVID-19 campaign curbs

Anti-coup protesters flash the three-finger salute during a flash mob protest in Yangon, Myanmar, 3 June 2021 (Reuters) Junta defends response to crisis amid SE Asian criticism

The Myanmar junta’s Foreign The junta has failed to impose Minister had defended its plan for control since ousting Suu Kyi, who restoring democracy, State Media is among more than 4,500 people reported on Tuesday (8), after a detained since the coup. meeting at which Southeast Asian The security forces have killed at counterparts pressed the Army to least 849 protesters, a rights implement a regional agreement group says, though the army meant to end turmoil. disputes that figure, and The junta has paid little heed to insurgencies in several regions demands from the Association of have flared. Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Alarmed by the turmoil, several to respect a ‘consensus’ agreed in members of ASEAN have called for People observing social distancing amid the COVID-19 pandemic attend a campaign rally of Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, presidential candidate late April to end violence and hold the release of political detainees, of the Mongolian People’s Party, ahead of the presidential election, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, 5 June 2021 (Reuters) political talks with its opponents. an end to the violence and for Southeast Asian Foreign Myanmar’s rivals to hold talks on Mongolia goes to the polls on his campaign online a few hours later sack and replace judges and anti-graft Ministers expressed ending the crisis - calls reflected in Wednesday (9), to choose its sixth after his Labour Party rival officials, which critics saw as part of a disappointment at the meeting in the ASEAN ‘consensus’. democratically-elected President, with Dangaasuren Enkhbat, the third wider power grab. China on Monday (7), at the ‘very But in the only reference to the the ruling Mongolian People’s Party election candidate, tested positive for Neither the party nor Khurelsukh slow’ progress made by Myanmar ASEAN proposal, the Myanmar (MPP) on the cusp of consolidating its coronavirus. responded to Reuters’ requests for on its proposal for ending the minister was cited as saying power following a low-key campaign Mongolia’s hybrid political system comment. turmoil since the army overthrew ‘discussions were made cordially’ crimped by COVID-19 curbs. gives Parliament the power to make The Democratic Party’s campaign elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi on it during a visit last week by The vote is the first after laws and appoint Governments, but it slogan this year is “Mongolia without on 1 February. two ASEAN envoys - who had also constitutional amendments stripped also gives the President a veto over Dictatorship”, and candidate Erdene State media cited junta- called for the release of political the office of some of its powers and legislation. told Reuters that an MPP victory would appointed Foreign Minister prisoners. limited holders to a single six-year Voters usually chose opposition party see the country shift further towards a Wunna Maung Lwin as telling the Opponents of the junta have term, so keeping incumbent candidates as President. Although one-party state. ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers’ shown increasing frustration at Khaltmaa Battulga of the opposition winners must relinquish party “Today if you are not a member (of meeting that the military had ASEAN’s inability to press the Democratic Party from seeking allegiance, they have tended to block MPP), if you are not affiliated to the made progress on its own five-step junta and its failure to include re-election. legislation on party lines, creating ruling party, it is no longer possible to roadmap for the country unveiled other political stakeholders, Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, forced to resign political deadlock that some say has do business as you choose, study what after its coup. particularly the ousted as Prime Minister after protests this held back the country. you choose and live in the way you “The Minister apprised the government. The junta has year, is the favourite to take over the Although businessman and former choose.” meeting that the only way to branded its opponents ‘terrorists’. Presidency for the MPP, which already wrestler Battulgahe failed to overturn Both major parties have accused ensure the democratic system that China’s State-run Global Times controls Parliament and Government. the decision to exclude him from this each other of undermining Mongolia’s is disciplined and genuine was newspaper has quoted junta The Democratic Party is fielding year’s elections, he remains popular 30-year-old democracy. through the five-point future leader Min Aung Hlaing as telling Sodnomzundui Erdene to replace among some voters. “Both parties are right,” said Sumati programme that was declared in the Chinese ambassador that Battulga. “Battulga has done quite a lot for the Luvsandendev, a political analyst and February,” the Global New Light of Myanmar was willing to coordinate Campaign events in the capital, people,” said Tsetsegmaa Khasbat, a pollster with the Sant Maral Myanmar reported. implementation of the consensus. Ulaanbaatar, have been kept to a 67-year-old retiree. “He is a person who Foundation, a Mongolian consultancy. The Minister had said that most After Monday’s meeting, minimum as it battles COVID-19. Daily can get things done.” “Both sides are ‘undermining of these points had been met Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Retno infections hit a record over the last However, others have been democracy’ and it is not easy to say including preventative COVID-19 Marsudi said Chinese help would week and Mongolia’s deaths stand at disillusioned by his failure to take on which side is doing better.” measures and setting up a new be ‘highly appreciated as this will 325. the ruling elite, said Enkhtsetseg Sumati said he expected the MPP to Election Commission to look into contribute to achieving a peaceful “Because of coronavirus there is very Dagva, elections programme manager emerge victorious. alleged fraud during a November solution’. little election campaign information, at the Open Society Forum, a non- “The (Democratic Party) campaign election swept by Suu Kyi’s party, A shadow government formed by and I will probably decide at the time,” government group. doesn’t exist, while outsider Enkhbat is the paper said. anti-coup opponents criticised said a 22-year-old voter, Ganbayar “Battulga struck deals with the doing quite well in consolidating protest The military defended its seizure China’s embassy in Myanmar for Gantulga. current MPP that were detrimental to votes in urban areas...(but) his chances of power after a decade of tentative calling the junta chief the ‘leader’ About 1,000 of Khurelsukh’s Mongolia’s democracy,” she said. against the mighty MPP system are very steps towards democracy saying of Myanmar on a posting on its supporters held a rally outside a The MPP-controlled Parliament little,” he said. the old election commission had website. concert hall on Saturday, but he moved agreed to give Battulga authority to (Reuters) ignored its complaints of fraud. (Reuters)

New Delhi, India Islamabad, Pakistan Court calls for sweeping reforms Death toll in train crash rises to 56

The death toll in a train crash the railway and Pakistani “We brought water, picked up to respect LGBT rights in southern Pakistan rose to 56 military, which worked at the children. Passengers who were on Tuesday (8), a railway site along with Police and other coming out of the train were A Court in India ordered State and Federal spokeswoman said, the latest rescuers. mostly in agony,” he said. officials on Monday (7), to draw up plans for accident to highlight a broken One side of the two rail tracks The trains were carrying a sweeping reforms to respect LGBT rights, in a railway system that dates back have been cleared and work was total of 1,388 passengers. ruling that went far beyond the narrow terms to the 19th century. in progress to clear the other Accidents on the decaying rail of a case brought by a lesbian couple who A train smashed into derailed one to help restore traffic. system are common. said they had been harassed by Police. carriages of another train on Several carriages of a train In 2005, in the same district, Judge Anand Venkatesh of the Madras Monday (7), killing at least 36 derailed and fell across the about 130 people were killed High Court ruled in favour of the couple, who people and injuring over 100. adjacent track in the Ghotki when a crowded passenger train had complained that Police had subjected The toll rose to 56 after bodies district on Monday. Within rammed into another at a them to harassing questioning after their were retrieved overnight from minutes, a second train, coming station and a third train struck parents filed a missing persons report. mangled coaches strewn across from the other direction, the wreckage. But the judge also used the opportunity to the tracks, Pakistan Railways smashed into them. Successive governments have issue a broad ruling that called for the spokeswoman Nazia Jabeen told “The driver tried to apply for years been trying to secure elimination of what he described as illegal Reuters. emergency brakes but the funds to upgrade the system, discrimination against members of the Another 23 injured passengers locomotive hit the infringing including a planned new rail LGBTQIA+ community. He ordered State and are still under treatment, she coaches,” Pakistan Railways track called ML-1 as part of Federal Government departments to report said, adding the rest of them said in an initial report. China’s Belt and Road Initiative back with steps they intend to take to were sent to their destinations. “We saw a terrifying scene of energy and infrastructure comply. Rescue operations have been here,” a resident Sher projects. Among his recommendations: Police and completed, said statements from Mohammad told Reuters TV. (Reuters) Government officials should be given awareness training to ensure they respect A participant waves a flag during Queer Azadi LGBT rights. Medical practitioners who claim Pride, an event promoting gay, lesbian, bisexual to be able to ‘cure’ homosexuality should and transgender rights, in Mumbai, India, 1 have their licences revoked. February 2020 (Reuters) Schools and colleges should make gender neutral restrooms available, and gender- raised by the judge could serve as precedent nonconforming or trans prisoners should be for future cases. housed separately if needed to protect them “This is the first major order that addresses from sexual assault. most challenges concerning the whole “Ignorance is no justification for LGBTQIA+ community and issues specific normalising any form of discrimination,” directions,” said L Ramakrishnan, vice- Venkatesh wrote in his order. Educators president at SAATHII, a Chennai-based should reach out to parents, to help public health advocacy group. “sensitise parents on issues of LGBTQIA+ “I am hopeful of change given the judge has community and gender nonconforming indicated he would follow up on the students, to ensure supportive families,” his directions on a regular basis,” he said. order read. In reaching his ruling, the judge said he Activists hailed the order as a major step had sought information on same-sex towards equality for marginalised groups. relationships from a psychologist. The judge Although the court could not by itself impose described himself as not ‘fully woke’ and said such widespread change with a single ruling, he belonged to the majority in India, who are Government departments could not ignore ‘yet to comprehend homosexuality the order to report back on the steps they completely’. Paramilitary soldiers and rescue workers search for the victims in the wreckage following a collision between two plan to take to comply, and the arguments (Reuters) trains in Ghotki, Pakistan, 7 June 2021. (Reuters) A6 WEDNESDAY 9 JUNE 2021 WORLD

Jerusalem, Israel Parliament to vote on new Govt on Sunday – Speaker

Israel’s legislature will vote on Sunday (13), on approving a new Government, the Speaker of Parliament said on Tuesday (8), a move that will unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the country’s longest-serving leader. If the coalition of right- wing, left-wing, centrist and Arab parties wins the vote of confidence, it will be sworn in on the same day, marking the end of Netanyahu’s 12-year run as Prime Minister and his replacement by nationalist Naftali Naftali Bennett, Israeli Parliament Member from the Yamina party, gives A person is detained by Australian Federal Police after its Operation Ironside against organised crime in this Bennett. undated handout photo released 8 June 2021 (Australian Federal Police/Handout via Reuters) a statement at the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament, in Jerusalem (Reuters) Last Wednesday (2), centrist Yesh Atid party election, Israel’s fourth in to hold the Knesset vote this leader Yair Lapid announced two years. Wednesday (9), and called on Global crackdown on that he and Bennett, a Under their deal, Bennett the Prime Minister to “let go” former Defence Minister who will serve first as Prime and desist from any efforts to heads the far-right Yamina Minister, followed by Lapid. persuade members of the organised crime after party, had formed a broad Bennett had urged new coalition to defect and governing alliance following Parliamentary Speaker Yariv scupper its inauguration. high-tech U.S.-Australia sting an inconclusive 23 March Levin, a Netanyahu loyalist, (Reuters) U.S. and Australian agencies social media they would hold he said. “It was there to be hacked into an app used by news conferences later on seen, including ‘we’ll have a criminals and read millions of Tuesday. speedboat meet you at this encrypted messages, leading to Australia said it had arrested point’, ‘this is who will do this’ hundreds of arrests of 224 people, including members and so on.” suspected organised crime of outlawed motorcycle gangs, Kershaw said the Australian figures in 18 countries, while New Zealand said it had underworld figure, who had UAE welcomes American Australian officials said on detained 35 people. absconded from the country, Tuesday (8). The operation, which was had ‘essentially set up his own The operation by Australian conceived by Australian Police colleagues’ by distributing the Police and the U.S. Federal and the FBI in 2018, saw phones and was a marked Jewish advocacy group Bureau of Investigation officials in the United States man. ensnared suspects in Australia, take control of the An0m “The sooner he hands himself Asia, South America and the messaging app used by in, the better for him and his The American Jewish the group’s virtual been appropriate”. Middle East involved in the organised crime networks. family,” he said. Committee (AJC) advocacy annual global forum on The UAE, which global narcotics trade, the When an Australian One murder plot that group said it has opened Monday (7). “Your distrusts Islamist groups, officials said. underworld figure began authorities got to know of an office in the United presence in the UAE is ... does not allow political Named Operation Trojan distributing customised phones involved plans to attack a cafe Arab Emirates (UAE), its part of changing parties and shows little Shield by the FBI, it was one of containing the app to his with a machine gun, while a first in the Arab region, in mindsets.” tolerance towards dissent. the biggest infiltrations and associates as a secure means family of five was also targeted. a move welcomed by the Sheikh Abdullah and his Local Media is tightly takeovers of a specialised to communicate, Police could Authorities said they were able Gulf State’s Foreign Bahraini counterpart controlled. encrypted network. monitor their messages. The to prevent these attacks. Minister to promote Abdullatif Al-Zayani The regional trade and Australian Prime Minister gangs believed the system was Executing Australia’s largest dialogue. reiterated that the tourism hub has pressed on Scott Morrison said the secure because the phones did number of search warrants in The UAE and Bahrain accords, which Sudan and with plans to further ties operation “struck a heavy blow not have any other capabilities one day, Police on Monday (7), established ties with Morocco have also signed, with Israel, though with less against organised crime – not - no voice or camera functions seized 104 firearms, including Israel last year in U.S.- aimed to help bring lasting fanfare following Israel- just in this country, but one were loaded - and the app was a military-grade sniper rifle, as brokered deals called the peace and prosperity Hamas hostilities last that will echo ... around the encrypted. well as almost 45 million Abraham Accords, through cooperation in month and what Arab world”. “We have been in the back Australian Dollars (USd 34.9 becoming the first Arab fields such as technology States have described as “This is a watershed moment pockets of organised crime,” million) in cash. Around 7 States in more than a and health. Israeli provocations in in Australian law enforcement Kershaw said at the same million Australian Dollars was quarter century to break “We have to be tolerant to Jerusalem. history,” Morrison told reporters media briefing. “All they talk found in one safe buried what had been a long- thrive ... in a challenging Sheikh Abdullah said in Sydney. about is drugs, violence, hits beneath a garden shed in a standing taboo in the neighbourhood,” the finding a solution to the Australian Federal Police on each other, innocent people Sydney suburb. region. Emirati Minister said. Israeli-Palestinian conflict Commissioner Reece Kershaw who are going to be murdered.” A total of 525 charges have “We are thrilled to have He said the global effort would require ‘strategic’ said Police raids in 18 countries The messages were brazen been laid but authorities expect you,” Sheikh Abdullah to “challenge extremism thinking on both sides. netted hundreds of suspects. and there was no attempt to more in the coming weeks. bin Zayed al-Nahyan told and radical ideas has not (Reuters) Europol and the FBI said on hide behind any kind of code, (Reuters)

Lagos, Nigeria London, United Kingdom Broadcasters Thousands of Police ordered not to use Twitter to gather info poised for G7 protests Thousands of Police have been drafted in from across Britain to beef up security for what organisers promise will be disruptive and ‘annoying’ protests when G7 Leaders gather for a summit this week. The first in-person meeting of the leaders of major developed economies for nearly two years will take place in Cornwall on the tip of southwestern England, with the focus on the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. Police have closed off roads and coastal paths to Carbis Bay, the small A man looks at newspapers at a newsstand in Abuja, Nigeria (Reuters) seaside resort which is hosting the event, erecting steel fences and Nigerian television and radio Twitter has called its putting other restrictions in place. stations should not use Twitter to suspension ‘deeply concerning’ An extra 5,000 officers have been gather information and have to and said it would work to restore drafted in to help the operation with de-activate their accounts, the access for all those in Nigeria who about 6,500 officers and staff involved broadcast authority said following rely on the platform to altogether, Devon and Cornwall Police the move to suspend the U.S. communicate and connect with said. social media giant in Africa’s most the world. The National “Everything that we do will be populous country. Broadcasting Commission, in a proportionate and will be legitimate,” Police officers walk past Tregenna Castle ahead of the G7 Summit, in Carbis Bay, Nigeria’s Government on Friday statement dated 6 June, told Assistant Chief Constable Glen Cornwall, Britain (Reuters) (4), said it had suspended broadcasters to “suspend the Mayhew, who is in charge of policing Twitter’s activities, two days after patronage of Twitter immediately”. the summit, said. “We know that the disruptive. We will be annoying,” said make their way to St Ives, the town the platform removed a tweet by “Broadcasting stations are hereby eyes of the world’s Media will be on us the group, which is campaigning next to Carbis Bay, for the summit. President Muhammadu Buhari advised to de-install Twitter over the next seven days.” against a proposed law that would give “We have done our best to plan our that threatened to punish handles and desist from using While the threat of terrorism Police extra powers to curb protests. actions to be peaceful, creative, secessionists. Nigerian telecoms Twitter as a source of information remains - Britain is on its third Police say they support the right to artistic and COVID safe,” it wrote in firms have since blocked access to gathering,” it said in the highest alert level of ‘substantial’, peaceful protests and have allocated an open letter to locals last week. “We Twitter. statement, adding that “strict meaning an attack is considered likely four sites for protesters to gather. But sincerely apologise in advance for any International diplomats compliance is enjoined”. - the most overt issue will be dealing RG7 - whose number also includes additional disruption that we cause.” responded with a joint statement The statement comes two days with a swathe of protests, some of climate change groups, anti-war Police have indicated they will be in support of ‘free expression and after the Attorney General ordered which will endeavour to cause major activists and anarchists - has said it taking a tough line, saying sustained access to information as a pillar of the prosecution of those who disruption to highlight their causes. will boycott these. disruption could not be allowed and democracy in Nigeria’. break the rules on the ban. “Our rights weren’t won through “RG7 does not talk or liaise with the any public order or criminal offences Buhari, who was Nigeria’s The Foreign Minister on Monday quiet, polite protest. Our rights were cops. Cops will not be welcome into would be dealt with “robustly”. military ruler in the 1980s, has (7), held a closed door meeting in won through being noisy, disruptive any of our spaces,” it said on its “Assuming that a protest has the previously been accused of the capital, Abuja, with diplomats and annoying,” said the Kill the Bill website. intention of causing major disruption, cracking down on freedom of from the United States, Britain, group, one of about 20 activist Extinction Rebellion, which caused then we would look to clear blocked expression, though his Canada, the European Union and organisations to have joined a “Resist traffic chaos in central London with 11 roads as soon as practicable,” Police Government has denied such Ireland to discuss the ban. G7 Coalition” (RG7). days of protests in 2019, has said it said on their website. accusations. (Reuters) “We will be loud. We will be expects some 1,000 protesters to (Reuters) wednesday 9 june 2021 b7

Sri Lanka Investment Forum, Prime Minister’s Address Govt to Promote Non-Debt Creating Foreign Exchange Inflows Private Equity, Listed Securities, Debt Instruments and Venture Capital among the List By Ishara Gamage country for investors from all over the world. These measures Email: [email protected] The Government of Sri Lanka are aimed at ensuring that both will continue to make capital local and foreign investors will investments in anticipation of be able to establish profitable high economic growth, Prime ventures without unnecessary Tuesday Markets Minister and Minister of Finance barriers,” Prime Minister and Mahinda Rajapaksa said Minister of Finance Mahinda Yesterday (8). Rajapaksa concluded. As of last Treasuries Gain at Delivering the keynote speech afternoon (8), more than 80 on the second day of the Sri countries had participated in Pvt. Sector Expense Lanka Investment Forum, the the full half of the Sri Lanka Prime Minister further stated Investment Forum. More than By Paneetha Ameresekere that these capital investments 1883 investors from various are essential for the fields have turned their Government of Sri Lanka’s (GoSL’s) money development of the country’s attention to investing in Sri printing borrowing costs (MPBCs) sharply infrastructure and to increase PM Mahinda Rajapaksa Lanka. It is reported that an decreased for the second consecutive market day the production capacity of the additional 2784 participants to yesterday driven by seeming perennial economy. billion in foreign direct “Out of these, the Government attended the conference. 108 uncertainty, this time falling by 1.58 per cent (Rs He also said that the investment to the country over will give priority to private equity speakers have addressed the 317.61 million) to Rs 19,778.22 million led by Government would play a major the next five years .We have inflows, development of listed conference in 118 sessions. panicky investor buying interest on low returns, role in boosting investment. already finalised the relevant securities, streamlining of debt Board of Investment of Sri riskless Treasury (T) Bonds and T Bonds in the Through this year’s budget legislation. Despite this instruments and promotion of Lanka Chairman Sanjaya secondary market rather than lend to the high Government has already epidemic, the Port City project Venture Capital,” he said. Mohottala says that the Sri returns growth engine the private sector. proposed several tax and other has become a major turning He also said that the Lanka Investment Forum 2021 The benchmark administered ‘spot’s incentives for several high point in the country’s economy,” Government will take steps to is the largest online investment understood, but unwritten two way quotes were foreign exchange earning he said. create a conducive environment conference to be held in Asia unchanged at Rs 199.75/200.25 to the US dollar industries such as boat The Prime Minister also stated for foreign investment in new under the online system. for the 15th consecutive market day to yesterday building, bonded warehouses, that the Government will take businesses. Mohottala said he hopes to in the interbank foreign exchange (FX) market, offshore companies and the steps to encourage non-debt “Our Government has already achieve short-term and long- with, ipso facto, no trades done, led by moral renewable energy sector. creating foreign exchange started to put a number of term economic gains in the suasion, moving to an era of shortages and “The Port City project is inflows instead of costly foreign measures in place that would investment sector in Sri Lanka queues, reminiscent to that which dominated the expected to attract about $ 15 borrowing at present. make Sri Lanka an attractive through such a conference. economy from 1970-77, sources told this reporter. Yesterday was also the 27th consecutive market day than no trades were executed in the interbank FX market. Nonetheless, the unsaid market exchange rate (MER) has theoretically depreciated by between Rs 12.25-11.75 (6.53-6.23 per cent) in Preserving National two way quotes in the calendar year to yesterday Sri Lanka to and year on year by between Rs 14.70-15.15 (7. 94-8.18 per cent), thereby causing cost-push inflationary pressure in the event trades were Grow 3.4% – WB Economy executed, even at these administered prices, as Sri Lanka is an import dependent economy. GoSL’s By Paneetha Ameresekere face value (FV) MP debt fell by Rs 3,897 million Our Main Priority (0.45 per cent) to Rs 868,776.17 million yesterday, Word Bank (WB) yesterday (8) forecast that Sri Lanka’s economy, partially mitigating demand-pull inflationary after contracting by 3.6 per cent last year, will grow by 3.4 per cent this – Gen. Shavendra Silva pressure. GoSL’s FVMP debt has been over Rs 0.5 year, before sharply decelerating to two per cent and mildly accelerating trillion for a record 143 consecutive market days to to 2.1 per cent in 2022. “Sri Lanka, facing resurging COVID-19 cases Preserving the National Economy yesterday due to a lack of revenue. Liquidity was and mounting Government debt, has experienced significant exchange has been a decisive factor for Sri uplift by Rs 22,348 million ( US$111.91 million) rate depreciation since the onset of the pandemic,” it said. Lanka before the pandemic, during led by the settlement/s of Central Bank of Sri In its forecast for the South Asian region as a whole, the WB said that the pandemic and will be in post- Lanka’s (CBSL’s) swaps with the market and/or downside risks stem from high Government debt, upward pressure on pandemic too, Chief of Defence GoSL’s dollar sales to and/or swaps with CBSL food prices, financial sector challenges and the uncertain trajectory of Staff, Commander of the Army and during trading yesterday. Transactions between COVID-19 and vaccination. Head of National Operation Centre GoSL and CBSL are foreign reserves neutral. Global financial conditions, while currently accommodative, could for Prevention of COVID-19 Conversions are based on CBSL’s administered change if advanced economies tighten monetary policy before recoveries Outbreak, Gen. Shavendra Silva ‘spot’ rate on Friday which was Rs 199.69 to the are entrenched elsewhere or global inflation rises unexpectedly. The said. dollar. Net excess liquidity increased by 19.85 per pandemic is expected to leave a legacy of higher poverty in the region. Addressing the Sri Lanka cent (Rs 18,451 million) to Rs 111,419 million at Tens of millions of people are anticipated to fall below the US$1.90-a- Investment forum yesterday he the end of yesterday’s trading. day extreme poverty line this year. Further deprivation could come from said that they have given equal ‘Spot’ trades are settled after two market days higher food prices as global agricultural commodities have risen 30 per emphasis to external and internal from the date of trading. CBSL, the steward of the cent over the past year. Adding to the adverse impacts, fixed investment aspects of the National Economy. country’s foreign reserves and debt, deals in ‘spot.’ is expected to be 10 per cent below pre-pandemic trends, schools have He also emphasised that despite CBSL in its daily open market operations doesn’t been shut for about one-third of the duration of the pandemic, and an having imposed travel restrictions give the reasons behind the change in liquidity. estimated one-tenth of labour hours have been lost. to control the spreading of COVID- Investments in T Bonds and T Bills are risk free, COVID-19 cases have surged in South Asia and the situation in India 19, the country was never closed Chief of Defence Staff, Commander because in the event GoSL is unable to honour has been particularly difficult. For the region, peaks in daily new for economic and economic-related of the Army General Shavendra Silva such debt, CBSL is mandated to print demand- confirmed cases and deaths are multiple times higher than last year. activities. pull inflationary money and repay such creditors. Progress in vaccination has been slow, and the largest economies, “Our pandemic management significant prerequisite for external Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, have vaccinated only a small fraction strategy includes the and internal economic of their populations. uninterrupted running of partnerships. Following an aggressive policy response in 2020 that included cuts in industries, factories, export Sri Lanka’s major development interest rates, increases in Government expenditure, extension of loans agencies and international projects and infrastructure 3-Day bullish and guarantees and steps to ensure financial stability, fiscal and businesses, where the employees projects were not delayed due to monetary policies remain accommodative. have been assured to work amidst the pandemic, and also, the health run ends at CSE The outlook is underpinned by a rebound in private consumption. the pandemic with all necessary and safety of the workers have The recovery, however, has done little to narrow the gap with pre- healthcare precautions and never been compromised. By Mario Andree pandemic trends. associated facilities. This has been To maintain the economic the strength of Sri Lanka so far,” momentum, the Sri Lankan The three-day bullish run ended at the he said. strategy has given due focus to Colombo Stock Exchange on Tuesday (08) as the According to him Sri Lanka has preserve the Sri Lankan identity in benchmark index posted losses on a modest emphasised on safe tourism, giving the international market where turnover with continued foreign exits from the the guarantee to long-and short- plantation and agricultural sectors Bourse. The benchmark All Share Price Index Prime Lands Residencies term tourists that Sri Lanka is a are functioning under strict health (ASPI), which started the day at 7,591.90 points, safe destination. Sri Lanka are in guidelines despite the pandemic. crashed to 7539.96 points during the early hours Limited makes the process of developing and In this regard, Sri Lanka has before recovering to close the day at 7,542.20 improving the ‘Bio Secure Bubble’ special consideration for identical points, losing 49.70 points (0.65 per cent) CSE trading debut in tourism, sports, and diplomatic Sri Lankan agricultural products compared to the previous day’s close. Prime Lands Residencies capitalisation of the CSE. That visits. Sri Lanka has proven its such as tea and spices. The more liquid S&P SL20, which started the Limited (PLR-N-0000) rang the makes this listing special as competencies in providing a bio Sri Lanka being a centrally day 3,055.14 points crashed to 3,026.16 points market opening bell today to Prime Lands Residencies is secure environment from the port situated country in the Indian before recovering to close the day at 3,033.01 commence trading on the coming to the market very of landing back to the departure. Ocean understands the value of points losing 22.13 points (0.72 per cent) Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) successfully. Prime Lands In this aspect, Sri Lanka has sea transportation, back-loading compared to the previous day’s close. at a special fully Virtual Market Residencies’ IPO was readjusted infrastructure, operations and re-exports. Also, we The day’s turnover neared Rs 2 billion, lower Opening Ceremony organised by oversubscribed on its first day transport, food and beverage and value the expectations of the than the Rs 2.1 billion recorded during the the CSE. The company listed and raised Rs 1.95 Bn. This is health facilities to provide cutting friendly foreign countries Market’s previous day’s trading. 937,500,000 Ordinary Voting the third listing this year and edge and quality service. worldwide and their necessity of Shares of 251 listed companies were traded Shares and has been classified each of them raised their full “Also, by now, the nation is providing uninterrupted sea during the day of which 117 were losers under the Industry Group “Real fund raising goal within the first focusing on enhancing Sri Lanka’s transportation of goods and comfortably ahead of 60 winners. Estate (6010)”. day through oversubscription…” potential in facilitating MICE supplies in which Sri Lanka plays More than 97.89 million shares changed hands Brahmanage Premalal, Group Group Chairman of Prime (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences a vital role. during the 29,501 trades that took place. Chairman of Prime Lands Group, Brahmanage Premalal and Exhibitions) tourism. This aspect was widely Foreigners exited the CSE on Tuesday (08) for Residencies Limited, Ray welcomed the new shareholders Considering the situation around considered from the beginning of the thirteenth consecutive session. The net Abeywardena, Group Managing to the company and added “I the world, the country expects the the battle against the COVID-19. foreign outflow during the day amounted to Rs 22 Director/CEO of Acuity Partners believe that there is no better relatively safer situation in Sri With the valuable inputs of all million as foreigners sold shares worth Rs 70 (Private) Limited and Dumith way of welcoming our Lanka will give a boost to this economic stakeholders seaports million as against purchases worth Rs 48 million. Fernando, Chairman of the CSE shareholders into the market in time to come. were continuously in operation The top ten winners during the day were: spoke at the event. Chairman of organisation than by achieving Despite the restrictions due to amidst the pandemic. Anilana Hotels, Amaya Leisure, Amana Takaful the CSE Dumith Fernando an oversubscription on the very COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lanka Accordingly, the health safety and BPPL Holdings. congratulated the company on first day of the issue. Going has been committed to continuing precautions of the employees at Top ten losers were: Blue Diamonds, Colombo the special occasion “Today public is a significant milestone the building of necessary the ports were designed, and we Fort Investments, Hapugastenne Plantations, marks the listing of a company of for any business, and we are infrastructure and service facilities have been very successfully Muller and Phipps. Real Estate sector. This sector is very proud about this for industrial and business functioning the port operations by under represented on the market achievement.” advancement, which is a now,” Gen. Shavendra Silva said. B8 Ceylon FT wednesday 9 june 2021 Economy

To provide space for State and private sector to direct their savings and investments Restructuring of National Balance Sheet is a Key Policy Goal – Dr. P.B Jayasundera

Following are excerpts from a speech Government has already given clearance of 5 Techno Parks. The Budget has involving far reaching reforms towards made by Secretary to the President to build an International Financial also incentivized vocational education improving the well-being of Sri Lankan Dr. P.B Jayasundera addressing the Centre supported by other service with the setting up of City Universities people and towards three-day Sri Lanka Investment Virtual facilities. The anticipated investment on and specialized technology institutes. protectingcountry’s bio diversity and Summit in Colombo on Monday (7). already developed land and related Along with those new initiatives, natural resources. The World Bank is The long overdue reforms which have infrastructure is USD 1.4 billion. universities are also expected to heavily involved in the Surakimu placed Sri Lanka in the 90th position in Around USD 20 billion foreign increase IT related skills, accounts, Ganga programme – a nationwide the Ease of Doing Business Index, which investments is earmarked for the finance, engineering, languages etc. initiative to protect river banks and is not worth even talking. The development of international convention The 5 Techno Parks will be set up in clean 103 rivers. Several development Government is aiming to place Sri Lanka facilities, hospitals, schools, recreation different locations in Sri Lanka well partners are embracing this initiative. at least among the top 10 - 25 in the and residential facilities over the next connected to the expressway network, The Asian Development Bank will ‘country-ranking’ of the Ease of Doing 3-7 years being the construction phase hotel and logistic areas, with easy have its Annual Meeting in Sri Lanka Business Index. The other is the critical that will attract diverse skills and access to a skilled workforce to next year,this time providing infrastructure gaps that prevail and the business interests. As the Asian outlook increase IT based business operations opportunities for all of you to cost of electricity. Both the private sector is strong, it is time for the West to look based on the plug and play concept. participate and further explore as well as the public sector, cannot be East and, I sincerely think Sri Lanka is The construction of these 5 Techno investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. complaisant about country’s the best location when they look East. Parks will commence before end July communication strategy or when The Colombo City is ready with the this year. Sri Lanka’s tax Laws also National growth target in Dr. P.B Jayasundera projecting its advantages either. Both initial infrastructure required, including provide complete tax-free status to GDP is in excess of the private sector and the public sector office facilities, luxury apartments and private sector leaders have been these services and financial incentives are not well organized in this area and shopping to house regional offices, assigned to simplify the regulatory for start-up business. 6 per cent this investor forum is certainly a step in professional headquarters, backup framework to facilitate the ease of doing Telecommunication Regulatory Let me sum up. Sri Lanka is ready to that direction to work together to get a offices etc. business and to make the regulatory Authority is in the process of regain the growth momentum it lost message across on the basis of well and I am also pleased to announce that framework more efficient. The Education providing broadband access across since 2015. The national goal is to shared information in a timely manner the public investments to fill the gaps in Task Force has already commenced the the country to improve online service push the per capita income towards in the best interest of Sri Lanka and its the expressway networks have been implementation of education reforms to delivery–covering education, health, USD 10,000 in order to consolidate as people. accelerated. The Government expects develop skills required for the emerging banking, taxation, real-time an advanced middle income country National Development Goals and the Port Access Expressway to be ready economy, with significant emphasis on transactions etc. SLASSCOM – the as opposed to the present level of USD strategies of the Government of by this time, next year. The elevated skills education, so that university private sector IT based business 4,000. This will be driven by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa have expressway is also expected to be ready education will produce market demand association expects USD 1.7 billion structural changes in exports and been set up, having studied these before end of 2023 to provide easy skills. The Presidential Commission export earnings in 2021 and to drive imports of goods and services to make multifaceted strengths and weaknesses access to Ports and Airports in Colombo which was appointed to look into failed this industry to beyond USD 5 billion it much more diversified and inclusive. to which the Government should give and Hambantota-one major economic finance companies has recommended by 2024. In this background, the On average the national growth target careful thoughts, in order take this corridor to see increased activities in series of reforms in finance companies external service account is expected in GDP is in excess of 6 per cent with country to its deserving position. exports, tourism, financial and logistic and the related regulatory system. Legal to be in a USD 7 billion surplus price inflation maintained at a mid- Post COVID-19 rapid services. Domestic construction reforms covering civil, criminal and position as against the current single digit level. Volatility in the companies have been assigned the task commercial laws to address law delays, depressed level of USD 1 billion. This exchange rate will be a short lived socio-economy recovery of constructing expressway sections to improve the dispute resolution together with the net remittance phenomena and it is in the best North, East and Hill country mechanism etc. are being spearheaded inflows providing a USD 10 billion, Sri interest of Sri Lankan banks, to give As you are aware Sri Lanka like many destinations. Parallel to these initiatives, by the Minister of Justice with a Lanka is expected to strengthen its up short term speculative behavior in other nations has been performing public investments supported by the dedicated team of legal professionals. A Balance of Payments and protect its trading foreign exchange. The under restrictive conditions to manage World Bank, the Asian Development series of new laws and amendments to debt services, dividend and interest Macroeconomic Monetary Policy the COVID-19 pandemic. This is not an Bank and several other funding agencies existing laws are in the process of being payments, which foreign investors Strategy is to build country’s external ideal condition, for business and public have been accelerated in irrigation, submitted to Parliament for approval. can continue to give preference over reserves through the transformation movements. The management of health water and road development, islandwide Steps are also being taken to streamline other financial instruments. of country’s external current account risks, the economy and the security are over the next 3-5 years. The shift the workings at the office of the Registrar Climate Resilient and to generate annual surpluses and not interwoven aspects to ensure the towards the use of renewable energy General of Companies, and also to through raising debt as has been the wellbeing of the people and I can rest sources comprising of solar, wind and formulate guidelines for smaller Green Economy practice in the last several years. This assure you that the Government led by hydro power generation has gained investments in IT and enabling services, will certainly be beneficial to promote President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is giving momentum. These investments in clean research and technology partnerships The restructuring of the National the international sovereign bond leadership to address all these energy, has reduced the use of fossil etc. to have an easy approval process. A Balance Sheet is a key policy goal to market with much longer maturity at challenging tasks. In fact, the fuels and the foreign investments in a consolidated large tax payer focused tax provide space for the State as well as low costs. This is why the Government Government is busy getting ready for the LNG Fired electricity system have been administration is being institutionalized. for the private sector to direct their is placing trust in diversified exports post COVID-19 rapid socio-economy given priority. The International Tender Enabling legislations as per the 2021 savings and investments. In 2020, Sri of goods and services, viable import recovery within the overall policy which has been floated 3 months ago is Budget proposals, to extend the Lanka’s external government debt was substitution like agriculture, fabric framework of Vistas of Prosperity – the about to close and the selection process retirement age of the private sector in reduced by USD 4 billion to USD 34.2 manufacturing, pharmaceutical drugs mandate given to this Government, will commence soon. line with the public sector, so as to raise billion for all bilateral and commercial and vaccine processing, renewable despite lockdowns and restrictive As I mentioned before, considering the life time savings of such employees, are debt. Central Bank of Sri Lanka data energy generation etc. and technology conditions coming into effect from time country’s agricultural and water in the process of being introduced. The also confirms that external debt of the transfer is an essential part of the to time, due to the changing nature of resources, the Government has given related amendments are expected to be banking sector has been reduced to foreign investment drive. the pandemic. Let me outline some of highest priority for food production, placed before the Parliament in July USD 6.7 billion in 2020 from USD 7.4 The objective is to raise official those initiatives aimed for your benefit. agriculture, livestock, fisheries and agro- 2021. Banking and foreign exchange billion in 2018 consequently. reserves through such economic First, the Government concluded a based industries to provide food security management regulations are being Country’s external debt has been activities to around USD 8 billion Foreign Direct Investment in excess of as well as to replace imports of food, revisited to allow Sri Lankan commercial reduced from USD 54.8 billion to USD which is well in excess of country’s USD 700 million in a BOT project for a vegetable, dairy, meat, eggs as well as banks to enter into the sovereign bond 49.2 billion in 2020 despite stressed financial outflows. This is being 35-year operation, with India’s largest sugar-based products. Towards this, the market and also to develop a secondary official reserves currently at around reinforced in the fiscal adjustment Port and Logistic investor company, Board of Investment has been tasked to market among global funds. State USD 4 billion. The fiscal savings purely path that will reduce exposure to Adani Group being the major partner focus on diversified industrial exports. Minister for State Enterprises and on the exchange rate conversion along external loan funded projects. The and John Keells, Sri Lanka’s largest The Export Development Board has Capital Market Development and former from this debt reduction is around fiscal savings by reducing such blue-chip company being the local been requested to concentrate on SME Governor of the Central Bank is steering Rs1,120 billion. Within another 30 external debt and stability in exchange partner, to expand Colombo Port West centric exports and the Mahaweli the Financial Sector and Capital Market days the Government of Sri Lanka will rate will enable the Government to Terminal. Sri Lanka Ports Authority is Development Authority which reforms. The Government is also honour USD 1 billion bullet payments reduce the fiscal deficit towards 4 also committed to develop the East commands land and water, to working towards listing State-owned to our sovereign bond holders percent of GDP in 2025, in addition to Container Terminal so that over the next concentrate on commercial agriculture. hotels,inter alia to broaden stock market reassuring that Sri Lanka will never raising fiscal revenue through a well- 2 – 3 years Colombo Port’s capacity to The Urban Development Authority has transactions. default its debt. SWAP arrangements targeted high net worth tax paying handle transshipment cargo will been tasked to drive the transformation The Government’s National Plan between Central Banks in the region, community. While the country has significantly increase. The next of Urban Landscape and 50,000 low and places significant interest in the as well as with Governments are in been operating on a restrictive mode, landmark investment is a 15year FDI on middle income urban housing and development of international services. place to provide space to finance trade the Government during last 18 the elevated expressway from Kelani property development. These initiatives As you probably know, Sri Lanka’s among such countries, to deepen months has been busy getting this Bridge to Athurugiriya with a USD 800 will facilitate bank mortgages on middle external service account has generally exports. nation ready to be placed on a major million by China Harbour Engineering income housing to develop the mortgage been in a surplus position recording a Last but not least, is the Presidential savings and investment mode. The Corporation. The project is expected to market as well. USD 3.7 billion surplus, in 2018. This initiative to launch a ‘Climate Resilient rich business community operating in be ready by the end of 2023. Both these was largely due to booming travel and and Green Economy’ development Sri Lanka are active and enthusiastic. investments are a major shift from Significant emphasis on tourism activities prior to the Easter strategy to place the country on a new The literate work force and youth in previously arranged loan funded skills education Sunday attacks and the COVID-19 environment friendly setting and to Sri Lanka are looking for new projects to foreign investments, that the pandemic. This comfort zone may improve the country’s comparative opportunities. Foreign investors have country has been looking for. Friends, as I mentioned earlier, these gradually be in favour of Sri Lanka, advantage to the world. This front not faced difficulties in taking their The Government also introduced a proposals require considerable efforts in when vaccination and other health loaded initiative is to move away from dividend earnings either. In 2020, new law to establish the Colombo Port the process of being implemented, they regulations provide space. After all, Sri chemical fertilizer and adopt organic along annual dividend taken out is City Economic Commission to capitalize are far reaching yet long overdue policy Lanka’s public health system and fertilizer in agriculture, reduce around USD 600 million. Their its strategic position to provide global and institutional reforms,and needs to vaccination capacity is well recognized reliance on fossil fuel and increase dividend can earn better yield here. A services to emerging global businesses be implemented now than later. A by the World Health Organization. In the reliance on clean energy and wide range of concessions are between the West and the East. The law Presidential Task Force headed by a meantime, two other sources namely renewable energy sources, adopt available toexpand your business in as endorsed by the Supreme Court of Sri Supreme Court Judge has been given Port and Telecommunication services business models that promotes Sri Lanka. Corporate managers and Lanka and passed by Parliament with a the task to reform Port and Customs have gained growth momentum. recycling to convert waste to raw banks can seek Government resounding majority, reflecting that all procedures and logistics to reduce material, protect wildlife areas and assistance to support this move. I rally round the Executive to transform delays, irregularities and transaction Five Techno Parks restore elephant corridors, increase invite all of you to invest and re-invest Sri Lanka to be the gateway to Asia. The costs. A separate Presidential Task In accordance with the National the forest density and tap new with that optimism and commitment President has already appointed 7 Force jointly headed by a former Development Policy Framework, the markets for new funding sources for from the Government, which His members to the Commission, who will Secretary to the President and the Head 2021 – 2023 Medium Term National green technology. This is a vast area of Excellency the President gave in his commence their work shortly. The of John Keells, together with several Budget has permitted the setting up new investment opportunities, opening address.

HNB offers safe and secure SLT-MOBITEL inculcates reading habit online shopping experience with Book Donation programme Continuing to inculcate the Telecom Office, Nuwara Eliya, potential to change a child’s life love for reading and knowledge and the Principal, Teachers and and the Book Donation Helping customers to get the homes. HNB creditcardholders the burden on our loyal among children, SLT-MOBITEL Students of the school initiative helps them explore, best deals while staying safe at can also make use of cardholders, by providing carried out the second phase of participated in the programme. learn and broaden their home, Sri Lanka’s leading instalment payment options them access to the best its Hithak Athnam Pothak The books presented to the knowledge.By empowering private sector bank HNB PLC, up to 12 months with no possible deals available in the Denna programme by donating school were collected by the these children they have the partnered with leading added fees for any transaction market. Since the onset of the over 1,000 books and staff of the Central and Uva opportunity to receive a better supermarkets and online until 15 June 2021 as a pandemic, we have doubled connectivity solutions to the Regional offices and the Mini education and ultimately retailers to offer its credit special offer, and up to 60 our efforts to achieve this goal, Kikiliyamana School in Nuwara Outside Plant Maintenance improve their lives and ensure a cardholders a slew of special months throughout the month and we are committed to Eliya recently. The programme Centre at Kegalle, and also from brighter future. The programme discounts and easy instalment of June with a nominal working with our merchant was initiated in September 2020 customers and the general also included a thought- payment options. handling fee with leading and delivery partners to last year, parallel to the public. SLT-MOBITEL also provoking educational session Through these partnerships, merchant partners. ensure uninterrupted supply National Literacy Month with provided SLT internet for both school children and HNB card holders can receive “The last few months have lines to allow life to continue as the intention of providing books connections to the school with teachers on diverse topics discounts up to 55% from been especially challenging for normally as possible” HNB for needy schools. free installation. including motivation, leadership select merchants, when they many of us. Therefore, we Head of Cards, Senior Management of SLT- SLT-MOBITEL understands and how to successfully prepare shop from the safety of their wanted to do our part to ease Gauthami Niranjan said. MOBITEL, Staff of the Regional that every book has the for life after school. sports wednesday 9 june 2021 A9

By Vimukthi Adithya

A little girl of ten was getting Chat with Milo champions ready for her first ever Karate tournament in 2011, but before that she had to participate in a Dhamma school competition. She rushed to the location where the Karate competition was held as soon as she finished. The clock was ticking and the kid had to change from Hirudini that calm Dhamma school costume to her fighting outfit while travelling in the car. She was late, her event had started and she was up on the stage in a jiffy to perform her kata. She was in a hurry and nervous; she Dassanayake - forgot to remove her earrings, which were prohibited while engaging in Karate. The kid went about performing her Kata and was selected to feature in the best eight. It was a hectic experience for a young girl, but The versatile she swept aside her fatigue and rose up to the challenge, showing a glimpse of how strong a woman she would become. Born on 6 February 2001 in Colombo to Nishantha and Upamalika Dassanayake, Hirudini received unconditional karateka love from her parents and relatives as she was an only child. Her father is an Environmental Officer attached Hirudini Dassanayaka to the Central Environmental Authority and Mother is a limited since I was engaged in teacher. When her parents Karate wholeheartedly. I loved moved to Kandy, she was my sport the same way I loved enrolled at Girls’ High School my studies, so I never wanted to from grade one until she ended give up on anything. The only her decorated schooling career. way to excel in both was by Since everyone at school had having a proper plan. I divided to engage in a sport, little my time and planned out when Hirudini decided to engage in I should concentrate more on chess from grade one to three, studies and when I should be but she was never serious about more concerned about the the sport. How she ended up sport. I am proudly the person playing Karate is a wonderful who I am today because of the story of chance. Her school did impact sports had on me,” said not offer Karate as a sport to the Hirudini, touching on how sport girls, but a small Karate show has added value to personality. was included in their drill Hirudini did not have a role display. Sensei Rohitha model. She had a lot of seniors Senevirathne was given the in school that she could look up responsibility of training the to, learn and be influenced by girls and Hirudini participated With her Sensei Hirudini with her parents while respecting them, but she in it. Hirudini had never done did not follow anyone as she Karate before, but the way she school, Hirudini studied in the believed every person is unique practiced and went about the Bio stream for her advanced in their own way. act was enough to grab the levels, but the teenager never “My parents knew from the attention of Sensei Rohitha, who gave up on Karate and other beginning that I am someone immediately requested her to extracurricular activities. She who would get bored if I had to join the sport. That small act was made the Karate captain of focus on only one thing. From impressed him and the Sensei the school in 2019 and 2020, grade one, they encouraged me had to convince her parents to and she was also made the to carry out extracurricular send Hirudini for practice. Head Prefect in 2019/ 2020. activities with studies. They Hirudini was in grade four The girl was also the captain of encouraged me and gave me the when she decided to learn the her House, Eaton. She was the freedom to choose what I roots of Karate and would have debating Captain of the School, wanted. They provided never expected to create a legacy and was a member of the school guidance and advice, and when of her own. Karate was her Drama Team. Without doubt, I made a decision, they passion and she enjoyed the she was multi-talented. From supported my choices instead of effort put into it. wearing her karate uniform to planning out my life for me. My “My very first Karate With her team that won in Central Province performances that won medals, advice to other parents; identify tournament was a Provincial to dramatic performances on the talents and capabilities of tournament where I participated under-15 female Kata event. Karate Championship, she was stage that won places at the all- your child and be aware that after having to do a Dhamma She continued her dominance able to win first place in 2016, island level, to debates with everyone is unique in their own School competition in the and at all-island level she was 2nd place in 2017 and once opposing schools that won the way. Parents should morning. I did not have any able to win 3rd place in 2017, again a Gold medal in 2018 for best performance award at understand that extra- experience but I decided to 2nd place in 2018, and 2nd Kata. In 2018 she represented debating competitions, to curricular activities do not observe all the games and place in 2019, while in the Sri Lanka at the 9th participating and winning hinder studies as this is a gained a lot of knowledge on how Karate Do Federation National Commonwealth Karate medals at all-island English choice the child makes. to improve my skills. I really Championship held in South language competitions with her Explaining to them the wanted to learn the roots of it Hiruduni performing a Kata Africa. Even though she was writing skills, her talents are advantages of balancing out and wanted to excel in what I do. unable to obtain a medal, the versatile. Her brilliance was both will help a lot. Try not to I was ready to come stronger 2015 was a dream year for the experience she gained was exemplified again when she make the child only focus on next year. In the 2012 Provincial teenager. She came first in the invaluable. This was in addition obtained 3 ‘A’ passes for her studies and this will have a very tournament I was able to grab a Sri Lanka School Karate to obtaining school, zonal and advanced levels in 2020. She negative impact on the child. Gold medal in the kata event in Championship, first in the All- provincial colours. The same obtained a District rank of 12, Always understand the child my age category, which helped Island School Games, and also year she was adjudged the and an island rank of 204. first and let them grow. The me to attend the All Island clinched first place in the Sri under-16 age group all-island “My opinion is that no sport advice to kids is that they Karate Championship, where I Lanka Karate Do Federation best player. will hinder your academics; it should be aware that sports will was able to win a Silver medal.” Karate Championship. She was The girl was a sharpens all the good qualities sharpen their personality and Hirudini recalled her entry to also able to book a ticket to perfect all- a human has. When engaging to engage in what they love with Karate. Malaysia to attend the Mayor's rounder, and she in Kata, you have to perform pure dedication.” Hirudini Winning motivated the kid and Cup Karate Championship and proved this in alone in front of others. First, didn't forget to share her she only wanted to grow received a Bronze medal for the 2019. Her O/L you will have to be confident in wisdom with parents and kids. stronger every single day. She team Kumite event. results were 9 ‘A’ yourself and admire yourself Hirudini, the 20-year-old was dedicated to what she was Hirudini made sure to passes, and the before going out onto the floor. youth with a wealth of doing and was lucky enough to carry forward her brilliant exams were Karate gave me confidence. experience and maturity, is in have a coach who was as performance in held the Karate is like meditation. When need of a break as she has dedicated as her. When her 2015 to 2016, same year you perform a Kata, you need to finished her Advanced Levels school decided to start Karate, where this black she won the concentrate fully on the act. and awaiting local University Hirudini was among the first belt was once All-island Karate Being engaged in Karate, it admission. She is looking batch of girls to join. Her true again able to win Championship for helped me to improve my forward to busy days after she dedication was proved when she first place at the her age category. concentration and endurance. resumes her studies and attended Karate classes thrice National Karate So, her Sports also brought out my Karate. weekly; one day at school and Championship. achievements were leadership skills. Since I was Finally, she wanted to thank the other two as personal The same year truly remarkable. Karate captain, it taught me her parents, Principal of Kandy training. She would wake up she participated The 9 ‘A’ passes saw how to work in a team with Girls High School M. A. early morning to be at training at the South Asia her winning the good cooperation while Abeygunasekara, Deputy by 5.00 in the morning, and Karate school prize for best understanding others and Principals, Assistant Principals, trained for two hours before Championship held academic achieving collective goals. The former Prefect of Games Priyani going to attend her class work, in India and made the excellence. sport definitely was a plus point Dissanayake, all teachers, and and would stay back in the motherland proud by In her last for my academics. The time that especially her karate coach afternoon to engage in practices. winning a Gold for the couple of years in I had to allocate for studies was Sensei Rohitha Senevirathne. Winning at Karate A10 WEDNESDAY 9 JUNE 2021 SPORTS

Sri Lanka team during training

2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Sri Lanka Face South Korea in Battle for Pride The game is a challenge and lifetime opportunity: Sujan

By Mustaq Sydeen gain control of the ball in the middle. cannot defend 90 minutes, otherwise Moreover, the islanders will also you know you will be suffocated. So, Appearing for one last time in the look to counter attack through we will adopt another approach as FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Sri Lanka 19-year-old Dilon de Silva and much as we can. Sri Lanka’s skills, will be playing solely for pride, and will Waseem Razeek, who both had a great intelligence and fitness levels have look to sign off with a respectable result outing against Lebanon. The duo will improved and that’s the major against higher-ranked South Korea in a once again look to perform at a similar difference between this outfit and do-or-die World Cup qualifying round level, but with more consistency, if previous outfits of the National team,” match at Goyang Stadium, South they are to end the tournament on a said Sri Lanka tactician Amir Alagic at Korea on Wednesday (9). positive note. Their experience and the pre-match briefing. The Islanders will step on to the field goal scoring prowess could prove On the other hand, Son Heung-min’s with their morale high when they take decisive for the islanders. South Korea is coming into this clash on Son Heung-min’s side, after positive Sri Lanka will have a mountain to with a commendable 5-0 win against signs emerged in Saturday’s clash climb with nothing left but just to play Turkmenistan, and will look to against Lebanon. A first half strike from for pride. They will look to counter continue their winning momentum Waseem Razeek gave Sri Lanka hopes moves, while at the same time hope to against Sri Lanka to advance to the of creating an upset, but it ultimately keep the final deficit as low as next round of the qualifying process. turned out to be so-near-yet-so-far as possible. The Islanders have failed to In their previous meeting on 10 the 93rd ranked Lebanese team struck secure a single point, and the brace October 2019, they hammered eight thrice in the latter stages of the first half Waseem Razeek from the boot of Waseem Razeek were goals against Sri Lanka with Son to outwit the underdogs. a challenge to our players, and at the match Amir Alagic’s boys were very the only two goals the team has scored Heung-min scoring twice, Kim Shin- Sri Lanka custodian and skipper same time, a lifetime opportunity to consistent in creating chances and in this qualifying cycle. wook finding the net four times, and Sujan Perera believes the game against play against a team like South Korea. preventing their opponents from doing According to experts, beyond a near- Hwang Hee-chan and Kwon Chang- mighty South Korea is a challenge and As we did in the Lebanon match, we are so against them. If Sri Lanka are to impossible miracle, South Korea are hoon adding one each. a life time opportunity for the players to hoping to put up a good performance exorcise the demons of South Korea, primed to walk out as winners against This will be the fourth meeting showcase their skills. against our mighty opponents,” added the likes of Duckson Puslas, Asikoor a 204th ranked Sri Lankan team. between the sides, and Korea Republic “South Korea is among the top three the skipper. Rahuman, Chalana Chameera and “Against such a highly skillful, fit have a 100% record, with all three teams in South Asia. This encounter is In terms of form, comparing the last Marvin Hamilton will need to quickly and intelligent team like Korea we previous games ending in victory.

BCCI in talks with SLC to Zidansek battles Nadal marches host T20 World Cup 2021 past Badosa to into quarters Sri Lanka has emerged as source close to the the dark horse to host the development told ANI. reach semis Claycourt king Rafael Nadal thing in tennis, hit a brick wall ICC T20 World Cup 2021, “Keeping the playing overcame a wobbly start and on court Philippe Chatrier after which is scheduled to be conditions in mind, there Unseeded Tamara issues with the stadium lights leading 5-3 in the opening set. hosted by India. Given the have been some talks with Zidansek became the to subdue Italian teenager Third seed Nadal will face situation around COVID-19 SLC officials and just basic first Slovenian woman Jannik Sinner 7-5 6-3 6-0 on Diego Schwartzman for a place in India, there have been discussions to be honest. to reach a Grand Slam Monday and book a place in in the semi-finals after beating talks between BCCI and the Too early to get into the semi-final, as she beat the French Open quarter- the Argentine in the last four Emirates Cricket Board details, but we still have Spain's Paula Badosa finals. last year. (ECB) in relation to hosting some time before we need 7-5 4-6 8-6 in a The Spanish defending Although the sun shone the T20 World Cup 2021. to get back to the ICC to gripping French Open champion, looking to claim a throughout, part of the According to a report in ANI, inform them on the battle on Tuesday. record-extending 14th Roland match was played under BCCI officials have been in situation as the BCCI will The world number 85 Garros singles title and the floodlights. talks with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) as continue to have the hosting rights even led by a set and 4-2, become the only man "I think the lights went well. “See, there is no denying the fact if it is played outside India,” the source but big-hitting Badosa to win 21 Grand on too early. The court that BCCI and ECB officials have been explained. stormed back to win Slam singles is covered from having discussions on taking the While UAE has just three venues in six games in Tamara Zidansek crowns, has won one side. showpiece event to UAE with an eye on Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi; Sri succession. celebrates after 35 consecutive When the COVID-19 situation in India. But, Lanka will provide more options when it Zidansek showed winning sets in Paris. the sun what also needs to be kept in mind here comes to hosting games. The city of great resolve to save World number was lower is that hosting the IPL would mean quite Colombo itself has three stadiums. three break points at 6-6 in a high-quality 19 Sinner, who and hit the light, it a few games, not to forget other Notably, SLC had also made its deciding set. Badosa then crumbled as at 19 years old created shadow on the tournaments or matches that might be intentions clear for hosting IPL 2021 in Zidansek sealed victory with a thumping has been court. It was tricky," held in some of the venues and tired the September-October window. forehand winner. (Reuters) labelled as Nadal celebrates Nadal told a news wickets by the time of the World Cup,” a (Agencies) the next big winning his fourth conference. (Reuters) round match

SL team off to England Asian Zonal Hybrid Chess C’ship - Day 7 Sri Lanka's 24-member July to 22 August 2021. The Susal finds GM too hot to handle squad left the island yesterday inaugural edition of the LPL, to England to participate in Sri Lanka’s topmost 15-year-old FIDE Master Susal Susal and Ranindu are now in three T20I and three ODIs. The domestic T20 League with an de Silva found Grand Master Ziaur 6th and 7th position with two Selectors have continued to international flavor, was Rahman (Bangladesh - 2434) too games to go. Buddhiks is in 14th drop seniors and stick with a conducted last year at the hot to handle when they clashed place in an event dominated by the young squad. Kusal Janith MRICS, Hambantota, with yesterday. GM Zia tried to follow Bangladeshi players. Perera has been entrusted with the participation of 5 teams. the Trompovsky Opening while A total of 39 players are the leadership once again as on Health protocols for the Susal opted for a King’s side play. participating in the event - 20 the Bangladesh tour. second edition of the LPL will He thus lost several pawns on the players from Bangladesh, 10 Players had a stormy meeting be planned based on the Queen’s side which resulted in players from Pakistan and 3 with SLC officials on Monday directions of the Ministry of losing the game. players each from Maldives, Nepal regarding their contracts, and Health,” SLC stated in a With this comfortable win the GM and Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, after heated arguments they media release. is the sole leader on the points some leading Sri Lankan Chess finally signed a tour declaration Squad: Kusal Janith table with 6 ½ out of 7 games. The players, including number one on the written assurance SLC Perera (Captain), Kusal other Grand Master, Enamul ranked Harshana Thilakaratne, Kusal Janith Perera will provide transparency into Mendis, Danushka Hussain (2402) - also from could not participate due to the contract categories and other issues Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Bangladesh - is following closely current situation in the country. upon their arrival from the tour. Pathum Nissanka, Niroshan Dickwella, with 6 points, just a half a point The event is sponsored by SAIF The team includes uncapped bowling Dhananjaya de Silva, Oshada behind after he beat the POWERTEC Ltd. all-rounder Dhananjaya Lakshan, Ishan Fernando, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Bangladesh FIDE Master Mehdi Results of 7th Round: Jayarathne, former under-19 skipper Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Hasan Parag. Khandaker Aminul Islam (2182) Charith Asalanka, Shiran Fernando and Ramesh Mendis, Chamika Ranindu Dilshan Liyanage fought drew Ranindu Dilshan Liyanage Man of the Match from the last SL Test Karunaratne, Dhananjaya Lakshan, hard (playing black) to draw (2203) against Bangladesh, Praveen Ishan Jayarathne, Dushmantha against Bangladesh FIDE Master Ziaur Rahman (2434) beat Susal Susal de Silva Jayawickrama. Chameera, Isuru Udana, Asitha Islam Aminul (2182) taking him to de Silva (2085) Meanwhile, SLC also announced final Fernando, Nuwan Pradeep, Binura 4 ½ points out of 7 games. Rahman (2314). In a game with Rahman Mohammad Fahad dates of the second edition of the Lanka Fernando, Shiran Fernando, Lakshan Buddika Amarasinghe also lost space advantage, Buddika gave a (2314) beat A.A.C.B. Amarasinghe Premier League. Sandakan, Akila Dananjaya and with his usual English opening to center pawn which was the losing (1873) “The tournament will be held from 30 Praveen Jayawickrama International Master Fahan point for him. (IR)