Sunday 16 AUGUST 2020 Latest Edition Vol: 09/39 Price : Rs 70.00

Inside Story Basil: The Force That Tuned Lankan Politics Topsy-Turvy History is known to change constantly. And, history is written depending on the changes that tend to take place during certain periods. A10-11

150,000 UNP jobs Leadership programme resumes President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has decided to Talks Fail recommence the programme to provide employment opportunities to 150,000 persons, which was halted in view of the General Election. Ranil wants Karu J, Accordingly, 50,000 unemployed graduates will be recruited and for the remaining 100,000 jobs, candidates will be Vajira objects selected from low-income families. By Ruwantha Nithulgaspitiya and The programme to employ Upatissa Perera 50,000 graduates and 100,000 low-income earners was The crisis within the United National Party (UNP) pertaining formulated within weeks to its leadership has deepened as the Party Working after President Committee discussions ended in a stalemate. Rajapaksa Following the Party’s defeat at the General Election, UNP assumed office Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said he would resign from the in November Party Leadership. Subsequently, the names of eight senior last year. UNP members were proposed to succeed him. They were Ravi Karunanayake, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Navin Dissanayake, Daya Gamage, Palitha Range Bandara, Arjuna Ranatunge, Ruwan Wijewardene and Vajira Abeywardena.

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 AG instructs EC Chairman Inaugural Session of Ninth During the past fortnight Accept AJP Secretary Parliament on 20 August Rs 2.2B transacted as National List MP Four MPs likely to miss maiden session by drug traffickers By Hansi Nanayakkara By J.T. de Silva expected to deliver the Policy Statement to the new House. By Hansi Nanayakkara Attorney General Dappula de Livera has given The Inaugural Session of the An Extraordinary Gazette instructions to Chairman of the Election Commission, Ninth Parliament will be held under Notification has been issued by Police Media Spokesman, SSP Jaliya Senaratne on 14 Mahinda Deshapriya, to accept the name of the person the aegis of President Gotabaya President’s Secretary Dr. P.B. August revealed that illegally-earned money, amounting who has been identified as the Secretary of the Ape Rajapaksa at 3 p.m. on 20 August. Jayasundera, announcing that the to over Rs 2,200 million, had been transacted by drug Janabala Party (AJP), based on the evidence that... After the commencement of new Legislature will convene at traffickers during the past fortnight. proceedings, the President is 9:30 a.m. on 20 August. Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 State Universities reopen Monday By Eunice Ruth

All State Universities will reopen for academic activities on 17 August for all students, the University Grants Commission informed. UGC Chairman, Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunge, addressing a Media briefing on 14 August, noted that the Health Department has given the necessary guidelines... Story Continued on page 2

Boossa and Negombo Prisons Nineteen guards, jailors transferred By Thameenah Razeek (Administration) Chandana Ekanayake said on 14 August. A total of 19 Prison Guards and It was also disclosed that these Jailors, at the Boossa and Negombo officials were supporting Prisons, have been transferred, underworld criminals who are Prisons Commissioner currently imprisoned. Story Continued on page 2

Repealing 19th Amendment Govt must divulge clauses to be deleted – Anura Kumara By Anuradha Herath repeal when the new Parliament convenes. Jathika Jana Balawegaya Leader He said apart from two Anura Kumara Dissanayaka said Amendments to the Constitution, the Government must divulge what the others had been introduced to clauses in the 19th Amendment to suit vested interests of those in the Constitution that it intends to power at the time. Story Continued on page 2 A2 sunday 16 august 2020 news AG denies ‘Visit Sri Lanka app’ to assist travellers during pandemic approving MCC By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan will enable travellers to automatically contact Police in case of an emergency, By Hansi Nanayakkara was of the view that there has been no A new mobile app named ‘Visit Sri Lanka’ manage Google maps, buy tickets, contact comment made in that letter regarding is set for launch after receiving Cabinet tour guides and rate services. “This app will Attorney General Dappula de Livera the constitutionality of the MCC approval, Chairperson of Sri Lanka have all guest information. Going by the has strongly denied Media reports, Compact, and that he had called for Tourism, Kimarli Fernando noted. pandemic situation, this app will be which were circulated on 14 August, observations from the relevant She told Ceylon Today that the app’s first available for a year or up to 2023. The data alleging that he had approved the Government stakeholders with regard edition – Version Zero, will be launched is also good for global promotion,” she controversial Millennium Challenge to the prevaling situation concerning containing basic COVID-19-related added. Corporation (MCC) Compact with the the MCC Compact. information and arrival information. “Collecting the data of guests may infringe United States. Jayaratne said that the AG would The United Nations Development their privacy, so we will be posting a notice Coordinating Officer to the AG, State advice all concerned stakeholders on Programme is developing the app using a right on top of the app that their Counsel Nishara Jayaratne said the the legality and constitutionality of the European Union grant of 3.5 million Euros information will be shared with Government matter is still under consideration by MCC Compact after considering the to Sri Lanka. “We also want our app institutions. Western countries have the Attorney General. facts presented in the final report included in the Immigration and Emigration included this notice on their apps and users She said that the media reports had submitted by the committee appointed website where guests can find answers for have also understood the safety aspect, and been made citing a letter sent on behalf by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to tourism-related questions as well.” therefore our app will include such of the AG in 2018. However, de Livera review the MCC Compact. Version One, which will be updated later, instructions,” she said. Kimarli Fernando

Lankan charged with sexual assault in NZ to be deported A Sri Lankan national who sexually incident. His latest sentence will be time later and became aware that incident had a significant impact on theft. The offence happened in June assaulted a woman in Christchurch, added to the nine months he is someone was performing oral sex on the victim, and that she was still and July in Christchurch, Kaiapoi, New Zealand, while she was asleep already serving in jail. her. She started kissing the man suffering from the trauma of it, 21 Rangiora, and Ashburton, and will be deported as soon as he is De Silva, who has been living in thinking that it was her boyfriend, months later. She had to take a lot of involved incidents during which de eligible for parole. New Zealand since 2014, went out but then realised that it was not him. time off work, and her sleep, mental Silva purchased goods with forged Arumadura Manoj Krishnan drinking with friends on the evening When she got up and turned on the health and relationships with other banknotes. He claimed that he had Dayachandra de Silva, was of 10 November 2018. The group light, she saw that the person in bed persons were also affected. Judge been under pressure from gang sentenced to two years and eight returned to a flat at about 11.30 with her was de Silva. Gilbert said that the victim was in a members or associates to commit the months’ imprisonment on a charge p.m. and the drinking continued into During the trial, de Silva claimed very vulnerable position when de offences, but the sentencing Judge of sexual violation by unlawful the early hours. The victim said after that the sexual encounter had been Silva sexually assaulted her. He not was not convinced of his claims. sexual connection by the her boyfriend passed out on the consensual and that her level of only breached her trust, but also the De Silva has already been served Christchurch District Court on couch, she kept drinking with de intoxication was the only reason she trust of her boyfriend, who he had with a deportation notice and will be 14 August. Silva and another man. She was could not remember giving her been friends with at the time. deported as soon as he becomes The 30-year-old was already in heavily intoxicated when she later consent. This version of events was In October last year, de Silva eligible for parole and a flight to custody for fraud-related offences went to her boyfriend’s room and fell rejected by the jury. pleaded guilty to 17 charges of using Sri Lanka is available. committed after the sexual violation asleep on his bed. She woke up some Judge Tom Gilbert said that the forged documents, and one charge of (stuff.co.nz)

Continued from page 1 UNP Leadership... According to UNP seniors, a tug-of- It was later reported that Jayasuriya Also, a mechanism should be formed At this juncture, Tilak Marapana forward as a Party. Wickremesinghe, war has been created between them had agreed to this proposal. to give opportunities to young UNP had agreed with Abeywardena and after listening to all of them had said and as a result, it has become difficult However, when the Party Working leaders and to attract the voters, he said the latter was capable of the Party should be given to new to appoint a leader. Committee met on 14 August, had added. rebuilding the Party. faces. In this backdrop, on the Abeywardena has protested against In response, Abeywardena had said Dissanayake had then said the most Meanwhile, UNP Members who instructions of Wickremesinghe, the proposal to make Jayasuriya the that Wickremesinghe, John suitable person for the Party support Jayasuriya have reportedly Karunanayake, Ranatunge, Range interim Leader. He had said that he Amaratunga, Sirinath de Mel and Leadership was Jayasuriya. request a change in the General Bandara, Kithsiri Manchanayake and was the most suitable person for the Sunethra Ranasinghe were well aware Thereafter, Karunanayaka had said Secretary post of the Party. Attorney- Kasthuri Anuradhanayake had visited Party Leadership. of the sacrifices he had made for the the Party should find a solution for at-Law Gunaratne Wanninayake has former Speaker of Parliament Karu During the meeting, sake of the Party. “I have worked the leadership issue soon as a strong been proposed as General Secretary. Jayasuriya and requested him to take Wickremesinghe had noted that under all UNP Leaders since former leadership is required to move The post is presently held by over the Leadership in the interim to Jayasuriya would be able to attract President J.R. Jayewardene and never forward. Wijewardene had pointed out Kariyawasam, UNP internal sources protect the internal unity of the Party. Sinhala Buddhist voters to the Party. betrayed the Party,” he had stressed. that everyone should be united to go said.

Rs 2.2B... Govt must... 150,000 jobs... He made this remark possession of illegal Dissanayaka said though several Hence, he argued the need of the Short-listing suitable suspended. The relevant when addressing a Media firearms, the use of illegal top figures in the Government had hour is for the Government to candidates from list of graduates eligible conference. weapons and the causing mentioned about repealing the 19th enlighten the masses as to what applications received for employment will be Senaratne added, a of grievous injuries has Amendment to the Constitution, they precise clauses will be repealed in from graduates published on the official detailed probe has been made against this had failed to clearly inform the public favour of the 20th Amendment to the commenced in the first website of the Ministry already been initiated to gangster. as to which clauses will be deleted. Constitution. week of February. A of Public Services, ascertain how this He noted that detailed Multi-Purpose Provincial Councils and transacted money had inquiries into the charges Development Task Force Local Government, on 17 been obtained, how the against Angoda Lokka was established to August. accrued money had been were presently being recruit 100,000 low- The respective invested, what other conducted by the CID and income earners. Ministry will properties had been various Police Stations in Nineteen guards... The objective of the immediately commence acquired by the peddlers the Western Province. He said, internal Departmental transferring them,” he said. Reports programme is to sending letters of through the ill-gotten He explained that if it is sources have provided information said, a Jailor who was working at transform Sri Lanka into appointment to those cash, whether the cash ascertained that Angoda regarding these officials and that the Boossa Prison had purchased a country free from who got selected. had been sent overseas, Lokka has died in India, the Department is planning to take alcohol from an associate of poverty as per the Appointed candidates and whether narcotics the necessary legal action action against them. Ekanayake underworld criminal Wele Suda. ‘Saubhagyaye Dekma’ should report to their had been brought to the to that effect will be taken noted that they will take further Meanwhile, Ekanayake claimed, policy statement of the nearest Divisional country, among other by the Police. actions against those officials if the 15 officials including those at President. Secretariat on 2 such related matters. Elsewhere, he said that allegations are true. prisons and rehabilitation centres Chairman of the September. He noted the money two more suspect Police “Until we confirm this were interdicted between 20 June Election Commission The programme to accrued by the drug Narcotic Bureau (PNB) information, we thought of and 14 August. directed to suspend the provide employment to traffickers would be officers had been nabbed programme to offer jobs 100,000 of the poorest confiscated through the by the Police on charges for 150,000 unemployed from among the poor will provisions contained in of having maintained persons following the be implemented by the the Prevention of Money links with big time drug announcement of the Task Force established Laundering Act. peddlers. General Election 2020. solely for this purpose Meanwhile, Senaratne He said that the Accept AJP... Accordingly, the from 2 September. said the Police are yet to previous PNB officers ...has been produced to the EC, as regarding the candidate that should programme was (GW) verify the death of taken into custody on the the National List Parliamentarian of be nominated to this post. underworld gangster same charges are the AJP. The AG had mentioned to the EC Lasantha Chandana currently being held for Coordinating Officer to the AG, that a Buddhist monk and another Perera alias Angoda interrogation on State Counsel Nishara Jayaratna person had laid claim to the AJP’s Lokka. provisions contained in said the EC had sought the AG’s National List MP post on 7 August He said the probe into the Prevention of advice as to which person’s name and that he had further noted there Inaugural session... the possible death of Terrorism Act. should be accepted as the AJP’s was presently no legal barrier for the After the the National List and are Lokka was presently Senaratna pointed out National List MP since two factions Party Secretary to assume the commencement of yet to send their being conducted by the that a probe was also of the AJP had continued to feud aforesaid post in the new Parliament. sessions, a Speaker nominees to the Election Criminal Investigations being conducted into would be selected with Commission, both Department (CID) and the properties that had been the consent of both the Parties are not likely to gangster’s fingerprints acquired by the suspect Government and be represented in the and his photos have PNB officers and Opposition new House next week. already been sent to the mentioned that further Parliamentarians. Sri Lanka Podujana Indian Government action will be taken based State Universities... Following this, a Peramuna MP, Premalal through the Foreign on the provisions ...and permission to carry out be inside hostels and the number of Deputy Speaker and Jayasekara, who is on Ministry. contained in the University activities as usual. He also persons allowed to visit hostels will be Deputy Chairman of death row after being He observed that they Prevention of Money noted, previously the Universities limited while the visitors should all Committees would be convicted of homicide as were looking to verify the Laundering Act. were only open for Medical Faculty register themselves when entering selected. well as MP, S. death of Angoda Lokka He added that a place students exams from 15 July while (provide their name and other The proceedings will Chandrakanthan alias through deoxyribonucleic where forged documents for others, all academic activities necessary details). then be suspended till 3 Pillaiyan, who also acid (DNA) shortly and had been printed in were carried out via online platforms. Fielding a question raised regarding p.m. on the same day. continues to be averred that the Borella had been raided Amaratunga further noted, due to the submission of assignments, he Meanwhile, four incarcerated, are also necessary evidence to by the Police and said that the COVID-19 spread, hostel mentioned, already third and fourth Parliamentarians will not unlikely to be present at that effect has also been among the items that had accommodation was restricted for semester students have submitted be able to be sworn-in the maiden sessions of forwarded to the Indian been taken into custody one student per room, but added that their assignments via online when the ninth the ninth Parliament. Government. had been forged seals and now it has been relaxed to allow for a platforms and for other students, if Parliament is Both Jayasekara and Senaratna mentioned five forged driving group of students of the same needed, the date of submission would inaugurated on 20 Pillaiyan have not yet that charges and licences. He said that the semester to stay in a room. He also be postponed. As of now, we have August, sources claimed. made any submissions complaints such as those items taken into custody pointed out, new students who are covered almost all theoretical As both the UNP and to the Secretary-General pertaining to murders, have been handed over to not registered with University hostels, sessions online while only the the Ape Janabala Party of Parliament that they aiding and abetting in the Borella Police for cannot enter hostel premises. He practical sessions are pending, he (AJP) have still not wish to attend sessions acts of manslaughter, the further inquiries. added the time allowed for visitors to added. nominated members to on 20 August. news sunday 16 august 2020 A3 Five-year plan to modernise Postal Services Navy arrests 15 – Viyalendiran By Naalir Jamaldeen stride forward, adopting sophisticated modern with smuggled technology in order to State Minister of Postal provide the general Services Sathasivam public a speedy and Viyalendiran on 14 uninterrupted postal August said a five-year service. turmeric plan will be drafted to He mentioned, he has modernise the postal taken up the challenge to By Nabiya Vaffoor these stocks of turmeric were seized sector, after obtaining provide an efficient and from 28 July while being instructions and effective postal service Fifteen persons were taken into transported in vehicles, after being guidelines from the and that the advice and custody and a total of 7,552 kilos of smuggled into the country via sea President and the Prime assistance of senior smuggled turmeric was seized by routes. Minister. officials including retired the Navy in four separate raids. The raids were conducted on the Viyalediran expressed officers of the Speaking to Ceylon Today on 14 Oluthuduwai beach, Mannar, in the concern that beyond its Department will be August, Navy Media Spokesman, sea area off the Chilaw Point, in the traditional practices, the obtained towards this, to Captain Indika de Silva said that Chilaw Town area and in Kalpitiya. Postal Department must achieve the target.

Govt mulls opening airports Love and patience vital in childcare Vietnam donates Rs 5M By Ruwan Laknath schools or ordering a parent or for tourists in October Jayakody guardian to enter into a in med supplies to SL recognisance to exercise proper By Sulochana Ramiah that the framework for this The time has come to move care or placing them for a period The Government of Vietnam on Friday (14) donated Mohan project has already been away from orphanages, child not exceeding three years under medical supplies worth USD 30,000 (over Rs five million) to drafted and given to all film development centres, remand the supervision of a probation Sri Lanka, in support of the fight against the COVID-19 Although Sri Lanka producers. “India, Russia homes, children's homes, officer or another Court appointed pandemic. received the safe travel stamp and the United Kingdom approved schools and certified person, and to instead use Section Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, Nguyen for limiting the spread of have already contacted us schools, and instead get probation 35(b) at all times possible. Judges, Quoc Dung, ceremoniously handed over the donation to the COVID-19, this does not to do films in Sri Lanka. officers to find alternative she noted, must advise probation Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Vietnam Prasanna Gamage at allow for airports to be This is not direct tourism methods such as foster care, officers to find a fit person who the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam in Hanoi. Dung, opened soon for commercial but we could really make a Judge of the Civil Appellate High can give love and be patient with recalled the long-standing friendship between the two flights, noted Chairperson of name for our country. We Court of Gampaha, Khema the child. countries and the mutual assistance extended during times Sri Lanka Tourism, Kimarli also have to make contacts Swarnadhipathi proposed. In this regard, the biological of both hardship and prosperity. Fernando. with the other Government This was noted in an article family is the best, failing which, Gamage, reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s continued cooperation “The priority is to bring Ministries and it’s not so authored by her titled 'Build there is the option of kinship or with Vietnam. back Sri Lankan expatriates, easy. We would need Brains Not Bones' which was foster care of finding a relation some 52,000, a task which expertise on this published in December 2019 in from the extended family or a will take some months to entertainment venture as to Volume Five of the Judges caregiver who is able to protect complete. My expectation is whom we can coordinate Journal by the Sri Lanka Judges and fulfil the child's rights and to Admiral Colombage assumes duties that by October we must be with and understand how it Institute. in parallel have the supervision of able to open the airport once could be implemented,” she The applicable legal regime on a probation officer. This can be as Foreign Ministry Secretary all the expatriates are added. deciding the custody of children is short-term (two years) or long brought down,” she noted. She also added that for the the Children and Young Persons term. She also said that Sri last four decades, Sri Lankan Act, No. 47 of 1956 as Amended Adoption is also one of the best Lanka Tourism is gearing to tourism has been at the by Act, No. 2 of 1978. Section options, she noted. Children can support the shooting of lower end of the market. “We 35(b) of the Amended Act, allows be given in adoption and until a foreign movies in Sri Lanka. need to reset this trend. We for the child or young person to be suitable family is found, the child A framework to allow need to pitch Sri Lanka committed to the care of any fit can be sent to a foster parent. countries to shoot films in higher. We have not been person, related or non-related, Judge Swarnadhipathi added that Sri Lanka has been able to sell Sri Lanka’s who is willing to undertake the child welfare officers in Divisional completed, she noted. She uniqueness due to the war. care. Secretariats can be tasked with told Ceylon Today that they Currently, there are 170 She opined that now the time finding persons who can work as Admiral Jayanath Colombage assumed duties as Secretary to have already been working tourism related projects at had come for Judges to shift their foster parents in a given area until the Foreign Ministry on 14 August. Professor Colombage was with the National Film hand and the number of judicial minds from sending a permanent solution is found. previously Additional Secretary to the President for Foreign Corporation to create a one- rooms will be increased by children or young persons’ to 'Today, Judges can develop the Relations. In addition, he is presently serving as the Director stop-shop in this regard and 3,346 in 2023”. approved schools or certified law to include foster care.' General of the Institute of National Security Studies Sri Lanka A4 sunday 16 august 2020 Focus

Galle Face VIharamahadevi Park Slave Island

By Nabiya Vaffoor and a large number of shops, the Central Eunice Ruth Bus-stand and floating market. Inspecting the toilet we found Here’s a situation only half of us improvised water buckets made out of could possibly understand – you’re on Where Colombo jerry cans and no water bidets. The the road, and you need to change your facility was filled with an unbearable sanitary napkin. What do you do? odour, though the cleaners claim that Head to the nearest toilet of course. they clean it twice a day. Unfortunately, this turns out to be a The toilet’s cash collector, 56-year- nightmare with the state of public old Piyantha, said he worked for four toilets available in Sri Lanka. years starting as a cleaner. He said Just in Colombo, where facilities are Goes to that the cleaners are just in for the apparently far better than the rest of money and neglect to fulfil their duties. the island, things are far worse than “We were provided plastic buckets to you can imagine. Ceylon Today visited use at first but random people took a couple of public toilets around them away. I think it is a waste of Colombo for a proper view of the issue. money to buy new buckets because Most public toilets had some they will also vanish like the previous common shortcomings, such as Relieve Itself ones. So I improvised the jerry cans muddy floors, overused toilet seats, and made buckets out of them,” he broken locks replaced with a piece of Ceylon Today inspects capital city’s public toilets noted. wire, and leaks. The one thing they The locks on the doors were broken had in common was the token fee of and replaced with wires. All the taps Rs.10-20. Only 20-25 per cent of the had leaks and a repairman takes the toilets we inspected turned out to be money without fixing the doors and clean enough to use. taps properly. The relevant supervisor visits only once a week. York, Vauxhall and Dam “Those who use the toilets don’t Streets even bother to throw a bucket of water to flush after doing their business Chithra Priyatharshini, the 60-year- most of the time. At first, we had silver old janitor in charge of the York Street Not just the coloured taps which are of higher ladies’ public toilet in Colombo Fort, walls, quality. Some of them were stolen and has been maintaining the toilet for some of them were severely broken by around seven years under a tender everything in the public’s ignorance,” noted agreement. She cleans the toilet thrice this building is Piyantha, showing the remaining taps a day, while her supervisors and and the plastic ones which he had to tender officers visit the toilet for broken. Three replace. routine checks. Although only Rs 10 is We headed to the Gunasinhapura charged as a token fee and the toilet is months ago the public toilet. The cash collector for opened daily from 6.30 a.m. to 6:30 wiring system both male and female toilets, p.m., less than 10 women dare to visit Vauxhall Street Gunawathy, 69-year-old, who had the place during the day. stopped been working at the facility for four However, this toilet seemed clean working. I years, told us that the toilet is open 24 enough; the only shortcoming we hours while the supervisor visits three noticed was the use of a common complained to or four times a day. dustbin under the sink and the lack of Selvi the 61-year-old cleaner of the soap. When asked about the the relevant toilet, told us that the toilet was busy discrepancy she said that all the soap authorities every day and that the facility is had been used up from the men’s cleaned all the time. The toilets had toilets, as they are used more several times neither running water nor soap in the frequently, and the women were only washbasins. The taps were broken and given soap on their request. but no action the hand dryer was out of order. Selvi At the public toilet in Vauxhall Street has been taken didn’t seem to be concerned about the – which was quite clean and free of issues and neglected answering us odour – we found Renuka, the 55-year- till today most of the time. old who has been in charge of cleaning “Even if we report the issues to our it for the past year. She explained that Piyantha Chithra Selvi officers and they repair them, the the toilet was used by the surrounding public use them with no care and community and that she checks and dangerously dilapidated building, the break them all the time. We clean cleans the stalls after each visitor, janitor voluntarily started showing the these as much as we can and use the while her supervisor runs a check-up deficiencies he has to put up with. toiletries as much as they are once a day. “Not just the walls, everything in this provided. We cannot be over- The 52-year-old man in charge of the building is broken. Three months ago concerned since the higher officials gents’ toilet, who had worked there for the wiring system stopped working. I don’t seem to be concerned at all. If we more than five years, said that they complained to the relevant authorities have washed the toilets when they have a separate cleaner for the toilet several times but no action has been were inspecting and there aren’t any who washes it according to the given taken till today. Because I’m the one considerable filth to be seen, they leave timetable and that supervisors visit selling the tokens and in-charge of this with satisfaction. They really don’t care the toilet twice or thrice a day. Rs 10 Galle Face facility, I have to answer all the about broken amenities. ” said Selvi. was the token fee for both male and complaints, so I pulled out a couple of We also visited some public toilets female toilets. actual facilities. There was no water to wires from the security room close by built by Colombo Municipal Council An old woman, who is the janitor for flush. The situation of the children’s and managed to fix the lights in each (CMC) in Colombo-2, Slave Island and both female and male toilets at Dam toilets had the same shortcomings as side of the gents’ and ladies’ toilets,” he Police Lane residential areas. These Street, noted that she cleans the male the adult ones. noted. toilets aren’t maintained by the CMC toilet five times a day and female toilet The public toilets we visited so far When questioned as to why the but by the residents themselves who after each use. The toilet is open until were cleaned five times a day and are toilets were hard to maintain, the collect money and hire a cleaner once 8 p.m. and the supervisor visits three cleaned on the spot if they get untidy. janitor noted that the wiring becomes a month. However, we immediately or four times a day. We noticed that The locations we visited afterwards rusty owing to the salty sea breeze and saw the lack of maintenance. Two there was no soap in the ladies’ section didn’t seem to practise that at all. needed replacement every six months. toilets were provided for one lane and she explained that a fresh bar of We inspected one of Colombo’s He further added that things could be Dam Street considering the number of residences soap will be placed within the day. scenic locations, Galle Face, and found better if the authorities took time to and the CMC has taken steps to Viharamahadevi Park and out that the toilet was not as pleasant repair the toilets before things went allocate a separate building with two as the view. bad. He also said that there were bathing areas and four more cubicles Galle Face Paying the Rs 20 token fee, we issues with broken doors with no which is a common facility seen in the entered and found the walls of the locks, broken commodes and leaking Police Lane area. The local thugs Though the public toilet at restroom cracked and the lights in the taps and that the females’ section had eventually took over the building and Viharamahadevi Park was refurbished cubicles didn’t work properly. Broken a big issue with drainage. the toilets were mostly closed during recently and was given enough doors and discoloured tiles on the “The ladies’ toilets usually get the day and only opened after 10:30 amenities, the maintenance was still walls showed lack of maintenance. blocked due to the improper disposal p.m. for nefarious activities. questionable. Though we paid the visit There were no lids for the water closets of sanitary napkins. Most women try “The thugs in the area use this on a weekday morning, the toilet’s and the stains showed that the disposing their sanitary napkins in the common public toilet building as a safe immediate vicinity was clean but there cubicles haven’t been washed for commode without using the dustbins house for their activities. They hang were some failings such as an months. The doors had holes instead which leads to heavy blockages,” he around this place, out of the eyes of overused toilet seat with no soap or of locks. The leaky pipes were patched added. the residents. Even the CMC doesn’t dustbin to be seen. The walls of the with polythene bags. While we were speaking with the have any maintenance plan for these children’s toilet looked better than the Sitting at an old bench inside this janitor, supposed officials and Police area -based toilets. We are the ones personnel tried to interrupt our work who collect money and hire someone and claimed that we are doing to clean the toilets which are situated something unnecessary. It was at the end of our lanes. We cannot confusing how public officials who are maintain the common public toilet paid by the tax payer think that these Slave Island building such as the lane public toilets problems are not serious enough to be because the thugs had taken over addressed. situated in. The wiring and locks rust them,” noted a resident who has lived A 40-year-old sex worker in the city due to the sea breeze. When the tide is in the area for more than 30 years. who is a regular user of the public high, some larger waves drench the Most of these toilets had broken taps toilet at Galle Face noted that the building as well. The authorities that have been sealed with polythene maintenance staff has a turnover of Rs should be vigilant enough to either bags. Unsanitary public toilets lacking 15,000 - 20,000 per day in token fees. shift the toilet a little further inland or maintenance are the best way to “If they were concerned enough to use corrosion-resistant equipment,” spread disease. This issue has been maintain these, they would have she added. brought up from time to time only to cleaned them properly with the money Manning Market, be ignored after a while. This is a they get. They neglected maintenance problem that needs action instead of since the beginning, and now that the Gunasinhapura empty rhetoric. Proper authorities facilities have rotten down they blame speak about sustainable development, the public for the sorry state of the Afterwards we headed to a busier but what is sustainability without toilets. These public toilets aren’t made spot in the city; the Manning Market basic facilities for tax payers? Galle Face according to the place there are public toilet. Surrounding this spot is (Pix by Sarath Kumara) focus sunday 16 august 2020 A5

A Steep Rise in Child Cruelty Cases UNICEF and NCPA express shock and concern

By Methmalie Chairman from time to time, generation of children is Dissanayake the Auditor General stated. rapidly increasing. Even Meanwhile, the special audit though recruitments are During the past few months, noted that Court cases have made, the Posts of Field Officer many Media reports regarding not been filed for fifty five remained vacant continuously child abuse cases shook Sri percent (55%) of complaints due to the resignation of Lanka to the core. Although forwarded to the Attorney officers from the Post from many discussions were had General. Therefore, the NCPA time to time. The Field Officers just after those incidents as to should formulate a who had resigned from the how we should protect our mechanism to conclude child Posts during the previous children from monsters, the abuse cases before the child years are as follows: gravity of such discussions reach 18 years, the Auditor Forty-one (41) field officers withered out with the passage General recommended. have resigned the job in 2019. of time as it nearly always did. Another important point In 2016, 2017 and 2018, fifty Sri Lankans spent most of mentioned in the report is the seven (57) field officers had the days of 2020 inside their NCPA field officers leaving the resigned their posts. The homes owing to the COVID-19 posts frequently. Authority was unable to outbreak. The United Nations The fundamental objective in expedite the child protection Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the creation of the Posts of process since the turnover of the National Child Protection Divisional Child Protection / the employees has increased Agency (NCPA) both expressed Psychosocial Officers in the and necessary action had not their shock recently on the year 2012 was the requirement been taken to retain the dramatic rise in the proportion of acting expeditiously for officers recruited in the service of child cruelty cases reported protecting the children of the by investigating the reasons to the ‘1929’ child protection nation from those harmful for resignation of officers from helpline since the start of Sri acts since abuses and harmful the service in this way, the Lanka’s COVID-19 curfew. In acts confronted by the Auditor General explained. the three-week period from 16 March to7 April 2020, the number of site inspections has However, the NCPA had proportion of child cruelty been reduced due to failed to implement the said cases as a total all reported unsubstantial transport policy effectively even by the child protection complaints, allowances provided to travel date of this report. Moreover, rose from 10 per cent to 40 per to the relevant areas to steps were taken to issue this cent, the UNICEF and the investigate complaints. report due to the situation of NCPA said in a joint In addition, documentation risk identified relating to the statement. of the same complaints under protection of children as a Statements like this and the different numbers, not result of being revealed by the recent incidents regarding receiving instructions at the Media and the increase in the child abuse cases prove that required moment during the number of relevant complaints our children are not safe in investigation of complaints, received by the Police this country anymore. With and supervision had not being Department. Considering the that realisation, the next carried out properly. Officers delay in the implementation of question which hit us is what having minimum opportunity the above mentioned policy, it were the authorities doing all to obtain pertinent was observed, the Authority this time. information, and inability to had failed to effectively carry We have a separate obtain the contribution of out identified measures to be institution, the NCPA, which resource persons to resolve taken for the protection of was established in 1999 with complaints, due to the conduct children. These included the sole purpose of of ‘Capacity Development taking of necessary steps for formulating a policy on the Programmes’ for field officers regularisation of school prevention of child abuse and being very sluggish, these have transport service, the protection and treatment been identified as the reasons regularisation of measures to of children who are victims of for the NCPA’s failure to be taken relating to victims of such abuse. There is a resolve the complaints it abuse and proper Children and Women’s Bureau received. implementation of established under Sri Lanka Furthermore, the Auditor programmes to empower the Police. Apart from these, there General pointed out, even civil society in protecting is also a ministry formed in though the Committee on children. Accordingly, it was order to ensure the rights and Public Enterprises (COPE) and confirmed by the report that a well-being of the children and the Cabinet of Ministers had necessity of ensuring the women in the country. issued orders from time to protection of children had Unfortunately, with all these time, the NCPA yet failed to arisen through the failure in institutions operating our establish a formal policy since effective performance of the precious children are not safe 1998. role assigned to the Authority. out there. So, can we be Up until the National Child Assigning of the NCPA Policy satisfied about the role of Protection Policy (NCPP), has been delayed as there is these institutions, especially which was commenced in the no definite responsible officer the role of the NCPA? A special year 2009 had been approved at the Authority and the policy report prepared by the Auditor by the Cabinet of Ministers on had been newly re-initiated General and released in July 29 October 2019. without carrying forward the 2020 answers that question. policy, which has already been According to the report, fifty NCPA failed to formulated due to changing three percent (53%) of implement Policy Officers holding the Post of complaints received by the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) from 2011 to 30 September 2019 have failed to be resolved. The report revealed that during the said time period the NCPA had received 79,259 complaints. However, only 37,186 complaints out of them have been resolved so far. High risk areas The Auditor General has identified four Districts which are Colombo, Gampaha, Kurunegala and Galle as Districts with a higher risk of child abuses based on the number of complaints received by the NCPA. The report mentioned four reasons for the failure of resolving complaints based on sample testing. The Auditor General noted that the A6 sunday 16 august 2020 focus

Preventing Another ‘Buwaneka Hotel’ Saga Are Our State Institutions Working Together To Protect Our Heritage?

By Thameenah Razeek

The demolition of an archaeological site in Kurunegala, commonly known as the ‘Buwaneka Hotel’, triggered controversy in the past few weeks. Following the incident, many demanded that legal action be taken against those allegedly responsible including the Kurunegala Mayor, while some voiced their concerns over the archaeological value of the said establishment. Even though measures are being taken to renovate the said building and legal action has been filed according to the recommendations presented by a committee appointed to look into the incident, events surrounding this incident raise a question as to how an archaeological site can be destroyed this easily. Lack of knowledge as an archaeological free area,” he The Police officer also stressed that said. A top official at the Archaeology archaeologists face a difficult challenge Former Director General of Road Department Police Division said that in trying to create balance between Development Authority (RDA) Kamal they have recognised that artefacts are continuity and change in the modern Amaraweera stressed that the main steadily being destroyed by a number of world while engineers find it difficult to reason for the damage caused to constructions, as well as human build without knowing the historical archaeological sites and antiquities is interference through many high value of a site. because the Department of Archaeology prioritised projects like urban Nevertheless, commenting on the do not have the proper documentation development and highway recent incident in Kurunegala where to the sites and have no adequate construction. the ancient palace of king was knowledge where historically valuable However, according to him this has bulldozed, Prof. Dissanayaka said that monuments are located. been major issue for a long time but the main cause is the lack of measures It was also disclosed that Archaeology has doubled in recent years with the in place to protect historic and cultural officers lack information and knowledge demolition of historical monuments are resources. Corruption and misplaced about the archaeological sites that on the rise just because of the lack of nationalism have led to an almost should be conserved before RDA are communication between the two complete eradication of the old palace, sent to excavate an area. He noted that authorities. He added that each and which dates back to the 13th and 14th the RDA had to address several issues every historically important building, centuries. when they discover an artefact in the construction or a location are “Even though there are solid reasons middle of a huge construction project. vulnerable and are often at risk of “The urban heritage often has a understand the cultural heritage that and evidence to take action against the “If we find something that has social, legal, sometimes political forces position ‘in between.’ On one hand, it is determined the damage and to question wrongdoers, no one is concentrating archaeological value during a that can alter the long-term stability, constantly changing and under the what led to its destruction and to on legal actions that should be taken construction, we will inform the viability and even the protection of threat of being destroyed due to the appreciate the impact of conflict on but everyone is concentrating on provincial head regarding what we cultural properties. “The issue is that nature of urban development, and on society. He rationalised the statement taking unwanted advantages of the discovered. And then the officer will groups and authorities who are really the other hand, it is protected and made by Dayarathna regarding the situation to garner votes. But we are come with some other officials and will aware about the value of these conserved because of its historical sudden appearance of archaeological looking at what has actually find way to conserve the area,” he noted monuments and buildings are unaware value,” he noted. sites at the project site and said that it happened and have limited power while emphasising that construction of the unintentional destruction of Communication is clear that the Department did not here at the Archaeological activities can significantly impact the archaeological sites. Due to the have proper data and that providing a Department,” he lamented. condition of buried archaeological challenges in developing areas, breakdown survey report saying the site is free from When asked where the most remains and their evidence. hundreds of heritage sites of equal or artefacts can be erroneous. vulnerable area for historical Henceforth, it is clear that alternative even greater significance to human Justifying the statement made by the “I have even submitted a proposal to monuments is, the Police officer said methods should be sought where civilisation languish due to neglect, official at Archaeological Police, both the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that it is Anuradhapura where looting archaeological conservation of a site is poor management, can lead to Dayarathna pointed out that the and the Prime Minister Mahinda of artefacts have increased recently. required but Amaraweera noted that no deliberate destruction,” he said. department responsible with collecting Rajapaksa, urging them to hand over He said that looters do not stop since scientifically collected data exists with Meanwhile, Dayarathna said that and keeping records of archaeological areas coming under the Department of the Archaeological Act is not powerful the Archaeological Department to they always conduct a survey and get a sites, lacks correspondence with other Archaeology where no archaeological enough to frame a wrongdoer. “There evaluate hypothetical or anecdotal report with the approval of the authorities and are finding difficulties findings were made, to the Buddhist is huge need of introducing a new Act concerns over particular construction Archaeology Department Head and only in keeping and tracking their own data, clergy. Surveys and excavations carried to protect historical sites and techniques that produce a high degree then will they start the planning a leading to many problems which still out by the officers attached to my monuments while punishing of damage. highway or road. “But when remain unanswered. Department had found that no offenders with significant penalties,” Speaking about the potential construction starts after planning, RDA However, according to the Police archaeological items had been detected he said. physical, hydrological and geochemical engineers find some archaeological officer, the Department have come in 75 per cent of the areas coming The RDA says that with a better changes associated with modern monuments in a site that had been across many incidents where some under the Department,” he said. coordination, greater State non-state construction methods that can impact cleared by the Archaeology Department. archaeological monuments have been Prof. Dissanayaka recommended that involvement and use of innovative deleteriously upon archaeological sites If it is a movable monument, which destroyed although they had received such areas or places should be handed technology and new solutions can and artefacts, Incumbent Director represents an important era in history the complaint from the RDA. He noted over to the Buddhist clergy and that reverse the destruction and create General of RDA, D.M. Dayarathna or symbolises a nation’s power, we will that they were technically late when the such areas could be protected if they sustainable preservation success expressed as the responsible body for definitely inform the Police about it. But complaints are received and that they are handed over to the care of the stories in hundreds of at-risk road development and management, most of our Engineers are not also cannot take any actions against clergy and noted that there had also heritage sites. the RDA said they will have to continue archaeology experts and they are here the RDA since they are already working been several requests to this effect as The Department of Archaeology, as with the digging and other edifices as to work according to a schedule. So, on a plan approved by the Department. well. Sri Lanka’s primary State institution planned but cannot take the blame in they won’t think twice before digging,” While insisting that intense urban However, the RDA head was not entrusted with the task of preserving full. he explained on why the RDA cannot development without consideration of ready to take the blame for the and raising awareness on When asked what the proper take the blame for damage that had archaeological and cultural heritage damages but said that each and every archaeological sites, has done a procedure that the RDA takes prior to a taken place during road development preservation can result in instances of construction carried by the RDA great deal of admirable work to construction, Dayarathna said initially projects. Urbicide, Police officer said that commences after the approval of protect artefacts for the generations that they obtain a site report of the While insisting that urban heritage Politicians and other officers with Archaeological Department certifying to come. However, its activities and places that the construction is taking issues engage not only heritage personal agendas can take unwanted the area is clear of historic artefacts knowledge not being disclosed to place before starting the procedure. managers and archaeologists but also advantages out of these situations by and that its suitable for construction. officials attached to other State Threat of urbanisation geographers, landscape and urban creating unwarranted conflicts among Also, the Archaeological Department is institutions is seen by many as the planners, engineers, architects, political parties, authorities that can of the view that mistakes can happen underlying cause for the aforesaid “We start over to map our plan for the anthropologists, and historians, among end in ethnic strife. since they do not have proper records destruction of the Kurunegala construction after the approval and others, Amaraweera claimed that as Speaking about ethnic friction, of their own preserved and non- archaeological site. Sharing of then suddenly discover some cultural heritage issues in general, Archaeology Department Director preserved sites while accepting that information between State archaeologically valued monument or those concerning the urban heritage General, Prof. Senarath Dissanayake there are many historically valuable institutions can avert such incidents site, which had been originally cleared are interdisciplinary and multifaceted. opined that it is necessary first of all to areas vulnerable to damage. and also expedite development. focus sunday 16 august 2020 A7 Giving Life to Community Development Councils

By Ranmini Gunasekara

First founded in the 1980s a Community Development Council (CDC) was a collective of community members with different skills that were brought together to assist the Government; to make the best use of The ID Card available resources for its housing development projects. Back then, programme is CDCs worked with the National Housing Development Authority linked with (NHDA) and the Municipal Council to WBCT’s objective improve housing as well as the quality of life of the low income communities of bringing people of Colombo. However, the meaning of together to ‘development’ has changed with the times. Instead of consulting address urban communities on how their quality of well-being issues. life can be improved, authorities now prefer to force their own vision of These are different development down the throats of the urban poor. Whilst the housing parties like private projects of the 1980’s have ended, sector, CDC’s have remained; although a Nirmani Liyanage Pushpa Galhena Manash Badurdeen mere shadow of their former glory. Government, Back to life Community and In an effort to once more empower CDC’s, We Build Colombo Together Non-Governmental (WBCT) in collaboration with Colombo Organisations. So Municipal Council (CMC) provided more than 300 community leaders of in 2017 when we CDCs with Identity (ID) Cards in January. actually brought Speaking with Ceylon Today, these parties Programme Manager and Researcher of WBCT, Nirmani Liyanage, further together they just elaborated on this regard: “CDCs were not just for the NHDA, came and shared they were registered at the Municipal Council and any Government their part of the Organisation or Non-Governmental story and went Organisation could make use of it. They formed community forums of back. The only people who already had skills of construction and building and so on. interaction that CDCs were even given community occurred was that contracts, when the NHDA didn’t have enough money to hire contractors. they disliked each They were given to do things like pave the roads, public wells, make public other toilets and build houses. So, the community was happy that they A Community Leader receiving his Identity Card from Mayor Rosy Senanayake weren’t just victims or just mere department, but we can’t directly get dependents of the Government, they under the opinion that they know discourage him from being a part of a Leader ID Card. It was her opinion access to them.” felt a sense of ownership in what they better, whilst the private sector was CDC. Thus, in order to provide them that giving an ID card to community She further added that the built because it was their effort that only interested in getting their CSR with some form of recognition they leaders would not be successful if the Community Leader ID Card was not went into it.” project done but not willing to sit had requested for an ID card. CMC did not offer it due recognition. signed by the Municipal She further added that the down with communities and talk.” “They wanted an ID to convey to “I recently went to the CMC to ask Commissioner and was only signed by Community Leader ID Card Government and private sector that for a list of names of the beneficieries the head of the Health Department. programme was also a part of a larger Identity Card ‘I’m coming on behalf of the in my community who have been “I think this ID Card should have plan to bring different sectors within According to Liyanage, most of the community and I’m not paid for this given a sewing machine. Some of had the signature of the Municipal society together. community leaders have to spend and I only have so much time, so these machines were given to women Commissioner, and once done they “The ID Card programme is linked hours on in Government offices to get please pay attention to my issue, who didn’t know how to sew. I wanted should send a Circular to all with WBCT’s objective of bringing simple issues resolved for their because my time is worth just as to bring them all together and departments so that we can go to that people together to address urban well- community. much as yours’. So at an official conduct a training programme where department directly, without going being issues. These are different “For example, there was a three- ceremony we gave more than 300 they can learn how to sew simple through the Health Department every parties like private sector, wheeler driver who was a community community leaders from about 115 things like mats, so they can earn single time. Because at the end of the Government, Community and Non- leader and he had to get this issue low income settlements identity some extra income from that sewing day if a politician, like a Municipal Governmental Organisations. So in solved at a Government office for the cards.” machine. But, when I went to the Councillor asks something of the 2017 when we actually brought these whole community. When he came As the second stage of this project Charity Commissioner of CMC, she CMC, it gets done really fast, but parties together they just came and home after work, some in the WBCT also plans to bring the private, told me to come back through the everyone else comes second to them.” shared their part of the story and community had asked him whether Government, Non-Government Health Department head. This is Manash Badurdeen is another went back. The only interaction that he can go to that specific office and together and conduct a capacity because CDCs were originally started young community leader who was occurred was that they disliked each get the issue resolved. This person building programme for the under the Health Department back in also the recipient of the ID. He other,” she added. then goes and stands in front of the community leaders. In April 2021 the day for projects implemented by believed that it would be beneficial if It was further said that the Government office and he waits and these CDCs are expected to organisations such as United Nations community leaders were made aware community also had a lot of pent up waits while he observes how conceptualise, plan, fund and Children’s Fund.” of the capacity in which they can anger and frustration for being everybody else is passing him in the implement a small development She further added that the Charity function. ignored by the Government, and line to get their work done. They are project by connecting themselves with Commissioner has agreed to hand “For instance, Municipal therefore could not make the best use either related to some officer there, or the other three sectors. over the list of names to the Health Councillors can tackle various issues of the opportunity. wearing a good suit but somehow, “This will lead to about 110 Department which would then be like installing street lights and “The community was angry with the they get the attention and many who communities trying to do a quarterly handed over to her. According to her it drainage problems and so on. They Government and officer representing came after him got their work done. project by connecting with the other has been two weeks and she still has have a job description of what are the Government. But the community So at the end of the day, this man has sectors and if everything goes well we not received the list of names. their capacities and what they can never had an opportunity to talk to to go home and tell his community will see this collective approach being “So, just because I’m a community handle. Same way Community the Government and all that anger that he couldn’t get the work done ground tested across the city,” added leader I can’t get this done straight Leaders also have a job description; I that they collected over the years was and he also has to tell his family that Liyanage. away. Everything should go through think it would be valuable. Because I directed at this one Government he wasn’t able to earn anything that No direct access the Health Department. This is what I don’t want to end up clashing with the officer, who is very new, which might day either.” have experienced. But we have much Municipal Councillor here, so I want discourage the officer from coming She further added that this sort of Pushpa Galhena is a community more developmental needs than just to know what duties that we can take again. Same way we had a lot of situations can ultimately make the leader of Seewalipura and one of the health. We might need the aid of the up. So it will be clearer for the senior Government officials who were respective community leader’s family many recipients of the Community Valuation department or Engineering younger community leaders.” A8 sunday 16 august 2020 sunday 16 august 2020 A9 A10 SUNDAY 16 AUGUST 2020 EDITORIAL EDITORIAL SUNDAY 16 AUGUST 2020 A11 Winning Three Consecutive Elections For SLPP Basil also knew well that the Maithri-Ranil marriage would Ceylon Newspapers (Pvt) Ltd. be short-lived. No: 101, Rosmead Place, Colombo 07. Editorial Tel: 0117566522, 0117566526, 0117566527 Basil: The Force The new Fax: 0117566545 Government, Marketing Manager: 0117566550, 0117566551 Circulation Manager: 0117566580, 0117566581 instead of E-mail : [email protected] working for the country and its people, began to State Ministers’ That Tuned Lankan go on a witch- hunt against Subjects Full of those in the previous Meaning! Rajapaksa regime The Cabinet and State Ministers of the newly-elected Government were sworn in on Wednesday (12) at the Politics Topsy-Turvy historic Magul Maduwa in Kandy. Altogether, 25 Cabinet Ministers and 39 State Ministers took over subjects that BY BUDDHISIRI DHARMAPRIYA to Mahinda, but to Basil as well. As at the individual talks with all Government such as Libya and loans from China had obtained posts from the new will enable the Government to usher in a progressive time Basil was not a livewire of the SLFP, MPs. At the end he was able to get the and Iran. IMF realised that Government were forced to feel national economy, which was one of the foremost goals History is known to change constantly. he was asked to provide the political boost JVP on board as well. suspending the foreign reserves would ashamed of their act as the new regime set in President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s election manifesto. And, history is written depending on the Basil, it is said has to Mahinda from outside the party. The Basil was adept At the height of the war in the It was through not impact Sri Lanka. began to hound their political rivals On the first glance, the subjects allocated to Cabinet changes that tend to take place during main issue was getting the Presidential and adroit at North, politicians in Tamil Nadu the shrewd Supplying fuel to Jaffna most brazenly. Ministers appear to be straight forward: For example, certain periods. Even Karl Marx has written never sought nomination. In order to get the nomination began to feel the pinch. They were Joint Opposition Ministries of Power, Industries, Education, Plantations, that history is made up of various struggles for the Poll from the UPFA ticket, Basil noticing the forced to adopt whatever tactics in political strategy After the closure of the A-9 route, etc. and fights that had taken place among publicity for the fought for Mahinda’s seniority. order to please their voters. The Tamil supplying fuel to Jaffna was an issue. It was at this time that those However, it was the subjects allocated to State various social classes. work he had done. Basil was also the behind-the-scene political changes Nadu Chief Minister went on a death implemented by The problem was entrusted to Basil. opposed the views of the UPFA, began Ministers that drew much public attention. Among the Hence, Sri Lanka’s political history has collaborator in bringing the PM post to that were taking fast. That had an impact on Sri Basil that He then got hold of a report containing to function as the Joint Opposition State Ministries that drew much public censure were: also been written containing various Hence, many are Mahinda Rajapaksa in the 2004 Chandrika Lanka. The Indian Envoy briefed the details of fuel stores in the Jaffna (JO) in Parliament. They even sought Ministry of Batik, Handloom Fabrics and Local Apparel setbacks and triumphs. The victory that Bandaranaike regime. An issue that place at the time. President’s Secretary Lalith Gotabaya Peninsula. The fuel that was needed the Opposition Leader post but then Products; Ministry of Coconut, Fishtail Palm, Palmyra was gained by the SLPP in 2020 has unaware of his emerged before the election was whether Weeratunga, Defence Secretary was then supplied through a ship with Speaker Karu Jayasuriya did not heed and Rubber Product Promotion and Allied Industrial already created a significant mark in the talents the Presidential Poll should be staged in He was also able Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Basil Rajapaksa was protection supplied from the Forces. their request. At this time the real Production and Export Diversification; Ministry of local political sphere. The reason for that is, either 2005 or 2006. At this time, to study the regarding the crisis situation faced by able to triumph The issues that had stumped the Opposition’s work was done in the Development of Sugarcane, Maize, Cashew, Pepper, people booting out the country’s oldest Chandrika attempted to hold the Poll in his country. Security Forces personnel were House by the JO. At this time Basil Cinnamon, Cloves, Betel Production and Promotion of political party from the Parliament and 2006. The Poll that was due in 2005, strategies of the at last year’s resolved by Basil. had put in place plans for the defeat of Allied Products and Export; Ministry of Ornamental Fish, then voting into office with an was in charge of organising the alms-giving Chandrika sought to delay it by 12 months. It was Basil who gave leadership to the political rivals of the JO. He did Freshwater Fish and Shrimp Farming Development, overwhelming majority the SLPP which is ceremony. His sister Preethi had even once In order to thwart her moves, Basil filed a Opposition and Presidential Poll the programmes such as ‘Uthuru this work during the time that he was Multi-day Fishing and Fish Export; Ministry of Paddy and only two years old. remarked what great pains had been taken petition with the Supreme Court (SC). The defeat them with 6.9 million Wasanthaya’ and ‘Negenahira imprisoned. Cereals, Organic Food, Vegetables, Fruits, Chilies, How did this political turnaround take by Basil in carrying out the organisational SC deemed that the Presidential tenure of Udanaya’. He was able to complete the Another boost he received was the Onions and Potatoes, Seed Production and High Tech place which the people would not have work of this religious event annually at Chandrika would end in 2005. Hence, it votes infrastructure development of the massive number of people who had Agriculture; Cane, Brass, Clay, Furniture and Rural anticipated? Some may even not know as to their ancestral house. Also, Basil had paved the way for the conduct of the Northern and Eastern Provinces in less converged at the Medamulana Industry Promotion and Ministry of Livestock and Farm who was behind this remarkable political maintained documents regarding the Presidential Poll as it was originally rogue votes was overcome. Through than a five-year period. The resettling residence to welcome Mahinda upon Promotion and Dairy and Eggs Related Industries. transformation of the SLPP. He is none harvest gained from the coconut trees at scheduled, in 2005. the tactic used by Basil, Mahinda He informed them that if Karunanidhi of those displaced, the removal of his defeat at the Presidential Poll. However, what many critics have failed to understand other than former SLFP stalwart D.A. their Medamunlana house in those days. Basil reviewed how people had voted at Rajapaksa was able to win through a were to die it will impact India landmines, the construction of large Afterwards the ‘Mahinda Wind’ began is that this allocation of subjects goes well in hand with Rajapaksa’s youngest son, Basil Rohana For most of the remarkable political feats the 2004 General Election. He monitored certain percentage of the vote. Though seriously. The Envoy suggested that bridges were some of the work to seep through country, having begun the President’s vision of developing the national economy Rajapaksa, hailing from the Rajapaksa that took place in this country in the recent how the people had voted in the LTTE most of those close to Mahinda had Basil should meet the Indian Prime supervised by him. When he initiated at Nugegoda. by uplifting rural industries and giving a boost to political clan of Giruwappattuwa in the past what paved the way for it was Basil controlled areas in the North-East. He expressed the fear that the latter Minister as a special rep in order to the ‘Gama Neguma’ programme, some In November four years ago, Basil dwindling exports. Southern Province. Rajapaksa’s skill at organisational work. He noticed that on the polling day the casting would lose, Basil had known for a bring about the crisis situation ridiculed the venture initially. But, decided to register the SLPP. He In January this year, President Rajapaksa outlined his Basil, it is said has never sought publicity first broke into local party politics through of ballots had increased from 20 per cent to certainty that Mahinda would between the two countries to a close. Basil was able to redevelop scores of created a programme for the SLPP to vision to develop the country to Parliament. Therein he for the work he had done. Hence, many are the 1977 General Election. In that Poll 85 per cent from 3 to 4 p.m. If Mahinda triumph in the end. On the same night, based on advice villages through his novel concept. encompass the 14,032 Grama said stronger policies are needed to support agriculture, unaware of his talents. However, Basil where the UNP obtained a 5/6 majority were to win the Poll the conducting of the Though Mahinda Rajapaksa was from the President, Basil flew to The UNF-led regime, when it was Niladhari Divisions of the country. and pointed out a third of the country’s population is Rajapaksa had played a pivotal role in the Basil who contested the Mulkirigala seat polling in the LTTE held areas had to be sworn in as the President, the UPFA New Delhi. Afterwards he installed on 9 January 2015, proved to Basil also had the computer data at engaged in agriculture, plantation industries, and the local political firmament since the 1970s. was defeated. Basil was also the youngest stopped. Basil decided to seek an order Government only had 105 seats signed an agreement with be decisive for Basil. Some who had his disposal to know beforehand those fisheries sector, and the living standards of people He is a very shrewd and knowledgeable politician that had contested the 1977 Poll. from the Court to this effect. in Parliament. If the UNP, JVP then Indian Foreign contributed to the ousting of the who had expressed their allegiance to employed must be raised. He also recommended that new political strategist. He is also a workaholic. The SLFP was only able to get eight MPs Actually speaking, the LTTE did not and TNA were to strike Minister Pranarb Mahinda Rajapaksa Government his party from every area here and technology-based approaches that can develop these Basil had always stood behind the elected at that election. boycott the 2005 Presidential Poll. If the agreements there was the Mukherji, National began to level baseless criticism those who were not so. He also saw industries beyond traditional farming methods must be oppressed masses during his political Tamil people cast their ballots they had to threat of the Government Security Adviser against Basil. They charged it was all how the political landscape began to introduced. career. Basil also has taken up challenges Providing political impetus head to areas under the control of the being toppled? Hence, M.K. Narayanan Basil’s work. They even gave political change towards the SLPP. The future Some pundits argue that the President could have whenever they had been entrusted to him Minister of Mahaweli Development Government. Through that, casting of Basil began talks with and Foreign connotations to a photo taken of Basil measures were initiated by him brought many of the State Ministry subjects under one and had never shirked responsibility placed Gamini Dissanayaka who was part of the the JVP and the Secretary Shiv at the BIA, saying that after the defeat accordingly. umbrella. For example, subjects such as Cane, Brass, on his shoulders. He is also a dedicated 1977 UNP regime of J.R. Jayewardene was SLMC. Basil’s goal Shankar Menon Basil had fled the country. The LG Poll staged on 10 February Clay, Furniture and Rural Industry Promotion, Batik, servant and strives to fulfil whatever task a friend of Basil. Gamini had known about was to do the and pacified the However, Basil knew who was two years ago was the maiden Poll Handloom Fabrics and Local Apparel Products can be entrusted to him 100 per cent. the talents of Basil. Basil had also worked necessary work situation. The behind the mudslinging campaign that contested by the SLPP. Fulfilling under one Ministry titled Industries. D.A. Rajapaksa and Dandina for a period, attached to the said Ministry. Basil was also the and prevent the Indian had been orchestrated against him. He Basil’s aspirations, the SLPP received a However, by separating these subjects under different Samarasinha Dissanayaka were blessed During this period Basil had organised new Government then decided to bide his time at his total of 5,006,837 votes and obtained Ministries, the President has enabled the Ministers to with nine children. They are Chamal, most of the internal activities at all behind-the-scene Government stated that residence in California. He also saw 3,436 seats at LG bodies from the Poll focus on these micro industries and then develop them to Jayanthi, Mahinda, Chandra, Dudley, elections when his elder brother Mahinda collaborator in from they will how some of the frontline SLFP MPs and became the country’s new political produce export quality products. Gotabaya, Basil, Preethi and Gandhini. Of contested the Beliatta seat from the SLFP collapsing. At never were receiving ministerial posts from force. It should not come as a surprise to anyone that the the boys, the youngest is Basil and there ticket. In 1989 as well as in 1994 when the bringing the PM this time, the support the new UNF Government. Several of It was through the shrewd political President’s focus is on developing the national economy was a noticeable feature in him. That SLFP regained political power, Basil was UNP terrorism. those MPs had gone behind then strategy implemented by Basil that and to make Sri Lanka less dependent on imports. What feature was he had performed his duties to busy providing the political impetus to his post to Mahinda General During President Maithripala Sirisena seeking Gotabaya Rajapaksa was able to better way to do this than giving individual attention to the letter and he was also known to elder sibling Mahinda’s political journey. Rajapaksa in the Secretary the war Sri such posts in the new regime. triumph at last year’s Presidential Poll subjects that we can develop into producing world class complete his work right on time. As he grew Several people have aired their views had said Lanka also Basil also knew well that the with 6.9 million votes. Basil is also products. older, Basil was able to sustain these traits. regarding the dual citizenship of Basil. 2004 Chandrika that at the received Maithri-Ranil marriage would be equipped with a Digital APP that The best example for this is the Batik and Handloom Even the rest of his family members were Especially concerning his US citizenship. Bandaranaike coming support short-lived. The new Government, covers all electorates here politically. Industries. Sri Lanka produces unique handloom and also aware of these gifts of Basil. After his spouse Pushpa Rajapaksa had Sinhala from China instead of working for the country and Therefore, he is able to predict how the batik products. However, other than promoting them Staging an annual alms-giving event at won the US Green Card lottery in 1997, his regime New Year and several its people, began to go on a witch-hunt people would vote at Polls as he has among tourists who visit the country, particularly the Medamulana ancestral home was a family members left to reside in the US. The period a nations in against those in the previous gathered data from 10 houses from through the Laksala network, we have not paid attention tradition. Even from his young days Basil 2005 Presidential Poll was decisive not only UNP regime Europe. All Rajapaksa regime. Most of the cases each electorate. to developing the batik and handloom industries into would be those were filed against Basil by the FCID. “We will certainly receive over 130 exporting the products to foreign markets. installed. Envoys Having been informed of the situation, seats at the Poll. Our hope is that On the other hand, it is no secret that our economy has Basil coordinated Basil decided to return to the country. during the final stage of this election, been in shambles following the opening up of the econo- with Basil. After arriving home, Basil was forced the people will grant us over 150 seats. my after 1978. Although there was an outward decides Having met to spend most of his time fighting a Some of the parties that support us appearance of abundance of goods in the market, the UN Secretary spate of legal cases that were filed will probably receive four or five seats. open economy dealt a death blow to local industries and to enter General Ban against him. Each day was spent in The TNA will win the Districts of Vanni, agriculture. House Ki-moon at a courtroom. If there were any free days Batticaloa and Jaffna. From the total Sri Lanka, which was once known as the Granary of decisive in between attending Courts in vote that is received by us our closest the East, now has to import rice. We are an island An incident that moment Basil Hulftsdorp, Kaduwela or Pugoda, on rival will not even receive half of it. I surrounded by one of the most resource-rich oceans in most were aware at managed to gain such days he was summoned to the also would like if the JVP will also the world. Yet, we import fish. We even import salt! the time was Karu the trust of the UN FCID. receive at least some seats. This could Another aspect mentioned in the President’s manifesto Jayasuriya talking official. The UN Once, after being questioned by the be a controversial remark. Why I say is the use of modern technology to develop industries and with him 17 MPs and official assured Basil CID throughout the day, he was taken this is when you look at the Opposition agriculture: “We will adopt an agricultural policy, in joining the Government. that he will never act to the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court in the last Parliament, they were which not only people will be dissuaded from abandoning Karu left the UNP due to to destabilise the around 11 at night. Surprisingly, by reduced to a bunch of jokers. Some agriculture, but also promote and encourage those in him being overlooked for the Government of President the time he was taken there, the even uttered foolish remarks. Some other employment pursuits to come into agriculture. post of Deputy Leader. The Mahinda. Basil’s Magistrate was still present in Court, made jealous and hateful comments. I Agriculture will thus be made an attractive profession. Government which had only intervention also went a and even more surprisingly, a prison also would like to predict that one of Our agricultural policy would be to promote an agricul- 105 seats was ultimately long way towards getting the bus was already there, ready to take the country’s oldest political parties tural sector in which small producers using small extents able to command two-thirds support of all nations in the Basil to prison. would be reduced to the fourth place at of land producing high quality outputs using modern majority due to the UN Security Council towards In the meantime, with the CBSL this Poll.” The readers only need to technological methods.” groundwork laid by Basil. Sri Lanka. During the latter Treasury Bonds scams taking place in look at the 5 August General Election This is reflected in the subjects allocated to the State Basil never had any stages of the war, Sri Lanka’s 2015, the anti-Government sentiments results to decide for themselves as to Ministry of Paddy and Cereals, Organic Food, Vegetables, intention of heading to foreign reserves had declined began to rise. Those UPFA MPs who the veracity of Basil’s prediction. Fruits, Chilies, Onions and Potatoes, Seed Production Parliament. But, due to rapidly. In order to increase Basil Rajapaksa is no doubt at the and High Tech Agriculture. the constant requests made those reserves, the help of the forefront of the local political According to the manifesto, “Our objective is to go to him by his elder brother IMF had to be sought. But, the firmament as a master political beyond traditional agricultural practices and to develop Mahinda, Basil decided to IMF had mooted several strategist. He has proved his skill to all high technology agriculture. Environment-friendly green- enter the House in 2007. proposals to which the and sundry. Despite these house agriculture, hydroponics agriculture, and aqua- However, he did not enter Government was unable to Despite these achievements Basil continues to lead ponics agriculture will be popularised and a community Parliament from the SLFP ticket agree. achievements the life of an ordinary person with of youthful agricultural entrepreneurs will be built up. In but from the National Congress. In order to hold talks on simple and a charming demeanour. order to promote the youth to take up these agri-business Basil was adept and adroit at debt, Basil flew to Basil continues to Though he continues to engage in activities, the Government will help them using import noticing the political changes that Washington. He met top politics that is not his true love. He is a tariff benefits and low interest loan schemes.” were taking place at the time. He officials from the IMF and lead the life of an farmer at heart. A land in Hambantota Therefore, it is clear that the State Ministers were not was also able to study the said, “You have your own ordinary person that was bequeathed to him by his late appointed on an ad hoc basis, in order to give portfolios to strategies of the Opposition and policies, and we have our father D.A. Rajapaksa is now being those who shouldered the weight of bringing the Sri defeat them. At one time during a own. If we could reach a pact with simple and a cultivated by him. Even when he Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) to power. They were vote on the Budget President then we should try to work charming resides in California, he derives much allocated to put the President’s election manifesto to best Mahinda was not in the country. The together. If not Sri Lanka satisfaction through the growing of practice. JVP had said they will vote against will be forced to look demeanour local vegetables. Basil Rajapaksa is a the Budget. Basil having been joined elsewhere.” Sri Lanka then political heavyweight which this by Minister Fernandopulle began sought aid from countries country is badly in need of presently. A12 sunday 16 august 2020 sunday 16 august 2020 A13 LET'S BUILD SRI LANKA LET'S BUILD SRI LANKA Litro Gas - A groundbreaking HNB supports post-COVID role model of a successful recovery with Rs 5 B SME Public Private Partnership Public private partnerships are often “The ideal public private partnerships “Litro Gas is owned by the State but relief at 8% interest p.a. discussed and admired but are seen energize the State sector and adds governed by the Companies Act & best when they work together for the value to State ownership.” Articles of Association – the Company benefit of the country. In 1995, Royal Dutch Shell became is indeed a pioneer for the country’s Working capital loans Enables working capital Facilitated nearly Debt moratoriums Litro Gas is a robust success story of Litro Gas with the purchase of the development model, already identified how a public-private partnership can Company by the Government. Since by the Government as the right path offered at concessionary support for SMEs not 2,000 client loan extended to over emerge as the ideal role model for then, it has embraced a culture all its towards consolidation of national interest of 8% p.a. for a captured under CBSL applications to CBSL 75,000 individuals other State owned organizations to own, growing through the years to As the national growth and economic success.” emulate. emerge as a strongly Sri Lankan entity The Government plans to usher in a period of upto 2 years Saubagya scheme Saubagya scheme and enterprises The Company has successfully that provides leadership to the nation’s supplier of decade of development that will lay the incorporated a multinational heritage domestic gas industry. foundation for the country’s economic In an effort to finance a come,” HNB DGM - Retail and engagement with SME clients with its State owned status to create a With efficiency at its core, the domestic gas, upliftment – organizations such as grassroots revival of the Sri SME Banking, Sanjay in order to proactively identify powerhouse that leads in the local LPG Company’s vast operational the Company Litro Gas which hold role model status Lankan economy in the wake Wijemanne explained. instances in which customers industry ; while generating a turnover mechanism is managed by a team of as a success story – are likely to form of the COVID-19 pandemic, As the first private sector are impacted by natural of Rs 45 billion. 234 employees – all of them experts remains the front ranks of that journey. HNB PLC leveraged its Rs 5 commercial bank to enter the disasters. In such instances, “Litro Gas showcases very well how and professionals at what they do and Koswatte reiterates that a key billion relief fund to provide SME space, HNB has a long the bank will regularly State owned organizations with a whose dedication and commitment committed to a competitive advantage is the working capital support to the history of supporting SME approach clients in order to private sector culture can bring both serves a growing customer base of four high level of Company’s customer centric bank’s substantial portfolio of development in Sri Lanka. discuss their difficulties and together to create a unique dynamism” million spread across Sri Lanka. approach; Litro Gas customer focus is Small and Medium Enterprise Over the past year, the bank extend relief in the form of debt says Anil Koswatte, Chairman & CEO - There is tremendous room for growth safety, delivered through a network of 35 (SME) customers. took further extraordinary moratoriums, assistance with Litro Gas Lanka Ltd andLitro Gas and expansion, says Koswatte who distributors located island-wide , “Following on the decisive measures to assist SME insurance claims, concessions Terminal (Pvt) Ltd. points out that a considerable number maintained 1,500 home delivery hubs and 11,000 action taken by Government clients, initially through the or delayed payments in “As Sri Lanka’s LPG sector market of Sri Lankans still use firewood – under strict point of sale locations. In addition, the and public health officials to provision of loan moratoriums addition to offering lending leader with a 75% market share, Litro which can be hazardous to health and newly launched Litro Gas App allows curtail the spread of COVID-19 and working capital loans to facilities to help restart Gas possesses a distinctive legacy – impact the environment negatively. guidelines customers to connect one to one for in Sri Lanka, a new sense of businesses negatively businesses impacted by epitomizing the ideal public-private “Statistics from The World LPG established by seamless delivery and engagement. normalcy has been restored. impacted by the Easter Attacks natural disasters. partnership that adds tremendous Association indicate that around four As the national supplier of domestic Moving forward, our next of 2019. Additionally, the bank also value to the very concept.” million die every year from indoor Sri Lankan gas, the Company remains committed major challenge is to similarly This support was further seeks to actively align its Litro Gas Lanka Ltd (LGLL) and Litro pollution – caused by firewood stoves. to a high level of safety, maintained contain the damage inflicted extended to SME clients operations with national Gas Terminal (Pvt) Lanka Ltd (LGTL) Encouraging people to upgrade to standards, under strict guidelines established by on the health of our nation’s following the onset of the priorities. Prior to the current are owned by The General Treasury using domestic gas in a clean and safe international Sri Lankan standards, international economy from several months COVID-19 pandemic. At COVID-related stimulus through The Sri Lanka Insurance cooking environment can actually be safety protocols and global of relative stagnation. HNB is present, HNB has facilitated packages, HNB was intensively Corporation – yet the Company is run an upliftment of their lifestyle safety protocols stakeholders. “From our state-of-the- fully committed to partner with nearly 2,000 clients to apply engaged in promoting Credit as a corporate entity that augments economically and socially. This is a and global art delivery fleet and cutting edge all stakeholders in this for relief under the CBSL Support to Accelerate aspects such as efficiency, very important aspect that inspires us distributor complex and our own endeavour,” HNB Managing Saubagya working capital loan Economic Growth to support effectiveness, customer focus and to do what we do,” he said stakeholders storage yards to our highly skilled Director/CEO, Jonathan Alles scheme, in addition to SMEs engaged in competitiveness. Koswatte adds that the institution’s team operating the network, Litro Gas stated. period of 24 months. employment in Sri Lanka. which operates independently providing over 75,000 manufacturing, services, This is why the Company can be corporate culture enables independent sustains operational mechanisms that The HNB COVID recovery In this manner, HNB utilised Many of these businesses are from the Saubagya COVID loan individuals and enterprises agriculture and related value called the trailblazer of the decision making processes that meet global standards – safety is at the fund will be leveraged to its own internally generated facing extremely constrained scheme – will help catalyse an with debt moratoriums. added businesses that were Government’s dynamic focus on contribute towards the company’s core of our operations and remains a bolster assistance to the SME funds to support Government cash flows, but with the right organic grassroots Serving as a partner in facing challenges stemming empowering local investors and dynamism while cultivating its key function for us.” Says Koswatte in sector by complementing the objectives of ensuring that as support, they still have the revitalisation of the Sri Lankan progress to the entire nation, from a subdued building the economy, says Koswatte. competitive advantages. conclusion. Central Bank of Sri Lanka many viable SMEs are provided potential to recover and economy in the months to HNB also maintains regular macroeconomic environment. (CBSL) supported Saubagya priority access to funding to eventually thrive. (Prosperity) Loan Scheme. support them through the “As a bank we understand Applicants who were unable disruptions caused by the that these are difficult times, to secure Government funded COVID pandemic. and so we are doing everything loans at 4% p.a. were given the “Given our pioneering role we can to be flexible with option of securing a working and vast client network in the repayments and assist capital loan via the HNB SME space, HNB is ideally customers in any way we can COVID relief fund at a positioned to assist this vital to get through this uncertain concessionary interest rate of sector – which collectively and volatile period. We are just 8% p.a. for a maximum accounts for nearly half of all confident that this fund – Let’s rebuild Sri Lanka together The unfortunate COVID-19 pandemic has not only left the world in recession, it has impacted Sri Lanka to a greater extent with many of its foreign exchange generating sectors showing heavy declines. The election is over and a new Government has been formed under the leadership of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and the teams they have chosen to lead the country are burdened with the humongous task of reviving the troubled national economy. As we all know, some of the main foreign exchange earning sectors, tourism, quarter of this year the for Sri Lanka to accelerate its worker remittances and economic growth of the development. apparel to name a few have country went into negative Development will happen been severely effected by the territory for the first time in 18 only if the country is unfortunate incidents. years. competitive enough and to do Not only them, many small Many international agencies so Sri Lanka now should and medium scale business are of the view that the Sri focus on increasing its facing hardship due to lack of Lankan economy would productivity and efficiencies, businesses temming from contract heavily this year, not only at State level but at various issues not only limited though the Government shows the grassroots level. to reduced spending power of confidence of posting growth. There are multiple ways to the people. Sri Lanka as a country has improve productivity and In this backdrop, it is great managed to control the efficiency. We need to think to see some of our corporates COVID-19 pandemic to a on a global scale and produce extending their hands to greater extent, but will it be in relation to global markets develop the national economy able to revive the economy while joining the Fourth by supporting those who are during the short term is yet to Industrial Revolution. in need. be seen. At present Sri Lanka Some banks including While, the Government has a imports double what it Hatton National Bank and duty to formalize a strategy to exports to the world, these other major companies such revive the national economy by need to shift. The biggest as Litro Gas have come planning sectorial approaches, problem in developing exports forward to offer various reliefs as businesses and citizens of is product diversification and to the citizens as well as this country we too have a set value addition. This is the businesses in the country. of responsibilities to develop time for Sri Lanka to look at It is no doubt that Sri Lanka the economy. diversifying its product will face a serious recessions Sri Lanka continued to lose portfolio with many other during this year. According to opportunities for development exporting countries now official data released by the during the past. However, the facing difficulties in keeping Department of Census and novel COVID-19 pandemic has up with their production. Statistics, during the first once again opened an avenue A14 SUNDAY 16 AUGUST 2020 FOCUS Import restrictions without an end date… CMTA Chairman Decries Vehicle Import Suspension

BY SULOCHANA RAMIAH effects on the economy and MOHAN also never argued against the restriction on motor vehicle In Sri Lanka, it is incredibly imports at the time, the challenging for manufacturer industry also needs to consider authorised franchisees to carry its continuity and the means out a legitimate business with by which it will sustain huge investments into employees. infrastructure, staffing and Talking to Ceylon Today We have a heri- development. Unlike in most Chairman of the CMTA tage of 100 countries around the world, Sri Yasendra Amerasinghe who is Lanka has no regulations on also the Director/Chief years behind us who can import vehicles, and Executive Officer at Carmart with the support imposes no criteria or even Limited, said the Easter registration for importers. This Attacks were a horrific tragedy of global auto- has led to a huge number of and caused tremendous motive manufac- private importers who have no suffering to the families affiliation to manufacturers affected, but the economic toll turers, and it is and who are not bound by was nowhere near that of our duty policies and rules applied by COVID-19. As the Government manufacturers to provide the had suspended imports for to work Yasendra Amerasinghe most suitable products for each permit holders in October closely market. 2018, prior to the attacks, the imports. We have suggested to authorities requesting for In this backdrop, vehicle motor industry was in any case with the implement a scheme to screen clear communication as to importers also lament that the already operating under Govern- and register vehicle importers when the import restrictions extended import ban with no restrictions. No further import to control the quality and are expected to be lifted in clear end in sight has left them restrictions were imposed after ment to quantity of imports of motor order to make plans to ensure in dire straits with no ability to the attacks and the ensure that vehicles. This is a practice the continuity of the industry. plan for their survival. Government provided a plan to that is employed by almost all Unfortunately, there has been The Ceylon Motor Traders’ phase imports back in. In the industry countries around the world no proper response to these Association (CMTA) members, contrast, with COVID-19 we operates and will provide assurance to requests leaving the industry who are the manufacturer were faced with an consumers as they are uncertain of its future. authorised franchise holders unprecedented two-month with integri- buying a vehicle from a Amarasinghe says that they for global automotive brands of curfew, which although we ty and in a credible corporate entity have not asked for a relief cars, commercial vehicles understand was absolutely and not from an fund as such,what we would 2-wheelers, and 3-wheelers, necessary to control the virus, sustainable unscrupulous operator. At like is to be able to import at directly and indirectly provide caused untold damage to the manner for the moment, only about least a minimal number of employment to over 30,000 Sri economy. 30% of vehicle imports are vehicles to be able to cover our Lankans across the island, find Amarasinghe said the the future of through manufacturer overheads, the major portion the restriction of vehicle letters Association has approached authorised franchisees. of which is salaries. We also of credit (LCs) came on 19 Prime Minster Mahinda the country We believe that the understand that it may be March 2020 alarming because Rajapaksa and very soon will Government could impossible for the Government it did not offer any alternatives meet and discuss their plight considerably reduce to open imports immediately or directions. and find a solution. “We want foreign currency outflow, due to the drop in foreign While every company is a timeline”. faith in Sri Lankan whilst also protecting Sri earnings. However, they would trying its best not to cut The Ceylon Motor Traders’ companies as Lankan consumers and like to have a set date in the salaries or jobs, it may become Association (CMTA) founded credible and improving the standards future when at least some an unfortunate eventuality if 100 years ago in 1919 is also trustworthy of the automobile industry by level of imports will be things continue the way they affiliated to the Ceylon trading only allowing legitimate permitted. “We would very are, without clear direction and Chamber of Commerce. It is partners, which companies to import vehicles. much like to have a support from the Government. the only association that has would greatly “The CMTA’s mission is to constructive dialogue with the Initially on 19 September direct links to all international affect our ensure sustainable growth relevant Government 2018, the Government said the automobile brands represented country’s for the automotive industry, authorities to try to work out a motor vehicle importers should in Sri Lanka, through their economy in the so, it contributes to the mutually viable way forward.” do 100% cash down to import respective manufacturer long term.” social and economic Flagrant violation of vehicles. authorised franchisees. It is the For the first development of the nation. Then two weeks later, in most senior automotive trade time, on 19 We have a heritage of 100 assembly regulations October 2018 they said even if association in the region. March 2020 there years behind us with the cash down, no importation Came as a shock was also a ban support of global On the serious allegations of Again in October 2018, the introduced on automotive new vehicles “spare parts Government suspended Beyond the ban on new LCs some critically manufacturers, and it is being imported and permits for vehicle imports. for vehicles, banks were also important spare our duty to work closely assembled in Sri Lanka that is Then again on June 1 2019 ordered not to pay existing LCs, parts such as tyres, with the Government to sold for cheaper prices”, they allowed permits in stages which were opened long before brake pads and ensure that the industry Amaraisnghe said that Once again this year, in import restrictions were suspension parts, operates with integrity fortunately, the Government March 2020, a complete ban on imposed. “This was a complete as well as parts for and in a sustainable put a stop to the operation all vehicle importation (all the shock, as it contravenes accident repairs manner for the future of that was dismantling or circulars did not give reasons Uniform Customs and Practice (although this has the country.” cutting apart old cars overseas as to why all these restrictions (UCP 600) regulations that since been somewhat and putting them back were placed in the first place) govern international trade relaxed to allow Huge together in Sri Lanka. The banking. Furthermore, most certain parts to be due to ramifi cations CMTA also fought against this Demand exists LCs are confirmed, meaning imported on 180 days the numerous cross malpractice at the time as it However, vehicle importers they are essentially insured by credit). Some sizes of references of Gazettes/ In the last full financial was placing consumers at say the demand for vehicles a foreign bank for payment tyres however, are still Operating Instructions and the year, CMTA members provided great risk and was a flagrant during the ongoing pandemic is default. Hence, a supplier is temporarily suspended, while number of changes/additions/ over Rs. 100 billion worth violation of assembly there but consumers panic within their rights to disregard others have been granted relief deletions that have been made, business to the leasing regulations. The current about buying mainly due to our Government’s orders, ship to be imported on 90-day credit it is impossible to provide a industry alone. An important companies carrying out import restrictions. According the cars and claim their terms. document that clearly outlines point to note is that this assembly are with the proper to the CMTA, most CMTA payment from the confirming Import restrictions had the duration of the vehicle import ban also covers approvals and concurrence of members only have stocks for foreign bank. This, however, already been in place for a few import suspension. To our motorcycles, trishaws and their respective another one to three months, would constitute a default by months when the attacks understanding, it was commercial vehicles such as manufacturers. after which they will have to our local bank, which would happened in 2019, so, imports originally until mid-June, trucks and busses, as well as “In a broad sense when contend with how to run their cause it to be blacklisted in were already lower than usual. which was extended to mid- vehicles such as tipper trucks looking at assembly, a few operations and sustain their international trade, which is no However, a clearly defined July, and finally on 16 July used in construction and factors need to be considered, staff with zero vehicle sales small issue.”Moreover, he schedule to reopen imports in 2020 vehicle imports were mining industries. Cutting off including the cost of the revenues. added that, “if the customer is phases was provided, so that suspended “until further vehicle imports altogether will imported kit of parts, the Many importers were a permit holder, such as a the industry and vehicle notice”. However, one must have huge ramifications to all value of parts that can be impacted several weeks before doctor or professor, their buyers could plan ahead. follow and decipher a web of sectors that depend on the locally produced as well as the COVID-19’s effects on global vehicle would then be stuck in “Many of our Principals have interrelated Gazette automotive industry. tax revenue. If there is a logistics. Even when importers port unable to be cleared, and asked - and rightly so - to be notifications to ascertain this. Between mid March to mid substantial local value applaud the decisive action they would also lose the use of provided with proof of the The CMTA believes that the May 2020, revenue was zero, addition and hence foreign taken by the Government to their permit. In this scenario, suspension of vehicle imports Government needs to take which was unprecedented. currency saving, it may justify contain the pandemic and its manufacturers will also lose by the Government. However, steps to regulate automotive Year on year, Amarasinghe the lower taxation. says his company is facing a However, if there is no revenue drop of around 70% significant local value addition, and many companies are there will be a similar foreign facing an even worse scenario. currency outflow to assemble a “While the CMTA understands car locally as to import it fully the challenges faced to the built, but the Government will country’s economy and foreign lose a substantial amount of reserves, and our members revenue by way of tax have accepted their share of concessions.Vehicle assembly the burden and are trying their requires both an ecosystem of best to minimise salary component manufacturers, as reductions and/or job cuts so well as a market that is able to far, member companies and absorb the higher volumes that their dealers will have no are required to make option but to take drastic investments into assembly action to survive, as there is feasible. It is certainly not no clear direction to plan feasible for all brands that are otherwise. Soon after the currently being imported to vehicle import suspension, we switch to local assembly. submitted letters to the [email protected] sports sunday 16 august 2020 A15 Rugby Scrapbook Post-COVID Rugby is not about losing spending power

By Vimal Perera officials included. COVID -19 is leading rugby. The current situation requires a many involved in rugby to frustration change in mindset and attitudes of Is the big-spending power of the top and building of tension among coaches and players, as well as the clubs and schools over? The prospect adolescent boys and girls who are employers to be achieved only through lingered on my mind as coaches and unable to come to grips on being denied education that has to encompass all. players complained about the loss of the chance to play. The game started with William Webb livelihood – more moaning than “Corona - Corona is a tiny virus” were Ellis not conforming to the regulations. complaining. Loss of livelihood is what the words of a small boy battling to Whether or not you believe in the need it seemed to be all about, as Sri Lanka understand why he is kept at home and for health guidelines, you have to stick envisages a return to rugby. However, not taken to the park. COVID-19 placed to the well-being rules. It sets the right the greater emphasis on return to significant financial, mental and tone for the first pillar of respect, a rugby is an issue of responsibility. physical pressure on every aspect of cornerstone in the principles of rugby: Dilroy Fernando, the World Rugby life. Regard for the welfare of others. Trainer, gave some insights on a pilot It has affected sports and associated While coaches, players and the project to give coaches a better idea on events – an essential part of life – which hierarchy are desperate to get back to the change required, modelled on World have been disturbed. A sample survey training, in the current situation and Rugby Guidelines for post-COVID suggests that the weight of the time, how can you have meaningful return to rugby. SL Rugby has done a coronavirus has burdened rugby at all training? It may not look much like programme on return to rugby with levels. rugby. Yet, it starts to rebuild the emphasis on coaching children in the Coaches and players were talking crucial social connections a team present scenario. It is hoped that the about the pay packet, while the needs. Plus, you can begin to education will be expanded as the administrators talk about the loss of re-establish your culture. The mindset important point in return to rugby is revenue. The loss of a livelihood income should be around general athletic the responsibility for coaches and players was the central improvements, with some rugby-related I spoke to Dr. Namith Sankalpana, point focused by those in the activities. Forget any form of contact or Sports Physician – Sports Medicine discussion I had. heads-up evasion activities. When Unit, Chief Medical Officer – Sri Lanka A more critical aspect was the tension players want to play, they will ignore Rugby, Team Physician – National that was paying the price through the downturn have to think twice before of the view that with proper planning ‘rules’ once they are in the midst of a Rugby Team and Regional Head of Asia frustration of not being involved. These they release funds. When you don’t play and budgeting, you could survive the game. Young players especially, will Rugby Players Welfare in South Asia, were the views of personalities of rugby, there is no visibility, and how downturn. Surviving requires to change ignore social distancing. The coach on plans to return to rugby. various areas of rugby. The emphasis will the sponsor get mileage? the aims and objectives from being needs to take control to give the His concern was about player welfare, was by a Principal of a leading school, Speaking to coaches of the top tier obsessed to win and let the child enjoy players the right space to work in and which is topmost in his mind. He said an office-bearer of Schools Rugby and a clubs and schools and coaches of the rugby. be safe. that he has drawn up and presented well-known coach, an old boy promoter lower levels and lower grades of rugby, While accepting the review needed to You need to ensure activities stay guidelines needed for the return to play, and two world rugby trainers. said that many have a problem to make sustain the game, a past pupil thought within the boundaries, which means which will have to be cleared by the The coaching staff preferred to talk on ends meet as payments have been that it is time for old boys to rethink the not to run longer than necessary. health authorities. Instructions include the financial side; as club and schools pruned to fit the schools or club purse. built-up passion that directs them to Schools need to have a check on times a daily checklist to follow when coming coaches, as well as players, face the It is not only rugby coaches and focus on a win at any cost. Misplaced and hours. for practice that has to be a part of the burden of putting bread and butter on players – the pandemic has forced enthusiasm has heaped much burden. Problems will come when you are culture and a tool of social their plate. Another lot are the referees many other employers to trim their coat A burden that is difficult to carry as a considering games in training. Build responsibility. paid to reimburse expenses. Much as accordingly. better revenue stream of sponsors will up the levels of intensity. Often this The guide requires educating all coaching moved from an amateur art to Most affected are the lower division not see a considerable surge. Gate can be done by using shorter involved in the game and not limited to a professional job, referees too looked schools, which will impact the growth collections will be at a standstill, and sessions. the coaching staff and officials on the forward to the additional income. and expansion of rugby. other avenues of income of clubs are a Be patient. Patient on what you can field. It has to be a bigger rugby bubble. A problem faced by schools and In the recent past clubs – as well as distant dream. Some schools have paid do in terms of training, but also what The concept of the learned doctor clubs is that the revenue stream has schools – have allocated a significant coaches amounts they can afford; you can achieve. Skills, fitness and requires a better understanding of the dried up. The clubs and schools have amount in their budgets for rugby. funded by savings or the generosity of tactics: they will take time to get up to associated guidelines and not the law had to resort to cutting salaries of Persons involved in guiding rugby feel old boys. The payment of salaries speed. Concentrate on creating the book alone, as arguments followed the players as well as coaches. Sponsors that the expenditure was getting cannot continue indefinitely, explained right environments again. Your issue of sore eyes backed CR and FC are falling back on the release of funds beyond sustainable levels. COVID-19 old boys involved in the game. respect for the rules and regulations walk out in their game against Police. I to clubs, schools and the parent may be a blessing in disguise to review As Doctor Sankalpa explained if those sets the tone for your players to will keep for a later date the discussion associations are facing a financial the management of the game and the involved want a job, they have to take follow. Rugby Return to play https:// on the topic related to infectious mismatch. budgets. responsibility for following the www.rugbycoachweekly.net/rugby- disease and player welfare – match Sponsors faced with an economic An enlightened school principal was guidelines which will help the return of coaching/rugby-and-return-to-play

SLC felicitates two SLC Major Tier ‘A’ Tournament veteran umpires Serena beats CCC heads Venus to reach points table quarter-final Serena Williams Points Table survived another scare to SUPER 8 M WO LO FW FL FT MT NR PTS beat older sister Venus 3-6 6-3 6-4 on Thursday CCC 4 4 0 0 0 Points0 Tabl0 e 0 73.570 in the latest instalment of NCC SUPER4 81 0 M3 WO0 LO 0 FW0 FL 0 FT 55.685MT NR PTS their reluctant on-court Colts CC CCC4 1 1 4 2 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 46.3150 0 73.570 sibling rivalry to reach the Chilaw Marians CC NCC4 1 1 4 1 1 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 39.0850 0 55.685 quarter-finals of the Army SC Colts4 CC 1 1 4 0 1 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 30.3700 0 46.315 inaugural Top Seed Open Ragama CC Chilaw4 Marians1 CC2 4 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 27.4650 0 39.085 in Lexington, Kentucky. SLC ExCo member and Umpires’ Committee Chairman, Deepal Saracens CC Army4 SC1 2 4 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 27.3850 0 30.370 Madurapperuma, presenting the cash award to D.N. Pathirana Serena, who in her first- BRC Ragama4 0CC 3 4 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 16.1900 0 27.465 Saracens CC 4 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 27.385 round match of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) eight Test matches as a BRC 4 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 16.190 spectator-free tournament felicitated two renowned reserve umpire. PLATE M WO LO FW FL FT MT NR PTS was five points from defeat cricket umpires – D.N. Doolwala was a former Sri Negombo CC PLATE3 1 0 M1 WO1 LO 0 FW0 FL 0 FT 33.370MT NR PTS against world number 60 Pathirana and K.R.P. Lanka women's player, who Tamil Union C & ACNegombo 3 1 CC 0 3 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 32.4200 0 33.370 Bernarda Pera, had to Doolwala – who retired from took up to umpiring after Moors SC Tamil3 Union0 C &0 AC 3 2 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 31.9950 0 32.420 rally back from a set down officiating duties after a her playing days were over, SSC Moors3 SC0 0 3 1 0 2 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 22.0200 0 31.995 and 4-2 final set deficit to service of over 20 years. and served as an umpire for Baduraliya CC SSC3 0 1 3 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 19.3300 0 22.020 prevail in a thrilling Both Pathirana and over two decades. At the Lankan CC Baduraliya3 0 CC 1 3 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 19.1600 0 19.330 battle. female umpire Doolwala, time of her retirement she Lankan CC 3 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 19.160 With the win, Serena were presented with was a Sara Trophy qualified improved to 19-12 in mementos and a cash award umpire at SLC. SuperCCC Eightare FixturesSuper Eight Fixtures career head-to-head meetings with Venus. at a simple ceremony held The duo was presented leadingAugust 15,the 16 & 17August 15, 16 & 17 "It was a very high-quality match," said Serena. "There at SLC Headquarters in with cash awards at the pointsMatch table Match Venue Venue was a lot of long points, running me around and then at Maitland Place. ceremony, which was afterCCC vsthe Saracens first CCCCC vs Saracens CC NCC NCC one point it was just big serves, and so I thought that Pathirana served as a organised by SLC Umpires' weekendColts CC vs in Ragama Colts CC CC vs Ragama CCCCC CCC was really interesting as we both started serving really leading umpire from 1982 to Committee Chairman, theArmy Super-8 CC vs Chilaw ArmyMarians CC vsCC Chilaw MariansP. Sara CC Oval P. Sara Oval well and returning well." 2006 in the domestic Deepal Madurapperuma roundBRC vs of NCC the BRC vs NCC MCG KatunayakeMCG Katunayake Top-seeded Serena was locked in early in the final set circuit, and has officiated in and SLC Head of Domestic SLC Major as she earned a quick break to go ahead 2-1 before 30 One Day Internationals Cricket, Chinthaka LeaguePlate Fixtures Tier ‘A’ Plate Fixtures Venus grabbed momentum by taking the next three August 16, 17 & 18 in addition to appearing in Edirimanne. CricketAugust 16, 17 & 18 games and moving closer to her first victory over her tournament Match Venue sister since 2018 at Indian Wells. Match Venue (2019/2020). Negombo CC vs Badureliya CC NCC But Serena found her way back and eventually used a Negombo CC vs Badureliya CC NCC CCC beat SSC vs Lankan CC Colts fierce backhand winner to get to 5-4 before going on to RagamaSSC vs Lankan CC by CC Moors SC vs Tamil UnionColt sC & AC De Soysa stadium Moratuwa serve out the match on her first match point. anMoors innings SC vs Tamil Union C & AC De Soysa stadium Moratuwa Serena made a fast start to the match and had break and 125 runs, point chances for a 3-0 double break lead, but Venus while NCC, Colts CC and Chilaw Marians CC won on the first stormed back with a five-game win streak and then closed innings against Army SC, Saracens CC and BRC. out the opening set with a powerful serve. In the Plate Championship, Negombo CC beat Lankan CC by 5 In the second set Serena broke Venus with an inside-out wickets to lead the points table, while Tamil Union C & AC and backhand winner to pull ahead 4-2 and then closed out Moors SC recorded first innings wins against SSC and Baduraliya the frame with ease to force the decider. CC. Serena will face either Canadian qualifier Leylah Unbeaten CCC earned 73.570 points, while NCC (55.685) and Fernandez or American wildcard Shelby Rogers in the Colts CC (46.315) are in second and third place on the points next round. table. The suspension of tennis caused by the COVID-19 Lahiru Udara of NCC is the leading batsman this season so far. pandemic meant that Serena had not competed on the He has scored 679 runs in 10 innings with a double century, a tour since February. As a result, the American said rather century and three half centuries (Ave. 84.87). than focusing on winning the Top Seed Open, she wants Duvindu Thilakarathne of BRC is the leading bowler so far. He to make sure she gets into top form for the 31 Aug.-13 SLC Head of Domestic Cricket, Chinthaka Edirimanne, has captured 43 wickets for 851 runs in 11 innings (Ave. 19.79). Sept. US Open. (Reuters) presenting K.R.P. Doolwala with her cheque (IR) A16 sunday 16 august 2020 SPORTS Vantage FFSL President’s Cup 2020 Saunders keep title hopes alive after 2-2 draw Asmeer’s strike seals the match for Sea Hawks Teams being introduced to Ministers Namal Rajapaksa By Mustaq Sydeen and Chamal Rajapaksa Saunders SC came from behind to hold Beach Sports Carnival Defenders SC to a 2-2 draw thanks to second half goals from M. Naleem and Sundaraj Niresh in a Group ‘C’ match, First step for a new which kept their title hopes alive in the Vantage FFSL President’s Cup. The match sports culture – Namal was worked off under lights at Race Course International Stadium yesterday. Fit Sri Lanka Beach Sports Carnival began Defenders dominated the early exchanges, yesterday at the Hambanthota beach football and pinning Saunders back and got the perfect volleyball courts, which saw a large number of teams start by scoring the opener, when Shiab competing with energetic spectators rooting for their Manzook curled the ball into the back of the teams. net from a corner kick which the Saunders Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa who’s concept custodian totally misjudged the trajectory of begins with this festival, said he plans to develop a the ball. sports based tourism culture in the country, and is Stung by the early setback, Saunders very much looking forward to continue helping beach kept the ball in their possession for a long sports and conduct these type of carnivals every period, but Defenders were gritty and weekend at all popular beaches in the country. disciplined, and held the rampaging He said the experiment to develop Hambanthota as forwards at bay, as well as being lethal on a popular surfing destination has proved successful the counter-attack, as they scythed through with the response to this event. the Saunders defense on numerous (AK) occasions. Defenders doubled their lead thanks to a free kick conceded by Chalana Chameera just outside the penalty box in the 29th minute. Making maximum use of the given Action from the match opportunity, Defenders produced a neat finish through K. Mendis to put the team in ball inside the penalty box. Sundaraj Niresh a comfortable position. who rose to the occasion and made no Saunders who were already down by two mistake with the equalizer from the spot to goals, tended to play rough with hard give a glimmer of hope of a Saunders tackles on the Servicemen’s forwards, and comeback. with five minutes left in the first half M. Defenders never fully recovered after the Kurshid brought the Saunders camp to two second half goals. Both teams had their feet when he took a fierce shot at goal number of chances to score the decisive which just clipped the crossbar and went goal, but neither were able to find the back Action from Fit Sri Lanka beach games over and the score remained 2-0 at half of the net and deservedly both teams shared time. the points. Saunders finally found their rhythm in Meanwhile, Sea Hawks SC registered their the second half with the kind of goal that first win (1-0) against the in-form Police SC has become their trademark. A brilliant at Race Course International Stadium. Technical Director and Head Coach of the cross from their winger found M. Naleem, Sea Hawks clinched victory in the 57th Men’s National team, Amir Alagic, was Bad light forces early spotted at the Sugathadasa Stadium who calmly headed the ball into the bottom minute when M. Asmeer clipped home from witnessing the match between Serendib SC corner. Minutes later Saunders got a lifeline close range after a brilliant through ball and Ratnam SC with the intention of tea; Rizwan hits 50 when Servicemen defense conceded a hand from D. Madushanka. spotting young talent On Day 2 of Pakistan vs England 2nd Test. the visitors showed stubborn resistance which is led by its wicket keeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, who scored unbeaten fifty before bad light forced early tea at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton today. In the post- Australia confirms Secretary to lunch session, England pacer removed Babar Azam and Yasir Shah as Pakistan was reeling 176-8 Ministry of Sports assumes duties after Shaheen›s runout. England tour However, Rizwan showed grit and resilience as he stitched 39-run stand with Mohammad Abbas for the Australia confirmed on men, Cricket Australia 9th wicket. Friday next month’s (CA) said, while Earlier, Pakistan reached 155/5 at Lunch on a rain- limited-overs tour of announcing a 21-member affected Day 2. At the break, Babar was batting on 45 England, boosting the squad for the team’s first with wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan on 12 as the England and international tour since overnight pair hung on managing 29 runs in the Wales Cricket Board’s the coronavirus outbreak truncated first session. (ECB) bid to navigate past began. Resuming at 126/5, Babar and Rizwan showed a financial crisis brought “It’s vital for cricket that caution in their approach and steadied the ship after by the novel coronavirus. we do everything we can England›s pacers brought them to their haunches on Beginning on 4 Sept., to keep the game going in Day 1 which was also marred by intermittent rain. Australia will play three these tough times,” Only 21 overs could be bowled in the second session Twenty20 Internationals Australia coach Justin of the first day at the Ageas Bowl. England›s fast in Southampton before Langer said.”I am bowlers were all over the Pakistan batting lineup moving to another bio- delighted with how the before the umpires took the players off the field after secure venue in players have returned to the dense clouds that had been hovering over the Manchester for an equal their States from the stadium opened up. number of one-dayers, all break back in March. The The session got off to a delayed start and through of which were scheduled whole squad has come the course of it, Pakistan lost captain Azhar Ali, Abid to take place in July. back fitter and stronger, Ali, Asad Shafiq and Fawad Alam, who was making his “We owe a significant which is great testament comeback into Test cricket after an absence of 11 debt of gratitude to the to each of them.” years. Anuradha Wijekoon assumed duties as the Secretary to the Ministry of Sports and players, staff and All-rounder Glenn Youth Affairs yesterday. Azhar fell to James Anderson when one of the many administrators Maxwell, who took a break edges that he had got finally flew high enough for a of Cricket Australia for last year to address fielder at slip to hold on to. A little under three overs their efforts in getting this mental health issues, later, the umpires called the players off as rain started tour underway,” ECB returned to the side pouring down on the stadium. Abid was the first to go Chief Executive Tom having recovered from an after the restart, having scored a precarious 50. One Harrison said in a elbow injury. Namal receives praise from ICC of his many edges landed in the hands of Rory Burns statement.”It will also Australia squad: Aaron at slips off the bowling of Sam Curran. provide much-needed Finch (captain), Sean Asad Shafiq replaced him but did not last long, financial aid at all levels Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex succumbing to Broad off the 13th ball that he faced as of cricket in England and Carey, Pat Cummins, he reached out for a wide delivery and edged it to third Wales as we work through Josh Hazlewood, Marnus slip. the challenges in front of Labuschagne, Nathan us.” Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, The tour would allow Glenn Maxwell, Riley the ECB to complete all Meredith, Josh Philippe, 18 international fixtures it Daniel Sams, Kane had scheduled before the Richardson, Steven pandemic struck. Smith, Mitchell Starc, The Australian Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Government on Tye, Matthew Wade, Wednesday granted travel David Warner, Adam exemptions for Aaron Zampa. The International Cricket Council his new portfolio. Finch and his (Reuters) (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit “I hope he upholds the work we did Co-ordinator of Investigations Steve in creating an environment where Richardson has praised the Minister sports were free of politics and of Sports Namal Rajapaksa’s vision corruption. I am certain you will do for local sports Minister Rajapaksa great as you yourself are a sportsman. today tweeted that he intends to All the best,” Harin Fernando further uphold the vision set out in the said. ‘Saubhagye Dakma’ manifesto and Responding to Minister Namal ensure the positive growth in all areas Rajapaksa’s response to Fernando, of sports, concentrate on an array of ICC Anti-Corruption Unit Coordinator sports, and not just on the popular of Investigations Steve Richardson sports. tweeted that it was good to see His tweet was in response to a Minister Rajapaksa commit to congratulatory message from former corruption free sport in Sri Lanka. Minister of Sports Harin Fernando on “If he can achieve that he will his Ministerial portfolio. deserve the same credit as former Former Minister Harin Fernando Minister Harin Fernando with all that had earlier tweeted that he he did. I wish him well.” Richardson congratulates Namal Rajapaksa on added. Mohammad Rizwan in action

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