www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk Tuesday, November 24, 2020

For verified information on the Quarantine Unit Covid-19 Total cases Active cases Total cases coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 of the following authorities Epidemiology Unit cases in 0112 695 112 the world 59,177,730 Health Suwasariya Govt. coronavirus hotline Protect yourself from 20,375 Promotion Ambulance Deaths Cases Deaths 0113071073 Bureau Service USA 12,598,889 262,757 If showing symptoms Covid-19 deaths RECOVERED 1999 1990 0117 966 366 1,396,560 INDIA 9,170,820 134,088 BRAZIL 6,071,401 169,197 Presidential Special Task Force for Essential Services Recoverd 14,497 FRANCE 2,140,208 48,732 90 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 5,791 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 40,938,562 RUSSIA 2,114,502 36,540 The above statistics are confirmed up until 6.10 p.m. on 23 November 2020 Source: Health Promotion Bureau

New Covid-19 detections Five million facemasks stuck at Customs Instructions to road contractors Total Cases Meet deadlines or no payment By Maheesha Mudugamuwa Road contractors were strictly instructed to complete the construction projects within the 16,847*Stats updated as at 7.15 p.m. on 23 November No call yet on stipulated time period that had been Covid-19 initially given by the Ministry of Highways, The Morning learnt. Highways Minister Highways Minister Johnston Three more deaths reported Fernando said the previous inconvenience has been caused Three more Covid-19-related deaths have been Government had postponed to the people when the Government reported, according to the Department of Government consignment tenders for many years and had has even paid advances at a time Information. not even paid the money; however, of a global pandemic. By Sarah Hannan it is regrettable that such an Contd. on page 2 Moderna to charge The State Ministry of Pharmaceutical Production, Supply, Covid-19 spread and Regulation and the National Medical Regulatory $ 25-37 for vaccine Authority (NMRA) is yet to take a decision over the Moderna will charge governments between $ 25 consignments of facemasks that are held at Delays in surveillance and $ 37 per dose of its Covid-19 vaccine candidate, Customs due to clearance issues. depending on the amount ordered, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stephane Bancel has told German weekly When The Morning contacted The issue was brought up process: GMOA Welt am Sonntag, Reuters reported on Saturday (21). NMRA CEO Dr. Kamal Jayasinghe during a recent meeting that the The Government Medical delayed surveillance process for comments, he stated that State Minister had called, which Officers’ Association (GMOA) in controlling Covid-19, which Rs. 105 b to ensure discussions were underway with was attended by local facemask yesterday (23) said the failures led to the second wave of the the ministry officials on the next manufacturers, importers of at the Epidemiology Unit have pandemic. safety at schools steps concerning the facemasks that facemasks to the country, and the resulted in a sub-optimal and Contd. on page 2 Rs. 105 billion was allocated to implement are held up. NMRA, where the quality of the additional health and safety measures at schools “Once we reach an agreement on facemasks had been discussed. to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the Education what could be done, we will inform Moreover, the local manufacturers George Steuart obtains enjoining Ministry said. the public,” Dr. Jayasinghe stated. had agreed to increase the production The Morning reliably learnt that of facemasks in Sri Lanka to match order against MTV/Sirasa these facemask consignments had the country's daily requirement. The District George Steuart Health (Pvt.) Traffic Police to monitor been imported over the past months Price regulations are also Court yesterday (23) issued Ltd. over defamatory news school transport and were found to be non-compliant expected to be announced with an enjoining order against broadcast on its primetime to the regulations that the NMRA single-use surgical masks standing MTV Channel (Pvt.) Ltd. in news telecasts. Police Media Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana stated NMRA CEO Dr. had stipulated when importing at Rs. 15 and the KN95 masks to be Kamal Jayasinghe a defamation case filed by Contd. on page 2 yesterday (23) that traffic police officers have been facemasks to the country. sold at a controlled price of Rs. 100. deployed to check the compliance to hygienic procedures in transport used by schoolchildren. Sri Lankans stranded overseas Fighting for education Infected cases cross Govt. to bring down 48,000 Labour Minister Nimal Siripala Bank (WB) representatives 20,000 mark in SL de Silva said the Government made recently, the Minister said With another surge in Covid-19 figures seen on arrangements to repatriate nearly the second wave of Covid-19 Sunday (22), total infections confirmed in Sri Lanka 48,000 Sri Lankans, including had arisen at a time when all exceeded the grim milestone of 20,000. migrant workers who were stranded arrangements were made to bring in different countries around the Sri Lankans stranded overseas world unable to return due to the back to Sri Lanka as soon as Mahara Prison Covid-19 pandemic. possible. inmate dies At a meeting held with World Contd. on page 2 An inmate of the Mahara Prison has died due to Covid-19, stated the Prisons Department yesterday (23), bringing the total number of Covid-19 deaths Websites to be in Sri Lanka to 88. Narahenpita DMT regulated: Keheliya Minister of Mass Media Keheliya head office reopened Rambukwella stated that a proper The Head Office of the Department of Motor Traffic mechanism for the regulation of websites (DMT) situated in Narahenpita will reopen for the is needed and will be implemented within public from today (24) onwards. the next two weeks. He stated this while attending the Ministerial Consultative Committee The Inter University Students’ Federation (IUSF) staged a protest near the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo yesterday (23) See full Stories demanding, among other demands, that all those who have been wronged be admitted to universities on page 2 on Mass Media meeting held on 21 Minister of Mass November, according to a statement issued PHOTO ESHAN DASANAYAKA Media Keheliya yesterday (23). UNP National List Rambukwella Contd. on page 2 Cyclonic storm expected today Central Bank should be RW’s name Coconut shortage z Red alert issued to Northern Province independent: Wijeyadasa Government MP Wijeyadasa proposed for post Industrial manufacturing affected The Department of Meteorology 325 km, is likely to intensify into Rajapakshe said a decision should The name of (UNP) Natural Hazards Early a cyclonic storm within be taken to make the Central Leader has been By Skandha Gunasekera year, but we expect it will turn Warning Centre has the course of today (24). Bank of Sri Lanka independent. proposed to fill the UNP National List slot The coconut scarcity affecting around with the next harvest,” issued an adverse It is expected to move Speaking during the debate in Parliament. several cottage industries, including Coconut Development Authority weather alert, predicting north-westward and in Parliament on Saturday (21), Contd. on page 2 coconut oil production, would Acting Director – Processing and that the depression over cross the Tamil Nadu MP Rajapakshe said the Central come to an end by January 2021. Development K. Edirimane told the Southwest Bay of coast from today till 26 Bank initially functioned in an Will resign from “There has been a serious The Morning. Bengal, lay centred at November as a severe independent manner making shortage in coconut supply this Contd. on page 2 9.6N,84.0E to the northeast of cyclonic storm. fiscal policies. MP UNP GS post: Akila the Trincomalee coast at about Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 United National Party (UNP) General Reopening rest of the schools Pharma Zone in Hambantota Secretary (GS) Akila Viraj Kariyawasam Acting IGP stated that he will resign from his post. Increasing local Contd. on page 2 Ministry to continue becomes IGP manufacturing capacity The Parliamentary Council has Inmates over drug charges The Board of Investment (BOI) has verified the nomination of Acting reviewing possibilities Inspector General of Police C.D. announced the establishment of a dedicated Court cases to be z Distance learning and e-learning Wickramaratne to be appointed Pharma Zone development in Arabokka, as the Inspector General of Police temporary measures Hambantota, to meet 40% of the local demand. (IGP), sources confirmed. expedited The State Ministry of Development of The nomination has been made Measures will be taken to expedite The Ministry of Education schools that are located in the Aviation and Export Zones set a goal to meet stated that it is continuously isolated areas outside the Western by President . the court proceedings of 6,334 inmates reviewing the possibility of Province, which are at present 40% of the domestic demand for pharmaceutical Wickramaratne has been serving remanded over drug-related charges, the reopening schools for the third closed to prevent the spread of products through locally manufactured drugs as the Acting IGP since May 2019, State Ministry of Prison Reforms and Minister of Education academic term of 2020 in the Covid-19. while creating a pathway to $ 1 billion in export after then IGP Pujith Jayasundara Prisoners’ Rehabilitation said. Prof. G.L. Peiris Western Province, as well as Contd. on page 2 earnings as import substitution by 2025. was sent on compulsory leave over Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 the Easter Sunday attacks. 2 the morning news Tuesday, November 24, 2020

enforcing health safety guidelines the damage done to civilians by the healthcare authorities, the military, dynamic long-term benefits to the Moderna to... on employees and visitors. Govt. to... media was immense. the Police, as well as the support economy such as skills upgrading and However, services will be rendered “Our vaccine therefore costs about the WB Country Director – Maldives, Discussions were also held services of the education sector technology transfer, creating a new only on a prior-appointment basis, same as a flu shot, which is between $ Nepal, and Sri Lanka Faris Hadad- regarding resuming the telecast for enabling the education sector export vertical. The highly skilled the Commissioner General of Motor 10 and $ 50,” he was quoted as saying. Zervos, WB Senior Economist (Social of parliamentary sessions through to continue its activities within an pharma-qualified workforce needed for Traffic said, issuing a press release. Last Monday (16), an European Security and Employment) Thomas Channel Eye of the Sri Lanka environment that is safe for the this industry will create opportunities To make appointments, the Union (EU) official involved in the Walker, and Secretary to the Ministry Rupavahini Corporation. The children. for highly specialised jobs in the following telephone numbers can talks said the European Commission of Labour Mapa Pathirana were also Committee also focused on the “Some schools remain shut in future,” BOI Director General Sanjaya be contacted for the corresponding wanted to reach a deal with Moderna present at the discussion held at the recognition of media persons as some areas that are not under Mohottala stated. services between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. for the supply of millions of doses of Ministry of Labour. The discussion professionals, the establishment isolation and even when other In the first phase of the project, on weekdays: its vaccine candidate for a price below focused on how the Covid-19 epidemic of a minimum wage scheme for schools in the area are operational. 200 acres of land will be developed New registration for cars, vans, and $ 25 per dose. has affected the working class in Sri journalists, allocation of graduates It is a call that the schools’ to accommodate pharmaceutical lorries – 0706354107/8 “Nothing is signed yet, but we’re Lanka and the local industry. in mass communication to related administrations had taken as they companies, while the ground-breaking close to a deal with the EU Commission. New registration for buses and land The Minister said that despite this vacancies, and regarding the were concerned about the health of the zone and the construction of zone We want to deliver to Europe and are vehicles – 07063154109 situation, the Government is working appointment of teachers to schools and safety of the children who enterprises are planned to commence in constructive talks,” Bancel told the together with the trade unions to make for the purpose of teaching mass are attending those schools. These at the end of the first quarter of 2021. New registration for motorcycles – newspaper, adding it was just a “matter sure that all public servants and private media as a subject. principals had consulted their Infrastructure readiness in phase one 07063154110/1 of days” until a contract would be ready. sector employees were being paid full MP Shantha Bandara drew the respective medical officers of health is scheduled to take place at the end Moderna has said its experimental New registration for three-wheelers salaries despite the pandemic. attention of the committee towards and acted on the instructions that of 2021. vaccine is 94.5% effective in preventing – 07063154112 He pointed out that the tripartite the standardization of state channels. were given to them,” Prof. Peiris The balance 200 acres will be Covid-19, based on interim data from Covid Task Force – formed by Minister Rambukwella pointed elaborated. developed as the second phase, Assignment of cars – 07063154114/5 a late-stage clinical trial, becoming the employers, trade unions, and the out that six chairmen have been He added that should a school whilst the products are to be sent out second developer to report results that Assignment of three-wheelers – Department of Labour – was constantly appointed to the Independent find that they have out of certain to market by the year 2024. In addition far exceeded expectations after Pfizer 07063154116/7 meeting to find solutions to the Television Network (ITN) during facilities, they need to alert their to the above-mentioned 400 acres, and its partner BioNTech. problems and crises that affect private the last four years. In addition, the zonal directors of education and another 50 hectares located next to The EU has been in talks with Assignment of commercial vehicles sector workers. Minister stated that state media make arrangements to organise the Mattala Rajapaksa International Moderna for its experimental Covid-19 – 07063154118/9 WB Country Manager – Maldives and institutions were running at a loss those facilities. Furthermore, Airport (MRIA) are available for vaccine at least since July, Reuters said. Assignment of lorries – 07063154120 Sri Lanka Chiyo Kanda commended Sri during the previous regime and that the Minister pointed out that the pharma-related value-addition and Lanka for its commitment to protecting it will be restored to a profitable allocated sums are for the upkeep export logistics operations. Assignment of motorcycles – the rights and welfare of workers in status within two years. of the facilities in all the schools, – Sarah Hannan Rs. 105 b... 07063154137/8 the face of the current Covid epidemic. The Minister said that providing and no school will have to purchase Ministry Secretary Prof. Kapila Perera Assignment of buses and land vehicles WB Senior Economist (Social educational scholarships to sinks, pipes, and taps in its entirety said funds were already allocated to – 07063154139/07063154140 Security and Employment) Walker journalists and providing media to be fitted in the schools. Meet deadlines... pirivenas, colleges of education, and said that the WB was ready to provide equipment at a concessionary – Sarah Hannan The Minister said he has noticed other educational institutes. Number plates – 07063154141 technical assistance at any time to rate along with multiple welfare that the construction of the Central He said arrangements were made to Technical – 07063154142 make this social security programme activities will be implemented for Expressway from Kadawatha to reopen around 5,100 schools yesterday for private sector employees a success. journalists. He further said that the Cyclonic storm... Mirigama has been slowed down and (23) for the students of grades 6-13. Inquiries – 07063154144 – Maheesha Mudugamuwa committee will not facilitate taking instructed the contractors to complete Luxury and semi-luxury tax – political decisions and will take Very strong gusty winds at the project within three years in 07063154145 common decisions having consulted 60-70 kmph can be expected in accordance with the standards. Traffic Police... Websites to... all parties. the Eastern, Northern, and North Minister Fernando also told the This was in accordance with the Other inquiries – 07063154146/7/8/9 MP Uddika Premarathne said Central Provinces with strong gusty representatives of the company that reopening of schools for grades 6-13, Complaints and suggestions – MP Suren Raghavan, commenting that the standards of the language winds at 40-50 kmph expected in is constructing the Mirigama section outside of the Western Province and 07063154150 on the matter, stated that attempts to used for news should be looked other parts of which will in Kadawatha that the Government other isolated areas. incite racism through social media into, whilst pointing out that a peak today and subside towards 26 will have to pay more if it deliberately should be curbed. Adding to his mechanism should be implemented November. takes too long, and will not pay even remark, Minister of Education in that regard. People living in the Eastern, an extra cent if it wants to delay the Infected cases... RW’s name... Prof. G.L Peiris said that a new Ministry of Mass Media Secretary Northern, and North Central work and get paid more. On Sunday, the Department of UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan law has been passed in Singapore Jagath P. Wijeweera informed Provinces are requested to be Government Information confirmed Wijewardene said that despite some to control such matters and having the Committee that an insurance vigilant over high wind and cyclonic that 216 more individuals linked to opposition, there are those who feel studied such, the formulation of a scheme for journalists is scheduled disasters and are requested to take Delays in... the Minuwangoda-Peliyagoda cluster, Wickremesinghe is the best choice. new mechanism should be made. to be introduced along with the necessary precautions and be alert In a letter to Director General of nine arrivals (four from the UAE, three UNP MP stated Minister establishment of a journalism college on the advisories issued by the Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Asela from Qatar, and one each from Russia that the population has understood stressed that the Press Council Act in the coming year, paving way for department. Gunawardana, GMOA Secretary and China) tested positive for the that Ranil Wickremesinghe has should be amended in a way that education in ethical journalism. The Meteorology Department Dr. Senal Fernando has stressed that coronavirus. the knowledge and talent to fill the it would protect the dignity of the MP Selvarajah Kajendran, also indicated that the sea area will the failure of the Regional Director Following this development, total National List slot and have the party’s citizens. He also said that the rights highlighting the threats faced by possibly experience intermittent of Health Services (RDHS) of the infections registered by the dual cluster full support. of all citizens should be protected journalists in the Northern and showers or thunder showers and Colombo District to share data is reached 16,643. by the media. The Minister also Eastern Provinces, requested sudden roughness, associated with totally unacceptable, especially when As of Sunday night, Sri Lanka pointed out that defamation which the Chairperson to intervene in a sudden increase of wind speed up Colombo has become the current recorded 20,171 infections since the Will resign... is unjust should have control and controlling such situations. The to 80-100 kmph over the eastern epicentre of the pandemic. first positive case was reported in March that media regulation is required. Minister directed that the Ministry and northern seas in the deep and Dr. Fernando also said that the this year. At the time, the Epidemiology He revealed to The Morning that he Speaking at the event, MP and the IGP should be informed shallow sea areas during the day. RDHS of the Colombo District has Unit’s data revealed that 6,019 active will resign due to the appointments to Prof. said that during such situations with Wind speed can increase up to failed to provide transport and the cases were still under medical care. the party’s new posts which are due in discussing the amendments to the immediate effect. 50-60 kmph at times over the sea necessary logistics to Medical Officer Meanwhile, total coronavirus recoveries January next year. Press Council Act at the Ministerial The Committee also focused on the area extending from Puttalam to of Health (MOH) offices which are reported in the country had increased to Consultative Committee on Mass vacancies in the Postal Department Matara via Colombo. There is a doing an impressive service in the 14,069 and the country had recorded 83 Media meeting would make its and having the distribution areas possibility that near-shore sea areas face of severe shortcomings, while deaths due to the virus outbreak by then. Court cases... progress more convenient. He also redefined. Postmaster General off the coast extending from Mannar carrying a grave personal risk. The Ministry said in a statement said that a proper mechanism should Ranjith Ariyaratne said that a to Pottuvil via Kankesanthurai, “We have been continually that the move was aimed at reducing be formulated to regulate television programme to renovate sub-post Trincomalee, and Batticaloa may emphasising the importance of Mahara Prison... overcrowding in prisons. and radio broadcasts as well. offices is scheduled to be launched experience surges due to the effect of surveillance in controlling Covid-19 Commissioner of Prisons Chandana Accordingly, it was decided to Minister of Education Prof. G.L next year. Making the substitutes swell waves, having a 2.0-3.0 metre since the first wave in March 2020. Ekanayake stated that an 82-year-old expedite the proceedings of inmates Peiris stated that it is convenient to permanent will be taken into height during the next few days. Surveillance depends on PCR testing man had died after admission to the who have been remanded over refer the relevant amendments to consideration in the future, he added. Naval and fishing communities are capacity; timing of reporting/issuing Ragama Hospital, while the post- possession of less than 2 g of heroin the Legal Drafting Committee after Minister , warned not to venture to the sea areas PCR reports; quality, accuracy, and mortem revealed that he tested positive and less than 5 kg of cannabis. having it referred by the Ministerial MPs , Goonetilleke extending from Puttalam to Pottuvill efficiency of data collection; and for Covid-19. A report containing their information Consultative Committee. The Rajapaksa, , via Mannar, Kankesanthurai, GPS mapping of Covid-19 cases and was submitted to the Ministry of Prof. highlighted the importance , and several Trincomalee, and Batticaloa. For contacts,” he said, adding that the Justice, the statement read. of referring a bill to a technical parliamentarians and government those who are already at sea, the above process depends on various Narahenpita State Minister of Prison Reforms and committee. officials were present at the meeting. Meteorology Department advised institutions acting in concert, of which DMT... Prisoners’ Rehabilitation Sudarshani MP them to return to coasts or move to the ultimate responsibility lies with The operations at the branch will Fernandopulle was scheduled to meet emphasised the need to reactivate Industrial... safer areas immediately. the Epidemiology Unit. be carried out with the minimum Minister of Justice Ali Sabry, yesterday the self-regulatory system for media Naval and fishing communities The GMOA requested the DGHS to number of employees while strictly (23) to raise awareness in this regard institutions, which was discussed in He said the coconut oil production are requested to be vigilant during rectify the above issues of the Director, and the current situation in prisons. 2015. He further emphasised that industry had been affected as a . their fishing activities at the sea Epidemiology Unit and the Colombo “The coconut oil industry has areas extending from Puttalam to RDHS office in order to ensure a high- been hit hard in the past couple of Matara via Colombo and further quality surveillance mechanism which months. It is very disappointing and requested them to be attentive to would greatly enhance our efforts in Cartoon of the day an unfortunate situation.” future advisories issued by the controlling Covid-19. He said that unfavourable weather Department of Meteorology in this – Maheesha Mudugamuwa conditions had decimated the coconut regard. harvest. – Sarah Hannan “The poor climate caused a majority Central Bank... of the plantations to have poor yields.” “However, the entity was politicised, George Steuart... especially with new appointments. The The plaint referred to several false Bond Scam was also a result of these Ministry to... and defamatory news segments attempts of politicisation,” he said. carried out by Sirasa on News 1st on He said whilst there were senior, Minister of Education Prof. G.L. 11, 13, and 16 November referring experienced, qualified, and well- Peiris, speaking to the media, noted: to the import of rapid antigen test deserving officials at the Central Bank, “There is no intention to keep the kits by George Steuart Health. outsiders were being appointed as schools shut for a longer period The plaintiff in their plaint governors. of time. While we do understand listed out the repeated instances of “We don’t make use of senior that there will be a lag in the class factually incorrect news to mislead officers at the Central Bank and then schedules for these students, we public and defame George Steuart they become frustrated. I will bring this have the e-Thaksalawa programme Health as well as its Chairman. The issue to the notice of the President and made available for online education damages claimed amounted to Rs. the Government,” he said. Meanwhile, and the Guru Gedara education 2 billion. he said MPs in both Government and programme that is televised to The enjoining order issued the Opposition should come together enable distance learning.” yesterday prevents MTV Channel to find solutions to overcome financial Prof. Peiris reiterated that these and its agents and employees from issues instead of accusing each other are all alternatives to ensure that the defaming George Steuart Health, its during the Budget Debate. schoolchildren are able to continue Chairman, and its key officers in any He said all MPs should come together with their educational curriculum manner in any forum whatsoever. with a genuine interest to address the without a hindrance, and should issues of the public, irrespective of not be considered as a permanent differences. “Then only will the people solution to conduct lessons for Increasing local... benefit from the Budget Debate,” he said. schoolchildren. He also noted that the contribution “If the pharmaceutical industry is from the various departments of developed to the anticipated level, Three more... education, school administrations, it will lead to an industry creating Two females aged 60 and 86 years and parents, and students to continue a pathway to $ 1 billion in export one male aged 60 years have succumbed the country’s education system is earnings and import substitution post to the virus, bringing the total number commendable. He also thanked the 2025. Furthermore, it will provide of deaths in Sri Lanka to 90. the morning Tuesday, November 24, 2020 3 business BUDGET 2021 No output boost but worsens fiscal pressures: Moody’s Despite the growth focus of Sri affecting industries such as construction and fiscal consolidation targets and supporting external trade, is unlikely to be achieved, reduction in the fiscal deficit to 4% of GDP, Lanka’s 2021 budget, Moody’s manufacturing,” Moody’s noted. economic recovery will continue to weigh Moody’s said. It added that a recovery in to bring down the Government’s debt-to- said yesterday (23) that it does not On 17 November, Prime Minister and on Sri Lanka’s credit profile ahead of demand for Sri Lankan exports in 2021 GDP ratio to 75.5% by 2025. This goal is expect it to provide a meaningful Minister of Finance significant and recurring external debt- is increasingly at risk given the uneven supported by medium-term goals of real boost to output, while increased presented the proposed 2021 budget. The servicing requirements through 2025. economic trajectory in major markets like GDP growth at 6% or above per annum spending will add to fiscal pressures, budget calls for Rs. 3.6 trillion ($ 19.5 “We expect Sri Lanka’s economy to the US (Aaa stable) and Europe. and revenue-to-GDP over 14%. The risks billion, 23.7% of 2020 forecast GDP) contract by more than 3% in 2020, with “While the budget introduces some clouding the near-term economic recovery a credit Negative. in expenditure, a 26% increase from its prospects for a gradual rebound in 2021 modest revenue-enhancing measures, and obstacles around fiscal consolidation “Economic boost from the budget will estimate for 2020. increasingly at risk given renewed virus including simplification of capital gains are likely to pose hurdles to achieving these be limited. The budget includes large The budget targets a 2021 fiscal deficit of flare-ups and lockdown measures globally. taxes and implementation of an e-filing ambitious targets, especially putting the allocations for domestically financed 8.8% of GDP, compared with a revised 2020 The plan to support domestically system, we do not expect stronger Government’s debt-to-GDP ratio on a more infrastructure development, incentives for estimate of 7.9% of GDP. Moody’s said it financed infrastructure projects may economic growth alone to rebuild Sri sustainable, downward path.” domestic production, support for small and forecast a similar gap for 2021, but for the also face funding constraints as a weak Lanka’s revenue base, from an already A bleaker outlook for fiscal consolidation medium-sized enterprises, and upgrading deficit to remain above 8% of GDP through economic recovery curbs revenue and as narrow position. Revenue-to-GDP has is likely to continue to challenge the Sri Lanka’s rural road networks, to which 2023 in light of persistently adverse fiscal rigid recurrent expenditure is difficult to steadily declined from 14.1% of GDP Government’s ability to raise financing the largest portion of public investment dynamics and a slow economic recovery. rationalise. The budgetary allocation for in 2016 to an estimated 9.5% of GDP in for upcoming debt obligations and narrow spending has been allocated. It also includes As such, Moody’s expects Sri Lanka’s debt public investment has increased to Rs. 1.1 2020, an outcome of a multi-year period annual borrowing needs, which in 2021, scaled-up support to the tourism industry, burden to increase to around 100% of GDP billion, up more than 55% from government of sluggish economic growth, weak tax externally, amount to approximately $ 4 which has taken a severe hit given the over 2020-21, above the Caa-rated median estimates for 2020 spending. Even as the administration implementation, and rate billion, Moody’s said. country’s border closures. But despite the of 88% of GDP, and only begin to gradually Government begins to digitalise government changes, including the December 2019 Borrowing needs will stay elevated focus of the development-oriented budget decline in subsequent years. systems and processes, including value-added tax cuts, one which the through 2025, including a large portion on reviving economic growth and reducing Moody’s added that the Government procurement, and implement reform of Government has committed to maintaining of maturing international sovereign bonds poverty, the benefits will be limited by would face challenges in rationalising state-owned enterprises, these reforms over the next five years,” it said. (see exhibit), Moody’s noted. Elevated the magnitude of the pandemic-driven government spending and delivering fiscal will not meaningfully consolidate public It added that fiscal consolidation repayment risks will continue to raise hit to demand for Sri Lankan exports and consolidation post Covid-19, as a large expenditure.” challenges could hinder finance-raising pressure on the Government’s external and the collapse in tourism activity. Domestic interest bill, rigid public sector wages, On the revenue side, the budgeted 28% needs. liquidity position as the recovery in major demand is also likely to remain sluggish and subsidies and transfers keep recurring increase in government revenue compared “Alongside the 2021 budget, the sources of foreign exchange earnings is given still-subdued business and consumer government spending elevated. The to 2020, largely stemming from robust Government presented its medium-term likely to be slow, keeping the country’s confidence, and ongoing import restrictions dilemma between delivering on ambitious growth in taxes on goods and services, and macro fiscal framework, which targets a international reserves position thin, it added. Banks’ ratings unaffected Tokyo Cement to invest $ 12 m to boost local production by Budget’s finance Tokyo Cement Company (Lanka) PLC recently signed an investment expansion agreement with the Board company mergers: Fitch of Investment Sri Lanka (BOI) to increase local production capacity The mergers of Sri Lankan (AA+(lka)/Negative), which owns challenges. The sector continues by a further one million metric finance and leasing company (FLC) HNB Finance Ltd. (AA-(lka)/ to struggle with lack of access to tonnes with an investment of $ 12 subsidiaries with their parent banks Negative), Commercial Bank of capital, muted income generation, million. From left: Tokyo Cement Company (Lanka) PLC Director Christopher Fernando will not have an immediate impact Ceylon PLC (AA+(lka)/Negative), and very weak asset quality despite The company said the investment and Managing Director S.R. Gnanam sign the Investment Expansion Agreement on those banks' ratings, says Fitch which owns Serendib Finance Ltd. the regulatory moratoriums for is a “show of confidence towards the with BOI Chairman Susantha Ratnayake Ratings. (AA-(lka)/Negative), Sampath stressed loans. President and the Prime Minister’s their long-term growth plans cater to the future growth in demand The agency's assessment of Bank PLC (AA-(lka)/Stable), which These headwinds and the bold decision to encourage and with greater confidence. Tokyo of the local construction industry. its rated banks is based on their owns Siyapatha Finance PLC fragmentation within the FLC uplift local manufacturers”. Cement’s decision to boost With an 18-month expansion plan, consolidated credit profiles and (A(lka)/Stable), Bank of Ceylon sector at the lower end – where “With the introduction of production directly reflects this Tokyo Cement will increase the already factors in the risks of (AA+(lka)/Negative), which owns 33 FLCs, out of the total 44, restrictions on unnecessary positive outlook, encouraged production of Tokyo Super, Nippon having subsidiary FLCs. However, Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka and accounted for only around 31% imports, the economy has been by the Government’s pragmatic Cement, and Nippon Cement the extent of the impact of absorbed Finance PLC, and People's Bank of sector assets – have posed able to curtail the outflow of policy stance,” it added. Pro; brands of ordinary Portland; FLCs on banks' business models (Sri Lanka) (AA+(lka)/Negative), challenges to Sri Lankan financial valuable foreign exchange, The enhanced capital will push up and blended hydraulic cements, and their consolidated risk and which owns People's Leasing & sector stability, despite the sector's enabling local manufacturers in the installed capacity at the Tokyo using state-of-the-art advanced financial metrics, particularly asset Finance PLC (A+(lka)/Stable). moderate 8% share of financial almost every sector to pursue Cement Factory in Trincomalee to technology. quality and profitability, will be These subsidiaries' assets account sector assets at end-2019. The important for the banks' ratings in for 0.5%-7.7% of their group assets CBSL has taken regulatory action the medium term, it added. (median: 3%) and 0.5%-26% of against several FLCs that failed The proposal was announced in profit before tax (median: 5%). to meet capital requirements, the Government's budget speech for The Government's budget including cancellation of licences Ceylinco Life begins carbon 2021. speech, presented on 17 held by The Finance Company “We believe banks will be November 2020, reiterated the PLC and suspension of the business reluctant to absorb their FLCs importance of consolidation in activities of ETI Finance Ltd. and footprint assessment due to the significant difference the FLC sector, which has been Swarnamahal Financial Services between their risk profiles and on the cards since 2014 when PLC. Ceylinco Life construction of eco- underwriting practices, leading to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Fitch said it expects significant announced yesterday friendly branch offices elevated challenges in achieving (CBSL) announced its “Master increase in M&A (mergers and (23) that it has begun that are solar powered effective management. FLCs Plan for the Consolidation of the acquisitions) activity within the an assessment of the and setting up rainwater typically cater to sub-prime Financial Sector”. It led to several FLC sector in the next 12-24 carbon footprint of its harvesting, wastewater customers, which banks have very banks acquiring FLC subsidiaries months, even among standalone countrywide operations recycling, and energy- little appetite for. However, if the in 2014 and 2015, including the small FLCs, as there are at least with The Carbon The signing of the agreement between Ceylinco Life and efficient lighting and The Carbon Consulting Company. Ceylinco Life Chairman R. proposed mergers are enforced, acquisition of HNB Finance (then 20 that are currently facing capital Consulting Company. Renganathan and Director Palitha Jayawardena (third and air-conditioning systems. we expect the risk appetite of the Prime Grameen Micro Finance challenges, either on an absolute Advancing Ceylinco fourth from left), The Carbon Consulting Company’s CEO/ This assessment will amalgamated bank to be lower Ltd.) by Hatton National Bank basis or to meet the regulatory Life’s “Green Head of Strategic Planning Sanith de Silva Wijeyeratne and enable Ceylinco Life than the simple aggregated risk and Serendib Finance (then Indra capital ratios. Agenda”, this Level Asst. Manager – Client Relationship Management Ruwanthi to set in place more appetite of the parent and the FLC Finance Ltd.) by Commercial Several FLCs have already II Comprehensive Halwala, and representatives of the Ceylinco Life Green Club stringent mechanisms subsidiary, as the FLC business is Bank of Ceylon. announced potential mergers, Greenhouse Gas of the organisational Ceylinco Life said it to quantify and report unlikely to be a core business line Fitch said it believes including Abans Finance PLC (GHG) Assessment operations of Sri Lanka’s has already implemented on its carbon footprint, for the parent,” Fitch said. consolidation in the Sri Lankan (BB+(lka)), which is on Rating will calculate all the life insurance leader to a number of measures continue with its The proposal affects five Fitch- FLC sector is positive for its Watch Evolving to reflect its major direct and indirect help minimise the impact across various branches sustainability initiatives, rated banks with FLC subsidiaries long-term stability, but will not potential amalgamation with GHG emissions that of its business on the to become more and further strengthen its – Hatton National Bank PLC necessarily ease its near-term Softlogic Finance PLC. are released as a result environment. sustainable, such as the leadership in the industry. CBL Group donates Dialog Enterprise launches essential food video surveillance solution Dialog Enterprise, the corporate solutions aid in controlling and monitoring of traffic, decision making for modern business. arm of Dialog Axiata PLC, has announced and in capturing traffic violations. The crime “All the functionalities of this solution are the launch of Dialog Video Surveillance module, PPE module, and forensic analytics delivered on top of Dialog’s fully managed, (DVS), a secure, end-to-end, intelligent video synopsis have been specially designed robust, and highly secure platform using its video content solution with analytics-driven for crime detection and prevention. Open API architecture, enabling seamless Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) for “VSaaS’s scalable, cloud-based architecture integration with a wide range of external enterprises. facilitates powerful performance on both applications and systems, while conforming VSaaS’s video analytics capabilities include the latest CCTV hardware or on top of your to and complying with industry data security activity visualisation of highly frequented existing infrastructure, helping you leapfrog and national policy standards, including areas, with people count, face recognition and from traditional CCTV systems to cutting-edge the CIA triad of Confidentiality, Integrity, detection, object detection and queue detection fully automated AI-driven solutions,” noted and Availability. Offered as a SaaS service, Dr. Manjula Thilakaratena receiving the donation from CBL Food Cluster Promotion enabled, along with temperature screening and Dialog Axiata Vice President of Enterprise scaling as per customer requirement and the Manager Sisira Gunawardana social distancing detection, focusing on the Business and Large Enterprise Sales Navin customer being charged only for the cameras The CBL Group recently donated Health of Moratuwa for the benefit of current urgency. While its intrusion detection Pieris at the launch. Pieris further added that in integrated to the platform, the solution has some essential food items including families in the locked down areas of and direction controller capabilities greatly addition to conventional security surveillance, been developed for uninterrupted, continuous biscuits, soya meat, cereal products, Moratuwa, Angulana, and Lunawa, due heightens security, the traffic analyser, parking the data gathered presents an immense operation, without the need for human and noodles to the Medical Officer of to the covid 19 prevention. space analyser, and license plate recognisers potential for data mining and in powerful intervention,” Dialog said. the morning 4 Tuesday, November 24, 2020 brunch Voice It – THE PANDEMIC’S VOICELESS VICTIMS: preliminary stage comes to a close Voice It is a debating competition organised by the SRI LANKA’S Chokolaate Magazine with the aim of providing a platform for youths to explore an extracurricular activity from the comfort of their homes. The preliminary stage of the online debating competition held on 21 November STREET DOGS featured 12 debating teams BY NAVEED ROZAIS from Ananda College, Royal For the most part, Sri Lanka College, Nalanda College, connection”, and “the Willesden College, Trinity classification of obesity as a is an island of animal-lovers. College , British disease” were debated upon When it comes to stray School in Colombo, Gateway vividly. The competition dogs, there are several College Colombo, Wesley concluded with eight teams organisations and countless College, Visakha Vidyalaya, S. qualifying for the quarter individuals who go above Thomas’ Preparatory School, finals with an extremely and beyond protecting and Isipathana College, and St. small point margin. nurturing those dogs who The next stage of the Peter’s College. All these have no homes. young participants displayed an competition, which is the Pet abandonment is something epic battle of opinions which quarter finals, will be taking that is always an issue, but the impressed the organisers, place on 28 November via pandemic, with the uncertainty and new location that doesn’t allow pets, spectators, and the judges alike. Zoom. The teams that will be economic hardship it has brought, death of an owner, allergies, and The judging panel participating in the quarter has exacerbated this, with a surge in behavioural problems. consisted of renowned finals are Ananda College, people struggling to afford to feed While it’s an ongoing issue personalities with Royal College, S. Thomas their families, let alone keep their worldwide, a global crisis only exceptional experience and Preparatory School, Gateway pets. This has led to an increase in exacerbates it. So this question is one skill in the debating field. College Colombo, British stray dogs around Sri Lanka, many that needs to be critically assessed Lakshitha Edirisinghe, School in Colombo, Nalanda of whom are ill-suited to fend for and managed via community Thanuki Goonesinghe, College, Wesley College, and themselves, having previously been engagement. Rolling out responsible Grace Wickramasinghe, Trinity College Kandy. well taken care of by their respective dog ownership programmes and Gayan Maldeniya, Himaya The competition was live families. providing free resources to empower Perera, Dineth Hettiarachchi, streamed on the Chokolaate The Morning Brunch spoke with people with the tools to problem Lithmal Jayawardana, and Facebook page and was independent researcher and Ceylon solve their issues is key. Amindhi Pieris graced the received eagerly by the Street Dog Project (CSDP) Founder panel as judges. spectators. Tune in next Soharni Tennekoon for more insight How do abandoned pets Topics of concern Saturday (28) to witness on what is happening to stray dogs in society such as “the a mind-blowing battle of normally adapt to living on the in Sri Lanka at the moment and how morality of animal testing”, perspectives. streets? they’re faring. Below are excerpts “sustainability vs. brand The event’s title sponsor Unlike street dogs that were born from the interview. identity”, “legalisation of is Monash by UCL, its co- on the streets, and skilled enough to Tell us a bit about the Ceylon marijuana”, “social media sponsor is CIMA Sri Lanka, survive into adulthood, abandoned Street Dog Project and how it started. has improved human and press partner is The family pets lack the survival skills Morning. CSDP is a research project to adapt to fend for themselves like borne out of a deep respect for Sri sourcing food and water, navigating Lanka’s street dogs, and a lifelong road traffic, facing harassment from interest in canine behaviour, welfare, humans, and so on. and cognition. To date, the 3-4 Abandoned pets also undergo million street dogs living in Sri tremendous stress from separation Lanka remain unstudied from a anxiety from their humans. They scientific perspective. This seems CSPD’s goal is to change Often these new dogs aren’t often seek out human company from like an oversight considering the people’s perspectives on these vaccinated or sterilised, which wherever they can – which is not effective strategies available to more renowned but little known outliers then creates a whole host of new always welcome. This can lead to humanely manage dog population and look beyond the stigma that they problems. Turning off the tap people resorting to cruel methods to numbers and welfare. have no place in society. Street dogs involves fully understanding the drive them away, sometimes causing tread that fine line between being mechanics of DPM dynamics; it’s injury as well as exacerbating the community animals and capable of a long-term multisectoral plan that stress and confusion they feel. Distribution of the unique “Sadaharitha Privilege Card” to valued loyal customers independent living. Studying them not humanely targets the source of dogs: Many succumb to starvation and only offers insights into how humans mass sterilisation programmes, dehydration, fatal injury, and/ and dogs co-evolved tens of thousands enacting updated animal welfare or disease, making the act of Sadaharitha begins of years ago, (dogs were history’s first legislation, community engagement, abandonment a death sentence. domesticated species), but also, more and more. The most effective is the practically, how to peacefully coexist ICAM (International Companion What can we do to help distribution of in today’s urbanised world. Animal Management) coalition’s strays and abandoned pets, DPM programme that uses the One How has the pandemic Health framework. especially in difficult times like loyalty cards affected street dogs? While the Government of these? Sadaharitha Plantations solar requirements, vehicle Sri Lanka has few regulated Sri Lanka has commendably We can all take small steps to Ltd., the commercial forestry care, and lighting; personal shelters that abide by WHO (World implemented islandwide spay/neuter help strays and abandoned pets. conglomerate, began care and grooming from Health Organisation)/FAO (Food programmes and rabies and dog bite Consider small actions like leaving distribution of its unique beauty salons, perfumery and Agriculture Organisation) awareness, a cohesive structure is out food and water since regular “Sadaharitha Privilege Card” stores, jewellery, and animal welfare standards. Dogs are lacking in establishing any long-term food sources for street animals are to valued loyal customers opticians; or relaxation at usually rounded up by authorities change. Much of it stems from the restricted (make sure water bowls are recently. restaurants, leisure options, and are transported to the municipal way we perceive street dog issues. regularly changed to prevent dengue I set up the Instagram account @ With a lateral shift in perspective, mosquitoes breeding) and donating The loyalty programme, and hotels and adventure ceylonstreetdogproject as a platform pound, which, from anecdotal which was unveiled recently, packages. evidence, fall short of these intersectoral collaboration, and more to rescue organisations and feeding to document my findings from my widespread resources, there’s hope. programmes. Vaccinate and sterilise provides customers a host “Our loyalty card initiative thesis research, while completing animal welfare standards. Due to of exclusive privileges, enables us to reach out and a lack of transparency and freely your pets, especially if you allow my certification in Canine Behaviour Why do you think pets are them to roam. unmatched offerings, and appreciate our customers and & Psychology at ISCP, UK. The available information on this topic, experiences. Sadaharitha has enrich their lives. As a member it is difficult to gauge; however, being abandoned? We can also all look to build overarching themes of my research awareness. Share photos/videos commenced the distribution of of the programme, they benefit included how street dogs behaved lockdown news reports include Pet abandonment can be due to the loyalty cards to customers from the host of discounts vaccinated and sterilised community a multitude of baseline reasons, from on social media, tagging rescue in their natural environment, how organisations. It’s free and helps islandwide who can now enjoy offered by the merchants to pursue humane, sustainable Dog dogs wrongfully being caught financial hardship to moving to a discounts and benefits from a we have partnered with and impounded by the Colombo to crowdsource funds for the dogs’ Population Management (DPM), care. (It’s also helpful in case the wide range of merchants. and the offers also provide how to address human-dog conflict Municipal Council. The benefits from the customers more opportunities Aside from the ethical issues of dog wasn’t intentionally abandoned like public health and rabies, and his owners are looking for him). card cover an extensive to save. During the next few and how to address wildlife-dog this ad hoc DPM, it is a short-term range of sectors such as months, we aim to continue fix to a long-term problem; in the Contact vet clinics/rescues like the conflict like predation and resource Best Care Hospital mobile unit if you healthcare including hospitals with the distribution of the competition. long run it is neither cost effective and pharmacies; children’s card and also enhance the nor sustainable. Impounding dogs see an injured dog. Street dogs are unique in that they Don’t judge people on social education needs with leading programme’s offerings with are domesticated organisms that have does not get to the root of the institutes, book publishers, new and exciting options,” problem – the sources of street media for reaching out for help with successfully adapted to scavenging rehoming a pet. Fear of judgement and book shops; home needs stated Sadaharitha Plantations and breeding outside of human dogs: unsterilised roaming pets, and essentials such as food Ltd. Chief Executive Officer abandoned/dumped pets, puppies puts people off from requesting control, (unlike pedigrees or other help from online communities, thus and textile outlets, footwear, and Executive Director Dr. domesticated animals), while also born on the street, and fewer appliances, furniture, roofing, Pradeep Edward. street dog adoptions in favour of resorting to silently dumping their being remarkably perceptive to human dog on the streets. behaviour (unlike wild animals). purchasing pedigrees. Uber Eats rolls out comprehensive Covid safety measures Uber Eats launched a range of Covid- selfie and frequent temperature checks of cost to drivers and courier partners. Commenting on Uber’s safety necessary precautions are met to help 19-specific safety features allowing for courier partners, contactless “Leave Since May 2020, Uber Eats has distributed measures, Uber Eats Sri Lanka Lead courier partners feel safer, while also customers to access food and essential at Door” deliveries, and in-app reminders nearly Rs. 5 million worth of masks and Bhavna Dadlani stated: “Over the last helping customers have safer access to food supplies from the comfort of their homes to courier partners to observe social sanitisers to courier partners. few months, our global tech and safety and everyday needs.” so they can help authorities in containing a distancing norms. Uber Eats’ in-app Covid hub for courier product teams have worked relentlessly Uber Eats’ helpline number allows second wave of Covid-19 cases. Complementing these measures, partners now has a new safety feature which to formulate appropriate safety measures customers to directly speak with an Uber The features include a checklist of Uber Sri Lanka has procured and started notifies courier partners to replenish their to help users feel safe. The safety of our representative for assistance during live Covid safety measures before courier distributing safety supplies – such as masks safety kit supplies after they’ve completed a communities remains our top priority, orders and up to 15 minutes after order partners can go online, mask verification and sanitisers – worth Rs. 10 million, free predetermined number of deliveries. which is why it is important that all completion. the morning 5 Tuesday, November 24, 2020 sports Ahmad Ahmad banned Guha slams Ganguly Medvedev is calm Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Ahmad Famous historian Ramachandra Guha, 62, the Daniil Medvedev won the biggest title of his career at Ahmad has been banned for five years for financial Uttarakhand-born MA degree holder of Delhi University, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) finals on misconduct by the Ethics Committee of the game’s world has been a vocal critic of the Board of Control for Cricket Sunday (22) but did not celebrate. Instead, he just looked governing body FIFA, international media said yesterday in India (BCCI). In an interview this week with Mid-Day, to his box, shrugged, emptied a ball from his pocket, and (23). Ahmad who is also the FIFA Vice President has Guha has slammed BCCI President Sourav Ganguly for shrugged again before walking expressionless to meet “breached his duty of loyalty, offered gifts, and other his endorsement of the My11Circle fantasy game for his beaten opponent Dominic Thiem at the net. “That is benefits, mismanaged funds, and abused his position as “greed for money”. “This kind of greed for money among going to be my thing,” said the 24-year-old Russian after the CAF President,” FIFA has said in a statement. Indian cricketers is shocking,” Guha has said. his 4/6, 7/6 (7/2), 6/4 win in London.

The Board of Control for Cricket in How the SOP was worked out India (BCCI) has earned Indian Rs. Meanwhile, a Standard Operating 4,000 crore or 40 billion, which is Procedure (SOP) was worked out with equivalent to Sri Lankan Rs. 100 experts, even as officials alerted IPL teams billion, in revenue through the on booking chartered flights in advance Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 and gave hotel options at a discounted rate. which ended in the United Arab Senior officials also conducted several Emirates (UAE) on 10 November virtual meetings with IPL owners, followed with the team Mumbai Indians by interactions with players to answer successfully defending the title. queries. Most teams had over 40 members Revealing the financial windfall in their squads, with Mumbai Indians generated through the cricket league emerging as the largest contingent with organised by one of the worst affected over 150 members, including a tailor, a countries in the world by the Covid-19 BCCI President Saurav Ganguly (second from left) with (from makeup artist, and a hairdresser. pandemic, The Indian Express, in an article left) BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, BCCI Treasurer Arun Dhumal, “In case we had any Covid cases, the under the heading “BCCI’s IPL card: IPL Chairman Brijesh Patel, and BCCI Joint Secretary Jayesh board had booked 200 rooms separately Revenue Rs. 4,000 crore, TV viewership George after the awards ceremony of the IPL 2020 final so that patients can be quarantined and between the Mumbai Indians and the Delhi Capitals at the up, 30,000 Covid tests” written by Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE on 10 November only join once they have fully recovered,” Devendra Pandey in Mumbai yesterday PHOTO SAMUEL RAJKUMAR/BCCI Dhumal had revealed to The Indian (23) noted that the TV viewership of the Express. annual tournament was about 25% more than last year amid the spread of the deadly Two CSK players hit by virus. coronavirus The first setback came a few days Over 30,000 PCR tests for 1,800 after the teams reached Dubai when persons India earns Chennai Super Kings (CSK) saw a The Indian Express has also said that dozen members test positive, including there had been over 30,000 RT-PCR two players. It was then that Suresh (Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Raina left the CSK camp and returned to Reaction) tests for Covid-19 that had been India reportedly fearing his health. The conducted for a total of 1,800 individuals two players who tested positive were involved with the IPL this time. It added all-rounder Deepak Chahar and young that all this happened without any of the Rs. 100 billion batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad. 60 matches of the league being affected in “When we heard the news, we tried to any way. understand whether it is asymptomatic or This year’s IPL was India’s first major serious. We were told all are asymptomatic. sporting tournament since the Covid-19 So all went under isolation and we went outbreak started spreading across the globe by all health authorities’ advice. We must in February. With stringent Covid-19 through IPL 2020 thank the UAE, which stood with us every curbs in India, the IPL was held from 19 moment,” Dhumal said. September to 10 November in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah in the UAE. Then came Abu Dhabi By yesterday, India had reported over Why UAE was picked ahead of SL as quarantine restrictions 9,170,000 cases with the number of deaths Then, there was an “issue” in Abu being at a staggering 134,088, the world’s Dhabi where “authorities were reluctant second highest at the moment. In fact, the IPL hosts and much more... to give any concession to the quarantine IPL 2020 began just two days after India period”. While Dubai had relaxed it and reported her highest number of infections that the tournament was in doubt with Dhumal has added: “The Board invitations to host the IPL — from the allowed players to train after seven days, so far. It was on 17 September that she barely two months to go when world No. managed to cut nearly 35% of the cost as UAE and Sri Lankan boards. The Board Abu Dhabi had a mandatory rule where reported almost 100,000 cases. 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic tested compared to the last IPL. We earned Rs. decided to go with the UAE since it had individuals coming from outside would positive after playing exhibition matches in 4,000 crore during the pandemic time. hosted the IPL earlier, and teams could have to undergo 14 days’ quarantine. Abu What happened after Djokovic Serbia and Croatia. Our TV viewership went about 25% travel by bus to reach the stadium, Dhabi was the home of IPL-winning team was tested positive? higher. We got the highest-ever opening which costs less. Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight BCCI Treasurer Arun Dhumal has not Jay Shah was ever confident game (Mumbai Indians vs. Chennai Super Subsequently, an official said that the Riders. discussed with The Indian Express the Recalling a conversation with BCCI Kings) viewership. Those who doubted details were firmed up through over “The BCCI Secretary managed to breakup of revenue or viewership for the Secretary Jay Shah, Dhumal said: “After us came and thanked us for hosting the 40 conference calls that have “lasted convince the Abu Dhabi authorities to tournament that was held without spectators that report (about Djokovic testing positive) IPL. Had this IPL not happened, cricketers for endless hours”. There were virtual make it shorter,” Dhumal had explained. in the stands due to the pandemic. Organisers came in, we were in two minds. Many would have lost one year.” meetings too on ensuring players’ safety The Indian Express report has thus have been banking on the five-year broadcast people told us to not go ahead with it (IPL). and tying up with tech company Restrata given a graphic detail as to how the and media rights deal signed in 2017 with What if something happens to a player? The Why the UAE was picked for a bio-secure bubble. The BCCI sent world’s biggest and richest annual cricket Star India worth Indian Rs. 16,347 crore (SL IPL would go on for almost three months. ahead of Sri Lanka its key staff to Dubai in advance, who league went on unperturbed by the global Rs. 409 billion). However, Jay said we should go ahead. He According to other BCCI officials, took the “extra precaution” of boarding pandemic while setting an example for But, Dhumal has told The Indian Express was more confident than all of us.” the Board received two formal only flights with 20% occupancy. many other countries and organisations.

INTERCEPTION by Malinda Seneviratne Percy is the National Flag

Percy. Ape Percy. Percy from Sri Lanka. PERCY ABEYSEKERA – BIO Sri Lanka’s Percy. Sri Lanka’s One-man NAME: Walimuni Denham Percy Gimson Mendis cheering squad. Percy Abeysekera. Cricket Abeysekera lovers know him and not just fans in Sri DATE OF BIRTH: 30 July 1936 (in Boossa) Lanka. He’s received accolades from all FATHER: Walimuni Simon Mendis Abeysekera corners of the cricketing world. He’s cheered his country’s team for MOTHER: Dolly Margaret de Zoysa Siriwardene decades. Before and after Sri Lanka SCHOOLS: Richmond College, ; St. Aloysius’ College, Galle; Siri Rathanasara Vidyalaya, received “Test” status. Captains came Beddegama; and Aquinas University College, and went. Batsmen and bowlers made Percy has been there. He’s held the flag. He was the flag. He was the ambassador long before the Colombo their debuts, had brief or long careers, term “sporting ambassador” came into vogue. He was the nation. He kept the flag flying high PERCY & ACL: Percy was first employed by Sir retired hurt, retired at their prime, or PHOTOS WWW.PERCYABEYSEKERA.COM Cyril de Zoysa, Founder of the Associated retired long after they ought to have, but Motor Ways (AMW) at Kalutara. Later, Percy Percy never did. Obviously he’s seen much, experienced e) Martin Crowe’s presentation of two of there are few fans whose fanaticism will joined Associated Cables Ltd. (ACL). Percy much, and remembers more than anyone his Man of the Match trophies, saying not wane as they move from childhood, is indebted to present ACL Chairman Upali Since the visit of Sir Don has or can of this time when it comes to Sri they were for “Percy’s love for cricket through youth, middle age, and into the Madanayake and his son and ACL’s present Percy says he started cheering with the Lankan cricket. and his patriotism” evening years of their lives. Managing Director Suren Madanayake who National Flag only in 1979, although he had He has jotted down some memorable have been looking after Percy for over 50 years been a keen spectator since the time “All moments: From Tennekoon to Dimuth We wish OUR Percy a long and MARRIAGE: Married Meloney De Silva from Ceylon” played the visiting Aussies led by a) Dancing onboard an airplane with Sri Karunaratne healthy life Moratuwa in 1968. (She passed away on 24 Don Bradman in 1948. Garfield Sobers, the then Sri Lankan If we start from 1979, he’s cheered Percy has been there. He’s held the flag. September 2010, aged 59) There was a World Cup tournament that coach, on the way back to Colombo after teams led by Anura Tennekoon, Bandula He was the flag. He was the ambassador CHILDREN: Sampath Garfield (elder son) and Nadeesh Nimmi (daughter) year, 1979, in England. This was when the the 1983 World Cup in England Warnapura, , D.S. De Silva, long before the term “sporting ambassador” Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka b) Helping save the life of Sir Garfield , Arjuna Ranatunga, came into vogue. He was the nation. He GRANDCHILDREN: Avinka Garfield (named after Sir Garfield Sobers) and Sachinka (named (BCCSL) didn’t have money. There were Sobers when a mob wanted to set fire to , , kept the flag flying high. He represented us after Sachin Tendulkar) who are the son and no television contracts. No sponsorships. I his car when Sobers was on his way back , , all. He was there when things went right. daughter of Sampath. Amani and Amreetha remember a request being circulated in the to Barbados, during the height of the , , He picked everyone up when things went are the son and daughter of Nadeesha newspapers at the time – someone launched 1983 July riots Tillekaratne Dilshan, , sour. FIRST INTERNATIONAL MATCH SEEN: Australia a fund to buy Percy a ticket to go cheer our c) Cheering ’s team , , and We wish Percy, OUR Percy, a long and vs. All Ceylon in 1948 at the Colombo Oval boys. I believe he accompanied the team. during a Test at Chepauk, India defying . We could add the healthy life. We wish him many more hours (now P. Sara Stadium) when Sir Don Bradman death threats from the LTTE Tigers in ODI and T20I captains too. of joy, watching the game he loves so much came with the Australian team as their Memorable moments Madras, in 1982 He’s outlasted them all. And the umpires and has come to be identified with! STARTED CHEERLEADING WITH THE LION Sixty years or more is a long time for d) Cheering Sri Lanka during her inaugural too. And captains and players from other (The writer can be reached at FLAG: The 1979 World Cup in England. And he anyone to do anything consistently. Percy Test at Lord’s amidst threats from the teams as well. Fans typically outlast their [email protected] or www. has cheered SL in almost all the World Cups carried our flag for all of that length of time. British Police heroes of course. On the other hand, malindawords.blogspot.com) since then