Sunday 23 MAY 2021 Latest Edition Vol: 10/26 Price : Rs 70.00

Inside Story Proper Planning of Vaccine Rollout Vital

With the sudden spike in COVID-19 patients and deaths in the country after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festive season, vaccination became everyone’s See on hope to survive through the pandemic. page A16 A7

Port City Bill passed with amendments By Gagani Weerakoon and Methmalie Dissanayake

The Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill, with amendments, was passed in Parliament by a majority of 91 votes on Thursday (20).

Story Continued on page 2 Daily COVID-19 infected total AG issues bail Actual Numbers Likely guidelines By Hansi Nanayakkara

The Attorney has issued guidelines to the IGP, Three Times More on granting bail to suspects imprisoned in connection with several offences, the AG’s Coordinating Officer, – Dr. Fernandopulle State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne said on Thursday (20). Story Continued on page 2 Urges everyone to Strongly advises two weeks act responsibly of complete lockdown Two arrested over By Rebecca Pavey Rs 10M luxury Story Continued on page 2

All known COVID-19 variants 400 MAS factory workers testing COVID-19 positive phone scam By Treshan Fernando

All authorised Labour Minister orders probe Police arrested two individuals Minister of Labour Nimal Health Protection Committees who were involved in a financial vaccines effective Siripala de Silva has instructed to protect them against the fraud, to the tune of over Rs 10 Commissioner General of Labour spread of the virus. million, under the pretext of selling iPhones – WHO Director Prabath Chandrakeerthi to The Commissioner and iPads, said Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana. The By Dilanthi Jayamanne investigate the incident where 400 General was instructed by two suspects had been running a shop on Galle Road, workers, at the MAS factory in the Minister to conduct an Kollupitiya. Regional Director of the World Health Thulhiriya, had been detected investigation to determine if Organisation (WHO) for Europe, Dr. Hans Henri COVID-19 positive. the factory was following the Story Continued on page 2 P. Kluge has said all authorised COVID-19 The Minister said it is extremely health guidelines released by vaccines are effective against all known unfortunate that such a large the Health Ministry. variants, including the India variant. group of workers tested positive All private sector “All COVID-19 virus variants that have for COVID-19, especially given institution heads and No fee for emerged so far do respond to the available, that employers and trade unions trade unions were approved vaccines.” However, he stressed the had been instructed to set up requested by... importance of social distancing, hand washing Ambulances using and sneezing etiquette which needed to be Story Continued on page 2 followed,” he said on Friday (20). Expressways Story Continued on page 2 Ambulances were allowed to travel on the expressways Showers ASG free of charge from Thursday (20). Minister of Highways said this toll Rajaratnam free facility will be applicable to private sector SPC orders and winds to ambulances as well on all expressways and will be in continue gets PC nod to effect until further notice. 14 million Story Continued on page 2 By Paneetha Ameresekere be next AG By Methmalie Dissanayake Sinopharm doses The showery conditions over the South-Western part of the island, The Parliament Council on Thursday Rs 79B due to CPC China’s donation of 500,000 encompassing the Western, (20) gave its nod to the proposal of A total sum of Rs 79 billion is due to be paid to the jabs arrives Tuesday Sabaragamuwa, Central and Southern President to Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), while state Provinces and the windy conditions appoint Acting Solicitor General (ASG), institutions including the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) The State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) over Northern and North-Western President’s Counsel Sanjay Rajaratnam are still repaying debts to the CPC from 2019, the has purchased 14 million doses of China’s Provinces, are likely to enhance during as the Attorney General upon the Ministerial Subcommittee on Reimbursement of Sinopharm vaccine, of which 3 million doses the next few days, the Meteorology retirement of incumbent Attorney Kerosene Subsidy, Restructuring of the Ports and are scheduled to arrive early June. Department said. General Dappula de Livera, said... Airports Development Tax (PAL) for crude oil and... Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 A2 sunday 23 May 2021 news Govt’s MPBCs Continued from page 1 Actual Numbers... Labour Minister... Decrease Sharply By Rebecca Pavey ...the Minister to take the necessary steps to set up Health Protection Committees in their By Paneetha Ameresekere the settlement/s of transactions “Despite over 3,500 cases being reported on factories. pertaining to CBSL’s swaps with the Wednesday (19), it is likely that the actual number In addition, the Minister instructed the Government’s money printing borrowing market and/or GoSL’s dollar sales to is in fact three times this total,” said State Minster Commissioner General to hold discussions with costs (MPBCs) sharply decreased for the and/or swaps with CBSL. Transactions of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID private sector institutions in a bid to provide the fourth consecutive market day to between the Government and CBSL are Disease Control, Dr. . benefits and leave days for pregnant women Thursday (20), this time by 0.70 per cent foreign reserves neutral. Conversions are Speaking to the media Thursday (20), Dr. working in the private sector. (Rs 144.06 million) to Rs 20,336.79 million based on CBSL’s administered ‘spot’ rate Fernandopulle raised concerns of the likelihood that Meanwhile, MAS Holdings said in a statement due to investor preference for the low on Tuesday (18) which was Rs 199.79 to several cases remain unreported on a daily basis, that a total of 2,019 PCR tests were conducted returns, riskless Treasury (T) Bonds and T the US dollar. Consequently net excess thereby further increasing the spread of the among employees by the company, to identify the Bills in secondary market trading rather liquidity increased by 1.60 per cent to Rs coronavirus infection. undetected and asymptomatic employees who than lend to the private sector, the engine 126,948 million on Thursday (20). “This new variant of the virus is spreading rapidly would otherwise spread the virus further. of growth, due to sustained uncertainty. CBSL is the steward of Government’s across the country, and the death toll is increasing Stating that 380 employees tested positive for Central Bank of ’s (CBSL’s) debt and also of its foreign reserves. CBSL, as well. This is a time when society as a whole must COVID-19 at the Thulhiriya factory in face value (FV) MP remained unchanged at in its daily ‘open market operations’ act responsibly,” the Minister noted. Polgahawela, the company said, “The management Rs 874,016.17 million for the fourth statements, doesn’t specify the reasons Responding to a question regarding a potential is currently working closely with the Health consecutive market day to Thursday (20). behind the daily changes to market island-wide lockdown, Minister Fernandopulle authorities to determine the next steps that are to The Government’s FVMP debt has been liquidity. stated that whilst no decision has yet been taken to be taken by the factory management.” over Rs 0.5trillion for a record 132 Investments in T Bills and T Bonds are implement such a regulation, she strongly advises The company affirmed that stringent COVID-19 consecutive market days to Thursday (20) considered riskless, because, in the event that, if Sri Lanka is to recover from this third wave protocols have been imposed and stated that all due to lack of revenue. Government is unable to honour such of the COVID-19 pandemic, a complete lockdown of operations in the factory adhere to the guidelines Thursday (20) saw a liquidity debt, CBSL is mandated to print demand at least two weeks be imposed,. released by the relevant health authorities. The appreciation for the third consecutive pull inflationary money (money printing) Furthermore, the Minister emphasised on the fact statement further read, “The protection of its market day, with the figure being of Rs and repay such creditors. Money printing that both, the Government and the Media must be employees has always been the prime concern of 1,995 million (USD 9.99 million) led by exclusive rights are with CBSL. responsible when disclosing the statistics and the organisation.” reality of the current COVID-19 situation, as MAS Holdings reiterated that they will continue concealing such facts will only serve as a detriment. to support the Government financially and “People are smart now, and are able to decide for logistically by aiding intermediate care centres for themselves what, and who, is to be believed COVID-19. Mujibur Rahman tests COVID-19 positive regarding such matters. However they are (TF) inconvenienced when various representatives of the (SJB) MP is currently receiving treatment at a Health Ministry keep making various statements,” Parliamentarian Mujibur Rahman tested private hospital in Colombo. she said. COVID-19 positive on Thursday (20). The His family currently remains under quarantine. Posting a message on his Showers and winds... Facebook page, the MP said that Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in he had shown symptoms of fever the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North- and cough since last Sunday Rs 79B due... Western Provinces and in the Galle and Matara (16). When he had obtained an ...the financial issues faced by the CPC revealed. Districts. antigen test, it had come out The Committee stated that as a result, there has Fairly heavy falls above 50 mm can be expected at negative. been an increase in the daily losses faced by CPC. some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa However, a PCR test had been The CEB is also operating at a loss of Rs 10 per Provinces and in the Galle, Matara and Puttalam carried out subsequently on electricity unit. Districts. Wednesday (19) which confirmed These were revealed during the third Committee Showers or thundershowers will occur at a few that the MP had been infected meeting held on 20 May chaired by Prime Minister places in Eastern and Uva Provinces during the with the virus. . evening or night. He further requested all who Focusing on the rapid increase in the price of fuel Wind speed can increase up to (40-50) kmph at had maintained contact with prices in the world market, as opposed to 2019 and times in Western slope of the Central hills, him in the past days to isolate 2020, the Ministers stated that irrespective of such Northern, North-Central and North-Western themselves. increase, relief should be granted to the public. (TF) Provinces and also in the Hambantota District.

Port City Bill passed... A total of 149 MPs voted in favour of the Bill several clauses at the Committee Stage. while 58 voted against it. Speaker on 18 The Bill was passed with a majority of 89 May informed the House the Supreme Court votes at the Second Reading, with a total of had determined that several Provisions of the 148 MPs voting in favour while 59 voted Bill were inconsistent with the Constitution. against. The SC had informed that there should be two- During the Committee Stage several third majority in the House and a referendum Provisions were passed with amendments and to pass the Bill. However, if those particular the Opposition also proposed few amendments provisions were amended, the Bill could be to the Bill. The Opposition requested a vote for passed with a simple majority of the House, three amendments presented by SJB MP Dr. the SC informed. . The Cabinet on the same day approved the However, those amendments were not proposal forwarded by President Gotabaya passed. Therefore, the Opposition requested Rajapaksa, accepting all the amendments the Speaker to record their objections against proposed by the SC to the Bill.

ASG Rajaratnam... Two arrested...... Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika DIG Rohana said the suspects had acted as Dasanayake. a business that was selling iPhones and The Parliament Council met at Parliament iPads online. Customers would pay online, under the patronage Speaker Mahinda Yapa and they were promised that the devices Abeywardena. would be delivered to them within a period of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, 15 days. Opposition Leader , Minister Police received around 70 complaints of Fisheries and MP Kabir stating that they had paid money to this Hashim attended the meeting. business, but they had not received the The Parliament Council agreed to concur with products they had paid for. Following an the recommendation to re-appoint Sanjeeva investigation, it was revealed that this shop Jayawardena, PC as a member of the Monetary was not affiliated to Apple or any other Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the authorised agency. Secretary General said. From the 70 complaints received thus far, Meanwhile, the Parliament Council DIG Rohana said the suspects had earned Rs recommended the nomination of H. Jayantha 11 million. Shantha Kumara Wickremarathne to the DIG Rohana warned the public to be wary vacant post of a Member of the Office on of such online scams. Missing Persons (OMP). The Parliament Council also recommended General (rtd) W. P. P. Fernando to the vacant post of a Member of the Office for Reparations, the Secretary General said. SPC orders... This was confirmed by the Chinese Embassy in Colombo and SPC Chairman, Dr. Prasanna Gunasena. Furthermore, President Gotabaya All authorised... Rajapaksa took to Twitter to confirm that Although locally there have been reservations China’s donation of 500,000 doses of the expressed regarding the efficacy of the COVID vaccine is due to arrive on Tuesday (25). vaccine against the virulent virus variant in Sri Lanka, that was spreading in the country, the Epidemiology Unit has been using Oxford AstraZeneca COVISHIELD, Sinopharm and the Sputnik V vaccine to inoculate the Sri Lankan public. AG issues... By 19 May, a total of 304,961 second doses of Jayaratne said these guidelines were the COVISHIELD vaccine, 474,685 doses of the issued on the request of the Director General Sinopharm vaccine and 14,934 doses of the of the Prison Department and the Justice Sputnik V jab have been given to the public. Ministry Secretary. Deputy Director General (Public Health-I), Dr. They had sought the opinion of the AG on S.M. Arnold said Sri Lanka was to receive more how to reduce congestion in prisons in face of of the Sinopharm vaccine in June. The second the coronavirus pandemic in the country. consignment of the Sputnik V was scheduled to arrive next week. The DDG said that Sri Lanka was currently negotiating the purchase of the COVISHIELD vaccine at a government-to-government level to administer its second dose to the 925,242 No fee for... persons who received the first. Sri Lanka had Until Thursday (20), medical officers and only 300,000 doses remaining to administer the healthcare who were travelling in the second dose. ambulances had to bear the toll fee. news sunday 23 may 2021 A3 Killing of underworld duo in Police custody Defence Ministry Action to be Taken shifts to new HQ state-of-the-art complex, built with military expertise, will house all the Once Probes Completed sections of the Defence Ministry that were previously situated in different locations, it said. Meanwhile, the Sri By Thameenah Razeek The Human Rights Commission of – Maj Gen Alwis Lanka Army (SLA) Headquarters was Sri Lanka (HRCSL) recently moved to this Defence Headquarters The Public Security Ministry would said the killings of accused gang law in jeopardy. Maj Gen Alwis Complex a few years ago, while the take appropriate action once the leader Dharmakeerthi Tharaka stated the results of the Headquarters of the Sri Lanka Air investigations into the recent killings Perera Wijesekara alias Kosgoda investigations would be Force (SLAF) and of two underworld figures, in Police Tharaka, who died in a shootout on determined by the Court's decision, (SLN) too will also be housed in this custody, are completed, Major 13 May, and Mabulage Dineth Melan and that if the Court finds that any Complex in the future. Ven. Prof. General (rtd) Jagath Alwis, Secretary Mabula alias Uru Juwa, who died on human rights have been infringed, Medagoda Abhayatissa, Defence to the Public Security Ministry, 11 May, under similar the Ministry will take appropriate Ministry's Seva Vanitha Unit stated on 20 May. circumstances, have put the rule of action. Chairperson Chithrani Gunaratne, The Defence Ministry has shifted its Foreign Ministry Secretary Admiral operations from Colombo to its newly (rtd) Prof. Jayanath Colombage, built Defence Headquarters Complex Public Security Ministry Secretary at Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte. Major General (rtd) Jagath Alwis, Defence Secretary General (rtd) Army Commander and Chief of Kamal Gunaratne declared open the Defence Staff Gen. , SJB protests new building complex, where he SLN Commander Vice Admiral handed over the document to proceed Nishantha Ulugetenne, SLAF with the recently announced Cabinet Commander Air Marshal Sudarshana approval for the lifetime salary and Pathirana, IGP Chandana CPCEC Bill allowances payment for war hero Wickramaratne, Civil Security dependents to the defence forces Department (CSD) Director General Samagi Jana (in front of the commanders and the IGP. Opening a Major General (rtd) Nandana Balawegaya held a protest Jayanthipura entrance). new avenue for the children of retired Senadeera, KDU Vice Chancellor against the Colombo Port Opposition Leader Sajith service personnel, approval was also Major General Milinda Peiris and Sri City Economic Premadasa and many SJB granted to enrol their children to the Lanka Coastguard Director General, Commission Bill at the MPs were present at the Defence Services College, Colombo at Rear Admiral Anura Ekanayake were Parliament Roundabout protest. (NV) this event, the Ministry said. This new also present. (PA)

Rear Admiral Udaya Hettiarachchi retires from service Sri Lanka Navy bid farewell to Rear Admiral Udaya Hettiarachchi who retired from service on Thursday (20) after serving in the Navy for 35 years. In accordance with Naval Traditions, the Senior Officer was awarded the Guard of Honour and received warm wishes from Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne and the Board of Management Fellow naval officers made their formal farewells to Hettiarachchi who then took leave from the Navy Headquarters in a motorcade. Rear Admiral Udaya Hettiarachchi joined the Sri Lanka Navy in 1986 and rendered a prominent service to the organisation. He held multiple key appointments during his illustrious naval career which were valuable to the organisation. (ST)

Navy Dy Chief of Staff meet Navy Chief The newly appointed Deputy Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Y.N. Jayarathne met with Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne at the Navy Headquarters on Thursday (20). Rear Admiral Y.N. Jayarathne was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy with effect from 19 May, whilst holding the office of Commander of the Eastern Naval Command. Accordingly, Commander of the Navy handed over the letter of appointment in this regard to Rear Admiral Y.N. Jayarathne. In addition to the appointment as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy, he will continue to discharge duties as Commander of the Eastern Naval Command. (TF) A4 sunday 23 may 2021 focus Norochcholai’s Pollution Goes Unchecked as Fourth Plant Mulled Locals exposed to deadly amounts of fly ash, heavy metals

By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan

The Lakvijaya Power Station or the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant leads in We provided our recommendations based on the experience supplying power to the nation while causing immense environmental on the present three units – Dr. Sugathapala damage; violating the terms of Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) contacted Senior Lecturer University are done at much broader socioeconomic and action. I believe that almost all possible interventions as well as the Environmental Protection of Moratuwa, Dr. Thusitha Sugathapala who was a environmental dimensions. The environmental for the environmental management for a coal power License (EPL). The Plant’s Continuous member of the Environmental Monitoring Committee monitoring committee has a very specific role, which plant already installed have been taken within the Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) of the Norochcholai plant (until 2020) and the Sri is just one element of the big picture. capacity, and that the present performances seen are has been dysfunctional for 10 years but Lanka Energy Managers Association (SLEMA) study In that respect, the following are my responses as the best one can expect from coal power (technology, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is on externality costs and posed several questions an individual having some exposure on this whole capacity, resources). setting up a fourth coal power plant in related to the Norochcholai power plant: matter, but not for specific questions. Coal power has That is - what you experience now is ‘Coal Power in Norochcholai to be built by the same 1. When were you appointed to the monitoring inherent environmental characters (local air pollution Sri Lanka’. Not much could be expected (in terms of company that constructed the three committee? to global climate change), most are known for several environment performances) in forthcoming/future existing plants; the Chinese Machinery 2. How often does the monitoring committee meet? decades, even before the decision taken to add coal plants, other than cumulative effects, as the character Equipment Company (CMEC). 3. How much data is given to you to monitor power to the electricity sector in Sri Lanka. is not just technology. One shall interpret the role of The CEB spends Rs. 24 billion to run performance? Environmental management of coal power can be coal power for sustainable development in line with the Norochcholai Plant with the cost of 4. Is the continuous emission monitoring system done at system design and operational stages. In the the guiding principle presented in item number three fuel for 2021 estimated at Rs 60 billion (CEMS) working correctly? Have the instruments case of Sri Lanka, as the topic of design of a power above. In that respect, your list of questions should to provide 5,000 GWh per annum. With been calibrated by SLAB (Sri Lanka Accreditation plant is not relevant, selection of the most suitable have been different, so I responded differently: a such a mega power supply, not Board)? If so when? design is an option. In general, among others, collective and interconnected mode. attending to emissions is alarming 5. Do you have access to CEMS data? following are the entry points for Sri Lanka for Few specific items: (i) In my understanding, Sri because even while filters are 6. Have the permanent ambient air quality environmental management: (i) Decision on selection Lanka Accreditation Board does not have a role in functioning, over five tonnes of very fine monitoring stations mentioned in the EIA report of an energy source (coal, oil, NG, Renewables, etc.); calibrating equipment. It is a fundamental/essential particle dust (PM 2.5) is released into the been installed? (ii) Once the source is selected, the technology requirement in operation. However, Environment atmosphere every day. 7. Why if not so? Isn't this an issue of a plant more selection criteria and specifications (localised Authority should check as a part of environmental Arsenic and other heavy metals are than 10 years old? environment, social criteria and indicators, in addition monitoring. (ii) During the SLEMA study, we had a lot found in the surroundings of coal plants 8. The 2018 EPL had insisted CEB make a lot of to financial/economic) including EIA/EPL; (iii) In the of challenges due to data gaps, particularly on health globally and the CEB found the same reports (about 40) on air, water, and ocean-related case of coal, fuel quality specifications/standards; (iv) impacts (no proper studies). when they tested LPS’s fly ash. aspects. Have you had access to all these reports? Site selection; (v)Site preparation and logistics; (vi) So I am confused with the statement on ‘there are In June 2017, engineers of the 9. It is mentioned that when the EPL was given in Technology localisation (limited but important); (vii) lot of cancer patients and other sick people’. I think we Norochcholai Plant wrote to CEB’s October 2018, the FGD of Unit 2 was not Technology transfer (NOT Equipment transfer); (viii) need more effort in establishing the linkages. (iii) One general manager stating, “It is a well- functioning. Isn't it a violation of the law? If so how Operation and maintenance, including contingency should read the whole report of SLEMA to understand known fact that burning of coal were they given an EPL? plans; (ix) Comprehensive and continuous impact the applicability and limitations. produces ash as a by-product. In our 10.How much time did you give them to fix the FGD? assessments including environmental monitoring. There has been a lot of efforts from all the experts case, about 14-16 per cent of total coal Was it fixed in that time? What action taken by Above are responsibilities of a number of specific involved in it. A major component of the externality combustion is retained as ash. It was you for non-compliance with the conditions of the agencies and the present performance of the plant is a cost of Rs 10.23/kWh for coal is a global phenomenon determined that the daily fly ash EPL? collective outcome of the interconnected actions were of the climate impact of carbon emissions, not air production is over 1,000 MT and bottom 11.Are you confident that CEB is meeting all taken by all these agencies/actors at different time quality degradation leading to health impact like ash production is close to 100MT when requirements of the EIA and EPL at this point of periods, guided by a variety of principles, cancer. all three units are running at full load.” time, as a monitoring committee member? circumstances, and reasons. Any professional or The SLEMA study is the starting point for long-term “Although the employees have been 12.There is a fourth unit planned. If they violate laws unprofessional decision taken at key actions along the action. Need to develop a standard framework for provided with dusk masks, we have now, not meeting EPL/EIA conditions, should they stages given above will have multiple and cumulative estimating externalities of all types of energy sources, come to understand that only a fraction be building another plant now? impacts (beneficial or adverse), as experienced at the methodology, and standardised procedure for of the dust particles are filtered by these 13.Were you involved in drafting the Terms of present day. integrating externality costs on energy pricing. (iv) I (or masks due to the nature of this Reference of the EIA for the 4th unit? If not, kindly Any interventions for environment management (of the monitoring committee) was not involved with the particulate matter. It was revealed tell us who did it? the coal power plant) in a subsequent stage would be development of Terms of Reference for EIA of the during the medical test performed at 14.You were part of the SLEMA team that did the relative and only incremental, and quite different from fourth plant. plant premises that most employees study of the external costs of coal plants – which ‘best solutions’ that should have been taken at the But we provided our recommendation based on the have lung-related issues and were mentioned that externality cost is Rs 10.23/kWh beginning/planning stage. All the technical, experience on the present three units. Particularly to referred for further treatments/ for coal and that there are lots of cancer patients environmental, social, and economic characteristics consider the proposed plant as an integral part of the medications,” the letter had stated. They and other sick people. On that basis should we are interconnected, integrated, and indivisible, thus existing three units (not as a separate and new one) also pointed out that arsenic is a known still persist with a new coal plant? cannot be comprehended in isolation. This is a so that all the environmental impact assessments carcinogen associated with many types Dr. Thusitha Sugathapala’s response: fundamental guiding principle of even in 2030 Agenda shall include those of four units together, to include of cancers such as those of the lungs, I presume that most of the questions listed have to for Sustainable Development and SDGs. a detailed performance appraisal of the existing bladder, and skin. be answered by responsible authorities, not by a As per my experience, the Environment Monitoring plants, the level of compliance with the regulations/ However, the locals who are also single member of a committee. Committee (which I was a member, but not anymore) EIA/EPL, reasons for none compliance (if any), and directly exposed to the fly ash and heavy However, I would like to contribute to your efforts in did the best for monitoring the CEB's actions on how the new plant would address that non- metals do not get dust masks or free the best possible way. Please note that the decisions environment management of the coal power plant. compliance and also enhance the performance of the healthcare provided to the engineers. are taken in the energy sector, including coal power, Their proficiency and conduct guided CEB to take existing ones. Exposure to selenium causes many dermatologic (skin) effects such as nail and hair loss and dermatitis (itchiness, red skin, and rash, which are often experienced by the employees of Norochcholai. The emanating smoke through the plants’ chimneys has a legal limit and undergoes frequent breakdowns. Criteria not met at Norochcholai

An independent energy expert, Dr. Vidhura Ralapanawe says that issuance of the 2019 EPL when the Plant has not met all requirements of 2018 Environmental Protection Licence (EPL) and original Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) conditions raises have mercury content between 0.17 – this is not a Chinese Government questions of the validity of the whole 0.43 ppm. Assuming we use 0.25 ppm project, plant will be built with regulatory exercise. coal would mean approximately 600 kg commercial debt. He points out that the plant was of mercury released into the Sri Lankan With this, CMEC is expected to issued an EPL in 2018 while the Flue environment per year. Mercury is a directly and indirectly control 50 per Gas Desalphuriser (FGD) or acid gas highly neurotoxic chemical. Mercury cent of total power generation of the filter of Unit 2 was not functional and removal requires an activated carbon country raising concerns of energy statutory limits for stack emissions for injection coupled with bag filters – these security. sulphur dioxides (SOx) were being can be retrofitted to the existing Plant EIA for new plant violated. The conditions worsened as Extract from the ITI stack emission report of April 2019 showing violations of legal with minimal interruption to operations seen by the Industrial Technology limits for emissions for Stack 1 (PM/SO2) and Stack 2 (SO2) if CEB/regulators really wanted to The CEB/CMEC are in the process of Institute (ITI) test report of April 2019 address the issues. doing an EIA for the new fourth plant where FGDs of both Plants 1 and 2 were on 11 May 2021, admitted that do 40+ studies/reports on different While such a monumental disaster is while not regulating the EIA/EPL not working while ESP of Plant 1 was automated continuous monitoring of the environmental aspects and it appears taking place in three existing Plants 1, 2, conditions on the existing plants. The malfunctioning. These issues were not Plants is what is needed (as stated in the that bulk of these studies have been and 3, the Government has begun the fourth plant’s EIA would be conducted fixed until July/August 2019. (See EIA/EPL but not properly implemented) done. No regulatory action for non- EIA for a fourth plant. Each of the by EML by a team led by Prof. Hemanthi Chart 1) instead of the current irregular compliance was also taken. In a number existing three coal power plants at Ranasinghe, University of Sri Dr. Ralapanawe said that the monitoring. of instances coal purchases violated the Norochcholai cost USD 450 million. Jayewardenepura. Monitoring Committee gave time until Dr. Ralapanawe noted that the PEA maximum ash content approved in the The first three plants were built by the The new 300 MW plant would be of December 2018 to fix the FGD (although has ‘regularised’ the unmet conditions of EIA (15 per cent) and the minimum Sri Lankan Government by obtaining a the same type and follow the same safety CEB only fixed the same in August the EIA through the EPL – these include moisture level of coal – leading to more concessionary loan from China which is devices even though built 15 years after 2019), and questioned under what law coal quality standards and massive use pollution in the community. currently being settled by the Treasury. the original plant was constructed in did the monitoring committee and the of groundwater. There are no mercury filtration devices Since there were no funds to build a 2011. Technology has vastly improved North Western Province -Provincial He highlighted other issues: in the Plant. The CEB buys coal from fourth plant, the Government had since then and many countries Environmental Authority (NWP-PEA) Permanent stations for ambient air South Africa which has the highest offered the project to CMEC without a including China and India do not allow gave such an exception. quality measurements were to be built mercury content according to the UN tender to own and operate the plant low efficient plants to be built. He noted that there is no record of any but CEB has yet to do this even after Environmental Programme. The (with a CEB minority stake) and sell However, Norochcholai Plant has seen regulatory action by the NWP-PEA or operating the plant for over a decade. mercury released by burning coal are power to the CEB under a power many improvements and monitoring of CEA for repeated violations of EPL There is no track record of how many partly released to the air and is spread purchase agreement for 30 years; CMEC the coal control have improved. Also, its provisions and violating legal standards. days/hours the surrounding across the country and into the ocean, working with CEB stationed inside CEB overall maintenance has seen One expert attached to the ITI, community had air quality levels which enters the food chain through premises. CEB will have to attend to the improvement but the pollution control shocked after seeing pollution violated – a basic requirement for a coal seafood. ESKOM, the South African pollution management when the CMEC needs to be key in the whole exercise. photographs taken by the community power plant. 2018 EPL required CEB to electricity company notes that their coal would simply supply the power. Since News Sunday 23 MAY 2021 A5

Considering vulnerability ACI Recommends COVID-19 Jab for Pregnant Women

By Dilanthi Jayamanne the coronavirus and receiving how the vaccine should be given, mainly from areas where it was for two to three days after receiving treatment. Unlike before, they are at which of the coronavirus vaccines initially started, namely the high-risk the vaccine. Considering their vulnerability high risk of contracting the virus. could be administered to pregnant areas of the Western Province. Fielding questions, she said particularly during the coronavirus COVID-19 vaccines will be made mothers without fear or reservation, Dr. de Silva said breastfeeding although the coronavirus was not variant and the five deaths which available to pregnant mothers and as to whether all pregnant mothers too should not have any transmitted from mother to child, have already been recorded, the depending on Sri Lanka’s ability to mothers were to be given the vaccine reservations regarding getting the there had been only one instance in Advisory Committee on obtain vaccines in the near future. or a certain group were to be COVID-19 vaccine. Like anyone else, which the health services had a Immunisation (ACI) of the Health Dr. de Silva said the FHB and the administered it. “However, do not be they too can have themselves doubt as to whether it had been the Ministry recommended the COVID- ACI had taken into consideration in a hurry to get the vaccine, but vaccinated. Like all other women, if mother or those who visited the 19 vaccine for pregnant mothers, recommendations made by the World wait till we are able to formulate the the coronavirus vaccine is being infant after birth that had Director of the Family Health Health Organization (WHO) and method by which it is to be given,” administered in the area which they transmitted the virus to the child. Bureau, Dr. Chitramalee de Silva those made by several other she appealed, adding that she had belong to, they too can get the jab. Otherwise, transmission of the said. countries before arriving at this received reports that there were Also, they could continue to infection is very rare. Speaking to the Media at the decision. A committee had been inquiries from pregnant women as to breastfeed the infant after receiving Dr. de Silva said all hospitals, Health Promotion Bureau (HPB), on appointed to make the necessary whether they should take the the vaccine without hesitation. unlike before, are being equipped to Wednesday (19), Dr. de Silva said arrangements for the vaccination as vaccine, as it was being administered She said there were ideas to the cater to pregnant mothers with currently there were approximately a result. in their area. contrary, resulting in mothers COVID-19, owing to the prevailing 170 pregnant mothers infected with It has been tasked with deciding on Vaccination would commence refraining from feeding their children situation.

Selling fertiliser at inflated prices SC ruling on CPCEC victory for masses – Harsha By Nabiya Vaffoor 38 reps arrested and will be Harsha de Silva said. into account. “We wanted the Bill to include “The Court has told the Government prosecuted – Mahindananda The Supreme Court ruling, on the parliamentary oversight, especially that if amendments are not made, they Colombo Port City Economic regarding tax exemptions and tax will need a two-thirds majority, or a By Nirmani Guneratne been arrested and legal action will Commission (CPCEC) Bill, is a victory holidays. The Supreme Court has two-thirds majority and a referendum, be instituted against them. for the masses in ensuring proper ordered that such actions should be to get the current Bill approved,” Dr. Minister of Agriculture He said complaints regarding checks and balances, the Opposition subject to Parliamentary approval. de Silva added. He further said it was said inflated prices should be forwarded claimed yesterday. Now, elected Parliamentarians will unfortunate that the Supreme Court the 38 representatives who had promptly to the Police and the CAA “We as the Samagi Jana Balawegaya have the right to look into these had not given an opinion regarding sold fertiliser at inflated prices have for swift action. (SJB) see this as a victory for the matters and question relevant officials their request to make the Port City public. The Supreme Court has regarding them,” Dr de Silva added. project a State Corporation. restored parliamentary oversight He expressed his delight that the He expressed these views on 18 May regarding the proposed Port City Supreme Court had taken the many during a press briefing at the Commission,” Parliamentarian Dr. concerns they had, regarding the Bill, Opposition Leader’s Office. Due to Islandwide travel restrictions All economic centres closed from 21-25 May By Faadhila Thassim on 28 May to curb the spread of COVID-19. All economic centres including State Minister of Agriculture, the Manning Market will be closed stated that from 11 p.m. 21 May to 4 a.m. 25 lorries will be permitted to transport May. produce to and from economic The Ministry of Agriculture stated centres on 24 and 28 May, adding that economic centres will be in that farmers have been instructed operation from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. on on the required amount of goods. May following which they will be He added that a schedule for opening closed again from 11 p.m. to be and closing of economic centres was reopened at 4 a.m. on 28 May. formulated in order to ensure that both Economic centres will be closed in farmers and consumers are not view of Islandwide travel inconvenienced and that the system restrictions imposed from 11 p.m. followed for distributing and on 21 May to 4 a.m. on 25 May and transporting essentials to households from 11 p.m. on 25 May to 4 a.m. will remain unchanged. Police probe Welikada protest By Thameenah Quoting the ‘B’ take action against Razeek Report, DIG Rohana those who participated said it has mentioned and led the protest for Police have that the OIC is violating quarantine launched an analysing the video regulations and the investigation into a footages and other penal code,” he protest staged to circumstantial concluded saying that oppose the Port evidence. “He has investigations are City Bill in the mentioned that he will underway. Welikada area recently, for violating quarantine regulations. Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana confrimed a protest was staged against the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill. The OIC of the Welikada Police has reported the relevant findings to the Court through a ‘B’ Report. However, the ‘B’ Report said approximately 150 participants were there at the protest and they had violated quarantine rules and regulations. “In addition to that, the persons gathered at the premises had violated the section of quarantine and prevention of diseases ordinance,” he said. A6 Sunday 23 MAY 2021 Focus Contract Cheating Reducing burden on students or academic misconduct?

By Treshan Fernando and Thameenah Razeek

As education facilities move online due to COVID-19, universities have had to deal with several issues, including setting up online classes and conducting examinations remotely. This rapid shift in classroom environments has forced universities to deal with a new kind of problem that experts call “contract cheating.” The issue of contract cheating refers to when a student, usually at a place of higher education such as a university, pays another student to complete various sections of their coursework. For students who are Prof. Bannehaka Prof. Samptha Amaratunga required to complete assignments or and energy are precious, these essays, this method can become operations claim to help students who extremely useful. face looming deadlines. The websites On one hand, some argue that this also carefully frame their activities as method can greatly reduce the heavy helping the students to reach their burden that is placed on students academic potential, rather than simply pursuing higher studies. However, writing assignments on their behalf. others assert that this method is On one hand, a student at a State academically deceitful and could lead university told Ceylon Today about to dangerously unqualified individuals Within the students who had made Instagram entering the workplace. Education pages of pages advertising their services, promising to write thoughtful How does contract several newspapers assignments and other projects in cheating work? in Sri Lanka, there return for a fee. The student was at first unaware of Crucially, this method is highly are many the illegal nature of her activity. She illegal. Contract cheating is considered advertisements that simply thought it was a decent way to a form of academic dishonesty and is a claim to help earn an income whilst studying. It is punishable examination offence. clear that, at least for some students, Despite this, many organisations that students get through they are unaware of the severity of conduct these kinds of activities their exams. One contract cheating. The student later operate fairly openly. stopped offering these services. Within the Education pages of advertisement Meanwhile, Tina, who did not want several newspapers in Sri Lanka, there promises “high her real name to be used, said her are many advertisements that claim to parents’ constant pressure to get good help students get through their exams. quality” grades was one of the main reasons One advertisement promises “high dissertations, thesis she used to buy assignments or go for quality” dissertations, thesis research research reports, contract cheating. reports, presentations and “Parents typically expect their assignments for both Bachelor’s and presentations and children to get good grades. However, Master’s Degrees. assignments for when you consider that a youngster As there are numerous can be self-conscious about his or her advertisements published, students both Bachelor’s and homework or other writing abilities, instances of contract cheating had studying Law, IT, Data Science, Master’s Degrees the problem becomes even more been identified recently, the source Management, Business and many serious. As one might expect, no child told Ceylon Today that in their more may potentially obtain these likes to disappoint his or her parents, respective department no cases had services. Several of these therefore he or she will go to any Acknowledging the been reported. advertisements also claim that they length to ‘guarantee’ a good grade at educational system’s Dealing with contract will deliver these assignments without the end of the school year, even if it current structure, plagiarism. earn some extra pocket money. He was means paying someone else to do the cheating When contacting one organisation then informed of an operation where work entirely,” she said without pupils are increasingly that had advertised, it was revealed he could submit assignments and he hesitation. being assigned a huge Prof. Bannehaka, President of the that the payment is determined by would be paid well for his services. The other point she was Federation of University Teachers’ number of word count. Longer articles will cost Why is contract cheating concentrating on was the timeline and Association (FUTA), who was unaware more and one word costs one rupee. the due dates given by her university. assignments in nearly of the situation, stated that it is The student is required to submit so popular? Tina went to a State university to read normal for a student to ask a friend to the course materials and the her degree in Business and every unit. That, she help him or her with an assignment. requirements of the assignment to the A website for one operation stated Management and finished her studies claims, is the second He said students, whether at site and the organisation will write that their vision was to reduce the last year. She is one of the students most important university or in school, seek help from whatever needs to be written. The exam anxiety faced by many students. who had to face many postponed a variety of sources, including tutors organisation promised that all their It also stated that their primary exams due to the pandemic. The reason to purchase and friends. writers were qualified, revealing that objective was to assist students in frustration she had to face was assignments. She However, he condemned doing this these assignments were being written their activities and help them continue enormous. on a large-scale in society, which by students. their studies. Acknowledging the educational pointed out that if a clearly crossed the line and can be A student at a popular private The argument being presented was system’s current structure, pupils are student is required to branded as contract cheating. university told Ceylon Today that his that this is a service that many increasingly being assigned a huge He also stated that university lecturer had asked him if he wanted to students need. In a world where time number of assignments in nearly every provide four write-ups lecturers are unaware that such unit. That, she claims, is the second per week, while also marketing is currently taking place. most important reason to purchase attending classes for “There were no discussions about it assignments. She pointed out that if a among the lecturers. Despite the fact student is required to provide four at least 50 hours per that this is a major issue, it is revolting write-ups per week, while also week, the student will as responsible lecturers we are attending classes for at least 50 hours unaware of it. We should keep talking per week, the student will lose interest lose interest in about it all the time,” he said. in submitting a useful article. submitting a useful While noting that this is the first She went on to imply that some of time, he has heard of such a large her peers are slackers. “They start article scam occurring, Prof. Bannehaka searching for someone to complete stated that they check plagiarism their project as soon as it is given to where content is copied as is with no them. People prefer to pay for a better changes. However, there is no software understanding of the course content Despite this, Prof. Amaratunga or mechanism in place to detect such in this case, which will help them not stated that the UGC compiles the assignments done by others. only pass the term tests, but also regulations and according to the When asked if contract cheating, in inculcate the required knowledge that regulations, these activities are strictly which students pay organisations to will be useful in the future,” she prohibited. He argued that students complete work on their behalf, poses a explained. caught cheating in this manner should serious threat to academic standards, When asked if the university be dealt with severely. he stated that it does. However, he administration has caught her or her Internal sources from local explained that in fields such as colleagues, she said she was at the universities told Ceylon Today how medicine, it is not possible to engage university for at least four years and universities check to ensure that their in contract cheating due to the nature did so six times, while her friends had students are not cheating in their of the coursework. In the Arts and done it more times, but no one had examinations. A first step is to Commerce fields however, contract been caught or suspended at determine any degree of plagiarism in cheating is a problem, Prof. university. the report or assignment. Bannehaka conceded. A globally renowned software called Noting that this was on the rise What is the response from Turnitin is used to ascertain if the recently after the entire country was university officials? student has copied any other work. hit by a pandemic and academic However, most operations that run activities in universities were abruptly Chairman of the University Grants contract cheating schemes promise transformed into virtual platforms, he Commission (UGC), Professor that their products will not be suggested that the UGC, in Sampath Amaratunga, told Ceylon plagiarised. collaboration with universities across Today that no cases of contract In such an event, lecturers will the country, convene an all-university cheating have been reported to the usually be able to determine if the forum to educate lecturers about this. UGC. However, he reasoned that these work submitted by a student has not He stated that there should be a offences are internal academic been written by them. During such a reliable method to ensure that staff violations. As a result, they are meant situation, the student’s previous work are kept up to date on academic to be handled by the universities and may be cross-referenced and the regulations regarding assessment, as it is the responsibility of the university student may also be interviewed by well as their responsibility to uphold to maintain their examination university officials. academic standards and integrity. standards. In terms of determining a “Ensure that employees understand He said usually, special examination punishment, the severity of the the concept of contract cheating or boards are tasked with identifying and penalty will depend on the scale of the paying someone to do their reprimanding students that engage in plagiarism or cheating. An inquiry assignment, as well as the procedures contract cheating. In the past, board is usually tasked with to be followed if it is suspected. As a students would cheat by peering at conducting investigations and result, this can be thought of as an exam papers of their fellow students, determining a reasonable punishment authentic assessment, with a mix of Prof. Amaratunga said, but now, in the for the offence. assessment methods used where digital age, things have changed. However, when asked if any possible,” he said. focus sunday 23 may 2021 A7

Upsurge in COVID-19 cases after festive season Proper Planning of Vaccine Rollout Vital By Methmalie Dissanayake complained that they had to wait in line distancing. Many went to nearby shops warned that those who remain in long adopt a similar kind of software to for several hours without maintaining to buy food. Groups were formed and queues for many hours like this are initiate the vaccination drive in With the sudden spike in COVID-19 social distancing. People had to wait in they were seen sharing food and water putting themselves in harm’s way and Embilipitiya. patients and deaths in the country after line despite heavy rain last week. with each other. I felt this is very this may act as a superspreading event. Therefore, it is very clear that if the the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festive “I’m a resident of Nugegoda. We heard dangerous because this behaviour Therefore, it is an absolute necessity higher authorities actually have a season, vaccination became everyone’s that the people in our Grama Niladhari could have created another COVID-19 at this time to create an effective system vision, people don’t need to waste hope to survive through the pandemic. Division will be given vaccines at a cluster, he pointed out. to carry out the vaccination drive. their time in long queues. While many who received the first dose temple in Nawala. My elder brother and Another person who received the The most effective method is adopting In Saudi Arabia, the Government of the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covishield I went there at 6:00 a.m. and joined the vaccine from a different vaccination digital solutions like many other uses an application called ‘Sahety’ to vaccine were desperately waiting for queue. It was about 600 metres long by centre said she experienced the same. countries. As Sri Lanka has IT carry out the vaccination drive. It their second dose before the 10-12 then. Some had arrived there at about Some people fainted after standing in geniuses, it would not be a difficult task allows all citizens and residents in the week interval elapsed, the rollout of 4:30 a.m.,” a person who wished to line for several hours. if the higher-ups have real dedication Kingdom to register to receive the China’s Sinopharm and Russia’s remain anonymous, stated. “I went to the vaccination centre at and a vision. vaccine. Sputnik V jabs commenced, giving “We thought vaccination would be about 9:00 a.m. and had to wait until According to a Sri Lankan residing people renewed hope. started at least around 8:00 a.m. But it 1:30 p.m. to get the vaccine,” she said. How can digital in Saudi Arabia, this system is highly Unlike the last time, when people took another hour to start the In another vaccine centre in technology be used to effective. were hesitant to take the vaccine as a programme.” Moratuwa, a tense situation erupted “We have to download the mobile result of several doubts, this time a According to him, the rain started at when the people started to complain make the application and register our details. majority of people were seen eagerly around 6:45 a.m. and lasted for a few that vaccines were given only to those vaccine drive effective? After an evaluation, we get a searching for any vaccine they can hours. The people opened up their who had a card from a bigwig in the notification whether we are eligible to receive. But chaos, fights, long queues, umbrellas and stuck it out. area. In Embilipitiya, the health officials receive the vaccine. If we are eligible, a queue jumpers, alleged VIP lists and “I received the vaccine at around Similar incidents were reported in have adopted a smart solution to make queue number, date and time and heated arguments were reported from 11:05 a.m. and the rain hadn’t stopped Gothatuwa and Kaduwela as well. PCR testing in the MOH area efficient, name of vaccination centre are given. many vaccination centres, mainly due even then. Those who could not stand Not only that, allegations were also by using the management information We have to go there at the allocated to the lack of vaccines and proper for long were seen sitting near the area. levelled that some received vaccines system of the Embilipitiya Divisional time and receive the vaccine,” he said. planning. Some had even brought chairs.” because of their connections with Secretariat. Many countries are effectively using Using this data, a software was devel- Agitations He said at around 8:45 a.m., an people in high places. digital technology to roll out the official informed them that only 1,600 However, the programme of the oped. This software records the data of vaccines. A fight erupted at a vaccination persons can get the vaccine on that Colombo Municipal Council, where those who are selected to undergo PCR With the resources and the brains centre set up at Raddoluwa in the day. appointments for residents of Colombo tests. After that, they receive an SMS we have, it will not be difficult to do Gampaha District, when over 5,000 “We feared that we would have to go city limits could be obtained via with the date, time, and venue of the the same. Our healthcare staff, people who turned up at the location back without the vaccine. I think there e-channelling is a successful attempt to test. doctors, nurses, and PHIs are following announcements of the should be a mechanism to issue reduce overcrowding, according to When the PCR test results are dedicated to curb the pandemic. If authorities, found out that there were numbers for those who arrived. If that those who received vaccines through released, that information will also be they are provided with the necessary not enough doses for everybody. Many was done, people would not waste their that system. updated in the software and a SMS solutions, they can carry out their of these people had arrived at the time in the queue for several hours.” In that system, those who are eligible would be sent to the people informing duties with ease. location early in the morning and However, he said when they passed to receive the vaccine could book an them of the results. Information about residents of each queued for hours, under the scorching the gates of the temple and entered the appointment at a convenient time slot. Following this, information about Grama Niladhari Division and sun. So, it is natural for the people to vaccination centre finally, things were “I received a number for a time slot those who tested positive in each electoral registers at the Election react in this manner when they found seamless. and I went to the vaccination centre division will be added to documents Commission could be effectively used out thousands of them had to go home “The health staff there were very according to that. It was very effective and PHIs can obtain these documents for those who don’t have access to unvaccinated. efficient. They were very quick and did and I did not have to wait in a long easily. It will ease the burden of already smartphones and Internet, to inform Another tense situation erupted at a their best.” queue. Everything was done efficiently, burnt-out health officials who work them when and how they will receive vaccination centre in Moratuwa last It should be noted that after waiting so my time wasn’t wasted,” a receiver tirelessly day and night. The the vaccine. week for similar reasons. in the queue for hours, the people had said. information can be accessed online too. We only need higher-ups to have a Furthermore, many people forgotten about maintaining social Meanwhile, health officials also It is reported that, they are ready to vision to make this a reality! A8 sunday 23 MaY 2021 sunday 23 MaY 2021 A9 A10 sunday 23 may 2021 Editorial Editorial sunday 23 may 2021 A11 Colombo Port City Economic Commission Govt Accused of Bill: Priority For Whom? Ceylon Newspapers (Pvt) Ltd. By No: 101, Rosmead Place, Colombo 07. Editorial Tel: 0117566522, 0117566526, 0117566527 As I write this article, the Supreme Court Fax: 0117566545 determination on the Colombo Port City Marketing Manager: 0117566550, 0117566551 Economic Commission Bill has been made Circulation Manager: 0117566580, 0117566581 public. The SC has found 25 of the 74 E-mail : [email protected] clauses (almost 1/3rd of the Bill) to be Rushing Port City Bill inconsistent with the Constitution with 9 clauses requiring a referendum as well as special majority in Parliament, unless Gaza Conflict The 12th National War in attendance and paid the People at a Referendum by 15 billion in investments over privileges granted to the Port amended. The Government has declared Heroes Celebration was held on tribute to the soldiers who virtue of the provisions of the next five years. It is City were in violation of Article that it will make the proposed amendments now is survival. The timing of this Bill is Wednesday (19) evening at the were killed in the war. Article 83. imperative to reduce the unfair 12(1) of the Constitution, which at the Committee stage of the debate obviously not accidental – the Government Parliament grounds under the Minister of Public Security The provisions of Clause 52 hurdles, wastage of time, states that all persons should scheduled for 19 and 20 May. Opposition wants to get this through with minimum in Perspective patronage of President , (3) read with clauses 52 (5) and unforeseen expenses, be treated equally under the groups while cautiously welcoming the SC consultation and review. So in effect, this Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister of Irrigation and 71 (2) (p) of the Bill are bureaucratic delays, sudden law. Among others, Article 3 determination have asked for the debate to Government is stating loudly and clearly The recent escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. State Minister of National inconsistent with Article 148 of policy changes, which plague and Article 4 of the be postponed arguing that the public needs their complete lack of respect for and the West Bank has shifted much of the world’s During the ceremony, the Security & Disaster the Constitution and could be many investors preventing them Constitution, which focus on more time to consider this Bill and also that constitutionally provided space to exercise attention to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Once fallen Soldiers from the Army, Management and State validly passed only with the from investing in the country. the sovereignty of the country given the current COVID situation, the Port people’s sovereignty as well as their utter again, the decades-old unrest was rekindled by Navy, Air Force, Police and Minister of Home Affairs Special Majority provided for in Therefore, the Government has have also been found to be City Bill (as it is commonly known) should contempt for broader democratic principles territorial disputes that spiralled into massive Civil Defence Force, especially and State Article 84 (2) of the Constitution proposed to provide all the violated by the CPCEC Bill, not be a priority. As things now stand, by and values. demonstrations by Palestinians in the West Bank those who died in Sri Lanka’s Minister of Vehicle and approved by the People at a services and facilities required Dissanayake went on to say. The the time this article goes to print, the most Why we need to seriously protest at this and relentless rocket attacks by the likes of Hamas war against terrorism, were Regulation, Bus Transport Referendum by virtue of the for foreign investors entering Supreme Court has stated that likely scenario is that the amended Bill deliberate limiting of public engagement, and the Islamic Jihad. honoured for their courage and Services and Train provisions of Article 83. the city through a single if the sovereignty of the country would have been passed. Only a complete review and discussion of this Bill is when we Exhilarating news footage showed the rocket service to the nation. Compartments and Motor The provisions of Clauses 30 window and to create a is to be impeded, then a turnaround from the Government from its consider its content. While there are many barrage being neutralised over Israeli cities thanks The next-of-kin of soldiers Car Industry and the State victory, he said a decision has Moreover, the war heroes (1), 33 (1), 40 (2), and 71 (2) (l) conducive environment for their referendum should be current position, heeding the many requests problematic areas, I would like to focus on to their sophisticated ‘Iron Dome’ missile system from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Minister of Community Police been taken to waive off interest have now become health sector of the Bill are inconsistent with investment to flow into the conducted. to delay the vote on the Bill, will stop this the development model being promoted which mitigated large numbers of civilian Police and Civil Defence Force, Services on the property loans obtained heroes and they fight to save Article 14 (1) (h) of the country,” the PM noted. The JVP also added that Bill being passed as things stand now. through this Bill. The Port City is being who were lost due to Sri also laid floral wreaths in by soldiers injured in the people from the COVID-19 Constitution and could be whilst the Supreme Court has There are some extremely important touted by the Government as the answer to casualties. The Jewish State’s preparedness being UNP welcomes Lanka’s war against terrorism, remembrance of the fallen. humanitarian operation. pandemic, he said. validly passed only with the decided that the Bill is in issues that we as citizens of this country all of Sri Lanka’s economic woes and that surrounded by constant threats is praiseworthy no also paid their respects during Unprecedented The Premier said, “Today is a SC Determination Special Majority provided for in SC ruling violation of the Constitution, it need to make note of with regard to this Bill: somehow any delay in proceeding with it matter which side you take in the conflict. the ceremony. special day. Twelve years have Article 84 (2) of the does not consider the political most significantly, this Government has would irreparably damage Sri Lanka’s In terms of defence, Israel has done more to President Gotabaya commemoration passed since we wiped out 30 Multiple Articles of the Constitution. The and economic impacts of the drafted a Bill that according to the SC economy. The establishment of special protect its own people than the Palestinian Rajapaksa, Prime Minister years of terrorism from this Colombo Port City Economic The provisions of clauses 53 welcomed the determination by Bill. He said this could align Sri determination, contains 25 clauses that are economic zones is not new either in Sri Authority, with the latter seemingly getting more Mahinda Rajapaksa, Former Meanwhile, in an country. 12 years ago Sri Commission Bill are (2) (b) read with clause 53 (3) (b) the Supreme Court on the Lanka with one country and in violation of the Constitution. The Lanka or in the world. The Board of sympathy and coverage by liberal news outlets; President , unprecedented event, a group Lankan forces released more inconsistent with the of the Bill are inconsistent with Colombo Port City Economic place Sri Lanka in the centre of constitutional clauses, the Bill violates are Investment was established in Sri Lanka for rubbishing the Anti-Semitic adage that the ‘Jews Opposition Leader Sajith of Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi than 400,000 hostages who Constitution, and it can only Article 76 of the Constitution Commission Bill. a global power struggle. The Port as follows: that very purpose and the free trade zones control the Media’. Premadasa, Speaker of (ITAK) MPs on Tuesday (18) were used by the terrorists as be passed with a Special read with Articles 3 and 4 of the UNP Chairman and former City is being built for China’s 1. Article 12 (1): All persons are equal for example that are already functioning in The Israel-Palestinian conflict is one of the most Parliament Mahinda Yapa took 'an arbitrary' measure to human shields. We ended the Majority and a Referendum, Constitution and could be Minister, , political needs, not for Sri before the law and are entitled to the the country, allow precisely that. There is complicated political issues in the world today, with Abeywardena, Secretary to the hold a commemorative event era when our people in the the Speaker informed validly passed only with the stated that the UNP was the Lanka’s economic needs, he equal protection of the law. also the Strategic Development Project Act, multilateral aspects to it. Spanning a history that Ministry of Defence General for those killed in Mulliwaikkal North and East were displaced Parliament on Tuesday (18). Special Majority provided for in only political party to challenge further added. Dissanayake 2. Article 14(1)g: Every citizen is entitled to which was brought in to further provide for stretches back 3,000 years, the Jewish people once Kamal Gunaratne and the during the final phase of war in as refugees. Not only that, war The Speaker received the Article 84 (2) of the Constitution the legislation in the Supreme urged the Government to give the freedom to engage by himself or in incentives and other measures to attract inhabited the land that was once called Judea and Acting Chairperson for the the Parliament complex. victory is a great victory for Supreme Court determination and approved by the People at a Court. “The UNP believed that time for the public to have a association with others in any lawful investments. The significant difference were driven out by the Romans in the year 70 Ranaviru Seva Authority Sonia The event took place in the Parliament, as during the war on the Bill last week and he Referendum by virtue of the this bill had weakened the discussion on this Bill, without occupation, profession, trade, business between these Acts and the proposed Bill is following a revolt against the empire. The scattered Kottegoda laid floral wreaths at backdrop of the Government time, MPs had to attend said he would inform the provisions of Article 83. sovereignty of Parliament, the trying to sail it through or enterprise. the role of Parliament. While both those Acts Jews settled in many parts of Europe, North Africa the war monument to pay their imposing isolation orders in Parliament amidst the fear of contents of the determination However, the said Commission would have not Parliament. 3. Article 76, read with Articles 3 and 4: must submit to the oversight of Parliament, and the Middle East and these communities came respects to the fallen war the areas of Pudukuduirippu, bombs and assassination to the House on Tuesday (18). inconsistencies will cease if the been answerable to either Religious leaders Parliament shall have power to make the proposed Bill outlined an extremely to be known as the Jewish Diaspora. The Jews in heroes. Mulaitivu and (Mulliya) walai attempts. A large number of The Bill was challenged in clauses are amended as Parliament or the Cabinet of laws, including laws having retrospective powerful authority that would function with exile, although being a minority, played a key role Acting Chairperson for the Police areas since Monday (17) public representatives from the Supreme Court in terms of mentioned in the determination Ministers. The amendments concerned effect and repealing or amending any minimum parliamentary oversight. This was night. Article 121 (1) of the proposed by the Supreme Court in shaping world history; their resilience and Ranaviru Seva Authority Sonia Duraiappah to Amirthalingam of the Supreme Court. provision of the Constitution or adding an aspect of the Bill, to which the SC took Kottegoda, who spoke at the MP Shanakiyan to Thambimuttu lost their Constitution. The provisions of clauses 60 have addressed these concerns, Claiming the Government's any provision to the Constitution. Article strong exception. tenacity in the face of oppression moulded them to event, highlighted the noble Rasamanickam had posted the lives. R. Premadasa who Accordingly, the provisions of (c) and clause 60 (f) of the Bill is and the Commission is once attempts to pass the Colombo 3: In the Republic of Sri Lanka When presenting the Bill to Parliament on become successes wherever they went but the efforts of the Soldiers of the pictures of the commemorative represented this House, clauses 3(6), 30 (3) second inconsistent with Article 148 of again answerable to Port City Bill in a speedy sovereignty is in the People and is 19 May, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa harassment continued nonetheless. military and some who paid the event on his social media , proviso, 55(2) and 58 (1) of the the Constitution and could be Parliament.” manner is raising some inalienable. Sovereignty includes the stated that high quality health, educational The State of Israel was the result of the Jewish ultimate sacrifice for the accounts. Gamini Dissanayake, Lalith Bill are inconsistent with validly passed only with the He further added that it was suspicions, Ven. Elle powers of government, fundamental and financial services were required in Sri exodus from all over the world, fleeing centuries of protection of the people and According to the pictures, Athulathmudali, Jeyaraj Article 12 (1) of the Special Majority provided for in the UNP’s legal team that Gunawansa Thera and rights and the franchise. Article 4 of the Lanka to attract investors. He and others persecution and pogroms as well as the the country’s sovereignty. apart from Rasamanikkam, Fernandopulle, D.M. Constitution and could be Article 84 (2). ensured that the policy of “One Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Constitution lays out how the also pointed out to the delays, culture of institutionalised Anti-Semitism in their host She noted the endeavours of MPs M.A. Sumanthitan, Dasanayaka, C.V. Gunaratne validly passed only with the The provisions of clause 37 of Country, One Law” was Cardinal Ranjith called on the Sovereignty of the People shall be corruption and inefficiency in the countries (with the exception of India where Jews President Gotabaya Rajapaksa , were among those assassinated Special Majority provided for in the Bill is inconsistent with applicable to Sri Lanka. Government to postpone it. exercised and enjoyed and describes the bureaucracy which impeded development. were never persecuted). The call for a separate State and Prime Minister Rajapaksa Dharmalingam Siddharthan, by terrorists.” Article 84 (2) of the Article 12 (1) and 14 (1) (g) of “According to the Bill, Sri They pointed out that there is role of Parliament in exercising people’s Now, there is no doubt that ALL of us would for the Jewish people by the international along with the military officials Govindan Kanakarathnam, Speaking further, Rajapaksa Constitution. the Constitution and could be Lankans would have been no need for the Bill to be passed sovereignty. benefit from high quality health, educational community grew following the events of the and soldiers who fought in Sri Thavarasa Kalairasan, said that no one, who went to “The provisions of clauses 3 validly passed only with the treated as second class citizens in such a manner, especially in 4. Article 148: Parliament shall have full and financial services, and an efficient, Holocaust. Lanka’s war against terrorism Sivagnam Shritharan and war in those days, went there (5) proviso, 3 (7), 6 (1) (b), 30 Special Majority provided for in when visiting the Port City. We the face of the situation faced by control over public finance. No tax, rate corruption free bureaucracy. Yet, this Accordingly, the State of Israel was established on and defeated the LTTE. to commit genocide. (3) first proviso, 71 (1), and 74 Article 84 (2). would have required permission the people with the spread of or any other levy shall be imposed by any Government is not talking about providing 14 May 1948; getting their start in the same year Kottegoda recognised the participated in the “Former Defense Secretary (Interpretation ‘Regulatory However, the said when entering the region. We COVID-19 pandemic. local authority or any other public these services for the people of this country: that Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) received its families of those soldiers who commemorative event. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Former Authority”) of the Bill are inconsistency will cease if a new would have been subject to laws Ven. Thera said that there is authority except by or under the rather, the urgency is to ensure that these Independence from the British. The Jewish lost their lives and the pain The MPs had worn black and Army Commander Sarath inconsistent with Article 12 (1) sub-clause is added to clause which were enacted by a some suspicion that such an authority of a law passed by Parliament are in place for foreign investors. The irony homeland today is the result of years of tumultuous they suffered as a result. She they lit candles around a piece Fonseka, Former Navy of the Constitution and could 37 of the Bill restraining such Commission which comprised attempt is being made to pass or of any existing law. of this would have been less cruel, had it not political agreements and conflicts with its asked each household to light of red and yellow cloth. Commander Wasantha be validly passed only with the authorised person making use unelected officials. We have the Bill in a situation where What does this mean? This Government been said at a time when the citizens of this neighbours. a candle or grow a plant in Pledging that the country will Karannagoda, and Former Air Special Majority provided for in of any exemptions or incentives ensured that this will not even two people cannot speak has thought it fit to draft legislation that country are experiencing the deficiencies of Since its inception, Israel was not welcomed by its remembrance and honour of always come first, Prime Force Commander Roshan Article 84 (2) of the granted under this Bill when happen. Any laws that will be in together in the current violates two of the most important principles our health care system (thanks to years of situation. surrounding nations and the Palestinians. One of Sri Lanka’s fallen war heroes. Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Goonetileke never commanded Constitution. conducting business outside effect in the Port City will have enshrined in our Constitution: equality of all neglect by successive Governments) and In addition, Army on the same day, said in their forces to commit genocide The provisions of clauses 3 the area of authority of the to be approved by Parliament.” He also said that a Bill that before the law and exercising and enjoying when the lack of political leadership the major reasons for this was the failure of the Commander Shavendra Silva, Parliament that the victory but to save the lives of the (4), 6 (1) (u), 68 (1) (f) and 68)3) Colombo Port City to the directly affects the country and our sovereignty as citizens. Let us not forget necessary for tackling a dangerous health United Nations, as well as the Western nations, that JVP questions the rush Navy Commander Nishantha secured by sacrificing innocent people in the North are inconsistent with Article 76 detriment of similar businesses the people should not be passed that the current President and Government crisis is being daily exposed. took the lead in adopting a resolution on 29 Ulugetenne, Air Force thousands of lives would not be who were used as human read with Articles 3 and 4 of conducted outside such area of The Government’s attempts to suddenly and action should be came into power on campaigns built around Special economic zones, in the form of free November 1947, recommending the adoption of the Commander Sudarshana betrayed under any shields by terrorists. To protect the Constitution and could be authority by within the territory pass a Bill in Parliament, which taken to obtain the views of the the importance of ‘one country, one law’ and trade zones, or financial cities are built on a Partition Plan for Palestine, whereby the Pathirana, Admiral of the Fleet circumstance. the war heroes we withdrew validly passed only with the of Sri Lanka. they knew was people. protecting the sovereignty of the people. premise that is fundamental to globalised establishment of the State of Israel was declared. Wasantha Karannagoda and Making a special statement from the traitorous UNHRC Special Majority provided for in The Supreme Court had unconstitutional, has been "As the people, we are not While it was quite obvious that the ‘one financialised capitalism: deregulation. Such However, as the British Mandate of Palestine, that Marshall of the Air Force in Parliament, to mark the Co-sponsored resolution tabled Article 84 (2) of the determined that the rest of the thwarted by the Supreme aware of the amendments country, one law’ slogan was a convenient a model relies on market forces to provide was established in 1920, following the end of World Roshan Goonetileke were also 12th anniversary of the war against them,” he noted. Constitution and approved by clauses of the Bill are not Court, claimed JVP Leader suggested by the Supreme Court cover for spewing racism, nevertheless, necessary corrective measures and then War I, came to an end in 1948, no nation took the inconsistent with the Anura Kumara Dissanayake. to this Bill. We need to create a there were considerable expectations and assumes that the economic growth that will initiative to establish the State of Palestine, Constitution. “We suspect that there is an dialogue among the people, get enthusiasm built around these promises. follow will ‘trickle down’ to different layers of rendering a people that lived in that region for It is said these inconsistencies agreement between China and ideas and then pass it,” he said. However, it is not only the content of the society. This model has now been subject to centuries becoming stateless. will cease if the clauses are the higher-ups of the Sri He further mentioned that the Bill, but also the manner in which this Bill severe criticism. It is also established now This oversight later contributed much to the amended as mentioned in the Lankan Government, which is Government should take steps was placed before the people, that exposes that this economic model exacerbates unrest and instability in that region. Over the next determination of the Supreme why the Government is so eager to explain the benefits to the the true intent of this regime. inequality between and within countries. few years, a number of resolutions were adopted by Court. to pass this Bill quickly,” people through this Bill. The people of this country were effectively Once again, the COVID crisis we are the UN and a vast number of nations formally The Colombo Port City Dissanayake went on to say. Speaking further, Ven. Thera given only one day to challenge this Bill in currently experiencing has exposed that accepted the Palestinian State. Yet, the veto power Economic Commission (CPCEC) Dissanayake said the pointed out that the court because the Government deliberately inequality in the harshest of ways – in terms wielding United States of America is yet to formally Bill will be amended, allowing Government has clearly Government was given the tabled it in Parliament just before the of vaccine inequality, access to care, and recognise the sovereignty of the Palestinian people. for 75 per cent of the jobs presented the Colombo Port power to rule the country for Sinhala and Tamil New Year holidays. The ability to cope with the restrictions imposed The State of Palestine is recognised by 138 of the created by the Port City to be City Economic Commission only five years and the 20th Amendment to the Constitution by the pandemic etc. Yet, ignoring all these (CPCEC) Bill following legal 193 UN members and since 2012 has a status of a reserved for Sri Lankans, and Government was not given the reduced the period given to challenge a Bill lessons that this global health pandemic has the Port City Economic recommendation from experts. ownership of the country. from two weeks to one, signalling a non-member observer State in the United Nations. been rubbing in our faces for the last one Commission will relax the He added that this shows the He warned that if the limitation to a key method in which people and a half years, this government is Despite a long-term peace process, Israelis and conditions of employment when Government had intentionally Government does not listen to could exercise their sovereign rights. This proceeding on a path that even by its own Palestinians have failed to reach a final peace Sri Lankans who do not possess tried to trick the Parliament the views of the people in this Government made sure that limited time admission is meant to establish a zone, that agreement. Progress was made towards a two-State the required special skills, into passing an connection, the public will have was further reduced. Of the seven days that by its very nature is exceptional and solution with the 1993–1995 Oslo Accords, but Prime Minister Mahinda unconstitutional Bill. to rally against it. "We do not followed the tabling of this Bill, three days unequal. In doing so, it is also admitting to today the Palestinians remain subject to Israeli Rajapaksa said in Parliament The Party alleged that the want to overthrow Governments. were public holidays and two were the the failures of the last so many decades: the military occupation in the Gaza Strip and in 165 on Wednesday (19). Government had purposely We are also within the 69 lakhs weekend. If anyone wanted to challenge the failure to put in place effective and efficient ‘islands’ across the West Bank. Also, in 2007, the The Prime Minister made presented this Bill in who voted for this Government. Bill, they had to do so on the day after the systems that work for people of Sri Lanka – majority of both Israelis and Palestinians, according these remarks while making a Parliament at a time when there Do not pass a Bill like this all of Bill was made public (practically impossible) whether in terms of the economy, health, to a number of polls, preferred the two-State special statement at the was only one day for citizens to a sudden,", he said. or just one other day after the New Year education or administrative services. solution over any other solution as a means of commencement of the file a petition against this Bill in Meanwhile, Archbishop of break. Lawyers representing the parties that This shows the extent to which this resolving the conflict. Parliamentary debate on the the Supreme Court. Despite Colombo, Malcolm Cardinal challenged the Bill, worked frantically Government is out of touch and even more, However, hostilities between the Jewish State and Colombo Port City Economic this, Dissanayake noted that Ranjith said that the people during the holidays, through auspicious simply insensitive to the needs of the vast Arab nations have thawed in recent years. In Commission Bill. Stating that not just the JVP, but several should be consulted before times and family traditions in order to meet majority of people in this country. No August 2020, the Unites States, Israel and the the Government will accept all organisations filed cases in passing a Bill that affects the the deadline. Then, this entire drama is wonder it has no respect for people’s United Arab Emirates signed the Abraham Accords the orders of the Supreme Supreme Court despite the time public. being performed during a time when public sovereignty: it simply does not care! This is followed by normalisation agreements with Sudan, Court and hopes to include constraints. He also said that there was a attention is distracted by the COVID not a Government of the people, for the Morocco, Oman and Bahrain. The pact was signed those amendments at the If not for these groups, problem with the transparency epidemic. The debate is scheduled at a time people – this is a Government, with the to bring economic, defence and other levels of committee stage, PM Rajapaksa Dissanayake said the Bill would in trying to pass this in a when daily numbers of COVID deaths are intent of using its mandate and power to cooperation between former foes. The UAE has even said that the proposal to have a have been passed in speedy manner and added that increasing, as are infections. Public establish an oligarchy. It uses patriotism Parliament. He added that the built synagogues for the Jewish expatriates living majority of Sri Lankans in the a situation similar to the MCC representatives are inundated by requests and racism as rhetorical devices to maintain composition of the economic Supreme Court had decided agreement is seen with regard from anguished constituents seeking there. its power base – but in my view, there is commission, alongside a Sri that out of the 74 clauses in the to this Bill. vaccinations and treatment. Public limited shelf-life for such tactics. What other The May 2021 resumption of violence between the Lankan Chairman should be Bill, 25 were in violation of the "Why caanot the gatherings are not allowed and public means it will choose to remain in power is two parties that had been in conflict for the longest confirmed by the Port City Act Constitution. Ten clauses need amendments proposed by the discussions and engagement with this Bill already evident – as the despicable time in the world, shows the failure of the world itself. two-thirds majority in Supreme Court be shown to are severely limited. The people of this strategies it chose to push through the Port bodies such as the United Nations and the Security “It is estimated that the Parliament to be passed and the people. Fulfill the promises country are in no mood for even thinking City Bill which has such major implications Council in finding the lasting solution to one of the construction of the Colombo nine require the Bill to be taken made when the Government about such a Bill, even though it has huge for the country has shown us. This is the most festering conflicts that had plagued the West Port City will provide for a referendum, Dissanayake came to power. We ask these implications for the country. Media too time for all of us to remain alert, critical and Bank for many decades. employment to nearly 200,000 said. politicians to give us back the cannot give enough screen time to discuss engaged however much this regime may try in the first five years, and is He said the Supreme Court country we handed over to the Bill in detail because the priority right to stop us. expected to attract at least USD found the special laws and you," he stated A12 Sunday 23 may 2021 focus

Do those who drafted the Bill possess a higher authority than the Buddha? Proposed Tripitaka Conservation Bill, a Challenge Within By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan and denigration of Dhamma outlined Sutras, Lord Buddha has clearly Science of Life (‘Samsara’) and the in Tripitaka and related text. stated that the concepts will not be ways to Stop-it-for-Good (‘Nirvana’). The proposed Tripitaka “There are vague, broad statements comprehended by lay people who Why so many Sūthras is because one Conservation Bill – Cabinet in the draft act without any definition have not achieved Arya status (i.e. Sūthra is good enough to make Memorandum number of what is correct or not. There had sovan (stream-enterer), sakadagami someone with the right mindset (eye, MBRCA/01/07/2021/CP/07 – that been continuous debates and (one-returner), Anagami (non- ear, nose, tongue, touch and mind) to purports to protect Theravada discussions on the Pali language, Pali returner), and Arahath (fully understand and realise the path to Buddhism, has earned the wrath of grammar, and the Magadhi language, enlightened)). Therefore, the validity Nirvana. Thereby, those thousands of several Buddhist scholars, who told the Lord Buddha used to teach the of the interpretation of Dhamma Sūthras came out as a result of Ceylon Today the proposed Bill Dhamma. Even today, there are many remains questionable unless the preaching that Buddha has made for violates the Constitution of Sri Lanka, opinions and debates on the very subject minister and appropriate several thousand men, women and the freedom of speech, thought, definition of Theravada and leaders find at least 33 enlightened children who have become his conscience and religion which in Theravada Tripitaka. There are members. Furthermore, Lord disciples. It is just like how two other words, is a basic human right, scholarly opinions on the Buddha’s teaching of inquisitiveness devices in remote locations and said they would file a petition in introgression of some Mahayana (Vimansa) and analysis synchronise with each other via the Supreme Court if the need arises. concepts into the Theravada Tripitaka (Dhammavichaya) in 37 doors to Bluetooth technology. This The proposed draft that was leaked and vice versa. The wise approach to enlightenment (37 Bodhi Pakshika understanding comes instantly from to the Media is supposed to contain sorting out what is Buddha Dhamma Dhamma) is suppressed under the each person’s either intelligence or some serious concerns and challenges is to use Lord Buddha’s advice: authority given to the Committee to self-learning or experiences in the the strongly-held beliefs of the Inquire, analyse, and accept only interpret Dhamma. Therefore, we present and past births or in a followers of Buddha Dhamma. what conforms to the natural laws of must assume that the said Committee combination of those. According to Secretary to the Ministry the Four Noble Truths and Dhamma. members will have a higher authority Considering these, do you believe of Buddha Sasana, Religious and This proposed Act disregards, than Lord Buddha in interpreting that the above qualities, conditions, Cultural Affairs, Prof. Kapila disbands and challenges Lord Dhamma! and situations in an individual can be Gunawardena, the draft is with the Buddha’s own words. How can There is no need to state the observed by another person or test, Ven. Gurugoda Siriwimala Thera legal draftsmen and will be later sent anyone preserve Dhamma by obvious like controlling and dictating measure, and proved or disproved? Is for observation before being presented disregarding and discrediting the Buddha Jayanthi Tripitaka as what a Buddhist can believe, practise, it possible to be judged by a group of to the Cabinet. However, the draft is teachings of Lord Buddha?” he impermanence (අනිත්ය) as well as teach, and disseminate by a people no matter how educated, subjected to some amendments but questioned. inappropriate or improper (අනිස), committee is a violation of basic intelligent, and experienced in the there will be no major shift from the In addition, current or future sometimes in the same paragraph of human rights. What’s more? If this subject? outlook of the draft, many say. Governments could revise the Act to some sutra (e.g. Adiththapariyaya act becomes law, it could be easily The human mindset is like those Those who oppose the Bill say that force everyone to accept their version Suthra, Samyuktha Nikaya 4, pages used to hunt down dissidents or Bluetooth devices. Their mindsets are according to the Buddha’s teachings as true teachings of the Lord Buddha. 332-335). anyone opposed to the agendas of running all over the place and always in the Tripitaka, there are infinite There is no need for the Government Therefore, if the Committee is those who are in power, as the subject keep looking for something. So, when ways of explaining and representing to shed crocodile tears on the status asking the Buddhist teachers and minister has the authority to appoint those mindsets find something that aspects of Buddhism and it is against of the Tripitaka or take actions to followers to adhere to one definition, members of his or her choice to makes them feel good, happy, and the teaching that all Buddhists have preserve the Dhamma that had the question of which one of the exceed the required quorum of 15. If interesting it clicks and sticks. Else, it to be confined to a narrow survived more than 2500 years on its conflicting interpretations would they anyone thinks that only the Buddhist will start running all over again explanation defined by the Committee own. recommend arises. If the Committee may suffer from this law, they are searching for another. This is why we that is being proposed in the Bill. Analysing the proposed forces the Buddhists to use the dead wrong because the Act will set have several thousands of Sūthras (A The questions they table are: who is Sanskrit term Anithya the precedence to suppress large choice of Bluetooth frequencies) pushing for these draconian laws and draft: (impermanence) as the correct practitioners of other religions and from Lord Buddha for us to get how could a preacher communicate interpretation of Anichcha, then we cultures. connected and find the appropriate limitless meanings, indicated by the Research Scientist Dr. O.P. Perera, will have to disregard all sutras that ‘Bill will be like a Nivan Magata path to attain Sovahan, Sakudagami, Buddha, of the Four Noble Truths, by based in the United States, talking interpret Anichcha as Anisa or Certificate’ – Shashi Dhanatunge Anagami, and Arahath status. strictly sticking to a limited number of about the Proposed Tripitaka improper/inappropriate. Irrespective Buddhism is a philosophy based on Here is a situation where a books and limited meanings given in Conservation Act, said the draft of which one of the two different Cause and Effect (‘Hēthu saha Pala’). Government-appointed Committee is them? How can a Stream-Enterer (one Sinhala version of legislation that interpretations the Committee It is something that you can going to decide whether someone’s who through the development of right could be roughly translated to English determines to be correct, the fact that understand and apply according to mindset should synchronise with only understanding, has attained the path as “Tripitaka Preservation Act” to be the Sinhala version of Buddha your strengths, likes, and objectives. Group A’s frequencies or Group B’s and the fruition of the first stage of presented to Cabinet in near future Jayanthi Tripitaka has translation It is not possible and there is no frequencies. How a Committee is enlightenment) explain his insights of has been leaked to the public. errors that cannot be reconciled provision for someone to be forced going to make that judgment will be the Four Noble Truths in a thousand He added the public is probably not without understanding the context of into Buddhism or converted to a interesting to watch. different ways? aware of the content or the intent of Dhamma described in each Suthra is Buddhist. This philosophy can be It is said that one particular night In the proposed Bill it states that: this proposed Act. Although the name obvious. applied and practised by anyone just Lord Buddha decided to spend time at For this Act, there shall be a Higher of the Act indicates the noble cause of Above is only one, albeit a like how we apply scientific and the house of the potter, in Rajagaha. Advisory Committee comprising the preservation of the teachings of Lord significant, translation error that mathematical formulas to various An individual by the name of Mahanayaka Thera of the Malwatte Buddha (Dhamma), hidden in the cannot be resolved by forcing an situations in life. Pukkusāti was already occupying the Chapter of the Siam Nikaya; (b) the body of the proposed Act (in the opinion of a committee that may or Lord Buddha never made an effort guest room of the house, and the Mahanayaka Thera of the Asgiriya leaked version) goes leaps and may not consist of members who have to force his teachings on anyone. All Buddha asked to be allowed to share Chapter of the Siam Nikaya; (c) the bounds beyond its declared purpose achieved one of the four stages of the he did was preaching several it, to which Pukkusāti readily agreed. Mahanayaka Thera holding the office to suppress basic human rights. path to enlightenment. In many thousands of Sūthras to explain this They sat together for some time in for the time being as the President of He further explained the draft thus: silence, and then the Buddha the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha The proposed act restricts the preached the Dhātuvibhanga Sanga Sabha; and (d) the distribution of Theravada Tripitaka, Sūthraya. Pukkusāti recognised the Mahanayaka Thera of the Sri Lanka interpretation of Lord Buddha’s Buddha at the end of the sermon and Ramanna Nikaya. teachings, Dhamma discussions or begged his forgiveness for not having The Bill also suggests legal action any related topic through any paid him due honour; he then begged against those who ‘distort’ the medium (broadcast, internet, digital, to have the Upasampadā conferred on Tripitaka once it is passed as a law. or print) without obtaining prior him. The Buddha consented and sent The draft states, a person who alters, permission from the Committee. In him to procure a begging bowl and a defaces, distorts, destroys, causes to addition, this act provides broad robe. On the way, Pukkusāti was be destroyed, humiliates, degrades, powers to the Committee to restrict gored to death by a mad cow. When misuses, misinterprets the Theravada the interpretation of Dhamma to what this was reported to the Buddha, he Tripitaka, Pali Atthakatha, Pali Teeka is provided in the Pali Canon and its said that Pukkusāti was an Anāgāmin and their translations by submitting Sinhala translation provided in the 58 and had been born in the realms interpretations contrary to the volumes of the Buddha Jayanthi above, never more to return. approved version of such Theravada Tripitaka. While the Pali Canon is Pukkusāti never saw the Buddha Tripitaka, Pali Atthakatha, Pali Teeka, mostly free of errors, except for some before but he had only heard of him. commits an offence and shall, on typographic mistakes, the Sinhala This story proves that even Pukkusāti conviction after trial by the High interpretations of Dhamma in who spent a night discussing Court, be liable to a fine depending on Buddha Jayanthi Tripitaka have Dhamma never recognised at once the seriousness of the offence. many errors and conflicting that it was the Buddha (the Gurugoda Siriwimala Thera says definitions of key Pali terms. Enlightened One) by the looks of him The proposal in the Bill is nothing For example, the key term Anichcha or through the discussions. but a violation of practising the (අනිච්ච) has been interpreted in This explains the complexity and traditional Theravada Buddhism, challenges that this proposed Bill and says Ven. Gurugoda Siriwimala the nominated Committee is going to Thera. face, unless those Members of the Speaking to Ceylon Today, he said, Committee have attained a much “When I came to know about the higher status, which we do not know. proposed Bill being prepared to The Committee would not end up preserve the Tripitaka, I examined the commercializing this great philosophy proposed draft only to realise that the by offering a ‘Nivan Magata Tripitaka should be protected only Certificate’ similar to the SLS from those who are eager to bring this Certificate to those followers who Act.” demonstrate more of White Aura, in He further noted, to begin with, the the future! Siyalu Lōka Siyalu aim of the said Bill generates more Sathvayo Nibbāna Parama Sukayen trouble than what they intend to Sukitha Tharawethwā. resolve. There is no doubt that Irked by the draft Tripitaka is the basis for Theravada doctrine for hundreds of years and is A Naturalist Tour Guide and a a heritage of our nation and the Dhamma Blogger Amila Salgado is world. As a result of scholarly/ also irked by the draft. He says the intellectual discussions and debates Buddha Sasana comprises four over the years, a large volume of aggregates (Bikkhu, Bikkhuni, literary addendums describing the Upasaka, Upasika) and if the content of Tripitaka is currently Government is serious about carrying available. Even today, many scholarly out its inevitable duty of protecting efforts are underway all over the and fostering Buddha Sasana, all four world to interpret, explain, and aggregates should be consulted, not understand the content of the just a coterie of the Sangha.” Tripitaka and the companion What is recognised as the volumes. It is sad to see a Theravada Tripitaka is an intellectual Government that has no knowledge or property of the Buddha’s Kingdom. understanding of the Dhamma trying When asked, who your Master is, the to make laws to restrict scholarly and Buddha replied that the Dhamma was intellectual discussions on Dhamma. his Master. Therefore, sanity should The Thera further noted that the prevail that no person, ministry, said Bill outlines the aims as the nation or a Board can claim preservation of grammatical ownership or be overlords of it, the (linguistic) interpretations, prevention Dhamma Blogger added. of destruction of the content, misuse, – [email protected] focus sunday 23 may 2021 A13 Measures to mitigate issue of overcrowding in hospitals Feasibility of ‘Home-Care’ for Asymptomatic COVID-19 Patients

By Dilanthi Jayamanne and system in place even services of Bellana stated that due to the Faadhila Thassim pregnant doctors, who have been shortage of human resource in the asked to remain at home owing to health sector, there will be a greater With the daily increase in the number their vulnerability of contacting the concern in the implementation of of COVID-19 patients detected in Sri infection, could be obtained as they home care. He observed that the Lanka, there is a growing concern of the could work in collaboration with number of health officials required to shortage of facilities both intermediary The Health Ministry MOHs. Unless the shortage as treat a number of patients at a care centres and treatments centres. should initiate a “They could be equipped with quarantine centre is far less than the The State health services have assistance from telecom service a whole in the health number of health officials that would undoubtedly been busy attempting to definite path to be providers to support the MOHs in sector is addressed be required to give individual gather together more beds, more taken to manage coordinating between ICCs, treatment attention to each house in which intensive care unit (ICU) facilities etc., facilities in case home care patients prior to the asymptomatic patients are treated. to meet the surge of patients, but is this asymptomatic patients develop complications or by acting as implementation of the He added that thereby, unless the in itself sufficient? in their own home mediator between the area MOH and shortage as a whole in the health Home care in Sri Lanka the home care patient. Patients too home care system, sector is addressed prior to the environment or we are would have questions regarding their there would be more implementation of the home care Home care for COVID-19 mild or in for a great deal of illness, difficulties that need to be system, there would be a more serious asymptomatic patients is a system channelled to the MOH or relevant serious implications.” implications. adopted in several countries including trouble” authorities” he added. WHO on home care for the United Kingdom and the United He said that this would also rebuild – Dr. Rukshan Bellana States to ensure that treatment centres – Dr. Naveen D. Zoysa the fast-receding faith the public had COVID-19 patients are not crammed up while in the State health services and its simultaneously ensuring that there are of the Health Ministry who were ability to have a more humane quarantine centres which are most According to WHO,although caring sufficient resources for the treatment of responsible for implementing it were approach towards their predicament. often functioned by the military, they for an infected person in their home, those in a more critical condition. less enthusiastic, he lamented. In certain areas in families where are forced to travel for 10 to 13 hours rather than in a medical or other State Minister of Primary Health On the possible measures to be both parents have contacted the without food and are even unable to specialised facility, increases the risk Care, Epidemics and COVID Disease adopted for the implementation of virus,the mother is sent to one facility attend to a call of nature or required of transmitting the virus to others in Control, Sudarshini Fernandopulle said home care for asymptomatic patients, the father to another while the plight ablutions. the home, such isolation can make an that as a measure to tackle the Dr. Zoysa said that Curative hospital of the young children left behind at important contribution to breaking the concerns of overcrowded hospitals and staff could assess the condition of the home is severely disregarded. That is The Public Health chains of transmission of the virus. treatment centres, COVID-19 patient once he or she tests positive one reason why even families in the Inspectors’ Union Sri WHO stated that decision as to asymptomatic patients will be for COVID-19 with the help from the middle-income group prefer to turn to whether to isolate and care for an subjected to home care. Medical Officer of Health (MOH) in the the private sector for support paying Lanka (PHIUSL) infected person at home depends on While these patients will be area so as to establish the patient’s as much as Rs 8,000 to 20,000 per The Public Health Inspectors’ Union the clinical evaluation of the COVID-19 monitored by the National Operations condition. day. It is a social issue which no one Sri Lanka (PHIUSL) expressed their patient, evaluation of the home setting Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Thereby they could assess as to in the State health service seems to willingness to cooperate in the effort to and the ability to monitor the clinical Outbreak (NOCPCO), she added that whether the patient should be want to find an answer to, Dr. Zoysa treat patients at home, if facilities were evolution of a person with COVID-19 steps will be taken to transfer such transferred to an ICC, a treatment lamented. provided. at home. asymptomatic patients to hospitals or facility or remain in home isolation That is why patients hide when test When the concept was first As with the clinical evaluation, treatment facilities if they later develop with close observation of field health results are positive, People do their introduced by Dr. Sudarshini WHO states the factors that should be complications. service he said and added that if best to avoid having to go to treatment Fernandopulle, President of the Union, taken into consideration are, any The feasibility of this system in Sri required, families could be equipped facilities which are situated in far off Upul Rohana said that there was a risk requirement for supportive care, risk Lanka is yet to be assessed while the with an Oxygen saturation probe or a places. Therefore, they submit false of patients dying at home without factors for severe disease adding that necessary guidelines for home care are ‘pulse oximeter’ (indirectly monitors telephone numbers and addresses sufficient care if the home care process those without risk factors or poor yet to be established. the oxygen saturation of a patient's and some avoid answering their was not expedited. He said that outcome may not require emergency Why is home care crucial blood and changes in blood volume in phones. patients have had to remain at home till interventions or hospitalization,and the skin) to monitor the patient’s People who have the experience of an ambulance service for transporting could be suitable for home isolation for Sri Lanka? condition. this know that sometimes when they them to a facility was obtained. and care, provided that there is close He said that with a home care board buses heading towards He added that although the State monitoring for any signs or symptoms “The Health Ministry should initiate a Minister said that asymptomatic of deterioration in their health status definite path to be taken to manage COVID-19 patients would be allowed to by a trained health worker. asymptomatic patients in their own remain in their homes, the existing Further WHO states that trained home environment or we are in for a resources at the MOH offices are health care workers should assess if great deal of trouble”, Assistant grossly inadequate to cater to this need. the home setting is suitable for the Secretary of the Government Medical The PHIUSL has pointed out on isolation and the provision of care of Officers’ Association (GMOA), Dr. several occasions that the increasing a COVID-19 patient, including Naveen D. Zoysa observed. But while lack of infrastructure at the grassroots whether the patient, caregiver and/or President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the level had become a burning issue in other household members have all Health Minister and the two State battling COVID-19, questioning on how they need to adhere to the Ministers have viewed this as a it could sustain home care services at recommendations for home care feasible course of action, the officials this juncture. “We are prepared to take isolation. For example, they need care of asymptomatic patients, but the hand and respiratory hygiene need for infrastructure facilities and supplies, environmental cleaning human resources could only lead to materials, the ability to impose and more deaths" the PHIUSL President adhere to restrictions on people’s observed. movement around or from the house. The third factor according to the WHO Concerns arisen of is the ability to monitor the clinical home care for COVID-19 evolution of a patient with COVID-19 at home by ensuring that the patient can Dr. Naveen D. Zoysa Although this system patients be adequately monitored at the home. has been adopted in Chairman of the Public Service “Home-based care should be provided United Nurses' Union, Ven. by health workers if possible. Lines of other countries, the Muruthettuwe Ananda Thera said communication between the caregiver practicality of its that although this system has been and trained health workers or public adopted in other countries, the health personnel, or both, should be implementation in Sri practicality of its implementation in established for the duration of the Lanka has to be Sri Lanka has to be examined home-care period, that is, until the considering the number of slums and patient’s symptoms have completely examined considering flats with a number of families living resolved. Monitoring patients and the number of slums together. caregivers in the home can be done by Subjecting patients to these trained community workers or outreach and flats with a confined spaces will result in a rapid teams by telephone or email” WHO number of families spread he added stating that if in the explained. event one family contracts the virus Thereby while home care is crucial living together.” and such family is not directed to a and could be seen as an immediate quarantine centre, they could be an measure to mitigate the issue of – Ven. Muruthettuwe immense risk to the rest. overcrowding, it is essential that this Ananda Thera President of the Government system is established with a stringent Ven. Muruthettuwe Ananda Thera Medical Officers' Forum, Dr.Rukshan procedure in place. A14 SUNDAY 23 MAY 2021 FOCUS A Science-Based Strategy to Control Current COVID-19 Situation A document developed for decision-making By Malik Peiris and Kamini Mendis There is a high intensity of transmission of covid-19 in the Thus, these recent country just now. Although it became apparent with cases measures have increasing in the last week of April, the increase in transmission began impeded economic about four weeks before that. The activity and sucked incubation period of the virus (3-14 days) together with testing / up huge resources reporting delays mean that the cases and effort from the detected and reported now were the result of transmission that took security forces for place 1-2 weeks ago. Since deaths follow with a lag period of a further a marginal public two weeks, the deaths occurring now health gain, at best. were the result or transmission that took place around one month ago. Moreover, repeated, The mortality impact of the increase in cases is only just starting to be intermittent short- felt now. duration The B.1.1.7 variant of the virus spreading now is more restrictions also transmissible, and possibly more carry significant virulent, than in previous “waves”. An even more concerning variant economic cost B.1.617 (first detected in India) has also been detected in Sri Lanka and which will not it remains to be seen how achieve the public widespread it will become. WHO has designated it a “variant of concern,” health goals it is now spreading in the UK and is Prof Malik Peiris Prof Kamini Mendis the cause of some of the recent case clusters in Singapore. likely economic impact of these extensive amount of active up to half the population could be There was an exponential increase different approaches. surveillance and testing in the out of home at any given time. This of certainty for planning and instill of cases from mid-April to date. II. Why small-area isolation, population (as opposed to being is not sufficient for transmission is confidence in the population, the Although case numbers appear to preventing inter-provincial travel, based on contact tracing) is to be halted. business community and the plateau in recent days, it is likely short and intermittent lockdowns necessary, but this is currently not 5. Standard preventive measures are health sector. that this is a result of limitation in and mild restraints on human feasible given the laboratory system not having optimal impact because 3. The daily wage earners will need to testing capacity. Testing numbers movement will not work being already overloaded. Initiating of overcrowded living conditions be given an allowance to tide over have remained flat, in spite of high 1. The testing is not sufficient to these small-area lockdowns are Even the strict enforcement of this period. But this investment will positive rates (exceeding 10% in make small area isolation have an sucking up a huge lab testing social distancing and mask wearing be amply repaid by the opportunity most laboratories), raising concerns impact. capacity at the moment, which will will not have its optimal impact to get faster control of an epidemic of whether the epi-curve we now see Small area lockdowns are based be more productively deployed because they are not ideally that is rapidly spiraling out of reflects reality. ICU admissions and on obtaining information of a elsewhere. implementable under overcrowded control. deaths continue to increase, as will cluster(s) of cases from a particular 2. Since all provinces have ongoing living conditions in urban areas. 4. Access to essential commodities – be inevitable, from infections that location. The detection of these high transmission already, 6. People working in enclosed food, fuel, medicines, health care have already occurred. clusters are based on testing a stopping travel between provinces environments e.g., office spaces will not be compromised because As a result, the capacity of the population in an area in response to will have little effect will enhance virus transmission the necessary logistical health system to manage covid-19 detecting a few cases from that By the end of April, all provinces Offices such as banks, and arrangements can be made. The patients has already been exceeded, location - i.e. reactive case detection had ongoing high transmission of industrial working places such as experience of the March-April 2020 the inevitable consequences being rather than proactive surveillance. the virus and therefore stopping garment factories require people to lockdown will be an asset in more avoidable deaths. With Thus, by the time the cluster has inter-Provincial travel will be of no be in enclosed and confined spaces planning and implementing the increasing cases, even the been detected, multiple weeks have avail at this stage. It may have had a with insufficient ventilation for the distribution of essential goods to the implementation of the public health lapsed since the initiation of each role in early or mid-April, soon after entire working day. These are an people. measures that were being cluster and therefore the people in the B.1.1.7 variant was detected in extremely and highly conducive to We recommend the following: implemented– i.e. testing, isolating, that cluster would have already the Western Province. But not any the spread of the virus. All persons to remain in their homes contact tracing and quarantining, spread the virus through their more, with the virus entrenched in Thus, these recent measures have at all times for a period of at least 14 have exceeded the capacity of the movement, to many other areas, every province. impeded economic activity and days continuously, and all schools, health sector. In addition, health adjacent and distant. In other 3. Countrywide lockdowns of three sucked up huge resources and effort industries, commercial enterprises staff in the curative and preventive words, isolating that small area will days will not block even a single from the security forces for a and places of worship to remain sectors is becoming victims of covid- not have much effect on the spread cycle of virus transmission or marginal public health gain, at best. closed, with the exceptions listed 19 themselves, which makes the of the virus to other areas, because cover the period of infectiousness Moreover, repeated, intermittent below. These exempted places will be situation grave. it has already happened. If small- of an individual short-duration restrictions also subject to social distancing, capacity The vaccination programme, area isolation is to work, then an Intermittent countrywide carry significant economic cost restriction, wearing of face-masks, currently getting under way within lockdowns (such as the one from 14 without will not achieve the public hand sanitizing and operating under the constraints of limited vaccine – 17 March or the proposed one from health goals. This is because the conditions of optimal ventilation. supply, even if targeted to those at 21 - 25 May) will only have effect uncertainty associated with the 1. All essential services to be highest risk of death, i.e. the elderly during those three days. Three days introduction of these measures / functional. and those with co-morbidities (a is far shorter than the incubation future measures create an unstable 2. A minimum number of grocery policy that has NOT been The detection of period of the virus, i.e. from environment for most economic stores, pharmacies, and fuel consistently followed in Sri Lanka so these clusters are infection to manifestation of illness activities. Most daily-wage earners stations to remain open in every far), will take many months to and transmission, which is around are not given work by employers district. A limited number of translate into an impact on based on testing a five days (range 3- 14 days). It is because they travel to work daily vegetable, fruit and fish/meat, mortality. Vaccines, which require population in an even shorter that the infectious from unknown risk situations at bakery and other food delivery two doses at least a month apart, period of one infected individual, home, and therefore the perceived vehicles permitted to operate on the take optimal effect >2 weeks after area in response to which is around eight days. For high risk of transmission. Most basis of permits. the second vaccine dose. As of now, example, if an infected individual industries and offices are working 3. Restaurants able to prepare food only 1 per cent of the population detecting a few begins to be infectious on day one of within a context of uncertainty and for delivery on order, but not allow have received both doses of vaccine cases from that a three-day lockdown, he/she will are unable to plan even for the in-house dining. and 6 per cent received at least one remain infectious at the end of the medium-term. This is not conducive 4. Government departments deemed dose, that too, mainly in one location - i.e. lockdown, at which time the person to economic growth. essential, to keep an office open for province of the country. Even under will be again moving in the A rational, determined and a few hours a day and function with the most optimistic scenarios, it will reactive case community. In order to even convincing strategy is needed, both a skeleton staff on a roster basis. be over 6 months before most of the detection rather partially interrupt transmission, one to get control of an impending public 5. Any organization or enterprise may high-risk population receives needs to cover at least two cycles of health disaster and also to restore allow its employees to work from protection from vaccine across the than proactive transmission, i.e. 10-14 days of economic confidence. home. country. surveillance. Thus, intervention. That will allow an III. A countrywide lockdown for at 6. A person can leave home only for a The only available option in the exponentially higher probability of least 14 continuous days is health need (including vaccination), short-medium term to arrest this by the time the chains of transmission being immediately necessary for the any other emergency, or to impending catastrophe is to interrupted. Therefore, the minimum following reasons: purchase food supplies, but only significantly curtail transmission cluster has been period of lockdown should be 1. Only a degree of restriction of one person can leave home at any through social and public health detected, multiple country-wide and at least 2 weeks in human movement enabled by a one time for these purposes. interventions. duration. The impact of five total countrywide lockdown of 14 7. Gatherings of more than 4 people to Although a few public health weeks have lapsed successive intermittent lock-downs days will lead to interrupting at be prohibited. interventions have been of three days each (i.e. 15 days in least one (preferably two) cycles of 8. Outdoors agricultural work implemented in the past week, we since the initiation aggregate) will therefore, be much virus transmission in the permitted to continue. explain below why these recent of each cluster and less than that of one continuous 14 community. Such an intervention We request, in addition, that all measures of small-area isolations, day period of lock down. would give an opportunity for the ongoing preventive measures be prohibiting inter-provincial travel, therefore the people Furthermore, the former strategy health sector, currently at or enforced rigorously, including intermittent and short period in that cluster will be spread out over a much beyond breaking point, to catch its increasing vaccination coverage, and lockdowns, as the one during 14 – longer period, when we do not have collective breath, to face the that case management and treatment 17 May, together with mild would have already the luxury of time any more. future. Otherwise, exponential interventions are greatly strengthened restrictions on human movement 4. Partial restriction of human increase in the number of cases in the country. such as those based on identity card spread the virus movement using ID card digits will (and deaths) will lead to health About the Authors: Malik Peiris is numbers, will not arrest this wave of through their not have much impact on virus staff succumbing and the Chair/Professor of Virology, School the epidemic. transmission consequent collapse of the health of Public Health, University of We explain why a nation-wide movement, to many Limiting the movement of people system. Hong Kong, Faculty of Medicine, lockdown of at least 14 days (defined other areas, and crowd-gathering through means 2. Such an intervention can be Hong Kong and Kamini Mendis is below) is absolutely necessary, if such as restricting them to alternate signaled >5 days in advance so Professor Emeritus, University of increasing ICU admissions and adjacent and distant days based on identity card that the community, traders and Colombo, Public Health and deaths from this wave are to be numbers is not sufficient to prevent businesses can make adequate Malaria Expert formerly at the contained. We also comment on the the congregation of people because preparations. It will give some level World Health Organisation SPORTS SUNDAY 23 MAY 2021 A15 Liverpool Move into Top Four Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino scores their first goal

Liverpool moved into the 66 points, ahead of fifth-placed after finding space in the box. the left, but he had to be alert at the "We feed off pressure. It's a massive Champions League qualifying spots Leicester on goal difference while Burnley winger Dwight McNeil other end to clear a Ben Mee header club and fans demand results," said after a 3-0 win at Burnley on Chelsea are third on 67 points. brought a good save out of Liverpool off the line as Burnley looked for a Robertson. Wednesday took them above Despite having little to play for keeper Alisson Becker with a way back into the game. "We have hit form at the right time. Leicester City and into fourth place other than pride, Burnley, who are 25-metre drive, but it was the visitors A fine individual effort from Sunday is a final effectively for us, with one round of Premier League now in 17th place, responded to the who made the breakthrough. substitute Oxlade-Chamberlain Leicester and Chelsea. We have given matches remaining. return of fans at Turf Moor with an Sadio Mane fed Andy Robertson on wrapped up the win in the 88th ourselves a chance when a lot of Roberto Firmino struck two aggressive start to the game. the left and his low cross was minute, the former Arsenal midfielder people had written us off. But we need minutes before halftime, and a Chris Wood struck the side netting expertly slotted home by Firmino, the twisting to find space for a fierce low to make sure our performance is of Nathaniel Phillips header made it 2-0 from a promising position and the Brazilian looking confident again drive past Will Norris. the highest level (against Palace)." in the 52nd minute, before a superb Clarets were first to the ball across after his two goals at Manchester Juergen Klopp's side face Crystal Champions Manchester City and late strike from Alex Oxlade- the field in the opening exchanges. United last week. Palace at Anfield on Sunday, while second-placed Manchester United Chamberlain secured a fourth But Liverpool wasted two good Phillips eased any lingering Chelsea are at Aston Villa and have already secured Champions straight win. opportunities with Thiago Alcantara Liverpool nerves with a firm header at Leicester are at home to Tottenham League qualification. The victory moves Liverpool onto and Mohamed Salah both off target the back post from a Mane cross from Hotspur. (Reuters)

Staging PSL matches in Abu Dhabi ‘Difficult’ to play T20 Pakistan gets UAE approval

The remainder of the Council for their support and schedule for the rest of the World Cup in India truncated 6th edition of the patronage in ensuring all tournament, to be played in a Pakistan Super League (PSL) final obstacles were removed, stricter bio-bubble in Former Australia cricketer and is set to go ahead in Abu which has firmly put us in a Karachi, starting from 1 CSK batting coach Mike Hussey, – Hussey Dhabi after the Pakistan position to complete our June. But the worsening who contracted COVID-19 Board (PCB) marquee event. COVID-19 situation in during the IPL 2021, has said the venue of T20 World Cup in confirmed that they have "The PCB, in consultation Karachi forced the franchises that hosting T20 World Cup in the wake of the COVID-19 received all outstanding with the team owners, will to write to PCB seeking that India later this year will be ‘very pandemic situation in India, the approvals and exemptions now work at pace to finalise the tournament be moved difficult’. Board of Control for Cricket in from the United Arab all event-related out, preferably to the UAE - Hussey had to quarantine India (BCCI) has called for a Emirates Government. The arrangements, details of which has in the past himself for two weeks in India Special General Meeting on 29 PCB will now hold an online which will be shared in due successfully hosted the before flying to Australia, where May to discuss the upcoming meeting with the franchises course," he added. tournament. he is currently quarantining cricket season in India, later today to apprise them of The tournament, which However, their plans met himself. The 45-year-old has including the World Cup venue. the situation and finalise all originally started on 20 with an unexpected objection added that Cricket Boards The ICC is expected to take a the details, which will be February in a specially set- from the UAE Government, around the world will be ‘pretty call depending on the COVID-19 shared in due course. up bio-bubble in Karachi, which insisted everyone nervous’ about sending their situation in India, which is grim "We are delighted with this had to be halted after 14 coming into the city/state teams to India amid the at the moment. The UAE has development as the games as cases of COVID-19 should have taken prevailing COVID-19 situation in they're playing in different cities, emerged as the backup venue remaining hurdles in the were traced owing to a breach vaccination. The PCB the subcontinent nation. that is when the risk goes up. for the event after the IPL 2021 staging of the remaining HBL of the bio-bubble. The 15th contended that it had no "I think it's going to be very "I think they'll have to look at had to be suspended halfway PSL 6 matches in Abu Dhabi game of the tournament, control over foreign difficult in my view to play that some pretty big contingency following multiple COVID-19 have been overcome and all between Quetta Gladiators technicians and television tournament in India," Hussey plans, perhaps looking at the cases inside the bio-bubble. systems are now good to go," and Islamabad United, had crew members travelling told Fox Cricket UAE or somewhere like that, In its Apex Council meeting Wasim Khan, PCB's Chief to be postponed after from different countries "We're talking about eight that could host the World T20. I last month, the BCCI had Executive, said. Australia's Fawad Ahmed including India. teams in the IPL. I think there think there will be a lot of shortlisted nine venues for the "We are grateful to the UAE tested positive for COVID-19. Following this, the PCB are probably similar number - Cricket Boards around the world showpiece event and they were Government, National Subsequently, three more held a meeting with the maybe more teams - coming in that'd be pretty nervous about Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Emergency Crisis and cases were reported across Emirates Cricket Board and from overseas [for the T20 World going back to India for a cricket Chennai, Delhi, Dharamsala, Disasters Management teams, forcing the immediate is understood to have given Cup] and there'd be more tournament," Hussey added. Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow Authority, Emirates Cricket suspension of the league. 24 hours time to the Board to venues. As I said earlier, if Meanwhile, with doubts over and Mumbai. (Agencies) Board and Abu Dhabi Sports The PCB then finalized the resolve matters. (Agencies)

Sri Lanka Hockey Elections - 2021 Presidential Candidate SSP Pushpakumara outlines plans to promote hockey

The AGM of the Hockey Federation occasional grants/concessions by coaches under the guidance of the the opportunity to rub shoulders is scheduled to take place on 31 the Ministry of Sports, international FIH/AHF Panel of Coaches. As all with them and thereby improve May, and Presidential Candidate bodies and well-wishers. I recognize Major and International their standard and to gain wider SSP Pushpakumara’s vision is to these resources alone cannot Tournaments are played only on international experience. Also, this make Sri Lanka the best team in sustain its activities if it is to achieve synthetic pitches, the need arises to competition will serve to identify Asia and South Asia, while its vision, unless with the assistance have more synthetic pitches talented players who can be promoting the game to become a of an Official Sponsor. (Synthetic Astro Turf) in the country, earmarked for the National team. If popular sport in the country. “I have no doubt Hon. Namal and at least one turf especially in not for the approval, blessings and According to Pushpakumara, his Rajapaksa, Minister of Sports, will Matale, Kandy, Wennappuwa, generous assistance from Hon. mission is to elevate the level of give his blessings and generous Jaffna, Badulla and either Matara or Namal Rajapaksa, Minister of hockey competitions in Sri Lanka by assistance to take this game to Galle. Furthermore, the existing Sports, we cannot make this making available resources on par international level,” the Presidential synthetic turf in Colombo which is prestigious event a success”. with international standards, to Candidate stated. worn out, should be immediately To recognize the fact that Sri facilitate the establishment of a “At present it is observed the game replaced.” Initial Intended venues Lanka has talented youngsters with professional body of Umpires/ is fast gaining popularity in Sri are: Matale (Central Province), potential to make their mark in the Technical Official towards the above Lanka and patronized by most fans Matara (Southern Province), international arena, Pushpakumara process, and to take appropriate in Matale, Kandy, Wennappuwa, Colombo (Western Province), intends to select an ‘Elite Pool’ of action through leadership and Colombo, and few other Districts. Wennappuwa (North Western 100 children from the age groups of service. Although hockey is generating Province), Jaffna (Northern 16-19, (National Junior “While my objectives typically recognizable results in the Province). Development Pool - NJDP), to encompass the elevation of the international arena, it is believed SSP D.S.K. Pushpakumara Commenting on launching undergo a long-term training standard of hockey in Sri Lanka, it that Sri Lankan players have the identifying exceptional players, but competitive tournaments in Sri programme. in no small way also encompasses potential to achieve much better also serve to increase awareness and Lanka, Pushpakumara said: Initially, they will be selected from the improvement of games amongst results. However, for this to become a healthy lifestyle. “In addition to the development the results of the Junior National the citizenry of Sri Lanka through a reality, our players and coaches “As such, my plan is firstly to programme, I also plan to organize Championship and under-18 All the development of awareness and need to have access to increased conduct Schools and District a tournament similar to the world Island tournaments held annually. provision of opportunity to learn the levels of professional tutelage, development programmes in many popular Indian Premier League (IPL) Pushpakumara intends to have four game. regular competition and nutrition,” parts of the island to promote and called Sri Lanka Premier League Training Centers that would train “I understand that the past he further added. “Development of further develop the game. These (SPL), by inviting the most the NJDP for a minimum of 10 practice was to carry out its hockey throughout the Island will programmes would initially be outstanding players from abroad, to hours a week under a qualified activities periodically supported by not only increase the probability of carried out by qualified Sri Lankan ensure players from Sri Lanka have coach. A16 sunday 23 may 2021 SPORTS Shammi Silva re-elected SLC President Shammi Silva has been in the election process in the fresh elections were held. re-elected Sri Lanka Cricket letter indicating their The re-election of Silva and (SLC) President for a second withdrawal. Both Ranatunga his committee also means that term, after he and the majority and Mathivanan, however, had initiatives they had begun in of the previous set of office held elected positions at SLC their previous tenure - such as bearers were voted in over the last 10 years. the Lanka Premier League - uncontested. They will hold Although Silva's faction will likely continue. Silva was these positions for two years. regained office, they will now first elected President in 2019, Silva's faction, which face increased scrutiny after and had been a Vice-President includes Vice-Presidents Ravin the Parliamentary Committee before that. Wickramaratne and Jayantha on Public Enterprise (COPE) SLC office bearers (until May Dharmadasa and Secretary publicly questioned several 2023) Mohan de Silva, did not face financial and administrative President: Shammi Silva any challenge in this election lapses within SLC earlier this Vice Presidents: Ravin after the opposing faction year. There is also the matter Wickaramaratne, Jayantha withdrew from the contest on of the previous Board led by Dharmadasa Tuesday. That faction Silva having failed to hold Secretary: Mohan de Silva comprised of Sri Lanka's first elections in time, which led to Assistant Secretary: Test Bandula the Sports Minister Chryshantha Kapuwatte Warnapura, Nishantha intervening to dissolve the Treasurer: Lasantha Ranatunga, and K New SLC Committee: (L – R) Chryshantha Kapuwatte (Assistant Secretary), Mohan de Silva (Honorary Board and appoint a Wickramasinghe Mathivanan. They had cited Secretary), Dr. Jayantha Dharmadasa (Vice President), Shammi Silva (President), Ravin Wickramaratne management committee to run Assistant Treasurer: the ‘lack of a level playing field’ (Vice President), Sujeeva Godaliyadda (Assistant Treasurer). (Absent: Lasantha Wickremasinghe, Treasurer) SLC for several weeks until Sujeeva Godaliyadda

4000 fans set to be allowed for WTC final For the first time since understand 50 per cent of Shanto September 2019, fans were the permitted crowds will be allowed for a cricket game in taken by the ICC for its England on Wednesday (19 sponsors and other stake May) and this has earnestly holders and we will be selling increased the chances of the rest 2000 tickets. We crowd turnout for India’s have already received more World Test Championship than double applications Dropped (WTC) final against New from the fans,” Bransgrove Zealand next month. About said. “It is a high interest 1500 people were allowed game and there is a good entry for the English County demand for it.” Championship match The Hampshire County between Hampshire and has also been asked to hand For First Leicestershire at the Rose over all the Corporate Boxes Bowl in Southampton, a at the Rose Bowl, but venue which will be hosting Bransgrove hopes they will the WTC final from 18 June. have some share in that too. “We’re staging a four-day “Given the travel restrictions county game from today and and quarantine protocols I for the first time since am not sure how many of Two ODIs September 2019 fans were ICC and the Board of Control allowed for a cricket match for Cricket in India members in England. The other county will come for the game. We games of this round will will be happy to sell those begin tomorrow and those tickets too,” the veteran games too will see crowds,” administrator said. Against SL Rod Bransgrove, the Head of Bransgrove said Hampshire County Club, Southampton waits for the told Cricbuzz from Indian players and their Southampton confirming family members to arrive in returns that the WTC final will have the port city, from where the a good turnout. ‘Titanic’ had set out for its According to him the voyage in April 1912. “We are England and Wales Cricket waiting the Indian team to Najmul Hossain Shanto among the four standby against Sri Lanka. Board (ECB) and complete their quarantine in lost his place from players. "Things are a little International Cricket Council India and arrive here. We are Bangladesh's ODI squad Chief selector Minhajul different at home and we (ICC) are permitting a crowd ready to host them,” he for the first two matches of Abedin said that Shanto, have done well against of 4000 people for the remarked. their three-match series whose 163 against Sri them [Sri Lanka] in the pinnacle Test match. “I (Reuters) against Sri Lanka. Shanto Lanka in the first Test in past. The team always is one of the five exclusions Pallekele had brought him feels better with the best from the large white-ball out of a batting rut, was players. Everyone is fit, squad that toured New dropped due to his ODI and playing in the practice Zealand in March. Shakib form. "Shanto hasn't done match. Al Hasan, meanwhile, well in ODIs, so we "We have kept four India women to play returned to the side and is thought of giving him a standbys with the 15-man the only inclusion to that break," Abedin told squad. They will stay with 15-member squad. ESPNcricinfo. the team. It is a maiden pink-ball Test Shakib had missed the Shanto has just 93 runs contingency for COVID-19 The India women’s team for Cricket in India (BCCI) New Zealand tour because in eight matches so far, situation." will play their maiden pink- Secretary Jay Shah said in a of a thigh injury, and then including 38 runs in three All 19 players are taking ball Test later this year, post on Twitter. didn't tour Sri Lanka for innings in the ODI series part in a practice match in against Australia in Perth, It will also be the first Test the two-match Test series against West Indies. He Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Cricket Boards of both the match between the in order to play in the IPL. was in the squad for the Protishtan (BKSP) on countries announced on Australian and Indian He and Mustafizur New Zealand tour, but Thursday, before having Thursday. women’s teams in 15 years. Rahman were in hotel didn't play any of the two days of training ahead Mithali Raj’s team will take Cricket Australia’s Interim quarantine since returning ODIs. of the first ODI on 23 May. on Meg Lanning’s squad at CEO, Nick Hockley, hoped to Dhaka after the IPL was Abedin was, however, Squad: Tamim Iqbal the WACA ground from 30 the multi-format series deferred and started confident that the selected (capt), Liton Das, Shakib Sept. in what will be only the against India would match training on 18 May after squad can turn things Al Hasan, Mushfiqur second day-night test in the drama of last season’s completing 11 days in around after their 3-0 Rahim, Mohammad women’s cricket, following Test series between the isolation. defeat to New Zealand, Mithun, Mahmudullah, Australia’s drawn 2017 men’s teams of the The squad doesn't and should focus on their Afif Hossain, Mehidy match against England in countries. include Al Amin Hossain, 3-0 win over West Indies at Hasan Miraz, Mohammad Sydney. “We look forward to Hasan Mahmud, Rubel home in January. Saifuddin, , “Taking forward our welcoming members of the Hossain and Nasum "We beat West Indies , commitment towards India women’s team to Ahmed, who toured New quite comprehensively in Soumya Sarkar, women’s cricket, I am Australia after what has Zealand with the white- the last home series, so we Mosaddek Hossain, extremely pleased to been an incredibly ball squad. Mahmud and didn't change the squad Mahedi Hasan, Shoriful announce that Team India @ challenging time, and thank Rubel are both recovering too much," he told media Islam Standbys: BCCIwomen will play in their the BCCI for supporting this from back injuries, while on Thursday. "We have Mohammad Naim, Taijul first-ever pink ball day-night ground-breaking tour,” Mohammad Naim, who almost kept every one. The Islam, Shohidul Islam, Test later this year in Hockley said in a statement. played the T20Is against selection panel hopes that Aminul Islam Biplob Australia,” Board of Control (Reuters) New Zealand, finds himself we play better cricket (ESPN) Najmul Hossain Shanto Mbappe magic sets up PSG victory Kylian Mbappe set up quick feet, passed square the crossbar with a clever “We work every day to the first goal and grabbed for Icardi to tuck the ball chip from outside the experience this type of one of his own as Paris St home from close range. penalty area having emotion, reward and Germain retained the With team mate Neymar spotted Majecki off his recognition. The work of a French Cup with a 2-0 suspended and watching line. whole group, the staff, victory over Monaco in from the empty stands, It was one of few and the supporters who Wednesday’s final at the Mbappe was able to chances in a largely dour could not be here. We Stade de France. dominate the contest with final, played behind think about them a lot, Quick thinking by his talent and pace and closed doors, that only this title is also for them,” Mbappe to disposes Axel added the second goal in came alive in the last 15 Mbappe said. Disasi in his own penalty the 81st minute. minutes. “When you play for PSG, area, as the Monaco Angel Di Maria set him PSG retained their title one of the biggest clubs in defender let a short pass up with a short through- and extended to 14 their the world, the biggest club from goalkeeper Radoslaw ball and the World Cup record number of wins in in the country, every title Majecki slip under his winner lifted his finish the cup. Monaco had won counts to go down in feet, set up a 19th-minute over Majecki to make sure five previous times, but history. We want to be opener for Mauro Icardi. of the outcome. last in 1991. They were part of this story, it’s a Mbappe took the ball Mbappe’s goal came a last in the final in 2010 great step today.” Paris St Germain players celebrate winning the French Cup away and, displaying minute after he had hit when PSG also beat them. (Reuters)

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