COVID-19 LOCAL CASES TOTAL CASES EXECUTIVE 3,114 PRESIDENCY: DEATHS RECOVERED ACTIVE GR’S CASES 195 12 2,907 RS. 70.00 PAGES 80 / SECTIONS 7 VOL. 02 – NO. 50 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2020 CASES AROUND THE WORLD LITMUS RECOVERD TOTAL CASES 18,732,375 IT IS TIME STATE BANKS DEATHS FOR SEX BLOCK LOAN TEST 26,547,441 874,431 EDUCATION RELIEF »SEE PAGES 8 & 9 THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 7.30 P.M. ON 04 SEPTEMBER 2020 »SEE PAGE 11 »SEE BUSINESS PAGE 1

SIYAMBALANDUWA SOLAR PARK Tenders to be called in Nov. BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA Accordingly, the Environmental Impact would call for tenders. Cabinet approval had been granted Meanwhile, Asian Development Assessment (EIA) is currently ongoing “The funding for the project is not to construct the solar park in 2016 but Bank (ADB) is currently evaluating The State Ministry of Solar, Wind, and Grid Power Generation and will be completed in two months. yet finalised and we will go for an it had been delayed since then. the technical possibility of whether Projects Development is to call for tenders to construct the State Minister Duminda Dissanayake open tender. We have not yet decided In parallel to the solar park the tenders should be called for 100 first-ever 100 MW solar power park in Siyambalanduwa, told The Sunday Morning that the whether we will go for a government- construction, another transmission MW at once, as four 25 MW plants, Monaragala in November, The Sunday Morning learnt. documentation work is to be completed to-government project or not,” line project will also be implemented, or 10 x 10 MW plants, the State in two months, after which the Ministry Dissanayake said. Dissanayake added. Minister added. MCC compact In the spotlight 20A to Parliament still being in two weeks

BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA Sabry PC told The Sunday Morning. reviewed Meanwhile, Secretary General The Attorney General’s (AG) Office The Government is to submit to Parliament Dhammika is still in the process of reviewing the the 20th Amendment to the Dasanayake, explaining the process Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Constitution to Parliament within of the enactment of an amendment, agreement. a period of two weeks. said the first reading of the draft “There is no new information regarding “We are waiting the amendment would be followed by the review process. We will inform of any constitutionally required two weeks a week’s period for any objections significant developments,” Co-ordinating after gazetting before submitting it to before the Supreme Court. Officer to the AG Nishara Jayaratne SC Parliament,” Minister of Justice Ali Contd. on page 2 told The Sunday Morning. Contd. on page 2 Moragoda appointment NOROCHCHOLAI EXTENSION only after approval CEB cancels The appointment of any with Cabinet powers, would only ambassador, including one-time come into effect after approval by external lawyer minister Milinda Moragoda as the Parliamentary Committee on the High Commissioner to India High Posts. Contd. on page 2 The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has decided to cancel the legal consultancy agreement entered into with an external lawyer to draft agreements related to the formation of a Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe arrived at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing incidents of joint venture with China Machinery Engineering political victimisation on Friday (4) after being issued notice to appear at the Commission with regard to a complaint lodged Corporation (CMEC) for a 300 MW extension by former Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Development Dr. Nihal Jayatilaka PHOTO LALITH PERERA to the Lakvijaya Power Station in Norochcholai, The Sunday Morning learnt. US SANCTIONS ON CHINA Contd. on page 2 India stands Impact on Port Kandy tremors City unclear report tomorrow firm on 13A The impact of the US sanctions imposed The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau India refuses to budge on its told The Sunday Morning. on 24 Chinese companies, which include the (GSMB) is finalising the report that would be stance on the 13th Amendment Meanwhile, State Minister of company involved in the Colombo Port City published tomorrow (7) over the recent seismic despite reports of possible changes. Provincial Councils and Local Development Project, is still being evaluated activity that was reported on two separate days “The position of the High Government Affairs Sarath by the Port City management and the relevant in the vicinity of the Victoria Reservoir, The Commissioner has not changed. Weerasekara said that he expected state authorities, according to Colombo Port Sunday Morning learnt. The High Commissioner a number of changes to be made City Development Project Director Bimal Engineers at the Victoria Reservoir noted reiterated India’s longstanding to the 13th Amendment via the Prabath Gonaduwa. that their control centre operators are constantly position on peace and new constitution. He told The Sunday Morning that the direct monitoring the dam’s water levels and pressure reconciliation and the full “I believe the new constitution impact of the sanctions was not clear and levels, and when the first seismic activity was implementation of the 13th will do away with any detrimental that details were yet to be received by the recorded, an alert was generated. Amendment,” a spokesperson aspects of the 13th Amendment.” authorities. CAPITAL HEIGHTSContd. on page 2 for the Indian High Commission Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 CAPITALRS. 34 MILLION HEIGHTS Multimodal Centre UPWARDSRS. 34 MILLION UPWARDS revenue Rs. 11.2 m CAPITAL HEIGHTSz Rs. 600,000 monthly revenue by z Park and ride yet to RS. 34 MILLION VISIT OUR contributing solar energy to the grid be monetised UPWARDSWEBSITE BY SARAH HANNAN to further develop other MTHs the Easter Sunday attacks and CAPITALVISIT HEIGHTS+94 OUR 763112233 that are to be constructed the drop in commuters using RS.35SHOW APARTMENT MILLIONWEBSITE UPWARDSRS. 34 MILLION The Ministry of Transport in the main cities across the facility during the Covid- READY FOR INSPECTION UPWARDS has drawn plans for two more the country. 19 lockdown period, we only multimodal transport hubs The Sunday Morning spoke managed to bring in Rs. 11.2 PROJECT NEARING+94 763112233 COMPLETION VISIT OUR(MTHs) in Kandy and Galle to Makumbura Multimodal million in revenue.” SHOW APARTMENT WEBSITEfollowing the success of the Transport Centre Manager Dr. With it being opened to the VISIT OUR first-ever multimodal transport Kalyani to inquire whether the public in March 2019, the +94 763112233WEBSITE hub that was constructed in facilities provided at the hub MTH is frequented on a daily READY FOR INSPECTION SHOW APARTMENT www.capitalheights.lk SHOW APARTMENT +94 763112233 Makumbura, Kottawa last year. are being properly utilised by basis by commuters who enter READY FORREADY INSPECTION FOR INSPECTION According to ministry the commuters. the city of Colombo and travel PROJECT NEARING COMPLETION officials, the Makumbura “We were given a target of to the Karapitiya Teaching PROJECT NEARINGPROJECT NEARING COMPLETION COMPLETION Multimodal Transport Centre Rs. 15.3 million in revenue Hospital in Galle. is to be used as the benchmark generation per year, but with Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning FOCUS/NEWS Sunday, September 6, 2020

BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA INCREASE IN INMATES Illegal immigrants With President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s all-or-nothing being held at crackdown on the illegal detention centre narcotics trade going into full force in the past few months, Commissioner General of Prisons resources Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya the already congested prison system in Sri Lankan said that illegal immigrants is bursting, with some 5,000- are being kept in the Mirihana odd additional individuals Detention Centre. “Unless they’re sent to the being incarcerated in the last prison system via a court order, two months alone. fully stretched they are detained at the Mirihana Commissioner General of Prisons Detention Centre,” he stated. Thushara Upuldeniya said the voice his views on the need to sudden increase in prisoners had conduct rehabilitation programmes be trained in various skills such strained the prison system. for drug users in place of serving as carpentry and masonry, so as “There are about 8,000 drug them with prison sentences. to become skilled workers upon addicts in prisons across the island, “The rehabilitation of #lka drug completion of their prison terms. 5,000 of whom were incarcerated users is a far more fruitful solution The Avant Garde Group and its within the last two months.” to this scourge that plagues our Chairman Maj. (Retd.) Nissanka The Commissioner General said nation over persecution. Following Senadhipathi will provide the prisons were facing issues of drug discussions with both ministers teachers, trainers, as well as the addicts going into withdrawal and of justice and rehabilitation, all meals for the programme. The suffering from health issues due to stakeholders showed interest project would function as a public- the lack of drugs, and also suicides to initiate a prog. that explores private partnership (PPP) between and attempted suicides. solutions,” Minister Rajapaksa the Government and the Avant “There have been three suicides tweeted. Garde Group. of drug addicts in the last few weeks Senadhipathi, speaking to The within prisons in Sri Lanka as they Sunday Morning, said he would underwent withdrawal symptoms gladly bear all the costs for this as a result of going cold turkey to They (prisoners) will be taken programme, and that prominent cease addiction,” he said. to various locations with companies in the industrial and He said that the incidents took the supervision of the prison business sectors were keen on place at the Welikada, Negombo, officials and they’ll be working taking part in the project as well. and Boossa Prisons. PHOTO© GETTY IMAGES in those locations. Top-level “Prisoners will be utilised He went on to note that as a result businessmen and construction after being trained for different of the increase in the number of that’s weighing on the prison of remand prisoners as well as such as increasing the number of agencies have agreed to work vocations such motor mechanics, inmates, the costs incurred by the system. It is crucial that alternatives convicted prisoners. I believe buildings.” with us on this programme and carpenters, electricians, and State too had increased drastically. to imprisonment be found as a there’s an estimated 15,000 remand With regard to the issue of hire these prisoners. Access, plumbers. Avant Garde is bearing “The average cost per prisoner penalty for those convicted of drug- prisoners – most of them on drug- drug addicts facing withdrawal BMW, Prime Investments, all the costs for this programme went up drastically in just two related offences,” he said. related charges. It’s hard to handle symptoms while incarcerated, the MAGA, and Tudawe Brothers and we will continue to provide months. This is not a small amount In 2018, the average cost per the influx of prisoners, especially Commissioner General said they are all helping us in this more facilities. prisoner per day was Rs. 695. the increase in prisoners on drug- were able to manage the situation Avant Garde Group Chairman “They (prisoners) will be taken Accordingly, the cost increase related offences. following the suicides over the Maj. (Retd.) to various locations with the as a result of the additional 5,000 “We have requested that an latter part of last month. Nissanka Senadhipathi supervision of the prison officials would be Rs. 3,475,000 per day. alternative to imprisonment be “We have been able to control and they’ll be working in those The average cost per prisoner Annually, the cost would be found for those convicted of drug- the drug addict issues within the locations. Top-level businessmen went up drastically in just two Rs. 1.2 billion just for the 5,000 related offences,” he reiterated. prisons. But we do see a large On the issue of rehabilitation, and construction agencies have months. This is not a small convicts incarcerated in the last two number still being admitted to the Government earlier this year agreed to work with us on amount that’s weighing on the months. Temporary measures prison hospitals on a daily basis. teamed up with Avant Garde this programme and hire these prison system. It is crucial that He went on to say that the issue He went on to say that a It has increased at least by two to Maritime Services to conduct a prisoners. Access, BMW, Prime alternatives to imprisonment of overcrowding within prisons has temporary solution was to increase three times the usual amount,” he prisoner rehabilitation programme Investments, MAGA, and Tudawe be found as a penalty for been continuous, due to the limited infrastructure and other facilities shared. – particularly for those convicted Brothers are all helping us in those convicted of drug-related prison space and number of prisons in the prison system itself, Meanwhile, Minister of of drug-related offences. this.” offences in contrast to the high number of stating: “We are in the process of Sports and Youth Affairs Namal The programme was kicked The programme is expected to Commissioner General of Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya convicts and those in remand. broadening facilities and increasing Rajapaksa on Friday (4) took to off in June this year and is to see result in the rehabilitation of 5,000 “There are a high number infrastructure within prisons, social media platform Twitter to prisoners with short sentences inmates in one year.

Contd. from page 1

MCC... the agreement. The CEB had approved to that was felt on 29 August had occurred at City, the Project Director stressed that the improved from the rentals. For the Meanwhile, the Government retain the lawyer’s services at a total cost 8.30 p.m. and the second seismic activity events that had been reported were yet moment, the facilities that generate revenue acknowledged that while it had received a of Rs. 17.65 million, excluding taxes. was recorded on 2 September at 6.45 a.m. to be communicated to the project office are the food court, janitorial services, mandate to reject the MCC agreement, it is Last year, a cabinet proposal was Therefore, we don’t think the limestone through the proper channels. rentals from ATM points, and the private open to renegotiations. submitted by the Ministry of Power and mining was connected with the seismic “Since we didn’t get any information yet banks,” Dr. Kalyani noted. “If the Millennium Challenge Renewable Energy, seeking the approval activity.” regarding (the) sanctions, the economic Apart from that, the hub contributes Corporation is willing to negotiate changes of the Cabinet of Ministers to authorise – Sarah Hannan impact of the sanctions cannot be energy generated through its solar panels to the compact, then we are open to it,” the CEB to construct a fourth unit with the estimated,” Gonaduwa stressed. to the national grid, which adds another Rs. Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister of capacity of 300 MW as an extension to the Meanwhile, Cabinet Spokesman 600,000 per month to its revenue. Mass Media Keheliya Rambukwella said. Norochcholai Coal Power Plant. 20A to... and Minister of Mass Media Keheliya When asked about the utilisation of the When queried as to why a review process It was also noted that the plant could “Once the draft amendment has been Rambukwella told The Sunday Morning park and ride facility, Dr. Kalyani noted was started after they received a mandate be built by using the same infrastructure submitted to Parliament, the first reading that Sri Lanka couldn’t interfere with the that at present, the services are provided to desist from entering the agreement, the in the same facility and that a request will take place, after which there will be matters of the two countries (the US and free, noting that there is a security point Minister said that it was the proper process could be made from China to provide a a period of one week before the second China) and the matter should be sorted out which records the entry and exit of vehicles to follow. concessionary loan facility directly to the reading. This period of one week is for any by the two countries. from the parking space. “These are matters that have to be CEB to meet 100% of the project cost to citizen to challenge the draft amendment “We will have to look at alternatives “The park and ride facility is not resolved through diplomatic channels implement the project on a government-to- before the Supreme Court.” because there’s nothing we can do. This is generating revenue at present, as we do not and therefore, we must first review it government basis. He said thereafter, the second and third between the two countries. We still don’t operate a shuttle service provided from the thoroughly and posit the reasons for our This took into consideration the fact readings would be conducted. know the types of sanctions and this is a hub. We are mainly dependent on the train disagreement to the compact,” Minister that three existing power plant units “The second reading will be followed large issue,” he stressed. schedule of the Kottawa Railway Station Rambukwella said. were funded by China in accordance by the committee stage debates and then It is reported that the Chinese Embassy and the bus timetables of the Sri Lanka – Skandha Gunasekara with the Memorandum of Understanding the third reading will take place before stated that normal business co-operation Transport Board and the National Transport (MoU) between Sri Lanka and China on Parliament takes a vote,” Dasanayake said. between licensed companies or individuals Commission. But once we have our own the comprehensive implementation of With regard to a vote, the Government from China and Sri Lanka will not be shuttle service operating and the park and CEB... investment, economic, and technological said it would be up to the Opposition affected by such unilateral and unjust ride service has a charging mechanism Speaking to The Sunday Morning, co-operation signed on 4 July 2016, and whether a vote is called for, as the sanctions from a third country. introduced, revenue can be improved,” she Ministry of Power Spokesman Sulakshana the framework agreement between the two Government already has the two-thirds The sanctions have targeted companies noted. Jayawaradena confirmed the cancellation countries for the promotion of investment majority in the House. and individuals involved with constructions of the agreement with an external lawyer and economic co-operation signed on 16 “We will leave it to the Opposition to in the South China Sea, particularly the Kandy Multimodal which had resulted due to the vehement May 2017. decide if they want a vote or not,” Cabinet building of artificial islands as part of the Transit Terminal opposition from various parties. Furthermore, the senior engineer told Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Ground work on the Kandy Multimodal A senior engineer attached to the CEB The Sunday Morning that the financial The Sunday Morning. The Embassy also stated that the Transit Terminal (KMTT) was initiated stressed that the Board would obtain legal consultants had already been finalised US sanctions, which involve typical at the beginning of this year with the assistance from the Attorney General’s and the initial evaluations were being hegemonic logic and power politics, have bus terminal at the Goodshed now being (AG) Department on this matter. conducted. Moragoda... blatantly interfered in China’s internal temporarily shifted to a temporary bus The decision to hire an external lawyer – Maheesha Mudugamuwa “All appointments will be made after affairs as well as violated international terminal established behind the Bogambara was taken at the CEB’s board meeting held the Parliamentary Committee on High law and norms governing international Stadium. in April and all board members had agreed Posts approves the nominees,” Minister of relations. The facility, once built, would eliminate to the decision, the CEB Chairman said, Kandy... Foreign Affairs and Leader of the House – Maheesha Mudugamuwa the spatial scattering of the three existing adding that the relevant lawyer was one “The highest seismic activity that was Dinesh Gunawardena said. bus terminals in Kandy – Goodshed, Clock of the best lawyers in Sri Lanka to handle ever recorded in the area a few years back The Minister went on to note that the Tower, and Torrington – by bringing all power-related international agreements. was at 1 on the seismometer located at the committee itself needs to be appointed. India... existing terminal operations under one roof At the time, CEB Chairman Eng. Vijitha reservoir and it did not have any impact on “The Committee on High Posts has to be He asserted that he would not change at the Goodshed area of nearly three acres Herath told The Sunday Morning that by the dam structure. This time, the highest appointed and that will probably take place his views on the 13th Amendment solely of land adjacent to the Kandy Railway hiring an expert in the field, the Board was recorded activity was marked at 0.006 from when Parliament sits next.” because he was made the subject minister. Station. saving a large sum of public funds in case the left bank of the reservoir canal,” GSMB There has been strong resistance from “I will not change my stance just because an issue arose between the two parties in Senior Director and geologist Udaya De factions attached to the Opposition as well I’m the Minister. I think detrimental aspects Proposed MTC in Galle Silva told The Sunday Morning. as those siding with the Government against such as giving police powers to provincial Just last week, Urban Development NOTICE OF NAME CHANGE Earlier in the week, it was widely the appointment of Moragoda. councils will need to be removed.” Authority (UDA) Southern Provincial speculated that the cause was the quarry – Skandha Gunasekara – Skandha Gunasekara Director Janaka Ranaweera said that an This is to notify the Honorable Government mining of limestones in Ambakotte in MTH was proposed to be constructed and Citizens of the Democratic Socialist the Rajawella area that is located on the at Dewata, which will link the Southern Republic of Sri Lanka that I, Vihanga Sasindu left bank of the reservoir canal where the Impact... Multimodal... Expressway and the coastal railway line. Achintha Uduwawala residing at No. 125 in seismic activity was recorded. Last week, the US added 24 Chinese According to Dr. Kalyani, the Ranaweera noted that the colonial post the Wattaranthenna Grama Niladhari Division Dolomite Manufacturers’ Union companies to a government list that bans maintenance and upkeep of the hub is office building complex in the Galle Fort, of the Gangawata Korale Divisional Secretari- Spokesperson U.D. Dharmasinghe, them from buying US products, citing budgeted at Rs. 4.8 million, which also which is in a dilapidated state, will be at of the Kandy District in the Central Province speaking to the regional reporters of their role in helping the Chinese military captures the monthly salaries of the staff repurposed and converted into an MTH, will here on be called and known as Kundasale, said: “The mining at the construct artificial islands in the disputed that is operating the space. adding that an agreement is already signed Vihanga Sasindu Uduwawala with immediate limestone quarry is done between 9 a.m. South China Sea. “We are planning to advertise the with the Department of Posts. Preliminary effect. and 4 p.m. according to the permits that Commenting on the media reports that commercial vacant spaces in the coming steps are already underway for the initial have been issued to us. The seismic activity the sanctions had affected Colombo Port months, so that the revenue can be phase of this project. the sunday morning 3 Sunday, September 6, 2020 SPOTLIGHT

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA would go for competitive bidding, he said there was no need to go for competitive The country is currently facing one bidding, as there were several resources of the worst power shortages and the new power plant would use commonly the situation has now become worse, with the existing power plants and therefore, as the Ceylon Electricity Board going for competitive bidding would only (CEB) has failed to both increase complicate matters. the generation capacity as well “The CEB would act according to the as initiate the planned renewable Electricity Act and the other applicable laws energy generation projects, The in the country,” Eng. Herath reiterated. Sunday Morning learnt. Existing resources sufficient A senior engineer attached to the CEB, The new coal power plant first came who wished to remain anonymous, into the limelight last year when then stressed that the country would have been Minister of Power and Renewable Energy experiencing periodic power cuts by now if it Ravi Karunanayake submitted a cabinet did not face last year’s Easter attacks and this proposal seeking the approval of the year’s coronavirus pandemic. Cabinet to authorise the CEB to construct As he explained, the power crisis was a fourth unit with the capacity of 300 MW mainly due to the delay in commissioning as an extension of the Norochcholai Coal already planned power plants and Power Plant, using the same infrastructure therefore, the only possible and cheaper PHASE III OF NOROCHCHOLAI COAL POWER PLANT in the same facility at the Lakvijaya Power way to generate base power is to install the Station in Puttalam. Norochcholai Coal Power Plant extension It was proposed to request China to which was scheduled to be completed by provide a concessionary loan facility 2023. directly to the CEB to meet 100% of the project cost to implement the project on False allegations? a government-to-government basis. The However, questions have now been raised proposal considered the fact that the existing over the proposed third 300 MW coal power three power plant units were also funded by plant at Norochcholai as industry experts China in accordance with the Memorandum alleged that the handing over of the plant’s STILL A NO of Understanding (MoU) signed between construction to a Chinese company was a Sri Lanka and China on the comprehensive violation of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act. implementation of investment economic It has been claimed that the compulsory and technological co-operation on 4 July competitive bidding process stipulated in the 2016 as well as the framework agreement Electricity Act for power plants of over 25 between the two countries for the promotion MW had been violated by the Government of investment and economic co-operation while handing over the construction of signed on 16 May 2017. the coal power plant to China Machinery Accordingly, it sought to invite technical Engineering Corporation (CMEC). BURNER and commercial proposals from CMEC Furthermore, the proposed plant was yet to the construction would be launched,” he the competitive bidding process for an to build a 300 MW power plant unit as an obtain the Environmental Impact Assessment stressed. extension of an already existing power plant, extension to the existing power plant on an (EIA). There were also many technical When asked why the CEB did not go for adding that it would only further delay the We have already tendered and the initial engineering, procurement, and construction difficulties including the issues pertaining to competitive bidding, the senior engineer construction of the power plants which has evaluations are being conducted by the (EPC) basis, considering that CMEC has the transmission lines which were neglected explained that it was difficult to go for already been delayed by many years while financial consultants. The Attorney carried out the construction of the existing by the present authorities. competitive bidding, as the extension would putting the country into a serious power General’s (AG) Department would act as power plant on the nomination of China. Responding to the allegations, a senior be added by sharing the same infrastructure crisis. the legal consultants Furthermore, in the cabinet paper CEB engineer told The Sunday Morning that and therefore it was easy to go ahead with Meanwhile, speaking to The Sunday Senior engineer at CEB submitted by then Minister Karunanayake, in a situation like this, the CEB should go for the existing company. Morning, CEB Chairman Eng. Vijitha Herath Cabinet approval had been sought to direct the cheapest and easiest way of generating “We have already tendered and the initial said the EIA and technical evaluation of the Ranawaka, the CEB Chairman noted the Treasury to appoint a Cabinet-Appointed more electricity to meet the demand and evaluations are being conducted by the 300 MW power plant at Norochcholai were that the Government had not signed any Negotiation Committee (CANC) and therefore, the construction of an extension to financial consultants. The Attorney General’s still being conducted and once the reports agreement with the Chinese company for Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) the existing Norochcholai Coal Power Plant (AG) Department would act as the legal give the green light to the project, the CEB the construction and therefore nobody could to evaluate the technical and commercial is the best option the country has at present. consultants,” he stressed. would go ahead. comment on it until the EIA and technical proposals of CMEC in order to make the “At the moment, we are conducting As claimed by a senior engineer at Responding to the allegations levelled evaluations were completed. recommendations to the Cabinet. the EIA report and once it is completed, the CEB, there was no need to follow by former Minister Patali Champika However, when asked whether the CEB Contd. on page 12 4 the sunday morning FOCUS Sunday, September 6, 2020

BY SARAH HANNAN Sri Lanka is considered one of PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE the hottest hotspots when it comes to biodiversity, which means one would encounter various species of flora and fauna within the space of a square metre. However, the country being an island with a 21 million and growing population is not helpful, as the needs of the country’s citizens grow on a daily basis and civilisation is now encroaching into sensitive ecological spots.

Meanwhile, the development oncoming traffic. Meanwhile, projects that have taken place down the road that cuts through without the input of wildlife and Lahugala Kitulana, which begins forest conservation experts or from Kataragama, there were three proper Environmental Impact elephants accustomed to passing Assessments (EIAs) have caused vehicles feeding them fruits. much disruption and are revealing Their feeding behaviours its various effects. have changed from foraging to Development should take place intimidating the vehicles that pass while roads and railways will need NURTURING NATURE AND DEVELOPING INFRASTRUCTURE them as they walk in the middle to be laid through sensitive areas of the road to pose for photos, at some point. However, proper and when the vehicle stops, studies need to be done before the they approach it and nudge the groundwork even commences in vehicle in hopes of being fed by order to ensure the humans and passengers. nature will not undergo rapid transition that would tip the balance Developing infrastructure of the ecology. A balancing act to remote villages On the other hand, there is The most recent environmental the cancerous biopiracy that has of a dried specimen of the pygmy zone of Kumana) are just two Changing behaviour rise to the incident. concern raised was the road been robbing the rainforests and grasshopper/twighopper that has a good examples of how people had patterns “The expressway helped them development work taking place sanctuaries of endemic species body length of just 11.5 mm. lost their lands due to the forest Bird and Wildlife Team (Pvt.) gradually move towards the adjacent to the Sinharaja Forest that were not getting much traction When people in the North spreading out and the former Ltd. Co-Founder Uditha Hettige, cities and villages easily. Earlier, Reserve, where the road was to on mainstream media or had not and East were displaced or were Minister of Environment then speaking to The Sunday Morning they were limited to the forest connect the Lankagama village to fallen under the watchful eyes of huddled into Internally Displaced declaring such areas “other state about how development has sanctuaries of Kumana, Lahugala, Neluwa and Deniyaya from the environmental activists. Persons (IDP) camps at the height forests”. changed the behaviours of various and Yala, but now they have other end. Unbeknownst to many of us is of and after the civil war, the forest Then, when some returned after species, noted: “When proper gradually moved out from their There were speculations that the that these individuals and groups decided to take over their villages. 15 years and tried to clear their plots studies are not carried out and usual habitats. What is more road was to cut through the forest are also profiting from smuggling While the survey maps for the of land and fix their house, they necessary control measures are worrying is that this migration is reserve and that it would cause biological material from strict nature forest reserve had clearly defined were branded loggers and squatters. not in place, the development of now affecting the farmers, as the deforestation and loss of endemic reserves, aiding foreign scientists the boundaries of the reserve with Moreover, in several instances, infrastructure such as roads and peacocks are pecking on the seeds species of flora and fauna as well and collectors of exotic animals and the forest spreading outward from these families that live in the railroads or even new human that they sow in their fields or pick as wildlife. plants to get hold of such materials the said boundary and creating buffer zone villages had been settlements can cause a big on the saplings as forage.” However, the on-ground at exuberant prices. new forests, the then Minister of given cultivation permits under the disruption in the behaviour of Serpents and lizards too are now situation reports told a different The most recent incident as Environment decided to claim Swarna Bhoomi and Jayabhoomi animals and even plants.” facing a threat, as peacocks tend to story, where the village had been exposed when a research team these lands under “other state schemes, where they were Hettige, drawing a familiar scene prey on their young ones. Hettige in existence for several decades, decided to publish a paper forests”. allowed to repurpose land to the cities are getting used to due also noted that even the plants with some even claiming that the recognising a new species of The disputes that are still ongoing cultivate vegetables or even paddy. to the migration of the country’s that grow on either side of the village had existed from the time twighopper that was discovered in the Northern Province in areas However, should the Government peacock population towards road networks are supporting the of monarchical rule in Sri Lanka. in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. such as Silavathurai (which is decide to claim these lands under the more densely populated migration of these birds. The village has grown over the Having no Sri Lankan scientist a bordering village situated just the forest, there is no mechanism in neighbourhoods and cultivation During our travels to the East, years, and the residents were facing or associated local university, above the buffer zone of Wilpattu) place to relocate these villages that land, revealed that the loss of forest we experienced the disruption the difficulties in accessing their basic concerns have been raised over and then Peanut Farm in Panama have functioned for decades in the cover and the construction of the road had caused, as peacocks were needs in an efficient manner. how the team of scientists got hold (which is adjacent to the buffer said areas. Southern Expressway had given flying across the highway, slowing Contd. on page 12

The Ministry of Wildlife and present Government in a fix, due to the popularity of this area Forest Conservation instructed the ANAWILUNDAWA SANCTUARY CLEARANCE with yet another alleged incident internationally, it will be a major Chilaw Magistrate to take strict of environmental destruction setback for the country’s tourism action against the perpetrators who under the orders of a supposedly industry. are remanded over the clearance influential area politician being “For all these reasons, this of the Anawilundawa Wetland pinned on it. destruction must be stopped Sanctuary that took place on 25 immediately. Also, open water August. Major setback for tourism areas such as ponds, and prawns The clearance of this Ramsar Probe on for Following the incident, with and aquaculture will attract Convention-protected wetland environmentalists, media, and aquatic birds. The consequence came to light when area residents even Parliament itself taking the of this is the destruction of informed Department of Wildlife matter up for debate, the District this valuable ecosystem,” Conservation (DWC) officials Court of Chilaw immediately took Gunawardana claimed. about the destruction. The DWC up the complaint that was made by State and cabinet ministers too then promptly took steps to lodge real motive the DWC and issued an order to have promptly reacted to this a complaint with the district court commence investigations. issue, with State Minister of Rural so as to obtain a search warrant and z Minister vows z Objections within “The main responsibility here and Regional Drinking Water take the perpetrators into custody. lies with the North Western Supply Projects Sanath Nishantha Meanwhile, the incident was strict action Government Provincial Environmental taking measures to suspend the brought to light at the second sitting Authority. The agency can issue issuance of permits on lands for of the Ninth Parliament by Minister an order to stop this destruction shrimp farming. of Industries Wimal Weerawansa, in accordance with Article 51 Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister who opined that regardless of of the North Western Province of Industries Weerawansa opined whether the perpetrators are linked Environmental Statute, and if they that no one should misuse the to the incumbent Government or to do not comply, the order will serve public mandate that appointed the any other party, strict action has to as a restraining order through the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna be taken against them. courts. (SLPP) Government with a two- It is speculated that the land “Secondly, the DWC can also thirds majority, to destroy the clearance was done in order to set act in accordance with Section environment. up an inland aquaculture farm to 7 of the Wildlife Conservation Further investigation into the cultivate shrimps, although the true Ordinance,” environmental lawyer incident is being carried out by the reasons for the clearance are yet to Jagath Gunawardana told The DWC with the assistance of the be unearthed. Sunday Morning. Police. The Sunday Morning contacted Gunawardana pointed out that – Sarah Hannan Minister of Wildlife and Forest the perpetrators, once all connected to the whereabouts of a 35-year- that the area was cleared to set up Conservation C.B. Rathnayake persons are identified, strict action old businessman named Nishantha prawn farms. However, further to inquire about what he, as the will be taken against them. Fernando. investigations are now being ANAWILUNDAWA WETLAND SANCTUARY subject minister, did to handle this Earlier last week, a five-member Suspected to be involved in carried out to trace the perpetrators The Anawilundawa Wetland helplessness prevails in the face of issue. committee headed by Ministry of clearing the Anawilundawa behind this,” Sooriyabandara told Sanctuary is protected under the the political power behind it. Responding to our query, Wildlife and Forest Conservation Wetland Sanctuary, both persons The Sunday Morning. Ramsar Convention. Over the This would undermine the Rathnayake noted: “Regardless Secretary M.K. Bandula were produced before the Chilaw Ministry of Wildlife and years, it has become a breeding region’s recognition of the Ramsar of the perpetrators’ political or Harischandra was appointed by Magistrate’s Court on 29 August, Forest Conservation Secretary ground for thousands of aquatic Convention, as well as Sri Lanka’s social status, I have given clear the Minister to further study the after which they were arrested Harischandra, on 28 August, birds, a habitat for thousands of national commitment to the instructions to the Magistrate that incident of clearing approximately and remanded until 4 September. said that 0.697 hectares had other birds, a habitat for many rare mangrove restoration programme no room should be left for the 0.697 hectares at the Ramsar Subsequently, following been illegally cleared in the species of butterflies, as well as and to the world. perpetrators to go unpunished. I Convention-recognised wetland proceedings on Friday (4), the Anawilundawa Sanctuary with the a home for many valuable plants The Department of Wildlife will put an end to the long-term sanctuary in Anawilundawa, suspects were further remanded use of heavy machinery. including orchids and lichens. Conservation, in collaboration destruction that has been happening Mundalama. until 18 September. Sooriyabandara noted that This protection has also ensured with the Wayamba University, in numerous locations. The backhoe loader used by the charges would be filed under the security of a large number recently embarked on a “No room will be left for anyone suspect was also taken into custody Complaint lodged by DWC the Fauna and Flora Protection of fertile paddy lands and the programme to rehabilitate the to bypass the processes when doing by the Police. DWC Director General Ordinance and that the incident continued existence of a number mangrove ecosystem at one any type of development work in On the evening of 28 August, a Chandana Sooriyabandara said the itself is considered a criminal act of plantations, thereby securing end of the sanctuary, near the sensitive environments which can person, who was supposedly the Department lodged a complaint against the many species of birds, the livelihoods of many locals. western boundary, which was potentially endanger the ecosystem backhoe operator, was arrested by with the district court on 26 August reptiles, fish, etc. that inhabit these The devastation caused by largely destroyed. It was done and threaten the existence of the Puttalam Police along with the against the wilful destruction of a wetlands. prawn farming in the area in the as part of fulfilling the national animals and forests.” backhoe loader in Mundalama. portion of the sanctuary that took This sudden clearance of a past has not yet subsided. Despite responsibility, policy, and strategy Rathnayake further noted that Upon questioning the suspect, the place on the evening of 25 August. section of the Anawilundawa strong opposition to aquaculture, pertaining to mangroves. since court action is filed against Police were able to uncover a lead “The initial observations suggest Wetland Sanctuary has put the the sunday morning 5 Sunday, September 6, 2020 SPOTLIGHT

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA CENTRAL CULTURAL FUND Allegations with regard to the misuse of the Central Cultural Fund (CCF) have been As of now, in Sri Lanka, most of the revenue earned by the in the news for the last few CCF is done by selling tickets to years. Yet, the issues remain World Heritage Sites. Therefore, unanswered. the existing system should be considered and reconsidered As learnt by The Sunday Unravelling so as to pave the way for more Morning, a massive amount heritage sites to be recognised of money of the CCF has been misused by various parties during State Minister of National Heritage, Performing Arts, and the last few years, mainly due Rural Arts Promotion to the lack of a proper financial Vidura Wickramanayake management mechanism within the fund and other responsible ‘un’cultured authorities of the fund. given as to why the money had the Easter Sunday attacks. As a result, large sums of been distributed, and there was money have been distributed no evidence to prove whether Considering and among various parties for various the exact amount was granted to reconsidering reasons, for which there is no the temples or not. The money When contacted by The Sunday proper evidence presented by the had been distributed in parallel Morning, State Minister of National fund, it is learnt. to the celebration of the former Heritage, Performing Arts, and Nevertheless, the spending Prime Minister’s 70th birthday, he Rural Arts Promotion Vidura misappropriations that had alleged. Wickramanayake said his Ministry occurred during the previous of handing over the assets of the funds had been allocated pending However, when contacted would conduct a survey on all Government came to light after “Ape Gama” project, while Rs. 2.3 board approvals. by The Sunday Morning, national heritage sites and would list the new Government came into billion was distributed as cultural former Minister of Education them down in order to protect these power last year. donations and grants without Allegations against former Kariyawasam denied the sites while promoting them among Accordingly, a recent report proper approval, neglecting the ministers allegation, claiming that the locals and foreigners. by the committee appointed staff requirement limit, and as a Allegations have been funds were distributed among “As we realised, in Sri Lanka, by Prime Minister Mahinda result, it had incurred a loss of levelled against former Minister 1,500 temples while following all there is no comprehensive list of Rajapaksa to investigate the Rs. 3 billion for salary and bonus Akila Viraj Kariyawasam required processes, based on the national heritage sites. Although financial irregularities at the CCF overheads and the withdrawal of and Opposition Leader requirements of the temples. people consider only the UNESCO revealed that Rs. 11 billion was funds unlawfully. Further, Rs. Sajith Premadasa for the He further denied that the World Heritage Sites as national misappropriated during the three- 400 million was withdrawn from misappropriation of funds of monies had been distributed heritage sites, Ayurvedic medicine, year period from 2016 to 2019. its fixed deposit account during the CCF – one of the principal among the temples parallel to performing arts, etc. can also be The report submitted by the the presidential election in 2019 heritage management institutions the former Prime Minister’s 70th considered national heritage sites,” committee, comprising former without any approval. in the country during the previous birthday celebration. he added. High Court Judge Gamini Sarath research-driven and facilitating Government. In addition, allegations were “As of now, in Sri Lanka, most Edirisinghe, former Secretary Pending approval institution. As such, 80% of the Under former Minister levelled against former Housing, of the revenue earned by the to Cabinet Ministry Gotabaya However, as learnt by The financial and human resource Kariyawasam, a total alleged Construction, and Cultural Affairs CCF is through selling tickets to Jayaratne, and Senior Attorney-at- Sunday Morning, the majority of inputs are assigned for research distribution of Rs. 500 million Minister Sajith Premadasa for the World Heritage Sites. Therefore, Law Hariguptha Rohanadheera, the funds have been released by programmes and/or facilities. among 1,000 temples around the misappropriation of millions of the existing system should be has stated that the withdrawals the CCF on pending approvals as The Archaeological Survey country, without following the rupees from the fund. Responding to considered and reconsidered so as from fixed deposits and loss of the board which is supposed to Department also sets apart certain proper procedures, of which the the allegations, he explained that the to pave the way for more heritage interest for those funds caused a approve the withdrawal of funds financial and human resources majority are from the Kurunegala funds were used for the development sites to be recognised,” the State loss of Rs. 2.6 billion, while Rs. hardly met, as it was difficult to inputs for this purpose. District, has been questioned. of the country and not for the benefit Minister added. However, the CCF 753 million was spent without put together all the members of As alleged by one of the As alleged by one of the former of individuals or companies. Further, is under the purview of the Prime approval for construction purposes the board. former directors attached to directors, no criteria were given he particularly maintained that Rs. Minister and the recommendations under the “Sisu Daham Sevana” In terms of the Central Cultural the CCF who wished to remain for the selection process of the 1,598 million was withdrawn from given by the committee is yet to be programme. Fund Act No. 57 of 1980, the anonymous, the decisions with temples and no reason had been the deposits to face the damages of implemented. The report further highlighted secretary of the ministry in regard to the distribution of a loss of Rs. 48 million incurred charge of the subject of cultural such funds should be taken by a in the process of converting the affairs functions as the Chief special board which comprises income generated via tourist Administrative Officer of the the Prime Minister, the Minister tickets from dollars to rupees. CCF, while the director general and Deputy Ministers of It also alleged that the functions as the head of the Cultural Affairs, the secretaries, contribution of Rs. 2.3 billion for institution. The overall functions and several other officials the Archaeology Trust Fund was of the CCF operate under including those attached to the neglected, and had been used for three divisions; development, CCF. other work unlawfully. Moreover, administration, and finance, Nevertheless, the former there has allegedly been a loss headed by three directors. director alleged that there were of Rs. 8 million in the process The CCF is essentially a no regular meetings and the

“Taxes should be paid online and you should be able to pay through other banks, because a majority of people don’t have accounts in BOC. For example, I cannot pay my taxes through the bank in which I maintain my account. To pay taxes, I have to write a cheque, visit one of the designated branches – here too only 10 or 12 designated branches – hand over the cheque, and wait until the cheque is realised to be notified that I paid my taxes.” He said that the simplification process itself was straightforward and required minimum legislative changes. “Simplification means you NEW TAX SYSTEM have to first provide facilities for taxpayers to file their tax returns online, which you can do through the Revenue Administration The need for a Management Information System (RAMIS). But on the payment side, we still have to do it physically. You don’t need government simplified system legislation to simplify the tax system. These changes can be BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA Central Bank Deputy Director made within the Inland Revenue Dr. W.A. Wijewardena said the Department (IRD). A lot of work Experts commended the current system was too complex. has been done in this direction, but new Government’s decision to “The President’s manifesto in it has not been completed.” introduce a new tax system but November last year (stated that He then charged that the stressed the need to address the he) wanted to simplify the tax Government’s tax concessions at issue of lost revenue as a result system, which is a good thing. the beginning of the year had a of the recently introduced tax The current tax system is very negative effect on the economy. concessions. complex and if it can be made “Simplification is a must, but The main goal of the new simple, it actually reduces the what’s been done is not a mere tax reforms is to enable an inconvenience to taxpayers as well simplification. Instead, they gave easier, more efficient system for as the difficulty of collecting taxes a very general tax concession taxpayers. by the tax authority.” which has eaten into the revenue “We want to simplify He said that one key step would of the Government; in 2020 alone, the tax system. At present, be to make the facility to pay it hammered a reduction of Rs. many taxpayers, particularly taxes available online as well as 600 billion (in revenue), which businessmen, are finding it overly through other commercial banks. the Government had to fund by complicated and thus, there are “People must be provided borrowing from the banking shortcomings and discrepancies in facilities to make it (tax payments) system, which will have long-term tax payments and collection. online. (Currently,) people can’t adverse implications.” “We want to simplify it so that pay it online; instead, you have to it’s easily accessible for everyone pay it through the Bank of Ceylon Further concessions to pay their taxes,” Government (BOC) where you have to visit a unlikely Spokesman and Minister of Mass few designated branches and pay Dr. Wijewardena said the Media Keheliya Rambukwella told it in cash or by cheque, which is Government could not afford to give The Sunday Morning. not something that should be done any more tax concessions. Senior economist and former in this day and age. Contd. on page 10 6 the sunday morning FOCUS Sunday, September 6, 2020 BASL ELECTION Turning into real politics?

BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA

The election for the presidency of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) appears to have taken a turn for the worst with what seems like a mudslinging campaign, akin to a conventional political election, erupting against certain senior attorneys who are seen as front runners for the presidency. The hate and negativity has been taken to social media platforms, particularly Facebook; one such example is when a prominent lawyer PHOTO LALITH PERERA FOCUS ON COPE AND COPA was attacked for his contribution to what many consider a humanitarian effort – the Office on Missing Persons (OMP). Former OMP Chair Saliya Peiris PC has come under heavy fire by certain groups for his work as the head of the OMP to locate those who went missing during the 30-plus years I will be stepping down only at of the civil war. the end of September after which Peiris is to step down at the end of my replacement would take over. September in hopes of contesting the I have not decided just yet on No action, election. contesting as there is still some “I will be stepping down only at time for the Bar Association the end of September after which my election replacement would take over. I have Former OMP Chair not decided just yet on contesting, Saliya Peiris PC as there is still some time for the Bar Association election,” Peiris told The have come out to condemn the hate Sunday Morning. campaign that is currently taking The issue was given due place on various social media attention by last election’s National platforms. talk only? People’s Power (NPP) National Sanjeewa Jayawardena PC, List member and Attorney-at- who holds prominent positions z 11 reports presented by COPE Rohan Abeygunasekera, D.P. in order to explain and justify Law Upul Kumarapperuma who in the Board of Directors of the Wickremasinghe, Prof. W.A. the financial activities of the took to Facebook to question such Central Bank of Sri Lanka and was during Eighth Parliament Wiswa Warnapala, Reggie departments under the purview of mudslinging and the morality of recently appointed to the expert Ranatunga, Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, their ministries. fellow attorneys approving such posts committee set up to draft a new Rohitha Bogollagama, Wijeyadasa The recommendations of the publicly. national Constitution, categorically z Need to implement COPE and Rajapakshe, W.D.J. Senewiratne, committee may contain directives condemned such mudslinging. and D.E.W. Gunasekera. to government departments and “I would condemn it completely. I COPA recommendations COPA is the other financial ministries and such directives don’t think that our Bar Association committee in the Parliament. It are deemed to be those of the should be like a general election to BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA was the Chairman of COPA in the consists of 12 members nominated Parliament. Parliament. This is strictly an election last Parliament. by the Committee of Selection. Copies of committee reports are of professionals.” Concerns have been raised COPE is the other financial The duty of this committee is to distributed among the respective Another senior President’s Counsel over the future of two committee in Parliament which examine the accounts showing the officers of the ministries, who is well known for his work on financial committees in consists of 12 members nominated appropriation of the sums granted departments, provincial councils, constitutional law, who wished to Parliament, as speculations by the Committee of Selection. by Parliament to meet public and local authorities. remain anonymous, also pointed out were being made that the The duty of this committee is expenditure. Since Independence, the that mudsling should not take place, Government was going to to examine the accounts of the The task of COPA is to probe the following members have held the irrespective of the nature of the alter the composition of the public corporations and of any managerial efficiency and financial post of chairman of COPA: K. election or incident. He added that two committees as well as business undertaking vested in the discipline of the Government, its Kanagaratnam, Albert F. Peries, lawyers in particularly should not close the proceedings to Government. ministries, departments, provincial Rosslyn Koch, R.S.V. Poulier tarnish each other’s reputations. These two committees have the councils, and local authorities. The CBE, V.A. Kandiah, Bernard “I don’t think that mudslinging the media. power to summon before them and committee is established at the Soysa, S. Thondaman, P.S. is helpful in any campaign whether As learnt by The Sunday question any person; call for and beginning of each parliamentary Soosaithasan, W.P.B. Dissanayake, it is the Bar Association or Morning, the closing of the examine any paper, book, record, session under Standing Order 125 G.V.S. de Silva, Chandra Kumara otherwise. Essentially, unless there Committee on Public Enterprises or other documents; and access to and consists of 31 members. It Wijeya Gunawardena, E.P. is a proper flow of information and (COPE) and Committee on Public stores and property. reflects the party composition in Paul Perera PC, M.A. Abdul There is nothing that the Bar disinformation is disregarded, it can Accounts (COPA) proceedings to While COPA exercises oversight Parliament and its quorum is four. Majeed, Dr. P.B.G. Kalugalla, Association can do to address this cause undue prejudice to innocent the media has been discussed at in the financial performance of Prof. W.A. Wiswa Warnapala, issue. This has never happened in parties. I think lawyers should the parliament business meeting government institutions, COPE Mahindananda Aluthgamage, the past. It is up to the conduct of desist from such actions,” the senior held last week and the former was established on 26 June Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, Rauff the candidates and the authorities President’s Counsel told The Sunday committee chairmen and the 1979 to ensure the observance These reports are Hakeem, Dr. Sarath Amunugama. Outgoing BASL President Morning. Opposition warned that if such of financial discipline in public As learnt by The Sunday Kalinga Indatissa PC Meanwhile, outgoing BASL an alteration was made, the sole corporations and other semi- legally binding, as they Morning, the Eighth Parliament President Kalinga Indatissa PC too purpose of these two committees governmental bodies in which the are made as per the issued 11 COPE reports. denounced the actions of certain would not be served. Government has a financial stake. observations made by Former COPE Chairman Sunil “If the election campaign of the Bar groups to cause harm to the reputation Nevertheless, assurance was COPE which consists of 31 Handunnetti told The Sunday Association continues at this level, of lawyers in such a way. given by Speaker of Parliament members, reflecting the party the Auditor General. Morning that COPE has all the the future of the Bar Association “It should never happen. This is a Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena composition in the House, is Yet, the Parliament is powers to take action against the could be in great disarray. Important professional body and a professional that the two committees would established under Standing not taking any action corrupt state institutions but so far, senior lawyers will be excluded from election. If there is mudslinging, it continue in the way they were Order 126 at the beginning of such actions have not been taken the activities of the Bar Association. should not take place.” functioning during the past few each parliamentary session and Former COPE Chairman and by the Parliament. The election of the Bar Association However, he noted that the BASL’s decades. the chairman is elected by the JVP MP Sunil Handunnetti According to the standing will also consist of racism, religiosity, hands were tied in the matter and that He told The Sunday Morning members of the committee at its orders, within eight weeks after mudslinging, and false propaganda. candidates should conduct themselves that no decision had been taken by first session. Its quorum is four. COPE observations were issued, Some of the members of the Bar as professionals. the Government regarding the two The duty of the committee is to the state institutions must inform Association have been targeted and “There is nothing that the Bar committees. report to Parliament on accounts Parliament about the actions that an outsider has put up the following Association can do to address this When asked whether examined, budgets and estimates, they have taken, but none of these post and certain members have issue. This has never happened in the composition of the two financial procedures, performance things were happening all these reshared it. Another posted a note the past. It is up to the conduct of the committees would be changed, the and management of corporations, years. appreciating the knowledge of those candidates and the authorities.” Speaker noted that there were no and other government business “These reports are legally who posted the post.” He also added that supporters of such plans as of yet. undertakings. binding, as they are made as He then went on to question what such candidates should also uphold Meanwhile, Opposition The accounts of these per the observations made by such actions project to up-and-coming the respect and dignity of the BASL. political parties claimed that the organisations are audited by the The duty of COPA is to examine the Auditor General. Yet, the lawyers who are easily influenced, “More than the candidates, their Government was planning to Auditor General and form the the sums voted by Parliament Parliament is not taking any and pointed out the disrepute being supporters should know better. I know keep the chairmanships of the two basis of the investigations of the along with the report of the action,” he stressed. brought to the BASL. of the issue you are talking about. committees with them rather than committee. It has the power to Auditor General, which is in six Government progress in “What is the message of such things You cannot be insulting each other in giving them to the Opposition. summon the relevant officials volumes. implementing recommendations to future generations? It’s not just a a professional election.” During the last Government, and such other people as it thinks In the course of its deliberations, made by COPE remains slow, matter of an election. The written and The outgoing BASL President the Opposition was given the post fit to obtain evidence and call the committee obtains evidence leading to drawbacks to ensure unwritten values and traditions of the said that while evidence could give of Chairman of COPE; Janatha for documents. The committee from the secretaries to the transparency and accountability legal community are being challenged credence to accusations on social Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) MP reports to the Parliament and respective ministries, who are the in financial administration over by this type of propaganda.” media, baseless allegations could not Sunil Handunnetti. the recommendations contained chief accounting officers, heads of the past decades, according to He then noted that it would not be be tolerated. Under his chairmanship, the in their reports are deemed to departments, and other responsible the former COPE chairmen. surprising if in the future a junior “Different interpretations can be activities of the previous COPE be directives to the respective officers. Urging the President and lawyer publicly addresses a senior given on the roles played by people. were talked about more than ever corporations or statutory boards The committee also regularly the Prime Minister to take attorney in a derogatory manner. For example, if a candidate has done and many believe that Handunnetti for due compliance. summons the Directors General initiative, the former COPE “Don’t worry if a lawyer who was something which is not ethical, even did considerable justice to the post. Since its inception, the of Public Finance, state accounts, chairmen stressed that COPE sworn in the day before yesterday in that case, you have to be very However, Handunnetti failed to following members have held and National Budget or their reports would only be a tool addresses a senior president’s lawyer careful because without material you get elected to Parliament this time. the post of chairman of COPE: nominated representatives. to enhance accountability as ‘Ado Sir’, because that situation cannot put a post on social media. State Minister of Cooperatives, George Abeygunasekera, M.S. It is the duty of the chief and tackle corruption if was created for the juniors by the Whatever it maybe, in a professional Sales Promotion, and Consumer Amarasiri, J.A.E. Amaratunga, accounting officers to personally the Government takes their seniors themselves.” body, one cannot endorse people who Protection Lasantha Alagiyawanna Wimal Wickramasinghe, appear before the committee recommendations seriously. Nevertheless, senior lawyers go down to this level.” the sunday morning 7 Sunday, September 6, 2020 hot seat BY SARAH HANNAN more than that. We need to think of the children Given that the present of the country and work with Cabinet does not have dedication. We have to advocate a ministerial portfolio Grassroots level justice for the abused child. We dedicated to Women and have to do a lot of work to solve Child Affairs, and the State such problems. I hope to focus on Ministry for Women and Child these issues. Development, Pre-School and Primary Education, What are your plans to improve School Infrastructure and contribution preschool education? At present, we are implementing School Services too is aligned programmes on the instructions under the Cabinet Ministry of Minister of Education Prof. for Education, various groups G.L. Peiris. A programme has have continuously asked been prepared for this purpose in whether Piyal Nishantha de was recognised collaboration with government Silva – the parliamentarian officials. The teachers of who was assigned the preschool children who impart portfolio – was the right Piyal Nishantha de Silva knowledge to them should also choice for the job. This week, be provided with programmes The Sunday Morning had a children and improve the preschool number of laymen and clergy were to expand their knowledge and brief chat with State Minister and primary school education involved in the programme too. understanding. services. We ran two programmes a The teacher must be satisfied de Silva to ascertain how he’s month with the scholars as a if the child is to receive a good easing into his ministerial Before stepping into the result; special programmes have education. Today, our preschool portfolio, and also spoke to role of a state minister, you been created for children and steps teacher is not satisfied. Sometimes him about the programmes implemented various grassroots were taken to provide uniforms while governments are formed, he plans on implementing level programmes throughout and books to the children as well. the preschool teacher is told of to address the main issues in the country to support I have made a great contribution a fairytale world. But after the those areas. Excerpts of the schoolchildren and mothers. towards strengthening the formation of the government, the interview follow. Can you tell us a little bit about minds of children. We look teacher gets treated like a midwife. that? forward to continuing to Prime Minister Mahinda What is the special reason for A loving mother is considered a implement such programmes. Rajapaksa has a good giving you the subject of Women great asset, and if one is to write In 2001, I created the understanding of preschool and Child Development? about the virtue of motherhood, programme Sisu Nena children. However, the previous Of all the members of parliament it will never see an end. I still Pradeepa and have continued to Violence and abuse against A child who went to sea on a Good Governance Government (MPs), I contributed the most in the believe there are great mothers implement various programmes, women and children are on fishing trip was brutally assaulted made teachers lose their dignity. aspects of preschool education and that live amongst us. Even though particularly in the Kalutara the rise. Do you think the laws recently. This child went for It is our responsibility to provide the subject of women in my district, my beloved mother is no longer District, for preschool, Sunday enacted against those who a dangerous job. What are the an allowance to the preschool i.e. in Kalutara. Therefore, this alive, my love for her has not school, and formal schoolchildren commit violence and abuse are factors that motivated that child to teacher and to create a quality subject has been handed over to me died. I believe it was because of as well as teachers and parents sufficient? go? Accordingly, we need to look preschool system, and we have to in recognition of my contribution. my mom and dad that I was able who impart knowledge, skills, The laws against such at the economic status of such regulate the same in this regard. As a teacher in the field of to gain so much experience in life. and shape the attitudes of individuals need to be strengthened families. Therefore, no matter When regulating it, programmes education as well as a long-time So, I conducted a long-term those children. As of today, the so that the necessary action can be how much the law is enforced, should be implemented in such a Dhamma school teacher, I have programme about my mother as programme provides assistance taken. Very few reports of violence justice will not be served if such way that no teacher is harmed. formally implemented programmes a politician. In 2013, I created to 602 preschools in the Kalutara and abuse are currently being situations are not addressed. During my tenure I will take steps in this area since 2001. My years of a quality programme called District. reported. If we focus on the crux In this situation, if the to ensure the preschool teacher experience as a teacher qualify me “Mothers” to create a conversation I believe that a great deal of of the issue, a major catastrophe is family’s financial situation is is satisfied and thereby gives the to practise within this scope. and aesthetic dialogue about the work can be done to empower taking place in the country. not strengthened, it could lead to child a proper education. If we It was because of all that, that I virtues of loving mothers. The women and improve the preschool So we need to look at several something even more dangerous. fail to make it in this step, the next was assigned this Ministry, and I programme worked very well and primary education sectors aspects in this regard. We need to The solution doesn’t only have step will fail. Preschools should be will do my level best to address the across the country. It also aired of the country, drawing from the focus on the legal as well as the to treat that child and punish the made to offer a truly good-quality issues that are tied with women and on independent television. A large success of these programmes. humanitarian side. perpetrators – it has to do a lot education. the sunday morning Sunday, September 6, 2020 EDITORIAL/POLITICS

Back to the future It is said that the more things change, the more they remain the same. What better way to describe the 20th Amendment to the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka that was gazetted last week than by these immortal words penned by renowned French Executive presidency: journalist and editor Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karrway back in 1848 with regard to local politics in France. For all intents and purposes, the 20th Amendment is a fulfilment of the election promise made by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) to repeal the 19th Amendment, which it saw as an impediment to the progress the party envisioned for the country. To be fair, each party is entitled to its own vision and this is what the SLPP put on the table for the people to decide. Having received a thumping near two-thirds majority, the party galvanised into action in a record time GR’s litmus test of less than a month since the election to fulfil what it promised. So far, so good. z Draft 20A causes fiery z SLPP PC members push z SL watchful of impact of US What is debatable, however, are the contents of the proposed amendment which is now awaiting parliamentary clearance, having debate within SLPP for holding PC polls clash with China’s CCCC already received the green light from the Cabinet as well as the Attorney General who has opined that the proposed amendment does not need The much anticipated Ministers while being the Head Some positions of the Samagi approval of the people at a referendum and that two-thirds support in 20th Amendment to the of the Cabinet Sandanaya are to be assigned Parliament would suffice for it to be passed into law. Constitution proposed by to the JHU, SLMC, All Ceylon yy The limit on the number Makkal Congress (ACMC), The contents of the proposed 19th Amendment, on closer scrutiny, the Government, headed of cabinet ministries that was is a throwback to the contentious 18th Amendment save for two key and the TPA. The allies who by President Gotabaya fixed at 30 has been removed supported the SJB at the aspects, namely limitation of the duration of the presidency to five Rajapaksa and Prime yy The limit on the number polls have continuously been years per term and a maximum of two such terms. With regard to the Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, rest, the sense of déjà vu is profound to the extent that it creates a the of state and deputy ministries calling for the formation of was gazetted last week after sense of continuity from the pre-2015 era as if the five years since then black box that was fixed at 40 has been an official political alliance never happened. Every other clause that was repealed or amended by receiving approval from the removed claiming the SJB could not be Cabinet of Ministers last considered a political party the 19th has been reinstated by the 20th Amendment. It is to the credit by Capt. Vasabha yy The National Procurement of the architects of the SLPP that they have been able to execute this Wednesday (2). yy President can remove Prime Commission and National Audit so quickly by utterly and completely outmanoeuvring and outwitting Commission have been scrapped the media that although the an Opposition whose only claim to fame has been its self-destruction. Earlier in the week, Sri Lanka Minister Government expects to introduce Back when President J.R. Jayewardene and the then all powerful Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) yy Full legal immunity to the yy The President will appoint the the 20th Amendment to the United National Party (UNP) Government introduced the 1978 Chairman and Minister of President restored Auditor General Constitution on a priority basis Constitution, little would they have anticipated that 42 years down the Education Prof. G.L. Peiris said yy The appointment of the Chief repealing the 19th Amendment, it road, a two-year-old upstart political party would receive a thumping the proposed 20th Amendment yy The Constitutional Council will take another two months, and that appointed members to Justice, justices of the Supreme mandate from 6.8 million people to infuse a new lease of life to its would not require the holding of Court, chairman and justices the new Constitution will come all-powerful executive presidency which has won and lost elections a referendum since clauses that independent commissions would after a minimum of two years. be replaced with a parliamentary of the Court of Appeal, as well for many a party over the years. Thanks to the 5 August mandate, the would require such an endeavour as members of the Judicial He told the weekly cabinet presidency is alive and kicking once again. Yes, kicking, in its all- have not been included in the new council. The Parliamentary news briefing that Justice Minister Council will only be allowed Services Commission (JSC) can new avatar vis-à-vis the 20th Amendment which restores all powers piece of legislation. be made by the President Ali Sabry PC could table the enjoyed by the president prior to the 19th Amendment of 2015. He noted that a two-thirds to exercise observational amendment only after two weeks It is said that people deserve the governments they get because after majority could approve the 20th powers and would be void of yy The President can appoint from the date of publication of the all, they elect them. In the last two decades at least, it is the singular Amendment and it would be the President’s representatives the AG, the Parliamentary gazette. subject of the presidency that has won or lost elections for a political sufficient. and three civil representatives Commissioner for According to Gammanpila, the party in this country. The 5 August result proved that the time-tested Prof. Peiris’ opinion was further who were in the Constitutional Administration (Ombudsman), 20th Amendment will be subjected formula is still potent. Now, thanks to the 20th Amendment, a new validated by the Attorney General Council and the Secretary General of to a public discussion for two opportunity has been created for the political forces that came together (AG) a few days later. yy The Parliamentary Council Parliament weeks, and the Government was in 2015 to reunite and resurrect their pet project, which means they The AG also noted that the ready to incorporate proposals will comprise the Prime yy The President will be allowed to too will now receive a new lease of life. The circus, it seems, is only proposed 20th Amendment to the from the public depending on their Minister, Speaker, Leader of the appoint the Police Commission beginning. Constitution would not require a relevance. Opposition, a nominee of the and the Police Commission will To put things into perspective, in 1994, Chandrika Bandaranaike referendum and that two-thirds Prime Minister, and a nominee appoint the Inspector General of promised to abolish the “bahubootha” 1978 Constitution and with it support in Parliament would help Indian stance of the Leader of the Opposition Police (IGP) the executive presidency. After serving two full terms, she handed its passage. Along with the discussion of over the reins of the very same presidency she inherited without a It is interesting to note that the yy The President will be vested Be that as it may, it is evident introducing a new Constitution, single clause being amended to Mahinda Rajapaksa, who ironically 20th Amendment, if taken up and with powers to appoint that the executive presidency of the fate of a few other key promised to do what Chandrika Bandaranaike failed to do but did passed in Parliament by mid this chairmen and members of the initial 1978 Constitution is now constitutional amendments have not do it either. month, would be the first piece the commissions – Election back in full force. also become subject to public However, Maithripala Sirisena, who contested on the premise of legislation to be implemented Commission, Public Service discussion. that he will abolish the presidency, won the day and was elected to within a period of a month since Commission, National Police New Constitution Key among them is the 13th office in 2015 along with the Yahapalana Government consisting of the inauguration of a parliament Commission, Human Rights Apart from the 20th Amendment, Amendment and the provincial both the UNP and Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). To Sirisena’s post polls. Commission of Sri Lanka, the one of the key tasks of the councils system. credit, he was the only president since 1994 to actually walk the Everything seems to be moving Commission to Investigate Government headed by President During the past few weeks, talk on abolishing the presidency, which successive governments at a fast pace – a case of getting Allegations of Bribery Rajapaksa is the introduction of a certain sections of the Government and politicians, at election time at least, continuously touted as the down to real business. The Cabinet and Corruption, Finance new Constitution. have expressed the view that the bane of the country. Although he fell far short of actually abolishing of Ministers agreed to introduce Commission, and Delimitation In order to expedite this provincial councils system that was the post, he and the then UNP-SLFP Government did manage to a constitutional amendment at Commission endeavour, the Cabinet of set up in accordance with the Indo- salvage some credibility by introducing the 19th Amendment which its first meeting after the new yy The President will seek Ministers last week agreed to Sri Lanka Accord should be done re-imposed the two-term limit and pruned the executive powers by a Government assumed office and observations of the Council the appointment of an Expert away with. considerable margin, including reducing the tenure from six years to the draft 20th Amendment was and they are required to be Committee headed by Romesh de This debate has created doubts five years and removing the blanket immunity provided to the holder presented last week and approved conveyed through the Speaker Silva PC. on whether the impending of that office. What the SLPP is doing five years later is to reverse by the Cabinet. Of course, it was within a week from the date of The committee is tasked with provincial council (PC) elections almost every one of those amendments. At the end of the day, both gazetted the following morning. seeking such observations and preparing the preliminary drafts for will be held any time soon. parties could be generally construed as pandering to the will of the The draft 20th Amendment has if the Council fails to do so, the a new Constitution. The issue has obviously caused people – the former Government to rid the powers of the post, the however retained a few clauses President could proceed to make Co-Cabinet Spokesperson quite a debate with the SLPP present to re-enact what was taken away. from the 19th Amendment – the the appointments and Minister of Energy Udaya Government as well. However, the mindboggling question now is: How can former limiting of the presidential term Gammanpila said the committee The SLPP Provincial President and current Leader of the SLFP, and self-proclaimed architect to five years and limiting the yy The law barring dual citizens comprises Romesh de Silva PC Councillors' Federation on of the 19th Amendment, Maithripala Sirisena do an about-turn and frequency an individual could from entering Parliament was (Chairman), Gamini Marapana PC, Thursday (3) addressed the media support the repeal of all he took credit for – in other words, his legacy contest for the presidency to two revoked Manohara de Silva PC, Sanjeewa after holding a discussion about the and single biggest achievement? How will he vindicate the millions times. yy Minimum age limit for a Jayawardena PC, Prof. Naazima impending PC polls. who supported him at the time? Following are some of the salient president has been reduced to 30 Kamardeen, Dr. A. Sarveswaran, Former Provincial Councillor What is even more mystifying is the fact that this piece of legislation features of the proposed 20th from 35 years Samantha Ratwatte PC, Prof. Kanchana Jayaratne, who is vying was passed by 215 of the legislators of the 225-seat Parliament, the Amendment to the Constitution: Wasantha Senevirathne, and Prof. for the chief ministerial post in the majority of who have been re-elected to the current Parliament. Does yy The President could be a G.L. Peiris. Sabaragamuwa Province, said the yy President can dissolve it mean that it is okay to mislead people just to win an election? member of the Cabinet of Gammanpila last week told federation had adopted a motion at Parliament in a year After last month’s general election result, we predicted that Maithripala its meeting to urge the holding of Sirisena will be the man to watch. What we didn’t anticipate then the PC polls under the old electoral was that the time to do so will come so quickly. Now with the 20th system. Amendment already gazetted, Sirisena is already the man of the He noted that there is a moment. He and his 14 SLFP members in Parliament must surely discussion being built on the fact be at their wits’ end on how to keep a straight face and support the that there was no necessity to hold new amendment. The former President who has gained notoriety as PC polls. a serial let down case will now have another feather added to his cap. “If there’s going to be a With the latest development, Sirisena and his SLFP are caught discussion on the provincial between a rock and a hard place as the compulsory two-thirds majority council system, then it should be needed to pass the amendment into law depends on their collective done in line with the Constitution,” support in Parliament. Therefore, the former President, who is known Jayaratne said. to be a man of many surprises, may decide to barter his newfound He further referred to the importance for something tangible in the form of a powerful post in observations made by State the administration. The fact that he has not been offered a portfolio Minister for Provincial Councils as of yet could well be a tactical ploy to garner his support. As to how Sarath Weerasekera on the the former President can redeem himself in the eyes of his supporters provincial councils system. then and now is something for them to reconcile with. “However, the Government has not The SLPP will not remain unscathed either, as it will have its own made any official statement about share of headaches because the prime minister, as envisaged in the the provincial councils. Hence, 20th Amendment, will revert to a nominal, non-executive role with it could be the State Minister’s little scope beyond the allocated ministerial portfolio. Given the personal opinion. We, as the current dynamics, the inevitable power play will be an interesting Provincial Councillors' Federation, phenomenon to watch. reached a unanimous decision to With the presidency back to square one, it’s now more or less back condemn the statements made by to the future and one man who must surely be smiling up yonder is Weerasekera about the provincial its creator. councils,” Jayaratne said. No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. In response, Weerasekera Fax - 011 2 673 441 maintains that he has always stood General - 011 5 200 900 against the 13th Amendment as Director Sales & Marketing - 077 3 866 143 well as the provincial councils Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367620 system. E-mail - [email protected] “The 13th Amendment was 9 EDITORIAL/POLITICS Executive presidency: GR’s litmus test z SL watchful of impact of US z SJB allies push for formation clash with China’s CCCC of Samagi alliance

forcibly thrust on us by India. We Dr. Bandara explained that 1.9 million votes were secured are opposed to the dividing of the there are officials who do more by the national movement. These country and making it a federal damage to the country than the nationalists are now questioning us. state. The 13th Amendment was parliamentarians. We get endless telephone calls and a result of the Indo-(Sri) Lanka According to him, those holding even if we go to a funeral house, Accord and according to it, there dual citizenship should not be they ask questions. Therefore, we were some clauses India also had to allowed to hold offices like would like to tell the President that fulfil,” the State Minister told the ministry secretary, justice of the we are unable to accept it and keep media last week. Supreme Court, Attorney General, silent over every appointment made He added that India should Auditor General, and Governor by him as being the correct one. not expect Sri Lanka to fulfil its of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Because we represent the people,” obligations after having failed to do (CBSL). Dr. Bandara told the media. their part. “Therefore, the law on dual Also addressing the news It is in this backdrop that citizens that was in the 19th conference, Dr. Gunadasa the Government is looking at Amendment should be included Amarasekera said that rather appointing a former Minister, in the 20th Amendment. The law than focusing on a constitutional Milinda Moragoda, as Sri Lanka’s should also be extended to the amendment, it was prudent to look High Commissioner of Cabinet official posts mentioned by us,” Dr. at introducing a new Constitution rank to India. Bandara said, adding: “This has as pledged in the President’s policy If the appointment is made, it not been included in the proposed statement, “Vistas of Prosperity will be the first time an envoy of amendment. Please don’t wait to and Splendour”. Cabinet rank will be appointed make the changes in the committee by the Government and the envoy stage of Parliament. It will then be US whacks China will be able to interact with the used by separatists to push their While Sri Lanka’s political leaders of both the countries amendments as well.” sphere was abuzz with the directly without going through the proposed 20th Amendment and respective foreign ministries. During the past few weeks, the future of the 13th Amendment Moragoda first served as an MP certain sections of the in a new Constitution, the US in 2001 in the United National Government have expressed imposed sanctions on 24 Chinese Party (UNP) Government and the view that the provincial companies, making it illegal for US afterwards served as a Minister councils system that was set companies to export products to in the former Mahinda Rajapaksa up in accordance with the these entities without a government Government. Indo-Sri Lanka Accord should license. Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary be done away with. This This decision affects the China Prof. Jayanath Colombage had told debate has created doubts Communications Construction the media that Moragoda would on whether the impending Company (CCCC), which is the be appointed High Commissioner provincial council elections parent company of the China President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of Cabinet rank because he was a will be held any time soon Harbour Engineering Company PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE person of international stature. (CHEC) engaged in constructing As soon as the Government’s According to the explanation the Colombo Port City. intentions were divulged in given by Dr. Bandara, there was CCCC was previously involved multibillion-dollar infrastructure opportunities to enhance Road Initiative (BRI) strategy. the media, it gave further rise an issue of accountability when in the construction of the programme. military professionalisation, The CCCC and its subsidiaries to speculation that the 13th appointing persons holding dual Hambantota Port and the Mattala Five CCCC subsidiaries are counterterrorism, and maritime have engaged in corruption, Amendment was definitely facing citizenships to higher offices. Rajapaksa International Airport. among 24 Chinese companies that security co-operation. Both leaders predatory financing, environmental the axe and required a high-level He said that such individuals are This is the first time the US has the US Commerce Department expressed their commitment destruction, and other abuses dialogue between the Governments able to return to another country sanctioned Chinese companies has recently added to its so-called to expanding bilateral defence across the world. of India and Sri Lanka. The person after doing anything detrimental to involved in building artificial entity list, which bans the relations and to advancing shared “These sanctions are targeted at to pave such a platform would be Sri Lanka. islands in the South China Sea. companies from receiving US interests,” the US Department of PRC entities and the US further Moragoda. He added that a US citizen, when China has constructed artificial imports without a license. Defence mentioned in a read-out of encourages countries to manage Nevertheless, given the recent swearing allegiance to the US, islands in the South China Sea the conversation. risk when dealing with the CCCC statements made by the Indian pledges to even take arms against including the Fiery Cross Reef, Reading between the lines, and its subsidiaries. The CCCC High Commission in Sri Lanka, any other nation that is deemed an Subi Reef, and the Port City in the one could assume the diplomatic has done untold environmental the Indian Government has not enemy of the US. seas of Sri Lanka. discussion that could have damage, been involved with yet changed its stance on the 13th Speaking further, Dr. Bandara The South China Morning Post taken place between Esper and malign actions around the world, Amendment and still pushes for its pointed out that observations from reported that the US’ blacklisting Rajapaksa. and caused instability in the Indo- full implementation. the Cabinet were not sought upon of the Chinese contractor at Meanwhile, the US Embassy Pacific,” the US Embassy stated. the draft of the piece of legislation the centre of Beijing’s island- in Colombo on Friday (4) issued The US mission had also said it National organisations being presented to the Cabinet. building activity in the disputed a statement which noted that on hoped countries will examine their stand firm “We call for the amendment South China Sea could have a 26 August, the US Department dealings with the CCCC to guard The discussion on the proposed of the draft of the proposed disruptive ripple effect across Asia, of State imposed visa restrictions against the company’s abuses, and constitutional amendments and the amendment. There should be diplomatic observers have said, on People’s Republic of China to protect their own sovereignty inclusion of certain clauses has also space for the Cabinet Ministers pointing to the firm’s extensive (PRC) individuals responsible for, and interests. irked the nationalist forces within and the general public to make presence from Sri Lanka to the or complicit in, either the large- the SLPP. observations and give their Philippines. scale reclamation, construction, or SJB alliance The nationalist movement proposals for the proposed The censure’s impact might also militarisation of disputed outposts While the Government was last week openly expressed its amendment as well. It should be be felt by US firms that would be in the South China Sea, or the engaged in carrying out its agenda frustrations at the proposed gazetted only after that,” he said. required to obtain licences before US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo PRC’s use of coercion against amidst pitfalls, the Opposition constitutional amendment as well The federation noted that there they exported products to support Southeast Asian claimants to parties are still trying to recalibrate. as the actions of Viyathmaga, was no clue as to what exactly the Asian projects linked to the CCCC, US Secretary of State Mike inhibit their access to offshore Election Commission (EC) which is one of the main civil Cabinet of Ministers expressed analysts have said. Pompeo has said China should resources. Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya society organisations to back when handed the draft 20th Malaysia’s $ 10.5 billion East not be allowed to use the CCCC “These individuals will now be last week clarified one of the President Rajapaksa and his agenda Amendment. Coast Rail Link, the $ 1.4 billion and other state-backed entities to inadmissible into the US, and their key questions that existed over for the country. Referring to the recent statement Port City in Colombo, Sri Lanka, “impose an expansionist agenda”, immediate family members may be the position of the newly elected Federation of National by the President that pressure and a new $ 10 billion airport while a senior administration subject to these visa restrictions as members of parliament (MPs) Organisations Convener Dr. should not be exerted to make outside the Philippine capital of official was quoted in The Wall well. In addition, the Department under the Sajith Premadasa-led Wasantha Bandara on Thursday changes to the appointments that Manila are among the CCCC’s Street Journal as saying the censure of Commerce has added 24 Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). (3) organised a press briefing have been made to the state bodies, marquee overseas projects. was aimed at labelling the CCCC PRC state-owned enterprises Following the election of a group with other representatives of Dr. Bandara said the comment as the “Huawei of infrastructure”. to the Entity List, including of UNP members to Parliament the federation and called on the cannot be accepted. The 20th Amendment, if taken several subsidiaries of China under the SJB, there were many Government not to repeal the He noted that the Federation of up and passed in Parliament US touches base with SL Communications Construction questions over their legitimacy and clause that prevented dual citizens National Organisations had played by mid this month, would be A few days after imposing the Company (CCCC). Under these whether they still represented their from representing Parliament or an immense role in ensuring the the first piece of legislation sanctions on Chinese companies sanctions, certain US-origin items former party the UNP. any other public office. President obtained the mandate he to be implemented within a including the CCCC and five of may require a license subject to Deshapriya, however, noted sought from the public at the polls period of a month since the its subsidiaries, US Secretary Export Administration Regulations that the MPs representing the SJB and that some of the officials who inauguration of a parliament of Defence Dr. Mark T. Esper (EAR) before they can be provided were no longer identified as UNP are currently advising the President post polls telephoned President Rajapaksa to companies on the Entity List,” members. were not in touch with reality. and discussed their shared the statement noted. Deshapriya told The Sunday “Some of the officials like those Given the scale of the Chinese commitment to a free and open The US mission further Morning that there were no UNP in Viyathmaga did not work among firm’s regional presence, Indo-Pacific that ensures the elaborated that since 2013, the PRC MPs in Parliament at present and the public. They were mostly observers who had spoken to sovereignty of all nations. has used its state-owned enterprises all those who contested under the engaged in holding meetings at This Week in Asia have predicted Esper urged continued progress to dredge and unlawfully reclaim SJB were now identified as SJB hotels and did not mix with the multiple governments as well as on reconciliation and human more than 3,000 acres in the South members even though they held the general public. We were the ones local corporate entities that had rights in Sri Lanka, while also China Sea, destabilising the region, membership of the UNP earlier. who visited villages and temples partnered with the CCCC and its congratulating the President on his trampling on the sovereign rights The alliance was formed to and distributed 1.5 million leaflets subsidiaries would be scrambling successful handling of the Covid- of its neighbours, and causing contest the 2020 Sri Lankan in villages and temples. We even in the coming days to figure out 19 pandemic and the recently untold environmental devastation. parliamentary election. On 11 did a leaflet in Tamil. None of these just how the sanctions worked. concluded parliamentary election, “The CCCC led the destructive February 2020, the EC announced advisory bodies did anything like The CCCC is embedded in the US Department of Defence dredging of the PRC’s South that they had accepted the party as that. The Pohottuwa leaders said Asian economies partly because of said. China Sea outposts and is also one a recognised political party in Sri they can bring only five million their participation in the Belt and “Reviewing common bilateral of the leading contractors used Lanka. Federation of National Organisations votes at the polls. The remaining Road Initiative (BRI), Beijing’s defence priorities, they noted by Beijing in its global Belt and Contd. on page 10 Convener Dr. Wasantha Bandara 10 the sunday morning VIEWS/POLITICS Sunday, September 6, 2020

BY PUJANEE GALAPPATHTHI reproduction, which is not sex education. Sex SEX EDUCATION education is a must and should be included Referring to the larger conversation in the school syllabus because we cannot just hide how each and every one of us got here! on sexual abuse of children in Sri With the rise of HIV infections in the Lanka, Justice Minister Mohamed Ali country, now is the time to educate the Sabry PC recently stated that proper children on contraception and STDs. Today, sex and relationship education no curiosity will be left unsatisfied because could be a tool in preventing sexual everything you wish to explore is just one abuse amongst children in society. click away. It’s far better to teach the kids It’s about time about comprehensive sexuality education He further emphasised that a step- transmitted diseases (STDs) and how to rather than letting them get lost in the by-step process on sex education protect themselves. world of pornography, which will definitely should be introduced and made a affect their social behaviour and future mandatory element of the school relationships. Let’s break this taboo and de-stigmatise sex education to create a better curriculum. While the entire country Kids won’t keep silent about tomorrow. is engaged in a debate as to how our children should correctly be sexual abuse given sex ed, we spoke to some of Dasun Shehara – marketing manager Lack of sex ed leads to the members of the public on their I believe sex ed is crucial as it is also views in this regard. important to teach children the difference serious issues between consensual relations and harassment, so that a clear dialogue is *Felix – writer created between children and their parents, One of the major issues we have is that and the practice of keeping quiet about teachers are not trained properly to teach sex Sex ed at young sexual abuse and harassment can come to ed in Sri Lanka and are not willing to teach an end. it because of the discomfort of the topic (as age prevents famous Sri Lankan rapper Ranoosh said: “I’ll avoid that s### like Lankan teachers discrimination avoid teaching sex ed”). I think we will Need systematic process always be held back by stigmas, myths, and Ama Rajapakshe – Nisansala Sandeepani – teacher misconceptions if we don’t teach sex ed, and Attorney-at-Law I know that most children in my school it can even lead to very serious issues like I believe our do not have proper sex education. The teen pregnancy, venereal diseases, and even children have no sex education because science and health teachers who are required sexual assault, which can even be fatal. it is not a part of our education system to teach children these things are too shy However, having sex ed can be extremely and because parents feel uncomfortable to talk about it, and these subjects end up beneficial when it comes to building educating children on such topics (mostly being taken over by the math or English relationships and having a strong marital due to cultural constraints). And I firmly teachers. I believe sex education must be a life, which is the foundation of future believe it has to be included in the school made a compulsory subject and taught in a generations. Children should be taught curriculum. Systematic education in systematic process. about contraception and about STDs. that regard would help eliminate the Furthermore, I think it’s important for misconceptions children have regarding schools to be inclusive of all types of people sex. The lack of education regarding when teaching, because that’s where children aspects such as sexually transmitted Sex ed will help figure out who they are as people. It’s also diseases and sexual orientation leads important to exercise caution when it comes children to discriminate against those kids protect to teaching extreme leftist ideas. who are different from them. Rather than making attempts to reverse the thought Should teach the At some point, every child is going to themselves process of grown-ups, it would be much find out something about sexuality, so why not expose them to that knowledge in a safe Lahiruni Should not be ashamed to easier and better if we can teach the young consequences of sex ones about these realities so that they and regulated environment? This way, the Samarasundara – grow up with an open mind. Hansi Punchihewa – student information they take in is accurate and age- Attorney-at-Law talk about sex I believe sex education is crucial. Because appropriate. They learn about themselves Our country has taken a step back on *Liza – media personality when they (children) are taught about it, and they learn it with others. They will learn sex and relationship education due to the to respect each other, be responsible, and Students should learn sex education. they will be aware. They should also be cultural barriers and ongoing practice to not Some people think sex education is not Will break down taboo educated about the consequences of sex. above all, value themselves. speak about it openly. Proper sex education, When the children are openly taught suitable for schoolchildren and most parents Mostly, girls get into trouble because they starting from Grade Six or Seven, is very are reluctant to teach sex education to associated with sex don’t have enough knowledge on what and the topic is openly discussed, they will important, as it will help the children at learn that sexuality is not something to be children – this leads to them seeking this Asha M. Jayalath – medical student exactly happens, and guys do not know the some point in their lives; it would help them information elsewhere. In most developed gravity of their actions. So I think we should ashamed of but rather to be responsible protect themselves. This may also help them I believe children should be taught sex about. I believe matters about sexual countries, sex education is mandatory education in school; to be more accurate, educate them about sex and also about what understand the world they live in and avoid for schoolchildren. I believe Sri Lankans happens if they misuse sex. orientation should also be taught to children; unnecessary problems in their lives. sex and relationship education. And yes, it would be good to learn, from a young age, should do away with the mindset that sex we see that most schools lack the subject that everybody is not the same and those is not a topic for children and should not be in their curriculum in Sri Lanka; while differences are not abnormal or a reason to ashamed to talk about it. the subject is in the book, it isn’t taught Exposure in a safe and disrespect anyone. Porn is kids’ properly or at all. Sex education is just as important as science, math, and English. regulated environment is alternative We see a lot of issues in today’s society Youths in dire need of sex ed thanks to the taboo created and embedded crucial Kids should know how to source of sex ed *Shane – university student: in Sri Lanka’s society towards sex and Darrshini Parthepan Long story short, our youths are in dire related topics. The list of issues is a long Nathali Livera – Attorney-at-Law protect themselves need of sex ed at school. And there is a one, from teenage pregnancies to unsafe Our children are not taught (sex ed) in – Assistant Manager, massive discrepancy between the sex ed abortion, rape, and other sexual offences to schools. This is a lesson that is skipped Theekshana Pramodhya – student Public Relations, and Sex education should be included in we provide in government schools here gender inequality, and children, especially for 14 years by many, and teachers and Digital Marketing, Browns Group-LOLC compared to that of developed countries. girls, not knowing their basic human rights. children are discouraged from raising the school curriculum and more than just that, it has to be taught properly. What our kids learn at school is just *Some names have been changed to It’s pathetic and petrifying. questions or talking about sexuality from a a quasi-medical explanation of sexual very young age. Children should know about sexually protect individuals’ identities

Contd. from page 5 from the banking system. This is Contd. from page 9 “SJBers, including me, are Wijewardene last week said he unprecedented.” descendants of UNPers. However, was ready to take over the party He said the IRD could make the we had to form the SJB and go leadership. necessary changes to broaden the Executive presidency... separately as the UNP leadership He made this remark during a The need tax net – particularly that of income did not do what it had to do prior public meeting in Anuradhapura tax. MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara in check in the next five years,” to the general election. The UNP last Saturday (29 August). “The Government has already set was named the General Secretary Attanayake elaborated. should have been handed over to He said that there are several for... up the Large Taxpayers Unit in the of the party. “The Samagi Sandanaya needs Leader of the Opposition, Sajith party members who have already “They (Government) might commit IRD which will cover 20% of the The Jathika Hela Urumaya to be created so the UNP can align Premadasa. The SLPP would staked a claim for party leadership. suicide if they give additional tax total income taxpayers. Presently, (JHU), the Sri Lanka Muslim with us under the leadership of not have obtained a two-thirds “I kept silent, but during the past concessions because it has already those people are only paying 60% Congress (SLMC), and the Tamil Sajith Premadasa.” majority if such a thing happened. few days, there have been so many eaten into government revenue by of the taxes now according to the Progressive Alliance (TPA) One will have to wait and see party members from across the around 4-5% of GDP (gross domestic Government, but the taxpayers joined the new alliance on 12 Inviting UNP the dire consequences of it later,” country asking me to take over the product), which is not a small thing – say they are paying up to 100%. February 2020. The alliance won Meanwhile, the UNP last week Appuhamy had added. party leadership,” he said. it runs into the billions. So, how can So there is a dispute between the 54 seats and became the main faced another setback with district However, despite rumours Wijewardene went on to say that you give additional tax concessions?” Government and the large taxpayer. Opposition in just six months returning officers being instructed of discussions taking place he is prepared to take over the party He said a solution to recovering the “As such, the Government’s after its formation. Now, the to refrain from taking action against between the UNP and the SJB, leadership. revenue lost through the concessions objective is to expand the SJB-led alliance named Samagi a group of UNP local government there still hasn’t been any official Meanwhile, the UNP National would be to widen the current tax net. operations of the Large Taxpayers Sandanaya is to be formed shortly. (LG) members until 10 September. discussion between the two parties, Youth Front (Jathika Yovun “What they can do is simplify the Unit and get that 20% of the large Some positions of the Samagi The Court of Appeal last week UNP senior advisor Lasantha Peramuna) has passed a resolution tax system and then, probably, they taxpayers to pay not 60% but Sandanaya are to be assigned issued the order preventing action Goonewardena had said. calling for Wijewardene’s may be able to collect more tax by 100%. The large taxpayers will to the JHU, SLMC, All Ceylon against 38 UNP LG members. “Although the SJB is making appointment as the new party getting more people into the tax net. have to pay more in terms of the Makkal Congress (ACMC), and The 38 UNP members were statements about potential leader. “In my view, what was proposed amount and not the rate.” the TPA. The allies who supported suspended from the party for meetings scheduled with our senior National Youth Front Secretary in the manifesto was not a viable He said state banks had suffered the SJB at the polls have extending support to the SJB at the members, none of those meetings Darshana Chathuranga Brahmana or sustainable tax reform, because unparalleled losses due to tax continuously been calling for the 2020 general election. have taken place yet. had told a news conference that the Government would face an and interest reforms and that the formation of an official political The Court of Appeal issued “A group will meet our present 32 of the 42 executive members immediate reduction in tax revenue, Government may have to bail out alliance claiming the SJB could the order after taking up for Leader to discuss the way forward. of the youth front had voted in whereas its expenditure has these banks if the trend continues. not be considered a political party. consideration the petition filed by However, we are far from finalising favour of the resolution calling for multiplied now. “We are after this disastrous Discussions are currently the group against the suspension of the correct candidate to be Wijewardene’s appointment as the “If people want public services, Covid-19 outbreak. The underway with the allies on the their UNP membership. appointed as party leader, given the new leader. they have to be prepared to pay taxes. performances of the banks for the proposed new alliance. The SJB has meanwhile called current situation,” Goonewardena “We initially passed a resolution It’s clear the Government needs first half of the year have been hit SJB National Organiser Tissa on the UNP to merge with it and had noted. on 13 August 2020 stating that six more revenue today. Therefore, more hard. People’s Bank’s net profits Attanayake noted that if an form an electoral alliance. names including Wijewardene, people should be brought into the tax for the first half of the year have alliance is not formed, it would There is no one in the SJB Youth for Ruwan Arjuna Ranatunga, Akila Viraj net, not the tax range. For example, dropped by 80% to Rs. 2 billion cause a lot of disadvantages to against a merger with the UNP The UNP’s leadership issue Kariyawasam, Palitha Range have the same simplified income tax from Rs. 8 billion. This is because the other friendly parties that but there are some in the latter that was to be resolved on Friday Bandara, Karu Jayasuriya, and at the current low rate but widen the the reduction in the interest rates supported the SJB in gaining seats which should be left out, SJB MP had to be postponed till this week Navin Dissanayake should be tax net and get more people to pay ate into their revenue. This is an during the general election. Hector Appuhamy has told a press since Ranil Wickremesinghe considered when deciding on the income tax.” anomaly in the interest policy. “We need to retain their support conference. was summoned before several top post. However, we passed He said that a record amount of “All banks are making less for upcoming elections, and we “We would like to merge with presidential commissions of inquiry another resolution on Wednesday borrowings had been taken by the profit, which in itself will become will continue as the SJB but will the UNP, but we don’t want to last week. The UNP Working calling for the appointment of Government in the first half of 2020 a problem in the future because if also form an alliance so we can associate with a few in the Grand Committee is scheduled to be held Wijewardene as the new leader,” he to balance the loss in state revenue. they don’t retain profits to improve afford fair treatment to all the Old Party. I don’t think there is this week and UNP Deputy General had said. “Within the first seven months of their capital in these two state parties that align with us. It will anyone in the SJB who would Secretary Ruwan Wijewardene The National Youth Front had 2020, the Government has borrowed, banks, the Government will have also strengthen the Opposition oppose a merger with the UNP,” seems to be the frontrunner in the also said it would welcome a UNP on a net basis, Rs. 1.4 trillion to pump in money.” in keeping the governing party Appuhamy had said. race for the UNP leadership. and SJB merger. the sunday morning 11 Sunday, September 6, 2020 FOCUS 11

BY MAHIKA PANDITHA Sex education is the teaching and learning of topics in relation to sex and sexuality. IT IS TIME FOR This can range from navigating one’s relationship with themselves and with partners to consent, birth control, abstinence, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Sex education is meant to help children understand their bodies and how it is bound to change as they grow “Hathe Ape Potha” is the grade seven supplementary textbook on reproductive health older as well as understand the importance of their Grade Five. The suspect has been interpersonal relationships. remanded after being produced at the Nikaweratiya Magistrate Court, The word “sex” in itself is a according to the NCPA. taboo topic of discussion in Sri SEX “The recent exponential increase Lanka, let alone sex education, so in child abuse cases is testament much so that it has no part in the EDUCATION to this failure in child protection. Sri Lankan education system. The SEXUAL ABUSE yy 421 direct When your child is not educated only hint a child may receive is in CASES AS OF complaints to the on sex and relationships, how will biology classes when discussing he or she know that what is being AUG 2020 NCPA Chairman reproductive health, but such a done to them is wrong?” remarked yy 5,771 complaints yy 122 complaints If we can use this educational lesson is going to go only so far. tool (sex education)as a Wickramasinghe. However, in this day and to the 1929 to the Cyber Our culture and society do hotline Surveillance Unit solution, then why not? We age, there is a rapid spread of need to solve this problem, but not take into account that sexual information all over the world. we also need to think about the violence, amongst other forms Even if schools do not provide sex negative reactions as well. So of violence and assault, is very education, children would come there needs to be a balance much prevalent in Sri Lanka. The across it at one point, be it via NIE Director General statistics mentioned do not account social media, film/television, or for even half of what happens Dr. Sunil Jayantha Nawarathna just word of mouth. This kind of behind closed doors, so one can unassisted gathering of information only imagine what is not being could also easily mislead children. and therefore end up in a bad reported. The improper manner of situation. going about sex education, without Sri Lanka and sex “To avoid this and minimise this having parents and teachers discuss In Sri Lanka, the subject is still impact, sex education is needed. it with their children and students, considered taboo, both in homes It means awareness, precautions, has made it very difficult for and in schools. This does not mean and warnings for them to children and authorities alike. children are unaware, but rather understand signals and what to do. misinformed. No one talks about it. Therefore, Speaking to The Sunday we need to fill this gap. How can Morning, National Child Protection we expect to minimise this gap Authority (NCPA) Chairman Prof. without sex education?” Muditha Vidanapathirana pointed The objective, according to out that if you consider the words Dr. Nawarathna, is to minimise “sex education”, it means “sexual As children grow older, it is Johnston Fernando, through the the problems in society, and the and reproductive health education”, imperative that they learn the documentations of the Police, way to do this is through sex adding that it can therefore be different stages of their own reported that there have been 142 education. “If we can use this named in different ways. development and this only comes cases of rape, 42 cases of sexual educational tool as a solution, “In those subjects, you can with proper guidance. Incorrect abuse, and 54 cases of child abuse then why not? We need to solve teach sex education but not in that information and lack of credible within the first 15 days of 2020 in this problem, but we also need to We have a fax number (011- context. For example, in Hathe information are some of the Sri Lanka. think about the negative reactions 2778767), an email address Ape Potha, the book was translated reasons for sexual abuse, rape, Wickramasinghe said that when as well. So, there needs to be a ([email protected]), to Sinhala and Tamil and was unwanted pregnancies, and other our children are not educated balance.” and a child-friendly toll-free introduced to some schools, then related problems, which is evident on the topic of sex – i.e. what is helpline (1929). If we come again returned to the National in current statistics. appropriate and inappropriate Is sex education across such incidents, we inform Institute of Education (NIE).” Every day, women are catcalled behaviour towards a child and what All those who stopped the alone enough? the relevant police stations and It is essential that sex education on the street; boys are harassed at it means to give or receive consent initiatives to introduce sex Open University of Sri Lanka authorities and arrest and is gradually introduced in school for the way they behave – we leave our children vulnerable education in schools must now (OUSL) senior lecturer Dr. punish the perpetrators schools. Unfortunately, the book, if it is “too feminine”. It was to predators who exploit their take responsibility for the crimes Harini Amarasuriya feels that sex NCPA Chairman a supplementary textbook on reported that in 2019 alone, ignorance. “The failure to teach against our children. We must education alone will not lead to Prof. Muditha Vidanapathirana reproductive health for students 296 women under the age of 16 children age-appropriate sex and equally blame our political and a decrease in child sexual abuse of Grade Seven, drew some years had been raped. In 2017, relationship education is a failure administrative leaders who cases. criticism due to its mentions of the United Nations Population of child protection,” he said. rather listened to the loud and “Increased reports of child abuse NCPA and how it operates masturbation, which, according Fund (UNFPA) reported that one Prof. Vidanapathirana reiterated backward voices are not simply linked to the lack Although Sri Lanka lacks to the textbook, says that it is in every four women have been that the process of reproduction Lawyer and iProbono Equality of sex education. Sex education change makers at every level, normal as long as one does not get sexually abused by the age of 18. should be taught and explained Law Director is essential, no question, but sex the NCPA has several methods addicted. This explanation was A document presented by Minister to children. “How to prevent Aritha Wickramasinghe education alone will not lead to of communication as well as seen as too much of an insight for teenage pregnancy and unwanted a decrease in child sexual abuse. protection in place for children. children in Grade Seven. pregnancies? How to give consent “We have to think about the That is to do with an overall Prof. Vidanapathirana noted that However, around this age is for sexual intercourse? What are adolescents – those between 10 deterioration in child protection the authority is to introduce a when children start discussing the legal backgrounds?” According and 13/14 years old. They’re systems,” Dr. Amarasuriya new mobile app – 1929 – during these topics with their friends, to Prof. Vidanapathirana, children very inquisitive about what explained. the month of September or the looking at videos or images on the should know how to prevent is happening in their body. She elaborated that this means next. The app can be used if one internet, and so on. The textbook unwanted pregnancies and prevent Naturally, they are also going families, schools, and communities comes across any related issues. distribution was put to a halt and STDs, HIV, and others. “Children through puberty and there is a need to be better resourced and “You can send texts or recorded so far, there is no word on what is should know that they are not tendency that those feelings and supported to protect children. video clips and so on. You can happening with it. permitted to have sex before the psychological aspects are “Relationships need to be convey that message to our units. “All those who stopped the 16 years of age. Otherwise, it misused and exploited by various healthier so that we are better Things like this are improving initiatives to introduce sex is considered statutory rape if parties.” able to protect each other and be the methods of communication. education in schools must now Sex education is essential, no someone has sex with a girl under Dr. Nawarathna cautioned more respectful of each other. We We have a fax number (011- take responsibility for the crimes question, but sex education 16, and that person (the latter) can this to be very dangerous, need to really ask ourselves why 2778767), an email address against our children. We must alone will not lead to a be sentenced to jail for up to 20 as it might lead to unwanted relationships in our society are so ([email protected]), equally blame our political and decrease in child sexual years. They should be taught the pregnancies, suicide, abortion, violent and lacking in care and and a child-friendly toll-free administrative leaders who listened abuse. That is to do with an law – that’s the first thing.” etc., especially as both boys and empathy.” helpline (1929). If we come to the loud and backward voices overall deterioration in child NIE Director General Dr. Sunil girls are exploited. He is of the A most recent case of sexual across such incidents, we inform and let our children fall into the protection systems Jayantha Nawarathna, speaking to opinion that we cannot teach abuse of children is related to a the relevant police stations and trap of these predators,” voiced OUSL senior lecturer The Sunday Morning, also noted sex education at home due to 39-year-old school security guard authorities and arrest and punish lawyer and iProbono Equality Law Dr. Harini Amarasuriya that sex education is a taboo topic our cultural backgrounds, where who has been arrested for allegedly the perpetrators.” Director Aritha Wickramasinghe. in Sri Lanka. people may not know anything sexually abusing three students in Contd. on page 12 12 the sunday morning FOCUS/SPOTLIGHT Sunday, September 6, 2020

INCREASING USE OF DRONE TECHNOLOGY advantage is that a large area can be scanned are also used in an effort to curb and eradicate in a short period of time with minimum mosquito breeding grounds. He said that manpower. It is extremely cost-effective and following a request by the Western Province efficient,” Brigadier Wickremesinghe said, Governor, the Air Force had teamed up with adding that illegal liquor distilleries such as the National Dengue Control Unit for this those making moonshine too are found this purpose. way. “On the request of the Western Province Meanwhile, it is learnt that the Sri Lanka Governor, we deployed drones to locate When busting Air Force too utilises drones as a policing dengue mosquito breeding sites. We were tool. Air Force Spokesman Group Captain given various locations by the (National) Dushan Wijesinghe told The Dengue Prevention Unit Sunday Morning that drones and the drones were used are used to find illegal sand to isolate areas that have mining rackets. garbage and rooftops with “Based off information on water collection points.” the ground, we deploy our He said that several areas goes hi-tech drones in various locations in Colombo and its outskirts to locate illegal sand mining were surveyed in such a BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA operations so that the manner. authorities on the ground The advantage is that “Wellawatte and Biyagama As Sri Lankan authorities continue can then carry out raids and were two such areas. We then to modernise, the use of drone a large area can be apprehend the suspects,” he scanned in a short period handed over the footage to technology has been greatly said. the Dengue Prevention Unit beneficial for an array of crucial of time with minimum He said the same method is manpower. It is extremely of the (Colombo) Municipal tasks including anti-narcotic used for operations to detect Council.” cost-effective and efficient operations and dengue prevention. illegal deforestation and He said that drones logging as well. Military Spokesman helped identify areas where Brigadier Chandana Simply, a drone is an unmanned aircraft, or The Air Force Spokesman Wickremesinghe garbage was being collected unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), that operates noted that these drones were unwarrantedly, which were autonomously and is used for a range of larger than the conventional not visible to ground teams. purposes including military, commercial, and commercial drones used by civilians for “Most of them do the survey on the humanitarian use. recreational purposes. ground by foot, so they don’t have access to While the larger models, such as the “These are not the same drones as those some places such as rooftops. They give us American General Atomics’ MQ-1 Predator used by civilians to take pictures and videos. the location and we use the drones to snap which has a wingspan of 15 m and a weight These are a bit larger than that and are far pictures and videos and then hand over that of 500-plus kilogrammes, are mainly used more sophisticated with better camera optics footage. They then use the footage to carry for military purposes, this article looks at and more powerful zoom capabilities,” he out cleaning campaigns.” the policing, commercial, and humanitarian said. aspects for which drone technology is used. However, speaking with their intelligence Agricultural development Such drones are usually much smaller in unit, he declined to reveal further Moving towards the commercial size, weighing only a few kilogrammes. Some specifications of the drones for security application of drones, Sri Lanka has also drones that are used for image capturing are reasons, noting that the details of the drones begun using drone technology for agricultural even toy-like in appearance. are kept confidential. purposes. The National Youth Services Council Surveillance of illegal activity cannabis cultivations hidden in the dense Military Spokesman Brigadier Chandana Dengue and traffic control (NYSC) has initiated an agriculture project in Sri Lanka has now begun to deploy drones jungles and shrub lands, particularly in Wickremesinghe told The Sunday Morning. Apart from policing, Air Force drones July this year where drones were used to plant for anti-narcotic purposes to detect drug the Sabaragamuwa, Uva, and Southern In addition, the use of these drones, which are also used for functions such as traffic seeds. NYSC Deputy Director of Media Anil rackets across the island. Provinces, with the Thanamalvila region are battery-powered, for such surveillances monitoring. The drones are used to identify Siriwardana said that the project has been Drones owned by the Sri Lanka being the most popular hotspot for such and detection is far more economical than congested areas, after which that information successfully initiated. Army are being used to weed out illegal activities. using a manned aircraft which would result in is relayed to the police traffic control units so “We use GPS technology and drones for “We use drones to cover acres and acres a hefty fuel bill at the end of each fly-over. that they divert traffic accordingly. seed distribution further and faster,” he said, of land area. We cannot do this on foot or “We assist the Police and the Special Task Furthermore, he said that Air Force drones noting that during the pilot project, they by vehicle as it would require an immense Force (STF) in their detection and raids. covered an area of four acres. amount of manpower in addition to facing the The drones are sent over suspected areas He said that more such projects would be reality of navigating through thick jungle,” to identify illegal cannabis cultivation. The carried out by the Council in the future. “The pilot project was conducted in Eraminiyaya and we expect to conduct more projects in cultivation, under the (National) Youth (Services) Council.”

Contd. from page 11 paediatricians, and psychiatrists. Children Contd. from page 3 In addition, the overhead cost of the in order to cater to an additional unit. can be kept at “Lama Piyasa” in the hospital. new 300 MW extension to the coal A new study has been initiated to Another way to prevent it is taking video power plant is also expected to be implement two 300 MW high-efficient It is time... evidence so that they do not need to recall the minimal, as the same trained staff and coal power plants within and adjacent experience again in courts, where instead, the Still a no... spare parts can be utilised commonly to the Lakvijaya Power Station with “After this, we save the child and provide video is presented as evidence. The proposal to immediately develop for all four units as most of the existing appropriate transmission infrastructure. a psychosocial support service called ‘Sith To overcome the possible custody issues, an additional 300 MW coal power plant infrastructure would be used commonly. According to CEB’s newly drafted Saviya’. If the client is not happy with the the Institutional Case Conference is organised, unit as an extension to the existing Therefore, the fourth unit can be built at energy plan, no coal plants were built services of their particular police station, the in which the child is handed over to the same power plant, as mentioned in the cabinet a lower cost as well, it is understood. until 2011 due to several environmental NCPA is requested to investigate the case family, under the supervision of a probation paper, had the aims of reducing the high As learnt by The Sunday Morning, and social issues, and at present, 900 through the NCPA Police Unit. We have done officer, or to a trusted relative (fit persons). cost of power generation and curing the an initial study has been carried out MW coal power plants are in operation more than 100 such investigations this year.” If not, the child is sent to child development extremely unhealthy financial situation by a technical team to evaluate the in Puttalam, which was built in two Prof. Vidanapathirana also explained how centres (children’s homes). Within the child of the CEB and the fuel supplier, the possibility of developing an additional stages. Even though coal power was the the NCPA works to protect children. They development centre, annual monitoring is done Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC). 300 MW within the premises of the cheapest after hydropower, the CEB has currently run through four levels of protection: wherein the placement committee is asked about The Minister had stated that in order Lakvijaya Power Station a few years stated that recently, coal prices too have Level 1: Universal and national-level the child’s reintegration into society. If the child to construct a coal power plant, it ago, and during the study, it has shown an increased volatility. programmes goes to the Police, they are asked whether they generally takes at least five to seven been observed that the existing coal Meanwhile, when contacted by Child protection officers will visit a house are content with the police investigations. If they years due to the time-consuming tasks yard is sufficient to store coal for an The Sunday Morning, Public Utilities and see whether or not the rights of the child are not, the NCPA takes over (the investigation). such as land acquisition, resettlement additional generation unit, but the Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) are being protected and that the services are and compensation, design, the coal unloading capacity and the coal Director of Corporate Communications being preserved – whether the children are The recent past environmental approval process, and conveyor system need to be upgraded Jayanat Herat stressed that the PUCSL free of violence, neglect, or exploitation. During lockdown, due to the global pandemic, other construction approvals. However, to improve reliability and redundancy. was yet to be informed about the 300 Inquiries about custody issues will take place there was a dramatic rise in child sexual abuse an extension to an existing plant can be It is mentioned that upgrades will MW power plant at Norochcholai which – whether their schooling is intact, whether cases reported to the 1929 hotline. Since then, completed within two to three years with be required in some of the auxiliary is to be built as an extension to the they are being conscripted, whether the child this number has only been increasing. The a lower cost within the same premises. components of the existing power plant existing plant by China. is being used for labour or attending dangerous global pandemic has made a dent in the progress occupations, and so on. of those recovering from abuse. Level 2: Protection of the child within the Prof. Vidanapathirana observed that during Contd. from page 4 damage to the environment, we need of course-correcting to do, given that family and community the Covid-19 curfew period, children remained to closely look at the National Policy many investors and developers had not If the children belong to any subcultures at home more due to schools being closed. Plan that is in place to develop the taken any impact on the environment such as shanties, urban flats, or estates, “Adults behave differently and we should not A balancing... country by 2050. into consideration and has now to their socioeconomic state is checked along allow children to get isolated. Children can Similar to Lankagama, there According to the plan, regions have reverse the impact in certain areas with whether they receive any monetary become vulnerable to sexual assaults if they have been several instances where been identified as urban development after the destruction has taken place. beneficiaries, and if the child is disabled, are unattended. Another important factor is that the Department of Wildlife and zones, industrial zones, tourist and Having environmentalists or even the (they check) if they are receiving the correct paedophiles and abusers in society are very Conservation (DWC) had signed leisure zones, and international trade learned academics on such planning beneficiaries. Assessments of the safety within difficult to identify. They look innocent and very agreements with the Road Development zones, to name a few. committees could immensely help the family – the parents, the housing – is loyal, and therefore, they develop very stable Authority (RDA)/rural road network Some of the planned work will see protect the biodiversity of the country conducted as well as parenting skills and and trustworthy relationships with children development offices and other local road networks and rail networks cutting and achieve sustainable development whether this family has been provided with the and their guardians. At last, the children get government institutions to allow roads across not one but almost all protected as forecasted in no time. Sith Saviya support or if they have called 1929 deceived. In the next stage, they try to isolate to be built through the forest. nature reserves and elephant corridors. Moreover, there needs to be a in the past. the child from adults and then commence sexual “The issue we are now facing is that When we asked environmental lawyer multipronged approach when it Level 3: Protection of the child exploitation. Then, the abuser threatens or gives there needs to be a proper mechanism Jagath Gunawardana if any of the comes to conserving nature, allowing Checking if there are any children – false promises/gifts to the child to prevent them in place to ensure the wildlife and the environmental organisations or experts the population of the country inclusive of children of migrated mothers, from informing the guardian of the abuse.” forest are not disturbed by the passing have been called in for consultation also to exist while improving the imprisoned parents, disabled children, street Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Minister traffic. For that, we need to set up while these plans were written, he said quality of their lives by striking a children, beach boys, estate children, and of Justice Mohamed Ali Sabry PC said that sex perimeter fences and ensure no garbage that they were not informed. balance and introducing methods of so on – who are vulnerable to abusers. It is education and law reform should be addressed gets dumped into or no construction is “We get alerted after the plans are protecting the environment while checked if these children are at risk of HIV, parallelly. “Ignorance and misinformation play a done within the buffer zone of the forest. designed and the constructions of such reducing the conflict that is ongoing other STDs, drug abuse, or pregnancy. Are role in the prevalence of certain crimes, and proper I think even the road that falls adjacent development projects are underway. between humans and wildlife. If they marginalised children or can they become education on the subject would empower those who to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve will need This is because the Government and not, there should be a conducive marginalised? Are there or can they become are victims or potential victims of these abuses.” to be closely monitored,” Minister of its development agencies see us as a environment where sufficient buffer invisible children (those who succumb to child He continued: “It would also give greater choice Wildlife and Forest Conservation C.B. bunch of people who will oppose the areas are created so that humans labour or child prostitution/child marriage)? to the individual as to how they want to conduct Rathnayake told The Sunday Morning. development of the country. If they and wildlife can co-exist. Proper Level 4: Protection of the victimised children themselves, and also create a culture of acceptance ask our advice, we are more than monitoring mechanisms should also These children are admitted to the hospitals which is vital for a society to move forward.” Plan 2050 and implementation willing to give them advice on how be implemented with agencies such as or go to courts. If they are admitted to a Sabry feels that in order to get the public’s Whilst we are more focused on the development work can be carried out the Forest Department and the DWC, hospital, there can be victimisation. To prevent consensus, we must educate them on this present incidents and attempting to whilst protecting our environment,” with them being provided with the victimisation, a Clinical Case Conference is concept, as that is the only way to get over the stop the development projects already Gunawardana elaborated. necessary tools and workforce to carry organised. These happen daily between JMOs, misconceptions that surround it. underway, which are causing severe The present Government has a lot out their duties. the sunday morning 13 Sunday, September 6, 2020 FOCUS 13

BY SARAH HANNAN INCREASE IN HIV PREVALENCE AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES Earlier last week, we reported that there was an increase in HIV-positive cases recorded by the National STD/AIDS Control Programme (NSACP) of the Ministry of Health, noting that youths from 19-25 years of age showed high In Sri Lanka, after a person gets prevalence of contracting the virus. tested positive for HIV, they have The sentinel data collection across the to go through the state mechanism island indicates that there are 3,600 people for treatment…However, breaking living with HIV (PLHIV) who are over the the stigma over the virus seems to be age of 15 and reflects an HIV prevalence of very difficult less that 0.1%. Sriyal Nilanka, an advocate of PLHIV “The diagnostic test data from the clinics of the National STD/AIDS Control Rapid Programme islandwide records that this in over 95% of people on antiretroviral deplorable condition has shown a gradual treatment and officially endorse U=U increase in recent times. According to the via national guidelines, had succeeded scientific projections, Sri Lanka should in driving the message on HIV/AIDS have eliminated HIV by 2020. However, prevention following the U=U movement. with new cases being reported over the past Centres for Disease Prevention and months, not many youths getting tested for Control (CDC) Representative of Vietnam HIV due to stigma might be causing the Asia Nguyen had revealed that both the spread of it,” NSACP Director Dr. Rasanjali Ministry of Health and community leaders Hettiarachchi told The Sunday Morning. there have embraced U=U as a central She also said that society itself should component of overall HIV prevention pay attention to another special issue, efforts, in addition to using it to reduce noting that although 3,600 infected people testing stigma. This has included challenging were required to register with the NSACP misperceptions of HIV and communicating clinics for treatment, only 2,000 are the importance of U=U to people living currently registered. with HIV, younger men who have sex with She pointed out that the remaining 1,600 men (MSM), reluctant health professionals, people may be interacting with others in and the broader public through tailored society without even knowing they are assists detection advertising campaigns, starting at a infected, through which healthy people contract AIDS and will not be transmitting (AIDS 2020: Virtual) based on the community level and progressing to a may also be infected because of the former. the virus to another once they are on “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U=U) national campaign. Dr. Hettiarachchi therefore urged that suppression treatment. movement that was launched in 2016 by Sri Lanka is still in the early stages of everyone come to the clinics and undergo According to Nilanka, this messaging activists and researchers in New York rolling out such programmes and at present free blood tests to rule out infection. She is most often overshadowed by statistics, City, USA. has a dedicated website (www.know4sure. also said that a special programme will be which always becomes the highlight of the Nilanka noted that looking at the Asian lk) that will help a person assess their risk implemented from this month onwards to awareness session as well. region, Vietnam, in order to receive the first for HIV and book a safe, confidential, and create public awareness of the potential In July, a research dossier was presented President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief anonymous HIV test. The instructions are effects of contracting HIV AIDS and the to the 23rd International AIDS Conference (PEPFAR) to achieve viral suppression available in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. precautions one could take to prevent With new cases being reported over contracting the virus. the past months, not many youths getting tested for HIV due to stigma Outreach and awareness might be causing the spread of it When asked what measures the NSACP NSACP Director Dr. Rasanjali has taken to create awareness on the Hettiarachchi importance of testing and the necessity

of proper awareness on sexual health, Dr. HIV in Sri Lanka Hettiarachchi noted that, given the age of being most vulnerable to contract HIV, a in numbers programme is also proposed to be carried out at school level. With HIV rapid tests implemented “We have designed an appropriate at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka awareness kit with the assistance of the (NHSL), testing has been remarkably Family Planning Association (of Sri improved since 2018 islandwide. Lanka) and the Public Health Bureau However, HIV rapid testing services need of the Ministry of Health and have to be strengthened in the NHSL. By the presented it to the Ministry of Education end of 2019, around 3,000 tests were for consideration. The programme, carried out with 12 reactive screening if approved, will be conducted for tests and eight confirmed positives with schoolchildren from Grade 10 upwards. final results of the tests pending. In addition to that, we are also working During 2019, 439 persons were newly closely with universities where we are diagnosed with HIV infection and 409 looking at conducting awareness sessions,” persons were registered in the HIV care Dr. Hettiarachchi elaborated. services. A total of 341 were newly started on antiretroviral treatment (ART) U=U movement during the year. These people living with We reached out to Sriyal Nilanka, an HIV (PLHIV) comprised 80% of males advocate of PLHIV, to understand how the and two transgender persons. state healthcare service is assisting persons There were 1,947 patients receiving who are referred for treatment once they HIV care services from government HIV get tested positive for HIV. clinics at the end of 2019, out of which “In Sri Lanka, after a person gets tested 1,845 have been started on ART. Of this, positive for HIV, they have to go through 42 (2%) were children aged less than the state mechanism for treatment. This 15 years. The Colombo HIV Clinic had is truly commendable, as the medication the highest number of PLHIV receiving and the consultancies are afforded to the ART, followed by the Ragama, IDH, person free of charge. However, breaking Kandy, Kalubowila, Kurunegala, Galle, the stigma over the virus seems to be and Kalutara Clinics. These eight clinics very difficult, as community awareness had provided services to over 80% of all is lacking,” Nilanka noted, adding that PLHIV on ART. a person with HIV will not necessarily 14 the sunday morning PICTORIAL Sunday, September 6, 2020

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa symbolically handing over letters of appointment to newly recruited graduates

Hindu devotees celebrating the annual festival of the Sri Kailasanthar Swamy Devasthanam, the oldest Hindu temple in Colombo week glanceat a

PHOTOS LALITH PERERA, SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA, PRADEEP DAMBARAGE, KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM, ESHAN DASANAYAKA

Bathing of an elephant at the Kotte Raja Maha Viharaya

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLFP) Leader Maithripala Sirisena engaged in Buddhist religious observences on the party’s 69th anniversary

Pillayan arriving at the Former Sri Lankan Amabassador to Russia Presidential Commission of Udayanga Weeratunga arriving at the Inquiry probing Easter Sunday Presidential Commission of Inquiry probing attacks to record a statement political victimisation to record a statement

The last day of the procession of the Kotte Raja Maha Viharaya Customs DG Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Vijitha Ravipriya added vibrance to the streets examining illegal cigarettes worth over Rs. 13 m

The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka donated school items The All Island Motorcycle Sales Dealers’ to underpriviledged students The Peliyagoda Police seized Association staged a protest demanding of Al-Hidaya Maha Vidyalaya drugs worth Rs. 700,000 permission to import motorcycles

SLFP Deputy General Secretary Nimal Siripala de Silva and General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara tasting dates following Muslim religious observations on the party’s 69th anniversary

The Electricity Users’ Association held The fire aboard Sri Lankan oil tanker “New a press conference to address the Diamond” broke out for a second time, the issue of the power mafia in Sri Lanka flames this time also reaching the bridge the sunday morning 15 Sunday, September 6, 2020 SPORTS 35 years on after Sri Lanka’s

Sri Lanka’s milestones in Test cricket Between 1982 and 2020, Sri Lanka has played 289 Tests while winning first Test victory 92 and losing 109. Eighty-eight were drawn. Following are the most z It’s our seam that castled Kapil’s India: Duleep Mendis memorable achievements of Sri Lanka as a team in their 38 years of Test cricket history: BY REVATHA S. SILVA Inaugural Test: From 17-21 February 1982 against England under Bandula Before 1985, what was the closest Warnapura at P. Sara Stadium, Colombo. occasion when Sri Lanka could have England won by seven wickets. record their first Test win? The R. Premadasa scoreboard displaying the world’s highest- I think the 1982 Chepauk Test against India. ever Test total in an innings We could have won that match, had there been Muttiah Muralitharan, Arjuna Ranatunga, and Co returning (952/6) in 1997 a bit more time left. after the victorious Oval Test Napier. They went on to win the two- in 1998 match series 1-0. Going by the names, could those Beating Pakistan in Pakistan in a Indians have ever thought they would Test series: On 26 September 1995, be beaten in Sri Lanka in a Test? Sri Lanka beat Pakistan 2-1 in a three- India that time had Kapil (Dev), Sunil match series under Arjuna Ranatunga. (Gavaskar), Mohinder (Amarnath), Setting world record for the Mohammad (Azharuddin), Ravi Shastri, highest total in a Test innings: (Krishnamachari) Srikkanth, and (Dilip) Bandula Warnapura facing the On 6 August 1997, Sri Lanka scored Vengsarkar, among others. first Test bowl at P. Sara in 1982 952/6 declared against India at R. But we adopted the strategy that we First overseas Test: On 5 March 1982 Premadasa, Colombo. should capitalise on our seam attack. We had against Pakistan at Karachi under Beating England in England in a Ashantha (De Mel), Rumesh (Ratnayake), Bandula Warnapura. Pakistan won by Test: On 31 August 1998, Sri Lanka and Saliya (Ahangama) who were bowling 204 runs. beat England by 10 wickets at The fast. And also, we knew that the Indians First Test at Lord’s: From 23-28 August Oval, London. were very good against spin bowling. 1984, Sri Lanka recorded a creditable First Test win against Australia: draw against England under Duleep 11 September 1999, Sri Lanka beat Coming into that second Test at Mendis scoring 491/7 declared and Australia by six wickets at Asgiriya Skipper Duleep Mendis bowling out England for 370, in the Sara, what was the background – the revisits SL’s first Test under Sanath Jayasuriya. They went win 35 years ago first innings. Match ended in a draw on to win the three-match series 1-0. situation of the series by then? in Sri Lanka’s favour. The first Test at SSC was drawn (on 4 Recording the highest batting First Test win: On 11 September 1985 partnership in Test cricket: On September). We tried to win that match too. Brief scores: against India at P. Sara, Colombo, Sri Myself and Aravinda (de Silva) opened in that win would have really upset them. 29 July 2006, Mahela Jayawardene Toss: SL Lanka won by 149 runs under Duleep Mahela Jayawardene (374) batting in the second innings to chase (374) and Kumar Sangakkara (287)  SL 385 (Amal Silva 111, Roy Dias 95, Ranjan Madugalle Mendis. It was the second match of a and Kumar Sangakkara (287) shared the record 624-run stand for something over 15 runs an over in the The reaction from the Cricket Board 54, Duleep Mendis 51, Chetan Sharma 5/118, Ravi Shastri three-match series. On 19 September, celebrating world’s highest the third wicket against South Africa final session of the match. and the then Government? 3/74) they went on to win the series 1-0. partnership for any wicket at SSC, Colombo. It was a tough target (target of 123 runs They were there behind us all the time, (624) in 2006  India 244 (Krishnamachari Srikkanth 64, Mohinder First Test win against England: Beating West Indies in West in eight overs). But we tried to chase it. especially Mr. Gamini Dissanayake. He Amarnath 60, Sunil Gavaskar 52; Rumeesh Ratnayake On 18 March 1993 at SSC, Colombo First overseas Test win: On 15 March Indies: Sri Lanka beat West Indies When they spread out the field at a certain was there right behind the team. 4/76, Saliya Ahangama 3/59) under Arjuna Ranatunga, Sri Lanka 1995, Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by away from home for the first time on stage of our chase, we thought it was too I remember the government leaders  SL 206/3 dec. (Aravinda de Silva 75, Roy Dias 60 n.o.; beat England by five wickets. 241 runs under Arjuna Ranatunga at 26 March 2008 in Guyana, winning by tough and we went for a draw (Sri Lanka including President J.R. Jayewardene Ravi Shastri 1/41) 121 runs under Mahela Jayawardene. slid from 38/1 to 58/4 and ended up at 61/4. were there at the ground watching the final  India (target 348) 198 (Kapil Dev 78; Rumesh Ratnayake Producing Test cricket’s best- The match was drawn). session of the match. The President came 5/49, Ashantha de Mel 2/64) ever bowler: Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Coming into the second Test at P. Sara, and congratulated me after the victory. Soon Notes: Muralitharan is the highest wicket- we had the feeling that our seam bowling after the match, he declared the following taker in Test cricket with 800 wickets might work. We got the understanding after day a public holiday.  India were 16/0 coming into last day’s play at an average of 22.73. the first Test that we can break through their  The match was played from Friday, 6-Wednesday, 11 Producing the world’s leading batting lineup with our pace attack. There were accusations from the September with Monday, 9 being the rest day batsmen in Test cricket: Sri Lanka’s Why couldn’t the Indian pacies, especially Indians that there was bad and partial  India had tea on the final day with seven wickets gone Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Dev and Chetan Sharma, capitalise on those umpiring in the match? and live television coverage began after tea Jayawardene are the sixth and ninth wickets like how the local fast-bowlers did? I don’t say nothing happened. But in  The public holiday declared by President Jayewardene in the list of highest run-getters in Chethan was depending mainly on his those days, both the umpires were from was a Thursday (12 September) Tests. They have scored 12,400 runs at 57.40 and 11,814 at 49.84, respectively. pace, not really the movement. But overall, the home country. Such things were there we had the home advantage. Sri Lanka was everywhere then. Not only in Asia – in Whitewashing Australia: On 17 a new place for them. Australia, England, and everywhere, there August 2016, Sri Lanka beat Australia 3-0 in a three-match Test series in Sri were similar complaints about umpiring. Lanka under Angelo Mathews. The Indians could have been really I think that’s why the ICC (International upset after the defeat? Cricket Council) sought to introduce neutral Beating South Africa in South Africa in a series: On 23 February Naturally, it could have been quite umpires, match referees, the DRS (Decision 2019, Sri Lanka beat South Africa 2-0 upsetting for them to be beaten by a Review System), and things like that. By at Port Elizabeth in a two-match series newcomer like us. Sri Lanka were looking those means, the ICC tried to get the perfect to become the first Asian country to The iconic catch by Rumesh: SL wins their for a Test win five years after playing in the decision in matches and cut down human Sidath Wettimuny’s impeccable 190 at the 1984 Lord’s Test win a Test series on South African soil. first Test match. To be in the receiving end errors as much as possible. first Test

personalities gave new life to the tennis twitches, and pivots are over. doubles game. They inspired millions “We just both feel it in our guts more kids to play doubles. At a time that it is the right moment,” said The Bryans’ show is over when most tennis players treat doubles Mike Bryan, the older of the twins as an afterthought, these two players by just two minutes. “At this age, z Such athleticism, grace, and glee can never be seen again gave it the due prominence that it it takes so much work to go out deserved. there and compete. We love playing Tennis is a lonely game, and some grew up in a tennis environment. way as well. They played with such From time to time, their dominance still but we don’t love getting our even say it is a monotonous game. Dinith an appealing mix of athleticism, grace, was challenged. The Asian tennis bodies ready to get out there. The It has been dominated in the past by Pathiraja The Ricky Leach incident and glee that prompted Mary Carillo players will fondly remember how recovery is tougher. We feel like steely characters who had one vision The story of how their dad took them to ask: “What’s not to like about those Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi we were competitive this year, last and one focus. Names like Bjorn Borg, to San Diego to see the Davis Cup guys? They act like they’re at their famously challenged them and won year, the year before. We want to Ivan Lendl, Chris Evert, and Steffi Graf ON COURT when they were six years old and how own eighth birthday party.” some Grand Slam titles. But while go out right now while we still have of yesteryear easily come to mind. former pro Ricky Leach gave them an And in their own words, as Bob the challengers came and went, the some good tennis left.” But, of course, there have been recent time have been the two Bryan American flag is a well-known story. recently observed, “We bring some Bryans endured to build a lasting Their legacy will last long after various players who have livened up brothers. And they are the most It is said that from that day onwards, joy to people’s lives. It’s really why legacy. them. Their places in the history of the game with their antics, mostly in successful twins ever. they were hooked on tennis. we love to play. It’s about giving back. tennis are assured. Their retirement the right way but sometimes in the Their record speaks for itself. That passion took them to an over- That’s basically why we’re out there.” Announcing retirement is our loss. They were good wrong way as well. The Bryans have won 119 titles; a two-decade pro career when they Last week the Bryan brothers ambassadors for the game of tennis. number that is almost twice as much became the most successful doubles Paes and Bhupathi announced their retirement. The But all good things must come to The Bryan brothers as any other doubles combination pair ever in the history of the game. Their commitment as well as their trick plays, the chest bumps, the an end. The Bryans’ show is over. Names like John McEnroe, Jimmy or team. These wins include 16 Connors, and Andre Agassi easily men’s Grand Slam crowns. And Athleticism, grace, come to mind. In the recent past, Roger they’ve won over $ 36 million (Rs. and glee Federer would probably fall into the 6.6 billion) in prize money. After Not only that, they did it the right former category but Novak Djokovic the Australian doubles pair of Todd and Nick Kyrgios would fall into the Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde, latter, for vastly different reasons. the Bryan brothers are the most Within these great names, there have dominant in doubles tournaments been two others who have become in tennis. synonymous with success as well as entertainment. They are Mike Bryan From a tennis family and Bob Bryan, the identical twins They came from a tennis family. from the US. Their dad Wayne was a prominent supporter of doubles who is credited World’s most dominant with saving the doubles game when doubles combination the Association of Tennis Professionals There have not been many (ATP) wanted to make some changes siblings, brothers or sisters, (let alone in the game. twins) who have been successful in Wayne was a No. 1 player at UC tennis in the recent past, with the Santa Barbara and their mother Kathy most obvious exception being the was No. 11 in the US. She was an Williams sisters. Apart from the inspired coach who would give them “We bring some joy to people’s lives. Williams sisters, the most successful 25 cents every time they came to the net It’s really why we love to play. It’s about siblings in the game of tennis in in a match. The Bryan brothers always giving back,” said the Bryan brothers Serena in US third round Six-time champion Serena Williams progressed to the third round of the US Open with a 6/2, 6/4 win over Russian Margarita Gasparyan in New York by Friday (4). The American, 38, cruised Now Messi vs. La Liga through the opening Lionel Messi’s father and agent Jorge Messi has told Spanish soccer league set but found the world La Liga that the € 700 million release clause in the forward’s Barcelona number 117 a tougher contract is not valid. Lionel Messi, 33, told the Spanish giants last week that proposition in the he wanted to leave after 20 years on their books and believed he could second under the Arthur move for free this summer. However, La Liga has responded by insisting Ashe Stadium roof. that is not the case. Sunday,sports September 6, 2020 Arise, Sir Octopus Next ICC Chairman not discovered check by the knight would allow the white rook to capture his counterpart.(3...Ke7 4.Nf5+ ; 3...Kc7 4.Nb5+) from Big Three: Ehsan Mani THE CHESS Genrich Kasparyan (1910-1995) was the first composer to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mani said it would be down more than two months ago, Forbes about the delay. “The receive the “Grandmaster of chess composition” title. His best Chairman Ehsan Mani doesn’t “healthier” for someone but the ICC Board have still not politics introduced by Australia, CORNER known work Domination in 2,545 Endgame Studies (1974) is think the new International from another board to lead agreed on whether the process to England, and India in 2014 by Dulan Edirisinghe considered a true masterpiece. The following problem illustrates Cricket Council (ICC) the ICC now because of the choose the new chairman should to protect their positions – his brilliant interpretation of Sir Octopus. Chairman should come from “politics introduced” by Cricket be based on a two-thirds majority now they are struggling to any of the “Big Three” boards, Australia, ECB (England and vote or a simple majority. Imran unwind it because it doesn’t Out of all the chess pieces, the knight is the trickiest for a All the strategy books even as the global governing Wales Cricket Board), and Khwaja is serving as the Interim suit them anymore. It would beginner to master. Comprehending the way the knight moves say thata bishop is more body is yet to agree on a process BCCI (the Indian Cricket Chairman. be healthier to have someone is more difficult because of its non-linear and “jumpy” behaviour. useful than a knight in to choose Shashank Manohar’s Board) earlier, Cricinfo reported “It’s unfortunate it has (the chairperson) not from the When Marvel Comics created a special chess set of its greatest open positions, especially successor. on Friday (4). Manohar stepped taken so long,” Mani told ‘Big Three’.” heroes and villains, one of their most creative designs was Dr. when there are pawns on Octopus representing a black knight. When you observe the both wings. But what about movement pattern of the knight, it’s not difficult to see why. this position? Kasparyan shows his mastery over the When placed centrally, a White to play and win domination theme using a knight can reach out to eight slightly paradoxical twist. squares like an octopus with When you look closely, it becomes clear that the bishop cannot treacherous tentacles that can move without being grabbed by one of the long arms of the fight in as many directions. Octopus Knight (...Bf8, Ne6+ ; ...Bc1, Nb3+, etc.). Amazingly, the With the help of a supporting knight – admittedly with a little help – is truly dominating the cast, such an “Octopus Knight” bishop in an open board. can dominate the board in The black king cannot capture the knight because of the fast- The movement of the the most unexpected and running white a-pawn. All white has to do is “pass” the move with knight pleasing ways. 1.Kh1!! and win. A remarkable composition on so many levels. White has two extra pieces, Here, Kasparyan shows but the loss of one is that even a rook in an open inevitable. With black’s king board can be dominated. not in any sort of an After 1.Kg3, the black rook is immediate danger, the doomed. If it moves to a white position appears devoid of square, the knight can grab it any tricks. with a discovered check (1... Mahendra Singh Dhoni Rf7 2.Nd6+ ; 1...Ra4 2.Nc5). (on left) leads CSK which White to play – 1.Kg3!! If it moves to a black square, can now meet MI led by White to play then it’s a discovered check followed by a fork (1...Rf8 2.Nc5+ Rohit Sharma (right) in The conclusion of a study by Yochanan Afek Kb8 3.Nd7+ ; 1...Rd4 2.Na5+ Kb8 3.Nc6+). the IPL 2020 opener 1.Nd4 Rxd3+ 2.Ke4 What happens when there are not one, but two Octopus All of a sudden, the rook has Knights? Unsurprisingly, Kasparyan has composed one of nowhere to go. The third rank those as well. is mined. The h3 square is covered by the white rook Once again, the rook has 14 and e3 by the white king. moves – the maximum Move to any other square possible – at its disposal. And IPL hopes ignite along the third rank (2...Ra3 yet 1...Rd1 and 1.Rh4 are 3.Nb5+ ; 2...Rb3 3.Nxb3 ; 2... the only ones which do not z CSK’s Covid-19 tests proved negative Rc3 3.Nb5+ ; 2... Rg3 3. Nf5+), lose immediately to a knight The Black Rook is helpless! and the Octopus will devour capture or a fork. Even after This is great news for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 and that, a decisive knight fork is its prey. especially for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans. The CSK team delayed schedule of the IPL was to be But what if black plays 2...Rd1(or Rd2)? White can still reply unavoidable after 2.f3+. released on Friday. BCCI President Black to move which underwent a Covid-19 test on Thursday (3) morning have all Ganguly declared on Thursday that if all 3.Rd5+ and regardless of where the black king moves to, a Conclusion of a Kasparyan study test negative. The entire CSK squad sans players who are currently in goes well, the schedule will be released quarantine can now begin practices. on Friday. InsideSport said on Friday (4) that CSK is the opening game of the IPL 2020 against “We understand that schedules are now allowed to move out for practice which defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI). delayed. It is almost on the verge of was to start either on Friday or Saturday According to sources, the marquee clash being finalised and should be released (5) according to the CSK Chief Executive between the two giants of IPL is now likely by Friday,” Ganguly has said. Officer (CEO) who is present with the to go ahead. The official fixtures were to squad currently. be announced on Friday, BCCI President Travel restrictions relaxed Bhajji quits IPL 2020 Sourav Ganguly announced on Thursday. The BCCI has been handed exemption Chennai Super Kings’ the competition once he has in these difficult times. I CSK relieved from quarantine for all franchises and (CSK) Harbhajan Singh will given a letter to the authorities, expect that everyone would “We are so relieved with the negative tests. All games can go ahead now players will not have to self-isolate miss the entire 2020 Indian stating he is pulling respect my need for We will start practices either on Friday noon CSK has informed the governing council upon travelling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi Premier League (IPL) due out of the tournament privacy,” Harbhajan or Saturday morning as per the decision of that they were “game” to play the match. or from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi. However, to “personal reasons”. It is and flies back home, told PTI on Friday. the Coach and the Captain,” said CSK CEO “We never had a problem with playing everyone associated with IPL 2020 will learned that he conveyed his particularly in the “Harbhajan Singh Kasi Viswanathan to InsideSport. the opening game of the IPL 2020. It will have to maintain the strict protocols decision to excuse himself times of Covid-19 informed us he won’t Meanwhile, the two CSK players Deepak be the IPL governing council’s decision. linked to the bio-secure environment from the tournament this and the subsequent be available due to Chahar and Ruturaj Gaikwad who had tested We are game for the opener against the created by the respective franchises. year to the management on quarantine periods personal reasons. positive last week are staying in a separate Mumbai Indians,” the CSK CEO had stated With all decks cleared now in regard Thursday (3), the Indian and protocols. Team Chennai Super hotel and will have to undergo two fresh to InsideSport. to permission, IPL Governing Council Harbhajan Singh media reported on Friday. “I have informed won't play in this Kings is supportive tests after their two-week quarantine. It is “Sources also said that the tournament Chairman Brijesh Patel was to release The experienced off-spinner, the CSK management year's IPL in UAE of his decision only after this that they will be allowed to will be held across three venues in Dubai, the schedule on Friday in Dubai. nicknamed Bhajji, was earlier about my decision to and stands by him step out for practice. Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah and all 60 matches It is also learnt that BCCI President expected to join the team on 1 pull out of this year’s IPL. I and his family during these will be held,” it added. Ganguly will be in Dubai on Tuesday (8) September. The IPL rules may have decided to take a break testing times,” CSK CEO Kasi CSK vs. MI opener now possible to personally look after the preparations not allow a player to return to due to personal reasons Viswanathan had said. With all players’ tests being ruled negative, IPL schedule out and subsequently the start of IPL 2020, CSK is also looking forward to playing Meanwhile, the much-awaited and the above report predicted.

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 ENVIRONMENT VS. DEVELOPMENT: IT’S ALL ABOUT LAND »SEE PAGE 3

THE POST-COVID APARTMENT RENAISSANCE »SEE PAGE 2 Sunday,business September 6, 2020 Annual leave State banks cancelled block loan relief left and right z Pre-emptive letter ruling out z Central Bank denies zNo permission granted: Labour Dept. future concessions such a practice

BY UWIN LUGODA some of its subsidiaries have. Labour R.P.A. Wimalaweera BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR They explained that they came denied permitting any such Several of Sri Lanka’s Several state banks in Sri Lanka have mandated loan applicants to to this decision due to most flexibility and stated that if any sign a letter agreeing not to request for loan concessions that might corporates have issued of their employees working companies refuse employees notices cancelling remotely or from home. annual leave, a complaint can be provided by the Government in the future for those loans. all their employees’ Similarly, a local retail be made to the Department of As uncovered by an Morning Business, in the first half obtains annual leave for the giant stated that they made Labour. investigation carried out by The the consent of the loan applicant to recover year 2020 due to the the same decision due to all “We cannot take any Sunday Morning Business, loan instalments on a regular basis. three-month lockdown their employees missing out action against the companies National Savings Bank However, the second half of the letter following the Covid- on work during the lockdown unless the affected parties (NSB) and People’s reads: “I/we hereby declare that I/we will 19 outbreak in the period and having to catch come forward and make a Bank have issued not request for loan concessions that have up on the business they lost, complaint. The complaints such letters to loan been announced by the Government for country, The Sunday which the employees also can be made anonymously, applicants, and this loan scheme.” Morning Business depend on for their salaries, and within a day or two we several leasing Based on the details obtained from learns. increments, and bonuses. will begin our investigations companies too the bank, the second half of the letter Employees from local Speaking on the legality and visit those companies,” necessitate their effectively rules out any opportunity companies, big and small, of the move, Ranjan he asserted. applicants to sign for a new loan applicant to request any told us that their organisations Suwandaratne PC stated that Sri Lanka’s Shop and Office similar letters. concessions that might be announced have issued several notices under normal circumstances Employees Act clearly states From the queries by the Government under circumstances via email, informing them this would be a violation of the that in respect of the first made by us from such as a pandemic-induced lockdown that their request for annual Shop and Office Employees year of employment, during NSB under the or following incidents such as the Easter leave will be denied. While Act, which states that annual which any person has been guise of a loan Sunday attacks. the companies had stated that leave is an entitlement of continuously in employment applicant last week, Meanwhile, similar queries made by us they will still issue sick leave, the employees. However, he in or about the business of it was confirmed from People’s Bank revealed that it too other leave will be considered explained that with the current any shop or office, that person that the bank issues issues similar letters to its loan applicants no-pay leave and will result in situation and the uncertain shall be entitled to a certain a standard letter to with minor changes in the format. salary cuts. environment it has created, the amount of leave. Those whose customers under the Following this, we contacted the Central A senior employee of one of local Department of Labour employment commences on or title “Declaration of Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), the regulator Sri Lanka’s largest and most may have made the rules more after the first day of January consent to recover of local banks, to determine whether the diversified conglomerates flexible for these companies but before the first day of loan instalments”, along with issuance of a letter of this nature has been stated that while the entire to implement this. April, receive a holiday of other documents. permitted by them. organisation has not However, when contacted, 14 days. The letter, seen by The Sunday Contd. on page 2 implemented this new rule, Commissioner General of Contd. on page 2 Stamp duty to apply to REITs Alcohol dreads BY THE SUNDAY MORNING by those who are interested in quarter ban BUSINESS DESK No exemptions by Government setting up an REIT, Dayaratne the REIT framework. replied in the affirmative. z Environmental Authority’s z Daily drinkers The same stamp duty rates “Every property transaction An REIT is a company that plans to cost industry to be worst hit that are applicable to property attracts stamp duty, but as far owns and manages income- transfers and conveyance are as the REITs are concerned, it producing real estate, and was BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR Nevertheless, sources informed likely to be applied to the new is purely up to the Government created by an Act of Congress us that alcohol manufacturers are Real Estate Investment Trust to decide,” he said, adding that (US) in 1960 to enable large and Sri Lanka’s alcohol industry is not in favour of this option, as (REIT) framework by the the SEC cannot make a request small investors alike to enjoy the concerned over the possible ban quarter bottles are bought almost Government and no exemptions from the Government. “We rental income from commercial on quarter arrack bottles that is entirely by daily drinkers and an have been planned, The Sunday cannot make a request from property. likely to be brought in by the increase of Rs. 50 would put the Morning Business learns. the Government. It has to come For a transfer or conveyance Central Environmental Authority quarter bottle beyond consumers’ With government revenue from the industry. Those who of any immovable property from (CEA) in line with their recent reach. having plummeted following the are keen to set up an REIT have the owner to the REITs where regulations for environmental “The National Authority on tax cuts introduced late last year to make a request. We will, of the value of the property is Rs. protection. Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) and the stifling of Sri Lanka’s course, support such a request. 100,000 or less, for every Rs. In addition to their move to Act prohibits drinking in public, revenue-generating industries It does not need to be channelled 100 or part thereof, a Rs. 3 stamp ban single-use plastic, the CEA so consumers have to take these due to Covid-19, it is unlikely through us; they can directly duty has to be paid, while for is planning to ban 180 ml quarter bottles elsewhere and drink. After that the Government would be clarification, Securities and Government decides to waive make a request to the Finance every Rs. 100 part thereof of the bottles of arrack, mostly made that, they would be reluctant to in a position to offer such tax Exchange Commission (SEC) off or reduce the stamp duty Ministry,” he added. value exceeding Rs. 100,000, of glass, as these are disposed come and return the bottle. This exemptions to boost REITs. Chairman Viraj Dayaratne on REITs, general stamp duty Asked if concerns with regard Rs. 4 has to be paid. of after single use, thereby move would also lead to a rise When contacted for PC told us that until the rates would be applicable to to stamp duty have been raised Contd. on page 2 damaging the environment. in illicit liquor,” sources added. Minister of Environment Mahinda It is learnt that alcohol Amaraweera last week stated that manufacturers have suggested a IMPORT RESTRICTIONS a final decision would be taken few alternative measures instead in this regard after meeting with of a complete ban on quarter alcohol manufacturers. bottles and charging a deposit However, The Sunday Morning fee. This includes getting wine Business reliably learns that the shops on board to collect empty 1/4 of car sales shut down authorities have given the industry bottles that would be thrown away BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR Merenchige added. a short-term measure, the Government manufacturing. We could even discuss the option of charging Rs. 50 as in their surroundings and handing Speaking further, he expressed later on announced that vehicle imports with global companies and commission a refundable deposit for every them over for recycling. Alcohol Amidst stringent restrictions on his dissatisfaction over the way the would be restricted for another two their plants here in Sri Lanka. If our quarter bottle purchased; this manufacturers are expected to vehicle imports and the absence of vehicle industry is being treated by the years. They also ruled out a possible Government implements long-term Rs. 50 would be returned to the pay wine shops incentives for relief measures for the industry from Government despite the colossal sum vehicle shortage by stating that the policies to do so, we will invest in these consumer when the empty bottle doing so. the Government, over 25% of the vehicle of tax revenue the Government made country has enough vehicles in stock businesses,” Merenchige noted. is returned to the seller. Contd. on page 2 dealerships have gone out of business through vehicle imports. for the next two years. He added that such a policy would and closed down their showrooms Debt moratoriums and financial relief Merenchige stated that his industry immensely help about 50,000 workers permanently, the Vehicle Importers packages that were announced following understands the concerns of the who are directly and indirectly employed Association Lanka (VIAL) told The the Easter Sunday incident last year Government over foreign exchange by the industry as they would be shifted Sunday Morning Business. were not made available to the vehicle loss and added that the Government into these new businesses. VIAL President Indika Sampath industry even though the industry has should have at least introduced a stable On a further note, he stated that Merenchige stated that this number is been facing a financially tough period long-term policy which would convert after bringing in stability to foreign expected to increase over the coming since late 2018. their now virtually redundant industry reserves after tourism reopens, the months when existing stocks at vehicle Exacerbating the industry’s misery, into an export-oriented one. Government must consider providing sales get sold out. the Government restricted imports Merenchige noted that local vehicle vehicle importers a certain quota “Only about 20 dealers out of over following the local spread of Covid- importers have strong ties with of vehicle imports per annum as a 500 vehicle dealers who are with our 19 in mid-March this year to avoid international vehicle dealers and auto compromise. He believes this would association are established ones with a possible foreign exchange crisis part manufacturers which could be help prevent all importers being driven decades of presence in the field. Others amidst a crippled global and national leveraged to establish export businesses out of business while not completely have loans to settle but the authorities economy. in Sri Lanka. draining the Government’s valuable have assumed that all these dealers are Even though the initial ban on “These export businesses could include foreign exchange coffers. established like the leading 20 dealers,” vehicle imports were imposed only as vehicle components and spare part Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning business NEWS Sunday, September 6, 2020

By Rohan Parikh The post-Covid The fundamentals for well-priced real estate in Colombo has been strong for a while. In my previous article in The Sunday Morning Business, I spoke of the apartment renaissance fundamental factors z that make apartments in Why real estate looks increasingly like the best performing asset class Colombo a substantial The post-pandemic world has to work, the lower the risk water in a prolonged global foreign exchange rates versus investment. The low boosted both categories. of transmission and the recession. Thus intangible the rupee, such inflation urban density that leads Actual users have least time wasted staring at stocks and bonds seem risky tracking becomes all the more to long commutes, learned through lockdown the back of the car in front for many investors, given the valuable. the lack of supply to the importance of a safe of you. Thus, apartments certainty of a real estate asset. One of the disadvantages meet the needs of and comfortable primary within easy reach of the main As we see from the above, in of real estate is that it can the middle and upper residence which has commercial areas have seen a times of uncertainty, a tangible be illiquid (it takes time and access to all the necessary huge spike in interest by both asset is in demand. Therefore, effort to sell it when funds are classes, inflation-proof amenities. This has resulted actual users and investors. we must explore the critical needed). It is thus important nature of the asset, and in a general uptick in urban Secondly, the tangible characteristics of real estate. to consider this at the time of most critically, the low real estate across the world. nature of apartments has An important factor is that purchase and select real estate margins developers Investors too have returned made them attractive real estate generally holds its that is easier to monetise are operating on in to real estate as a safe haven investments relative to stocks value in a recession and at when required. Colombo which protects in a time of fluctuations or bonds. As global markets the minimum tracks inflation, In such a case, finished against risks. and spasms in all other are propped up by massive thereby giving the investor apartments are generally a asset classes. A global government spending, they reasonably good protection better bet than bare land as The stampede to purchase crisis definitely helps one seem to be destined for a fair against risk. It is very rare in they are easier to monetise by mid-priced and semi-luxury appreciate the importance of amount of volatility given growing markets to see real rent or sale, and also easier to apartments in the post- tangible assets! the uncertainty that will be estate fail to hold its value. protect from encroachment. pandemic world has only This movement can be experienced over the next In Colombo where A healthy secondary market strengthened this argument broken into a few key few years, in the wake of the construction margins are and rental market for good further. Developers are components. pandemic. thin, and prices are amongst apartment units exists and is experiencing record volumes First, the realisation that The recession also exposed South Asia’s lowest, there relatively easy to tap into. of monthly bookings and any form of public transport several companies, especially is very little chance of new Thus, the post-Covid world sales after a fairly slow few is a risk during a pandemic those with high debt. Several projects coming in at lower is increasingly looking like quarters. due to the high risk of high-profile bankruptcies prices. The economics make a renaissance for apartment Real estate purchasers are transmission. Additionally, have already created panic in it impossible, thereby further buyers! of two kinds – actual users the increasing number of the bond markets across the ensuring price protection for (The writer is the (who intend to live there) individuals choosing to drive world. the buyer and giving them Managing Director of Iconic and investors (looking for has created unmanageable The situation will only the confidence that their Developments and an alumni a reliable asset as a means traffic, making location a worsen as more companies purchase is coming at a good of the Wharton School of of wealth and some return). priority. The closer one is fail to keep their heads above price. Given the volatility of Business and INSEAD) Contd. from page 1 State banks... REIT and it is a one-time payment unless different buildings are brought from time 75% travellers optimistic of Speaking to The Sunday Morning to time, in which case, stamp duty has to Business, CBSL Deputy Governor H.A. be paid each time a property is brought Karunaratne stated that NSB obtained into the REIT. The cost incurred in the the said letter of consent only from the form of the stamp duty has to be taken commencing travel in 3 months: customers who obtained new loans into consideration in determining the unit during the months from April to May. price, according to Dayaratne. “The concessions granted to Covid- Speaking further, he added that REITs SriLankan Airlines survey 19-hit businesses, including self- could never be set up in Sri Lanka employment and individuals indicated in if issues like stamp duty are being 75% of travellers are optimistic of In the current context when do you expect it to be safe for air travel? Circular No. 5 of 2020, were applicable complained about. commencing travel within three months only for the performing and non- “The stamp duty would not be a post pandemic after the government performing loans which prevailed as at drawback to the popularity of REITs. restrictions on Covid-19 travel are lifted, 25 March 2020. At present, NSB is not I was actually told that in the ultimate according to a survey carried out by 6% - Will not resume travel in the foreseeable future obtaining the said document from the equation, stamp duty is not a major SriLankan Airlines recently. customers,” Karunaratne stated. consideration. It would not deter The survey was carried out amongst Speaking further, he stated that the investors because the yield on an REIT is FlySmiLes loyalty membership to capture 11% - Within 9 months Central Bank has not received any much higher than a share of a company,” how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected complaints with regard to this letter from he added. their perceptions and sentiments on 13% - Within 12 months customers of NSB. The SEC is the regulator of REITs travel, and included top Platinum, Gold, However, NSB confirmed that even and it drafted the necessary rules and Classic, and Silver tier co-branded credit 27% - Within 6 months. as at 1 September 2020, the bank was introduced those in the form of an cardholders. issuing such letters to its new loan Extraordinary Gazette notification on The majority of passengers had applicants. Following this, we spoke to 31 July this year, bringing in the legal stated they would be reassured if social 44% - Within 3 months the CBSL again but they were adamant framework for the setting up of REITs as distancing was enforced whilst travelling. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% that NSB is not issuing these letters well as how the REITs will operate in Sri The survey collated feedback from anymore. Lanka. over 5,500 passengers within a period Since the Easter Sunday incidents of three weeks. Over 53% were Silver on 21 April last year, the current Alcohol... tier members, with nearly 39% of all Government and previous Government The next measure they tabled was the participants being Classic tier members. What are your biggest concerns if you are to commence travel post COVID-19 period? had announced several loan relief loosening of the regulation prohibiting The geographical spread of the survey measures and concessions including liquor advertising in the NATA Act respondents consisted of Sri Lanka moratoriums on different occasions. and to allow the display of banners and (42.3%), South Asia (22%), Europe Government Restrictions on Travel Contracting the Virus While Travelling Quarantine at Destination Often these relief measures faced delays increase awareness amongst people to (20%), South Pacific (4.5%), the Maldives in materialising as most banks were hand over empty bottles to the nearest (4%), North America (3.2%), the Far East reluctant to come on board. Even after wine shop. (2%), and Japan and Korea (0.9%). agreeing to provide relief, many banks The third suggestion was to get the “The national carrier’s priority is the 42% 26% 19% were accused of turning down a majority urban councils’ garbage collectors to safety of their passengers and employees. of loan applications. collect these bottles and hand it over to A range of additional measures has been For example, a working capital soft loan Piramal Glass Ltd., a glass packaging enforced to offer Covid-19 preventive that was announced last May in the wake company that supplies quarter bottles services at the airport and on board Quarantine Upon Return PCR Tests at Airports Other of disruptions caused to businesses due to to most of the local manufacturers, SriLankan flights. These practices include the Easter Sunday incidents had only five particularly after the import restrictions. thorough cleaning practices at ticket banks on board even as of mid-June. “Over 60% of the bottle price is paid offices, check-in, boarding gates, and Following the local spread of Covid-19 as tax, so civil administration authorities on board. Social distancing is followed 5% 4% 4% in Sri Lanka, the Government announced such as urban councils can collect wherever possible and masks are to be another set of financial assistance these bottles as part of their garbage worn,” SriLankan said. for businesses and individuals which collection,” sources added. The airline carries out health included moratoriums on loan payments. It is learnt that due to these additional questionnaires before a passenger checks On 24 March 2020, the CBSL, issuing a measures, alcohol manufacturers might in and temperature checks are done with circular, announced a moratorium until incur about Rs. 15 million as additional the help of Airport and Aviation Services If you were to commence travel which of the following will give you an assurance of safety? 30 May on loans granted to all private costs. The leading alcohol manufacturer Sri Lanka (AASL). All staff attending sector non-executive employees, a alone sold 55-65 million quarter bottles to passengers will be geared with face three-month moratorium for all personal last year. masks, gloves, protective aprons, and face loans and leasing rentals of a value less After being in the pipeline for years shields. than Rs. 1 million, and a six-month debt under consecutive governments, the The SriLankan Airlines cabin crew moratorium for five selected sectors ban on single-use plastic is set to be has been trained to provide high levels which was extended by another six implemented from 2021, and the CEA of service, whilst minimising contact to 35% 19% 15% months later in June. has submitted a proposal to the Cabinet reduce the spread of the virus. Flights Social Distancing PCR Testing at Airport Mandatory wearing of of Ministers on this matter. have been segregated as high, medium, Masks Annual... The proposal drew special attention to and low-risk based on the end destination, If it is on or after the first day of April items such as sachets used for shampoo, and the necessary personal protective but before the first day of July, they conditioner, hair gel, washing powder, equipment is provided to the crew, receive 10 days. If it is on or after the fabric softener, toothpaste; plastic straws, dependent on the risk category. first day of July but before the first day plastic bottles (PET bottles), and lids Every crew member goes through a of October, they receive seven days, and used in the water and soft drink/beverage quarantine period of seven days with 11% 6% 2% finally, if it is on or after the first day of industry; and excessive packaging PCR tests carried out post operating Sanitization of Aircrafts Temperature Screening at Hand Sanitizer on-board October, they receive a holiday of four used in the confectionery and biscuit repatriation flights or when they have an Airports days. It goes on to state that the employer manufacturing industries, to name a few. overseas layover more than 48 hours. On shall allow such a holiday and be liable flights operating with layovers, the crew to pay remuneration for those days. 1/4 of... will be accommodated in a SriLankan duration of a flight. Meals are hygienically a demarcated toilet dedicated for any In 2019, Sri Lanka spent about $ 815.7 Airlines-approved hotel and will remain in prepared and packed adhering to stringent passenger who may feel unwell, and such Stamp... million on vehicle imports, compared to their rooms, limiting social interactions. safety requirements. passengers will be taken care of by the The stamp duty has to be paid by the $ 1.5 billion the previous year. Face masks are mandatory for the There is also a quarantine zone and local health authorities on arrival. the sunday morning business 3 Sunday, September 6, 2020 MACRO Environment vs. development: It's all about land dot on the world map, land is not The By in abundance for us. Our size as a Dhananath country is quite smaller than average cities or states in the rest of the Coordin tion Problem Fernando world. Unlike other resources, land by is fixed in size, and increasing the The question of how to extent of land (similar to what was develop Sri Lanka without done with the Colombo Port City) is Inability to maximise on seriously or else we will put our obstructing our valuable an extremely expensive affair, both lands and its utility forest cover into further risk. monetarily and environmentally. The inability to protect our land environmental ecosystems Sri Lanka’s total land extent is and forest cover is a completely President received firsthand has come to the forefront yet about 6.6 million hectares. Can you internal issue and of course a political information again. take a guess on the amount of land football pertaining to a very sensitive The President received firsthand The recent incidents surrounding owned by the Government and the issue. information on the gravity of the land the development of a road in the amount of land owned privately by its Whether we like it or not, the issue. One of the main requests by territory of the Sinharaja Rainforest, a own Sri Lankan citizens? “market” works in good-case the people or fellow Sri Lankans is World Heritage Site, is one prominent Only about 18% (1.2 million scenarios and worst-case scenarios. for the Government to provide them discussion. hectares) of the land is owned When Sri Lanka has a rising with land. The deforestation in Haputale privately by its citizens while about population with more households, His Excellency the President, for cardamom cultivation and the 82% (5.4 million hectares) of the total and when people do not have land in his policy statement, stated that establishment of a prawn farm in land is owned by the Government. and property rights for agriculture land issues are one of his priority Anawilundawa, a Ramsar wetland, About 28% of our total land is or many more economic activities areas. Moreover, there were recent also raised serious concerns among forest cover, according to the FAO including housing and investments, news reports on his directives to the the general public and environmental (Food and Agriculture Organisation what do you think would be the relevant institutions to issue title activists, adding more fuel to of the US). Out of this, about 573,400 outcome if we fail to improve deeds within three months which the debate on development vs. hectares (2,214 sq. mi.) of land is productive usage of land? pertained to unresolved land issues. environmental protection. categorised as “Protected Nature For example, if we fail to Land issues are very sensitive, This debate has come to a point Reserves”. improve the productivity of land by and all conspiracy theorists have a where questions are being asked on So in reality, the Government owns constructing vertical buildings, what collective voice; they all suspect that whether Sri Lanka can be developed about half of Sri Lanka’s land (more would the outcome be if all five foreigners and other parties may take without disrupting the environment, than 50%), and this can be used for million households expect to build over our land. However, since 1948, and whether environmental activism economic activity and environmental houses on 10 to 20-perch plots of it’s been purely Sri Lankans who’ve is hindering the development of the purposes. We should not be misled land? owned the land. The responsibility country. into thinking that private land is The same applies to agricultural cannot be passed on as it is our This is not the first time this owned by anyone else other than our land, and this is one of the main own leaders who control 82% of topic had taken centre stage. “Save fellow Sri Lankans. In other words, contributory factors to deforestation our land. (According to Sri Lanka’s Wilpattu”, the Mount Lavina many Sri Lankans do not have the across the globe. regulations, there is minimal room beach expansion project, and the rights to their property; they do not According to the Economic Census for anyone who is not a legal citizen development of the Port City have have deed titles; many of our fellow in 2013/2014, about 2.2 million of Sri Lanka to buy land. Even the been popular thematic stories over the Sri Lankans do not have access to hectares were used for agriculture, an apartments and condominiums can years; the human-elephant conflict land, and the limited access some Sri increase of 18% from 2002. be bought only if it’s above the (HEC) is a continuous battle that gets Lankans have to government land is It is obvious that in order to feed fourth floor). primetime news coverage too. on a license basis. our population and sustain economic According to data, Sri Lanka lost According to news reports, a Sri activity, our land usage has increased. about 490,000 hectares, or 20.9% of What’s the real problem? Lankan has to visit 20 institutions However, we need to focus on its forest cover, in just 20 years, from On the surface, it seems that just to get clearance (not to obtain improving productivity and efficiency 1990 to 2010. If the majority of the all the incidents are a result of a deed title) on land for cultivation by utilising it effectively for land is governed by the State and if efforts to strike a balance between on a lease basis. They have to take a agricultural purposes if we are serious there is no room for any outsider to development and environment – licence from the government office about protecting our forest cover. exploit our land, doesn’t this mean which is true to an extent. However, if they are to cultivate on land owned We have to move to high-yield that we have really failed in our if we dig a little deeper, in economic by the government; as they do not varieties and vertical farming, and public policy and in understanding terms, it is a clear case of an attempt own it, they have no incentive to use again, it boils down to accessing the economics of land management? to maximise the utility of a scarce it sustainably. property rights if we were to increase However, instead of looking resource – “land”; at the same time, it As a result of agriculture, illegal the utility of land through investment. inward, we have become masters is an issue of property rights. settlements, and economic activity, No person would invest in land they of pointing fingers at outsiders and And all that we’re seeing is an the borders of forest land have always would not want to own. fearmongering to cover up our outcome of our inability to maximise been blurred. It has been reported that Unfortunately, most of Sri failure, and sadly, our forest cover the utility of land by improving usually, surrounding villagers and Lanka’s land is dead capital. No has become the victim. productivity, alongside the absence of elite businessmen who have political one uses it and there is no economic (The writer is the Chief Operating “property rights”. and influential power encroach activity. Now, Sri Lanka expects Officer of Advocata Institute. He Let me explain why and how. forest land for commercial purposes. to be self-sufficient in paddy, milk, can be contacted at dhananath@ Information reported on deforestation maize, and vegetables, and is aiming advocata.org. Learn more about Forests are sacrificed due to and obstructions on environmental to supply the entire demand for Advocata’s work at www.advocata. the absence of ecosystems make up just a fraction rubber within the country. Sri Lanka org. The opinions expressed are property rights of the ground reality. This is because is also aiming to expand coconut the author’s own views. They may One of Sri Lanka’s most limited most illegal deforestation takes place product exports by fewfold; where not necessarily reflect the views of and precious resources is “land”; in obscure locations close to forest do we have the land to do all this? the Advocata Institute, or anyone being a tiny island which is just a cover, which is difficult to track. We need to take our land policy affiliated with the institute)

BY ANTONY MOTHA the skills of these returnees in quarantine centres and matching those Sri Lankans can be justifiably Let’s flip the economic narrative skills with the gaps in the country’s proud of the way the country has resource base. If these returnees are controlled the spread of Covid- than we have been earning through for instance, diversify their target good enough to obtain employment 19. Success on this front is being exports. This has been happening markets beyond US and EU outside the country, it is surmised, commended even in foreign for decades, but the equation needs (European Union) (where store they ought to be good enough for lands where, in stark contrast, the to change if we intend to bring our closures have flattened demand) local employment. If implemented coronavirus case count has been external debt down to sustainable to the Far East, where recovery well, this augurs well for better accelerating. The timely closure levels. The President has urged can possibly be more robust? All utilisation of the country’s human of Sri Lanka’s international and farmers to increase agricultural companies should take a critical look resources. domestic borders helped to save lives production to meet demand, so that at their respective business models, Change. That is the need of the by curbing the invisible invasion. we need not import food staples. with the objective of making them hour. We now have a dynamic Even so, as the Government is Similar import substitution initiatives more sustainable. Government that has been given a aware, illegal immigrants or need to be explored for other items At the individual level, instead resounding mandate by the people to slackening vigilance could still prove that we import. of bemoaning low interest rates, convert this crisis into a movement to be our proverbial Achilles’ heel. In the early 1960s, Prime Minister look for other avenues of income for change. The obvious next step is Nobody is under the delusion that As the French poet Victor Hugo once said: “Nothing is more powerful than an idea Jawaharlal Nehru coined the generation: Even today, one can buy to harness the energies of the restless this state of animated suspension can whose time has come” slogan “Export or Perish” for India, equity shares that yield dividends of masses and channelise them in the continue indefinitely – particularly Service expects that, with the sole Their word for crisis is wéijī. The warning that India would have to more than 9% per annum, which is right direction. There is bound to be with the country being dependent on exception of China, economic word is composed of two characters contend with economic crisis if higher than interest on a typical bank some pain along the way because tourism, exports, and imports. Now activity in every G20 country will meaning dangerous (wéi) and the country did not export goods fixed deposit. This also suggests that direct and indirect taxes could that human lives have been saved, decline this year. Times are tough at change point (jī). It suggests that, to earn more foreign exchange. Sri specific equity shares in Sri Lanka are possibly be increased to fund the the bigger challenge lies ahead: How the bottom of the societal pyramid: when confronted with a dangerous Lanka is confronted with a similar underpriced and have the potential to recovery effort. to reopen the international borders Breadwinners have been laid off. situation, that situation presents an situation today: Export earnings are increase further. Besides, one could As the French poet Victor Hugo in a calibrated manner, so that Salaries have been cut. Retired folks opportunity to change and emerge inadequate to pay down external also explore money market funds, once said: “Nothing is more powerful livelihoods can be saved as well. Let are feeling the pinch of lowered strengthened from the experience. debt – and Nehru’s slogan needs some of which still yield above 10% than an idea whose time has come.” us leave the decision-making to more interest rates. Surely, each of us – individuals, to be translated into actionable annualised. Or examine the feasibility I believe that Sri Lanka’s time has competent minds than mine, which People’s responses to a crisis, small businesses, companies, the policies so that Sri Lanka can export of borrowing at these lowered interest come. It is up to us to seize the have been grappling rather admirably such as the one confronting us Government – needs to introspect more value-added products than it rates, to generate a better return by opportunity! with striking the appropriate balance today, ordinarily range from mild and see what changes we can make currently does. starting a small home business. (The writer is a cost accountant between lives and livelihoods. uneasiness to dark despair. These to thrive after these unprecedented Exporters of garments and rubber West Asia, which has been by qualification and was part of the The detrimental effects have begun are negative, debilitating emotions. times. products have exhibited admirable employing most of our migrant management team of Voltas, a Tata to show, not just in the quarterly But what if one could somehow flip Our country has basic structural agility by capitalising on the Covid- workers, is facing the double enterprise, in Singapore, where he results of listed companies but also in the narrative around and convert this issues that have not been adequately induced demand for face masks, whammy of lower oil prices and was responsible for financial and households across the country. Most crisis into a clarion call to action, addressed: The most glaring rubber gloves, and protective coronavirus-induced economic business performance. Prior to that, people already know that, even in like Japan did after 1945? symptom is that we owe more clothing. All business units could slowdown. Opportunities there are Motha was Finance Head of the the best-case scenario, the economy Since we are borrowing so foreign exchange debts than we are further utilise this slowdown to drying up, and many migrants are team that turned around the fortunes will not grow this year. This is profusely from the Chinese anyway, comfortable with. This has happened review their respective strategies in returning home to Sri Lanka. The of jewellery brand Tanishq. He nothing to be ashamed of, under the let me also borrow a Chinese word because, simplistically speaking, we the context of the emerging world SLBFE (Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign can be reached at antonymotha@ circumstances. Moody’s Investors to illustrate the theme of this essay: have been spending more on imports order: Should garment exporters, Employment) has started cataloguing hotmail.com) 4 the sunday morning business EDITORIAL/PROPERTY Sunday, September 6, 2020 Better jobs over more jobs The public sector, criticised for so long for its lethargy and public services including health and over 30,000 arts graduates. They are concentrated in the private inefficiency, just became further bloated. The State undertook education. are expected to be provided a year’s sector, in the city, and in a handful a hiring spree this week with 60,000 graduates and 100,000 For the 100,000 poor families, mandatory training in aspects such of sectors. of the “poorest of the poor” to be handed jobs in the coming the jobs thus offered will no as leadership, skills, and attitudes. To better address income days. A decision with notable political undertones, the doubt provide a safety net to their It is hoped that this will include inequality and to improve quality job handout comes with an immense financial impact on vulnerabilities and help improve the the rudiments of productivity and of life, we must prepare more human toll of their marginalisation. target-driven performance and people to take on better jobs. straining state coffers. Politically charged decisions that aren’t It’s a long journey from inequality maintaining an honourable work The greater need to correct the grounded in a realistic understanding of their ramifications to equity and while this intervention ethic. They will eventually be labour market is to identify the can themselves make governance a challenge. Let’s hope this THE may not be cost-effective or placed in institutions that directly talent required by the economy in one is different. HEADLIGHT sustainable for the State, the provide services to the rural sector, the long term, and then support immediate social impact will be from whence they will contribute to building that talent through The role of government in find ourselves in a market where evident. Whether such jobs paying the nation’s development process. policies and funding. We are an economy is complex and businesses are downsizing, where government – everything wrong Rs. 35,000 a month would lead to a Herein lies another problem. Not reaching a critical point, especially multifaceted – add politics to that jobs cuts and salary cuts abound, is blamed on it and it is also more palpable transformation out of all jobs are created equal. These in education reform, to create and it gets even more complicated. and where even those with skills expected to fix everything. The poverty towards greater inclusion jobs are ones at the low end of a culture of learning, problem- The government’s greater role in and experience are struggling to government must certainly improve remains a question. The regular the chain and are likely to create solving, creativity, and innovation job creation is to create a conducive find suitable work. The private opportunities for the vulnerable wages for low-income families an enormous wealth gap between that readies the talent needed in environment for businesses, both sector in its present predicament and enable them to elevate their should, however, generate more these new recruits and their peers the next decade and beyond. While large and small, who then take the cannot generate 160,000 jobs. So lives. But historically, Sri Lanka’s spending, which would support in better paying jobs, especially handing our jobs to address short- lead in stimulating activity which it remains the responsibility of the poorest haven’t enjoyed much more business and thus benefit the in tech and manufacturing. What term problems, we must never in turn creates employment. But State. intergenerational mobility, their economy right now. matters is not just the relationship lose sight of these priorities that amid the unhealthy economic As Sri Lankans, we are prospects constantly held back The graduate contingent is made between poverty and jobs, but also are intrinsic to our future national prospects posed by a pandemic, we dreadfully overdependent on our by poverty despite access to free up of nearly 40,000 women and the type of jobs. Good quality jobs prospects.

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR bonds. REITs offer liquid exposure for institutional and individual The Securities and Exchange investors on income-generating Commission (SEC) recently real estate. They improve market introduced real estate Getting real about real transparency and quality of real investment trusts (REITs) to estate assets and generate additional Sri Lanka, which was first economic output through unlocking reported by The Sunday capital. Morning Business on 9 July. An independent research study This week, we decided to done by the Asia Pacific Real estate investment trusts Estate Association (APREA) states examine how REITs work that REITs are often associated and how it is going to be z Will REITs work in Sri Lanka? with improving the quality of real implemented in Sri Lanka. estate assets via refurbishments, REITs as well as how the REITs will asset repositioning, and other What is an REIT? operate in Sri Lanka. enhancements. This translates to a A REIT is a company that owns better environment for tenants and and manages income-producing real Listing rules from CSE for the community at large. Over estate. REITs were created by an Act Furthermore, the CSE prepared the medium term, this feeds through of Congress in 1960 to enable large a set of rules in terms of listing and into deeper professional expertise and small investors alike to enjoy submitted them to the SEC. At the of asset managers and related the rental income from commercial moment, the SEC is in the process professions. property. of reviewing the rules, which are REITs also support the healthy According to the US Securities expected to be approved in the development of the property and Exchange Commission, a first week of September during the industry by improving market REIT owns and typically operates Commission’s meeting. transparency. As listed vehicles, income-producing real estate or Dayaratne added that in finalising they have significant disclosure related assets, which may include the rules, the SEC was mindful of obligations, thereby improving the office buildings, shopping malls, possible frauds, particularly as far as capacity of all industry players to apartments, hotels, resorts, self- the title and valuation is concerned. plan responsibly and helping to storage facilities, warehouses, and Therefore, the SEC has added smooth out property cycles. mortgages or loans. adequate rules covering such grey Unlike other real estate areas. Regional REITs companies, a REIT does not “The rules are very Japan was the first REIT market develop real estate properties to comprehensive. We might have to to emerge in Asia, with the Nippon resell them and instead buys and fine tune them and that will happen Building Fund and Japan Real develops properties primarily to as we go, because one has to start Estate Investment Trust listing on operate them as part of its own somewhere. There is no need for third requirement is that the property No annual fee will be payable Demand has been such that the day after the World Trade Centre investment portfolio. REITs are an any investor to be worried. We have should be generating income. after the third year until the major yield compression fuelled disaster. There are now 17 Japanese attractive investment proposition as taken into consideration the interest modifications to the buildings are double-digit growth in share REITs (or JREITs) listed on the they provide a way for individual of the investors. (But) that does not Takeaways from the completed and projected yields for price every year since launch. Tokyo and Osaka exchanges with a investors to invest in large-scale, mean the rules are harsh. We have Gazette Notification the applicable real estate property Such success hastened REIT total market capitalisation in excess income-producing real estate, balanced all stakeholder interests. As mentioned earlier, on 31 July are achieved. legislation in Asian markets. of two trillion Yen. without requiring them to go out and Several parties have shown interest 2020, an Extraordinary Gazette The third one would be the Proper implementation of the In 2002, CapitaLand, a major buy such real estate. in this,” he stated. notification to the Securities and performance fee on lease rentals, REIT framework in Sri Lanka property company in South East Accordingly, a few management Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka which too would be disclosed as may be able to replicate this Asia, successfully established the REITs in Sri Lanka companies have expressed their Act No. 36 of 1987 was issued, a maximum percentage of lease kind of success in Sri Lanka CapitaMall Trust which listed on Following the Gazette regulating interest in this initiative and held the regulating the REIT framework in income (after providing for doubtful the Singapore Stock Exchange in REITs in Sri Lanka being issued in first round of meetings with the SEC Sri Lanka. debts and writing off bad debts) after enhance the number of investors. July that year. The success of REITs July this year, the Ceylon Chamber and the CSE while the second round According to the Gazette, a occupancy exceeds 80% of total This will enable better performance in Japan and Singapore has been of Commerce (CCC) recently hosted of meetings would be held soon. managing company intending to floor area. of the corporates. This is not dramatic. a webinar on REIT framework in One of the main barriers to operate and manage a SL-REIT The final fee would be a (just) another listing on the stock The Hong Kong REIT code came Sri Lanka, providing an in-depth the introduction of REITs was should be a body corporate benchmark performance fee, which exchange,” Fernando added. into force in summer 2003 but was briefing on REITs framework the issue of whether stamp incorporated in Sri Lanka and the would be disclosed as realised slightly different to the usual REIT introduction and implementation in stated capital of the body corporate capital gain over and above a market Uncertainties around legislation. In its original form, the duty could be exempted stamp duty Sri Lanka. when a land is transferred must consist of 50% or more of index of the stock exchange on legislation permitted only REITs During the webinar, SEC to an REIT. Nevertheless, local equity while it should also which the SL-REIT is listed plus a One of the main barriers to the owning Hong Kong assets to list on Chairman Viraj Dayaratne PC as of now, no decision has have a minimum shareholders’ maximum of 2%. introduction of REITs was the issue the Hong Kong Exchange. stated that the SEC felt the need to been taken on waiving off or fund of Rs. 50 million at all times. Advantages for the of whether stamp duty could be There are currently six REITs introduce REITs in Sri Lanka due bringing the stamp duty… And, it cannot manage or operate exempted when a land is transferred listed in Korea with a market to substantially higher prices of a SL-REIT without first having investors and property to an REIT. Nevertheless, as of capitalisation of around $ 500 However, Dayaratne added owners real estate properties in the country that it is a policy decision that obtained a license from the SEC to now, no decision has been taken million in total. At present, the that keep increasing gradually, the Government has to take operate such SL-REIT. As far as the advantages are on waiving off or bringing the Korean REIT market is domestically while the current time period too The board of directors of a concerned for the investors, they stamp duty as far as the REITs are focused, with relatively small was opportune, given the lower Speaking on the listing managing company should comprise enjoy the tax pass through benefits concerned. capitalisation and is fairly illiquid. interest rates and increasing need rules for an REIT, CSE Chief at least two independent directors that are currently available to However, Dayaratne added The inability to make secondary of stakeholders to diversify their Executive Officer (CEO) Rajeeva whilst maintaining a minimum ratio unit trusts. The most significant that it is a policy decision that the offerings in Korea has hindered investment portfolio. Bandaranaike stated that to be of at least one-third independent advantage for investors would be Government has to take. growth. Malaysia and Thailand too According to Dayaratne, this is the eligible for listing, units should be directors at all times. that 90% of the income that REITs “As lawyers, we know any now have REIT legislation. first time Sri Lanka is introducing managed by a managing company When a managing company is generate has to be distributed property transaction attracts stamp a new product to the capital licensed by the SEC in terms of pricing the properties’ units, the amongst the unit holders. duty. We will try to charge at least a Conclusion market; the latest product that was the SEC rules on REITs that are company should take all reasonable CSE Chairman Dumith Fernando, portion of it or to have a holiday as According to regional economists, introduced was corporate bonds in gazetted. steps and exercise due diligence to during the webinar, stated that far as the stamp duty is concerned REITs in the Asian region have been 1987. Secondly, such an application for ensure that the SL-REIT’s units are properties that have been attractive for some time until REITs become successful so far and the future for “This is nothing new. Discussions a listing has to be submitted to the correctly priced at the initial public but were not yielding assets, often popular,” he stated. REITs in Asia is extremely bright. have been going on between CSE within one month of obtaining offerings and also on any subsequent because the initial investment of With government revenue having “For Japan and Singapore, which the Colombo Stock Exchange the approval from the SEC. The issues, in line with the provisions of acquiring a property is quite large, plummeted following the tax cuts have an observable performance (CSE), SEC, and shareholders third rule would be that the listing the SEC Act. are now allowed to be invested in introduced late last year and the record, REITs have generated for a considerable length of time. should be for all of the units issued. A managing company will only through REITs. stifling of Sri Lanka’s revenue- spectacular double-digit local Stakeholders and the public be remunerated by way of fees Fernando added that the ability to generating industries due to Covid- currency returns every year,” IPE, have been consulted on this Requirements of a charged to the SL-REIT and such offload the property assets which are 19, it remains to be seen whether the the leading European publication for framework but unfortunately it was Sri Lankan REIT fees will be limited to a frontend non-essential or non-critical from Government would be in a position institutional investors, notes. implementation that was lacking,” There are certain conditions the fee – to be disclosed as a percentage an ownership perspective to their to offer such tax exemptions to Demand has been such that yield he added. regulator has imposed and also of the value of the SL-REIT at businesses is an essential part of boost REITs. compression fuelled double-digit Accordingly, the SEC, the three primary requirements in the cost, and an annual fee – to be REITs’ benefits. growth in share price every year regulator of REITs, drafted the setting up of REITs in Sri Lanka. disclosed as a maximum percentage “From a property owner’s view, Benefits for Sri Lanka since launch. Such success hastened necessary rules and introduced them The foremost is that the property of the value of the SL-REIT and clearly this will help with balance REITs is a concept that has REIT legislation in Asian markets. in the form of an Extraordinary that would be brought in must be a maximum percentage of assets sheet restructuring. If the property been followed by many countries Proper implementation of the REIT Gazette notification on 31 July a completed property, while the under management of the SL-REIT you own is not essential to your globally. They have delivered framework in Sri Lanka may be able this year, bringing in the legal second requirement is it should have upon completion and achieving the business, you can very easily considerable benefits to economies, to replicate this kind of success in framework for the setting up of a minimum occupancy of 20%. The projected lease rental yields. enter into this arrangement. REITs better than that of equities and Sri Lanka. the sunday morning business 5 Sunday, September 6, 2020 WOMEN

include flexible schedules, the freedom to By bring a child to work, and even daycare Dr. Nicholas Ruwan facilities run by the employer. Many male senior managers still embrace Dias and Niresh the status quo and enjoy their power role Eliatamby The economic and personal bias against women who seek to enter what they see as their own territories. What’s one common trait in Percentage of women in almost all developed and fast companies’ boards of directors developing nations? Safe and equitable women’s participation in case for women’s Fig. 5 shows the percentage of women on boards of directors by country. the workforce, from entry level to senior management positions. With Economic benefits of increased half of the population comprising participation by women women, it makes perfect sense for yy Competitiveness increases every country to optimise on this vast existing resource, especially participation yy Boosts GDP countries like Sri Lanka that have yy Closing of ageing and knowledge few natural resources and an aging workers gap population. yy Increase human capital (workforce) By this yardstick, Sri Lanka falls Legal rights for women woefully behind. Until the situation is both acknowledged and corrected, Sri One could fill a book with the number of Lanka can never accelerate its economic Sri Lankan laws and international gender and social growth, and will be doomed conventions that Sri Lanka’s state and to meander along its current path of slow private sectors are flagrantly violating. growth and can never catch up since half its Article 12(1) of the Constitution demands population is denied the opportunity to fully equality; while Article 12(2) outlaws gender participate. discrimination. Article 12(4) actually The deep-rooted cultural prejudices calls on authorities to formulate laws for among both men and women towards the the advancement of women. Sri Lanka is role of women in society have clearly also party to the ILO Convention of 1958 stunted any weak attempts to move towards C111 – Discrimination (Employment and a semblance of parity on the grounds Occupation). of equal rights. It is therefore time to examine this issue on the basis of economic Lessons from Asia performance. By keeping women out of Malaysia has implemented an interesting leadership positions, Sri Lanka is losing practice with regard to homemakers. It an essential factor in economic and social transfers 2% of the husband’s salary to competitiveness. the EPF account of the wife, while the husband receives 9%. This is no burden Women in Sri Lankan economics for the husband since the household pay is and leadership not reduced. Social Security Organisation The number of women in Sri Lanka’s (Socso) is another measure, covering 1.2 Parliament – already abysmal – dropped million homemakers. Socso provides funds further during the recent election. The and benefits for emergencies, wounds, number of women in the 27-member and death, which works as an insurance Cabinet – ONE! The number of women organisation. among the 40 state ministers – TWO! The number of women among 63 ministry The way forward – a practical secretaries and state ministry Secretaries – Fig. 1 shows the low level of women in solution EIGHT! the labour force. yy The slow pace of practical reforms, Think the private sector is any better? The experience of many developed and hampered by cultural prejudices urgently Think again. Take a look at the boards emerging nations has shown that women’s dictates that decisive action is required. of directors of companies listed on the abilities are very much equal to those of The authors suggest that a quota system Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). Apart men. There are, of course, industries that be drawn up by the State Ministry of from a token woman here and there, the are better suited for men physically, and Women’s Affairs to bring about rapid boards are dominated by men. The advent the reverse is also true. Women’s firms, advancement in order to increase Sri of Sri Lanka’s first-ever woman CEO to for example, account for between 30% Lanka’s economic competitiveness and head a conglomerate was heralded as a and 40% of the formal SMEs in emerging social progress. Such a system would need major event a few weeks ago, emphasising markets. to be progressive to move women up the the rarity of the event. Growth could be much higher in many ladder, in that one cannot immediately Equality between men and women has countries if there were more women in order listed companies to appoint women been the country’s long-term political paid jobs. Increasing the participation rate to 50% of positions on their boards of commitment. In several areas, however, for women in the labour force of Northern directors as there would be a lack of gender inequality remains, undermining Europe is estimated to raise per capita GDP experienced persons. Instead, parity should the economic opportunities of women permanently by 8%. be brought about at mid-level positions and affecting the global economy. Fig. 2 shows global participation and senior positions, and progressively Persistent disparities cost women, in female labour force levels in 2019. expanded to a set time frame to the top children, employers, and society as a The average was 51.98% based on 182 posts. In the same manner, the percentage whole significantly, leaving a significant countries. The highest is Rwanda at 83.93% of women among local government, proportion of ability unused. with the lowest being Yemen at 5.83%. provincial, and central government bodies An incredible overall situation indeed including Parliament, state minister posts, in the country that broke a historical Malaysia has implemented an and Cabinet posts. barrier was electing the first woman Head interesting practice with regard to of Government a full 60 years ago – a homemakers. It transfers 2% of the yy “Housewife” is an archaic term and country where women have exercised full husband’s salary to the EPF account of should be replaced with “homemaker”. voting rights since 1931 (the same time the wife, while the husband receives In addition, due recognition should be as men) and where women dominate the 9%. This is no burden for the husband given to homemakers, be they men or lower levels of the most important revenue since the household pay is not reduced women, for the important work they do generators: Migrant labour, plantations, and in supporting their spouses, children, apparel. Asia and extended families. Both the state Despite women now comprising 54% of and private sectors also need to be far graduates, a number that appears destined to The International Labour Organisation more supportive with regard to providing rise further, the number of women in upper (ILO) survey shows that the global gender daycare facilities in order to enable their levels of management has not increased difference in labour participation is female staff to have productive careers significantly, clearly demonstrating the 26.7%. The gender gap is much wider in instead of having to drop out of the existence of a glass ceiling. South Asia at a whopping 50.8%, and the workforce. Often, the discrimination is actually study found that socioeconomic norms of yy Sri Lankan labour laws also need to be formalised through ludicrous rules. A the decision of women to engage in the drastically reformed to remove curbs striking example was Sri Lanka’s Police workplace are substantially reduced. It also on women working, laws that flagrantly Department, which up until last year had concludes that “the closure of the gender violate the equal rights enshrined in an absolute rule that women could not be divide by 25% by 2025 could add $ 5.8 the Constitution. In addition, labour promoted further than the level of SP, which billion to the global economy and boost tax regulations with regard to maternity leave effectively barred them from holding posts income”. need to be reformed and paternity leave of DIG that are the most important layer of Fig. 4 shows that Sri Lanka’s average need to be introduced in order to make the command in provinces, police ranges, and from 1990 to 2019 amounted to 36.91%, burdens of parenthood more equitable. police divisions. This, despite the fact that with a minimum of 32.83% in 2012 and a women had been a part of the Police force high of 45.51% in 1990. The most recent (Dr. Nicholas Ruwan Dias and Niresh for 40 years. It was only after women police 2019 figure is 35.44%. Eliatamby are Managing Partners of officers petitioned the Supreme Court that Cogitaro.com, a consultancy that finds the matter was corrected. Chronic prejudice practical solutions for challenges facing How often do we hear women say: “I society and different industries. Key highlights had a job before marriage, but my husband Dr. Dias is a digital architect and yy According to the World Bank’s set wants me to stay at home”? If it isn’t the educationist based in Kuala Lumpur. of development indicators, collected husband, it’s the in-laws who want a dutiful He holds a BSc in Computing from the from officially recognised sources, Sri daughter-in-law. The fact that she has a University of Greenwich, a Master’s in Lanka’s female population was 52.01% degree and had her own career before Computer Software Engineering from in 2019 marriage doesn’t seem to matter much. Staffordshire University, and a PhD Even after children are sufficiently grown, study arts in Sri Lanka, resulting in to be less committed employees. Thus, from the University of Malaya. He is yy UNDP (United Nations Development many women who want to get back to lower employability than administration, many companies have shifted young completing a second doctorate in business Programme) urged the government careers find that their contemporaries have technology, agriculture, medicine, and women to the “mommy track”, where there administration from Universiti Utara and organisations through education, climbed far ahead in the meantime. engineering. are fewer opportunities for promotion and Malaysia. [email protected]. awareness-raising, and increasing Clearly in Sri Lanka, the rights and opportunities to make a real impact on a Eliatamby is a lecturer in marketing, opportunities to use a new wave of privileges of women are not equal to Theory of glass ceiling company. HR, and mass communications based policies to reform these discriminatory those of men. The country’s gender ratio In the 1980s, the term “glass ceiling” Globally, legal issues and a change of in Colombo. He is an author and was attitudes and practices. For example, taxes and the limited available resources for and “mommy track” became common. thought have driven many companies to formerly Associate Editor of a newspaper should be used to promote equal shared girls have also been influenced by strong The impression was that when women had give young mothers extra time off, even and Editor of various industry magazines. responsibility for childcare or to allow preferences for males. Private sectors in children, they took a long time off from with compensation. Industries increasingly He holds an MBA from London women and girls to join typically male- Sri Lanka are unwilling to employ women, work or left the workforce completely. provide extra benefits to encourage a Metropolitan University and an LLM dominated sectors such as armed forces or women may lack the skills required If women returned to work, due to their balance between work and home life for from Cardiff Metropolitan University. and IT from employers. Most women graduates maternal duties, they were often considered workers of both genders. Many benefits [email protected]) 6 the sunday morning business FARMING/SME Sunday, September 6, 2020

BY UWIN LUGODA Kariyawasam Pathinage Karunadasa is a school teacher turned rubber farmer who has depended on the rubber plantation industry in the Monaragala District for the past 42 years. He also 12 years a service happens to be one of the first to bring the industry to the region, after having seen the need for a new source of income for the locals. How Dipped Products is However, due to his advancing age and multiple medical surgeries, Karunadasa’s role in the local rubber industry almost ended a decade ago. This was due to the taxing and time-consuming process of harvesting rubber and pressing them into rewarding rubber farmers sheets with the use of chemicals. Similar to Karunadasa, this from areas such as Hanwella, Avissawella, inconvenience was felt by hundreds of Kuruwita, and Bibile, with another rubber farmers, while also not being able Firstlight project set to begin in Kegalle. to receive a proper and trusted payment He stated that the initiative refused to for their products. But everything changed abandon their farmer base even during 12 years ago when Dipped Products PLC the toughest of times, including the recent (DPL), a global leader in retail, industrial, Covid-19 outbreak. Once the pandemic and medical hand-wear, introduced the entered the country, the company had to “Firstlight” initiative. shut down their operations. However, The initiative sets out to buy the milk of fortunately for them, the Sri Lankan the rubber tree from these farmers, which Government helped restart the factories was significantly more convenient than the after only two weeks of the closure, earlier method of harvesting and selling adhering to all the safety precautions, he rubber. The company uses this initiative to explained. provide these farmers with everything they “The Government saw the importance need for the harvesting and storing of the of gloves, especially in the current milk, and even send agents to collect the environment, and helped us reopen milk upon the request of the farmers. almost immediately. But even during the DPL Top management and officials from Rubber Research Institute with rubber farmers who received fertilizer under the DPL Firstlight initiative. DPL has taken it a step further by also two-week closure period, we never let ensuring fair trade and pricing for the our rubber farmers feel the impact of the harvest, and has gone on to raise awareness virus, and instead collected the milk and on rubber production by conducting stored it in our storage facilities using our workshops with farmers in order to preservation methods.” enhance the productivity of their crops. Firstlight has also hosted several This has helped them empower and support community capacity building programmes 3,000 smallholder rubber farmers and their including planting and replanting, families in Monaragala. establishing and maintaining plant The company continued their goal of nurseries, health camps, books and empowering and uplifting the livelihoods stationery donations for children, of farmer co-operative societies in its scholarships, school and pre-school loyalty network on 28 August by investing development, and technical support and Rs. 2.1 million towards the distribution training programmes for producers. of fertiliser for 1,500 smallholder rubber Karunadasa stated that these were producers in the district. A total of 90,000 some of the main reasons he and other kg of fertiliser was distributed among four farmers chose to exclusively sell to DPL. DPL Loyalty Farmer Societies across the He explained that the absence of an Monaragala District at the event organised intermediary person and the reputation of DPL Deputy General Manager Pushpika Janadheera handing for the ninth consecutive year. over fertilizer to rubber smallholder farmer R. M Indrawathi the company further solidified their trust. During this event, DPL Deputy According to Janadheera, after seeing Managing Director Pushpika Janadheera 60,000 MT of natural rubber annually. in the supply chain must be locally markets tap their trees early morning and the success and income generated by these told the media that their main business “Our objective is to have a sustainable sourced. He stated that the country’s even have devised methods to tap these farmers, more farmers come on board was in manufacturing rubber gloves and supply chain developed for our latex production of rubber accounts for less than trees during the rainy periods, which each year. He also stated that the increase exporting it to around 70 countries across products, and with this goal we can also 1% of global production, while countries include the use of rain guards. in production of rubber products has even the globe. Due to this, he stated that develop the communities involved in the like Thailand and Indonesia contribute “What we want to do is bring this garnered interest from the Government, they began the Firstlight project with the supply chain. We also want to give the around 30%. knowledge to the local farmers and educate putting an emphasis on developing the objective of sourcing the raw material farmers who provide this raw material He said the main reason for Sri them on increasing their productivity. This farmer base and encouraging more people locally rather than importing it. a fair price – more or less on a par with Lanka’s low production levels is the will not only increase the volume they to be a part of this industry. He stated that Sri Lanka is not self- international prices – by buying it directly land availability, with most of it being collect, but also the income they make. “We have successfully been able to sufficient when it comes to manufacturing from them,” said Janadheera. used for residential purposes, and a lack This is why we provide them with the enhance livelihoods at the grassroots of latex products because local farmers can According to Janadheera, 10 years ago, of productivity compared to these other necessary tools such as fertiliser, so that the Sri Lankan economy. Simultaneously, only contribute 40% of the raw material to Sri Lanka sourced 60-65% of its raw international markets. they know how to treat their trees properly these initiatives have generated value at the industry, while the rest is sourced via materials locally, but with the increase To combat this productivity issue, and get a better yield.” a national scale through the development imports. in production of rubber products, the Janadheera said the local farmers need As of now, DPL depends on local rubber of one of the country’s most essential Today, the country’s rubber products percentage of raw materials sourced locally to be given the proper knowledge and farmers for 50% of their raw material export crops. Particularly at a time when manufacturing sector needs around has dropped. technical knowhow on things such as how needs, while having to depend on imports our nation faces significant economic 135,000 MT of natural rubber per annum. He explained that to have a value to grow the rubber trees, treat them, tap for the remaining 50%. Janadheera challenges owing to the Covid-19 However, the country is not able to produce addition on the rubber products them, and what are the best times to tap stated that out of these rubber suppliers, pandemic, we believe that such social this quantity of natural rubber, therefore manufactured in Sri Lanka and exported to them. He stated that unlike the local rubber their biggest farmer base is currently in enterprise business models hold the key to compelling the nation to import around other countries, the raw material involved plantations, plantations in the international Monaragala. They also source rubber sustainable prosperity for all Sri Lankans.”

Pan Asia launches current People’s Bank launches ‘Made in account with waiver until Sri Lanka’ loans for local industries People’s Bank, together with December 2021 the Industrial Development Pan Asia Bank has to customers until such time Board (IDB), launched the launched a new current that the economy rebounds. “Made in Sri Lanka” loans account to coincide with “As a customer-centric programme in keeping with its 25th anniversary with bank, Pan Asia Bank the Government’s “Vistas of no additional fees until 31 has remained sensitive Prosperity” national policy December 2021. When to customer needs framework which aims to customers open this current amidst the new normal support all those involved in the account, they do not have facing us all today and agri, plantations, fisheries, clay, to pay any charges other facilitated the customer in batik, brass, gem and jewellery, than inward cheque return numerous ways. All our and other local industries. The charges. All other charges innovations for ensuring launch ceremony was held at such as internet banking, customer convenience the Provincial Council Stadium cash orders, cheque books, are underpinned by the in Matara and was attended stop payment, balance year 2020 being our by People’s Bank Chairman inquiry, monthly service, 25th anniversary, which Sujeewa Rajapakse and Chief monthly statement, outward showcases that our Executive Officer (CEO)/ cheque returns, etc. will be Pan Asia Bank Assistant commitment to customer General Manager (GM) Ranjith General Manager – Retail Credit People’s Bank CEO/GM Ranjith Kodituwakku presents a loan to a female entrepreneur waived off. To be eligible Shiyan Perera convenience remains Kodituwakku. for the promotion, customers undiminished. In fact, this During the event, under library of the Kahagala South Manager (Matara) I.K. Indika, to boost the development must open the current having to pay the usual landmark anniversary fuels the Made in Sri Lanka loans Microfinance Village took Senior Manager (Regional of local industries, promote account during the valid fees and charges for as our determination to devise programme, entrepreneurs place and the children of the Loans Division) Nilmini export-oriented industries, promotion period from 1 long as until 31 December products and services that were presented with Aswenna, entrepreneurs entertained the Gunawardena, Assistant promote import substitute September to 31 December 2021. This will deliver a help us widen our customer Vanitha Saviya, Business audience through their various Regional Manager Sujith industries, enhance quality of 2020 and enjoy benefits until saving for customers while base, such as the new Power, and Covid-19 capital song and dance routines. Kumarasinghe, Senior Legal local products, increase self- 31 December 2021. demonstrating that Pan current account that infuses loans. Additionally, an Central Bank of Sri Lanka Officer T.N. Rupasinghe, employment opportunities Commenting on the Asia Bank understands the unprecedented convenience exhibition was made by the Matara Regional Manager W.H. Kamburupitiya Branch for locals and drive regional new current account, difficulties they are facing into the lives of our entrepreneurs of the People’s Mahesh Kumara, Industrial Manager R. Gayan Padma, development, the bank Pan Asia Bank Assistant due to the economic impact customers.” Perera further Bank Microfinance Village Development Board Director and Hakmana Branch Manager said. The IDB will provide General Manager – Retail of Covid-19. added. comprising Polathugoda, General P.L.U. Rathnamalala, W.B.M.R. Weerarathne, these projects with the Credit Shiyan Perera said: “Our gesture of waiving Individual current Pathumgama, Batuwita, and Deputy Director (Matara) together with bank officials, necessary technical and “We are thrilled to offer all these charges and fees accounts will require Kahagala South and Kahagala. O.G.S. Perera, People’s Bank government officials, and a managerial support while the most generous new (except inward cheque an initial deposit of Rs. A corporate social Deputy General Manager large number of entrepreneurs People’s Bank will provide current account in the return charges if applicable) 5,000 and business current responsibility project of the (Enterprise Banking) Krishani took part in the event. specialised financial support market that promises to until 31 December 2021 accounts require an initial bank which involved the Narangoda, AGM (SME) The Made in Sri Lanka loans to ensure sustainability of their relieve customers from provides much-needed relief deposit of 10,000. handing over of books to the Wickrama Narayana, Regional programme has been launched businesses. the sunday morning business 7 Sunday, September 6, 2020 ATTITUDE/TECH Mindset shift from wicked problems to wicked opportunities

BY HATCH The pandemic has drastically changed the way the world works over the past few months, bringing a global need to adopt new trends and think outside the box, at a faster rate for a lower cost. This the underlying growth which drove sparked what is known to be exponential technologies didn’t slow as a “wicked problem”, which down, and in fact, technologies that were to be introduced in the future are is: “How do organisations and being introduced now. people continue and sustain Companies and people alike need despite deflating economies at to start making a change and gear for a time when human capital is Singapore has more of a Global 100 large global companies such as the changes of tomorrow that need to losing its value as an asset?” company structure, with measures Apple, Microsoft, and Alibaba be introduced today. and processes for growth, but slow are projected to have an increase This article was written based Before we explore how the growth. Malaysia and Indonesia are in their market share already, on a discussion with Duleesha pandemic is shaping the future of much more unstructured and do not economies and businesses that are Kulasooriya on the Hatch Global our world, let’s first understand have much fire in the belly when hit harder may need to re-evaluate platform. Duleesha is the lead what a wicked problem and wicked compared to Singapore, and countries about investing and realign their strategist for Deloitte’s Centre for opportunity is. like Myanmar have their dynamic, businesses by diversifying into the Edge – a Silicon Valley-based just like Sri Lanka which is seen as a other industries, while other management research institute What is a ‘wicked problem’ destination with heavy island culture. industries gear for shifts. exploring the edges of business and and ‘wicked opportunity’? Despite Covid-19 hitting the world technology. Over the past decade, A wicked problem is a social, and a lot of unprecedented changes The future of tech is now they have explored how the world cultural, or sometimes even an taking place, including changes With the pandemic speeding is changing in very dramatic ways organisational problem that is difficult in people’s daily lifestyle and the up the expansion of the tech as a result of ever-evolving digital or impossible to solve, in contrast complete stopping of travel, some industry, it’s now high time for infrastructure and liberalising to a “tame” problem, which might things are coming to a full stop, some the introduction of much-needed public policy, and its implications to be very hard but can be solved things are slowing down, and some technology; some of these being us as individuals and institutions. with straightforward techniques if things are speeding up, even more, allowing payments to be more Hatch Global is an international given enough time. The reasons and the growth didn’t stop. accessible as there is a growing platform hosted by Hatch together why something could be a wicked trend to use less and less cash with its global partners to enable problem may be due to incomplete Innovation in times of since consumers are moving startups to receive the necessary or contradictory knowledge, the uncertainty towards mobile payments, the assistance to grow. Making up the number of stakeholders and opinions The pandemic was starting to healthcare industry allowing remote “Hatch Global” brand is Hatch, involved, large economic burdens, impact the “price-performance doctor channeling and medical the place for innovation, growth, and even the interconnected nature of curve” resulting in essential work prescriptions as patients will not collaboration, and the centre of these problems with other problems. needing to be done differently. see a need to physically step into gravity for all things startups in Sri Wicked opportunities are when Companies like Deloitte for a hospital unless necessary, and Lanka. The global partners include these same problems are tackled as example, which rely heavily on the shift for sustainability and new BTC ventures – a Bangladeshi opportunities, rather than problems. audits – which in turn relies heavily disrupting economies around propelled the world to accelerate energy sources with the growing firm that allows startup founders This transformation and effort to on manpower to be executed – had the world, it won’t be creating the introduction of the technology concerns about global warming. to kickstart their ideas by providing tackle issues are often done by to be changed from its all-time an equal spread of these impacts of 2025 in 2020. A wicked This new shift will see a them technical support to validate a network of non-governmental accepted way of doing things. across industries. Certain industries problem brought about the chance demand for startups, sparking a product or solution and seed organisations (NGOs), social This in a sense created a “wicked including travel, hospitality, for wicked opportunities, which entrepreneurship, and established fund for a faster go-to market; a entrepreneurs, governments, and big problem” and Deloitte’s take on this consumer products, and other allowed technology, innovation, and companies to keep exploring trends Pakistani venture, Seed Ventures businesses. was a “wicked opportunity” to start industries that are dependent on workforce to grow. and be innovative. – a social entrepreneurship and using drones which helps the work manpower will be affected the most With the pandemic shaping the Putting in this effort will also equity development organisation Unprecedented changes get done faster, better, and at a lower whilst certain industries relating future of the way in which we see companies take a shift towards to help support and promote Unlike the steady growth and cost, increasing their profit margins to technology will see growth in do work, consumers will see an a co-op model, where equity is entrepreneurship across various innovation trajectory of the Silicon over time. And the auditors? Have the coming years. The presence increase in government spending, shared amongst people who put in landscapes and verticals; and finally, Valley in the West, the East has an them reassigned to new tasks and of the pandemic saw a shift in the a cosmic shift in power and energy the labour – and startups will be the ProPakistani – Pakistan’s largest absence of that Western idealism roles of business operations. way work is done, and despite its industries, and the speeding pioneers to adopt this trend. A lesson publisher for tech and business and innovation. For example, Even though the pandemic is negative effects, the pandemic up of the tech industry. Whilst learnt through the pandemic is that news. CIMA launches its first-ever ‘Virtual Virtual queuing for Career Festival’ in Sri Lanka BY UWIN LUGODA social distancing Part 2 providers (such as social Chartered Institute of By distancing, limiting service Management Accountants Nalaka maintain a safe distance floor crowding, etc.), yet it (CIMA), the world’s leading Hewage with the staff members is essential for the service professional accountancy body, and other customers. Since provider that business recently announced the launch customers check in and wait operations remain efficient of its first-ever “Virtual Career Last week, in Part One in line remotely, they avoid and productive. Festival”, which is set to take of this article, we discussed interacting with touchscreens Some sectors that will place from 13 to 19 September, virtual queuing, how it or any other device that benefit from implementing right here in Sri Lanka. works, and the numerous requires physical interaction. virtual queue management At a media event on ways a customer can There are several important solutions include public Wednesday (2) to commemorate virtually get in line. This aspects in the virtual administration such as the launch, CIMA Sri Lanka week, we will discuss how queuing concept which helps government agencies and Country Manager Zahara virtual queuing can aid in maintain social distancing. public service organisations; Ansary stated that this week- social distancing. Pre-arrival is when an healthcare such as hospitals, long event will be a first for the From left: CIMA Sri Lanka Country Manager Zahara Ansary (ACMA, CGMA); CIMA Vice President and World Bank appointment is booked clinics, Covid-19 testing/ accountancy body, not only in Head of Finance and Administration, Sri Lanka and the Maldives Melanie Kanaka (FCMA, CGMA); and Tresync What is a mobile in advance through an quarantine centres, and Sri Lanka but globally, and will CEO Imran Furkan (FCMA, CGMA) ticket? online booking system or other healthcare facilities; feature global and local industry and through this week-long leadership skills, people skills, President – Asia Pacific A mobile ticket is a virtual a phone call. Self check-in retail, i.e. supermarkets, leaders. festival, we want to inspire the business skills, and digital skills. Venkkat Ramanan (FCMA, ticket which is an alternative refers to when a QR code pharmacies, and other “The environment has next generation of Sri Lankan Furthermore, it will also host CGMA); Tresync CEO Imran to a physical or paper ticket. is being scanned, which is essential retail stores; and dramatically changed since professionals to go above and events including a Hackathon Furkan (FCMA, CGMA); and Customers can obtain placed outside the service financial institutes such as Covid-19 hit the world and beyond in their careers. This calling out all individuals to John Keells Holdings Head mobile tickets using their premises, or self-arriving for commercial banks. has forced many companies to festival will fully utilise the register in a 24-hour competition of Learning and Development mobile phones. It provides an appointment which was As an increase in customer speed up their digital innovation power of the digital landscape where participants will be Imani Perera. customers the flexibility created in advance in order to footfall can be expected in and transformation. Therefore, whilst providing a platform tested on their problem-solving “CIMA focuses on providing to choose a service of their check in while maintaining establishments operating in especially during times like this, where industry leaders, skills, as well as an Elevator a well-rounded education to its preference and get in line, a safe distance. Then the the above sectors, a virtual the youth and professionals of both local and global, and Pitch segment where a selected students across diverse careers, sans the need to get a paper person can wait remotely. queuing solution will help today need to build relevant individuals across the island can number of entrepreneurs can preparing them for today’s ticket or the help of a staff Customers can wait streamline service efficiency, skills that will help them assure come together for an enriching pitch their product or business challenges and tomorrow’s member. Further, it provides anywhere and monitor their maintain social distancing, their employability.” learning experience.” idea to well-known business opportunities. Using the CGMA the convenience and safety queue position and progress limit the number of visitors, She stated that even during According to Ansary, this leaders. Competency Framework as of waiting anywhere and remotely as they will receive and enable optimising the lockdown period CIMA theme of “Hundred & 10%” Among the featured business part of our syllabus, we enable the ability to monitor the a notification when they customer experience at never slowed down and is not only to celebrate CIMA leaders headlining the event students and professionals to queue position and receive reach a certain position in face-to-face customer touch introduced initiatives to help going above and beyond for are, Ansary herself; CIMA Vice get resilient and ready with notifications. Thus, avoiding the queue and when they are points, while avoiding their students progress during its members and students, but President and World Bank Head the insights and skills needed the need to be physically called to be served. unscheduled visits to these times, with the first-ever also to celebrate the diversity of of Finance and Administration, to flourish in a dynamic and present in a crowded waiting minimise crowd gathering online exams. She explained CIMA. Sri Lanka and the Maldives rapidly evolving business area. What are the benefits at the service floor. This in that after this, they wanted to Building on this diversity, the Melanie Kanaka (FCMA, landscape. Here at CIMA, of virtual queuing turn leads to the safety of build on something bigger, and festival will feature a diverse list CGMA); Bluestone Capital we work towards supporting Does virtual during the Covid-19 customers and the service with CIMA completing 55 years of key speakers across different (Pvt.) Ltd. Founder and CEO the concept of life-long queuing help social pandemic? staff during the pandemic. in the Sri Lankan market, they industries covering topics Ajit Gunewardene; Jetwing professional learning and distancing? Virtual queue management (The writer is a Software decided to launch the “Virtual relating to the five skills of the Travels (Pvt.) Ltd. Managing experience,” said Ansary. Virtual queuing is all about solutions offer great Architect at Creative Career Festival”. Chartered Global Manegement Director Shiromal Cooray; The week-long event will managing the customer benefits in an environment Software. He has two “‘Hundred & 10%’ is the Accountant (CGMA) Association of International be accessible to everyone journey in a virtual space where Covid-19-related decades of experience in first-ever Virtual Career Competency Framework; Certified Professional online via the CIMA Sri Lanka from start to end. Thus, health regulations need to various roles related to Festival organised by CIMA, namely technical skills, Accountants Regional Vice Facebook page. customers will be able to be adhered to by service software engineering) 8 the sunday morning business START-UP/ADVERTORIAL Sunday, September 6, 2020 Cemex HRM Hatch Open House scores offers mobile attendance solution mentor-mentee partnership to CareKleen Cemex HRM has BY UWIN LUGODA up on software solutions in the fintech tied up with CareKleen domain.” to provide a cloud and Hatch Open House, a mentorship During these sessions, Weeramunda mobile-based attendance initiative introduced by Hatch mentored the young start-up in areas monitoring solution for co-working space only five which spanned across assisting the its cadre dispersed in over months ago, has already made mentee in billing their own IP, primary 900 corporate customer big strides in empowering their product innovation, establishing the locations throughout the start-ups. Recently, this initiative start-up as a product-based company, country. paved the way for a partnership and analysing the future potential and “Being in the industry between one of their mentees opportunities in the market. for over 36 years, we have and mentors. This new collaboration between the always had a concern on The free mentorship programme, two companies is set to lead to the keeping track of our cadre which connects start-ups with industry formation of a joint company involving that has been deployed veterans for guidance and insight, Elysian Crest Founder and CEO Kithmal Warnasooriya (left) and PayMedia Founder/Director PayMedia and Elysian Crest pioneering to various customer fostered a relationship between Kanishka Weeramunda the neobanking culture in Sri Lanka. locations. Given the PayMedia (Pvt.) Ltd., a local fintech their business growth. The company Warnasooriya took part in the three- Furthermore, it also looks to provide an widespread network of giant in the smart banking space, and has developed software and mobile month-long mentoring programme, and opportunity to learn about each other’s clients and inherent issue Elysian Crest (Pvt.) Ltd., a two-year-old applications in various domains such had a one-on-one mentoring session at forte, transcending the contrast in of high labour turnover software service-based start-up; helping as education, e-commerce, and the the beginning of the programme with backgrounds. in the industry, it was them grow past the mentorship. automobile industry. PayMedia, which was a result of Hatch Weeramunda and Warnasooriya not practical to invest in CareKleen, we deployed a While this is not Hatch’s first success According to Elysian Crest Founder Open House’s matchmaking. stated that both companies have been attendance equipment mobile-based attendance story through the Hatch Open House and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hatch officials stated that the reason gaining invaluable insights into the at all the locations. We app, where the supervisors initiative, it is the first one to take place Kithmal Warnasooriya, the primary they paired these two companies was opportunities and trends regarding were delighted when and managers are able during this round of the initiative. aim of the company is to initiate and because PayMedia Founder/Director disruptive innovation. They explained Cemex was able to offer to use the app to log the Speaking to The Sunday Morning establish neobanks in Sri Lanka, which Kanishka Weeramunda’s expertise as that the scope of collaboration is vast a solution to one of our attendance of their staff, Business, Hatch officials stated that they offer the complete banking experience a mentor and entrepreneur was ideal to and it enables the exchange of domain biggest problems of and the data is sent in have had several success stories from to fit in the palm of your hand. In this provide insights to the questions Elysian expertise. tracking attendance of our real time to our cloud the previous rounds of the initiative, scenario, the mentee is highly adept Crest had in terms of the challenges “The journey ahead holds massive staff across the country. HR software to process where mentors have become business in the frontend technology relevant they were facing as a start-up. potential and this partnership will Since onboarding Cemex, the attendance, with GPS partners or mentors and mentees to fintech products. Meanwhile, “We matched them after careful ensure that the next generation will we have already seen the location-based tracking have formed a long-term and strong PayMedia possesses experience in consideration of the industry experience never get to step into a bank branch benefits of their solution. to ensure accuracy of the relationship. the fintech industry along with the Weeramunda brings to the table and the office. The overall banking experience We have cut down on attendance. The future Elysian Crest has spent the past two backend technology and code-switching timely requirements of Warnasooriya. will be embedded into a single-digital additional expenses and of workplace has now years developing software solutions capabilities to support any new fintech However, we mainly considered the platform and thus, neobanks will step this has had a direct impact changed and Cemex for their clients who need to enhance innovations. tips PayMedia could provide the start- into Sri Lanka.” on our bottom-line savings HRM has adapted to be almost immediately. able to support these new Furthermore, the ease of requirements.” Home Lands Skyline registering new employees CareKleen (Pvt.) Ltd. announced that Ariyana Resort Ariyana Apartments by Homelands remotely has also is a leading commercial Apartments is on course for reduced our time taken to and residential cleaning completion even before the register new employees company specialising in scheduled month of October, completion ahead of schedule drastically,” stated janitorial services with and the company is all set to educational programmes that CareKleen Managing a team of over 3,500 hand over 344 apartments have been certified or endorsed Director Jehan Fernando. employees. during the month of September. by leading training providers in Expressing his views, Cemex Software (Pvt.) It is in close proximity to the the UK. Cemex HRM Director Ltd. is a start-up focusing education and technology hub Home Lands Skyline also Ziyam Kamil said: “After on a cloud-based human in Malabe, (Sri Lanka Institute offers a restaurant and bub Covid-19, we had to talent management of Information Technology, experience within the complex, reinvent ourselves to keep software, powered by the MillenniumIT, and SAITM), as well as a mini-market up with current work-from- reliable Microsoft Azure private and government within the project premises home (WFH) requirements Cloud. Cemex HRM’s hospitals, main trunk roads, with an ATM for emergency and emerging problems current customer portfolio the outer circular highway, and withdrawals. faced by our clients. We ranges from a 15-staff government offices. “It is the best investment you took the lockdown period operation to a 2,000+ Ariyana Resort Apartments, 3D view of Ariyana Resort Apartments could make where you, without to re-innovate our cloud- workforce. The company close to the Athurugiriya effort to reduce the carbon whereas the balance 80% is facilitate a daycare centre and doubt, will have an appreciation based HR product and is backed by their parent entrance to the highway, is yet footprint, the company has maintained in its original natural kindergarten at the premises, of value 75% of your asset came up with features company Cenmetrix, with another green concept from utilised only 20% of the land to form. partnering with Gateway, which within a few years,” Home that support our clients over 15 years of market Home Lands Skyline. In the build the apartment complex, Home Lands Skyline has the distinction of producing Lands said. in this new normal. For experience.

HNB Assurance PLC AIA and Ninewells offer free (HNBA) recently unveiled its HNB Assurance introduces latest rider “SupremeHealth Max” that could be obtained SupremeHealth Max insurance to new parents along with the various life policies offered by the related to the reasons of company. hospitalisation before. HNBA and HNB General “In addition, further Insurance Ltd. (HNBGI) features include optical CEO Prasantha Fernando benefit that provides said: “HNB Assurance is a coverage for vision-related company that has always expenses, dental benefit, been at the forefront of maternity benefit, surgical understanding and satisfying benefit, health screening customers’ protection needs benefit, cash benefit for in a manner that best suits hospitalisation in government them individually. I see this hospitals, OPD cover new addition that we have inclusive of coverage launched in the market as a for ayurvedic treatment testament to our resolve in expenses, and reimbursement AIA CEO Nikhil Advani and Ninewells COO/Medical Director Dr. Vibash Wijeratne handing over the first this regard, enabling one to for costs that are incurred complimentary AIA life cover to a new parent at Ninewells bring the very best protection for daycare treatment and AIA Sri Lanka has partnered which is one of the country’s the best medical attention and for one’s self and family. This HNBA and HNBGI CEO HNBA COO and Principal Officer ambulance charges. HNBA Ninewells Hospitals to provide best maternity hospitals, to care, it is great to have a partner rider gives an individual the Prasantha Fernando Lasitha Wimalaratne SupremeHealth Max also financial protection and add value to their customers such as AIA on board to offer opportunity of selecting a have access to the best health Max offers a host of special covers expenses related to security to families that step by giving them free insurance financial peace of mind and health insurance solution that service providers to ensure benefits, making way for a chemotherapy, dialysis and into parenthood by way of coverage at a time when it protection.” would facilitate access to the that their lives return to its worry-free life. This includes radiology treatments within providing Rs. 1 million worth of becomes most meaningful to Ninewells Director of best medical services, both equilibrium and normalcy a worldwide hospitalisation the cover limit, prosthesis worldwide personal accidental them. AIA’s role surpasses that Marketing Nilantha Rathnayake here and overseas. as quickly as possible. I am cover of up to Rs. 50 million and implants, and organ life insurance cover free of of an insurance payer to a life added: “Ninewells is the market “The world we live in very thankful to the team annually for individuals and donor expenses. Through charge. partner and that is why we want leader in women and childcare today as well as our ever- that was behind this product families, worldwide cashless SupremeHealth Max, the AIA Chief Executive to be there for people in life’s in Sri Lanka and provides a increasing sedentary lifestyle and it is with much pride claim settlement, no claim policyholder could also opt Officer (CEO) Nikhil Advani most wonderful times, just like wide spectrum of treatments make us more prone to non- and confidence that I invite bonus of up to 100%, pre and in for the deductible option commented: “As a parent, I we are there for them when for women and children. As a communicable diseases and customers to join us and post-hospitalisation expenses where they could have know that having a baby is the things get tough.” hospital committed to adding other ailments, making it secure their future.” benefit, and a restore benefit the policy cover medical most amazing moment for a Ninewells Chief Operating value to our customers, we are necessary to be able to deal HNBA Chief Operating entitling the policyholder expenses above a predefined couple, bringing great joy and Officer and Medical Director delighted to have AIA onboard with those situations. As an Officer and Principal to a 100% of sum assured limit, thereby bringing down a lifetime of happiness. We Dr. Vibash Wijeratne said: to offer our new parents a gift insurance provider, as much Officer Lasitha Wimalaratne even in the event that he or the cost of the policy.” want these new parents to know “Adding a new member to that will truly make a difference as we propagate the concept expressed views on she has already claimed the HNBA has a network of that they can count on AIA to the family is the most joyful to their lives while guiding them of healthy living, our focus is SupremeHealth Max, entire sum assured during a 63 branches and a rating be there for them throughout experience, but it comes with towards financial protection always to offer our customers stating: “As yet another year due to hospitalisation, of A (lka) by Fitch Ratings their life journey together. We it a huge responsibility and at this significant milestone of the confidence and solace that revolutionary product by provided that the subsequent Lanka for “National Insurer are happy to partner Ninewells, while we do our best to ensure their lives.” should the need arise, they HNBA, SupremeHealth hospitalisation is not Financial Strength Rating”.

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 MELTING POINT THE ALUMINIUM RECYCLING PROJECT »SEE PAGE 4

CAN WEEKEND MARKET »SEE PAGE 3 Sunday,brunch September 6, 2020

In conversation with choreographer and performance artiste Venuri Perera

I tried to avoid doing online things during Covid because I feel the exchange of energy that takes place during a live performance is very important. But ultimately, this is a reality now, and we have to see how we can exchange with others using virtual tools

BY NAVEED ROZAIS The arts and creative industry’s relationship Life always finds a way though, performance piece Multitude of and the adaptation of the global Peer Gynts, a contemporary theatre with the pandemic is a curious one. On the population to online interaction collaboration of Asian and South and life was remarkable across the Asian performance-makers based off one hand, with the whole world coming to board, with how we experience a rereading of Henrik Ibsen’s play life being changed forever. Peer Gynt. a virtual halt and reflecting on things like Creativity too found a way to the sustainability of our way of life, rise above the noise, with virtual A ‘political provocateur’ viewings, performances, and art Perera is a dancer and performing creativity has experienced a bit of a boom, forms taking shape in ways we artist who explores contemporary never expected. approaches to dance in Sri Lanka, with artists being able to devote time The Sunday Morning blending dance, theatre, and live art to Brunch caught up with push the boundaries of performance and focus to their craft in a way they veteran performing artist art and harness the transformational weren’t able to before unless they were Venuri Perera to learn power of performing. more about how she Perera has been dancing as long full-time practitioners. On the other managed to balance things as she can remember, learning at during the pandemic and the Chitrasena Kalayathanaya under hand, the sheer uncertainty and the to discuss her upcoming Vajira Chitrasena and then Upeka economic impact of the pandemic have virtual performance Chitrasena. in the groundbreaking ││Contd. on page 2 done much to stifle creativity.

PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM 2 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE/ARTS Sunday, September 6, 2020 MERRILL J. FERNANDO celebrates 70 years in tea The Founder of Dilmah Tea reflects on Dilmah’s journey and the local tea industry BY NAVEED ROZAIS offer good quality. Accordingly, we are an important company Fortune magazine, Britain’s Tea Council Quality is integral, and the only in the tea industry. Executive Chairman William Gorman said: Dilmah Tea is a household name way Dilmah Tea is growing sales is by The freshness and quality of Dilmah “Dilmah is a very interesting company. synonymous with quality and honouring my original philosophy of Tea remains exactly the same as when it This is an industry that has been incredibly Ceylon tea. While Dilmah Tea bringing integrity, freshness, and quality was launched 33 years ago. In Australia slow to innovate, and relatively tiny Dilmah back to tea, and by supplying 100% pure and New Zealand, Dilmah is synonymous has showed it how.” was founded in 1988, Dilmah Tea Ceylon tea which is grown and packaged in with trust. In New Zeland, Dilmah has won My youngest son Dilhan is now the Founder Merrill J. Fernando’s history Sri Lanka. the Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brand CEO of the tea companies and plantations. in the tea business goes back Leading back to doing business Award for six consecutive years, and this He is building on the revolution I started 70 years. generously, Dilmah Tea produces the first- year won the same award in Australia for 33 years ago. His innovations on tea are At a very intimate event held at Dilmah ever ethically produced tea which goes far the first time. This is normally an award truly remarkable and unique. He will take t-Lounge at One Galle Face last week, beyond Fair Trade, which, personally, is that is given to local brands in Australia and the company to great heights. Fernando celebrated 70 years in tea and his wholly a marketing gimmick. New Zealand, but Dilmah’s reputation as a Our country and our officials have 90th birthday with the launch of a signature Speaking apart from the quality aspect brand has made an impression. certainly become an authority responsible tea-based premium gelato. Developed in of Dilmah Tea, I have promised to share Coincidentally, Dilmah was also named for tea and every aspect of it, religiously collaboration with artisanal gelato brand my earnings with the wider community, the most respected food and beverage maintaining the colonial culture of Isle of Gelato, the signature tea-based gelato and I do so rather generously to date. The brand in Sri Lanka by LMD Magazine last trade. Therefore, the producer does not uses Earl Grey tea with swirls of caramel business has been remarkably successful week, which is remarkable given that we draw benefit from his crop, and watches infused with ginger and orange. and in turn, our contribution to the are relatively much smaller than the other foreign traders becoming millionaires and Isle of Gelato Co-Founders Suranjan community, the poor, and the needy was entities in that space. multimillionaires off their sweat and toil in Perera and Shalini Fernando shared that Isle significant. Dilmah Tea is used all over the producing the crop. of Gelato was thrilled to have collaborated I incorporated the Merrill J. Fernando world and is the finest tea for quality. Our exporters of tea are traders, not with Dilmah Tea on this signature gelato (MJF) Charitable Foundation which When auction prices go up, our prices marketers; their old philosophy is to sell as well as for the opportunity to honour changes several thousand lives each year. remain the same, even if we make losses. cheaper than their competitors and harm Fernando for his service to Sri Lanka and Our workers’ children and our staff in When they occasionally come down, we the quality image of Ceylon tea, which production lines and plantation workers benefit. Overall, we make a profit, but the Dilmah alone spends billions each year to Sri Lanka’s tea industry. Dilmah Tea Founder Merrill J. Fernando Speaking on working with Isle of receive various benefits. Their children reputation of Ceylon tea globally is led by retain. Gelato on developing the perfect tea-based now because the quality is good, but if you receive all school textbooks, stationery, what we do with Dilmah. We spend about ice cream, Dilmah Tea Chief Executive slowly begin to compromise on quality, clothes, shoes, and other supplies to ensure Rs. 1.6 billion annually on promoting and ÄÄ What are you working on at Officer (CEO) Dilhan C. Fernando shared customers will understand that you’re no their education, and the brighter children advertising the Dimlah brand globally. the moment? that Earl Grey was chosen to be the base longer selling the same product. receive scholarships. Today, there are As a tea company, we supply our tea At the moment, I am paying a lot of of the gelato in part because it’s one of the Short-term profit destroys a business. doctors, lawyers, and other professionals lovers, through our distributors, a range of attention to our charitable projects throughout most famous teas in the world (only behind For example, about 12 years ago, when among tea pickers’ children who have hot tea, iced tea, flavoured tea, liquid tea, the country. The MJF Charitable Foundation English Breakfast), and also because of its Unilever Ceylon, who owned the Lipton benefitted from the MJF Charitable tea concentrate, and ready-to-drink tea, receives 15% of our pre-tax profits from intensity and texture, along with its beautiful tea brand, started discounting their prices Foundation. and we’re looking at other forms of tea every company in the MJF Group, which bergamot aroma and citrus top note that from $ 5 to $ 1.99, they initially got a lot now; importantly, a selection of herbal tea is used to enhance the lives of workers, lends itself beautifully to being paired with of sales, dropping their prices even further. ÄÄ What has made Dilmah including wellness teas like murunga tea. communities, and the needy. ice cream. I said then that this sort of practice will Tea the great institution it At Dilmah, our tea innovations are hailed All our family businesses are dedicated In honour of Fernando celebrating 70 be the end of big multinationals because is today? by everyone including our competitors. to Almighty God. He guides and directs us in years in tea, The Sunday Morning Brunch all big operators and brand names – not We have got our tea and our In an interview with Richard Ellis of every way. Our success is owed to Him. sat down with him for his thoughts on and just multinationals, but even supermarkets plantations; my personal belief for many insight into what has made Dilmah Tea the – operate on wanting to eliminate the years is Dilmah is not just in the tea trade, great institution it is today and how the Sri opposition, and the way they do this is but our tea industry. We’re the world’s only Lankan tea industry has developed over the through discounting to get more business vertically integrated tea company, from course of his illustrious career. and eventually become the sole player in the the ground level, which is our plantations market. to factories, to the global brand, with all ÄÄ What is one principle that If they do succeed in this, they will then its production and packaging facilities that you’ve never compromised jack up the prices to more than what they allow us to take our crop directly to the in business? used to be before. But this sort of a situation market. We own Kahawatte Plantations and It is crucial in business to operate with doesn’t last, and sooner or later, whether a we co-own Talawakelle Plantations with a generous heart and to never compromise big brand or supermarket, they will come to Hayley’s Group and Elpitiya Plantations on quality to make bigger profits. If you do grief. with Aitken Spence Group. We also own that, the whole concept of your business is I’m sad to say that Unilever announced Forbes and Walker Ltd., a leading broking destroyed. In the present world of discounts, six weeks ago that they are getting out of firm. we’re often forced to do that, but if you join the tea business and that their brands are Hence, we have significant investment From Left: Isle of Gelato Co-Founders Suranjan Perera and Shalini Read the full in all three segments of the tea industry Fernando, MJF Leisure CEO Malik Fernando, Dilmah Tea Founder article online the world of discounts, then you’re not a now up for sale. It is my hope and prayer Merril J. Fernando, and Dilmah Tea CEO Dilhan Fernando proper business. You will sell your product that the new brands that are formed will – plantations, broking, and exports.

to audiences in this context.” imagining himself in new personas Another mid-pandemic project over and over again. Maintaining clarity... Perera worked on was the film Thematically, the project will Contd. from page 1 collaboration with Japanese artist Porcelain White, a collaborative explore issues of fear, anxiety, Natsuko Tezuka is a set of three dance performance with Jamaican-born mobility, and immobility, and capture Always actively involved pieces by Asian artists who received choreographer Zwoisy Mears-Clarke, the multiplicity of Asia through in dance at school, Perera began instructions set inside a bottle which which unravelled the complications different Asian perspectives of choreographing dances for her was passed from one artist to another. of being Brown/Black persons multiple Peer Gynts, taking in the little group for (inter) school events Perera’s most recent projects who embody colonial inheritance. artists’ personal stories and identities. before going on to do her first have to do with anonymity and the With both Perera and Mears-Clarke It will take on a modular format creative dance performance with the power dynamics of gaze and the act being born in former colonies in the shape of an interactive website Chitrasena Dance Company from of looking, exploring the concept of of Britain that maintain certain with each artist exploring their own the age of 13; her first performance looking at people and being looked practices adopted from their former thread and experiences against the was in the Chitrasena production at – whether actively or passively colonial masters, they unravel the backdrop of Peer Gynt. Some will be Nala Damayanthi. – and particularly the male gaze on complexities and limits of their shooting in their own locations while Perera has always believed in women. Perera explored the concept inherited privilege as they inhabit others will be doing live work. portraying powerful and poignant in two separate projects: See You, neocolonial spaces. For her own performance, Perera messages through her art and holds See Me, a performance piece where In the absence of being able will be seeing how she can bring in the firm belief that artists have a Perera, draped in a traditional sari and in Performing Arts. “Reflecting on performance organised by the Taipei to make the performance together, her own practice and create a dialogue responsibility to use their voice to face cover, performed traditionally my last years as an artist, I started Performing Arts Centre as part of Mears-Clarke and Perera shot with the themes of the Peer Gynt play. highlight issues that are important to masculine and feminine poses in to question making overtly political ADAM (Asia Discovers Asia Meeting their points of view separately in them and the societies they live in. photographs and the relaxed positions or provocative work and began to for Contemporary Performance) 2020 their own countries, with Perera Looking to the future With plans to pursue her Perera’s most notable recent and movements that are shown in go into the principle of Buddhist online performance/art project (An collaborating with famed director Master’s in Performing Arts in works include projects like Traitriot, public, and returned the gaze to the philosophy and think about how art Internet of Things). and playwright Arun Welandawe- the Netherlands, Perera shared the a performance piece where Perera audience members. can create conditions for connection, Speaking on her first live online Prematilleke to direct the film, on a view of looking at also exploring cleverly plays with the various Perera’s second project to do compassion, and empathy. My life performance, Perera shared that she two-day shoot in her ancestral home the concept of touch in a post- existences of the body – as a bearer with gaze and anonymity is “The was in transition already and I was is still processing how the experience outside Colombo the weekend pandemic society. “Touch has of political and symbolic forces, but Roadside Ninja Series”, (started after doing a lot of reflecting and reading.” made her feel. “While See You, See lockdown in Sri Lanka was lifted. become more taboo than it ever was yet at the same time as a vessel of the experience of cycling) where The pandemic gave Perera Me and The Roadside Ninja (Series) before; sexualisation aside, it is now resistance. The “Passport Blessing Perera cycled around Colombo with the chance to enhance her skills gave me power because I was able to Multitudes of Peer Gynt Perera’s next performance is due a matter of safety to avoid touch. Ceremony”, a satirical tongue-in- her face covered in her “cycling (knowledge on different discourses) look back at the audience, here I could to take place in October when she will Whereas in my previous work, I was cheek “modern ritual”, questions the shawl” resembling a ninja, for traffic with the increased availability of not see the audience, and I felt more be a part of the virtual performance the only one with my face covered, degrading and intrusive processes and pollution-related purposes as online courses. It also gave her the exposed. of Multitude of Peer Gynts, a now everyone covers their faces. that certain citizens have come to well as to avoid men’s gaze and chance to work on her relationship “There was also the contemporary theatre collaboration of We are all anonymous and there is accept as normal when trying to visit catcalling. Through The Roadside with digital mediums. “I spent some technological aspect of not knowing Asian and South Asian performance- the absence of fear of the other. foreign countries while those with Ninja Series, Perera explored time trying out how the body can be if the internet is working or if makers based off a rereading of “With me travelling to a new “powerful passports” are unaware of becoming an anonymous onlooker/ transmitted digitally and how to share you’ve moved out of frame while Henrik Ibsen’s play Peer Gynt. place and new culture like the these struggles. performer and how it affected her experiences through the camera.” performing. I tried to avoid doing Initially meant to be a climactic Netherlands, where face covers were Perera frequently collaborates conditioned public behaviour. While having declined a lot of online things during Covid because I performance that built off two banned up until Covid subsides, with other creatives on projects. projects because of her impending feel the exchange of energy that takes previous iterations conducted in I think it would be interesting to Her collaboration Kesel Maduwa A creative mid-pandemic move to the Netherlands, Perera place during a live performance is Indonesia and Japan, Multitudes investigate how human connection with poet Kumari Kumaragamage Perera shared that 2020 was a did find herself working on creative very important. But ultimately, this is of Peer Gynts looks into the fourth can be brought back in a non- is an interpretation of a ritualistic year of great transition for her on projects during the pandemic, a reality now, and we have to see how and fifth acts of the play by Ibsen threatening way and to do a ritual performance inspired by ancient a personal level, regardless of the going on to do her first live online we can exchange with others using following a disillusioned Peer Gynt or performance on what it means to Sri Lankan healing rituals, and pandemic, as she was leaving for the performance for FW: Wall-Floor- virtual tools and define what aspects trying to find his way in the world gather, collect, and connect in this the Floating Bottle Project in Netherlands to pursue her Master’s Window Positions, an online we can retain to make art interesting through corrupt business and re- space where we fear contact.”

the sunday morning brunch editorial [email protected] 011 5200900 the sunday morning brunch 3 Sunday, September 6, 2020 EVENTS/TRAVEL

Amaranthé Bay a lasting impression

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka’s golden port city on the northeast coast, during CAN Weekend summertime, is potentially the most popular hotspot amongst locals and foreign travellers alike who make their way over when the southwest monsoon takes over the other half of the island’s coast. From around May to September, Market Trinco becomes a roaring hub of activity. However, this time around, Creative Isle with Colombo City Centre launches platform to things were glaringly different, considering how Covid-19 has support micro-entrepreneurship sucked all the life out of it. But as we travelled along the eastern coast BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE and arrived at our final stop to spend the night at Amaranthé Bay Resort On 28 August, Creative Isle in and Spa in Uppuveli, we noticed the collaboration with Colombo City atmosphere was a little different. Centre (CCC) launched the weekly, Speaking to Consultant – Business Development and Marketing R. was laid out on visual display through three-day Ceylon Artisan Network Sritharan, he shared a sense of our windows where we could look (CAN) Weekend Market at The optimism we hadn’t experienced out into the night sky. The rooms Atrium at CCC. Created as a platform in quite some time in our travels to are spacious and we were especially to support micro-entrepreneurship the East. “In Trincomalee, we were thrilled by our junior suite’s private across the island, the market will quite safe during the pandemic. We jacuzzi, also overlooking the mind- take place every Friday, Saturday, took care of everyone here, and we blowing view. adjusted the rates allowing for people The place is somewhat of and Sunday from 10.30 a.m. to 9 p.m. to stay and be safe as we were – a a romantic fantasy; as a chalet- I am passionate about Identifying the gap in There are many result of Sri Lankan hospitality. style luxury boutique hotel, the The launch event welcomed Chief entrepreneurship the current business talented entrepreneurs “Even though other hotels were property offers the privacy and Guest, Sri Lankan cricket legend Muttiah landscape, I wanted to in our country, but closed during the pandemic, we were seclusion provided by dense green Muralitharan and a panel of guest speakers and commend this provide local vendors they lack opportunity. ready with limited staff to cater to mangroves, while also being close but including Dian Gomez and Dilith Jayaweera. initiative. Sri Lanka with a space where anyone who came over’ we didn’t get comfortably tucked away from the “There are many talented entrepreneurs Foundation of needs to recognise true they could showcase many people but we kept the place city to be a perfect hub for excursions. in our country, but they lack opportunity. Goodness is all about entrepreneurs and their raw talent, which open as it is part of our brand values.” As wonderful as the night time was, Foundation of Goodness is all about otherwise may have been empowering such the morning hours are even more value innovators individuals empowering such individuals,” Muralitharan Dilith Jayaweera undiscovered beautiful; waking up to the swishing shared. Creative Isle Founder Sri Lankan cricket legend of oars and chirping of birds amidst an According to Creative Isle Founder Keshini Ann Suraweera Muttiah Muralitharan otherwise perfect calm, the property Keshini Ann Suraweera, this is the primary reinforces its promise of seclusion and purpose of the project. “The crux of this Nations Development Programme (UNDP) relaxation. project was birthed during the Covid-19 in a bid to further uplift Sri Lanka and With the advantage of their lockdown, when many creative entrepreneurs support its SMEs (small and mediam-sized unique positioning and almost private experienced a downward trend in growth, enterprises) and entrepreneurs who are most access to the lagoon, the hotel offers stunting their ability to continue with their affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The a free boat service to ferry guests to business efficiently. Identifying the gap in initiative also welcomes on board Scope and from the nearby beach as well as the current business landscape, I wanted to Cinemas as the cinema partner and Antyra kayaking and canoeing facilities for a provide local vendors with a space where Solutions as the social media partner. quiet, refreshing paddle in the shallow they could showcase their raw talent, which We spoke to a number of the vendors Sritharan shared that back when lagoon. Additionally, of course, the otherwise may have been undiscovered at the event as well, who all shared similar they first started the project on this hotel offers a number of excursions in simply due to the lack of a platform to sentiments about how, despite being quite property, soon after the war, they did and around Trincomalee, from diving present themselves.” drastically affected by the pandemic, this has so believing the east coast presented and fishing to city tours and cultural She also shared that they have taken been a great opportunity. a lot of opportunities. To this day, visits. The property also consists of steps beyond simply providing them with a Theodore’s Bakery shared: “I have even with the pandemic, they believe a spa, an outdoor pool area, and a marketplace. They have also collaborated been a home baker only for the past three it to have an abundance of opportunity nightclub, which, on any regular day with the vendors in order to survey and months, and I already have fast- and see it simply as a perfect location is often patronised by myriad foreign evaluate their product to further the product moving items. The management has for anyone to come and prosper – the and local guests; but it was sadly in a way that it is widely marketable and of accommodated all of our requests. best place for you to be if you are closed off considering the current export quality. The fact that they are able to holidaying in Sri Lanka. circumstances. The weekend market features vendors cut out a middleman has been a The property, which sits poised Despite having stayed only one from around Sri Lanka showcasing their form new trade partnerships great help; there is flexibility and at the edge of the Pillaikulam Aru night, we prepared to leave wishing export-quality products at wholesale rates, with bulk buyers. Focusing on even the time slots (are) given. River, is truly a hidden away paradise. we could stay longer. With their whilst allowing them the opportunity to sustainable and community- We were told that this would While having a candlelit dinner on welcoming hospitality, stunning driven businesses, the market continue every weekend, and the the property by the lagoon on a dock location, and serene natural beauty, Amaranthé Bay left a lasting will consist of home and lifestyle Dian Gomez constraints that come with being a under the stars, even the most cynical products, fashion accessories, artisan home baker are manageable within this of thoughts evade you as you breathe impression – something we won’t food products, herbal teas and arrangement.” in the beauty of the landscape and the forget for some time to come. Ayurveda cosmetics, soaps and Bhagya Kandage from Fytó calming and beautiful sunset whilst fragrances, etc. Cactus and Succulent said: “We surrounded by the breeze wafting Hotel review is now available on Suraweera also shared across the still waters of the river. The Sunday Morning are so grateful for the organisers; YouTube channel that the CAN Weekend having an event like this helps It’s safe to say we enjoyed our Market further supports and out with brand imaging as well first night at Amaranthé Bay; heading features recycle and upcycle as sales. Knowing we will get a back to our rooms on the second Visit The Sunday Morning initiatives and products, and will crowd to take a look at our product floor, we were in for the view of a Brunch on Facebook for the video. be an opportunity for Bhagya (Fytó) is invaluable. We mainly rely on our lifetime as what we just experienced creative entrepreneurs to online store, but also pop-ups, because showcase their innovative it allows our customers to come products and services to the B2C and touch the product and get a (business-to-consumer) and B2B feel for it, and that hasn’t been PHOTOS PRADEEP DAMBARAGE (business-to-business) markets. possible with the pandemic.” Speaking at the launch Nadeera Silva from S&N in support of the initiative, Products shared: “We have Dilith Jayaweera stated: “I had our business up since 2013. am passionate about We sell 100% natural products entrepreneurship and Nadeera (S&N) and this has been one of the greatest commend this initiative. opportunities for us as we often Sri Lanka needs to recognise get sales through an intermediate true entrepreneurs and value person who then plasters their innovators.” brand name on our product. We The CAN Weekend Market would really like to promote has received immense support our name, and this initiative from partners such as CCC, has allowed us a platform, and the Foundation of Goodness, brand and marketing guidance to National Enterprise Development effectively pursue that.” Authority (NEDA), and United Theodore’s Bakery PHOTOS ESHAN DASANAYAKA 4 the sunday morning brunch CAUSE Sunday, September 6, 2020

Adding value to waste MeltingMelting PointPoint the aluminium recycling project

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE However, the process of melting it down seen no shortage of impressive initiatives, is sophisticated, requiring 300-400 degrees its continued execution is questionable. elting Celsius and specific machinery. He referred to the practicality of some Point” is an He also commented on the concern of the projects successive governments aluminium of needing to streamline how recycling is have taken on, including the complete carried out in the island, and he too agreed polythene ban and the asbestos ban in recycling that such an infrastructure supported by the 2018, the latter of which was discontinued; project Government can only be beneficial. he added that his major worry lies in that “Mdeveloped and initiated in early it currently has a project status and there is 2019 under the guidance of the Practical concerns no policy attached to it. Central Environmental Authority Speaking to representative at MAS (CEA), and the Excise Department Holdings who carry out waste management Wijesinghe reiterated too has since come on board. The projects regularly within the company, that it is a forward- primary objective of the project is they shared that while they do not know thinking, progressive move, to encourage aluminum recycling the inner workings of the project and the and corporates must be by adding value to the waste, intricacies that go into creating ornamental held responsible for their items form aluminium waste, there are where they reach out to local liquor contribution to the overall certain areas you must look at, including pollutants produced by sellers to collect their waste items how the items are cleaned (there is for this purpose. wastewater that must be discarded) and the island how much other waste is created in the However, he did reiterate that it is a How Melting Point operates is that process. forward-thinking, progressive move, and they produce unique Sri Lankan souvenirs They added that when it comes to corporates must be held responsible for from recycled aluminum to add value Aluminium waste being upcycling and recycling, it their contribution to the overall to the waste and share the value across The aluminium is heated to its melting stored upon collection point in the process of recycling is all about the life pollutants produced by the supply chain; from collectors to cycle. They carry the island, also noting local craftsmen and retailers. The Excise bring in foreign exchange. out something that this is a great way Department has come on board to provide The project was all set to be carried called the “Life for both sides to benefit. bins and the can crusher to liquor sellers out, and they were in the process of Cycle Analysis” But of course, it must around the island, and it will continue fine-tuning the technology, but due to which provides be eventually made under the guidance of and in co-ordination the pandemic, they had to push back on you with how an mandatory for it to reap with collectors, municipal councils, and carrying out certain steps like connecting item can be broken real benefits, which is urban councils. with retailers to sell the ornaments. They down in order to where policy comes into Speaking to the Project Co-ordinators, plan to also provide a certification to attract know what happens play, he pointed out. they shared that since its inception, they tourists to buy souvenirs. to an item until the Wijesinghe have reached out to local craftsmen in They said that this process can also end of its life cycle suggested that if the Pilimathalawa who will be provided with function as a great incentive to streamline and what happens authorities are willing, the crushed material in order to craft the the recycling industry in our country, after. things can be passed as ornaments, stating that in using local adding that as of now, the way that most Environmentalist and Rainforest Protectors of Sri For example, policies quite effectively craftsmen to produce souvenirs by adding independent recycling plants work is that Lanka Convener Jayantha Wijesinghe if these aluminium by taxing waste producers value to the waste, it can also ensure the collectors would make a sale to a third ornaments are to be for their waste, which sustainability of traditional Sri Lankan An ornament made out of party who then gives it to the recycler, Effectiveness and used as practical ornaments, will create a way to hold them industries and upskill local industries to repurposed aluminium where the “recycling” is carried out independent recyclers is there a system in place accountable. And for this particular improve the manufacturing process as without much transparency – often, many We reached out to an independent where when it breaks, it will initiative – the Melting Point well as the quality of the end product by do not disclose how they carry out the recycler to gauge the effectiveness of be tossed in the trash, or will they be able aluminium recycling project – to be most transferring knowledge and expertise. process, for which there are a multitude of this project and determine the areas we to bring it back and put it through another effective, all players must get involved; not They said they have gone a step further reasons. must look at in order to carry out such an cycle to repurpose it? only the liquor stores, but supermarkets, to upscale the standards of the ornaments However, if we are able to establish initiative more effectively. A.S. Illiyas homes, independent collectors, etc. to be created, for which they have got the the right infrastructure support, then this from Plas Techs (Pvt.) Ltd. shared that Environmental concerns and He said that tin cans add up to University of Peradeniya involved to create whole process can be re-energised and be it is an excellent initiative as aluminium about 1% of pollutants and that is a items that are of export quality in order to done in a proper way, they explained. sustainability inherently has great value – it carries value Environmentalist and Rainforest considerable amount. For example, if as a waste item and as a recycled item, its Protectors of Sri Lanka Convener Jayantha you are to look at the Attidiya wetlands, value triples, he said. Wijesinghe spoke of the project, stating every square inch is covered in liquor He also shared that as this project has that it is an excellent move. However, his cans and liquor-related pollutants, and chosen aluminium as the focus item, there concerns lay in the sustainability of the this would be a great initiative to limit is the added advantage of relaxed concerns initiative. He said that while Sri Lanka has such waste items, he noted. with regard to waste, as aluminium has very little waste in its recycling process. Aluminium, as it is now, is 80-90% recycled, and if we are to give it value in this way, we can easily push that to 100% as it will increase the total value of waste, he explained. He stated, however, that given the way it is set up, as there might be concerns in desponding on the responsible acts of corporates and expecting them to carry out the collection process, if the value addition is substantial, then it will be a sufficient incentive to effectively carry out their end of the deal. Illiyas also stated that aluminium is quite ideal as it has a durable life span; although an inherent polluter in one way, it is ideal for design and durability. Grills for homes made out of recycled aliminium Ashtrays made from recycled aluminium the sunday morning brunch 5 Sunday, September 6, 2020 HEALTH IMPA celebrates the launch of Sri Lanka Drug Index 2020 BY NAVEED ROZAIS that is maintained by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The WHO assigns The Independent Medical ATC codes to all active substances Practitioners Association (IMPA) contained in medicines based on the celebrated the launch of its new therapeutic indication for the medicine. Through the decoding of ATC codes, the website as well as the 2020 Sri Lanka SLDI is searchable with visitors being Drug Index on 30 August. able to look for drugs by brand, chemical, Established in 1929, Sri Lanka’s IMPA and other identifiers as well as look up is the oldest national organisation of general IMPA Immediate Past Welcome address by SLDI 2020 being IMPA President Dr. The IMPA website being launched by IMPA Past alternatives for specific drugs. The SLDI practitioners in the whole world. The IMPA President Dr. A.H.A. IMPA Secretary launched by Prof. Ananda Perera President Dr. Joel Fernando allows visitors to conduct searches by is a medico-political body with academic Hazari Dr. S.M. Samarage Rohini Fernandopulle medical condition. general practice as a subsidiary interest, by the IMPA under the supervision of Prof. Chairman Prof. Asita de Silva and NMRA is searchable. The SLDI is not limited to The new IMPA website also allows while the other national organisations Fernandopulle and Chinta Abeywardane Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Kamal members of the IMPA and can be used by doctors to visit, view, and contribute data established elsewhere are mainly academic who incidentally also saw the initial SLDI Jayasinghe. anyone. to other IMPA projects like the Morbidity bodies. project in 2010. Dr. Perera explained that the digitised The SLDI has been constructed Analysis And Report System (MAARS), a The event featured the launch of The SLDI 2020 was made possible by SLDI is updateable, with new drugs decoding information from Anatomical project for the outpatient sector that records two long-awaited IMPA initiatives: The a grant extended by the National Medicines registered with the NMRA being registered Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) codes. things like gender distribution among revamped IMPA website and the digitised Regulatory Authority (NMRA), with Dr. and updated to the SLDI automatically. The ATC classification is an internationally patients, morbidities, and related illnesses. Sri Lanka Drug Index (SLDI). Perera extending special thanks to NMRA current SLDI covers overs 5,000 drugs and accepted classification system for medicines Dr. Perera shared that the data collection The IMPA website was launched by process for MAARS is an entirely electronic IMPA past President Dr. Joel Fernando, data form that requires no typing, simply while the SLDA 2020 was launched by pointing and clicking for easy data collection Prof. Rohini Fernandopulle. The event was and structured analysis. chaired by IMPA President Dr. Ananda Moreover, the new IMPA website Perera, with a welcome address from IMPA allows continuous professional development Secretary Dr. S.M. Samarage. (CPD) for doctors, allowing them to take part Speaking on the revamped website, Dr. in educational and professional development Perera shared that its result was a true team opportunities remotely. The CPD element of effort from within the IMPA. “The new the IMPA website will also feature activities IMPA website allows people to contact the like webinars which will be open to visitors IMPA directly, giving them the chance to outside the IMPA as well. connect with an amazing pool of medical IMPA immediate past President Dr. expertise. No other medical society can A.H.A. Hazari addressed the gathering, boast such a vast pool of knowledge.” sharing his thanks to the IMPA and its Further interactivity of the revamped members for the immeasurable hard work website includes the ability of the IMPA to put in, the Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) publish notices and information that visitors Consumer Division for coming on board can comment on. The new website also as website sponsors, and the NMRA for gives visitors the chance to directly connect their invaluable financial support in making with IMPA office bearers. the electronic SLDI a reality. Dr. Hazari Going on to explain the SLDI, Dr. also commented on the ongoing pandemic, Perera shared that the first SLDI was sharing that the pandemic has made published in 2010 and was initially meant everyone embrace going online and that to be updated annually, though this was not it allowed a great increase of knowledge possible due to gaps in data collection. The across the board, and that this is something SLDI 2020 is an electronic version of the to be noted positively. SLDI 2010, with the project being handled PHOTOS ESHAN DASANAYAKA

BY DR. DINESHANI HETTIARACHCHI SIRISENA

“Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food.” This famous quote is often attributed to Hippocrates. Hippocrates Food culture in Sri Lanka and considered nutrition one among most tools a doctor can use. More than that, dietary measures play a leading part in the original oath of Hippocrates. In modern translations its effect on health and disease of the oath, the central importance of diet is but also their cultural values and lifestyle from traditional towards modern eating, usually somewhat hidden. But the original patterns, have directly and indirectly affected its consequences, and underlying factors. Greek oath, literally translated, states: “I will the Sri Lankan lifestyle. Moving forward, research on this timely apply dietary and lifestyle measures to help and important topic is essential for the the sick to my best ability and judgment; I Shifting to traditional wellbeing of our future generation and to will protect them from harm and injustice.” food practices curb the rising rate of NCDs. There is a global trend to move away The traditional food system plays a Nutrition and food from traditional eating to one which is more major role in maintaining the wellbeing and modern and less time consuming. Sri Lanka health of indigenous people. Yet, evidence as medicine has not being spared by this trend. The abounds showing that the normal food base There are many reasons why we trend towards modern eating is of particular and knowledge of indigenous people are should always concentrate on what we eat. significance because traditional eating has being eroded. This has resulted in the use of Traditional foods tend to be nutritionally been related to positive health outcomes fewer spices and decreased dietary diversity superior in that they tend to be lower in and sustainability. In this light, we spoke due to lack of time for food preparation. calories and rich in natural fibre which helps to Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children Knowledge of the normal food system in weight management and bowel problems (LRH) Consultant Paediatric Neurologist can change this scenario. Awareness created such as constipation. They also contain less Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya. He is also an on the traditional food system can contribute saturated fat, which promotes heart health. law, politics, economics, lifestyle, diet, spiritual wellbeing, making it a holistic avid advocate in promoting traditional food to making a healthy society and creating They are also a rich source of minerals, clothes, language, religion, philosophy, approach. culture and practices among his patients and a strong healthy nation. The traditional vitamins, and micronutrients such as iron, and values. However, we need to change Health maintenance and food was the general public. knowledge of food is taken into account to zinc, vitamin A, and calcium, which are these dynamics now more than ever as a fundamental component of finding the According to him, there could be an be the simplest for particular geographical essential for good immune function, better nutrition is coming to the forefront as a correct balance suited for that individual. association between the food we consume conditions. Changing food patterns can vision, and strong bones and teeth. major modifiable determinant of chronic The western diet tends to displace some of and the increasing incidence of physical as damage the health of society. Hence, it The processed, low-variety foods many disease, with scientific evidence increasingly the benefits of traditional food and cooking well as psychological, mental, and cognitive is vital to know the importance of good consume regularly could be convenient and supporting the view that alterations in a practices. There may be harmful ingredients impairment. These conditions broadly food habits within our own tradition and a attractive, but they compromise our health. diet have strong effects, both which we consume, such as classified as non-communicable diseases balanced diet. We have to especially concentrate on what (NCDs) are rapidly increasing and attribute positive and negative, on health glyphosate, which are found we eat when we are sick in order to provide to changing food culture in the modern era. throughout life. in broad spectrum herbicides Key differences between our bodies with the essential nutrients to Another facet to be considered is the change Most importantly, dietary that can even contribute to birth traditional food and food heal. If you would like to be even more in agricultural policies in terms of food adjustments might not only defects in children, stated Dr. deliberate in improving your health, perhaps availability, affordability, and acceptability. influence present health, but Padeniya. consumed today to address a chronic disease or condition, a The fundamental issues to be addressed may determine whether or not The history of food and functional medicine approach can yield great regarding food transition in Sri Lanka a person will develop diseases eating habits in different contexts Traditional food Modern food benefits. involve income-induced diet diversification, such as cancer, cardiovascular can help us realise that methods Natural food Genetically modified Functional medicine focuses on dietary globalisation, and westernisation. disease, and diabetes much later of eating are inherently complex. identifying and treating the root cause LRH Consultant Paediatric No chemical fertilisers in life. However, these concepts Since the time of liberation from Chemical fertiliser of disease and not just the symptoms of Neurologist were used What is the traditional diet? have not led to a change in Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya the colonial powers, the culture the disease. Overall, seeing your food as The term “traditional” is used to refer policies or practices among the of South Asia has coincided with No chemical herbicides Chemical herbicides medicine helps you make better decisions to food that is mainly plant based, rich in majority of the population. the incorporation of a significant amount of were used used abundantly about what (and how) to eat in order to make grains, legumes, vegetables (plus their oils), cultural values transferred to them mainly No weedicides were the best decisions for your own wellbeing. and fruit, with little or no animal products. Nutrition in developing from the British and Europeans. Weedicides used There is evidence that the traditional food countries After Independence, the Sri Lankan used of Sri Lanka included a broad range of About the writer In many developing countries, Government preferred to continue with the Natural food Artificial preservatives The writer, Dr. Dineshani Hettiarachchi indigenous cereals, roots, tubers, green food policies remain focused only on colonial economic structure. For example, preservation methods used leaves, fruits and vegetables, spices, animal Sirisena, is a family physician with a undernutrition and aren’t addressing the urbanisation has shown to possess a positive Artificial food special interest in fats, and fish, which are linked to various No artificial food prevention of chronic diseases. Given the effect on wheat consumption and a negative additives abundantly rare genetic diseases health benefits, including protection from rapidity with which traditional diets and impact on rice consumption in Sri Lanka. additives NCDs. used and regenerative lifestyles are changing in the modern era, However, the nutrition transition isn’t just a medicine currently This is a largely an understudied area it’s not surprising that food insecurity result of the expansion of supermarkets. As working as a lecturer Westernisation and changing and future research might benefit from and undernutrition continue to persist research has shown, the wide availability at the Department of considering the multidimensionality and food habits in countries where chronic diseases are of processed and unhealthy foods in Anatomy, Faculty of interplay of multiple facets of traditional Westernisation is a process by which emerging as a major health epidemic. In modern retail outlets in Sri Lanka has also Medicine, University and modern eating. Furthermore, it might societies come under or adopt the western ancient times, “health and wellbeing” was contributed to the shift. Thus, as a result of Colombo, provide new insights into the transition culture in areas such as industry, technology, defined as one’s mental, physical, and of colonisation, not only colonial policies, Sri Lanka. 6 the sunday morning brunch WILDLIFE/ENVIRONMENT Sunday, September 6, 2020

An elephant was once found with 30 kg of plastic in its intestines”

BY KITHUNI KATUGAMPOLA If so, would these have a way of affecting wildlife as well if discarded irresponsibly? Overall, something has hether you Banning the importation of to be done. And this moment is as good visit the as any to hit us, thereby forcing us into picturesque thinking and adapting for all living beings. It’s a soft start but it is a start.” shores of Taanya Tranchell went about the island, expressing her perspective this way: the hotspot waterholes, “I think the problem is more on the W surface – handling the plastic and the or expanses of lush polythene. I personally can’t imagine cultivations, you cannot plastic and how we could remove/eliminate plastic and polythene from our lives. If we ignore the excessive plastic try to use substitutes, the cost will be and polythene that mar way too much and also trees will be cut the scenic beauty of the more because the consumption of wood will increase sharply. So, in all honesty, landscape. This unethical I think if we can handle plastic and practice of plastic use and polythene better, especially choosing improper disposal not only to reuse and dispose of it in a better way that would be a better alternative cripples the natural process its impact than actually trying to stop (using) of the Earth’s cycles, but polythene and plastic (altogether) and have the cost of things increase even also has adverse effects on more.” both mankind and wildlife. on elephant conservation The Wilderness and Wildlife Conservation Trust (WWCT) Co- The latest initiative by the Ministry a tentative deer, or the regal elephant In the year 2019, the deaths of 405 is a necessary step that must be taken Founder and Managing Trustee Anjali of Environment to rectify this issue is to Watson supported the implementation work towards banning the importation of making an appearance away from their elephants were recorded, of which 384 towards the goal of a sustainable habitats in the wild. These creatures were a result of the human-elephant lifestyle; banning the importation of of the ban, saying: “The reduction in the certain plastic and polythene products. use of plastic items and especially the When approached by The Sunday come out looking for a food source, conflict (HEC). 45% of the deaths that plastic is one such action. But how and often find it in our castaways. occurred due to HEC were a result of effective is it towards banning of plastic siri siri Morning Brunch to discuss this initiative, bags is long overdue. Their Minister of Environment Mahinda Meals they find alongside gunshots or what is known elephant conservation? plastic wrappings, lunch as “hakka patas”. “Hakka With the demanding matter rampant use is endangering Amaraweera stated that he and his team our landscapes as they are working towards getting approval sheets, polythene bags, patas” is a term coined for being the HEC along with and other non-degradable a mechanism where fruits the lack of resources to are discarded all over and to ban the importation of certain plastic get into our ground and items, and if not successful to incorporate items lead to indigestion, with explosives in them track down the impact suffocation, and tragically, are left for the elephants to of plastic on elephants, surface water, clog up a heavy tax that will discourage the drainage systems, attach importation of plastic goods. death. An elephant was consume. Tragically, these the severity of it is once found with 30 kg of explosives detonate pre, undetermined. to vegetation, and cause plastic in its intestines. mid, and post consumption. In light of the ban and deadly harm to animals A dangerous lifestyle that inadvertently ingest The decision to implement this This is the intensity of the With over 70% of the its impact on elephants, we these plastics. We must ban was taken with the goal of guiding problem we face, simply elephant population being asked some people to share collectively, as a society, Sri Lanka towards a more sustainable owing to non-degradable close to human habitats, their opinions with us. Plastic, when disposed reduce and then stop the use lifestyle. “In most homes, the food is items not being disposed HEC is the biggest problem Colombo School These items, so easily of into water bodies, of these plastics. It can be eaten from a plastic plate, drinks are taken of responsibly. The plastic in elephant conservation. of Arts and Sciences done.” in plastic cups, water is stored in plastic usage and proper disposal discarded, only cause This is a two-sided issue Principal Shaleeka Jayalath breaks apart to containers,” shared Amaraweera. He went systems undoubtedly further damage, where on one hand the expressed her thoughts on form microplastics, In conclusion on to explain the severity of plastic usage warrant attention and the impacting our wildlife elephants are being forced the matter, saying: “My which is inevitably incorporation of preventive out for the lack of a home or personal opinion is that There are various in the country. “These items, so easily Minister of Environment consumed by wildlife. obstacles facing elephant discarded, only cause further damage, measures. in search of sustenance and more emphasis should Mahinda Amaraweera on the other, the livelihood be placed on 3R (reduce, The presence of the conservation. While HEC is impacting our wildlife.” non-biodegradable still at large, the fact that it The Minister stated that by banning Threats to elephant and safety of humans are reuse, recycle). Especially compromised by the presence of the in poorer communities, waste matter that is being addressed towards the importation of selected items and conservation being completely mitigated From postcards to souvenirs, the former; by no means a simple conflict to plastic can be a cheaper remains messes up products, they hope to control the is quite encouraging. image of the elephant is interwoven solve, the journey towards a permanent and more practical solution. excessive and unnecessary usage of plastic the balance of the Although the consumption with the identity of Sri Lanka. The Sri solution requires manpower in order to However, I agree that its in the country. ecosystem of polythene and plastic Lankan elephant (Elephas maximus be executed. use has to be restricted. “Plastic, when disposed of into water by elephants does not take maximus) is one of the three subspecies However dire the situation may So reduce, but don’t get The Pearl Protectors bodies, breaks apart to form microplastics, centre stage, it is yet a grave of the Asian elephant and is native to Sri seem, the Government seems to be rid of it altogether. We, as Co-ordinator which is inevitably consumed by wildlife. subject that not only affects Lanka. taking actions towards this. In July, consumers, have far more Muditha Katuwawala The presence of the non-biodegradable elephants but all wildlife A very majestic species, the a presidential task force was formed than we need. So, reduce, waste matter that remains messes up the alike. The damage it causes International Union for Conservation to mitigate the HEC. Dr. Fernando, reuse, recycle. Buy plastic balance of the ecosystem,” commented to our ecosystems is appalling. of Nature (ICUN) has recognised them who is a part of this task force, stated only as a long-term solution. Get rid of marine conservation organisation The These issues can only be rectified as endangered. To understand the that measures will be taken in the the cling film, but keep the plastic lunch Pearl Protectors Co-ordinator Muditha if both the Government and the crisis we face in the light of elephant coming months to address the conflict boxes that can be reused.” Katuwawala. public maintain a united front. We conservation, we approached Centre effectively. Nadine Lakshmi, who is passionate have a long way to go in terms of for Conservation and Research (CCR) about polythene and plastic use, voiced Impact of plastic on wildlife making our country’s practices more In the more rural regions of the Chairman Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando and Conservation in the light her thoughts. environmentally friendly. Yet, each island, the human settlements seamlessly Wildlife and Nature Protection Society “As they did with the alternatives to of the ban small step has a deep impact, much blend with that of the wild. It is not (WNPS) Human-Elephant Co-existence Without a doubt, the actions plastic the last time around, would this like a small piece of plastic that causes uncommon to spot roaming peacocks, Committee Chair Jehan Canagaretna. taken to minimise the use of plastic be enforced/implemented effectively? immense damage, don’t you think? the sunday morning brunch 7 Sunday, September 6, 2020 GAMES/TOONS

SOLUTION FOR 23 AUGUST 33 More accurate the U.S. 34 Ranked tournament 77 Former Irish leader de Crossword players Valera CROSSWORD CLUES 36 Two-time N.L. batting 78 Forearm bone Across 63 Stimulant 121 Blue champ Lefty 80 Org. with an annual Week 1 Embarrassment 64 Org. with a lot of baggage? 122 Big name in little trains 37 Swelter Without Violence 6 Multi-purpose cotton wad 65 Billowy attire named for an 123 Eye drops 38 Buildup in a trap 82 Muesli morsel 10 Knack early rapper Down 40 Triumphant cry 83 Cheese on crackers 18 Metric weights 67 Friend of TV’s Sheldon 41 Indivisible 84 With, on la carte 19 Baba ghanoush bread 70 Entangle ... or disentangle, 1 Winter resort feature 2 Big name in hotels 44 QB Jared Goff, e.g. 85 Hombre’s home 20 Pals oddly 45 Snares 89 Death Row Records 21 Low-tech iCloud precursor 73 Welcomed at the door 3 Toward the sheltered side 4 Hang-around-the-house 46 Ticket co-founder 23 Supreme effort 74 VP before Gerald 47 Second in command: Abbr. 90 Southernmost Great Lake 24 Like some wells 76 “Blue” or “Red” cattle dog footwear 5 Morales of “NYPD Blue” 48 “Just a few __” 91 Vision-related 25 Kind of case or law 78 Uncertain sounds 49 One of two for a positive 95 Don or Betty on “Mad Men” 26 Batman and Robin, e.g. 79 Bygone data entry method 6 Willpower 7 Prevail number 96 Top-10 list makers 27 Loses it 81 Seat sometimes spun 52 Venomous snake 97 WWI battle river 31 Savvy 83 Crunchy salad bit 8 Scarfed down 9 Cave dweller 54 River through Kazakhstan 99 Afflicted with a breakout 35 Dignify 86 Try to influence 55 Le Pew of toons 100 Tick off 39 Because of 87 Novel of the South Seas 10 Did a takeoff on 11 Upgrade, as a dirt driveway 56 Bit of finishing hardware 101 Tiny 42 Historic trail terminus: 88 ‘60s-’70s NBC News White 60 Mosque leader 103 Fifth cen. pope called Abbr. House correspondent 12 Levels 13 Muhammad’s religion 61 Urquhart Castle’s loch “The Great” 43 Boot camp bigwig 92 Icky stuff 62 Vex 106 Effortlessness 46 Game whose “Discover 93 Dawdles 14 Drum with a sitar 15 Parisian article 63 Eric who founded a reader 107 Raised the Secrets” version 94 Dabs with a towel 65 Subs 109 Cartographer’s abbr. includes a baseball bat and 98 Recorded 16 They’re allowed 17 Rough no. 66 F-series camera maker 110 Chris who plays Kirk in a dumbbell 102 Like original Matchbox cars 68 West Coast gas brand three “Star Trek” films 47 Half of ASAP 104 Dorm VIPs 21 Wither away 22 Deli bread 69 Doe in many films 111 Babe Zaharias is a charter 50 Voyaging 105 Cause __: icon 71 Plus member of its HOF 51 Obstructed the progress of 108 Material used to make cans 23 Projecting shelf 25 Canine found in cats 72 Review for accuracy 112 NFL stat 53 Literally, Latin for “it follows” 112 Flier’s concern 74 Word heard twice in “I’m a 113 Grassy plain 55 Org. concerned with alleys 115 Manicurist’s item 28 Turn partner 29 Popeye’s __’Pea Little Teapot” 114 City council rep. 57 Late bloomers 118 Air 75 Runs smoothly 115 __ Geo 58 Shell for a crew 119 Green Gables girl 30 Juan’s “Look!” 32 Place to spin your wheels 76 WarnerMedia streaming 116 “__ thoughts?” 59 Mount once called Tacoma 120 Tee off service recently retired in 117 Business mag Entries should be written clearly and addressed to: The Features Editor, The Sunday Morning, No. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 to reach us on or before 12 noon on 16 September, 2020. Write “The Sunday Morning Brunch”, on the top left hand corner of the envelope. Name: ...... Address: ...... Contact No: ...... Bank account details: ...... (Account number, bank name, branch name, and name as per bank account)

CROSSWORD WINNERS OF 23 AUGUST First prize (Rs. 5,000) Consolation prize winners Ahad Shemal, 1. Setlin Perera, Gampola Matale 2. Eskalin Fernando, Anuradhapura Second prize (Rs. 3,000) 3. Bernadette Renosha, Hendala, Wattala John Ranjith, 4. Padma Kumaradasa, Kandy Hendala, Wattala 5. Jude Machado, Etul Kotte This week’s winners will be announced on 20 September

Sudoku LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku. org.uk. Distributed by Tribune Content

Agency. All (Answers next week) rights reserved. (Last week’s) 8 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE/EVENTS Sunday, September 6, 2020 Granting immortality to Sri Lanka’s finest Chandrabhanu Samaraweera publishes Volume II of Who’s Who of Sri Lanka BY NAVEED ROZAIS contributed to Sri Lanka. Lionel Wendt, Devar Suryasena, D.T. Speaking on putting together Devendra, Punyakante Wijenaike, Who’s Who of Sri Lanka, the Who’s Who series, Samaraweera John Still, Carl Muller, H.A.J. Volume II, veteran journalist explained that he was inspired to Hulugalle, Ray Wijewardene, and Chandrabhanu Samaraweera’s record the lives and achievements Maj. Montague Jayawickrama. of his notable countrymen because Who’s Who of Sri Lanka doesn’t newest literary offering, there is “no reference book on notable focus simply on the great names that provides a compelling Sri Lankans; when it comes to other everybody knows, however. The snapshot of the lives and countries, you find lots of series also looks at the times of some of Sri Lanka’s material on people who biographies of notable most notable figures and have gone on to achieve personalities who are Eldercare personalities. great things, but for us, now forgotten, shining a Samaraweera is a veteran there is no reference book light on what made these journalist and freelance writer with for writers, or for anyone personalities the notable a wealth of experience spanning to learn about Sri Lankan figures of their day or redefined with figures and what they have industry. over the last 50 years. Currently a freelance writer consulting with achieved”. While Volume I was AHD Publications, Samaraweera has Working on the published in Sinhala, compassion previously worked with Associated project for over 10 years, Volume II of Who’s Who Samaraweera painstakingly of Sri Lanka was published Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd. (Lake Chandrabhanu House Publications) and with put together biographies Samaraweera in English and is now of Sri Lanka’s notable available for purchase at Multipacks, which was involved internationally; he has distributed and reliability figures, referring to local all leading bookstores. in various types of newspaper over 3,000 jack trees for replanting media sources and exploring archives While it was published in English, Medical conditions are is an exemplar of such publications, of which “Siththara” to date. of libraries and other institutions, Samaraweera shared that discussions inevitable once the human body misconduct. Jennifer, who was the most popular. Samaraweera Who’s Who of Sri Lanka, creating a resource for anyone are underway for Volume II to be begins to age. They arrive with fell ill with age, was under also edited the “Lavinia News”, Volume II is a carefully researched looking to learn about figures who translated and distributed in Sinhala. their complexities which can the care of unknown forces, Mount Lavinia Hotel’s monthly tome that relates the histories of have influenced Sri Lanka and our Speaking on the future, affect our elders physically and as her relatives were abroad. newspaper. He is also the author of over 400 Sri Lankan figures and industries for the better. Samaraweera shared that he is already emotionally. However, we can According to Jennifer’s Sasiribara Charitha, a collection of personalities across all spheres of the Who’s Who of Sri Lanka hard at work on Volume III of Who’s support our loved ones in dealing half-brother, these forces well-researched articles on some of Sri Lankan industry, from politics launched its first edition five years Who of Sri Lanka, hoping to create with the arising conditions by prevented friends and family to Sri Lanka’s most famous characters. to law, business, and the creative ago, with Volume I featuring the a volume of 200 more biographies ensuring they are taken care of communicate with her and they Samaraweera is also a dedicated arts, painting a picture of their biographies of 60 notable and well- memorialising the achievements of with dignity and love. At English were left unaware regarding her environmentalist, advocating for achievements and how they have Nursing Care, eldercare is health and wellbeing. the growth of trees, both locally and known Sri Lankan personalities like great Sri Lankans. redefined with compassion and A close friend reported, reliability towards caregiving, upon one of her visits to see where nurses are trained to Jennifer in her ill state, that these support clients with comfort and individuals would suspiciously security. guide her away from asking Arinma and Green Movement A study conducted by the too many questions regarding World Health Organisation her medical procedures or SL spearhead mangrove (WHO), taking evidence requesting a doctor to check from 52 studies in 28 diverse up on her progress. Therefore, conservation project countries, indicates that 15.7% recognition and reconciliation individuals, i.e. one in six by choosing the right care A total of 3,000 individuals, aged 60 years practices and institutions for mangrove plants will and above have been subject your elders is key. be replanted in the to some form for physical, Old age requires Anaiwasala grama psychological, financial, or engaging and comprehensive niladhari area in the sexual abuse over the past year. care. English Nursing Care Kalpitiya Divisional This is inclusive of neglect by understands the significance of Secretariat as part of their own family members. this responsibility. Thus, “care Arinma Holdings’ Rajitha Dissanayake’s According to the Institute plans”, where caregivers are commitment and support of Policy Studies (IPS) of Sri trained to deliver personalised to “upscale livelihoods to the lack of knowledge amongst the public Lanka, the global economy support, are created by nurses and biodiversity through on the ecological role of about the economic and ‘Hithala Gaththa expects a rise in the ageing bringing over 30 years of community mobilisation mangroves amongst rural ecological importance population – from 814 million experience from the UK, to take and lagoon restoration communities. of mangroves. They Theeranayak’ returns people in 2013 to more than 2 care of your loved ones in the in the Anaiwasala area Arinma will provide facilitate a healthy billion in 2050 – with Sri Lanka comfort of their home. in Kalpitiya”, which funding to implement habitat for a variety of after a long break having one of the fastest ageing Thorough knowledge will be implemented by the project and, by flora and fauna, nursery, demographics (one in four on medical history, current Green Movement Sri extension, play a part and breeding ground Rajitha Dissanayake’s persons will be over 65 years medication dosage, and Lanka (GMSL). This in rehabilitating the for birds and fish; latest play Hithala Gaththa old by 2041). This makes elder emergencies is pivotal. Staff project is an outcome ecosystem of this area. provide protection from Theeranayak (A Well-made abuse a rising risk among senior update the family on the of the Memorandum By supporting the tsunamis; and prevent Decision) returns for its citizens in Sri Lanka. progress of the client every of Understanding local community, the soil erosion. Most first performance following Research from the North week or as requested. Nurses (MoU) between Arinma initiative will facilitate significantly, the carbon the Covid-19 outbreak on 10 September at the Colombo Teaching Hospital at English Nursing Care Holdings and GMSL, long-term opportunities sequestration ability of is there room for second records 38.5% out-patients at are trained to inculcate the consistent with the for employment as well mangroves makes an Elphinstone Theatre in Maradana at 3.30 p.m. and chances in a mature risk of abuse. A survey taken by latest methodologies into company’s sustainability as education within the immense contribution relationship? elders highlights 45% reporting their practices with focus on strategy and commitment communities on how towards the sustainability 6.30 p.m. This critically The play stars veteran verbal abuse and neglect whilst delivering quality care with to prevent pollution, to carry out activities of our planet, enhances actors such as Shyam 5.6% report physical abuse. empathy. A review process is reduce waste, and reduce in an environmentally livelihoods, (acts as) acclaimed play explores the consequences of the Fernando, Dharmapriya However, a substantial number held every month to warrant consumption of depleting sensitive manner. carbon sinks, and Dias, Samadhi Laksiri, of elders refrain from reporting the service given to your loved natural resources. Furthermore, Arinma mitigates the impact decisions we take in relationships and whether Anuradha Mallawarachchi, such misconduct due to fear, ones. The selected will monitor the progress on climate change and and Kalum Gamlath, shame, or mental illnesses. With neglect and abuse Kalpitiya area along the of the project and support disaster management. We love is an irresistible emotion or a conscious while music is by Kapila In most cases, children arrive the unfortunate Puttalam Lagoon is one GMSL to build a strong believe the community- Poogalaarachchi and stage in Asia continue living with consequences of dejection, of the most extensive partnership with the local based approach to decision. Is it better to utter comforting lies and sustain management by Vijith their parents as a result of their anxiety, and hopelessness. mangrove systems in Sri community by creating mangrove forestation Nuwan and Lenin Liyanage. culture. The increasing pace of Encompassing a jovial and Lanka. This area is also awareness amongst is the most widely used a happy relationship or destroy it through painful life simultaneously increases optimistic care system for one of the most affected selected schools, five and most effective. This Special ticket prices stress, which caregivers tend to elders at this phase is vital to by human interventions identified youth groups, project is the first of a honesty? Is trust, once release onto elders. This is vile live a healthy life. Staff play caused through the and 20 fishing groups in series of sustainability- broken, irretrievable, or from Rs. 200 (balcony) and unacceptable. Enrolling a crucial role in fostering the exploitation of mangroves the Anaiwasala area. related projects we plan to Rs. 500 are now parents to elders’ homes or same. English Nursing Care for commercial, “There is a gross to execute across the available at the employing staff to take care is an advocate of celebrating industrial, and housing lack of awareness island in collaboration Elphinstone Theatre in of them is the most sought life and takes pride in the needs, predominantly due with GMSL,” said Maradana. solution. However, WHO holistic service they offer with Arinma Holdings recognises that homes and staff guaranteed peace of mind for Sustainability Lead perpetrated 64.2% of the abuse; the elderly client as well as Harsha Mapagunaratne. insufficient care, depriving them family often living far away. of dignity, and administering incorrect medication are For further information common. on English Nursing Care, Recent events of the visit their website www. sorrowful and mysterious demise of 78-year-old Miss englishnursing.com or Ceylon 1962 Jennifer Ingleton call +94 11 4500117. Content to check out How do we get there? | Read aloud Sri Lanka’s first 1. Beautiful batik: 2. Pulse Reflects: The absence of a videos with Room to Read Writing in wax cabinet ministry for women’s affairs humanoid robot Pulse Kids together with Room to Read 3. Fish ambulthiyal | 5. Send in your requests to +94 (70) 707 Log onto our Cooking with Aunty D 8573 and hear your favourite tunes is bringing quality education with fun instantly on www.islandpulse.lk! YouTube channel and easy reads. Log onto our YouTube for the full video channel for more! 4. Mango chutney | Cooking with Aunty D THIS WEEK ON Facebook: slpulse Instagram: @pulse_lk YouTube: Pulse.lk

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