www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2020

For verified information on the Quarantine Unit COVID-19 TOTAL CASES TOTAL CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 ACTIVE CASES of the following authorities CASES IN Epidemiology Unit Health THE WORLD 25,252,673 Suwasariya 0112 695 112 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 3,000 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS Bureau Service Govt. coronavirus hotline USA 6,143,716 186,917 COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1999 1990 0113071073 847,986 BRAZIL 3,846,965 120,498 INDIA 3,588,098 64,129 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD RUSSIA 990,326 17,093 12 2,860 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 17,595,312 PERU 639,435 28,607 THE ABOVE STATISTICS128 ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 9.30 P.M. ON 30 AUGUST 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

ISLANDWIDE POWER OUTAGE APPOINTMENTS TO PARLIAMENT COMMITTEES Select Committee meeting on Thursday CEB probes Electrical BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA Select Committee on Thursday. “The Parliament Select The Parliament Select Committee will meet on Committee will meet on Thursday, soon after the party Thursday (3) to make leaders’ meeting to make recommendations for recommendations for the parliament committees such Committee on Public Enterpises, Superintendent as the Committee on Public Committee on Public Accounts, BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA Ministry Spokesman and He said that disciplinary Enterprises (COPE). Committee on Legislations, and Director of Development action would be taken by the Leader of the House Minister a number of other parliamentary The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has commenced an Sulakshana Jayawardena CEB as per the disciplinary said that committees,” Gunawardena inquiry against the Electrical Superintendent at the told The Morning that code of the Board. the Speaker has summoned said. Kerawalapitiya Grid Substation, whose negligence the respective Electrical An expert committee that a meeting of the Parliament Contd. on page 2 caused the recent countrywide power outage, Superintendent had been probed a 2020 cascading Ministry as stated in the interim report submitted by the already transferred to a failure of ’s Spokesman committee appointed to look into the matter, different division and that power grid has made 11 Sulakshana an inquiry and investigation recommendations in an interim Jayawardena the Ministry of Power said. Ready to lead are currently ongoing. report submitted last week. GRATITUDE MATTERS LANKAGAMA-DENIYAYA ROAD UNP: Ruwan Reconstruction (UNP) Deputy General Secretary Ruwan based on EIA Wijewardene says that he is ready to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has take over the party leadership. emphasised that his aim is to fulfil the needs of Wijewardene made this remark the people without harming the environment. during a public meeting in On Saturday (29), the President inspected Anuradhapura last Saturday (29). the alleged damage to Sinharaja Forest He said that there are several party Reserve during the reconstruction of the members who have already staked a Neluwa-Lankagama Road. claim for party leadership. Officials from the Ministries of Road Contd. on page 2 Development, Wildlife and Forest Conservation, and Environment as well as ELECTION COMMISSION all the relevant authorities are involved in monitoring the road being rehabilitated. Looking at Contd. on page 2 Will end child revising deposits marriages: The Election Commission (EC) “Currently, political party has proposed to impose a deposit candidates are not required to for political party candidates as make a deposit, only independent Ali Sabry well as to increase the current candidates do. But there is a Minister of Justice Ali deposit for independent groups. proposal to make it mandatory Sabry PC has pledged to National Election Commission for political party candidates to bring an end to the issue Director of Legal Nimal make a deposit as well at future of child marriages. Punchihewa said that it was time elections. In addition, the deposit He mentioned this that political party candidates amount for independent groups is while paying a courtesy also made a deposit to contest to be increased too.” call on the Chief Prelates elections. Contd. on page 2 of the Asgiriya and Malwatta (SJB) Leader , accompanied by MP S.M. Marikkar, yesterday (30) attended a meeting Chapters last Saturday EARTH TREMOR IN KANDY organised to thank all supporters from the Kolonnawa Electoral Disctrict (29). PHOTO ESHAN DASANAYAKA Contd. on Minister of page 2 Justice Ali Sabry No damages, Govt. to stabilise CoL A cabinet subcommittee on Addressing the media last week, More Sri 28 youths probe continues the cost of living (CoL) would Gammanpila said the proposal be appointed by the Government was made by President Gotabaya There have been no casualties “There have been no casualties to stabilise the CoL, Co-Cabinet Rajapaksa and Cabinet approval Lankans arrested with or damage to property as a result or damages to property or Spokesman was granted last week. of the slight seismic tremor felt in infrastructure due to the small said. Contd. on page 2 cannabis Kandy last Saturday (29) night, tremor that was felt on Saturday return The Morning learnt. night.” A group of 28 youths has been arrested Disaster Management Center Meanwhile, the Geological More Sri Lankans who were stranded during a party held in the Akmeemana area, Director General Major General Survey and Mines Bureau DEW steps down in foreign countries due to the Covid-19 the Police Media Division stated. (Retd.) Sudantha Ranasinghe (GSMB) has deployed a team pandemic have been repatriated to the island. The party-goers have been using Kerala told The Morning that no of seismologists to identify the Former parliamentarian D.E.W. party has appointed a new General Accordingly, a group of 280 Sri Lankans cannabis, according to the Police. complaints had been received location and cause of the tremor. Gunasekara has stepped down from Secretary for the party. from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Reportedly, the party has been organised concerning the tremor. Contd. on page 2 the poset of General Secretary of Accordingly, Dr. G. arrived at Bandaranaike International via Facebook. Among the arrested were 26 the Communist Party of Sri Lanka Weerasinghe has been appointed Airport (BIA) early last morning (30). males and two females. (CPSL). to the post left vacant by Contd. on page 2 ANAWILUNDAWA SANCTUARY CLEARANCE Following his resignation, the Gunasekara. Green transformation Committee commences probe for booze biz zCollect and recycle system for quarter bottles BY SARAH HANNAN to the whereabouts of a 35-year-old businessman named Nishantha Fernando. The Minister of Environment “These bottles, either made A five-member committee has been Both of whom were suspected to be last week announced the of glass or plastic, get tossed appointed by Minister of Wildlife and involved in clearing Anawilundawa Ministry’s consideration to to the roadside drain after Forest Conservation C.B. Rathnayake Wetland Sanctuary were produced ban liquor bottles with the the consumer empties it. to further study the incident of clearing before the Chilaw Magistrate’s Court capacity of 180 ml (quarter) At times, not that far away approximately 0.697 hectares of the on Saturday (29), after which they were as it is identified as a big source from the liquor store itself. Ramsar Convention-recoginsed wetland arrested and remanded until 4 September. of pollution. None of the distillers have sanctuary in Anawilundawa, Mundalama. Department of Wildlife Conservation According to a survey carried a collection process, which The committee will be headed by Part of the cleared area (DWC) Director General M.G. Chandana out for the year 2019 by the means these discarded Secretary to the Ministry of Wildlife Sooriyabandara said that the Department Ministry and its institutes, bottles are not recycled,” Forest Conservation M. K. Bandula Chilaw Magistrate’s Court. was supposedly the backhoe operator was lodged a complaint with the District Court a staggering 300 million Minister of Environment Harischandra. The backhoe loader used by the suspect arrested by the Puttalam Police along on 26 August against the wilful destruction quarter liquor bottles had been told Rathnayake gave instructions to take has also been taken into custody by the with the backhoe loader in Mundalama. of a portion of the sanctuary which took purchased in 2019 from liquor The Morning. action in this regard and the wildlife Police. Upon questioning the suspect, the place in the evening of 25 August. shops. Contd. on page 2 officials had reported the matter to the On Friday (28) evening, a person who Police had been able to collect a lead Contd. on page 2 2 the morning PICTORIAL/NEWS Monday , August 31, 2020

Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne assumed duties as the Secretary to the State Ministry of Internal Security, Home Affairs, and Disaster Management Chief Opposition Whip and Prime Minister in the presence of Minister , Army Commander Lt. Gen. chatting at the training programme held for new MPs. Also pictured at the back is State Minister of Batik, Handloom, and Local Apparel Products Shavendra Silva, ministry officials, and clergy Chief Government Whip Minister paid an observational visit to Laksala last week

The Colombo Criminal Division (CCD) arrested an accomplice of underworld figure “Angoda Lokka” with 42 kg of heroin, three T-56 The last day of the Kotte Raja Maha Viharaya perahera adorned the streets with excitement and firearms, 170 rounds of ammunition, and a 9 mm pistol in Ambatale cultural appeal Random PCR testing was carried out in Colombo last week

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP on his way to the “19 The Families of the Disappeared staged a silent protest in front of the Supreme Court, demanding justice for the disappeared and that commissions do not interfere with Surakimu” press conference at SJB Leader Sajith Premada’s office in Kotte the judiciary

Contd. from page 1

months as per President Rajapaksa’s directives. Calling on the Deputy Chief Prelates of it compulsory for political party candidates “The main responsibility here lies with Reconstruction... After the completion of the road repairs, the Malwatta and Asgiriya Chapters, Sabry noted to make deposits. They will have to decide the North Western Provincial Environmental “Recent media reports indicated that journey time from Lankagama to Deniyaya that in all societies there are those who hold on the amounts.” Authority; the agency can issue an order the Sinharaja Forest Reserve will sustain will be reduced from four hours to 45 minutes. extremist views. – Skandha Gunasekara to stop this destruction in accordance with damages during the Neluwa-Lankagama Road The President has strongly emphasised that “We are looking at ways to select such Article 51 of the North Western Province reconstruction. The President pointed out that the renovation should not damage the reserve individuals and rehabilitate them,” he continued. Environmental Statute, and if they do not the construction of the road should be carried or the ecosystem. A daily bus service is also However, the majority desperately wants No damages... comply, the order will serve as a restraining out while protecting the ecosystem of the rural to commence from Neluwa to Deniyaya after to live together as the best Sri Lankans as “We have sent a crew of seismologists to the order through the courts. Secondly, the areas where the road is being rehabilitated,” the renovations. possible, the Minister of Justice further noted. area where the tremor was felt to find its focal Department of Wildlife Conservation can Minister of Wildlife and Forest Conservation Simultaneously, a 120-foot-long and six- point and reason,” GSMB Senior Director of also act in accordance with Section 7 of C.B. Rathnayake told The Morning. foor-wide bridge will be constructed to replace Geology Udaya De Silva told The Morning. the Wildlife Conservation Ordinance,” Rathnayake said that while the Environmental the vine bridge in the Lankagama village. This More... He said the seismic tremor was felt in the environmental lawyer Jagath Gunawardana Impact Assessment (EIA) is pending, once will remove the existing barrier for children Meanwhile, another charter flight brought Kundasale region in the Kandy. told The Morning. the Ministry receives the report, the road in the Wathugala, Lankagama, Nilwella, down 42 Sri Lankans stranded in Doha, Qatar – Skandha Gunasekara Gunawardana pointed out that due to the construction work would commence, taking Kolonthotuwa, and Pitadeniya villages to last morning. popularity of this area internationally, it will into consideration the precautions that needs attend school. All passengers were subjected to PCR testing be a major setback for the country’s tourism to be adapted in order to ensure the forest’s The President has further instructed to at the airport premises itself. Green... industry. ecosystem is not tampered with. cultivate 2,100 saplings to improve the forest During a meeting with the Central “For all these reasons, this destruction must The Lankagama village has a history dating cover in the buffer zone of Sinharaja Forest Environmental Authority (CEA), Amaraweera be stopped immediately. Also, open water areas back to the days of King Walagamba and tea Reserve. Govt. to... had suggested that a taxing methodology be such as prawns and ponds in aquaculture will cultivation is the main livelihood of the area. – Sarah Hannan The proposed cabinet subcommittee will work introduced under the “polluter pays” principle attract aquatic birds. The consequence of this For more than a century, villagers have been to keep the cost of living stable by providing to ensure that companies now look at a way is the destruction of this valuable ecosystem,” taking tea leaves to Deniyaya and Neluwa on policies and practical solutions focusing on to collect and recycle empty glass and plastic Gunawardana claimed. the fallen road near Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Will end... the market demand and supply fluctuations, bottles. State and cabinet ministers too have promptly Transportation of patients to hospitals in All Sri Lankans have a responsibility and weather effects, seasonal product changes, and A new system is also to be introduced to reacted, with State Minister of Rural and Neluwa, Udugama, and Karapitiya has been a duty to nurture Buddhism according to the international market prices, he said. encourage consumers to return empty bottles Regional Drinking Water Supply Projects severely hampered by the road conditions, Constitution, Sabry pointed out, adding: “We The subcommittee, chaired by President instead of discarding them on the roadside. Developemtn Sanath Nishantha taking measures which has also impacted school attendance have to guarantee that regardless of race or Rajapaksa, will consist of Prime Minister Liquor companies are also requested to to suspend the issuance of permits and lands of children during the rainy season. religion.” Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Ministers of Trade, introduce an attractive bottle-deposit fee for for shrimp farming. The reconstruction of the Neluwa- During his visit to Asgiriya Chapter Chief Agriculture, Fisheries, and Plantation. every empty 180 ml alcohol bottle returned to Minister of Industries Lankagama-Pitadeniya Road was commenced Prelate Most Ven. Medagama Dhammananda In addition, the State Minister of Paddy any liquor outlet. too opined that no one should misuse the public to resolve this problem. Thera, the focus of the discussion was on the and Grains, Organic Food, Vegetables, – Sarah Hannan mandate that appointed a Sri Lanka Podujana While the Sri Lanka Army is in charge issue of child marriages. Fruits, Chillies, Onion and Potato Cultivation Peramuna (SLPP) Government with a two- of road repairs under the supervision of the The Minister stated that delegations Promotion, Seed Production, and Advanced thirds majority to destroy the environment. Road Development Authority (RDA), the 18 representing Muslim women have met with Technology Agriculture, as well as the State Committee... Anawilundawa Sanctuary is a wetland km stretch is set to be completed within three him to bring his attention to the issue. Minister of Coconut, Kithul, Palmyrah and “The initial observations suggest that the area protected under the Ramsar Convention. Over Rubber Cultivation Promotion, and Related was cleared to set up prawn farms. However, the years, it has become a breeding ground Industrial Product Manufacturing and Export further investigations are now being carried for thousands of aquatic birds, a habitat for Diversification will also participate for the out to trace the perpetrators behind this,” thousands of other birds, a habitat for many functions of the subcommittee. Sorriyabandara told The Morning. rare species of butterflies, as well as a home Cartoon of the day – Maheesha Mudugamuwa Secretary to the Ministry of Wildlife and for many valuable plants including orchids Forest Conservation Harischandra on Friday and lichens. (28) said that a land area of 0.697 hectares had This protection has also ensured the security Select Committee... been illegally cleared within Anawilundawa of a large number of fertile paddy lands and the He said that around 10 committees are to be Sanctuary with the use of heavy machinery. continued existence of a number of plantations, appointed when Parliament meets next. Sooriyabandara noted that charges would thereby securing the livelihoods of many locals. “The committee, once appointed, will elect be filed under the Fauna and Flora Protection The devastation caused by prawn farming their respective chairpersons,” he added. Ordinance and that the incident itself is in the area in the past has not yet subsided. considered a criminal act against the many Despite their strong opposition to aquaculture species of birds, reptiles, fish etc. that inhabit in the past, this time they will be helpless in the Ready to... these wetlands. face of the political power behind it. “I kept silent, but during the past few days, The sudden clearance that took place in a This would undermine the region’s there have been so many party members from section of Anawilundawa Sanctuary earlier this recognition of the Ramsar Convention, as across the country asking me to take over the week has placed the present Government in a well as Sri Lanka’s national commitment to party leadership,” he said. fix as it is pinned with another alleged incident the mangrove restoration programme and to Wijewardene went on to say that he is of environment destruction under the orders of the world. prepared to take over the party leadership. a supposedly influential area politician. The DWC, in collaboration with Wayamba Following the incident, and with University, recently embarked on a programme environmentalists, media, and even the to rehabilitate the mangrove ecosystem at one Looking at... Parliament itself taking the matter up for debate, end of the sanctuary near the western boundary, He said that Parliament would have to decide the District Court of Chilaw had immediately which has been largely destroyed. It was done the amount to be increased. taken up the complaint that was made by as part of fulfilling the national responsibility “Parliament will have to pass a separate the DWC and issued an order to commence as well as national policy and strategy for the law to increase the deposit amount and make investigations. mangroves. the morning Monday, August 31, 2020 3 business Huawei launches Bandula promises an postal repair service in Sri Lanka EXIM bank in Sri Lanka Global smartphone and network to warranty conditions will incur giant Huawei has introduced an all- a repair cost including a cost for The Government sourcing raw materials Mohottala. new postal repair service in a bid to spare parts. The service centre will has pledged to from overseas due to the Gunawardena declared support Huawei device holders in constantly update the customer about establish an EXIM recent restrictions imposed that it is only through Sri Lanka. With this latest initiative, the repair progress via the collected bank in the mould of a on imports. increasing exports the Sri available 24/7 and 365 days, customers contact details. development bank in Meanwhile, the minister Lankan economy, which avail a free pickup and delivery service “The customers who wish to Sri Lanka like in other revealed that President has been challenged by that facilitates convenient smartphone obtain this service can follow countries to facilitate Gotabaya Rajapaksa foreign debt servicing, repairs. a simple procedure that further access of capital to has gazetted the Export can be salvaged in order This convenient courier service attests the assurance of the service. entrepreneurs. Development Council of to realise a better future intends to facilitate the customers by The customers may back up the Ministers in terms of the for the country’s next saving time on repairs and travelling smartphone data and then delete all This pledge was made EDB Act, which has not generation. costs while eliminating the need to the personal data, passwords, etc. so by Trade Minister Bandula been convened for more “A three-pronged travel in traffic and the long-waiting that there will be no privacy-related Gunawardena the Sri The Minister addressing the gathering than 20 years, resolving a strategy based on market queues. concerns,” Huawei said. Lanka Export Promotion institution wholly owned currently comes under the longstanding impediment diversification, product Commenting on the novel initiative, Customers can contact the Huawei Vision Forum, organized by the Government of purview of the Ministry in terms of addressing diversification, and shifting Huawei Sri Lanka Country Head Peter call centre via 011-2423017 to by the Sri Lanka Export India set up for financing, of Foreign Affairs, must the issues of exporters towards high-technology Liu shared: “Customer convenience arrange for a courier company to Development Board (EDB) facilitating and promoting be brought within the expeditiously. sectors is needed to achieve and satisfaction are what matter to us pick up the device from the required in collaboration with the foreign trade of India. authority of the Trade A large number of a significant increase in the most in our service offerings. This location. Then the courier company Ministry of Trade on 29th Successive budgets in Ministry. The Minister exporters took part in exports”, Gunawardena door-to-door repair service helps to will co-ordinate with the customer August at NSBM Green 2016, 2017 and 2018 agreed with the suggestion the forum, and the event stated. save the time spent on repair services requesting the contact details, pick up University. The forum was promised the setting up of and promised to draw it to was also graced by State He opined that a and customers do not need to worry address, device serial number/IMEI the first large-scale, public an Exim bank in Sri Lanka, the government’s attention. Ministers Lasantha substantial amount of about repairs as our well-trained number, and details about the defect. meeting the minister had but these plans never Gunawardena also Alagiyawanna and borrowing via sovereign technicians will take optimal care of all The customers are instructed to pack with the nation’s exporter materialised. assured the exporters that D.V. Chanaka, Trade bonds during the previous device repairs. All the repair services the device in the original box in order community since assuming During the event, the the government would Ministry Secretary Badra government has put the will be conducted by experienced to prevent any transit damages and duties. representatives of industry take prompt action to Jayawardena, EDB economy under a severe Huawei mobile technicians who have they can obtain a proof of collection An EXIM Bank associations pointed provide solutions to the Director General Chitanjali stress with a large number a proven track record of providing from the courier company. (Export-Import Bank) is out that the Department difficulties faced by export Dissanayake, and BOI of bullet payments falling a best-in-class service. We invite all The repaired devices will be tested a specialized financial of Commerce, which industries with regard to Director General Sanjaya due over the coming years. Huawei customers to use this most by a skilled mobile technician to verify trusted and hassle-free repair service.” whether the repair has been succefully The devices under the warranty completed and will be sent to the Employees of Hatton National period will be repaired free of charge delivery address via courier. Bank PLC (HNB) contributed a while the devices that do not conform day’s pay towards furnishing a HNB staff contributes day’s training centre for doctors at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (IDH). pay to IDH training centre NTB enables opening “The fact that Sri Lanka has made such incredible progress in combatting the spread of savings accounts and Covid-19 results directly from the courageous and diligent efforts of our healthcare professionals, FDs on mobile app especially those at the IDH who Nations Trust Bank PLC (NTB) fund transfers, and advanced security were on the frontline of this recently introduced the feature of through fingerprint recognition and battle,” HNB Executive Director opening savings accounts and fixed PINs. Customers can also view all and Chief Operating Officer deposits (FD) on the NTB mobile app their banking products on one screen Dilshan Rodrigo stated. without physically visiting a branch. and register for card and account The funds were gathered The app gives the freedom to open e-statements. Additionally, the app through voluntary contributions HNB Executive Director and COO Dilshan Rodrigo exchanging the MoU with IDH Director Dr. Hasitha Attanayake varied savings accounts depending is favoured for its ease of service drawn from the HNB team (centre) as Anura Athukorala from IDH, IDH Accountant Hirani Ranatunga, Matron Geethani Udugamakorala, consultant on the requirements of the customer, requests such as e-statements, cheque during the height of the Covid- physician Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, HNB Chief Transformation Officer/HNB Sustainability Foundation Trustee Chiranthi such as Nations Saver, Nations books, and stopping cheques as well 19 pandemic and will be utilised Cooray, HNB Head of Human Capital Management Indrajith Senadhira, Senior Manager of Facilities Management Roshan MaxBonus, Nations Mega Saver, as the ability to select their preferred towards the installation of Fernando, Officer in Charge of Sustainability Shanel Perera, and Sustainability Assistant V. Disharatnam look on Nations Tax Planner, and Nations language,” the bank said. essential furniture and fittings for to health outcomes. Moving a timber podium to make the supported the installation of water Prabbuddha. It also gives the option Speaking about the new features, the training centre. forward, we will continue to seek facility user-ready for training tanks for a supplementary water of opening FDs with a maturity NTB Deputy Chief Executive “HNB is proud to lend our further opportunities to assist sessions. HNB’s dedicated distribution system to the wards. period ranging from 30 days to five Officer Hemantha Gunetilleke said: support to enhance their training health authorities to overcome team of engineers together with The bank also installed insulated years. The bank said it hopes to bring “The new features come at a time and skills development initiatives this pandemic,” HNB Chief the Sustainable Business Unit flexible ducts to improve airflow time saving and convenience to its where contactless transactions have and we thank our employees for Transformation Officer and HNB recommended the project to at the hospital. customers with the added benefit become an absolute necessity. The stepping forward at this critical Sustainability Foundation Trustee the HNB team after visiting the HNB delivered urgently of a contactless method of handling app provides the option to conduct moment to offer their voluntary Chiranthi Cooray said. facility, which is part of a larger required personal protective accounts with the new and upgraded seamless and swift transactions in contributions towards this noble Through the first round of project under construction at IDH. equipment (PPE) to the features of the app. an era of physical distancing. We cause. In supporting frontline employee contributions, HNB Previously, HNB donated 64 Kurunagala and Karapitiya “The Nations mobile app is widely are excited to be a driving force for healthcare workers, we are able plans to install window blinds, fire extinguishers to the hospital Teaching Hospitals during the chosen among customers for its ease of digital banking in Sri Lanka with our to make tangible improvements chairs, and tables and fabricate to protect its medical stores and height of the pandemic. use, convenience in bill payments and upgraded app.” Statutes and regulations associated Sunshine earns Great Place To By Shiranthi Work Certification Gunawardana with regulated finance companies a company cannot accept of the Central Bank has the Approved credit agency Regulated finance public deposits unless it is right under Section 32(2) and status is granted under the companies (RFCs) are major registered and licensed as a Section 32(3) (a) (b) to apply to Mortgage Act No. 6 of 1949, as financial intermediaries finance company under the the High Court and obtain an amended. The Trust Receipts which are duly regulated Act, and to be registered as injunction. Ordinance No. 12 of 1947 and and governed by the laws of a licensed finance company, the Inland Trust Receipt Act Sri Lanka. RFCs are strictly that company needs to Other key acts and No. 14 of 1990 also are Acts governed by virtue of statutes have registered under the regulations under which businesses can be and Acts such as Finance Companies Act No. 7 of Under the Finance Leasing carried on. Under these Acts, Business Act No. 42 of 2011. 2007. The act also provides Act, there are four mandatory with the relevant authority The other statutes which for a separate director in the provisions which have to be given, a finance company are applicable are Finance CBSL to monitor and control strictly followed as provided can engage in the mortgage Leasing Act No. 56 of 2000 NBFIs (non-banking financial by Section 31 of the Finance of movables and mortgage of (as amended), Consumer institutions). According to Leasing Act No. 56 of 2000. shares and allied businesses. Credit Act, Mortgage Act, the Sections 13 and 14 of the The mortgage of corporeal From left: The Great Place To Work Certification being handed over by Great Place To Work Institute CEO of Motor Traffic Act, Inland Act, the director is vested with The mandatory movables such as gold Sri Lanka Kshanika Ratnayaka Trust Receipts Act, Debt power to act upon NBFIs if provisions are: articles and motor vehicles Diversified conglomerate where employees can thrive stationed across the country. Recovery (Special Provisions) they fail to comply with the yy Section 11 – right to can be carried on by finance Sunshine Holdings PLC and excel in their careers All employees prefer to work Act, Code of Criminal directions listed in Sections 13 undisturbed possession companies that are also recently secured the and exceed stakeholder with great people at companies Procedure (Amendment) Act, and 14 of the Finance Business approved credit agencies, and coveted certification from expectations. With a pandemic with a strong culture and Companies Act, and so on. Act. yy Section 16 – termination can enjoy the special benefits the Great Place To Work raging through the world, flourish on supportive All RFCs are legally bound on variations of a supply granted under these Acts in Institute, recognising disrupting lives on an teams that encourage them Key directions in the and obliged to comply with agreement their recovery process. Finance Business Act Sunshine Healthcare Lanka individual scale, it is vital to be their authentic selves all the directions and circulars yy Section 22 – computation of It is evident from the above Ltd. (medical devices and that employees feel secure at work. Therefore, we The Finance Business issued under the Finance damages recoverable from statues and regulations that pharmaceuticals), Watawala in their jobs and teams to will continue to put in our Act No. 42 of 2011 is an Business Act No. 42 of 2011. the lessee RFCs are well regulated and Dairy Ltd., Watawala Tea perform at their optimum. As best effort to uphold this Act to provide control and governed and are legally bound Ceylon Ltd., Sunshine Tea a company that has always philosophy as we navigate supervision of finance Importance of the yy Section 24 – has been to abide by the said regulations (Pvt.) Ltd., and Sunshine placed immense value in the through this difficult period of companies registered in Finance Leasing Act amended by Act No. 24 of and directions. RFCs are aware Energy Ltd.. The certification concept of family, we are time together,” Govindasamy the Central Bank of Sri The Finance Leasing Act 2005, which provides for of the consequences of failing programme assesses existing doing our best to ensure that added. Lanka (CBSL), and the Act No. 56 of 2000, as amended transfer or assignment of to abide by these regulations. people practices and employee each member of the Sunshine Great Place to Work is has repealed the Finance by Act No. 24 of 2005 and Act lessor’s rights Accordingly, 99% of RFCs do experiences in workplaces family is taken care of in the global authority on Companies Act No. 78 No. 33 of 2007, makes it that it For RFCs to carry out comply with these regulations, based on the five principals of each sphere of their lives,” workplace culture, employee of 1998. The Act outlines is mandatory to have a license finance business and to accept which is an encouraging sign credibility, respect, fairness, remarked Sunshine Holdings experience, and leadership the licensing procedures, under the Finance Leasing public deposits, a license for customers to embrace the pride, and camaraderie. Group Managing Director behaviours proven to deliver directions, and rules and Act to carry on finance leasing has to be obtained from the services of RFCs. “It is a great honour to be Vish Govindasamy. market-leading revenue and requirements of finance businesses. Section 32 of the Monetary Board, which has to (The writer is an Attorney-at- recognised by the Great Place “We are always proud of increased innovation. It uses companies, including core Finance Leasing Act clearly be annually renewed, and for Law and the Legal Consultant to Work Institute. It solidifies our culture at Sunshine, but validated employee feedback capital reserve funds and sets out the repercussions of finance leasing businesses, a of the Finance Houses Sunshine’s deep commitment this third-party validation is gathered with Great Place to admissible business activities carrying on finance leasing separate license, which is again Association [FHA], with 45 to foster an open, secure, and another feather in our cap and Work’s rigorous, data-driven by finance companies. Under businesses without registration. renewable annually, has to be years of experience in the diverse work environment confirmation from our teams methodology. this Act, it is mandatory that Under this section, the director obtained. finance industry) the morning 4 Monday, August 31, 2020 brunch MEDIA MEET 2020 INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE DON’T BE USED BY THE TEXT TO FULFIL Akash Benerjee THE INTENTIONS OF THE AUTHOR BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE One of the main topics of discussion We took a special interest in the complicate things,” he said, which is throughout the conference and a panel discussion held on 28 under the what is needed in this digital playing Media Meet 2020 International subsidiary theme was the increased topic of “Critical Literacy through Social field we all operate in – a world where Virtual Conference took place spread of misinformation through Media”, which featured Kinita and a everything is so instant that one must over three days via YouTube live various media channels during this host of other personalities including be able to grasp it instantly as well. stream from 27-29 August. Covid-19 Pandemic. Such effects of the political satirist Akash Benerjee and He said that despite the need for pandemic were woven throughout the Associate Professor of Media Studies at simplicity, “in this digital media, The annual conference is held discussions and it was referred back to CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Dr. which is becoming the sole Bastian courtesy of the Department of Media on occasion, also addressing the need Naresh Rao. of thoughts and processes, there is Studies at CHRIST (Deemed to be to abolish the concept of “infodemic” Overall, the conference stressed still space for probing questions”, University) Bangalore, India. that is the wide and rapid spread of the importance of listeners and readers adding that it is especially so that Hosting the 11th edition of the misinformation. being actively engaged in what they digital would be the way to go because conference, this year’s theme was Each day carried out an afternoon are consuming and to “not be used by when traditional media depends on ad “Media Literacy” and the three day time-slotted panel discussion, which the text to fulfil the intentions of the revenue, it is less likely that they are conferences were arranged with the included celebrities like well-known author”. Interestingly, they spoke of how to be critical, and therefore, this new motive of providing students some singer P.D. Pallavi, investigative although there are a lot of cheerleaders media has been cultivated. insights into and knowledge about media journalist Sudipto Mondal, and former on social media agreeing with what is However, the panellist did literacy from renowned academicians, Editor-in-Chief of Cosmopolitan Sri being said if it is sensational enough, collectively agree that society has fallen researchers, and practitioners. Lanka Kinita Shenoy, a face most Sri there aren’t enough of those who try to short of those who we would otherwise It also functions as a forum where Lankans recognise well. find the truth behind the information. rely on to take forth the media industry audiences can share ideas and opinions All three days featured riveting Benerjee also spoke of how and grow it into its potential, and there on topics surrounding the field of media discussions on how best to tackle this he himself does not have a formal is a need for thought leaders to take on and are then given a platform to interact concept of “infodemic” by learning how training in journalism and how this challenge and provide guidance with renowned academicians and media to critically analyse the information that that has somehow served him well. to better tackle this spread of mass professionals as well as experts in the is being presented to us by questioning “Understating is very basic and I try misinformation, thereby optimising the Kinita Shenoy industry. its credibility. to operate in basic terms and not to use of the digital space. There’s a boost in the gym-going mentality Strong.lk – the fitness movement inspiring everyone a rise in gym memberships.” BY NAVEED ROZAIS workouts, including videos with prominent To keep audiences engaged during local celebrities on how they approach the lockdown, the Strong.lk team focused fitness. Strong.lk provides fitness-related on putting out informational content like Fitness and wellbeing have become content for all levels of fitness enthusiasts, quizzes and engaging informational posts. important considerations as of late and like whether you’re a beginner or a professional “We put in a free web plan that thoroughly many other things has become a heightened bodybuilder. engaged customers, providing information priority in light of the pandemic. In addition to its online platform, on exercise and keeping healthy, and The lockdown meant that even for those Strong.lk has its own brick-and-mortar (talking about) interesting topics like how to looking to make a positive shift in their store selling nutritional supplements for find and make high-protein, low-fat food in attitudes and behaviours towards fitness had bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts as Sri Lanka with easily available ingredients,” to find solutions that didn’t involve enrolling well as gym accessories like weighted Dushanthan added. at the closest gym. In this backdrop, Strong. belts, resistance bands, and similar. Strong. “We also focused on engaging our lk was one such solution that helped many lk imports their accessories directly from The Team behind Strong.lk. From Left: Founding The newly launched team of Strong.lk Brand audience through fitness challenges. We’ve Partners Senushka Abeywickrema and Yasitha De Ambassadors. From Left: Wilhelm Yohan Randy, Kathie people get fit and stay fit. Germany to ensure quality and places a Silva with Operations Manager S. Dushanthan Pearls, Thilina Nirosha, and Saasha Karunarathne conducted events before like the ‘All-you- Working tirelessly to keep its audience great deal of care in the sourcing their can-drink Protein Shake’ event we did in engaged, regardless of how interested supplements. They are also able to verify the has a combined audience of over 80,000 cost, regardless of if the process takes a few 2017 and the push-up battle we did last year. in fitness they were, Strong.lk proved lot number of the supplements they purchase followers, making it the biggest fitness weeks or a few months.” Winners of these events received products themselves to be one of those valuable with manufacturers and providers to be platform in Sri Lanka. In addition to working with clients at and services from Strong.lk. resources offering support in a local context, sure of the quality and authenticity of the an individual level, Strong.lk also helps “During the lockdown, we decided to going so far as to offer a free web-based supplements they’re using. Strong.lk’s newest services corporate clients assure the health and introduce challenges and competitions like workout plan with supporting content to The Strong.lk store also offers a unique “Our new, recently launched team fitness of their employees conducting our live burpee challenge where people give both aspiring and experienced fitness feature with its “Stronger Shakes” protein includes fitness personalities Saasha corporate fitness training, where Strong. taking part in the challenge had to send enthusiasts information on working out and shake bar which was introduced two years Karunarathne, Thilina Nirosha, Wilhelm lk visits companies once a week or more, in an Instagram story of them doing the nutrition to keep themselves going during ago, where customers can get ready-made Yohan Randy, and Kathie Pearls, and based on request, to conduct cardio-based burpee challenge. We held the challenge in the lockdown. shakes customised to their specific needs, with this exciting team becoming the new fitness training programmes designed to collaboration with Kind Hearted Lankans, The Morning Brunch caught up utilising different protein shakes, offering face of Strong.lk, we hope to start driving improve physical and mental health. Strong. with Strong.lk donating Rs. 100 to Kind with Strong.lk Operations Manager S. healthy shakes designed to help fitness more effective and instructive content lk corporate fitness training has been met Hearted Lankans for every story sent in, Dushanthan to learn more about the Strong. fanatics build muscle or recover from on our online and YouTube platforms,” with great success with notable clients, raising a total donation exceeding Rs. lk platform and its latest services in the new workouts, as well as offering non-fitness- Dushanthan shared. including one of Sri Lanka’s biggest 10,000.” normal. friendly “cheat shakes” for those days when “Strong.lk as a whole doesn’t focus banking institutes, committing to making Speaking on how fitness trends indulgence takes priority. only on selling supplements; we drive our their employees happier, healthier, and fitter. have been influenced by the pandemic, The Strong.lk story Dushanthan explained that Strong. team to create fitness and nutritional content Dushanthan explained that it has not only Strong.lk is a resource platform that lk strives to give its customers a unique, that adds value to our audience,” he added. Driving fitness in the new normal been more about new trends taking shape, covers all things fitness. Founded a few interactive experience. “We also have fun An example of the useful content “People were actually desperate to get but also a new mentality taking shape. years ago by enthusiasts Yasitha De Silva recreational activities for our customers the team provides is tutorials on how to to the gym in lockdown, regardless of if they “Some people have lost weight during and Senushka Abeywickrema, the Strong.lk called ‘Strong Wars’ which involves a push- make protein shakes at home with natural were frequent gym-goers before. So there’s quarantine and in general have become more platform provides engaging and informative up challenge and plank challenge; customers ingredients and protein sources, something been a boost in the gym-going mentality and aware of the need to stay fit and healthy. content on fitness, covering everything can give it a go once they are at the store and that would have been very useful during the This shift in mentality means there is a from general tips and techniques to locally the winner gets a free protein shake from our lockdown period. lot more dedication to training and fitness contextualised fitness tips and practices. shake bar. Strong.lk also provides online coaching now.” The platform is a resource for all “The store also pays special attention and mentoring, with the team working aspects of fitness, providing information to sustainability. We carry a sustainable with clients to create customised diet and on training (including workout plans) and programme where we recycle plastic; since workout plans based on clients’ individual information on nutrition, from meal plans most of the supplements are made out body compositions – plans that are designed to supplements, to videos on fitness and of plastic, we implemented a sustainable to help them effectively meet their fitness method of recycling the plastic by donating goals. to a respective company and making use “Our premium online coaching package of them, and also by making innovative is priced at Rs. 10,000, and this package things out of them, like plastic dumbells means that the Strong.lk team will work and similar. Our customers can always hand you until you achieve your goal weight,” over their empty tubs and we follow the Dushanthan explained. “What sets us apart procedure of sustainably disposing of them.” from other trainers and mentors is that our The Strong.lk platform, mainly online, service is not a monthly service – it’s a is spread across their official website www. one-time payment to engage our services – strong.lk; their Instagram handles @strong. and we make a commitment to our clients lk, @ strong.lk_store, and @sl_fit_squad; when they come on board, which is to and their Facebook pages STRONG.LK help them along their fitness journey and and Strong.lk store. The Strong.lk platform get them to their goal weight at no added 5 the morning sports Monday , August 31, 2020 Champs emerge at SLC begins U-23 Illyas reign begins Clay Court Nationals Tournament He was known “Petersons No. 8” then. From Anika Seneviratne and Yasitha de Silva won the plum singles The U-19 cricketers can now have yet another Saturday (29) onwards, he would be known “SLR events on Saturday (29), beating Savini Jayasuriya and Savit stage to perform in a post-school career. Sri Head”. Rizly Illyas (on right) took over officially as Weerasinghe at the Sri Lanka Clay Court Tennis Nationals Lanka Cricket (SLC) is going to hold a 50-over President of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) on Saturday at 2020 in Colombo. Yesterday (30), Sankha Atukorale and tourney for the U-23 players attached to 26 its AGM held at Hotel Ramada, Colombo. Hopes are Neyara Weerawansa (pictured) clinched the Mixed Doubles main clubs. It will be from 16 September to running high as “rugby being in the blood in the title, beating Dineshkanthan Thangarajah and Seneviratne 11 October. Those who were born on or after family that rules the country” (Illyas’ own words), 6/7 (3), 6/1, 10/5. PHOTO ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI 1 September 1997 are eligible to play. yet proof of the pudding is in the eating, they say. Covid-19 wreaks havoc as IPL enters uncertainty z CSK took it too easy to pay heavy price At the airport and on the aeroplane en route Dubai, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s team was seen relaxed too much. They were in a huddle, arms on shoulders of others, making a mockery of all pre-tournament health protocols before the most pretentious of all 12 Indian Premier Leagues (IPL) held so far. And days later, on Friday (28), upon their arrival in Dubai, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had to pay a heavy price! It was announced on Saturday (29) that 13 CSK members, including two players Mumbai Indian spinner Rahul Chahar tweeted “speedy recovery” to his cousin Deepak Chahar – reportedly India limited-over fast bowler on Saturday (29), posting this photo of the latter Deepak Chahal and India “A” batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad – were tested positive for Covid-19. Raina pulling out “CSK’s social media handle has posted pictures of players not wearing masks or adopting social distancing at the airport and inside the flight,” The Hindustan Times said yesterday (30). Adding to the uncertainty and fear, their star batsman Suresh Raina went back home from CSK players disobeying social distancing during their journey from Chennai to Dubai Dubai pulling out from IPL 2020 owing to “personal reasons”. Will foreign players take the risk? the Board of Control for Cricket in India to 10 November, yet the uncertainty created Reports emerging from India suggest the (BCCI), was seemingly trying to downplay by the pandemic has so far delayed the BCCI His uncle killed in Pathankot players and the support staff of CSK may have the situation saying the 13 persons were tested to release the final match schedule of the Suresh Raina’s uncle Ashok Kumar was killed and Kumar’s wife Asha Devi, Raina’s father’s Those “personal reasons” can be twofold. been exposed to the virus during a preparatory positive out of a total of 1,988 RT-PCR Covid- tournament. sister, was critically injured in a brutal attack by One is that Raina’s father’s sister Asha Devi camp held in Chennai from 15-20 August at 19 tests that were carried out between 20 and And the recent spike in Covid-19 cases, robbers in Punjab last week is reportedly in critical condition and her what was considered a Covid-19 hotspot. 28 August across all participating groups of particularly in Abu Dhabi – one of the three husband, Raina’s uncle (Ashok Kumar, 58), Their senior spinner Harbhajan Singh, who the tournament. venues of this year’s IPL along with Dubai Dubai and Sharjah? had died near the Indian city of Pathankot in skipped that camp, was to join CSK in Dubai. The Morning Sports predicted earlier that and Sharjah – has only added to the woes of “The lucrative T20 cricket league, which Punjab following an alleged attack by a gang But now it is reported that he too is apprehensive “the IPL 2020 could be PCR 2020” due to its organisers. fills the BCCI coffer with hundreds of crores of robbers named “Kale Kachhewala”. The about flying to Dubai. CSK’s overseas players the sheer number of PCR tests the BCCI was every season, starts its delayed 2020 season in tragedy has happened somewhere between are yet join them. Will they take the risk too? planning to do throughout the nearly three- BCCI losing face less than three weeks yet there’s no fixtures. 19 and 20 August when CSK were leaving month duration of the tournament. Now the teams entering Abu Dhabi have A failed IPL season not only means losing Chennai for Dubai. The second reason is, IPL 2020 turns out to be ‘PCR to test negative 48 hours before their arrival crores, but (also) losing face for the world’s obviously, the emerging fears in his camp in 2020’! Spike in number of cases there. Can BCCI meet such a stringent most powerful board,” Indian news web The Dubai due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, the beleaguered IPL organisers, The IPL is now scheduled from 19 September demand? Will the IPL be restricted to both Outlook said yesterday (30).

NSC meetings via Zoom – A note to the National Sports Council Dilantha Malagamuwa Present Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Namal Rajapaksa appointed what SQUARE could be a too chic yet powerful National Sports Council (NSC) on 20 August. But CUTS two of its leading members who have rare by Sudat Pasqual international sports experience behind them – its Chairman Mahela Jayawardene and Dilantha Malagamuwa – left the island As fans of Sri Lankan sports, we frequently on 21 and 28 August for the Indian Premier f ind ourselves lost in a world of “what if” League in UAE and the Lamborghini moments, wondering, for instance, how Super Trofio in Germany, respectively. different things would be if national sports They will not return to the island soon, organisations were managed efficiently and probably in the next couple of months. competently by people who actually had a Therefore, we posted the following vision and a plan, or wistfully musing how question to Malagamuwa last Thursday wonderful it would be if politicians took a (27) before his departure to Germany: permanent sabbatical from sports. “Can you actively participate in the It is more than likely that even casual important NSC meetings and its work followers of sports in Sri Lanka have at some when you are out of the country?” stage wondered about what could have been Here is Malagamuwa’s answer: if things were different. Even now, Mahela (Jayawardene) is outside the country. But we (NSC) do Pragmatic course of action Zoom meetings. We are continuously There’s an abundance of literature about communicating through WhatsApp. We are the value of positive thinking – visualising on the loop all the time. When we want to a better future as a necessary step towards discuss things, we go on Zoom meetings. The first meeting of the National Sports Council with Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa on 20 August making that visual in our minds a reality. While being positive is an essential step them. For instance, rugby administrators exacerbated by political interference. visions of a complete overhaul of the system Three separate divisions of NSC towards bringing in change for the better, for of Sri Lanka (the Sri Lanka Rugby or SLR) Rugby and cricket are the most high-profile because they are unrealistic. The first thing that we are going to do is those plans to work, they must be attached embarked on an ambitious plan to qualify sports that have suffered indignities due to (drafting) the constitution for sports because to a course of action. A pragmatic course for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. mismanagement and a lack of vision, but Not a zero-sum proposition again the last time a constitution has been done of action. Foreign players were recruited to play in other sports from badminton to squash to History has shown that these visions of was in 1973. Now we are going to change it Pragmatism usually implies compromise the domestic circuit and sponsorships rolled tennis to athletics have also suffered for a sporting Xanadu are nothing more than because a lot of things (pertaining to sports and the willingness to accept results that are along with governmental support. However, similar reasons. distractions. The more we fantasise about in the country) have changed. less than ideal. Less than ideal, yet better the plan fizzled out because it was unrealistic massive change, the less likely of any change The Council has been divided into three than what is. In other words, we must be and the course of action taken was half-baked. Abandoning complete overhaul taking place because the outcome we seek (divisions). The first two are Finance and willing to lower our expectations. Sri Lanka has failed to arrest the decline is a zero-sum proposition. Marketing. The third is Data and Sports Fate of two-time world champions in sports in the country because we have The outcome should not be a zero-sum Management. I am in the third, the Data and SLR and half-baked action Then there’s the tragedy that is cricket. not been realistic about what could be done proposition. Change, regardless of the Sports Management section. Lowering our expectations starts with Winners of two World Cups and the runner- and have instead wallowed in the unhelpful magnitude, would be a positive outcome There are 15 members in the Council comparing the best-case scenarios with up in four more, Sri Lanka’s national team’s fringes of wishful thinking. as long as that change is an instrument and five members each are in those three the current reality and identifying areas of fortunes have plummeted precipitously due to Those who are in a position to bring about deployed to obtain a more accountable and categories. contention and finding ways to overcome gross mismanagement of funds and players, positive change must abandon grandiose efficient future.