„„ www.themorning.lk „„ LATE CITY VOL 01 | NO 02 | Rs. 30.00 { TUESDAY } TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2021 ‘FACTUAL INCONSISTENCIES AS WELL AS CONCEPTUAL DISGRACED MISINTERPRETATIONS’ SL DECIMATED IN GALLE

SUNSHINE COMPLETES ‘IDEATION IS AKBAR PHARMACEUTICALS A STRANGE ACQUISITION PROCESS’ »SEE PAGE 4 »SEE PAGE 8 »SEE PAGE 11 »SEE PAGE 16 No room for beggars Govt. spends z Sri Lanka’s only centre for beggars at capacity Rs. 5.4 m on BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE the Police found them on the roads. worth millions of rupees. Begging can The Ridiyagama Detention Centre for Beggars, the only detention Beggars can be arrested by the Police be considered to be an ultimate form centre in the country that accommodates beggars, is at full capacity at under the Vagrants Ordinance and be of helplessness. But I have seen fit prisoners daily 600 inmates with no room left to house anymore, The Morning learnt. produced before courts. and healthy persons sit on footpaths “Apart from Ridiyagama, we don’t and standing near road signals, just to z 20,000 prisoners cost Rs. 1.97 b annually Department of Social Services Director under the Social Services Department, have a place to detain them and the beg. This is dependency. They are the Chandana Ranaweera Arachchi told The houses beggars who get arrested, current law regarding this subject also individuals of the working class who BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE to Rs. 5.4 million. Rs. 98,550 is Morning that the Police and prisons whether they had resorted to begging needs to change since it has not been have become fatalistic. By giving them The Government incurs a spent per year on each inmate officials have also inquired regarding due to circumstances, or by choice of updated,” Ranaweera Arachchi added. money, we also help them become cost of approximately Rs. 5.4 while the amount for the year the issue. vocation. Beggars presently constitute Further, according to Ranaweera addicted. If we stop this, we can at least million on a daily basis for the for 20,000 inmates would then “The camp can only facilitate about a risk category for both contracting and Arachchi, there are no statistics to reduce beggars by 10%,” he claimed. maintenance of 20,000 prison be over Rs 1.97 billion. 600 persons. However, now there are transmitting Covid-19 owing to their ascertain as to how many beggars According to Southern Province inmates, according to the Speaking to The Morning, the around 600 detainees at the camp, frequent movements. are there in the country. However, Commissioner of Social Welfare, statistics of the Department of Commissioner General of Prisons thus making the available resources When queried about the beggars who conservative figures indicate that 85,000- Probation, and Child Care Mahesh Prisons, which adds up to Rs. Thushara Upuldeniya said that insufficient to cater to the increased have tested positive for Covid-19 and 100,000 beggars are found in Sri Lanka. Rajitha Karunanayake, who spoke to 1.97 billion per year. the total number of inmates in the number of people. Most of the detainees about random testing being conducted Usually, some elderly beggars are also The Morning, most of the detainees An examination of these prison system fluctuates and that have been directed there following a among beggars, Ranaweera Arachchi sent to elders’ homes, but due to Covid- at the Ridiyagama Detention Centre statistics reveals that the daily therefore it is difficult to specify court ruling,” Ranaweera Arachchi told said that this responsibility lies with 19 testing and the pandemic risk, this are those in different age groups, cost per inmate is Rs. 270 and that the exact number of prisoners in The Morning when questioned regarding the health officials. Furthermore, he process is not underway at the moment. including the elderly, the frail, and therefore, for 20,000 inmates, the the country. the situation concerning beggars. noted that some beggars were sent to “The concept of begging has now the disabled. amount for the same would come Contd. on page 2 The Ridiyagama Centre, which is the hospital to do Covid-19 tests after emerged as a commercial business Contd. on page 2 ROCKING THE STANDS Strategy changes if we detect community spread: Health Min. BY PAMODI WARAVITA He was responding to recent and quarantining procedures that are The strategy that has been adopted allegations of community spread carried out would be unnecessary. by authorities to prevent and overcome following two new records on a “We have two different definitions: the Covid-19 pandemic over the past district and national level on 24 and Finding cases in the community is one few months would have to be changed 21 January, respectively. The highest thing, community spread is something if community spread is detected within number of Covid-19 cases within else. If the majority of cases that we get the country, according to the Ministry a 24-hour period in a district was in the community cannot be traced to a of Health. reported from Colombo on 24 January. source, then that would be community Deputy Director General of Public Prior to this the Health Promotion spread,” explained Dr. Herath. Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath Bureau reported 887 cases on 21 Dr. Herath further elaborated that told The Morning yesterday (25) January – the highest number detected Sri Lanka is still reporting a relatively that the disease control strategy for within 24 hours in the country. low number of cases when compared community spread is completely According to Dr. Herath, if with other countries with respect to different to the one that is currently community spread is detected in the their general populations. being followed. country, the current contact tracing Contd. on page 2 Four liquor licences COVID-19 CASES TOTAL CASES exempted from levy ACTIVE CASES BY PAMODI WARAVITA (Supply Chain Regulation and 58,813 The fee for four types of Information Technology) R.M. DEATHS RECOVERED liquor licences will not be Rathnayake. levied for this year (2021) as a Speaking to The Morning 8,193 283 50,337 relief measure afforded to the yesterday (25), Rathnayake said SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU The very first print edition of The Morning being distributed outside World Trade Centre in Fort yesterday (25) tourism sector, according to the that the fee of the licences, THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 9.20 P.M. ON 25 JANUARY 2020 Excise Deputy Commissioner Contd. on page 2 Female police officers Declare Sinharaja ‘Cleaning schools a elephant corridor overlooked for promotions ‘sensitive’ area: BY HEMANTHA LIYANAPATHIRANA Chief Inspectors of police. them, they should also be wasteful exercise’ Female Police officers These female police assigned a division or two Forest officers have levelled claims of officers are requesting that so that they could show their BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE after they have been shut down wearing a mask, refraining BY PAMODI WARAVITA discrimination against they be made Officers-In- prowess. The cleaning of school for months. from unnecessary travelling, Faced with dealings concerning the ongoing top officers of the police Charge (OICs) of at least They also claim that premises before reopening post “Cleaning and disinfecting staying away from large development activities at the elephant corridor department of inequitable five or six police stations, although interviews have Covid-19 related lockdowns should be done in public groups of people, and the like, between the Handapan Ella and Dellawwa treatment when it came to out of the 494 Police been called for OIC posts, is unnecessary and a waste spaces to prevent the spread explained Dr. Wijewickrama. Ella connecting the Sinharaja Rainforest, the matter of promotions. Stations island-wide. there has been no progress of money as all schools of Covid-19. However, I do “We see that coronavirus Ratnapura District Forest Conservation officers Speaking to The Morning Claiming that there are in this regard. Having to were closed for a long time, not understand the theory of clusters are already increasing have requested the Central Environmental yesterday (25), they have various allegations levelled seek relief for the justice according to the Consultant doing this in schools which in Sri Lanka, day by day. This Authority (CEA) to declare the area as an complained that although against certain OICs in due them, in connection Physician at the Infectious were closed for months. Who would create unavoidable environmentally sensitive area. they pass out after having particular Police Stations, with the promotions that Diseases Hospital (IDH) Dr. advised disinfecting places circumstances. We need to “This elephant corridor runs through lands followed the same training they state that it would should be afforded to them, Ananda Wijewickrama. which were unoccupied?” promote simple prevention which are privately owned so they don’t course and don the same therefore be opportune through courts, they note, is Dr. Wijewickrama told The questioned Dr. Wijewickrama. measures to the public, need to obtain an Environmental Impact uniform as their male to appoint female police a sad situation. At present, Morning that the disinfection People have already forgotten otherwise this situation would Assessment (EIA) to start development. counterparts, they were officers to such positions a group of female Police programmes conducted to follow the preventive worsen,” he added. His advice This is worrying since the elephant corridor discriminated against, and subsequently review officers have gone to courts in schools in the Western measures like washing hands to the public in this regard is runs through them and that is why we are unlike the latter. the progress. in this regard while another Province were pointless as regularly, maintaining at least to be aware of the common requesting that this area be declared as being At present, over 12,000 Further, they informed group is expecting to seek the virus survives in open air one metre of social distance, symptoms like fever, dry environmentally sensitive,” Ratnapura District female officers are The Morning that since legal recourse concerning for only a small time period. avoiding touching the face, cough, tiredness, aches and Forest Officer Rashal Weerasinghe told The employed in the police and there are a number of senior the same. Hence, he reiterated, it is not covering the mouth and nose pains, and diarrhoea. Morning yesterday (25). this figure includes over 150 female officers among Contd. on page 2 necessary to disinfect schools when coughing or sneezing, Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 42 „„ www.themorning.lk { NEWS } Tuesday, January 26, 2021 One dead in Panadura bike-tuk shooting BY MIHI PERERA three-wheeler in the Pallemulla Base Hospital said that one man persons travelling in the three- Force personnel were deployed North and Panadura South Police One person succumbed to area in Panadura yesterday (25) travelling in the three-wheeler wheeler, including the driver and to the scene of the shooting. The Divisions to investigate the crime. gunshot injuries sustained when morning, the Panadura Police sustained grave injuries in the a passenger, were unharmed in Panadura North Police Station Closed circuit television camera a duo on a motorcycle had fired said. shooting and died on admission the shooting. stated that two teams were footage of the incident was also shots at a group travelling in a Officials at the Panadura to the hospital. The other two Subsequently, Special Task deployed from both the Panadura obtained by the Police.

JUDICIAL SECTOR ADVANCEMENT Infrastructure THE STORY’S CONCLUSION and HR must both develop: PM After laying the foundation stone for the House of Justice Project Court, and a Quarters Complex with yesterday (25), Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa stated that the 40 Judges Official Quarters and 110 development of physical infrastructure of the judicial sector alone would Officers Quarters. The Project seeks not result in its development, and that human resource should also be to be efficient, planned and targeted in developed. terms of its use of space and resources, “Therefore, the Government will of Justice Project of the Ministry of and will feature digitisation and expand the local education facilities Justice yesterday (25) in Hulftsdorp. technology. pertaining to the legal sector,” he said. The structures to be built under four The total cost of the project, Minister of Justice, M.U.M. complexes in the case of this project, according to the Ministry, is Rs. Ali Sabry PC noted that it was the spanning an area of six acres, include 16,500 million. Government’s intention to see to it a Magistrate’s Court (MC) Complex The project is a collaboration with that a case before a Court of First comprising 12 MCs, the Legal Aid the Central Engineering Consultancy Instance would conclude within a Commission Office, the Registrar’s Bureau. The projected timeframe for year, and a case before a Superior Office and the Registry, the Ministry the completion of the construction is Court (the Court of Appeal and the and the Judges Training Institute three years. Supreme Court) would conclude (JTI) Complex which will have the According to an overview of within six months. He added that Minister’s and Deputy Minister’s the Ministry’s proposed reforms instead of wasting time to pay fines in Offices, the office of the Ministry, an and development, some of the Motor Traffic Courts for motor vehicle Arbitration Centre and the JTI, the targeted reforms in parallel to the related offences of a non-serious High Court (HC) and District Court aforementioned project include nature, facilities should be provided to (DC) Complex made up of eight opening 100 new courthouses pay the fines via the internet. HCs, four Commercial HCs, one HC islandwide, and commencing work The duo stated thus while of Civil Appeal, 10 DCs, six Labour on the process of improving the participating in the ceremony to lay Tribunals, two Quazi Courts, one modernisation and upgrading of all The last rites of late veteran journalist Dr. Edwin Ariyadasa were performed at the Borella Cemetery yesterday (25) the foundation stone for the House Pre-Trial Court and one Small Claim courthouses. PHOTO SAMAN ABEYSIRIWARDENA

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beggar would beg from evening the links between poverty, dropped to 20,000,” he said. for them to then carry out their thick forest cover, savannah, and No room... till night. This is unethical of unemployment, disabilities, However, even if we use 20,000 criminal enterprises, unharmed riverine ecosystems in the area. “We have 625 detainees and them as they are deceiving people destitution and begging, and prisoners as a conservative sample, and unhindered. The Police should “When development on this the lack of staff and buildings are to show themselves as helpless devising suitable solutions. the Government spends Rs. 5.4 be proactive in this regard. Steps land was attempted in 2018, civil the serious issues we have,” said and needy people. Some of the A recent sample study done million per day on inmates. can be taken to prevent ordinary society organisations protested Karunanayake. beggars behave so badly that they by a research group has revealed Upuldeniya added that people from becoming criminals and the development was stopped. Ranaweera Arachchi added: even use words that are enough to that 79% of the beggars in Sri these expenses are on both the and being imprisoned, and thereby However, from December 2020, “This centre was established upset each one of us. Apart from Lanka are physically sound and maintenance and rehabilitation of reduce unnecessary Government development has started again,” during the 1950s and was given to that, some beggars even abuse free of chronic diseases. Nearly the inmates. expenditure.” claimed Wijesinghe. the Southern Provincial Council people who refuse to give them 84% of the beggars who formed “It is not possible to say exactly Wijesinghe further alleged that in the 1990s with dilapidated money. Imagine earning Rs. 100 the sample in the latter study are how long these prisoners will stay the type of land ownership in the buildings. However, the buildings per hour. This can be a minimum against engaging in employment in the prison. The Government also Four liquor... area is questionable and that it is are now renovated.” amount for some. Citizens must even if opportunities for such has to spend on the rehabilitation which fall under the four irrelevant since environmental Speaking to The Morning, understand that giving some are afforded to them while 90% of these prisoners. It is not possible categories of FL 7 (Hotel License), regulations must be followed in the University of Kelaniya money to people who beg on the prefer to engage in begging over to cover this amount from other FL 8 (Hotel Bar License), FL 11 area. Department of Sociology Senior street is not a benign act. It could receiving state social welfare sources of income of prisons.” (Restaurant License), and FL 22 Wijesinghe claimed that it is the Prof. K. Karunathilake said that, have fatal consequences,” noted benefits. However, the General Secretary B (Beer, Ale, Stout, and Wine inaction of the CEA which has led nowadays, everything has changed Karunathilake. of the Committee for Protecting License for consumption in the to this environmental harm. and, concurring with Ranaweera He informed The Morning the Rights of Prisoners Sudesh premises) would not be charged Furthermore, he also claimed Arachchi, noted that begging has that although he had personally Strategy... Nandimal Silva questioned the for this year so as to provide relief that the Forest Conservation become a business. attempted to assist the Department statistics of the Department of for the tourism sector, which Department was supposed to “They are not asking for money of Social Services to identify the Despite several attempts, Prisons, claiming that there are suffered dire economic losses as a acquire the relevant private lands because they are helpless to do number of beggars in Sri Lanka so Government Medical Officers’ approximately 30,000 inmates in result of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2018. anything, but are doing it for their that a profile could be made about Association (GMOA) Assistant the prisons at present. in 2020. Responding to this claim, own benefit. Asking people for them with a view to rehabilitate Secretary Dr. Naveen De Zoysa He said that the detention of “These four categories of District Forest Officer charity using different methods them, none of these ideas had and Secretary Dr. Haritha Aluthge many prisoners was due to a licenses are directly related to Weerasinghe mentioned that has now become a profession. worked out due to the change of could not be contacted for failure in the social system. the tourism industry, and as the acquisition is occurring at Beggars are dropped by vehicles government. comment. “It is unfortunate that such would grant much needed an extremely slow pace. When to locations at which they are The important steps towards some detainees had not been concessions to businesses,” said contacted by The Morning supposed to beg at certain set controlling begging would be, rehabilitated for 20-25 years when Rathnayake. As a result of this regarding the matter, CEA Director times of the day. For example, according to Karunathilake, Govt. spends... they could have easily completed relief measure, the Divisional General Hemantha Jayasinghe said one beggar from a group of creating awareness among the “In October last year, 32,000 their rehabilitation and been Secretariats have been instructed that an update would be available beggars would beg from noon public, building the necessary persons were in prisons, but released within 10 years.” to not collect the fee, added within the week. till evening and then the other infrastructure, and appreciating by December, that number had The State Minister of Prison Rathnayake. The Sinharaja Rainforest, Management and Prisoners The Hotel Association of located in the Sabaragamuwa and Rehabilitation Lohan Ratwatte said Sri Lanka (THASL) Vice- Southern Provinces, covers an that when he took over as the State Chairperson Amal Goonathileke area of 18,900 acres and is home CARTOON OF THE DAY Minister for the subject, more than confirmed to The Morning that all to over 50% of the country’s 27,000 prisoners were detained in accommodation units registered endemic species. It was declared a prisons. with the Sri Lanka Tourism UNESCO World Heritage Site in “A total of 8,300 of them have Development Authority (SLTDA) 1988. been released now. Around 19,000 would be exempted from the prisoners are currently being held charges for the aforementioned in prisons. We spend around Rs. licenses for this year. ‘Cleaning... 300-400 a day on each inmate,” he “We are very grateful to the However, when The Morning added. Government for granting this big questioned the Secretary to the Going by Ratwatte’s daily cost concession to the industry,” said Education Ministry Professor assessment on the basis that a sum Goonathileke. Kapila Perera regarding of Rs. 300 is spent per inmate When contacted regarding disinfection programmes and per day and for a total of 19,000 the stance of Finance Minister whether it was advised by the inmates, the Government then Mahinda Rajapaksa regarding the Ministry of Health, he said that it incurs a cost of approximately Rs. matter, both Treasury Secretary is something that should be done. 5.7 million on maintaining 19,000 S.R. Attygalle, and Department When further queried about the prison inmates daily, a figure of Fiscal Policy Director Kapila budget for this programme, Perera higher than our original estimate Senanayake were unavailable for requested that we contact him later. for 20,000 inmates at a rate of Rs. comment. 270 per head. However, a Professor in Female... Sociology attached to the Declare... Police Media Spokesman Deputy Department of Sociology and The District Forest officers Inspector General of Police Ajith Anthropology of the Faculty made this request from the CEA Rohana, when contacted regarding of Humanities and Social earlier this month when a visit was the matter by The Morning, said Sciences of the University of conducted by officials to assess the that a proper methodology has Sri Jayewardenepura Mayura damage in the area. been formulated now in this Samarakoon, highlighted that this Speaking to The Morning, regard, and that steps will be situation is due to the breakdown Rainforest Protectors of Sri Lanka taken to systematically provide of the rule of law. Convenor Jayantha Wijesinghe promotions and positions to female “There are even times when said that the area is especially Police officers in the future, and criminals are imprisoned so as important due to four main therefore all such related issues to rescue and protect them and reasons, namely, due to the shrub, could be resolved. 43 Tuesday, January 26, 2021 { NEWS } „„ www.themorning.lk GBV VICTIM-CENTRIC JUSTICE SYSTEM Dutch leaders call Special courts and anti-lockdown phone-in complaints clashes 'criminal’ Political leaders and local officials in the deployed water cannons, dogs and officers Netherlands have condemned the rioters, who on horseback during a banned demonstration clashed with police during violent protests on the city’s Museumplein. on the weekend against the country’s first Military police were sent as reinforcements mooted by activists nationwide curfew since the second world to at least two towns. In the Eastern city of BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY and suffering of victims, as they forward to seek its assistance. war, as “criminals” and “scum”,The Guardian Enschede, rioters threw rocks at the windows navigate the criminal justice The streamlining and reported yesterday (25). of a hospital, and on Saturday night, youths With a view to establish a more victim-centric criminal justice system in order to seek justice. improvement of the services of More than 240 people were arrested as in the fishing village of Urk set fire to a system, proposals have been mooted by civil society activists It has been recommended to one-stop centres for victims of police used tear gas and water cannons to coronavirus test centre. to establish separate special high courts (HCs) dedicated only set up a dedicated sexual and sexual and gender-based violence, disperse crowds of several hundred protesters The police trade union, NPB, said there to hearing sexual and gender-based violence-related cases. gender-based violence unit within which amalgamates existing gender- in Amsterdam and Eindhoven on Sunday. could be more trouble ahead as people grow the Attorney General’s (AG) based violence desks and “Mithuru Trouble also flared in a dozen other towns increasingly frustrated with the country’s This would allow private trials guidelines was proposed so as to Department, to which lawyers Piyasa” service points, was put across the country. months-long lockdown. “We haven’t seen so and in-camera court proceedings ensure consistency in sentences for should be allocated upon their forward as another suggestion “It’s unacceptable,” Prime Minister Mark much violence in 40 years,” said one union for all victims of sexual and gender- all sexual and gender-based violence- selection on the basis of either in this regard. These centres Rutte, said on Monday. “This has nothing official, Koen Simmers. based violence, the prohibition of the related crimes, which would allow their prior experience in working should operate at all tertiary and to do with protesting. It is criminal violence Rutte and his cabinet resigned on 22 publication of the names of victims for judicial discretion to be exercised in cases with regard to sexual and secondary care hospitals, primary and that’s how we’ll treat it.” He said the January over a child benefits scandal in which in court judgments in such cases, and within a range of context-appropriate gender-based violence-related care facilities, and clinics in all 9 p.m. curfew introduced on Saturday was more than 20,000 families were wrongly the enactment of clear sentencing factors that include taking into or in displaying a passion and districts and provide referrals to necessary and would remain in place. accused of fraud by the tax office, but they guidelines for sexual and gender- account the harm caused and other willingness to help victims of psychological counselling, legal Eindhoven was worst hit by the unrest, continue to govern in a caretaker capacity based violence-related offences. mitigating factors. sexual and gender-based violence. assistance, assistance in making with rioters setting fire to cars, smashing until elections scheduled for 17 March. These reforms were proposed by In the event it is deemed absolutely These lawyers should also be police complaints, and financial windows, throwing rocks and fireworks at Schools and non-essential shops have the civil society in connection with necessary to include the names of provided with additional training to assistance and accommodation. police, and looting a supermarket and other been closed in the Netherlands since mid- existing laws dealing with sexual victims in judgements, including understand the physical and mental Furthermore, interfacing with shops. The local mayor John Jorritsma, said December, and bars and restaurants were and gender-based violence, and were those of the apex, superior courts, traumas that victims face. non-governmental organisations his city was “crying, and so am I”. closed in October. The curfew was added made as recommendations in a report namely the Court of Appeal and The evaluation and improvement and community organisations Jorritsma called the rioters “scum of the because of fears over the more contagious on legal reform to combat sexual and the Supreme Court, a suggestion of the capacity of the National for further services should be earth”, adding that he was “afraid that if British variant of the virus. gender-based violence authored by was made to retract the names of Authority for the Protection of considered. we continue down this path we will be on People who violate the 9 p.m. to 4.30 a.m. Khyati Wikramanayake and Inshira victims from any version of the Victims of Crime and Witnesses With regard to reporting our way to civil war”. When police said the curfew face a € 95 fine. There are exemptions, Faliq, and published recently by the judgements which are to be made was also proposed. Wikramanayake incidents of sexual and protesters were violating lockdown rules, in particular for people attending funerals Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA). available publicly. and Faliq called for the conduct of gender-based violence, it was “they took weapons out of their pockets and or having to work, but they must present a These courts should, the reforms They noted that due to the a thorough and independent study recommended to introduce a immediately attacked the police,” Jorritsma certificate. proposed, hold as far as possible, unique nature of the trauma the on the reasons that have hindered facility to do so to the nearest said. Besides the curfew, Rutte also announced a and practical, day-to-day trials, with victims of sexual and gender- the operational functioning of police station via the mobile Other officials said the violence was not ban on flights from Britain, South Africa and the prosecution being permitted based violence face, it is important the Authority, and to, thereafter, phone. The said facility should caused by people concerned primarily about South America, and lowered the number of to produce video recordings of that the system is designed with a realign the Authority according to be designed with stringent privacy their civil liberties. guests allowed into people’s homes to one, interviews with victims (similar to focus on the victim, and that no the findings of the study, and fund and security safeguards, and “These demonstrations are being hijacked from the previous limit of two last week. the procedure in child abuse cases). It victim who has already suffered it sufficiently in order to recruit be maintained properly while by people who only want one thing, and that “There is absolutely no excuse” for the has also been proposed to codify the at the hands of the abusers should adequate numbers of suitably being given sufficient publicity. is to riot,” said the Nijmegen mayor, Hubert rioting, the overseas development minister, practice of barring the public from be made to suffer further due to experienced staff to carry out its Moreover, the researching duo Bruls. “This is not demonstrating. These are Sigrid Kaag, told Dutch television on the courtroom when a victim of any the shortcomings of the criminal mandated functions, and also to noted that it should be designed coronavirus hooligans.” Monday. sexual offence is being examined justice system. Therefore, certain publicise itself on a wider scale so in such a manner that the service More than 50 people were arrested in “This is violence, and I hope the police and to allow such examination to measures have been suggested that all victims of crime including should be accessible via any Eindhoven, police said, while in Amsterdam track down all these people and that there take place in the judge’s chamber. by Wikramanayake and Faliq of sexual and gender-based violence phone and not exclusively through about 190 rioters were detained after police are heavy punishments.” Also, the amendment of sentencing in order to minimise the trauma are aware of it and can come smartphones.

POVERTY ERADICATION, LIVELIHOOD DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE Don’t remove poor recruited youths: Sarath Weerasekera The Minister of Public Security (GCE) Ordinary Level Examination Rear Admiral (Retd.) Dr. Sarath is passing six subjects and getting Weerasekera urged that those recruited two distinctions. Even though some to the Multipurpose Development pass seven subjects and get three Task Force for Poverty Eradication distinctions, it is pointless if they fail and Livelihood Development, in mathematics and the Sinhala language particular youths from poverty- subjects, as they cannot therefore do stricken backgrounds, not be removed their GCE Advanced Level Exam,” under any circumstances including he explained. through the use of legal technicalities. “Therefore, we must be practical. He stated thus in response to several Also, the end of February 2020, such removals of youths who came was given initially as the period for from economically poor backgrounds, attaining the age of 18 years, to be citing various legal technicalities. eligible for recruitment. “This process should be more Due to this criteria, those who practical and should operate with an completed 18 years at the end of understanding of the main objective,” last year and at the time of coming he informed, addressing officers of for the interview this year have not the said Task Force and Ministry of been recruited. The objective of the Public Security staff during a meeting are employed in the Government concept and its nature must hence be held at the Ministry premises recently. service. understood properly.” However, he noted that there is no “The criteria for passing the Therefore, he ordered that practical issue in removing those whose parents General Certificate of Education criteria be developed in this regard.

MIGRANT WORKER COMMUNITY ‘Reframe agreements to fit ILO Conventions’ The time has come to revisit and Addressing the issue of the denial cover, registration fees at the country of reframe bilateral labour agreements of social security benefits to migrant origin, and the pre-departure medical test, (BLAs) and memoranda of workers, the CSD, issuing an advocacy have not helped the migrant worker – but understanding (MoUs) to be consistent brief to the press in this regard, noted have instead deprived them. with the many available international that the time has come to ensure that The time has come therefore to change labour related conventions, so as to migrant workers are not victimised these practices and bring about true ensure contracts between employees through retrenchment and wage theft. commitment in policy delivery, the CSD and employers are based on fundamental They also noted that the benefits that emphasised. Furthermore, they added that social benefits and protections, the accrue from various payments made governments should provide retirement Community Development Services by migrant workers, such as for their benefits and pension schemes for migrant (CSD) organisation stated. air passage, fees to recruiters, insurance workers.

COLLISION CLAIMS INDIAN FISHERMEN LIVES SL Navy probes damage to vessel BY SUMUDU CHAMARA bodies were found by the Navy during lived in India, the Navy added. a search and rescue operation. After the legal proceedings initiated The Sri Lanka Navy has launched an The Navy, on 23 January, handed by the Magistrate’s Court of Mallakam, investigation into the damages caused over the bodies of the four Indian the four bodies had been formally to a Navy vessel as a result of a collision fishermen to the Indian Coast Guard handed over to the Consulate General with an Indian fishing trawler on 18 at the International Maritime Boundary Office of India in Jaffna. January in Sri Lankan waters, Navy Line. On request of the Consulate General Spokesperson Captain Indika De Silva, However, in the autopsy of the Indian Office, the Navy assisted in handing told The Morning. fishermen, it had been revealed that over the four bodies to India, and the As a result of said collision, the three corpses were of Indian nationals bodies were handed over by a Sri Lanka Indian vessel sank and four Indian and that the remaining one was of a Coast Guard ship to the Indian Coast fishermen went missing. Later, their person with Sri Lankan origin who Guard Ship Atulya. 4 „„ www.themorning.lk { INTERVIEW/INSIGHT } Tuesday, January 26, 2021

reflect the actual situation in Sri Lanka can. We are receiving inputs from key – not assumptions or inaccuracies – personnel including retired diplomats, and recognise what this Government legal luminaries, heads of missions, and has done. As soon as we can, we will academia. I think Sri Lanka is on the ‘Factual inconsistencies sit down, talk, and finalise the details, right track and is following the right although we are handicapped by the strategy to face Geneva. The outcome is pandemic at the moment. not decided by us – our responsibility is to convey our viewpoint. What is the difference between a If I refer to the war, which lasted as well as conceptual co-sponsorship and a consensual nearly three decades, a large number of resolution? people were losing their lives because The co-sponsorship is if we sign government forces had to battle the it together. A consensual resolution most ruthless terrorist organisation is a favourable one according to our in the world, as declared by the US misinterpretations’ arguments and requirements. We will Federal Bureau of Investigations not oppose such a resolution. Many (FBI) in 2008. The same FBI report countries say that they are our best also talks about the LTTE having z Colombage slams Bachelet report, says Govt. pursuing clear strategy friend – China, Russia, India. They pioneered suicide terrorism, suicide have said that they will stand by us and jackets, women suicide cadres, and BY PAMODI WARAVITA now, it is the time for them to do so. We being the only organisation to have The upcoming United Nations haven’t started these discussions yet. killed two sitting world leaders – a Human Rights Council (UNHRC) We are going to talk to and seek the sitting president and prime minister. session is due to be held from 22 support of like-minded leaders soon. It We fought with such an enemy and we February to 15 March where the will be a consensual resolution only if were losing human lives; around 250 allegations of Sri Lanka’s human it has and represents our voice, together lives per month – Sinhalese, Tamils, rights violations during the last with them. If it is only their voice, it is Muslims, soldiers. Now, 12 years later, stages of the civil war in 2009 politically challenging for us. we are still being accused with regard would be debated upon. The High to the war we fought. When you look Commissioner to the UNHRC at the world today in 2021, our country recently sent her report on Sri Lanka is much more peaceful when compared

to the Government of Sri Lanka to most other countries. We have no (GoSL) where a number of alleged What we really want is to reflect the actual situation in Sri Lanka – not racial violence, although of course we human rights violations were do experience certain crimes like any mentioned. Currently, the Ministry assumptions or inaccuracies – and recognise what this Government has other country. Sri Lanka is a peaceful of Foreign Affairs (MFA), along with country with a strong government Secretary to the MFA, Admiral Prof. done. As soon as we can, we will sit down, talk, and finalise the details, which is working under a democratic Jayanath Colombage, is drafting mandate given by two-thirds of this a response to the report with although we are handicapped by the pandemic at the moment country. When large-scale human rights the Presidential Secretariat. The violations are taking place even today Morning spoke to Prof. Colombage by other countries, it is unfair that we regarding the report, the are being targeted in this manner. upcoming UNHRC session and, the We have committed many things international perception of the Sri We will not oppose such a to the international community – the Lankan Government. The following resolution. Many countries say that Office on Missing Persons, Office of are excerpts from the interview. they are our best friend – China, Repatriation, Human Rights Council of Russia, India. They have said that Sri Lanka, and Commission of Inquiry. What is the Government’s immediate they will stand by us and now, it is We have done all this within the six reaction to High Commissioner the time for them to do so months that this Government has been Michelle Bachelet’s report? in power. During that time, funding We are very concerned about the has been given to these independent report that we have received from the We will not allow foreign commissions, appointments were made, High Commissioner to the United investigations – that was one of action plans were taken, etc. So that Nations Human Rights Council the contentious issues in the 30/1 means we are very serious when we (UNHRC), Michelle Bachelet. The Resolution co-sponsored by the tell the international community about 46th Ssession of the UNHRC is previous administration. 30/1 says finding solutions to the problems we coming next month, from 22 February hybrid courts should investigate Sri have in Sri Lanka. Our main problem We especially don’t to 15 March. Since the Resolution MFA Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage Lanka, but our Constitution does is Covid-19. We need to overcome deserve it when we pertaining to Sri Lanka will be brought PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM not allow that. Foreign judges and the huge economic problem that the have brought peace up at this session, it is an extremely international inquiry is not needed and pandemic has created. Covid-19 has to the country after important one for our country. At the World Health Organisation (WHO) The previous government discussed not allowed in our Constitution. We proven that there was no discrimination defeating the most beginning of last year, we said we are guidelines. So far, the DGH says only a counterterrorism act, but their own have to discuss and seek a compromise. except of course for the Muslim burial ruthless terrorist withdrawing from the co-sponsorship, cremation is allowed. parliamentary select committee, after Only if we agree to a consensual issue which keeps coming back. That organisation in the which we have consequently done. The pardon of Sergeant (Sunil) four years of discussion, said it was resolution would we go for it, if not we will only be done according to the world. If the council We will send our response to Ratnayake was also mentioned. That not good and it never saw the light of may have to seek another way. health guidelines and science. continues to target Bachelet’s report by 27 January. We is also one issue. But look at the US the day. Imagine the situation if we Sri Lanka, there is believe that she had both factual – how many people did President had repealed the PTA prior to Easter How do you plan on engaging the The current President was also the something wrong inconsistencies and conceptual (Donald) Trump pardon? That is Sunday. It is a living document and swing states at the council? Defence Secretary during the end – that may be a misinterpretations in her report and the prerogative of the president. some aspects of it may have to be The Human Rights Council has 47 of the civil war. Many claim that he manifestation of the we will argue and fight against that. The presidential pardon of Sergeant revisited. members, but the so-called Political cannot act without bias now as a ambitions We also feel the UNHRC has not Ratnayake was only one such case. North is large. The leading countries president responding to allegations of the Political been very fair with Sri Lanka because (Former) President Maithri(pala) Which options are the Government and their proxies are powerful in that of human rights violations. How do North to target a we are a sovereign, independent, Sirisena pardoned an LTTE considering now that the right. But the Political South is also you respond to these claims? small country like democratic country and the current (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) co-sponsorship has been withdrawn? there – Africa, Asia, Middle East, East The President was appointed by the Sri Lanka and Government has been mandated by cadre who was trained to kill him, and We are looking at different options. Asia, and Russia. We believe that people of Sri Lanka. I am against people get us to do what the people of this country through the that’s good. 12,500 LTTE combatants The core group – UK, Canada, these country-specific resolutions are referring to them as the Rajapaksa they want democratic vote. were rehabilitated and were put back Germany, Montenegro, and North bad, and we especially don’t deserve Government – it is not that, it is the Sri to society. The good news is that none Macedonia – are talking about a it when we have brought peace to the Lankan Government. Whoever is in Which specific issues did Bachelet of them went back to violence. consensual resolution. In this, the draft country after defeating the most ruthless power, they are ultimately elected into raise in her report? The 20th Amendment, the Prevention text must be designed, developed, and terrorist organisation in the world. If the the Sri Lankan Government. If people The (Covid-19) burial issue was of Terrorism Act (PTA), and senior finalised by the core group and us. council continues to target Sri Lanka, felt that the Rajapaksas are bad, they mentioned in Bachelet’s report. The military offices in key positions were It has to be agreed to by us. We are there is something wrong – that may would not have given a two-thirds report is assuming that there’s a all mentioned in the report. We believe now discussing with the core group be a manifestation of the ambitions majority on 5 August (2020). He was dangerous trend in Sri Lanka from that the argument of militarisation is in Colombo and Geneva, and we are of the Political North to target a small Defence Secretary at that time, but last year, which means that they are not right. In many countries, retired trying to see if we can find a way out. country like Sri Lanka and get us to now he is the President, with a clear targeting this current President’s generals serve the government – what The core group has given us certain do what they want. We have to bring mandate, according to the Constitution time. The power is vested with the is wrong with that? The government texts and we are currently preparing this out in the debate. I am confident and exercising those powers in a free Director General of Health (DGH). has invested in their training, exposure, our responsive texts to that. Basically, that the Government is pursuing a very and fair manner. The people of Sri Health authorities have to decide on and experience, so the government may it is not as harsh as 30/1 or the rollover clear strategy to address the concerns in Lanka believe that this Government is this based on scientific evidence and as well use them when they are retired. resolution. What we really want is to Geneva and we are doing everything we their government. ‘PTSD can manifest itself in trance-like states’ z Report focuses on PTSD in children and adolescents in rural Sri Lanka in by his family due to repeated in a deep voice, and showed event or witnessing the traumatic states of possession that had occurred mannerisms similar to a male. She event in person, or experiencing BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY sexual, and physical trauma, as of the relevant local hospital, and each time he visited the local Hindu had revealed that her father, who first-hand, repeated or extreme, Sri Lanka’s psychiatrists should well as emotional neglect, has been all investigations including the temple (kovil), behaviour which had was dependent on alcohol, would exposure to aversive details of the be aware that post-traumatic stress linked to dissociation, while acute electroencephalogram were normal. been exhibited during the past three frequently abuse her and her older traumatic event. Such exposure disorder (PTSD) can present itself in traumatic events can also lead to In the first case report, a 14-year- to four months. He had appeared to sister, both physically and sexually, to repeated traumatic events was children and adolescents as trance- dissociation. old girl was presented with a four- become possessed by the goddess for over approximately two years. likely to have increased the risk of like states and states of possession, Evidence points towards two month history of being possessed Paththini (a female deity) during the She had stated that she would developing the dissociative subtype which in turn are part of the types of responses to trauma: one by her dead grandfather, with kovil rituals. During these episodes, hide in the woodland outside her of PTSD. dissociative response to trauma. being primarily dissociative and these states of possession having he had assumed a flexible posture home for many hours, sometimes All three patients were then This was noted in a brief the other, predominantly intrusive occurred at least twice a week. and moved in a dance-like state even spending the entire night out managed with bi-weekly sessions of report titled “PTSD presenting as and hyper-aroused. However, an During these episodes, she had with his eyes closed, assuming of doors. Her mother has been trauma-focused psychotherapy, and possession states in children and individual with PTSD can show walked and gestured like a man feminine postures and speaking in working in the Middle East for as a particular antidepressant. Other adolescents in rural Sri Lanka: A both response patterns, either and spoken in a deep, hoarse voice. an effeminate manner with a high- long as she could remember. steps in the immediate management case series” authored by J. Herath simultaneously or at different While in the possessed state, she pitched voice. These states had lasted According to Herath and Perera, of the conditions included necessary and S.R. Perera (both attached to the times. These subtypes can be had been aggressive towards her for two to three minutes each time, all three patients had presented with action being taken to ensure that Nuwara Eliya General Hospital) and viewed as different extremes of father and attempted to hit him on after which he fell to the ground, clear symptoms of dissociation they were safeguarded from further published recently in the Sri Lanka emotional dysregulation. The first several occasions. She had revealed and subsequently woke up refreshed and thereby a predominantly episodes of impending harm. Journal of Psychiatry. involves under-modulation, and that she disliked her father’s habit and alert. He had revealed that he dissociative response, while also Following such treatment, Trance-like states and states the second, over-modulation, to the of consuming alcohol, as when he was never quite himself ever since experiencing symptoms of PTSD, all three patients had improved of possession are categorised as trauma, and each appears to have came home intoxicated, he would inadvertently witnessing the alleged such as disturbances in sleep, significantly, with no dissociative dissociative disorders, where there distinct correlations to the central lock her in a room and physically gang assault and murder of a villager irritability, and the inability to episodes being reported as at the end is a temporary loss of the sense of nervous system. assault her until she bled. This had by stabbing and slashing, an incident focus. They also had the unpleasant of three months in the second and personal identity with full awareness The authors presented three been a frequent occurrence over the which he claimed, had occurred phenomena of re-experiencing third patients, and after five months of the surroundings. Dissociation case reports where children or past two to three years. She claimed about eight months in prior. the traumatic events, in the form in the first patient. is a common feature of PTSD, adolescents presented themselves that this was her father’s way of In the third case report, a of recurring nightmares, and the Therefore, the researchers noted and involves detachment from the with dissociative symptoms in punishing her for not achieving 10-year-old girl was brought in due avoidance of events and places that understanding the role of overwhelming emotional content the form of states of possession, good enough marks (by his to repeated episodes of appearing where the initial trauma occurred. dissociation and the development of of the experience during and in against a background of significant standards), at examinations. to be possessed by a dead male, for They had met the prerequisites PTSD in children and adolescents the immediate aftermath of the trauma. They had been referred In the second case report, a a period of six to seven months. for a diagnosis of PTSD, namely, has significant implications when trauma. Chronic psychological, by the consultant paediatrician 15-year-old schoolboy was brought When possessed, she had spoken directly experiencing the traumatic planning their overall management. 45 Tuesday, January 26, 2021 { SPOTLIGHT } „„ www.themorning.lk Alliance for the Right to Land (PARL) regarding the proposed development (or – a group of activists formed with the state acquisition, among others) of land, objective of studying the issues faced to give adequate time for people and by various communities owing to communities to meaningfully engage in existing land policies, land laws, and consultations, and projects and activities land administration procedures and not being rushed through without practices – pointed out that immediate evaluating the impact that they may concrete steps should be taken by the have on the environment or the lives authorities to address the plight of the of local people, directly or indirectly, people who have been deprived of their affected by such. land rights, despite being citizens of Sri With regard to land acquisitions, Lanka. the report stated that lands must only The report focused on several key be acquired when a reasonable and issues that involve land issues as justified public purpose is identified, well as issues caused by land issues, and recommended that when such land namely, dispossession, the deprivation is acquired by the State, the Gazette of livelihoods and social security, must state the exact purpose and environmental degradation, and lastly, the public institutions/officials must diminished identity, women’s struggles be provided with all the necessary for the possession of lands, land rights, information and justifications in that and human security. These issues were regard. further broken down to war/conflicts, In order to address the issues Sri Lanka’s economic development pertaining to delays at public The terra incognita model, bureaucratic failures, institutions when dealing with the militarisation, development/agricultural public regarding land-related issues, projects, ethnic discrimination, the report recommended that steps favouritism, environmental issues, should be taken to direct the relevant and issues stemming from changes of institutions to proactively inform the of land rights ownership. people of the renewals of permits and The report – based on its findings licenses, among others, in order to BY SUMUDU CHAMARA environmental activists and various which were reached through ensure that people are provided with other concerned parties, the Circular discussions with people affected adequate notice and the opportunity to Sri Lanka is a country gifted with very limited, but invaluable resources, and No. 5/2001 was revoked in November by land rights issues in 18 districts renew their documents. lands, among them, takes a special place. To Sri Lankans, land is not just 2020, by issuing Circular No. including Ampara, Anuradhapura, Under “dispute resolution and something that has a monetary value; Sri Lankans also have a sentimental MWFC/1/2020, which gave the powers Badulla, Batticaloa, Colombo, Galle, reparations”, another section that put value attached to their homes and lands. to manage residual forests back to the Gampaha, Hambantota, Hatton, Jaffna, forward several recommendations in district secretaries and the divisional Kilinochchi, Mannar, Monaragala, the report, it emphasised the importance Sri Lankans have witnessed an society activists working to protect secretaries. The reality is that after this Mullaitivu, Matara, Polonnaruwa, of resolving within a reasonable period astronomical number of disputes, the people’s land rights, they noted move, it (Circular No. MWFC/1/2020) Trincomalee, and Vavuniya – put of time the private land cases filed in conflicts, and years (sometimes that unwarranted large-scale land was used to arbitrarily acquire lands forward several key recommendations courts. It was also recommended to decades)-long court cases pertaining acquisitions by multinational companies using policy-based powers, and not to that need to be implemented in order to establish “Land Courts”, especially in to land issues, and on top of those, for the cultivation of commercial crops perform lawful land acquisitions and to ensure the people’s land rights across areas with a high number of private incidents involving land grabbing are have significantly violated the people’s protect land.” the island. land disputes, so as to expedite land- also on the rise. land rights, and has consequently When The Morning queried about related issues, with the aim of resolving To evaluate the status quo of land rendered small-scale farmers destitute. individuals acquiring lands unlawfully, these cases within a period of one rights in Sri Lanka, The Morning They also added that environmental Rajapakshe said even though he year. Furthermore, with regard to court looked into two pressing current issues destruction is on an upward trajectory does not deny the fact that there are Circular No. 5/2001 was revoked cases on land rights issues, it was also pertaining to lands, namely, plans of due to deforestation taking place in individuals involved in land-grabbing in November 2020, by issuing recommended that the Government deforesting residual forest areas for these acquired lands, which, in turn, activities, especially for chena Circular No. MWFC/1/2020, provide quality legal aid for land commercial crop cultivation purposes, result in damages to the ecosystem in cultivations, their activities do not which gave the powers to manage disputes free of charge. and people who have been deprived the respective areas. pose a considerable threat. He further residual forests back to the district of their right to land due to social, Movement for Land and Agricultural alleged that most of the land-grabbing secretaries and the divisional Authorities’ response economic, legal, and institutional issues. Reforms (MONLAR) Moderator incidents, including ones committed by secretaries. The reality is that When contacted by The Morning to Chinthaka Rajapakshe, speaking to individuals, are committed by political after this move, it (Circular No. discuss the stance of the Government Team to look into issues The Morning, pointed out that a large powers and/or large companies backed MWFC/1/2020) was used to with regard to allegations that there concerning LRC lands number of such land acquisitions were by political powers. He added that arbitrarily acquire lands using are plans to give residual forest lands It was recently reported that taking taking place in various areas of the activists are also looking into large- policy-based powers, and not to to private companies for large-scale into account the rising number of island. He added that a considerable scale, unfair land acquisition activities perform lawful land acquisitions commercial crop cultivation, Minister complaints with regard to incidents number of these lands, which are taking place as a result of the Yan Oya and to protect land of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera pertaining to the unlawful acquisition hundreds/thousands of acres big, are Project, Lower Malwathu Oya Project, MONLAR Moderator Chinthaka said that even though there are various and misuse of lands, the Ministry of located near residual forests, national Uma Oya Project, Moragahakanda Rajapakshe discussions in that connection, no Lands has set up a special investigation parks, and forest reserves. Project, and the Gin-Nilawa Project, concrete decision has been taken to unit to look into these complaints. Rajapakshe claimed that plans are in which have overly affected the people Among these recommendations do so. He opined that most probably, When contacted yesterday (25) to progress to hand over to multinational living in those areas. “When giving are ensuring legal and administrative decisions will not be taken to give obtain further information regarding companies approximately 700,000 ownership to a certain party, it should recognition of how people access, lands in that manner. He also pointed this special investigation unit, Ministry acres of lands belonging to residual be done in a manner that ensures the use, and own land, which includes out that lands where various crops of Lands Secretary R.A.A.K. Ranawaka forests, and among them are an 80,000- land rights of small-scale farmers, their recognising and valuing peoples’ are being cultivated currently, are directed The Morning to Lands acres plot of land in the Monaragala, jobs, and their overall existence,” he relationships to land based on their either lands that have been previously Reform Commission (LRC) Chairman, Anuradhapura, and Badulla Districts; a added. right to engage in the livelihoods of allocated or private lands. Attorney-at-Law Nilantha Wijesginhe. 2,000-acre land in Kantale; a 100,000- He further said that another example their choice; recognising the matrilineal A number of attempts made by The However, despite several attempts, he acre land in Anuradhapura, which that shows governments’ short-sighted practices of inheritance that exist in Morning to contact Minister of Lands was not available for comment. was earlier used for chena (shifting/ decisions pertaining to land laws is the some parts of the country and the S.M. Chandrasena as well as the However, speaking to The Morning slash and burn) cultivation; 8,500 proposal put forward by the former historic possession of lands across DFC, to inquire about the allegations on 21 January, Lands Ministry acres of land in the Kandakadu and United National Front-led Government generations; as well as the religious or levelled by the land rights activists and Secretary Ranawaka said that this Somawathiya areas; 15,000 acres of to set up a “State Land Bank”, claiming cultural significance of certain lands. information about their future course special investigation unit consists of land in Hambantota and Monaragala; a that Sri Lanka has a complex process The report also called on the State to of action, if any, that will be taken by several police officers, and that the unit 2,000-acre land in Bibila; 5,400 acres that deals with lands which has in turn amend gender discriminatory clauses in their respective institutions, proved will look into complaints pertaining to of land in Rambakenoya and Ampara, hindered the process of taking decisions the Land Development Ordinance. futile. all lands coming under the purview of 5,000 acres of land in the Matale and related to lands. He added that the Referring to land-related governance, Even though Sri Lanka has laws the LRC. Knuckles areas; 105 acres of land from objective of the proposal in question, the report suggested the appointment and policies to deal with land rights- He further said that based on the Horowpathana and Ratmale; and a 150- according to the former Government, of a National Land Commission related issues, especially land disputes, findings of the investigations, necessary acre land in Elalla in Hambantota. was to set up one dedicated institution (NLC) with powers, among others, to it can be seen that there is a lacuna as action, including legal action under Rajapakshe further claimed that to deal with land-related matters that formulate national policy on land and to far as the implementation of those is the civil law, would be taken, based most of these lands have been given were previously handled by various decide on land alienation and land use concerned, both at the level of courts on the powers vested in the relevant to various companies for maize separate institutions. by government institutions. and institutions. Furthermore, land institutions. This special investigation cultivation, while some were for aloe Among other recommendations under rights-related issues faced by the unit has been set up in addition to the vera cultivation. Land rights: An issue common “right to access, possess, use, and own war-affected people of the North and investigation units that are already He noted that certain recent land to people of all parts of the land”, are recognising and prioritising the East should also receive adequate operating under the Lands Ministry in law/policy reforms have also greatly island those communities who are landless attention. The fact that their land this regard. contributed to these issues, claiming When it comes to land rights issues, and marginalised due to socially ownership issues persist even a decade that: “Several governments have taken it has been repeatedly emphasised that discriminatory practices relating to, after the war is a serious situation. Land acquisitions by large decisions detrimental to the public, it is not only limited to or caused by for example, caste and gender, and Very complex land ownership firms violate public’s land especially small-scale farmers in rural matters such as deforestation and laws/ taking proactive measures to protect policies, prolonged court cases that rights: Lands rights activists areas. However, amendments pertaining policies. A recent report pointed out people from homelessness caused by sometimes take many years to come Land acquisition and misuse are to the Circular Number 5/2001, which a multitude of reasons that have led unfit policies, laws, and development to an end, and the difficulties faced by not confined to mere land grabs on had brought residual forests under the to land rights issues in Sri Lanka and projects. the public when obtaining land-related the part of the general public, as they purview of the Department of Forest provides recommendations to rectify Under the “land administration” services from public institutions, are also include land acquisition by the Conservation (DFC), in order to ensure those issues. section of the report were signs that people’s land rights should government for investors, large-scale their protection, led to a rather massive A report titled “People’s Land recommendations such as public also be considered a priority when companies, and political purposes. issue. Commissions Report 2019-2020: Our institutions/officials providing forming new laws, and amending old When The Morning spoke to civil “Despite opposition expressed by Land, Our Life”, issued by the People’s information prior to public consultations laws, pertaining to lands. 6 „„ www.themorning.lk { EDITORIAL/VIEWS } Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Sri Lanka is in trouble. The economy is digital economy’s development and growth. being wrecked by Covid-19, and the PayPal is available in over 200 countries and The Govt.’s country has massive debt repayments regions, but one of the very few places on coming up this year. The year 2020 BY DR. NICHOLAS RUWAN DIAS earth that you can’t use PayPal is Sri Lanka. was extremely bad economically, and AND NIRESH ELIATAMBY For many years, we have lamented the C word indications are that 2021 may be worse. fact that global payment systems such as On 24 January, Sri Lanka saw the highest Until sufficient stocks of vaccines are PayPal are not available in Sri Lanka. PayPal number of Covid-19 cases within a 24-hour procured to immunise at least 70% of teams have visited the country; successive period in the Colombo district. Prior to this, the population, our economy cannot go governments have promised to get it done; the Health Promotion Bureau reported 887 back to any semblance of normalcy. Digitalise! For but nothing has happened. That means that cases on 21 January – the highest number There’s no use blaming this Government, a major method of transferring foreign detected within 24 hours in the country. the last regime, or anyone else. Blame Nature. currency into our country simply isn’t there; Yet, as we have reported today on our front Blame the virus. This was something that a system that much of the world now prefers. page, the Government is still not ready to no country was prepared for. In practical terms, how can Sri Lankan say the words: Community. Spread. Sri Lanka needs to attract Foreign Direct heaven’s sake, individuals and companies market themselves Covid-19 spreads in four stages. Stage Investments and foreign tourists to survive. globally, if their potential customers can’t 1 is the first appearance of the disease But our level of competitiveness on the global seamlessly remit payments? This is a huge through people with a travel history. Here stage is dismal, and we simply don’t have any issue for individuals, SMEs, etc., since they everyone is contained and their sources major Unique Selling Propositions (USPs) are forced to rely on ancient systems that are traced, and there is no local spread to spark the interest of global investors. digitalise! are costly. We are still fiddling around with from those affected. The number of those There’s no use talking about high literacy cheques, bank guarantees, etc. At least we infected would be quite low at this stage. and longevity, and a strategic location have credit card payment facilities; but that Stage 2 is local transmission, when geographically. Lots of countries have all is usually too costly for many SMEs. those who have been infected and have of that. a travel history spread the virus to close We need to increase our efficiency and Global context contacts, friends or family. At this stage, ease of doing business. That means installing Fig. 2 shows the Digital Competitiveness every person who came in contact with technology. Just try to do business through Ranking of nations. The Digital Readiness the infected should be traced and isolated. the websites of most Sri Lankan organisations assessment is based on seven components: Stage 3 is community transmission, – State, private, individual, etc. Most have the basic needs, human capital, ease of doing when infections happen in public and a functionality of glorified newspaper pages, business, business and government source for the virus cannot be traced. At and there’s little actual digital capability. investment, startup environment, technology this stage, large geographical lockdowns To impress foreign investors and foreign adoption, and technology infrastructure. Figs. become important as random members of travelers, we need to digitalise and look 3, 4, 5 and 6 give a very good picture of the the community start developing the disease. attractive. Every aspect of our country that various stages of digitalisation of countries Stage 4 is when the disease actually has slow old manual systems needs to be around the world, and also demonstrate becomes an epidemic in a country with changed, to show the world that we are a that Sri Lanka is at the bottom end of large numbers of infections and a growing nation of the New Millennium and not one digitalisation and global competitiveness, number of deaths with no end in sight. It that’s still struggling with antiquated systems and needs to get its act together to become is then considered to be endemic, or now of the last century. more attractive for investment. prevalent in the region. This is not a choice anymore. It’s a matter As Fig. 6 shows, higher countries with To any casual observer, it would appear of survival. higher ICT investment clearly demonstrated that Sri Lanka is in Stage 3. But not to significantly higher per capita GDP, with the Government. They would not say A welcome decision lower ICT investors having lower GDP. community transmission because that that requires the country’s We are no longer living in the would cause panic. They reckon it’s full support technological eras of King Mahasena and better to maintain a perception of control, A few weeks ago, the President brought King Parakramabahu. Sri Lanka needs to regardless of whether they actually have this the Ministry of Technology directly under wake up and look around at what has been pandemic under control or not. Perception his purview. He is the Subject Minister for it, going on in the rest of the world. Technology is everything. Another reason they point to which gives national priority to this crucial impacts the efficiency of corporations, as is the fact that their entire strategy would area. This is a welcome move indeed. But well as how economies operate and plan for have to be altered in the event the country this decision needs the full support of all the future. Governments worldwide invest moves into the community spread stage. sections of the State and private sector to heavily in their digital economies to boost According to the World Health empower it to work, to drag Sri Lanka into to authorise every decision you make, and 65% to $ 501 million from $ 1.42 billion, the development of value and prosperity. Organisation (WHO), community spread the digital age in all the areas that Sri Lanka your Grama Niladari is only available two according to the latest data released by the The Top 5 countries share a common or community transmission is evidenced is lagging behind. days of the week. Central Bank, as shown in Fig. 1. Granted, thread in terms of information creation, by the inability to relate confirmed cases But this Ministry cannot be effective if Covid-19 is currently a dominating factor but each approach is different in terms through chains of transmission for a large its directives are not followed by every Bandwidth and in global FDI. But when one examines FDI of digital competitiveness. The US and number of cases, or by increasing positive government institution, including all other nationwide reach into Sri Lanka from 2009 onwards, when our Sweden implement a balanced approach tests through sentinel samples (routine Ministries. If other Ministries do not properly The private sector has a vital role to war ended, one gets the bad feeling that FDI between generating awareness, fostering systematic testing of respiratory samples digitalise, or follow their own standards in play in digitalisation – mainly in the areas growth is only meandering slowly upwards, a supportive and creative atmosphere for from established laboratories). digitalisation, then the national effort will of nationwide coverage and sufficient and not skyrocketing as we need it to do. technology growth. One or two variables By this definition, it is hard to see how be incoherent and fall apart. It is therefore bandwidth – and in banking. The person are prioritised by Singapore, Denmark and the Government could argue that there is vital that the Ministry of Technology be in Monaragala shouldn’t have to climb a Digital technology Switzerland. no community spread in Sri Lanka. It is given absolute powers to enforce rapid coconut tree to obtain an internet signal. We exist today in a digital world. Digital One out of five businesses on the other even harder to see any medical reasons for digitalisation. Neither should they suffer from insufficient technology is quickly moving forward, end of the continuum may be considered the lack of admission of such community bandwidth that would prevent them from linking people worldwide and generating technologically innovative in line with transmission. The reasons appear to be far Why should investors having online meetings with customers. exciting new possibilities. More than at global standards such as Amazon, Google, more political than medical. come to Sri Lanka, and not any time in human history, as a result or Microsoft. Companies at this stage have The government had a halo around its Malaysia or Singapore? Appointment systems of technological advances, people have a digitally integrated strategy, backed by a head during the middle of 2020 for its Investors look for ease of doing business, A key aspect of digitalisation in the better access to information, facilities, digital community, completely integrated handling of the pandemic. Even its critics because they want rapid returns on battle against red tape is in the setting up and resources. In almost all nations, in with their platforms and functions. acknowledged that the deployment of the investments. They don’t want to get stuck of appointment systems for all organisations, industries and daily lives, the influence of the The vast majority of businesses use military and a safety-first approach helped in ancient manual systems for years. The which would drastically reduce physical automating method, artificial intelligence and digital for enhancing decision-making, us stay protected while far more developed higher the level of digitalisation, the more waiting times in dealing with government the Internet of Things (IoT) is felt. Although improving efficiency, simplifying and and well equipped nations were seeing attractive a country becomes. It’s that simple. institutions, and also private sector the effect of digitalisation is widespread, the automating processes, strengthening mounting death tolls and overflowing institutions. This column covered this topic benefits it produces are unevenly distributed. customer engagement and finding market hospitals. What is digitalisation? extensively in an article titled “Is Sri Lanka To help build a more inclusive future for opportunities, among others. Many While that halo has long since Simply put, it’s the ability of a person living better prepared to work from home?” all, it is crucial to understand a country’s companies use technology as a way to disappeared, particularly after the second in the depths of Monaragala to seamlessly digital readiness. boost operations including the use of IT wave in early October, many Sri Lankans market his product to a customer in Las E-wallet and QR Codes systems (HR, procurement & finance, CRM still feel safer than a lot of people in other Vegas. The keyword here is ‘seamless’. If The private sector must lead by leveraging Digital economy & support), digital payment and cloud- countries, due to the still acceptable number the proper digitalisation hasn’t been enabled technology to help popularise the use of The world economy is also experiencing based work. of cases and deaths we have seen. by government agencies, banks, internet cashless payments in the country. This would digital transition at a frantic pace. What’s Technologies are used to enhance the Some argue that any debate or service providers, Customs, the Central greatly help a wide range of customers the digital economy, then? It’s the economic goods and services to external customers investigation about whether we are in Bank, etc., there is no way that this can work. including micro-enterprises and SMEs to activity that is the result of billions of online (automated supply chain) – typically the community transmission stage is moot This is not about putting up a fancy looking develop their business without the expense, interactions between individuals, companies, including front end platforms for customer and a waste of time, because the more website. It is about making every existing burdens, and security issues that come with devices, knowledge, and processes every interaction including improving business important thing is that people follow health process as fast as possible, and facilitating cash management. Electronic payments day. The cornerstone of the digital economy or brand recognition online through digital guidelines. However, it is highly likely that the introduction of new and better digital typically save up to 1-2% of a country’s GDP. is the hyperlink ability, which means that marketing, optimising the search engine an official declaration that Sri Lanka has processes that are used internationally. E-Payments providers offer a streamlined individuals, entities and machines that website or e-commerce platform. reached community transmission, would and realistic payment choice for daily needs, come from the internet, mobile systems, make people more vigilant and cautious Cost from travel and on-demand food and delivery and the internet itself, are increasingly Way forward while going on with their day to day lives. If you think digitalisation is a costly to both online and offline transactions, and interconnected. The digital economy forms yy The Ministry of Technology must be This could even help contain the spread process that would require billions of even mobile prepaid upgrades via growing and undermines traditional ideas as to how given sweeping powers to implement of the virus. rupees at every institution, think again. ecosystem of services and networks of companies are organised, how companies digitalisation in every government There are enough and more people who Much of the digitalisation can be carried partners. communicate, and what services, knowledge, institution. still have no qualms about shaking hands out at very low cost, as long as it is done Furthermore, e-Payments can partner with and products customers receive. or hugging, and those at the receiving end by competent persons who are well versed third parties, strengthening the seamless All consumers – business-to-business yy Every government institution should of these greetings may feel awkward or in global best practices. This should not be adoption of email wallets across the nation. (B2B), business-to-consumer (B2C), as have a special department that would insensitive rejecting the handshakes and another method for every Minister’s cousin This allows users to make payments from well as business-to-business- to consumer facilitate and implement the directives the hugs, even while knowing that it is far to rake in nefarious profits. mobile apps for participating banks and (B2B2C) – choose to connect with of the Ministry of Technology. from a good idea. Up-to-date digital systems e-wallets and requires merchants to show companies when and wherever and in the yy Rapid timelines should be established There are those who still frequent only one QR code for payments. At present, most convenient way in the digital economy. for nationwide digitalisation that crowded coffee shops, pubs or clubs, where There’s little point in implementing digital several Sri Lankan banks have recently rolled Moreover, consumers wish to work with would include a short period for study the furthest thing from inebriated patrons systems and letting them languish for years out e-wallet systems, but their acceptance brands through seamless, omnichannel, of global best practices; planning is social distancing or health guidelines. as they become obsolete. Every institution among both customers and merchants is transparent, contextual and personalised of short-term, mid-term and long- Would these people not take the virus must have a continuous process to keep very low. experiences. term digitalisation initiatives; cost a bit more seriously if there was official digital systems up to date with advancing Ad hoc decision making Digital experience comparisons; procurement processes; confirmation that Sri Lanka has entered the technology and processes. testing and implementation; constant community spread stage? Would they not Digitalisation also cannot undo the curse People now work from various locations – follow up and evaluation. wear the mask and try to maintain distance Paperless of ad hoc decision making that plagues Sri workplaces, homes, or coffee shops on a daily if there was real fear of contracting a virus Digitalisation in Sri Lanka has too often Lanka’s state sector. It is clear that the vast basis. The degree of communication in the yy Costly solutions must be avoided. that has already caused the deaths of over simply been the adding on of a digital system majority of decisions are taken on a ‘gut physical office as we work has changed. The Copyright Dr. Nicholas Ruwan Dias 2 million people around the world? while continuing to maintain the manual feeling’ or ‘experience’ basis, with little or growth of this diverse global connectivity and Niresh Eliatamby As of yesterday (25), Sri Lanka had system. This defeats the whole purpose, no consultative processes or examination requires the managing of a diverse talent Dr. Nicholas Ruwan Dias, BSc, MSc, around 59,000 confirmed cases and over since it is adding to the waste of time. Once through statistical and global data of the environment and the allowing of digital PhD, and Niresh Eliatamby, LL.B., 280 deaths. It’s time for the Government a digital system is implemented, the paper impact of decisions that significantly affect business processes of the next generation LL.M., MBA, are Managing Partners of to abandon its fear of the C word, and call system must be discontinued and the process policy. Both the state and private sectors to be successful, even if it is spread across Cogitaro.com, a consultancy that finds a spade a spade. It may scare people, but must become truly paperless. need to firmly adopt scientific thinking, different locations and timeframes. practical solutions for challenges facing would that be such a bad thing? which has a far greater connection to reality. society, the environment and all types of Get rid of the red tape Digital payments industries. Digitalisation in itself is useless if it is Foreign Direct The way everyday transactions are carried Dr. Dias is a digital architect and No 91. Wijerama Road, Colombo 7. P.O. Box 1 Investments (FDI) Editorial: Tel: 2 436 998, 5 335 731, 4 714 746 only transferring bureaucratic red tape out is becoming increasingly digitalised. educationist based in Kuala Lumpur, Fax: 011 2 304 545 onto our computers. The entire process of By 2022, the Government expects FDI to Cashless payment options, such as the Malaysia. [email protected] Marketing Manager- (Dir.)2 479 590, 5 383 590 Circulation Manager- (Dir.)2 479 611, 077 3 219 766 digitalisation needs to include the key aspect hit $ 4 billion, which is a more than three- e-wallet, which plays an integral role in Eliatamby is an author, marketer Subscription Manager- (Dir.)2 479 626, 2 479 628 of wiping out red tape. There’s no use going fold increase; but in the first eight months taking the market toward a digital future, and educationist based in Colombo, Sri Marketing Web Publishing - xxx digital if you still need your Grama Niladari of 2019, FDIs into Sri Lanka decreased by are becoming commonplace to support the Lanka. [email protected] E-mail: dxxxxx 47 Tuesday, January 26, 2021 { PICTORIAL } „„ www.themorning.lk

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GO!The launch of the very first print edition of The Morning, the daily paper of The Sunday Morning, was an elegant affair, with many esteemed guests in attendance to share a toast to ‘knowing the truth’ PHOTOS THE MORNING PHOTO DESK 48 „„ www.themorning.lk Tuesday, January 26, 2021

businessSunshine completes Akbar Pharmaceuticals acquisition Sunshine Holdings PLC yesterday of becoming a single largest value (25) announced that its chain player, and that played out subsidiary Sunshine Healthcare well for both companies. It has taken Lanka Ltd. (SHL) has completed quite some time last year for this to the acquisition of Akbar be materialised in early January,” Pharmaceuticals Bandara added. (Pvt.) Ltd. When asked about what would be the In a disclosure to Colombo Stock name of the merged company, Bandara Exchange (CSE), Sunshine noted added that they will not have a merged that 2,994,189 voting shares have company name but will continue to been acquired by Sunshine at a go as Akbar Pharmaceuticals for consideration of Rs. 2,320,249,300 the agency business. “Sunshine and the consideration for such Healthcare, being the mother company acquisition was settled by the issuance for all these businesses, will take of 2,758,178 ordinary voting shares over Akbar Pharmaceuticals and in SHL to Akbar Brothers (Pvt.) Ltd. Lina Manufacturing into Sunshine (ABL). Furthermore, the company Healthcare, which will be the main transferred 330,981 ordinary voting entity. Meanwhile, we already have shares held by the company in SHL a retail arm, Healthguard Pharmacy to ABL at a cash consideration of Rs. Ltd. All of these will be under 278,429,916. Sunshine Healthcare Lanka Ltd., but The parties completed the said they will have separate entity names, transaction yesterday. continuing as they have already have. In December last year, Sunshine We would use this entity strategically Holdings PLC announced the merger for those reasons that they are in of their healthcare business consisting and we will grow. Of course, there of Sunshine Healthcare Lanka and will be integration. For example, Healthguard Pharmacy with the Sunshine Healthcare is very strong in healthcare arm of Akbar Brothers. It distribution. We have our distribution consists of Akbar Pharmaceuticals, arm. So it is a low-hanging fruit for us Sinhaputhra Lina Manufacturing, and Lina Spiro. to immediately merge the distribution The merger was said to create Sri and take it under Sunshine Healthcare Lanka’s first fully integrated healthcare distribution. That is something we will appoints new company starting from manufacturing do immediately,” he added. up to retailing of healthcare products, Speaking further, he noted that before including last-mile distribution across Sunshine Healthcare Lanka Ltd. CEO Shantha Bandara the merger, the SHL market share the country for all healthcare products. was 12% and with the merger in the The company was also said to be manufacturing capacity in the country mid last year with regard to the merger. agency business, this will move by half chairman operating in all five segments of with both business groups working “We had to bring in more clarity to a percentage. However, in the future, Sinhaputhra Finance PLC, which the license issued to them should the healthcare supply chain, namely together to invest in this sector. the table for both parties – how the they will reach Lina Manufacturing came under strict regulatory actions not be cancelled. Accordingly, R&D, manufacturing, importation, In a recent exclusive interview with future would be. It is much like two to bring in certain products into the of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Sinhaputhra submitted its objections distribution, and retail. The Morning, SHL CEO Shantha families marrying into one company, market; therefore, a jump over 15% in 2019, has appointed a new to the Monetary Board along with Sunshine believes that the merger Bandara stated that both the parties so I think both parties are valued. within the next two to three years can Chairman yesterday (25). a capital augmentation proposal. will enhance the pharmaceutical have been having discussions since There is quite a bit of trust in terms be expected, according to him. Sinhaputhra stated that Ukwatta As a final opportunity, Kankanamge Harith Ruwan Sinhaputhra was provided a limited Ranasinghe has been appointed time period to attract a potential Lalan Rubbers, Kingslake to meet global latex glove demand as the Chairman of the company investor in 2019. Lalan Rubbers, regional plantation which will enable them to rapidly due to the resignation of Dr. Amal In January last year, Sinhaputhra company and rubber manufacturer, schedule orders using intelligent Randhir Karunaratne. The company released an offer document announced a partnership with Sri built-in rules, as well as an automated has reportedly sought approval announcing a mandatory offer Lankan manufacturing solutions planner that can interact with the from the Central Bank for this by Singhe Capital Investment experts, Kingslake, to streamline and schedule as needed. This will provide appointment on 3 December last (Pvt.) Ltd. (SCIL) to acquire all optimise its production capabilities unprecedented visibility and control year and the Central Bank gave its remaining ordinary shares of by using Advanced Planning and to the management team, enabling approval on 20 January this year. Sinhaputhra. This offer came Scheduling (APS). them to optimise production across all Sinhaputhra Finance was following SCIL’s acquisition of Through the partnership, Lalan of their orders at once, in real-time.” in danger of losing its license 31,675,870 ordinary voting shares Rubbers will gain the ability to manage From left: Lalan Rubbers CEO Manjula Mahadanaarachchi and Head of Information “From the outset, our mission has in September 2018 due to its representing 50.31% of the voting scheduling across its entire production Technology (GM-Group IT) Rasika S.Priyantha and Kingslake CEO Duleep Fernando been to enable local manufacturers noncompliance with provisions of rights of Sinhaputhra at a price of process, while also benefiting from and Head of Business Solutions Mohamed Sheriffdeen to excel, from product concept, the Finance Act. On 2 September Rs. 9.50 per share amounting to a advanced planning capabilities. This design, and manufacture, to delivery. 2019, the CBSL had issued a total consideration of Rs. 300.92 will enable the company to respond are now able to react quickly and of Information Technology Rasika Leveraging expertise and capabilities notice of license cancellation to million on 5 December 2019. in real-time to fluctuations in supply intelligently to unexpected changes S. Priyantha, the implementation built up throughout our 15 year- Sinhaputhra due to its critical Through this deal, SCIL offered and demand, all within a single system in the supply chain. Through this with Kingslake is timely, given the long partnership with Siemens, we financial condition and continuous to acquire all the offer shares implemented by Kingslake and the partnership, we are enabling a quantum surging global demand for rubber have actively supported diverse noncompliance with the regulatory at a price of Rs. 9.50 from the capabilities of the Siemens Op Centre leap in our production capabilities, latex gloves in a variety of fields from organisations in enhancing their requirements imposed by it. shareholders. The number of the APS. leveraging advanced planning and medical, chemical, food processing, efficiency and expanding productivity Even though the CBSL issued remaining ordinary voting shares, Opcenter APS (formerly known as scheduling capabilities that will bolt janitorial, construction, and electrical – from value-added tea to furniture, a license cancellation notice, which were subjected to this offer Preactor APS) is developed to meet on to our existing systems. These engineering. rubber-based products, complex Sinhaputhra was still given the at that point, were 31,283,060, such requirements using advanced investments are aligned with national Elaborating on the Siemens electronics, and high fashion apparel, opportunity to tender its objections amounting to Rs. 297.1 million, algorithms that balance demand and efforts to enhance the domestic rubber OpCentre APS, Kingslake Head to elastics, packaging to plastics, to the notice of cancellation of which was 49.69% of the issued capacity to generate effective and industry, while providing our enterprise of Business Solutions Mohamed molds to tools, and electrical devices the license within the time period Sinhaputhra shares. At this point, achievable production schedules. with an invaluable competitive edge,” Sheriffdeen said: “With this to glass. Our clients have generated stipulated in the Finance Business Harith Ruwan Ranasinghe was the “Planning is the only certain thing in stated Lalan Rubbers CEO Manjula implementation, the team at Lalan increased profits using our solutions Act (FBA), giving reasons as to why Chairman of SCIL. an uncertain time. With digitalisation Mahadanaarachchi. receives an interactive, multi- and expertise,” said Kingslake CEO manufacturers – large and small – we According to Lalan Rubbers Head constraint plant scheduling system, Duleep Fernando. ICRA assigns A+mfs to JB First Capital announces Vantage Market Money Fund ICRA Lanka Ltd. yesterday net asset value (NAV), or Commission of Sri Lanka Rs. 2 b debenture issue (25) assigned a credit risk volatility in its returns,” (SEC). JBMM Fund was First Capital Holdings PLC with five-year fixed interest rate Corporate Finance Division of rating of (SL) A+mfs to the ICRA added in a statement. launched in August 2011. (FCH), stated on Sunday (24) of 10.00% p.a (AER 10.00%) First Capital Ltd. and People’s JB Vantage Money Market ICRA Lanka’s mutual fund The fund invests in fixed that it intends to raise a sum of payable annually, Type B with Bank Investment Banking Unit. Fund (JBMM Fund or “Fund”) rating methodology is based and call deposits of banks Rs. 1 billion via a listed, rated, five-year floating interest rate The rating of First Capital which is managed by JB on evaluating the inherent credit and nonbanking financial unsecured, senior, redeemable of weekly AWPLR + 2.00% p.a Holdings PLC and its subsidiary, Financial (Pvt.) Ltd. (JBF). quality of the fund’s portfolio. institutions (NBFIs), repurchase debenture issue with a tenor payable annually,” FCH noted First Capital Treasuries PLC, According to ICRA, the As a measure of the credit agreements, commercial papers, of five years, with an option in a statement. was recently upgraded to (SL) assigned rating is based on quality of a debt fund’s assets, trust certificates, corporate of issuing up to a further Rs. The funds thus raised, are A with Stable outlook by ICRA the JBMM Fund’s portfolio ICRA Lanka uses the concept debentures, and government 1 billion in the event of an intended to finance the growth Lanka Ltd. The rating upgrade with the credit score being of “credit scores”. securities including government oversubscription. momentum of the company factors in the financial stability comfortable at the assigned These scores are based on bonds with maturities of less Accordingly, FCH will while extending the funding and the financial performance rating level. The rating indicates ICRA Lanka’s estimates of the than one year which can be issue 10 million debentures, mix, said First Capital CEO posted by the company in the ICRA Lanka’s opinion on the credit risk associated with each readily convertible to cash. with the ability to extend to a Tharusha Ekanayake. preceding years, according to First Capital CEO Tharusha Ekanayake credit quality of the portfolio exposure of the portfolio taking The overall objective of the further 10 million in the event He further elaborated that the statement. held by the fund. into account its maturity. To fund is to preserve principle of oversubscription, and will the funds raised through the First Capital is a member of “It does not indicate JBMM quantify the credit risk scores, and maintain liquidity through be listed on Colombo Stock debenture issue will be utilised the Janashakthi Group focused Sri Lanka, according to the Fund’s willingness or ability ICRA Lanka uses its database investments in only investment Exchange by way of an Offer to establish a Dealing Securities on delivering performance statement. The company has to make timely payments to of historical default rates for grade securities. The fund’s for Subscription. Portfolio consisting of listed/ through its operations as primary over three decades expertise the fund’s investors. The rating various rating categories and assets under management stood “The issue is rated (SL) A unlisted debt and equity. dealer, stockbroker, corporate in providing capital market should not be construed as an maturity buckets. at Rs. 18,823 million as at 31 with Stable outlook by ICRA The issue will open for advisory, debt structuring and solutions and closed the first half indication of expected returns, JBMM Fund is an open- December 2020 with an average Lanka Ltd. The debentures in subscription on Monday, wealth management. FCH is of the financial year 2020/21 prospective performance ended unit trust fund approved residual maturity of around the denomination of Rs. 100 are 1 February 2021 and will the only listed full-service recording a post-tax profit of of the mutual fund scheme, by the Securities and Exchange five months. offered in two variants, Type A be managed jointly by the investment institution in Rs. 1.72 billion. business 49 Tuesday, January 26, 2021 { CORPORATE } „„ www.themorning.lk Ecommerce platform Airtel integrates with Appigo launched Newest ecommerce platform, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Appigo, was launched to Dinesh Saparamadu said: “Appigo Google’s Business Messages empower businesses to create was conceptualised as an online their own online store. Appigo is platform that will specifically Airtel Lanka recently announced its successful “Airtel has continuously generation of connectivity,” WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, backed by the pioneering software benefit businesses by offering integration with Google’s Business Messages. With invested in digitisation leading Airtel Lanka Managing and Twitter. and mobile solutions company, business owners access to a the service now going live, the new feature enables a to better customer experience. Director/Chief Executive Airtel users can now access hSenid Mobile Solutions. database to enable them to connect message button on Google Maps and Google Search, for With the integration of Google’s Officer (CEO) Ashish Chandra these functions through a Appigo supports businesses directly with their customer, carry anyone looking for support or information on Airtel. Business Messages into our said. platform of their choice. At to grow, as it gives businesses out promotions, or even conduct This feature eliminates the is anticipated to be rolled out in expanding range of digital The launch of the Google present, a menu-based bot is a platform to build their own any analytics they require. Having time taken for a customer to the near future. This automated customer touchpoints, we are Business Messages integration deployed to address customer online store and simultaneously an online presence has become lookup a number or call a function will be able to identify proud to now be the first in is in addition to Airtel’s existing requirements and is in offers customers a simple way essential for more businesses contact centre for information, the user’s requirements and Sri Lanka to offer another customer support platforms development phase of providing to make purchases. It is akin to looking to expand their reach. thus improving overall customer provide solutions with convenient new channel to which include Facebook access to services. other popular retail apps, but the Now brick-and-mortar stores experience. minimal human interference reach us.” Messenger and the live chat Bharti Airtel Lanka (Airtel key differentiator, according to can have their own online Access to these platforms in order to provide seamless “We hope that this ease of function on the telco’s website. Lanka) commenced commercial the company, is that a customer store and provide an offline- will be further enhanced with customer experience on Airtel’s access will be a step in the right Airtel subsequently rolled out operations of services in Sri can access the customer centre to-online (O2O) experience the integration of a bot, which messaging platforms. direction as we embrace the next customer care services on Lanka on 12 January 2009. and the business owners own to their customers. Appigo is their own customer data. ideal for small to medium-sized “This kind of application businesses who want to optimise Fairfirst Insurance hosts Niranjan INSEE Cement usually costs thousands of costs. Ultimately, Appigo aims to rupees, but Appigo aims to support businesses to own their hosts virtual charge the customer only a small own space and eventual online Nagendra Memorial Award Ceremony commission less than 5%, and a destiny. career guidance joining fee along with a monthly Appigo is driven by the aim fee,” the company said issuing a to be 100% customer centric, programme statement. and in the near future plans to Commenting on the idea behind open its own customer centre at INSEE Cement, a cement manufacturer, the ecommerce platform, hSenid Ward Place. recently conducted “Find Your Spark”, an interactive virtual career guidance programme. NTB and DIMO The objective of the programme was to equip the children of employees with the knowledge and skills to grow their talent, partner to offer luxury choose their future career wisely, and achieve their best. The programme was held for the second vehicle leasing options consecutive year by the company, despite challenging times. The programme included a series of workshops conducted by a panel of professionals, whom the children could look up to as role models. A panel discussion was also conducted, helping the children to explore different career paths, where professionals elaborated their experiences. From left: SLIBA President Nalin Dharmasinghe, Fairfirst Head of Broker – Corporate Yasas Perera, Chief Sales Officer Sanjay The session also educated participants on Siriwardena, George Steuart Insurance Brokers Manager Operations – Corporate Izree Shehan (winner), George Steuart the wide range of vocational education Insurance Brokers T.S. Arulanandan Director, and SLIBA Exco Committee Member Nandalal Jayawardene options available. Officials from Nations Trust Bank and Diesel & Motor Engineering at the Among the key sessions was one on official exchange of contract for the partnership Fairfirst Insurance Ltd. hosted the who have gone above and beyond in Commenting on the recent occasion, “Finding your Ikigai” (the Japanese secret Niranjan Nagendra Memorial Award educating and servicing customers Fairfirst Chief Sales Officer Sanjay to a long and happy life) conducted by Nations Trust Bank PLC (NTB) till 31 March 2021. Ceremony in conjunction with the Sri and those who have demonstrated Siriwardena stated: “We have been Bathiya Jayakody and Santhush Weeraman of and Diesel & Motor Engineering Speaking about this Lanka Insurance Brokers Association modernisation. working very closely with the broker B&S, who shared their journey in following PLC (DIMO) have entered into a partnership, NTB Senior Vice (SLIBA) at Waters Edge recently. Hosted by Fairfirst Insurance, the community and will do so into the their dreams and achieving success in a partnership to provide customers President – Leasing Priyantha The Niranjan Nagendra Memorial awards ceremony held at Waters future as well. This award is an apt non-traditional career. with deals on leases for brand new Samaradiwakara said: “We are Award Ceremony is an initiative by Edge in conjunction with the SLIBA, way of demonstrating the insurance The topic of “Creating a personal brand” and pre-owned Mercedes-Benz, constantly looking for ways Fairfirst to showcase the depth of talent introduced a new category – “Emerging needs of the community. I would also was also covered, providing them insights JEEP, and other luxury vehicles. to provide our customers with of broker professionals in Sri Lanka Insurance Broker Professional of the like to congratulate the winners, and on entering and excelling in the corporate The agreement was signed at the the best value and unparalleled whilst affirming its essential role in Year 2020” – in addition to the existing wish them and the rest of the insurance world, which was followed by sessions DIMO Head Office, under the convenience. This partnership supporting the industry. Organised award title of “Young Insurance Broker broker community an optimistic start on facing interviews and taking care of patronage of DIMO Chairman/ enables our customers to enjoy since 2018, this event is in recognition Professional of the Year 2020”. The to a new year.” personal well-being, especially during these Managing Director Ranjith exclusive luxury vehicles at a of showcasing a continued support decision to introduce a new title was Further commenting on this challenging times. Pandithage, and senior officials reasonable price.” of Fairfirst and a close companion a way of awarding greater credibility occasion, SLIBA President Nalin Commenting on the programme, INSEE from both organisations. DIMO Mercedes-Benz amongst the broker community, to performers. Dharmasinghe stated: “Broker Cement Sri Lanka Chief Executive Officer Through this partnership, Cluster General Manager Rajeev Niranjan Nagendra. With much celebration and pride, professionals play an essential role Gustavo Navarro said: “We want children NTB customers can buy luxury Pandithage added: “This is the The award ceremony is a way of the recipient of the “Emerging in helping the community and the of INSEE Employees to achieve their best, vehicles certified by DIMO with first time that we’ve partnered nurturing and recognising great talent Insurance Broker Professional of economy thrive. I wish the winners of and it gives us immense pleasure to facilitate warranties and price discounts, with NTB, Sri Lanka’s top- by awarding the broker professionals the Year 2020” was awarded to the Niranjan Nagendra Awards 2020 the growth of their talent. The children of available only through Nations performing leasing outfit. As in Sri Lanka who work to bridge the George Steuart Insurance Brokers all the best and the rest of the broker our employees are important to us as much Leasing. one of the most respected and protection gap by catering to the Manager Operations – Corporate professionals a successful new year as we value all our employees. Other benefits include oldest motor companies in Sri insurance needs of corporates, SMEs Izree Shehan. to becoming pioneers at what they “To show our commitment to their attractive interest rates, a lump Lanka, we are confident that the (small and medium enterprises), and On the other hand, the recipient do best.” growth, this programme will provide a sum payment of up to 40% as the dynamism and willingness of our individuals so that the economy and of the “Young Insurance Broker Fairfirst Insurance Ltd. is part of solid foundation for future successes. We last rental, no requirement for combined teams will push the the community can progress through Professional of the Year 2020” was the global Fairfax Group. The group are appreciative of everyone including guarantors, speedy processing of limits and allow many people life’s uncertainties. ADZ Insurance Brokers Manager is a property and casualty insurer, internal and external facilitators for leases, and discounts on vehicle to benefit from the exclusive In this light, the award ceremony Special Projects Mohomad Hussain reinsurer, and investment manager, contributing towards the success of this insurance. These special rates discounts, rates and terms that pays close attention to individuals Sadik Mohomad Musthaq. headquartered in Toronto, Canada. programme.” and benefits will be available this partnership will provide.” Ikman.lk offers Scan Water Bottling Plant awarded free ad listings for automotive sales ISO 14001:2015 EMS certification z The water bottling plant of Scan Reporting System in accordance Motorbikes, scooters, three-wheelers, Products Division of C.W. Mackie with the Ministry of Environment, and auto parts sellers to benefit PLC was recently awarded with the thus effectively communicating Ikman.lk, a Sri Lankan online us with their grievances. Given ISO 14001:2015 Environmental information on their sustainability sales platform, declared its support this backdrop, we felt the critical Management System (EMS) performances. In compliance with for sellers through free ad listing need to help them bounce back certification by the Sri Lanka the company’s environmental policy, on motorbikes/scooters, three- from the crisis,” he said, adding Standards Institution. This tool, it has also focused on optimum wheelers, and auto parts, as an that introducing free ad listings used to identify, manage, monitor, resource utilisation, recycling extension to its listing fee removal to the sellers using the platform and control potential environmental waste internally and externally as campaign launched in October would release the pressure on issues specific to the water bottling a community, as well as implemented 2020 to help individuals using the sellers through advertising-related plant, also helps to improve energy conservation methods for platform navigate post Covid-19 cost savings. environmental performance their operational purposes. financial challenges. The special offer is to be made through efficient use of resources Speaking on the range of The particular Sri Lankan available every month, with one and reduction of waste, introducing corporate social responsibility advertisements website is said to free ad listing for motorbikes/ glass water bottles, and planning to (CSR) projects and their sense of have over 3,000 shops registered scooters and trishaws, along with step into plastic recycling projects duty to their stakeholders, C.W. on its platform, and claims to two free listings on auto parts. as consortium partner, gaining a Mackie PLC Group Executive feature an inventory of over The ad users are claimed competitive advantage as well as the Director Mangala Perera said: “It 60,000 live ads on vehicles per to also benefit from higher reputation of stakeholders. is clear that we place increased month. visibility and a “faster sale” for The Scan Products Division has importance on sustainability. Having “As Sri Lanka’s auto industry their advertisement through the professionally worked with the Sri completed CSR projects inclusive grapples with the pandemic, “Urgent Bundle” promotion, Lanka Standards Institution for more of garbage management projects, people engaging in vehicle-related exclusively offered to this than a decade for consultations and dengue prevention programmes, businesses are severely impacted. category at a concessionary rate. certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO contributions to upgrade the Just when they were making an In addition, the Urgent Bundle 22000, Good Manufacturing Practice standard of ward No. 32 of Colombo effort to restart amidst uncertain option lets the advertiser attach (GMP), and Hazard Analysis and National Hospital, donations and aid times, they were hurt by the an “urgent” tag to the post. The Critical Control Point (HACCP), as for hospitals, temples and welfare second wave of the pandemic,” package covers three days of well as product certifications such as associations, and organising Blood explained Ikman.lk Vehicles advertising with visibility at the SLS 894 for bottled drinking water, Donation camps alongside the Director Rimaz Marook. top of the “Ad Details” page. and other SLS certifications for their government institutions, villagers “Some of them who have Moreover, free access to analytics major FMCG brands. and other interested parties, it is been doing business with us for on the ad performance page is The company has also voluntarily clear that we do not wish to ebb From left: Sri Lanka Standards Institution Chairman Dr. Nushad Perera, handing over the ISO a long time even reached out to also included. engaged in green reporting and has in our contributions to a greener 14001:2015 – EMS certification to C.W. Mackie PLC Group Executive Director Mangala Perera registered for the National Green future.” 104 business „„ www.themorning.lk { MARKET } Tuesday, January 26, 2021 Unit trust prices­ at 20 Jan. 2021 CSE Price List 25 Jan. 2021 Fund name Unit selling price...... Unit buying price V.W.A. V.W.A. CHANGE V.W.A. V.W.A. CHANGE Assetline Income Fund 16.7612...... 16.7612 SE­CUR­I­TY VOLUME PREVIOUS OPEN HIGH LOW TODAY’S (RS.) SE­CUR­I­TY VOLUME PREVIOUS OPEN HIGH LOW TODAY’S (RS.) Assetline Income Plus Growth Fund 18.3839...... 17.8928 A.SPEN.HOT.HOLD...... 186,328...... 35.70...... 35.70...... 37.00...... 35.00...... 36.30...... 0.60 SLT ...... 77,581...... 40.00...... 40.50...... 40.50...... 40.00...... 40.10...... 0.10 Senfin Growth Fund 8.89...... 8.57 ABANS ...... 3,077...... 151.00...... 152.00...... 152.00...... 147.00...... 148.00...... (3.00) SUNSHINE HOLDING ...... 750,153...... 100.50...... 100.00...... 101.50...... 96.50...... 100.00...... (0.50) Senfin Money Market Fund 15.022...... 15.022 ACCESS ENG SL ...... 3,634,770...... 31.00...... 30.50...... 31.10...... 30.00...... 30.40...... (0.60) SWISSTEK ...... 497,879...... 135.75...... 138.00...... 141.00...... 129.00...... 136.25...... 0.50 Senfin Shariah Balanced Fund 13.25...... 12.93 ACL ...... 384,218...... 113.50...... 114.50...... 115.00...... 113.00...... 113.50...... - TALAWAKELLE ...... 105,717...... 100.75...... 105.00...... 105.00...... 95.00...... 98.00...... (2.75) Senfin Shariah Income Fund 12.4036...... 12.4036 ACL PLASTICS ...... 29,752...... 335.75...... 340.00...... 345.00...... 335.00...... 338.50...... 2.75 TANGERINE ...... 2,093...... 42.90...... 43.70...... 44.00...... 42.60...... 43.70...... 0.80 CAL Balanced Fund 12.0249...... 12.0249 ACME ...... 320,843...... 6.20...... 6.20...... 6.50...... 6.10...... 6.30...... 0.10 TEA SMALLHOLDER ...... 1,674...... 40.40...... 41.50...... 41.80...... 41.50...... 41.80...... 1.40 CAL Corporate Debt & Gilt Trading Fund 21.2173...... 21.2173 AGALAWATTE ...... 59,827...... 30.00...... 31.20...... 31.20...... 29.80...... 30.00...... - TEEJAY LANKA ...... 9,112,329...... 45.00...... 45.00...... 45.60...... 44.00...... 45.00...... - CAL Corporate Treasury Fund 18.2614...... 18.2614 AHOT PROPERTIES ...... 7,719...... 47.20...... 47.50...... 47.50...... 43.10...... 44.50...... (2.70) THREE ACRE FARMS ...... 206,406...... 236.75...... 252.00...... 295.00...... 245.50...... 260.50...... 23.75 CAL Gilt Fund 7.1553...... 7.1553 AITKEN SPENCE ...... 1,337,796...... 70.10...... 71.00...... 79.00...... 70.50...... 74.60...... 4.50 TOKYO CEMENT ...... 1,932,787...... 86.80...... 88.00...... 88.30...... 85.00...... 86.30...... (0.50) CAL Gilt Money Market Fund 4.3347...... 4.3347 ALLIANCE ...... 39,540...... 60.80...... 60.80...... 60.80...... 57.00...... 57.50...... (3.30) TOKYO CEMENT [TKYO.X0000] ..3,436,140...... 78.80...... 80.00...... 80.00...... 78.00...... 79.30...... 0.50 CAL Gilt Trading Fund 50.1748...... 50.1748 AMANA BANK ...... 22,813,575...... 3.80...... 3.90...... 4.50...... 3.80...... 4.30...... 0.50 UNION BANK ...... 2,413,859...... 14.80...... 15.00...... 15.10...... 14.00...... 14.10...... (0.70) CAL High Yield Fund 24.3797...... 24.3797 AMAYA LEISURE ...... 64,092...... 44.40...... 47.00...... 47.00...... 42.20...... 43.80...... (0.60) UNION CHEMICALS ...... 822...... 990.25...... 1,000.00...... 1,000.00...... 901.00...... 909.25...... (81.00) CAL Income Fund 20.5674...... 20.5674 ASIA ASSET ...... 306,490...... 8.20...... 8.30...... 8.50...... 8.00...... 8.10...... (0.10) UNISYST ...... 175,403...... 19.30...... 19.80...... 19.80...... 17.00...... 18.40...... (0.90) CAL Investment Grade Fund 19.8219...... 19.8219 ASIRI ...... 95,369...... 32.10...... 31.90...... 32.50...... 31.90...... 32.30...... 0.20 UNITED MOTORS ...... 28,427...... 77.00...... 77.10...... 79.50...... 77.10...... 78.10...... 1.10 CAL Medium Risk Debt Fund 15.685...... 15.685 ASIRI SURG ...... 613,919...... 16.50...... 16.00...... 16.60...... 15.90...... 16.40...... (0.10) VALLIBEL ...... 1,988,450...... 8.30...... 8.30...... 8.50...... 8.30...... 8.30...... - CAL Quant Equity Fund 20.4138...... 20.8267 AUTODROME ...... 2,610...... 78.10...... 79.90...... 88.00...... 78.00...... 88.00...... 9.90 VALLIBEL FINANCE ...... 141,032...... 112.25...... 115.00...... 115.00...... 103.75...... 106.50...... (5.75) Ceybank Century Growth 85.2...... 81.46 BAIRAHA FARMS ...... 309,728...... 169.25...... 176.00...... 185.00...... 161.25...... 165.00...... (4.25) VIDULLANKA ...... 972,793...... 5.90...... 5.90...... 6.00...... 5.80...... 5.80...... (0.10) Ceybank Gilt Edge Fund (A Series) 14.4556...... 14.4556 BALANGODA ...... 189,245...... 16.10...... 16.20...... 19.50...... 16.10...... 17.10...... 1.00 WATAWALA ...... 68,098...... 65.00...... 63.00...... 64.50...... 62.20...... 63.20...... (1.80) Ceybank Gilt Edged Fund (B Series) 10.9167...... 10.9167 BUKIT DARAH ...... 26,254...... 417.75...... 395.00...... 478.00...... 395.00...... 410.50...... (7.25) YORK ARCADE ...... 16,648...... 211.50...... 210.00...... 264.25...... 210.00...... 264.25...... 52.75 Ceybank High Yield Fund 13.7693...... 13.7693 C M HOLDINGS ...... 35,878...... 108.50...... 115.00...... 125.00...... 110.00...... 120.00...... 11.50 SECOND BOARD Ceybank Surakum Fund 12.361...... 12.361 C T HOLDINGS ...... 128,748...... 174.00...... 189.00...... 190.00...... 175.00...... 181.50...... 7.50 ABANS FINANCIAL ...... 1,712...... 30.00...... 30.00...... 30.00...... 27.60...... 28.10...... (1.90) Ceybank Unit Trust 27.77...... 26.06 CARGILLS ...... 29,845...... 230.50...... 230.00...... 230.00...... 229.00...... 230.00...... (0.50) Ceylon Dollar Bond Fund (in $) 0.7348...... 0.7311 AMBEON CAPITAL ...... 64,008...... 6.80...... 6.80...... 7.00...... 6.80...... 6.80...... - Ceylon Financial Sector Fund 7.19...... 6.9 CARGO BOAT ...... 48,429...... 69.90...... 70.00...... 71.90...... 69.90...... 70.10...... 0.20 ARPICO ...... 1,266...... 201.50...... 202.50...... 203.00...... 198.00...... 202.00...... 0.50 Ceylon Income Fund 22.1137...... 22.1137 CARSONS ...... 12,008...... 375.00...... 385.00...... 450.00...... 385.00...... 398.75...... 23.75 ASIA CAPITAL ...... 112,692...... 6.70...... 7.10...... 7.10...... 6.70...... 6.80...... 0.10 CEYLON Index Fund 52.15...... 50.03 CDB ...... 18,107...... 129.25...... 130.00...... 130.00...... 125.00...... 129.75...... 0.50 BROWNS BEACH ...... 503...... 13.80...... 13.60...... 13.60...... 13.50...... 13.60...... (0.20) Ceylon IPO Fund 5.72...... 5.61 CDB [CDB.X0000] ...... 67,538...... 97.70...... 95.00...... 99.00...... 92.00...... 95.50...... (2.20) COMM LEASE & FIN ...... 793,835...... 9.10...... 9.10...... 9.20...... 8.50...... 8.50...... (0.60) Ceylon Money Market Fund 17.2629...... 17.2629 CENTRAL FINANCE ...... 1,296,100...... 101.25...... 105.00...... 114.75...... 104.00...... 107.00...... 5.75 DIALOG FINANCE ...... 95...... 54.70...... 54.70...... 54.70...... 53.60...... 54.70...... - Ceylon Tourism Fund 3.96...... 3.81 CENTRAL IND...... 538,785...... 130.50...... 133.00...... 139.25...... 133.00...... 137.25...... 6.75 DISTILLERIES ...... 1,923,805...... 24.50...... 24.00...... 24.40...... 23.80...... 24.10...... (0.40) Ceylon Treasury Income Fund 6.16...... 6.16 CEYLINCO INS...... 98...... 2,000.00...... 2,097.50...... 2,100.00...... 2,097.50...... 2,000.00...... - FIRST CAPITAL ...... 303,347...... 57.90...... 58.50...... 60.40...... 58.00...... 59.30...... 1.40 Comtrust ADL Mudarabah Fund 11.6652...... 11.6652 CEYLINCO INS. [CINS.X0000] ...... 3,145...... 1,199.50...... 1,244.75...... 1,300.00...... 1,244.75...... 1,300.00...... 100.50 GOOD HOPE ...... 23...... 1,121.90...... 1,051.75...... 1,139.75...... 1,051.75...... 1,121.90...... - Comtrust Equity Fund 19.62...... 18.75 CEYLON GUARDIAN ...... 117,992...... 163.50...... 169.00...... 170.00...... 160.00...... 164.75...... 1.25 INDO MALAY ...... 2...... 1,123.20...... 1,219.75...... 1,219.75...... 1,219.75...... 1,123.20...... - Comtrust Gilt Edged Fund 10.4319...... 10.4319 CEYLON INV...... 590,933...... 87.80...... 90.00...... 92.00...... 86.20...... 90.80...... 3.00 KELSEY ...... 1,080...... 38.10...... 37.00...... 37.00...... 37.00...... 37.00...... (1.10) Comtrust Money Market Fund 11.843...... 11.843 CEYLON TOBACCO ...... 29,024...... 1,119.25...... 1,129.25...... 1,130.00...... 1,117.50...... 1,120.00...... 0.75 KOTMALE HOLDINGS ...... 253...... 247.25...... 249.50...... 254.25...... 233.25...... 248.50...... 1.25 First Capital Equity Fund (FCEF) 1,434.23...... 1,362.52 CHEMANEX ...... 177,096...... 92.10...... 92.10...... 94.00...... 90.00...... 93.50...... 1.40 LOLC DEV FINANCE ...... 4,524...... 106.50...... 115.00...... 129.75...... 115.00...... 125.50...... 19.00 First Capital Fixed income Fund 1,851.14...... 1,851.09 CHEVRON ...... 203,456...... 111.00...... 112.75...... 114.00...... 112.00...... 113.50...... 2.50 LOLC FINANCE ...... 8,753,874...... 9.10...... 9.30...... 9.50...... 8.50...... 8.60...... (0.50) First Capital Gilt Edged Fund 1,492.77...... 1,492.77 CIC ...... 3,684,788...... 69.50...... 73.00...... 74.50...... 66.80...... 67.50...... (2.00) MADULSIMA ...... 57,004...... 9.70...... 9.40...... 10.80...... 9.40...... 10.20...... 0.50 First Capital Money Market Fund 1,905.20...... 1,905.20 CIC [CIC.X0000] ...... 4,091,437...... 56.10...... 59.50...... 59.80...... 54.90...... 55.00...... (1.10) ODEL PLC ...... 2,661...... 21.50...... 22.00...... 22.10...... 21.00...... 21.10...... (0.40) First Capital Wealth Fund 1,129.66...... 1,129.63 CITRUS LEISURE ...... 42,422...... 11.30...... 11.10...... 11.40...... 10.90...... 10.90...... (0.40) PDL ...... 3,510...... 126.00...... 127.00...... 127.00...... 120.00...... 122.75...... (3.25) Guardian Acuity Equity Fund 19.8614...... 19.4847 COLD STORES ...... 53,467...... 726.75...... 728.00...... 730.00...... 720.00...... 725.00...... (1.75) SELINSING ...... 12...... 915.20...... 880.00...... 880.00...... 880.00...... 915.20...... - Guardian Acuity Money Market Fund 20.27...... 20.27 COLOMBO CITY ...... 4,010...... 1,240.25...... 1,300.00...... 1,550.25...... 1,300.00...... 1,507.50...... 267.25 SERENDIB LAND ...... 89...... 1,812.50...... 2,250.00...... 2,259.00...... 2,250.00...... 1,812.50...... - JB Vantage Money Market Fund 27.5534...... 27.5534 COLOMBO LAND ...... 184,745...... 32.20...... 33.00...... 33.00...... 31.30...... 31.50...... (0.70) SHALIMAR ...... 14...... 1,203.20...... 1,250.00...... 1,250.00...... 1,250.00...... 1,203.20...... - JB Vantage Short Term Gilt Fund 14.8761...... 14.8761 COMMERCIAL BANK ...... 3,086,446...... 99.20...... 99.80...... 103.00...... 99.50...... 100.75...... 1.55 SINGER SRI LANKA ...... 111,056...... 79.10...... 79.90...... 79.90...... 75.90...... 77.20...... (1.90) JB Vantage Value Equity Fund 27.81...... 26.15 COMMERCIAL BANK [COMB.X0000] .241,218...... 87.30...... 89.50...... 92.00...... 88.80...... 89.90...... 2.60 DIRI SAVI BOARD NAMAL Bank Fund 9.9124...... 9.5342 CONVENIENCE FOOD ...... 1,922...... 1,719.00...... 1,720.00...... 1,720.00...... 1,571.00...... 1,614.00...... (105.00) AGSTAR PLC ...... 523,563...... 8.00...... 8.20...... 8.80...... 8.10...... 8.30...... 0.30 NAMAL Growth Fund 149.066...... 139.1306 DANKOTUWA PORCEL ...... 736,604...... 14.80...... 14.90...... 14.90...... 14.00...... 14.10...... (0.70) ALUMEX PLC ...... 2,247,226...... 28.20...... 28.50...... 28.50...... 26.50...... 27.00...... (1.20) NAMAL High Yield Fund 24.7135...... 24.7135 DFCC BANK PLC ...... 2,529,046...... 74.00...... 74.50...... 80.40...... 74.50...... 79.70...... 5.70 AMANA LIFE ...... 530...... 9.10...... 8.60...... 9.10...... 8.60...... 8.90...... (0.20) NAMAL Income Fund 14.3899...... 14.3899 DIALOG ...... 707,091...... 12.70...... 12.70...... 13.00...... 12.70...... 13.00...... 0.30 AMANA TAKAFUL ...... 21,535...... 10.70...... 10.70...... 11.00...... 10.10...... 10.80...... 0.10 National Equity Fund 36.5027...... 34.1465 DIMO ...... 7,538...... 625.00...... 630.00...... 672.00...... 614.50...... 637.00...... 12.00 AMBEON HOLDINGS ...... 237,743...... 24.70...... 24.80...... 25.00...... 23.80...... 24.90...... 0.20 NDB Wealth Gilt Edged Fund 18.6895...... 18.6895 DIPPED PRODUCTS ...... 1,406,185...... 561.25...... 570.00...... 699.75...... 565.25...... 686.75...... 125.50 AMF CO LTD ...... 349...... 361.00...... 361.00...... 361.00...... 342.25...... 344.50...... (16.50) NDB Wealth Growth & Income Fund 49.05...... 47.4 DOCKYARD ...... 59,048...... 90.20...... 90.00...... 95.00...... 90.00...... 93.00...... 2.80 ARPICO INSURANCE ...... 19,579...... 24.90...... 25.00...... 25.90...... 23.50...... 23.60...... (1.30) NDB Wealth Growth Fund 11.56...... 11.05 DOLPHIN HOTELS ...... 49,429...... 25.90...... 26.60...... 27.00...... 23.00...... 24.60...... (1.30) ASIA SIYAKA ...... 1,551,417...... 3.10...... 3.20...... 3.20...... 3.00...... 3.00...... (0.10) NDB Wealth Income Fund 15.989...... 15.989 DURDANS ...... 3,059...... 107.25...... 107.50...... 108.00...... 104.00...... 105.00...... (2.25) BANSEI RESORTS ...... 10,485...... 9.80...... 9.20...... 9.90...... 8.60...... 9.40...... (0.40) NDB Wealth Income Plus Fund 17.0414...... 17.0414 DURDANS [CHL.X0000] ...... 10,129...... 95.10...... 99.80...... 100.50...... 99.80...... 100.00...... 4.90 BERUWALA RESORTS ...... 519,343...... 0.90...... 1.00...... 1.00...... 90...... 1.00...... 0.10 NDB Wealth Islamic Money Plus Fund 16.2905...... 16.2905 E B CREASY ...... 722...... 6,193.00...... 6,250.00...... 6,250.00...... 5,775.00...... 6,001.00...... (192.00) BOGALA GRAPHITE ...... 53,174...... 26.00...... 25.90...... 25.90...... 24.80...... 25.00...... (1.00) NDB Wealth Money Fund 20.6072...... 20.6072 EAST WEST ...... 685,309...... 12.70...... 13.00...... 13.40...... 12.70...... 13.00...... 0.30 BOGAWANTALAWA ...... 10,287...... 13.60...... 13.60...... 13.90...... 13.40...... 13.80...... 0.20 NDB Wealth Money Plus Fund 23.5298...... 23.5298 EASTERN MERCHANT ...... 164,102...... 7.00...... 7.00...... 7.20...... 7.00...... 7.10...... 0.10 BPPL HOLDINGS ...... 1,509,651...... 16.00...... 16.50...... 17.40...... 16.30...... 16.60...... 0.60 Premier Growth Fund 7.02...... 6.67 EXPOLANKA ...... 30,236,711...... 55.10...... 57.50...... 62.80...... 57.50...... 61.90...... 6.80 BROWNS ...... 1,058,446...... 209.75...... 216.00...... 235.00...... 209.50...... 211.00...... 1.25 Premier Money Market Fund 18.6142...... 18.6142 FORT LAND ...... 162,805...... 18.00...... 18.00...... 18.20...... 17.50...... 17.70...... (0.30) BROWNS INVSTMNTS ...... 94,118,043...... 6.90...... 6.90...... 7.40...... 6.90...... 7.00...... 0.10 Softlogic Equity Fund 127.356...... 121.0604 GESTETNER ...... 4,944...... 118.50...... 129.50...... 140.00...... 118.00...... 134.00...... 15.50 C T LAND ...... 21,375...... 31.50...... 31.60...... 33.20...... 30.40...... 30.50...... (1.00) Softlogic Money Market Fund 104.1384...... 104.1384 GRAIN ELEVATORS ...... 685,124...... 136.25...... 145.00...... 160.00...... 142.00...... 150.50...... 14.25 C.W.MACKIE ...... 10,305...... 54.80...... 53.00...... 53.50...... 51.60...... 53.10...... (1.70) HAYCARB ...... 150,883...... 1,093.00...... 1,093.00...... 1,274.50...... 1,066.25...... 1,270.25...... 177.25 CEYLON BEVERAGE ...... 81...... 754.00...... 771.75...... 777.00...... 771.75...... 754.00...... - Unit holders can contact relevant Fund Managers to obtain Unit Prices for redemptions within HAYLEYS ...... 731,703...... 752.00...... 749.00...... 799.75...... 720.00...... 793.00...... 41.00 CEYLON TEA BRKRS ...... 156,503...... 4.00...... 4.00...... 4.20...... 3.90...... 4.00...... - short duration from the date of investment where exit fee is applicable. HAYLEYS FABRIC ...... 2,529,325...... 38.90...... 38.70...... 38.70...... 36.50...... 36.90...... (2.00) CFI ...... 11,613...... 90.20...... 98.00...... 110.00...... 97.50...... 108.75...... 18.55 HAYLEYS FIBRE ...... 35,329...... 249.75...... 248.00...... 260.00...... 220.00...... 242.00...... (7.75) CIT ...... 227...... 148.00...... 150.00...... 175.00...... 150.00...... 165.25...... 17.25 HDFC ...... 54,989...... 44.20...... 47.90...... 48.00...... 46.00...... 46.80...... 2.60 CITRUS HIKKADUWA ...... 160,738...... 6.10...... 6.10...... 6.30...... 5.90...... 6.20...... 0.10 HEMAS HOLDINGS ...... 1,666,624...... 100.00...... 102.00...... 107.00...... 102.00...... 104.50...... 4.50 CITRUS WASKADUWA ...... 542,972...... 4.00...... 4.10...... 4.10...... 3.80...... 3.80...... (0.20) Ex­change Rates 25 Jan. 2021 HNB ...... 2,047,004...... 141.25...... 143.00...... 152.75...... 142.50...... 151.75...... 10.50 COM.CREDIT ...... 89,949...... 26.90...... 26.80...... 28.30...... 26.10...... 26.50...... (0.40) (1) The average rates of the following (2) The approximate exchange rates HNB ASSURANCE ...... 129,256...... 62.20...... 62.20...... 63.20...... 62.20...... 62.60...... 0.40 COMMERCIAL DEV...... 17,508...... 130.25...... 133.50...... 134.50...... 125.50...... 132.75...... 2.50 currencies quoted by commercial of GULF currencies based on previous banks in Colombo for Telegraphic Trans- day’s market weighted average rate for HNB [HNB.X0000] ...... 2,538,486...... 117.50...... 121.75...... 129.00...... 120.00...... 126.50...... 9.00 DILMAH CEYLON ...... 659...... 682.25...... 682.25...... 700.00...... 678.00...... 681.75...... (0.50) fers (TT) at 9.30 a.m. are as follows. the US$ are as follows. HORANA ...... 33,474...... 25.00...... 24.50...... 25.00...... 23.90...... 24.60...... (0.40) E - CHANNELLING ...... 102,014...... 6.90...... 6.90...... 7.10...... 6.80...... 6.90...... - CURRENCY BUYING RATE...... SELLING RATE COUNTRY CURRENCY...... INDICATIVE RATE HOTEL SIGIRIYA ...... 1,488...... 67.30...... 68.20...... 69.50...... 66.40...... 67.10...... (0.20) EDEN HOTEL LANKA ...... 192,355...... 13.10...... 13.20...... 13.20...... 12.00...... 13.00...... (0.10) Australian Dollar 150.1541...... 155.2795 Bahrain Bahrain Dinar...... 521.9443 HOTELS CORP...... 12,213...... 12.80...... 12.90...... 12.90...... 12.60...... 12.70...... (0.10) ELPITIYA ...... 141,284...... 54.70...... 54.80...... 55.10...... 53.80...... 53.90...... (0.80) Canadian Dollar 152.5004...... 158.0552 Kuwait Kuwait Dinar...... 650.3476 HUNTERS ...... 1,990...... 869.25...... 890.00...... 1,080.00...... 890.00...... 1,040.00...... 170.75 EQUITY TWO PLC ...... 343...... 64.10...... 64.10...... 70.00...... 64.10...... 70.00...... 5.90 Chinese Yuan (Renminbi) 29.1783...... 30.9782 Oman Oman Rial...... 511.1600 INDUSTRIAL ASPH...... 634,934,371...... 0.80...... 90...... 1.20...... 90...... 1.20...... 0.40 FORTRESS RESORTS ...... 21,600...... 12.20...... 12.20...... 12.50...... 12.20...... 12.20...... - Euro 235.9899...... 243.5142 Qatar Qatar Riyal...... 54.0404 Japanese Yen 1.8749...... 1.9287 Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian Riyal...... 52.4637 JANASHAKTHI INS...... 345,942...... 30.00...... 30.80...... 31.00...... 30.00...... 30.10...... 0.10 GALADARI ...... 90,002...... 10.10...... 10.20...... 10.30...... 10.10...... 10.20...... 0.10 Singapore Dollar 146.7331...... 151.2229 UAE UAE Dirham...... 53.5785 JKH ...... 6,873,287...... 168.25...... 171.00...... 187.00...... 171.00...... 181.25...... 13.00 GUARDIAN CAPITAL ...... 58,600...... 36.70...... 37.40...... 39.00...... 36.50...... 37.40...... 0.70 Sterling Pound 266.0805...... 274.1317 KANDY HOTELS ...... 35,679...... 5.60...... 5.70...... 5.70...... 5.50...... 5.50...... (0.10) HAPUGASTENNE ...... 382...... 18.00...... 18.00...... 19.00...... 17.80...... 18.70...... 0.70 Swiss Franc 218.6555...... 226.6621 KEGALLE ...... 57,907...... 145.75...... 146.00...... 170.00...... 146.00...... 168.00...... 22.25 HARISCHANDRA ...... 9...... 4,376.75...... 4,400.00...... 4,400.00...... 4,225.00...... 4,376.75...... - US Dollar 194.1900...... 199.6500 KELANI CABLES ...... 3,662...... 180.75...... 178.00...... 183.50...... 176.00...... 180.00...... (0.75) HATTON ...... 37,792...... 9.70...... 9.70...... 9.80...... 9.70...... 9.80...... 0.10 KELANI TYRES ...... 226,577...... 109.50...... 108.50...... 109.00...... 103.50...... 105.75...... (3.75) HNB FINANCE ...... 127,941...... 10.00...... 10.40...... 10.40...... 9.00...... 9.90...... (0.10) KELANI VALLEY ...... 123,733...... 92.60...... 93.00...... 95.20...... 91.00...... 94.10...... 1.50 HNB FINANCE [HNBF-X-0000] ...... 89,344...... 8.60...... 8.60...... 8.80...... 8.30...... 8.70...... 0.10 Market Indicators 25 Jan. 2021 KINGSBURY ...... 59,095...... 15.00...... 14.60...... 14.90...... 14.40...... 14.50...... (0.50) JETWING SYMPHONY ...... 25,788...... 10.00...... 10.20...... 10.50...... 9.80...... 10.10...... 0.10 Price indices Today...... Previous day KOTAGALA ...... 147,784...... 7.10...... 7.00...... 7.20...... 6.80...... 6.90...... (0.20) JOHN KEELLS ...... 6,666...... 72.80...... 72.80...... 72.80...... 71.50...... 72.40...... (0.40) CSE ALL SHARE INDEX 8,694.35...... 8,463.43 L O L C HOLDINGS ...... 4,260,334...... 351.25...... 395.00...... 399.50...... 371.00...... 381.25...... 30.00 KAHAWATTE ...... 3,451...... 31.10...... 31.00...... 31.00...... 30.90...... 30.90...... (0.20) S&P SL 20 INDEX 3,500.82...... 3,312.35 LAKE HOUSE PRIN...... 1,000...... 156.00...... 157.00...... 157.00...... 157.00...... 157.00...... 1.00 KEELLS FOOD ...... 7,042...... 155.00...... 155.00...... 164.00...... 149.00...... 153.50...... (1.50) TRI ON ALL SHARES *********...... ********* LANKA ALUMINIUM ...... 41,726...... 149.25...... 152.00...... 152.00...... 146.00...... 146.75...... (2.50) KEELLS HOTELS ...... 590,527...... 12.00...... 12.00...... 12.20...... 11.80...... 12.10...... 0.10 TRI ON S&P SL SHARES 5,749.79...... 5,440.23 LANKA ASHOK ...... 50...... 900.00...... 810.25...... 939.75...... 810.25...... 900.00...... - LANKA CERAMIC ...... 12,831...... 172.25...... 180.00...... 180.00...... 168.00...... 176.75...... 4.50 EQUITIES : LANKA HOSPITALS ...... 20,613...... 53.50...... 53.80...... 54.00...... 53.30...... 53.50...... - LANKEM CEYLON ...... 4,345...... 33.10...... 34.00...... 34.00...... 33.10...... 33.30...... 0.20 VALUE OF TURNOVER(Rs.) 14,990,056,385...... 12,848,534,999 LANKA IOC ...... 1,078,441...... 28.10...... 28.10...... 28.40...... 27.30...... 27.90...... (0.20) LAUGFS POWER ...... 299,428...... 12.30...... 12.80...... 13.00...... 12.40...... 12.50...... 0.20 DOMESTIC PURCHASE 14,769,981,918...... 12,610,085,443 LANKA REALTY ...... 49,615...... 38.70...... 39.00...... 41.90...... 37.10...... 39.80...... 1.10 LAUGFS POWER [LPL-X-0000] .....140,511...... 8.50...... 8.60...... 8.80...... 8.30...... 8.40...... (0.10) DOMESTIC SALES 14,015,933,745...... 12,027,347,322 LANKA TILES ...... 290,911...... 251.00...... 250.00...... 269.00...... 241.75...... 257.00...... 6.00 LIGHTHOUSE HOTEL ...... 3,001...... 36.50...... 37.00...... 37.00...... 37.00...... 37.00...... 0.50 FOREIGN PURCHASE 220,074,467...... 238,449,556 LANKA VENTURES ...... 3,000...... 55.70...... 55.10...... 58.00...... 55.00...... 55.90...... 0.20 LOTUS HYDRO ...... 125,897...... 11.10...... 11.30...... 11.40...... 11.10...... 11.10...... - FOREIGN SALES 974,122,640 ...... 821,187,677 LANKA WALLTILE ...... 271,447...... 250.75...... 258.50...... 270.00...... 239.50...... 252.25...... 1.50 MAHAWELI COCONUT ...... 5,968...... 28.30...... 28.50...... 28.50...... 28.50...... 28.50...... 0.20 VOLUME OF TURNOVER(NO.) 995,565,572...... 590,369,415 LAUGFS GAS ...... 593,018...... 28.90...... 28.90...... 31.40...... 27.50...... 30.10...... 1.20 MAHAWELI REACH ...... 460...... 15.80...... 15.80...... 15.80...... 15.40...... 15.70...... (0.10) DOMESTIC 985,748,589...... 583,846,852 LAUGFS GAS [LGL.X0000] ...... 266,308...... 23.00...... 24.80...... 24.80...... 22.70...... 24.20...... 1.20 MARAWILA RESORTS ...... 404,600...... 2.30...... 2.40...... 2.40...... 2.20...... 2.30...... - FOREIGN 9,816,983...... 6,522,563 LAXAPANA ...... 214,161...... 14.90...... 14.90...... 15.00...... 14.80...... 14.90...... - MASKELIYA ...... 38,237...... 14.20...... 14.20...... 14.60...... 13.60...... 14.50...... 0.30 TRADES (NO.) 69,332...... 67,846 DOMESTIC 68,353...... 67,114 LB FINANCE ...... 121,463...... 233.25...... 240.00...... 245.00...... 230.00...... 231.00...... (2.25) MILLENNIUM HOUSE ...... 94,205...... 6.70...... 7.10...... 7.20...... 6.80...... 6.80...... 0.10 FOREIGN 979 ...... 732 LEE HEDGES ...... 108,324...... 80.00...... 80.50...... 86.00...... 80.00...... 80.00...... - NUWARA ELIYA ...... 5...... 1,145.25...... 1,101.25...... 1,146.75...... 1,101.25...... 1,145.25...... - LISTED COMPANIES (NO.) 283 ...... 283 LION BREWERY ...... 46,412...... 612.75...... 612.75...... 625.00...... 612.75...... 621.00...... 8.25 ON’ALLY ...... 3,384...... 40.20...... 41.20...... 46.90...... 40.00...... 40.00...... (0.20) TRADED COMPANIES (NO.) 280...... 278 LMF ...... 260,590...... 170.50...... 179.75...... 208.00...... 175.00...... 197.50...... 27.00 ORIENT FINANCE ...... 221,998...... 14.40...... 14.50...... 15.30...... 14.50...... 15.10...... 0.70 MARKET PRICE EARNINGS RATIO(PER) 14.4595...... 14.0754 LVL ENERGY ...... 519,513...... 10.00...... 10.10...... 10.40...... 10.00...... 10.30...... 0.30 PALM GARDEN HOTL ...... 7,450...... 31.70...... 28.50...... 32.00...... 28.20...... 30.00...... (1.70) MARKET PRICE TO BOOK VALUE (PBV) 1.4402...... 1.4019 MALWATTE ...... 262,193...... 13.20...... 13.50...... 13.80...... 13.00...... 13.50...... 0.30 PEGASUS HOTELS ...... 1,460...... 35.80...... 38.90...... 39.00...... 35.50...... 35.50...... (0.30) MARKET DIVIDEND YIELD (DY) 2.1...... 2.1 MALWATTE [MAL.X0000] ...... 113,987...... 9.40...... 9.60...... 9.60...... 9.00...... 9.30...... (0.10) PEOPLE’S MERCH ...... 29,751...... 9.70...... 9.80...... 9.80...... 8.80...... 9.30...... (0.40) MARKET CAPITALIZATION (Rs.) 3,800,635,251,682...... 3,699,692,269,341 MELSTACORP ...... 7,700,889...... 65.90...... 67.00...... 78.00...... 66.00...... 73.40...... 7.50 PRIME FINANCE ...... 16,528...... 13.80...... 13.90...... 13.90...... 13.40...... 13.50...... (0.30) MERC. SHIPPING ...... 138...... 90.30...... 90.00...... 94.10...... 90.00...... 92.60...... 2.30 RAIGAM SALTERNS ...... 819,176...... 6.70...... 6.80...... 6.90...... 6.50...... 6.60...... (0.10) 1. Overnight Money Market Transactions MERCHANT BANK ...... 95,248...... 8.70...... 8.80...... 8.80...... 8.40...... 8.60...... (0.10) RENUKA CAPITAL ...... 14,330,860...... 8.70...... 9.00...... 10.50...... 9.00...... 10.10...... 1.40 MULLERS ...... 618,595...... 1.30...... 1.40...... 1.40...... 1.30...... 1.30...... - RENUKA HOTELS ...... 105...... 70.00...... 77.50...... 77.50...... 70.10...... 70.10...... 0.10 Call Money Market...... Repo Market NAMUNUKULA ...... 13,000...... 193.00...... 196.00...... 200.00...... 195.00...... 199.75...... 6.75 RICH PIERIS EXP ...... 14,960...... 386.50...... 385.00...... 419.75...... 380.00...... 411.00...... 24.50 Weighted Average Rate (%) 4.54...... 4.55 NAT. DEV. BANK ...... 649,482...... 98.30...... 98.00...... 103.50...... 98.00...... 102.25...... 3.95 ROYAL PALMS ...... 2,250...... 18.40...... 18.10...... 18.20...... 18.10...... 18.20...... (0.20) Minimum Rate (%) 4.53...... 4.54 NATIONS TRUST ...... 400,471...... 66.20...... 66.50...... 67.20...... 64.90...... 67.00...... 0.80 SATHOSA MOTORS ...... 270...... 250.00...... 250.00...... 250.25...... 250.00...... 250.00...... - Maximum Rate (%) 4.55...... 4.65 NATIONS TRUST [NTB-X-0000] ...... 575...... 74.90...... 70.00...... 77.00...... 70.00...... 75.30...... 0.40 SERENDIB ENG.GRP ...... 366,254...... 6.50...... 6.50...... 8.40...... 6.50...... 8.10...... 1.60 Total Gross amount (Rs. million) 26,800...... 8,529 NAWALOKA ...... 2,644,215...... 5.70...... 5.80...... 6.30...... 5.80...... 5.90...... 0.20 SERENDIB HOTELS ...... 16,844...... 17.10...... 17.50...... 17.70...... 16.90...... 17.00...... (0.10) Total Net amount (Rs. million) 26,800...... 8,529 NESTLE ...... 268...... 1,275.50...... 1,296.00...... 1,296.00...... 1,270.00...... 1,271.00...... (4.50) SERENDIB HOTELS [SHOT.X0000] .....5,000...... 10.50...... 10.60...... 10.60...... 10.60...... 10.60...... 0.10 2. Use of the CBSL Standing Facility OVERSEAS REALTY ...... 2,022,876...... 15.50...... 15.50...... 15.70...... 15.20...... 15.30...... (0.20) SINGER IND...... 7,959...... 122.75...... 125.00...... 125.00...... 110.50...... 120.75...... (2.00) Standing Deposit Facility (Rs. million)...... 117,498 PAN ASIA ...... 2,174,555...... 18.00...... 18.00...... 18.10...... 15.00...... 17.10...... (0.90) SINGHE HOSPITALS ...... 267,234...... 3.10...... 3.10...... 3.10...... 3.00...... 3.10...... - Standing Lending Facility (Rs. million)...... - PANASIAN POWER ...... 2,382,847...... 4.00...... 4.00...... 4.10...... 3.90...... 4.00...... - SINHAPUTHRA FIN [SFL.P0000] ....23,782...... 4.70...... 4.90...... 4.90...... 4.60...... 4.60...... (0.10) 3. CBSL Treasury Bill/Bonds Holdings PEOPLE’S INS ...... 288,314...... 31.70...... 32.50...... 32.50...... 31.50...... 31.90...... 0.20 SOFTLOGIC ...... 313,484...... 13.80...... 13.80...... 14.10...... 13.60...... 13.90...... 0.10 PEOPLES LEASING ...... 1,461,906...... 14.90...... 15.00...... 15.00...... 14.70...... 14.80...... (0.10) SOFTLOGIC CAP ...... 676,226...... 4.50...... 4.50...... 4.50...... 4.20...... 4.30...... (0.20) Face Value (Rs. million)...... 724,246.88 PIRAMAL GLASS ...... 4,988,549...... 10.10...... 10.30...... 10.60...... 10.20...... 10.40...... 0.30 SOFTLOGIC FIN ...... 20,867...... 13.40...... 12.50...... 13.50...... 12.50...... 12.70...... (0.70) Book Value (Rs. million)...... 710,741.77 PRINTCARE PLC ...... 5,000...... 35.50...... 34.80...... 35.00...... 34.80...... 35.00...... (0.50) SWADESHI ...... 3...... 18,324.80...... 21,800.00...... 22,800.00...... 21,800.00....18,324.80...... - R I L PROPERTY ...... 750,819...... 8.30...... 8.50...... 8.50...... 8.20...... 8.30...... - SOFTLOGIC LIFE ...... 288,870...... 34.10...... 34.10...... 34.50...... 33.70...... 33.90...... (0.20) TOP 10 GAINERS REGNIS ...... 40,104...... 144.25...... 144.00...... 144.50...... 139.75...... 141.50...... (2.75) TAL LANKA ...... 1,259...... 16.30...... 16.60...... 16.60...... 16.00...... 16.60...... 0.30 RENUKA AGRI ...... 1,976,101...... 4.80...... 4.80...... 5.00...... 4.70...... 4.90...... 0.10 TRANS ASIA ...... 570...... 65.00...... 67.90...... 67.90...... 62.50...... 64.50...... (0.50) Company VWA VWA Change Change RENUKA CITY HOT...... 3,337...... 251.75...... 250.00...... 280.00...... 250.00...... 278.00...... 26.25 UDAPUSSELLAWA ...... 52...... 28.90...... 30.00...... 30.00...... 29.20...... 28.90...... - Prev. Close Days Close (Rs.) % RENUKA FOODS ...... 61,871...... 18.00...... 18.00...... 18.20...... 17.40...... 18.00...... - UNION ASSURANCE ...... 8,045...... 313.75...... 320.00...... 320.00...... 310.00...... 313.00...... (0.75) INDUSTRIAL ASPH. 0.80 ...... 1.20...... 0.40...... 50.00 BLUE DIAMONDS 0.30 ...... 0.40...... 0.10...... 33.33 RENUKA FOODS [COCO.X0000] ...... 15,313...... 14.10...... 14.10...... 14.40...... 14.10...... 14.20...... 0.10 VALLIBEL ONE ...... 3,700,361...... 54.60...... 54.60...... 56.00...... 53.50...... 54.60...... - YORK ARCADE 211.50 ...... 264.25...... 52.75...... 24.94 RENUKA HOLDINGS ...... 975,289...... 20.10...... 20.10...... 21.70...... 20.00...... 20.70...... 0.60 WATCH LIST SERENDIB ENG.GRP 6.50 ...... 8.10...... 1.60...... 24.62 RENUKA HOLDINGS [RHL.X0000] .327,539...... 14.90...... 14.90...... 15.20...... 14.50...... 15.00...... 0.10 ANILANA HOTELS ...... 2,107,388...... 1.40...... 1.40...... 1.40...... 1.30...... 1.30...... (0.10) DIPPED PRODUCTS 561.25 ...... 686.75...... 125.50...... 22.36 COLOMBO CITY 1,240.25 ...... 1,507.50...... 267.25...... 21.55 RESUS ENERGY ...... 19,469...... 26.90...... 26.90...... 27.90...... 26.70...... 27.30...... 0.40 BIMPUTH FINANCE ...... 11,460...... 9.30...... 9.50...... 9.50...... 9.30...... 9.30...... - CFI 90.20 ...... 108.75...... 18.55...... 20.57 RICHARD PIERIS ...... 2,473,749...... 16.10...... 16.30...... 16.90...... 16.10...... 16.60...... 0.50 BLUE DIAMONDS ...... 1,247,311...... 0.80...... 80...... 80...... 70...... 80...... - TESS AGRO 0.50 ...... 0.60...... 0.10 ...... 20.00 HUNTERS 869.25 ...... 1,040.00...... 170.75...... 19.64 ROYAL CERAMIC ...... 1,475,643...... 288.50...... 291.00...... 319.50...... 288.50...... 303.25...... 14.75 BLUE DIAMONDS [BLUE.X0000] .3,304,235...... 0.30...... 40...... 40...... 30...... 40...... 0.10 LOLC DEV FINANCE 106.50 ...... 125.50...... 19.00...... 17.84 S M B LEASING ...... 10,337,201...... 0.80...... 70...... 90...... 70...... 80...... - HUNAS FALLS ...... 430...... 152.00...... 152.25...... 152.25...... 150.00...... 152.00...... - S M B LEASING [SEMB.X0000] .23,854,605...... 0.40...... 40...... 50...... 30...... 40...... - HVA FOODS ...... 332,981...... 6.10...... 6.00...... 6.30...... 6.00...... 6.30...... 0.20 TOP 10 LOSERS SAMPATH ...... 1,385,214...... 163.25...... 165.00...... 174.00...... 164.25...... 171.50...... 8.25 LANKEM DEV...... 1,385,800...... 4.60...... 4.70...... 4.90...... 4.60...... 4.70...... 0.10 Company VWA VWA Change Change SAMSON INTERNAT...... 1,110...... 149.75...... 155.00...... 163.00...... 155.00...... 159.75...... 10.00 MACKWOODS ENERGY ...... 193,702...... 3.40...... 3.50...... 3.60...... 3.40...... 3.50...... 0.10 I UNION CHEMICALS 990.25 ...... 909.25...... -81.00...... -8.18 SANASA DEV. BANK ...... 216,423...... 65.20...... 66.00...... 67.50...... 64.00...... 65.30...... 0.10 MULTI FINANCE ...... 7,101...... 9.00...... 8.70...... 9.00...... 8.60...... 8.70...... (0.30) ANILANA HOTELS 1.40 ...... 1.30...... -0.10...... -7.14 COMM LEASE & FIN 9.10 ...... 8.50...... -0.60 ...... -6.59 SEYLAN BANK ...... 372,523...... 63.50...... 64.90...... 64.90...... 62.20...... 63.40...... (0.10) NATION LANKA ...... 2,292,835...... 1.00...... 1.00...... 1.00...... 90...... 1.00...... - ABANS FINANCIAL 30.00 ...... 28.10...... -1.90...... -6.33 SEYLAN BANK [SEYB.X0000] ....2,005,384...... 54.00...... 55.00...... 56.50...... 53.50...... 54.30...... 0.30 RADIANT GEMS ...... 2,930...... 29.20...... 31.40...... 32.50...... 30.00...... 30.20...... 1.00 CONVENIENCE FOOD 1,719.00 ...... 1,614.00...... -105.00...... -6.11 SEYLAN DEVTS ...... 320,257...... 16.60...... 17.00...... 17.70...... 16.60...... 17.50...... 0.90 SINHAPUTHRA FIN ...... 48,305...... 8.50...... 8.50...... 8.50...... 8.00...... 8.00...... (0.50) SINHAPUTHRA FIN 8.50 ...... 8.00...... -0.50...... -5.88 AHOT PROPERTIES 47.20 ...... 44.50...... -2.70...... -5.72 SIERRA CABL ...... 2,631,978...... 9.80...... 10.00...... 10.10...... 9.20...... 9.40...... (0.40) STANDARD CAPITAL ...... 770...... 94.60...... 95.50...... 95.50...... 91.50...... 92.30...... (2.30) LOLC FINANCE 9.10 ...... 8.60...... -0.50...... -5.49 SIGIRIYA VILLAGE ...... 9,780...... 36.00...... 36.00...... 39.00...... 36.00...... 38.90...... 2.90 TESS AGRO ...... 1,565,200...... 0.60...... 60...... 70...... 60...... 70...... 0.10 ALLIANCE 60.80 ...... 57.50...... -3.30...... -5.43 PALM GARDEN HOTL 31.70 ...... 30.00...... -1.70...... -5.36 SINGER FINANCE ...... 250,863...... 18.50...... 18.60...... 19.40...... 18.40...... 18.60...... 0.10 TESS AGRO [TESS.X0000]...... 3,562,495...... 0.50...... 50...... 70...... 50...... 60...... 0.10 114 Tuesday, January 26, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk Godzilla vs. Kong trailer has fans THOUGHT FOR THE DAY picking sides “No matter where you Godzilla vs. Kong will be are in life, you’ll save making its way to theatres a lot of time by not and HBO Max this March worrying too much after shifting its release about what other date several times. The first people think about trailer for the movie has you. The earlier in your finally debuted and it has fans choosing sides. There were questions life that you can learn of how the two would fight in the first place given the differences in that, the easier the size and power seemingly conveyed through Kong: Skull Island and rest of it will be” Godzilla: King of the Monsters, and the first trailer put those questions to bed for many fans. – SOPHIA AMORUSO

Gehan Blok and Dino Corera brunchwith the six awards they won at SLIM DIGIS 2.0

‘Ideation is a strange process’ SLIM DIGIS 2.0: Blok and Dino take home six awards and Finance category and the other being a jury- BY VENESSA ANTHONY selected Gold for best branded content. Gehan Blok and Dino Corera are actors, Content creation duo Blok and Dino took home a plethora of awards at the recently We don’t really have a nine to five schedule, writers, directors, and producers with almost two ideation is a strange process; sometimes you can concluded SLIM DIGIS 2.0 held on 21 January. They were presented with a Gold for decades of combined professional experience crack a great concept in a few minutes but there “Punchi Dupathe Kathawa”, two Silvers for “Amma Wars” (PickMe Food) and “Office in journalism, broadcast, and digital media. are times we end up working quite late into the Hora Police” (Lipton Ceylonta), as well as a Special Bronze Award for Best Branded Blok and Dino are a small dedicated team that night. It’s great to see all our hard work, late Content for “Rapshoplanthe” (Laugfs Super). The duo also bagged two finalist passionately produce award-winning handcrafted nights, and sacrifices being recognised certificates, walking away with six awards to their name. content. Their goal is to help clients craft Gehan Blok engaging brand stories and digital experiences The SLIM DIGIS 2.0 is an award country. The most reputed and coveted digital that communicate clearly, achieve marketing ceremony hosted by the Sri Lanka Institute awards ceremony in the country, SLIM DIGIS goals, and push the boundaries. of Management (SLIM), the national body 2.0 recognised achievements across multiple Speaking to The Morning Brunch, Gehan along with a document of all analytics and in marketing in Sri Lanka. The SLIM DIGIS sectors including tourism, telecommunication, Blok expressed his sentiments regarding their business results associated with the campaign. was first introduced in 2018 as a means to hospitality, and lifestyle. Last year, at the achievement. “It’s a great feeling. We are a very The entries made were reviewed by a reputed celebrate ingenuity and innovation in the field inaugural awards, Blok and Dino received small organisation with us being the only two panel of judges, and evaluated in two rounds. of digital marketing for Sri Lankan companies two Golds for “How to Balance Your Baba” employees.” He also added that they do not have The video that won the Gold award, “Punchi with campaigns both within and outside of the (Seylan Bank), the first being in the Banking an office, and still operate from home. Whilst Dupathe Kathahwa”, was released just 10 days most of their production work is outsourced, the after the devastating 21 April 2019 Easter core creative work, in terms of conceptualisation, Sunday attacks. The narrative of the script, writing, and editing, is all them. written by Blok and Dino, encouraged people not Sharing his gratitude for the awards to let this event swing into a full-blown ethnic ceremony, he said: “We don’t really have a nine conflict that may result in another decades-long to five schedule, ideation is a strange process; war. The story was incredibly touching, and it’s sometimes you can crack a great concept in a few no surprise that this particular video won. minutes but there are times we end up working Sharing their plans for the future, Blok quite late into the night. It’s great to see all our commented that they want to be more innovative hard work, late nights, and sacrifices being with their concepts and grow their clientele. “We recognised.” work very hard for both our clients and audience. The submission process for these awards We aim to keep our audience entertained with is not simple; Blok explained that they had to everything we produce while ensuring all content condense their objectives, creative, and results is in line with the partner brand’s marketing Blok and Dino receiving their awards at SLIM DIGIS 2.0 into a five to seven-minute video per submission objectives.” ‘We need to keep these traditions alive’: Lt. Commander Somasiri Devendra Mariners and merchants spread ideas and Sailing Ships of Serendib: In Search of Lost Nautical Cultures technology between these cultures. While we had our own vernacular nautical culture, BY VENESSA ANTHONY Fund (CCF), and National Museums on a of maritime trade between civilisations foreign mercantile communities settled in voluntary basis. dates back at least two millennia. The the country continued to use their own craft The Dr. Roland Silva Memorial Lecture As a well-known founding member first prehistoric boats are presumed to which would have sailed in our waters at the (131st in the Monthly Lecture Series), of the International Committee on the have been dugout canoes, which were same time, for as long as necessarily needed. organised by The National Trust Sri Lanka, Underwater Cultural Heritage (ICUCH), developed independently by various stone By the 20th Century, due to European titled “Sailing Ships of Serendib: In Search he also took part in drafting the ICOMOS age populations. In ancient history, various domination, all forms of non-British of Lost Nautical Cultures”, will be delivered Charter and the UNESCO International vessels were used for coastal fishing and watercraft had ceased to be of relevance. by Lt. Commander Somasiri Devendra Convention. He is very well researched in travel. The lecture will touch on three watercrafts online via Zoom tomorrow (27). his field of interest. The first true ocean-going boats were that were left as it, with a focus on an The lecture will focus on the interesting Speaking to The Morning Brunch, Lt. invented by the Austronesian peoples, account of efforts to re-discover material nautical culture in Sri Lanka in the 20th Commander Somasiri Devendra talked using novel technologies like multihulls, information of the three cultures behind Century. about what we can expect from this lecture. outriggers, crab claw sails, and tanja these ships: How they came to be here, Lt. Commander Somasiri Devendra Somasiri Devendra set his eyes on “I want to bring attention to this field, as it sails. This enabled the rapid spread of who built them, who sailed them, what they the field of maritime heritage studies is rarely spoken about, so that the audience Austronesians into the islands of both the were like, and why they disappeared. It is and interesting history, but our maritime after retirement, under the guidance of will learn and gain knowledge on the subject Indian and the Pacific Oceans, known as about sailing ships and not boats, based cultures are not spoken about as often even Vini Vitharana. He introduced maritime of nautical cultures.” He further added that the Austronesian expansion. They laid the on material evidence rather than literary though we need to hold on to these aspects archaeology as a mainstream activity of one will learn about sailing ships and the groundwork for the maritime trade routes references. of our history and pass them down to the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology long history behind them. into South Asia and the Arabian Sea by Commander Devendra added that generations to come.” (PIAR) and International Council on Giving us a bit of insight into the history around 1000 to 600 BC, which would later maritime history is an important heritage of Catch the lecture on their Facebook Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). of nautical cultures, he informed us that become the Maritime Silk Road. our country: “I’m talking about this subject page: The National Trust Sri Lanka. He led every project on behalf of the maritime history dates back thousands of Sri Lanka was linked by sea to maritime because we need to keep these traditions Register to watch at https://forms.gle/ Archaeological Dept., Central Cultural years. In ancient maritime history, evidence cultures of the Euro-Asian landmass. alive. Sri Lanka has always had a rich KGyv7xH3MEsBHLuP9. 124 brunch „„ www.themorning.lk { ARTS } Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Season 2 of “Beats of One Nation”, which was streamed online, featured seven talented young artists from across the island

Review

Danu Innasithamby compering at the event

Lankans will be judged not by their “Beats of One Nation” featured BEATS OF ONE NATION ethnicity, their religion, the size of seven finalists performing six original their bank account, the district from tracks, created entirely for the concert, which they come, or the school they with the music composition courtesy A CONCERT OF UNITY AND HEALING went to, but simply by the strength of of Ken Lappen Studios, and lyrics their character, and where Sri Lanka penned by Chamath Nalaka and BY NAVEED ROZAIS can finally be a nation that lives up to Uthpala Maduwanthi. “Beats of its potential. One Nation” also featured guest Youth impact organisation Speaking on “Beats of One Nation”, performances by Randhir and The Sri Lanka Unites held the de Visser shared that the performers Singing Potatoes. second season of “Beats in the concert hailed from all parts of The seven finalists who performed of One Nation” through a the island, and from all Sri Lanka’s at “Beats of One Nation” were virtual concert on 23 January, ethnicities and religions, highlighting Neelambary Selvachandran, Hemashi how music can act as a universal Withana, Janeth Fernandopoulle, Esala featuring seven singers language bringing people of different Morayes, Sadushi Pathirana, Abdullah from all Sri Lanka’s religious castes, creeds, and socioeconomic Murad, and Anjana Liyanagamage. background and ethnicities backgrounds together. “Beats of One Nation” was headed coming together to sing for a Speaking to the audience and to Sri by Sri Lankan rapper Randhir Witana, peaceful, just, and thriving Sri Lanka’s youths, de Visser said: “May a passionate supporter of Sri Lanka Lanka. you be healed by these songs and Unites. Speaking at the event, these words. May you be inspired by Witana explained that “Beats of One Sri Lanka Unites Founder Prashan these dreams, and may you receive the Nation”, the first edition of which de Visser spoke at the event, sharing courage and motivation you need to took place in 2018, brings together how Sri Lanka Unites, a movement lead this nation, to serve this nation, amateur musicians from all part of Sri for reconciliation and unity, which was so that we all can one day say we are Lanka, getting them into a studio to formed in 2009 following the Sri Lankan finally the nation that we deserve. A create original music with a positive civil war, aims to promote a united Sri nation that the world will respect for underlying message that harnesses Lankan identity, and that “Beats of One De Visser spoke about the power sharing that the new generation every Sri Lankan can have dreams the beauty of our people and for the the unifying power of music to bring Nation” uses music, one of humanity’s the new generation has to build a has the power to be the one that and attain them. beauty of our diversity,” stressing that people together. best gifts, to help make this vision come new future for Sri Lanka, a nation unites, saying no to violence and De Visser adopted a quote from it is very important not to let people “Beats of One Nation” Season 2 to life because of the ability of music to that has been through so much yes to an inclusive Sri Lanka that Martin Luther King, sharing that divide us, and to always keep working may be viewed in its entirety via the heal, tell a story, and make an impact. violence, extremism, and hate, can prosper and develop, and where he too has a dream – a day where Sri for justice for all. Sri Lanka Unites Facebook page.

Moments from ‘Beats of One Nation’

people. “When I finally got the guts to show people my magic, the reactions were amazing! People loved it, which increased my motivation to make people smile with my magic.” He named Yasas Gunaratne, founder of Knight of Illusions, as his inspiration. ‘Magic Banda’ When you mention the word magic or magician in Sri Lanka, Magic Banda stated that the first thing that comes to mind is a guy with a coat, top hat, and rabbit, at a kids party. He informed us that this is only one of on magic many different styles of magic: “I am a close up magician, so I like vibing off people and interacting with them. If you think of guys like David Coperfield, they’re big illusionists, and there are also comedy magicians and mentalists and card sharks in the field as well.” and music Magic Banda is also a solo musician, who three years ago, decided to enter the music industry full time. He currently plays with five other musicians in a band by the name Link. They play many covers of movie songs, which are loved by their fans. Currently, they are some of the most anticipated performers at Colombar on Saturday nights and Re.pub.lk on Fridays. He explained that they used to perform quite a lot on the southern side of the country, in cities like Galle, Matara, and Tangalle, catering to both foreign and local crowds, but with the pandemic, they have been unable to acquire any gigs due to the lack of tourists. He is optimistic that Magic Banda in action business will pick up again with the airports opening, and they’ll be able to perform down South again. “Even BY VENESSA ANTHONY with the pandemic, the situation in terms of the music industry is picking up.” Kusal Bandaranayake, widely known as Magic Banda, He added that after the first lockdown, the situation is, as he phrased it, “in the business of putting a smile on picked up quite well around June, but after the second one peoples faces with the power of music and magic”. He’s was placed, it dropped drastically. “I believe everything a talented magician with a passion for music. has a life cycle; if something decreases, it has to come Speaking to The Morning Brunch, Magic Banda took back up again. I know times are tough right now, but the us through his journey as a magician. “The first time I most important thing is to focus on being ready when picked up a pack of cards, I was 19 years old. My cousins things pick back up.” and I watched a couple of DVDs on magic, and after Talking about his plans for the year, he said: “Our main watching them, I thought, the next time I see my cousins focus for this year is the band.” He also added that they I should show them these magic tricks.” are in discussions about two concerts. He encouraged From there on he dwelled into the world of magic, their fans to keep an eye on their social media page to and the first thing that he learned was card tricks. As a find out what they have up their sleeve. teenager, he would always ask for loads of card packs as gifts, and would stand in front of a mirror to practice his magic, before he eventually began performing for @MagicBanda brunch 134 Tuesday, January 26, 2021 { LIFESTYLE/EVENTS } „„ www.themorning.lk THE

DIARIES BY KUMAR DE SILVA

“The Bonsoir Diaries” by Kumar de Silva is a cocktail of chapters, bursting at the seams with pithy asides, a was Siri’s stardom. Mind you in a front-view shot, one trail of faux pas, and this was the mid ‘80s. looks flat, like the proverbial tit-bits from behind the He played dual roles and pancake. And so the plain scenes, marinated with had a plethora of stories to and nondescript nose I was anecdotes and drizzled relate. All one had to do was born with in the very early with nostalgia, revealing to sit in the chair, admire ‘60s, took on an aquiline everything you never oneself in the mirror (make- quality and gave me a saw on your favourite up chairs ARE a narcissist’s temporary, yet massive, scripts and U-matic cassettes paradise, I must add) and ego boost. television show…from (DVDs were unheard of) to the ‘80s through the ‘90s “just bee” (nikaaang inna). My very first recording ITN for the recordings and And as one just “bee- was in late December 1985 into 2000. editing. ed”, one chatted, one joked, for Bonsoir’s first-ever Bonsoir had no studio Going to ITN today is a Those early one swapped yarns, and, at programme for the New Year. of its own. I think there was dream, with those fabulously the end of it all, one was I remember triple-busing it a very makeshift one at the carpeted and well-lit roads. “picture perfect” – not a home – Wickramasinghepura Alliance Française at Ward But at that time, ITN seemed flaw, not a blackhead, to Borella to Thummulla to Place during Aruni Devaraja’s far away and at the other not a pimple, not a Nugegoda. In all three buses time. When I took over in end of the world. The roads recordings CHAPTER wrinkle. One was I found people looking at me January 1986, we carted were dark and bad and rutty, simply “picture and smiling with me. This is the buses took a month of perrrfect”. And a miracle, I thought. I hadn’t Sundays to arrive, the journey it felt good too, even appeared on TV and exhaustive. T.S. Eliot’s at ITN… 3 because harsh reality people had recognised me “Journey of the Magi” often came later when one’s already? came to mind. tyres and refusing to climb the The way ITN make-up was removed Wow. I felt absolutely I remember trekking Wickremesinghepura hill. presenters “looked” was in and one came face to face elated. it to ITN with the French To me, however, the the able hands of Kopi Kade’s with one’s face. Ah! This was short-lived when Embassy’s Cultural Attaché whole “package” was novel Dingi Mahaththaya (alias On my very first day, I went home and discovered at that time, Loïc Lebigre, in and exciting...leisurely too. K.D. Siripala), ITN’s chief Siri seriously said: “Dang to my absolute horror that his old Peugeot. If to Eliot it The first stop was in the make-up artist. Siri was a star. nahaya kapanna onay” (we Siripala’s heavy make-up was was, “…the camels galled, ITN canteen, a rather rustic Outsiders who came to ITN have to cut your nose now). still on my face! sore-footed, refractory, lying experience in the mid 1980s. for recordings often went into Aouchhhh!!! I winced in I didn’t want to think down in the melting snow...”, I loved it there with its maalu an initial state of shock when anticipated pain. What he about what they thought of me. to me it was that obstinate and paan, bibikkan, lavariyas, they found Dingi Mahaththaya meant was that he had to Next week: Chapter 4: wretched little car, going flat halapers, gnanakathas, and doing their faces. They were darken the sides of the nose The French Cancan – in one or more of its stupid steaming ginger tea. awed and felt honoured. Such to give it a 3D effect, or else legendary theme music

CHINT Global Conference CHINT Energy Sri Lanka wins HelpAge free cataract ‘Marketing Innovation Award 2020’ surgeries benefit CHINT Energy (Pvt.) We highly appreciate and Ltd., Sri Lanka’s authorised commend the supportive role and sole distributor of CHINT of CHINT Global, in assisting senior citizens electric products, was awarded the distributors during these The HelpAge Eye Hospital that the “Marketing Innovation turbulent times.” performs free cataract surgeries for senior Award” at the CHINT Global CHINT Energy Managing citizens restarted operations last week, Conference held in January Director Kamil Hussain shared: keeping in line with the health guidelines. 2021. “We are truly honoured to Twenty free cataract surgeries are The CHINT Global receive this award, and this performed a day on low-income senior Conference was held as a virtual is the only award bestowed CHINT Energy Chairman Faham Nauman CHINT Energy wins Marketing citizens over 55 years of age at the event, and was attended by more and Managing Director Kamil Hussain in recognition of marketing Innovation Award 2020 HelpAge Eye Hospital located at Sinsapa than 150 worldwide distributors. innovation at this 2020 global Road, Wellawatta, Colombo 6 (opposite CHINT Energy, representing Sri recorded unprecedented growth conference. We are proud to expanded its wings with a Savoy Cinema). HelpAge invites less- Patients after their cataract surgeries Lanka, won this award, riding during 2020, a year marred by bring glory to Sri Lanka with strong local dealer network of privileged senior citizens in the country on the company’s marketing the Covid-19 pandemic. this award. This remarkable 25 across the island. CHINT to have their cataract surgeries done free hospital has so far completed 38,000 free excellence, growth, and strong Commenting on the award, achievement would not have Energy has a wide range of charge at this hospital. cataract surgeries on senior citizens from market share. CHINT Energy Chairman been possible if not for our of smart energy solutions, HelpAge Chairman Deshabandu its inception. Surgeries are performed CHINT Energy stated it Faham Nauman said: “We take team of dedicated and world- including switches, sockets, Tilak de Zoysa said the HelpAge Eye by qualified doctors using high-quality has been pioneering both digital humble pride in clinching this class professionals. Our highly circuit breakers, protection Hospital was reopened following requests eye lenses with the state-of-the-art and conventional innovative momentous award. We emerged talented team has been the pillar devices, motor control devices, made by senior citizens from all parts of technology. He thanked donors for their marketing techniques, leading victorious among 150 countries of success for us, and I am contractors, solar energy the country. kind gesture to make this free surgery programme a success, considering the to its market resurgence. The at the global conference. We blessed to be a part of such a equipment, and many others. According to HelpAge Eye Hospital living conditions of underprivileged company added that it has would like to dedicate this wonderful team.” CHINT Energy has also Manager Lakshman Amaratunga, the elders in the country. expanded its dealer network and award to all the members of Ever since CHINT Energy established a one-of-a-kind cataract surgeries will commence on product portfolio, while building our company who worked received the authorised flagship experience centre that Monday, 25 January (today). Patients can contact the eye hospital customers’ trust towards the tirelessly around the clock to distributor status from CHINT showcases the entire CHINT HelpAge Executive Director on 0112589450/0112500056 CHINT brand. It also reportedly reach new levels of success. Global in 2019, the company product portfolio. Samantha Liyanawaduge said the to avoid any inconvenience.

ProRide Safety Riding Academy STAFFORD MOTORS Training session automatic and manual gear systems, AND PRORIDE LAUNCH providing every possible riding experience for the participants. The courses offered during this NEW SAFETY INITIATIVE training will cater to new bike users, Safety Riding Academy” aims to consists of an air-conditioned latest tools, and ample parking space license holders and license-seekers, be instrumental in raising riding classroom with multimedia projector for participants. as well as corporate customers and children. Participants getting their wheels steady at standards of two-wheeler riders facility, separate male and female Furthermore, the facility has the ProRide Safety Training Academy of Sri Lanka, while imparting the washing and changing facilities, a invested in a range of motorcycles Aspiring riders will be offered importance of road safety and technical workshop equipped with and scooters from 100-250cc with varied riding courses based responsible riding on the minds of all on their age and requirement. Stafford Motors, a leading local automotive seller and the Each basic course will consist authorised local representative of Honda, launched its riders at their formative ages. The educational initiative will of theory, demonstration, and educational venture named “ProRide Safety Riding Academy” be backed by Stafford’s strength practical elements, and it will in early September 2020, in a joint effort with ProRide (Pvt.) Ltd., as market leader of two-wheeler cover techniques on all relevant owned by the former racing legend Feroz Omar. vehicles in Sri Lanka under the areas related to riding. The special “Learning to ride might not lessons to learn road signs and safety affiliation of the global brand Honda, training for kids will include outdoor be an easy task for a beginner. It guidelines,” stated Feroz Omar at the along with the guidance of the racing training sessions covering the road requires careful supervision from launch ceremony. visionary Omar and the expertise of crossing and traffic rules, whereas the experienced instructors during their This project was initiated the trainers with their experience in indoor classroom sessions will cover novice period. Our well-trained under the objective of promoting the field of riding with specialised the road signs and safety guidelines instructors and demonstrations will safe riding in Sri Lanka, while training from Honda Thailand. explained through interactive videos deliver this task with advanced following the Honda global safety The state-of-the-art 300m safety and games. modern-day training programme principle “Safety for Everyone” by riding track situated at the ProRide Further details on this project may packages that suit all riders with utilising proper riding techniques premises has been developed be obtained via Chathuranga on any level of experience. Classroom through high-quality training. Thus, according to the international safety 0768 950 870, or Charindu on training will provide the required the establishment of “ProRide and riding standards. The facility 0767 019 674. 144 sports „„ www.themorning.lk { SPORTS } Tuesday, January 26, 2021 Percy Abeysekera z Sri Lanka’s one-man cheer squad: the legacy continues “Dear Percy, Drink arrack. Look after the tone in your voice. Your country needs it better than you do. Regards!” – Curent India Head Coach Ravi Shastri

Famous Percy quotes: yy Russel Arnold is out of form and having a poor run in international cricket. Yet he said this to Percy after one match during the period:

“Uncle, you are now boring.” Percy’s reply: “I’m boring son because you are not scoring.” yy To former West Indies Captain Alvin Kallicharran, who is said to be an ardent of Calypso music lover: “Let’s put man and woman together, To see which one is smarter, Some say man, but I say no, Woman is smart - but not so long ago.” “I had a girl called Caroline, She called me Honey Boy all the time, But when I went home late last night, She was doing ding-dong-bell with a friend of mine.” (In fact Kallicharran had wanted the above lyrics in writing after hearing those)

yy Australia’s David Boon comes into bat at the SSC, minutes before lunch. Percy sings: “Come on Boon - You Tasmanian goon, Come back soon, before noon.” Boon actually gets out early and as furious as he has always been, returns to the SSC pavilion fuming. Percy goes The first pitch invasion in the early 1970s: near him to say “bad luck Boon”. The “A happy supporter hugs and kisses brawny Aussie starts chasing Percy to hit Jayaweera on his completing his half him with his bat but trips and falls over. century”, says the photo caption on the Percy survives a major blow. But Percy following-day newspaper report written by veteran journo T.M.K. Samat was lucky as Boon trips and falls.

Percy Abeysekera waving the national flag

BY REVATA S. SILVA Percy Abeysekera Museum He has always been thankful to Percy fell in his bathroom last month. to be opened in Kalutara Padmini Amarasinghe, who is no more, The reason was he has had a mild for presenting him with the first cricket stroke. The doctor took an x-ray of A timely and much-needed move. book which she had bought in England his head and showed it to him. The “Percy Abeysekera Museum”. An in the 1940s. doctor has checked everything and anecdote of 70 years of Sri Lanka’s And without the Madanayake family, told Percy that his every report is cricket. Isn’t that important? who had been sponsoring Percy under okay and the head is alright. Percy The Kalutara Town Club (KTC) the tag ACL Cables for many years now, said, “Thank you doctor, after 88 headed by Deepal Perera is planning Percy’s journey would not have been years I got to know that I have a brain to have a fully fledged museum for not so fruitful. inside my head.” the legendary one-man cheer squad of Some consider him to be a lunatic. Sri Lankan cricket, Percy Abeysekera, Who said what on Percy: Others believe he is a drunkard. Some who has watched cricket from Sir Don “To Percy; Look after your voice – Sri others say he craves for publicity. The Bradman to Richie Benaud to Allan Lanka needs it! Best wishes!” name “Percy” however is known in the Border to Ricky Ponting to Steven entire cricket world. But only a few notice Smith – from DS to Mrs. B to JR to – Former England Captain David Gower that what he has done needed meticulous MR to GR – covers Sri Lanka’s cricket planning, untiring passion and effort, from post Independence to Roy-Thora “It is not whether you won or lost. But and some sort of professionalism. Is it domination in Ceylonese cricket to the how much noise you made.” This famous photo which Wisden carried in February 1982 showing Percy escorting Chris Tavare of England to the pavilion in Sri Lanka’s inaugural Test at P. Sara is now through pure spirit or, as one might argue, first Test under Bandula Warnapura to – New Zealand cricketer Ian Smith displayed at the world famous Lord’s, England through spirits that he achieved all those Arjuna and co’s World Cup victory to accolades as the most popular cheerer of Mahela and Sanga era to the present era. “Many thanks for your support, world cricket? The museum could therefore also friendship, and fairness.” The first-ever pitch invasion: By doing so in the last hours of One thing is certain. Percy Abeysekera, display not only “(Cricket) Crazy – Sir Richard Hadlee A turning point in a cheering the game, he intended to delay the in his own unique manner, has carved a Percy’s” story but also the story of a career proceedings to help hosts to salvage niche for himself as the most precious and magnificent cricketing nation which To Percy Papadon (reference for he is This was perhaps the turning point in a draw – a classic case of “indirect” historic element in the art of cheerleading rose from minnows to world beaters always making noise like when you eat Percy’s cheerleading life. Quite unknown pitch invasion. Unperturbed by warnings in the world of cricket. through a journey of almost 50 years. pappadam). Sri Lanka on the bottom, to the cricket fraternity in Sri Lanka and by the police, perhaps being spurred Our readers too can get more New Zealand on top, Percy on sideline, without his inseparable Lion’s flag in to stage the first major pitch invasion information, share views, supply says “whack it in, pop!” Regards! you’re hand, Percy had been present at almost recorded in an international cricket match material, photos, books, newspaper a beaut” every single cricket match of national in Colombo, Percy did his tricks –taking and magazine articles, unseen video – New Zealand legend Martin Crow significance since 1948. the guard and shadow bating etcetera-- in footages, various paraphernalia, and But in the early 1970s, at the Oval, the middle for some time. Yet the police souvenirs to: “A great character and talker. Should Asitha Jayaweera was leading Sri Lanka soon caught him and “our fellow” ended Email: [email protected] stand for parliamentary elections. All Under-19 against a touring Australian up in the Borella Police custody. Telephone: +94 34 2229 638 the best!” Under-19 side. Jayaweera was having Former Sri Lanka skipper Mahadevan (between 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. every day – Pakistan batsman and commentator a fine match-saving knock on the final- Sathasivam bailed out Percy for a fee of except Poya Days) Rameez Raja day afternoon of the three-dayer. The Rs.100. Percy gets out of Borella Police Or the Official Facebook of Aussies by the time of the match had by eight in the evening to a rousing Kalutara Town Club To Percy, The voice of Sri Lanka. May earned the wrath of all cricket lovers welcome by many hundreds of spectators you continue to ‘boom’ and ‘bloom’ with here for sledging the minnow Lankans of the U-19 match against Australia at the The Kalutara Town Club, which won for the first-ever inter-club His witticism and knack for rhyming Sri Lanka cricket while calling them “short f****s” and Sara, who had come to the police to see first-class cricket tournament in Ceylon, in 1937. The team featured Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu (seated 3rd from left), who was the first is very much known. But only a few – Sunil Gavaskar of India “black b*****s”. what had happened to Percy. They have President of the Board of Control for Cricket in Ceylon, and Percy’s would know his strong family roots that Percy was so determined to teach the come with good news: Asitha Jayaweera first employer Cyril de Zoysa (seated 4-L), the Captain. Also in the are linked to generations of respected Dearest Uncle Percy, Thank you for “snooty Aussies” a lesson, he went to the and his team have salvaged a draw. The picture are Sir Andrew Caldecott, Governor of Ceylon (seated 5-L) school teachers and principals in southern giving all the support for Sri Lankan middle to congratulate Jayaweera on the umpires have called bad light just after and media giant D. R. Wijewardane (seated 6-L), who sponsored the tournament. Percy is still a member of KTC Sri Lanka before and after the British cricket and all the best! batsman’s 50. But he had other ideas. the Percy fiasco on the P. Sara pitch. colonial period. – Muttiah Muralitharan (in 20020 sports 154 Tuesday, January 26, 2021 { SPORTS } „„ www.themorning.lk

8TH COMMANDER’S CUP GOLF AT EAGLE’S LINK COURSE, CHINA BAY Senadheera, Ariyarathne

Sanjeewa Ariyarathne receives the men’s main trophy from Ministry of Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne win plum title

A war veteran taking to golf: Ministry of Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne

Anusha Senadheera and Sanjeewa Ariyarathne won the main titles at the eighth Commander’s Cup Golf Championship 2021 held on Saturday (23) at the Eagle’s Link Golf Course, China Bay, Trincomalee. PHOTOS PRADEEP DAMBARAGE

Air Force Commander Air Vice Marshal Anusha Senadheera, the Sudarshana Pathirana women’s champions A female participant at the picturesque China Bay course

“It probably doesn’t help that in true slow left-arm style, he comes to press conferences after his most successful haul ever, and gives answers like this: ‘Thanks for your question. I’ve done Sri Lanka, bar a lot of spot bowling and that’s how I’ve improved little by little. In the match I bowled line and length and made small, small variations. There was help from the wicket. I landed the ball on the same spot and hoped Embuldeniya, the wicket would do the rest.’” Let’s throw in some numbers. Lasith bore the brunt of the bowling. His seven for 137 in the first innings were off 42 overs (the rest of the bowling attack accounted for 74 overs Denara de Silva of which Dilruwan Perera bowled 32. were ‘spotless’ In the second innings he bowled 20 of SRI LANKA TENNIS the 43 overs that England needed for NATIONALS 2020 the Test. These and of course Lasith a six-wicket win and a 2-0 series win. Interception Embuldeniya’s seven-wicket haul. He took three wickets for 73 runs. He would eventually get a 10-for The lesson is “application”. It’s U-12 titles in the match. We can talk about about focusing. It’s about figuring BY MALINDA SENEVIRATNE consolation prizes, but this out the particular “spot” and keeping is not the moment. one’s eyes on it. For Lasith, it’s about go to Denara It’s a take from line and length. For, say, Dinesh So. Sri Lanka is once again at the something that Andrew Chandimal (in the second innings), embarrassing end of a 2-0 series result. Fidel Fernando, in his “the spot” could have been “the and Ganuka Sure, there were injuries, but it was inimitable way, wrote determination to play a risk free Denara de Silva of St. Bridget’s Convent, not as much a plague as was the case or rather quoted in a innings”. Well, that could be applied Colombo, beat Dulkini Ranasinghe 6/3, 6/1, in South Africa a few weeks ago. Cricinfo piece, “Lasith to all the frontline batsmen. Ironically, while Ganuka Fernando of St. Joseph’s College, Indeed, some may have entertained Embuldeniya’s Embuldeniya coming in at No. 10, Nogombo, beat Abdul Cader 6/4, 6/1 in the finals legitimate hopes that Sri Lanka would unsexy virtues put top scored with 40 (the next highest of the girls’ and boys’ segments, respectively, in square the series at the end of the third him on the right was Ramesh Mendis, who got just the Under-12 category of the Sri Lanka Tennis day’s play on Sunday. path”. Here’s 16 runs). Lasith spared Sri Lanka Nationals, presently being held at the Sri Lanka A 1-0 loss was highly unlikely the quote: some (but not all) blushes. Yes, that’s Tennis Association (SLTA) hard courts at Green given the amount of time left in the another story. Path, Colombo. game (almost six sessions) when Sri “The spot.” Joe Root obviously Other results yesterday (25): Lanka went to bat a second time with knew what “the spot” relevant to Girls’ U-18 semi-finals: a slender lead. England had to bat last. him was in the first innings. It was 1) Oneli Perera beat Sethmi Sumanaweera, It all came down to crease-occupation. not going to be easy, but he put 6/2, 6/1 There were loads of time left. Bat out a price on his wicket. A high 2) Savini Jayasuriya beat Dewmini day four and see where you are, go for price. James Anderson knew Warnasuriya, 6/2, 6/1 quick runs, declare (or get yourself all his “spot”. He took six wickets Boys’ U-18 semi-finals: out) and back your three spinners on for 40 off 29 overs, of which 1) Luca Knese beat K. Vairavanathan, 7/6 a tricky wicket — the simplicity of no less than 20 were maidens. (7/3), 6/1 formulas have to be obtained on the Accuracy. Persistence. 2) Chathurya Nilaweera beat Thehan ground, though. Patience. Relentlessness. The Wijemanne, 7/6 (7/3), 6/2 The batsmen seemed to have fallen hard yards. Call it whatever in love with the pavilion — they came you want, all these things out of the hatch and scurried back in are spot-things, so to speak. ‘There was help from as though a few minutes in the sun the wicket. I landed the Sri Lanka was “spotless” would bring on a stroke. They left a lot ball on the same spot and in this case that’s not of questions out there in Galle. They and hoped the wicket something to cheer. themselves have to answer as do the would do the rest,’ said management, selectors and coaching Lasith Embuldeniya, (The writer can seen here walking staff. That’s for later and for those off with the ball after be reached at who know the subject. claiming seven wickets malindasenevi@ Sure there were some encouraging for 137 gmail.com performances: Angie’s century, or www. Dickwella’s highest Test score, malindawords@ Dilruwan’s half-century, and a decent blogspot.com) first-innings score was what probably Ganuka Fernando made some people believe that Sri PHOTOS ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI Lanka had a good chance of winning „„ www.themorning.lk Tuesday, January 26, 2021 Klopp unmoved as Liverpool lose Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp has responded to his side’s FA Cup defeat by Manchester United on Sunday (24) by saying “don’t worry about us”. The loss to their fierce rivals means Liverpool have now won only one of their past seven games. The defending champions have also fallen to fourth in the Premier League, six points Yupun sets another record behind leaders United. “I saw a Yupun Abeykoon of Sri Lanka, who is known to be South Asia’s fastest, has lot of steps in the right direction set a new Sri Lanka record in Ancona, Italy, in men’s 60 metres at an indoor and that’s all good,” said Klopp. athletic championship on Sunday (24). He has timed 6.59 seconds to surpass his own record of 6.78 set in 2017 at the same city. sportsJayasuriya denies he is contesting for SLC hot seat z Kangadaran Mathivanan says he’s confident of winning In response to our sports page Meanwhile talking to The AGM. rid of (former Sri Lanka Head suffered at the hands of England lead story on Monday (25), former Morning Sports, former SLC Vice “The date is not announced for Coach Chandika) Hathurusingha yesterday. Sri Lanka Captain and legendary President Kangadaran Mathivanan the AGM yet. Once the date is and (Sri Lanka team Manager “See what has happened now. batsman Sanath Jayasuriya said said yesterday that it is impractical announced only, the clubs get Asanka) Gurusinha. Under those You can see the performance of he has no interest whatsoever to to say one party is leading by 47 their mandates. Before that, it two, Sri Lanka were picking up the team now. They have sent back contest for the presidency of Sri votes, as was mentioned in our is not possible to say that one their performance and even won a many good coaches and filled Lanka Cricket (SLC) at its next story on Monday, because the SLC party is ahead of another. That’s Test series in South Africa as well,” the vacancies just for the sake of Annual General Meeting (AGM), member clubs are yet to express impractical. recalled Mathivanan, referring to filling them. There is no consistent Kangadaran Mathivanan Sanath Jayasuriya slated to be held before end of May. their mandates before the proposed “The present SLC officials got the 2-0 series defeat Sri Lanka performance as a result,” he added.

Many things to be rectified. The hosts lost their third Test in a row at Galle against England yesterday (25) with a day to spare too

Sri Lanka first innings 381 all out in 139.3 overs England first innings 344 all out in 116.1 overs SRI LANKA SECOND INNINGS Kusal Perera lbw b Leach 14 Lahiru Thirimanne c Za Crawley b Leach 13 Oshada Fernando c Crawley b Bess 3 Angelo Mathews b Bess 5 Dinesh Chandimal (Capt.) c Anderson b Leach 9 Niroshan Dickwella (wk) c Lawrence b Bess 7 Ramesh Mendis c Buttler b Leach 16 Dilruwan Perera c Crawley b Bess 4 Suranga Lakmal not out 11 Lasith Embuldeniya c Bairstow b Root 40 Asitha Fernando b Root 0 Extras (nb 1, b 3) 4 DISGRACED Total (all out in 35.5 overs) 126 z SL decimated in Galle by England, loses series 2-0 Fall of wickets:1-19 (K. Perera, 5.2 ov), 2-29 (O. Fernando, 10.4 ov), 3-37 (Thirimanne, 13.5 ov), 4-37 (Mathews, 14.4 ov), 5-47 (Chandimal, 15.6 ov), The once “happy hunting ground” of the islanders –Galle– has turned out to be Sri Lanka would have fancied their chances needed to bat cautiously but the fragile batting 6-66 (Dickwella, 20.1 ov), 7-70 (D. Perera, 22.3 ov), the most irritating venue for the Lankans. The substandard Sri Lanka team lost to of causing an upset with England at 89/4 but unit collapsed. The next three wickets fell in 8-78 (R. Mendis, 25.1 ov), 9-126 (Embuldeniya, 35.4 England the second Test yesterday by six wickets after a second-innings collapse Sibley and Buttler had other plans. three successive overs. Leach got Thirimanne ov), 10-126 (A. Fernando, 35.5 ov) for 126 to England spinners Dom Bess, Jack Leach, and Joe Root. with Crawley pouching another catch at short Bowling: James Anderson 2-0-6-0, Sam Curran The venue, which holds a legend as Sri England’s march to 164 was anything but Embuldeniya, only sixth Lankan leg. Bess then bowled the first-innings centurion to take a seven-for 2-0-9-0, Dom Bess 16-1-49-4, Jack Leach 14-1-59-4 Lanka’s most successful Test venue –where smooth, as they lost four wickets, three of Angelo Mathews, the ball spinning and slipping (1nb), Joe Root 1.5-1-0-2 they used to begin series against the most them to Lasith Embuldeniya, who finished Earlier in the day, England could only add under his bat to crash into the off-stump. powerful Test nations quite successfully with a 10-wicket match haul. As many 15 five more runs to their overnight total and were In the next over, Leach removed captain ENGLAND SECOND INNINGS through two decades– had now become wickets fell in the day, all of them to spin. bowled out for 344. Embuldeniya ended with Dinesh Chandimal as he looked to heave and Zak Crawley c Oshada Fernando b Embuldeniya 13 England’s lucky venue in the island, as the Dom Sibley’s restrained and patient knock 7/137, becoming only the sixth bowler from top-edged it to James Anderson, who raced Dom Sibley not out 56 Englishmen have now recorded three back- of unbeaten 56 and unfinished 75-run stand Sri Lanka to take seven-plus wickets in a Test back from mid-on to snaffle a simple grab. Jonny Bairstow lbw b Embuldeniya 29 to-back wins there since 2018. with Jos Buttler (46 not out) was the highlight innings. The hosts managed to secure a slim Bess then caught up with Leach, dismissing Joe Root (Capt.) b Ramesh Mendis 11 The likes of Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, and of England’s second innings. The duo first 37-run lead. Niroshan Dickwella (7) in the final over before Dan Lawrence c Dickwella b Embuldeniya 2 Jofra Archer never played for the tourists in stabilised the visitors, then batted responsibly England meted out the same treatment they had the lunch break – another tame dismissal with Jos Buttler (wk) not out 46 the series. Sri Lanka have been decimated by to see them past the finishing line. suffered as their spinners wreaked havoc over Sri the batsman driving straight down the throat of Extras (nb 3, lb 4) 7 an English side where many thought would Opener Zak Crawley failed yet again, Lanka. Joe Root brought out the spinners soon the cover fielder. Total (for 4 wickets in 43.3 overs) 164 have struggled in the Galle turner, but what managing just 13 runs before getting out to after just four overs of pace and was rewarded Dilruwan Perera (4) fell in the second over Did not bat: Sam Curran, Dom Bess, Jack Leach, happened in the end was the other way round. Embuldeniya. Sibley dropped his anchor at for his move. By lunch, Jack Leach and Dom after lunch, another catch to Crawley at short leg. Mark Wood, and James Anderson Following is how icc-cricket.com reported the other end and along with Jonny Bairstow, Bess snared three scalps each to leave the hosts Ramesh Mendis missed the sweep to depart for Fall of wickets: 1-17 (Crawley, 4.5 ov), 2-62 yesterday’s proceedings in Galle. ensured that the visitors didn’t suffer any struggling on 67/6. 16. Embuldeniya then continued his form with (Bairstow, 14.5 ov), 3-84 (Root, 21.5 ov), 4-89 England stuttered in the chase of 164 but more hiccups until tea. First to depart was Kusal Perera, who swiped bat, playing some classy shots. He resisted with a (Lawrence, 24.6 ov) eventually scaled the target with six wickets The duo put on a 45-run stand for the to the leg-side and missed and was caught in quick 40, counter-attacking with aggressive shots. Sri Lanka: Lasith Embuldeniya 20-3-73-3 (2nb), to spare to win the Test series 2-0 against second wicket with Bairstow falling to front of middle and off as Leach drew first blood. In the end, Root was forced to bring himself Dilruwan Perera 13.3-1-39-0 (1nb), Ramesh Mendis Sri Lanka in Galle yesterday (25). Embuldeniya after a 28-ball 29. The visitors He and Bess bowled in tandem, extracting turns into the attack and dismissed Embuldeniya and 10-0-48-1 With the victory, they have gained 60 stumbled further in the last session, first from the wickets and strangling the scoring rate. Asitha Fernando in back-to-back deliveries as Result: England won by six wickets crucial points in the International Cricket losing captain Joe Root for 11 as he was Bess then dismissed Oshada Fernando, who got Sri Lanka folded for 126. Series: England won 2-0 Council (ICC) World Test Championship bowled by Ramesh Mendis. Three overs a thick inside edge while defending and ended England became the first team in Test history Player of the Match: Joe Root (England) standings and are in fourth spot, just 0.5% later, Dan Lawrence became Embuldeniya’s up giving Crawley a catch at short leg. to take 10 wickets with seam in the first innings Player of the Series: Joe Root (England) behind Australia. 10th victim of the match. With two wickets down in 11 overs, Sri Lanka and 10 wickets with spin in the second.

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