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For verified information on the GENERAL PREVENTIVE GUIDELINES COVID-19 LOCAL CASES COVID-19 CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any of the IN THE WORLD following authorities ACTIVE CASES TOTAL CASES 1999 TOTAL CASES Health Promotion Bureau 2,010 Suwasariya Quarantine Unit 0112 112 705 9,757,432 Ambulance Service Epidemiology Unit 0112 695 112 DEATHS RECOVERED Govt. coronavirus hotline 0113071073 Wash hands with soap Wear a commercially Maintain a minimum Use gloves when shopping, Use traditional Sri Lankan Always wear a mask, avoid DEATHS RECOVERD 1990 for 40-60 seconds, or rub available mask/cloth mask distance of 1 metre using public transport, etc. greeting at all times crowded vehicles, maintain PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES hands with alcohol-based or a surgical mask if showing from others, especially in and discard into a lidded instead of handshaking, distance, and wash hands 11 1619 492,731 5,285,129 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 handrub for 20-30 seconds respiratory symptoms public places bin lined with a bag hugging, and/or kissing before and after travelling 380 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 3.20 P.M. ON 26 JUNE 2020 DCSL’s suspicious ethanol cleared z Customs holds and releases 20 tankers z Suspected to be ordered after ethanol import ban BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA The shipment was ordered by the Harry before or after the government ban was Rajapaksa ordered the ban on the import ban. Commenting further, he said the State- Jayawardena-led Distilleries Company imposed, and were subsequently cleared. of ethanol, the main input of arrack, in owned Sevanagala and Palewatta sugar A shipment of ethanol ordered for the production of alcohol of Sri Lanka PLC (DCSL), the country’s He also noted that Sri Lanka Customs what the Government said was a bid to factories have commenced production of was held by Customs on suspicion that it was ordered after the largest liquor manufacturer, according to officials have been informed of such protect domestic producers. locally manufactured ethanol and the two Government imposed a ban on the import of ethanol in January, the Director General of Customs (Retd.) attempts and necessary action would be The Government last week announced factories are involved in 100% production but was cleared late on Friday evening following inspection. Major General Vijitha Ravipriya. However, taken. When contacted on Friday evening, that the ethanol ban would not be lifted and of locally manufactured ethanol, which he said investigations were conducted by Harry Jayawardena said that he was in a it would confiscate the alleged shipments has proved to be sufficient to cover the Director of Customs Sunil Jayarathna were being held by Sri Lanka Customs Customs to see whether the shipments of meeting and could not speak at that time. of ethanol that have been brought into the requirement of the country. told The Sunday Morning that 20 tankers under this suspicion. ethanol have been imported to the country In January, Finance Minister Mahinda country following the imposition of the Contd. on page 2

INCREASING ESTATE WORKERS’ WAGES 2020 GENERAL ELECTION I didn’t mean it! Cost to be under Rs. 7 b Plantations agree The Elections Secretariat is the cost exactly. But we don’t hoping to limit costs for the think it will go beyond Rs. 7 upcoming general election to billion,” Chief Accountant at the Rs. 7 billion. Elections Secretariat G.R.A.K. if subsidies given “We initially estimated Rs. 5 Gamlath told The Sunday BY SARAH HANNAN These sentiments were shared billion but we don’t know how the Morning. by the plantation company Covid-19 guidelines will affect Contd. on page 2 In a long-awaited breakthrough, owners with Prime Minister plantation company owners have Mahinda Rajapaksa at the last agreed to provide wage increments meeting held on Thursday (25) for estate workers if the Government at Temple Trees, The Sunday FIND YOUR DAILY agrees to provide them subsidies Morning learnt. and concessions in return. Contd. on page 2 ESSENTIALS THROUGH

MCC COMPACT Govts in contradiction topads.lk z Agreement harmful: Review committee member

BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA roughly amounting to $ 10 million VISIT while the US categorically denies Controversy surrounding the any such transaction despite an Millennium Challenge Corporation American company looking for www.topads.lk Vinayagamurthi Muralitharan alias “Karuna Amman” seen leaving the CID last Thursday (25) after (MCC) Compact agreement a procurement agent manager in giving a seven-hour statement over remarks made on 19 June while campaigning for the election to deepened as the review committee 2018 for contracts in support of the effect that he killed 2,000-3,000 Sri Lankan Army soldiers in one night at Elephant Pass says the previous Government the compact. PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE signed agreements on two occasions Contd. on page 2 WEDITHALATHIVE PRAWN FARM AUTOMATIC WEATHER SYSTEM De-gazetting RUWANPURA EXPRESSWAY PROJECT STEPS Awaiting Cabinet approval Audit Office Search for the product at appeal stage The Ministry of Roads and Project (REP) in order to go Highways is awaiting the ahead with its construction, The uncovers BY AGRA RANASINGHE you need on topads.lk Cabinet’s decision on the long- Sunday Morning learnt. The de-gazetting of the Wedithalathive delayed Ruwanpura Expressway Contd. on page 2 Nature Reserve, to make it available for the irregularities? Contact the mobile establishment of a prawn farm, is currently The National Audit Office (NAO) has at the appeal stage, Department of Wildlife unearthed gross irregularities with regard to number mentioned Conservation (DWC) Director General M.G.C. COVID-19 IMPACT IN SRI LANKA the Rs. 400 million-worth Doppler radar system Sooriyabandara told The Sunday Morning. project which is an automatic weather system below the product Contd. on page 2 launched 13 years ago. 30% of families Contd. on page 2 Get it delivered to your OVERDUE RENT cut down on food MIGRANT WORKER LAY-OFFS home through the seller 30% of families in Sri Lanka carried out in Sri Lanka. Rs. 50 m have already reduced their Already, half a billion people daily food consumption, with in South Asia are categorised Forex loss yet a similar number having lost all as facing food insecurity, and cost to CMC their income. UNICEF, based on its findings, uncalculated The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) is This was revealed when the predicts that in a worst-case The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment burdened by overdue rent of over Rs. 52 million effects of Covid-19 and its impacts scenario, the number of South (SLBFE) is yet to estimate the loss in foreign on three properties that were allocated to three on the country’s food security Asian children living in poverty remittances due to the return of expatriate workers former municipal council commissioners, The were highlighted by UNICEF could grow to more than 360 upon termination from their employment, but #stayhome #staysafe #groceryitem #vegetables Sunday Morning learnt. (United Nations Children’s Fund) million within six months. expects there to be a significant decrease. Contd. on page 2 during a recent survey that was Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 #fruit #deliveredtoyourdoorsteps 2 the sunday morning NEWS Sunday, June 28, 2020

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The President in early January the compact which says the Attorney recessions while families will suffer, with Distilleries’... instructed that the daily wage of a General (AG) makes a statement to the Awaiting... millions of children bearing the brunt, the Minister Pathirana further said the ban plantation worker was to be increased effect that the Government of Sri Lanka The Ministry, for the past two weeks, report indicated. on ethanol imports will enable the two accordingly with effect from 1 March. has fulfilled the necessary conditions had expected a directive to be given by the UNICEF views that an emergency factories to remain profitable over the However, the plantation owners had said including passing the compact in Cabinet of Ministers to go ahead with the Universal Child Benefit (UCB) would be next few years. they were short of funds in January. Parliament. But if the AG gives such an project, but the Cabinet had not reached a an important component of ensuring that The Minister further refuted reports During the meeting on 18 June, CWC opinion, then his hands are tied when it final decision, it is learnt. the vast majority of households across of ethanol produced at the State-owned General Secretary Jeevan Thondaman comes to defending the Government in Speaking to The Sunday Morning, South Asia can access a minimum level of Sevanagala and Palewatta sugar factories demanded the plantation company heads the future, if the Government wants to Secretary to the Ministry of Roads and income support. being of substandard quality, assuring it increase the daily wage of estate sector bring in legislation that could clash with Highways Ranjith Premasiri said that Analysis across five countries in South meets the necessary standards. workers to Rs. 1,000 by adding a price- the MCC Compact provisions.” everything with regard to the REP could Asia indicates that a UCB costing 2% share supplement, productivity incentive, Following a cabinet decision taken on be done only after the cabinet decision is of GDP over six months would provide and attendance incentive to the day’s 18 December 2019, the four-member given. the recipient population with an average Cost to... basic salary of Rs. 700. committee was appointed with effect However, when asked whether they of between 18-46% of their pre-Covid “Initially, the Chairman of the Election In February 2019, plantation from 1 January 2020. Former Secretary would go ahead with the project or not, he expenditures, with particularly high benefits Commission (EC) estimated that it would companies and workers signed a to the Ministry of Transport Dr. D.S. noted that the project would be continued for the poorest members of society. cost around Rs. 10 billion or less, but collective agreement agreeing to a daily Jayaweera, President’s Counsel Justice but no final decision on any contractor has – Sarah Hannan now, we hope that it could be kept below wage of Rs. 700, up from Rs. 500. The Nihal Jayawardene, and architect Nalaka been made so far. Rs. 7 billion,” Gamlath said. then Government promised to add a Jayaweera are the other members. The 73.9 km-long REP stretching from He said that one such Covid-19 supplementary day rate of Rs. 50 to be The interim report of the committee Kahathuduwa to Pelmadulla to Ratnapura De-gazetting... guideline that would result in additional provided from taxpayers’ money for a was handed over to the President on 17 has been divided into three sections for “Our part was only to do the expenditure would be the requirement for year. February. implementation purposes. Section I is environmental study of the de-gazetting of 400,000-odd masks. Should an annual increment of wages from Kahathuduwa to Ingiriya (26.3 km), the nature reserve. We did it a few months “We have to supply these to all for the plantation sector be considered, Section II from Ingiriya to Ratnapura (26.2 ago and it is in the appeal stage now. We Elections Secretary officials and others plantation company owners would have Audit Office... km), and Section III from Ratnapura to are not aware of a final decision,” said who will be taking part in the election, to decide as to which wage increment The NAO report has revealed Pelmadulla (21.4 km). Sooriyabandara. such as election counting centre model they would be taking into widespread irregularities that had However, the Cabinet of Ministers The Wedithalathive Nature Reserve, officials.” consideration. occurred during the installation of on 26 July 2016 decided to divide the which is situated in the northwestern coast, Gamlath said that a meeting will the radar system which was brought expressway into four sections and allocated consists of mangroves, tidal and mud flats, be held tomorrow (29) to discuss the down to the country as per a trust fund each section to different contractors, also salt marshes, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, extension of voting hours. “No decision Govts in... agreement entered by the Ministry of proposing to invite proposals from them which support the livelihoods of fishermen had been reached about extending the The expert committee appointed by Disaster Management with the World for the implementation of the project. and bring foreign currency into the country time period. It has been proposed to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to review Meteorological Organisation (WMO) on Yet, there was no certainty about the as a result of sought-after seafood. extend it till 5 p.m. However, I believe the $ 480 million MCC Compact has 24 May 2007. availability of funding for any section at In 2014, an Integrated Strategic a meeting on the matter will be held on found that two stages of the agreement The $ 1,681,017 contract had been the time. As per the cabinet memorandum Environment Assessment (ISEA) Monday (tomorrow),” had been signed. awarded by the WMO on 18 June 2009 dated 26 July 2016, the China National commissioned by the Northern Province He said that the mock counting centre According to a statement by the to the US-based (American Institute Technical Import and Export Corporation recommended the declaration of drills would be concluded today (28). President’s Media Division (PMD), the of) Enterprise Electronics Corporation (CNTIC) was the proposed contractor for Wedithalathive as a nature reserve. This “There are several more left including committee headed by Dr. Lalithasiri (EEC) for the procurement of Doppler Section I of the REP. was done under Section 2 (1) of the Fauna one in Monaragala. These should be Gunaruwan has found that the agreement radar machines. As revealed by the NAO, Accordingly, the Request for Proposal and Flora Protection Ordinance No. 22 of completed by Sunday (28),” he said, had been signed in two stages in 2017 two Doppler radar systems are to be was sent to CNTIC on 1 November 2018 2009 (FFPO), by the Gazette Extraordinary adding that a meeting on the vote and 2018, and that $ 7.4 million and installed near the office premises of both and evaluated by the Cabinet-Appointed No. 1956/13 dated 1 March 2016. counting process would be held on the $ 2.4 million had been granted but no the Puttalam and Pottuvil Meteorological Project Committee (CAPC). In 2016, The first attempt to de-gazette the same day in Gampaha. details of the accounts were available. Stations with the aid of the Japan CNTIC was awarded the 26.3 km-long reserve was taken in 2017, where a cabinet – Skandha Gunasekara However, US Embassy Spokeswoman International Co-operation Agency Section I of the REP spanning from paper was prepared and co-sponsored Nancy Van Horn refuted reports (JICA). Kahathuduwa to Ingiriya. by the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic that monies had been released under However, several issues have been As learnt by The Sunday Morning, due Resources and Minister of Sustainable Plantations... the agreement to the Sri Lankan observed, including the extent of land to the new conditions imposed by the Development, Wildlife Conservation, Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) Government. required for this project not being Government, which include obtaining and Buddhasasana. Accordingly, the Vice President Senthil Thondaman, “No MCC grant monies were specifically identified, the survey plans the full construction amount prior to National Aquatic Resources Research and speaking to The Sunday Morning, said: ever transferred to or spent by the not being prepared, and land acquisition starting the project and the repayment Development Agency (NARA) carried out “Plantation company owners have Government of Sri Lanka under the activities being carried out at a snail’s of each loan to begin five years after an investigation and a full Environmental expressed their interest in providing the proposed $ 480 million grant. MCC- pace. the commencement of construction, the Impact Assessment (EIA), which approves necessary increments. managed funding to support grant Shortcomings such as the operations Chinese contractor was likely to withdraw only 1,000 hectares out of the requested But this time, they have requested the preparatory activities – nearly all of of the automatic weather system from the construction of Section I. 1,500 hectares, as the remaining 500 Government to provide subsidies and which have been cancelled or indefinitely being disrupted from time to time, It is further learnt that the new conditions hectares is highly sensitive. It further stated concessions for key necessities such as postponed pending the Government’s the weather system failing to provide had been communicated to CNTIC during that de-gazetting the area would damage fertiliser purchases and issuing loans to decision on whether to proceed with the accurate weather data, the collapsing negotiations held early this year and that the significant biodiversity of the reserve, facilitate the increments as the industry grant – was made available under the of data communications facilities, and the Chinese contractors had not so far and recommended further studies. is facing financial restraints due to the same highly transparent and accountable less attention being paid to the proper agreed to the new conditions. However, despite the national laws, present economic and financial climate.” procedures used to enable other US maintenance of the equipment have also Nevertheless, Cabinet approval was de-gazetting the area would violate a When contacted, Planters’ Association development work.” been observed. granted as per the cabinet memorandum number of international laws as well, of Ceylon Chairman Roshan Rajadurai Horne also pointed out that it had Furthermore, several irregularities dated 27 February 2020 for the because Sri Lanka is also bound to confirmed that at the recent meeting in fact been Prime Minister Mahinda have been uncovered with regard to the implementation of the construction of international conventions in relation to that was held at Temple Trees, the Rajapaksa during his tenure as the trust fund expenses. It was revealed that the proposed expressway networks in Sri the protection of mangroves, said the plantation companies had expressed their President who had initially requested the the purpose of the trust fund agreement Lanka and also to authorise the Secretary Environmental Foundation Ltd. (EFL). willingness to consider the increments, MCC grant. had not been achieved and the financial to the Ministry of Roads and Highways to The EFL further added that despite provided that the Government offers “The Government of Sri Lanka first losses to be borne by Sri Lanka had request CNTIC to provide 100% financing all the economical benefits that could them subsidies and concessions to requested an MCC grant in 2005, only occurred by extending the contract for the cost of Section I of the REP. be gained by de-gazetting the area, loss support the exercise. under former President Mahinda period. The REP was detailed as having its of mangroves, loss of nurseries for fish “Realistically speaking, none of us will Rajapaksa. It is disappointing to see the A sum of $ 1,096,442.76 had been original three sections. and shellfish, and loss of biodiversity have the budgets to give wage increments continued politicisation and spread of utilised from this fund by 20 September – Maheesha Mudugamuwa could be the impacts of de-gazetting the in the coming weeks. But should the disinformation related to the proposed 2019, the NAO stated. Wedithalathive Nature Reserve. Government consider our requests and $ 480 million grant Sri Lanka requested When contacted by The Sunday come back with a favourable response, from the US Government.” Morning, Director General of the 30% of... we will be able to accommodate the wage However, Crown Agents USA Inc., Department of Meteorology A.K. But the numbers are set to rise sharply, Rs. 50 m... increments. However, we would like to a key player in the global supply chain Karunanayake noted that the Department, leading to substantial increases in rates Present Municipal Commissioner stress the fact that at present, even with management system programme, had based on the information gathered from of malnutrition unless mitigating steps Attorney-at-Law Roshanie Dissanayake concessions and subsidies, it would be a released a job application seeking the investigations conducted by the are taken. This in itself will probably set is given a house for which the Municipal massive undertaking for all companies to a procurement agent manager and Committee on Public Enterprise (COPE) the UN from achieving its Sustainable Council is paying a rent of Rs. 300,000 per accommodate it,” he said. procurement specialists for “an as well as other investigation bodies, Development Goals (SDGs) way off month. Rajadurai noted that when the wage anticipated procurement agent services had filed a complaint at the Bribery or course. The house was acquired for a period increment comes into effect, the entire contract in Sri Lanka supporting the Corruption Investigation Division of the “None of us were prepared to face this of six months and the agreement ends by plantation network of companies will Millennium Challenge Compact”. Police. situation; even the developed countries August. possibly have to allocate Rs. 9 billion “Crown Agents USA Inc. is seeking Since an investigation is ongoing, struggled to address the socioeconomic The Council is at present considering a year, while each plantation company a procurement agent manager and the Director General declined revealing impact that Covid-19 presented. The legal action against the said former will have to bear a cost of about Rs. 350- procurement specialists for an anticipated certain information regarding the project. Government had to look at immediate municipal commissioners who are yet to 400 million per year. In the case of his procurement agent services contract in (MM) solutions, but the long-term impact is vacate their official quarters that were organisation which overlooks three such Sri Lanka supporting the Millennium yet to be assessed. We made provisions paid for by the Municipal Council during plantations, it will need Rs. 1 billion Challenge Compact (MCC) for the to arrange the continuity of essential their tenures. Meanwhile, the CMC has to increase wages of at least 25,000 Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Forex loss... supplies to all areas of the country. informed the Presidential Secretariat about workers. assistance to increase economic growth Ministry of Foreign Employment However, there sure would have been the matter seeking suitable action. The Government is to deliberate on by investing in transport projects to Additional Secretary S. Haputhanthri oversights,” Government Spokesperson The overdue rent for two of the official these requests over the next few days reduce traffic congestion in the capital told The Sunday Morning that the loss in Keheliya Rambukwella told The Sunday residences amounts to Rs. 26,900,000. and communicate the agreeable terms to region and improve the mobility of remittance is yet to be assessed. Morning when contacted for comment on The other official residence which is still plantation owners, after which they are to people and goods between regions “We expect there to be a significant the findings. occupied by Secretary to the Ministry of let the Government know the exact dates and to strengthen property rights and loss in foreign remittance but we have With the President appointing a Task Internal Trade and Food Security Bhadrani the increments can come into effect. stimulate investment in state-owned not yet calculated it. Maybe after another Force to assess the impacts that Covid- Jayawardena, who resigned from the post According to Rajadurai, another lands. All positions subject to successful month, things will settle down and we can 19 had presented, Rambukwella noted of Municipal Commissioner in 2015, is meeting will probably be scheduled next project award,” the Crown Agents USA calculate the impact on the economy,” he that the designated team deliberated on now overdue with a rent amounting to Rs. week with all stakeholders concerned, application stated. said. the most pressing issues that needed 25,500,000. and the wage increment can be applied Crown Agents USA was incorporated Noting that 10,000-odd Sri Lankan immediate attention. The Government Jayawardena is occupying the official immediately after the decision is to Crown Agents Global in 1998. expatriates had returned, Haputhanthri could only issue the Rs. 5,000 allowance residence designated for the Colombo announced. The Prime Minister along “Crown Agents USA has a track record pointed out that not all were registered with in two months as it did not have budgetary Municipal Commissioner, which stands on with the Ministry for Plantation providing technical assistance and the SLBFE. allocations to continue the payments for an 80-perch property at Albert Crescent. Industries and Export Agriculture and the support to the United States Agency for “While many are those who have another month, he added. The CMC stated that although her present plantation owners are scheduled to gather International Development (USAID), officially gone on work, there are others However, he assured that continuous ministry has given her new quarters, she is once more before they could confirm on Millennium Challenge Corporation who may not be registered with the Bureau discussions are carried out to ensure that still occupying the official residence of the when the daily wages could be increased. (MCC), the United States Department of Foreign Employment as expatriate all grievances are looked into. He added Municipal Commissioner. However, Rajadurai said that the of State (DOS), the United States Trade workers, while others may have gone on that with the country now returning to Former Municipal Commissioner V.K. proposals the companies had presented and Development Agency (USTDA), and personal matters,” he observed. normalcy, the food security issue will Anura too has not handed over the official to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on the The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,” Haputhanthri said that another month be closely looked into and the health quarters. He is due to pay a fine of Rs. reasons and the timeline to apply wage states its official website. will be needed to determine how many and well-being of the country’s citizens 1,400,000 to the Municipal Council for not increments had been disregarded. Meanwhile, a member of the review more returnees there will be before are always the foremost concern of the officially handing over the premises after “Even in January, we told the President committee, who wished to remain ascertaining the loss in foreign remittances. Government. vacating his post in 2019. that the companies are unable to give anonymous, told The Sunday Morning “Not all those who have returned lost Some South Asian countries have The CMC further stated that former a wage hike immediately as we were that the report had clauses that were their jobs. Some have retained them but responded by expanding the existing Municipal Commissioner Palitha facing financial restraints. But with detrimental to the sovereignty of the had to return. There may be others who social security schemes or introducing Nanayakkara too is yet to vacate the Covid-19, the industry has spiralled nation. will return who have lost their jobs. We new emergency programmes. However, official quarters that he occupied when he downward further, with the economic “The agreement has many clauses must wait and see in order to properly the current level of fiscal responses has was the Municipal Commissioner. He has climate presenting more challenges in that can infringe upon our nation’s assess the impact on the country’s been inadequate, and some countries overstayed in this official residence for moving our products to international sovereignty. There is one clause that economy,” he added. have offered almost nothing. As a result, more than six months (since January 2020). markets.” stipulates as a prerequisite to sign – Skandha Gunasekara national economies risk suffering deep – Sarah Hannan the sunday morning 3 Sunday, June 28, 2020 SPOTLIGHT

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BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA ILLEGAL AND UNREGULATED SAND MINING the purpose of building, on or from such land. Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Geological The issue of sand mining – legal Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) Acting and illegal – has now become a Director General Dr. Sajjana De Silva stressed controversial topic in Sri Lanka, with that the Bureau had already issued 4,000 licenses the increasing number of illegal and to people for sand mining and special measures unregulated sand mining incidents have been taken together with the tri-forces and in the country within the last few A widening pitfall the Police to curb illegal and unregulated sand months. any minerals except under the authority of, or from that date but shall within such period apply a license to trade in such minerals. mining that’s happening in the country. otherwise than in accordance with, a license for a license under the provisions of this Act, “(3) A license issued to any person under this He also stressed that the Bureau had already Sand mining first gained prominence in issued in that behalf under the provisions of and no mineral mined after that date shall be Act, to mine any mineral may transfer to the taken immediate steps to recruit 20 new field December last year when the Cabinet decided this Act and the regulations made there under: transported from the mine or disposed of unless licensee the ownership of any mineral mined officers to conduct investigations on illegal to cancel permits issued for the transportation Provided that any person who prior to the such transport or disposal is in conformity with under the authority of such license. sand mining. of rocks, sand, and soil while appointing a appointed date had commenced to mine, explore the terms and conditions of a license issued “(4) Nothing in the preceding provisions According to him, the majority of sand mining committee to look into the effect of the for, process, trade in, or export any minerals under the provisions of this Act. of this section shall be deemed to require any places are situated in Polonnaruwa, Kandy, suspension of licenses on the market. The under the authority of a license issued on issue “(2) A person who purchases minerals after owner or occupant of the surface of any land or Hasalaka, Badulla, and Batticaloa. Committee is expected to observe whether the of licenses. In that behalf under the provisions such minerals have been processed for sale to the the holder of a license to explore for or mine Special operations are underway to detect prices of the building materials increased due of the Mines and Minerals Law No. 4 of 1973, public or for incorporation into a semi-finished for minerals on any land, to obtain a license illegal mining, he added. to licensing requirements for transportation shall continue to do so for a period of six months or finished product shall not be required to hold to mine for and transport any mineral used for Contd. on page 7 and whether raw materials are available to the public as needed. Since then, there has been a series of cases from across Sri Lanka against illegal sand mining. In the past few months, the country has also witnessed violence related to illegal sand mining leading to the death of people involved. On 21 June, a person who snatched the firearm off a soldier on duty in Kilali, Jaffna, was killed when he attempted to flee with the weapon. Soldiers on duty in Kilali, having observed a group of civilians engaged in illegal sand mining within the demining site, out of bounds for civilians due to landmines, had conducted a search on a person at the location.

Illegal sand mining cannot happen without strong political backing and in Sri Lanka, we have poor regulations around sand mining and whatever we have is being diluted CEJ Executive Director Hemantha Withanage

During the search, the said civilian had assaulted one soldier and snatched his weapon and made an abortive attempt to flee the scene, pointing the snatched weapon at the soldiers, who were compelled to open fire at the suspect in self-defence. The suspect later succumbed to gunshot injuries. During the subsequent search conducted in the illegal sand mining site, four other suspects with a tractor used for sand transportation and one motorbike were taken into custody. Arrested suspects and vehicles were handed over to the Pallai Police for further investigation. However, environmentalists claimed that unlike other major environmental issues like air pollution, sand mining has not got the attention it deserves, with unsustainable sand mining also severely impacting the flow of rivers across Sri Lanka. Another incident was reported a few weeks ago, where the residents in Polonnaruwa raised concerns over unregulated sand mining at the Manampitiya sand dune that was conducted with the blessings of key government politicians. They claimed the issue prevailed for some time and had now become worse with the interference of key government politicians. Political influence in mining Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Organisation to Protect Manampitiya Sand Dune Convener T.B. Sarath said the sand mining had been one of the main income-generators for people in Polonnaruwa but now had been overtaken by several politicians. As a result, the organisation claimed, the ecosystem around Mahaweli River had been negatively affected. “Now, sand mining is being conducted using backhoe machines which ultimately cause bank erosion,” Sarath stressed. According to him, “the amount of dredging activities conducted per day at Manampitiya had increased as the Government had increased the number of players at each dredging point”. As explained by the organisation, around 800 sand cubes are being removed from Manampitiya per day and around 2,000 tippers have been registered with the company formed under the former Government. “But out of around 2,000 tippers, only around 300 tippers are getting sand and those tippers are connected to key politicians,” Sarath alleged. Further explaining the alleged fraud, he stressed that from one tipper, around Rs. 5,000 is being charged as a commission; the rest, which do not have political backing, are mostly owned by the people in Polonnaruwa. “They have to wait weeks and sometimes months to get business,” Sarath lamented. “We have written to the relevant authorities, but no action has been taken as of now.” Mines and Minerals Act Section 28 of the Mines and Minerals Act No. 33 of 1992 states: (1) No person shall explore for, mine, transport, process, trade in, or export 4 the sunday morning FOCUS Sunday, June 28, 2020

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FAILURE TO REGULATE FINANCIAL COMPANIES CBSL under scrutiny z Bank officials under the z Complaints pile up against z Financial system crumbling microscope over deals financial companies for over a decade: Opposition BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA that the “unregulated” non-bank financial closed-door dealings between state industry may have in fact been in cahoots financial officials and officials of The Central Bank of Sri Lanka with dubious officials of the CBSL itself, commercial financial institutions was by (CBSL), which has had its fair share allowing unlicensed leasing and finance going through the financial records of of controversies in the past decade, companies – including microfinance such institutions. had to face another onslaught of companies – to operate freely without “To find out the real backdoor dealings, allegations of its officials having oversight or regulation. the financial records of these financial backdoor dealings with finance Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) institutions must be scrutinised. If and leasing companies. member Wasantha Samarasinghe told The financial reports including annual reports Sunday Morning that corrupt officials and other audit reports of all the leasing Since the murder of a trade union leader, were initially installed within the CBSL and finance companies, especially those Sri Lanka Self-Employed Professionals’ apparatus during the rule of the Rajapaksa that have collapsed, are examined, then National Three-Wheeler Federation Government in 2008 under then Governor you will find a trove of illegal dealings Chairman Sunil Jayawardana, by an Ajith Nivard Cabraal. and backdoor agreements that were struck alleged gang sent by a leasing company “Ajith Nivard Cabraal is the one who is between officials of the Central Bank and on 10 June, the issue of an unregulated responsible for the appointment of corrupt these financial institutions,” Samarasinghe non-bank financial industry came into the officials into the boards of directors of noted. limelight. various banks. His main goal in doing He said that financial records would Jayawardana was beaten to death so was to manipulate the Employees’ clearly disclose who were involved in by several members who are allegedly Providence Fund (EPF). Ever since “So with this blunder, the collapse of Owing to financial mismanagement dubious activities. connected to an unlicensed leasing Cabraal’s time, the Supervision of Non- these financial institutions occurred after and inefficiencies of the Board “You will find out exactly how those company in broad daylight in Mirihana. Bank Financial Institutions branch of struggling for many years, breathing of Directors of the company (The officers who were tasked with supervising Eight suspects have been arrested, the Central Bank had caused irreparable their last breaths. Our country’s Central Finance Company), it had been and regulating these non-bank financial according to Police Media Spokesperson damage to the country’s financial system Bank and those who managed it must be incurring heavy losses since 2009 institutions would have had transactions SP Jaliya Senaratne, who added that and thereby the economy as a whole,” held accountable, and the blame for the which saw its net assets reduce to Rs. with the directors and officials of these investigations are still ongoing. Samarasinghe charged. politicisation of the Central Bank falls on 9.5 billion, while liabilities had shot commercial entities – the financial reports However, The Sunday Morning learnt He also stated that since 2008, Sri the shoulders of the Rajapaksas and their up to Rs. 29.3 billion by the end of are key to blow the whistle. We have been Lanka’s financial system has been appointment of Cabraal as the Governor January this year informed that there have been clear closed- crumbling, along with the collapse of the of the Central Bank. Golden Key, The door dealings where large sums of monies Golden Key Credit Card Company and a Finance Company, ETI Finance, and deposit holders, a majority of depositors – have exchanged hands,” Samarasinghe number of financial institutions. many other leasing financial companies around 75% – had continued to maintain said, alleging that the Rajapaksas and their “As a result of this collapse, a massive fell because of this mismanagement and their accounts and deposits at the failing appointed Central Bank officials must be number of depositors lost their monies. politicisation of the Central Bank,” he company, having faith in the regulator held accountable for all these crimes. Now, it has been revealed that the collapse noted. even after the fiasco in 2009. The Sunday Morning also uncovered of all these financial institutions occurred In 2010, The Finance Company PLC Owing to financial mismanagement and that the CBSL was oblivious to even a due to the failure of the Supervision of was taken under the purview of the CBSL, inefficiencies of the Board of Directors of rough number of how many illegal non- Non-Bank Financial Institutions unit of the but in May 2020, they shut it down and the company, it had been incurring heavy bank financial entities, such as leasing Central Bank which had failed in its duties decided to liquidate a company that had losses since 2009 which saw its net assets companies, were operating in the country. to properly supervise and regulate the over Rs. 30 billion in assets. reduce to Rs. 9.5 billion, while liabilities Central Bank Assistant Director H. non-bank financial sector in the country. “How was this allowed to happen? Who had shot up to Rs. 29.3 billion by the end Mohana said that they were unaware of the What we saw is that instead of doing is to blame?” Samarasinghe questioned. of January this year. number of unlicensed leasing and finance their jobs and releasing financial reports The Finance Company Employees’ “This was allowed to happen despite companies operating in the country. on their findings every three months, Union Secretary Shanaka Silva, speaking annual, biannual, and even quarterly “We are regulating only the licensed If financial reports including the Supervision of Non-Bank Financial to The Sunday Morning, said that the monitoring by the Central Bank. This finance companies, so we have numbers annual reports and other audit Institutions branch failed to carry out company had a total of Rs. 36.7 billion resulted in a Rs. 19.7 billion difference in and details of only such companies. reports of all the leasing and finance proper examinations of the finance and in assets while the liabilities amounted to the balance sheets of the company. Within There are a total of 41 licensed finance companies, especially those that have leasing companies to resolve their various around Rs. 35.54 billion in 2009 when it just 11 years, the positive net assets had companies, including Sinhaputhra Finance, collapsed, are examined, then you issues,” Samarasinghe noted. was taken over by the CBSL. become Rs. 20 billion in liabilities,” Silva Swarnamahal Financial Services, and will find a trove of illegal dealings A host of financial institutions failed and “This left a positive value of Rs. 1,427 said, noting that it is the only financial ETI Finance, which come under the and backdoor agreements had to be declared bankrupt or liquidated as million,” Silva said. company in the entire country that was regulations,” he said, noting that the CBSL JVP member Cabraal failed to take any action on these He said that as the CBSL and company fully controlled by the CBSL. would inquire into the illegal leasing Wasantha Samarasinghe matters from 2008 to 2014, Samarasinghe management had continued to assure the Meanwhile, JVP’s Samarasinghe companies only if a complaint was lodged. said. stability and credibility of the institute to asserted that the best way to reveal Contd. on page 12

The Attorney General’s (AG) received any response. Department has come under In addition, IP Pathirana said that fire once again with regard to in one instance, the AG’s office It said in the report that the Easter Sunday attacks of had taken two years to respond Zahran was making extremist 2019 after a witness stated that to a separate query by the TID statements on social media the Department had neglected regarding Islamic extremism in Sri platforms such as Facebook. The intelligence on extremist activities Lanka. SIS had asked Jayasundara to whilst testifying before the IP Pathirana also said that the investigate and take necessary Presidential Commission of TID had received a complaint by action against him and Inquiry (PCoI) probing the Easter the Abdul Jawad Ali Waliullah Jayasundera had forwarded the Sunday bombings. Trust as early as 24 March 2017 report to the TID, requesting A Chief Inspector of Police against Hashim and his group. that a report be submitted soon (CI) attached to the Terrorism The AG’s Department had failed TID CI Investigation Division (TID), to provide instructions sought by giving evidence earlier this month the Police two years prior to act before the PCoI, said that then against Hashim and his group exactly one month after the attack, Inspector General of Police (IGP) that carried out the Easter Sunday the PSC was told. Pujith Jayasundara – who was sent carnage. In July last year, Senior Deputy on compulsory leave following He said the TID had investigated Solicitor General (SDSG) Sumathi the attacks – had in March 2018 the complaint and then referred it Dharmawardena and Senior State forwarded an intelligence report to the AG’s office for advice on Counsel Abdul Malik Aziz of to the TID regarding activities of further action. the AG’s Department had been the National Thowheed Jamath The TID referred this to the AG’s accused by the Committee of (NTJ) and the mastermind behind Department in June 2017. The lacking evidence and documentary the attacks, NTJ Leader Zahran 2019 EASTER ATTACKS AG’s Department had responded proof to prove that they had Hashim. on 12 March 2019, IP Pathirana acted duly. To this, both SDSG IGP Jayasundara had received said. Dharmawardena and Senior the information from the State It is learnt that the AG’s State Counsel Aziz responded Intelligence Service (SIS), he said. Department summoned the Police by pointing out to the PSC that “It said in the report that Zahran for a meeting to discuss Hashim’s they followed the procedures and was making extremist statements AG’s Dept. takes matter in response to the TID’s worked with the resources that on social media platforms such request made in June 2017, as had been made available to the as Facebook. The SIS had asked per PSC reports released on 23 Department. Jayasundara to investigate and take October. Subsequently, however, SDSG necessary action against him and Dharmawardena and Senior State Jayasundara had forwarded the No saving grace Counsel Aziz admitted that the report to the TID, requesting that a In a separate incident, it was AG’s Department failed to provide report be submitted soon,” the CI revealed before the PSC probing information to the CID on banning told the Commission. the Easter Sunday attacks last year the NTJ and its websites and social The CI, whose name will not be flak again that department officials took two media platforms. revealed in accordance with the years to compile a report with Repeated attempts to obtain a instructions of the PCoI, said that Not the first time Police (IP) T.R.K.R. Pathirana had Emergency Readiness Team regard to the requests made by the response to these allegations from the relevant files were referred to A similar allegation was made told the PSC that the AG’s office (SLCERT) with regard to the TID of the Police and that it had AG Dappula de Livera by The the AG’s Department on 7 June against the AG’s office during the on multiple occasions had failed to extremist activities on social media been compiled one month after the Sunday Morning failed. 2018 for the purpose of obtaining inquiry carried out into the Easter respond to queries and intelligence carried out by Hashim. attacks had occurred. Multiple attempts to obtain proper legal advice on what action attacks in July last year by the reports of the TID. The TID had written to the The report was drafted in a response from the AG’s could be taken against Hashim, but Parliamentary Select Committee IP Pathirana said that the TID AG’s office in 2017 and again in response to several letters from Co-ordinating Secretary Nishara that there had been no reply in this (PSC). had written to the AG’s office on 2018, seeking advice on the due the TID dating back to 2017 and Jayaratne too were futile. regard from the AG’s office. At the time, TID Inspector of request of the Sri Lanka Computer process to be followed, but had not was completed on 21 May 2019, – Skandha Gunasekara the sunday morning 5 Sunday, June 28, 2020 SPOTLIGHT

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA Corrupt deals Serious questions have been raised over the proposed 300 MW coal Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) power plant in Norochcholai as Chairman Eng. Vijitha Herath last industry experts allege that handing week said a Cabinet minister of the over the plant’s construction to a Yahapalana Government has been paid Chinese company is a violation of Rs. 500 million by way of commission the Sri Lanka Electricity Act. by investors who funded a solar power generation project in Sri Lanka. As they claimed, the compulsory However, he refused to disclose the competitive bidding process stipulated in names of the project and the minister the Electricity Act for power plants of over who was alleged to have been paid this 25 MW in capacity has been violated by commission to approve this project in the Government with it handing over the question. construction of the coal power plant to Herath told The Sunday Morning China Machinery Engineering Corporation that there was a number of such (CMEC). corrupt deals that had taken place at Furthermore, they stressed that the the CEB and that he would reveal such proposed plant is yet to conduct the deals one by one in the future. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and that there are many technical difficulties to consider, including the transmission lines PROPOSED 300 MW COAL PLANT IN NOROCHCHOLAI and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), being neglected by the present authority. the fuel supplier. The former Minister had stated that to A massive national crime construct a coal power plant, it generally Lashing out at the Government last week takes at least five to seven years due to for its attempt to hand over the construction the time-consuming tasks such as land of the coal power plant to a Chinese acquisition, resettlement and compensation, company, one-time Minister of Power and design, environmental approval processes, Energy Patali Champika Ranawaka said Short circuited and other construction approvals. However, that handing over Norochcholai’s new coal an extension to an existing plant can power plant to a Chinese company is a be completed within two to three years massive national crime. incurring lower expenses within the same “Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, premises, it is understood. by submitting a cabinet proposal in May, In addition, while the overhead cost is attempting to construct a 300 MW coal of the new 300 MW extension to the power plant in Norochcholai by violating by issues Lakvijaya Power Station is expected to be the Electricity Act. The construction of minimal as the same trained staff will be the plant has already been handed over z z z utilised, utilising spare parts that can be to a Chinese company, CMEC, with the Electricity Act stipulates Opposition raises Won’t be violation commonly used for all four units lowers the blessings of the new Cabinet. This is a competitive bidding for concerns over of laws and losses: construction cost of the fourth unit. totally illegal act,” he pointed out. Contd. on page 14 Explaining further, Ranawaka, the plants over 25 MW financial losses CEB Chief Colombo District candidate of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), said a power that the country at present needed a LNG As claimed by a senior engineer at implementation of investment in economic plant of more than 25 MW couldn’t be power plant in Kerawalapitiya instead of an the CEB, there was no need to follow and technological co-operation on 4 July established in Sri Lanka without following a emergency coal power plant. the competitive bidding process for 2016 and the framework agreement signed competitive bidding process. an extension of an already existing between Sri Lanka and China for the Construction at lower cost power plant and it would only delay promotion of investment and economic The new coal power plant first came into the construction of the power plants co-operation on 16 May 2017. the spotlight last year when then Minister which have already been delayed Furthermore, Cabinet approval had been The entire power sector at present of Power and Renewable Energy Ravi by many years while putting the sought in the cabinet paper submitted by depends on the Norochcholai (Coal) Karunanayake submitted a cabinet proposal country into a serious power crisis Karunanayake to direct the Treasury to Power Plant and that is the cheapest seeking approval to authorise the CEB appoint a Cabinet-Appointed Negotiation (source of) electricity after hydropower to construct a fourth 300 MW unit as an project on a government-to-government, Committee (CANC) and Technical The construction of the plant has CEB Chairman Eng. Vijitha Herath extension to the Norochcholai Coal Power EPC (engineering, procurement, and Evaluation Committee (TEC) to evaluate already been handed over to a Chinese Plant (or Lakvijaya Power Station), using construction) basis. This took into the technical and commercial proposals of company, CMEC, with the blessings the same infrastructure in the facility. consideration the fact that the existing CMEC to make recommendations to the of the new Cabinet. This is a totally “The Government should be having It was proposed to make a request from three units were also funded by China Cabinet of Ministers. The proposal has been illegal act considerable shares in the power plant,” he China to provide a concessionary loan in accordance with a Memorandum of made with the aim of reducing the high One-time Minister of Power and Energy added. facility directly to the CEB to meet the Understanding (MoU) signed between cost of power generation and to resolve the Patali Champika Ranawaka Claiming that the previous Cabinet, in project cost 100% in order to implement the Sri Lanka and China on comprehensive precarious financial situation of the CEB which he was also a member, took steps to prevent the attempts made by a few to build the extension in Norochcholai, Ranawaka Millions for an external lawyer said the new 300 MW coal power plant is not even included in the Long Term Concerns were also raised last of public funds in case an issue the decision, the Chairman said, practical,” he added. (PMU) takes should be deemed a Generation Expansion Plan of the Ceylon week over the Ceylon Electricity arises between the two parties in adding that the relevant lawyer Meanwhile, when contacted, necessity at present. Electricity Board (CEB) which is approved Board’s (CEB) decision to the agreement. is one of the best lawyers in Sri CEB Engineers’ Union (CEBEU) Also speaking to The Sunday by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri hire an external lawyer to “This is not a simple agreement Lanka to handle power-related President Anuruddha Thilakaratne Morning, a senior engineer Lanka (PUCSL). draft agreements related to the but a complex one for which a international agreements. said the issue had not yet been attached to the CEB said the “We already have coal power plants with formation of a joint venture with large sum of money is involved,” When asked why CEB’s legal discussed with the union and subject matter of the new 900 MW, but have we received the total 900 China Machinery Engineering he stressed. division is not handling the therefore they couldn’t say agreement to be signed for the MW of energy so far?” he questioned. Corporation (CMEC) for a 300 As reported, the CEB has agreement, Herath noted that it whether the union agrees to it or new coal power plant is new Highlighting the technical difficulties and MW extension to the Lakvijaya approved retaining the lawyer’s was too expensive for the Board not. to Sri Lanka and so a necessity environmental concerns, Ranawaka stressed Power Station in Norochcholai. services at a total cost of Rs. to retain such an expert in-house However, he stressed that as the arises to hire an expert lawyer in that it would deepen the existing power Justifying the decision, CEB 17.65 million, excluding taxes. as such cases arise only from most important thing at present is the subject. crisis in the country. Chairman Eng. Vijitha Herath The decision to hire an external time to time. “Whenever it is the establishment of a new power However, Minister of Power “An EIA has not been conducted for this told The Sunday Morning that by lawyer was taken at the CEB’s necessary, it’s cheaper to hire an plant in Sri Lanka to solve the and Energy Mahinda Amaraweera new power plant and there are issues with hiring an expert in the field, the board meeting held in April and expert in the field than recruit power crisis, whatever decisions had decided to suspend the hiring regard to the transmission of the power Board was saving a large sum all board members had agreed to one to the Board, which is not the Project Management Unit of a private lawyer. generated in Norochcholai,” he said, adding 6 POLLS 2020 /SPOTLIGHT WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER CENTRAL PROVINCE

GENERAL ELECTION FATE OF POLLS

BY SARAH HANNAN IN THE CENTRAL PROVINCE The date for the 2020 ALREADY parliamentary election is finally set for 5 August, and political parties this time will have an added challenge in conducting their election campaigns as the Election Commission (EC) has decided to impose strict safety regulations to be added to the health guidelines PROJECTEDPeople’s Power (NPP), but there was no contestants without presenting nominations already issued by the Ministry of one present at the office. through the SLPP. Given that the ruling “In terms of the facilities in our area, we party was able to flex their political Health in order to ensure that the are quite satisfied. However, it would be influence during the state-sponsored funeral Covid-19 pandemic will not see an great if a proper bus stop is built so that of the late Ceylon Workers’ Congress outbreak following the election. people are not inconvenienced, especially (CWC) Leader Arumugam Thondaman in during rains. There were talks of building a May amidst curfew and allow the people The fact that the upcoming election is bus stop at the junction, but it is yet to come of the district to pay their last respects to take place amidst a monsoon season to fruition. The other worry is the road in thousands, disregarding many health poses another challenge to the EC as network which needs constant repair. Too guidelines. With this, the country will they would have to consider alternative much rain washes away parts of the road; closely observe how the people would vote. approaches, should natural disasters, such sometimes the gravel and tar crack as the as floods and landslides, occur. material and the technique that have been This week, The Sunday Morning was in used are substandard,” D. Wickremasinghe, the Central Province to observe the pre- a resident of Ukuwela, shared. election atmosphere in its three districts of Party office of the Jathika N. Nadaraja runs a construction Jana Balawegaya Kandy, Matale, and Nuwara Eliya. machinery-lending business in the middle The Hill Country always had issues of the Ukuwela town, but he is a resident with its road network and water supply to who could work according to his vision. “The Rs. 5,000 allowance the of Tawalankoya. “We have a constant certain areas, with the urban community Even amidst this pandemic, the way the Government issued was distributed on water shortage. They have connected a being afforded around-the-clock water Cabinet of Ministers that he appointed two occasions to all the families that waterline, but there is limited water supply. supply and quick fixes if the road carried out their duties is commendable,” were entitled. The SLPP contestant In all the years, not a single government structures are damaged. However, the same C. Samarasinghe from Asgiriya noted. from Gampola saw to that and had has been able to solve our water issue. The cannot be said about the outskirts. Many He also said the regulations that been present in person when the cash terrain must be one of the pain points, but infrastructure development projects in the are currently set up will provide an allowances were handed out during the we hope the parliamentarians that will be outskirts seem to have come to a standstill, unnecessary advantage for former lockdown period. The health guidelines elected this time from Matale would look hindering the movement of people and parliamentarians contesting the election have restricted the mobility of other into fixing at least the basic necessities of vehicles to some extent. as people are familiar with their political party members this time, the people,” Nadaraja said. With a quick glance at the candidates strengths, and their years of experience in unfortunately,” W. Goonethilake from from the main political parties, one can the political arena will be considered by Singhapitiya noted. already predict as to who would secure the voters. Nuwara Eliya District The other worry is the road network a seat in Parliament, be it from the side which needs constant repair. Too much of the Government or the Opposition. 2004 ELECTIONS RESULTS 2010 ELECTIONS RESULTS 2015 ELECTIONS RESULTS yy During the upcoming election, 264 rain washes away parts of the road; A few prominent and well-seasoned candidates will contest from 24 sometimes the gravel and tar crack political parties (11 main parties as the material and the technique that former parliamentarians will yet again have been used are substandard be contesting this election from the three and 13 independent groups). Each political party has 11 nominees D. Wickremasinghe, districts, and the majority of votes will UNP 313,859 UPFA 268,131 UNP 42,192 UPFA 339,819 UNP 192,798 UNP 440,761 UPFA 309,152 a resident of Ukuwela predictably be cast for the familiars, not SEATS 6 SEATS 5 SEATS 1 SEATS 8 SEATS 4 SEATS 7 SEATS 5 giving much opportunity for newcomers. Nuwara Eliya is the only district in the “We live in the suburbs and Central Province from which the Sri Lanka The Nuwara Eliya District is home to the our only pain point is that we Freedom Party (SLFP) will have their own majority of the estate worker population and Kandy District do not have quick access to the has some longstanding socioeconomic issues city. The original road that was that are yet to be addressed. The promised yy During the upcoming election, 420 built stretches 1.5 km. There was Kandy District Rs. 1,000 daily wage is still not received and candidates will contest from 28 a proposal to build a bridge that Registered voters even last year, they only received a mere political parties (16 main parties would connect our village to the 1,129,100 Nuwara Eliya Rs. 200 increment. The district is constantly andNorth 12 independent groups). Each city, which will only be 200 m in prone to natural disasters, with some areas POLLING POLLING District Centralpolitical party has 15 nominees length. For years, each turning DIVISIONS STATIONS prone to flooding twice a year during both government would send a team to 13 890 Registered voters monsoon seasons, and its main roads are There were hardly any posters or cut- survey the area where the bridge is to 577,717 constantly damaged as they run parallel to outs set up in the city or the suburbs in be built, but no one has taken action,” POLLING POLLING steep precipices and reservoirs. DIVISIONS STATIONS the Kandy District, and only the party M. Hilmy, a resident of Gampolawala in 4 500 Most of the schoolchildren opt to attend North offices were embellished. It was from Gampola, noted. a school in Kandy for their Advance Level the Kandy District that the first election- Once the bridge is constructed, it will (A/L) studies as their hometowns lack W estern related incident took place, where a save a lot of time for some 600 families teachers for certain subject streams. Even political party office had been set on living in the village, Hilmy explained. then, only a very few can afford the luxury fire while the members were protesting He also revealed that there have been of moving out as most of the families fall in Colombo in solidarity with the Black some pocket meetings in his village by to the lower income bracket. Lives Matter global movement. some contestants, but this time, people “Isn’t it obvious? This time, most votes are more concerned about rebuilding 2004 ELECTIONS RESULTS 2010 ELECTIONS RESULTS 2015 ELECTIONS RESULTS will be cast for the SLPP (Sri Lanka their businesses post-pandemic. Many Podujana Peramuna). People are very from his village are businessmen or are pleased with how the current President connected to the tourism industry and is ruling the country. Now, all that is left have not been compensated for the loss UNP 176,971 UPFA 82,945 UPF 49,728 UPFA 149,111 UNP 96,885 UNP 228,920 UPFA 147,348 is for us to elect some parliamentarians of work in any way. SEATS 4 SEATS 2 SEATS 1 SEATS 5 SEATS 2 SEATS 5 SEATS 3 W estern U va 2004 ELECTIONS RESULTS 2010 ELECTIONS RESULTS 2015 ELECTIONS RESULTS Matale District Incumbent Prime Minister Mahinda Registered voters Rajapaksa has promised to build a 407,569 university in Kotagala in time to mark Sabaragamuwa POLLING POLLING the first-year death anniversary of the UPFA 108,259 UNP 100,642 UPFA 131,069 UNP 55,737 UNP 138,241 UPFA 126,315 DIVISIONS STATIONS late Thondaman. However, whether SEATS 3 SEATS 2 SEATS 4 SEATS 1 SEATS 3 SEATS 2 4 324 building a university is more important than upgrading the quality of life of these people at this juncture, remains a Matale District question. “We struggle to send our children to yy During the upcoming election, 184 school because on some days, access candidates will contest from 23 to the main roads from the estate gets political parties (13 main parties blocked due to fallen trees and earth and 10 independent groups). Each slips. Irregular transport schedules mean political party has eight nominees that the children opt to walk the long stretch to schools. Their shoes wear Although the district is home to several out fast because they have to walk on reservoirs, some of the villages do not have rough terrain. Shoes are expensive, so a proper water supply, especially given the they will have to manage with one pair terrain. The roads are in a constant state of throughout the year,” shared M. Vani repair as the areas are prone to earth slips. The from Seetha Eliya. sides of the roads keep washing away despite Other than tea plantation work, the retention walls being continuously built. We have a constant water shortage. next income generator for the district is We stopped in Ukuwela, a quaint hamlet They have connected a waterline, but flower cultivation, vegetable cultivation, which is easily recognisable by its railway there is limited water supply. In all and tourism. The pandemic has majorly station. However, the lack of a proper bus the years, not a single government affected many in the district when the stop forces the people in the area to always has been able to solve our water issue borders closed down; they realised that sprint to catch the buses headed towards N. Nadaraja they were dependent on wholesale buyers Kandy, Elkaduwa, or Matale. Right next a construction machine-lending business who would travel from all parts of the to the station was the party office of the owner in Ukuwela country to purchase their produce. Jathika Jana Balawegaya or National Contd. on page 12 the sunday morning POLLS 2020 /SPOTLIGHT Sunday, June 28, 2020

for the project, estimated during a feasibility POLITICAL PARTIES study, is $ 1,374 million, and including price FROM CENTRAL PROVINCE WEIGH IN escalation, contingencies, and interest, Sri Lanka and JICA have estimated the loan amount to be $ 1,850 million. However, the loan amount is set as the Majority from SLPP maximum amount that could be disbursed SARATH EKANAYAKE the grassroots-level by JICA for the project and the interest is Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna authorities to arrest the PROPOSED LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT PROJECT calculated on the disbursed amount and not (SLPP) – Kandy District Chief situation immediately. on the loan amount. Organiser and candidate Even in the outskirts, The PMU has further noted that the more people are strongly in accurate cost estimate could only be prepared We are positive that support of the SLPP and REMODELLING A during the detailed design stage and also the the majority of votes they have confidence actual cost would be dependent on market from the province will that the President will factors and bid conditions at the time of be for the SLPP. The resuscitate the country’s procurement. actions that were taken economy in no time. Further clarifying the allegation of the high by President Gotabaya However, it is also the cost per linear kilometre, the PMU has stated Rajapaksa, especially voters’ responsibility to that the division of the total cost by the length during the Covid-19 exercise their right to ‘HEAVY’ of the road was not the correct yardstick to pandemic, have been vote and send the most challenges that the voter conclude that the cost is high, as in an LRT viewed in a favourable skilled and practical will face, the Election project, the cost per linear kilometre varies light by the public. people to Parliament this Commission (EC) too significantly on several factors, including the Compared with other time. has taken measures to total length, distance between stations, the world leaders, we This time we are demarcate additional percentage of elevated length, and headway. can say that President faced with a pandemic polling stations in the BURDEN In response to Dr. Wickrama’s suggestion BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA Revisiting the project Rajapaksa was able to and adverse weather as electoral districts. to restructure the consultancy service for direct the Cabinet and well. Understanding the Contd. on page 12 In January this year, Secretary to the the design and supervision of the LRT on The Colombo Light Rail Transit (LRT) Ministry of Urban Development, Water a lump sum-based contract instead of a Project, funded by Japan International Supply, and Housing Facilities Dr. Priyath time-based one, the PMU has explained that Co-operation Agency (JICA), has been Bandu Wickrama wrote to the Project changing the conditions of a contract in an Step-motherly treatment converted into an urban construction Director of the LRT Project, expressing his international consultancy contract for the nightmare with the new authorities planning concerns over the project funded by JICA. convenience of the client after 10 months of ROSHAN decided that the SLFP to remodel the already implemented project In his letter copied to the secretaries of the execution was disputable. GUNAWARDENA will present their own into a public-private partnership (PPP). President, Prime Minister, and the Treasury, However, when contacted by The Sunday Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) candidates while the With the announcement of the new he raised eight concerns regarding the Morning, Dr. Wickrama said the Government – Nuwara Eliya District Chief SLPP too presents their decision last week, questions have been project and asked the Project Director for didn’t want to opt for a loan for a project that Organiser and candidate own. raised by urban transport sector experts as explanations on or before 10 February 2020. could get private sector investment. The SLFP will contest We took President to whether the remodelling of the project is By the time Dr. Wickrama sought “This is a decently viable private sector under the “hand” Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s a case of political point-scoring overriding explanations stating that the project needs investment project. The Government decided symbol only in three request to heart and have commercial sense and technical reality, as to be revisited, the Colombo LRT Project to go for a PPP model. The Treasury has districts. However, presented 11 new faces in it came to light a few months after the new Management Unit (PMU) had already requested JICA to take that loan off and, if we are supporting the the party, who we believe Government came to power. completed the basic design of the project possible, to give it for some other purpose,” incumbent President to have the skills to achieve The experts fear that remodelling the while the detailed design and rolling stock he explained. establish a strong ruling the President’s vision project would further delay the construction tender were also being completed. Elaborating further, Dr. Wickrama noted party following the for Sri Lanka. However, of the proposed LRT and as a result, the The PMU in its lengthy explanation to that the Government would terminate the parliamentary election. the rift that was caused country would have to continuously incur Secretary Dr. Wickrama, as seen by The loan and remodel the project. Initially, we were by two former ministers billions of rupees in losses which arise Sunday Morning, has stated that the land “We will call for international requests for to contest under the “flower bud” symbol, but has now jeopardised that through heavy traffic congestion, especially acquisition for the project is already in proposal to get an investor for this monorail. Sri Lanka Podujana due to a disagreement vision. in Colombo. progress as the lands in depot areas have We are not going to cancel it (the project), Peramuna (SLPP)’s over nominations, we Contd. on page 12 The 15.7 km LRT system, which was 16 been identified and sent to the Valuation but we are looking to remodel it and carry it stations from Colombo Fort to Malabe via Department for valuation purposes. out as a PPP,” he continued. Battaramulla, involves an elevated railway Discussions regarding the school When asked whether the Government track, elevated stations, a train depot, buildings affected along the trace have also wanted to go for a Chinese investment, the Move out from the procurement of LRT trains, and the been carried out with the Chief Secretary, Secretary noted that the Government did not installation of electrical, communication, provincial/zonal directors, and principals. have such a plan. and signal systems. The project is expected In the meantime, a bill is being prepared by As learnt by The Sunday Morning, the traditional methods to reduce travel time from Colombo Fort to the Legal Draftsman’s Department regarding Government will have to pay more than $ RAUFF HAKEEM elections as they were Malabe to approximately 30 minutes. the institutional structure for the regulation, 100 million as compensation to JICA as well Samagi Jana Balawegaya only recently able to The loan agreement was signed between operation, and maintenance of the project. as another Rs. 1 million as a penalty fee if Sri Kandy District candidate carry out day-to-day Sri Lanka and Japan last March. Accordingly, In addition to the key activities, many Lanka opts for the cancellation of the project and Sri Lanka Muslim activities following the Japan had extended a loan of around Rs. 48 other activities related to the project such as nearly a year after it was signed. Congress Leader nearly three-month-long billion to Sri Lanka for the Colombo LRT awareness programmes are also progressing. Furthermore, it is learnt that the proposed The Sri Lanka Muslim lockdown and curfew Project. The loan for the project was offered PPP model was not suitable for the Colombo Congress (SLMC) will due to the Covid-19 on high concession terms and conditions, High cost LRT, which had been communicated to the be contesting through the pandemic. However, as including a 40-year repayment period for A major concern raised by the new present Government by an international Samagi Jana Balawegaya politicians, we need to funds obtained for consultation services with Government is the high cost of the project. financial agency. Nevertheless, the (SJB) under the educate our voters on the a grace period of 12 years, a 0.1% interest However, in its response to the Secretary, Government has already decided to remodel “telephone” symbol this importance of electing carried out whilst rate per annum for civil work and equipment, the PMU has explained the estimated cost of the project and seek international investors time in all the electoral suitable candidates adhering to the guidelines and a 0.01% interest rate for engineering the project. for the PPP model, The Sunday Morning districts except for to Parliament in the given by the Election services. Accordingly, the preliminary base cost learnt. Batticaloa and Puttalam. upcoming election. Commission and health People are yet to Educating voters is authorities. get into the mood of now being gradually Contd. on page 12 Contd. from page 3 Act No. 33 of 1992, it was illegal to transport any issue in the future and the environmental toll of sort of mineral without a proper license and the it would definitely surpass the toll on the field of need of a license could only be changed through construction as calculated by the present Cabinet,” A widening... an amendment to the Act, he said, adding that the Withanage noted. license which is attached to the mining license has “If you look at the prices of a sand cube, the No level playing field Ad hoc actions been issued as a route permit in which a specific prices have gone down by around Rs. 1,000. When K.D. LAL KANTHA time while canvassing the regulations. The new Meanwhile, speaking to The Sunday Morning, time period has been mentioned and only during compared with the loss incurred by the GSMB due to Jathika Jana Balawegaya – are seen as the biggest faces that are contesting Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) Executive that specific time (between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) could the loss of royalty payments with the cancelation of Kandy District candidate challenges. Our primary are facing an unfair Director Hemantha Withanage alleged that the transportation happen. the transportation license, the profit gained through method of canvassing situation; they will not requirement of a license to transport sand has once Elaborating that almost all illegal operations are the price reduction is minimal,” he continued, The weather conditions is via meetings, but that have the means to canvass again been abolished by the GSMB on a request detected and thus raided by the authorities when pointing out that the environmental toll of it would and the health regulations too is now limited to a as much they need to. made by Minister of Environment and Wildlife considering whether the operations have licenses definitely be felt by the generations to come. for the election that small number of people The Election Resources, Lands and Land Development S.M. or not, Withanage explained that essentially, the “There has been social unrest since the decision we have to face this and we are pushed to Commission (EC) should Chandrasena. transportation licenses covered three main aspects, started being implemented. A number of incidents conduct meetings only for set forth regulations on “Illegal sand mining cannot happen without strong including attachment to the mining license, detailing have been reported from all over the place with a handful of households campaign financing as political backing and in Sri Lanka, we have poor the route, and regarding transportation during day the increase of illegal sand mining. People want to at a time. well; the lack of such regulations around sand mining and whatever we time, Withanage noted. protect their river banks and they would struggle The party is regulations only create a have is being diluted,” he stressed. However, under the new decision, he said, with the issue,” he stressed. establishing offices for bigger divide, including “Initially, the Government removed the irrespective of whichever place the minerals have Urging the Government to take strict measures each polling division, within certain parties that requirement of a license for transportation of sand been mined, once these hit the road to be transported, to regulate legal sand mining while stopping but we will not have encourage their candidates in December. And again from 1 June, they introduced it becomes legal due to the lack of a transport license. illegal sand mining, environmentalists claimed the high visibility for the to advertise on print, a new license, but suddenly on 8 June, it has been “Due to the illegal activities, protests have Government had let this happen to garner cheap candidates or their electronic, and web media. cancelled once again and at present, no license is erupted in several areas. This will create long-term political advantages and that it would have to face contesting numbers due to Contd. on page 12 required to transport license,” Withanage noted. environmental issues,” he added. social, economic, and environmental issues in the According to the Section 28 of Mines and Minerals “Illegal sand/soil mining would create a serious future. the sunday morning Sunday, June 28, 2020 EDITORIAL/POLITICS

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER Keeping the peace, piecing the puzzle In what would usually be a volatile pre-election period, keeping the peace would by now be on top of the agenda for the government in power. That responsibility involves keeping the protagonists from each other’s throats, MCC puts Yahapalana especially the more extremist elements. On that score, the Government seems to have done a commendable job so far. That apart, the Covid-19 pandemic has thrown up a multitude of ancillary challenges which the Government will have to deal with pre-election such as providing relief to the businesses affected by the pandemic, tackling the macroeconomic challenges posed by a global economy in recession, playing the geopolitical game by keeping the regional powers at bay and maintaining Sri Lanka’s traditional non-aligned foreign policy in an increasingly hostile environment, and stopping the drain on the Treasury by turning around loss-making state entities. Piecing these pieces together is what appears to actions under spotlight be on the plate of a President determined to tackle the pre-election jigsaw puzzle that could eventually weigh on his party’s fortunes at the poll. The past week was a case of a political potpourri with their Sri Lankan counterpart. media with officials saying a CD Thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, campaigning for the 5 August general preparations for the 2020 general election continuing while US Embassy Spokeswoman with the presentation would be election seems limited to press conferences and voice cuts to the media, at several other political issues also took centre stage in the latter Nancy VanHorn has said that they handed over to them. least so far. Physical campaigning is yet to kick off and a good thing too, as half of the week. “understood” it was under review. In March this year, Janatha the last thing people want now after enduring a prolonged lockdown and “We understand the Government Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Leader so many precautionary measures is for political sycophants to turn up at One of the main focal points of According to the Committee, of Sri Lanka is reviewing the $ 480 Anura Kumara Dissanayake claimed their door. People’s growing distaste for politicians in general could also the week was the handing over of the agreement had created an million grant. We refer you to the there lacked clarity on Sri Lanka’s be a factor keeping the physical campaigning to a bare minimum while the final report of the Committee environment where the Attorney Government for comment on its stance with regard to the MCC social media has become the medium of choice for both budding as well appointed to review the US General (AG) would be unable to position,” she had said. agreement with the US. as seasoned politicians. A good thing too, as people have the choice to Millennium Challenge Corporation represent the Government of Sri However, Co-Cabinet “What did they say before the consume what they want and reject the rest. (MCC) Compact agreement with Lanka in a court of law. Spokesperson Minister Dr. Ramesh election? Did they say anything If the current trend continues, this election could turn out to be one of Sri Lanka to President Gotabaya The President was also given a Pathirana said the Government had about the discussions? The the most peaceful by default but it is still early days and one can only hope Rajapaksa on Thursday (25) and briefing on other countries that have already decided not to sign the US Government should announce that that sanity prevails and candidates understand the reality that Covid-19 is Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa implemented the MCC agreement. MCC Compact agreement. they will remove the two deals. far from over as evidenced by what is happening elsewhere in the world. on Wednesday (24). The Committee drew attention to He had said the decision was If not, Ranil should say that they With the airports in the country due to reopen a week before the election, The controversial MCC Compact the fact that the situation in those based on the recommendations of the haven’t signed a deal of such sort. one can only hope that the systems in place will be equal to the task and for Sri Lanka is an agreement for countries had turned worse after Committee appointed by the Cabinet Not only have they signed the continue to keep the deadly virus at bay. a grant of $ signing the of Ministers to review the MCC agreement, but they have also taken Be that as it may, there is no shortage of controversy in the campaign 480 million agreement. grant. $ 10 million for it,” Dissanayake has arena with political artillery in firing mode. One claim that caused mass to implement The Earlier in the month, US been quoted saying on 28 February destruction was the one made by former Eastern Commander of the LTTE land reforms Committee Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alaina at a public meeting this year. Karuna Amman. His audacious claim that he killed thousands of soldiers and develop to review Teplitz, speaking at a special media Meanwhile, investigating into this in one night has subsequently been matched by an assortment of others the transport the MCC roundtable conference, said the US issue, The Black Box came across an including a one-time commandant of the Civil Defence Force now a system. agreement Government understood there is a online post dating 22 March 2018, candidate in Colombo. It seems each party is pandering to its voter base However, the was appointed transition of government and were where Crown Agents USA was but the problem is that the disintegration of the moderate political parties the Committee, following waiting “for some of that transition seeking to employ a Procurement has spawned a new generation of parties with an extremist bent that is while handing black box a Cabinet to compete with parliamentary Agent Manager and Specialist for making life uncomfortable for the conservative voter. over the final decision on elections”. Sri Lanka. The post can be viewed On one end of the spectrum, we have the Sinhalese hawks gloating over report, dropped by Capt. Vasabha 18 December on https://www.devex.com/jobs/ the defeat of the LTTE while at the other end of the spectrum we have the a bombshell 2019 and was Growing suspicion procurement-agent-manager-and- likes of Karuna Amman boasting about the number of soldiers he killed in that the appointed with Meanwhile, attention is now being specialists-sri-lanka-542347. one night. To add to the toxic mix, there are the Islamist extremists spitting previous Government had signed the effect from 1 January 2020. paid by all quarters to the claim by Under the job description, it was out a different kind of venom while the main political parties are in a distant agreement in two phases in 2017 and Prof. Gunaruwan of the University Prof. Gunaruwan that the MCC had stated, “Crown Agents USA, Inc. universe of their own, busy dissecting themselves. 2018. of Colombo was appointed as the been signed in two parts for two (CA-USA) is seeking a Procurement The Government should be alive to the reality that the seeds that are being Chair of the Committee Prof. Chairman of the Committee while Agent Manager and Procurement sown now in the name of securing political power could easily grow into Lalithasiri Gunaruwan has informed former Secretary to the Ministry The President was also given Specialists for an anticipated something monstrous if they are not nipped in the bud. It has a delicate task President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, while of Transport Dr. D.S. Jayaweera, a briefing on other countries Procurement Agent Services on its hands to keep all of the extremist elements under check as they seem handing over the report, that after President’s Counsel Justice Nihal that have implemented contract in Sri Lanka supporting the to be getting bolder, going by the type of venom they spew out that has the signing the agreement in two phases, Jayawardena, and architect Nalaka the MCC agreement. The Millennium Challenge Compact potential to indoctrinate the more gullible sections of society. grants amounting to $ 7.4 million Jayaweera are the other members. Committee drew attention to (MCC) for the Millennium With the economic consequences of Covid-19 beginning to bite, the and $ 2.6 million had been given to Meanwhile, the US Embassy in the fact that the situation in Challenge Account (MCA) more financially affected sections of the population could become more Sri Lanka. Colombo tweeted last week that those countries had turned assistance to increase economic vulnerable to manipulation and indoctrination by extremist elements. The Prof. Gunaruwan noted that no MCC grant money had been worse after signing the growth by investing in transport intelligence apparatus which was busy mitigating the Covid impact should the accounts of the said funds transferred and that even funds agreement projects to reduce traffic congestion now revert to its original role, now that the virus spread is under control, are unaccounted for and that for preparatory activities had been in the capital region and improve and monitor the clusters especially in the North and East which have been the Commissioner of Lands had cancelled. separate amounts. the mobility of people and goods fertile grounds for extremists as evidenced by the Easter Sunday calamity. noted the agreement cannot be “No MCC grant monies were It is at this juncture that one would between regions and to strengthen Meanwhile, another piece in the pre-election puzzle is to restore the implemented in a legal manner. ever transferred to or spent by the recall a project that was launched by property rights and stimulate image of the Police which is once again in the news and not for probably “After the agreement is passed Government under the current $ 480 the Government early this year. investment in state-owned lands. the right reasons. While the elite Police Special Task Force-led war on in Parliament as an act, moving million grant. Funds for preparatory On 19 February, there was an All positions subject to successful drugs is gathering momentum with regular drug busts resulting in multiple a counter-proposal is in violation activities have been cancelled or introduction of an electronic system project award.” arrests and seizure of a sizeable quantity of narcotics, news emerged last of the agreement,” said Prof. indefinitely postponed, pending the for the registration of lands that took Also, the role and responsibilities week that at least five officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau were arrested Gunaruwan. Government’s decision whether to place in Colombo. The event took of the Procurement Agent Manager on suspicion of working in tandem with the drug lords. The suspicion is The Gunaruwan Committee has proceed with the grant,” the tweet place under the patronage of State included : serving as chief liaison that seized narcotics made their way back into the markets through the also pointed out that the proposed read. Minister of Public Administration with MCA-Sri Lanka and other intervention of these corrupt cops. agreement even violated the mandate However, despite a recent and Home Affairs Mahinda stakeholders regarding activities to It has been suspected that this modus operandi could have been going on of Parliament since any condition statement by the Government to Samarasinghe. be undertaken under the assignment; for some time. Now that it has come to light, the spotlight must be turned in the agreement can be changed the effect that it would not sign the The project was implemented by co-ordinating activities and inward to first root out the corrupt cops from within who give the Police through letters exchanged among MCC Compact, the US Government the Land Registry Office and the information/feedback with MCA- a bad name. These men should be given the harshest possible punishment two representatives. believes it was still under review by Information and Communication Sri Lanka to diligently oversee, for they are belittling the immense sacrifice of the men who put their lives Technology Agency of Sri Lanka discharge, and perform all services on the line to rein in the drug lords. and according to the project, the necessary to achieve the optimum The same goes for the corrupt prison officials who aid and abet criminal ownership of any land across the value for the monies expended by activities in prisons. It is said that criminals prefer to get arrested and work country can be confirmed through MCA-Sri Lanka while ensuring that from prison as it affords a safer environment for them to carry out their this system. all procurement transactions are deadly activities than out in the open where they are easy prey for rival However, there was not much conducted in compliance with the gangs. Therefore, the President’s order to cleanse the prison system could clarity to the origins of the principles, rules, and procedures set not have come at a better time and must be supported. project and funding since the full out as in the funding agreements; Meanwhile, another pre-election puzzle that needs careful attention is The US Embassy in Colombo's tweet on Friday (26) referring to the MCC funds presentation was not shown to the co-ordinating general day-to-day the growing hostility between our regional giants India and China, which activities of the Procurement Agent have already clashed at the foot of the Himalayas and are preparing for a Team; monitoring and overseeing the major showdown. The evolving situation is bound to cause more than a procurement activities undertaken few headaches for the bureaucrats at the Republic Building, as Sri Lanka by the Procurement Agent Team; simply cannot afford to take sides. To make matters worse, the report of and utilising the management the Expert Committee that studied the controversial MCC agreement over information system for procurement- a period of six months seems to have outlined some clauses detrimental to related functions. the interests of the country. According to the organisation Unlikely to risk a backlash in the run-up to an election, the Government description, “Crown Agents is will have no option but to relegate the matter to the backburner. For Uncle an international development Sam, which has been scrambling to get a foothold in the region, the news company employing over 600 may not be what it wants to hear. We can only wait and see as to how it personnel worldwide with a will adjust to the new dynamics. Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, presence in more than 40 countries, who was a harsh critic of the proposed agreement while in Opposition, subsidiaries in 11 countries, and will have to tone it down a notch or two on the political platforms in order permanent staff working on the to pacify the yanks. ground in 22 corporate offices The other main issue that forms the final piece of the Government’s pre- in Africa, Asia, Latin America, election puzzle is the handling of the Covid-19 economic relief package. Japan, the UK, and the US. Crown Already the Central Bank has come under heavy fire for its delay in Agents provides direct assistance, implementing the relief measures. Hundreds of workers being laid off by management consulting, and human companies struggling for survival is not something a government can afford and institutional development for to live with in the run-up to an election. So the sooner it gets down to the public and private sector clients implementation of the relief measures, the better the prospects. in procurement, logistics, health systems strengthening, customs and trade facilitation, and public financial No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. management. Fax - 011 2 673 441 “Crown Agents USA (CA-USA), General - 011 5 200 900 the US incorporated subsidiary Director Sales & Marketing - 077 3 866 143 of Crown Agents, provides direct Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367620 technical assistance, capacity E-mail - [email protected] development, and procurement services to stimulate economic growth, establish good governance, 9 EDITORIAL/POLITICS

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independent commissions and The UNP will proceed with ensured the public sector including disciplinary action against the Police as well as the judiciary, local government members would be free from interference. who have not supported the Drawing attention to the party during the ongoing President’s tongue lashing at elections in the coming week. the Central Bank officials, According to senior party Wickremesinghe had explained that sources, the leadership had the freedoms achieved through the decided to wait till the district MCC puts Yahapalana 19th Amendment were being eroded. case filed by the SJB was He had further added that the addressed before proceeding present Government was attempting with action against the other to use the military to control the errant members actions of the public servants. While appreciating the services It is in this backdrop that the of the armed forces during the war, Colombo District Court last the UNP Leader had gone on to add Monday (22) refused to issue an that they had been trained to carry injunction order on the decision out those duties. Similarly, the public of the UNP to suspend the actions under spotlight servants have also been trained in memberships of 99 party members. their respective fields and should be The order was delivered by given the space to operate. Colombo District Court Judge According to Wickremesinghe, Amali Ranaweera after considering in order to ensure that Sri Lanka’s the petition filed by former public service was looked after, the parliamentarian Ranjith Madduma 19th Amendment must be protected, Bandara. adding that only the UNP was General Secretary of the SJB capable of doing so. Ranjith Madduma Bandara had filed the petition seeking an CC meets injunction preventing the UNP from As the debate on the 19th suspending the party membership of Amendment continues, the 99 members based on contesting the Constitutional Council (CC), next general election under the SJB. which is a key component of the However, the UNP members respective piece of legislation, met currently in hot water for siding on Wednesday (24). with the SJB could either push for The main task carried out by a collective appeal before court the CC was to approve President or send their official explanations Rajapaksa’s two nominees to the and seek redress from the UNP Monetary Board of the Central leadership. Bank. The UNP however, is now gearing Accordingly, the nominations to crack the whip against the party’s of former Central Bank Deputy local government members who Governor Ranee Jayamaha and have aligned themselves with the Nature’s Beauty Creations Ltd. SJB. and Multichemi International Ltd. The UNP will proceed with Chairman Samantha Kumarasinghe disciplinary action against local have been approved by the CC. government members who have The CC had met at around 6 not supported the party during the p.m. and deliberated the nominees ongoing elections in the coming for the Monetary Board as well week. as other matters on the agenda, According to senior party sources, including the letter sent by Ahimsa the leadership had decided to wait Wickrematunge – daughter of slain till the district case filed by the SJB President Gotabaya Rajapaksa UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe Former President Maithripala Sirisena journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge was addressed before proceeding – till around 7.15 p.m. with action against the other errant and improve health outcomes across The Prime Minister had apprised maintaining the cost component able to make “healthy” amendments Thereafter, the Council had members. the developing world. Since its the President about his “Global that has risen from the initially to the 19th Amendment in order to engaged in informal discussions The sources further stated that incorporation in the US in 1998, Initiative on Debt Relief” for anticipated Rs. 7 billion, below Rs. expedite the country’s development. for roughly about an hour before the party would continue to pursue CA-USA has provided technical developing countries to mitigate the 10 billion. The Prime Minister’s sentiments adjourning the meeting. disciplinary action against the 102 assistance services and support severe socioeconomic impacts of Several social media reports had are also shared by the President, who The CC had also discussed members already suspended. “They to US Government agencies and the pandemic. The Pakistan Premier also noted that given the current on numerous occasions has pointed the letter sent by Ahimsa have been given time to respond international organisations such as underscored that developing estimates, the EC was likely to out the shortcomings of the 19th Wickrematunge and decided to to their charges, once that time the US Agency for International countries were particularly spend Rs. 44 million to elect one Amendment in relation to matters of give a maximum of three days to period has elapsed, the disciplinary Development (USAID), the vulnerable. member of Parliament, while nearly governance. the National Police Commission hearings will begin,” the source Millennium Challenge Corporation The Pakistani Premier had also Rs. 614 will be spent per voter As Rajapaksa commented on (NPC) to submit their observations stated. (MCC), the US Trade and shared his perspective on the grave to elect 225 members to the new amending the 19th Amendment, on the allegations made, CC sources Development Agency (USTDA), situation in Indian-occupied Jammu Parliament. which is considered a crowning disclosed. UNP kicks off campaign Department of State (DOS), and the and Kashmir and underscored the glory of the former Yahapalana Wickrematunge, in a letter to the The UNP meanwhile is to launch Gates Foundation,” the organisation imperative of peaceful resolution of Focus on 19A Government, UNP Leader Acting IGP, had pointed out that SSP its campaign for the general election description further states. the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. The governing Sri Lanka Wickremesinghe, speaking at a A.R. Pranna De Alwis – who the today (28) from Colombo. In the context of the regional Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) last meeting of the National Lawyers CID uncovered had hidden evidence Moving away from the While the time period situation, the Prime Minister week commenced its election Association held at Sirikotha last regarding the shooting of Lasantha conventional launch ceremonies, allocated to vote on Election had underlined that rather than campaign work with Party Leader weekend, while urging them to work Wickrematunge while being the the party is looking at using modern Day is usually between 7 a.m. confrontation, co-operation must Prime Minister Rajapaksa declaring for the victory of the UNP, had also Chief of the CID in 2010 – had not technology and holding Zoom to 4 p.m., the EC has been in be the key dynamic to help realise open the SLPP District Office in noted the importance of the 19th been arrested as ordered and instead meetings to launch its election discussion over the possibility the true potential of more than 1.5 Kurunegala last Sunday (21). Amendment. had been made the Officer-in-Charge campaign. of a rising need to extend the billion people in South Asia. After noting the need to elect Wickremesinghe had explained of the CID once again in 2019. Also, the election meetings will polling time on the day due to He had underlined that the goals a strong government at the that it was during the UNP’s tenure The CC had called on the NPC be posted on social media and the the additional measures that of sustainable development and forthcoming general election, in government from 2015 that to submit their observations on the meetings are expected to begin from have to be placed in line with prosperity should be advanced Rajapaksa had emphasised that the the judiciary and public sector matter – which in turn had requested 4 July. the health guidelines through regional co-operation, SLPP aims to form a Government experienced large strides forward in the views of Acting IGP C.D. The UNP leadership has directed The US MCC Compact including the platform of South with a two-thirds majority to address securing their independence from Wickremeratne. the party members to ensure that has been a sour point in Sri Asian Association for Regional what he termed as shortcomings in political interference. However, the Acting IGP had all election-related meetings will be Lanka-US relations for the past Co-operation (SAARC). the Constitution, especially the 19th He had further noted that the 19th requested more time for the NPC to held, maintaining health guidelines. few years. Former President The Prime Minister had reiterated Amendment. Amendment, which was passed by respond. Party Leader Wickremesinghe is Maithripala Sirisena, after heeding the invitation to President Rajapaksa He had said the SLPP would be the UNP in 2015, had introduced Consequently, the CC had expected to participate in religious the objections raised against to visit Pakistan once the Covid-19 decided not to delay the matter any observances as well as places of the agreement, blocked it from situation improves. further and is to order the Police worship belonging to all religions. receiving Cabinet approval, leaving The two leaders had agreed Commission to handover it’s the issue in the balance. Sirisena’s to remain in close contact to observation within three days. Karuna in hot water successor, President Rajapaksa, has co-ordinate the regional response In addition, it had also been the The SLPP-led alliance is to now take on the matter and make that is Covid-19 related and general notion of the CC that a however facing some criticism over a clear statement on whether the other challenges, and to realise permanent IGP was needed during comments made by former Minister country would go ahead with the opportunities. the upcoming election. Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan agreement or reject it. “The desirability of having a alias “Karuna Amman”, that he is Gearing for polls permanent IGP during the election more dangerous than Covid-19. Strengthening ties Meanwhile, in the local political particularly – the general feeling Karuna is contesting the While Sri Lanka’s ties with the arena, the Election Commission was that it is advisable to have forthcoming general election under US continue to be tested with the (EC) on Thursday (25) met to someone permanent,” a CC member the SLPP. controversial MCC Compact, Sri discuss and decide several important had told The Morning. “Chairman of the Karthivu local Lanka’s ties with its neighbouring matters related to the 2020 general CC members present at the government body has said that countries in the region are on a election. Key among the matters meeting were Prime Minister I am more dangerous than the positive note. discussed was the extension of the Mahinda Rajapaksa, Javed Yusuf, coronavirus. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran time allocated for voting at the 5 Nagananthan Selvakumaran, former That is true. When I was a Khan on Thursday (25) telephoned August election and the counting of UNP MP Thalatha Athukorale, and member of the LTTE, I killed President Rajapaksa to discuss votes on 6 August. former JVP MP Bimal Rathnayake, some 2,000 to 3,000 Sri Lankan pressing bilateral and regional While the time period allocated with former Speaker of Parliament Army personnel in one night at issues. to vote on Election Day is usually Karu Jayasuriya chairing the Elephant Pass. I have killed more The two leaders had discussed the between 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., the EC meeting. in Kilinochchi. That is certainly economic impact of Covid-19, the has been in discussion over the Absentees were former higher than the number of lives regional situation, and a broad range possibility of a rising need to extend Opposition Leader Sajith the coronavirus has claimed in Sri of other issues. the polling time on the day due to Premadasa, former MP Mahinda Lanka,” Karuna had said, addressing Premier Khan had also the additional measures that have Samarasinghe, and Tamil National a gathering in Navadinveli, Ampara commended the efforts made by to be placed in line with the health Alliance (TNA) Leader and former on 19 June. Sri Lanka to fight the Covid-19 guidelines. MP R. Sampanthan. He had said that Prime Minister pandemic. He briefed the Sri However, the EC has not yet made Rajapaksa had extended an Lankan President about the latest any final decision on the polling No relief for SJB invitation to him to join Parliament situation in Pakistan and the steps times and the matter is still open for On the electoral front, the Samagi from the National List, but he taken by the Government to contain discussion. Jana Balawegaya (SJB) headed by had declined it as he wanted to Covid-19 and efforts to save lives, On the other hand, the EC is former UNP Deputy Leader Sajith be elected to Parliament with a secure livelihoods, and sustain the also mindful of the cost factor. Crown Agents USA's post dated 22 March 2018, seeking to employ a Procurement Premadasa is still ambling to ensure people’s mandate. economy. The Commission is looking at Agent Manager and Specialist for Sri Lanka its legitimacy. Contd. on page 14 10 the sunday morning VIEWS Sunday, June 28, 2020

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER COVID-19 VS. ELECTION CAMPAIGNING Gaining favour

Better safe than sorry Maxwell Perera – proprietary Identifying behaviour planter and ex-planter at a risk? is important At the onset I must mention that as a BY DIANDRA ANNE Needless to say, the traditional way of campaigning Ushentha Hettige – nation we should be happy, as the Covid-19 would not be advisable during this time period undergraduate pandemic in Sri Lanka is being controlled The 2020 parliamentary election has been delayed by due to the risk of contracting Covid-19. It would be very satisfactorily, in comparison to the other more than three months now, thanks to the Covid-19 preposterous to risk the lives of innocent people In an election period, public health countries in the world; excellent teamwork pandemic. While this delay poses a few issues in terms programmes succeed and survive if the has been headed by His Excellency the merely to gain favour. relevant authorities address and apply President, the health authorities, the armed of the Constitution of Sri Lanka, the nearing of the It is in this backdrop that The Sunday Morning took to appropriate health practices, identifying forces, the Police, government officials, and election doesn’t come without another set of concerns. asking the general public their opinion on how the human behaviour; this would be an last but not least, the general public. With elections come election campaigns; how health guidelines will be followed during the election enormous challenge in such an election We have now come to a time when the campaigning is supposed to be done this time around period, however. Hence, as we all general election needs to be held, with campaigning period and the importance of focussing witnessed in the past few months, the almost all the parties getting ready for is a pertinent question. on it. majority of our respective citizens are the forthcoming election. The Election gradually adapting to this situation and Commission has informed all the parties to there seems to a positive trend in following limit the crowd at gatherings to 100 people health instructions and procedures. for any election campaign meeting, which I I believe that we need to focus on feel is a good and appropriate decision taken maintaining these health practices in the by the health authorities to curtail crowds at long run. big political rallies. Politicians should use However, if we break this momentum by electronic media, social media, etc. for their being selfish, it would be the beginning of election campaigns. a series of catastrophic events. I feel that the majority of the general public thinks that there is no threat of Covid-19 spreading again as there has been a decrease in the number of cases reported. However, as one can never know if someone is carrying the virus, things can easily get blown out of proportion if we are not careful. We should not take any risks at this juncture and we need to adhere to the health guidelines given by the competent authorities on the subject.

At high risk Aravindhan Sathiyanathan – undergraduate and UI/UX designer and developer Considering the prevailing situation in the country and around the world, I believe this election will be putting us Sri Lankans at a higher risk, as we could be exposed to a second wave of the coronavirus. However, since the parliamentary Being mindful election was delayed for more than three Tushani Samaranayake – months, the country has come to the decision to hold the election on 5 August. housewife Even though the Government has The deadly coronavirus has crippled been warning the people and spreading the world, leaving us all helpless. Having awareness about the prevention methods a general election at a crucial time like regarding the situation, it does not seem this imposes a huge responsibility on the like many are following the health authorities to protect the public. guidelines. I personally believe this is Although many rules and regulations due to the lack of concern and negligence have been imposed by the authorities to regarding the situation amongst the people. restrict the spread of the virus, our people are Hence, the Government and the people ignorant and choose not to abide by the rules. need to pay more attention to this matter The public have shown a lack of discipline and should individually make the effort by not maintaining social distancing, to help prevent the spread of the virus. wearing masks incorrectly, and disregarding Together, we can put a stop to it. sanitisation guidelines. They have not felt the gravity of this situation, as we were able to control the outbreak at its early stages. Personally, I feel that stern action will have to be taken against citizens who ignore the guidelines while campaigning. We as citizens should always remember that there is a limit to what the authorities can do and it is our social responsibility to help by adhering to the guidelines.

Lesson learnt Educate public S.S. Guruge – director Holding elections during a pandemic on guidelines will not be easy, but it should not be Nishan Ayomal Peiris – Ehela Chaos will ensue viewed as impossible either; one would Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd. Director Azad Thowfeek – consultant need to consider reasonable measures that Using different platforms could protect both the public’s health and and Nish Furniture and Interior Law-abiding citizens will stick to their democratic rights. Founder set guidelines. However, the political Athyab Ameer – user experience Where elections are not achievable The health guidelines should be strictly hooligans and their cahoots will throw all (UX) engineer in the short term, careful consideration enforced to prevent any further spread of guidelines out of the window and run riot One of the oldest democracies in Asia, must be given to measures that ensure the virus. The Election Commission and on the campaign trail. (Late Arumugam) Sri Lanka is among the first few countries the continuance of governance, and the the Ministry of Health should publish a Thondaman’s funeral procession is to introduce the right to vote for all citizens protection of institutions and also the health policy document, a set of guidelines sufficient proof of what is to come during Choice is yours over 21 years of age. As such, everyone fundamental rights of citizens. in all three languages, especially for the the campaigns. has the right to vote. However, in the All campaigning activities must be Sinhala and Tamil-speaking communities. Antoinette Fernandez Diaz – current circumstances, we are bereft of the conducted in accordance with the public Furthermore, these guidelines should housewife power to appoint members to Parliament; health orders for the year and obligations be sent to all rural and some focus areas Disciplined enough? It is extremely important to give serious it is pretty much empty now. Additionally, to staff and volunteers should be met under in the Western Province through various consideration to the health guidelines put voter turnout will be poor due to the the relevant health guidelines. means; wherever pocket meetings are Sunil Vijaya – retired chemist and forward by the authorities to prevent the pandemic and the safety guidelines Online platforms have not faced a conducted by government officials at IT professional spread of Covid-19 during this election. imposed. This too could pose a problem situation as favourable as they do today, religious venues, pradeshiya sabhas, grama With regards to how the health guidelines However, after having had a look at some with regards to fairness of voting. considering the current pandemic; niladari divisions, via the Police, temples, will be followed, I think the sloppy Sri recent incidents, such as the gathering for the Furthermore, since the politicians aren’t introducing online voting to our citizens mosques, churches, kovils, and even to Lankans have finally been disciplined late Mr. Aurumugam Thondaman’s funeral, able to carry out their campaigns under the is the most logical solution for all types NGOs (non-governmental organisations), thanks to the Covid-19 virus and they will plus a few more gatherings, it seems a very prevailing situation, activities such as party of elections. There is an opportunity now so as to educate the public. follow the social distancing rules, wear difficult task. rallies, meetings, and door-to-door visits, to introduce online voting, the electronic We should find a way to pass the masks, and use their own pens or pencils – The need to avoid mass gatherings, which are used to convey directly the equivalent of postal voting. However, message to those who aren’t able to read hopefully. maintain a distance of at least five to six feet messages of politicians in order for them communicating the issues to the public, the or write as well and also to the deaf and In fact, I suggested to the Election from others, wear a face mask, and use liquid to acquire votes, would be a no-no under reasons for the decision, and the processes blind. Educating people on this matter Commissioner to implement a postal voting sanitiser is not only compulsory, but also of the circumstances. in place to safeguard democracy are very will help stop the spread of the virus. system or an internet-based voting system. paramount importance. To contain the virus, it is better to important. Since traditional rallies are prohibited If the public do not adhere to the Knowing the common behaviour of our adhere to all the health guidelines by What is certain, however, is that Sri as per the health guidelines, the guidelines prescribed by the authorities, Sri Lankan public, putting the above into moving election campaigns online and Lanka’s unprecedented experience in candidates are required to follow the another outbreak will be a possibility in Sri practice is a very difficult task. also on social media; traditional print running a major election during a global guidelines fully. As our voters tend to Lanka; voting and queuing would result in So, what do we do here? We have a choice; and electronic media such as TV, which pandemic offers crucial points of reflection act emotionally in party politics, and a mass gathering that will take place after fall in line with the health advice given are popular in both urban and non-urban and precious lessons to be learnt by all furthermore could even forget that there a few months of quietude in Sri Lanka. by the authorities and avoid the spread of areas, can be used too. By following countries, states, and territories that, in the was a virus if they see free giveaways, The perfect example is the Navy cases, Covid-19 or fail to follow the same and face such methods rather than the traditional months to come, will be exploring ways to I feel the candidate should be held where they were reckless and ignored the the risk of it escalating to an unmanageable methods, we can curb the spread of the safely uphold the democratic rights of their responsible and strict action should be guidelines of the health authorities. situation. The choice is yours. virus and have peaceful campaigns. people. taken against them. the sunday morning 11 Sunday, June 28, 2020 hot seat WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER CAMPAIGNING THROUGH CORONA BY AGRA RANASINGHE The campaigns of the Parliamentary Election 2020 candidates are well underway with the big showdown just a month and a week away. However, the health guidelines that have been necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic are set to make this a campaign season unlike any other. The Sunday Morning spoke to three candidates representing three mainstream political parties on the challenges and opportunities presented by these restrictions, as well as their fairness. The following are excerpts of the interviews.

Below are excerpts of the Below are excerpts of the interview with Sri Lanka interview with Samagi Jana Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Balawegaya (SJB) Deputy Galle candidate Dr. Ramesh Campaigning General Secretary and There are Pathirana. Colombo candidate Sujeewa Senasinghe. Do you think that the health guidelines are practical enough has become Do you think the health no ‘health to adhere to while campaigning? guidelines are practical enough to In this pandemic, all of us have adhere to while campaigning? to take necessary precautions and Some are practical and some methods not only for election easier now: are not. We have no money to pay guidelines’ campaigning but for other for TV channels and newspapers. social events as well. So, I think Poor people can’t carry out their it is best we adhere to those RAMESH PATHIRANA OF SLPP marketing and campaigning work measures announced by the health and an ordinary person can’t even anymore: authorities. and a significantly lesser number It is recommended to use think of being elected. I have an of people participated in the print and electronic media, advantage because I have been Some candidates have said funeral than those who otherwise especially television, for known for a long time. They have SUJEEWA SENASINGHE OF SJB that the enforcement of health would have. Apart from that, election propaganda. asked us to put digital posts. guidelines is strict on Opposition the Government has taken Opposition candidates have People keep complaining that Rallies are not allowed and the parties and not on government all measures and that was the complained that government In your opinion, are the health the health guidelines were distributions of handbills are candidates. Would you agree? maximum we could do. parties have benefitted from it guidelines too strict on the violated on occasions such as discouraged. Do they badly affect I think none of the parties, because they use state media opposition parties as opposed to the SJB Youth Convention and your campaign? including ours, had large What kind of difficulties do you more than the Opposition. the Government? the funeral of late Minister Of course it does, because gatherings. All of us are adhering face while campaigning? How would you respond to it? I think health guidelines are not Arumugam Thondaman. How we don’t have media support. to the regulation of having a I think campaigning has become That kind of abuse of state there anymore. Who’s to check would you comment on it? Therefore, it is an issue for us. maximum of 100 persons at a much easier now because people media has been practised for when we have a meeting? It’s an That is the case everywhere. gathering. To my knowledge, no don’t go on parades and don’t have some time. But we have advised improper time for an election. They Coronavirus is not for them but It is recommended to use print actions were taken violating those large meetings; we have to ensure government media not to be could have waited for another two for the rest of the country. It and electronic media, especially guidelines. the safety of the people. Therefore, biased because the popularity to three months and maybe until doesn’t apply to Thondamans and TV, for election propaganda. Do we need to campaign effectively of their ratings decrease when the corona threat is over. Why are Rajapaksas. you think government parties are People have pointed out that and motivate people. I think they appear biased. Once they in a hurry? He (President) benefiting because they use state health guidelines were violated it applies to everyone because that happens, they cannot just displays something for people What kind of difficulties do you media? on several occasions including people are aware of the situation attract other sponsorships with cameras and scolds Central face while campaigning? Not only state media but even late Minister Arumugam and of the persons who should be and advertisements, which Bank officials, and the bank is We can’t have a big crowd, TV some private media give more Thondaman’s funeral. How elected to Parliament out of all the is detrimental to these state governed by his brother (Prime channels are not giving us enough coverage to them. would you comment on it? candidates. institutions. Minister) Mahinda Rajapaksa. All coverage, and newspapers too (Late) Minister Thondaman of them are involved in this game. hardly give us enough coverage. Do you think the public health was a recognised leader. How would you support the He could have been proactive Therefore, it is really difficult to inspectors (PHIs) will be soft However, despite all that, the new candidates of your party to and not reactive. He didn’t do communicate with people. on the Government and hard Government imposed a curfew get their message across to the I think campaigning has anything. There are no imports on opposition parties when people with the restrictions on become much easier now of raw materials and therefore no How would you support the enforcing the guidelines? campaigning? because people don’t go on manufacturing. It has caused major new candidates of your party to Yes, they might be. There is such We have gone back to basics. parades and don’t have job losses. get their message across to the an issue here. We are organising meetings of large meetings; we have This is a total disaster and a people amidst the campaigning smaller scale in over 500 grama to ensure the safety of the matter of mismanagement. Next, restrictions? nildhari divisions. We conduct people. Therefore, we need he brought in an Army General as I have invited all of them to many meetings every day to be to campaign effectively and the Consumer Affairs Authority my meetings. I have been very able to cover one district. It is the motivate people (CAA) Chairman. Then, he brought generous in my election strategy. practice of most of the candidates. in price controls and prices of food Anybody can join because I spend such as dhal and tinned fish were my own money and I hold the Rallies are not allowed and If opposition candidates increased. People will realise what meetings. the distribution of leaflets is complain that the public type of serpent they have voted discouraged. Does that affect health inspectors (PHIs) are in, but it will be too late. They are The participants are to be limited your campaign? soft on the Government and now bringing racism and racists to to a maximum of 100 persons. In We have to adjust to the new hard on opposition parties the forefront. Both (former Prime your opinion, is that practical for social and political norms of the when enforcing the guidelines, Minister) Ranil Wickremesinghe propaganda meetings? country. People are also quite how would you react to it? and (former President) Maithripala It is practical to eradicate educated and they know which I don’t think they will work Sirisena who are responsible for coronavirus but party they should vote for. It is like that because most of the the Easter attacks are now in their not practical for an more difficult than other government officers have pockets. election campaign. election periods. But become more independent now, we are using social including law enforcement media and mass authorities. We should adhere media, so to guidelines and we are I have invited all of them to my meetings. that would sending that message across I have been very generous in my election work to the people because our strategy. Anybody can join because I spend in our responsibility is to protect the myself and I do the meetings favour. people.

Below are excerpts of the start acting in the same manner. violated Covid-19-related norms and How would you support the house campaigns, and are distributing governing parties are benefiting conversation with former people are still complaining about it. new candidates of your party in leaflets to houses. All the new because they are favoured more Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna People complain that the health getting their message across to candidates are using these methods than the Opposition by the state (JVP) MP Vijitha Herath. guidelines were violated on What kind of difficulties do you the people amidst the restrictions to get their messages across to the media? occasions such as the Samagi face while campaigning? on campaigning? people. The Government has brought state Do you think the health Jana Balawegaya (SJB) One of the new norms is that we At the moment, we are conducting media as well as private media under guidelines are practical to adhere Youth Wing Convention and can’t exhibit the candidate number or small pocket meetings, house-to- With all these restrictions its authority. They are misusing these to while campaigning? late Minister Arumugam a photo of a candidate when opening in place, do you think the through state power. We need a lot We are adhering to these properly. Thondaman’s funeral. What are election offices. So it is kind of a Government parties are of money to get our advertisements We conducted an awareness your views? barrier for us because people like to benefiting? published. programme through workshops in Of course they will complain. The see who is contesting, especially when They have the power to use state every district for our members. They guidelines were violated on both these it comes to the new candidates. It and private media, and they are Do you think the public health are campaigning after studying the occasions. A propaganda campaign has become a challenge for all the financially strong. They are using inspectors (PHIs) will be soft guidelines and all of them are adhering was done at the funeral; all of them political parties. digital media and electronic media too. on the Government and hard to these. Although it is difficult to But unfortunately, all the candidates on opposition parties when manage with some guidelines, we can’t do that, apart from the powerful enforcing the health guidelines? are adhering to these. candidates who have earned money I don’t think PHIs will work like through a variety of methods. that, and we don’t have any evidence Do you think the health Entire to say so. But the Government is guidelines are posing unfair It is being recommended that enjoying many benefits when obstacles for opposition parties print and electronic media, campaigning. They are using their and not the Government? especially TV, be used for power, state resources, funds, and I think there’s no difference between campaign is election propaganda in local government bodies in a way that the Government and the Opposition the current climate. is benefiting them. It is wrong and it when it comes to this. The problem Do you think the violates the fairness of the election. is whether all are adhering to the guidelines. We saw how certain benefiting candidates violated the guidelines. The guidelines were not followed at The Government is having many benefits when meetings in which the Prime Minister campaigning. They are using their power, state resources, participated, but no action was taken the Govt.: funds, and local government bodies in a way that is against them. Those who have power benefiting them. It is wrong and it violates the fairness violate the guidelines. After seeing of the election these incidents, the public will also VIJITHA HERATH OF JVP 12 the sunday morning FOCUS/POLLS 2020 Sunday, June 28, 2020

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER RAGGING MENACE student, rigorous imprisonment represent 25% of the university up to five years; (d) if anyone which has four batches. The other forcibly confines an individual, up three batches consist of seniors. to seven years imprisonment. “This is like a chain. This act is “Although the law seems to be done as a trend. Sometimes, certain strict, cases of ragging continue to students follow their seniors if they emerge, and the group of students know them personally or while Are universities who violate the law are not afraid in school. So the seniors set a bad of the law. example and then the students “In 1975, the first serious proceed to do the same thing. ragging-related incident was “Unlike schools, the higher reported when 22-year-old Rupa education system is highly diverse. Rathnaseeli became paralysed There are various kinds of people and later committed suicide as a in it. So it is harder for university result of jumping from the second officials to control this. In some the floor of the hostel to escape circumstances, we notice that some physical ragging including sexual academic officials think ragging is penetration. fine. “Later, the incidents of “The law is there but it is not BY‘lawless’? AGRA RANASINGHE students that are guilty of this Prasanga Niroshana, who died as active enough to prevent ragging offence are convicted according a result of undisclosed injuries; and the law in itself is not enough Ragging in local universities to the law. Varapragash, who died from to prevent it. This mechanism is still a brutal reality in Sri Political influence kidney failure; Kelum Thushara, should be restructured in many Lanka. It has caused many who died from kidney failure ways.” fatalities over the years. Speaking to The Sunday as a result of being forced to Morning, Attorney-at-Law do tough exercises and drink Misplaced priorities? The most recent ragging case, Premalal Dolawatta explained that excessive quantities of liquor; University unions fight for the reported a few months ago, was one of the major problems in the Samantha Vithanage, who rights of their students, including that of Pasindu Hirushan, a first- universities is political influence. was killed at a meeting; D.K. free education and health. Since year student of the Management “Still, people haven’t Nishantha, who committed the formation of such unions, Faculty at the University of understood that we have no suicide after witnessing a they have won many struggles, Sri Jayewardenepura, who got right to abuse other people. In sexual assault incident; apart from the struggle with injured as a tyre was thrown in his my opinion, those students are Amali Chathurika, who ragging. This begs the question direction. groomed in such a way by certain committed suicide due as to whether these unions too are In 1998, the Sri Lankan political parties. We all know to ragging; Dilhan influenced by political parties. Parliament ratified the Prohibition that only a group of youths are Wijesinghe, who also At the time of Pasindu’s incident, of Ragging and Other Forms involved in this, and that not all committed suicide; Sri Jayewardenepura University of Violence in Educational the students are involved. We and the latest case of Students’ Union President Nuwan Institutions Act No. 20. The don’t see this happening in private Pasindu Hirushan, who Dissanayake commented that the purpose of the Act was to prevent universities because those students was hit by a tractor tyre, act was an accident. ragging, including brutal and are not politically influenced. all prove that the students Reiterating the same sentiment insulting acts, in Sri Lanka. “This is because they think that are not afraid of the law.” while speaking to The Sunday Unlike in other countries, Sri as university students are young, Morning, Dissanayake said that Lanka doesn’t have any official they are immature people and More needs to such incidents happen in society anti-ragging movements. are easily influenced. But now, be done and that ragging is a part of it. Therefore, the Act was it seems that the authorities are When contacted, University “At the media conference, we implemented to eliminate ragging concerned about the situation and of Sri Jayewardenepura Vice said that Pasindu’s incident could and other forms of violence, and are looking to take action. Chancellor Prof. Sudantha have been an accident. Even the cruel, inhuman, and degrading “We think that the present Liyanage said that the law is not media was trying to make it a treatment in educational situation would change if the enough to prevent ragging, and big issue. Still, we can’t properly institutions. students are punished. Even the that more needs to be done. determine what actually happened According to the Act, victims may be thinking that there “I have been working as the at the premises. We think it could any person who commits or is no use of complaining; with Dean of the Faculty of Applied have been an accident. participates in ragging, within or time, they lose their trust in the Science at the University of Sri “As a student union, we always outside an educational institution authorities. That’s really why we movements have led to reduced and proctors, and has unions Jayewardenepura for nine years, fight for the rights of the students. and a person who whilst don’t even get to see a court trial ragging in certain departments along with a large number of and I think this is a faculty at When it comes to ragging, I committing ragging causes sexual regarding ragging. The law we and faculties, internal clashes intellectuals. which anti-ragging students have see it as just another violent act harassment or grievous hurt to have is actually enough to take between ragging and anti- Speaking to The Sunday got the power. that happens in society. We see any student or a member of the proper action.” ragging movements have also Morning, University Grants “Ragging consists of brutal pollution, crimes, and many more staff of an educational institution With ragging progressively erupted several times. Samantha Commission (UGC) Chairman physical and verbal abuse, as incidents in society. Ragging is shall be guilty of an offence under getting worse, anti-ragging Vithanage was a victim to such a Prof. Sampath Halwathura shared students are taught bad words also just a part of it. But as the this Act. movements seem to be emerging clash. He was killed in 2002 while his perspective on the matter. and sometimes even freshmen students’ union, we always accept The Act further defines in university faculties where in an anti-ragging discussion held “Considerable punishments are taught bad words. This is not complaints and take action if we how a person can be guilty of students are subjected to ragging. at the university premises. were prescribed under this Act. something an individual can do are informed.” committing an offence through For example, after the brutal In addition, numerous students They included: (a) two years’ alone; it is organised. When a tragic incident occurs, criminal intimidation, hostage case of Rupa Rathnaseeli in 1975 have also committed suicide rigorous imprisonment for the “The reality is that students people speak about it, but in taking, wrongful restraint, – a student of the University of to escape the unavoidable accused and compensation to are not aware of the law that’s another three months’ time, the unlawful confinement, and Peradeniya who leapt off the circumstances of ragging. the victim; (b) if ragging leads in place to prevent ragging. No incident fades into insignificance forcible occupation and damage second floor of a hostel to escape to sexual harassment or grievous one has educated them about it. and becomes a non-issue; the to property of an educational sexual abuse, and then committed Not afraid of the law hurt, 10 years imprisonment with It is not taught in schools or to victim’s name gets added to the institution. suicide in 2002 because she It is questionable as to how compensation to the victim; (c) if the first batches at universities. long list of ragging victims in Sri But with repeated incidents was paralysed – anti-ragging incidents of ragging keep anyone threatens or acts intending It is difficult for the freshmen Lanka. A change is needed, as they of ragging being reported, it movements emerged in 1996. occurring, especially in a system to cause injury to the person, to implement an anti-ragging hold the future of Sri Lanka in their is questionable as to whether While the emergence of these that employs professors, teachers, reputation or property of any movement because they only hands.

Contd. from page 4 Contd. from page 6

allowing us to conduct our business as well. We are more than willing to adhere to the CBSL under... FATE OF POLLS... health guidelines and can train On 17 June, the CBSL appointed issues faced by customers with regard “It is now over a year and we and the microfinance loans also look into the retail shop our staff to adhere to the same,” a three-member committee headed to the non-bank financial industry.” are yet to be able to recover the that we have taken are long owners’ plight. Kasun, the owner of a holiday by Presidential Secretariat Director He said that it was likely most damages that have been caused overdue. We are in a difficult “Even when the country opens rental in Nuwara Eliya, noted. General of Legal Affairs Attorney- customers were unaware of whether to our personal incomes. We situation as we will have to up for tourism, the Ministry is Kasun believes that when at-Law Harigupta Rohanadeera they were dealing with unlicensed have been battered by natural wait till next year to restart our only going to allow tourists to people vote this time, they to submit observations on how to companies or not. disasters, the Easter bombings, livelihoods,” K. Dissanayake, stay at SLTDA-approved hotels. would elect new blood into the address the issue of unlicensed “Those who do know are probably and now the pandemic. We had a vendor in the vicinity of the Many of us have registered political arena as it was high financial companies. afraid to reveal such details, in fear to discard a whole season worth Hakgala Botanical Gardens, with online accommodation time the older generation gave “We have already received a that it would lead to the customer of inventory as there was no informed us. Dissanayake hopes rental sites such as Airbnb an opportunity to the young number of complaints,” Rohanadeera being penalised for associating with fiesta this April. Our grievances the parliamentarians who will be and Booking.com. We hope politicians who understand the told The Sunday Morning. an illegal financial entity,” Sirikumara will not be heard immediately elected from the district would the Government will consider needs of the new generation. Other members of the committee said. are CBSL Legal and Compliance Meanwhile, former Minister of secure airtime on TV and and primetime slots to Department Director K.G. Sirikumara Justice Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, No level... radio shows, and invest political parties they Majority from... and CBSL Department of Supervision speaking to The Sunday Morning, There usually isn’t a in alternative methods decide to side with. This Adherence to health authorities and election of Non-Bank Financial Institutions asserted that current legislation was level playing field at any of canvassing too. As a also hinders the chances guidelines too needs to officers on the day of Director J.P. Gamlath. inadequate to properly regulate election, but this time we party policy, we generally of new political parties be considered. Therefore, the election, so they can Sirikumara told The Sunday and monitor non-bank financial are even further restricted. do not allocate massive and politicians reaching we urge the public to facilitate the polling Morning that a total of 31 complaints institutions. Whoever can afford to budgets for advertising. out to the masses; it is co-operate with the health activities efficiently. had been received by the committee “The Microfinance Act was passed will place advertisements Furthermore, even the always the well-to-do as of Thursday (25). in 2016 but it failed to address the in heavily circulated print media framework in our and the better connected “I have received 21 complaints issue of leasing companies and the newspapers, run TV/ country is biased and persons/political parties Move out... and advertise the via email while another member process of seizing when someone radio advertisements, tends to give more airtime that exploit the situation. We have to move candidates and their of the committee had received defaults. Irrespective of those laws, out from the traditional contesting numbers. 10 complaints. Most of these are there are so many illegal money- methods of canvassing People’s livelihoods individuals with personal complaints lending institutions. That is the other Step-motherly... advertising. Even the media does not and are also faced were heavily affected against leasing and finance problem. The Central Bank does not The new faces will have to contend allow the SLFP candidates to comment with restrictions in by the lockdown companies,” he said, adding that attend to all those illegal institutions with seasoned politicians who have been and educate the voters. It is always the publicising the candidate and now the work the complaints referred to matters even though it is their duty to do so elected to Parliament time and again over SLPP that gets special attention. names and numbers restrictions are in ranging from high interest rates to and take some action. There was some the last few decades. We are also faced with a disadvantage freely, which we see as place. So we are yet to unwarranted seizing of vehicles. failure to act on the part of the Central The general public is unaware that the as candidates have to conduct meetings an obstacle, especially pick up the pulse of the He went on to say that the Bank,” the former Minister said, SLFP is also running for office separately in small groups, but the terrain itself considering that there citizens of the country. committee was not tasked with pointing out the need to bring in fresh in the three districts. If you look at the is challenging and we also have to are newcomers who are In our campaign trail, identifying unlicensed non-bank legislation to address the issue. airtime the SLPP has, as compared to the ensure that we deliver clear and concise contesting for the first we do receive positive financial institutions. Several attempts made by The SLFP, it is obvious that although we are messages to the people of the Nuwara time. The SJB and the feedback from our “We have not received any Sunday Morning to contact senior fully supporting the President to achieve Eliya District. If we are to go from SLMC are now utilising followers, and we are complaints about the identities of CBSL officials, including its his vision of a forward-thinking country, house to house with just three persons, alternatives such as confident that we will be unlicensed financial institutions. Governor Prof. W.D. Lakshman, for we are given step-motherly treatment we will at least need 15 days to cover social media platforms able to garner as many We are only tasked with finding and their views on the allegations made by when it comes to canvassing and one polling division. to drive awareness votes for SJB. recommending methods to address the the JVP failed. the sunday morning 13 Sunday, June 28, 2020 FOCUS

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cases reaches an unacceptable level, there PCR TESTING should be community transmission. But we have not encountered such patients. This means that we have conducted an adequate amount of PCR tests in our country. We can’t be comparing our number with other countries because community transmission Should our numbers be has occurred in most countries. “Therefore, they have to carry out a large number of tests to identify the causes. In contrast, the situation is controlled in our country. We still haven’t been faced with community transmission because at the compared with others? beginning we were able to identify the cases. BY AGRA RANASINGHE “We can’t go by the norms of other countries. For example, in the US, a large Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) number of cases have been detected. testing and antibody testing are Certain passengers from the US arrived the general methods of testing in Sri Lanka and were diagnosed. This citizens for Covid-19 used by global means that the US hasn’t conducted their healthcare systems. The PCR test, tests adequately. Therefore, there’s no which is the most widely used use of comparing our country with other method in the world, is conducted countries due to the differences in spread after collecting a nasopharyngeal patterns, control measures, and control swab or oropharyngeal swab. It programmes,” said Dr. Samaraweera. He further noted that the number of tests detects the genetic information conducted per day could vary with the of the virus, RNA, etc. and this is circumstances that could arise each day. only possible if the virus is present Testing is the window through which and one is actively infected. We cannot compare the we can gain insight into the pandemic and number of tests we have without testing, there’s no way to understand During the past few months, the public the status of the pandemic. It is one of the has seen many proposals as well as debates done (with other countries) weapons in the fight to slowly prevent the relating to Covid-19 PCR tests in Sri and take it as a percentage spread and impacts of the virus. Without Lanka. of the population, unless proper data, there’s no way to reliably However, at the very beginning, when understand the progress of the virus. reports of Covid-19-infected patients we have community The Government Medical Officers’ started to emerge, health experts said that spread. We should have an Association (GMOA) repeatedly said that an increasing number of PCR tests must epidemiological basis to do so the number of tests conducted per day must be carried out. Therefore, the number of increase. When contacted, GMOA Media PCR tests conducted per day was gradually GMOA Media Spokesperson Spokesperson Dr. Samantha Ananda said increased; since February, the Sri Lankan Dr. Samantha Ananda that there was no requirement to conduct health sector has conducted over 100,000 PCR tests in the community. PCR tests. tests conducted so far are not enough. But “In other countries, there was community “Conducting PCR tests only on the if someone is complaining that the amount transmission. Therefore, they conducted patients who showed symptoms was the of PCR tests we conducted is not enough, a large number of tests compared to other first error we made,” said College of the above-mentioned facts are the reasons,” countries. But our country is at Stage 3, in Medical Laboratory Science (CMLS) noted Kumudesh. which only the identified clusters have the President Ravi Kumudesh. Looking at the numbers of PCR tests disease. As such, our testing strategy was “At the time, we continuously said conducted in South Asian countries, to test the clusters and conduct random that 80% of the people are not being over 54,000 tests were conducted in tests to see whether community spread tested. Therefore, the number of PCR Afghanistan as of 15 June (TOLOnews), has occurred. We were able to prevent tests decreased. We think that the speed over five million tests were conducted in community transmission because we had of increasing PCR tests was very low India (India Council of Medical Research tight measures imposed. We could say that and some officials in the Health Ministry [ICMR]), over 5,000 tests per million we lacked initial capacity which resulted are responsible for it. In the beginning, people were conducted in Pakistan as of in an increasing number of patients, but we had four MRI laboratories to test 23 June (Our World in Data), and over 96 we cannot compare the number of tests we with full capacity. They were built three PHOTO LALITH PERERA tests per million people were conducted in have done (with other countries) and take years ago, although eight laboratories Bangladesh as of 21 June (Our World in it as a percentage of the population, unless were estimated to be built. But due Data). To be able to monitor the spread of we have community spread. We should to the lack of virologists, only four was reported, we reported details of the Director General of Health Services gave the virus, countries with more widespread have an epidemiological basis to do so. So laboratories could function,” Kumudesh number of PCR machines we have in directives to build a laboratory in the outbreaks are required to conduct more in our context, we had no reason to conduct added, explaining that PCR tests could our country, their capacity, and that we National Hospital, microbiologists didn’t tests. tests at a community level because we have been carried out beyond the can increase the testing capacity. But the allow it. Instead, they either wanted to do it However, speaking to The Sunday had no evidence that it was required,” he number the Ministry of Health did. Ministry of Health was not very concerned themselves or have nobody be allowed to Morning, Ministry of Health Consultant explained. “Anyway, PCR tests were conducted in about bringing a machine-specific agent. do it. All this ensued because the Ministry Community Physician Dr. Sudath The World Health Organisation (WHO) many places in Sri Lanka as there were In some circumstances, some of the of Health came to a point where all the Samaraweera said that it is futile to has suggested around 10 to 30 tests per 36 PCR machines. At the time, we were microbiologists in the Ministry wanted decisions they made on the prevention compare Sri Lanka with other countries confirmed case as a general benchmark of able to carry out a PCR test for Rs. 4,000 to develop this test in a way which only programme were based on what some regarding the total number of PCR tests adequate testing. However, some countries because we had the ability to do so. But microbiologists could conduct them. But virologists and microbiologists said. each country has completed. are conducting tests a hundred times less due to certain reasons, conducting PCR they were afraid to take the responsibility. “The laboratories couldn’t work at full “As of now, we have carried out over or a hundred times more than some other tests in some places in the country was “The best example is that although the capacity because we didn’t get samples in 100,000 PCR tests. There must be cases countries with a similar number of new restricted. When the first Covid-19 case Government, Ministry of Health, and full capacity. We can’t say that the PCR that are not diagnosed yet. If the number of confirmed cases.

BY SARAH HANNAN SWARAKSHA APP TO COMBAT COVID-19 A team of researchers from the University of Colombo (UoC), under the supervision of Prof. Chandana Jayaratne of the Department of Physics, developed a contact-tracing and Enable real-time tracing and risk alerts patient-tracking mobile application to be used for Covid-19 prevention activities and similar that whilst observing the self-quarantine Furthermore, the app will also enable an pandemics in Sri Lanka. The app was unveiled process, these individuals will be monitored automatic signal generation (ping) four times last Wednesday (24) at the National Research through a geofencing technique which will a day to identify the location of the person. Council of Sri Lanka (NRC), which is to assist provide easy detection, should the person with the project. move from the designated area (home). The Functionality of the app SWARAKSHA (“ ”) is yet to be app will generate an alert to the nearest police The app is said to provide real-time protection enabled for public access and the beta version station immediately after the person moves out. with information privacy and would use of the app is to be made available soon for Bluetooth and GPS to trace contacts, while testing purposes. no phone number will be displayed; a random Prof. Jayaratne, speaking to The Sunday number generated by the phone will be assigned

Morning, said: “These types of applications if a person tests positive for Covid-19. The app are already implemented in many countries. The app will be especially will then assign a colour for each person twho Once enabled for public access, the app will useful for the public as well as was ested positive: be especially useful for the public as well healthcare service personnel - Active – red as healthcare service personnel to trace and - Recovered – yellow identify Covid-19 patients and their status, to trace and identify Covid-19 - Quarantined – brown once the country opens up its doors to patients and their status, once - Quarantine completed – green receive international travellers via airports the country opens up its doors to - Came from abroad – magenta and seaports.” receive international travellers Its built-in alerting system is capable of He pointed out that with the app installed identifying multiple stages of a Covid- in their phones, travellers can be released Prof. Chandana Jayaratne at UoC 19 infected/suspicious person with the from the airport after carrying out a PCR aforementioned colour code assignment. (polymerase chain reaction) test. If they get Therefore, when a person falling under one of infected later, their whereabouts and the persons these categories comes within a 10 m distance they contacted within the last 14 or 21 days of you, it will set off an alarm on your phone could easily be traced. in the form of beeps, vibrations, and an alert yy The application will use the end-user “Moreover, the app will assist immensely on the screen, indicating the respective colour device GPS, mobile data (or Wi-Fi), and in the self-quarantine process. This will be assigned to the person. Bluetooth. The application will refresh a big relief on the healthcare system of the If you have enabled data and location services every two to five minutes and work as a country as we expect over 45,000 Sri Lankan on your phone, the phone will display the background application without avoiding migrant workers to return to the country. person’s proximity to you within 10 m and 5 other functions If they are not infected at the time of m distances on a dynamic map. Blue colour contact with such persons and take prevention yy The general public can download the app arrival, they will not have to be sent to on the screen will be displayed to indicate measures. free from Google Play Store or Apple quarantine centres. All they have to do that you are in a safe zone. App Store and will be required to switch is install the app which will function The app will also enable you to check Tech specifics on Bluetooth to fully experience the as a monitoring mechanism,” Prof. whether there are any Covid-19- yy The app will be compatible with Android options and functions of the app Jayaratne explained. positive persons in your area of mobiles running Android 4.4.4 (Kitkat) yy No user information will be shared with Explaining further, he said travel, allowing you to avoid or above versions the public 14 the sunday morning POLITICS/SPOTLIGHT Sunday, June 28, 2020

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER Contd. from page 9 Contd. from page 5 after giving a seven-hour statement to Chairman of Avant Garde Nissanka Justice Abeyratne asserted that the the CID. Speaking to reporters on his Senadhipathi, who is a complainant, Commission had already decided MCC puts... way out of the CID, Karuna had said has no legal standing in light of the that it indeed has the jurisdiction to Soon after the comments were he had no intention of insulting the above. investigate the complaint lodged by Short circuited... made public in the media, Karuna Sri Lankan Army or the Government The letter also mentioned that Senadhipathi before commencing As learnt by The Sunday years while putting the country as well as the SLPP gathered much through his comments which were in terms of Article 4 (c) read with hearings. Morning, an initial study had into a serious power crisis. criticism from all corners of the made during election campaigning Article 105 of the Constitution, the “The Commission deliberated on been carried out by a technical According to CEB’s newly country. Demands for a probe on and that he did not intend it that way. Commission of Inquiry was not the matter at the beginning and we team to evaluate the possibility of drafted energy plan, no coal plants Karuna over his comments, which empowered to review any decision decided that the complaint by the developing an additional unit with were built until 2011 due to several were seen as glorifying the killing of UN weighs in of the AG and could be exercised Avant Garde Chairman came within the capacity of 300 MW within the environmental and social issues. Sri Lankan military personnel, started Meanwhile, the United Nations by only a Court of Appeal law the ambit of the Commission. Only premises of the Lakvijaya Power At present, coal power plants to grow through last week. Human Rights Council (UNHRC) established according to the above thereafter did we begin hearing the Station a few years ago. During amounting to 900 MW are in Finally, the Acting IGP ordered the had called for an investigation into laws in the Constitution. case,” Abeyratne said, adding that the study, it had been observed that operation in Puttalam, which was Criminal Investigation Department child soldier recruitment by Karuna Accordingly, the AG reiterated if anyone had concerns regarding the existing coal yard is sufficient built in two stages. Even though (CID) to immediately launch an Amman. The office of the UN that summons and notice served on this matter, they could take it up at to store coal for an additional coal power is the cheapest after investigation into the statement made High Commissioner for Human Senior State Counsel Janaka Bandara a higher court of law such as the generation unit. However, the hydropower, the CEB has also by Karuna. Rights Michelle Bachelet tweeted to appear at the PCoI were contrary to Supreme Court (SC). coal unloading capacity and the stated that recently, coal prices too Referring to Karuna’s statement, saying it took note that former law and were invalid. The Commission made this coal conveyor system need to be have shown increased volatility. SLPP General Secretary Sagara LTTE Commander and Government The following day, Tuesday (23), declaration in response to arguments upgraded to improve reliability and Meanwhile, when contacted Kariyawasam said that the party Minister Amman is being questioned the PCoI declared that the AG’s office raised by the various counsels redundancy. by The Sunday Morning, PUCSL vehemently condemn the statement. for alleged past crimes. couldn’t send counsel to represent a present to represent former Ministers It is mentioned that upgrades Corporate Communications “We are not in a position to take “We note that #Karuna, former respondent. Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, Arjuna will be required in some of the Director Jayanat Herat stressed that the responsibility of the statement he LTTE commander & Government PCoI Chairman former Supreme Ranatunga, and JVP Leader Anura auxiliary components of the the PUCSL is yet to be informed made as he is neither a member of the Minister, is being questioned for Court Judge Upali Abeyratne said Kumara Dissanayake, who were existing power plant in order to about the 300 MW power plant in SLPP nor a member of our affiliated alleged past crimes. He should also be that he would not allow a second present before the Commission as cater to an additional unit. The Norochcholai, which is to be built group,” he told a news briefing last investigated for wholesale recruitment team from the AG’s Department to respondents. new study has been initiated to by China as an extension to the week. of child soldiers, a crime under int’l make submissions on behalf of a Upul Jayasuriya PC and Senior implement two 300 MW high- existing plant. “He is contesting the upcoming law. Accountability should apply to respondent. State Counsel Janaka Bandara efficient coal power plants within Speaking to The Sunday Morning, general election against our party everyone in Sri Lanka,” the UNHRC “There is already a team from Tennakoon were also present as and adjacent to the Lakvijaya CEB Chairman Eng. Vijitha Herath from another newly formed party,” had tweeted. the AG’s office present to assist the respondents. Power Station with appropriate said the EIA and technical evaluation he had added. He had said there was Commission with our proceedings. Counsels for the respondents transmission infrastructure. of the 300 MW extension to the a tendency for Karuna to make such AG clashes with PCoI The AG’s office can only assist with argued that according to the Gazette Norochcholai power plant were still statements when he is dealing with Apart from the chaos in the political the proceedings particularly on the notification which was published to Coal, the ‘cheapest source’ being conducted and once the reports Ranil Wickremesinghe and Sajith arena, last week also saw the AG subject of clarifications once evidence establish the PCoI, its scope only When contacted by The Sunday give the green light for the project, Premadasa. lock horns with the Presidential is submitted. So, a second team of AG stipulated the hearing of complaints Morning, CEB Chairman Eng. the CEB would go ahead. “However, we would like to Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) on office counsels cannot represent one lodged by public officials or Vijitha Herath stressed that Responding to the allegations categorically mention that Karuna political victimisation by the former of the respondents,” he said. members of the tri-forces who had the 300 MW coal power plant levelled by former Minister Amman is not maintaining any links Government. The Commission made these been politically victimised, and that is a necessity to the country’s Ranawaka, the CEB Chairman with our party for the upcoming AG General Dappula de Livera last assertions when a senior official of the Avant Garde Chairman, being electricity sector to mitigate future noted that the Government had general election and reiterate that Monday (22) objected to summons the AG’s Department attempted to a private individual, could not be power shortages, in addition to not signed any agreement with we highly condemn the statement,” and notice being issued on Senior make submissions pertaining to one considered a public official, and his it being an investment in the the Chinese company for the Kariyawasam had added. State Counsel Janaka Bandara to respondent – Senior State Counsel complaint didn’t come under the country’s power sector. construction and therefore, nobody When the CID commenced a appear before the PCoI. Janaka Bandara Tennakoon. mandate of the PCoI. “The entire power sector could comment on it until the probe and summoned Karuna to The AG raised objections in terms “Additional Solicitor General Senior State Counsel Bandara at present depends on the EIA and technical evaluation are record a statement, he informed the of Section 16 of the Commissions of Rohantha Abeysuriya is heading Tennakoon, at this point, requested Norochcholai (Coal) Power Plant completed. CID on Wednesday (24) through his Inquiry Act and in connection with the the team sent by the AG’s office to the bench to either accept or reject and that is the cheapest (source of) However, when asked whether lawyers that he was unable to record Avant Garde arms trafficking case. assist this Commission. If the AG the claim of the counsels that the electricity after hydropower,” he the CEB would go for competitive a statement with the investigators In a letter to the PCoI, the AG doesn’t have confidence in him, then Commission had gone beyond its said. Responding to the allegations, bidding, he said there was no need since he was unwell and that he would said that the mandate granted to the he can send another team to assist scope so that the respondents could he assured that whatever the final to go for competitive bidding arrive at the CID as soon as he was fit Commission does not extend the the Commission, but he cannot send seek further legal recourse at a Court decision is, it will be in accordance as there were several resources to do so. scope of the inquiry of the PCoI to officials to represent a respondent; of Appeal. with the law. the new power plant would use The CID had meanwhile, deployed involve the AG or his officers. that is both unethical and beyond the However, the Chair refused to do As claimed by a senior engineer commonly with the existing power sleuths to visit the Eastern Province to The AG said that the PCoI had been constants of the law,” PCol Chair so. at the CEB, there was no need to plants and therefore, going for record a statement from Karuna. appointed to look into alleged political Justice Abeyratne said. “I have very clearly stated our follow the competitive bidding competitive bidding would only However, Karuna Amman finally victimisation of public officers, The PCoI thereby decreed that it position and that we had taken process for an extension of an make things complicated. arrived at the CID on Thursday (25) employees of state corporations, had decided that the complaint of the a decision on the matter before already existing power plant and it “The CEB would act according morning to give a statement over his members of armed forces, and the Avant Garde Group Chairman came beginning proceedings. Now, we are would only delay the construction to the Electricity Act and the other remarks. Police. within its mandate, despite the latter at the end of the hearings,” Justice of the power plants which have applicable laws in the country,” Eng. Karuna left the CID compound He added that therefore, not being a public official. Abeyratne said. already been delayed by many Herath reiterated. the sunday morning 15 Sunday, June 28, 2020 SPORTS

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BY REVATHA S. SILVA have to come in as the last man. This we write to depict two Finally, to the inimitable things; this is mainly a kind quotations of Percy remembrance of the cricketing Many people often ask him one talent that is Lucien de Zoysa, question: “Percy, are you not a who contributed to Sri Lanka’s ‘walaw karaya’ (a rich, aristocratic sports in the third quarter of person)?” the 20th Century. “My uncle Lucien was a multi- talented man. All his siblings became Next, this may lead us to well-known members of the country’s understand an invaluable sociological civil society. Thinking on those lines lesson as revealed by Lucien’s life … and family, a politic of the historic “People have tried to take me for interrelations of demography, religion, a ride but they have ended up like a and ancestry with sports, as well as bowler who has bowled a wide and the ever-evolving socioeconomic hide.” undercurrents during such times. You talk about the various Walaws Let’s see if so! of them. No point. This is a different era. Lucien and his cricket “Den walaw illaw wela, ewaye Born in 1917, Lucien Edward de inne rilaw.” Zoysa died on 11 June 1995 aged 78. (All those ancestral homes have He played for Sri Lanka – then named finished now and only the monkeys Ceylon – chiefly as a right-arm leg- are living in them) spin bowler. In those pre-Test decades LUCIEN DE ZOYSA’S 25TH DEATH ANNIVERSARY In that way, Percy is actually a very of the island nation, Lucien played 12 humble man. first-class matches including many “unofficial” tests against countries including Australia, England, and the West Indies. His playing career A genealogy, politics, spanned from 1947-54. On record, he has taken 38 wickets at an average of 25.81. The Ceylonese team during Lucien’s time was massive. The names say so; F.C. de Saram, C.I. cricket, and Gunasekera, Mahadevan Sathasivam, Sargo Jayawickrema, Ben Navaratne, and so on. Lucien’s affinity with cricket never stopped there. He gave radio commentaries in almost all the international cricket matches played thereafter. The older generation still regards Lucian and his long-time com box ally Berty Wijesinghe, as the …oops! Ceylonese answer to the legendary John Arlott and Johnny Moyes. had married Tudor Rajapakse of Lucien’s family the Maha Kappina Walawwa, also He is one of six sons of the famed in Balapitiya. Rajapakse is also a Sir Francis de Zoysa, emerging from philanthropist who gave his land to Gamakarana Walawwa (ancestral build Ananda College, Colombo), house) situated in Balapitiya, Down Olga (the first Miss Ceylon), and South. Francis, a King’s Counsel and Iris (who married former Cabinet pioneer in the national independence Minister of the SWRD Government, movement towards the last stages Michael de Zoysa Siriwardena, and of British colonisation here, had later Anton Wickremasinghe, the man married Ethel Perera Amarasekera who made the award-winning movie Siriwardena of Ragama “Walawwa” “Gamperaliya”, which was shot Francis de Zoysa Richard de Zoysa Norbert Perera of the Western Province. Its most entirely in the Maha Kappina “nobleman” Norbert Perera is said Walawwa, now in ruin). Lucien’s Michael de Zoysa, who also played de Zoysa Abeysekera was one of the Walaw and to be the donor of hundreds of acres other distant relative Sir Cyril de a close role in national cricket till he cousins of our hero Lucien. illaw where one can find today the Ragama Zoysa, notably, the leading Buddhist died. Now back to cricket. According Alas! General Hospital and the much- philanthropist who pioneered the to Percy, Lucien played for Ceylon The lethal revered Thewatta Church. building of the Kalutara Dagaba. Now Percy Abeysekera mainly as a spinner. But, against the Windies soon Six of Lucien’s brothers included Lucien, who also earned a name as comes into the picture? Windies once, probably in Galle, found Lucien coming in the Sydney (a former Deputy Inspector a writer and playwright, had two sons. Pioneering cheerleader, the Lucien opened batting with Mahes second innings at no. 11. General of Police), “Bunty” (a One of them was the renowned and affable Percy Abeysekera’s maternal Rodrigo. That was because Rodrigo’s They actually had thought President’s Counsel), and Stanley later slain Richard de Zoysa, a symbol grandmother happens to be the eldest permanent opening partner has that Ceylon had had such a (former Finance Minister). Among of the repression of the R. Premadasa sister of Sir Francis de Zoysa. That been in fear, they say, for facing the tremendous batting line-up Lucien de Zoysa his five sisters were Violet (she regime of the 80s. The other was means Percy’s mother Dolly Margaret devastating Windies’ pace battery. that even an opener could The chicken or the egg paradox: Chess version paradoxical problems where the cause-and- effect loop is discussed. In such problems, THE CHESS retrograde analysis tends to play a central role. CORNER In the realm of chess problems, there is this well-known convention that castling by Dulan Edirisinghe is always allowed, except when it can be proved (using retrograde analysis) that it White to play and mate in two moves A famous fairy tale tells us that Pinocchio’s is forbidden because either the king or the W Longstaff (1922) nose grows whenever he tells a lie. What rook must have already moved. To Once again, an analysing engine will only would happen if Pinocchio says: “My nose understand this convention, consider the show a mate in four moves starting with 1.h7. will grow now”? following problem. Can you do better by applying some logic? Confused? Let’s play a little prediction Say we play 1.Ke6, threatening 2.Rd8#. game. Black escapes by castling. Castling proves, An event that may or may not happen in however, that black’s last move was g7-g5. the next two minutes is written after this White to play and mate in three moves If castling is legal, neither the black king nor paragraph. It could be anything. For example, Sam Loyd (1888) rook could have moved before. Meanwhile, it might be written that you are going to Give this to an analysing engine and it will g6-g5 as the last move is impossible because sneeze in the next two minutes or that there say white can’t win this game. Whatever clever the white king would have been in check. That will be a power cut. All you have to do is queen-manoeuvre you think of, black can spoil only leaves g7-g5 as black’s last move. predict whether this event will happen or the party by castling either short or long. But So white argues that if black can castle in not. Just pick either “yes” or “no”. what was the last move by black? The black response to 1.Ke6, white would instead play king or one of the rooks must have moved. So 1.hxg6en passant, followed by 1… O-O You chose ‘no’ black does not have the right to castle both long (1...Kf8 2.Rd8#) 2.h7#. However, if white Sudat Pasqual That’s the event! If you think hard enough, and short; he can only castle either long or short. starts with 1.hxg6, then black can protest its you will understand that you did not “win” If long castling is permitted, then the solution legality by arguing his last move may have speaks to The by picking “no”. If you picked “no”, you is 1.Qd4! Rg8 2.Qd7+ Kf8 3.Qxe7#; if short been Rh7-h8. In the case of Rh7-h8, white lose because the exact event you predicted castling is allowed, then 1.Qg5! Kd8 (1... has the “previous” mate in two starting with Sunday Morning that wouldn’t happen just happened. If you Kf8 2.Qxe7+ Kg8 3.Qf7#) 2.Qd5+ Kc8(e8) 1.Ke6 because black can’t castle anymore. But picked “yes”, you are wrong anyway. That’s White to play and mate in two moves 3.Qxa8#. The solution appears quite clever if white tries 1.Ke6, black can reply 1...O-O, Sports. from the power of a logical paradox. 1.Rxd3 with the idea of 2.Rd8# does not until someone asks you to play the first move claiming his last move was g7-g5. So on and A paradox is a situation or statement that, work because black has the castling option. and castles to the other side! After all, the so forth. It’s an endless loop. Canada. Special despite valid reasoning, leads to a self- 1.Rf1 d2+ would delay the mate. The correct convention allows it. The conclusion is baffling. If 1.Ke6 is correct, contradictory or logically unacceptable way is 1.O-O bxa6 (1... b5 or any 2. Nc7#) The convention for en passant is exactly the then 1.hxg6 is not, but if 1.hxg6 is, 1.Ke6 is interview in next conclusion. Most logical paradoxes tend to 2. Rb8#. opposite. You can’t capture en passant unless not. If white attempts one solution, black has create an endless loop. A case in point is the For the following problem, you may need to you can prove that the pawn being captured a defence which shows the other would have week’s edition. famous chicken or the egg paradox. put your philosopher’s (or Sherlock Holmes’ advanced two squares the previous move, which worked. So which came first, the chicken or In chess, too, there are wonderful deerstalker) hat on. again is perfectly reasonable the egg? Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 BRINGING DOWN SKY-HIGH CONSTRUCTION COSTS »SEE PAGE 7

DEFENDING MEDIOCRITY OR CATALYSING PROACTIVITY »SEE PAGE 5 Sunday, June 28, 2020 businessWITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER Tourism Ministry to consult lawyers on Marble Beach zSLTDA refers controversial matter to Ministry zLetter seeking advice sent on Thursday

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR Long history The board paper further stated that one reason for this could be the The Ministry of Tourism and Aviation is planning to obtain According to a board paper of incomplete acquisition process where legal advice regarding an ownership issue over a land situated SLTDA, in the terms of the powers no documents pertaining to the handing at Marble Beach in Trincomalee, according to Minister of vested in the Tourism Development over or taking over of the land are Tourism and Aviation Prasanna Ranatunga. Act of 1968, the Ceylon Tourist Board available either at the Trincomalee was to acquire this land. On behalf of Divisional Secretariat or Sri Lanka The Ministry has decided to seek land,” Ranatunga stated. the Tourist Board, the Trincomalee Tourism. legal advice following a letter sent GA had taken steps to acquire the to them by the Sri Lanka Tourism Conflict of interest? land as per the provisions of the Land Ponniah’s claim Development Authority (SLTDA) The 21-acre plot of land is located Acquisition Act of 1950. Meanwhile, a person named Rohan last Thursday (25), requesting the on Marble Beach in Trincomalee, However, due to unknown reasons, Ponniah from Trincomalee appeared Ministry’s intervention to resolve the a tourist hotspot, and is under the the acquisition procedure, which was as the legal claimant for the above issue. Gravest Assistant Government Agent under the control of the Trincomalee land and submitted an appeal to the “We will seek legal opinion. All (GA). In the past few days, certain GA then, had not been completed and SLTDA, requesting to give him consent these years, the attempted acquisition website reports had alleged that SLTDA no compensation had been paid to any to obtain legal clearance for the land by the SLTDA was not completed, Chairperson Kimarli Fernando is now SLTDA Director General Dhammika “When this was discussed at the claimants. The said land had not been through the Ministry of Lands and Land maybe because there are some legal attempting to assign the land to her Wijesinghe, she stated that whenever Board, she didn’t even sit at the Board. used for the purpose of tourism or Development, as he wanted to utilise it issues with the land. If SLTDA had husband, Malik Fernando, a renowned there is a discussion regarding this land She left the room because she said ‘I tourism-related projects, even though for a tourism project in collaboration never used the land, we can give it hotelier, to build a hotel. at SLTDA, Fernando excuses herself won’t be there as it is my husband who is it had been under the Ceylon Tourist with Resplendent Ceylon. back to the original owner of the However, when we spoke to due to the potential conflict of interest. trying to buy the land’,” Wijesinghe said. Board since 1982. Contd. on page 2 So Sri Lanka Net foreign outflow from stocks, bonds over Rs. 100 b Sri Lanka has lost over Rs. foreign outflow is not unique to capitalisation listed on the CSE, Meanwhile, at the end of the to be retained 100 billion in foreign exchange the Sri Lankan economy and has dropped by 5% several times, second week after reopening, Amidst speculation about SLTPB Acting Managing The post-pandemic tourism in 2020 even before the end of been mainly due to the Covid-19 triggering 30-minute halts in foreigners bought stocks worth the future of the “So Sri Director Madhubhani Perera promotion campaign is set to the first half of this year, due to global pandemic. The impact of regular trading during the week Rs. 1.6 billion, an improvement Lanka” tagline within the told The Sunday Morning be launched in January 2021, foreign investors pulling out of the the pandemic started being felt in that began on 16 March. compared to the first week, while tourism industry, particularly Business that the existing and a Cabinet-appointed country’s government securities the Sri Lankan market at the peak The following week, it remained they sold stocks worth Rs. 1.5 as it was formulated during tagline would be used for the Technical Evaluation and stocks, according to the latest of the outbreak in Wuhan, China. closed for four days with the billion compared to Rs. 5 billion the tenure of the previous promotion campaign with no Committee has been available data. Nevertheless, this intensified Government declaring holidays. the previous week. Government and previous changes. appointed by the Treasury According to data, Sri Lanka following the identification of It was opened on 20 March, only During the third week after the administration of Sri Lanka “We are going ahead with to prepare the procurement reported a whopping net foreign the first Covid-19-positive Sri to close shortly after opening. reopening of the CSE, foreign Tourism, the Sri Lanka the ‘So Sri Lanka’ tagline. process. outflow of Rs. 101.4 billion from Lankan in early March and had a Since then, the CSE remained purchases witnessed a drop Tourism Promotion Bureau There will be no changes,’’ ‘’The Committee is in 1 January up to the third week tremendous impact on the CSE’s closed until 11 May, effectively compared to the week prior, as it (SLTPB) has confirmed Perera stated. the process of preparing the of June this year. Out of this Rs. first quarter performance. not recording any flows into or was reported at Rs. 593.1 million, that the tagline will bid document. We have not 101.4 billion, Rs. 83 billion is During the first quarter of this out of the CSE. while shares sold by foreigners be retained for yet started the procurement net outflow from Treasury bills year, foreign companies’ inflow Before opening for trading on hiked to Rs. 3.9 billion that same the long-awaited process. We are going and bonds, as the Central Bank into the CSE was Rs. 30 billion 11 May, the CSE installed a new week. global campaign. through all the terms of of Sri Lanka (CBSL)’s indicators while its outflow was Rs. 35 system under which the market The following week, the first references with documents revealed, while the rest was billion. Meanwhile, inflow from would automatically close for week of June, foreign purchases before floating the tender,’’ outflow from the Colombo Stock foreign individuals during this the day if the S&P SL20 Index recovered to Rs. 1.2 billion while Perera added. Exchange (CSE). period was Rs. 416 million and dropped by 10% or more. The stocks sold by foreigners were Contd. on page 2 The net outflow during this outflow was Rs. 179 million. week from 11 May to 15 May saw valued at Rs. 1.5 billion. At the period is substantially higher Overall, the first quarter reported a number of trading halts, and Rs. end of the second and third weeks than the Rs. 72 billion in overall net foreign outflow of Rs. 5.42 1.5 billion in foreign inflow was of June, foreigners bought stocks net foreign outflow reported billion. reported during the week while Rs. worth Rs. 1.1 billion and Rs. 704.6 from 1 January-20 December However, the CSE was closed 5 billion in outflow was reported billion, respectively, while shares 2019, during which period the for trading in the last two weeks in the same period. Overall, Rs. sold by them amounted to Rs. Easter Sunday incident shook the of March, after the S&P SL20 3.5 billion in net foreign outflow 4 billion and Rs. 3.3 billion, country’s economy. Index, which includes the 20 was reported during this particular respectively. However, this year’s massive largest companies by total market week. Contd. on page 2 Enjoy your last sip, Govt. No milk price increase right now: Finance Ministry

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR tells alcohol industry Both the Ministry of Finance and the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) confirmed The Treasury has instructed a ban on ethanol imports ordered shipments of ethanol. a final product that can match to The Sunday Morning Business that there Sri Lanka Customs to release the on 1 January this year with However, even after six months the quality, safety, and taste of are no plans to increase the prices of imported consignments of imported ethanol immediate effect. The ban came into the ban, authorities did not imported ethanol. milk powder at the moment. held at the port by authorities, due as a New Year shock to alcohol allow manufacturers to clear the Industry stakeholders stated The query was made by us to the CAA to the ban imposed on imported manufacturers as the Government consignments as allowing them that they are receiving criticism and the Ministry of Finance as milk powder ethanol from 1 January, on the neither pre-informed the industry to clear would be a violation of from regular consumers who have importers told The Sunday Morning Business condition that no further imports nor consulted stakeholders before the ban. The Sunday Morning complained about throat itching, two weeks ago that they made a request to of ethanol will be allowed. taking the decision to ban a Business learnt that a leading mild and extended headaches, the CAA via a price increasing application to Secretary to the Treasury S.R. primary ingredient of alcohol. alcohol manufacturer has about 70 and abnormal vomiting as well increase the price of imported milk powder. Attygalle, in a letter addressed to According to Department of containers with over one million as a drop in taste. When contacted, CAA Chairman Major of Finance K.A. Vimalenthiraraja, who told the Director General of Customs Excise Deputy Commissioner litres of imported ethanol at Sri “The quality of liquor is General (Rtd.) D.M. Shantha Dissanayake us that his Department has not received any dated last Wednesday (24) and seen – Law Enforcement and Media Lanka’s ports. generally determined through the told us that the CAA has not received any such requests nor has the CAA had any by The Sunday Morning Business, Spokesman Kapila Kumarasinghe, Following the import ban in four vital aspects of taste, colour, requests from milk powder importers on discussions with the Ministry of Finance stated that President Gotabaya the import ban on ethanol was January this year, the alcohol odour/bouquet, and mouth feel – all this matter. regarding the matter. Rajapaksa has instructed to clear imposed in a bid to control the industry was forced to use ethanol of which have drawn significantly “Even if we receive requests from them “Earlier this year, there were some requests the consignments following a massive amount of revenue produced at two government- negative feedback from both to increase the prices, it is the Ministry of from milk powder importers to increase the request made to the President flowing out of the country for run sugar mills in Sevanagala consumers and experienced Finance that looks into imported milk powder prices, but it went down after some time. As by Distilleries Company of Sri imports. and Pelawatte, leaving them liquor company spokespersons,” prices,” Dissanayake stated. of now, we have not received any formal Lanka PLC (DCSL) Chairman Nevertheless, manufacturers concerned as to whether the alcohol manufacturers said in a For further clarification on the matter, we request from them asking to increase prices,” Harry Jayawardena on 11 June. were assured that they would locally manufactured ingredient joint statement. spoke to Director General of the Department Vimalenthirarajah added. The Government announced be allowed to clear the pre- would be compatible to deliver Contd. on page 2 of Trade and Investment Policy at the Ministry Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning business NEWS Sunday, June 28, 2020

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER Dr. Wijayasuriya SriLankan converts passenger re-elected Ceylon Chamber Chairman aircraft to full freighter The Ceylon Chamber meeting, Baglay stated that To support Sri Lanka’s export industries payload of the aircraft will amount to of Commerce re-elected as a friendly neighbour, India and to keep the country connected with 45 metric tonnes. Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya as has been the first responder the global economy during the pandemic, SriLankan Cargo Head Chamara its Chairperson during the to floods and other natural its national carrier SriLankan Airlines Ranasinghe said: “The poor demand Chamber’s 181st annual calamities in Sri Lanka. has converted a wide-body passenger for passenger travel and the consequent general meeting (AGM) on Furthermore, there is a aircraft into a dedicated cargo aircraft. reduction of air freight capacity in the Thursday (25). keenness by numerous Indian This converted Airbus A330 aircraft global market have left a significant In his capacity as the Chief chambers of commerce for commenced operations yesterday (25) void for global supply chains. The Executive Officer (CEO) exploring opportunities with to key destinations in the Far East and past few months have seen SriLankan of Telecommunications Sri Lanka, as India is among Europe. Airlines operating several routes Business and Group Executive the top investors in the island. SriLankan Airlines Chairman Ashok specifically to cater to this demand Vice President (VP), Dr. “Going forward, there Pathirage said: “We have transformed this for cargo capacity with our fleet of Wijayasuriya heads the is substantial potential for aircraft to allow maximum cargo capacity passenger aircraft. The converted telecommunications business co-operation in areas like with main deck loading in addition to the operation comes at an ideal time for of Axiata Group Berhad. energy – both conventional aircraft’s lower deck cargo hold to mainly providing customers with enhanced Sunshine Holdings and non-conventional – as support the needs of our export industries, volume capacity in maximising the Group Managing Director well as infrastructure and as well as our imports sector, during The upper deck of the SriLankan Cargo A330-200 freighter aircraft, which is equipped to connectivity per flight.” (MD) Vish Govindasamy connectivity projects. Sri the current global shortage of air cargo carry 60 cubic metres of freight SriLankan Airlines currently operates and Ernst & Young Head Lanka needs to look no further capacity and to strengthen the airline’s other aircraft on special cargo flights of Tax/senior partner beyond India for a partner that revenue stream during a time when the where the SriLankan Airlines engineering The aircraft will fly a total of 170 to 20 destinations in Europe, Middle Duminda Hulangamuwa can ensure ‘post-millennial air transport industry is in crisis.” team worked around the clock. The cubic metres of cargo capacity with the East, Australia, India, and the Far East were re-appointed as Vice energy security’. This is The reconfiguration of the aircraft was new operational configuration has been enhanced 60 cubic metres of cargo on regions whilst offering capacity for Chairperson and Deputy Vice especially relevant in areas carried out in-house at the airline’s hub certified by the Civil Aviation Authority its upper deck with 110 cubic metres cargo charter operations to customers Chairperson, respectively. such as renewable and solar at Bandaranaike International Airport, of Sri Lanka. carried on the lower deck. The total in need of the same. Further to the office energy,” he said. bearers mentioned above, Baglay also requested the those re-elected to the Board Chamber to redouble its of the Ceylon Chamber advocacy towards promoting Two new members to CBSL Monetary Board are John Keells Holdings engagement between India and PLC Chairperson Krishan Sri Lanka for further success Former Deputy Governor of the Central currently an Advisor to the President members, and currently includes the Nihal Fonseka was appointed in Balendra, Hemas Holdings between both countries. Bank of Sri Lanka Dr. Ranee Jayamaha on Banking. Kumarasinghe is primarily Governor of the Central Bank Prof. July 2016 and resigned before the PLC Chairperson Husein “The leaders of our two and Nature’s Beauty Creations Ltd. and known as a businessman and exporter, W. D. Lakshman, the Secretary to the completion of four years, while Dr. Esufally, Overseas Realty countries have set out a new Multichemi International Ltd. Chairman and was only appointed to the Monetary Ministry of Finance (ex-officio) S. R. Dushni Weerakoon was appointed as (Ceylon) Ltd. Director/Group agenda for our co-operation Samantha Kumarasinghe were officially Policy Consultative Committee (MPCC) Attygalle and Sanjeewa Jayawardena recently as July 2019 and resigned CEP Pravir Samarasinghe, – a new agenda to build on confirmed as the newest members of the of the Central Bank, which the Monetary PC, who was appointed in February this within her first year. The resignations Jetwing Travels Ltd. existing strengths and expand Monetary Board of the Central Bank on Board consults, early this year. He will year, in addition to the latest appointees. proved to be controversial as they were Chairperson and MD Shiromal the emerging avenues and 24th June. now vacate his position in the MPCC to The three non-executive board members asked to resign to make way for two Cooray, Cargills Food synergies,” he added. The Constitutional Council (CC), sit in the Monetary Board. are nominated by the President before new members who would align with Company Ltd. MD Asoka Thereafter, Dr. Wijayasuriya which met on 24th evening at its Jayamaha and Kumarasinghe replace they are submitted for Constitutional the vision of the Government and the Peiris, and Ceylon Chamber of addressed the gathering on Chairman and former Speaker Karu former Colombo Stock Exchange Council approval and each appointment Central Bank. Commerce Secretary General/ the Chamber’s role as the Jayasuriya’s Residence, approved the (CSE) Chairman and veteran banker is for a six-year term. Fonseka confirmed this to The Sunday CEO Manjula de Silva. voice of the private sector, nominations of President Gotabhaya Nihal Fonseka and Institute of Policy The quorum for Monetary Board Morning Business at the time. The Guest of Honour at the the public-private dialogue Rajapaksa for the two vacancies of the Studies (IPS) Executive Director Dr. meetings is three members but in cases “Yes, a few weeks ago I was informed AGM was High Commissioner on the economy, and the twin Board, which is responsible for monetary Dushni Weerakoon, who submitted their where a unanimous decision is required, that the Government would like to of India to Sri Lanka Gopal Black Swan events over the policy decision-making. resignation from the Monetary Board the concurrence of all five members is reconstitute the Board so I thought I Baglay. Addressing the last year. Jayamaha is a former chairperson on 31 May. necessary. Therefore, these appointments would step down voluntarily to provide of Hatton National Bank Plc. and is The Monetary Board consists of 5 provide stability to the Board. them that opportunity,” he said.

Contd. on from page 1

was aborted and did not proceed. The buyer’s application to the CAA about a month ago and Development Authority (SLTDA) due Tourism (Dilmah) lawyers wanted a letter from the that they have requested to increase the price Enjoy your... to the unprecedented nature of Covid-19 Tourist Board to be extra careful before of a kilogramme of imported milk powder However, Co-Cabinet Spokesman and its impact on international tourism making payment to the seller.” by Rs. 60-70. However, the request has not Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, during a cabinet as well as the global economy. Targeted Ministry... Malik Fernando had first approached yet received any positive response from the meeting held on Thursday (25), stated tourist arrivals through this campaign Accordingly, SLTDA has had meetings the SLTDA on this matter in 2017, but the Government. that certain people are spreading false and the cost are yet to be disclosed by the regarding this land matter in the SLTDA SLTDA had not responded to these requests Since the request has not received any information about the locally produced Ministry. office as well as in the office of former State and the hotel project was delayed by three response from the CAA either, milk powder ethanol and assured that there are The long-awaited global advertising Minister Susantha Punchinilame, MP to the years. Then, a board paper was issued in importers told that they were planning to no issues in the quality of the local campaign for Sri Lanka Tourism was Trincomalee area, who was very keen on 2020 as he kept following up to confirm have a meeting with the CAA last week to production. set to be launched in September this getting the tourism project for that region, before he made the payment to the seller, discuss matters pertaining to the prices of The industry has also complained that year but faced delays due to Covid-19. according to the board paper. according to Malik Fernando’s letter. imported milk powder and arrive at a mutual the local production of ethanol is not The campaign, which has been in the The last meeting in this regard was held The letter adds that this has been put on agreement. nearly sufficient for the local requirement pipeline for five to seven years under two on 28 February 2020 at the office of Minister social media to “falsely sling mud” at his The request for an increase, according to of ethanol. According to sources, local governments, has been desperately awaited Ranatunga. Based on the discussions therein, wife and to “embarrass the government”. sources, was made mainly due to the increase ethanol production is estimated to be by the industry, particularly following the the Divisional Secretariat of Trincomalee Upon the acquisition of the land, Malik of the dollar value, even though Covid-19 24 million litres per annum, while the Easter Sunday attacks and more recently town and Gravest Division, referring to a Fernando said he hoped to build a luxury has not caused any significant impact to their country’s leading alcohol manufacturer the coronavirus outbreak. Scheduled to letter sent by claimant Rohan Ponniah, made hotel similar to the other three “globally businesses. The Sri Lankan rupee depreciated alone requires about three times this be conducted for a period of five years, a written request of the SLTDA Director award-winning hotels” that Dilmah has built. at a dramatic rate, especially since March this amount. the campaign is aimed at bringing in six General via a letter dated 10 March 2020, year. It is notable that the increase in local However, Dr. Pathirana added that the million tourists by 2025, sources told asking to refer the issue to the Ministry of milk powder prices, which are usually less policy of this Government is to protect The Sunday Morning Business. While the Land with the current stand of the SLTDA in Net foreign... than imported milk powder prices, on 1 May and promote local industries and therefore campaign has received the approval of the order to close this long-overdue land matter. While the CSE bled about Rs. 18.41 billion brought their prices on a par with the prices of the importation of ethanol was banned as Treasury early this year, the total cost of it Since the said land refers to an incomplete this way, Treasury bills and bonds held by imported milk powder. local ethanol distilleries are capable of is yet to be revealed. land acquisition process, and also by foreigners depleted at a rate higher than that The industry was also requesting the catering to the local demand. When we contacted Perera of SLTPB considering the fact that the land was of the time of the infamous October crisis Government to introduce a proper scientific He added that as a result, state-owned before Covid-19, she said that bids will be requested for a worthy high-end tourism in 2018 as it has lost Rs. 83 billion so far. mechanism or pricing formula for imported ethanol distilleries in Sevanagala and called simultaneously for one Sri Lankan project, SLTDA was willing to co-operate As of end-December 2019, Treasury bills milk powder to reflect the global milk powder Pelawatta which were earlier making creative agency and for eight foreign with the request, the board paper adds. and bonds held by foreigners were Rs. 104.6 prices locally as well as to ensure periodic losses are now making profit. He said that market-specific companies to conduct However, due to the fact that the current billion and that dropped by double digits to revisions without the intervention or requests by limiting the importation of ethanol, the destination representation campaigns. claimant’s name was not indicated in the Rs. 21.6 billion by the end of the third week from the industry to do so. employment of about 50,000 sugarcane In planning this campaign, the SLTDA Survey General’s map at the initial stage of of June. Furthermore, industry stakeholders believe farmers in those institutions has been has analysed tourism data from the past acquisition, it was suggested to give SLTDA’s Foreigners pulled out a whopping Rs. that the prices of imported milk powder secured and that they would be made five years and segregated the campaign consent for the Ministry of Land to proceed 28.12 billion worth of investments in should be increased by a minimum of 5% profitable in the coming year. into three categories: Mature markets, with the necessary steps to ensure the release Treasury bills and bonds in the first three every year and noted that the industry is not in Dr. Pathirana further stated that despite Eastern and Middle Eastern markets, and of the land to its legal owners. weeks of March alone, which amounted to favour of having price controls for imported the ban, a large quantity of ethanol new markets. The Board of the SLTDA, after noting the over 67% of the total net foreign outflow milk powder. imported to the country has been stored in The “mature markets” category includes above details and information, had approved reported since 1 January to 20 March this The last revision in imported milk powder the port and certain people are importing all the top tourism-generating markets of SLTDA giving consent to the Ministry of year, which was Rs. 41.55 billion. prices was made in December last year where ethanol through other code numbers, of Sri Lanka such as Germany, the UK, Land through the Ministry of Tourism to deal During the curfew period from 20 March the price of a 1 kg pack of imported milk adding that necessary measures will be France, India, and China. The campaign with the claimant of the land lot No. 286 of to 11 May Rs. 39.9 billion in net foreign powder was reduced by Rs. 40 while the price taken to prevent this in the future. is expected to increase the arrivals from the final village plan 26 in the Marble Beach outflow was reported from Treasury bills of a 400 g packet was reduced by Rs. 15. This these countries by 25%. The “Eastern and area of the Trincomalee District to release it and bonds held by foreigners. Nevertheless, revision was made to reflect the reduction of Middle Eastern markets” category includes to the legal owner for developing a worthy this trend eased as since the reopening of the Value-Added Tax (VAT) and the National So Sri Lanka... countries such as Australia, Qatar, United tourism project. Colombo on 11 May up to the third week of Building Tax (NBT) announced by President Perera expressed confidence in floating Arab Emirates (UAE), and other countries June, net foreign outflows from Treasury bills Gotabaya Rajapaksa in November. the tender within a month as they are of in the region, while the “new markets” Dilmah’s letter and bonds were just Rs. 1.6 billion; as at the The last time imported milk prices were the view of completing the necessary category includes the US, the Netherlands, Meanwhile, in a letter to Secretary to end of the third week in June, Treasury bills increased was in September by the former steps within this year. Denmark, Finland, and Spain. the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation Siri and bonds held by foreigners amounted to Government and it was made under a milk On Wednesday (24), Sri Lanka Tourism SLTDA will appoint destination Hettiarachchi on 24 June, Malik Fernando Rs. 21.6 billion. pricing formula. In September 2019, the price announced that it aims to reposition representation agencies for the mature has clarified the allegations levelled against However, this trend too was not limited to of a 1 kg pack of imported milk powder was Sri Lanka as the world’s number one and Eastern and Middle Eastern markets. him and his wife. Sri Lanka’s securities market as most Asian increased by Rs. 50 and the price of a 400 g destination with an excellent healthcare These agencies will conduct digital According to the letter, the Dilmah luxury markets which were considered safe haven packet was increased by Rs. 20. system by introducing extensive health tourism marketing activities and public hotel in Trincomalee is not in Marble Beach markets of the continent were also suffering Industry sources noted that the milk powder and safety protocols to ensure a “safe and relations (PR) campaigns in the Eastern and the land has never been owned by the considerable outflows from their respective pricing formula that was in use at that point secure” traveller experience. This has and Middle Eastern markets while in the government. He purchased the land from an government securities market in the wake of was a trial formula for a period of one year been thought of following Sri Lanka’s mature markets, in addition to this, they individual in 2017, the letter adds. the pandemic. and it is no longer in use, adding that it was successful containment of Covid-19. will also conduct Above the Line (ATL) Clarifying the need for SLTDA’s anyway complicated and there was a need Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism and Below the Line (BTL) marketing intervention at the moment, the letter went for a simpler formula. Even though the and Aviation S. Hettiarachchi told The campaigns. on to state: “When the buyer’s lawyers were No milk... new Government has not been seen to be Sunday Morning Business two weeks Tourism marketing for new markets will searching the pedigree of the land, they noted As reported by The Sunday Morning implementing the formula periodically, it is ago that this campaign will be unlike any be conducted by PR agencies that would that in 1978, 50 years ago, there was a gazette Business last Sunday (21), milk importers still unclear whether they have given up on it previous campaign planned or conducted showcase PR activities to attract tourists to take the land for tourism development that said they have sent a price increasing or not. by the Ministry or the Sri Lanka Tourism from those respective markets. the sunday morning business 3 Sunday, June 28, 2020 MONETARY POLICY

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER

By Dhananath Fernando Blaming the banks: Why a

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) is in the spotlight yet again. Questions have been raised as to whether the CBSL credit guarantee is better and the banking system have money creation. a loan to a known or active engagement with the been provided sufficient Additionally, banks now have business entity International Monetary Funday facilitation to contain the more money from the reduction with a track (IMF) for a fund facility, given health crisis (that has been of the SRR, which can be used record and good the international sovereign bond contained successfully at for other investments, to provide relationship, rather settlements starting from October. the moment) which led to an credit facilities, or as a deposit at than taking a risk in The government guarantee can economic crisis. the CBSL to earn an interest. The a challenging business be provided on an agreed ratio CBSL offers a 5.5% interest to environment and risking where small loans are fully The Government announced a LCBs parking excess money at the underperformance in bank guaranteed by the Government series of economic relief packages CBSL, which is called the Standing manager/branch key performance and for bigger loans, the bank and since the beginning of the Covid-19 Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR). The indicators (KPIs). the Government share the risk, pandemic, including a Rs. 5,000 CBSL has a similar facility where where early instalments first cover allowance for the most vulnerable LCBs can borrow money if they Challenge 2 – risk of the risk of the bank and their sections of society and for the run short of money, which is called market distortions and depositors. rescheduling of leases and loan the Standing Lending Facility increasing expenses in One bottleneck for the facilities. Currently, the discussion Rate (SLFR) which is at 6.5%. A CBSL Government in providing a is not on what the relief measures few challenges we may face in the Since the CBSL pays 5.5% credit guarantees scheme is are, but rather on how we can future in this context are outlined on deposits by the LCBs, banks the past mistakes made with execute them in the right way or below. have a higher incentive to simply our state-owned enterprises whether we have better alternatives. earn a 5.5% interest with minimal (SOEs). Multiple back-to-back First, let's understand the context. administration cost, rather than credit guarantees have been The CBSL offered a Rs. 50 billion providing a loan facility at 4% provided to colossal loss-making refinancing facility in March, for the customers with a 3% SOEs like SriLankan Airlines, which was then increased to Rs. interest margin, which also Ceylon Petroleum Corporation 150 billion in June. By the time the requires a significant amount of (CPC), and the Ceylon Electricity second scheme was announced, administration work. The banks Board (CEB). Successive Rs. 27.5 billion of the original will most likely park the excess governments turned to these Rs. 50 billion had been given out. money they received from the SRR last resorts very early to fund The CBSL offered the Rs. 150 cut and deposit it at the CBSL. This leading us towards a completely unnecessary operations billion credit facility to licensed would increase the interest expenses the SRR cut and the Balance of Payments (BOP) crisis. and now, faced with a real crisis, commercial banks (LCBs) at 1% by for the CBSL. LCBs may also Rs. 150 billion credit Bringing the SDFR and SLFR we have run out of solutions. interest where the banks have consider investing the excess money line, there was about Rs. 223 billion down will bring down all interest However in a recent interview, to provide 4% interest to their in bonds and other investment excess money in the financial rates in the market which will Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe customers affected by Covid-19. instruments which may distort those system. The problem was not a lack result in more money (liquidity) in mentioned that the Treasury Additionally, the CBSL brought Challenge 1 – refinancing markets as well. of money (liquidity) in the financial the market, adding further pressure wanted to create money and the Statutory Reserve Ratio (SRR) previous loans The positive side to this is that system but the reluctance of banks on the LKR. support businesses instead of to 2% from 4%, increasing liquidity When a loan scheme is available since banks park their liquidity back to absorb risk to provide the facility In summary, the reluctance of providing a government credit (availability of money) in the at a 4% concessionary rate, there in the CBSL, the risk of inflation to the impacted customers. At banks to take the risk to provide guarantee. The reasons for these market. The deposit that needs to can be instances when unnecessary due to excess liquidity is somewhat the same time, the mechanism of loans in a challenging environment instructions are yet to be clarified be kept at the CBSL by banks as a loans will be applied for, to settle minimised, but it will not bring the dispatching loans was not efficient by risking depositors’ money is the by the Treasury. However, Dr. percentage of total deposits is called previous loans which have been expected economic revival post and all banks were just depending problem, not the lack of liquidity Weerasinghe has alerted the the SRR. This means that when a taken at a higher interest rate. In Covid-19. The non-performing on the Credit Information Bureau of in the market. potential risk of excessive money customer deposits Rs. 100 in any the overall system, it may indicate loan (NPL) percentage has already Sri Lanka (CRIB) without having a printing on banking sector LCB, the respective LCB has to that the CBSL and other banks have increased to 5.1% as business risk-based credit assessment system A workable solution stability. deposit Rs. 2 to the CBSL which provided adequate loans under the recovery was very slow even before to determine the borrowers’ ability It is challenging to find an ideal When the Easter Sunday attacks will not be paid any interest. Earlier, newly established credit facility for the Covid-19 pandemic, due to to settle the loans and offering solution for very complicated impacted the economy, we never the banks had to deposit Rs. 4 and Covid-19, but the ground reality the Easter Sunday attacks. Similar different interest rates based on the problems as our economic expected a global-level pandemic now it has been brought down to may be that many businesses who concessionary loan facilities were risk assessment. Additionally, the fundamentals have not been good of this scale. The lesson is that Rs. 2. As a result of this decision, have a solid working relationship provided to businesses impacted by delays in banks’ internal approvals for decades. Most variables are we should not underestimate the out of the total deposits of all LCBs with banks and bank managers will the Easter attacks and it is highly may not be supportive, given the interconnected so we have to make possibility of similar pandemics in Sri Lanka, 2% has been released refinance their previous facilities. likely that NPLs will increase. urgent need of facilities and higher a compromise in one of the areas. and market disruptions with to the market. That is depositors’ The same has been experienced As a result, banks may have demand. As the problem is not the lack climate change and a dynamic money. in large-scale loans under the a natural reluctance to provide of money supply, but rather the global environment in the future. I The process of getting a working previous Government’s Enterprise facilities as they have a lucrative The government guarantee banks’ reluctance to take risks with sincerely hope that there will be no capital loan for a business is as Sri Lanka loan scheme. It was and stable option available without can be provided on an agreed regard to loan recovery, a credit calamities for the next few years follows: The businesses can apply reported that some established risking depositors’ money. The ratio where small loans are guarantee by the Government as there is a lot we all have been for working capital loans from their companies incorporated new CBSL may push banks to provide fully guaranteed by the could have been the first line of hoping to achieve for decades. respective LCBs and upon their companies just on paper to get the loans as much as possible due to the Government and for bigger solution. That would minimise the (The writer is the Chief approval, they send the application concessionary loan to refinance lack of a correct incentive structure, loans, the bank and the risk taken by the banks without Operating Officer of the Advocata to the CBSL and the CBSL provides previous facilities. It was alleged which will lead to an impact on the Government share the risk, adding excess liquidity to the Institute and can be contacted at the money from the credit line that the majority of politically stability of the banking sector and where early instalments first market and distorting other market [email protected]. Learn they established, which is Rs. 150 connected individuals received result in loans not reaching the right cover the risk of the bank and sentiments. more about Advocata’s work at billion. The CBSL provides money the loans and in most cases, the target audience. their depositors Ideally, the Government credit www.advocata.org. The opinions to LCBs at 1% and they give the loans were canvassed to known guarantee has to be backed by expressed are the author's own loan to customers at 4%. The main businesses by bank managers Challenge 3 – pressure on Now, as a result of excess a foreign funding line (USD views. They may not necessarily question is how the CBSL got Rs. themselves, avoiding customers LKR compared to USD and liquidity, inflation may increase and funds) and this column has been reflect the views of the Advocata 150 billion in the first place. That who truly had financial needs. For foreign currencies the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR) will promoting the idea of a bilateral Institute or anyone affiliated with was through money printing or bank managers, it is safer to provide By the time the CBSL announced face further pressure to depreciate, loan with a neighbouring country the institute) How is the Central Bank helping the country, economy, and people?

BY CENTRAL BANK OF SRI LANKA 5. To manage the public debt Government to overcome fiscal institutions and the financial maintained Sri Lanka’s impeccable while providing the general public Measures to reduce interest stresses arising from the shortfall in system. These were necessary record of timely debt service all regular information and data This article aims to create public rates, enhance market liquidity, government revenue and increased to ensure the safety of customer payments during the ongoing releases without interruption. awareness about the operational and and finance the Government were expenditure. This funding enabled deposits with authorised deposit- stress situation. A large amount The Central Bank will continue to policy measures undertaken by the aimed at supporting economic the Government to provide social taking institutions. Accordingly, of funds was mobilised from strive to carry out its responsibilities Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) activity in the context of a low- security payments for a large regulated financial institutions the domestic money market by towards the nation while maintaining thus far during 2020 to support the inflation environment. The Central share of the population and make were provided with adequate the Central Bank on behalf of the essential balance between economy, the financial system, and Bank provided ample liquidity payments in relation to essential regulatory relief considering the Government to meet debt conflicting and competing objectives. the general public in the midst of to the market at reduced and health and other public services. certain buffers built over a period, service requirements as well as However, Sri Lanka’s ability to the Covid-19 pandemic. concessional interest rates. In The Central Bank took several which in turn allows them to to meet essential expenditure of overcome the unprecedented Being the apex financial addition to allowing increased steps to maintain a stable exchange support their customers and the the Government. Prudent foreign difficulties caused by the Covid-19 institution of the country, the currency flows in the economy, rate under extremely difficult overall economy. Measures have reserve management also allowed pandemic depends on collaborative Central Bank provided its full large liquidity injections to the conditions without a loss of also been put in place to provide Sri Lanka’s limited foreign reserves efforts of all stakeholders of the scope of essential services to the banking system enabled banks to international reserves to defend the liquidity support to any distressed to be used to meet the large foreign economy including the Government, economy and the financial system provide the support required by exchange rate. Effects of Covid-19 financial institution as and when a currency debt service payments of financial institutions, businesses, and during the lockdown. The Central businesses and individuals to tide resulted in large capital outflows, need arises. the Government in the context of the general public. Bank actively took steps to ease the over the difficulties faced during and also limited export revenues, The Central Bank took measures the Government’s limited access While the ongoing monetary burden on the general public during the lockdown period in particular. earnings from tourism, and workers’ to ensure the smooth flow of to the foreign financial market. stimulus will help the economy this unprecedented disruption of Liquidity injections have been remittances. The Central Bank’s currency required by the economy Regular interactions with foreign to tide over the stresses posed by global scale, while preserving allowed to remain in the money timely intervention helped reverse during the lockdown period. These counterparts were held to preserve the pandemic, Sri Lanka’s success the focus on its legal mandate to market without being absorbed by the large depreciation observed measures allowed the general public investor confidence in the Sri over the medium term post Covid maintain economic, price, and the Central Bank in order to expedite until mid-April at the height of the to fulfil their currency requirements Lankan economy. will depend on the successful financial system stability. These credit flows. Key monetary policy lockdown. This enabled maintaining through bank branches and The above discussion provides implementation of a reform include, but are not limited to, the instruments such as policy interest the domestic prices of essential automated teller machines (ATMs) a summary of the series of agenda to address the numerous following measures: rates and the Statutory Reserve Ratio imported goods at stable levels. As even during the curfew periods. extraordinary measures taken structural bottlenecks to growth 1. To reduce interest rates, enhance have been reduced to the lowest foreign exchange earnings declined, The Central Bank also ensured by the CBSL during the Covid- as also highlighted in the Annual market liquidity, and finance the levels in history. The Bank Rate non-essential expenditure of foreign the uninterrupted operation of 19 pandemic to support the Report 2019 which was handed Government has been reduced sharply. Lower exchange was curtailed, and this payments and settlements systems economy, the financial system, over to the Prime Minister and 2. To manage foreign exchange interest rates reduced the burden on created an environment for domestic for both rupee and foreign currency and the general public. These Minister of Finance on 28 April flows, maintain exchange borrowers who were facing various producers to thrive particularly with transactions needed by the economy measures were in addition to the 2020 as statutorily required, and rate stability, and preserve difficulties, while announced debt the benefit of low interest rates. and the financial system during regular operations of the various also submitted to the President on international reserves moratoria and working capital loan As the difficulties faced by the pandemic. Several electronic departments of the Central Bank. 28 April 2020. These structural 3. To maintain financial system schemes provide extraordinary borrowers and adverse market modes of payments were actively Also noteworthy is the fact that the bottlenecks elucidated in the stability and enhance credit flows concessions to businesses and conditions could adversely promoted and facilitated, enhancing Central Bank published its flagship Annual Report of the Central Bank 4. To ensure uninterrupted currency individuals. affect the financial sector, convenience to the general public to publication – the Annual Report – in fulfilling its role as economic operations and payments and The Central Bank also several measures were taken to effect transactions. by the statutory deadline of 30 April advisor to the government will be settlements activities provided required financing to the safeguard the stability of financial Furthermore, the Central Bank 2020 under lockdown conditions, discussed in a future article. 4 the sunday morning business EDITORIAL/POLICY Sunday, June 28, 2020

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The campaign season is upon us and we are already beginning to see the signs of which candidates lay claim to a robust war chest going into the general Political back scratching election on 5 August. about the numbers a potential and thus amass the required funding resources than outsiders. they are unable to spend at will Campaigning has been candidate can swing financially. while in office this time. It’s a cycle We’re not suggesting that real star on a campaign that cuts through slow to get off the ground Campaign financing is a that perpetuates through every power cannot emerge – there will the clutter. And that requires amid social distancing rules vicious cycle of spending rife election and in the absence of always be the rare candidate that professional input, multiple touch- that impact ground-level with misgovernance, lack of finance laws, there is little that can can capture the voter’s imagination points, engaging content, structured engagement. Much of the accountability, manipulation, and be done to police it. and raise a nation’s expectations; exposure, close tracking, and data buzz has centred on social exploitation. It’s 2020 and Sri Lanka The greater problem with the the age of social media allows smart monitoring, all of which costs media, with a custom- still has no suitable laws to govern system is that it stifles new blood candidates cheaper, more effective money. made “campaign theme the acquisition and expenditure of from entering parliamentary politics; methods of spending their funds Any seasoned politician would campaign funds; a proposed Election THE youth and professionals cannot for more powerful reach. Take, for endorse that winning heartshare song” seemingly being the Campaign Finance Bill that sought compete on a level playing field example, the case of Alexandria amid all the noise is a systematic ultimate genre du jour of the expenditure caps and transparency HEADLIGHT with career politicians who have for Ocasio-Cortez, who at 28 became effort that requires considerable high spenders. on private funding has been touted years cultivated a base of financiers. the youngest woman ever to serve infrastructure, manpower, and Politics is a numbers game; our since last year but has made little strings attached. Private funding, And we end up with the same old in the US Congress. AOC’s star has organisation. And all of that is about democracy, dysfunctional as it headway. And so this election cycle especially by businessmen, comes ineffective faces serving themselves been rising in many ways because of spending capacity. may seem at times, still ensures too, there is no onus on candidates tagged with expectations of benefits and their coterie of supporters her intelligent online presence and Until we adopt formal that those preferred by the polity to reveal any detail of their sources and favours. Politicians depending wholeheartedly while half-heartedly digital spending which has allowed accountability mechanisms that are advanced to the legislative of funds or how those have been on those funds assume office tied serving us, the voter. Where new her to compete against those backed include controls linked to the bodies for which they contest. deployed. to those obligations, which they faces do emerge, many are often by Wall Street. assumption of office, the current But ultimately, especially when It is only in extraordinary must fulfil during the tenure thus inheriting a family base built through But a good look at our long, form of campaign financing would seeking seats at the highest level of circumstances that big money comes won. That same politician must also years of favour and networking, crowded nomination lists reflects continue to alienate those without government, politics also become into a campaign budget with no always keep an eye on re-election and therefore have access to greater how restricted candidates are if the right bank of resources.

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR

New Zealand is an island in the southwestern Pacific Ocean with a population of close to five million. It managed to keep its Covid-19 cases at Could Sri Lanka avoid a around 1,169 with 22 deaths as of the third week of June. Following the spread of Covid-19, New Zealand came under strict restrictions, which were subsequently lifted after seven weeks in mid-May, similar to Sri Lanka. New Zeland-ish relapse? New Zealand’s Prime Minister on 8 June welcoming tourists from the EU (European on quarantine procedures; the Croatian case counts can reflect multiple factors announced that the country had effectively Union) countries and the UK. Starting on Government has not made quarantine including more widespread testing as well eliminated Covid-19, about three weeks after 1 July, there will be a staggered opening mandatory. Tourists entering the country will as broader infection. Against the backdrop easing restrictions imposed to mitigate the of borders with non-EU countries on a list be given instructions on the procedures and of such a situation, countries are opening impact of the virus. This announcement came of safe countries drafted by the European rules they must follow for social distancing their borders for tourists, which, according to after no new cases were reported over 17 Commission (EC). and reporting any symptoms of Covid-19. industry experts, would trigger another wave consecutive days; New Zealand reported no Earlier this month, South Korea opened Meanwhile, anyone arriving in South of Covid-19. active cases for the first time since February. its borders for essential travel. According Korea is required to undergo 14 days of self- To support this claim, experts have drawn New Zealand’s borders were partially to the South Korean Government, special quarantine or quarantine in a national facility attention to what happened in Wuhan. The opened with strict regulations, but only to travel advisory applies to all countries except regardless of symptoms, while Spain is no reopening of Wuhan, which included the unfortunately break its 24-day run without those that are already under higher alert that longer imposing quarantine on travellers. city’s shopping malls, was greeted with Covid-19 cases. Two women, who entered call for the withdrawal of citizens or are concern by health experts who warned that Auckland via a flight from Brisbane two subject to a travel ban. Visa-free arrivals have What happened in these infections may rebound. weeks ago, tested positive for Covid-19 and been suspended, and applying for a visa in countries despite precautions? For a time, it appeared as though Wuhan as a result, now the Government of New advance is required for all countries. Hong Kong began reporting imported had passed safely through the fire and Zealand is tracing and isolating individuals cases of the virus a few days after it opened successfully re-emerged from lockdown. the two women came into contact with, along Requirements for visa its borders. As a result, the Centre for Health However, on 10 May, just over a month after with the passengers who travelled in the For visa to Sri Lanka, a negative Protection had to trace related contacts. In the end of lockdown, the city reported five same flight that brought the duo to Auckland. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) report or fact, this situation arose amidst regulations new cases of Covid-19, all within the same Last Monday (22), New Zealand extended positive antibody test report taken two weeks imposed for travel by the Government of residential community. a ban on cruise ships arriving in the country prior to landing should be uploaded with the Hong Kong. Another wave of the virus might force a as it looks to safeguard its borders from visa application or produced at the BIA on Croatia has reported an increased number country to go for another lockdown, causing new coronavirus cases that could emerge New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden arrival of Covid-19 cases since its border reopened. more disruptions to economies. officially declaring the nation Covid-free on 8 June through people arriving in the country; the In Hong King, according to the At one point, the number of imported cases ban was to expire on 30 June. Subsequently, sector is preparing to be back in business Government of the Hong Kong Special was higher than the number of cases reported How do we ensure we don’t New Zealand is considering creating a travel and the Government has unveiled a plan to Administrative Region, upon arrival, amongst its citizens. Nevertheless, the face the same when reopening bubble with Australia, as opening borders to restart international tourism from 1 August inbound travellers are required to submit the Croatian Government has been blaming its borders? all countries might not be a good move; it’s onwards. health declaration result to the staff of the citizens for not practising social distancing, Nevertheless, countries are advised to open not planning to open its borders for months What would be the effects of this, in Department of Health. To be environmentally completely neglecting the fact that the borders to countries with similar coronavirus as per latest reports. comparison with countries that now regret friendly, travellers are encouraged to submit opening of its borders led to an increased risk profiles, under a plan to aid the tourism It has also advised its residents who opening borders? the form online. After submitting the online number of cases. sector which is being discussed in Brussels. are abroad to stay safe wherever they are. form, the system will generate a QR code. Since 11 May, Spain recorded 96 imported The EC is expected to recommend a three- Despite drawing some criticism from New Visa issuing countries Travellers have to save the result and show it cases, 24 of which were detected just phase approach to reopening borders that Zealanders on the matter, the Government is As the free visa on arrival programme to the border control point staff upon entering between 3-9 June. The risk of imported brings together member states with “similar firm in its decision after recording imported expired earlier this year, the Sri Lankan Hong Kong. The QR code is valid for 48 cases is likely to grow as Spain reopened overall risk profiles”, according to a leaked cases of Covid-19. Government has imposed a flat visa fee of $ hours. Depending on the situation of the for international tourists. More than 10,000 version of the draft seen by the website Even though Sri Lanka and New Zealand 100; this is mainly to discourage backpackers travellers, they will receive instructions on visitors from Germany were allowed to visit Euractiv. followed similar strategies in terms of coming in groups, according to sources. The corresponding arrangements. the Balearic Islands from 15 June. But it remains unclear whether the lockdown and post-pandemic plans, New Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority In Croatia, all travellers should complete South Korea managed to keep their death Commission will throw its weight behind Zealand was quick to celebrate their (SLTDA) has issued a set of guidelines for the Government’s online “Enter Croatia” toll down, despite a quick spread of the virus “tourism corridors”, whereby member states elimination of Covid-19, which backfired in tourists entering the country. form in advance of travelling, as this will during the initial days of the outbreak in make bilateral deals to open to each other’s the form of new Covid-19 cases entering the As per the guidelines issued on 4 May speed up procedures at the border. South Korea. However, the country has been tourists. country. 2020, on-arrival visa facilities will not be Spain has customised plans for each reporting 40-50 new cases per day in the past The UK Prime Minister and French Meanwhile, most countries heavily available until further notice and all tourist country apart from the permitted 10 EU few weeks, amid increased public activity, President were reported to be working on dependent on tourism have opened up their and business visas should be five-year, countries, and one such requirement is that eased attitudes on social distancing, and a travel corridor aimed at allowing British borders for international tourists in the past multiple entries with a maximum tenor of six the epidemiological conditions of the country especially, an uptick in imported cases. tourists to visit France in the summer and weeks, amidst contemplations over non- months for each entry. from which travellers are coming should be However, unlike South Korea and Hong vice versa. essential travel and questions over a second Furthermore, health insurance, details of equivalent to or better than the EU. Kong, which quarantined their travellers but Keeping the corridor open would depend and even a third wave of the virus. the tour bookings, and a valid return ticket A health screening and health still had reported imported Covid-19 cases, on both countries maintaining a downward With tourism earnings being one of the have been made compulsory requirements questionnaire are required when arriving Sri Lanka will not quarantine any travellers, trend in coronavirus cases and a similar rate top four foreign exchange earning sources under the guidelines. Sri Lanka has not in South Korea. If any symptoms appear, which is concerning to say the least, as even of contagion. The agreement would also of Sri Lanka, we too have decided to open restricted travellers from any countries. individuals will be required to use a health the countries that quarantined travellers are apply to Ireland, which is part of a common our borders to international tourists from 1 The Republic of Croatia is a Southeast tracking app for 14 days. now tracing contacts of imported cases, travel area with the UK. August, after about four-and-a-half months European country. Croatia has so far reported triggering fear over second wave of the virus. Travel corridors which are also referred to of no tourism at all. As Sri Lanka gears up 2,317 Covid-19 cases and 107 deaths as a Quarantine and testing However, having said that, as established as travel bubbles are travel bridges or corona to welcome tourists, there is an imminent result, as of the third week of June. It is one procedures tourism destinations such as Spain do not corridors that do away with that waiting possibility of the virus getting imported into of those few countries that acted swiftly to Sri Lanka will not quarantine any require that travellers be quarantined, such period for a select group of travellers from Sri Lanka, despite precautions. control the spread of Covid-19. The country travellers, but a PCR test or rapid test will be a mandatory requirement from Sri Lanka certain countries where the coronavirus has Therefore, The Sunday Morning Business opened its borders to only 10 selected done on arrival at the airport in Sri Lanka; a might discourage travellers, given the been contained. decided to take a look at countries that have European countries – Slovenia, Hungary, second PCR test will be done within five to availability of other tourism destinations that According to Smithsonian, travel bubbles opened their borders and reported imported Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, seven days of their arrival, and a third PCR do not have this requirement. do require a certain amount of faith and cases of Covid-19 as a result, the mistakes Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and test will be done within 12-14 days of arrival. Nevertheless, as Sri Lanka requires a PCR trust in partner countries and their ability they made in doing so, and how we can learn Germany – earlier this month. Travellers According to the Ministries of Tourism and test report of the traveller and authorities to contain the virus, including widespread from their mistakes. from these countries do not need to provide Civil Aviation, tourists on long stay will be will be conducting tests at the airport and testing, contact tracing, and effective a reason to travel into Croatia. Travellers subject to PCR tests every 14 days after the during their stay in Sri Lanka, travellers will quarantining. The easiest time to form a Sri Lanka’s tourism reopening do not need a visa if they are travelling for initial test conducted at BIA. be subjected to further frequent PCR tests, bubble “is when two countries have no more Sri Lanka’s tourism sector was in a tourism or business purposes, but require a In Hong Kong, the Department of Health which may reduce the risk of importing cases” and thus very low risk in allowing complete deadlock following the local spread visa if they are travelling for work, study, any will issue quarantine orders to all passengers Covid-19 cases. travellers from the other country. Australia of Covid-19 and the resultant closure of the other purposes, or planning to stay longer arriving at the Hong Kong International and New Zealand, for instance, are two Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in than 90 days. Airport and the Government adopts a risk- Is opening borders a good move of the nations close to coming to such an Katunayake for tourists. Earlier this month, Hong Kong lifted based approach to decide which groups in the first place? agreement. Even before the closure of the airport, its border restrictions for travellers from need to stay in the quarantine centres. Those The World Health Organisation (WHO) It would be ideal for a country like Sri Sri Lanka was struggling to attract tourists, Mainland China and on 18 June, Hong Kong required to self-quarantine will be put on last Monday (21) reported the largest single- Lanka to create travel bubbles with countries mainly due to stringent travel restrictions Disneyland was opened for limited visitors electronic wristbands. day increase in coronavirus cases by its with similar Covid-19 cases and increase imposed in China earlier in the year to after over five months. Arrivals holding a Meanwhile, all asymptomatic inbound count, at more than 183,000 new cases in 24 the number gradually, similar to most of the control the spread of the virus. China is one visa with validity of less than 14 days are travellers arriving at the Hong Kong hours. countries in the European region, as opening amongst the top five tourism-generating denied entry by the Hong Kong Government. International Airport will be required to The United Nations (UN)’s health agency borders to all nations would most probably markets of Sri Lanka. Spain ended its three-month state of collect their deep-throat saliva samples for says Brazil led the way with 54,771 cases, result in imported cases of Covid-19 like However, now with the easing of travel emergency last week and lifted border Covid-19 testing. with the US next at 36,617, and over 15,400 in Croatia, Hong Kong, Spain, and South restrictions both globally and locally, the restrictions from last Sunday (21); it is now In Croatia, there aren’t specific regulations cases came from India. Experts say rising Korea. the sunday morning business 5 Sunday, June 28, 2020 VIEWS/RETAIL

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER

By Ranel T. Wijesinha Defending mediocrity The President’s recent meeting with Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) officials and the Secretary to the Treasury has taken centre stage, in or catalysing proactivity print, electronic, and social media, with bouquets as well I was taken aback when I HNB’s relief and as brickbats being hurled at learned that after 35 days recovery fund the President. of the Covid-19 application by this SME – a 30-year-old On 20 June 2020, HNB This needs to be viewed from corporate customer of a announced the launch of a Rs. multiple perspectives. The bank – the application was 5 billion relief fund to provide multi-sectoral SMEs (small “pending Central Bank working capital support to its SME and medium enterprises), their approval”! Given my prior portfolio. I posted the following on individual and institutional experience with many an the LinkedIn professional network: expectations of a recently elected application of bankable “Just as I publicly congratulated Executive President, the role and proposals, probing further, Commercial Bank of Ceylon, responsibility of the Minister of I discovered that it had yet for (proactively) negotiating IFC Finance and the Treasury, the not left the desks of the funds, to on-lend to SMEs rather CBSL and its licensed commercial commercial bank! than only be (a passive) conduit banks (LCBs), all have a of (the) Central Bank, I must now responsibility. We cannot take footing, thus averting foreclosure congratulate HNB. While public positions in isolation of any one of of the group’s properties by a officials battle Covid-19, initiatives these stakeholders. foreign bank. to restore economic health are not The intense criticism of the an optional extra but a necessary delays in the “machinery” Collapses of finance response. This HNB fund also was responsible for rolling out relief, companies President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the recent meeting with Central Bank officials and the Secretary to the Treasury to address those who were unable and given that those in dire straits Looking back, regardless of to get the CBSL refinance facility expecting the relief in this country various regimes, many finance from different SME chairpersons at 4%, but this facility was to be look up to a head of state for companies collapsed due to delays – men and women – and at 8% for a period of 24 months. anything, are perhaps why the and inadequacies on the CBSL’s having guided, counselled, and Given that the scheme solely President went to the frontlines part in oversight and monitoring intervened, I was convinced the utilises internally generated HNB to battle the bottleneck. Now, he of non-bank financial institutions. system needed a shake-up! The funds, I wish the Central Bank and earns flack for the reprimand of I have observed this for decades, following is an extract of what I commercial banks evolved a scheme those responsible for the delays! can cite dates and names, and say released to the media on 11 May with greater coverage much earlier.” Nevertheless, let me say that I this with responsibility. Months Board – the part-dismantling Government response 2020. find the larger majority of those after I took office as Chairman of which he presided over – or The CBSL devised what I “A large number of small and Let me say that I find the who comment or write, have of the Security and Exchange the Secretary to the Treasury; believe was an inadequate scheme medium enterprises that provide larger majority of those diametrically opposing viewpoints, Commission (SEC), I studied it or the Minister of Finance, or of assistance in early April, products or services to a wide who comment or write, have either in support of the President further and wrote to the CBSL the commercial banks; the PFIs which was to provide working cross-section of the people of diametrically opposing or in defence of the CBSL; without in the last quarter of last year in (participating financial institutions) capital finance for SMEs and a our country, generate business viewpoints, either in support pausing to inquire about the why connection with several finance – the state-owned or private yet debt moratorium, recognising for a wide variety of suppliers, of the President or in defence and wherefore, some readily companies that were listed, or public-listed commercial banks. that the events were outside and employ a very large number of the CBSL; without pausing identify with either camp. were forced to list by a pre-January the control of enterprises that of less-than-privileged people. to inquire about the why 2015 regime, and thus pushed into The global relief otherwise contributed to economic Inadequacies and delays in and wherefore, some readily The institution indelibly our regulatory jurisdiction. I made The US, UK, Australia, and growth, tax revenue, sustained addressing this matter can lead to identify with either camp scarred several recommendations, which others designed and rolled employment, sales revenues, serious socioeconomic and social Conclusion Regardless of the above, the I hope the CBSL will address in out relief within weeks. I was and cash inflows which financed political issues. The Central Bank CBSL, the apex regulatory earnest, now that the President of personally in touch with bankers expenditure and cash outflows. and commercial banks may like The above examples indicate that institution of the banking and the country expressed his deep and friends in the US, UK, and to study this matter to determine we could have done much more, financial sector, a key component disappointment about it. Australia and many others, and Inadequately responsive whether there might be a large far earlier. We had two months of the economy, an institution we was encouraged by the design and commercial banks number of neglected, badly on the drawing board! That is a professionals treat with reverence, The ‘Office of President’ execution of the Payroll Protection Just before the New Year, to handled, worthy, and eligible lot of time. The Finance Ministry, and which has a special place of However, the advisors to the Plan (PPP) in the US; bankers who make best use of the curfew, I SME customers in order to CBSL, and the commercial banks; respect, in any country, has been President, those in his public I knew personally were working began responding to requests for improve the banks’ responsiveness multilateral development partners indelibly scarred. It is the Office administration team in particular, almost 18 hours from home, my advice from SMEs, on a pro to a vital segment of the economy and even bilateral development of the Governor, rather than the should have advised him against co-ordinating with their customers, bono basis. Despite calls to the and a key component of society.” partners, could well have rolled individual, that I speak of. televising any dialogue with any the Small Business Administration, Deputy Governor of the CBSL up their sleeves and worked regulator, let alone the CBSL. I am and other authorities, working for clarifications on a circular that Commercial Bank’s “online” to design, deliver, roll CBSL not blameless hopeful that his media divisions within windows of eligibility and lacked clarity, calls to a DGM proactivity out, and monitor multiple schemes It is the CBSL that is required and public relations teams within timelines. (deputy general manager) of a I was encouraged when of assistance on an urgent basis. to design and roll out a scheme of understand this at least now. This commercial bank, and even the Commercial Bank of Ceylon Had this begun in early April, refinance through the commercial bruising will take long to heal, and The Finance Ministry, CBSL, chairman of that bank, I was taken (ComBank) announced on and concluded by end-May, the banks it licenses – all within the scar will remain for long. I am and the commercial banks; aback when I learned that after 35 31 May that it had negotiated ignominious conclusion to the its statutory jurisdiction. CBSL sure the President regrets it. But I multilateral development days of the Covid-19 application with the International Finance meeting between the President and refinancing is not without fault all those around him – those partners and even bilateral by this SME – a 30-year-old Corporation (IFC) to tie up $ 50 the CBSL could have been avoided. precedent. There was a time when in the “Office of President” – more development partners, corporate customer of a bank million credit which the bank will All could have saved face. the CBSL had a World Bank than the single individual in office could well have rolled up – the application was “pending use for Covid-19-hit businesses. Across the Years, Beyond IDA (International Development at this time. their sleeves and worked Central Bank approval”! Given The credit was from IFC’s Covid- the Oceans is a column being Association)-assisted refinancing “online” to design, deliver, my prior experience with many an 19 Emergency Response (WCS) launched today by Chartered scheme. Decades ago, I was able to Identifying cause and roll out, and monitor multiple application of bankable proposals, Envelope and ComBank was to Accountant Ranel Wijesinha, to renegotiate a previously rejected, those responsible schemes of assistance on an probing further, I discovered that provide a total of Rs. 10 billion share thoughts generated by his significant refinance facility, via Few take time to identify and urgent basis it had yet not left the desks of the to coronavirus-hit SMEs at 8%. years of experience in Sri Lanka the National Development Bank empathise with what caused this. commercial bank! I said: “This was an example and beyond the oceans, in many (NDB), for a major hotel group Whether it was by design or by Multilaterals to licensed commercial banks, parts of the world he has lived at 12% when the interest rates default, including whether what The International Monetary Fund The system needed a whether they are state-owned or and worked in. Wijesinha was were 19%. At the time, NDB’s provoked the reprimand, could (IMF) designed and rolled out shake-up! private and public-listed, and our Chairman of the Securities and General Manager (GM)/Chief have been prevented or pre- rapid financing and debt relief, a My interest was to determine “development partners”, whether Exchange Commission (SEC) Executive Officer (CEO) Ranjith empted; and if so, who would rapid credit facility, rapid financing how the “population” of they are multilateral or bilateral, between June 2018 and November Fernando and Project Officer Nalin have been responsible, for such instrument, etc.; the World Bank SMEs can benefit from what I to respond to the needs of our 2019, Commissioner of the SEC Bogoda, and CBSL’s Director prevention or pre-emption; activated the Pandemic Emergency discovered and conveyed. After nation in a productive and timely from March 2015 to January 2018, – Development Y.A. Piyatissa whether at the time of the meeting, Financing Facility and a number days and weeks of discussions, manner, rather than indulge in and President of the Institute of extended their fullest co-operation it was the Governor of the CBSL of other measures, and so did the calls, and reminders, I waited. a luxury of time that does not Chartered Accountants Sri Lanka to me. We worked on a war and his incomplete Monetary ADB (Asian Development Bank). I heard many similar stories, exist.” between 2000 and 2001. The Crescat refurbishment being fast-tracked by Covid BY UWIN LUGODA First opening its doors in 1997, the © cinnamonhotels refurbishing,” she said. Colombo; a lot of investment has two-storeyed mall currently hosts a Moraes added that they are come into retail. It is just unfortunate While the Covid-19 pandemic has variety of retail outlets from designer currently looking at a few concepts that the pandemic happened at severely impacted many industries shops, boutiques, and bookstores and debating on what is the best one this time, just when all those malls and slowed down many businesses, to a bistro, a food court, and even to move forward with. She explained were opened and everything was it may have given opportunities for a supermarket. It also became one that, having seen what’s happening just getting traction. The success some others. This is the case with of Colombo’s very first upscale for retail in Colombo, they decided of all these retail malls depends regard to Crescat Boulevard. retail hotspots, catering to both local to renew the mall and repair some on the economic situation and the The Colombo-based mall consumers and tourists. systems in the mall. disposable income in the hands of the recently announced that it will In a media statement, John Keells She also stated that the new tenants consumer,” she noted. be moving forward with a major Holdings Property Group Sector will depend on what kind of concept In the meantime, the mall is currently investment from the Asian Hotels Head Nayana Mawilmada stated they choose to follow and what kind fully operational and is following and Properties PLC (AHPP) that the face of Colombo has seen of retail they will have. However, she government and public health group in order to refurbish the such radical changes since Crescat remarkable location and to deliver first being thought of last year added that any appropriate tenants authority regulations with regard mall in the current competitive Boulevard was first opened, and now value to our stakeholders. Our goal following the tragic Easter Sunday that currently have outlets at Crescat to the safety of their customers and environment. According to John the 23-year-old mall is in need of is to once again create a unique, attacks which led to a drop in retail, will be welcomed back if they tenants. This includes temperature Keells Holdings PLC Executive refurbishment. high-quality experience that can shopping, and business overall. want to return, at the new rates and checks and sanitation at the entrance, Vice President and Property Group “This refurbishment is one we cater to the changing dynamics of an However, she stated that their tenants conditions of the mall. and a frequent sanitation of the Chief Marketing Officer Roshanie have been putting off for some time. increasingly sophisticated market, wanted to continue having their The mall is set to continue catering property. Jayasundera-Moraes, the group With all the new malls opening thereby raising the profile of the city outlets at the mall. to both local consumers and tourists, The mall will continue its decided to refurbish the property in Colombo, we also feel it is of Colombo itself,” he noted. “So when Covid happened, tourism as Jayasundera-Moraes explained that operations as normal, with visitors after seeing the pandemic slow time to reconsider its competitive Speaking to The Sunday Morning hit an all-time low. The hotel next their main market here is the local being able to browse and shop until down retail businesses, making positioning as well. Naturally, we Business, Jayasundera-Moraes door, Cinnamon Grand, is also one and primarily caters to them, with the end of December 2020, which is this the opportune time for some believe that more can now be done explained that this revamping has not occupied, so we thought that the tourist market coming in second. when the refurbishment project will reinvestment. to take advantage of this property’s been in the pipeline for a while, maybe this is the time to look at “I think it is a wonderful time for commence. 6 the sunday morning business TOURISM Sunday, June 28, 2020

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By Dr. Nicholas Ruwan Dias and Niresh Eliatamby

As Sri Lanka awaits the reopening of its borders to international visitors on 1 OPENING UP August, here’s a comparison of what’s happening in other countries in the region and beyond which depend on the tourism industry. How does Sri Lanka yy Malaysia plans to enforce procedures, particularly for vehicles carrying large numbers of passengers, to restore confidence of travelling yy Singapore announced a “fast lane” compare with others? arrangement with China yy Thailand is in talks to create travel bubbles for tourism that would allow the quarantine-free flow of people between Bangkok and several cities in China, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam yy Indonesia also wants to build “travel bubbles” in areas free of Covid yy France started lifting border controls to bring in migrant workers and visitors from other European countries yy Spain has reopened some of its beaches with some restrictions in Madrid and Barcelona for groups larger than 10 people Covid-19 devastated the global tourism industry. Around the world, hotels and restaurants, pubs, The only change is that resorts declaration by a sponsor who tourist attractions, theme parks, ski must obtain a Government-approved should be accountable for the resorts, and museums were closed “secure resort permits”. For this, traveller while in the province down. Popular destinations became resorts must meet government Travellers must also fill out an ghost towns for many months. In cleanliness training standards, application form on a platform every country where tourism is a assign 10% of rooms and resort created by the provincial government major industry, it encompasses a staff to quarantine visitors, train to produce a QR code to show that vast range of economic activity all staff in special procedures, and this provision is checked. including hospitality (hotels and have a physician on call. While the Several famous beaches, beach other accommodation), transportation Government previously announced clubs, and resorts continue to be (air, sea, and ground), restaurant that visitors must submit a hotel closed. Some restaurants and shops operators, tourist guides, and much or resort license reservation on have turned towards deliveries, more. arrival, this regulation has also been whereas public areas such as Lovina Commercial fairs, congresses, scrapped. Beach, Besakih Temple, and Garuda and cultural events were cancelled. Officials had suggested previously, Wisnu Kencana are still closed to the Euro 2020 and the Olympic Games but this was brought forward, that public. While foreign tourists make were delayed until 2021. Cruise lines the popular honeymoon destination efforts to visit beaches covertly in Singaporean citizens, Long-term passholders (with Short-term visitors stopped operations and some ships permanent residents valid approval letter for entry) would be reopened at year-end. the Canggu area, local authorities were stranded at sea. Many countries Travellers who have spent the • 14-day SHN • 14-day SHN • Not allowed entry (except India pointed out that neither beach is open introduced border checks, or closed last 14 consecutive days in • Test before end of SHN • Test before end of SHN under established green /fast to the general public. borders completely. these countries or regions: (chargeable) (chargeable) lane arrangements or with India is facing severe challenges in But now, more and more countries Australia special prior approval) coping with the pandemic. Its swift Europe Brunei Darussalam are opening up again as they need to Hong Kong nationwide lockdown and closing In several European countries, get their economies back on track. Japan of borders in March appeared to the tourism industry is slowly With it comes both anticipation and Macao work well. However, in the face of being revived with new precautions trepidation. Mainland China economic challenges, India eased introduced to ensure Covid-19 does In Sri Lanka, although it appears New Zealand its internal lockdown and restarted not spread. Republic of Korea to have beaten the scourge of Covid- Taiwan domestic travel including air travel. The situation in many EU 19, such operations must be carried Vietnam But the pandemic has now reached (European Union) countries such as out with great care by implementing All other travellers • 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN • 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN very high levels and it is now facing Italy, Spain, and France is especially standard operating procedures (SOPs) facility facility (chargeable) a situation of between 10,000 and difficult. Italy is expected to lose mandated by the Ministry of Health. • Test before end of SHN • Test before end of SHN 15,000 infections daily. around 60% of its visitors this year, The opening up of the tourism (chargeable) (chargeable) Goa’s tourism industry is according to projections by the industry is expected to help Sri All other • 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN • 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN concerned about the possibility Italian Tourist Federation. Lanka speed up its time of economic travellers facility facility (chargeable) of irreparable damage due to the • Test before end of SHN • Test before end of SHN Conclusion recovery. (chargeable) (chargeable) pandemic. Goa “tried” to reopen the hotel industry quickly so that Nations appear to be taking one Malaysia businesses would not be completely of three courses of action in opening Malaysia has introduced the “Clean long-term passholders (work pass promising to support hotels, F&B announced less than two weeks ago, shut down due to its prolonged up in a global situation that can be and Safe Malaysia” campaign to owners, student passholders, and (food and beverage) companies, have been dramatically reversed. lockdown. The tourist industry has described as uncharted waters: obtain the trust of domestic and long-term passholders) as well as travel agencies, and domestic aviation Starting from July, tourists can suffered most from lockdown, which 1.Wildly overconfident with no international visitors. The goal is those given in-principle approval has been approved by the Thai enter the Maldives with no visa or accounts for more than 9% of Goa’s safeguards at all to certify hotels that fulfil relevant (IPA) for an LPA. All travellers Government for 22.4 billion baht Covid-19 checks at either end of GDP. This stated that it would at least 2.Reasonably cautious with some requirements. Airlines, hotels, entering Singapore are required to ($ 718 million). The programme is their flight, stay as long as they want, encourage the Government to resume testing for visitors and some tourist transporters, and other undergo a Covid-19 test before the likely to include licensed hotels and and not bother themselves. In fact, it operations, given the industry cannot safeguards for the industry; no operators must also offer joint travel end of their SHN from 17 June in lodgings. seems like business as usual. A notice be deprived of it. quarantine packages. This will reduce costs for addition to serving the 14-day SHN. Thailand’s zoos are reopening was issued by the Maldivian Ministry 3.Extreme caution with only a businesses and tourists and increase Persons entering Singapore after to a new standard. Tickets must of Tourism stating that the sun will Indonesia selected number of nationalities the competitiveness of tourism in 17 June 2020 and who stayed in be booked in advance and health shine on the Maldives again, saying The pandemic has a major effect allowed, with strict testing and the region. Malaysia is expecting its Australia (in the last two consecutive guidelines must be followed. Free “See you in July”. on local economies, with Bali, which quarantine for visitors and strict tourism sector to recover gradually days), Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, entry is available until 30 June and Just late last month, the Maldives attracted 6.3 million international safeguards for the industry and stabilise by June 2021. Macao, China, New Zealand, Taiwan, the number of visitors each day is Government had announced a long tourists last year, primarily dependent Sri Lanka appears to have chosen and Vietnam do not need to serve limited to 2,000. Entry is for a half- list of criteria including a $ 100 tourist on tourism. By 22 June 2020, the a middle path. It remains to be Singapore their SHN at a special SHN facility. day with two entry times between 8 visa, a minimum 14-night stay, and official infection count in Bali, with seen whether it will serve the dual For essential visits only, visitors a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. a Covid-19 test taken no more than a population of about 4.2 million requirements of enticing tourists to from China can enter Singapore Thailand to reduce crowding. one week prior to arrival. On arrival, inhabitants, was 954 cases. On the island to jumpstart the economy, through the “fast lane” between Thai tourism experts are worried Grand Palace, the most popular tourists were to be tested again at 20 March 2020, visa on arrival in while at the same time safeguarding selected Chinese provinces and that the Thai Government’s initiative tourist attraction of Bangkok, an additional cost of $ 100. Tourists Bali was stopped while the airport all those involved in the industry Singapore. Chinese who want to to change its emphasis from mass has now been certified with the would then have to quarantine in remained open. In Indonesia where and preventing a relapse of the travel via the fast track in order to tourism and backpackers to more “Amazing Thailand SHA” certificate. their hotel or resort room until they passengers can’t transit or enter the pandemic. make essential business or official upmarket travellers could result in This specially designed certificate for received test results in a few hours. country, there is still a restriction (Dr. Nicholas Ruwan Dias is a journeys to Singapore must be small businesses being overlooked. the tourism industry recognises 10 All these constraints are now gone for travelling with some exceptions. Digital Architect at Aegon Asia sponsored, approved, and must Despite media reports last week that types of tourism-related businesses and people can go as they want, just Garuda Indonesia, the national based in Kuala Lumpur. He holds comply with other requirements the Thai travel bubble plan is not to meet basic hygiene, health, and as before the pandemic. Since March, carrier, has restarted operations and a BSC in Computing from the before entering Singapore by a ready for implementation by July cleanliness standards throughout when the first cases of Covid-19 were introduced in its cabins a system of University of Greenwich, a Masters in company or government agency. and that international flights cannot facilities, equipment, toilets, and detected in the islands, the country social distancing, including blocking Computer Software Engineering from The 14-day Stay-Home Notice resume by September, officials have operational employees. A total of 127 that depends heavily on tourist dollars the central seats. Staffordshire University, and a PhD (SHN) is required for all incoming launched a new luxury push to help Thai national parks will be reopened almost completely shut visitors. Anyone travelling via Ngurah Rai from the University of Malaya. He is travellers including Singaporean resolve the existing inbound tourism on 1 July, with a complete reopening About 2,000 confirmed Covid-19 International Airport to Bali must completing a second doctorate [DBA] citizens, permanent residents, and shortfall. A domestic tourism boost of 64 parks and a partial reopening cases have been reported in the present a number of documents. from Universiti Utara Malaysia. of 63, while 28 parks would remain Maldives to date. Some resorts were These include: Niresh Eliatamby, MBA, LLM, is a Closed Partially opened Open closed. kept open throughout the lockdown specialist in destination marketing and yy A health statement saying they and from 1 June, guests were lectures travel trade management and France, Spain, Portugal, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, are Covid-19 negative, based The Maldives welcomed to the country by private hospitality management in Sri Lanka Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, the UK, the on a PCR check carried out in The Maldives aims to open up jet or yacht. However, commercial for London Metropolitan University. Poland, Turkey, Cyprus, Hungary, Romania, Greece, Bosnia, Netherlands, Indonesia either by a national Norway, Iceland Croatia, Slovakia Italy , Bulgaria to visitors from all over the world flights have not yet opened. He was a consultant for SriLankan or state laboratory or by the without any restrictions for Covid-19 SriLankan Airlines has traditionally Airlines, Editor of a travel magazine; 10 13 5 Covid-19 task force beginning in July. The number of been the main airline flying into the and authored several books related to Source: Euronews 10 June 2020 travel restrictions related to Covid-19, Maldives. yy A statement of intent and another Sri Lanka’s tourism industry) the sunday morning business 7 Sunday, June 28, 2020 REAL ESTATE

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER Bringing down sky-high construction costs kitchens are just a few examples. reducing unemployment in areas By Currently, many of these imports with lower development as well as attract cess or duty. It is impossible providing much-required skilled Rohan Parikh to construct a building without labour for construction sites. It can incurring large amounts of customs also encourage temporary labour duty costs. This naturally causes imports from overseas. Sri Lanka has one of the an increase in the construction highest average costs of cost, which means developers The effect of coronavirus construction in the SAARC have to raise prices of the finished The impact of coronavirus on (South Asian Association apartments or offices. construction costs has been mostly for Regional Co-operation) Solution: To battle this, a careful neutral. On the one hand, there have region, creating significant balance needs to be struck between been the inevitable costs of sites concerns in affordability encouraging local manufacturing idling and workers being unable to and preventing the creation of local work, which has increased project for housing for most of the monopolies. The former helps the costs to some extent. On the other urban population. Many nation while the latter harms the hand, the virus has finally led to a live far outside business nation and the consumer. correction in the land market and centres enduring prolonged Alternatively, customs duties and thus may allow for land prices commutes, resulting in cess should be reduced significantly to once again reach a reasonable increased pressure on for critical materials needed to territory. infrastructure and a decrease build and increase the housing The significant factor that is yet in the productivity of stock of the nation. In the end, these to play out entirely is its impact on workers. There are a few cost benefits will pass on to the imports. Will foreign manufacturers key reasons for the high consumer and will lead to extensive be able to deliver items at contracted cost of construction which housing stocks and property taxes, prices? Will alternative supply indirect taxes, and direct taxes as chains need to be created? As China can be alleviated by some the infrastructure fuels economic falls out of favour, can developers appropriate action from the development. secure better prices from other relevant authorities. markets like India? And finally, Shortage of skilled labour how will the customs duty and tax Horizontal development Problem: There is a shortage of regimes be impacted in the medium of land semi-skilled and skilled labour in term? Problem: Horizontal Sri Lanka, leading to quality and In conclusion, the cost of development and the ensuing productivity issues on construction construction in Sri Lanka is high, scarcity of land in key urban sites. For example, it is very difficult but artificially so. A few timely centres have caused the cost of support the commuters who are Naturally, precautions should do not result in the depletion of real to find sufficiently skilled flooring actions by the regulatory bodies land to increase exponentially. It is needed to man the business centres. be taken to prevent hoarding by estate stock held by citizens. masons. This impacts the speed can help remove some of the important to note that Colombo has In addition, land speculation has developers, which can be done of construction and the output per inefficiencies in the system and one of the lowest urban densities pushed land costs beyond the range by specifying the time period for Importation of vital worker, resulting in an increased allow for the creation of more in South Asia and one of the of feasibility for development completing construction. construction material cost of construction. housing facilities at more affordable highest proportions of individuals projects. Additionally, restriction of Problem: Several key materials Solution: The Government prices. commuting into the city for work. Solution: The solution investment in land should be lifted required for construction are not can support here through skills (The writer is the Managing Therefore, the city is spread here would be for land to be for foreign investors constructing available in sufficient quantities programmes for unskilled workers Director of Iconic Developments horizontally and not vertically, agglomerated by the Government commercial or residential from domestic manufacturers, and to prepare them for jobs and careers [Pvt.] Ltd. and an alumni of the making it difficult for its roads, and auctioned to developers for developments as these are developers are reliant on importing in the construction industry. It Wharton School of Business and trains, and bus infrastructure to affordable middle-class housing. ultimately sold to local buyers and them. Cement, steel, wires, tiles, and will serve the dual purpose of also INSEAD)

BY UWIN LUGODA

During the last few months, the Covid- 19 pandemic forced many Sri Lankan companies to adapt to the new norm of working from home (WFH). However, with the end of the curfew, many companies have Bye bye, office space moved or are moving back into their office spaces. Interestingly though, there are a few companies that adapted well to the sudden disruption and the enforced WFH experience; The companies committing to WFH so much so that they have decided to give up their office spaces altogether, some more time for the team and they were able ahead with the way things are now,” said temporarily and some even permanently. to do remarkable things after freeing up an Public Relations Services Director Nishu Most of these companies have adopted average of two extra hours per day. This has Gunawardana. different strategies to implement WFH led to increased productivity and creativity Gunawardana explained that their and remote working policies, all of which and an overall sense of wellbeing. strategy in working with their clients has eliminate the need for a permanent office He stated that apart from the employees, been to introduce digital solutions like space. even the company as a whole benefits from virtual meetings, online approval systems, this kind of strategy, due the monetary costs file transfers, e-reporting, and even bank Goodbye office for good saved in terms of rent, electricity, internet, transfers for payments. She stated that oDoc, a local healthcare app that gives and transport. most clients have been more than happy to people access to doctors for video and audio Being a tech company, Fernando stated transition and that they have garnered very consultations over the phone, is one company that it was easier to transition to this sort positive feedback. that has integrated their WFH policy of strategy, as everyone on the team was “We have implemented a lot of new digital permanently into their framework. The tech already equipped with the necessary software solutions that makes life easier for everyone, company has now decided to transition from and hardware and was used to WFH on the and going paperless is also beneficial for the full WFH to a 4:1 strategy, where they all occasional evening/weekend. Furthermore, environment.” only have to meet once a week. he stated that as a start-up, they were more She stated that their employees love “We decided to fully go with WFH as our predisposed to such a change. working at their own pace and the company team was happier and safer working from He stated that the company has adopted has only given them three simple guidelines home, there was no loss in productivity, a variety of software and apps to ensure behind is Kings Co., a creative agency conditions of their place of work, ensuring to ensure workflow; this includes getting and there was a cost reduction,” said oDoc that workflows are uninterrupted. based in Colombo, specialising in branding each member maintains work-life balance, their work done on time, keeping the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer These include WhatsApp and Slack and advertising. implementing security and privacy heads informed of any issues, and always (CEO) Heshan Fernando. for team communication, Notion for Kings Co. Co-founders Hash Bandara measures pertaining to using personal answering their phones. Speaking to The Sunday Morning wikis, Zoom for meetings, JIRA for and Umanga Samarasinghe stated that they Wi-Fi connections, and other measures to In terms of profitability, she stated Business, Fernando explained that they project management, BitBucket for code had been testing the WFH concept before promote productivity. that they have been able to reduce their decided to move to a 4:1 strategy mainly repository, Trello for individual task the pandemic, but only fully embraced it However, the duo stated that they overheads on account of not having to pay due to the team missing the social aspect management, Metabase and Grafana for once the pandemic hit. also faced challenges adjusting to the rent and for utilities, among other things, of coming into the office, and also to break data visualisation, and finally Hubspot for “We currently have a team of five, and new norm, as their team members had with only their data solution and mobile the monotony of working from home. He sales and marketing. when we transitioned to WFH a month into to learn to get used to the new working phone bills having increased. However, she also stated that when it comes to bringing in He pointed out that the main challenge the pandemic, we saw that our employees environment, which initially had an impact went on to state that they had greatly reduced new team members, assimilating them to the they faced when implementing the 4:1 were more relaxed, so we realised that this on their delivery time. They went on to their travel cost because all their meetings company culture is done more efficiently in strategy was with on-boarding new team would be the best way forward.” point out other challenges, such as power with clients have been moved online. person, and some meetings too are better held members and helping existing members They added that they also see several failures, which affected workflow, and “Apart from the obvious cost factor, we face to face. avoid the monotony of working from home benefits to WFH; cost, time, and energy other distractions associated with WFH. also found that our staff is more comfortable “As a small team, we have the luxury of as well as social isolation. However, he savings on commuting, being able to in their own work spaces. Contrary to being agile and plan on further experimenting went on to state that no new policies or hire people from anywhere in the world, Bye for now office popular belief that WFH makes people to settle on what works best for us.” guidelines were needed for this transition, flexible work schedules, and reduced stress Nehemiah Consultants, an independent lazy, we have found that our guys are more The company first adopted a WFH strategy as they trust their employees to do the right levels. They explained that they managed public relations (PR) and content creation motivated to get things done faster and shortly after Covid-19 was declared a thing and continue the workflow with no to adjust better than they expected, and agency which has been in operation for spend more time at home doing other stuff pandemic by the World Health Organisation interruptions. are currently learning new methods of over six years, has opted to move their as well.” (WHO), and will be transitioning to the 4:1 Furthermore, Fernando stated that so communication using technology. company to a WFH/remote-working Gunawardana explained that for them, it strategy from 1 July onwards. far, the team has been very open and has In order to support their workflows, strategy temporarily. was all about technology and introducing Fernando stated that one of the biggest welcomed the change, and the company Bandara and Samarasinghe stated that they “We did not set ourselves a time frame a new way of doing things, to their clients. benefits of this WFH strategy is that it saves will continuously review progress until implemented several new policies and as such or a deadline to say when we She stated that while this transition to digital- time, which is an important resource for they get this strategy right. guidelines for their team to follow. These would stop working from home. However, based PR has been an interesting one for the company, as a result of the lack of a Another company that has made the included installing the required software since it worked out well for us over the them and their clients, they are still learning commute. He explained that this freed up choice to leave a permanent office space and equipment at home, monitoring the last few months, we have decided to go every day. 8 the sunday morning business BUSINESS/ADVERTORIAL Sunday, June 28, 2020

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BY UWIN LUGODA The Covid-19 pandemic has How People’s changed consumer behaviour, with customers choosing to Hameedia longs sacrifice life’s luxuries and settling for the most essential Bank stood products. This change is heavily felt by high-end fashion brands, with people up during the caring less about the way they for ‘suitable’ look due to the lack of events and social gatherings. national crisis Hameedia, a leading home- People’s Bank announced during the same period. In grown menswear brand, has not business climate last week that over 70% of addition, People’s Bank was been immune to this impact, one metre and handing over clothes because that is when people want all its branches and all its called upon to add its expert according to its Managing Director after a fit on to sales staff, as they to buy clothes. self-banking units were fully opinions via its Chairman (MD) Fouzul Hameed. Speaking have to subject it to a sanitisation “If there are more entertainment operational during the Covid- Sujeewa Rajapakse who was to The Sunday Morning Business, procedure. Sales staff will also activities and if people start eating 19 pandemic while ensuring appointed by the President Hameed stated that while they have be handling the clothes while out again, our sales will recover; health and safety measures into an expert panel to advise felt a huge impact on business, wearing gloves, reducing the need when people are home, they do not were implemented for on economic and business they are thankful to the Sri Lankan for customers to interact with the like to dress up.” team members and visiting strategy from a banking Government for taking control clothing. He went on to state that during customers. Customer service and financial services’ of the situation and restarting Hameed explained that while this time, the brand’s online support hotlines functioned perspective. business activities. He explained all the outlets are open, none have presence has improved after a long throughout, all POS (point Meanwhile, the product that they understand that the entire reached their full potential in terms time. They have moved to upgrade of sale) machines were portfolio expanded, with the world is currently going through of foot traffic, and are currently not their website during the last few kept active, and over 400 “Aswenna” loan scheme a similar situation, which has making much, with sales still being months, and plan to upgrade locations were visited by the specifically aimed at making made a lot of consumers cut down under 50%. He stated that this is it even further to have a better bank’s mobile banking units the agriculture, fisheries, and on things that they do not need, because the brand targets more online presence. Hameed stated which facilitated over Rs. animal husbandry value chain including luxury items. high-end customers, who shop for that currently, around 10-15% 200 million in withdrawals self-sufficient. “Sarusara”, A few months ago, the brand functions like weddings and other of Hameedia’s sales are now for cash-strapped customers a comprehensive rural celebrated its 70th anniversary with official events; these events have attributed to their website, which is in some of the most remote credit scheme, and “Vanitha the opening of its newest flagship stopped, and the foot traffic to their higher than the earlier 5%. parts in the country. Online Saviya”, a loan scheme store at One Galle Face Mall on 8 outlets as well. According to Hameed, engagement via multiple for micro and small-scale November 2019. This became the “Especially with the wedding Hameedia also currently has two social media channels women entrepreneurs, were brand’s 16th showroom alongside industry being impacted, most of manufacturing plants in Sri Lanka significantly enhanced the also initiated. With working its two Envoy showrooms and our wedding orders, such as suits which reopened in May, with bank’s visibility and brand and studying from home a distribution network at retail for the groom’s party, have been another one currently on the way. strength. becoming the norm, People’s outlets across Sri Lanka. postponed. We have also seen a Employees in these plants also The bank said that it was Bank also extended several All 18 Hameedia outlets drop in sales in general wedding adhere to safety standards, with among the first banks in schemes in technology islandwide are currently open, with attire, due to less people going to temperature checks when entering, the country to act on the facilitation for teachers; Hameedia MD Fouzul Hameed several of its mall showrooms, weddings in order to abide by the using sanitiser at the entrance, Central Bank relief package medical, engineering, and IT such as the ones at Majestic City, 100 per wedding rule set by the decided to promote men’s office keeping a one-metre distance, and offering over 400,000 undergraduates; and law and Crescat , One Galle Face Mall, Government.” wear to help them dress in line doing frequent temperature checks of its retail customers’ accountancy firms. and Envoy CCC (Colombo City Speaking on their product sales, with their motivations. while working. financial relief in a time of Reiterating the significant Centre) and Ja-Ela having opened he stated that while there has been Other promotional campaigns Post-Covid, he stated that the need, while also being in contribution made to as early as 11 May. According to an overall drop, certain products, the brand had implemented include Government should look to balance the process of disbursing the economy by migrant Hameed, the outlets have taken such as in the smart casual 20% off on all products for Eid the number of imports entering nearly 4,100 applications workers, People’s Bank all the necessary precautions by category, are recovering better than Mubarak, 40% off on their Adidas the country, while supporting and for working capital loans aligned with a Central Bank adhering to all government health formal or casual wear. However, products, and 15% on Father’s Day motivating local manufacturers. He approximately amounting directive and launched a and safety standards in order seeing the need for office wear, as gifts. The store also introduced a also suggested that the Government to Rs. 8.5 billion to small special deposit account to provide consumers a safer people needed to dress for success, new product to its portfolio, in the start implementing quality control business owners. Whilst these with an attractive interest shopping experience. Hameed stated that they are now form of fashionable, reusable face standards for imports, so that low- are yet in process, more are rate to encourage inward These necessary precautions launching a campaign called “Back masks, which are water repellent quality products do not come into expected to be processed remittances and higher include requiring that customers to work with power dresses”, in the and have an outer layer of Japanese the country. in the near term. The bank levels of retention. The wear face masks and use sanitiser coming week. fabric. “Moving forward, we should also established a dedicated bank also ensured there was at the entrance of each outlet, Hameedia has partnered with Hameed stated that they feel the focus on our local manufacturers. customer care unit to answer no interruption in overall and sanitising their showrooms all the banks in order to give a business environment is getting We have talented people here, queries on the Central Bank payment flows even during as per standard protocols set by 25% discount on office wear for better, and that they are trying to and we need to bring down the relief programmes and was the height of the lockdown the Government. Each outlet has this campaign. He explained that reach their end of year sales goal. talent that has left the country, amongst the first to accept with all inward, outward, notices and signs explaining the after seeing people dressing down He stated that they would recover pay them a good salary, and set up customer requests via SMS, and IBT SLIPS transactions protocols customers must adhere to go to offices, opting to wear much faster if more activities more manufacturing plants in Sri WhatsApp, and Viber. carried out even during the to, including keeping a distance of old t-shirts and shirts, the brand and functions returned to normal, Lanka.” Aligned with the directive, most difficult circumstances. the bank stopped all In addition, earlier this deductions and refunded month, People’s Bank most installments already undertook the responsibility St. Mary’s and National Chamber webinar on deducted for the month of of facilitating repayments March this year. All pawning to the aggrieved depositors Seylan launch import and export issues tomorrow auctions too were halted and of The Finance Company any penalties across products Ltd. from the Central Bank’s 1st virtual OBA The National Chamber is to understand the new import Trade Information S.R.P. were fully waived off during deposit insurance fund. 60 of Commerce of Sri Lanka and export regulations and Indrakeerthi, and Department the said period. Credit card branches are expected to payment platform (NCCSL) in association discuss the way forward. of Imports and Exports Control minimum payments were make distributions close to Seylan Bank announced that it has with the Sri Lanka Customs, The panellists of the webinar Assistant Controller Kasun reduced by 50%. 143,000 depositors of The introduced a payment gateway facility, Department of Imports and are Department of Imports and Fernando. The session will be The bank extended over Finance Company Ltd. VOBA (Virtual Old Boys’ Association), Export Control, and Sri Lanka Exports Control Controller moderated by the NCCSL. Rs. 150 billion in financial The bank’s dedicated staff at St. Mary’s College Chilaw, one of the Exports Development Board General Damayanthi S. The target audience of the facilities, of which over Rs. were also provided relief oldest educational institutes in Sri Lanka. (EDB) will be organising Karunarathne, Department of discussion includes directors, 140 billion were disbursed from loan deductions and the The school is the first in the island to be a webinar on the topic of Imports and Exports Control CEOs, supervisors, managers, to the State and other state- bank is currently exploring facilitated with the VOBA platform as “imports and exports-related Controller – Operational and those who are interested owned enterprises. In this newer initiatives for working part of its process of digitalisation. business issues faced by the K.G.R. Wimalasooriya, Sri and involved in imports and context, during the first three conditions suited for the The platform is a multipurpose portal business community in Sri Lanka Customs Additional exports. months of 2020, the bank “new normal”, including used by past pupils to connect with their Lanka” on Monday, 29 June Director General Sunil For further details, contact recorded a credit growth of flexi working hours and former peers, and track and manage from 2.30 p.m. onwards. Jayaratne, EDB Director Nishanthi or Nirmani on 011- 10.9% compared with 5% increasing online working the schools’ ongoing development The objective of the webinar – Trade Facilitation and 4741788/076-2555707. reported by the industry collaboration. projects. Seylan Bank has now enabled the members to settle OBA membership fees and make direct donations to the school’s account from across the globe via this payment platform. The portal can Sri Lanka’s first virtual property show currently be accessed via web and mobile on both Android and iOS devices. Lanka Property Web, the company of the fifth edition of the Lanka organic traffic received, which goes visitors from different time zones The service is now open to all schools behind the country’s leading property Property Show 2020 that was held on to show that more people are visiting the virtual event platform. with a past pupils/old boys’ association. website lankapropertyweb.com, on 29 February and 1 March at The looking at buying or renting properties “This property show would not only Seylan Bank said its online payment announced the launch of Sri Lanka’s Kingsbury Colombo, the property at the moment. Interestingly, there assist overseas buyers to find great platform will act as a game-changer, first-ever virtual real estate expo titled show has now advanced to an online was a 9% increase in overseas traffic property deals in the country, but also directly contributing towards increasing “Lanka Property Show 2020 Virtual” platform to broaden its reach while during this period, with Europe the savvy local property buyers looking the number of members across all scheduled to be held from 3-5 July accommodating to the current accounting to 19% of that increase,” for the best deals they can get in the associations islandwide. The VOBA from 9 a.m. to midnight. situation. In fact, Lanka Property Show said Lanka Property Web Managing current market,” added Gunaratna. portal runs on Ceylon Innovation’s The expo will be made available 2020 Virtual was designed to attract Director Daham Gunaratna. The expo will showcase Del Mar, servers and allows transactions to be online on its web platform and will expat buyers who are increasingly In another first for the country, Summer 64, Platinum One Suites, Star carried out by members of OBAs living have over 15 developments exhibited looking into buying properties in Sri through Lanka Property Show Life Residencies, Peak Residencies in Sri Lanka and across the globe, by more than 10 developers. The Lanka since the Covid-19 outbreak and 2020 Virtual, buyers will be able to (Schofield Place and Boyd Place), thereby streamlining a time consuming property show will also offer exclusive to overcome the restrictions posed by reserve a property online by paying a Fairway latitude (Colombo 5), 96 and cumbersome process. Once a deals on property prices with up to this pandemic. reservation fee through the website’s Residencies, Bricksgate Apartments, payment is made to the gateway portal, 15% off on current selling prices of the “Since the curfew started in Sri platform. Since the event will also Barrington Tower, King’s Garden a receipt is produced immediately listed developments. These discounts Lanka, we had a drop in traffic, but facilitate visitors to the portal to Residencies, The Elements, Urban and sent to the payee’s email via provided by the developers will only then a sharp increase was recorded video chat with sales representatives, Homes (Koswatta), Colombo City the platform, ensuring a secure and be available exclusively during the since the start of early May. The assistance and reliability will be Centre, and The Mount. efficient payment process. property show. month of May broke our traffic assured. Representatives will be For more information, visit www. With the successful completion records for the highest amount of available 24x7 to assist even the lankapropertyweb.com/online-expo/.

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 NEW NORMAL AND THE CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE »SEE PAGE 4

FARMING AS NATURE INTENDED »SEE PAGE 3

Sunday, June 28, 2020 brunchWITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER

THE OLD DUTCH HOSPITAL THEN

PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA BY NAVEED ROZAIS Dutch Hospital is an inviting space for locals and tourists to just wander and AND relax, either in one of the courtyards or Nestled in the heart of Colombo Fort, the the many establishments in the area. Functioning more as a tourist spot and Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct has a relaxing place for the corporate crowd working in Fort during daytime, the Old found a special place in Colombo since its Dutch Hospital became an integral part of Colombo’s nightlife, with many renowned reopening in 2011. restaurants and eateries setting up shop within the precinct and in the surrounding Built in the late 1600s during the of its history), the sprawling complex area, creating an environment perfect for Dutch colonial period as a hospital retains its old-world charm, with its bar-hopping on a weekend night. How Colombo’s unique lifestyle for seafarers (although it has been dual courtyards and long, columned NOW ││Contd. on page 2 hotspot is faring in the wake of the pandemic repurposed several times over the course verandas. By day or night, the Old

Harinie Weerasinghe of @khannabliss, who took a trip to Arugam Bay to surf, shared that on a regular day, the specific Travel is back on the rise surf point she frequents was often really crowded, and shared But keep in mind – it’s not yet “post” Covid that it was really hard to catch a wave, with boats constantly BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE knocking on you. However, considering that the beaches Post-Covid travel is are quite free now, you can have already a trending topic, and a relaxed experience, she said, while using the term “post- stating: “Everything is just calmer; Covid” is an oversight in just easy and nice.” Before all this itself, the feeling seems to be happened, everyone else was just hustling, but the situation has reflective of the laissez-faire brought about a welcome change of pace, she said. attitude most Sri Lankans However, while according to Harinie the beaches Down have adopted when it comes to South appear to be less crowded, some other local travellers leaving the house as of late. making their rounds had a slightly different experience. The past three months have been literal hell on earth for a large group of people for Sharmal Kelambi a number of reasons. However, of @traveldocfam, who was a certain set of people are more travelling with an infant, shared than making up for it, now that for the most part, travelling that curfew has been lifted; the was stress free when it came travel enthusiasts of yesteryear to more established hospitality are now making their way into chains, stating: “When travelling the wilderness. after the lockdown, we had to We reached out to a be extra cautious since we were number of well-known travelling with a one-year-old baby girl. She does not wear travellers who have attempted masks, has no idea about hand to take a few trips around the hygiene, and runs around island, to share their thoughts on everywhere. When we entered the lay of the land, what post- the hotels we visited, they were disinfecting the luggage, the curfew travel is like, and how staff were wearing masks, and hand hygiene was promoted. it really differs from the times But once inside the hotel, guests only wore masks when when Covid was not something visiting restaurants, and then took these off when eating. we needed to deal with. People mixed leisurely in the pool, but the pools were less PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYWASAM crowded than before. Overall, everyone was cautious.” ││Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE/PLACES Sunday, June 28, 2020

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER

sides. But we have worked closely with all the tenants in the complex to ensure washbasins and sanitiser dispensers are THE OLD DUTCH HOSPITAL... available at every possible entrance.” Contd. from page 1 Foods PLC and another establishment Getting back to normal within the precinct, while having closed The biggest challenge to getting back A vibrant lifestyle location their Old Dutch Hospital location, did to normal post pandemic is getting foot pre-pandemic not cease operations but resumed in a traffic to what it used to be. Ministry of The Old Dutch Hospital always struck much smaller way, focusing on creating Crab Co-owner/Chef Dharshan Munidasa a nice balance of being busy yet relaxing. affordable corporate lunches that could be commented on foot traffic, saying: “The The daytime hours saw the Old Dutch delivered to those working in companies biggest challenge will be getting guests to Hospital frequented by corporate clients unable to stop working during the return, as there is still a fear factor among looking for a nice, peaceful lunch and lockdown. It also moved their Old Dutch many in dining out. About 95% of our tourists taking in the sights. Hospital employees to work out of the test guests are travellers and currently, with The nights and evenings were busier, kitchen at their Head Office. the airport shut down, we have estimated with the Old Dutch Hospital being a The renowned artisanal brand Barefoot that it would take an additional month popular dinner spot across all Colombo also ceased operations at their store, opting after the reopening of the airport for us to people. With almost all establishments to reopen at a later date once foot traffic return to around 50% of our normal level holding regular happy hours for the office improves and focusing on operations on of operations.” crowd, it was the perfect spot for an their flagship store in Bambalapitiya. In the case of Ministry of Crab, which We have worked closely with all after-work drink, given its largely central specialises in one ingredient, crab, supply the tenants in the complex to location and proximity to Colombo’s Adapting to post-pandemic life is also an issue. ensure washbasins and sanitiser All the establishments we spoke to business hotspots. Hettiarachchi of HVA Foods dispensers are available at every highlighted the importance of keeping The pandemic changed everything, commented that until foot traffic increases possible entrance both their staff and customers safe and not simply by imposing a nine-week and restrictions are lifted (which is unlikely Taphouse by RnR Operations Manager The biggest challenge will be getting healthy, implementing the health and safety lockdown, but also by altering the way we until either a vaccination is developed Sampath Perera guests to return, as there is still a fear strategies introduced by the Ministry of interact and spend our time, particularly in or we achieve immunity in some other factor among many in dining out Health and Indigenous Medical Services. social contexts. way), it will be very difficult – nearly the Old Dutch Hospital is vital to boost Ministry of Crab Co-owner/Chef HVA Foods PLC Chief Operating The Sunday Morning Brunch reached impossible – for businesses in the industry, business because a big local presence Officer (COO) Charithra Hettiarachchi out to some of the staple businesses in the Dharshan Munidasa particularly in places like the Old Dutch makes travellers more interested in visiting explained that they followed the health and Old Dutch Hospital to learn more about Hospital, to break even. a place, be it a restaurant, cafe, or shop. safety guidelines to the letter, including how the Old Dutch Hospital is responding in the Old Dutch Hospital were no Returning to normal in the long term, giving every customer a mask and ensuring to the pandemic and, more importantly, exception, with almost all establishments Hettiarachchi stressed the importance of sanitisation is done frequently in a what recovery would look like. ceasing operations for much of the being mindful in practising health and lockdown period. scheduled manner. safety measures and avoiding the tendency Colombo Fort Cafe, for instance, Ministry of Crab introduced a to be lax because of the inconvenience. was shut down from 20 March up comprehensive health and safety The pandemic is very much ongoing, even until mid-May. Harpo’s Hotels, Cafes, programme titled “Keep Clean and Crab if Sri Lanka has more or less managed to and Restaurants Founder/CEO Harpo On” modelled on their well-known “Keep return to normal life. Gooneratne, speaking on Colombo Fort Calm and Crab On” in addition to training Cafe’s response to the pandemic, explained staff rigorously on operational protocols that a large amount of business comes from that maximise on health and safety. Collaboration is the order of the day Many establishments have also tourists and travellers and that there will to get through this trying time, and be a gap in performance until travel and adapted their layouts to accommodate tourism resume. social distancing or are operating with several of the tenants at the Old Dutch Ministry of Crab, one of the first limited capacity for guests. Heladiv Tea HVA Foods PLC Chief Operating Officer (COO) Hospital are coming together to create establishments to open at the Old Dutch Club, for instance, is operating at 40% Charithra Hettiarachchi capacity when it comes to guests and is “Throwback Sundays”, an evening of Hospital, ceased operations for the entertainment which takes place today, entirety of the lockdown, easing back into utilising only 30% of its full contingent Looking to the future Harpo’s Hotels, Cafes, and Restaurants Founder/ operations with delivery services once staff, circulating staff on a rota basis. 28 June. Throwback Sundays at the CEO Harpo Gooneratne On the whole, the tenants of the Old The tenants of the Old Dutch restrictions were relaxed and working their Hospital are by and large hopeful for the Dutch will feature Harpo, Tareeq, and way back to eventually reopening. Dutch Hospital have collaborated to create A lonely place in lockdown a safer space for patrons. Taphouse by future. While a large portion of long- Pradeep on the decks and food stations With the lockdown hitting basically Some businesses did not cease term recovery will depend on the return operations entirely. Taphouse by RnR, for RnR Operations Manager Sampath Perera by Ikoi Tei, Heladiv Tea club, Ministry overnight, many – if not most – commented on the aspect of making the of tourists and how quickly this aspect businesses were at a loss with how to instance, did not close, opting instead to bounces back, the local market is not to be of Crab, and Colombo Fort Cafe, with run food delivery with a small team and Old Dutch Hospital safer as a whole, the participation of Nature's Secrets, respond, especially with movement being saying: “The Dutch Hospital has some underestimated. heavily restricted. This hit food and retail develop new menus. Barefoot CEO Dominic Sansoni Barefoot, and Spa Ceylon. Heladiv Tea Club, a brand of HVA unique challenges for a situation like this businesses very hard and the businesses because it is essentially open from many shared that the presence of locals in

to normal, and the Government used to travel in large groups of Contd. from page 1 has said they will open the 20-25 back in the day; I am not Travel is back... airports in August. However, we too sure if that will be the case must ensure we follow the safety still. I hope people would try to measures at least till the end of travel alone or with a few close this year. My biggest concern is friends only. After all, people how our villagers would react might eventually forget about to us hiking in and around their the virus and go back to the same villages. They might either be lifestyle before it. okay with it or they might not like “One more concern I have is, Thusitha of @Ceylon_ it as most of us would be coming until this planet is confirmed as adventure_seeker touched on from Colombo, which used to corona-free, we might not be this fact as one of the concerns he be a high-risk district. That’s my able to be fully sure that we won’t personally had when considering biggest concern. encounter a Covid-19-positive resuming his usual travel. He “The other thing I’m worried person during our trips. So when stated: “I guess by August or about is how people would start we go on trips, we still have to mid-July, everything will go back to travel in the ‘new normal’. We maintain social distancing.”

We reached out to Supun early days after the curfew was Hasanka of @Travel_with_ lifted,” he said. Suppa, who is often a solo He then spoke about traveller. He said he had a transportation: “I am a different experience when it solo traveller and I use came to public transport, but he public transport. I have not too echoed a similar experience experienced any difficulties in in observing local travellers. getting transport thus far. The He stated: “Recently, I went to buses and even trains were Kithulgala for waterfall hunting. running as normal. However, It was only a one-day trip, and locals are definitely not adhering from what I observed, things these were often crowded to any of the guidelines – no are getting back to normal little places, with vloggers and large one is maintaining social by little. Just as the curfew was groups camping and at the distancing and the conductors lifted, we visited Aberdeen Falls time, I was by myself when I and drivers have to enforce the and the Lakshapana Dam; on a mask rule; thankfully, these are PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYWASAM went, but things seem to have usual day before the pandemic changed drastically since those not overcrowded buses.”

This general trust that travellers crowds, so boutique hotels are likely to lose out on Kavindi Athapattu of @Travel_ looking into it.” have for more established and private villas are a better business compared to the bigger and_nibbles, who visited Mirissa and Kavindi also drew attention to the hospitality operators was shared option. However, I do find myself establishments, the primary Unwatuna this past weekend, said that service aspect of restaurants and food by many of the people we avoiding smaller places purely reason being what he discussed she was most surprised by the sheer outlets, and how your experience may reached out to, with Yasseen because I don’t think they have above. “It’s a bit of a tough luck for number of locals she saw out and about, differ from what you are otherwise used of @Longweekend also sharing the budget and the capacity to the smaller players I would say.” stating: “The crowds made it seem like to. “One thing I can say is the quality of his thoughts on how, despite follow the safety guidelines as It would appear that despite its business as usual. Because there service you’ve come to expect may be preferring to go to smaller it can turn out to be expensive,” people opting to travel and are many offers and lots of discounts, different, which is understandable since places, they simply felt safer at he said. “For example, when they take up some of the discounts everyone is out now, and there’s no lack they (establishments) may have had to establishments that had the went to Taj Bentota, the pool and offers that are being touted of travellers. I live in Aluthgama, and either downsize on staff and so their means to follow through with there was cleaned everyday and around, there are some concerns even here, it has been pretty crowded.” usual chefs may not be available.” adhering to the health guidelines the chlorine levels were checked with regards to safety – this is a She drew attention to some issues She shared: “There was a place in effectively. He shared: “Sri Lanka four times a day. For a small good thing, despite this fear being one may face when travelling these Mirissa which I usually love, but the Tourism is mainly targeting establishment, this may not be detrimental to the economy. days. One major concern was the food was different to what I was used to. of Lankans may get a little better. “One high-end clientele; they are very practical; if it is a bigger Additionally, there are other unpredictability of public transport. However, this is totally understandable thing I noticed was that the hygiene already looking to cater to a lower chain, they have the resources.” concerns as well, such as how She said: “There’s an issue when it and those things will take time to go (level) is definitely far better than it number of people at any given Yaseen said that getting back locals in rural areas may feel comes to transport, unless you have back to normal.” was pre-Covid; there are much higher time, which is a very attractive to normal after the lockdown, when their villages are being your own vehicle, as public transport She did, however, point out some of standards expected from everybody, option. Even we are not looking one of the major differences frequented by a hoard of is unpredictable. And I don’t think it’s a the more positive experiences she had. and even the smaller shops you find on to go to crowded places; we want one would notice would be that travellers who may or may not be good idea to go out if you are relying She shared that one good thing that the roadside have adopted the safety to be outside but not amongst these smaller establishments a risk factor. on public transport without really may come out of this is the lifestyles measures.

the sunday morning brunch editorial [email protected] 011 5200900 the sunday morning brunch 3 Sunday, June 28, 2020 FARMING/BUSINESS

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER Farming as nature intended The concept of permaculture and how it is taking root in Sri Lanka The Social, Unawatuna BY NAVEED ROZAIS #LocalsForLocals Sri Lanka Farming and agriculture form the backbone of our world. Humans would Giving SL businesses never have progressed to forming civilisations as we know it if they hadn’t a leg up in post- developed farming and agriculture. Conventional or industrial farming is a process that has been optimised over the years to Covid-19 economy meet our ever-increasing demands, bringing with and way more than I expected. it its own issues like damage to the environment, BY MAHIKA PANDITHA I think I made the Instagram particularly in the case of soil damage, and the page and started building the need for new farmland, which can often lead to With the Covid-19 website at about 11 p.m. on a natural environments being disrupted. pandemic wreaking havoc Friday; I had put the first few The damage done to people and communities over the past few months, businesses online (friends’ as a result of the use of fertilisers and GMO many businesses all over the businesses and other places (genetically modified organism) crops along with world have had to face severe already listed on the Google the effects of the farming process on humans and turmoil. Here in Sri Lanka, Doc), and went to sleep. communities, is also heavily debated. while we are lucky to have Permaculture comes into play as a potential so many local businesses that alternative to industrial farming, although the provide fantastic, high-quality application of permaculture in an industrial products and services, with the context is in need of some fine-tuning, ban on imports, it is important particularly to meet industrial demand. now more than ever to support But what is permaculture? And how can it our local businesses. work in a Sri Lankan context? Chatting with Christine Abayasekara, the Founder of Permaculture as a concept #LocalsForLocals, an online The term “permaculture” was first coined by directory that was started in Australian biologist Bill Mollison and his student order to “give Sri Lankan David Holmgren in the 1970s. It combines businesses a leg up again in “permanent agriculture” and “permanent culture” A permaculture workshop in progress the post-Covid-19 economy”, and advocates three key ethics: people care, earth The Sunday Morning Brunch I knew we needed to create care, and fair share. In February 2021, the team hopes to conduct discussed the initiative and the something that was bigger Permaculture is essentially a toolbox to their most ambitious permaculture-focused mindset behind it. With over than just a Google Doc see connections in nature, integrate resources, workshop yet, a two-week programme, titled the 300 local businesses on site at and some Instagram and utilise them to their full potential to create “Permaculture Design Cause”. The programme the moment, #LocalsForLocals stories. That’s how the regenerative systems that use natural processes to will be an immersive experiential workshop has a website containing online directory and the provide resources that look after the land and the teaching participants about the core principles several categories that range project came to be. The people in it, while returning a fair share back to and ethics of permaculture. from musicians, freelancers, initiative is almost one the ecosystem to facilitate healing. Jayasinghe explained that over the course and digital agencies to home month old now. This Based on farming practices, particularly of the programme, which is 72 teaching hours, bakers, cafes, and more. The initiative is a partnership influenced by the Japanese natural farmer participants will learn how the three core team is open to any Sri Lankan with The Social, a Masanobu Fukuoka, and combined with a The Woods Owner Permaculture designer and principles of permaculture – people care, earth business, irrespective of size or restaurant located in Rajanayagam facilitator Asanga Namal care, and fair share – are woven into all aspects city, and is keen to introduce Unawatuna number of scientific findings in agriculture, Prassana Kumar Jayasinghe permaculture provides a set of principles of the process, creating a more mindful and more categories as more #LocalsForLocals Founder which offer practical guidance on how to build Purchased by Kumar in 2009 after years companionable way of life for the communities businesses jump on board. Christine Abayasekara functional and sustainable alternatives that bring of searching for the perfect property, The who practise it. Once you select a business, it together the needs of humans and nature. Woods started as a city escape for Kumar and The people care aspect of permaculture, leads you right to their social In a practical sense, permaculture focuses on his family, inspired by the farming-led life of which is about implementing systems that media pages, making it easier “By the time I woke up, understanding the relationships between different his grandparents. With the size of The Woods make sure the products and processes involved for customers to get to know I already had about 40 more plants and building more sustainable human and its rich biodiversity (the property has over in farming do not harm any people on an more about the businesses. submissions and about 100 settlements. Permaculture practices include 100 species of birds), Kumar decided to make emotional, physical, financial, and social Abayasekara, the bright followers. Over the weekend, planting a year-round food landscape, restorative it something that could be enjoyed by more level, will be covered in detail, emphasising mind behind this initiative, we had over 150 submissions soil practices, conserving water, reusing waste people and so converted it into a guesthouse how permaculture can benefit farmers and has a Master’s in International and reached 350 followers. So as fertiliser, and on the whole, building a more with a heavy focus on ecological exploration and communities in the long run. Development and runs a social I was definitely really happy companionable and natural environment. emotional wellbeing. media management business. and humbled by the feedback. Permaculture has gained global following in The Woods is Sri Lanka’s first permaculture Whilst managing her own Not only submissions; there the years since its inception and is practised by and agroforestry training and demonstration business, she’s been working were also many messages from various communities around the world in diverse centre and also works as a host site for with several other businesses individuals who were praising and unique ways. Permaculture Network Sri Lanka. and brainstorming on how to the project,” she shared. After his introduction to permaculture help them, and also herself, Before adding more The Woods Haputale, bringing in 2018, Kumar worked with his brother, survive in the Covid-19 era. businesses through the permaculture to Sri Lanka Rajanayagam Dinesh Kumar, and a close Before the curfew #LocalsForLocals site and friend, P. Muthuraj, to incorporate permaculture had started in Colombo, Instagram page, there were The Woods is a beautiful, eco-friendly and its principles into daily life at The already about 25 establishment lodge in the tropical jungles near Nickpotha, Sri Abayasekara had been using Woods, implementing the concepts taught by her own Instagram platform names on the Google Doc. So Lanka, close to Haputale. The 13-acre property permaculture designer and facilitator Asanga one can only imagine the speed is surrounded by lush greenery, bordered by a to collect the names of local Namal Jayasinghe with the support of his team establishments that people of growth for this wonderful beautiful river, and has a wealth of biodiversity. and the nearby community. Crops in a permaculture setting initiative. The Sunday Morning In addition to being a beautiful lodge, could visit. From there, she For Kumar, permaculture is a holistic and Participants will learn how the earth care Brunch then asked what her The Woods is home to one of Sri Lanka’s created a Google Document regenerative ecosystem design toolbox that he aspect comes through in the planting and best experience has been so few permaculture cultivations. The Sunday which was consistently can use to maximise human potential to the management stage of crops, paying attention to far, to which she responded Morning Brunch spoke with The Woods Owner updated with information on fullest and find a niche or function in the living things like minimising soil damage and water that learning about the many Rajanayagam Prassana Kumar to learn more. several businesses, especially system for The Woods and its team, and live in a usage, planting year-round crop collections, those you could order from. businesses and getting to know harmonious and beneficial manner with nature. reusing waste products as fertiliser, and creating a However, when the curfew was the business owners in Sri Kumar found permaculture most more natural space for farming as a whole. fully enforced, the project was Lanka was the best, and also illuminating. He explained: “Permaculture Fair share, its role in permaculture, and no longer in the works, and enabled her to see a well-built opens your mind and you become aware of the the importance of reinvesting any excess and started up again once curfew community in a matter of days. patterns that are working all around you in the holistically creating abundance will also play a eased up later on in May. “The feedback has been environment you live in and share with billions big role in the programme, and teach participants “I knew we needed to great and I’m happy to do of other creatures, organisms, plants, and trees.” about the various benefits of permaculture. create something that was anything possible to make sure Implementing permaculture at The Woods is bigger than just a Google businesses can stay open until not an entirely easy process and is one that takes Going back to farming the way Doc and some Instagram things return to normal,” she time. Kumar is still in the early stages of a larger nature intended stories. That’s how the online shared. She hopes the platform plan to use permaculture to make The Woods There is much debate on the effectiveness directory and the project will continue to grow as an entirely self-sustainable, for the property itself as and impact of different forms of farming, be came to be. The initiative is established and trusted site well as the communities of the people who work it conventional farming, industrial farming, or almost one month old now. people could visit when they at The Woods. alternative farming. Particularly in the wake of This initiative is a partnership are looking for places to go, order from, visit, purchase gifts Bringing the permaculture philosophy the Covid-19 pandemic, which has essentially with The Social, a restaurant forced the whole world to take a step back and located in Unawatuna. They and trinkets from, and so on, as to Sri Lanka reflect on the sustainability and core values of life, are acting as our hub in the there are several businesses in Kumar and Jayasinghe, along with the concept of permaculture, of more sustainable, South and they collect and the directory. Her next goal is to permaculture enthusiast and consultant Roman holistic, and emotionally nurturing farming, has a handle all the submissions we have 1,000 businesses on board. Eisenkolbl, have been working over the last two great deal of potential. get from businesses outside of years to spread the word on permaculture. In With the efforts of Kumar, Jayasinghe, and Colombo,” Abayasekara said. If you are looking to 2018, they piloted Sri Lanka’s first permaculture the team at The Woods, it will be interesting to As several businesses are get the word out for programme out of The Woods, conducting a two- see how smaller properties and communities can looking to get the word out, your business, make night “Introduction to Permaculture” programme. become self-sufficient through permaculture and we asked Abayasekara what sure to sign up on In 2019, they conducted a programme the feedback was initially from other similar farming techniques, and how this, in www.localsforlanka. focusing on agroforestry, a technique of raising turn, can affect how Sri Lanka as a nation looks at the public. “The immediate multiple food crops within the same plot to create agriculture. feedback was overwhelming com. Waste reused as fertiliser a “food forest”. PHOTOS PRASSANA KUMAR 4 the sunday morning brunch ARTS Sunday, June 28, 2020

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BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE inema halls around the The public’s island were given the go-ahead by the Ministry thoughts of Buddhasasana, Cultural, and Religious Shem Anthony CAffairs to reopen yesterday (27) Jayasundera complying with the strict safety “Personally I will not guidelines set by the Ministry of be frequenting cinema Health. halls as soon as they Globally, cinema circuits are also open, I would opt opening up to their patrons, having started to wait out at least a in early July. However, the experience of few weeks or maybe even a month at going out to the movies is certainly going to maximum before going to cinemas. be a little different as the new strategies that As far as I know there aren’t any new are to be implemented in order to be able to releases scheduled for release and so reopen safely could change the way movie there really isn’t a point, and the next theatres operate altogether. big flick set to come out is Christopher The Sunday Morning Brunch spoke to Nolan’s ‘Tenet’ but even that has not a number of cinema circuits and distributors officially announced a release date and in Sri Lanka who shared their concerns so it is unlikely even the public would with regard to the current guidelines and make the effort to go out. There are the reality of the industry moving forward. also safety concerns involved, I feel Many of them expressed that the guidelines that considering how most new releases that have been set by the Ministry of Health are available on Netflix and digital could pose an issue in terms of realistically download there is no need to go to the implementing them while also drawing in a cinema just yet.” crowd. Lanka Film Distributors Ltd. (LFD) Vasanth Chairman Rakith Sugathadasa shared that they are not sure if they could go ahead Kahandawela with these guidelines. “We are gathering “I would say it is a to further review the requirements. Some bit early to open up cinemas are set to open, however for the cinemas, there is the industry to go on, just 30-40 cinemas fact that there are no scattered around will not make a difference.” new releases lined up Sugathadasa said the meetings will just yet and for myself to actually visit review some of the more impractical the cinemas, I would like to be aware of guidelines like having to mark off every seat how the precautions are being adopted after the other, while only children under in the cinema hall – how the seating the age of 12 will be allowed to sit next to arrangement has been designated etc. I a parent. he said this is largely impractical also think form some of the examples because patrons who come together as a we saw during curfew, the way that the group do not wish to sit apart from each general public behaves has to be taken other while watching a movie. into consideration, you may take 110% “There is also the issue of not being accurate in adopting safety precaution allowed to take any food or beverages but of others aren’t then you yourself inside the theatre. Furthermore, there is in trouble, so I think it is a little too will be no breaks, which then takes away soon and in my personal opinion I anyone’s time to even make a quick visit to would wait it out till at least August to the restroom. We wish to clarify and be as visit the cinema.” realistic as possible when we do eventually open up our theatres to the public, while also Siraj Hanes ensuring utmost safety,” he added. “I am a general EAP Films and Theatres CEO Jeewaka PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM enthusiast; I used Pallegama reiterated the same concerns to go to the cinema shared by Sugathadasa, adding that despite about twice a week, these concerns, the 38 theatres in their but I probably will circuit will be opened on 27 June and not go if they are to patrons can expect new films within the open on the 27th. I upcoming months. However, Pallegama will not visit immediately, and while said that for now, they will be opening with New normal and the the establishments maybe taking safety the film Newspaper. precautions the cinema is an enclosed Much like Pallegama’s thinking, space, and you are trapped inside such regardless of the multiple reviews the a room with multiple other unknown guidelines would have to go through, most persons, I think I would rather wait at cinema halls have geared up to open on the least another 3 months before taking the 27th. PVR Cinemas also confirmed earlier chance. Maybe once the situation is a lot this week that they will be opening for the better controlled.” public on the 27th. Sharing their thoughts, PVR Cinemas said: “We are excited to reopen on 27 cinematic Surandi Fernando June. PVR has made all the arrangements “To be honest, I don’t to reopen as per the guidelines shared by think I myself would the authorities. We at PVR have taken go to the cinema. I all measures under; “PVR Cares, Your don’t think I would Safety is Our Priority” – this ensures all be comfortable going precautionary and safety measures are in cos I am still in that place as we are set to welcome our guests. quarantine mode still “All the guidelines shared for the in the pandemic mindset – wearing reopening of cinemas by government experience masks and sanitizing everything. I think authorities are necessary. The safety of our addition to screening the movies which got for now at least Netflix would have to guests and employees is always our priority; released in March, they are also “doing a suffice, however with regards to the the mandates shared are all important for film fiesta and screening some of the best government’s attempt at opening the execution. We will also be following similar movies of different genres that people would cinemas up I think it is a good move measures in India for the safety of both our love to watch on the big screen”. “We will on their part. I work in retail and at first guests and employees. The objective is to also be introducing special ticket prices to we thought we would have to wait for give a safe and seamless movie experience welcome our patrons,” PVR Cinemas stated. 3 months at least before business got to our guests.” MPI Film Circuit Managing Director back on track but we have experienced PVR Cinemas further added: “We Sunil T. Fernando said that reopening some sales so it is likely that there are are encouraging guests to book tickets cinemas is not deemed successful as people those who are looking to get life back online or through a QR code to avoid are afraid to come to cinemas with their to normal as soon as possible. It is a standing in queues at the box office. We families, especially with children. Fernando good thing for those people looking for will be using disposable food packaging said that if they get hold of a good film, they a break from the monotony and also it is and have introduced a digital menu; a QR might be able to fill cinema spaces. best for the economy to open industries code-based system making it a contactless “However, with Hiru TV and up and assist those people who would F&B experience. We have been working Derana TV having brought movies to We will take our time and be We are sceptical if we can fill otherwise not have a livelihood.” on these features with the team before the people’s homes through their channels, announcement of reopening.” we are sceptical if we can fill up cinemas, fully prepared by not rushing up cinemas, especially with experience at the cinema. Additionally, all On a closing note, they added that in especially with the requirement of these to reopen. Therefore, Scope will the requirement of these safety our cinemas have been updated, allowing safety precautions. It would be perceived the customer the best possible amenities as an unnecessary inconvenience. be opening on 10 July with a precautions. It would be and viewing experience,” he added. Nevertheless, as 27 June is the date given massive blockbuster, Mulan, perceived as an unnecessary We also reached out to Tower Hall (by the authorities), MPI cinemas will be Theatre Foundation Director General opening and we will start by screening to mark its opening inconvenience Douglas Siriwardana to gain insights into Eethalaya which started screening in March Scope Cinemas Manager of Marketing and MPI Film Circuit Managing Director receiving the green light. He said that and was cut off due to Covid-19,” he Production Jayarathne Galagedara Sunil T. Fernando due to the nature of live theatre, there explained. must be different guidelines for cinemas. Fernando’s point has been echoed by month. However, there have been others We have taken into consideration the “Theatre by design is a different many in the cinema industry, particularly who expressed that they do not have the guidelines given to us, and gone above beat and we are currently awaiting such considering that TV channels have been luxury to wait it out. and beyond those requirements.” guidelines specific to us. We have made bringing the convenience of a home Scope Cinemas Manager of Galagedara said they have made urgent requests to communicate these theatre experience. Fuelled by the global Marketing and Production Jayarathne adjustments to ensure patrons need not guidelines, as in theatre productions, pandemic and the preference of many Galagedara shared: “We will take interact with a person at a counter to it is not a matter of an opening date, wanting to be “safe than sorry”, it is our time and be fully prepared by not receive their tickets. They have also but the process of curating a cast, unlikely that cinema halls would be able rushing to reopen. Therefore, Scope will installed stations for handwashing using crew, story, and production and then to draw in crowds. be opening on 10 July with a massive sensors, thereby avoiding second-hand rehearsing, following which we are able However, some groups have decided blockbuster, Mulan, to mark its opening. contact. to market ticket sales. Only then can not to rush into things and instead take We have adopted the latest technology “We have also incorporated a show- we go ahead and open theatres. So we their time in returning to normal. Scope in our theatres as we have used our time by-show deep sanitisation, which is an must receive any guidelines as soon as Cinemas, one such industry leader, has in quarantine to re-update our systems to expensive procedure. However, it is in possible in order to prepare accordingly,” opted to reopen on 10 July rather than this ensure the utmost safety of our patrons. place to ensure a worry-free and risk-free Siriwardana shared. the sunday morning brunch 5 Sunday, June 28, 2020 HEALTH/CAUSE

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BY DR. DINESHANI HETTIARACHCHI SIRISENA play skills, social skills, learning strategies, and daily skills. Both speech therapy Autism, or autism spectrum and occupational therapy are available disorder (ASD), belongs to a in most teaching and general hospitals in group of conditions influenced the government sector and also in certain What do we need private institutions. by both environmental and However, it is important that speech genetic factors. This broad range and occupational therapy activities are of conditions is distinguished by carried out at home by the caregivers. It challenges in social skills, repetitive is recommended that the child engages behaviours, speech, and non-verbal in therapeutic interventions at least three communication. In the US alone, to know about hours daily. autism is estimated to affect one in Children learn speech and social 54 children. skills through their interactions with others. Therefore, apart from the specific We spoke to Dr. Yasodha interventions, parents should make an Rohanachandra, a senior lecturer of the effort to spend as much time as possible Department of Psychiatry at the University with their child and not let the child be of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) and lost in his/her own world. Parents should consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist speak to the child as much as possible and at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital. use everyday activities as opportunities According to Dr. Rohanachandra, it to teach speech and social interactions. is vital that we know the salient features Play has an important role in teaching of this group of conditions in order to yy Using people as a means to an end. For the first five years after birth. This is also 1. Have deficiencies in children language and social skills and can get an early diagnosis. This will greatly autism?example, by taking someone’s hand to the period where the brain is most sensitive be easily adopted by parents to improve benefit both the child and the parents as communication, such as: obtain something out of their own reach to outside stimulation. Therefore, this is communication and social interactions. they navigate through this condition, and yy Delay in developing speech (i.e. not the period where a child can be easily yy Having a poor understanding of social In addition, parents should minimise will also benefit the child’s prognosis. speaking one meaningful word by the taught new skills through behavioural rules and conventions screen time for children with autism. Currently, it can be diagnosed at an age age of one year and failure to speak in interventions. Research has shown yy Showing little desire to communicate Screen time is known to be associated as early as 18 months. There is mounting simple two-word phrases by the age of that early intervention is beneficial in socially with a delay in development of speech evidence that early interventions lead to two years) improving communication, daily skills, and also hinders the development of social positive outcomes later in life for children yy Developing speech in a way that is yy Not responding when spoken to and ultimately the overall prognosis of the interactions. with autism. disrupted or disordered condition. When a baby is born, most babies are yy Not developing speech at all 3. Having restrictive repetitive eager to socialise and communicate, first y interests and behaviour, such as: Can children outgrow autism? Young children with ASD y Using words out of context, without Overall, many children with ASD with their parents and later with extended trying to communicate Repetitive movements such may find it difficult to family. This is challenging for children show a gradual reduction in autistic read facial expressions and yy Using words and then as hand flapping, rocking, with ASD; they may seem less interested jumping, whirling, and symptoms and an improvement in adaptive gestures. This is the root of in people, finding it hard to see the world “losing” them (not ability over time. But there is marked using them again) spinning social disturbance seen in from another person’s point of view. Insistence on variability in individual outcomes. The many with ASD as they don’t They tend to be absorbed in their own yy Talking “at”, routines and getting outcome depends on the severity of understand what’s being said world and as a result, they may withdraw rather than “to” distressed with autism and the level of intelligence of people the child. They may continue to have or communicated in a manner from socialising and communicating with changes in routines that another does others. Due to their lack of enthusiasm to yy Echoing words Preferring some difficulties with language and have communicate, they may fall behind and other people say sameness (i.e. problems with social interactions in might not learn language skills at the same adulthood. Periods of transition can be – straight away insisting on Medications cannot improve the rate as other children. or later (this is wearing the same particularly difficult for those with autism, such as becoming an adolescent and core deficits in ASDs. Medications may called echolalia) clothes, eating the sometimes be used to manage associated same foods, etc.) then becoming an adult, where at times Children who are at the functioning can be seen to deteriorate. problems such as sleep disturbances mild end of the spectrum 2. Have problems Being preoccupied or aggression. But it does not improve have less impairment and with reciprocal social with parts of objects (e.g. Different spectrums of autism communication, social interactions, or being preoccupied with the are able to live a normal, “Autism spectrum disorder”, as the repetitive behaviours. interactions, such as: wheels of a toy vehicle) Dr. Yasodha Rohanachandra name implies, can range from mild to Dr. Rohanachandra believes that early independent life. However, yy Having difficulty Arranging all their toys severe. Children who are at the mild end diagnosis is key to success when it comes those at the severe end of in developing warm, emotional in a row of the spectrum have less impairment and to ASD. Hence, if there is a doubt, it’s the spectrum may have relationships A child does not need to have all these are able to live a normal, independent life. important to seek medical advice from more impairment and features to receive a diagnosis of autism. yy Not showing interest in other children However, those at the severe end of the a professional without much delay. As require support for everyday Similarly, having one or two of these yy Not sharing their interests with others spectrum may have more impairment and mentioned above, this can pave the way activities features does not automatically warrant a yy Having absent social smiling require support for everyday activities. for the initiation of early behavioural diagnosis of autism. interventions. yy Not using eye contact as a natural part What interventions can be This is mainly because they fail to link of communication How is early diagnosis beneficial? what they see with the things being said Unfortunately, many children with done in Sri Lanka? About the writer yy Poor grasp of abstract concepts and The writer, to them. This difficulty in understanding feelings autism miss out on early behavioural If a child is suspected to have autism, and giving meaning to words can extend interventions owing to delays in he/she should be seen by a qualified Dr. Dineshani yy Rarely understanding or using gestures to non-verbal communication as well. diagnosing the condition. This could psychiatrist or a paediatrician in order to Hettiarachchi Sirisena, As such, young children with ASD may yy Having a delay in developing pointing also be attributed to the fear of stigma confirm the diagnosis. is a family physician find it difficult to read facial expressions (i.e. pointing not present by the age of associated with “labelling” a young child The mainstays of treatment for with a special interest and gestures. This is the root of social one year) as autistic. Under these contentions, a ASD include early intensive behavioural in rare genetic diseases disturbance seen in many with ASD as yy Not responding to other people’s diagnosis might be delayed until school interventions. These include speech therapy and regenerative they don’t understand what’s being said feelings age and beyond. and occupational therapy. Speech therapy medicine currently working as a lecturer at the Department of or communicated in a manner that another yy Not wanting to be comforted in distress Early diagnosis is vital as it enables is aimed at addressing the deficits in verbal, does. early initiation of therapeutic interventions. non-verbal, and social communication. Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University yy Relating better to objects than people They may... Brain development is most rapid during Occupational therapy aims at improving of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Relearning empathy: How to be a better netizen If you can be anything, be you’re left with are some words and reasons for their anger. Accept that yourself overwhelmed by negative seems to be better than yours. The kind. If you’ve been on the internet a lot more missing information. their anger and hate will not change news items, it’s important to follow simplest and easiest way to extricate long enough, it’s extremely likely In this context, the challenge your opinion, and vice versa. pages that also share uplifting news, yourself from this way of thinking is you would have come across this we as a society face is in reasserting Instead, focus on positive simply as a reminder that things are to simply shift your focus. sentiment being shared through compassion, decency, and, yes, messaging and empathy where not always doom and gloom. Find things, no matter how countless motivational pages and kindness, into our online discourse. possible. For example, a gentle small, to be grateful for in your life; memes. But while the “why” is self- Many times we’ve been guilty of compliment or congratulatory Celebrate your life, it will make you appreciate what explanatory, the sentiment “be kind” allowing the negativity spewed by message on someone’s family, and friends you have as opposed to what you doesn’t really get across the “how”. trolls to get us down, which in turn accomplishment could go a long With the advent of social media, don’t. Furthermore, take a genuine With the world increasingly starts a cycle that sees even more way in improving someone’s day; it’s easy to get carried away with interest in the lives of your friends becoming a digital space, a negativity perpetuated through us, in the same way, a troll’s negativity comparisons; where everyone’s life and family. Not only are they key sometimes frightening amount of not only online but in daily life too. brings them down. components of what enriches your human interaction takes place from However, it doesn’t need to be this Simply be conscious life and makes you “you”, but in behind a screen and keyboard. way, and there are a few simple Curate smart such uncertain times, merely asking What this adds in convenience and things that each of us can do to help clearly attempting to get under your Social media sites such as of how your words someone how their day was (and efficiency, it sometimes takes away spread more positivity online. skin, acknowledge that fact and Facebook make it easier than ever to can impact others. If you following up periodically) can make our most human of emotions – simply extricate yourself from the curate your newsfeed just the way feel the urge to insult a colossal difference in mental empathy. After all, it’s much easier Take control situation. you like it. someone online in an wellbeing. to tell someone off in a comment as Offline, if a stranger engages Further to this, simply be It’s important to understand excessive manner, ask This is part of Facebook’s “We opposed to face to face, and there’s you in a conversation and it fast conscious of how your words can that despite the internet allowing yourself why you feel Think Digital” programme, which a reason for that. From the time becomes clear they’re not willing impact others. If you feel the urge for greater and faster sharing of that way and whether provides resources to build a global we’re born, humans are taught to to engage in a civil manner, the to insult someone online in an information than at any other the other person might community of responsible digital gauge their interactions primarily shrewdest course of action for most excessive manner, ask yourself why point in human history, it is still citizens equipped with skills for a you feel that way and whether the have similar reasons for through tone of voice and facial of us is to not engage. Likewise, a fraction of total sharing that is their anger digital world. cues; you take those away, and all if you meet someone online that is other person might have similar actually taking place. So if you find 6 the sunday morning brunch ENVIRONMENT Sunday, June 28, 2020

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BY CHENELLE FERNANDO Sri Lanka is world renowned for its unique wilderness and forests, Overcrowding in wildlife national parks and on a regular day, one such park would comprise visitors travelling long and far. If they are lucky, they would catch a rare glimpse of a leap of majestic leopards. After being closed for nearly three Plagued by months, restrictions on national and zoological parks were relaxed on 15 June. This permitted the reopening of prominent During a leopard sighting, for parks including the Yala, Udawalawa, instance, all vehicles would gather Minneriya, Kaudulla, and Wilpattu National around one particular area. We Parks and Pigeon Island with restrictions indiscipline and have tried numerous methods to and rules in place. counteract the issue and certain Nevertheless, last weekend, the parks park-goers have shown disinterest seemed to have witnessed overcrowding and even objected to such by eager visitors. A wildlife official at Yala interventions National Park told The Sunday Morning DWC Director General Brunch that while a large number of self-interest Chandana Sooriyabandara vehicles were present on Friday (19) and Saturday (20), the numbers exceeded by 30 which according to Jayewardene is a doable vehicles on Saturday. speed given the rutted park roads and Department of Wildlife Conservation potholes. (DWC) Director General Chandana “Chances of you knocking down an Sooriyabandara told The Sunday Morning animal if you’re going faster is quite high. Brunch that the situation is one which A national park is not a place to speed; is manageable and park officials are you must follow its speed limit. When required to take action to do so. Explaining people get news of an elephant or a leopard, the deciding factor on the allocation of whether it is an owned vehicle driver or a the number of vehicles into parks post park driver, they will speed towards that Covid-19, Sooriyabandara asserted that point and the speed limit is the last thing 50% of the daily average of vehicles that on their minds. Speeding is one of the was previously admitted to the park will be major violations damaging the park and its allowed. wildlife,” he said. “If you look at annual data and the Apart from this, going off road, getting annual daily average of vehicles of Yala, for out of vehicles, and failing to maintain instance, it would be around 300 vehicles. silence are other types of behaviour through We have instructed them to admit only which park rules aren’t met. Expounding 50% from that amount into the park. So PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM the importance of maintaining silence inside considering this, 150 vehicles is not a large parks, Jayewardene said that the human amount, and to say that there is congestion Eramudugolla stated: “We follow the dust which may even affect the experience voice is harmful to animals as they are vested means that those who are visiting the park guidelines according to what has been of other visitors; overcrowding is not to with a wider range of hearing sounds in themselves are violating the rules, although specified to us. There is a specific number of be regarded as a phenomenon one should comparison to humans. “You would often trackers are made aware of the current state jeeps that is supposed to be inside the park. encourage or ignore when it is happening. talk in a manner where a man or woman can of affairs; for this, we will have to take legal There is a limit to the number of individuals Denoting some of the most hear you, who is 10 m away. However, a action,” he stated. who can travel inside the jeep. We can’t overcrowded national parks in Sri Lanka, leopard can hear you from 60 m away. Your Prior to entering the park, visitors are operate beyond these guidelines and we Yala’s Block 1, according to Jayewardene, low voice will carry a distance that is six required to abide by today’s mantra – wash abide by them always.” takes a prominent place. Whilst Udawalawe times away from you.” hands, wear masks, and maintain a distance can be overcrowded on certain days, to On the other hand, tourism, which is of one metre. The restriction which sought The issue with a lesser extent, Horton Plains becomes occasionally consumptive, can become the maintenance of a distance within overcrowded on the weekends, which is destructive. If we as a nation are to sustain the vehicle itself has now however been overcrowding concerning given the small size of the park. wildlife resources and biodiversity, we are relaxed and jeeps can accompany visitors Echoing the matter of overcrowding, “It only takes a few people to required to accommodate attitudes that according to its seating. The DWC has DWC Director General Sooriyabandara You would often talk in a manner overcrowd that park, but most people conform to requirements of national parks for also implemented an e-ticketing system to informed that it was a persistent issue even where a man or woman can hear go there to stop their vehicle and walk. the welfare of animals and their survival. minimise contact. before the pandemic struck the country. you, who is 10 m away. Those numbers also can be very high on “They are restricted to specific areas and In order to garner the perception of tour “During a leopard sighting, for instance, However, a leopard can hear you some days. People come in all manners of national parks, so we have to protect them operators, The Sunday Morning Brunch all vehicles would gather around one vehicles, cars, vans, and even buses, which and give them the best chance of long-term spoke to Sri Lanka Association of Inbound from 60 m away. Your low voice particular area. We have tried numerous will carry a distance that is six stretches for a couple of kilometres from the survival – for their sake, because they have Tour Operators (SLAITO) Chief Operating methods to counteract the issue and certain park,” he stressed. rights in this country as well, and for our Officer Wing Commander Kumuda park-goers have shown disinterest and even times away from you EFL Director sake, because we like watching them and Eramudugolla, who assured that the rules objected to such interventions. We could Points to recall visiting them. There is a monetary value Rukshan Jayewardene are abided by without fail. SLAITO, which say that even the current situation is similar gained by the Government by having wild facilitates the inbound tourism industry in to this because they only seem to think of moving forward Jayewardene noted that visitor numbers animals because people come to see them,” Sri Lanka, is a forerunner in representing fulfilling their personal interests by urging Jayewardene indicated that a majority concluded Jayewardene. challenges faced by its stakeholders. the relaxation of restrictions,” he pointed are high, often concentrated in one area of issues stem from the violation of park during a tusker or leopard sighting. This, It isn’t for selfish reasons that one ought Reiterating on how they made out. rules; the most prominent one being no to be cognisant of park rules, but for the preparations following the relaxation Reiterating this issue, Environment he explained, is adverse to animals due to adherence to speed limits. The average uncontrollable noise levels, pollution, and collective welfare of all resources of wildlife of restrictions, Wing Commander Foundation Ltd. (EFL) Director Rukshan speed limit within the park is at 30 kmph, and nature.

Biodiversity, climate change, and land degradation What is happening, why should we care, and how should we respond? BY JITHENDRI GOMES on, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate the Paris (Agreement) climate targets yy Higher temperatures and more variable are moving further away from becoming a Change, Intergovernmental Assessment or the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. Sir precipitation (resulting in an increase in carbon-free economy. He urged us to stop The Wildlife and Nature Protection of Agricultural Scientific and Technology Watson shared the importance of it floods and droughts) coupled with an building any more coal-based power plants Society (WNPS) has been conducting for Development, and being a combined effort by increase in extreme events will adversely and shared that we must focus on capturing their monthly lecture series online via the Intergovernmental both these parties, adding impact agriculture and water resources the carbon that we are already emitting. many platforms, successfully adapting to Science-Policy Platform for that unfortunately no one (quantity and quality) In reality, even though most of the 189 Biodiversity and Ecosystem country is meeting any one countries that took the pledge are failing, the current status of things. This month’s yy Human health will be adversely affected Services. His awards of these targets set in place we need to increase the pledge in order to lecture featured one of the esteemed through an increase in vector-borne and accolades include a by these conventions and see any significant change. We need to ask scientists in the world, Sir Robert Tony diseases (e.g. malaria and dengue), Knights Bachelor in 2012, agreements. for more for it to have a positive effect on Watson, CMG, FRS. water-borne diseases (e.g. cholera), heat Companion of the Order “Climate change, loss the climate. He also spoke of how more It was truly a pleasure to listen to him stress, malnutrition (due to reduced food of Saint Michael and Saint of biodiversity, and land species of plants and animals are threatened speak; at the same time, it was also horrific supplies in many developing countries), George in 2003, Fellow of degradation undermine with extinction now more than at any other to hear what he shared on biodiversity, and extreme weather events (e.g. the Royal Society in 2011, the UN Sustainable time in human history. One million species climate change, land degradation, and hurricanes and flooding) where we stand today. member of the American Development Goals (SDGs). are at risk of extinction. However, we have Whilst acknowledging all of Philosophical Society (2020), Not keeping to these goals yy An increase in heavy precipitation only experienced six mass extinctions, he his achievements over the years, we UN Champion of the World leads to an adverse effect events will increase soil erosion with added. also understood that we need to take for Science and Innovation on food security, water the potential of increased siltation of He ended the lecture with a call for in 2014, and the Asahi Glass While Covid-19 security, and human security. reservoirs and landslides action. To achieve this transformative serious action in responding to a crisis is a serious global experienced by the entire world – Blue Planet Prize in 2010. Transformative changes are yy change, he presented some action points: Addressing the pandemic with needed,” he said. Sea level rise will impact coastal Tackle the direct and indirect drivers of climate change. The one point he kept infrastructure and local communities, emphasising throughout the lecture was gathering, Sir Watson first significant loss of He also spoke of the biodiversity loss, climate change, and land acknowledged that we have life and economic need to address the way including saltwater intrusion impacting degradation; address climate change, loss of that we are running out of time! water quality and agriculture He has worked as a Scientific Advisor both a scientific and social implications, the in which we manage the biodiversity, and land degradation together; in the Office of Science and Technology emergency. Climate change, consequences of Earth and its resources. yy Warmer temperatures, extreme weather recognise the synergies and tradeoffs among Policy (OSTP) of the White House; loss of biodiversity, and land climate change and Cost-effective and socially events, and more variable precipitation the response options; replicate and scale Chief Scientist at the World Bank; Chief degradation are not only loss of biodiversity acceptable response options will adversely impact biodiversity and successful policies and projects; and co- Scientific Advisor at the UK Department environmental issues but are are even more are available, but the real ecosystems ordinate and integrate cross-sectoral actions of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs; also development, economic, serious for question is: Is there the y to evolve economic and financial systems. social, security, moral, and political will? “While y Ocean acidification will adversely Even though it was a fairly technical and Strategic Director for the Tyndall the globe impact fisheries and coral reefs Centre of the University of East Anglia, ethical issues. Human- Covid-19 is a serious presentation, Sir Watson walked us through UK; and also chaired, co-chaired, or induced climate change, loss Sir Robert global pandemic with Throughout the lecture, he highlighted it in a way that made it understandable; he directed the WMO (World Meteorological of biodiversity, and land Tony Watson significant loss of life and how the scale in which we are making also took time to answer questions from the organisation)/UNEP (United Nations degradation are undermining economic implications, the changes as a response to climate change is public. Environment Programme) stratospheric human wellbeing; he consequences of climate nowhere near what it should be, and that This lecture was successfully live ozone depletion assessments, the Global highlighted the need for these to be change and loss of biodiversity are even we are quickly running out of time to make streamed via WNPS’ social media platforms Biodiversity Assessment, Millennium addressed together, now and urgently. more serious for the globe,” he said. these changes. and is available for your viewing. We Ecosystem Assessment, UK National The current government and private His presentation also included the For example, continued failure to urge you to watch, as it puts things into Ecosystem Assessment and its follow sector actions are inadequate to meet projected impacts of climate change: keep to the Paris Agreement means we perspective. the sunday morning brunch 7 Sunday, June 28, 2020 GAMES/TOONS

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER SOLUTION FOR 14 JUNE 8 Truman’s Missouri 64 Debatable birthplace 66 Johnson of “Laugh-In” Crossword 9 Tarzan’s realm 69 Elite unit CROSSWORD CLUES 56 Nine-digit ID 106 Damon appears as him in 10 Upsilon preceder 72 Foot in a poem Across 58 Chit five films 11 Awry 73 Chan portrayer Warner __ 1 Kind of pool 59 Code word 107 Breakfast go-with that 12 Longtime Lehrer partner 74 Perk 6 Arthur Ashe’s alma mater 60 “The Seinfeld Chronicles,” comes from a plant? 13 Cascades peak 75 Take __: rest 10 Clyde cap e.g. 113 Sundial marking 14 Atlantic catch 76 Nos. affecting UV exposure 13 British bakery buy 61 @@@@ 114 Curtain holder 15 Palais Garnier performance 77 Crumbled sundae topper 18 Antipasto morsel 63 Intensified 115 French Alps river 16 “Frasier” character 81 Song of joy 19 Insulted smack 65 Mex. miss 116 Humble 17 Legislate 82 Fictional falcon seeker 20 Asian nurse 67 Brain scan letters 118 Not that 21 Like Irving’s horseman 84 Essentially 22 Welcome words to a 68 Make __ of: botch 122 Like many elephants 24 London art gallery 86 Alkaline solution hitchhiker 70 Mantegna’s “Criminal 124 Reference with rows and 25 Jest 87 “Same here” 23 Wry suggestion at Minds” role columns covering all 30 What careful people take 91 Blends breakfast about what to 71 Secure a breakfast supply? varieties of a breakfast 33 Surgical tube 93 Bone head? feed the cat when you’re 76 Somewhat, informally drink? 35 Ten sawbucks 94 Large flying mammal out of milk? 78 Beast of Borden 127 Cheesy snack 36 Gray’s “The Progress of 96 Govt. benefits org. 26 “A Passage to India” 79 One of the Reagans 128 1984 Peace Nobelist Poesy,” e.g. 98 Laughing gas, familiarly heroine 80 First-rate 129 Sitcom sign-off word 37 Accomplishments 102 Key of Brahms’ First 27 Nostradamus, e.g. 83 Introduction 130 Pan-fry 38 “Enigma Variations” Symphony 28 Seagoing force 84 St. with a panhandle 131 Relatively cool heavenly composer 104 Pinnacle 29 Thumb-and-finger sounds 85 Monterey County seat body 39 Jeanie’s hair color, in an old 105 Targets marked with flags 31 __ center that’s the birthplace of 132 Damascus is its cap. song 106 Tab 32 Retired flier John Steinbeck 133 Detect 43 Allow to fluctuate, as a 107 Annoying, as a call 34 Suggested which breakfast 88 50 Cent piece 134 Scarecrow stuff currency 108 Gift for el 14 de febrero bread to brown? 89 Handful 44 Whinnied, say 109 Decree 37 Strike out 90 “__ voyage!” Down 45 Immigrant’s class: Abbr. 110 Substantial 40 R&B’s Boyz II __ 92 Breakfast complaint about 1 Clothes 47 Boxer’s director 111 Ready to pour 41 Story featuring Paris getting the oolong by 2 Tennis great Nastase 49 Humdinger 112 Instrument for Joel or John 42 Choice group mistake? 3 One may be done from a 50 Homer’s hangout 117 Adjoin 43 A, in Arles 95 Family lads cliff 51 Autobahn auto 119 Rush __ 46 Title sitcom bookstore 97 Advances 4 Put off by 53 Baker 120 Letter before kappa owner 99 “Come again?” replies 5 Floral necklace 54 Brewery heads 121 Bias 48 Columnist Bombeck 100 Apprehension 6 World power initials until 55 Believer’s antithesis 123 “Bingo!” 52 Sign of a sloppy breakfast 101 Video store section 1991 57 Bust maker 125 Cat coat eater? 103 It’s game 7 Walk noisily 62 Storied Robin Hood target 126 Capital of Switzerland? Entries should be written clearly and addressed to: The Features Editor, The Sunday Morning, No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 to reach us on or before 12 noon on 8 July, 2020. Write ‘The Sunday Morning Brunch’, on the top left hand corner of the envelope. Name: ...... Address: ...... Contact No: ...... Bank account details: ...... (account number, bank name, branch name, and name as per bank account)

CROSSWORD WINNERS OF 14 JUNE First prize (Rs. 5,000) Consolation prize winners Bernadette Renosha Morais, 1. G. J. Perera, Kotte Modara 2. P. R. Gomez, Colombo 13 3. N. C. Dayaratne, Pita Kotte Second prize (Rs. 3,000) 4. D. A. Jayathilake, Malabe K. Gallassage, 5. Dr. P.B. Mollligoda, Kohuwela Dehiwala This week’s winners will be announced on 12 July

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

Agency. All (Answers next week) rights reserved. (Last week’s) 8 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE/EVENTS Sunday, June 28, 2020

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER My Journey with The British Council in Sri Lanka The following account is penned by of the Council in promoting international Jill Macdonald qualifications. It allowed the Council to My 30-year journey with The become involved in formal recognition of the outstanding results in these British Council ranks among the examinations regularly being achieved most culturally enriching and by Sri Lankan students, who each year fulfilling experiences of a long bring honour to the country by taking Vision Care assures highest career as a school principal and home a disproportionately large share of passionate advocate of the arts. the awards available internationally. As a standards of safety and Having interacted closely with the school principal, I wish to acknowledge Council as an educator, a curator, the enormous effort expended by The and a person with an abiding British Council over many years, to ensure hygiene at all outlets interest in the human capital of the that young people are recognised for their Vision Care has all other information customers. Backed by over Commonwealth connection, it has academic achievements in the educational reopened all its branches required for the spectacles 30 years of experience been my privilege and delight to system that best suits their own individual in the country and is ready are obtained by strictly in the industry, we have aspirations and goals. In Sri Lanka, where have been witness to its capacity to education occupies such a prominent to welcome customers adhering to all safety taken several steps to bring people together to celebrate, while maintaining the precautions. ensure the safety of all Jill Macdonald is the Founding Principal of place, this focus of The British Council to explore, and to promote the deep The Study, Sri Lanka’s first sixth form college on education has made for a wonderful highest standards in safety Similarly, in the our customers. We are human capacity for creativity and and hygiene in order to Audiology Department, ready to serve them while on the lawn of The British Council. Thrilled partnership and involved some of the most combat the spread of both customer and also protecting them as communication. In so doing, it has to find that his audience included so many inspiring teamwork between host country Covid-19. The company employee safety is top well as the motherland consistently built bridges, setting a young people, Michael took question after and cultural organisation it has been my has introduced a number of priority. Each hearing by providing a safe and standard for mutual understanding question with quintessential humility, and pleasure to witness. safety measures, bringing aid is sanitised before secure environment. We and respect between cultures that they were fascinated to find such self- My appointment as Curator of the peace of mind to both the being inserted into the will continue to give them is exemplary and widely admired. effacement in a person who had just been Fairway Galle Literary Festival of 2018 awarded the world’s top literary prize. and 2019 brought another fascinating customers and employees. customer’s ear and after high-quality services In the early 1990s, one of the ways in Before customers every examination, the that they have been Michael took the opportunity to announce his opportunity for engagement with The which The British Council built cultural intention to invest his Booker capital so that British Council. For many years a cultural enter the outlet, they are equipment and area are accustomed to over the relationships was by hosting outstanding provided facilities to wash sanitised before the next years.” the interest might fund an annual prize for partner of the Festival, the British Council writers of international repute, in a series of creative writing in Sri Lanka. To be present was uniquely poised to take on this role. their hands using soap and customer’s arrival. When it Additionally, Vision evening readings and discussions bringing water. Prior to entering comes to payments, Vision Care is offering home when he announced this very generous plan In January 2018, this contribution was to life the power of literature to delight, to was one of the most inspirational experiences the sponsorship of Georgina Godwin, through the main door, the Care encourages customers delivery services to provoke, to remember, and to bear witness. body temperature of every to use credit or debit cards customers so that they of these young students’ lives – and it all an outstanding journalist whose wide One of the most striking aspects of this happened because The British Council experience of moderating and reporting customer is measured, after and have all the necessary can attend to their eyecare quite extraordinary contribution the Council which the security officer facilities available to do requirements without thought even a very small event with this very considerably enhanced the Festival. was making to the literary and intellectual wonderful writer was worthwhile. In January 2019, The British Council opens the front door for the so safely. However, if a having to step out of life of the country was that so many of the customer. Once inside the customer wants to pay by their homes. By logging It is fitting that this announcement brought contemporary poet Nicole May to critically acclaimed had close personal was made at The British Council, for the Galle to take part in the Festival. On both outlet, a Vision Care staff cash, the necessary safety on to shop.visioncare. ties to Sri Lanka: Romesh Gunasekera, member fills out a short precautions are taken. lk, they can browse and Council was to play a significant role in occasions, the Council made every effort Shyam Selvadurai, and Michael Ondaatje the annual Gratiaen Prize by hosting the to suggest ways in which it might further document detailing the All Vision Care order a wide variety of are striking examples. So there was a very reason for the visit and the employees undergo careful the company’s eyecare announcement of the shortlist each year. enhance the scope and reach of the Festival, real sense in which The British Council was This important event is critical to the truly inspiring the Festival team with its customer’s whereabouts screening to ensure they products including enabling Sri Lankan audiences to listen to during the past 14 days. are in good health and are spectacles, sunglasses, fulfillment of many of Michael’s objectives commitment to the success and impact of writers whose personal journeys had origins in establishing the award, allowing for the the event. Then, the customer is fit to carry out their duties contact lens, safety very close to us, but had subsequently directed to the relevant and serve the customer goggles, multipurpose sharing, through readings, of the shortlisted In conclusion, my experience of taken them far from the island nation. Long works and so helping those on the list The British Council over 30 years has department based on their safely. As they arrive for solutions, and batteries. before widespread use of the internet made requirement. work daily, their body Vision Care to be introduced to a wider audience. It evolved from an early engagement as the world seem closer and more connected, is a signature example of the Council’s a committed member of the audience All Vision Care staff temperatures are checked has pioneered the The British Council was bringing people members have undergone and recorded while all of technological revolution in determination to encourage creative writing at its literary events, to an interactive together and reminding us of literature’s and performance in Sri Lanka. Having involvement with an increasingly dynamic specialised training on them are provided with eyecare in Sri Lanka with longstanding power to transcend the how to safely interact gloves and face masks high-quality eye testing, attended every shortlisting event in the and far-thinking exams team, to a fully barriers of time and space. Gratiaen Prize’s 27-year history, I realised collaborative relationship with the arts team with a customer. They as well as face shields spectacles, sunglasses, As a teacher of English literature and use all the possible safety to those who require contact lenses, hearing the year I was one of the panel of judges, in my capacity as Curator of the Fairway then Principal of The British School in just how much moral support the Council Galle Literary Festival. Throughout it all precautions and maintain them. They are trained to aids, and hearing testing. Colombo, my interactions with The British social distancing whenever maintain social distancing It has also pioneered the gives the Trust in carrying out its mission there has been the powerful sense of an Council were enormously enabling. It was an each year. On many occasions, the Council organisation committed to all that is best possible. All the equipment and thoroughly sanitise introduction of the best absolute delight to take pupils to the Council is sanitised both before and every surface area the range of eyewear brands has given space for workshops relevant in our common human calling as creative to experience the distinctive atmosphere of to the work of The Gratiaen Trust; very beings with the capacity to enable others after every customer visit. customer has come in recognised globally to respect and sharing of one another’s culture. After the eye examination, contact with, once the the local market. High- recently, for example, a workshop with and to create opportunities in community A highlight was the visit of Arundhati Fiona Shaw was held in the premises. with one another. In all the inevitably the customer is directed customer departs. quality, high-precision Roy, whose The God of Small Things had to the relevant customer Vision Care General contact lenses and optical In the late 1990s, The British Council changing circumstances of individual and only very recently been published. Earlier, came to take on a great deal more collective life, The British Council has care officer for the next Manager Harsha and ophthalmic products Michael Ondaatje made a similar impact stage, which is to choose Maduranga stated: “We are available at all outlets. responsibility for the organisation in stood firm in its commitment to helping when, appearing rather suddenly in Sri Lanka conducting international secondary school individuals find the space and voice to be a suitable frame. Every are pleased to inform Vision Care customers are on a family visit in 1993 – not long after frame that is tried out by you that all Vision Care able to choose from a wide examinations, having been requested to the persons they are meant to be, whether he won the Booker Prize – he accepted the do this by the Government of the time. through language skills, higher education, the customer is sanitised branches are now open array of top global brands Council’s spontaneous invitation to read for before and after while to receive our valued for frames and sunglasses. In this request one saw a clear mark of or building creative capacity. a very small group of students and teachers respect by the host country, for the work Long may it last! Spring & Summer dedicated to Lord Buddha, My Savior Low voices sing in praise of Thee O Lord of loving kindness consummate sage Rising to Thy Dhammas sublime end uplift nation during Covid crisis Do we O serene Lord pray to be the dust beneath Thy feet Hands of Hope, the CSR (corporate social just a matter of utilising the export standards we Burning are we in this sansaric urn responsibility) arm of Spring & Summer, recently had implemented throughout our factories to meet Usher us O Lord into Thy tranquil realm launched a twofold strategy involving the the demand in the market.” Dhamma we will with deference uphold manufacture and distribution of face masks along With aid from the Presidential Secretariat, Deliverance we will sought in Thy exemplary norm with the supply of daily essentials and protective Spring & Summer sourced, packed, and Honour we will Thy peerless self gear in order to aid Sri Lanka during the Covid-19 delivered essential supply packs amounting to And anguish will we vanquish with selfless devotion and economic and social crisis. The project aims approximately Rs. 500,000 to families in dire sacrifice to help ease rising internal tensions within need. It also donated 300 essential wear kits to communities whilst partnering with industry titans the Matara Base Hospital. In addition, Spring & The above poem was penned by Visakha Seneviratne, an to uplift the nation. Summer has partnered with Manusath Derana (of 86-year-old retired specialised trained teacher from the College of Spring & Summer is currently producing Derana TV) to provide dry rations for those in Teacher Education in Polgolla. Seneviratne received her education at approximately 50,000 National Medicines rural areas. Mahamaya College, Kandy and entered the University of Peradeniya to pursue her degree in combined arts in English. Seneviratne’s Regulatory Authority (NMRA)-certified, two-ply, The Spring & Summer team supports the Sri “Spring & Summer has above all valued reusable, nonwoven masks, tested and certified to Jayewardenepura Hospital with safety gear ‘family’. At a time when our global community education at Mahamaya College was given in an atmosphere of calm have a bacterial filtration efficiency of 99.3% by is facing economic and social struggles, it is and religious piety. Founder Shyamalie Wijegunawardena on how “At home, we were geared towards a life of religious sobriety. Bureau Veritas. the company was able to implement this crisis important that we look inward and support The masks have been redesigned by the our national ‘family’ as a whole, continuing to My father was a stationer and he never forgot to bring us storybooks management measure during these unprecedented too, which spoke of very often an ethical livelihood. My mother brand’s Innovation Department to offer better times, she noted: “Over the 25 years that we create impactful change for all our members. breathability and comfort for users using non- All our efforts are part of a simple act that made us chant ‘pirith’ before retiring to bed. The ‘Metta Suttraya’ have been in the industry, we have built a great impressed me so much that in my 25th year, in 1959, I planned and cancerous, non-allergic/irritable, and non- network to source all our materials. As a result, brought people together to support our most flammable materials. vulnerable Sri Lankans during this difficult time,” wrote this poem in worship and appreciation of the all-embracing we were able to understand and ascertain the right loving kindness of our Sacred Lord Buddha.” Speaking with Spring & Summer Co- materials in order to produce the masks. It was Wijegunawardena added.

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