www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2020

For verified information on the Quarantine Unit COVID-19 TOTAL CASES TOTAL CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 ACTIVE CASES of the following authorities CASES IN Epidemiology Unit Health THE WORLD 23,456,929 Suwasariya 0112 695 112 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 2,951 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS Bureau Service Govt. coronavirus hotline USA 5,848,241 180,295 COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1999 1990 0113071073 809,982 BRAZIL 3,583,308 114,287 INDIA 3,079,925 57,258 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD RUSSIA 956,749 16,383 12 2,805 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 15,984,875 S. AFRICA 607,045 12,987 THE ABOVE STATISTICS134 ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 9.00 P.M. ON 23 AUGUST 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU NEW SPORTS ACT BLESSINGS UPON ALL! Tackling bribery and corruption BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA to look into the formulation of the Act. “The committee will be appointed Tackling bribery and corruption in sports will be a key feature by the Sports Council and we will also in the new Sports Act, The Morning learnt. be discussing it over with the Minister of Justice,” he said, adding that public Hindu devotees set afloat a clay statue of Lord Ganesha to signify blessings upon themselves and the country at the sixth “Vinayaka Visarjan Pooja” held at Crow Island, Modara yesterday (23) Newly appointed Minister of Sports bribery will be heavily featured in the opinion too would be sought. PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM and Youth Affairs Namal Rajapaksa new Sports Act,” he noted. “There will be a phase where public said that the new Act has to be modern. Further, he said the National Sports views will be gathered on what can be “Provisions on anti-corruption and Council will be appointing a committee included in the Act.” PETTAH FLOATING MARKET BATIK AND HANDLOOM ISLANDWIDE POWER OUTAGE INQUIRY Renovations commence today Weekly attire for zUDA to spend close to Rs. 10 million Ministry Secretary Sirinimal Perera. Committee report According to the shop owners, state workers BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA work today but the authority was more than 80% of the shops in State Minister of Batik, Handloom, and planning to limit the cost under the Pettah Floating Market have Local Apparel Products Dayasiri Jayasekara expected today The renovation work of the Pettah Rs. 10 million. remained closed for the past four- is to introduce a system to make it mandatory The report of the committee However, according to the Floating Market will commence On the instructions of President and-a-half years due to improper for government employees to wear batik or appointed to look into last week’s Ceylon Electricity Board today (24) by the Urban Development Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime maintenance. handloom apparels once a power outage will be presented (CEB), last Monday’s (17) Authority (UDA). Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Considering the current situation week as a step to promote to Minister of Power Dullas massive blackout, caused UDA Director General N.P.K. renovation of the Pettah Floating of the Floating Market, the President local apparel. Alahapperuma today (24). due to a technical fault at Ranaweera told The Morning that Market is scheduled to commence at and the Prime Minister instructed He has told the media Ministry of Power the Kerawalapitiya Grid the UDA will make an estimate 8.30 a.m. today under the patronage the UDA to expedite the renovation. that the prices of batik and Spokesman Sulakshana Substation, crippling the entire for the total cost of the renovation of Urban Development and Housing Contd. on page 2 handloom apparel will be Jayawardena told The Morning Norochcholai Coal Power Plant reduced, which introduces that the report will highlight by forcing the country to go for ISLANDWIDE POWER OUTAGE OPPP CONTROVERSY OVER NATIONAL LIST SLOT affordable prices in order to the reasons for the blackout intermittent power cuts, is now make all employees to and the actions that should be claimed to have been caused by purchase batik and taken to prevent such an error a human error. Will resign State Minister handloom. in the future. Contd. on page 2 Rathana Thera Dayasiri Jayasekara Contd. on page 2 if Ministry at AG MEETS UNDOC CHIEF COVID-19 fault: Minister to be sidelined Talks on regional Minister of Power The Our People’s Power “We got the votes from our SL records 12th death Dullas Alahapperuma said Party (OPPP) believes that supporters on the mandate to send Sri Lanka reported its 12th Upon being tested positive for that he will resign from Ven. Athuraliya Rathana Thera Gnanasara Thera to Parliament. legal issues death from the novel coronavirus, Covid-19, she had been treated at his post as Minister if should be sidelined following the So Rathana (Thera) demanding Attorney General (AG) Dappula de Livera and Covid-19, yesterday (23), the the Iranawila Treatment Centre the committee appointed controversy over their National the National List seat goes against several prosecutors have met with the United Ministry of Health confirmed. before being transferred to the to probe the recent List seat. this. We have a duty to 65,000- Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) A 47-year-old female from National Institute of Infectious islandwide power failure Attorney-at-Law and OPPP plus supporters who voted for us Country Chief and a UN maritime expert on Mawathagama, Weuda, who had Diseases (IDH) in Angoda finds the Ministry to be at Minister of Galle District candidate at the to respect this mandate.” Power Dullas international drug trafficking, organised crimes, recently arrived from India, has on Saturday (22) for further fault for the power cut. Alahapperuma recent parliamentary election He said that Rathana Thera and terrorism. succumbed to the virus in this treatment. He mentioned this when Yalith Wasantha Manahara should have taken over the Contd. on page 2 manner. Contd. on page 2 speaking at a public meeting held in Akuressa, Wijesurendra said that Rathana leadership of the party and Matara. Thera would soon be pushed mentored Gnanasara Thera. FLYING A DRONE OVER HSZ CENTRAL BANK OF SRI LANKA Contd. on page 2 out. Contd. on page 2 Chinese national New unit for public complaints A new department known as FISHERIES SECTOR DEVELOPMENT arrested the Financial Customer Relations A foreign national has been arrested over Department has been set up by operating a drone camera within the High the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to Focus on coastal and inland fishing Security Zone (HSZ) in Colpetty, Colombo. address issues faced by customers. State Minister for Ornamental fisheries, and other export-oriented clear directives as to which areas According to the Police Media Division, the “Basically, what we are focusing Fish, Freshwater Fish, Shrimp sectors, by first developing the need to be developed immediately. arrestee has been identified to be a Chinese on is customer grievances and Farming, Fisheries Harbour fisheries harbours located in the During the first phase, a new fishing national. complaints. We are a single point Development, Multi-Day Fisheries, coastal regions as well as inland harbour will be established in of contact at the Central Bank,” and Fish Exports Kanchana fish farming facilities. Gandara, while the fishing harbour Department Head J.P. Gamlath the new Department wouldn’t Wijesekera has vowed to develop Speaking to The Morning, in Puranawella in Devinuwara will told The Morning. gradually broaden. Sri Lanka’s fisheries industry, Wijesekera noted: “President be developed as a green harbour. He added that the scope of Contd. on page 2 fisheries harbours, freshwater Gotabaya Rajapaksa has given us Contd. on page 2 SCHOOL TIMINGS PROPOSED NEW CONSTITUTION Panel of experts Returning to normal from 1 Sept to be appointed zSchool administration to ensure health guidelines are followed The Ministry of Justice has decided to appoint a panel of experts to draft the proposed BY SARAH HANNAN “Last week, we decided that it was 19-prevention health guidelines that maintaining physical distancing. chief secretaries, provincial new Constitution. time to bring back all students to were issued prior to commencing Perera noted that by now most secretaries of education, provincial A spokesman for the Ministry stated that the The school class times for Grades schools regardless of student capacity the second term for the academic of the schools have arranged hand and zonal directors of education, board would be appointed in the near future. 10, 11, 12, and 13 in government at each school. From 1 September year 2020,” Ministry of Education washing facilities at the entrance environmentalists, and principals of Approval was granted to remove the 19th schools and approved private schools onwards, even if the total number Secretary Prof. K.C.K. Perera said. of the schools and have already all schools to look into the matter. Amendment to the Constitution and draft a will revert to regular class times from of students exceeds 200, the school Schools will have to arrange trained the schoolchildren to wear At present, classes for Grades 10, 20th Amendment, at the recent meeting of 1 September onwards, which is from administration will have to make suitable classroom spaces and face masks as instructed. 11, 12, and 13 are held from 7.30 a.m. the Cabinet of Ministers. 7.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., the Ministry arrangements to admit students while adequate numbers of teachers to The Ministry of Education has to 3.30 p.m., and this time will come Contd. on page 2 of Education informed. ensuring that they adhere to Covid- conduct classes for the students whilst issued instructions to all provincial to an end from 30 August onwards. 2 the morning OPINION/NEWS Monday, August 24, 2020

BY COL. R. HARIHARAN BOOK REVIEW comments may have germs of Lanka to deal with the attention truth, we need to understand it deserves. Prof. V. Suryanarayanan, the external and internal To sum up, after the one of the country’s leading environment of the time, in which Rajapaksas have gained a two- specialists on South and it was conceived. India’s internal thirds majority in Parliament Southeast Asian studies, political scene was churned up in the recently held general along with Co-author with the passing away of Mrs. election, Sri Lanka Tamils Dr. Ashik Bonofer, has Indira Gandhi, and the regional are facing the bleak prospect done a signal service by Making of security scene was affected by of losing even the limited writing the book Haksar the death throes of Soviet Union, autonomy they gained after the on India’s Sri Lanka Policy. quickly losing the Cold War. India-Sri Lanka Accord was But in 2020, the time has signed in 1987. After losing Prof. Suryanarayanan come for even the Accord’s two generations of people in acknowledges that Sri Lanka worst detractors, including Tamil 25 years of fruitless bloody is not the major focus of the and Sinhala fringe elements, to war for realising their dream of book, as PN Haksar (1913- Indo-Lanka recognise its good points. It led Independence, Tamils are facing 1998), one of the leading to the introduction of the 13th the real world of majority rule. strategic thinkers of his Amendment to the Sri Lanka For them, the book under times, was not associated Constitution. The Amendment review provides a useful with India’s Sri Lanka policy; created provincial councils to understanding of the background it was in the domain of provide a level of autonomy to to the making of Sri Lanka diplomatic stalwart and Tamils. The Accord also made policy in India. They need to contemporary of Haksar G. Sri Lanka recognise Tamil understand the complexities of Accord language, identity, culture, and foreign policy making and factor Parthasarathy. political leaders, academics, and policy of mediation on one hand affecting the India-Sri Lanka areas of habitation. it in their strategy. Prof. Suryanarayan quotes analysts of India and Sri Lanka, and supporting militants on the relationship. When the 13th Amendment – From the Director: The book from Jairam Ramesh’s book to provide valuable insights into other, hardened the stakeholders On both sides of the Palk the fig leaf of Tamil aspirations gives perhaps the most authentic Intertwined lives: PN Haksar how India’s Sri Lanka policy was in evolving a solution. Probably, Strait, the Accord is one of – is running the risk of withering account of what happened in Sri and Indira Gandhi: “Haksar shaped, culminating in the India- political expediency of the the most maligned bilateral away, many Sri Lanka Tamils Lanka and the circumstances that contributed heavily to the Sri Lanka Accord in 1987 and its aftershocks of J.R. Jayawardane’s instruments signed between India want India to take action to led to the Indian involvement. making of Indira Gandhi, aftermath. misconceived July 1983 pogrom and Sri Lanka. Even, the Indian force Sri Lanka to fulfil Tamil Haksar on India’s Sri Lanka especially in the first six or There are many vignettes of strategy that probably influenced Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) sent aspirations, by resolving what Policy, authors: Prof. V seven years of her Prime information in the book on the Rajiv Gandhi. Of course, it is to ensure the implementation of they call the national question. Suryanarayanan and Dr. Ashik J. Ministership…They formed main players who shaped India’s debatable. Equally important the Accord, with a half-baked They seem to miss the semantics Bonofer, 2020, published by the an awesome duo: She with her Sri Lanka policy. The summing is the disastrous impact of the and backdated mandate, courted of the Sinhala majority who call Centre for Asia Studies and Book charismatic appeal, he with up of India’s Sri Lanka policy Accord that led to India’s passive its share of ignominy, even after it the minority ethnic question. Venture, Chennai-600035, India. intellectual gravitas. Ultimately, during the Indira-GP years on role in Sri Lanka after its bitter losing over 1,300 soldiers in The semantic difference is in Price: Rs 200. The book was she took all the decisions no page 37 is interesting. “India experience in the “active” phase operations against the LTTE, reality a strident call of the launched on 21 August 2020. doubt, but she was heavily was determined not to permit a of the Accord and the Liberation which no one wanted. Many of majority for a unitary state; the (The writer, a Military influenced by him at every turn.” military solution of the ethnic Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) us who took part in it are living reality is now Sri Lankan Tamils Interlligence [MI] specialist on The authors draw heavily upon problem in Sri Lanka. This was assassination of Rajiv Gandhi. through its effects to this day, have to help themselves, before South Asia and insurgency and Jairam Ramesh’s book to identify adhered to by Prime Minister They made Tamil militants the fall out of skewed policy asking India to help them out. terrorism, served as Head of MI how PN Haksar viewed India’s Rajiv Gandhi in 1987. The persona non grata in India. Its implementation of those days. They have to come together, of the Indian Peace Keeping role in Sri Lanka. Moreover, mediatory-militant supportive direct result was India’s passive Many critics with the benefit evolve a viable strategy relevant Force in Sri Lanka (1987-90). they have used the professor’s policy was based on this support to the elimination of of hindsight, say the Accord was to the current political and Email: [email protected] contacts with a large number assumption.” In hindsight we can LTTE in the Eelam War 2009, conceived in haste, drafted badly, strategic situation, and then seek Website: https://col.hariharan. of policy makers, diplomats, say how the self-contradictory removing an external influence and executed poorly. While these India’s support in persuading Sri info) Ambassador Manori Unambuwe presents credentials Ambassador Manori Unambuwe Ambassador Unambuwe conveyed the commitment of the Government of Ambassador Unambuwe briefed the assignment and assured continuous presented credentials to Federal warm greetings from President Gotabaya Sri Lanka to further enhance friendly Federal President of the recently support in furthering friendly ties between President Frank-Walter Steinmeier as the Rajapaksa, the Government, and the relations between the two countries. concluded elections in Sri Lanka which is the two countries. Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Federal people of Sri Lanka to the Federal The Ambassador also thanked the a testimony to the trust and confidence the Following the discussions, the Sri Republic of Germany on 20 August 2020 President. Federal President for his assistance and people have placed on the President and Lankan flag was ceremonially hoisted at the Bellevue Castle in Berlin. While appreciating the assistance goodwill towards Sri Lanka during his the new Government. along with the German and EU flags, During the discussions held following provided to Sri Lanka by Germany over tenure as the Federal Foreign Minister. The Federal President extended best despite the stringent restrictions in place the presentation of credentials, the years, the Ambassador reiterated During the cordial discussions, wishes to the Ambassador on her new due to Covid-19.

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Last Monday (17), the whole provide nutrition to people, to Authority for the expanded the Epidemiology Unit. Renovations... country experienced an interruption Focus on... increase foreign exchange earnings, breeding of both sea and A total of 2,805 Covid-19 The Floating Market was opened of the power supply for over eight The next step would be to and to provide employment freshwater fish patients have been discharged in August 2014 as a concept hours owing to a sudden technical expedite the development of all and livelihood opportunities by yy Introduce a productive from the hospital upon complete initiated by the then Defence failure. The preliminary report of the fishing harbours in the Northern fulfilling the listed tasks: insurance scheme for the fishing recovery from the illness. Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa. committee appointed by Minister Region.” yy Introduce scientific methods community In addition, the UDA also plans to Alahapperuma on the matter is to be In addition, the Ministry is to increase fish population in yy Implement a programme of New unit... review all leisure projects that come submitted today. also extending its support and coastal areas technical and managerial under the purview of the authority. intervention to carry out such “Later, we want to expand into yy Improve the environmental training in fishery activities activities in all the other districts; areas such as market contacts conditions in lagoons for the youth using the Ocean Rathana projects will be executed in 15 University or consumer involvement.” The Will resign... yy Modernise all existing fishery Thera... districts where freshwater fish yy Develop systems for the pricing new Department was set up on 10 “I am still learning at the Power farming is practised. harbours and construct new August. fishery harbours if needed of fish products so that both Ministry. While I was learning, the “Rathana Thero should have The Government’s policy producer and consumer achieve – Skandha Gunasekara power supply failed. I directed for a respected the mandate given to our statement has listed that the yy Develop the fishery harbour in a fair deal committee on the matter within the party. He should have taken over country’s fisheries sector will be Oluvil for the operation of large- same afternoon. leadership and guided Gnanasara driven towards achieving self- scale boats – Sarah Hannan Weekly attire... I believe that the report will be Thero and his role in Parliament. sufficiency in fishery products yy Develop refrigeration systems Furthermore, the Ministry was ready by Monday (24), and if the Gnanasara Thero is hot-headed and to ensure food security while using sea water for multi-day Committee... planning to take steps to stop the report says that the Ministry is at Rathana Thero’s guidance would contributing to the national fishing craft and encourage the importation of fabric, garment, and fault for the power failure, then have been invaluable.” economy. use of solar power CEB Chairman Eng. Vijitha apparel and the segments of textile, Dullas Alahapperuma will not be Several attempts to contact Ven. To achieve that goal, the Ministry yy Herath told The Morning that the batik, and handloom. the Minister of Power from Tuesday Rathana Thero failed. of Fisheries will have to introduce Enable domestic fishing blackout was experienced due to The State Minister assumed companies to expand fishing in (25),” he said. – Skandha Gunasekara a fisheries development plan to a mistake by an electrical operator office at the World Trade Centre international seas during maintenance work at the last week. yy Develop facilities to construct Kerawalapitiya Grid Substation. Jayasekara also said he would and maintain large multi-day Accordingly, the CEB has take the necessary steps to develop fishing craft in Trincomalee identified that the issue had started the batik industry on par with yy Build up all fishery harbours, at the 220 KW Kerawalapitiya Grid that of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Cartoon of the day anchorages, and landing sites Substation where the maintenance Thailand to make it one of the with modern communication work had been mostly completed; major money spinners from the facilities, refrigeration, fuel while carrying out the final phase tourist industry. supply, and sanitation facilities of the said maintenance work, a – Maheesha Mudugamuwa yy Introduce an interest-free loan mistake had been committed by scheme for innovations to the Electrical Superintendent in Talks on... improve the quality of fish catch Charge. throughout the value chain A sudden power outage occurred The Co-ordinating Officer of y islandwide on Monday, 17 August the AG said the two parties had y Provision of low-interest plunging the entire country into effective discussions on legal issues loans, tax benefits, insurance, darkness and disrupting people’s affecting the region. consultancy, and market co- daily functions, businesses, as well ordination assistance to develop as government operations. inland and aquaculture fisheries – Maheesha Mudugamuwa Panel of... yy Expand production of canned A Cabinet Sub-Committee, fish by providing facilities consisting of five ministers, to private companies and SL records... including Minister of Justice Ali entrepreneurs According to the Ministry, the Sabry PC, was also appointed for yy Develop a programme to involve deceased lady had been diagnosed this matter. women in the fishery-related with cancer and heart ailments in The main function of this Sub- household industry addition to the Covid-19 infection. Committee is to make submissions yy Develop a conflict settlement Accordingly the total number of to the Cabinet on points to be agreement with India in order to deaths reported in the country due amended in the 19th Amendment eliminate unauthorised fishing to Covid-19 has now reached 12. and to be included in the 20th in northern and eastern seas and Meanwhile, the total count of Amendment. strengthen Navy and coastal coronavirus cases reported in the The spokesman for the Ministry guard units country is at 2,951, as at 4 p.m. said that the amendments to yesterday. the existing issues of the 19th yy Commence a programme jointly Moreover, 134 active cases are Amendment to the Constitution with the fisheries community under medical care at selected will be made by the legislative associations and the National hospitals across the country, as per draftsman. Aquaculture Development the morning Monday, August 24, 2020 3 business Nilu Wickremasinghe Perera & Sons appointed WISTA President launches Mask SALOTA International Up campaign (Pte.) Ltd. Director Nilu Wickremasinghe was Quick service restaurant giant Perera public with this campaign even more, & Sons (P&S) has launched the Mask P&S has also arranged a social media elected as the President Up campaign to build awareness on video contest via Facebook. Those of the Sri Lankan arm of the importance of wearing a mask. who wish to participate may do so by the Women’s International The team at P&S has come to the posting a creative video of themselves, Shipping and Trading conclusion that many Sri Lankans find highlighting a unique reason to abstain Association (WISTA) at its excuses not to wear masks, ranging from wearing a mask with the hashtag Annual General Meeting from an inability to breathe and pain in “#P&Smaskup”. The winner of the (AGM) held on 21 August at the ears to not being able to be heard grand prize will receive a sum of Rs. the Kingsbury Hotel, which properly when speaking. Regardless, 50,000. As P&S recognises the effort also celebrated six years the underlying message of the Mask of all participants, five consolation of presence of WISTA in Sri Up campaign is that the objective of prizes of Rs. 10,000 each will also be Lanka. the coronavirus is to infect its human distributed. host, without any excuses. “A campaign such as this which “Nilu brings in a wealth of The interactive Mask Up campaign aims to protect and secure the health knowledge and experience in the Senior Executive – Operations Kalani Dassanayake, Omalika of how she broke the glass ceiling encourages P&S customers to change of its customers is expected to shipping and logistics industry to Felicita Alwis was elected as Jayathilaka, Shiyamalee encouraging more women in a their Facebook profile picture to one boost the morale of all Sri Lankans. lead and achieve the objectives of the Secretary, Ocean Network Karunanayake, Shamala Rebecca, male-dominant industry to come that includes the P&S Mask Up frame Additionally, it will also foster a WISTA,” the association said. Express Lanka (Pte.) Ltd. (ONE) Randima Krishnaratne, Chandula forward. She also outlined the key which will, in turn, spread awareness. stronger bond between employees and Addressing the gathering, Assistant Manager Ishani Caldera Rambukwella, and Kanchana factors women should consider One may then post their best creative customers, resulting in both parties newly elected President Nilu as the Assistant Secretary, Maersk Bopitiya. The Executive in taking up leadership roles and excuse to avoid wearing a mask feeling more connected with the world Wickremasinghe expressed her Sri Lanka Head of Finance/ Committee will work towards how to be successful, keeping the with the hashtag “#P&Smaskup” on around them as we should all protect confidence in leading WISTA to Director Sujani Kumarasinghe implementing many initiatives audience inspired and motivated. the posts detailed through the P&S ourselves amidst this pandemic,” P&S be a strong force in the industry as the Treasurer, and Prudential in accordance with the WISTA During the event, felicitations Instagram page. The top 80 creative said. during a very challenging Shipping Lines (Pvt.) Ltd. mandate on improving gender were offered to Wilson as the comments will receive vouchers worth In terms of outlet safety, P&S has period. She also stressed on Manager Surangi Gunasekara as parity and women empowerment “WISTA Personality of the Year” Rs. 1,000 which may be used at any taken a stand to make it mandatory the importance of empowering the Assistant Treasurer. in the industry. for her outstanding achievements P&S outlet. The most creative excuse for all outlet staff to wear masks women and encouraging more of The newly elected Executive This event was graced by and service to the industry. will be featured on a billboard or and sanitise regularly. Additionally, them to join the workforce where Committee for the year 2020/21 Kasthuri Chellaraja Wilson South Asia Gateway Terminals poster at selected P&S outlets. customers who enter any P&S outlet the new normal has changed how consists of Shehara Jayawardana, who shared her journey to have (SAGT) was once again the Taking it a step further to engage the are required to wear masks as well. we work with more flexible work Swabha Wickramasinghe, become the first female Group corporate partner and pledged to patterns. GAC Shipping Ltd. Diruni Chanmugam, Catriona CEO of a conglomerate in Sri extend their support for yet another Correspondent Manager Debbie Jayasundara, Anoma V. Lanka, inspiring the many WISTA year of activities that promote Jones was elected as the Vice Ranasinghe, Chamila Bandara, members. Wilson, who had been and strengthen gender diversity President. Amali Mendis, Keshani a WISTA member, addressed the and women empowerment in the Dialog’s Ideamart AC Marine Services (Pte.) Ltd. Jayasekara, Shalinie de Silva, audience, sharing her success story industry. partners Hutch Biodiversity Sri Sunshine Holdings Lanka launches adds banker Aruni to expand base Project Ranking Goonetilleke to Board The Board of Directors held the positions of Scheme of Sunshine Holdings Head of Credit for SME Biodiversity Sri Lanka the country, based on the PLC appointed Aruni at Standard Chartered (BSL) has conceived relevant expertise required Goonetilleke, former Bank Singapore, Chief the idea of developing for the specific project Head of Corporate Risk Officer at Standard a Biodiversity Project being evaluated. BSL has Banking at People’s Chartered Bank Sri From left: Dialog Axiata PLC Ideamart Operations Assistant Manager Kasun Ranking Scheme, a pilot tested and refined Bank PLC, as a Director Lanka, and global audit Withanaarachchi, Dialog Axiata PLC Ideamart Operations General Manager Viranga mechanism through this scheme to enable it of the company. The roles in the wholesale Seneviratne, Dialog Axiata PLC Group Chief Innovation Officer and Chief Architect which the effectiveness to be used not only as a appointment was and retail bank at Anthony Rodrigo, Hutch Chief Executive Officer Thirukumar Nadarasa, Hutch Assistant and efficiency of such means of ranking projects effective from 20 August Standard Chartered Bank General Manager – Data, VAS, and Digital Yarthav Mathiaparanam, Hutch Manager – VAS Madreek Naotunna projects can be analysed nearing completion or 2020. With the new Singapore. She is also a and measured for at their final stages, but appointment, the Board founding member of the Ideamart, a global award-winning Innovation Officer and Chief improvement. also to be used in project of Sunshine Holdings Association of Banking platform for developers and content Architect Anthony Rodrigo said: The Biodiversity design. Companies have PLC will now comprise Risk Professionals of Sri providers presented by Dialog “We are pleased to have partnered Project Ranking Scheme applied this scheme to 11 directors, of which Lanka. Axiata PLC, partnered Hutchison with Hutchison Telecommunications is a system which can be their projects and yielded seven are non-executive, Aruni holds a Telecommunications Lanka (Hutch) Lanka to empower thousands of Sri applied to a number and valuable information, independent directors. Masters in Law from to enable over 18,000 Ideamart app Lankan entrepreneurs with a developer variety of conservation- insights, and advice on A qualified legal Harvard Law School developers to access Hutch’s network platform to bring their ideas to life and related projects with ease, how to improve, change professional, Aruni and a Bachelor of Laws infrastructure through Application to deliver exceptional services and to identify gaps, realise course, and/or ensure Goonetilleke, counts (Honours) from the Programming Interfaces (APIs). experiences to millions of subscribers potential for improvement, sustainability post project over 25 years of University of Colombo. Ideamart enables any developer, across the nation.” and finally also to be completion. experience in regional She was a visiting technopreneur, or entrepreneur with an “We are extremely delighted awarded with a ranking On completion of financial markets. She Sunshine Holdings adds lecturer in law at the idea to join, use unutilised telco assets, to support budding entrepreneurs which is helpful in project evaluation, the has extensive experience banker Aruni Goonetilleke University of Colombo. create their own mobility services, and with our state-of-the-art network to Board understanding the success projects receive a unique in enterprise risk She is on the Board of monetise them with zero risks with no infrastructure. We consider that digital of the project in terms of ranking symbolised by management, credit, am confident that Aruni Trustees of the Overseas upfront fee. inclusivity is of utmost importance at seven key areas which “leaves” counting from audit, and business is going to make an School of Colombo Following the integration of Hutch present and as mobile-telco providers, contribute to the holistic one (lowest) to five origination and has important and positive and the Chair of the 072 and 078 network infrastructure, we need to collaborate and carry success of the same. The (highest), along with held several leadership impact on our company,” Governance Committee. Ideamart will now provide Sri out more initiatives to create a solid scheme also ultimately exclusive access to use positions in local and said Sunshine She is also a Director Lankan developers access to over 18 market place for app developers.” endeavours to ensure the BSL Biodiversity international banks. Holdings PLC Group of Tea Small Holder million subscribers across Dialog, shared Thirukumar Nadarasa, Chief that private sector-led Project Ranking Scheme “I am excited Managing Director Vish Factories PLC. Hutch, and Airtel mobile networks. Executive Officer of Hutch. biodiversity conservation logo in appropriate to welcome Aruni Govindasamy. Sunshine Holdings This partnership will enable Hutch “Ideamart will continue to deliver projects support national visibility material being Goonetilleke to the Prior to her role at PLC is a diversified subscribers to avail thousands a host of new mobile network APIs, biodiversity conservation generated by the company Board of Directors of People’s Bank, she was holding company of applications, development providing a platform for increasingly efforts and are aligned supporting/implementing Sunshine Holdings. the Head of Credit for contributing to “nation- infrastructure, and value-added advanced levels of application with national priorities and the project. Additionally, We believe her vast Commercial Banking at building” by creating services available on the platform development and service functionality. sustainable practices. if the company requires experience in financial Standard Chartered Bank value in vital sectors and the integration is set to benefit This historic partnership will open up “Although there are technical assistance services will further Singapore where she of the Sri Lankan the Ideamart developer community more avenues for Hutch and Dialog numerous conservation to further improve the strengthen our Board’s was responsible for end- economy – mainly (Asia’s largest digital services eco Ideamart to empower entrepreneurs actions and projects being project, BSL offers the breadth of talent and to-end risk management in healthcare and system) through the expansion of the and encourage them to come up with implemented across the necessary technical background, and we of a portfolio which consumer sectors, with marketplace for their innovations and innovations,” Dialog said. island by private sector expertise, through BSL’s are delighted to have consisted of more strategic investments services. Developers and service providers entities in the country, Technical Resource Bank. identified such an than 1,000 corporate in agribusiness and Commenting on the partnership, can visit www.ideamart.io to create their effectiveness and The BSL Biodiversity outstanding individual. I clients. She has also renewable energy. Dialog Axiata PLC Group Chief telco API-based services. actual contribution Project Ranking Scheme towards the purpose is is open for adoption by rarely measured and/or any company in Sri Lanka monitored,” BSL said. and can be accessed The seven key through an inquiry made Frostaire launches Frostaire Cool Clinic areas being looked to the BSL Secretariat. Frostaire Industries (Pvt.) 1980 as a refrigerator and air efficient management of the specific chiller and freezer «From (its) inception, at with regard to the BSL, initiated by Ltd. is celebrating 40 years conditioning manufacturing country’s cold supply chain. truck service requirements. Frostaire has been pioneering improvement of design the Ceylon Chamber of playing a pioneering role and repair company, Frostaire Among the many global The Frostaire Cool Clinic advanced comfort solutions in and implementation of Commerce, the in providing superior air has been quick to diversify names it has acquired under is intended to harness the order to keep people relaxed of such projects are International Union for conditioning and refrigeration its portfolio over the years, its portfolio of product degree of industrial and in their homes, productive at alignment with policies Conservation of Nature, solutions to homes and picking up on global trends offerings, Frostaire was most technical expertise that work, as well as (their) food and priorities, planning, and Dilmah Conservation industries across the country. and often being the first to recently awarded the status comes with four decades of cool and safe,” said Frostaire implementation, back in August 2012, is In commemoration of this introduce services, solutions, of sole agent and dealer experience, and give back to Managing Director Mukthar monitoring and evaluation, a not-for-profit company milestone, the company will and brands to the local of Thermo King truck and the consumer. Just a call, and Marikkar. “We have always outcomes, sustainability, limited by guarantee be launching its Frostaire Cool market. Fondly remembered trailer refrigeration units a skilled team will visit the prioritised our clients in our and creativity. The registered under the Clinic; an additional service, for introducing retail ice sales and services in Sri customer’s home or facility ongoing commitment to ranking is carried out Companies Act No. 07 offering free inspection and to the country under the Lanka. A newly opened and to provide free-of-charge pursuing innovative solutions, by a panel appointed by of 2007, with a current technical advice to customers name “Frosty Ice”, Frostaire well-equipped Themo King advice, repair, and servicing and we hope to continue on BSL, selected from its membership of 85 Sri on any of their appliances and was also the first to locally Service Centre in Welisara of the air conditioning this upward trajectory always Auditor Bank, consisting Lankan corporate sector systems. manufacture cold rooms and will be made available to or refrigeration units in with our core values and of eminent scientists in entities. From humble beginnings in freezer trucks to help facilitate assist clients with their question. tenets on board.” the morning 4 Monday , August 24, 2020 brunch BY NAVEED ROZAIS important to understand that survivors fear being victimised further by their families, Established designer Amilani Perera communities, and their abusers as well as launched her latest collection, Amilani Perera launches facing judgement and stigma.” titled “Unbreakable” at The Design Cooray explained that the victim- centred approach prioritises the needs, Collective Store on 22 August. wishes, and rights of survivors, giving Unbreakable, which made its debut them access to services and resources, and at HSBC Colombo Fashion Week her new collection a holistic approach that helps them through (CFW) 2020 the week prior, is a unique the crisis. collaboration between Perera and the Speaking on a national level, Cooray United Nations Population Fund Sri Lanka shared that sometimes due to political will (UNFPA). and lack of resources, for example, national The Unbreakable collection uplifts and budgetary resources, there can often be a empowers women who have been through lack of quality support. domestic violence in Sri Lanka, featuring WDC Executive Director Sashi Stephen embellishment and embroidery done by ‘Unbreakable’ shared that while domestic and gender- women at the Women’s Development Groundbreaking collaboration in fashion with UNFPA Sri Lanka based violence is a global issue, Sri Lanka Centre (WDC) in Kandy. does have structures in place that allow it to The launch event at The Design which builds awareness on domestic violence respond very well. Stephen explained that Collective Store featured a panel discussion there is protection for women and children titled “Break the Silence! Speak up against embroidery and other embellishments by at the divisional level, the district level, and Gender-Based Violence”, with Perera domestic survivors from the WDC being ground level, but where things go wrong and officials from the UNFPA and WDC incorporated into the collection. The thread is that women and children do not want to discussing how gender-based violence embroidery in the collection was done come out and say that their rights are being and women’s rights can be addressed on a during the pandemic, providing employment violated, largely because of the blame and national level. and empowerment for women struggling stigma they may suffer for doing so. The panel included designer Amilani through that difficult time. Unbreakable Stephen explained that the WDC has Perera, UNFPA representative Ritsu Naken, is also an environmentally responsible been functioning for 30 years, and that many UNFPA National Programme and Women’s collection that uses sublimation printing, to of the referrals they receive are from rural Rights and Gender Policy Analyst Sharika minimise the environmental impact, as well areas, and that the issue is in great need of Cooray, and WDC Executive Director as zero-waste production policies. contextualising, and this is what is missing Sashi Stephen. The panel was moderated by Perera will also be working with at a national level. UNFPA assistant representative Madusha women from WDC in the longer term, doing Stephen also stressed the need for a Dissanayake. mentoring programmes, colour therapy, and dedicated State Ministry for Women’s Perera opened the panel, explaining the skill-based workshops with survivors of Rights, to look into issues like this as well story behind her collection and how through domestic violence to give them more power as figure out systems for what happens to “Unbreakable”, she hoped to use fashion to overcome their circumstances. victims of abuse once they attain legal age as a tool to educate and drive the issue UNFPA representative Ritsu Naken and are sent out into the world to fend for of domestic and gender-based violence; commented on the partnership with Perera, themselves. an issue that transcends gender, race, and noting that this was the first partnership of a tool to help drive this change, Naken The panel also discussed larger issues socioeconomic barriers. its kind that the UNFPA had embarked on. shared that the UNFPA worked closely like normalising gender and sexuality “The message is for the silent sufferers, Naken also commented on the advances with Perera, holding frequent and open education in schools, and the importance to show that you can break through and be that had been made in women’s rights discussions, talking about taglines that of bystander responses when witnessing empowered,” Perera said, going on to share since the landmark World Conference on drove the story of empowering women gender-based violence or abuse. how she carefully curated her colour pallete, Women, held in Beijing in 1995, making while not isolating men. Speaking on fashion as a tool to selecting burgundies and reds to devote world leaders embrace women’s rights and Naken noted that men also go through drive empowerment, CFW Founder and abuse, mid-greens for transformational equality. their own societal pressures to conform to Managing Director Ajai Vir Singh shared healing and growth, and pinks to represent Naken also commented on the ideals of masculinity and strength, to which that fashion is not simply about glamour; the empowered woman. Perera also told the misunderstandings that stem around gender- end the UNFPA wanted to make sure this it’s about addressing one of the three basic story of empowerment through the volume based violence, with justifications made message could be communicated, without human needs (food, clothing and shelter), and character of her garments. for abusers and blame placed on victims, isolating anyone. and shared the view that the fashion industry Perera also explained how she worked sharing that this comes from societal norms UNFPA National Programme and is largely driven by big brands driving fast in the work and messages of survivors that hold that women are not really equal to Women’s Rights and Gender Policy fashion with little care for the social and of domestic violence into the collection, men and that this mindset is what crucially Analyst Sharika Cooray spoke on settling environmental impact they have, explaining with handwriting from victims and hand needs to change. Looking at fashion as on the tagline “Unbreakable” for Perera’s that this is something CFW is rectifying collection, sharing that it was important to with the implementation of the Responsible emphasise a survivor coming through their Metre – where every garment shown on the traumatic experience stronger, which was CFW platform is held accountable for social what led to the word and concept of the and environmental impact, asking designers Unbreakable tagline. questions like “how happy are the people Cooray also went on to explain the working for you?” and “how happy are your UNFPA’s victim-centred approach of consumers?”. supporting survivors of domestic violence, Singh also shared that real change which focuses on giving victims (not would start once consumers ask questions just women) a voice and enabling an like “why am I buying this?” and “how is environment to support them. Cooray it made?”, using this to influence what they emphasised that it takes an immense amount consume. of courage for a victim to come forward, The Unbreakable collection by Amilani and it is important for those speaking Perera is available for retail at The Design out to be supported. “Everyone needs Collective Store. to be an advocate,” Cooray added, “It is PHOTOS ESHAN DASANAYAKA Umara launches ‘Sonduru Ganga’ A nostalgic duet with veteran artist Amarasiri Peiris

Umara and parents Bathiya Jayakody and wife

Video production crew A token of appreciation for Amarasiri Peiris Hasith and Hasitha

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE project is most near and dear to her heart, adding that Umara is a highly skilled vocalist feelings of longing, and reveal secrets that despite having recorded, mixed, and mastered and performer bearing the ability to handle would have otherwise been taken to the grave On 21 Friday, Umara it and having filmed and edited the music multiple genres with ease and technical by its bearers, and ‘Sonduru Ganga’ evokes Sinhawansa launched her video in a matter of days. proficiency. such feelings we are all so fond of these brand new music video titled In spite of the unprecedented speed at The video was officially launched at the days.” Many seconded his take on the song; it which the project was brought to completion, event. Save for a few technical difficulties is a modern piece of art reminiscent of times “Sonduru Ganga” featuring the production reflects mastery in its craft; a handled endearingly by the crew and Umara gone by, and it has the potential to appeal to Visharadha Amarasiri Peiris gorgeous video shot in the iconic Elphinstone herself humorously taking to the stage to audiences at all corners of the spectrum. at the Cinnamon Grand, Theatre in Maradana features an angelically keep everyone distracted, everything else Umara went on to express her gratitude Colombo. lit minimalistic set with the two vocalists went quite smoothly and it is safe to say the to all her collaborators including Sugath The event was a relatively quiet performing centre stage. audience was quite taken with the music and Hettiarachchi (piano), Rochana Ramanayake affair with family and a few select Addressing the audience, Umara shared the video, which was captivating to say the (guitar), Sanath Sathishchandra (violin), industry greats as invitees, including that a lot was riding on Visharadha Amarasiri least. Thisara Bandara (violin), Rukshan Bathiya Jayakody of BnS, veteran film Peiris agreeing to sing with her and that it The song, penned by Dr. Prabha Kumara Gunewardane (violin) and those involved director Jayantha Chandrasiri, and a was her greatest honour to have him agree to Rajaguru with the melody composed by in the recording process including Jayanga number of others. sing with her. Amarasiri Peiris himself shared music director Aruna Gunawardana, is a Dedigama, Janaka Daladawatte, and Lahiru Umara herself shared that that it was his pleasure to have worked with a piece that is reminiscent of a classical tune Perera. Furthermore, she thanked the faces considering the nature of the leading artist appealing to the youth of today. with its own flavour, according to director behind the filming of the official music video production, she hoped to keep He also went on to praise the musicality of Jayantha Chandrasiri. Sharing his thoughts – Hasitha Warnasooriya for camera direction things simple. However, the Umara’s family considering how they have on the song, he said: “Most music that is and cinematography and Hasith Jayasinghe contributed greatly to the music industry, popular today evokes feelings of nostalgia, for colour grading. 5 the morning sports Monday , August 24, 2020 Top eight fight on Abbas, Kallis, Sthalekar honoured Kohli flies alone This is action from the Vantage-sponsored Zaheer Abbas, that brilliant Pakistani batsman during Skipper of India and the Indian Premier League (IPL) Football Federation of Sri Lanka’s President’s Cup 1969-85, Jacques Kallis, who is the third highest run- team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Virat Kohli 2020 quarter-final yesterday (23) in Colombo. This getter in Tests and South Africa’s most capped player in has flown to Dubai alone on a special charter flight to is Java Lane taking on Defenders FC in the first both Test and ODI , and Lisa Sthalekar, who was part participate in this year’s IPL starting on 19 September. match for the top eight. Blue Eagles took on New of four World Cup-winning women’s teams of Australia (in His RCB teammates, meanwhile, left the Indian city Star later in the evening. Today’s card includes both 50-over and T20I) were the newest inductees into of Bengaluru together on Friday (21) for the IPL. Colombo FC vs. Police and Red Stars vs. Serendib. the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Hall of Fame. Their Kohli had not taken the risk of joining his team by PHOTO ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI names were announced on the internet yesterday (23). travelling all the way from Mumbai to Bengaluru.

News in Brief

Is Sri Lanka cold- Saturday and Sunday, 22 and 23 respectively in the Super Eight. The August 2020 final round begins tomorrow (25) Plate results LOCAL Day two, Sunday (23) of three-day * Major Tier matches: “A” Tournament Super Eight: (i) Moors (o/n 410/4) 599/9 dec. shouldered by ICC? All four (three-dayers) ended in a (Sachithra Serasinghe 151, Nipun draw on Saturday (22) Karunanayake 142, Ramesh Mendis z Only one Hall of Famer in the list so far (i) BRC 392 (Raminda Wijesooriya 104, Mohamed Shamaz 81; Dunith 109, Shanuka Withanawasam Wellalage 4/143) vs. Lankan CC Yesterday (23), the rich cricketing history of more than through Murali’s heroics. 94, Nisal Francisco 52; Ranitha 209/5 (Malinga Amarasinghe 117, International Cricket Council one-and-a-half centuries, Sri Lanka All Test nations, but for Zimbabwe, Liyanarachchi 4/66) and 124 (Hashen Primosh Perera 65) at NCC (ICC) inducted another has produced many legendary players. Bangladesh, Ireland, and Afghanistan, Ramanayake 35; Mohomed Dilshad (ii) Tamil Union 184 (Roshen three legends of the game, One can easily assume Sri Lanka could have ICC Hall of Famers in their 7/42) vs. Saracens 262 (Pramod Fernando 5/31) and 45/1 vs. Jacques Kallis of South have had better representation in the ranks. Out of about 90 inductees so Maduwantha 47; Mohamed Shiraz Negombo (o/n 161/1) 371 (Ashen Africa, Zaheer Abbas of cherished list. far, England (28), Australia (27), West 4/74) and 75/3 (Ashen Bandara 36) Silva 90, Dilshan Munaweera 85, Pakistan, and women’s ICC rules have a mandatory period Indies (18), India (6), Pakistan (6), at Katunayake – match drawn Madawa Warnapura 84; Maduka cricketer Lisa Sthalekar of of five years after retirement for a New Zealand (3), and South Africa Highlight: Left-arm paceman Liyanapathiranage 6/54) at Colts Australia into its Hall of player to be inducted into the Hall (3) have at least three in the list. Mohomed Dilshad taking seven (iii) SSC (o/n 462/4) 583 (Dasun Fame (see above panel for ICC Chief Executive David Richardson of Fame. Kallis retired in 2014 and Muralitharan was inducted in for Saracens in the second Shanaka 128, Sandun Weerakkody presenting Muttiah Muralitharan with his name was announced yesterday 2016 along with George Lohman innings 101, Charith Asalanka 83, Sammu brief details of the three). his Hall of fame Cap in 2017 as soon as he had become eligible. of England and Arthur Morris of (ii) NCC 467 (Chathuranga De Ashan 75, Alankara Silva 3/97) vs. In the long list of ICC’s Hall of or even more modern players such Abbas is the sixth Pakistani on the Australia. The ICC Cricket Hall Silva 159, Lahiru Udara 111, Mahela Badureliya 239/6 (Damith Perera 113, Fame, there is only one Sri Lankan; as or Kumar list now. Sthalekar, meanwhile, is of fame was launched in 2009 in Udawatte 77, Sahan Arachchige 62; Dunith Jayatunga 63; Kalana Perera that is Muttiah Muralitharan, the Sangakkara. the 27th Australian on the list and association with the Federation of Malinda Pushpakumara 6/80) vs. CCC 2/35) in Moratuwa world’s highest -taker in both As a country which has been playing the fifth Australian women’s player. International Cricketers’ Association 480/6 (Kusal Mendis 200 n.o., Lasith (By Ishani Upatharitha) Test and One-Day International (ODI) since 1982, is a World They all richly deserve a place in (FICA) as part of the ICC centenary Abeyratne 104, Lahiru Madushanka cricket. There is no Duleep Mendis, Cup winner in both ODI and T20I this precious list of inductees but a celebrations. The initial inductees 63 n.o.; Dushmantha Chameera 2/81) INTERNATIONAL Arjuna Ranatunga, Aravinda de Silva, cricket, is a mere tiny island nation question arises whether Sri Lanka included 55 players in the FICA Hall at P. Sara – match drawn * England vs. Pakistan third Test Sanath Jayasuriya, Chaminda Vaas, in the Asian subcontinent, boasting a won all her cricketing accolades only of Fame which ran from 1999-2003. Highlight: CCC skipper Kusal in Southampton: Mendis’ unbeaten 200 in 300 balls Day-three session-two on Sunday (iii) Colts 302 and 227/5 (Santhush (23) Gunathilaka 82, Sangeeth Cooray England 1st innings 583/8 dec. 57 n.o.; Nimesh Vimukthi 2/59) vs. (Zack Crawley 267, Jos Butler 152; Chilaw Marians 399/9 (Rumesh Fawad Alam 2/46) vs. Pakistan Who’s cheating whom? Buddika 145, Vidura Adikari 68 n.o., (o/n 24/3) 88/5 in 43 overs (James Lasith Croospulle 54, Dilruwan Perera Anderson 4/21) 3/84) at SSC – match drawn Note: Fifth wicket partnership Highlight: Undoubtedly the 145 for England between Crawley and made by Chilaw’s Rumesh Buddika Butler 359. Pakistan were 4/30 in in 185 balls their 13th over (iv) Ragama 501/9 dec. (Janith * CPL in Trinidad and Togabo Liyanage 107 n.o., Saminda Fernando Results of Saturday (22) 92, Roshen Silva 80, Match 7: St. Lucia Zouks 172/6 62, Nishan Fernando 56; Yasoda ( 46; Mendis 3/74) and 126/8 dec. (Dushan 35 n.o.; Jon-Russ Jaggesar 2/29) beat Vimukthi 5/38) vs. SL Army 189 St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots 162/8 (Heshan Hettiarachchi 54, Dinesh (Denesh Ramdin 46; Scott Kuggeleijn Chandimal 50; Shashika Dulshan 4/33, 3/12) by 10 runs 4/44) and 66/2 at CCC – match drawn Match 8: Guyana Amazon Highlight: Janith Liyanage’s Warriors 118 (Brandon King 29; century for Ragama as well as the four Carlos Brathwaite 3/14) beat Jamaica Thursday, 20 August 2020 Friday, 21 August 2020 wickets taken by Shashika Dulshan Tallawahs 104/7 ( 52 for CCC n.o.; Chris Green 2/10) On Thursday, 20 August, Mahela Jayawardene assumed duties as Chairman But, alas, off he went to Dubai the next day, Friday, 21 August, to take part in the Points table: With only one round Sunday’s (23) matches: of the powerful National Sports Council (NSC), igniting hopes about the Indian Premier League (IPL) as Coach of team Mumbai Indians. He will undergo to go, CCC maintains its lead while Match 9: Trinbago Knight Riders future of the country’s sports under the newly elected Government of quarantine plus preparations there from 21 August to 18 September and the IPL will Chilaw got into the second spot in vs. Barbados Tridents President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Namal happen from 19 September to 10 November – that means Jayawardene is going to be Rajapaksa was all about the praise for seeking Jayawardene’s services for in the UAE for almost three months, or one-eighth of the entire duration of the NSC! the points table. Now NCC and Match 10: Guyana Amazon the elite body that is going to guide him for the next two years on all major Who’s cheating whom, we can’t help asking Minister Rajapaksa! Ragama hold third and fourth places Warriors vs. St. Lucia Zouks sports-related matters. Mr. Minister, be the swell that lifts all sports! z1973 Sports Act is a draconian one which begs complete overhaul infrastructure projects, and the appointment why the law has remained unchanged for many areas and coaches have been provided SQUARE of personnel in numerous national sports almost 50 years! at least the basic training to impart their bodies. knowledge. Many of the sports have a CUTS Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is the most high- Short in years, long in process for identifying skilled individuals by Sudat Pasqual profile recipient of unwarranted attention political capital in their respective fields. of the Minister with the imposition of By mentioning his intention to change the The Institute of Sports Medicine and seven interim administrations but other 1973 Act, Minister Rajapaksa is indicating the National Institute of Sports Science Newly appointed Minister of Sports and national bodies from athletics to badminton that he understands the dangers posed by have contributed greatly to the spread of Youth Affairs Namal Rajapaksa is on record (suspended by the world governing body in the Act. If it is so, as is the hope of all who knowledge related to sports. While strategies as saying he is the minister for all sports in 2018 after the minister appointed an interim recognise the empirical threat posed to sports and plans for the development of sports the country and not only cricket and rugby. body to run its affairs) to swimming to rugby by the Act, then the public can hope for a are laid out clearly by the Ministry and The Minister also said that he has a plan to to Olympic sports (in 2013 the International favourable outcome in terms of changing its sub departments, there is much room develop all sports, professional as well as Olympic Committee warned the Minister of the law. for improvement in the implementation of non-professional. Namal Rajapaksa obviously the time, Dayasiri Jayasekara, to remove Namal Rajapaksa may be short in years these plans. understands the width and the scope of his the section of the 1973 Act that allowed but he is long in political capital and he will ministerial territory. the appointment of interim panels) have need every iota of that capital if he is to bring Millions are hopeful also suffered. about this much-needed change. It is likely that the greatest impediment Sports Act of 1973 to the successful and sustainable The most intriguing of his comments A recipe for abuse of power To all sports implementation of development policies mentioned that he is willing to consider Under the existing law, the Minister can The Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs is the shortfall in funds. Finding funds to replacing the 1973 Sports Act (commonly direct national sports bodies to act in a must be many things to all sportsmen and support and implement the plans for the called the Sports Law). If Namal Rajapaksa particular manner, make available financial sportswomen; to able-bodied and to the development of sports in the country is is serious about revamping the 1973 Sports and other records, and investigate any activity differently abled; to those who are indulging likely to be the greatest challenge of the Act, then it is indeed a good omen for sports of those organisations (Section 39). in physical sports and those who are involved newly appointed minister. in Sri Lanka because the 1973 legislation These are broad powers and have been in mental ones. The success or the failure of Minister allows the Minister of Sports unfettered wielded with a heavy fist by many ministers. The Minister must guide, mentor, teach, Newly appointed Minister of Sports and Youth Rajapaksa’s tenure will depend on the Affairs Namal Rajapaksa speaking to the access to intervene in the affairs of national The Act gives the minister the power to cheer, and lead all who come under his National Sports Council which he appointed last quality of the advice he receives and sports bodies. control individuals and teams who represent watch. He must give sportsmen and women, Thursday (20) recommendations he decides to implement. The 1973 Act is a draconian one and a text the country (Section 40). both amateur and professional, hope, the The young minister is faced with an book instance of governmental overreach It gives the Minister the power to rescind structural support, and the financial support Foundations have been laid immense calling and he must realise that that all but guarantees the abuse of authority. the recognition to sports bodies and also to to reach their goals while holding those who Over the past few decades, Sri Lanka millions are counting on him to deliver. The There have been many occasions where recognise sports bodies (Section 32). are responsible for managing those sports has laid many of the foundations needed to same millions also want Namal Rajapaksa the Minister has interfered with selections, A recipe for abuse of power, if there ever answerable for their actions and inaction. expand the scope of sports in the country. to succeed. selectors, elections, international tours, was one; but it is more than likely the reason Multi sports facilities have been built in Please remember that Mr. Rajapaksa!