www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 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 8,313,582 Suwasariya 0112 695 112 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 1,924 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS Bureau Service Govt. coronavirus hotline USA 2,215,580 119,269 COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1999 1990 0113071073 447,437 BRAZIL 929,149 45,467 RUSSIA 553,301 7,478 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD 11 1,397 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 INDIA 359,506 12,029 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 4,353,093 UK 299,251 42,153 THE ABOVE STATISTICS516 ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 9.30 P.M. ON 17 JUNE 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

FAILURE TO GAZETTE COVID-19 HEALTH GUIDELINES RESTRICTIONS ON MAIZE IMPORTS Egg prices to increase

BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA this, including the ban on maize The price of eggs is expected imports. Authorities unable to increase in the coming weeks “Due to the pandemic, most of due to the resultant restrictions our eggs were not sold and had to on imports prompted by the be disposed of. The lack of maize as Covid-19 outbreak, The Morning feed for chicken is also a problem. learnt. However, the Government has All Island Poultry Association provided us concessionary prices President Ajith Gunasekara for alternative feed,” he said, and to take legal action said they could not control and added that farmers were not using maintain the current price of Rs. wheat and rice as feed. z PHIs and EC BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA take legal action against those gazetting those guidelines trade union action demanding 19 for eggs. Noting that restrictions on seek gazetting of who violate the guidelines, under the Quarantine and that the necessary powers be “There is a severe shortage maize import were imposed in The Health Ministry is yet The Morning learnt. Prevention of Diseases Act vested with them under the of eggs and despite us assuring order to promote domestic maize health guidelines to gazette the Covid-19-related It is learnt that both the in order to ensure these Act, and that the guidelines be earlier that we could, it doesn’t cultivation, he said alternative feed z health guidelines issued to Public Health Inspectors were strictly followed by gazetted to empower them to look like it’s possible for us to were not as nutritious as maize Health officials the general public and for the (PHIs) and members of the the public, especially during take action against violators. maintain the present price of for poultry. unaware of parliamentary election under Election Commission (EC) election campaigning by Following a meeting held with eggs. I fear prices will increase “We have seen that wheat and plans to print the Quarantine and Prevention had informed the Government political parties, politicians, the Government, union action to Rs. 22 and, possibly, beyond,” rice sometimes cause the shell of of Diseases Act so as to enable and also the Health Ministry and their supporters. was postponed till next week. Gunasekara said. the eggs to have a tinge of yellow. gazette the authorities concerned to about the necessity of The PHIs were to launch Contd. on page 2 He said many factors led to Contd. on page 2

UMA OYA PROJECT TECHNICIANS Four Iranians 2020 GENERAL ELECTION positive for Covid-19 EC holds discussion with President BY SARAH HANNAN A meeting between the EC Chairman Mahinda Saman Sri Ratnayake was Election Commission (EC) Deshapriya together with not invited for the meeting. Four out of the 85 Iranians who came to Sri members and President the other two members, In addition to the EC Lanka to work on the Uma Oya development project tested positive for Covid-19 yesterday Gotabaya Rajapaksa was Nalin Abeysekera PC and officials, the Public (17), the Epidemiology Unit revealed. held yesterday (17) at the Prof. Ratnajeevan Hoole, Administration Ministry, Epidemiology Unit Director Dr. Sudath Presidential Secretariat to participated in the meeting Health Ministry, and Sri Samaraweera said that PCR (polymerase chain discuss the issues regarding with the President. Lanka Police officials reaction) tests carried out on the four individuals the upcoming parliamentary However, Elections participated in the discussion. confirmed that they had contracted the virus. election, The Morning learnt. Secretariat Director General Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2

BOOSSA, ANGUNAKOLAPELESSA NEW UK TRADE COMMISSIONER YOUTH ABDUCTION IN 2015 STF assigned for Army Commander visits Jaffna Court issues notice UK to boost trade additional security Security Forces HQ and investment Only a week since the new Commissioner on Hirunika General of Prisons was appointed, several Acting Chief of Defence Staff and Army Kamal Gunaratne, Navy Commander The Colombo High Court has issued with Sri Lanka Special Task Force (STF)-led raids were carried Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva, Air Force notice on former parliamentarian Hirunika out in various prisons under the directives of yesterday (17) visited the Security Forces Commander Air Marshal Sumangala Dias, Premachandra to appear before the court Alan Gemmell OBE has been appointed as the the Ministry of Defence, with STF personnel Headquarters in Jaffna (SFHQ-J) to get an and Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) on 10 July with regard to the case on the new UK Trade Commissioner for South Asia to also being assigned for additional security in update on the security situation in the North and C.D. Wicramaratne. alleged abduction of a youth from the bolster trade and investment relations with the several prisons. to assess the Covid-19 prevention activities. He also said the Army Commander met with Dematagoda area back in 2015. UK’s economic partners in the region, including On Tuesday (16), Ministry of Defence According to Army Media Spokesperson the SF Commanders of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Premachandra and her counsel had failed Sri Lanka, the British High Commission in Sri Secretary Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Kamal Gunaratne Brigadier Chandana Wickramasinghe, the and Mullaitivu to assess the security situation to appear for the hearing when the case was Lanka stated. briefed the media on measures taken to Army Commander visited the HQ along following certain incidents that had taken taken up for hearing before Colombo High He is based in Mumbai and will be a frequent strengthen the country’s security apparatus, with Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) place in several areas in the North. Court Judge Champa Janaki Rajaratne visitor to Sri Lanka, the High Commission said yesterday (17). dismantle the underworld criminal network, and The High Court Judge has ordered to in a statement. put an end to the drug empires that are operated issue and serve notice to Premachandra Gemmell is the former CEO of the by the drug kingpins already in custody. REOPENING OF AIRPORTS within the course of the day yesterday. Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Contd. on page 2 Council, and former Director of the British Rehearsals from 15 July: AASL Council in India. British High Commissioner to Sri z To ensure safety measures are fully tested Jeevan Thondaman Lanka Sarah Hulton OBE, commenting on No reduction in Gemmell’s appointment, has said: “I am Sri Lanka is ready to Speaking to The Morning, reopened for operations new CWC Gen. Sec. delighted that Alan Gemmell will be joining LP gas prices reopen two of its international Airport and Aviation from 1 August. The politburo of the Ceylon Workers’ the UK team in the region as our new Trade airports in Colombo and Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. According to him, two Congress (CWC) yesterday (17) announced Commissioner. zGas cylinder can be sold at Rs. 950: Ravi K Mattala in August, for which (AASL) Chairman Maj. meetings were held with the appointment of Jeevan Thondaman as Contd. on page 2 The Government won’t reduce LP gas prices rehearsals are to commence Gen. G.A. Chandrasiri Health Ministry officials the General Secretary of the party. despite the possibility of reducing the price from 15 July. said the Bandaranaike and the Tourism and Aviation Jeevan Thondaman is the son of late to as low as Rs. 950 for the 2.3 kg cylinder, The reopening of the International Airport (BIA) Ministry last (17) morning CWC Leader and Minister of Community POST-COVID-19 RESPONSE Empowerment and Estate Infrastructure shared former Finance Minister and United airports will end more than in Colombo and Mattala to discuss the procedure Development Arumugam Thondaman. National Party (UNP) parliamentarian Ravi two months of inactivity as Rajapaksa International that should be adopted upon The unanimous decision was reached Karunanayake, speaking to The Morning. a result of the coronavirus Airport (MRIA) in reopening. during a meeting of the CWC politburo IOM scales up Contd. on page 2 outbreak. Hambantota would be Contd. on page 2 held at the party headquarters in Kotagala, Hatton yesterday. support for PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION ON POLITICAL VICTIMISATION Government Motor accidents The International Organisation for Migration Wijeyadasa exposes Yahapalana ministers (IOM) Sri Lanka completed its handover of kill over 900 essential technical items to the Bandaranaike Former Justice to investigate allegations Patali Champika Prime Minister (Ranil z International Airport (BIA) and the Ministry Minister Wijeyadasa of political victimisation. Ranawaka, Dr. Rajitha Wickremesinghe) that Over 7,000 accidents of Health. Rajapakshe yesterday The Commission was Senaratne, and Arjuna the agreement between in six months The response was carried out under the (17) charged that the investigating a complaint Ranatunga had schemed the Government, Rakna Within the first six months of 2020, Sri project “Sri Lanka: Technical Assistance to Yahapalana Government by Avant Garde Maritime to implicate President Arakshaka Lanka Ltd., Lanka has witnessed over 7,000 accidents the Government to Prepare and Respond to had knowingly targeted Services Ltd. Chairman Gotabaya Rajapaksa – and Avant Garde was islandwide, The Morning learnt. Covid-19”. The Police Media Division, sharing Avant Garde in a bid to Maj. (Rtd.) Nissanka former Defence Secretary legitimate. Nevertheless, statistics of motor accidents, said that The IOM is supporting the efforts of the Sri apprehend President Senadhipathi to the effect at the time – over alleged these three Ministers went between 1 January to 15 June, 2,278 Lanka Government (GoSL)’s Covid-19 pandemic Gotabaya Rajapaksa. that his group of companies fraudulent dealings with ahead with (pursuing) the grave motor accidents, 3,573 minor motor response through the project. The former Minister had incurred heavy Avant Garde Maritime arrest,” Rajapakshe said. accidents, and 2,188 damage-causing The project aims to support the internal and made the allegation losses due to arbitrary Services Ltd. and have He said that officials accidents had occurred, with total motor cross-border co-ordination of migrant and yesterday while giving and politically motivated him arrested. of the Attorney General accidents that caused fatalities accounting mobile populations and alleviate associated evidence before decisions taken by the “On repeated (AG)’s Department had to 891 resulting 936 deaths. barriers including inadequate access to credible the Presidential Yahapalana Government. occasions, I told the (then) been part of the collusion information, stigma, discrimination, and language Commission Former MP Rajapakshe President (Maithripala as well. SEE FULL STORIES barriers faced by them. appointed said that former Ministers Sirisena) and (then) Contd. on page 2 ON PAGE 2 Contd. on page 2 2 the morning NEWS Thursday, June 18, 2020

TASK FORCE ON PROTECTING ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN THE EASTERN PROVINCE

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Leader R. Sampanthan yesterday (17) expressed concerns over the appointment of the Presidential Sampanthan writes to President Task Force for Archaeological Heritage Management in the Trincomalee Districts in violation of the failed to make these matters public and Eastern Province and as much as possible Eastern Province by President laws of the land and the Bandaranaike- educate all the people in regard to these of the Northern Province into majority Gotabaya Rajapaksa last month. Chelvanayakam Pact and the Dudley facts? Would it not help to promote Sinhalese areas also severing the linguistic Senanayake-Chelvanayakam Pact were goodwill, trust, and harmony between the contiguity between the Northern and Sampanthan, issuing a statement, said all intensively carried out. In areas of such Buddhist and Hindu people? It is such Eastern Provinces. This would be a travesty members of the Task Force were Sinhalese Sinhala settlement, new electoral and failures on the part of the Archaeological of justice with dangerous and harmful Buddhists and did not represent all administrative divisions were demarcated Department that raise legitimate scepticism consequences and should be avoided. ethnicities in the country. Excerpts from the so as to strengthen the Sinhala-speaking about the manner of their functioning “No one objects to the protection, statement follow. people and to weaken the Tamil-speaking and create the impression of there being preservation, and promotion of Buddhism. “The manner of its composition clearly people. sectarian. If anyone is acting in violation of the indicates that it is meant to serve the “I attach herewith a statement setting TNA Leader R. Sampanthan “It must be remembered by all concerned law relating to any Buddhist site, the interests of one community – the Sinhalese, out the figures of population in the Eastern that Lord Buddha did not preach or practice severest action should be taken in regard who it must be admitted are the majority in Province and in the three Districts in the and Eastern Provinces. Strong resistance the aggressive policies sought to be pursued to such conduct. Existing law enforcement the country. Eastern Province – Trincomalee, Batticaloa, on behalf of the Tamil-speaking people by some now in his name. institutions should perform this task. “The Eastern Province has been a multi- and Ampara – between 1827 and 1981. I and ground realities have prevented this “If His teachings were followed by those Buddhist temples and monuments exist on ethnic province though the majority has am not giving any figures after 1981, as happening thus far. There are places of who claim to follow him, Sri Lanka would lands adequate for that purpose. always been predominantly Tamil-speaking. since the commencement of violence in much veneration to Hindus situated outside be a paradise of peace and tranquillity. “They have so existed for centuries, for Sri Lanka comprises nine provinces, of 1983 which continued for several decades, the North-East. “Amongst the tasks entrusted to the Task very long. No additional land is required which the Eastern Province is one. It would people have been substantially displaced, “Why has the Archaeological Department Force is ‘to identify the extent of land that to fulfil that purpose. Additional land be pertinent to raise the question of why and no statistics can be relied upon as being not taken any steps to protect and preserve should be allocated for such archaeological is required by individuals who want to other provinces have been left out, why genuine or accurate. the ruins of this ancient Hindu temple? sites and take necessary measures to convert these areas into Sinhala-Buddhist other communities and other religions have “From the attached statement it is clear There are also several other Hindu temples allocate them properly and legally’. areas, populated by Sinhala-Buddhist been left out. that between 1948 (Independence) and all over the country which Tamil Hindus “This task raises several issues. Laws citizens, violating the occupational and “As a Sri Lankan Tamil and as a devout 1981, the last census, while the national venerate. prevail in the country pertaining to the residential current and future needs of Hindu, my concerns are aroused, because increase in the Sinhala population was “The Archaeological Department allocation of state land. State land and its Tamil and Tamil-speaking people who have of the deep roots the Tamil Hindu people 238%, the Sinhala population in the Eastern has unfortunately earned for itself the allocation has been the most contentious lived on these areas from time immemorial, have, not merely in the Northern and Province increased by 883%. In the same reputation of promoting only one religion issue in the country, since the achievement the Tamil Hindu people from long before Eastern Provinces, but also in the whole period, the Sinhala population in the and being harmful to the legitimate of Independence. the advent of Vijaya the precursor of the country…It is also necessary to state certain Trincomalee District increased by 549.73% interests of the other religions. “Several facts stated earlier in this letter Sinhala race. facts pertaining to Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and in the Ampara District by over 1,250%. “There are functioning Buddhist temples clearly indicate the injustice that has been “We wish to clearly state that without any Ampara, and the Eastern Province. It is well This was entirely caused by colonisation in the Eastern Province with inscriptions in perpetrated on the Tamil-speaking people in new land being taken over, whatever needs known that since Independence in 1948, – settling of Sinhalese from outside the Tamil. There are ruins of Buddhist temples the Northern and Eastern Provinces. to be done to protect, preserve, and foster there had been strenuous efforts to convert North-East on land in the Eastern Province. with inscriptions in Tamil. These are all “What is sought to be achieved by Buddhism can be done. That would ensure Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampara, and the “The breaking up of the Tamil linguistic ancient inscriptions suggesting that at some the above task being entrusted to the the maintenance of goodwill and harmony Eastern Province into majority Sinhala- continuity between the Eastern and period of time in the past, Tamil Hindus Task Force is to consolidate all that has amongst all people. speaking areas. Several land settlement Northern Provinces has been an objective followed the teachings of Lord Buddha. happened thus far, and take further action “We would request that the matters schemes – colonisation – settling of the of majoritarian political leadership for a Lord Buddha was never against Hinduism. to settle more Sinhalese at such sites in referred to in this letter be given your majority community in large numbers long time…Facts demonstrate the extent He is believed to have endeavoured to such identified extents of land in the guise earnest consideration and appropriate on newly irrigated land in the Eastern to which action was taken to terminate the purify Hinduism. of protecting, preserving, and promoting action taken accordingly,” Sampanthan Province, particularly in the Ampara and linguistic contiguity between the Northern “Why has the Archaeological Department Buddhism, and thereby convert the concluded. Contd. from page 1

project. Upon their arrival, they were referred criminals in prisons operating large-scale drug masks, disposable three-ply non-woven surgical share strong business and cultural links and Authorities... for PCR testing, during which the four infected persons were identified. deals and directing other grave crimes from masks, disposable PPE (personal protective I look forward to working with our High Speaking to The Morning, PHIs’ Union of According to the National Operation prison cells, for which the relevant actions have equipment) overalls, examination gloves, Commissioner and her excellent team in Sri Lanka President Upul Rohana said that, at Centre for Prevention of Covid-19 Outbreak already been initiated in collaboration with the alcohol-based hand rub/sanitiser, disposable Colombo to deepen these ties.” a recent meeting, Health Ministry officials had (NOCPCO), the group was sent to the intelligence agencies, the Police, and especially face shields, and reusable surgical boots were promised to gazette those guidelines within the Karandagolla special residential quarantine the STF together with Justice Ministry officials. also donated. Three additional temperature Court issues... week and sort out the issues faced by PHIs. centre which is maintained under the supervision – Sarah Hannan screening thermal sensor camera systems and In December 2015, a 35-year-old man Meanwhile, EC members also questioned of the Sri Lanka Army. 10 mobile passport reader kits with necessary was allegedly abducted on Baseline Road the Government on the action authorities could Wijeyadasa... accessories for remote passenger clearance in Dematagoda and assaulted by a group take if political parties or their supporters did are being procured with assistance from the of individuals who had arrived in a Land not adhere to the health guidelines. Rehearsals... “The Additional Solicitor General, Wasantha Government of Australia. Rover Defender that was allegedly owned The Commission had already made a formal The meetings had also focused on reopening Bandara, went ahead with an arrest order for “Preparedness at the POEs is crucial for the by Premachandra. The victim, identified as a request to the Government asking that the the country for tourism. Senadhipathi, concealing the matter from his revival of economic activities in the country resident of Kolonnawa, was allegedly abducted Covid-19-related health guidelines issued for the “We will be starting rehearsals from 15 July, superior, Solicitor General Suhada Gamlath,” including tourism. IOM feels privileged to be by the group of persons on 21 December. upcoming parliamentary election be gazetted. prior to reopening for operations,” Chandrasiri he said, adding that Bandara had acted upon the a part of this initiative, and we are grateful to Nine including Premachandra were charged over the abduction. However, when contacted by The Morning, said. Accordingly, the number of flights dealt instructions of former Ministers Dr. Senaratne the Government of Japan and Government of However, the suspects excluding the former Ministry of Health Public Health Services Deputy by one airport would be limited; MRIA would and Champika Ranawaka as well as Attorney- Australia for their generous support,” IOM Sri parliamentarian had later admitted before the Director General Dr. Paba Palihawadana noted handle the flights carrying repatriated Sri at-Law J.C. Weliamuna. Lanka Chief of Mission Sarat Dash said. Colombo High Court to abducting the youth that she was not aware about the decision with Lankans from 1 August in order to minimise Following summons by the Commission, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) and were sentenced to two years’ rigorous regard to gazetting the guidelines. congestion at the BIA, thereby easing the former Minister Champika Ranawaka and Ltd. (AASL) Chairman Maj. General (Rtd.) imprisonment suspending for 12 years by Another senior official who wished to remain adoption of Covid-19-related health procedures former Criminal Investigation Department G.A. Chandrasiri said: “Ever since the Covid- the court. anonymous told The Morning that such a decision as well. (CID) Head Shani Abeysekara were among 19 virus began to threaten the whole world had not yet been taken by the Health Ministry. “Around 20,000 Sri Lankans are waiting to those who appeared before the Commission. as a pandemic, our aviation industry too was Motor... All attempts to contact Health Minister return to Sri Lanka,” he added. However, former MP Ranawaka chose severely affected. As the civil airport operator, Between 1 January and 30 April, the total Pavithra Wanniarachchi and Director General of Earlier this month, the Government made to appear on a separate date with legal AASL took every possible measure at the BIA number of accidents caused by driving over Health Services Dr. Anil Jasinghe proved futile. it compulsory for all passengers to undergo a representation, upon being informed of the to minimise the impact. I take this opportunity the speed limit were 435, out of which 67 were fatal. During the same period, total accidents PCR test prior to entering the country. right to do so by the Commission. to convey my sincere thanks to IOM for their caused by drunk drivers were 274, out of which Egg prices... – Maheesha Mudugamuwa Meanwhile, a number of notable absentees invaluable contribution by donating enhanced 19 ended up with fatalities. were former Minister Dr. Senaratne, Ranatunga, health screening equipment and other supplies During the same period, the total number of This is only on the shell and has no effect former MP and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna worth Rs. 45 million for use by the BIA. drivers arrested for driving under the influence on the egg itself,” Gunasekara added. STF... (JVP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, “We have collectively worked hard to amounted to 14,942, while 15,778 drivers Meanwhile, Government Spokesman former Gunaratne said that with the recent changes in former Chief of Defence Staff and former establish health and safety measures at the were arrested for driving over the speed limit. Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that the management and the aggressive raids carried out Navy Chief Ravindra Wijegunaratne, and airport according to the guidelines of Sri Lanka’s – Sarah Hannan Government has no intention of imposing price in three prisons, a large haul of mobile phones Upul Jayasuriya PC. health authorities. We as the airport operator can controls for eggs. and SIM cards had been uncovered. He added Following a request from the complainant’s now say very confidently that we are ready to Jeevan... “We will not set a control price for eggs or that with changes in the prison management counsel, the Commission opted to reissue reopen the airport for international passengers at The CWC politburo had also decided other products that see sudden price fluctuations underway, the Ministry of Defence has stationed summons before holding them in contempt. any time.” Earlier this month, with the assistance to appoint Anusha Selvarajah as the Vice due to the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic. over 100 STF personnel to buff up security in The next day of hearing is set for 23 June. from the Government of Japan, IOM handed Chairman of the party. Selvarajah earlier served Instead, we will do our best to keep prices the Boossa and Angunakolapelessa Prisons. – Skandha Gunasekara over 100 public addressing systems to the as the CWC General Secretary. The CWC is yet to appoint a party leader to of other essential items as low as we can,” “We are taking all efforts to dismantle all Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical fill the position that has fallen vacant following Rambukwella said. outside operations that are handled from prison EC holds... Services. Procured at the cost of Rs. 5 million, Thondaman’s demise. cells by drug kingpins and criminals using When contacted by The Morning, Ministry of the systems will be used by the Ministry to Four Iranians... mobile phones. Technical measures have already Public Administration Secretary J.J. Ratnasiri, disseminate health information across the island. A total of 85 technicians arrived in Sri Lanka been taken to trace such illegal communication who participated in the discussion, said the Risk communication materials focused on No reduction... on a special flight from Iran, to aid in the networks,” Maj. Gen. Gunaratne said. meeting had been sought by the EC to discuss quarantine messages for returnee migrants Government Spokesman and former State completion of the Uma Oya development He said information was received about the issues pertaining to the election. and on safe shopping for display at grocery Minister of Investment Promotion Keheliya According to him, the discussion was focused stores both for the shop owners and customers, Rambukwella said that similar to fuel, LP gas on the election procedure. designed and printed under the project, were prices would not be reduced. Cartoon of the day (MM) also handed over in a special function arranged “Despite the global prices dropping, we do at the Ministry. not want to reduce gas prices. Instead, we “As we move towards further relaxing the want to use the profits for other government IOM... curfew, it is extremely important that the public expenses. This is much like what we did with IOM, being the lead agency within the United are constantly reminded of the precautions they petrol. We were able to use money saved from Nations (UN) in Sri Lanka, supporting Points need to take in their private or professional life. that to provide the Rs. 5,000 vouchers during of Entry (POEs), will also render assistance We greatly appreciate the support provided and the Covid-19 lockdown,” he said. He said that towards the health and border preparedness the equipment support is timely and in line reducing gas prices would not have an impact responses at POEs through this project. The with the priorities of the Ministry,” said Health on the overall cost of living. project is funded by the Government of Japan Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi. “Gas is bought only by 18% of the population and is in line with the Strategic Preparedness and half of that comprise hotels and restaurants. and Response Plans (SPRP) of the GoSL. Therefore, reducing gas prices won’t reduce the Under the components including support UK to... cost of living. So it’s better for the Government to POEs focusing on both health and We hope he will be able to visit Sri Lanka to utilise the profits for other expenses,” border components and various other risk soon in order to help our drive to increase Rambukwella said. Former Finance Minister communication and community engagement trade and investment between the UK and and United National Party (UNP) parliamentarian activities primarily for migrants, IOM, with Sri Lanka. Alan brings a rich experience in Ravi Karunanayake said that a 2.3 kg cylinder support from Government of Japan, procured promoting UK businesses together with a of gas could be sold at Rs. 950. and delivered equipment and supplies to the BIA; strong affiliation to arts and culture, which “As per the costings that are available and the eight health inspection and interview counters, we hope will contribute to driving growth and purchase prices, the price of gas can be brought 50 full-duplex counter communication systems prosperity for both countries.” down to Rs. 950,” he said. for immigration counters, four temperature Speaking after his appointment, Gemmell had He noted that the last reduction was done screening thermal sensor camera systems, and said: “I am delighted to be back in the region during his tenure as Finance Minister. 15 handheld medical infrared thermometers as Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner with a At present, a 2.3 kg cylinder of LP gas is were delivered. remit to support greater trade and investment priced at Rs. 2,765. Protective equipment and materials like KN95 between Sri Lanka and the UK. Our countries – Skandha Gunasekara the morning 3 Thursday, June 18, 2020 business Exporters cautiously optimistic, says new Chamber-USAID survey Sri Lankan exporters are 57% of the firms were well prepared or very well prepered employment conditions over “cautiously optimistic” to manage the impact of COVID-19 the next three months, 26% of about business continuity businesses anticipate a decline in amidst a global pandemic, fulltime employees, 57% expect a reveals the findings of a new decline in part-time employees, and business survey conducted 51% expect a decline in contractual by the Ceylon Chamber of employees. Commerce (CCC) and the On the outlook for export United States Agency for business, nearly half of the International Development businesses expect a “severe” or “moderate” contraction in export (USAID). business over the next three The Chamber said a significant months, while over a 12-month number of the firms surveyed period, 36% expect high or had identified new business moderate growth. On the outlook opportunities arising from for the overall economy, businesses needs relating to the Covid-19 are less optimistic, with 83% pandemic, although they were perceiving severe or moderate deeply concerned about the contraction over the next three impact on operations, cashflow, months and only 21% expecting and productivity. They pressed high or moderate growth over a for tax and financial relief, and 12-month period. digitisation of government services and received responses from a The majority of the businesses opportunities to cater to increases planned to apply for financial – particularly at border agencies – representative mix of 115 large responded that they were prepared in global demand arising from the relief. Here, the prominence Government role in in order to recover losses caused firms and SMEs (small and to manage the impact of Covid- pandemic. Large businesses were of female-owned businesses supporting exporters by the lengthy halt to business medium enterprises) (including 19, with 70% of the firms stating most likely to have identified new planning to request for relief Export businesses observed activity in the country. firms owned or led by women) in that they already had a “business opportunities (67%) compared to (80%) was apparent. A majority that, although they are ready to The survey, designed by the 26 export segments. Responses continuity plan” in place. Most had SMEs (58%). of the companies have applied for bounce back, they had some key CCC’s Economic Intelligence came primarily from senior-level already begun automating their financial relief to meet working requests from the Government. Unit and USAID’s “Partnership executives, providing key strategic business processes prior to Covid- Exporters highly capital requirements, relative to Tax relief, financial assistance, and for Accelerating Results in insights on the trade and labour 19, indicating they are fairly well concerned about short- debt moratoriums. digitisation of border agencies were Trade, National Expenditure, market impacts of Covid-19. placed to manage the challenges of term financial stability among the top three interventions and Revenue (PARTNER)” “work from home” (WFH). Half of the respondents expected Outlook for jobs, exports, requested from the Government by project, was conducted over two Exporters trying to find In addition, 63% of respondent a decline in export revenues and the economy large firms, SMEs, and women- weeks starting on 4 May 2020, ‘silver lining’ for recovery firms have identified new by 40% or more in 2020. Most On expected changes in owned/led firms. Colombo Stock Exchange goes Lanka IOC to supply paperless in digitisation drive Servo Lubricants to CEB As the first phase of the Similarly, the existing Listing shareholders who have provided Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE)’s Rules have provided for the issue accurate information of their bank digitisation initiative, steps have of annual reports in a CD-ROM accounts. been taken to convert paper-based form and most companies follow The Listing Rules have been statements to electronic form, and this method of issuing annual further amended to provide the to facilitate listed companies to reports. flexibility for listed companies to pay dividends electronically to The Stockbroker Rules issue the annual report in a mode shareholders. have been amended to make it other than in printed form. This is an initiative of the Joint mandatory for the stockbroker In order to facilitate a smooth Lanka IOC Managing Director Manoj Gupta (fourth from right) and CEB Chairman Vijitha Herath (fifth from right), with Committee between the Securities firms to dispatch bought and sold transition, all CDS accountholders senior officials of the CEB and Lanka IOC at the signing of the agreement and Exchange Commission of Sri notes and statements of account by will be requested to furnish Lanka IOC, Sri Lanka’s number its commitment to the development IOC will be the only company to Lanka (SEC) and the CSE, that electronic means to their clients. the following details to their one listed energy company, of Sri Lanka and also the economy setup a grease manufacturing plant was formed with the objective The CDS Rules have also been stockbroker/participant prior to 10 secured the business of the Ceylon of Sri Lanka. The entire ranges in Sri Lanka. of identifying measures and amended to make it mandatory September 2020: e-mail address, Electricity Board (CEB) for the of Servo Lubricants are locally In terms of market share in mechanisms required for the for the CDS to forward the CDS mobile number, bank account supply of Servo – World Class manufactured, thus saving precious the lubricant segment, Servo CSE to conduct its core activities statements in electronic form to number, and name of bank and Lubricants to the Sapugaskanda foreign exchange on imports. is currently at the number two digitally. an email address provided by branch. Plant. This business was secured The company has always been at position in Sri Lanka and this new Under the existing rules, the accountholder through the The above information must be through competitive bidding by the forefront in offering the best business is a major step towards it stockbroker firms and the CDS relevant stockbroker firm/CDS provided by submitting the duly Lanka IOC for the first time. The quality lubricants at competitive being a market leader. For decades, (Central Depository System) participant. completed CDS 28 eService Form CEB is immensely benefitting via prices. Servo has been in the forefront use paper-based statements The Listing Rules have been by the CDS accountholders to the procurement through competitive As per directives of the newly of the industry, introducing except where accountholders amended with the view of registered stockbroker/participant. bidding. elected Government, the company technologically advanced products. and clients of stockbroker firms facilitating listed companies to The form can be downloaded from Lanka IOC manufactures said it instantly passed on the tax Servo has also made inroads at have specifically requested credit the dividend proceeds www.cse.lk, www.cds.lk, or can automotive, industrial, and marine benefits on account of VAT (value highly competitive global markets. for statements to be sent directly to the respective be collected from stockbrokers/ Servo Lubricants at its state-of- added tax) and NBT (nation- As of today, it has established its electronically. bank accounts of the entitled participants. the-art plant in Trincomalee. In a building tax) to its esteemed footprint in more than 30 global statement, the company affirmed customers. Besides this, Lanka destinations. District-level one-stop shops Crescat Boulevard to be revamped for MSMEs with EU support Asian Hotels and very first upscale retail (JKH) Property Group opening in Colombo, changing dynamics of an Properties PLC (AHPP) hotspot in Colombo to Sector Head Nayana we also feel it is time to increasingly sophisticated The Ministry of District Secretariat of entrepreneurs in our has announced that it offer a curated shopping Mawilmada; JKH reconsider its competitive market, thereby raising Small and Medium each district. Service district with various would be moving forward experience featuring high- manage the property. “It positioning as well. the profile of the city of Business and Enterprise providers at district constraints holding with major investments end international brands, has been 23 years since Naturally, we believe that Colombo itself.” Development has level will work closely them back from towards the refurbishment side by side with local we opened our doors, more can now be done In the interim, received Cabinet with the respective development. I firmly of Crescat Boulevard. crafts, entertainment, and and that is a very long to take advantage of this operations at Crescat approval to establish centres to provide their believe that through this First opening its a melting pot of cuisines. run for a shopping mall. property’s remarkable Boulevard will continue business service centres services as required. business service centre, doors in 1997, Crescat “The face of Colombo After this length of time, location and deliver value as normal, with visitors (one-stop shops) in Currently, over 40% we will be able to fill Boulevard was a has seen such radical the building is in need of to our stakeholders. being able to browse 25 districts with the of Sri Lankan MSMEs the gaps and bring pioneering development changes since Crescat a refurbishment, one we “Our goal is to once and shop until the end of support of the European are unregistered, these entrepreneurs to at the time, and soon Boulevard was first have been putting off for again to create a unique, December 2020, when Union (EU) to facilitate making it more difficult the required level and became an iconic location opened,” said John some time. high-quality experience the refurbishment project regulatory functions and to open bank accounts, bring the products and in Colombo. It was the Keells Holdings “With all the new malls that can cater to the will commence. business development. and get loans, licenses, services of this district Registering a business and permits for their to an international in Sri Lanka is about to enterprises, while level,” said Monaragala DFCC Bank recently get easier. women entrepreneurs Additional Government launched the “DFCC Sahanaya” Those business face additional Agent Chandana concessionary loan scheme DFCC introduces ‘Sahanaya’ service centres difficulties in all of Lokuhewage. aimed at providing relief to will streamline the these areas. Ambassador of the export-related businesses. registration process Chrysalis, British European Union to Identifying a significant need loans for SME exporters and assist in access Council, and Care Sri Lankan and the in the market owing to the encourage them to avail market around the world, is currently with renewed confidence and to technology, quality Germany, together Maldives Denis Chaibi negative impact of the Covid-19 opportunities of the future. facing significant challenges optimism about the future of control, and access to with the EU, worked said: “I am delighted pandemic on the local business The bank will provide loans due to Covid-19. People’s their businesses.” markets. They will have closely with officials to see that our support sector, and the country’s small of approximately Rs. 5-25 businesses, lives, families, and DFCC Bank has been a web portal that will of the former to the project in Uva and medium-sized (SME) million to eligible businesses communities, and economies are introducing new products and be linked to business Ministry of Industries and Central Provinces exporters in particular, DFCC under this new scheme, at an being adversely affected. services to customers during this development service and Commerce to will be replicated in Bank said it introduced this interest rate of 9% per annum. “As a bank committed to crisis period, especially targeting providers, regulatory conceptualise and setup all districts and that latest product in hopes of aiding With a maximum loan tenure ensuring the wellbeing of all those who are directly affected authorities, financial the business service it will become easier the revival of the sector in the of four years, DFCC Bank will Sri Lankans, we felt a calling to by the Covid-19 pandemic. institutions, and banks centres. As a first step, for all those that want island. offer term loans and permanent provide special assistance to the DFCC Sahanaya aims to assist to serve the MSMEs four business service to start a business, to The new loan scheme, working capital loans through export sector at this time. As the exporters who failed to obtain (micro, small, and centres will be setup get registered and to amounting to approximately DFCC Sahanaya. backbone of Sri Lanka’s rural low-cost funding under the medium enterprises). in the Matale, Nuwara get support from the Rs. 2 billion, will be extended DFCC Bank Chief Executive economy, SME business owners CBSL (Central Bank of Sri The service centres Eliya, Badulla, and local business services to export-related, export- Officer (CEO) Lakshman Silva play a vital role, so we hope this Lanka) Saubhagya Covid-19 will be housed within Monaragala Districts. providers through a oriented customers in order to commented: “The banking new credit line will help them Credit Scheme due to limited and managed by the “There are many one-stop solution.” provide immediate relief and sector, like many other industries emerge from this crisis period availability. 4 the morning brunch Thursday, June 18, 2020 our general way of life, Sri Lanka is in a position to offer something to wellness tourists. However, before we can do this, we need to be sure The Transforming that standards will apply to materials used in treatments, particularly materials that are ingested. This sort of regulation would require the co-operation of multiple entities like Interface of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services, to name a few. Without this sort of care and attention, Sri Wellness Tourism Lanka will never be able to properly position itself as a wellness hub. A webinar organised by Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts as part Hettigoda also stressed the importance of training therapists, of the Cinnamon Future of Tourism series managers, and trainers properly for Sri Lanka to truly make a mark in the wellness tourism field. Schweder spoke about how the wellness and hotel sectors are converging and on the importance of concepts like sustainable design, A la minute all you can efficient energy consumption, and inclusion of nature in wellness properties. Schweder also explained eat for dad and family at that wellness properties need not be custom-built, but that repurposing properties creatively and effectively Graze Kitchen to enhance the wellness aspects of Looking to express your duck curry, steamed dim sums, tourism would go a long way. gratitude for the superhero of your and Sri Lankan clay pot curries, to Speaking on strategies for life this Father’s Day? Hilton Indian copper pot favourites, fresh promoting Sri Lanka as a wellness Colombo welcomes families big assorted kebabs and breads from destination, the panel discussed and small this year, where fathers the tandoori oven; and a whole lot how it would come down to great will be pampered through their more. storytelling, and that Sri Lanka tummies with a culinary tribute. A meal is never over until has an advantage being so close to The Graze Kitchen restaurant dessert is served, so round off India, which is one of the world’s is firing up their stoves to pamper your dining experience on a biggest wellness destinations. The your favourite man with a sweet note with the selection panel also stressed the importance complimentary flavourful sizzling of treats at the dessert station, of involvement and co-operation on platter and a glass of brew. In from the special Father’s Day a national level, form the various addition to this complimentary cakes like papa’s handpicked travel and related sectors, to make starter, there will be an exceptional strawberry on traditional Sachar Sri Lanka shine as a wellness BY NAVEED ROZAIS travellers start moving again, that array of fresh food prepared a torte, to chocolate banana cake, there will be a shift away from mass destination. la minute, to give their valued to portioned desserts in glass-like With the world facing an unprecedented global health crisis, the tourism, with a focus on wellness From an investment point diners a safe and healthy dining red cherry petit, blueberry opera, tourism, and experiences that enrich of view, Droga shared that in the experience. strawberry mascarpone, tiramisu, social and economic implications of which are set to be long- short term, local investors will be lasting, travel and tourism are among the most affected sectors travellers and combine beauty, Enjoy the kaleidoscope and raspberry, to name just a few culture, and wellness. more connected with Sri Lanka and will face a real risk to near-term survival and significant of flavours put together by the of the many dessert options that Sri Lanka is in a very strong as a wellness destination, because kitchen brigade from salads to will be available. disruption. position to become a major player in they understand how wellness is an Cajun-crusted marinated salmon, The Father’s Day all-you- Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts GOCO Hospitality Chief Executive the world of wellness tourism. Droga important part of Sri Lankan life and Turkish mezze, compound salads, can-eat lunch is priced at Rs. attempts to paint a picture of how Officer (CEO) and Founder Ingo shared that particularly in light of how this can be leveraged to position cheese, and accompaniments; 3,988 Nett per person and is different sectors of the travel and Schweder. The webinar was Covid-19, travellers and society, in Sri Lanka as a wellness hub. Local Japanese favourites to cognac on from 12 noon to 2.30 p.m. tourism industries are likely to moderated by Dileep Mudadeniya, general, have begun to value their investors will also be more likely flambé and langoustine cream on Sunday, 21 June 2020. For evolve in the short to medium term, who serves as Head of Brand wellness, and look to enhance it. to invest with long-term returns in from the soup kettle; an dine-in reservations, please call through a series of webinars focusing Marketing for Cinnamon Hotels and Wellness tourism as a sector was mind as opposed to global investors. assortment of fusion meats to sink 0112 492 492. Prior reservations on the “Future of Tourism”. Resorts and Vice President of John undergoing phenomenal growth However, global investors could see your teeth into from slow-roasted are recommended as seating is The second edition of the Keells Holdings. The webinar looked pre-Covid-19, and research suggests great potential in Sri Lanka as the pork belly, leg of lamb with thyme limited. Cinnamon Future of Tourism series at “The Transforming Interface of that this growth will not be hindered market is not saturated. jus, to juicy beef and pork ribs, Don’t forget to pick up a took place on 16 June, and featured Wellness Tourism”. by the pandemic and that the niche On the whole, the panel homemade chicken sausages, and “Father’s Day Brew Mug Cake” an eminent panel of travel and The panel discussed how in market of wellness tourism will in ended positively, noting the great lemon garlic marinated grilled from Café Kai to continue the tourism personalities, including view of the Covid-19 pandemic, fact become broader. potential of Sri Lanka as a wellness modha; hot stone pizzas, a variety celebration. Home delivery will Siddhalepa Group Managing the whole world has slowed down, Sri Lanka still has some way destination, particularly post- of pastas with seafood, Middle also be available for those who Director (MD) Asoka Hettigoda, taking a step back and focusing more to go in developing before it can pandemic, provided proactive action Eastern favs like shawarma and wish to celebrate at home. Call Global Wellness Institute’s Wellness on physical and emotional wellbeing. compete for a top spot in the world’s to position Sri Lanka as a wellness kabsa will also be served, along the hotline on 0768 002 200 for Tourism Initiative Chair Droga and It is very likely that following wellness tourism market. Hettigoda destination takes place and the with everyone’s favourite laksa, details on the special Father’s Day Co. Founder Katherine Droga, and the worst of the pandemic when explained that through Ayurveda and concept becomes reality. fresh noodles, and rice; Thai red take away menu.

ASK BY NAVEED ROZAIS a doctor Soulboner is a new casual streetwear label with fun built into its core. Founded in December I’m generally a 2019, the brand offers simple Q thin individual collections of t-shirts and crops that but I have a pot embody the cool, quirky spirit of its Soulboner team and market. belly. I have heard this The Morning Brunch spoke is worse than being fat to Soulboner Founding Director Deelika Fonseka to learn more The newest brand overall. Why is that so? about Soulboner and its journey. The fat around your torso What makes Soulboner A may reflect how much visceral fat you’re carrying, special? Soulboner Founding Director The concept of Soulboner for the in crowd i.e. not the fat found beneath your for almost the entire month of Deelika Fonseka skin but rather the fat around your plays heavily off its founding team, April, the Soulboner team decided intestines, liver, and stomach. a group of young, creative, and to launch a new collection in May As such, it can even line your vibrant individuals with quirky on a pre-order basis. They received arteries and also possess some personalities and dynamic points of an overwhelmingly positive health risks, some of which are view who want to feel comfortable response, selling out to capacity diabetes, fatty liver disease, heart while looking good. in two weeks, after which they disease, high cholesterol, breast The team comprises Fonseka, launched a clearance sale of the cancer, and pancreatitis. Head of Fulfilment Lina Sharnooz, previous collections at discounted It’s not just a number on the and Head of Design Sherwin Raj. prices to help meet demand. scale; you can tell how much These three young entrepreneurs Fonseka commented: visceral fat you have by measuring are all under 25 years old. “Capitalising off our customers your waist. Soulboner’s founding team during an already challenging time Waist measurements over 35 handles all aspects of the brand was not our priority. It was about inches for women and 40 inches themselves; from concepts and art catering to our audience, most of for men should raise a red flag. direction to content creation and whom are 15 to 23 years old and, If you fall into this category, also marketing and dealing with Behind the scenes at a Soulboner shoot in many cases, depend on their customers, making sure the brand you should make some healthy sausage buns that turned out to be parents for disposable income.” Soulboner Head of Fulfilment stays authentic on all fronts. Lina Sharnooz lifestyle changes and include some Getting Soulboner up amazing, if not sinfully good; his Launching their website in the Soulboner launches new exercise in your daily routine and and running friend then commented that it was middle of lockdown, Soulboner collections every two months, limit your sugar intake. Eat smaller The journey to establishing true food for the soul. Soulboner as found an unexpected following on doing a single run of production portions of rice, bread, and other Soulboner has been an organic a name came to Fonseka as he was the popular social media platform to maintain the exclusivity of refined carbohydrates and include and fairly long one, Fonseka leaving the shop, which he filed TikTok, with a number of people Soulboner’s products. lots of vegetables. said. There was no epiphany or away for the right time. purchasing Soulboner products ANSWERED BY noticeably unique market gap that Flash forward a year, the specifically for use in making Dr. Dineshani led to its creation. It was a concept Soulboner team decided it was content for TikTok. Hettiarachchi MBBS, that slowly grew. time to launch, picking t-shirts MSc Regenerative The name Soulboner came and crops as their initial offering What comes next? Medicine, MCGP, SEDA (UK). Dr. Hettiarachchi about when Fonseka was visiting as a cool, casual, and climate- Soulboner’s biggest priority is a family physician Pettah with a friend when working friendly alternative to conventional is surviving as a new brand while and a lecturer at on a personal project, Champions maintaining their voice. It is easy for the Department of streetwear that the young Sri Anatomy and Human of Pettah, a photographic Lankan customer would appreciate. businesses to get lost in the market, Genetics Unit, Faculty documentation of the diverse Launching in December 2019 and Soulboner wants to find and of Medicine at the build the right following in the local University of Colombo. Email Dr. people of Pettah. On one of his as an exclusively online brand, Hettiarachchi on [email protected]. forays into Pettah, Fonseka and his like all brands, Soulboner had to market and hopefully experiment ac.lk if you have any more questions friend came across a small out-of- adapt in the face of the Covid-19 with retailing in Sri Lanka before Soulboner Head of Design you’d like answered here. the-way shop where they bought pandemic. After ceasing deliveries taking the brand global. Sherwin Raj the morning 5 Thursday, June 18, 2020 sports 12 still 'positive' at EFL Asian Youth Para Games 2021 in Bahrain Coleman a tricky man Twelve individuals from English Football Bahrain was awarded the hosting rights for the fourth World 100 m champion Christian Coleman could be banned League (EFL) clubs have tested positive for Asian Youth Para Games in 2021, Inside the Games from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, it is learnt, after revealing he the coronavirus. The EFL said eight cases came reported. The Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) said the missed a drug test in December 2019. The American escaped a from six Championship clubs, with Brentford competition had been scheduled for between 1 and 10 ban earlier too, after three missed tests across publicly confirming one case. More than December next year. Khalifa Sports City and Isa Sports 2018 and 2019. He is now facing a 2,600 players and staff from EFL clubs were City will host the slated nine sports, namely athletics, two-year ban for three missed tests tested during the past week, including 2,213 badminton, boccia, goalball, powerlifting, swimming, within 12 months; this means no connected to Championship teams. table tennis, taekwondo, and wheelchair basketball. Coleman for the Olympics next year.

BY REVATHA S. SILVA As fears of the Covid-19 pandemic recedes gradually and sports, particularly cricket, are slowly coming into play, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is now facing another decisive stumbling block – their former national Head Coach Chandika After pandemic Hathurusingha has sued them for millions of dollars in compensation. Hathurusingha's case against SLC will be soon taken up by the International Court of Arbitration most likely in August, The Morning Sports learnt yesterday (17). $ 5 million compensation comes "The case is going to be taken up in Singapore, most probably in August, when things become normal (after the pandemic). You can't still predict what dates exactly it could be, because of the ongoing international travel restrictions (due to the Covid-19 pandemic). He has asked for compensation in the range of about $ 5 million," a senior official of the current Hathurusingha SLC Exco told The Morning Sports. Hathurusingha began his coaching career zSri Lanka Cricket faces million-dollar case in International Arbitration Court soon soon after retirement from his playing days, in 2005. He first coached the national teams of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Canada before having successful contracts with the Australian state team, New South Wales (NSW). Fired earlier in 2010 "Singapore has probably been nominated as a place for the case because it is close to both parties. He (Hathurusingha) filed the case in the Sports Arbitration Court based in Lausanne, Switzerland," the above SLC official explained. After the UAE stint, Hathurusingha was named coach of Sri Lanka’s “A” team on a three-year contract. In 2009, he was named senior assistant to Sri Lanka's national coach, Trevor Bayliss. But he was fired from his position in June 2010, when D.S. de Silva was at the helm of SLC, due to disciplinary reasons, upon his returning early from a tour of Zimbabwe, allegedly to attend a coaching The Sunday Morning predicted this eventuality course in Australia. He was later asked to in its 11 August 2019 edition leave in spite of the then Sri Lanka Captain Kumar Sangakkara's request for him to be 12 T20Is when he was the Sri Lanka Head retained in the position. Coach. Hathurusingha faced the axe after the Didn't like demotion team's dismal performance at the 2019 ICC "The SLC wanted to demote him and put Cricket World Cup. He was replaced by (him) into Under 19 or something. But he South African Mickey Arthur in December didn't agree. The contract (between SLC last year, prompting him to seek legal action. and Hathurusingha) is such that (if) either Hathurusingha parted ways with SLC party is leaving it, they have to pay for the permanently in August 2019 after months of entire remaining months of the contract," heated deliberations. the senior official further added. Hathurusingha later obtained permanent Similar case with Marsh residency in Australia where he is staying Independent observers criticised SLC for now. entering a strict contract with the Coach Acting Coach of NSW for the remainder of Bash League in Australia. he was controversially roped in by the going only by his credentials with the Stint with NSW the season. Hathurusingha is considered the most SLC. Bangladeshis. Others argued it was needed He was later a coaching consultant for the Hathurusingha then remained as NSW successful coach to ever get involved to have such a tight contract because of the Canada national cricket team at the 2011 Senior Assistant Coach under Bayliss for in Bangladeshi cricket, with ODI series Appalling performance circumstances that prevailed at the time World Cup in the Asian subcontinent. the 2013-14 season. victories against India, Pakistan, and South “Hathu” was subject to much when the national team was performing He was later appointed Assistant Coach Africa. criticism, though, owing to the appalling extremely poorly. of NSW in September 2011, on a two-year Successful Bangladesh stint Test victories during his time include performance of the Sri Lanka national team SLC nine years ago faced a similar case contract. When its senior coach Anthony Before his much-talked-about stint with those against Sri Lanka (away), England, under his watch since December 2017. when an outgoing Head Coach, Geoff Stuart was dismissed from the position in the Bangladeshi national team, he coached and Australia. His tenure there spanned Sri Lanka lost 11 out of their 21 Tests, Marsh, sued them successfully after being December 2012, Hathurusingha was named the Sydney Thunder franchise in the Big from May 2014 to November 2017, when 29 out of 44 ODIs, and eight out of their unceremoniously dumped from his job.

US Open set to begin on 31 August zNew York Governor gives go ahead for 'closed doors' tournament

The US Open tennis No qualifiers, mixed Executive Director Mike Fans can now watch "We now can give fans tournament will be held doubles Dowse said on Tuesday (16) top-level tennis around the world the without fans from 31 But there will be no in a communique that they Dowse further added: chance to watch tennis' August to 13 September, qualifying and no mixed were "incredibly excited "We recognise the top athletes compete for and suggested restrictions doubles under plans that Governor Cuomo and tremendous responsibility a US Open title, and we on players' travelling approved by the Governor New York State have today of hosting one of the first can showcase tennis as teams will not be enforced. of New York, Andrew (Tuesday) approved our global sporting events in the ideal social distancing The Grand Slam will be Cuomo. plan to host the 2020 US these challenging times, sport. Being able to hold held at Flushing Meadows, Meanwhile, United Open and 2020 Western and we will do so in the these events in 2020 is a despite some players States Tennis Association and Southern Open at the safest manner possible, boost for the City of New voicing concerns about (USTA) Chief Executive USTA Billie Jean King mitigating all potential York and the entire tennis travelling to New York. Officer (CEO) and National Tennis Centre”. risks. landscape." USTA CEO/Executive Director Mike Dowse 6 the morning education Thursday, June 18, 2020 CA Sri Lanka offers tech-savvy SLIIT contributes to services to students amidst Covid-19 broadening the horizons The Institute of Level (A/L) students to Chartered Accountants help them strengthen of Sri Lanka (CA Sri their knowledge on the Lanka) has introduced a subject for the upcoming range of contemporary A/L exam. In the past, tech-savvy services for CA Sri Lanka organised of education in Sri Lanka the benefit of its 37,000 conventional seminars students scattered all over in schools across the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Lectures for subjects such as Sri Lanka, in an effort country, however due Technology (SLIIT), Sri Lanka’s mathematics, physics, accounting, to overcome challenges to the present situation, largest non-state degree- engineering technology, biosystems stemming from the the institute rose to the awarding institute, through technology, science for technology, Covid-19 pandemic. challenge by turning to various initiatives is helping the agricultural science, business studies, The new services technology to conduct the chemistry, Sinhala, and commerce were include an online educational lectures. nation broaden the horizons of conducted to ensure students benefit registration portal for Meanwhile, CA Sri education, ensuring this time of from the lessons provided. the benefit of aspiring Lanka’s School of crisis is also an opportunity for SLIIT Director of Academic accountants who can Accounting and Business all educational systems to look Development and Quality Assurance register at CA Sri Lanka (SAB) which conducts into the future and build their Prof. Colin N. Peiris noted: “We from the comfort of their the popular BSc Applied understand that schools and universities home and kick-start their Accounting degree capacity. have not faced this form of disruption career as a chartered is conducting online Discussing the opportunities and in generations and we are committed to accountant. lectures for the benefit possibilities the coronavirus pandemic helping everyone have positive learning The institute has also of its undergraduates. has posed in creating new shifts in experiences. The entire SLIIT team has been conducting various SAB is currently running education, SLIIT Vice Chancellor/CEO shouldered this responsibility and we are online programmes a series of lectures for Prof. Lalith Gamage said: “Although proud of the contribution towards Guru including webinars part-time and fulltime earlier technology was not placed at Gedara in helping children continue for its students to help students, as well as for a high level, today its role has been their education purposefully.” them continue to update students who enrolled elevated quickly. Technology has helped SLIIT too now delivers lectures their knowledge on through exemptions. revolutionise education and there is a daily to over 9,300 students via the relevant subjects and be The strategic business need to do this. We are working with the institution’s advanced online platform, prepared for upcoming units of CA Sri Lanka, National Institute of Education (NIE) ensuring an uninterrupted and excellent examinations. the CA Business and the Education Ministry, and together The SLIIT team that worked tirelessly to deliver the ‘Guru Gedara’ programme on time online teaching and learning experience. Meanwhile, steps were School and the School we are trying our best to ensure that we The SLIIT team which worked also taken to offer all of Taxation have been bring the classroom to the children’s as possible. The programme covers generation to study from home.” tirelessly to contribute towards the Guru study material of the CA offering online lectures. homes.” Grade Five, Ordinary Level, and Demonstrating the success of this Gedara programme included Dean of Sri Lanka programme The Business School has A massive effort has been launched Advanced Level curricula. initiative, according to SLIIT statistics, the Faculty of Humanities and Sciences via the institute’s online been conducting lectures in leveraging the potential of ICT SLIIT Dean of the Faculty of the final recording of Phase One of the Dr. Malitha Wijesundara, Prof. Colin Learning Management and training sessions (information and communication Humanities and Sciences Dr. Guru Gedara programme documented N. Peiris, Director of Development System (LMS) where for students, ensuring technology) to make sure children keep Malitha Wijesundara stated: “As an a total of 168.5 hours of lessons in 23 and Engineering Services Uditha study packs, pilot papers, that they continue learning. The NIE and the Ministry institution, SLIIT has always been days. More than 50 academics including Gamage, Head of Projects, Campus and mock exams were their courses without of Education recently introduced the recognised for its technological two well-known professors of SLIIT Safety, and Security Major General Lal uploaded for the benefit interruptions, while the “Guru Gedara” programme, offering innovation in education. Given the took part in the recordings, successfully Gunasekara, Manager of ITSD Kumudu of the students. School of Taxation has free educational television lessons. disruption caused to schoolchildren engaging students in Grade 12 and 13 Gurugalgoda, and Senior Systems For the first time in the initiated the delivery Channel Eye of Rupavahini has been and the uncertainty surrounding in Sinhala medium. Prof. S.R.D. Rosa Engineer Gayan Weligama. Faculty of institute’s history, virtual of online lectures for dedicated full-time for the programme their education, we were able and Prof. Sriyani E. Peiris of the Faculty Computing lecturers Ishara Gamage lectures on the accounting students following the since 20 April. The aim is to strengthen successfully contribute in supporting of Humanities and Sciences at SLIIT and Thausithanjana Thilakarathna subject was launched Certified Tax Advisor the education process of schoolchildren the authorities to rapidly deploy the delivered engaging lectures in physics shouldered the responsibility of quickly for GCE Advanced (CTA) programme. in the country and ensure they continue necessary educational technology and agriculture for Advanced Level editing the recordings to be telecasted their education with as little interruption and expertise to help the younger students. on time. EFIC celebrates 40 years of pioneering multilingual education in SL zSeptember 2020 intake to be announced by the French International School of Colombo École Française Internationale be a highly successful method of De Colombo (EFIC), also known teaching worldwide since 1990 as the French International and has been practiced at EFIC From left: Best Story award winner Nishitha Wikramasinghe, Best Game award winner Lithuli School of Colombo, celebrated since 2015. Payagala, and Best Animation award winner Mueena Shahmy a milestone of 40 years in EFIC ensures that a student’s providing exceptional education English language is fine-tuned opportunities in Sri Lanka as well and recommends Kids unleash their creative coding recently. The multilingual that all students from grade education school will be calling two take the Cambridge for applications to enrol new University certification exams skills at SLASSCOM TechKids pupils for the September 2020 and Diploma of English as a Coding is a form of national unity. single nation. Nishitha’s intake. EFIC is located in the Foreign Language (DEFL). creative expression. The Sixth grader Lithuli story is an eye-opener to heart of Colombo on Park road, EFIC believes in an innovative recently held SLASSCOM Mehansa Payagala of many of us and a great Colombo 5 in close proximity to teaching approach that respects TechKids Online Coding Musaeus College bagged lesson of national unity Havelock Road, Fife Road, and the French national curriculum Competition is a prime the Best Game award. portrayed through creative Baseline Road. Established in whilst allowing the students example of that. Since Coding sensation Lithuli coding. 1979, EFIC has been a pioneer to embrace the cultural and the start of the lockdown, has already won two Although the above three in French education in Sri Lanka linguistic diversity of the more and more kids have international coding entries stood out from the for over four decades and is EFIC Principal Stéphanie Guillet commemorating the school’s anniversary host country. This approach been hooked to their digital competitions in the last rest, the other 27 entries operated under the purview of to education certainly helps devices, not for playing year and runs her own sent were simply amazing the French Ministry of Foreign cultural environment where EFIC incorporates the EMILE in creating open-mindedness games or watching movies, YouTube channel (Coding and deserve honorary Affairs and accredited by the students can grow amid varied French/English education system among students. The faculty but to put their logical Girl), which features mentions too. French Ministry of Education. cultures, linguistic diversity, as from kindergarten, which enables of EFIC comprises of highly and creative skills into coding videos on various While winners will The school is also accredited well as respect for identities and students from various linguistic skilled and qualified staff, trained action. TechKids’ online topics such as game receive their gift vouchers by the “Agence pour differences. backgrounds to acquire French under the protocol of the French coding sessions and its development, programming and certificates, all the l’Enseignement Français à ‘’Our vision is to create a and English in a supportive National Educational Ministry. digital learning portal concepts, and physical participants will receive l’Etranger” (AEFE) which sound learning environment for environment. The open system Once the students reach grade set the right platform to computing using BBC certificates of participation. is the Agency for French our children. The less-dense creates myriad benefits such as six, EFIC enables its students learn a skill of the future. micro:bit. Lithuli’s was a SLASSCOM TechKids Education Abroad. AEFE is a student population allows us to cognitive growth and improves to high school education Then, SLASSCOM Pac-Man-like game where would like to state their strong network of schools and pay personalised attention to thinking patterns in students. provided by the CNED (Centre TechKids’ first-ever coding you need to reach a safety appreciation of the high schools, supervised by each student. Most scientific The French approach to of National Distance Learning) competition was launched. unit under the Sri Lankan participants’ amazing effort the French Ministry of Europe research has revealed that a “Content and Language a leading provider of lifelong Ninety children from all National Flag, while and creative talent. and Foreign Affairs. It hails as language should be taught at a Integrated Learning” (CLIL) is learning in Europe and in the over Sri Lanka registered protecting yourself using Supported by the Royal the world’s largest educational very young age if that language EMILE (Enseignement d’une French-speaking countries. and the race against time sanitisers and masks and Norwegian Embassy of network with nearly 522 is to be fully mastered by a child. Matière par l’Intégration d’une Schooling at EFIC can be began. collecting lots of food! Sri Lanka, SLASSCOM schools in 139 countries under Growing up in an environment Langue Etrangère). It teaches done until grade 12, which is Within the small period The Best Animation TechKids is committed its co-ordination and support, where multiple languages are subjects such as science, music, “la Terminale”. The pursuit of of 10 days, participants award went to eighth to facilitate coding and shelters 370,000 students, taught as primary subjects sports and arts in two different higher education is assisted in were required to code and grader Mueena Shahmy education for all children, providing them education allows students to master both languages. An English-speaking the best possible way by laying create a game, animation, from Al Iman Schools. regardless of geographical excellence all over the world. languages and also offers them teacher and a French-speaking out the career paths possible or interactive story using Mueena’s animation talks boundaries, ethnicities, Over the years, EFIC has more avenues for their higher teacher will conduct the same for each “bachelier” in France, Scratch programming through the different and socioeconomic welcomed students from France, education. Allowing students lessons side by side, thus which comprises more than language. By the time the symptoms of Covid-19 and backgrounds. Through the US, Canada, Switzerland, to learn French and English complementing each other. 3,500 universities and ‘’Grandes competition reached the the safety measures such this initiative, TechKids Greece, Korea, Azerbaijan, from kindergarten enables them This method helps improve the Ecoles’’ which are ranked among deadline, there were a total as washing hands, social has reached nearly 1,500 Turkey, Belgium, Britain, to learn to speak and think in student’s competency levels the top universities in the world. of 30 entries (15 games, distancing, using sanitisers, students through classroom- Maldives, India, and Pakistan in French and English fluently from whilst allowing students to Add to this the fact that holding a eight animations, and and wearing face masks. A style coding workshops in addition to the local students, and a very young age.’’ said EFIC progress in a spirit of openness to visa to study in France provides seven interactive stories) noteworthy feature of this schools and SLASSCOM is committed to create a multi- Principal Stéphanie Guillet. the world. EMILE has proven to ample opportunities to explore creatively explaining animation is Mueena’s self- member companies, Europe and discover various how they would fight the recorded voice narrative through weekly online cultures and traditions. Covid-19 pandemic. The that perfectly synced-up coding workshops, and As a school which firmly level of research, detail, with her animation frames. through its newly launched believes in collaborative and thought put into each The Best Story award online learning platform efforts and spreading good of the programmes was was won by Nishitha techkids.lk. The weekly humour, EFIC maintains a clearly visible in each Wikramasinghe from online coding workshops close relationship with students beautifully crafted code. Thurstan College. attracted an average of 65 and their parents and ensures Every game, animation, Nishitha’s story had a students from 18 different transparency in matters related and story was evaluated running theme of a much- schools, with one in three to school fees and student by an expert panel needed topic of national students being girls. As affairs. Enrolling a child at EFIC consisting of experienced unity and diversity. The TechKids continues to means providing that child the software engineers from characters chosen from grow, they expect more opportunity to study at European the industry. The panel different communities students to benefit from standards in Sri Lanka. evaluated each entry on and the carefully crafted the initiative and more More information about various criteria such as; dialogues gave a strong participants at their next EFIC and student enrolment use of different Scratch message that we Sri coding competition. Stay for the September intake can be elements, programming Lankans are a single nation, tuned to SLASSCOM’s obtained from the website, www. constructs, and emphasis and that we can fight and Facebook page for more eficolombo.com. on creativity, empathy, and defeat the pandemic as a exciting events. The parent-teacher well-bonded community, the pupils, and the entire school staff celebrating EFIC’s 40th anniversary