Eat, drink, play Hilton launches all-day club Protect yourself from Covid-19 ‘Sunset Blu’

Active cases Total cases tuesday, December 22, 2020

33,736 Inflation up 0.5% from Is the ‘Summer of 36’ deaths RECOVERED October: Department of Indian cricket’s 8,964 Census and Statistics lowest point? The above statistics are confirmed up 176 28,682 »see page 3 »see page 7 until 7.00 p.m. on 21 December 2020 Source: Health Promotion Bureau »see page 5

NEW COVID-19 DETECTIONS Rs. 1,000 daily wage for estate workers Total Cases Monday deadline for final decision z Pay or handover company to Government: Minister Minister of Labour Nimal Siripala Monday (28). The instructions were given the increase in wages. would justify paying them the gratuity

37,407*Stats updated as at 7.00 p.m. on 21 December de Silva yesterday (21) instructed the by the Minister after considering the The EFC is of the opinion that at the end of their service. relevant authorities to take the final submissions made by both parties during plantation workers should be given an Accordingly, the employers proposed Covid-19 decision on increasing the minimum the discussions with the Estate Workers' additional target of 2 kg of leaves daily, that every employee should be daily wage of estate workers to Rs. 1,000, Leaders' and Employers' Federation of and also stated that these employees had required to work 180 days a year. Minister of Labour 400 cops in civvies to as per the 2021 Budget proposals, by next Ceylon (EFC) representatives regarding not carried out enough daily work that Contd. on page 2 Nimal Siripala de Silva monitor buses Covid-19 vaccine Burying Covid 19 victims Police officers in plain clothes have been deployed to inspect public transport buses, said Police Media Govt. to announce decision Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana. z Decision only after Cabinet discussion Visitors to N’Eliya Government in z Expert Committee need PHI certificates findings before Cabinet Visitors arriving in Nuwara Eliya must submit The final decision on the a certificate of a Public Health Inspector (PHI) burying of Muslims who die of confirming that they are not residents of a Covid Cabinet Spokesman talks with Russia Covid-19 will be announced today Keheliya Rambukwella high-risk area, stated the Nuwara Eliya District z Discussion on getting Sputnik V z Final decision after discussion (22), following the discussions on according to Cabinet Spokesman Secretary yesterday (21). vaccine: Minister Jayasumana with Russian envoy in Sri Lanka the Expert Committee’s findings at Keheliya Rambukwella. yesterday’s (21) cabinet meeting, Contd. on page 2 ‘Taking precautionary By Maheesha Mudugamuwa measures will help lift isolation’ The Government will hold a key discussion next week with SL migrant workers Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana yesterday (21) the Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka to take the final decision noted that the length of time an area is placed under over bringing down the Sputnik V vaccine to prevent Covid- isolation will depend on the conduct of its residents. 19, according to State Minister of Pharmaceutical Production, Half of returned Several European countries Supply, and Regulation Prof. Channa Jayasumana. State Minister workers to go back Minister The discussion is scheduled to Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the ban flights from UK Prof. Channa take place between State Minister Maldives Yuri Materiy. By Pamodi Waravita “Fifty percent of the 14,000 Several countries in Europe have banned entry for Jayasumana Prof. Jayasumana and Russian Contd. on page 2 Approximately half of the migrant workers who have flights carrying passengers from the UK, as the nation 14,000 migrant workers who come back want to go again,” deals with a unique new variant of the coronavirus returned to Sri Lanka due to Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign strain, as reported by European media. the Covid-19 pandemic have Employment (SLBFE) Deputy Making a list, checking it twice expressed their interest in going General Manager R.K.K.M.P. Silent demonstration abroad again for employment Randeniya told The Morning opportunities, The Morning yesterday (21). held against cremations learnt. Contd. on page 2 A group of people representing different religious beliefs staged a silent protest outside the Borella Cemetery, against the cremation of a 20-day-old baby that died from Covid-19. Won’t register social 415 more recover in Sri Lanka The Ministry of Health said yesterday (21) that media users: Minister another 415 patients who previously tested positive z Foreign digital operators to be registered for Covid-19 have recovered and were discharged from the hospital within the last 24 hours. Mass Media Minister Keheliya In a statement, the Minister Rambukwella yesterday (21) said the statement circulating See full Stories on page 2 said the Government has been with regards to the social media considering registering foreign regulation has been portrayed Rapid antigen testing digital operators and not social in a garbled manner where the media and digital platform true meaning is not conveyed. Local health officials collected In areas with few swabs and blood samples to test users. Contd. on page 2 for Covid-19 in Maulana Watta, positive cases Dematagoda yesterday (21) Health protocols at airports A special programme to conduct Random Photo Pradeep Dambarage Rapid Antigen Tests (RRATs) in BIA to process arrivals Colombo, especially in areas where no Duty-free shopping or few Covid-19 No Covid cluster within two hours patients have been For passengers who The Airport Management wait at the premises for two hours reported, has been at CPSTL: Minister Services of the Bandaranaike while Covid-19 health screening launched by the Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila International Airport (BIA) procedures are conducted. health authorities, Colombo Municipal completed quarantine yesterday (21) rejected allegations made by assured that passengers arriving Contd. on page 2 according to Council (CMC) Chief Duty-free services will be Accordingly, purchasing goods the Opposition that another Covid-19 cluster in Katunayake will only have to Colombo Municipal Medical Officer of available at the Bandaranaike at the duty-free shopping mall at was being created through Ceylon Council (CMC) Health Dr. Ruwan International Airport (BIA) for the BIA will be allowed from 21 Petroleum Storage Terminals Wijemuni Chief Medical passengers who have completed January 2021. Ltd. (CPSTL) at Kolonnawa. Officer of Health Dr. Ruwan Wijemuni. their mandatory quarantine period. Contd. on page 2 Addressing a news briefing Contd. on page 2 held at the Ministry, the Kandy tremors post-observations Minister said the Opposition State Minister Dr. Sudarshini Reopening schools was trying to create an Fernandopulle (centre) conducted unwarranted fear of a an emergency inspection of the Term commences Foreign experts expected in Jan BIA premises yesterday (21) Energy Minister Covid cluster. 11 Jan, except in WP By Sarah Hannan Udaya Gammanpila Contd. on page 2 School activities for grades one to five will commence on 11 January 2021 in The State Ministry for Reopening airports schools across the island, except for those Mahaweli Zones, Canals, in the Western Province and isolated areas. and Settlement Infrastructure Govt. urged to be This commencement date for the first Development is looking to bring term of 2021 was announced by Minister down an international team of State Minister Siripala Gamlath transparent in plans of Education Professor G.L. Pieris, who experts to certify the stability of (third from left) recently met the The United National Party (UNP) is concerned engineers in charge of the Main also noted that preschools would open on the Victoria Dam, as well as other Dam and Reservoir Operation about the Government’s decision to open borders the same date. major reservoirs in the country. Centre of the Sri Lanka Mahaweli to tourists in the New Year, as the recent days Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 Authority at Polgolla have seen an increase in the number of cases reported throughout Europe, with many countries WHO to support Sri Lanka choosing to re-impose lockdowns in the lead-up to the New Year. Booster shot for primary healthcare Contd. on page 2 zStrategic plan to obtain Covid-19 vaccines discussed Illegally imported turmeric The World Health Organisation’s STF raids 1,950 kg (WHO) Resident Representative to Sri An individual was arrested with 1,950 Lanka has extended its fullest support to kg of illegally imported dried turmeric in the State Ministry of Primary Health Care, Mattakkuliya. Epidemics, and Covid-19 Disease Control The arrest was made by the officers of the in improving primary healthcare facilities Police Special Task Force (STF) based on a and the country’s immunisation programme. WHO Resident Representative to Sri Lanka Dr. Razia Pendse (second from left) in tip-off received by them. Contd. on page 2 discussions with State Minister Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle (centre) recently Contd. on page 2 2 the morning news Tuesday, December 22, 2020

pieces of white cloth in protest. he said. 400 cops... “We are a group of young women activists For passengers... No Covid... This is in stark contrast to the 400 or 500 These police officers have been directed and lawyers who united to protest against the However, this will only be applicable “They are attempting to prevent workers who left the country daily before to inspect the behaviour of the drivers, and forced cremations that occurred recently,” for passengers who have completed their workers from reporting for duty, disrupt the pandemic. whether buses are following the quarantine stated human rights activist Amalini De Sayrah. mandatory quarantine period after entering the distribution of essential commodities When contacted to obtain further rules and regulations. “In accordance with the health regulations the country between 1 September and 16 such as food and medicine in the country, information on the safety of workers going Accordingly, nearly 400 officers have been and social distancing, the group of 30 people, December this year. and cut off the supply of oil to the Ceylon abroad during a pandemic, State Minister deployed for this task. including Catholics and Christian nuns, Electricity Board (CEB). We believe that for Foreign Employment Promotion and Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims, and Free is why these baseless allegations are being Market Diversification Piyankara Jayaratne Trade Zone workers, tied white cloths as a silent Foreign experts... made. Therefore, it is our responsibility repeatedly directed us to the SLBFE. Visitors to... resistance against forced cremation, including “The team of experts is expected to arrive in clarify the issue,” he stated. “This is a preventive measure taken to reduce that of the 20-day-old baby,” she further said. January 2021, and would carry out observations, He revealed that an employee of the the Covid-19 risk in the Nuwara Eliya District after which they would be able to issue a stability institution who was admitted to a private Won’t register... during the festive season,” he stated. 415 more... certification that will stand for 30 years,” hospital on the 14th had undergone a PCR “While acknowledging this, I would like to State Minister for Mahaweli Zones Canals test. He was diagnosed with Covid-19 the clarify that the Government’s intention is not This brought the total number of Covid-19 and Settlements Infrastructure Development next day and remained at home, even though to register social media users but to convey recoveries in the country, as of last evening, ‘Taking... Siripala Gamlath told The Morning. he was identified as having coronary heart a mounting concern shared by governments to 28,682. He accordingly requested all residents to During a recent site visit to the Main Dam disease. across the world, that these digital multinational The majority of the recoveries were reported adhere to health guidelines, such as social and Reservoir Operation Centre of the Sri “Accordingly, 57 of his first associates conglomerates are overwhelming and alienating from the Bingiriya Treatment Centre (36), distancing, movement restrictions, and wearing Lanka Mahaweli Authority at Polgolla, the were subjected to PCR tests on the evening our local businesses through data colonisation. Kamburugamuwa Hospital (29), Kopai facemasks. State Minister was advised by the engineers of the 15th, and further tests are being carried “This is directly impacting our medium-scale Treatment Centre (26), Wathupitiwala Isolation orders are still in effect in nine in charge of the dam that the stability of the out by the private sector. The results, which companies. This view is also shared by leading Treatment Centre (24), Divulapitiya District police areas within the Colombo North and Victoria Dam is 100% affirmed, and that the were revealed on the morning of the 17th, industrialists in Sri Lanka. These predatory Hospital (22), Dr. Neville Fernando Teaching Central areas, he said. recent seismic activities reported from the showed that 11 people had tested positive. techniques lead to huge sums of money leaving Hospital (21), Panideniya Treatment Centre Furthermore, a total of 41 suspects were surrounding area had no impact on the dam “On 19 December, PCR tests were carried the country through these digital platforms. (21), Theldeniya District Hospital (20), and arrested in connection with offences against structure. out on 47 first associates of the 11 persons. “Therefore, the Government has been Samanalawewa Treatment Centre (20). quarantine regulations during the last 24 hours, Although maintenance of the Victoria The fear that the Opposition is trying to considering registering foreign digital operators, A total of 37,261 coronavirus cases were he stated. A total of 1,652 suspects have been Dam has been conducted according to the create is has no basis, as it is confirmed and not social media and digital platform reported in Sri Lanka while 8,403 of them were arrested since 30 October 2020. international standards, a team of experts in that none of the 47 have been infected with users,” he said. under medical care. Sri Lanka also witnessed the field is to visit and assess the stability of Covid-19,” the Minister said. 176 fatalities from the virus as of the time of dams in other reservoirs, namely Randenigala, writing. Several European... Kothmale and Senanayake Samudraya. BIA to... While this new strain is not thought to be Mahaweli Zones, Canals, and Settlements Govt. urged... The management of BIA shared these more deadly, it is up to 70% more contagious, Infrastructure Development State Ministry Speaking to the media, former UNP details with the State Minister for Primary although it is currently virtually unique to the In areas... Secretary Wasantha Palugaswewa said the Provincial Councillor Kithsiri Manchanayake Healthcare, Epidemics, and Covid-19 Disease UK – and neighbouring nations are looking to He told The Morning that under the new Dam Protection Project has been in place said that the party was asking the Government Control Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle during keep it that way. programme, random tests would be conducted since 1985, while the Dam’s stability has been to be more transparent in their plans to reopen her emergency inspection visit to the airport The Netherlands announced a ban on targeting low-income settlements, low and assessed and fortified at five such instances the country. “We do not oppose measures that premises yesterday (21). flights carrying passengers from the UK from middle-income high rises, marketplaces, bus over the past 35 years. will help our economy recover, but we ask that “The protocols in place at the airport, and Sunday (20), which will remain in effect until drivers, three-wheeler drivers, and elder’s “The main Dams are maintained under the Government clearly presents what their the Covid-19 health guidelines and procedures 1 January. The Netherlands Government noted homes. international standards, and all basic reviews plans are,” he said. followed by the airport staff, and the security it is monitoring the situation, and considering “If we get one or two positive tests in an area with regard to the Victoria Dam under the Dam He added that Sri Lanka was currently seeing services were observed to be according to additional restrictions to other modes of where the random tests are being conducted, Protection Programme have been prepared an increase in the spread of Covid-19 cases in the regulations we had issued. The efforts put transport. that entire area would be subjected to PCR already. The expert team expected in January the country, saying: “As a country, we have forth by all at the airport are commendable,” It added that sampling of a case in the country testing,” Dr. Wijemuni said. 2021 will evaluate such reports, and thereafter undergone many hardships due to the outbreak Dr. Fernandopulle stated. in early December had revealed the same virus He said the programme is effective and as issue a 30-year guarantee for the stability of of the virus. We ask that the Government does Meanwhile, Airport Manager G.K.D.C.D. strain as the new one in the UK. a result of random testing, they were able to the Victoria Dam, if all the observations are not act in a hasty manner that will only see the Samaratunga said: “With the aid of the state-of- Meanwhile, Ireland banned the entry of uncover the recent cases at an elder’s home in order,” Palugaswewa said. country threatened with yet another outbreak the-art health screening instruments currently flights from England, Wales, and Scotland where around 45 Covid-19-positive cases Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority Director of the virus.” available, arriving passengers will be able to for 48 hours from midnight on Sunday, were reported. General Sunil S. Perera said that a discussion The UNP has continually called on the undergo the health screening process and leave while France suspended all modes of travel – Maheesha Mudugamuwa was held with the Geological and Civil Government to present their plans regarding the airport premises within two hours to their with the UK for the same period. Belgium Engineering Faculty of the University of the usage of a vaccine to combat the Covid- designated quarantine facilities.” suspended flights and trains from the UK for Peradeniya, which deployed a team of experts 19 virus. Noting that countries around the – Sarah Hannan a 24-hour period from midnight on Sunday, Term commences... for a field visit of the Victoria Dam complex to world have purchased the vaccination and as a “precautionary measure”. He added that the situation would be reviewed make recommendations for the future course are administering them to their patients, it Germany’s Ministry of Transport stated every 10 days, and efforts will be made to of action to be taken. highlighted that the Health Minister has Monday deadline... that planes from the UK would no longer be reopen all schools as soon as possible. Perera said that the Geological Survey and refused to present any plan for purchasing In response, the Minister proposed to add an allowed entry unless they are cargo flights, Mining Bureau is in charge of conducting the a vaccine, simply stating that they will extra kg to the leaves plucked per day, and stated while Italy, which has already seen its first necessary monitoring processes, while the await World Health Organisation (WHO) that the 180-day proposal could be accepted. case of the Covid-19 UK variant, will block all Booster shot... duty of the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority is approval. Meanwhile, the workers’ representatives flights from the UK until 6 January. Turkey and WHO Resident Representative to Sri Lanka to ascertain whether the Dam is affected by Manchanayake questioned the Government also pointed out that it was not fair to reduce Switzerland have temporarily banned all flights Dr. Razia Pendse had paid an official visit earth tremors. on what regulations will be in place to ensure the number of leaves plucked by plantation from the UK, while Bulgaria has suspended to State Minister of Primary Healthcare, “A 3D movable robot has been installed to that the new arrivals in the country would not workers that end up being assigned as crate flights from the UK until 31 January. Epidemics, and Covid-19 Disease Control check 74 spots of the Dam and issue data daily; infect the public. “Will visitors be expected weight and factory waste. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle to congratulate accordingly, the safety of the Dam could be to have been given the vaccine before they Taking all these factors into consideration, the tweeted: “They’ll (UK officials) continue Dr. Fernandopulle on her appointment, and assured 100%. Although there are lime deposits arrive? Will they undergo the mandatory Minister stated that the Government’s decision to share info and results of their analysis discussed the way forward in improving the in the surrounding areas of the Dam, it has two-week quarantine period before being that the minimum wage for plantation workers and ongoing studies. We’ll update member country’s healthcare services. been built on a stable site. The soil samples allowed to travel around the country? Will should be Rs. 1,000, could not be changed states and public as we learn more about the “Sri Lanka happens to have very robust collected 40 years ago before the Dam was visitors be restricted to only certain areas under any circumstance. characteristics of this virus variant and any immunisation programmes against many constructed on the site are still available for in the country? These are questions that the The Minister also instructed that if any implications.” diseases. We want to continue this stance, testing if necessary,” Perera said. Government must answer before they take company is unable to pay the minimum wage of London saw Covid-19 cases nearly double and are looking to improve and strengthen Victoria Dam has been built to resist seismic such a decision.” Rs. 1,000, it is to handover the estate company over the last week, with almost 60% of these the immunisation programme to match the activities to the magnitude of up to 3.5 on the Drawing attention to the fact that both to the Government. infections attributed to the new strain. present requirements, while improving the Richter scale, while none of the recent seismic the Netherlands and Belgium have banned He also told the employers that the The UK Government was thus forced to country’s primary healthcare services as well,” activities that occurred in the surroundings of flights from the UK, the UNP asked the Government is ready to maintain the estates, backtrack on its plans to relax rules and allow Dr. Fernandopulle explained to Dr. Pendse. Digana has surpassed this maximum limit. Government whether or not visitors from or to handover the management to some other socialising on Christmas, with Prime Minister Discussing the Covid-19 preventive measures The Victoria Hydropower Project Dam countries undergoing partial lockdowns will company. Boris Johnson imposing a full lockdown on the country has employed thus far, as well as generates 201 MW of power to the National be allowed to travel to Sri Lanka. – Maheesha Mudugamuwa London and southeast England. As of now, the the actions to be taken in the coming weeks, Grid, while it also irrigates the farmlands in the Manchanayake urged the Government rest of England will be allowed to socialise Dr. Fernandopulle noted that improving the Mahaweli B and C Zones. The reservoir has to consult all relevant stakeholders before just on Christmas Day, although people were immunity of the country’s population has become a water capacity of 722 million cubic meters. making any decision that will have an Government...... advised to remain within their local areas. a key concern.Attention was also drawn to the Investigations are still underway to confirm impact on the health and safety of citizens. Speaking to The Morning, Prof. “When the virus changes its method of Covid-19 vaccines currently being offered around whether the tremors are occurring due to lime Jayasumana said if the meeting proved attack, we must change our method of defence,” the world, and the manner in which vaccines mining nearby, and some steps will be taken STF raids... successful, the Russian vaccine would be Johnson said at a news conference on Saturday should be administered to the public when they to control lime quarries in Mahaweli lands. available to the state sector even before (19). “Without action, the evidence suggests are approved. The development of a strategic The stock of turmeric, prepared for sale, was the vaccines promised by the World Health infections would soar, hospitals would become plan for vaccination was also discussed. found at the suspect’s house in Mattakkuliya. Organisation (WHO). overwhelmed, and many thousands more would “The efforts put forth by the healthcare The arrestee has been handed over to the “We are negotiating with the Russian lose their lives.” services in Sri Lanka, including the Ministry Mattakkuliya Police for onward investigations. Government to obtain the Sputnik V vaccine. of Health, have been commendable. As the WHO I’ll meet the Russian Ambassador next week Representative, I extend my fullest support to for a decision. They are happy to provide it Silent demonstration... the Government of Sri Lanka in improving the Govt. to... on a government-to-government basis. If it The demonstrators, representing the primary healthcare services and its immunity When contacted by The Morning, the is successful, the vaccine will be available Liberation Movement Sri Lanka, gathered programme,” Dr. Pendse noted. Minister said the Government will take a in the state sector before the WHO vaccines outside the cemetery’s crematorium to tie – Sarah Hannan decision based on the findings of the Expert arrive in the country,” he said. Committee. As he explained, the vaccine would be “The issue will be discussed at the cabinet brought down to the country by the State meeting and a final decision will be made,” Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC), as the he said last evening when asked whether Russian Government is willing to give it Cartoon of the day the Government had identified land to bury to the Sri Lankan Government. Muslims who die of Covid-19. In addition, several other discussions are The Expert Committee was appointed also underway with the involvement of private by the Government to review the decision pharmaceutical companies, and the decision taken to cremate all persons who die due to would be made accordingly, the State Minister Covid-19 complications and to reconsider said, adding that the country had not yet decided the appeal for burial to be allowed for which vaccine would be brought down, and Muslims. Meanwhile, allegations have been the prices of those vaccines. levelled against the Government by various “We are also looking for vaccines to bring Opposition political parties and rights down to the country through the private sector. activists claiming that the Government is Our current focus is on the Moderna and Pfizer violating the rights of Muslims by forcefully vaccines, and the Chinese vaccine. Depending cremating their dead. on the availability, price, and maintenance of – Maheesha Mudugamuwa cold temperature and other facilities, we will decide which vaccine we can bring down as early as possible. It seems the Pfizer one is a Half of... bit difficult, due to the difficulty of maintaining These results had been obtained from a cold storage,” Prof. Jayasumana said. survey that the SLBFE introduced to obtain He added: “We’re in the COVAX programme, information from workers travelling back to and the WHO is providing the vaccine for 20% the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic. of the population. We entered the programme Randeniya further stated that about 50-60 quite early, and hope to get the vaccine through workers are currently leaving the country the WHO’s process.” State Minister Siripala Gamlath visited the Main each day for job opportunities abroad. He reiterated that it was too early to state Dam and Reservoir Operation Centre of the Sri “It is mostly male workers who are leaving exactly which vaccine would be chosen, and Lanka Mahaweli Authority at Polgolla recently to meet the engineers in charge these days, mainly to the Middle East,” the price at which it would be acquired. 3 the morning Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Inflationbusiness up 0.5% from October: Department of Census and Statistics SLT CEO Kiththi Perera SLT Chairman Rohan Fernando The National Consumer reports that the overall rate change in index value saw inflation for the food consumer basket includes SLT among Price Index (NCPI) for of inflation as measured by contributions of 0.34% for group dropped from 10.6% 407 items which represent all items for November the NCPI on a year-on-year food items and 0.13% for in October to 9.4% in the consumption expenditure 2020 was 139.8, (YoY) basis is 5.2% for non-food items, respectively. November, whereas for the of all households in Sri an increase of 0.7 November 2020, down from On YoY basis, non-food group it increased Lanka. The NCPI is being 2020’s ‘10 index points or 0.5% 5.5% in October 2020. contribution of food from 1.5% to 1.7% during released monthly from compared to October, The moving average commodities to inflation this period. October 2015 with a time inflation for November was 4.18% in November The DCS released the lag of 21 days. The NCPI which was 139.1. Most Admired 2020 was reported at 6.3%, 2020 compared to numbers and inflation has adopted new methods The Department of up 0.1% from October. November 2019. rate for November 2020 consistent with international Census and Statistics (DCS) The month-on-month Furthermore, YoY yesterday (21). The national best practices. Companies’ Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) investments in infrastructure, has been recognised among and this recognition is a Increase vehicle the “10 Most Admired reflection of how SLT has been Companies in 2020” at successful in enriching lives.” Mastercard the recent Most Admired The award is hosted by value by taking Company Awards, an annual the International Chamber event. The title was presented of Commerce Sri Lanka to SLT for being a role (ICCSL), Chartered Institute it to authorised model to other organisations of Management Accountants partners and entrepreneurs through (CIMA), and Daily FT. The its financial achievements selection process includes a and contribution to society, survey that requests the public agent: CMTA according to the company. to vote for the companies The Ceylon Motor Traders Commenting on the they admire. The companies Association (CMTA), an with SLTPB award, SLT Chairman Rohan are then evaluated by a panel automotive association with Fernando said: “It is a of judges, who assess the a 100-year history, states z Offers Govt. free access to Tourism privilege for SLT to be named company in terms of financial that vehicle owners should amongst the most successful performance, as well as maintain their vehicles Insights platform and services businesses in the island that their impact on employees, according to manufacturer have showcased excellence customers, investors, and the guidelines in order to increase To support the revival in leadership and integrity. community. the market value, especially of Sri Lanka’s tourism Despite facing unforeseen SLT has successfully laid due to the current import sector, Mastercard challenges this year, SLT out nearly 50,000 km of suspension. The association yesterday (21) announced was able to remain resilient fibre optic networks across is of the view that vehicle that it has entered into and committed to providing the country. SLT has also owners need to exercise great an agreement with the unparalleled connectivity positioned itself as a global care when choosing a service Sri Lanka Tourism solutions to enhance the player by connecting Sri provider for their valuable Promotion Bureau lives of Sri Lanka’s future Lanka to the world through vehicles. (SLTPB), to offer generations.” international submarine cable CMTA Chairman Yasendra Mastercard’s Tourism Meanwhile, SLT Chief systems, through the SEA- Amerasinghe said: “As a Insights platform and Executive Officer (CEO) ME-WE cable consortium. responsible national trade consulting services at no Kiththi Perera stated: “As the SLT, one of Sri Lanka’s association, we are bound to CMTA Chairman Yasendra cost to the Government. national telecommunication blue-chip companies with Amerasinghe protect vehicle owners, which This is part of service provider, we have a an annual turnover in excess is why we urge them to choose some vehicle owners fall prey Mastercard’s ongoing responsibility to deliver the of Rs. 40 billion, is listed only authorised agents. It is to counterfeit spare parts due efforts to assist the best products and services to on the Colombo Stock our responsibility to guide to lower cost of fake spares. Government and our community. We played a Exchange, and the company’s them towards authorised The association states that other stakeholders in Mastercard Country significant role in connecting market capitalisation as at SLTPB Chairperson Kimarli Manager for Sri Lanka and agents who professionally and the misconception among accelerating Sri Lanka’s Fernando the Maldives Rajesh Mani the nation during the Covid-19 15 December topped Rs. 60 responsibly handle all vehicle the public that “the costs at recovery from the global pandemic through continued billion. repairs including accident authorised agents are higher”, health and economic will help the country market. repairs, genuine spare parts is mainly due to the use of crisis caused by the to better understand With the data being replacements, vehicle check- non-genuine spares by non- Covid-19 pandemic. traveller sentiment as updated monthly, ups, and a full package of authorised workshops while Mastercard will well as spending patterns, decision-makers can services under one roof.” authorised agents use only work with the SLTPB enabling Sri Lanka stay abreast of changing McLarens Lubricants The CMTA highly genuine spares. Although the in aligning marketing Tourism to align efforts trends and preferences. recommends vehicle owners immediate cost may be lower efforts and optimising accordingly. Mastercard’s data- to obtain the services of with non-genuine spares, the spends, for greater reach “Gaining in-depth related service introduces anti-wear authorised agents who are well damage to the related parts of and higher return. This insights into travellers’ capability will help the equipped with the combination the vehicle and compromising will support Sri Lanka’s interests and preferences, SLTPB identify the most hydraulic oil of proper software, hardware, the safety of the users are efforts to gain market as well as their valuable and desirable McLarens Lubricants of our industrialists to try technical knowledge, and major issues. share in international spending habits, will tourist segments, top Ltd., the authorised them out as well,” stated skilled workforce. He reiterated that all tourism, increase help strengthen the origination markets, and distributor for Mobil McLarens Lubricants Ltd. Amerasinghe also pointed authorised agents are tourism’s contribution Bureau’s ongoing efforts key opportunities to win Lubricants in Sri Lanka, Director/Chief Executive out that the new-generation monitored for their service to the economy, to revive the tourism market share. recently introduced a new Officer (CEO) Lalith de vehicles are highly advanced standards and they have a and enhance visitor sector. Mastercard will Mastercard will also product, the Mobil DTE Silva. and are equipped with shared vision to provide experience, thereby continue to work with the provide SLTPB with 20 Ultra Series, replacing He further noted that if electronic systems such as affordable and high-quality powering the growth of Government and other dedicated consulting the existing Mobil DTE 20 industries faced any loss of Engine Control Unit (ECU), services. local businesses. related stakeholders to services, which will Series. production due to hydraulic sensors, actuators, electronic Modern vehicles are SLTPB Chairperson leverage the power of help SLTPB in gaining The Mobil DTE 20 oil issues, Mobil will braking system, etc. He added computerised and their faults Kimarli Fernandi stated: technology and digital strategic insights inter Ultra series oils are high- address these through its that mechanics at most non- can be traced by software “The tourism sector payments to help Sri alia identification of performance, anti-wear, qualified technical team. authorised workshops do provided by manufacturers. has always been one of Lanka as a country, key trends as well as hydraulic oils with extended ExxonMobil is among not have proper training and Authorised agents have access the key drivers of the unleash its true potential,” growth opportunities. oil life capabilities. the world’s largest publicly adequate understanding of to these latest and original Sri Lankan economy. said Mastercard Country Mastercard has been According to McLarens, traded international oil and these advanced systems for software that help in vehicle However, the industry is Manager for Sri Lanka actively engaging with these lubricants show 72% gas companies, operates them to properly service such diagnostics whereas non- faced with unprecedented and the Maldives Rajesh the Bureau since 2018 better wear protection, 89% facilities and markets vehicles, whereas global auto authorised workshops do not challenges globally, Mani. on promoting Sri Lanka better deposit control, and products in most countries manufacturers provide direct have access to the original due to the Covid-19 Analysing anonymised as a preferred tourism their oil drain intervals are in the world, and explores training to technicians who are software and tools supplied by pandemic. The SLTPB data around the entire destination across several up to two times longer than oil and gas in six continents. under authorised agents. the manufacturer. Authorised has been working closely consumer travel key source markets. similar competitive oils. McLarens Lubricants, sole “Authorised agents are duly agents use special tools and with the Government and journey, pre to post-trip, In January 2020, Sri “These products are agents for Mobil Lubricants monitored and audited by auto equipment recommended by all other stakeholders on Mastercard’s Tourism Lanka became the first designed to take on the in Sri Lanka and Maldives, manufacturers in their efforts global manufacturers for each accelerating the sector’s Insights Platform offers destination in South extreme requirements of is part of the McLarens to ensure a high-quality service brand. recovery and driving a 360˚ view of the travel Asia to be added to today’s hydraulic systems. Group, with businesses in for their respective brand. Founded in 1920, the CMTA growth.” cycle. This will provide Mastercard’s Priceless Our customers who put areas such as maritime and This monitoring process is is affiliated to the Ceylon She added that under SLTPB with aggregated Cities programme, a list their faith in the Mobil DTE logistics, petroleum and extremely vital in maintaining Chamber of Commerce. the new agreement, Sri and anonymised of destinations that offer 20 Series will have an even energy, manufacturing and the brand reputation and high The members of the CMTA Lanka will now have spending data, paired exclusive experiences better experience with the distribution, property and level of service standard,” said collectively employ and train access to a wealth of with social sharing, “that money can’t Mobil DTE 20 Ultra Series, strategic investment, and Amerasinghe. thousands of Sri Lankan insights and learnings perceptions, sentiments, buy”, in line with the and we’d like to invite more leisure. The CMTA is aware of how citizens. from Mastercard, which and experiences about the Mastercard tagline. 4 the morning INSIGHT/NEWS Tuesday, December 22, 2020 Decoding Sri Lanka’s Fintech Regulatory Sandbox BY IMESHA DISSANAYAKE partner with a CBSL-licensed financial responsibilities at the top of their staff’s difficult to engage in financial activity, Enhancing financial literacy and institution (unless the applicant is a CBSL- existing work, instead of hiring dedicated including the collection of dues from developing financial capability will improve The sandbox concept evolved licensed financial institution), and have a staff. This results in further stretching customers, resulting in increased Non- financial inclusion and increase the adoption from the children’s learning game, solution that is tested in a lab and verified of capacity, and may have a negative Performing Loans (NPLs). of fintech. The National Financial Inclusion vindicating the old “test-and-learn” by an independent third party. impact on other areas of the regulator’s Fintech also has the potential to benefit Survey 2018/19 revealed that about 56% of approach to foster innovation. Applicants will be informed whether responsibilities, such as regulation, underserved individuals and communities, Sri Lankans did not compare interest rates According to the UK Financial they have met the eligibility criteria by the monitoring, and supervision. and improve financial inclusion in the with other providers, and did not appreciate Conduct Authority (FCA), sandboxes CBSL within 15 working days of submitting There is a growing tendency for financial country. Serving the rural area in Sri Lanka the need to do so, proving the need for are a safe space in which individuals the application. After this, the Financial services or products being interlinked will also increase the potential customer financial literacy. can test innovative products, Technology Advancement Committee with various sectors, such as insurance base for the fintech industry. Therefore, both Lack of digital inclusion services, business models, and (FTAC), headed by a CBSL Deputy and telecommunication. Therefore, fintech and financial inclusion go hand in Digital inclusion encompasses digital Governor, will approve it within another establishment of a regulatory sandbox by hand. The potential to expand on financial skills, connectivity, and accessibility. delivery mechanisms in a controlled 30 working days. In a situation where the one authority, as opposed to multiple, may inclusion is considerable – the National Improving this will increase the adoption of environment. application is rejected, the applicant is disadvantage innovators in other areas such Financial Inclusion Survey 2018/19 fintech, enhance digital financial inclusion, There are many types of sandboxes eligible to re-apply after a cooling period of as insurance. A co-ordination mechanism highlighted that despite a high level of and aid to close the digital divide in the available globally, with one being the six months, and after meeting criteria. can remedy such situations by benefitting all bank account ownership among both men country. regulatory sandbox. A regulatory sandbox, On entry to the sandbox, relaxations of interlinked sectors. and women in Sri Lanka, the use of formal apart from its functions as a sandbox, is required regulation issued by the CBSL’s financial products remains low. Is the regulatory sandbox the also a mechanism where the regulator is Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and Where does Sri Lanka stand with However, fintech and financial inclusion right model for Sri Lanka? able to identify regulatory barriers that relaxations in the Customer Due Diligence fintech and financial inclusion? have seen slow growth, for which the A regulatory sandbox is important for the hinder innovation. The UK’s FCA was the (CDD) rules come into effect, but only until Although it is still at a very early stage, causes, identified through industry country, since it will identify impending first to introduce a regulatory sandbox in the testing period is over. However, CBSL fintech has much potential to grow in interviews and research, are highlighted as regulatory barriers, and foster innovation 2016, followed by other countries such as may relax a regulation that is hindering the Sri Lanka, with a few fintech initiatives follows. in digital financial services. It can also Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Jordan, and product from being released to the market, emerging successful, while others have support financial inclusion through the Australia. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka based on the progress and success of the failed, owing to either the market not being Lack of a customer identification sandbox’s role in harnessing innovation. (CBSL) also launched a regulatory sandbox product/solution while in the sandbox. In a ready to embrace the technology, or due to mechanism However, in our discussion with various on 17 February 2020, with a focus on the situation where a product successfully exits regulatory barriers. Therefore, Sri Lanka’s Financial services require accurate industry stakeholders, it was emphasised country’s fintech industry. the sandbox and enters an undefined area, regulatory sandbox was established with identification of customers to detect that the lack of awareness on the benefits Financial technology then the introduction of new regulations a focus to develop the fintech industry by fraud. The inability to verify prospective of the regulatory sandbox deters the (abbreviated to fintech) is the integration would be seen. bringing in technologies that the market is clients often leads to financial exclusion, industry from reaping the sandbox’s full of technology to financial services offered. ready to embrace, and to identify existing and therefore, customer identification potential. Therefore, carrying out awareness However, Sri Lanka is at a very early stage Benefits of a sandbox laws that hinder the development of such mechanisms such as e-KYC (Know Your campaigns on the regulatory sandbox and of fintech development in comparison Acceptance into a regulatory sandbox technologies; since fintech can offer many Customer) and Digital ID become a key its benefits is imperative for its successful to other Asian countries such as India, increases an applicant’s credibility with benefits to the country, including moving area in promoting financial inclusion. implementation. Singapore, and Malaysia. The introduced both their customers and investors. It towards a less-cash society, and improving Impediments in the regulatory and legal Furthermore, a regulatory sandbox is Fintech Regulatory Sandbox will provide can potentially convince investors who financial inclusion. environment not the only solution, but part of a toolset an opportunity for fintechs to engage in live have been reluctant to invest earlier, in The Global Startup Ecosystem Report Supportive regulations and legislations available to the regulator, to facilitate experiments, and facilitate a test-and-learn the context that they are working on 2020 (GSER 2020) also recognised fintech will encourage digital financial innovations, innovation. A few other tools used by approach without infringing regulatory both regulatory obligations and product as a sector with strong potential to grow as well as increase trust among consumers, regulators around the globe to support requirements, since focusing on regulatory innovations. in Sri Lanka. This was owing to initiatives while complementing financial inclusion. the development of fintech, and also to compliance can drain capital before Innovators also get the opportunity to such as the regulatory sandbox, the launch The recently launched Fintech Regulatory improve the financial sector, are thematic realising whether an idea could work and be work with regulators, while customers get of HatchX – a fintech accelerator – and Sandbox aims to address this concern by sandboxes, innovation hubs, and regulatory scaled up. better protection, since products are tested in other noteworthy start-ups, such as Payhere working with innovators, and fostering accelerators, or regtech labs. a controlled environment. Regulators, on the and Helios, present in the ecosystem. greater visibility into new innovations to (The author is a Research Associate How does our Fintech Regulatory other hand, have greater visibility into new Fintech enhances the services offered to develop supportive regulatory policies. attached to the Economic Intelligence Unit Sandbox work? innovations, and will be able to implement consumers, lowers cost, provides ease and Lack of co-ordination and communication of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. This The CBSL Fintech Regulatory Sandbox more focused policies. convenience, saves time and effort, and among various stakeholders article is part of the Strategic Insight Series can be utilised by both foreign and local fights fraud by leveraging information about Collaboration between different that focuses on key contemporary topics players in a situation where there is an Factors to consider for Sri Lanka payment history to flag transactions that are organisations is imperative, rather than that matter to the private sector based on absence of similar services or technologies According to research by the outside accepted standards. having individual organisations working key informant interviews and secondary in the domestic financial market. This is on Consultative Group to Assist the Poor Pandemics such as Covid-19 are also in silos. This will enable fast and coherent research. Topics such as renewable energy, a roll-over basis where applicants will be (CGAP), a regulatory sandbox requires testimony that adoption of fintech is digital interventions in the financial sector, REITs [real estate investment trusts], accepted to the sandbox on a continuous adequate resources (staff and funding) to imperative for the country’s growth. Not as well as improve financial inclusion in the online payments, and the global sulphur basis, rather than on a group basis (cohorts). operate. However, CGAP has observed only are people’s movements restricted, country. cap, amongst others, have been covered by To enter the sandbox, an applicant should that oftentimes, regulators put sandbox but companies and institutions find it more Low levels of financial literacy the briefs to date) Allianz relocates Galle and Matara branches

EO members donating lunch packs to CMC staff who are directly engaged in the frontline performing PCR tests and Covid-19 prevention activities Entrepreneurs’ Organisation

Allianz Insurance Lanka Ltd. Director/CEO Gany Subramaniam, Allianz Life Insurance Lanka Ltd. CEO Jayalal Hewawasam, Allianz Insurance Lanka spearheads Ltd. Chief Sales Officer – National Dennis Hewagama, and other Allianz Lanka representatives at the ceremonial opening of the Galle (left) and Matara (right) branches Allianz Insurance Officer (CEO) Gany Our investments, be future by offering high- members and other Lanka Ltd. (Allianz Subramaniam said: it in expanding and quality products, simple key stakeholders at the food drive Lanka) unveiled its new “The launch of our revamping our branch solutions, and reliable ceremonial openings of The Sri Lanka EO SL members have join the network, more Galle and Matara branch new offices in Galle network or in training care,” he added. the two offices. Chapter of the global been documenting their so amidst a global offices recently, as a part and Matara are a part and supporting our Subramaniam, Allianz Allianz Insurance Entrepreneurs’ interactions on social pandemic when normal of its ongoing branch of our ongoing efforts teams through these Life Insurance Lanka Lanka and Allianz Life Organisation (EO SL) media to inspire more rules of business may not network transformation. to equip our teams uncertain times, reflect Ltd. CEO Jayalal Insurance Lanka, known announced the launch of people to do the same. always apply. EO offers Commenting on with the best tools and our commitment to Hewawasam, and Chief together as Allianz its #EOsaysnotohunger Apart from this food advantages to members this, Allianz Insurance resources, to offer the the market. We will Sales Officer Dennis Lanka, are fully owned and #EOSLfeedtheneed drive, EO SL is also such as gaining support Lanka Ltd. Director/ highest levels of service continue to work Hewagama joined subsidiaries of Allianz Food Drive to provide extending the support and encouragement from Chief Executive to our customers. towards securing their Allianz Lanka team SE, Germany. relief to people struggling and guidance of other the world’s top experts. to feed their families due successful entrepreneurs EO is a support network to the pandemic. for its members to rethink of over 14,000 like- Members of EO their strategies and goals minded leaders across 61 SL and their families despite challenges posed countries. Recognised Vivo celebrates end of 2020 have been reaching by the pandemic. Since for being “the ultimate With the year approaching MP macro camera, and 2 MP 44 MP eye autofocus powered night scenes, and city night out to vulnerable and EO is a non-profit, all toolbox for entrepreneurs” its end, Vivo Sri Lanka bokeh camera. Vivo V19 is by an intelligent AF tracking filters and night portraits. marginalised segments of dues are channelled by Forbes magazine, recalls 2020 in which it has designed with a 32 MP plus 8 technology. It has a 64 MP The V20 SE flaunts a 32 society by donating food towards enhancing EO has been helping introduced its new V Series. MP dual front camera. main camera and 8 MP MP super night selfie camera and distributing essential member experience. entrepreneurs achieve Launched this year, the This year, the new V20 multi-function camera and with aura screen kight to supplies, especially in EO SL is now inviting transformational growth Vivo V19 features a 48 MP flagship series was the latest 2 MP mono camera. It also capture photos even at night. areas under isolation. more entrepreneurs to since 1987. AI quad rear camera, 8 MP milestone in Vivo’s history. supports ultra-night mode for Vivo came into Sri Lanka in ultra wide-angle camera, 2 Vivo V20 carries a stunning tripod shooting, wide-angle 2017. 5 the morning Tuesday, December 22, 2020 brunch Cyber Gender-Based Violence Breaking the silence to end the stigma A webinar with Paba Deshapriya of the Grassrooted Trust

BY NAVEED ROZAIS this mentality because of reporting to the Police, the unprecedented access these victims are often The Sri Lanka we have to the internet and re-victimised and shamed. Development Journalist information, making cyber Deshapriya advised women Forum (SDJF) recently GBV a huge concern. reporting cybercrimes to held the fifth edition of go to the Police with a their Media 4 Everyone Defining cyber GBV lawyer who understands the series, titled “Cyber Cyber GBV takes many problem and can advocate Gender-Based Violence: forms; from the innocuous on their behalf. For issues A ‘Silent Epidemic’ faced “jokes” and sexist comments of a more technical nature, by Women and Girls in Sri made on women’s profiles, Deshapriya recommended Lanka?”, speaking with to pages encouraging approaching the Sri Lanka Grassrooted Trust Director sexual violence and the Computer Emergency Romaine Willis takes the stage alongside her band Flame Paba Deshapriya on what objectification of young girls. Readiness Team (SLCERT), Cyber GBV can escalate who can assist in removing PHOTOS SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA constitutes cyber Gender- Based Violence (GBV), to girls being impersonated content that has been put what it stems from, and how online, stalking, and personal online, and help women we can address it. images shared in confidence protect their privacy better. Paba Deshapriya is a being leaked, typically at the Deshapriya also lawyer and activist, who, end of a relationship by a advised women to contact through her work with The partner seeking revenge. the Grassrooted Trust, who Grassrooted Trust, has been Deshapriya explained are able to help in many Eat, drink, play working to set up and provide that cyber GBV, particularly instances with getting safe spaces for marginalised when it comes to the end compromising content communities, both online and of a relationship, stems removed, and can act as an Hilton launches all-day club ‘Sunset Blu’ offline. Deshapriya is also from the imbalanced power intermediary with helping an activist who advocates relationships between men report cybercrime, and and women created by support through free legal The club also boasts a lounge by the entrance, where for education reform around BY VENESSA ANTHONY patriarchal norms, and the consultation. snooker table, a foosball table, there’s also the beds and deck sexuality and relationship education in Sri Lanka. “I own you attitude” of Sunset Blu, Hilton Colombo’s latest venture, launched a dartboard, and many more chairs by the pool; if you want entitlement that many men Moving forward on 17 December. Situated at the Hilton poolside, games, so you stay entertained more of a relaxed atmosphere, The context of GBV have with their partners. Deshapriya shared that it’s the ideal location for this club, with the high-rise while enjoying your food you can choose to sit by the understanding, respecting, and drinks. The massive game room – wherever you and cyber GBV The internet is not and not being judgemental buildings, the waterfront, and the gorgeous sunset TVs lining the walls of the choose, you are promised Deshapriya spoke that paints the sky in magnificent hues. This new the problem of survivors of GBV is establishment allow you to comfort and amicable service. on the nature of GBV, crucial – victims should “all-day club”, with the tagline “Eat, Drink, Play”, will catch the current game that’s explaining that GBV is Deshapriya shared that be open from 11 a.m. to 1 often, society, and parents never be shamed. happening live, while enjoying Read more about the violence based on the Deshapriya stressed a.m. the night with friends and club and our coverage of victim’s gender identity. especially, tend to demonise the internet and try to control that an overall behavioural Sunset Blue features an family. the launch in The Sunday GBV has always been change is needed to fight The club is constructed to an issue in Sri Lanka, and their children’s access to exquisite menu, where you Morning Brunch this computers and the internet, GBV. She recommended can choose from a range of feature a 360-degree concept. Deshapriya explained mixing traditional media On one side, you get the weekend (27). that now information and as opposed to having open oven-fresh pizzas, soups, conversations rooted in with online media to build grills, whatever you desire. technology allow us to talk awareness among larger about and understand it as a empathy, trust, and consent. The drinks menu is no simple The internet’s groups of people on how to affair either; Sunset Blu’s very form of human behaviour, and think and perceive women. work towards correcting it. amplification of GBV, and own mixologist has curated a the fact that it can completely On a national level, variety of cocktails using local Cyber GBV is violence Deshapriya shared that the that takes place online, and humiliate a woman through spirits to suit local taste buds. compromising images of Government needs to look Deshapriya stressed it is at education to facilitate important to understand herself being shared online, added with how women changing the way we think, that. While it doesn’t occur adding that educational physically, legally, or are perceived in online spaces and in real life, can reforms being developed technically, there is not much should take into account difference between physical make the impact of cyber GBV especially dangerous ideas like teaching children and cyber GBV – it is simply the autonomy of their bodies, another manifestation of endangering their careers and mental health, sometimes to their lives, and their thoughts. GBV. Like with physical The webinar “Cyber GBV, cyber GBV stems from the point of taking their own lives. Gender-Based Violence: patriarchal values, systems, A ‘Silent Epidemic’ faced and institutions, and an Seeking redress by Women and Girls in Sri inherent need to dehumanise Only about 15% of Lanka?” can be viewed in and put down women. cyber GBV victims report its entirety on the SDJF The internet amplifies violence. Especially when Facebook page . English Cake Company hosts Mini Christmas Market A collection of small businesses and artisans coming together profiteroles. All these and more will be available for sampling and purchase. BY NAVEED ROZAIS completely stopped using plastics in season,” Galapitage said. This year’s “We are taking all health and their packaging, focusing instead on Mini Christmas Market features a safety precautions and encouraging The English Cake Company, recyclable materials. small selection of vendors, including one-metre distancing at the Mini one of Colombo’s best-loved small In this spirit of community and Italian gelato company Love Gelato, Christmas Market,” Galpitage said, bakeries, is hosting a mini-Christmas growth, The English Cake Company Shop Slow-Thrift Store with a adding: “We want to encourage our market on 23 and 24 December, both is hosting a pop-up market this selection of discounted clothes and customers to come and spend, and in honour of the season, and in support Christmas season to give small footwear, art by independent artist support small vendors. Many of these of small businesses and creators. businesses they know and work with Aruni Wijegunawardena, kochchi vendors are usually part of larger A small business itself, launched a chance to connect with customers in spreads and Christmas sweeties by markets at Christmas time, which are at the Good Market in Battaramulla an already uncertain time. Foodthopia, as well as a selection of not happening this year.” in 2012, The English Cake Company The Morning Brunch spoke to handmade chocolates.” Galpitage, also spoke on the mid- – led by Founder Yohan Galapitage Founder Yohan Galpitage, who shared Galapitage also shared that pandemic Christmas season from The with his wife Allie, who is the creator that this was not the first time The firework brand Alidon might be English Cake Company’s perspective, behind their famous cakes – hold English Cake Company has hosted selling sparklers and a small selection sharing that The English Cake working with small businesses very this pop-up market, having done so of fireworks at the market, but that this Company is approaching this season close to its heart. Since its inception, last year as well, with a small selection was as yet unconfirmed. with the same enthusiasm they always The English Cake Company has of vendors showcasing their wares The English Cake Company will have for Christmas, and that so far this worked with small businesses, in the outdoor courtyard at the The also be selling their usual range of season has been busier than normal. sourcing items and ingredients from English Cake Company’s premises in baked goods, as well as their signature Galapitage attributed this to the fact small local businesses that produce Colombo 5. Christmas items based on traditional that many of his customers haven’t left all-natural products. The English “It’s an opportunity for our recipes, including Christmas puddings, the country this Christmas season and Cake Company also always tries to vendors, because The English Christmas cake, mince pies, shaped are celebrating at home, and placing be environmentally friendly, and has Cake Company gets a lot of walk- ginger biscuits, Breudher, and their orders early in case there are curfews in customers during the Christmas famous “croquembouche”, a tower of implemented closer to Christmas. 6 the morning FOOD Tuesday, December 22, 2020

are the latest trend. Christmas is flavours to combine and different Platter Parties all about exchanging gifts and platters to put together. We are the sweets, so I thought to myself first to offer platters of different ‘all these years I’ve been doing cuisines such as Mexican, Indian, only Christmas cupcakes or cakes Lankan, and Thai.” or cookies; why not combine She added how the pandemic all in one box that someone can affected their business in a positive purchase?’” light. “We love creating grazing Nazrun described how the tables and that is what we miss pandemic affected her business. the most since we cannot go into “The Covid pandemic is, of course, residences or offices anymore. a real stick in the mud for most The pandemic has however given businesses, and I’m no exception. us more time to create menus and But considering the first pandemic discuss business goals.” wave, this time I’m more prepared. She encouraged people to try I would say business is not as their new flavours and move out of brisk as last year but all things their comfort zones to get the best Platter Parties, run by Shenika considered, I’m happy with the experiences. De Livera and Keahra Mudalige, Christmas focuses on sourcing distinctive and orders I have. The first pandemic was pretty bad but this time I @platterplease_ quality products that are fresh and ensured I had all ingredients in stored at the right temperatures stock. I also ensured I had all boxes Platters by Suzy to maintain the superiority of the on a platter and equipment bought early so that cheeses, charcuterie (cured meats), any order I can do on short notice. exotic accompaniments, and finger I even bought another fridge just to food. They talked about their most store my goods.” popular platters. “Our most popular She told us that this is the platter is our Bellissimo cheese and perfect gift box to give to your charcuterie platter but we have also loved ones as it’s all decorated in come up with a festive menu with seasonal decor. “Getting it as a different options based mainly on gift for Christmas will be pretty various combinations which are special. Normally when you place doing well.” an order with a baker, you need to Their festive menu features order a minimum of half a dozen or four signature platters: The Ultimate a dozen of one particular sweet, but Holiday board which offers a with my boxes, you get a variety of combination of cheese and meats, all delectable sweets.” the Cheerful Cheese board which Who wouldn’t love getting features five varieties of cheese, a a complete box of all Christmas savoury platter, the Happy to Meat baked goods for Christmas or New board which features five varieties Year? of meats plus a pate spread that’s quite a hit, and the Christmas Cheer @scrumptious_cups_nazrun Cheese Log which is a flavourful BY VENESSA ANTHONY Susan Brohier, the owner of cream cheese dip served with Platters by Suzy, has two festive It’s Christmas season and Platters by HS crackers. “As an added food safety treat boxes lined up for the season. precaution, all fresh produce and what better way to show your She specialises in her hamper equipment are disinfected with love and appreciation for boxes with jars of the richest chemical-free Kangen water which your friends and family than chocolate biscuit puddings you’d is certified to remove preservatives, gifting them with a delicious ever taste! Her signature flavours pesticides, and 99.9% of bacteria on platter of food? The Morning are almond, mint, Bailey’s Irish contact.” Brunch compiled a list of home Cream, rum, brandy, butterscotch, They also spoke about their dark chocolate, espresso, and bakers that curate not only the creative concept behind their whipped cream, each made with platters. “There are no limits to most mouthwatering platters innovative creativity and an and boxes, but also the best getting creative with a platter or interesting infusion of flavours. grazing table. We once used an looking, made especially for Brohier explained why she the festive season. antique rickshaw as the base for chose chocolate biscuit pudding to a grazing table. It was not pre- add to her gift boxes. “Chocolate are in taste and texture. Food is a cookies, strawberries in chocolate, planned. We spotted the rickshaw, Platters Inc. biscuit pudding has been done over shared the idea with the client who visual experience and we wanted to shortbread cookies, cakesicles, the years so I wanted to give it a Platters Inc. offers a cold meat Platters by HS has a grand loved the idea. produce a Christmas-themed platter macarons, mini cakes, profiteroles, twist and infuse it with different and cheese platter in a Christmas range of platters available for the “Creating a platter is a piece of that appealed to people’s nostalgia eclairs, marshmallows, brownies, flavours, in different shapes and tree or wreath for arrangement. season! The most festive platter art. We start with the notion of in Christmas trees and wreaths, Christmas chocolate bark, and in jars, quite in contrast to the The ingredients are based on the is the Mega Christmas platter, creating a vibrant and colourful hence we did arrangements in handmade chocolates depending conventional chocolate biscuit standard items that they offer containing roasted vegetables, abundance of gourmet delights the shape of Christmas trees on what the client’s aesthetic and pudding.” on their menu, which are not lemon roasted whole chicken with keeping in mind that presentation and wreaths in keeping with the budget are. Aside from these boxes, Brohier commonly found everywhere. a juicy citrus tang to it, along with is an important factor while serving seasonal theme.” also curates platters with fruit, They highlighted that the best fact special creamy mashed potatoes, food. We work with colour, texture, She added: “We have felt veggies, cheese, nuts, dips, about their business is the amazing finished with iced Christmas and form to ensure the food on the the impact in limited orders. The crackers, ham, salami, and an value for money you get. cookies, fruit cake, and butter cake. platter/grazing table looks great and restrictions placed in different addition of turkey breast slices The talented husband and Himashi Sandeepani appetizing and will be remembered parts of the city limits our ability for the season. She adds colourful wife duo, Sanjaya Sahabandu and Weerasinghe, the lady behind long after.” to serve our customers. This presentations into her platters, Amali Peiris run this page full of Platters by HS, explained why They explained how they dealt saw a clear reduction in orders. without compromising on quality delicious goodies. They talked they decided to curate a whole with the new normal. “This season However, we are seeing a gradual and hygiene. about how they got into curating savoury meal on a platter. “We has been quite different as expected. increase with more parts of the city She also credits the pandemic platters. “Food is a passion for us were initially considering a sweet With more cosy gatherings taking being opened up, which is indeed for the growth in her business. “It and our love of entertaining friends platter but then we saw many small place at home we decided to focus encouraging.” was the pandemic that drove me and family with food platters over businesses already going at it. So on convenience for our clients by into doing the platters and dessert. the years finally nudged us to @platters.inc we decided on a culinary twist by offering a variety of platters as a I thank my God for using the go into this venture we so love. adding in new and unique flavours one-stop solution. At Platter Parties, pandemic to bring out the hidden Every platter we put out is with the to create our platters.” we have always talked about ease Fathima Nazrun talent in me. I just started this as a utmost joy and passion to make She explained what makes her and convenience when entertaining platters unique. “Our platters take hobby when the country first went people feel better and enjoy the Nazrun has a gorgeous She spoke to us on how these at home. With the current pandemic more thought and effort and careful into a lockdown and now I find it same comfort food we all love.” curation of sweets that will boxes came to be. “I created the situation, we go beyond client curation. We live by the motto that growing.” Peiris explained how their satisfy any chocoholic out there. festival goodie box, especially expectations to offer just that.” Her goodie boxes can comprise no two platters can be the same. seasonal platters came to be. with seasonal decor as it’s perfect @platters_by_suzy We constantly research different @platterparties “Platters are just as visual as they cupcakes, decorated sugar for gift-giving. Now goodie boxes

The Bayleaf promotes a special seasonal pastries and desserts. menu from 1-23 December, and a The Colombo Fort Cafe is offering a Christmas menu with Italian specials revised menu from 21-31 December and all the trimmings from 24-30 with traditional seasonal specials, December, with a New Year’s Eve including roasted apple salad with Specials menu. Its Wine & Tea room, spicy maple-cider vinaigrette for Harpo’s three private rooms, and garden starters; roast turkey with cranberry offer unique dining options to enjoy sauce, glazed ham with an orange, Harpo’s cafés and restaurants with family while maintaining social grapefruit, and honey sauce, and will mark this festive season under distancing. The Park Street Mews apple walnut-stuffed pork roast for celebrates the theme “Home for Christmas”, restaurant offers a new menu from main dishes; and of course, Christmas focusing on enjoying at home with 1-23 December and a Christmas pudding for dessert, among many loved ones, owing to the current menu from 24-30 December, with other dishes to savour. The daily situation with Covid-19, and also to honey-glazed ham served with brown Happy Hour between 5-8 p.m. offers the season feel at home at Harpo’s restaurants. onion sausage gravy and braised special deals on beverages in the The franchise conducted its 15th apple puree, maple butter roast turkey rustic ambience of the Dutch Hospital annual charity project for the children with traditional accompaniments, Complex this season. of the Community Concern Centre, herb potato and cranberry sauce, and Meanwhile, Harpo’s Pizza & Pasta Dehiwala. many more, along with traditional has three unique festive pizzas on However, instead of the annual Christmas pudding for dessert; and a offer: honey-glazed pork ham and “Home for Christmas” Christmas party, essential food Special New Year’s Eve menu on 31 pineapple pizza, roast chicken and packs were given to 65 kids and December. cranberry pizza, and pulled pork their families on 8 December at the The Curve Tapas bar will with BBQ sauce pizza. Harpo’s Community Concern Centre. continue offering a selection of festive retail range can be enjoyed for home Festive catering menus are cocktails and beverages and festive cooking Italian specials, with a fresh offered from The Bayleaf restaurant, tapas to enjoy with live entertainment homemade pasta range, sauces, and the Park Street Mews restaurant, and from Thursday to Saturday. frozen pizzas and ravioli – available from Commons Coffee House, with a The Commons Coffee House at leading supermarkets, or from choice of lunch, dinner, and cocktail has a month-long programme that Harpo’s Pizza, Ethul Kotte. menus for a minimum of 10 pax, with includes a kids activity, the delightful All restaurants adhere to health western and seasonal specials along Commons festive coffees it’s so and safety guidelines to ensure with the ever-popular Rotti Cart from famous for, a turkey menu with all its all a safe dining experience, and Commons to enjoy with the family at variations till 25 December, and of reservations are requested for all home. course, the dessert cupboard with the diners. Celebrating the festive season, the morning 7 Tuesday, December 22, 2020 SPORTS Is the ‘Summer of 36’ Indian cricket’s lowest point?

Upon their return from the disastrous Test series in England in 1974, Captain Ajit Wadekar found himself axed from the West Zone team, and he never played for India again

In June 1974, India The visitors were shot out for On Saturday in Adelaide, India’s What were the fallouts of Bat, which was erected after India’s What was India’s previous were bowled out for 42 36 in the second innings against second innings didn’t have a single the ‘Summer of 42’? first-ever Test series wins in the West lowest in Australia? in the second innings Australia. double-digit score. India’s tour of England in 1974 had Indies and England in 1971. Tiger India’s previous lowest Test against England at Lord’s, descended into chaos after the Lord’s Pataudi returned to lead the Indian total in Australia was 58 all out at reminisced The Indian Is this India’s lowest What are the other lows? debacle. Then India Captain Ajit team in the following home series Brisbane in 1947. Five years later Express yesterday (21), Test score? As statistician Mohandas Menon Wadekar had described the dressing against the West Indies, in which in Manchester, India were again perceiving the outcomes and Theoretically, yes. The Board put it on Twitter, India slumping to room atmosphere as “funeral-like”. India fought well but went down 2-3. bowled out for 58 against England. indications – comparing their of Control for Cricket in India 19/6 was a new low. They’ve never In the aftermath, the Indian team (BCCI) scorecard shows 36/9, had such a collapse in their Test was asked to leave from the High Anything common between Will BCCI take note? observations to history – of ’42 and ’36? India’s dismissal last week to with Mohammed Shami retired history, as India’s previous low was Commissioner’s place, where they Of course, the BCCI will take hurt. Leaving aside technicalities, 25/6 against South Africa in the had gone for dinner. Sunil Gavaskar India’s weakens against pace in note. This is the first Test of a four- their lowest-ever Test score, however, the innings ended on 36. second innings in Durban in 1996. has narrated the whole incident in his seaming conditions. At Lord’s in match series and the BCCI usually against Australia. So, this will be India’s lowest-ever India were dismissed for 66 then. book Sunny Days. 1974, two England pacers, Chris makes an assessment only after It continued thus: Test total. Opener Sudhir Naik was accused Old and Geoff Arnold, shared nine the series is over. So, a knee-jerk That innings had one double-digit Is this the lowest Test total of shoplifting. There had been reports wickets between them, with Old reaction is unlikely. However, it is score; Eknath Solkar making 18 not What was the by any team? of dressing room discord. India were taking 5/21 and Arnold claiming learnt that BCCI President Sourav out. On Saturday (19) in Adelaide, previous lowest? No. New Zealand were all out clean-swept in the three-Test series 4/19. On Saturday at the Adelaide Ganguly may have a conversation India’s second innings didn’t have a In June 1974, India were bowled for 26 against England at Auckland and upon their return, Wadekar found Oval, Aussie fast bowlers Pat with the team management after single double-digit score. out for 42 in the second innings in 1955. That remains the lowest. himself axed from the West Zone Cummins and Josh Hazlewood the Test. India will be without Virat Finally, after 46 years, India against England at Lord’s. That India’s 36 all out on Saturday is the team, and never played for India accounted for nine Indian wickets. Kohli for the next three Tests, as “buried the ghost” of 42, slumping innings had one double-digit score; lowest innings total in Tests since again. Hazlewood had 5/8 and Cummins the Captain is returning home on to a new low at the Adelaide Oval. Eknath Solkar making 18 not out. 1955. In Indore, fans defaced the Victory 4/21. paternity leave.

The ‘core base’, according to Ranjan Madugalle z Analysis of Ranjan ‘The core base’ Madugalle’s rare INTERCEPTION It doesn’t happen overnight. It cannot, by Malinda indeed, happen overnight. It takes a lot opinion continues... of thought. A lot of practice. A lot of Seneviratne adjustment. You probably get beaten many This is the third part of a series of times until you get it sorted out. There will articles on the elusive Ranjan Madugalle. also be moments when you “drop your Elusive, because the man, citing contractual That’s probably not what Ranjan was guard” and have your wickets scrambled. constraint, declines interviews. Maybe talking about. “Just like a batsman who No one is perfect. No one is a god or he just does his thing, that’s possible too. has a proper stance.” Of course we have goddess. However, this side of divinity, Anyway, this one is about what he had to cricketers like Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the search for perfection, demands that say about “self”. whose stance few coaches would you have a set of core operative principles, “Advice for young people?” That’s the encourage youngsters to adopt. We have if you want to put it that way. If your question he was asked. The answer had the occasional Paul Adams with weird platform is shaky, you are likely to wobble. several parts. This one went like this: bowling action. Then we have the Sanath Try facing Murali in his prime while “Understand your own culture, your beliefs, Jayasuriyas, who revolutionised the wobbling! and values. Build your own core base, just approach to particular formats. And of Now if you take 100 batsmen, most of like a batsman who has a proper stance.” course, Dilshans, inventing new strokes. them would have the same “stance”, give He’s said a lot here. It could be translated That said, the vast majority sooner or later or take slight deviations. That’s where the in several ways. Know who you are, is revert to the tried and tested. analogy stops. A “core base” is about a one. Get your fundamentals right – that’s lot of things, stance or bowling action in something he said addressing the assembly Not reinventing the wheel cricket, ball-handling skills in basketball, at his alma mater almost 40 years ago; Cultures, especially those with long or choice of opening in chess, being just especially when you hit a rut, he explained histories, are resilient partly because one element in a wide range of elements at the time. He was stressing on values and they’ve figured out a “core base” that that need to be perfected. They all add up used cricketing metaphors to elaborate: suits the lands and the times, so to speak. to making “the core base”. “When I have a run of poor scores, I get The sathara brahma viharana for example, People do acquire something akin to a back to the fundamentals — my stance, my is at once a foundation for engagement set of core principles or weapons, perhaps back-lift.” and a coping mechanism in moments of unconsciously, but I feel that those who adversity. Does this mean, however, that consciously develop such things have an Drawing from culture Ranjan Madugalle plays an all it takes is to be (for example) a good edge. I don’t have the stats on this, but I Culture, beliefs, and values, we all have. elegant slash drive in a 1987 student of the particular doctrinal test? feel that those who are as diligent about World Cup match against It’s a good place to begin figuring out who West Indies in Kanpur I don’t think Ranjan is saying that. getting their “core base” sorted as they are we are and what is truly important to us. He probably means, “know your culture about line-and-length, for instance, are Reflecting on such things gives perspective; so you can draw from it what you need more likely to reach potential and more. it hones purpose; yields the “larger the particular player goes beyond going wear pirith noola. There are innumerable without reinventing the wheel; but it’s Core base. Something to think about. picture”. A lot of sporting personalities do through the motions and symbolisms. We talismans. There are good-luck charms up to you to forge an identity-core, an The writer can be reached on draw something from culture and belief see people making the sign of the cross. and elaborate rituals before facing every ‘essence’ of who you are and what works [email protected] or www. systems. We’ve seen indications and maybe Some look towards the “heavens”. Some delivery. best for you.” malindawords.blogspot.com England coaching staff named for SL Hamilton lost 4 kg England named the after testing positive following seven- Formula One world champion member coaching staff Lewis Hamilton has said he lost 4 for their Test tour of kg (8.8 lb) after contracting the Sri Lanka in January. coronavirus. Hamilton had to miss They are: Head Coach the Sakir Grand Prix in Bahrain Chris Silverwood, Assi. this month after testing positive Coach Paul Collingwood, for Covid-19. He posted pictures of Wicketkeeper himself at the gym on Instagram, Consultant James hours after being named 2020 BBC Foster, Fielding Coach Sports Personality of the Year on Carl Hopkinson, Batting Sunday (20). “I’ve lost 6 kg over the Coach Jacques Kallis, past two months – four of which Bowling Coach Jon when I got Covid,” said the 35-year- Lewis, and Spin Bowling old, adding: “No pain, no gain”, BBC Consultant Jeetan Patel. reported yesterday (21).

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

BYsports REVATHA S. SILVA and very good. But it could not have been the most ideal preparation for Playing league cricket on the Test series. You cannot replicate batting wickets was “not the Test cricket in a T20 league. But most ideal” preparation he it was good to have some sort of could have preferred before competitive cricket before the start the important South Africa of the Tests. We need to prepare Test series, Sri Lanka Head ourselves as best as we possibly ‘Not the ideal could,” he opined. Coach Mickey Arthur told the media at a briefing held “LPL will be held next year as via live video-conferencing well, despite 2021 being busier with all the postponed series (this year) yesterday (21). being rescheduled for next year.” “I would have liked a different kind of preparation; but we had Very limited preparation three training camps to prepare “Centurion will be grassy, yet ourselves for the series. Anyway, preparation’ there is uneven bounce from the we tried to prepare as sharp as we third and fourth day’s play. You’d can,” Arthur told the media from like to bowl first if you have won South Africa in this first Sri Lanka the toss, but batting second will be Cricket (SLC)-organised virtual also tough there,” Arthur said about media briefing. the Centurion wicket. In their preparation for the South Mickey Arthur Sri Lanka’s only practice game Africa Tests, the 22-member Sri too was cancelled on Sunday (20), Lanka squad trained for many days reportedly owing to the pandemic on the grassy and bouncy wickets situation there. Arthur, therefore, at the upcountry Raddella Grounds. accepted it was very limited Then most of the players went preparation for the two important to Hambantota to take part in the Tests. Lanka Premier League (LPL), the “We will have our training at the inaugural T20 franchise league grounds tomorrow (Wednesday), organised by SLC. It was held for Thursday, and Friday. I would have three weeks until 16 December, liked a different way of preparation with a mere two days to go for their anyway,” admitted Arthur. departure to South Africa. “The players these days should On the England series in be good enough to shift their game January from one format to another,” Arthur Asked about the two Tests against added. England in January, Arthur said every series was “very important” Bio-bubble in South Africa for Sri Lanka. When The Morning Sports “England is obviously a home inquired about his feelings about series and the conditions will be moving from one biosecurity bubble different (than in South Africa). But at Hambantota to another in South if we play well here, irrespective of Africa, Arthur said he was anyway the different conditions we will be satisfied with the present situation in able to carry that confidence and South Africa. belief into the England series.” “It is a different bio-bubble The two Tests against England here. But I am very satisfied with will be held at Galle from 14 and what we have here. It is different, 22 January 2021, respectively. “We but very good. I must say we are have won here in South Africa comfortable with it. We are very last time in the Tests. We want to well looked after here,” he said replicate that this time,” Arthur adding, “It (the bio-bubble) is very added. tight. Every third day, we are tested (for Covid -19).” Hasaranga in the ‘thought process’ Locking horns with team Asked if leg-spinner Wanindu from native land Hasaranga, who was included in Arthur, the 52-year-old South the Sri Lanka Test squad at the African, was born in Johannesburg eleventh hour as a spin-bowling and played 110 first-class matches, all-rounder – after his impressive mainly for Orange Free State and performance in the LPL where he South Africa A. He took over from The native South African Mickey Arthur, became the tournament’s highest who coached South Africa five years Ray Jennings in 2005 as South earlier, is happy to lock horns with them wicket-taker – could be included in Africa Head Coach, and later led in his first international assignment the first Test, Arthur said he “is in them to a record nine straight wins with Sri Lanka their thought process”. in Test series leading up to the 2007 “Hasaranga is a wonderful World Cup, before resigning in Playing in LPL before Tests cricketer. He is in our thought 2010. Later, he coached Pakistan really good usually. I hope it will be “They will come really hard at us. batsman Quinton de Kock as their process. We are deciding on the for three years, before taking up Sri the typical pace-friendly Centurion We must try to match them.” new Test skipper in place of Faf du When asked further about the final XI only after we see the Lanka last February. and the Wanderers (where the two Plesis early this month. LPL, Arthur said that the league wicket. I am not sure about this “Because I am from South Tests are to be played) tracks this De Kock is a really “He (de Kock) is a very had been organised impressively. tour. But Hasaranga will play a Africa, I would hopefully know the time too,” he said. good option aggressive player. Under him, South “Every country needs a league lot of cricket in South Africa in condition here well. But 2010 was a “I’m looking forward to locking Arthur admired South Africa’s Africa will be a very dangerous nowadays. It is something the future of his career,” Arthur long time ago. The pitches here are horns with them,” he stressed. move to appoint wicketkeeper- team,” Arthur added. inevitable. LPL was well organised predicted.

‘LSEG Sri Lanka’ partners Cricket Live Foundation z ‘Helping young challenge, staff helped raise Rs. Fernando Charitable Foundation and 735,000 with LSEG SL adding a has been in operation in Sri Lanka lives win at life further contribution in order to bring since 2014, and currently works the total donation to Rs. 1 million. with over 650 children across six through sport’ centres in Sri Lanka and India. The Recently, London Stock Exchange Arjuna Nanayakkara’s views collaboration in Sri Lanka is part Group Sri Lanka (LSEG SL) made Commenting on the occasion, of Dilmah’s Merrill J. Fernando’s a charitable contribution of Rs. 1 LSEG SL Shared Services Centre vision of making business a matter of million towards the Cricket Live Head Arjuna Nanayakkara stated: human service. Foundation (CLF) – a collaboration “At LSEG, we understand the between Dilmah’s Merrill J. responsibility we have towards the Alex Reese of CLF Fernando (MJF) Charitable communities in which we operate, Cricket Live Foundation (CLF) Foundation and Alex Reese’s specifically to support education Founder Alex Reese made the Cricket Life Foundation New and youth empowerment. We are following statement: “We are Zealand. pleased to actively partner with local privileged to have received the The programme aims to use programmes such as the Cricket support from LSEG (Sri Lanka) cricket as a vehicle to develop Live Foundation that not only towards the CLF. Success for the life skills, education, and future offer youngsters the opportunity to CLF is to provide pathways for our pathways for children from hone their cricketing skills, but to children by unlocking their potential developing communities around the From left: CLF Country Operations Manager Sanjeewa Silva, CLF Operations Manager Chamila Janaka, Chamodi Gimhani reach their full potential through and helping them identify their future world. (student), MJF Charitable Foundation Trustee and Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company Plc CEO Dilhan C. Fernando, LSEG Sri Lanka education, mentorship, and the aspirations. With this donation, Initiated as part of an employee Shared Services Centre Head Arjuna Nanayakkara, Janith Ishanga (student), LSEG Sri Lanka HR Head Pulasthika Wirasinha, development of life skills.” LSEG is helping us put our children Sri Lanka and Group Technology Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications Shanaka Abeywickrama, and Associate engagement initiative at LSEG SL Manager – CSR and Sustainability Sara Sadoon on the right path to achieve these titled “Work from Home Games Part of the MJF Charitable aspirations and we will soon be able 2020”, participating teams were social media accounts with LSEG towards each reaction received on With over 7,350 reactions Foundation to see some incredible individuals, challenged to upload videos on their SL agreeing to donate Rs. 100 the videos. being calculated at the end of the CLF is part of the Merrill J. both on and off the field.”