„„ www.themorning.lk „„ Late City VOL 01 | NO 21 | Rs. 30.00 { MONDAY } MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021 LEADING NAMES ‘NOTEWORTHY’ DROPPED FOR WITH FITNESS ISSUES DR. LALANATH DE SILVA

AYURVEDIC ‘OUR COVID RESPONSE CENTRES OPENING HAS LACKED PROPER OVERSEAS DECISION MAKING’ »SEE PAGE 16 »SEE PAGE 7 »SEE PAGE 6 »SEE PAGE 11 Madrasa Schools Cardinal refuses to be regulated to meet Ministers z To come under State Ministry of Dhamma z Aimed at promoting z z Schools and Bhikkhu Education religious coexistence No meeting until receipt Govt. delegation hoped

BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI under separate departments Religious and Cultural Affairs, of report: Cardinal to reassure Cardinal that fall under the umbrella of and Education. BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE to see it at the beginning of All religious schools in the the Ministry of Buddhasasana, “This decision has been taken February. country, including Madrasas, are Religious, and Cultural Affairs. to provide religious education The Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith State Minister of Coconut, to be registered and regulated Speaking to The Morning on whilst promoting religious has refused a request for a meeting by the Catholic Kithul and Palmyrah Cultivation under the State Ministry of Thursday (18), State Minister co-existence. Nobody wants Ministers and members of Parliament representing the Promotion and Related Industrial Dhamma Schools, Bhikkhu of Dhamma Schools, Bhikkhu extremism. Plans to develop Government, The Morning learnt yesterday (21). Product Manufacturing, and Education, Pirivenas, and Buddhist Education, Pirivenas, and Buddhist the necessary curricula and to Export Diversification Arundika Universities, The Morning learnt. Universities Vijitha Berugoda decide on how these institutions A spokesperson for the Cardinal Ranjith, he would not Fernando said earlier yesterday A decision was arrived at on said that the State Ministry will will be regulated will be made Archbishop’s House confirmed be meeting with any politicians,” that the Catholic MPs, both in Thursday (18) for all religious move forward with a programme in consultation with religious to The Morning that no meeting the spokesperson said. the Government and Opposition, schools for lay students and in consultation with religious leaders representing all religions would take place on 2 March as The spokesperson further were planning to meet the The Archbishop of Colombo, institutions that educate the clergy leaders and experts. This follows a and experts once my Ministry is requested by the Government confirmed that the Archbishop Archbishop on 2 March. Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith of all religions to be brought under discussion that took place between handed over this task officially,” delegation. is yet to receive any official “We will request His this State Ministry. The registration the State Ministry and the two said Berugoda. “Until the PCoI report on the communication from the Eminence the Cardinal to keep certainly do justice to the victims of these institutions is currently Ministries of Buddhasasana, Contd. on page 2 Easter Sunday attacks is in the Government regarding the faith in President Gotabaya of the Easter attacks,” he said. hands of His Eminence Malcolm report, despite a written request Rajapaksa as the President will Contd. on page 2 NMRA requests more Planters boycott info on three vaccines wages meeting z Call with Russia about Sputnik on Thursday z Labour Ministry to offer one more meeting BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI yesterday (21), NMRA Chief the Gamaleya Research BY PAMODI WARAVITA The National Medicines Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Institute for epidemiology A spokesperson for the Regulatory Authority Kamal Jayasinghe said that and microbiology regarding Representatives of the Ministry of Labour told The (NMRA) is yet to grant the NMRA has requested the Sputnik vaccine on 25 Planters’ Association (PA) Morning yesterday (21) that approval to the Russian the State Pharmaceuticals February. had not attended the Wages although the Trade Unions (TUs) Sputnik V, Indian Bharat Corporation (SPC) for more “NMRA reviewers have Board meeting on 19 Friday, as and the representatives from Biotech COVAXIN, and necessary research documents requested this discussion convened by the Commissioner the Ministry had been present, Chinese Sinopharm Covid- to recommence the reviewing with the Gamaleya Research General of Labour, where the representatives from the 19 vaccines, as they are still of COVAXIN and Sinopharm Institute for epidemiology objections regarding the Rs. Regional Plantation Companies awaiting additional details on vaccines. and microbiology to direct 1,000 minimum wage for (RPCs) had failed to attend the said vaccines, while the Pfizer He added that a special some questions and get some plantation workers were to be meeting. vaccine is yet to be submitted virtual discussion is to clarifications made to expedite considered, The Morning learnt. Contd. on page 2 for approval to NMRA. be held between the the approval process.” Speaking to The Morning NMRA and experts from Contd. on page 2 TRINCOMALEE OIL TANKS UNHRC support: Union to write to Gammanpila today India plays hard to get BY PAMODI WARAVITA JSS CPC Branch President harbour would not be given BY PAMODI WARAVITA Lanka’s request for support at the The United National Party Ananda Palitha said that the to India. Although the Government of crucial UNHRC session, where a (UNP)-affiliated Jathika Sevaka letter would state the union’s “The ocean surrounding Sri Lanka officially sought the resolution against Sri Lanka will Sangamaya (JSS) will hand over position for ensuring that the the harbour may be called the support of India last week for the be presented. a letter today (22) to Minister Trincomalee oil tanks would ‘Indian Ocean’, but it belongs United Nations Human Rights Earlier last week, Foreign of Energy Udaya Gammanpila, be in the hands of Sri Lanka to Sri Lanka,” said Palitha. Council (UNHRC) session set to Ministry Secretary Prof. Jayanath regarding the 99 oil storage in the future. It was reported last week that commence from today (22), India is Colombage had stated that tanks in Trincomalee, following At a press conference held Gammanpila had said the oil yet to respond, The Morning learnt. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had contradictory claims about the yesterday (21), Palitha urged all tanks would be “reacquired” A Foreign Ministry official told sent written requests to multiple tanks last week. unions and stakeholders to unite by the Government. The Morning that as of Saturday heads of states for their support. Speaking to The Morning, to ensure that the Trincomalee Contd. on page 2 (20), India has not responded to Sri Contd. on page 2 COVID-19 CASES Weddings to remain at 150 guests

ACTIVE CASES TOTAL CASES BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE change of plans was due to requests by 19 in the country. Multiple Covid-19 Health authorities have decided to many professional groups who depend outbreaks have been linked to wedding maintain the maximum number of heavily on the wedding industry for receptions,” said Dr. Fernandopulle. 79,734 people at a wedding at 150 despite their livelihoods. However, she added that this decision earlier plans to reduce it to 50, The “Due to the protests of various is subject to change at any time. DEATHS RECOVERED Morning learnt. groups the Government decided to The Collective of Suppliers for Speaking to The Morning, State maintain the upper limit at 150 guests. Wedding ceremonies industry had 5,000 445 74,299 Minister of Primary Health Care, The Government (initially) decided initially protested against the decision SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 9.45 P.M. ON 21 FEBRUARY 2021 Epidemic, and Covid Disease Control to impose restrictions on weddings in of the health officials. Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle said the view of the current spread of Covid- Contd. on page 2 42 „„ www.themorning.lk { NEWS } Monday, February 22, 2021 ‘ENVIRONMENTAL DESTRUCTION’ Huge protests in Thera sends letter of Myanmar despite killing of two protestors Huge crowds marched in demand to top officials Myanmar yesterday (21) to denounce a military coup z Ven. Elle Gunawansha holds them responsible in a show of defiance after BY PAMODI WARAVITA the bloodiest episode of the As such, Gunawansha Thera said (willful neglect to carry out direction campaign for democracy the A letter of demand has been sent by the Jathika Sampath that they hope to take legal action of, or obstruction of, investigating previous day, when security Surakima Chairman Ven. Elle Gunawansha Thera to two top against the officials in the coming officer, & c.) of the Bribery Act forces fired on protesters, officials appointed to protect the environment, holding them weeks. could be used to take legal action killing two, Reuters reported. responsible for the alleged environmental destruction taking Specifically, Gunawansha against them. The global news service place in the country today. Thera alleged that if the officials Gunawansha Thero said added that the military has have been unable to carry out that many alleged incidents of been unable to quell the The Department of Wildlife Speaking to The Morning, their responsibilities as stated in environmental harm in the recent demonstrations and a civil Conservation (DWC) Director Gunawansha Thera said that the the Flora and Fauna Protection past have prompted this action. disobedience campaign of General (DG) Chandana letter had been sent since the DWC Ordinance, No. 16 of 1937, then When contacted by The Morning, strikes against the coup and coup has created so many that have condemned the coup Sooriyabandara and the Conservator DG and the Conservator General Sections 112 (concealing a design DWC DG Sooriyabandara said that the detention of elected leader obstacles,” said Ko Pay in decried the violence against General of the Forest Conservation of Forests have proved unable to to commit an offence which it is his he has not received the letter yet. Aung San Suu Kyi and others, Yangon. “That’s why we protesters. Department K.M.A. Bandara are the protect the environment before duty to prevent), and 289 (willful However, all attempts to contact even with a promise of new come out to the front of the U.S. State Department two officials to whom the letter of destruction occurs, although it is omission of statutory duty) of the the Conservator General of Forests elections and stern warnings protests.” spokesman Ned Price demand was addressed. their official responsibility to do so. Penal Code, along with Clause 70 proved futile. against dissent. In Myitkyina in the north, said the United States was Tens of thousands of people laid flowers for the “deeply concerned”. France, people massed peacefully in dead protesters. Big crowds Singapore, Britain and the second city of Mandalay, marched in the central towns Germany also condemned the Burial issue not discussed among where Saturday’s killings took of Monywa and Bagan, in violence and U.N. Secretary- place, witnesses said. Dawei and Myeik in the General Antonio Guterres said “They aimed at the heads south, Myawaddy in the east lethal force was unacceptable. Commonwealth Law Ministers: Sabry of unarmed civilians. They and Lashio in the northeast, Sunday’s Foreign Ministry aimed at our future,” a young posted pictures showed. statement reiterated the junta’s The issue of forced cremations of Covid- in the aforementioned areas,” said Zavahir. protester told the crowd. At the tourist spot of Inle stance that the takeover 19 deaths was not discussed at the recently In a statement on Friday (19), the The Foreign Ministry said Lake, people including was constitutional and said concluded meeting for Commonwealth Law Commonwealth had stated that the meeting in a statement that despite Buddhist monks took to a remarks by some embassies Ministers to discuss the legal implications of focused on the need for increased international “unlawful demonstrations, flotilla of boats holding aloft and foreign countries “are the pandemic, which was chaired by Minister cooperation to enable equal access to Covid-19 incitements of unrest and portraits of Suu Kyi and signs tantamount to flagrant of Justice Ali Sabry. vaccinations, where the Ministers have noted violence, the authorities saying “military coup - end”. interference in internal affairs Speaking to The Morning, Sabry said that that the availability of Covid-19 vaccines concerned are exercising The more than two weeks of Myanmar”. while all minority rights were called to be could lead to a greater reduction in the spread utmost restraint through of protests had been largely Military spokesman Zaw considered at the virtual meeting on Thursday of the virus, ultimately leading to the end of minimum use of force to peaceful until Saturday, Min Tun has not responded (18), the specific issue of forced cremations in Ali Sabry addressing the Commonwealth the pandemic. address the disturbances”, unlike previous episodes of to attempts by Reuters to Law Ministers’ meeting to discuss the legal Sri Lanka was not discussed. implications of the pandemic Sabry was appointed to Chair the Meeting adding they were maintaining opposition during nearly half contact him by telephone “I did not want to single out the issue and of Commonwealth Law Ministers on the legal public safety in line a century of direct military for comment. create further polarisation,” said Sabry. medicines and medical equipment. aspects of the Covid-19 pandemic held on with domestic laws and rule to 2011. The trouble in Mandalay Meanwhile, Justice Ministry Coordinating Zavahir added that law ministers of 30 18 February 2021. Due to the restrictions international practices. The violence looked began with confrontations Secretary Shamir Zavahir said that three key Commonwealth countries had reflected on imposed on travel globally, the meeting was In the main city of Yangon, unlikely to end the agitation. between the security forces areas were discussed at the meeting, namely the many legal aspects created by the pandemic held virtually. Currently, the Government thousands of mostly young “The number of people will and striking shipyard workers. ensuring equal access to justice for all; and its global response. practices a mandatory cremation policy on people gathered at different increase ... We won’t stop,” Video clips on social upholding the rule of law in the fight against “They also shared the experiences of their the disposal of all bodies of those infected by sites to chant slogans and sing. protester Yin Nyein Hmway media showed members of Covid-19; and the legal barriers to equitable countries and strategised on how to better Covid-19, despite calls from legal and minority “Us young people have said in Yangon. the security forces firing at access by all people to affordable essential co-ordinate and co-operate for durable solutions right groups for its amendment. our dreams but this military Several Western countries protesters.

Contd. from page 1

Attacks and Central Bank Bond scam should while the UN High Commissioner for Human When inquired about granting approval Cardinal... be severely punished. The newly appointed Planters... Rights Michelle Bachelet raised serious concerns for vaccines manufactured in different However, when contacted Fernando told The committee is also an extension of this plan. It is The spokesperson added that this meeting regarding Sri Lanka’s human rights situation in countries, Dr. Jayasinghe said that the vaccine Morning that the meeting had been cancelled. not to safeguard them but to take action against was held to study the objections raised by the her report earlier this year. On Thursday (25), manufactured by different bodies will need “The cancellation of the meeting was informed them,” he added. RPCs regarding the decision reached by the the High Commissioner’s report on Sri Lanka separate approvals. by Minister of Highways Johnston Fernando The new committee will be provided with the Wages Board on 8 February to pass the unions’ is scheduled to be discussed. “What we are reviewing is manufactured and he hasn’t specified any reasons for it,” report of the PCoI and the report of the Sectoral wage proposal. The proposal was that a basic in Russia Gamelaya institute.” Fernando added. Oversight Committee on National Security wage of Rs. 900 would be provided to the As of yesterday a total of 338,769 persons Fernando added that the Government is not by the Presidential Secretariat. Hariguptha workers by the RPCs and a further Rs. 100 Weddings... have been vaccinated against Covid-19 in Sri afraid to reveal the contents of the Presidential Rohanadheera, the Director General (Legal), would be paid through a budget allowance, The Collective has now welcomed the current Lanka, with 35,912 vaccinated yesterday (21) Commission of Inquiry’s (PCoI) report about Presidential Secretariat has been appointed as the to make up the total daily wage of Rs. 1,000. decision of the Government. according to the epidemiology department the Easter Sunday attacks. Secretary to the Committee in order to facilitate According to the spokesperson, as a quorum Speaking to The Morning, leader of the popular of the Ministry of Health. Sri Lanka began “The report on the Easter attacks of 21 the activities and to carry out other functions of is needed for a decision to be taken, the band Marians Nalin Perera said the Collective vaccinating healthcare workers and frontline April 2019 was based on testimonies from 55 the Committee. The Committee is required to representatives from the RPCs are essential of Suppliers for Wedding ceremonies industry security forces personnel on 29 January persons, including President Sirisena, former submit its report before 15 March 2021. for future meetings. is happy with the current decision. after Sri Lanka received a stock of 500,000 PM Wickremesinghe and many senior security “We have decided that we would be giving “Wedding ceremonies bring together different AstraZeneca Covishield vaccines from the officers. However, some of the evidence is Madrasa... the planters one more day to attend another parties from hotels to bands, dancers to stylists, Government of India. confidential,” said Fernando. Officials and boards of directors are to meeting. After that, we would be forced to reach and event planners to astrologers etc. It’s a According to Fernando, this report would be be appointed to oversee the registration and a tough decision on the matter, if necessary,” huge industry. If the Government reduced the Union to... released to the public after the discussions with regulation of religious education institutions said the spokesperson. attendance of about 150 people to 50 at weddings However, he later clarified this statement, the Attorney General. under the State Ministry of Dhamma Schools, Although The Morning inquired as to the date to control the spread of Covid-19, everyone will saying that the management of the 99 oil Meanwhile, a silent protest was conducted on Bhikkhu Education, Pirivenas, and Buddhist of the next meeting, and details on decisions lose their jobs,” said Perera. tanks in Trincomalee, which were leased 20 February to oppose the Cabinet committee Universities. Speaking to The Morning yesterday that would be taken if the RPCs fail to attend “If we are told not to do our job, they must to the Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) appointed to study the reports compiled by (21), Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious future ones as well, the spokesperson refused come up with an alternative for us. There is since 2003, would be shared between the the Presidential Commission probing the and Cultural Affairs Secretary Prof. Kapila to comment further. no such programme. The authorities have no CPC with a majority share, and a company Easter Attacks at the St. Sebastian’s Shrine in Gunawardana said that this would allow the When contacted by The Morning, Planters’ answer to the situation that has affected us,” owned by the LIOC with a minority share. Katuwapitiya, Negombo. registration and regulation to be effectively Association (PA) Media Spokesperson Dr. he lamented. Meanwhile, the High Commission of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed a monitored and implemented. Roshan Rajadurai said that although the Since the industry went into decline since India clarified in a statement on Thursday six-member Committee on Friday to study in “Discussions on this matter are still ongoing Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC) had the Easter Sunday attacks in April 2019, (18) that there had been no truth to media depth the facts and recommendations on the and we plan to appoint officials and boards of been present at the meeting, representatives there is no money to pay the bank loans and reports on Wednesday (17) that claimed the course of action contained in the final report of directors. Then the regulation and registration from the RPCs had not attended. the last of their savings are being exhausted, understanding between the two governments the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) will happen properly and curricula will be “This is too short of a time for us to raise Perera added. According to Perera, major on jointly developing and operating the into the Easter Sunday attacks and the report of introduced. At the moment only Catholic and our objections,” said Dr. Rajadurai. financial issues have arisen for those in the Upper Tank Farm at Trincomalee has been the Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Buddhists religious schools have a government- Dr. Rajadurai also said that no decision has music industry. “scrapped”. The statement further referred Security, which has been submitted to Parliament, issued syllabus.” been reached yet on whether the planters would The Suppliers Association held a press to Gammanpila’s press briefing on Thursday according to the President’s Media Division. It is not yet clear as to whether the name attend the next meeting. conference in Colombo on 20 February. Second (18), endorsing his clarification of the future The Committee is headed by Minister Chamal of the State Ministry of Dhamma Schools, The proposal for increasing the minimum Chance Director Suminda Perera, Nalin Perera, plans. Rajapaksa and includes Ministers Johnston Bhikkhu Education, Pirivenas, and Buddhist wage of plantation workers to Rs. 1000 Vayo Band Leader Sangeeth Wijesuriya, All attempts by The Morning to contact Fernando, Udaya Gammanpila, Ramesh Universities would be changed to reflect the was declared at the 2021 Budget reading in Veteran Dancer Channa Wijewardena, Veteran Gammanpila, regarding any future discussions Pathirana, Prasanna Ranatunga, and Rohitha new non-Buddhist religious schools which December 2020 by Prime Minister Mahinda Dancer Chandana Wickramasinghe, and with the unions, proved futile. Abeygunawardene. would be brought under it. However, Prof. Rajapaksa. The Ministry of Labour convened Sunflowers team leader Neil Warnakulasuriya On Thursday (18), Palitha alleged that The protest, which was carried out by family Gunawardana said that the term “Dhamma a Wages Board to bring a resolution to the represented all parties including musicians, Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila members and relatives of the victims of the schools” encapsulates all religious schools and is matter, as the RPCs and the Trade Unions dancers, and event planners at the event. was misleading the public by saying that the Easter Attacks, demanded the report of the not exclusively about Buddhist religious schools. (TUs) representing the workers could not Government will re-acquire the 99 oil storage Presidential Commission that was appointed to Responding to questions raised about reach one. The Wages Board which met on 8 NMRA... tanks leased to the LIOC in Trincomalee, probe the attacks be made public with immediate Madrasas’ or Arabic schools and extremist February approved the proposal by the TUs, “We cannot say when the vaccine will be while simultaneously planning another new effect, and that those responsible be brought religious teachings, Prof. Gunawardana said to which a two week period was given to raise granted approval before the due process of joint venture between the CPC and the LIOC. before the law. that these regulations have been taken in order objections by any party. review is completed.” CPC Chairman Sumith Wijesinghe told The Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith who visited to prevent extremist ideologies from being Foreign media reported that the Sputnik V Morning on Thursday (18) that a storage tank Katuwapitiya, told the media that the Government propagated through religious schools. vaccine developed by the Gamaleya institute farm, as part of a concept called the “South is afraid to reveal some information. “The lack of regulation is what has paved the UNHRC... is yet to receive approval by the European Asian Petroleum Hub” would be developed “All details gathered by the Commission way for extremism. Currently, there is no proper The list of leaders written to for their support Medicines Agency (EMA) that is required at the East Trincomalee Harbour, together must be publicised as they are. None of it can way to regulate or monitor who is running these to vote against the resolution included Indian for the vaccine to be administered in 27 of with the SLPA and the LIOC. be hidden or selectively made public,” he said. institutions, how they are being run and what Prime Minister Narendra Modi. European Union member states. It is reported The Trincomalee oil tank farm, now When asked about the Cardinal’s concerns with is taught through them.” Although the Government initially considered that the delay is caused by a delay in the consisting of 99 tanks and divided into a the Presidential Commission report, Fernando Following the Easter Sunday attack in 2019, co-sponsoring a resolution with the Core Group of submission of the required data sets to the Lower Tank Farm and an Upper Tank Farm, added that appointing a Cabinet committee does Madrasas’ or Arabic schools came under intense Countries for Sri Lanka (UK, Canada, Germany, EMA. was leased to the LIOC in 2003 for 30 years, not mean the report would not be presented to scrutiny, as allegations were made that these Montenegro, and North Macedonia), it was later When inquired from Dr. Jayasinghe, he which will expire in 2033. The LIOC initially the public, nor that the facts would be hidden. institutions, which provide religious education to learnt by The Morning that the expectations of the said that he is not aware of any issues faced refurbished 15 tanks in the Lower Tank Farm. “We need to be mindful that there is Islamic students and prospective teachers of the Core Group were not met by the Government’s by the Russian vaccine in obtaining approval Following the Memorandum of confidential information given by the senior religion, were propagating extremist ideologies. negotiations. in the European Union. Understanding (MoU) on Co-operation officers,” said Fernando. Meanwhile, Mohamed Shakeel, a principal The upcoming 46th Regular Session of the Foreign Media also reported that the Sputnik of Economic Projects by the Yahapalana According to Fernando, the last presidential of a Madrasa in Puttalam, was arrested on UNHRC would begin today (22) and would V vaccine may be manufactured in plants in Government, a joint venture between the election was based on two facts: The Central Wednesday (17) on charges of abetting and proceed until 23 March, where Sri Lanka’s issues Brazil, India, and South Korea if Russia’s LIOC and the CPC was set up. Accordingly, Bank Bond scam, and the Easter Sunday attacks. aiding Attorney-at-Law Hejaaz Hizbullah in of accountability with regard to the final stages production chains hit full capacity and face India agreed to refurbish and use the 84 “President Gotabaya Rajapaksa strictly said connection to the Easter Sunday bomb attack. of the war in 2009 would be discussed. The Core challenges in supplying vaccines to the rest giant oil tanks in the Upper Tank Farm as a that those guilty of carrying out the Easter Sunday Group for Sri Lanka will submit a resolution of the world. “joint venture”. 43 Monday, February 22, 2021 { HOTSEAT/FOCUS } „„ www.themorning.lk Ex UN officials, HR activists urge international action on SL z Claim nation on a trajectory towards renewed violence Sri Lanka is taking a road which is reaffirming exclusion and marginalisation, of Opposition politicians and human rights and weakening the rule of law, hollowing out independent institutions, harassing and civil society groups, as these are the triggers or persecuting those who seek justice, and sowing the seeds of conflict, former top vehicles for future violent conflict and rights United Nations (UN) officials and those involved in human rights related work abuses. Sri Lanka has known not only inter, noted. but intra-communal violence for decades, with Whether Sri Lanka continues on its trajectory promised Truth Commission and Special Court victims in every community. This violence has towards renewed violence or finally breaks with for International Crimes were never established. been the main obstacle to the country’s achieving its tragic history and firmly embarks on the The current Government has explicitly rejected levels of development that reflect the island’s path of sustainable development hinges now these commitments,” the statement noted. impressive human and natural resources. In on international action, they claim. They further added that instead of completing 2009 the international community failed Sri Issuing a statement in this regard, they note ongoing investigations into human rights Lanka. We must not fail again,” they conclude. the country’s lack of progress on justice and violations, the President appointed yet another The signatories include Nobel Peace Prize accountability. ad hoc Commission, this time tasked with Laureate Juan Manuel Santos, former Deputy “Agreement has been reached that the examining the findings and recommendations Secretary General of the UN Jan Eliasson, former brunt of prevention work is borne by national on human rights violations of the plethora of Special Adviser to the Secretary General on the institutions. But it has been stressed that this previous Commissions. “This is an exercise of Prevention of Genocide Adama Dieng, former presupposes sincere and effective commitment meta investigation that drives Sri Lankan reliance The United Nations Human Rights Council UN Assistant Secretary- General and former to addressing the root causes of violations and on ad hoc Commissions to a point that would Head of the Secretary General’s Internal Review conflict, including through the implementation be laughable were it not for the seriousness of prosecutors. The Commission also recommended “Existing international avenues for Panel on the UN’s Actions in Sri Lanka Charles of transitional justice measures of the sort what is at stake, the long-delayed respect for the the establishment of a further, and rarely used, accountability such as the International Criminal Petrie, former UN HCHRs Mary Robinson, that the Government had committed itself to rights of victims. Meanwhile, the Presidential CoI Special PCoI, with the power to punish Ministers Court should be considered in the face of Sri Louise Arbour, Navanethem Pillay and Zeid establishing in 2015 under the Human Rights (PCoI) into Political Victimisation, after actively in the previous UNF-led Government and allied Lanka’s opposition to ending impunity. We Ra'ad Al Hussein, former Special Rapporteur Council Resolution 30/1. The previous United obstructing investigations into serious cases of Parliamentarians. Those targeted, who now form reiterate the calls made to the Government to mandate holders Philip Alston, Pablo de National Front (UNF)-led Government lacked the abduction, disappearance and assassination, has the core of the political Opposition, face the pull back from its current aggressive policies Greiff, Ben Emmerson, Christof Heyns, David ability or the will to achieve sustainable progress recommended not just that the charges against prospect of being banned from holding public towards Muslims and Tamils, to desist from Kaye, Maina Kiai, Gay MacDougall, Juan E. in the implementation of these commitments. every accused in the emblematic cases should office for up to seven years,” the statement using the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Mendez and Manfred Nowak, and the Secretary Despite limited progress in some areas, especially be dismissed and that those that were accused further notes. Provisions) Act as if it were a basic public order General’s Panel of Experts on Accountability in the establishment of the Office on Missing be given compensation, but that charges should Sri Lanka has made its justice institutions law, to refrain from instrumentalising the justice Sri Lanka Marzuki Darusman, Yasmin Sooka Persons, and the Office of Reparations, the be filed against complainants, investigators, and unavailable to its own victims, they add. sector, and to cease the threats and harassment and Steven Ratner. Zahran groomed WHO panel to moot 'deeper’ 15 females as suicide bombers study of Wuhan’s Covid origins Easter Sunday attack main suspect Zahran Hashim has taken an oath from 15 females The World Health Organisation's southern farms he and the WHO team would who attended his classes on extremism. The preliminary report into the origins of the be “most interested in.” oath was to carry out suicide attacks at any novel coronavirus will recommend more Testing the supply chain would enable given time, the 24-year-old suspect who was extensive contact tracing of the world’s first scientists to see which animals – or humans arrested on Friday (19) has revealed. known patient with Covid-19 in Wuhan, – could have passed the virus between Police Spokesman Deputy Inspector General China, CNN reported yesterday (21). them, before it infected humans in Wuhan. (DIG) Ajith Rohana said yesterday (21) that The report will also recommend a closer “Probably a spillover event happened, a the classes have been conducted in Kattankudy look at the supply chain of nearly a dozen little bit earlier, in November, or maybe in 2018. traders in the Huanan seafood market, which even October,” Daszak said, referring to the “Investigations revealed that 15 women is thought to have played a role in the early moment in which the virus passes from one have been taking part in these classes. Five spread of Covid-19 in late 2019. species to another. of them have been killed in Saindamarudu Quoting investigators familiar with the “No one has been there to test the animals,” attack as they committed suicide. Another draft report, CNN reported that the panel's Daszak said. “The farms are now closed.” three females are in remand custody while recommendations will pursue, among others, Daszak added the Chinese traceback team seven others including the suspect arrested on two key lines of inquiry. Firstly they will studying the origin of the outbreak might have Friday are being detained,” he said. request further work on the contact history been impeded in this work by the lockdown of the December 8, 2019, patient in Wuhan, that gripped China in early 2020. the first case confirmed by Chinese scientists The farms are likely “a clear pathway to and the WHO panel as having Covid-19. this virus,” Daszak said. “We now know Over 300,000 Secondly, the panel will also recommend there were supplies of wild animals bred the immediate investigation of the supply on farms in Yunnan Province, Guangxi and chain of the Huanan seafood market. Guangdong going into the Huanan market. vaccinated as Independent scientists had told CNN The World Health Organisation headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland We’ve got the evidence and we have got the rudimentary investigative work being the data.” of Saturday recommended should have been done many “If you find out the patients are negative, are much more knowledgeable than most “We need to find out what other products months previously by Chinese scientists it is not obvious to contact-trace them. But it in terms of recognising the importance of those farms were selling,” he added. “Were A total of 302,857 personnel had been looking into the virus’ origin. They said is worth doing now because we understand this information,” he said. Huang said the they selling animals that could be infected vaccinated against Covid-19 as of Saturday they found it “surprising” and “implausible” something of the spread of Covid around WHO recommendations showed they were by SARS coronaviruses – including SARS- (20), according to Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Chinese scientists had not already done Wuhan,” Daszak said. “uncovering some interesting information CoV-2? Animals including rabbits, ferret Sudath Samaraweera. He said 39,078 persons that work. This patient had no known connection to tracing of the origins of the virus”. badgers, civets?” were vaccinated on Saturday while 30,307 The 8 December 2019, patient in Wuhan, the Huanan seafood market, the wet market CNN explained the panel's SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes persons were vaccinated on Friday. has not been identified publicly, but is, believed to be connected to the virus’ early recommendations to Miller and Huang as Covid-19. A total of 543 Covid-19 cases were reported according to the WHO investigators, an spread, according to Daszak, and “lived a part of seeking their reaction. “You can do that by interviewing farmers. on Saturday, out of which 180 cases were office worker in his forties with no exotic typical urban life. He did not do crowded The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs They’ve got nothing to lose. They’ll have from Colombo and 116 from Gampaha, the travel or contact history, who lived with his sporting activities. His main hobby was (MOFA) and National Health Commission closed up their business and moved on in National Operations Centre for Prevention wife and child. surfing the Internet.” did not respond to a request for comment. their lives, and there was nothing illegal of Covid-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) said. It Peter Daszak, a member of the 17-person The leader of the WHO mission, Peter Ben Spokeswoman for MOFA Hua Chunying told about what they were doing,” Daszak said. said 29 cases were reported in Kalutara and WHO team and president of EcoHealth Embarek, declined to comment on the details reporters on 18 February that an independent Daszak said the southern province of 39 in Kandy. This brings the country’s total Alliance, which tracks viruses in animals, of any further contact tracing or testing that report on the coronavirus’ origins “doesn't Yunnan was of particular interest, as this is cases to 79,479. said the investigation had established the first is needed. He told CNN: “Further studies mean bowing to the Western approach where one of the closest genetic relatives of Meanwhile, a total of 843 Covid-19 patients known patient’s parents had likely visited a are needed.” towards China based on presumption of the SARS-CoV-2 virus – known as RaTG13 were discharged from the hospitals today after market selling wildlife in Wuhan. Other scientists expressed surprise and guilt”. – has been found in bats. being recovered, raising the total number of The patient met the WHO team, Daszak even disbelief that the further investigations, She added: “China has conducted a very The urgent hunt among zoologists is to recoveries in the country to 74,299, the Health said, and at the end of the meeting added that into both the first patient’s contact history thorough, professional, science-based study determine whether – or how – the RaTG13 Ministry said. his parents had visited “a local community and the supply chain to the Huanan market with the WHO experts,” and insisted the virus may have mutated over time to become Prisons Spokesman Chandana Ekanayake wet market in Wuhan”, which was not the that the WHO sought, had apparently not WHO panel was satisfied with China’s SARS-CoV-2. China’s southern provinces said that the prison Covid-19 cluster has reduced Huanan seafood market. already been performed by China. cooperation. Hua continued to push for are home to many species that are also in size to 99 inmates and 22 officers. He said 16 Daszak said the WHO panel were not Columbia University Infectious Disease studies of the virus’ emergence outside of susceptible to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. inmates who were believed to have contracted told the details of the market during their Epidemiologist Prof. Maureen Miller said: China – a claim for which there is little These animals from southern farms could the virus were identified yesterday. So far, visit, and it was possible it sold animals or “It's implausible that this research has not evidence. have eventually made their way to the Huanan 4,747 cases have been reported from the cluster. produce that could have been infected with been done. It's not realistic, given they In the second recommendation of the seafood market in Wuhan, Daszak said. the novel coronavirus. have world-class scientists there, and the preliminary report due next week, the Chinese scientists had taken samples from “Then he said at the end of the interview technology invested in over the last 20 years. immediate investigation of the supply chain the Huanan wet market over the month of – and it was all being translated and the They are sophisticated, they understand of the Huanan seafood market, will cover January 2020 from the carcasses of dead Six, including police translator specifically said – ‘My parents transmission pathways, and have been a list of farms in the southern provinces of fish and other aquatic animals, but not from visited a local community wet market,’” working on them for years.” Yunnan, Guangxi, and Guangdong, which live species, he said. Some of the animals in officer, remanded over Daszak said of the meeting. Miller said the 8 December patient's were given by Chinese scientists to the WHO the market were dead and frozen, he said. “Now, to use the term ‘wet market,’ infection – without any direct contact to team, and which supplied the Huanan seafood “In that batch of stuff from the freezers attempted extortion especially under this political constraint wet markets or exotic travel – showed there market in Wuhan with wildlife. were rabbits,” said Daszak, and ferret badgers. Six persons, including the Norton Bridge we were under, tells me something very was already community transmission of the “There will be recommendations that will “They were negative,” he said, but added that Traffic officer in charge (OIC), were arrested and significant: that the other markets in Wuhan virus in December. “In the short and long include going down to those farms, testing only a few were tested. “We do not know remanded till 2 March for allegedly attempting to – not (only) Huanan market, other markets – term, it is detrimental to China to try to hide farmers, interviewing and testing relatives, what else was going into that market.” extort Rs. 1 million from a Buddhist monk of the sold wildlife products,” Daszak said. the fact that this virus started in China and and finding out if there is any evidence that Daszak said the results of this study have Yogashrama Temple, Pathegama, in Balapitiya, In China, a “wet market” is a term used to was exported around the world,” she said. there were outbreaks down there before not been published by Chinese scientists, Police said. describe a venue selling a wide range of fresh Senior fellow for global health at the Wuhan,” Daszak told CNN. and has only been shown to the WHO The arrested suspects, including a member produce, which can include live animals. Council on Foreign Relations Prof. Yanzhong Daszak described the recommendation as expert team. of the Habaraduwa Pradeshiya Sabha and a Daszak said the Chinese scientists, looking Huang, said it was surprising China “hasn’t a “priority” over which there was consensus He said the path to the market of the virus gem merchant, were produced in the Balapitiya into the case as part of the Government’s invested in investigating two important clues between the WHO mission and the Chinese from the southern farms was a plausible Magistrate’s Court on Friday (19) and detained response, assured the WHO team the patient’s like that”. He added the country had recently scientists working with them. Daszak said theory for its origin. for 24 hours by the Ahungalla Police for further parents had tested negative for the disease, mobilised the entire city of Beijing to find Chinese scientists had visited wildlife farms “We do not have clear definitive proof, questioning. yet the Chinese did not appear to have traced the source of a Covid-19 outbreak. in and around the central province of Hubei, but this is much more likely than any other Yesterday (21), the suspects were ordered to the parents’ contacts in that market. “They have top-notch scientists, who and some “upstream suppliers,” but not the pathway we’ve looked at,” he said. be remanded till 2 March. 4 „„ www.themorning.lk { EDITORIAL/VIEWS } Monday, February 22, 2021 Practical It’s not fair, Matters BY DR. NICHOLAS RUWAN but life DIAS & NIRESH ELIATAMBY rarely is ARCHAIC BASTIONS OF INSTITUTIONALISED MALE CHAUVINISM Amidst intensifying allegations and tensions, Gender Equality Sri Lanka is all set to attend the 46th Regular Session of the United Nations Human Rights Fig. 1: Women’s equality in the world Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland, Authority: (Source: World Bank Women, Business, and Law study 2018) beginning today (22). At this UNHRC session, the Core Group on Sri Lanka, comprising the UK, Canada, Germany, North Macedonia, Malawi, and A dire need Montenegro, is scheduled to present a There’s something fundamentally wrong with Sri Lankan society. resolution. Despite thousands of years of women in leadership positions, our Sri Lanka has seen the true face of war, culture continues to prevent women from achieving even a semblance over a period of almost three decades, in of equality. It’s time for a radical change in this culture, through the various forms, and has taken a number of establishment of a National Gender Equality Authority. admirable steps, including but not limited to Queen Kuveni was Sri Lanka’s first the country’s economy. The apparel demining, returning military-occupied lands, monarch, head of State, and head industry and the tea industry rely on rehabilitating former LTTE militants, and of Government in written history. women; so traditionally has the rice overall development activities in the North That was 2,500 years ago. No fuss. industry. and East, in a bid to rectify some of damage Accepted by everyone. Our economy would also have the war caused. Fast forward to today, where collapsed decades ago if not for Fig. 2: Key indicators of women’s equality in Sri Lanka It is also true that despite ongoing efforts, an outcry is raging about the the enormous amount of foreign (Source: World Bank Women, Business, and Law study 2018) Sri Lanka has not been able to fully achieve Fundamental Rights case filed by exchange sent back by our female a group of male police officers domestic workers in the Middle East, and WIGP, so women cannot go police world, with women's average the intended results, as far as establishing versus the country’s lone female Singapore, Hong Kong, and other further than a handful of WSP representation in the police at just ethnic reconciliation and serving justice to DIG. Coincidentally, in another countries. and WSSP posts. The men simply 15.4%. However, this is in a world those affected during the war are concerned. case currently before the Court of felt threatened, and didn’t want to where many regressive countries However, Sri Lanka is not the only country Appeal, a group of eminent cricket Fundamental right to compete with women! openly discriminate against women against which allegations of human rights administrators are calling for radical equality Yet Sri Lanka’s policewomen in all walks of life. violations (during a war) have been levelled, reform of Sri Lanka Cricket, and one The right to equality is enshrined have long been on the frontlines When women had actively and Sri Lanka is not the only country that point they have made is that there are in our Constitution. Yet, this right is of law enforcement, playing roles participated in law enforcement no women on the SLC Board, despite too often ignored and withheld by in the civil war, facing down mobs at all levels and in every role, law has engaged in an armed conflict with armed women’s cricket being controlled by the very structure and nature of our of demonstrators in the streets, enforcement contributed more to the militants. SLC. institutions. It’s not a matter of a etc. Women in the police are also society it served, and symbolised it. Allegations of grave human rights violations, We will not comment on the few men’s personal bigotry towards important to dealing with domestic The significant presence of women in including genocide, torture, and unauthorised ongoing police case before the women. It’s an organised set of rules and sexual abuse, trafficking in law enforcement increases the quality sterilisation, were levelled against China for Supreme Court, as Sri Lankan law and regulations in many institutions, human beings, and other ongoing of operations, strengthens community the way it treated the ethnic Uighur community, prohibits us from commenting. where patriarchal men thumb their issues that affect mainly women and morale, and reduces corruption. while countless war crimes allegations have However, this case demonstrates noses at the Constitution. children. Nonetheless, in law enforcement also been levelled against the US concerning the need for drastic reform in the Sri Lanka does not fare well in across Asia and the Pacific, women structure and the psychology of the global indices of women’s equality. Discouraged by society remain chronically underrepresented. the wars waged in the Middle East. Allegations Sri Lanka Police Department, and The Women’s Workplace Equality In Sri Lanka today, women yy In South-East Asia, the Maldives of rights violations in the Kashmir territory are in fact throughout Sri Lanka’s state Index assessed women's equality graduates outnumber the men, has the highest percentage of also great against India. International human and private sectors. We take a look in the nations. While women's proving that in our country women women police officers rights monitor, the Human Rights Watch at the situation of women in police disparities remain globally, are more talented academically (HRW), recently expressed concerns about departments and traditional men’s policymakers in many nations than men. Graduates are expected Women have been recognised human rights violations in other countries occupations in some of the more recognise the cost and take action. to gather work experience and slide internationally as important in such as Saudi Arabia, too. progressive nations of the world. Women are subject to a number into leadership roles in the public fostering gender equality and of factors from the underlying and private sector. Yet there has been improving the organisational One might feel that the international A long history of women circumstances to social expectations little headway made in this regard. successful use of the law enforcement community is not as enthusiastic and leaders to their access to work and economic The variety of reasons why they don't system. In the recent past, many interested when it comes to human rights Sri Lanka is not an outlier opportunities. The World Bank includes cultural and social factors Asian countries gave their attention allegations against other countries, especially among nations in accepting and Women, Business, and Law study that are based on chauvinism – they to the gender component. great powers, which is a notion that is not in fact welcoming the leadership 2018 outlines seven ways current need to stay at home and take care of Gender dimensions are pivotal without merit. Furthermore, it is not just of women. Apart from the fabled laws can prevent the work of women. the family. for handling victims and the the UNHRC, but a number of other parties Queen Kuveni, we had Queen Top 10 countries are Australia, The challenges faced by women organisational capacities required Anula in the 1st Century BC, Queen Canada, New Zealand, Spain, working in societies dominated by by law enforcement agencies to including international and local human rights Sivali in the 1st Century AD, and Mexico, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the men are many. There are a number analyse, prosecute, and tackle crimes organisations, which are also keen on levelling Queen Chattagahaka Jantu in the UK, Lithuania, Iceland, and Latvia. of issues facing women employed in on the local and transnational level. allegations against Sri Lanka. 5th Century AD, all of whom ruled All the top countries have a minimum male dominated industries including: Resistance to change of gender However, changing the past was never an in Anuradhapura; Queen Lilavati in score of 90 out of 100 in protecting equality reduces somewhat as the yy Social perceptions and the 12-13 Centuries AD, and Queen women’s access to institutions and nature of police, crime, and criminal option, what matters is the future course of assumptions about the capacity of Kalyanavati in the 13th Century AD, use of property. investigations continues to change. action the international community and Sri women to lead Lanka are yet to take, either collectively or both in Polonnaruwa. Sri Lanka was global ranked 110 Most countries usually have an y separately. How many countries will extend The ascension of Sirimavo out of 189 countries, with a score of y Labelling them with stereotypes official quota or target between 10% Bandaranaike as the first woman an abysmal 61.5 like “caring mothers” or and 30% for female recruitment or their friendly hands to Sri Lanka? That would head of Government in the world the “office housekeeper” or overall representation. The 10% quota be a surprise, and Sri Lanka can only hope through popular vote in 1960 Separate and unequal “housewife” was used for annual women's hires in that it is a pleasant one. created distinction for our country. Women entered the Police yy some of the Association of South East As a matter of fact, Sri Lanka is still waiting Yet today, women are still fighting department decades ago. But sexual Lack of mentorship and Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. opportunities for career growth for affirmative responses from the countries institutionalised discrimination across discrimination was institutionalised A barrier towards women leaders it has sought support from, and Sri Lanka’s an enormous number of institutions. by placing them in a different stream yy Sexual harassment seems to be one of the hurdles in traditional ally and neighbor, India, is also with far fewer career prospects. In most ASEAN countries, as most work Women in the labour force progressive nations, women are Global situation – women in employee/administrative positions. yet to respond in this connection. Sri Lanka’s economy would allowed to compete with men in in Police forces in other The number of women who are future Most importantly, it is in Sri Lanka’s interests crumble overnight if not for the work police forces. countries managers is poor due to a lack of to face the UNHRC session with utmost of our women. Our labour force is Sri Lanka, on the other hand, The UN Office for Drugs and women in operational areas. diplomacy, as it has done in the past, due to two replete with examples of women created posts of WPC, WSI, WIP, Crime figures indicated that a yy Gender distribution in police playing instrumental roles in the WASP, WSP, WSSP. Technically, significant gap remained in the simple reasons. Namely, Sri Lanka does not departments: A regular review largest and most important sectors of there are no posts for WDIG number of men and women in the want to jeopardise the success it has achieved of the composition of the staff is through various efforts to remedy ethnic rifts essential, so that the strengths of since 2009, and debt-ridden Sri Lanka is in not a diverse, flexible, and adaptive in a position to deal with sanctions imposed workforce are developed. It is by the international community. essential to identify a gender- The Morning recently reported that the Sri equal workforce as enhancing the capacity of law enforcement to Lankan Government is likely to present its build confidence and legitimacy, own resolution, instead of co-sponsoring a and to fulfil mandates in fighting consensual resolution with the Core Group at and preventing crime, ensuring the UNHRC session. However, its contents social order, and serving and status quo remains unknown. communities more effectively However, what matters the most – which is yy Women’s participation reduces also Sri Lankan authorities’ duty – is ensuring corruption: Researchers have that the decisions arrived at during this also examined the relationship UNHRC session do not impede the country’s between gender and corruption development, and at the same time, strengthen based on observations that women the ongoing reconciliation process. Most are more altruistic and pro-social. Corruption is fundamentally importantly, Sri Lankan authorities have a opposite to altruism – it means that responsibility to see to it that the country’s an individual is being called upon sovereignty remains unscathed. to provide money to support them, and it undermines the wellbeing of the person paying the bribe No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. strictly. Women are less prone Fax - 011 2 673 441 to bribery. The 2020 Corruption Perception Index by Transparency General - 011 5 200 900 International ranks Sri Lanka at 94 Sales & Marketing - 076 1 367 612 among 180 countries Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 Women in traditional men’s 367 620 jobs in other countries E-mail - [email protected] yy In the US, women comprise Investigations Desk - 077 7 714 078 5.2% of airline pilots and flight Website - www.themorning.lk engineers, and 7.8% of aerospace engineers are women Contd. on page 6 54 Monday, February 22, 2021 { EXPOSÉ } „„ www.themorning.lk drug was smuggled from Jaffna. The team then asked whether some crystal methamphetamine (ice) could be found. According to him, the drug ice could be provided at a price of above Rs. 1,500. After striking a deal to buy some KG and ice (Prasad did not specify quantities) to the tune of Rs. 2,000, he asked the team for the money upfront Kataragama and asked us to wait till he calls back, saying that he had to go to another location in a three-wheeler to get the drugs. One hour later, he called the team. “Miss, come to the place I mentioned.” When the team went to the location, he came and handed over the From holy to unholy drugs. When we contacted Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) Chairman Chanaka Amil Rangana, he accepted z The Morning exposes the organised gangs that are preying on worshippers that organised gangs are forcing devotees and visitors to purchase the pooja wattis from the fruit stalls and BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE to this, they were finding business to the Police should take stern action The Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya (Buddhist temple/Hindu the stall slow going. regarding the issue. kovil) complex, and the adjacent Kiri Vehera, is deemed a sacred site of One such stall owner (who shall “Why isn’t the Police taking any religious worship by pilgrims from the Buddhist, Hindu (including from hereinafter be identified as Ruwani*) action against this situation? Law India), Vedda, and Muslim communities alike. It is also patronised by noted: “Some of the stall owners are enforcement is the responsibility of the throngs of tourists, particularly when it plays host to tri-annual peraheras comfortable paying commissions, Police,” said Rangana. (processions), and associated ceremonies and festivities. but we are not. We see this as a huge When queried about the vehicle issue that needs to be stopped. I am passes which are issued to the running my stall for the last 24 years, devotees, he said these passes can but the situation has now got worse. only be obtained at the Kiri Vehera, THE MORNING Extortionists are everywhere. They Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya, rule about 30 out of the 40 fruit stalls Kataragama Police, and PS. INVESTIGATIONS and earn around Rs. 10,000 per day. “If someone takes you inside without Most of them are drug addicts. If passes, that is also a matter for the one stall owner refuses to pay the Police,” he said. extortionists, they would go to another “If someone needs to get close to the stall and would not allow any devotee Kataragama Devalaya or Kiri Vehera to come to the stall that refused to by vehicle, they should pass several pay commissions. Most of the stall police checkpoints. I think in this owners pay 40% per pooja watti as matter, the Police may have a direct commission. Most of the devotees connection with the person who takes aren’t aware of this. Devotees think that the devotees for money, and the Police they only pay for the pooja watti, but might also get something as a return,” they pay for the commission as well.” he alleged. When The Morning spoke to another According to Rangana, an stall owner about life under the rule Prasad at our window underworld gang member called of extortionists, he echoed Ruwani’s “Udawatte Manju” is the main sentiments, saying simply that he has in the vehicle. There is a person, he can associate of the drug dealing at been reduced to earning, on certain take us. He works for the Civil Defence Kataragama. days, only Rs. 100, whereas the stall Force/Civil Security Force (CDF/CSF) “Udawatte Manju has 15 members When owners working hand-in-glove with the and he can take us to the devalaya as working under him to supply drugs The Morning extortionists earn around Rs. 200,000 he is off duty now. But we need to pay to Kataragama, and they stay near reached out to a day. “On Wednesdays, Saturdays, him Rs. 500.” Kataragama Wedihiti Kanda in a land Kataragama and Poya Days, their earnings are even When the team agreed, a man, that belongs to the Forest Department. Officer-in-Charge more.” likely in his ‘40s, came and introduced The Kataragama Police are afraid of (OIC) Upul According to Ruwani, not only do himself as a member of the CDF/CSF. him,” Rangana claimed. Liyanagama, he the devotees pay a much higher price “Let’s go miss. Follow my bike,” he According to him, Kataragama said: “We have compared to the actual price, but they said. has dealt with the drug matter for the arrested these are also cheated on the number of items Prasad too stepped into our vehicle past six years, and the Yahapalana extortionists in the pooja watti. and was seated in the front seat, Government supported Udawatte a few times “The normal price of a pooja carrying the pooja watti. Manju to spread his wings around the and taken watti starts from Rs. 300, but the “Miss, the next time you come, call Kataragama area. action against Crystal methamphetamine (ice) extortionists’ lowest offer is Rs. 500. me so that I can arrange passes to go to When queried about his relationship them.” Further They sell the same Rs. 300 pooja watti the devalaya. I have a good connection with extortionists, he denied any questioning was However, this place of worship for Rs. 500. The Rs. 600 watti is sold with the Kataragama Pradeshiya connection between him and the not possible, has become a hotbed of criminal at a price of Rs. 1,000 (inclusive of the Sabha,” he claimed. extortionists. as he abruptly activity, with organised gangs with commission) and the Rs. 1,500 pooja Kataragama PS Chairman Rangana, disconnected links to the area’s local government watti for Rs. 2,000. We usually give Wanniarachchige Prabhath Buddhika, the line political leadership operating in broad nine varieties of fruit, including grapes, and Pottuwa Kankanamge Prabhath daylight, fleecing pilgrims and tourists, when selling the Rs. 1,000 watti, but Sanjaya were arrested in 2018 in extorting vendors, and carrying out a these people cheat even there and keep Some of the stall owners connection with the attack on the racket involving the trafficking and five fruits instead of nine.” are comfortable paying Kataragama Police station, which was sale of narcotic drugs, an undercover A packet of Kerala Ganja, better known as This issue has, according to Ruwani, commissions, but we are carried out using poles and stones, and investigation carried out by The KG, which is cannabis sativa smuggled in resulted in complaints from some of the not. We see this as a huge caused damage to public property. Morning last week revealed. from Kerala, India devotees. Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya Pilgrims and tourists are fleeced When The Morning team reached the issue that needs to Basnayake Nilame Dishan Gunasekara through the provision of largely stalls operate on this basis. stall Prasad had instructed us to park in be stopped also confirmed to The Morning that unsolicited services at inflated costs. At this juncture, one person from front of, we learnt from Prasad that the Ruwani most of the stall owners pay 40% per Meanwhile, the vendors who eke out a the group, a young male likely in his stall was not his. “No, the stall is not pooja watti as commission, and he has living through the trade of fruit baskets/ 20s (who shall henceforth be identified mine, I only work here.” informed this to the Government. platters have to pay commissions to as Prasad*), came near the vehicle Inside these stalls, an assortment of “I firmly believe that action should The video of these racketeers, so as to continue to and spoke to us, and asked us to park fruits such as apple, banana, orange, Why isn’t the Police taking be taken,” Gunasekera said. operate their businesses. the vehicle in front of a stall that he pineapple, woodapple, avocado, However, Gunasekara also said the above any action against this investigation Before entering the grounds of the claimed was his. watermelon, grape, and sugarcane is the Police and the Consumer Affairs can be viewed devalaya, it is an almost obligatory “Miss, stop the vehicle in front of found. These are in some stalls, neatly situation? Law enforcement Authority (CAA) should take necessary ritual to purchase a basket or platter my stall. We will make you the pooja stacked on shelves, while in others is the responsibility of the action regarding these issues, as he is on of fruits (pooja watti) from one of watti.” they are arrayed in small piles on trays unable to enforce the law. www. numerous fruit stalls (around 40 in We declined, saying that we would of varying sizes. In the stalls, flower Police “The Police informed me that due themorning. total), illuminated at all times by a come later, but he persisted. garlands hang from a height. A poster Kataragama PS Chairman to the Covid situation, police raids Chanaka Amil Rangana lk/ blaze of twinkling lights. However, “Miss, then take my number and call within each shop displays the various have not been carried out,” added when attempting to do so, the me so I can make the pooja watti for types and prices of the pooja wattis on Gunasekera. vehicle in which The Morning’s you.” offer for devotees to select from (in the When The Morning reached out to team of undercover investigative When we contacted him thereafter shop that Prasad works at, the prices When the vehicle reached the Kataragama Officer-in-Charge (OIC) journalists including photojournalists and queried about the prices of the range from Rs. 500-2,500). destination, the man on the bike came Upul Liyanagama, he said: “We have was travelling was not allowed to pooja wattis, he said: “We have pooja In a related matter, Prasad informed to us and asked for money. The team arrested these extortionists a few times proceed ahead, as it was halted rather wattis ranging from Rs. 500-2,500.” us that a pooja watti consisting of paid him Rs. 500 near the park. and taken action against them.” aggressively by a group. When The Morning team spoke whole fruits (gedi pooja watti – which According to some of the stall Further questioning was not possible, Sources who had tipped off The to stall owners who had, through cost the team Rs. 1,500 for a tray owners, children as small as four as he abruptly disconnected the line. Morning regarding the issues at the a contact, provided information to with five fruits, some of which were years old carry the pooja wattis to the When contacted by The Morning, devalaya, had claimed that these The Morning about the goings on at overripe) is mostly offered to fulfil a devalaya and sell flowers and other Civil Defence Force Director – gangs force devotees and visitors to the devalaya, they claimed that the vow while a pooja watti with cut fruits items for a small sum. This is because Human Resources Colonel Epsitha purchase the pooja wattis from a stall majority of these extortionists take (kapapu pooja watti) is offered to make most of their parents encourage them to Dissanayaka said that they are not that they direct the visitors to. It is a 40% commission from each pooja a wish. do so due to the brisk business they can aware of the issue of Civil Defence learnt from these sources that they watti. These stall owners who confided The stall owner also informed us that do on an average day, and to thereby Force officials asking for money to take would then receive a commission in us were not paying commissions “only pooja watti with whole fruits are add to the earnings of their families. the vehicle to the devalaya. He added from the stall owners. The sources to these gangs to attract buyers from taken inside the God’s chamber by the During our return trip from the that strict action would be taken if such further claim that around 30 such among the devotees. However, owing kapumahaththaya (devala priest), as devalaya, after offering the pooja things are happening. gods require the aroma of fruits. When watti to the God Kataragama, the team It is unfortunate that a holy town you take a tray of cut fruits, the aroma decided to take up Prasad on his offer such as Kataragama has become a of the fruits will be gone by the time to “help with anything if asked”. It hotbed for unholy activities such as you reach the devalaya.” must be noted at this moment in the those described above. The Morning At this point, The Morning came sequence of events that our sources sincerely hopes this exposé sheds some across the next stage of this racket. had also given information about light on the matter and brings it to the “Miss, I will carry the pooja watti for the involvement of most of those attention of the relevant authorities, and you,“ Prasad said. like Prasad in the area’s drug trade, that they take measures to stamp out When the team instead requested both as users and small-scale dealers. these illegal and unethical activities. him to take them close to the devalaya Prasad was, at this point, quite chatty *Names changed to in the vehicle, he said: “Miss, nobody with the team and when the team protect identities. is allowed to go near the devalaya by asked him about finding some Kerala vehicle. You need a pass for that. Let Ganja (KG – cannabis sativa that me check if I can do something.“ is smuggled in from Kerala, India), The Morning Investigations Desk After leaving for a couple of minutes, he answered in the affirmative. He - 077 7 714 078 he returned with a “solution”. explained that it was available at prices Stall owners in Kataragama have to co-operate with the extortionists if they want to make profits “Miss, we can go near the devalaya above Rs. 300. According to him, the PHOTOS KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM 46 „„ www.themorning.lk { INTERVIEW } Monday, February 22, 2021 ‘Our Covid response has lacked proper decision making’ z MP Eran Wickramaratne says wrong people are making decisions PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA

BY PAMODI WARAVITA The other thing is when you put the That’s a very small population – we was at a low – in 2018 April the prices The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) armed forces at the forefront of the are talking about one or two cities in of goods were the lowest that it has was performing well over the past According to international rating fight, you create a wrong psychological India. The financial decision is not been in a decade. With the change, few months. What are your thoughts agencies and independent impression – that Covid-19-positive rocket science. The medical decision is the budget deficit is a disaster. The on this? economists, Sri Lanka’s economy is people have done something wrong. complex. But the financial, budgetary Government claims it is about 8.5%. Stock markets have been going up precariously placed, with debt to This is a disease – we don’t know who decisions should have been undertaken But that’s with a manipulation of globally, not just in Sri Lanka, because be repaid between 2021 and 2025 is transmitting to whom. Neighbours because they are so obvious. So we numbers – some are saying it is more one of the drivers is that interest rates averaging approximately $ 4 billion criminalising others who have tested should have been prepared for the likely to be 11.5%. are falling. So people are looking for a year. MP Eran Wickramaratne positive which subsequently led to supply issue – the Government is alternative returns and investing in the is a former State Minister of people going underground when they responsible for that. Why should What are your thoughts on the stock market. On the other hand, you Finance, and was a Founder and tested positive, are the consequences anyone’s parents or grandparents be import restrictions, which are now have people who have to bear a very a former CEO of NDB Bank, as of handling the pandemic wrong at the exposed to death? The Government closing in on a year? very high cost of living. In Colombo, a well as the Founder Chairman of onset. We are still trying to overcome is responsible for death if they have With regard to imports – restriction coconut is Rs. 120, in Beliatta, it is Rs. the Information Communication the lack of empathy that was created delayed making decisions and the immediately has a benefit. But it is a 150. So people are finding it extremely Technology Agency (ICTA). The due to the bad leadership from the vaccination is one of the most important short term benefit, because it affects difficult to live because any day-to- Morning spoke to him about beginning. If you talk to the middle decisions. economic growth in the long run – day food price has increased by 200 leadership and decision making class, their greatest fear is where they I have also asked to open up because you need to bring your capital to 300%. When we left office, the gas during the Covid-19 pandemic in Sri will be taken if detected positive. This is vaccinations immediately for the and intermediate goods. In 2019, there price was lower than when Mahinda Lanka, the management style that also because we handled it wrong from private sector – this is a life and death was a Rs. 1.8 billion current account Rajapaksa left office in 2015. Over he advocates from his experience, the beginning. We are very supportive issue so why is this decision delayed? deficit, and in 2020 it was Rs. 1 billion, the next few weeks, I would assume and the state of the economy. to the health authorities, but we don’t If the middle class wants the vaccine and that’s an improvement. In 2020 some adjustments in gas and fuel The following are excerpts of the hesitate to point out the deficiencies. immediately and they are willing to pay we were fortunate because crude oil prices. That is why people are pushed interview. We saw this lack of empathy with for the cost of it, then why is it being was low and we had savings there. to invest in the stock market. Demand regard to the migrant workers as well. delayed? The Government’s role is to Intermediate, motor vehicles, television has gone up, so naturally the prices are In light of the pandemic, if the SJB When you take the citizenship of any not just provide services, but also in – we may have had about a Rs. 4 billion rising. The economic fundamentals was in power, what would you as a country, you are basically saying you regulation and ensuring that standards saving there. That is the immediate don’t support what you are seeing in party have done differently? are the owner of that country and are met. The Government needs to thing. the stock market, where we have local The pandemic is something that you always have the right to return. understand that role. Stopping the If you are looking at 2021, that won’t investors, but a net outflow of foreign has come upon the world, and how Citizens are worthless if you don’t vaccination for the private sector is not be the same – if you are going to let investors. Couple of times it has pushed countries have handled it has varied have the right to return when you make the answer. the economy grow, then some capital the barrier, the controls people have from one country to another. If we the decision, not when the state or the It was nine months later that and intermediate goods will have to be put, and it has crashed. I would say to look at the global and Asian response government decides. The State cannot private hospitals were able to open up allowed in. The hit is going to come on the retailers, be careful, because the to the pandemic, you can draw some deny that because a state is a creation pandemic centres. I don't want that to fuel. Crude oil from $ 35 per barrel to pumping has happened, but we haven’t conclusions. Globally, societies which of its citizens. In other countries, the happen with vaccinations as well. $ 65. You have to pay for it. In 2020, seen the dumping yet. I am thankful for have more control have fared better in first thing they did was prioritise their we had a lockdown for five-and-a-half the professionals in the Central Bank terms of the numbers of deaths. Free citizens. It is very unfortunate that Is it fair to criticise the Government months. Fuel usage was lower. This is who are not yet risking the workers’ societies where people philosophically Sri Lanka was not able to do that. We for the state of the economy, not the case in 2021. Only thing you can money in the EPF. We have to watch make their individual decisions have even chose to bring tourists into the considering the impact of this shut is vehicles and consumer goods that. A few business houses which are generally fared worse in terms of the country before our own citizens. I can unprecedented pandemic? for another year. Therefore the current closely related and have funded this number of deaths. If you take responses understand the economic impulse to The economic challenges we face account has to worsen. Remittances Government – their stock has been in Asian societies which are not do that, but I can never defend denying now – the root of it is not in Covid- went up slightly for about Rs. 6.5 billion rising. These are artificial gains. When very different to us, we can’t be very citizens the right to return to their own 19. The root of it is in following to Rs. 7 billion plus in 2020. the adjustment comes and the prices content with how we have handled the country when needed. the wrong economic policy. In the That was because Sri Lankans who drop, we can’t dump it on the working pandemic. period before this Government took were losing their jobs in those countries people of this country. When I criticised the pandemic Are you saying that the President office, what the former did was to were also sending their savings back. response at the outset, some said the showed bad leadership? stabilise the macroeconomy picture. I would imagine that in 2021, that Considering the fact that you were Government is doing a great job due to Yes, of course. The buck stops with The revenue had to be increased in number won’t increase and it would in power during the Easter Sunday the low numbers of cases and deaths. I the President. Any President is not Government. The revenue was at a stay somewhere in the same region. bombings and that you are a Catholic didn’t go by the statistics. I go by who versatile with all the complexities of low of about 11% of GDP so we went There’s no huge demand for labor in yourself, do you think the voices of is leading the fight against it, and what society which is why advisors are there. on a fiscal consolidation programme. those countries until the pandemic the opposition are strong enough with is the management structure. I think the Advisors need to tell the President about We increased the revenue to about settles down. Your real assumption regard to the publication of the PCoI secret in leadership is to always have what needs to be done. Either proper 13.5% of GDP. When they took office, comes on tourism – how much will it for Easter Sunday report? the right people in the right place for advice wasn’t given or it wasn’t adhered the income collapsed and probably recover? Certainly, I think for a year, We are still trying to find out who that specific task. to. in 2020, the Government lost one- you won’t have a full recovery, that’s was responsible for the bombings. It is natural to lean towards people Coming from my finance third of revenue. It doesn't affect the for sure. The earlier picture was that it was who you are more familiar with – that’s background, expenses that should never 225 in Parliament, but it affects those the Government of the day. But it’s a human trait. We have a President have been delayed were investing in who seek Government education Do you think it was wise to open up changed now with the PCoI report. with a military background so he is ICU beds or ventilators. That is a very, services. Because that’s the first to the country for tourism at We are asking that it be tabled in now relying on them as well. If it is very small cost in the long run. Another get cut and schools in the rural areas this point? Parliament so that judicial actions a security problem, we would defend failure of leadership I see is that even really suffer. The haves and have-nots In a situation like this, it’s difficult can follow. We have been asking not the armed forces because they are the with knowledge of this issue, we get gap is widening, especially with the to say whether it’s the correct thing only for the Easter Sunday report, right people for the job. When it comes into a debate on the budget allocations online education that has come about. or not. The Government has tough but also the political victimisation to a pandemic, we need to have the later in the year. If you take the vote Revenue drop next implicates health decisions to make. If you have the one to be tabled in Parliament. The virologists, scientists, and health sectors of building highways and roads – we services – people who don’t have right leadership – people who are Minister of Justice said directly that leading the fight against it. All other have increased it by Rs. 85 billion. Is the luxury of seeking foreign health knowledgeable, in this case health the President must answer this. Then services – administration, armed forces that the priority in 2021? Isn't health services. and tourism authorities, then we will I’m asking the President to table both. and police – would have been under the priority – by building the ICU We were also on a plan to reduce all have confidence. You can’t have I challenge them to do that but I think their guidance. One of the things they capacity, protecting the health workers the budget deficit to about 3.5% and someone who was extradited to this they will not do that because it will would have done is increase the testing. and vaccinating the population? Putting we got to about 5.5%, despite two country on cases to head the pilot shed a light on where and when the If you have low testing, you come to away Rs. 20 billion to vaccinate the externalities – the unconstitutional project – that erodes confidence. failures occurred. Yes, I was part of the conclusion that “oh we have done population should have been the coup, and the Easter Sunday Our issue is that the wrong people that Government, and if failures have a great job”. The second wave showed priority. bombings. Otherwise we, for the first are making decisions. The Covid-19 occurred for which we are responsible, us that the first wave response was not We are a small country. We have to time in 2018 and 2017, had primary response has lacked proper decision then judicial processes must be successful. vaccinate maybe 18 million people. balances on the economy. Inflation making. followed, not executive processes.

Contd. from page 4

The US – Combat Pilots: Women History of Policewomen in recruitment, training, assigned police stations or offices without piloted aircraft as far back as the Sri Lanka positions, equal opportunities, and restrictions career progression 1930s, pushing aviation borders 1952: First women recruited yy Raise awareness and advocacy. alongside their men, as civilian and 1976: Woman Sub Inspector’s rank yy Establish or enhance the To enhance gender equality, we military liaisons. In the recent past, formed and two women promoted to execution of system-wide gender need additional budget funds Air Force Capt. Emily Thomson was the post mainstreaming policies through and to raise awareness of the the first woman to fight with the new 1989: Women directly appointed integrated monitoring and work and engagement of women state of the art F-35A Lightning II. and enlisted as Sub Inspectors assessment for law enforcement peacekeepers in the police Russia – Heavy Vehicle and other agencies Fig. 3: Canada - Women’s employment in selected sectors - 2019 operators in World War II: As Sri Lanka’s private sector © Niresh Eliatamby and Nicholas (Source: Statistics Canada, 2019) of the First World War, first utility Bashing the police department yy Enforce statutory requirements for Ruwan Dias vehicles were used to carry medical is not enough. Take a look at the female officer recruitment criteria Dr. Nicholas Ruwan Dias, BSc, devices and wounded troops. Those websites or annual reports of all of yy Review quotas and/or expectations MSc, PhD, and Niresh Eliatamby, vehicles were mostly carried and Sri Lanka’s blue-chip companies. for women in different ranks LL.B., LL.M., MBA, are Managing loaded by medical staff and nurses, Look closely at the photographs of to ensure that they are able to Partners of the Ruklife Lanka from the fighting front. The start the Board of Directors and the Senior maximise the opportunities of Foundation (Ruklife.org), a non- of the First World War marked the Management Team. How many women rather than restrict them profitable organisation committed Fig. 4. Europe - Women’s employment in selected sectors - 2019 beginning of a women-dominated photos do you see in which there are to the protection of Sri Lanka’s (Source: Eurostat Database, 2020) industry, while men were away at equal numbers of women and men? yy Focus on strengthening a national environment. war. Enough said. and regional network of formal Dr. Dias is a digital architect and Sri Lanka: Based on the National or informal peers’ support and educationist based in Kuala Lumpur, Police Commission (NPC) 2019 Way forward advocacy for women Malaysia. He may be contacted via report, women make up just less yy Establish a National Gender yy Build infrastructure and [email protected] than 10% of 83,820 members of Equality Authority with powers to facilities that allow more women Eliatamby is an author and the police force (this excludes the set and enforce minimum quotas participation, for example changing educationist based in Colombo, Sri special task force and police support in all state and large-scale private rooms, sanitation facilities to Lanka. He may be contacted via services). [email protected] Fig. 5: United States - Women’s employment in selected sectors - 2019 sector institutions, including be deployed separately in all (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019) 47 Monday, February 22, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

Tea Board Chairman business appointed to BOC Board Ayurvedic centres to Sri Lanka Tea Board Chairman Jayampathy Molligoda was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of Bank of Ceylon (BOC) by Minister of Finance Mahinda Rajapaksa with effect from 18 be opened overseas February 2021. Sri Lanka Tea Board Chairman Molligoda currently serves as Jayampathy Molligoda z Pandemic boosted Ayurvedic exports z Local industry to partner int'l insurance companies Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tea Board, and is a member of the prior to which he served as Chief BY KAREN HAPUARACHCHI The State Ministry has reportedly Institute of Chartered Accountants Accountant at Janatha Estates Authentic Sri Lankan Ayurvedic established a new research unit for the of Sri Lanka. Development Board from 1984- Centres are set to be established indigenous medicine (Ayurvedic) sector. Prior to his current assignment, 1990, and Senior Accountant at overseas as a measure taken to In addition, Dr. Senaka Pilapitiya, an he served as Executive Deputy Ceylon Plywoods from 1982- boost the productivity of the expert in the indigenous medicine sectors, Chairman/CEO at Bogawantalawa 1984. indigenous medicine (Ayurvedic) is to initiate and handle the latest research Tea Estates PLC (BTE) till 2019, He counts over 40 years of sector. related to this sector. after joining BTE as Director – executive experience in the Speaking to The Morning Business, Furthermore, the State Ministry has Finance in 1992. fields of finance management, a spokesperson from the State Ministry recognised that almost all indigenous He holds an MBA from strategic planning and human of Promotion of Indigenous Medicine, medicinal products can be locally the Postgraduate Institute of resource development, plantation Development of Rural Ayurvedic produced. There were several measures Management in 1998, and has management and international Hospitals, and Community Health taken to promote the local production and also successfully completed an marketing of tea. reported that the ministry has evaluated transform this sector into a self-sufficient Executive Strategy Programme He was conferred the several approaches to increase the industry. at Victoria University Melbourne, “Professional Excellence Award efficiency and productivity of this sector Ministry is planning to officially speak to companies such as BUPA and MediCare, “Rs. 2 billion worth of indigeneous Australia. 2014” at the CMA National in six months, and make it self-sufficient the relevant authorities and Ambassadors where international patients will arrive medicinal products is imported each year. In addition, he served as Management Accounting within two to three years. of these countries regarding this into the country to be completely cured. Out of this, 85-90% of these products Chairman on the Independent Conference held in June, 2014. This decision was taken by the establishment.” the spokesperson Moreover, the fourth approach involves can be produced and manufactured in Audit Committee of Finlay Teas He is a freelance writer for national ministry due to the rise of indigenous commented. the establishments of Ayurvedic centers our country,” the Ministry spokesperson – Hapugastenne Plantations PLC/ newspapers and professional medicine exports influenced by the “These centres will include products in the local hotel sector. commented. Udapussellawa Plantations PLC, journals, covering subjects such Covid-19 pandemic last year. In addition, under the category of Authentic Sri “This will be called Sri Lankan “Currently we are promoting the local during the period 2004-2015. as the plantation industry, private this measure was also taken to transform Lankan Indigenous Products, where Ayurvedic Treatment Centres rather production of these imports under the Molligoda further served as sector business development, the indigenous medicine sector to be centres will have a variety of authentic than Ayurvedic Spas. As there are five project ‘Suwadharani osu wagakarime the Senior Finance Manager at economic development and self-sufficient in order to ban indigenous Ayurvedic Sri Lankan products,” they main treatments that can be provided for Sangramaya’. We are planning to Associated Newspapers of Ceylon poverty alleviation, and legal and medicine imports. added. consumers, we are planning to establish allocate lands for manufacturing. We Ltd. during the period 1991/92, constitutional affairs. As the first approach to boost The second approach includes chains of these centers in the hotel sectors have not initiated this project as of yet indigenous medicine exports, the creating an internal channel to connect in the country. Also, we are planning because we have not evaluated a pricing ministry is planning on having to international markets. This approach to issue loans for these centers to be mechanism for these products,” they ICRA revises the issuer discussions with relevant ambassadors to includes a magazine with the title constructed; we have currently discussed further added. establish authentic indigenous medicine Suwadharani International Magazine this with the People’s Bank,” the Ministry Moreover, the Ministry of Promotion rating of Multi Finance centers overseas. for indigenous medicine in Sri Lanka, spokesperson stated. of Indigenous Medicine, Development “The first way that is currently being which will be provided to airlines, Also, the State Ministry is planning of Rural Ayurvedic Hospitals, and ICRA Lanka Ltd. has revised Rs. 2.5 billion by January 2022) discussed, is to establish Sri Lankan flights, high-class hotels, and restaurants. to provide facilities to manufacturers Community Health expressed its the issuer rating of Multi Finance as stipulated by the regulator. Ayurvedic Centres in international Furthermore, another approach of indigenous products to support local encouragement and support to aspiring PLC (MFP) to (SL)C+ from (SL) Non-compliance on minimum markets such as Australia, Austria, evaluated by the State Ministry is to production and elevate them up to an local manufacturers to incept businesses B- with a Negative outlook. capital by MFP has led to the CBSL Germany, Qatar, and Canada. The collaborate with international insurance international export standard. into this programme. The rating revision factors imposing a lending cap of Rs. 1.3 in the continued weakness in billion and a deposit cap of Rs. 600 MFP’s capital adequacy, earnings, million, a measure that has affected Dialog Group posts revenue Sri Lanka to build and asset quality profiles. The the growth of the company. The core company’s tangible net worth Tier 1 CAR (capital adequacy ratio) a train launch pad (adjusted for deferred tax) of about and total CAR ratios of the company Rs. 500 million as of September stood at 61.4% in September 2020 growth of 3% for FY 2020 2020 continued to remain well and 54.6% in March 2020, due to BY KAREN HAPUARACHCHI Dialog Axiata PLC announced billion recognised during the entity level, Dialog Axiata PLC Sri Lanka’s boatbuilding below the minimum regulatory its smaller portfolio size. its consolidated financial results quarter. continued to contribute a major The State Minister of industry, as most times, capital requirement of the Central ICRA Lanka notes that the planned for the year ended 31 December The Board of Directors share of Group Revenue (69%), Warehouse Facilities, fishing boats are given Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), as capital-raising initiatives that were 2020 (FY 2020), including of Dialog Axiata PLC, at its and Group EBITDA (74%). Container Yards, Port priority over other vessels the company was unable to raise in the pipeline were derailed due those of Dialog Axiata PLC (the meeting held on 19 February Company revenue remained Supply Facilities, and to use the launching pad. the required equity capital during to the Covid-19 outbreak. The Company) and of the Dialog 2021, resolved to propose for stable YTD to record Rs. 82.4 Boats and Shipping Upon the construction the period. rating takes cognisance of the Axiata Group (the Group). consideration by the shareholders, billion for FY 2020. Revenue Industry Development of the launching pad, The failure to meet the ongoing discussions with potential The Group stated it saw stable a cash dividend to ordinary saw a growth of 6% YoY, and is currently discussing vessels manufactured for regulatory capital has led to the investors to infuse fresh capital to performance across all business shareholders amounting to Rs. 4% QoQ, to reach Rs. 21.8 the construction of a Sri export purposes would be imposition of lending and deposit- the company. However, the timely segments over FY 2020, viz. 0.74 per share. billion for Q4 2020. Company Lankan train launch pad, given priority, the State taking restrictions by the CBSL. completion of the same would be Mobile, Fixed Line, Digital Pay The said dividend, if approved, EBITDA was recorded at Rs. The Morning Business Minister noted last year, ICRA Lanka notes that the planned critical from a rating point of view. Television, International and would translate to a payout ratio 37.7 billion for FY 2020, an learns. regarding the construction capital-raising exercises were The GNPA ratio as of March 2019 Tele-infrastructure businesses, of 50% of consolidated Group increase of 6% YTD, and Media Secretary of the boat launch pad. affected by the challenging macro stood at about 11.6%. Subsequently, despite the challenges posed by NPAT for FY 2020, resulting in reached Rs. 10.5 billion for Rohana Warnakulasooriya A launch pad for trains outlook that prevailed during the MFP witnessed a sharp increase in the Covid-19 pandemic, on the a dividend yield of 6.0%. The Q4 2020, up 19% YoY and reported that previous comprises a flat surface period. The rating also factors in NPA levels, largely due to macro- backdrop of a supportive policy dividend will be considered 3% QoQ. Company NPAT was discussions were held having an area suitable for the sharp deterioration of asset political challenges in the market; framework and stable macro for shareholder approval at the recorded at Rs. 11.7 billion for over the construction of a the receipt of helicopter quality indicators, where the gross the GNPA ratio went up to 40.1% by environment enabled by the Company’s Annual General FY 2020, up 1% YTD. NPAT boat launch pad. However, skids, structural members NPA (non-performing asset) ratio September 2020. However, ICRA Government. Meeting (AGM), the date reached Rs. 2.7 billion for Q4 although the approval connecting the flat surface had increased to about 40.1% in Lanka notes that the absolute GNPA Group consolidated revenue pertaining to which would be 2020, declining 9% YoY and for the construction was to the frame of the railroad September 2020 vis-à-vis 18.8% declined to Rs. 337.7 million in stood at Rs. 120.1 billion for FY notified in due course. Dialog 41% QoQ. granted by President car, and a ladder extending in September 2019 and 11.6% in September 2020 compared to Rs. 2020, demonstrating a moderate Group stated it remitted a Meanwhile, Dialog Television Gotabaya Rajapaksa, from the flat surface and March 2019. 410.5 million in March 2020 due Year-to-Date (YTD) growth of total of Rs. 18.8 billion to the (DTV) noted a subscriber growth the project is yet to be connected to the frame of However, ICRA Lanka notes to the improved recoveries. 3%, despite the advent of Covid- Government over FY 2020. of 12% YoY for FY 2020. DTV confirmed. the railroad car. that the overall contraction of The increase in NPAs primarily 19 and the spells of lockdown Total remittances included revenue remained stable on a YTD “The focus of this The railroad car is a the lending portfolio has also came from SME (small and during the year, which led to an direct taxes and levies amounting basis to record Rs. 8.7 billion, ‘Boat Launch Pad’ project transfer for a unit train contributed to the sharp increase medium enterprises)-related estimated top line impact of circa to Rs. 6.0 billion and Rs. 12.8 despite the Covid-19 associated has shifted to a train having a conveyor in the gross NPA (GNPA) ratio exposures of the company, as Rs. 5 billion. However, the Group billion in consumption taxes slowdown and free offers leading launching pad as this is system. The flat surface during the period. MFP’s overall the SME sector was particularly revenue for Q4 2020 recorded collected on behalf of the to an estimated impact of Rs. 0.8 the most advanced type is positioned above the profitability remains weak, where affected during the period. more appreciable growth on a Government. The Group capital billion, while on a YoY and QoQ of launching pads in the conveyor system on the the company reported a net loss ICRA Lanka also notes that the Year-on-Year (YoY) and Quarter- expenditure for the year ended 31 basis, revenue recorded growth of world. The Ministry aims railroad car. An extensible of Rs. 26 million during the six contraction of the overall portfolio on-Quarter (QoQ) basis at 9% December 2020 reached Rs. 28.8 1% and 3%, respectively, to reach to match international portion of this flat surface months ended September 2020, has also contributed to the sharp and 6%, respectively, to reach billion, resulting in a Capex-to- Rs. 2.3 billion for Q4 2020. DTV’s standards, therefore increases the area of the vis-à-vis Rs. 142 million loss increase in NPA ratios during the Rs. 32.2 billion. Revenue ratio of 24%. EBITDA recorded a growth of 3% there are discussions flat surface. reported during the financial year period. Group Earnings Before The Group recorded an YTD to reach Rs. 2.5 billion for currently regarding a This invention was (FY) 2020. Going forward, the For the six months ended Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Operating Free Cash Flow FY 2020. However, DTV’s Net modern train launch developed to improve the company’s ability to meet the September 2020, MFP reported Amortisation (EBITDA) grew 9% (OFCF) of Rs. 18.2 billion for Loss increased to Rs. 912 million pad,” Warnakulasooriya efficiency of manpower regulatory capital requirement, a net loss of Rs. 26 million, vis-à- YTD to reach Rs. 50.9 billion for FY 2020. Group Net Debt-to- for FY 2020, relative to a Net Loss commented. usage in connection control incremental slippages, and vis Rs. 142 million loss reported FY 2020, while Group EBITDA EBITDA ratio remained healthy of Rs. 541 million in FY 2019. Details such as the with the self-unloading improve its profitability indicators during FY20. Sustained losses stood at Rs. 14.3 billion for Q4 at 0.47 times, as at end-2020. DBN, featuring the Group’s estimated cost, approval train, described herein will be crucial. However, the rating for the six-month period were 2020, up 23% YoY. During the quarter, Dialog Axiata fixed telecommunications, from Parliament, and previously. In the factors the adequate liquidity primarily due to moderation of On a QoQ basis, Group PLC acquired 100% shareholding broadband and international when this project will invention, the transfer profile of the company, where NIM (net interest margin) and EBITDA recorded a modest in H One (Pvt.) Ltd., through businesses, recorded revenue of be completed, were not car of the self-unloading the liquidity ratios remain above higher credit cost, on account of growth of 5%. Accordingly, the Dialog Broadband Networks Rs. 32.2 billion for FY 2020, revealed, as final decisions train is equipped with the regulatory requirements. asset quality deterioration. Group EBITDA margin was (Pvt.) Ltd. (DBN), a fully-owned up 14% YTD, mainly due to have not been made yet. an elevated helicopter As of September 2020, MFP MFP witnessed a NIM recorded at 42.3% for FY 2020, up subsidiary of Dialog. the increase in home broadband In comparison to this, the platform. reported a positive ALM (asset- compression during the period, 2.4 percentage points YTD. Group H One is the leading Microsoft and wholesale business revenues, approximate cost of the By having an elevated liability mismatch) of 13%, from 12.5% in FY19, 10.5% in Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) saw a services provider in Sri Lanka while on a YoY and QoQ basis, previous project, the “Boat platform 12-14 feet above compared to the positive ALM FY20, to 6.6% for the six months growth of 12% YTD to record Rs. delivering innovative solutions revenue grew 19% and 12%, Launch Pad”, totalled Rs. the track surface and the of 8% reported in 2019, as the ended September 2020, due to the 12.0 billion for FY 2020, partially to many top corporates in the respectively, to reach Rs. 8.9 100 million. blades another eight feet company has largely curtailed its degrowth of the loan portfolio. offset by forex losses amounting country. The acquisition of billion for Q4 2020. DBN As Sri Lanka has above the platform, the lending activities. ICRA Lanka also notes that the to Rs. 0.8 billion. H One is expected to further recorded an EBITDA growth of launching pads only inside helicopter’s main rotor As of September 2020, tangible company has failed to post pre- Group NPAT reached Rs. 3.4 strengthen Dialog’s suite of 20% YTD to reach Rs. 11.0 billion its fisheries harbors, the blades will be above net worth (adjusted for deferred provision profit since FY16 and billion for Q4 2020, up 42% YoY, enterprise solutions, and would for FY 2020. Accordingly, NPAT absence of a launching the clearance line of tax) of MFP stood at about Rs. the poor earnings profile of the albeit declining by 28% QoQ, facilitate acceleration of the was recorded at Rs. 1.7 billion for pad outside a harbour has any possible train on an 500 million, which is significantly company is adversely affecting the stemming from an increased digital transformation of Sri FY 2020, up from Rs. 0.4 billion long been a challenge to adjacent track. below the minimum core capital capital base, which is already at a depreciation charge of Rs. 0.9 Lanka’s Enterprise Sector. At an recorded in FY 2019. requirement of Rs. 2 billion (and very modest level. 48 business „„ www.themorning.lk { VIEWS } Monday, February 22, 2021 Default fear struck by a bond price drop? BY ECONSULT ASIA’S DR. KENNETH DE ZILWA AND BODH MAATHURA of one of the so-called twin deficit problems that has been touted by the An article titled, “Sri Lanka’s bonds tumble as default worries same group of liberal economists and mount” was published in the Daily FT on 10 February 2021. The economic commentators. In fact, what article states: “Sri Lanka’s bonds due for repayment between 2022 is prescribed by the liberal doctrine is and 2028 fell around 2 cents on the dollar, leaving those maturing more of the same, by way of liberal beyond 2025 at roughly 60 cents at 40% below face value.” The trade policies, i.e. more unsustainable author claims that the 9 February 2021 fall in government bond imports and more foreign borrowings price was due to “rising default fears”. The following were stated as for projects, at the expense of the the reasoning behind the rise in default fears. local production and manufacturing industries and also end consumers who yy A $ 4.3 billion debt repayment The following formula shows that eventually pay the ultimate price by way for 2021 if the yield is above the coupon rate of of higher taxes, low disposable incomes, yy Foreign currency reserves of $ the bond, the bond will be traded at a no growth opportunities, and finally, 5.2 billion (December 2020) discounted value below its par value. austerity measures. These have become If the current market expectations of standard policy recommendations yy A $ 400 million currency SWAP interest rates for the bond are 4%, the readily available to be used by the IMF line by India price of the bond is derived as follows. and by liberal economists and economic The following predicaments will commentators. have to be addressed by Sri Lanka P = 61.041+61.042+1061.043 In fact, of the 16 programmes in 2021, but may not necessarily be P = 5.77+5.55+94.23 = Rs. 105.55 undertaken by the IMF at the request a reason for an investor to fear that a of the liberal schools, 10 have been country will be in “default”. When The above formula indicates that if standby arrangement facilities provided considering the debt repayment in the the yield is below the coupon rate of to the country since 1966, while the context of the macroeconomic position the bond, the bond will be trading with remainder have been designed as of Sri Lanka, we see no need to worry a premium above its par value. The extended credit facilities, which has Source: Refinitiv about a default. So, a claim that there examples show that the price of the seen the borrowing of $ 4.3 billion in was a bond selloff due to default fears bond is inversely related to the yield total. What the liberals fail to see is remains unsubstantiated and completely of the bond. When the current market that $ 1.8 billion or 42% was handed unfounded. yield is higher than the coupon rate, the out in 2018 to defend unsustainable bond will trade at a discounted price, import bills, which added pressure on Breaking away from the while if the yield is below the coupon the domestic exchange rates, resulting in default frenzy rate, the bond is priced with a premium. the Central Bank using up its reserves to To better understand the claim, you defend the currency, as the passthrough must be better informed on how an Let the bonds speak for co-efficient of import-driven consumer International Sovereign Bond (ISB), themselves inflation remained a primary concern. or any bond for that matter, is priced, Historic Sri Lankan Treasury bond and the context of the market behaviour prices have been plotted on Graph 1. External debt profile when the price drops are observed. The data indicates that since the fall in continues to display Bonds are fixed income securities, bond prices observed in March 2020, encouraging development as it has a fixed coupon or interest prices are yet to normalise. The price The external debt profile per se has that is paid either semi-annually or drop on 9 February remains within this not changed much over the years and annually. Hence the term fixed income volatile range and cannot be considered is skewed towards more long-term debt securities. These securities are paid in a “huge selloff” per se, as suggested than short-term, which is an encouraging full at maturity by the issuer (in this by the Reuters article and other such development that has been overlooked case, the Government of Sri Lanka misleading publications. The reason for by the “default theorist” (Graph 3). In Source: Central Bank of Sri Lanka [GoSL]) at its face value, most often the drop in the bond price is twofold. fact, looking at the short-term debt in denominations of $ 100 or $ 1,000. Firstly, it was due to the credit ratings as a percentage to external reserves Once the bond is issued, the market play which was in September 2020, and would indicate that the worst period was discounts these fixed cash flows at the secondly, due to the lack of liquidity in witnessed in 2016 and 2017, with the prevailing US interest rate curve, i.e. the secondary market, as many pension ratio reaching a high of 142% and 151% yield curve. The yield curve also factors funds and other hedge funds are not in Q2 of 2016 and Q1 of 2017, at which market credit sentiments in order to actively trading the GoSL ISB, and point no rating agency had concerns. arrive at the current price of the bond as such, the recent price movement In other words, short-term debt was a or the value of the bond; similar to the definitely does not indicate panic much more serious problem than what calculation of Net Present Value of a selling of bonds by investors. These it is now, as the ratio is currently at projects cash flow. default fears are created by mischievous 112%. See Graph 4. Therefore, to understand whether individuals, who do not seem to have The likelihood of default? Sri Lanka would be in a position to traded in bonds nor seem to have worked None. meet debt repayments for the year 2021 in capital markets. requires a deep dive into the national Furthermore, if we look at the ISB Table 1: Sri Lanka current account cash flows as well as the current state price data of the yield curve as observed ($ million) of the economy. Let us first understand on 9 February 2021, it does not raise any how a bond is priced, and then move alarm bells of default fears in the price 2018 2019 2020E* 2021P into cash flows. of the bond. The yield curve data shows Goods and that the bonds maturing in 2030 have (6,577) (5,148) (4,837) (4,681) How are bonds priced? a lower yield than the bonds maturing services P = C(1+y)t+F(1+y)T in 2022, depicting an inverted yield Goods (10,343) (7,997) (5,978) (6,005) curve for the ISBs, and thus debunks Source: Central Bank of Sri Lanka A bond may be priced with the above these fearmongers. It is simple logic Services 3,766 2,849 1,141 1,324 formula. Where; that long-term investments are riskier Information and Sri Lanka was able to honour its debt Lanka is to come out of this abyss; and What is extremely disturbing is C – the periodic coupon payment than short-term investments. And if the communications repayments of over $ 4.2 billion in emphasis placed on curtailing non- that many liberal economists technology 1,046 880 875 924 (periodic fixed interest payment fear of default was significantly higher (ICT), transport, 2019; as well as make the repayment essentials, such as vehicles, consumer and economic commentators made to the bond holder) than before, the long bond yields would construction, of another $ 4.3 billion in 2020 even goods (most furniture, electronics), do not seem to understand that y – the yield of the bond have moved at far greater selloff than the and other with rating downgrades. Our debt and food (fish, dairy, wheat/maze, Sri Lanka has chronic external F – the face value or par value (price short term. This would mean a steeper Travel 2,721 1,969 267 400 service obligations remained intact etc.) items that can be produced resource issues that should at which the bond was sold and selloff, increasing its yields, bringing even when the global economy was with in the island will decline the be resolved without delay also the price at which the bond about an upward-sloping curve by now. Primary income (2,385) (2,426) (2,441) (2,548) in disarray and when consumer merchandise import expense a great and which is being addressed is redeemed at maturity) In fact, the bond curve suggests that Secondary markets virtually closed, as the world margin below the 2019 level of $ 19.3 for the first time, by import 6,163 5,766 6,284 6,180 t – time secondary market yields have reduced income experienced its worst-ever economic billion. The 2020 trade deficit of $ 6 rationalisation and stimulation T – number of periods until the bonds’ since January 2020, post the unilateral downturn in its capitalist history, due billion will be maintained through of export promotion activity maturity date downgrading of the country. Therefore, Current account (2,799) (1,808) (993) (1,048) to the Covid-19 pandemic. 2021 as projected in Table 1. This formula shows that the price of this so-called default fear is not observed Source: CBSL, EAL Sri Lanka is expected to see a strong The extent to which earnings a bond is the present value of its future nor is it priced in the yield curve for Sri rebound in 2021 with a growth of from tourism will recover remains of foreign currency reserves through cash flows. Lanka ISBs as of 9 February 2021, seen *Q4 2020 has been forecasted based above 6%. The island has doubled uncertain. However, with the borders SWAP arrangements with China of $ For example, if a bond is issued with on Graph 2. on CBSL data and EAL projections. down on becoming an export-led open and mass vaccination underway, 1.5 billion, which is to be finalised by a face value (F) Rs. 100, at a coupon economy, aligning its monetary, fiscal, a conservative estimate of $ 1 billion the end of this month. The following rate of 6% and a maturity (T) of three Root cause – unsustainable The island inherited a highly industrial, and export policies to can be expected for the year 2021. attributes forecast the strengthening of years, and the bond makes an annual imports leveraged balance sheet and continues create a structured import-competing This decline will be balanced off by the current account of Sri Lanka. This coupon payment, if the current market What is extremely disturbing is that to be faced with a debt repayment of environment for local industries the decline in outward flow of money will place the country in a positive yield for the bond is 6% equal to the many liberal economists and economic circa $ 4.2 billion for the year 2021 to gain market share. The import through tourism, which is $ 1.6 billion position to make the repayment of $ coupon rate, the price of the bond is commentators do not seem to understand until 2025, as Sri Lanka had borrowed rationalisation framework has had per annum. 4.3 billion for the year 2021. determined as follows. that Sri Lanka has chronic external $ 12.1 billion during the period of significant results and has managed Published data for 2020 saw an Moving back to the bond price resource issues that should be resolved 2015 to 2019, accounting for 75% to curtail the foreign currency increase in worker remittances of drop, there is no evidence to back P = 61.061+61.062+1061.063 without delay and which is being of the country’s total external capital leakages created by excessive import 5.5% to $ 7.1 billion from $ 6.1 billion a claim that Sri Lanka will default P = 5.66+5.34+89 = Rs. 100.00 addressed for the first time, by import market related borrowings, i.e., Euro dependency and by doing so, has given in 2019. This trend is set to continue on its debt payments in the coming rationalisation and stimulation of export bonds. Despite these challenges, the this revenue opportunity to the local for 2021, projecting secondary income year. The macroeconomic data for The following formula shows that if promotion activity. What is alarming is macroeconomic framework and the industries. Through these structural on the current account to remain the country confirms the country’s the yield remains equal to the coupon that despite numerous instances where homegrown structural adjustment adjustment policies, the country has above the $ 6.3 billion mark achieved ability to repay its debt. The country rate of the bond, the price of the bond previous governments have sought which had been institutionalised in been able to turn its perianal current in 2020. Furthermore, the economy is moving to strengthen its balance remains at par value. The addition of assistance from the International the country since December 2019, the account deficit into a surplus in 2020 will be strengthened by $ 1.5 billion sheet and shifting to a domestic the future cash flows generated by the Monetary Fund (IMF) in the form of economy has shown positive results. and will continue down this path in in foreign direct investment (FDI) financing-focused debt composition. interest payments and amount redeemed structural adjustment programmes and We as a country can pull ourselves 2021 too. attracted by the Colombo Port City as Furthermore, necessary measures have at maturity would equal to the price at standby arrangement facilities as a out of the vicious cycle and address It is highly likely with the current it launches its global marketing this been taken to seal off unnecessary which it was purchased. mere stop gap arrangement to address the external debt repayments that are incentives laid out for the export year. According to the Government, foreign exchange leakages while If the current market expectations of the deteriorating Balance of Payments lined up until 2027 and this too can industries, that merchandise export it is hopeful of achieving a target of boosting local exports and industries. interest rates for the bond is 8%, the and to stem the outflow of foreign be made quite comfortably without revenue for the year 2021 will over $ 2.5 billion in FDI for 2021, With the economy showing promising price of the bond is as follows. currency, nothing material has been moving to the IMF, looking at the surpass the export revenue of $ 11.9 with the combination of investment signs of growth for the coming years, done to address the burgeoning trade cash flows. billion observed in 2019. Therefore, for the Port City and other projects the Treasury bonds currently priced P = 61.081+61.082+1061.083 deficit and enhance domestic industrial It is important to keep in mind that it is imperative that the import laid out. The above foreign inflows at a lucrative discount are certain to P = 5.56+5.14+84.15 = Rs. 94.85 competitiveness. This is the root cause amidst all these negative undertones, rationalisation policy continues if Sri are further backed by a strengthening appreciate. business 49 Monday, February 22, 2021 { ADVERTORIAL/CORPORATE } „„ www.themorning.lk SLT-Mobitel, a Sri Lankan telecommunicator and a leader in multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) services for enterprise SLT-Mobitel launches and government customers, in collaboration with Cisco and MillenniumIT ESP (Pvt.) Ltd. (MillenniumIT ESP), announced the True SD-WAN services launch of its new managed SD-WAN services to accelerate digitisation HNBA and HNBGI CEO of enterprise and government Prasantha Fernando HNBGI COO Sithumina Jayasundara customers in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) is said to offer Cisco SD-WAN's full functionality HNB General Insurance including intelligent dynamic routing, optimised cloud connectivity, and visibility gears up for 2021 into applications and performance, to its enterprise customers in Sri Lanka. HNB General Insurance Ltd. sphere predominantly aimed at This collaboration brings together (HNBGI), which provides general making such procedures simpler Cisco's intent-based networking solutions, insurance solutions across the and more convenient. SLT’s connectivity solutions and country, discussed the spectrum “On account of this, tasks MillenniumIT ESP’s systems integration Participants at the handing over of the agreement. From left: SLT Chief Network Officer Mangala Samarajeewa, SLT Chief Enterprise and of its key deliverances for 2021 such as quotation generation, capabilities to develop and deploy multiple Wholesale Officer Janaka Abeysinghe, SLT COO Priyantha Fernandez, SLT CEO Kiththi Perera, MillenniumIT ESP Director/CEO Shevan and how strategies are being the processing of claims and managed services efficiently and cost- Goonetilleke, MillenniumIT ESP Director Dr. Sajeeva Narangoda, and Ambeon Holdings PLC Group VP Gerald Vethanayagam crafted to anchor exemplary payments thereof, as well as effectively across Sri Lanka. performance in this challenging training and development via SLT declared it would handle the the general transition of applications accessing multiple cloud applications. due to their excellence and leadership year. digital platforms will be a few deployment and operation of the enterprise to the cloud, SLT collaborated with SD-WAN natively integrates in the routing arena for more than 30 Sharing his views, HNBGI and of the areas of focus. We believe WAN service combined with its underlay Cisco and MillenniumIT ESP to offer Cisco's security stack to provide years. SD-WAN-capable routers include HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA), this will supplement our efforts connectivity options with MPLS and SD-WAN. With this, the company’s threat protection that is consistently Cisco IOS SD XE that run on the ISR Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in providing a seamless customer internet connectivity, enabling them to business customers can have their maintained across branch offices and series routers. Cisco's networking Prasantha Fernando stated: service and experience, also by offer its enterprise customers a host of managed services turned up quickly, multiple clouds without compromising solutions, along with SLT’s connectivity “In 2020, all eyes were on the way of improved turnaround, differentiated services in a reliable and managed securely from both captive performance. In addition, it also options, make SD-WAN the most drastic and yet unbelievable satisfaction, and retention rates.” secure manner. and the cloud, and modified easily provides many last-mile options and comprehensive solution. With the true shifts in demand, supply, and Jayasundara continued: As Sri Lankan businesses embrace using software-defined networking islandwide outside plant maintenance separation of the SD-WAN layers of consumer needs that took the “Over time, HNBGI has digital transformation, many are looking technology. centres (OPMCs) and service-level control, management, orchestration, and spotlight, setting in place novel cultivated key partnerships at managed service providers to simplify Focusing on the concept of “grow agreements (SLAs) to ensure maximum transport, Cisco and SLT will deliver solutions and pathways for us with a number of value-adding running their IT operations, specifically more, pay less”, SD-WAN offers the customer priorities. the best user experience, securely across to collaborate and serve. As a services, establishing strong around provisioning, managing, and management better visibility, enhanced Commenting on the partnership, any cloud, as a fully managed service. renowned corporate, HNBGI ties among the agency channel, troubleshooting services. application experience, optimised cloud SLT Chief Executive Officer (CEO) SLT also plans to expand the SD WAN adapted and successfully bancassurance channel, corporate Moreover, recognising the need and connectivity, and a more secure WAN for Kiththi Perera said: “We chose Cisco to global customers in the near future.” mastered many mechanisms to sales unit, takaful unit, and deliver well above standards, broker and leasing channels. largely contributing to the Rs. Such components will work 10 billion turnover of the group in sync to further sustain these Lanka IOC steps up in fight against Covid in 2020, which is a tremendous relationships and bring in new The Government of Sri Lanka Secretariat in the Colombo causes and endeavour to help milestone to have achieved in the collaborations to drive revenue, (GoSL) has further intensified District, by Lanka Indian Oil the citizens of the country in two companies’ history. delivering promised returns to the battle against the fast- Company (LIOC). fighting the pandemic. He said “We are, now more than our stakeholders. As we widen spreading second wave of the Minister Gammanpila, that through this contribution, ever, geared to take on 2021 our comprehensive portfolio Covid-19 virus in the island by during his address, LIOC hopes to make efforts by the meticulous execution of of general insurance solutions extending strict screening of the complimented LIOC for to protect the school students digital facilitators, introduction by introducing revolutionary common public and enforcing the always showing concern and teachers from this global of new and improved products products such as ‘Motor Guard protocols required to be followed and effort to support society, pandemic. that are more apt towards Pay As You Claim’, we will be for controlling the spread of the which shall go a long way LIOC has been coming today’s needs, and continuous taking more measures to modify infection. in creating a healthy society. forward on regular basis to expansion to be there for our and introduce a modern bouquet Schools are also being He also congratulated LIOC support in the battle against invaluable customers. Also, a of products in the motor insurance opened up in a phased manner, for coming forward as a the spread of Covid-19. LIOC number of initiatives are set and non-motor sphere with a host complying with Covid norms responsible corporate. also provided peddle-push in place to train and provide of benefits that best fits the fast- and meeting the guidelines of As schools reopen, washbasins, thermometers, and progressive development for paced needs of our audience.” the “new normal”. Gammanpila said that it is very masks to 10 schools to ensure the knowledgeable team of HNBGI was incorporated in In assistance to the GoSL important to work towards hygiene was maintained, as a professionals here at HNBGI, January 2015 and specialises in and its efforts to control the safeguarding the health of preventive measure against who with no doubt will push motor and non-motor insurance spread of the coronavirus in the students and teachers, while Covid-19 infections among towards excellence in the year solutions, and is presently one country, contactless infrared giving parents the confidence school-going children. Minister Udaya Gammanpila (right) and LIOC MD Manoj Gupta ahead,” he added. of the fastest growing general thermometers were distributed to help their children return LIOC PLC, the only listed (centre) at the distribution of thermometers to school principals Speaking on the strategy for insurance companies in Sri Lanka, under the patronage of Minister to school. and one of the largest private 2021, HNBGI Chief Operating with a network of 56 branches. of Energy Udaya Gammanpila to LIOC Managing Director sector companies engaged in the betterment of society through steadfast in coming forward for Officer (COO) Sithumina The company is ranked within principals of the schools under (MD) Manoj Gupta assured to the marketing of petroleum its corporate social responsibility discharging obligations towards Jayasundara stated: “Obtaining the “Top 100 Brands” and has the Seethawaka Divisional always stand for such worthy products, is contributing towards (CSR ) initiatives and has been the community. an insurance plan, be it for your been awarded a “National Insurer vehicle, property, or business, can Financial Strength Rating” of be a daunting task, and with the A(lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka Lanka IOC helps Wavenet launches ‘ahasa’ ever-growing need to digitalise Ltd. and has obtained the Great matters for the future, HNBGI is Place to Work® Certification and upgrade students’ skills actively committed to amplifying is a fully owned subsidiary of application platform for CSPs its transformation over the digital HNB Assurance PLC. at Army Logistics School Global Wavenet announced the launch of a revolutionary containerised application AAT Sri Lanka hosts orchestration platform for Container Service Platforms 18th annual conference (CSPs) named “ahasa” yesterday (21). Using the ahasa platform, enterprises can design, integrate Global Wavenet Founder and Global Wavenet VP Engineering and deploy containerised CEO Suren Pinto Varatharaja Kajamugan applications in their choice of either a Public Cloud such and deployment of services can be installed on either AWS, or a Private Cloud such easily, without having to a Public or Private Cloud, as VMware. The platform states build new applications or or ‘on-premise’ based on it will change the way mobile use complex code. It also the customer’s individual operators, communication supports standard production requirement. This reduces service providers, and deployment patterns such as CSP Capex and Opex enterprises will consume Blue Green, rolling updates, investments while delivering software applications online. and Canary releases, amongst deployment efficiencies Army School of Logistics Chief Instructor H.A.M. Premarathne handing Users of ahasa are able to others. CSPs are able to and flexibilities through Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena (centre), AAT SL CEO Tishanga over a memento as token of appreciation to LIOC officials visually design, integrate, easily scale, enhance, and features such as lead- Kumarasinghe (left), and Vice President Sunil Wanigabadu (right) deploy, and manage end- launch services and become time management, version to-end solutions based on nimble in deploying digital experience and controls, The 18th Annual Conference presented by eminent resource Lanka Indian Oil Company of petroleum products such as business requirements. The solutions into the market roll-backs, and pre-testing of the Association of Accounting personnel on 16, 17 February (LIOC), in collaboration with petrol, diesel, furnace oil, and platform assists in orchestrating to gain a competitive edge. of deployments before Technicians of Sri Lanka (AAT 2021 respectively. The topics the tri-forces of the country, lubricant products, and also infrastructure (widely known For other enterprise users, production”. Sri Lanka) was held from 16 to were “Lead from the front- conducted a workshop for 24 included a site visit to the tank as CI/CD and commonly the ease of “app discovery” Global Wavenet CEO 17 February 2021 at the AAT Steering above and beyond”, students of the Sri Lanka Army farm, jetty, fire pump house, associated with launching and quick time-to-market Suren Pinto commented Centre. “No turning back – Steer the Logistics School, Trincomalee, lubricant plant, and laboratory. software applications) quickly are obvious benefits of the on this occasion: “It’s a Deliberations were on the skill and the will”, and “Take on 15 February 2021 at the During the training, quality and easily into the market. platform. It will reduce significant milestone for us theme “Steer the Change” a the wheel – Steer through tax Trincomalee Oil Terminal. control norms and safety The Kubernetes-based costs associated with Cloud as a business and a proud topic that is more relevant in reforms”. The Army Logistics School is features in the terminal were platform streamlines technology development, and moment for Wavenet! With the country. This topic was Due to the current situation of an institute for training officers explained to the participants. enterprise Cloud applications investment in skills needed ahasa, we are changing the selected based on what the the country, AAT conducted the and senior non-commissioned The workshop concluded with (apps) on a serverless Cloud to manage independent web game for CSPs, enterprises country needs at this moment inauguration ceremony physically officers in the fields of logistics a live fire drill, providing a environment and is aimed services when launching and Operators by simplifying during the pandemic situation, with the limited invitees and and administration. The school feel of an actual emergency predominantly at assisting solutions. The platform how containerised which is a contribution of most of the members were joined acquaints logisticians with and on the methods to face it. CSPs with multiple app also diminishes additional applications are orchestrated, committed professionals to online via Zoom. modern theories and practices All safety measures towards connectivity needs. capital required to build, integrated, and operated. rebuild our economy with a view The conference facilitates of logistics planning and Covid-19 were ensured during Ahasa user accounts are host, and manage separate The advanced capabilities in to attracting more investments exchange of expertise of 16 management. the training. free to sign up, and once web services. service orchestration mean for the economic growth of the resource personnel in chosen The school also aims to Upon conclusion of the logged in, users can discover Wavenet VP Engineering faster time to market, and country. fields and expects to attract provide a forum for discussions workshop, Army School of and select from a range of Varatharaja Kajamugan more importantly, faster time The conference was over 400 participants for the on the science of land, naval, Logistics Chief Instructor Wavenet apps. They can commented: “Ahasa can to realise revenue for CSPs inaugurated with the participation conference. There were several and air logistics, national and H.A.M .Premarathne highly create full technology solution essentially be considered and enterprises. Our aim here of the speaker of the parliament activities at the inauguration day international security affairs, appreciated the programme architectures on digital as a tool that impacts is to make the CSP journey Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena as and this event was an opportunity logistics doctrine, and other and thanked LIOC for always Canvas using drag and drop traditional technology into Cloud and containerised the Chief Guest, and the State to meet and network with leading topics of significant and coming forward for such functions, which follow the models for service-oriented applications as painless and Minister of Money and Capital professionals from various current interest to the defence services. low-code no-code concept, architecture design and smooth as possible. We Market Ajith Nivard Cabraal segments at a single venue. services. LIOC stated it was humbled before interconnecting these execution. ahasa currently believe that ahasa, with its as the Guest of Honour and the Participating in the conference Day one of the workshop was and thankful to the Sri Lanka seamlessly to quickly deploy uses Kubernetes-based rich orchestration features keynote speaker. was believed to add value to conducted at the terminal and Army for giving them the solutions. container orchestration, and capabilities, will Stimulating technical sessions knowledge and shape up skills on covered topics on the logistics opportunity to fulfil the interest The new platform further and Open standard APIs and move the needle for CSPs have been planned to coincide many aspects demanded by both and supply chain management of the Sri Lanka Army. brings efficiencies by protocol communication for when it comes to digital with the substance and the the profession and the personality assisting CSPs in the test integration. The platform transformation.” significance of the theme of the expected participants. 104 business „„ www.themorning.lk { MARKET } Monday, February 22, 2021 Unit trust prices­ at 18 Feb. 2021 19 Feb. 2021 Fund name Unit selling price...... Unit buying price CSE Price List V.W.A. V.W.A. CHANGE V.W.A. V.W.A. CHANGE Astrue Active Income Fund 100.7524...... 100.7524 SE­CUR­I­TY VOLUME PREVIOUS OPEN HIGH LOW TODAY’S (RS.) SE­CUR­I­TY VOLUME PREVIOUS OPEN HIGH LOW TODAY’S (RS.) Astrue Alpha Fund 16.2740...... 15.3412 A.SPEN.HOT.HOLD...... 78,373...... 31.70...... 32.00...... 32.00...... 30.50...... 31.00...... (0.70) SANASA DEV. BANK ...... 26,245...... 60.00...... 59.60...... 61.40...... 58.50...... 58.70...... (1.30) Assetline Income Fund 16.8522...... 16.8522 Assetline Income Plus Growth Fund 17.5677...... 17.0819 ABANS ...... 3,728...... 175.00...... 175.50...... 184.00...... 175.50...... 178.00...... 3.00 SEYLAN BANK ...... 21,498...... 51.70...... 52.20...... 52.20...... 51.00...... 51.00...... (0.70) Senfin Dyanmic Income Fund 10.0055...... 10.0050 ACCESS ENG SL ...... 1,176,818...... 25.20...... 25.50...... 25.70...... 25.00...... 25.20...... - SEYLAN BANK [SEYB.X0000] ...... 117,449...... 41.60...... 41.40...... 41.70...... 40.30...... 40.60...... (1.00) Senfin Growth Fund 9.4700...... 9.1600 ACL ...... 202,309...... 82.30...... 84.00...... 88.80...... 83.00...... 84.90...... 2.60 SEYLAN DEVTS ...... 1,155...... 16.00...... 15.70...... 15.90...... 15.70...... 15.80...... (0.20) Senfin Money Market Fund 15.0965...... 15.0965 ACL PLASTICS ...... 6,136...... 278.75...... 280.00...... 280.00...... 275.00...... 275.25...... (3.50) SIERRA CABL ...... 134,475...... 7.00...... 7.10...... 7.10...... 6.90...... 6.90...... (0.10) Senfin Shariah Balanced Fund 12.1900...... 11.8500 ACME ...... 67,307...... 5.90...... 5.70...... 6.20...... 5.70...... 5.70...... (0.20) SIGIRIYA VILLAGE ...... 114...... 33.50...... 37.80...... 37.80...... 34.30...... 34.50...... 1.00 Senfin Shariah Income Fund 12.4364...... 12.4364 CAL Balanced Fund 12.0901...... 12.0901 AGALAWATTE ...... 6,742...... 27.30...... 27.30...... 30.00...... 27.10...... 28.60...... 1.30 SINGER FINANCE ...... 132,565...... 14.20...... 14.20...... 15.40...... 14.20...... 15.10...... 0.90 CAL Corporate Debt & Gilt Trading Fund 21.3566...... 21.3566 AHOT PROPERTIES ...... 9,664...... 38.00...... 38.90...... 45.90...... 38.90...... 45.40...... 7.40 SLT ...... 2,217...... 35.70...... 35.80...... 37.40...... 35.80...... 36.20...... 0.50 CAL Corporate Treasury Fund 18.3127...... 18.3127 AITKEN SPENCE ...... 92,552...... 63.20...... 63.90...... 64.00...... 62.00...... 62.40...... (0.80) SUNSHINE HOLDING ...... 38,150...... 80.00...... 80.00...... 80.00...... 79.50...... 79.50...... (0.50) CAL Gilt Fund 7.1809...... 7.1809 ALLIANCE ...... 22,600...... 52.50...... 53.50...... 54.80...... 53.50...... 54.40...... 1.90 SWISSTEK ...... 14,023...... 125.00...... 124.00...... 129.00...... 121.50...... 122.75...... (2.25) CAL Gilt Money Market Fund 4.3481...... 4.3481 AMANA BANK ...... 90,727...... 3.50...... 3.50...... 3.60...... 3.40...... 3.50...... - TALAWAKELLE ...... 8,780...... 42.40...... 43.10...... 43.10...... 42.00...... 43.00...... 0.60 CAL Gilt Trading Fund 50.2494...... 50.2494 CAL High Yield Fund 24.5231...... 24.5231 AMAYA LEISURE ...... 28,563...... 19.30...... 19.50...... 20.90...... 19.10...... 20.50...... 1.20 TANGERINE ...... 1,050...... 42.20...... 41.10...... 41.10...... 41.00...... 41.00...... (1.20) CAL Income Fund 20.6953...... 20.6953 ASIA ASSET ...... 6,103...... 7.00...... 7.00...... 7.00...... 6.90...... 6.90...... (0.10) TEEJAY LANKA ...... 3,576,861...... 42.00...... 42.30...... 44.90...... 42.30...... 44.00...... 2.00 CAL Investment Grade Fund 19.9357...... 19.9357 ASIRI ...... 4,080...... 25.90...... 26.50...... 27.60...... 26.00...... 26.50...... 0.60 THREE ACRE FARMS ...... 7,674...... 229.75...... 243.75...... 243.75...... 226.50...... 228.00...... (1.75) CAL Medium Risk Debt Fund 15.7090...... 15.7090 ASIRI SURG ...... 5,438...... 14.70...... 14.70...... 14.70...... 14.30...... 14.40...... (0.30) TOKYO CEMENT ...... 434,745...... 73.00...... 74.00...... 74.80...... 72.20...... 74.00...... 1.00 CAL Quant Equity Fund 21.0259...... 21.4381 AUTODROME ...... 100...... 77.30...... 78.00...... 78.00...... 78.00...... 78.00...... 0.70 TOKYO CEMENT [TKYO.X0000] ...... 1,458,476...... 66.30...... 66.50...... 69.00...... 66.00...... 67.50...... 1.20 Ceybank Century Growth 78.5900...... 75.1300 BAIRAHA FARMS ...... 9,771...... 141.00...... 141.00...... 145.00...... 135.00...... 145.00...... 4.00 UNION BANK ...... 135,289...... 11.70...... 11.90...... 12.00...... 11.60...... 11.90...... 0.20 Ceybank Gilt Edge Fund (A Series) 14.5040...... 14.5040 Ceybank Gilt Edged Fund (B Series) 11.0746...... 11.0746 BALANGODA ...... 2,015...... 14.40...... 14.00...... 14.90...... 13.80...... 14.50...... 0.10 UNISYST ...... 19,335...... 15.30...... 15.20...... 15.50...... 15.20...... 15.50...... 0.20 Ceybank High Yield Fund 13.8453...... 13.8453 BUKIT DARAH ...... 188...... 322.75...... 346.25...... 346.50...... 329.50...... 330.00...... 7.25 UNITED MOTORS ...... 47...... 69.70...... 70.00...... 70.00...... 69.50...... 69.70...... - Ceybank Surakum Fund 12.3833...... 12.3833 C M HOLDINGS ...... 1,048...... 96.90...... 90.20...... 96.70...... 90.20...... 95.00...... (1.90) VALLIBEL ...... 471,969...... 7.70...... 7.70...... 7.70...... 7.50...... 7.60...... (0.10) Ceybank Unit Trust 13.8453...... 13.8453 C T HOLDINGS ...... 104...... 170.00...... 173.50...... 173.50...... 170.00...... 172.50...... 2.50 VALLIBEL FINANCE ...... 61,828...... 125.50...... 125.00...... 127.00...... 120.00...... 121.00...... (4.50) Ceylon Dollar Bond Fund (in $) 0.6840...... 0.6806 CARGILLS ...... 1,760...... 235.00...... 233.50...... 235.00...... 233.00...... 233.50...... (1.50) VIDULLANKA ...... 141,547...... 5.30...... 5.40...... 5.50...... 5.30...... 5.30...... - Ceylon Financial Sector Fund 7.3200...... 7.0200 Ceylon Income Fund 22.2824...... 22.2824 CARGO BOAT ...... 5,094...... 67.90...... 69.20...... 69.20...... 65.00...... 65.00...... (2.90) WATAWALA ...... 46,216...... 55.50...... 57.70...... 59.90...... 56.00...... 59.30...... 3.80 CEYLON Index Fund 55.7400...... 53.5400 CARSONS ...... 493...... 299.00...... 298.50...... 298.50...... 272.00...... 286.00...... (13.00) YORK ARCADE ...... 188...... 171.00...... 168.00...... 190.00...... 168.00...... 172.00 ...... 1.00 Ceylon IPO Fund 5.5500...... 5.4400 CDB ...... 2,065...... 123.25...... 116.50...... 116.50...... 116.50...... 116.50...... (6.75) SECOND BOARD Ceylon Money Market Fund 17.3715...... 17.3715 CDB [CDB.X0000] ...... 66...... 78.80...... 76.10...... 78.80...... 76.10...... 78.80...... - ABANS FINANCIAL ...... 1...... 26.50...... 26.50...... 26.50...... 26.50...... 26.50...... - Ceylon Tourism Fund 3.6200...... 3.4800 CENTRAL FINANCE ...... 18,185...... 97.60...... 99.50...... 99.50...... 96.00...... 96.10...... (1.50) AMBEON CAPITAL ...... 443,940...... 6.00...... 6.00...... 6.00...... 5.50...... 5.50...... (0.50) Ceylon Treasury Income Fund 6.1600...... 6.1600 First Capital Equity Fund (FCEF) 1,396.8400...... 1,327.0000 CENTRAL IND...... 3,928...... 125.25...... 126.50...... 126.50...... 121.25...... 123.50...... (1.75) ARPICO ...... 105...... 170.00...... 170.00...... 185.00...... 151.75...... 176.00...... 6.00 First Capital Fixed income Fund 1,855.6800...... 1,855.6300 CEYLINCO INS. [CINS.X0000] ...... 17...... 1,099.75...... 1,100.00...... 1,100.00...... 1,068.00...... 1,099.75...... - ASIA CAPITAL ...... 10,000...... 6.00...... 6.00...... 6.00...... 6.00...... 6.00...... - First Capital Gilt Edged Fund 1,496.5800...... 1,496.5800 CEYLON GUARDIAN ...... 100...... 126.00...... 134.50...... 134.75...... 134.50...... 134.50...... 8.50 BROWNS BEACH ...... 10,785...... 12.00...... 12.40...... 12.50...... 12.00...... 12.10...... 0.10 First Capital Money Market Fund 1,916.5300...... 1,916.5300 CEYLON INV...... 13,145...... 70.80...... 71.00...... 71.00...... 69.20...... 69.40...... (1.40) COMM LEASE & FIN ...... 907,105...... 6.70...... 6.60...... 8.00...... 6.60...... 7.40...... 0.70 First Capital Wealth Fund 1,132.4900...... 1,132.4600 CEYLON TOBACCO ...... 11,706...... 1,084.25...... 1,075.00...... 1,080.00...... 1,069.75...... 1,070.00...... (14.25) DIALOG FINANCE ...... 3,661...... 53.00...... 57.90...... 58.00...... 55.00...... 56.30...... 3.30 Guardian Acuity Equity Fund 18.7824...... 18.4349 Guardian Acuity Money Market Fund 20.3450...... 20.3450 CHEMANEX ...... 58,855...... 87.20...... 87.50...... 87.60...... 86.10...... 86.10...... (1.10) DISTILLERIES ...... 215,073...... 20.50...... 20.80...... 21.30...... 20.20...... 21.20...... 0.70 JB Vantage Money Market Fund 27.7164...... 27.7164 CHEVRON ...... 47,461...... 103.25...... 103.25...... 104.00...... 102.50...... 104.00...... 0.75 FIRST CAPITAL ...... 7,251...... 54.70...... 55.00...... 55.00...... 53.80...... 53.80...... (0.90) JB Vantage Short Term Gilt Fund 14.9268...... 14.9268 CIC ...... 629,144...... 59.80...... 61.00...... 64.30...... 59.80...... 63.30...... 3.50 GOOD HOPE ...... 20...... 1,121.90...... 1,079.25...... 1,079.25...... 1,079.25...... 1,121.90...... - JB Vantage Value Equity Fund 25.2600...... 23.7400 CIC [CIC.X0000] ...... 1,477,630...... 48.40...... 49.00...... 52.50...... 48.60...... 50.50...... 2.10 KELSEY ...... 141...... 40.80...... 42.00...... 42.60...... 42.00...... 42.60...... 1.80 NAMAL Bank Fund 9.3476...... 8.9811 CITRUS LEISURE ...... 25,101...... 8.70...... 9.90...... 10.00...... 9.50...... 9.70...... 1.00 KOTMALE HOLDINGS ...... 50...... 216.50...... 216.00...... 216.00...... 215.25...... 216.50...... - NAMAL Growth Fund 145.4388...... 135.7444 NAMAL High Yield Fund 24.8251...... 24.8251 COLD STORES ...... 68...... 662.50...... 660.25...... 660.25...... 660.00...... 662.50...... - LANKA REALTY ...... 100...... 34.20...... 34.20...... 34.20...... 34.20...... 34.20...... - NAMAL Income Fund 14.1863...... 14.1863 COLOMBO CITY ...... 545...... 915.00...... 917.00...... 917.00...... 900.00...... 902.00...... (13.00) LOLC DEV FINANCE ...... 1,329...... 79.70...... 79.00...... 88.40...... 79.00...... 82.70...... 3.00 National Equity Fund 35.5143...... 33.2303 COLOMBO LAND ...... 58...... 27.00...... 27.00...... 27.20...... 25.40...... 27.00...... - LOLC FINANCE ...... 3,791,329...... 7.20...... 7.30...... 7.70...... 6.90...... 7.60...... 0.40 NDB Wealth Gilt Edged Fund 18.7470...... 18.7470 COMMERCIAL BANK ...... 908,287...... 88.20...... 88.20...... 91.00...... 88.20...... 90.00...... 1.80 MADULSIMA ...... 700...... 8.90...... 9.00...... 9.00...... 9.00...... 9.00...... 0.10 NDB Wealth Growth & Income Fund 47.0400...... 45.5400 COMMERCIAL BANK [COMB.X0000] ....34,928...... 76.90...... 76.50...... 78.00...... 75.60...... 77.70...... 0.80 ODEL PLC ...... 181...... 19.90...... 19.90...... 19.90...... 18.70...... 19.90...... - NDB Wealth Growth Fund 10.8400...... 10.4000 NDB Wealth Income Fund 16.0786...... 16.0786 CONVENIENCE FOOD ...... 302...... 1,296.25...... 1,323.00...... 1,384.75...... 1,205.00...... 1,298.00...... 1.75 PDL ...... 10...... 119.75...... 125.00...... 125.00...... 125.00...... 119.75...... - NDB Wealth Income Plus Fund 17.1516...... 17.1516 DANKOTUWA PORCEL ...... 228,253...... 12.80...... 12.90...... 12.90...... 12.30...... 12.50...... (0.30) PEOPLE’S MERCH ...... 14,664...... 8.70...... 8.50...... 8.80...... 8.10...... 8.20...... (0.50) NDB Wealth Islamic Money Plus Fund 16.3593...... 16.3593 DFCC BANK PLC ...... 60,442...... 64.70...... 65.00...... 65.70...... 63.80...... 64.60...... (0.10) SERENDIB LAND ...... 3...... 3,000.00...... 3,000.00...... 3,000.00...... 3,000.00...... 3,000.00...... - NDB Wealth Money Fund 20.6936...... 20.6936 DIALOG ...... 1,737,290...... 12.40...... 12.50...... 12.50...... 12.40...... 12.40...... - SHALIMAR ...... 10...... 1,203.20...... 1,152.00...... 1,152.00...... 1,150.00...... 1,203.20...... - NDB Wealth Money Plus Fund 23.6414...... 23.6414 DIMO ...... 12...... 540.00...... 530.00...... 549.00...... 530.00...... 540.00...... - SINGER SRI LANKA ...... 16,293...... 55.80...... 55.80...... 56.80...... 55.00...... 55.00...... (0.80) Premier Growth Fund 7.0100...... 6.6700 DIPPED PRODUCTS ...... 2,010,982...... 62.90...... 63.20...... 63.40...... 59.00...... 60.10...... (2.80) DIRI SAVI BOARD Premier Money Market Fund 18.7268...... 18.7268 Unit holders can contact relevant Fund Managers to obtain Unit Prices for redemptions within DOCKYARD ...... 12,006...... 79.90...... 79.90...... 81.90...... 75.00...... 79.90...... - AGSTAR PLC ...... 35,964...... 7.50...... 7.50...... 7.50...... 7.10...... 7.40...... (0.10) short duration from the date of investment where exit fee is applicable DURDANS ...... 270...... 102.25...... 102.00...... 102.50...... 102.00...... 102.00...... (0.25) ALUMEX PLC ...... 353,714...... 23.00...... 23.00...... 23.20...... 22.80...... 23.00...... - DURDANS [CHL.X0000] ...... 120...... 95.00...... 95.10...... 95.10...... 95.00...... 95.10...... 0.10 AMANA TAKAFUL ...... 5,298...... 8.00...... 8.80...... 8.80...... 7.90...... 8.00...... - E B CREASY ...... 27,906...... 40.00...... 41.80...... 41.80...... 39.80...... 40.30...... 0.30 AMBEON HOLDINGS ...... 14,494...... 20.00...... 20.00...... 20.00...... 19.00...... 19.60...... (0.40) Ex­change Rates 19 Feb. 2021 EAST WEST ...... 14,006...... 11.90...... 12.10...... 12.10...... 11.70...... 11.80...... (0.10) ARPICO INSURANCE ...... 8,076...... 24.00...... 23.50...... 23.50...... 22.50...... 22.50...... (1.50) (1) The average rates of the following (2) The approximate exchange rates EASTERN MERCHANT ...... 3,185...... 5.90...... 6.00...... 6.00...... 6.00...... 6.00...... 0.10 ASIA SIYAKA ...... 206,201...... 2.70...... 2.70...... 2.80...... 2.70...... 2.80...... 0.10 currencies quoted by commercial banks of GULF currencies based on previous in Colombo for Telegraphic Transfers day’s market weighted average rate for EXPOLANKA ...... 1,284,428...... 47.90...... 48.50...... 48.90...... 46.80...... 47.10...... (0.80) BANSEI RESORTS ...... 2,325...... 7.90...... 8.00...... 8.00...... 8.00...... 8.00...... 0.10 (TT) at 9.30 a.m. are as follows. the US$ are as follows. FORT LAND ...... 14,427...... 14.40...... 14.40...... 14.90...... 14.20...... 14.60...... 0.20 BERUWALA RESORTS ...... 36,513...... 0.90...... 90...... 90...... 80...... 80...... (0.10) CURRENCY BUYING RATE...... SELLING RATE COUNTRY CURRENCY...... INDICATIVE RATE GRAIN ELEVATORS ...... 53,542...... 136.25...... 135.75...... 140.00...... 134.00...... 135.75...... (0.50) BOGALA GRAPHITE ...... 17,839...... 23.90...... 22.80...... 25.00...... 22.80...... 24.70...... 0.80 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 150.3788...... 155.1558 Bahrain Bahrain Dinar...... 516.8435 HAYCARB ...... 646,194...... 119.00...... 120.50...... 120.50...... 115.00...... 116.00...... (3.00) BOGAWANTALAWA ...... 8,355...... 13.00...... 13.00...... 13.00...... 12.80...... 12.80...... (0.20) CANADIAN DOLLAR 151.8360...... 157.2303 Kuwait Kuwait Dinar...... 643.7492 CHINESE YUAN (RENMINBI) 28.9557...... 30.7928 Oman Oman Rial...... 506.1170 HAYLEYS ...... 675,775...... 73.10...... 73.50...... 74.00...... 66.00...... 70.10...... (3.00) BPPL HOLDINGS ...... 11,445...... 14.00...... 14.00...... 14.50...... 13.80...... 14.30...... 0.30 EURO 233.6657...... 240.5025 Qatar Qatar Riyal...... 53.5045 HAYLEYS FABRIC ...... 1,939,132...... 15.00...... 15.50...... 16.90...... 15.40...... 16.10...... 1.10 BROWNS ...... 226,679...... 199.00...... 200.00...... 206.00...... 185.00...... 202.25...... 3.25 JAPANESE YEN 1.8338...... 1.8845 Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian Riyal...... 51.9448 HAYLEYS FIBRE ...... 11,634...... 59.40...... 61.50...... 61.50...... 58.20...... 60.00...... 0.60 BROWNS INVSTMNTS ...... 127,489,236...... 5.50...... 5.80...... 6.30...... 5.30...... 6.10...... 0.60 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 145.6716...... 150.1684 UAE UAE Dirham...... 53.0471 STERLING POUND 271.1749...... 277.8369 HDFC ...... 2,573...... 39.80...... 40.00...... 41.00...... 39.90...... 39.90...... 0.10 C T LAND ...... 2,638...... 28.30...... 28.50...... 28.80...... 28.30...... 28.30...... - SWISS FRANC 214.7218...... 222.5798 HEMAS HOLDINGS ...... 181,845...... 85.30...... 85.70...... 87.00...... 85.00...... 85.60...... 0.30 C.W.MACKIE ...... 9,290...... 45.90...... 46.50...... 46.50...... 45.00...... 45.40...... (0.50) US DOLLAR 193.5800...... 198.5800 HNB ...... 164,965...... 136.00...... 136.00...... 138.75...... 136.00...... 137.75...... 1.75 CEYLON TEA BRKRS ...... 15,763...... 3.50...... 3.50...... 3.60...... 3.40...... 3.40...... (0.10) HNB ASSURANCE ...... 268,161...... 59.00...... 60.00...... 60.00...... 58.50...... 58.70...... (0.30) CITRUS HIKKADUWA ...... 80,719...... 5.20...... 5.40...... 5.60...... 5.30...... 5.50...... 0.30 Market Indicators 19 Feb. 2021 HNB [HNB.X0000] ...... 79,637...... 105.00...... 106.00...... 106.00...... 104.00...... 105.00...... - CITRUS WASKADUWA ...... 365,172...... 3.60...... 3.60...... 3.60...... 3.40...... 3.40...... (0.20) HORANA ...... 501...... 21.00...... 22.00...... 22.00...... 20.70...... 20.70...... (0.30) COM.CREDIT ...... 11,842...... 23.00...... 24.50...... 24.50...... 23.00...... 23.00...... - CSE ALL SHARE PRICE INDEX 7,797.94...... 7,736.36 HOTEL SIGIRIYA ...... 131...... 59.20...... 55.00...... 55.00...... 55.00...... 55.00...... (4.20) COMMERCIAL DEV...... 151...... 126.50...... 114.00...... 127.00...... 114.00...... 127.00...... 0.50 S&P SL20 3,098.12...... 3,086.04 HOTELS CORP...... 813...... 12.00...... 12.00...... 12.00...... 12.00...... 12.00...... - DILMAH CEYLON ...... 200...... 675.00...... 652.00...... 652.00...... 652.00...... 652.00...... (23.00) HUNTERS ...... 17...... 686.75...... 679.25...... 684.00...... 679.25...... 686.75...... - E - CHANNELLING ...... 16...... 6.20...... 6.20...... 6.20...... 6.20...... 6.20...... - TRI ON ALL SHARE (ASTRI) 10,451.85...... 10,369.32 INDUSTRIAL ASPH...... 11,212,132...... 0.50...... 60...... 60...... 50...... 50...... - EDEN HOTEL LANKA ...... 94,121...... 11.20...... 11.00...... 11.00...... 10.50...... 10.80...... (0.40) TRI ON S&P SL20 5,090.46...... 5,070.61 JANASHAKTHI INS...... 37,010...... 29.20...... 29.10...... 29.10...... 29.00...... 29.00...... (0.20) ELPITIYA ...... 11,275...... 44.80...... 45.70...... 46.00...... 43.90...... 44.80...... - VALUE OF TURNOVER(Rs.) 3,488,940,540.00...... 3,349,484,800.00 JKH ...... 1,025,793...... 160.00...... 160.00...... 160.50...... 158.00...... 160.00...... - FORTRESS RESORTS ...... 170...... 11.60...... 11.60...... 11.60...... 11.60...... 11.60...... - DOMESTIC PURCHASES 3,444,047,870.00...... 3,268,753,660.00 KANDY HOTELS ...... 10,500...... 5.00...... 5.00...... 5.00...... 4.90...... 4.90...... (0.10) GALADARI ...... 18,439...... 8.70...... 8.70...... 9.10...... 8.70...... 8.80...... 0.10 KEGALLE ...... 4,861...... 125.00...... 126.00...... 126.00...... 123.25...... 125.00...... - GUARDIAN CAPITAL ...... 19...... 31.90...... 31.40...... 31.40...... 31.40...... 31.90...... - DOMESTIC SALES 3,159,721,470.00...... 3,145,670,910.00 KELANI CABLES ...... 4,665...... 127.25...... 127.00...... 129.25...... 124.00...... 127.75...... 0.50 HARISCHANDRA ...... 1...... 3,504.75...... 3,499.00...... 3,499.00...... 3,499.00...... 3,504.75...... - FOREIGN PURCHASES 44,892,880.00...... 80,731,184.00 KELANI TYRES ...... 101,123...... 83.60...... 83.90...... 86.40...... 80.00...... 80.50 ...... (3.10) HATTON ...... 4,501...... 8.30...... 9.00...... 9.00...... 8.50...... 8.60...... 0.30 FOREIGN SALES 329,219,072.00...... 203,813,872.00 KELANI VALLEY ...... 8,644...... 42.00...... 42.10...... 42.40...... 40.20...... 41.10...... (0.90) HNB FINANCE ...... 102,458...... 8.70...... 8.90...... 8.90...... 8.30...... 8.60...... (0.10) VOLUME OF TURNOVER(NO.) 199,501,824.00...... 123,526,768.00 KINGSBURY ...... 7,947...... 11.70...... 11.80...... 12.00...... 11.70...... 12.00...... 0.30 HNB FINANCE [HNBF-X-0000] ...... 3,884...... 7.20...... 7.00...... 7.60...... 6.90...... 7.50...... 0.30 KOTAGALA ...... 43,731...... 6.30...... 6.20...... 6.60...... 6.10...... 6.10...... (0.20) HVA FOODS ...... 12...... 5.70...... 5.80...... 5.80...... 5.60...... 5.70...... - DOMESTIC 196,581,280.00...... 121,834,504.00 L O L C HOLDINGS ...... 1,527,778...... 387.75...... 410.00...... 418.00...... 370.00...... 407.25...... 19.50 JETWING SYMPHONY ...... 1,110...... 9.10...... 9.50...... 9.50...... 9.40...... 9.40...... 0.30 FOREIGN 2,920,536.00...... 1,692,267.00 LAKE HOUSE PRIN...... 1...... 160.00...... 156.00...... 156.00...... 156.00...... 160.00...... - JOHN KEELLS ...... 2,124...... 79.40...... 75.00...... 79.50...... 75.00...... 76.00...... (3.40) TRADES(NO.) 23,945...... 24,772 LANKA ALUMINIUM ...... 77,083...... 19.40...... 19.60...... 19.60...... 19.00...... 19.10...... (0.30) KAHAWATTE ...... 1,310...... 31.30...... 29.10...... 31.30...... 29.00...... 31.30...... - DOMESTIC 23,630...... 24,389 LANKA ASHOK ...... 1...... 839.25...... 764.75...... 764.75...... 764.75...... 839.25...... - KEELLS FOOD ...... 16,683...... 151.00...... 150.50...... 156.00...... 141.00...... 155.50...... 4.50 LANKA HOSPITALS ...... 416...... 44.40...... 45.80...... 46.20...... 44.50...... 46.20...... 1.80 KEELLS HOTELS ...... 12,408...... 10.60...... 10.80...... 11.00...... 10.60...... 11.00...... 0.40 FOREIGN 315...... 383 LANKA IOC ...... 25,749...... 22.60...... 22.60...... 22.60...... 21.40...... 22.00...... (0.60) LANKA CERAMIC ...... 5,101...... 134.25...... 134.00...... 134.00...... 130.25...... 132.00...... (2.25) CORPORATE DEBT 0...... 0 LANKA TILES ...... 95,332...... 233.75...... 238.00...... 238.00...... 232.75...... 234.25...... 0.50 LANKEM CEYLON ...... 19...... 30.50...... 30.90...... 32.00...... 30.90...... 30.50...... - GOVERNMENT DEBT 0...... 0 LANKA VENTURES ...... 13,580...... 48.70...... 49.10...... 51.40...... 49.00...... 51.40...... 2.70 LAUGFS POWER ...... 300...... 9.60...... 9.60...... 10.10...... 9.60...... 10.00...... 0.40 LISTED COMPANIES (NO.) 283...... 283 LANKA WALLTILE ...... 128,066...... 237.00...... 237.00...... 238.50...... 233.00...... 234.50...... (2.50) LAUGFS POWER [LPL-X-0000] ...... 2,100...... 7.00...... 7.00...... 7.00...... 6.80...... 6.80...... (0.20) LAUGFS GAS ...... 17,560...... 25.00...... 25.00...... 25.00...... 23.00...... 24.00...... (1.00) LIGHTHOUSE HOTEL ...... 1,290...... 31.10...... 33.00...... 34.00...... 33.00...... 33.10...... 2.00 TRADED COMPANIES (NO.) 260...... 258 LAUGFS GAS [LGL.X0000] ...... 6,215...... 19.90...... 20.50...... 20.50...... 19.00...... 19.10...... (0.80) LOTUS HYDRO ...... 10,074...... 9.60...... 9.80...... 10.10...... 9.50...... 9.50...... (0.10) MARKET PRICE EARNINGS RATIO(PER) 13.7...... 13.6 LAXAPANA ...... 3,127...... 14.30...... 14.30...... 14.50...... 14.20...... 14.20...... (0.10) MAHAWELI COCONUT ...... 155...... 27.10...... 28.80...... 28.80...... 27.10...... 27.10...... - MARKET PRICE TO BOOK VALUE (PBV) 1.3...... 1.3 LB FINANCE ...... 41,603...... 220.00...... 224.50...... 225.00...... 215.25...... 219.75...... (0.25) MARAWILA RESORTS ...... 61,625...... 1.90...... 1.90...... 2.00...... 1.90...... 1.90...... - MARKET DIVIDEND YIELD (DY) 2.3...... 2.3 LEE HEDGES ...... 3,383...... 77.40...... 75.00...... 75.30...... 75.00...... 75.00...... (2.40) MASKELIYA ...... 241...... 11.20...... 11.80...... 11.80...... 11.40...... 11.40...... 0.20 MARKET CAPITALIZATION (Rs.) 3,410,309,837,550.00...... 3,382,567,449,998.00 LION BREWERY ...... 8...... 570.00...... 565.00...... 565.00...... 565.00...... 570.00...... - MILLENNIUM HOUSE ...... 34,919...... 6.10...... 6.10...... 6.20...... 5.90...... 5.90...... (0.20) LMF ...... 85,220...... 167.50...... 169.75...... 170.00...... 168.00...... 169.25...... 1.75 ORIENT FINANCE ...... 182,777...... 14.50...... 14.90...... 16.40...... 14.90...... 15.50...... 1.00 1. Overnight Money Market Transactions LVL ENERGY ...... 278,326...... 9.50...... 10.00...... 10.00...... 9.50...... 9.90...... 0.40 PALM GARDEN HOTL ...... 22...... 30.70...... 30.80...... 30.80...... 27.70...... 30.70...... - MALWATTE ...... 2,466,471...... 13.60...... 13.00...... 14.00...... 12.30...... 14.00...... 0.40 PEGASUS HOTELS ...... 269...... 31.10...... 31.00...... 31.00...... 31.00...... 31.00...... (0.10) Call Money Market...... Repo Market MALWATTE [MAL.X0000] ...... 123,665...... 8.70...... 8.50...... 9.00...... 8.50...... 8.80...... 0.10 PRIME FINANCE ...... 137...... 12.80...... 13.00...... 13.30...... 13.00...... 13.00...... 0.20 Weighted Average Rate (%) 4.55 4.57 MELSTACORP ...... 239,104...... 50.90...... 51.50...... 51.50...... 50.00...... 50.30...... (0.60) RAIGAM SALTERNS ...... 82,754...... 5.80...... 5.90...... 6.00...... 5.60...... 5.70...... (0.10) Minimum Rate (%) 4.54 4.54 MERC. SHIPPING ...... 33...... 76.90...... 74.50...... 81.00...... 74.50...... 76.90...... - RAMBODA FALLS ...... 203...... 16.50...... 17.60...... 17.60...... 17.60...... 17.60...... 1.10 Maximum Rate (%) 4.55 4.65 MERCHANT BANK ...... 10,200...... 7.50...... 7.20...... 7.50...... 7.20...... 7.30...... (0.20) RENUKA CAPITAL ...... 76,756...... 8.00...... 8.00...... 8.00...... 7.50...... 7.50...... (0.50) Total Gross amount (Rs. million) 17,530 5,559 MULLERS ...... 124,786...... 1.10...... 1.10...... 1.20...... 1.10...... 1.10...... - RENUKA HOTELS ...... 156...... 70.00...... 70.00...... 70.00...... 70.00...... 70.00...... - Total Net amount (Rs. million) 17,530 5,500 RICH PIERIS EXP ...... 11,172...... 370.00...... 370.00...... 414.00...... 367.00...... 401.50...... 31.50 NAMUNUKULA ...... 779...... 180.00...... 180.50...... 180.50...... 180.00...... 180.00...... - 2. Use of the CBSL Standing Facility SATHOSA MOTORS ...... 1...... 230.50...... 239.75...... 239.75...... 239.75...... 230.50...... - NAT. DEV. BANK ...... 81,792...... 89.00...... 90.60...... 91.90...... 88.90...... 89.00...... - SERENDIB ENG.GRP ...... 4...... 6.90...... 6.80...... 6.80...... 6.50...... 6.90...... - Standing Deposit Facility (Rs. million) 165,318 NATIONS TRUST ...... 18,896...... 58.90...... 60.00...... 60.00...... 58.90...... 59.00...... 0.10 SERENDIB HOTELS ...... 201...... 15.60...... 15.50...... 15.50...... 15.50...... 15.50...... (0.10) Standing Lending Facility (Rs. million) 25 NAWALOKA ...... 1,732...... 5.40...... 5.40...... 5.40...... 5.30...... 5.30...... (0.10) SINGER IND...... 66...... 98.70...... 93.20...... 98.50...... 93.20...... 98.70...... - 3. CBSL Treasury Bill/Bonds Holdings NESTLE ...... 2,790...... 1,180.00...... 1,230.00...... 1,230.00...... 1,180.00...... 1,199.50...... 19.50 SINGHE HOSPITALS ...... 128,937...... 2.20...... 2.20...... 2.20...... 2.10...... 2.10...... (0.10) Face Value (Rs. million)...... 784,269.88 OVERSEAS REALTY ...... 256,735...... 16.00...... 15.80...... 16.30...... 15.70...... 16.00...... - SINHAPUTHRA FIN [SFL.P0000] ...... 151...... 4.30...... 4.80...... 4.80...... 4.40...... 4.60...... 0.30 SOFTLOGIC ...... 80,737...... 13.50...... 13.50...... 13.50...... 13.00...... 13.40...... (0.10) Book Value (Rs. million)...... 768,652.24 PAN ASIA ...... 561,300...... 17.80...... 17.90...... 18.50...... 17.70...... 18.10...... 0.30 SOFTLOGIC CAP ...... 172,656...... 4.10...... 4.10...... 4.10...... 3.90...... 4.00...... (0.10) PANASIAN POWER ...... 909,464...... 3.50...... 3.60...... 3.60...... 3.50...... 3.50...... - SOFTLOGIC FIN ...... 348...... 10.40...... 10.80...... 10.80...... 10.70...... 10.70...... 0.30 TOP 10 GAINERS PEOPLE’S INS ...... 29,919...... 31.80...... 32.00...... 32.00...... 31.70...... 31.80...... - SOFTLOGIC LIFE ...... 41,568...... 32.70...... 32.70...... 33.50...... 32.50...... 33.10...... 0.40 Company VWA VWA Change Change PEOPLES LEASING ...... 117,759...... 12.20...... 12.20...... 12.60...... 12.10...... 12.30...... 0.10 TAL LANKA ...... 80...... 12.50...... 13.80...... 13.80...... 13.80...... 12.50...... - Prev. Close Days Close (Rs.) % PIRAMAL GLASS ...... 7,227,855...... 10.00...... 10.10...... 10.20...... 9.80...... 10.00...... - TRANS ASIA ...... 501...... 58.00...... 59.50...... 59.50...... 59.50...... 59.50...... 1.50 AHOT PROPERTIES 38 45.4...... 7.4...... 19.47 PRINTCARE PLC ...... 37...... 29.10...... 30.50...... 30.50...... 30.50...... 29.10...... - UDAPUSSELLAWA ...... 3,555...... 22.50...... 22.60...... 22.60...... 22.00...... 22.60...... 0.10 NATION LANKA 0.8 0.9...... 0.1...... 12.5 UNION ASSURANCE ...... 3,679...... 313.00...... 321.00...... 324.00...... 315.00...... 315.00...... 2.00 CITRUS LEISURE 8.7 9.7...... 1...... 11.49 R I L PROPERTY ...... 108,777...... 6.90...... 7.00...... 7.10...... 6.90...... 6.90...... - VALLIBEL ONE ...... 828,010...... 63.90...... 64.00...... 65.20...... 61.00...... 62.00...... (1.90) BROWNS INVSTMNTS 5.5 6.1...... 0.6...... 10.91 REGNIS ...... 1,505...... 103.00...... 102.00...... 103.00...... 101.75...... 103.00...... - COMM LEASE & FIN 6.7 7.4...... 0.7...... 10.45 WATCH LIST RICH PIERIS EXP 370 401.5...... 31.5...... 8.51 RENUKA AGRI ...... 338,225...... 3.90...... 3.90...... 4.00...... 3.80...... 3.90...... - ANILANA HOTELS ...... 80,058...... 1.30...... 1.30...... 1.30...... 1.20...... 1.20...... (0.10) HAYLEYS FABRIC 15 16.1...... 1.1...... 7.33 RENUKA CITY HOT...... 548...... 229.00...... 235.00...... 235.00...... 225.00...... 228.00...... (1.00) BIMPUTH FINANCE ...... 1,503...... 8.30...... 7.80...... 8.00...... 7.80...... 7.80...... (0.50) SINHAPUTHRA FIN 4.3 4.6...... 0.3...... 6.98 ORIENT FINANCE 14.5 15.5...... 1...... 6.9 RENUKA FOODS ...... 12,243...... 15.00...... 15.00...... 15.10...... 14.50...... 14.70...... (0.30) BLUE DIAMONDS ...... 436,867...... 0.60...... 60...... 60...... 50...... 50...... (0.10) WATAWALA 55.5 59.3...... 3.8...... 6.85 RENUKA FOODS [COCO.X0000] ...... 10,394...... 12.50...... 13.00...... 13.00...... 12.50...... 12.50...... - BLUE DIAMONDS [BLUE.X0000] .....2,701,714...... 0.40...... 30...... 30...... 30...... 30...... (0.10) RENUKA HOLDINGS ...... 74,615...... 16.40...... 16.80...... 16.80...... 16.00...... 16.20...... (0.20) CEYLON PRINTERS ...... 75...... 49.00...... 60.00...... 60.00...... 60.00...... 49.00...... - TOP 10 LOSERS HUNAS FALLS ...... 10...... 144.00...... 149.00...... 149.00...... 149.00...... 144.00...... - RENUKA HOLDINGS [RHL.X0000] ...... 1,800...... 12.70...... 12.50...... 12.90...... 12.50...... 12.80...... 0.10 Company VWA VWA...... Change...... Change LANKEM DEV...... 142,225...... 3.80...... 3.90...... 4.20...... 3.80...... 3.90...... 0.10 BLUE DIAMONDS 0.4 0.3...... -0.1...... -25 RESUS ENERGY ...... 5,033...... 25.00...... 26.40...... 26.40...... 24.60...... 24.60...... (0.40) MACKWOODS ENERGY ...... 53,819...... 2.80...... 2.80...... 2.90...... 2.80...... 2.80...... - BLUE DIAMONDS 0.6 0.5...... -0.1...... -16.67 RICHARD PIERIS ...... 4,223,346...... 18.00...... 18.10...... 18.70...... 17.70...... 17.80...... (0.20) MULTI FINANCE ...... 120...... 7.30...... 7.40...... 7.40...... 7.40...... 7.40...... 0.10 BERUWALA RESORTS 0.9 0.8...... -0.1...... -11.11 AMBEON CAPITAL 6 5.5...... -0.5...... -8.33 ROYAL CERAMIC ...... 148,368...... 329.75...... 330.00...... 331.00...... 323.00...... 324.25...... (5.50) NATION LANKA ...... 260,070...... 0.80...... 90...... 90...... 80...... 90...... 0.10 ANILANA HOTELS 1.3 1.2...... -0.1...... -7.69 S M B LEASING ...... 830,934...... 0.60...... 60...... 60...... 50...... 60...... - PARAGON ...... 2,305...... 54.00...... 57.00...... 57.00...... 53.00...... 53.00...... (1.00) HOTEL SIGIRIYA 59.2 55...... -4.2...... -7.09 RADIANT GEMS ...... 950...... 27.90...... 27.10...... 28.00...... 27.00...... 27.10...... (0.80) RENUKA CAPITAL 8 7.5...... -0.5...... -6.25 S M B LEASING [SEMB.X0000] ...... 2,938,990...... 0.30...... 30...... 40...... 30...... 30...... - ARPICO INSURANCE 24 22.5...... -1.5...... -6.25 SAMPATH ...... 2,172,373...... 160.00...... 160.00...... 160.00...... 157.50...... 159.50...... (0.50) TESS AGRO ...... 312,866...... 0.60...... 70...... 70...... 50...... 60...... - BIMPUTH FINANCE 8.3 7.8...... -0.5...... -6.02 PEOPLE’S MERCH 8.7 8.2...... -0.5...... -5.75 SAMSON INTERNAT...... 123...... 153.75...... 153.00...... 153.00...... 147.00...... 149.00...... (4.75) TESS AGRO [TESS.X0000]...... 61,590...... 0.50...... 50...... 50...... 40...... 50 ...... - 114 Monday, February 22, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Settlement deal reached “Your passion in James Franco sexual is waiting for misconduct suit your courage to catch up.” A settlement agreement has been reached – Isabelle in a lawsuit that alleged James Franco Lafleche intimidated students into gratuitous and exploitative sexual situations at an acting and film school he founded. Actresses and ex-students Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal, who first filed the lawsuit in 2019, have agreed to drop their individual claims under the agreement, according to the court filing.

He stated that the pandemic has been particularly difficult for performing artists. However, it is not only the brunch artist who has suffered, as audiences ‘NoteWorthy’ with who enjoy this kind of art have been impacted as well. He said that while there have been attempts for online solutions, it is simply not the same. He said that with regards to the thinking behind NoteWorthy, Dr. Lalanath De Silva considering that Covid-19 will not be forever, he hopes to bring some BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE much-needed attention to the great Composer and conductor bodies of work courtesy of the multitude of talented artists in Sri Dr. Lalanath de Silva, in Lanka and the South Asian region, collaboration with the Gustav many of whose work we are familiar Mahler Society of Colombo, with, so as to engage with it a little recently launched a brand more. new initiative, a web talk show Dr. De Silva said that he has Dr. Lalanath De Silva in conversation with Harsha Makalande during the premiere series titled NoteWorthy, and felt that when it comes to discussing Chief Conductor Srimal Weerasinghe the programme’s very first episode of NoteWorthy music in the media, particularly in programmes targeting larger session premiered online (GMSC), the foremost performing that they are dedicated to furthering the upcoming episode to be held audiences, it leaves much to be on 20 February 2021 at 8.30 arts society of Sri Lanka dedicated and encouraging Sri Lankan talent, on 20 March, which will feature desired. While it is likely that when p.m. IST (10 a.m. EST) via to performance, education, and focusing on outreach and education world renowned pianist Rohan De targeted at a mass audience, the Facebook Live. promotion of western music, was to facilitate growth and promote Sri Silva, an alumnus of The Juilliard subject matter cannot get too niche, established in 2018. Speaking Lankan compositions. Considering School of Music, and regular The premiere episode featured he said that it has left him with a need with the Chief Conductor Srimal that Dr. De Silva’s initiative aligns collaborator of famous violinist the talented pianist, arranger, to explore the nuances of music with Weerasinghe, he shared with us that with their ethos, Weerasinghe Itzhak Perlman. Rohan De Silva composer, and teacher with over more philosophical depth; to discuss the organisation was founded in shared that they are providing their will be joined also by opera singer 50 years’ experience, Harsha the technical aspects of the forms of the hopes of revitalising orchestral organisation’s support in carrying out Tharanga Goonetilleke. He said Makalande. harmonies, the origins of its melodies music in Sri Lanka, and removing the this programme. that the underlying theme would The series will be a monthly and scales used, etc. barriers that limit its accessibility by We also reached out to feature a discussion of legendary programme hosted by Dr. De Silva, Considering that the show the majority. Dr. De Silva himself, composer Beethoven’s music, who stated that the show hopes to will go live once every month, he He said that while the GMSC who shared with us having celebrated his 250th birthday make use of this opportunity went on to give a sneak peek into last year. to talk with great musicians, Chorus is presently the largest his thinking behind performing ensemble in Sri Lanka, launching the composers, conductors, and The Gustav Mahler Society of Colombo singers, mostly from the South Asian they are not just an orchestra and NoteWorthy series. region, and hopefully from the rest of the world. Spanning 90 minutes with a dedicated 30 minutes to answer any questions posed by the audience during runtime, the show kicked things off in an impressive fashion with a considerably large audience tuning in on its first night. The series collaborator, the Gustav Mahler Society of Colombo

Dr. Lalanath De Silva in action

How plastic is the sea? WNPS to host ‘Marine Chat’ on plastic pollution in the marine environment BY NAVEED ROZAIS the planet’s surface and provides cups, bottles, bags, chairs, or untold biodiversity, life, and food. vehicle parts. Microplastics Today (22), The Wildlife It’s an integral part of the balance refer to debris that is under and Nature Protection Society that makes life on Earth liveable. 20 mm when entering the Sri Lanka (WNPS) and the High The ocean is often overlooked marine environment (such as Commission of Canada will because, well, it is the ocean, microfibres, microbeads, and excited to be able to represent Geology, University of Ruhuna. and we have no idea what lies plastic pellets). WNPS Marine Chat: be presenting a joint edition of Addressing the issue and Zero Waste Maldives on such a “More than 80% of our marine WNPS’ “Marine Chat” dedicated beneath it. It’s a great expanse Microplastics are often platform and seeing so many civil plastic pollution is from land-based to marine plastic pollution and and a mystery, and we can chuck accidentally consumed by marine looking at ways forward During this edition of the society organisations working in sources,” Dr. Kumara explained. featuring panellists from Sri anything in the ocean and never life, compromising their immune this space. “From my understanding, we need WNPS Marine Chat, the speakers Lanka, Canada, and the Maldives. see it again – which is exactly part systems and health, and in the “In recent years, the Maldives to control it from the source. This and panellists will discuss further This special edition of Marine of the problem. case of fish and other organisms has been making bold moves is an eye-opener for people on how the impacts of plastic pollution, Chat is supported by Kumarika. In 2019, earthday.org listed we use for food, making them pertaining to single-use plastic to control it.” and how we can begin to recover “Marine Chat” is a monthly Sri Lanka as the world’s fifth- unsafe to eat. and marine pollution,” Ismail said. Dr. Kumara explained that discussion series presented by largest plastic polluter in the world. Megaplastics pose serious and take steps to minimise the “During the panel, I hope to share on “Marine Chats”, he hopes to WNPS showcasing some of Sri Let that sink in. A 65 km² country threats to marine animals, trapping impact of plastic pollution in the some of the work we have been speak about the magnitude of the Lanka’s best marine scientists, and of approximately 21 million people them and sometimes killing Sri Lankan marine environment doing in this area, both on a policy issue in general, what happens to discussing issues related to marine contributes to plastic waste along them, or affecting their lives context. advocacy level and implementation. our coastal belts with pollution conservation and exploration. the same lines as countries, like immeasurably, like in the case of Environment and Climate I will also talk about waste and how households can control The panellists speaking at this China, Indonesia, the Philippines, sea turtles, arguably marine plastic Change Canada Senior Advisor management in a broad context, and minimise their waste, as a special session of “Marine Chat” and Vietnam. Data showed that pollution’s most visible victims, of Multilateral Affairs Barber how mismanagement of waste group and as individuals. “I will include Environment and Climate waste more than 5 million kg who get trapped in a six-pack will discuss his work overseeing results in marine pollution, and how be discussing the actions we have Change Canada Senior Advisor of of plastic, per day, despite not ring, for instance, and then grow Canada’s participation in the we can counter this.” taken globally and regionally, Multilateral Affairs Nicholas Barber, being one of the world’s largest around that ring in a way where environment tracks of G7 and MEPA General Manager helping participants to understand Zero Waste Maldives Co-Founder consumers of plastic. their bodies can never function G20, as well as international Dr. Kumara will speak about this issue from a wildlife level, Ahmed Afrah Ismail, and Marine The impact of plastic on healthily. policies and engagement on plastic how coastal pollution is one and how, as individuals, they can Environment Protection Authority marine environments and wildlife Plastic production and the pollution, ocean health, and coastal of Sri Lanka’s biggest issues. contribute and support to help solve (MEPA) General Manager Dr. is severe. Plastic pollutants mismanagement of plastic waste resilience. In addition to his role at the this problem.” Terney Pradeep Kumara. are generally divided into two also contribute significantly Ismail will speak on single-use MEPA, he is also working as the “Marine Chats: Plastic categories: megaplastics and to climate change. Increased plastic and microplastic pollution General Manager of the Ministry Pollution in the Marine The very real issue of microplastics. Megaplastics plastic disrupts the ability in the Maldives and the country’s of Urban Development, Coast Environment” will take place plastic pollution in our (sometimes referred to as of phytoplankton to remove efforts to phase out single-use Conservation, Waste Disposal, today (Monday, 22 February) marine environments macroplastics) are plastic carbon dioxide, a greenhouse plastics by 2023. Speaking on and Public Sanitation. He is also a at 7.30 p.m. via Zoom and on The ocean is Earth’s largest products larger than 20 mm, and gas, from the atmosphere via being a part of the WNPS Marine senior lecturer in the Department Facebook Live through the ecosystem. It covers over 70% of include plastic toothbrushes, photosynthesis. Chat, Ismail shared that he was of Oceanography and Marine WNPS Facebook page. 124 brunch „„ www.themorning.lk { CAUSE/EVENTS } Monday, February 22, 2021 LGBTQ+ community Right to equality before the law BY VENESSA ANTHONY

The Rotaract Club of the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, The good thing about Article recently hosted a webinar that 12 is that it also recognises focused on the legal aspects faced “other” groups. If you look by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, at the international human Transgender, Queer/Questioning rights jurisprudence, mainly (LGBTQ+) community. Speaking the European Court of Human at the event was Attorney-at-Law, solicitor, and University of Colombo Rights has interpreted the term of Faculty of Law lecturer Dr. Visakesa “other” to include the LGBTQ+ Chandrasekaram. community. Therefore, we can argue their right to equality before The law the law Speaking on the topic of the current Dr. Visakesa Chandrasekaram legalities for a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Dr. Chandrasekaram said: “We can look at it from two perspectives. One LGBTQ+ community are also faced by the is that homosexuality is a criminal offence general public as well. One example is how in Sri Lanka and the Penal Code Sections the Police would treat an individual. “You 365 and 365A criminalise consensual sex will see that individuals have a level of power between two people of the same sex.” because they belong to a certain class or civil He further noted that there are certain status. So, those who have that may have provisions related to cross dressing in the capacity to manoeuvre police officers’ Section 399 of the Penal Code. “It is very decisions, and these officers would also have easy for a person to be prosecuted under the discretion to decide on repercussions these sections.” based on class and social status.” Dr. Going into the second aspect, he stated: Chandrasekaram stated that we have to “Then there would be the human rights bear in mind that while there are certain angle. We do have an equality provision, Dr. Visakesa Chandrasekaram laws that can be used to harm the LGBTQ+ and Article 12 of the Constitution specifies community, certain generic acts, that are not a number of different groups, but the The only restriction we have is enforced by thousands of years; there are phrases such come from the Old Testament in the Bible, strictly legal, can affect them too. LGBTQ+ group is not explicitly included Article 12.” as “against the order of nature” and “gross followed by the New Testament, and adopted Using a personal example to prove in this article.” He raised the point that this These laws have a history going back indecency”, that Dr. Chandrasekaram notes by the Quran as well. “Because the historical his point, he said: “As a member of the could bring arguments for and against the roots are not very clear, according to my LGBTQ+ community, I still have educational community. knowledge, these laws were first initiated qualifications, I am a lawyer, so I have that “The good thing about Article 12 is in the 16th Century, followed by more laws civil power, and I’m an artist as well, so I that it also recognises ‘other’ groups, If being implemented by the British Empire, have not been discriminated against as much you look at the international human rights and we thus inherited those (vague) laws.” as somebody who would not have that certain jurisprudence, mainly the European Court He observed that there are a lot of status could be.” of Human Rights has interpreted the term of contradictions and a lack of clarity: “The Dr. Chandrasekaram urges practitioners ‘other’ to include the LGBTQ+ community. law is based on the idea that sex is only of the law to challenge the construct of the Therefore, we can argue their right to for reproduction purposes; anything else offence when they are given cases involving equality before the law.” is considered ‘unnatural’.” Due to this, the LGBTQ+ community: “They should ask He also added that some may argue that the phrase referring to sexual relations questions like ‘what about the privacy of the it is not specified explicitly, but he believes “against the order of nature” could apply to individuals?’, ‘what about when similar acts that there is a strong case to be made in the homosexual people of the community. occur between heterosexuals?’, and what modern democratic society that their rights He further questioned: “Can’t we, in exactly is ‘unnatural offence?’” are protected. spite of the existence of Article 16, follow He also questioned how one could the Indian pathway and recognise the right be viewed as committing an act of gross The contradictions in policies to privacy over the criminal offence of indecency when the act in question is done in When taking the aforementioned consensual sex between two adults of the private and not in public. Penal Code sections and Article 12 into same sex?” If these questions are asked when a consideration, there is a clash in the two member of the LGBTQ+ community is being laws. Whilst one can interpret the former to Social status and its impact persecuted, there is a chance the charges may argue that same-sex sexual intercourse is a Some issues that are confronted by the even be dropped. crime, members of the LGBTQ+ community are also protected under Article 12. “We have another article; Article 16 allows the To find out more on the laws governing the LGBTQ+ community in Sri Lanka, continuity of archaic laws. Despite some watch the webinar on the Rotaract Club Facebook page: of these laws violating our fundamental @RotaractClubOfFacultyOfLawUniversityOfColombo rights principles, they can still be enforced. Add Hope in One A discussion on adoption in SL BY VENESSA ANTHONY say that our objective was achieved, and discussion on 22 November 2020 with our newsfeed was overflowing with the a set of experts to help bridge this Add Hope In One is an initiative ‘smiley-face’ posts,” added John. knowledge gap, in hope that it would by the Rotaract Club of Wellawatte on help bring people one step closer to the norms and regulations pertaining Why adopt? adopting a child. District Rotaract to child adoption in Sri Lanka. The Shelter is one of the most important Representative (DRR) for 2020/2021 main aim behind this initiative is to needs in every human life. For many Kavindra Kasun Sigera stated: educate the general public on the of us, this is home – a place where “Adoption is looked at in a very negative child adoption process by providing a we receive love, protection, care, perspective due to social stigma. As deeper understanding on the criteria and security, provided by one/two a result, there is a lot of uncertainty of eligibility, institutions to approach individuals called parents. From the time amongst the public as to why we should to adopt a child, and the legal process a child is born, they heavily depend on adopt a child and how they can adopt a involved. Moreover, in some instances, their parents and family for protection, child. There are so many unanswered the adoptive parents face denial from to fulfil their needs, and to obtain questions around the subject.” society when adopting a child mainly guidance through the many years to In the second stage of this project, due to their fertility status. come. Parents are a child’s first teacher the Rotaract Club of Wellawatte hosted Speaking to Rotaract Club of and the best teacher, as the child looks a webinar with guest speakers including Wellawatte President 2020/2021 Evelyn up to them as their role models in how to SOS Children’s Villages Director John, she said: “The project is also handle the world around them. Parents – Programmes Dananjaya Perera, carried out with the aim of breaking the highly influence children in promoting Generation Never Give Up Sri Lanka stigma related to child adoption.” positive growth and development. Safe Team Member Nimali Kumari, and This project was initially established John explained that the word Attorney-at-Law and Child Protection in November in honour of Adoption “home” could hold a different meaning Force Founder/Director Milani Awareness Month. As the first step, they to some people; it could even be an Salpitkorala, who are all well versed in entailed details of child abandonment go through the legal procedure, although conducted the “Smiley-face campaign” institution where children are sent to for areas of adoption. and child trafficking in Sri Lanka. They the process is a little time consuming.” on World Adoption Awareness Day on 9 many reasons including poverty, natural The discussion covered a number of detailed what one may do in a situation The second phase of the event was November 2020, where Rotaractors not disasters, neglect/abandonment, abuse, areas concerning the subject addressing where we come across an abandoned held via Zoom yesterday (21). only from the Wellawatte Club but also disease, or any similar issues. “All the the legal, emotional, and psychological child, and what actions we can take to The webinar can be watched other Rotaract clubs, posted selfies with children here want the same thing – aspects of adoption. They also talked protect them. on their Facebook page: a smiley face drawn on their palms in the stability of a home. This is where through the concerns on the adoption John noted that the commonly asked @RotaractClubOfWellawatte. order to raise awareness and get people adoption can play a vital role.” process, eligibility criteria, and how question is if unmarried people adopt a They also encourage people that have talking about adoption. adoption could result in a significant drop child, and whether people that already more questions to drop them a message “Rotaractors actively engaged in Creating discussions in child labour and end violence against have a biological child can adopt. “The on their page, so that more children can this campaign. It would not be wrong to The club organised a virtual panel children. Furthermore, the discussion answer is always yes. It is possible if you find a place to call home. brunch 134 Monday, February 22, 2021 { COLUMNS/EVENTS } „„ www.themorning.lk A great escape Pets are to an urban oasis Staycations at Hilton Colombo Hilton Colombo, once known as “an oasis in the city”, is ready for guests with new accommodation packages. You can choose from a family staycation at Rs. 12,500 Nett per person to a couple staycation at Rs. 9,888 Nett per person to relax and unwind during the upcoming long weekend. for life The family package includes up to two children below the age of 12 years sharing with parents staying free, plus Rs. 14,000 daily food and beverage credit for two adults redeemable up to three months of stay, a free upgrade to the Animals are abandoned in What I just don’t Deluxe Room, welcome drink coupons for the family to be droves when the owners can understand is, why take a used in any outlet, pool and gym facilities, early check in at They are not a toy to be discarded no longer be bothered to dog in the first place? If you 9 a.m. and late check out at 6 p.m. after use, there is no shelf life take care of them. I myself are going to dump it, then The couple staycation, also referred to as the “Weekend or expiry date. They are living, have rescued countless such why take one at all? Would Getaway Party at Sunset Blu”, includes an overnight stay breathing creatures with feelings animals. My friend Chula you do the same to your with a free upgrade to the Deluxe Room, complimentary and emotions. Not empty vessels. Aresecularatne rescued a children or your parents? breakfast for two at Graze Kitchen, a high tea platter for Great Dane tied up in a bag This is indeed a two at LAB, a bottle of local spirits of your choice, four Just this past week, I have had to rescue and left on a garbage heap chasers, and a round of hot canapes at Sunset Blu, pool and three pups whose owners have gotten tired frightening thought, as Sri to die and subsequently Truepanion gym facilities, early check in at 10 a.m. and late check out of them after as little as one month. One Lanka and other countries formed an animal welfare at 6 p.m. pup was being beaten every night for doing are fast losing their trust called the Lucy Trust – Lucy being the humanity and spiralling down into an abyss For further details on terms and conditions, and for poo and pee in the garden. I mean, where bookings, please call room reservations on 0112 492 492. do they expect the poor animal to do his Great Dane she rescued. of cruelty and fleeting pleasures. businesses if not in their garden? I once came home from work to find The Animal Welfare Bill, which I find the mindset of people today just a Dalmatian pup bounding up to greet me. could act as a deterrent in such cases, still mind-boggling. It defies description. Why Now, I have never owned a pedigree dog languishes despite our please to those in then take in a pet? It will be far better off on and this little chap was certainly not at home power. It’s now over 25 years that it has the road. when I left for work. The explanation was, been languishing in Parliament waiting to Ignorance, cruelty, and sheer the pup had been bought by this couple who be passed! What a tragedy and travesty of callousness have led to the rise of animal then went on to discover that the poor thing justice. cruelty, not just in Sri Lanka, but the world was deaf (most probably due to inbreeding), Until rules and regulations are over. so what they did was come and dump it on implemented and laws are passed, Animals are left for over a week in Anusha. I wonder if they will do the same to monitored, and enforced, cruelty will pet shops during holiday time without a child of theirs. abound not just against animals but against food or water; the same happens In recent times, several dogs are being all life forms. Hefty fines and other forms of when people go on holiday. My friend abandoned in the Viharamahadevi Park. punishment have to be imposed in order to, Visakha came to the rescue of several Last month alone, five were abandoned. if not put a stop to, at least lessen the cruelty pets left to their own devices in a home One got killed almost immediately, as it was that is now prevalent. in Kelaniya while the owners holidayed not used to being on the road, and the other Until such time, the rule of might, not in Nuwara Eliya. has disappeared. right, will prevail as it does now. Lankan-built software transforms vehicle rental industry The car rental sector has a constant struggle. Having presence, both Shivanathan and undergone a transformation in overcome those hardships and Kugamoorthy stated that their the last decade with shifts in scaling our operations, we were mission is to make it easier consumer behaviour and use of able to build a larger team to for anyone to enter the rental technology; this has given rise better serve our customers,” industry. Towards this goal, the to new subsets in the ground said Navotar Director of company has now embarked on transportation sector, forcing Business Development the next step on this journey. existing players to innovate. Visharathan Kugamoorthy. Companies like Navotar claim Beyond fleet management, Valsoft Corporation, a Candian- to have been among the first to the company supports its based company specialising use technology to drive change The Navotar team clients with a range of services. in building vertical market in the car rental industry. small and medium car rental global journey of growth. From website development to software companies, announced “Today’s consumers want companies to stay relevant and Shivanathan credits much digital marketing, Navotar’s Sri its acquisition of Navotar. fast and frictionless solutions benefit from technology in of this success to Navotar Lankan team helps its clients Commenting on the to satisfy their travel needs. both operational and consumer having a strong customer- with everything they need for acquisition, Aspire Software As the new entrants in ground experience.” centric focus. While deeply growth. “By offering these CEO Michael Assi said: “We transportation are innovating Navotar’s cloud-based car ingrained into the company’s services, Navotar is a one-stop are thrilled to welcome the intensely to capture a bigger rental software claims to be DNA today, it didn’t happen solution to start the car rental Navotar team, clients, and economical and easy to use, and overnight without a struggle. share of this market, failure business,” Visharathan noted. partners to the Aspire Software to adapt by the SME car is purportedly trusted by 1,000- Much of Navotar’s support These efforts have greatly paid family. The team and culture rental sector means that they plus rental businesses in 70- team is based in Sri Lanka, off with Navotar receiving could lose a large share of the plus countries. With its parent which works 24/7. the award for Best Support are well aligned with our market,” stated Navotar CEO company in Canada, Navotar “Back when we first by Software Suggest in 2019, values, which has also made Sanker Shivanathan. also operates a development started, there were only a which is one of many accolades this transaction seamless. We Mega deals “This is where Navotar and marketing hub in Sri handful of us. We’d set alarms the company has received. could not be prouder to have stepped in, embracing Lanka, which has been a crucial for meetings at 2 a.m., and Having overcome Navotar join our car rental at Daraz technological advances to help component of its operations and demonstrations at 4 a.m. It was challenges to build a global portfolio.” DIMO CELEBRATES 8 CONSECUTIVE Lifestyle Mall YEARS AS A ‘GREAT PLACE TO WORK’ From 23 February to 2 March 2021, customers can experience mega deals on home and living, Sri Lankan conglomerate journey of continued success, vehicles, music, and sports at Daraz Lifestyle Mall. DIMO announced it was it has expanded to stand out With over 500,000 products on sale and deals of up recognised as one of the “Great as a leading conglomerate that to 60% off, Daraz aims to let shoppers end the month Places To Work” (GPTW) meets the varied requirements on a high note. in Sri Lanka for the eighth of individuals and organisations Daraz also has up to Rs. 300,000 off on vehicles consecutive year, at the GPTW in the fields of engineering, at dMotors; what they call the ideal way to explore awards ceremony held recently consumer goods, education, the motor world. dMotors brings together a wide at the Hilton Colombo. agriculture, and industrial variety of vehicles and accessories to one platform Similar to previous years, solutions. During this time, with the aim of making motor purchases hassle-free. DIMO stated it was able to win the company claims, it has Making the lifestyle week more exciting is the multiple awards, and took home understood that building a chance to win a 150 cc Demak motorbike for Rs. 1 four awards, including the vibrant workplace goes beyond by playing the “one-rupee game” – a one-of-a-kind “Best Workplaces in Sri Lanka simply meeting the basic needs opportunity, says Daraz. 2020” and “Excellence in of its people, and has gone The one-rupee game also offers consumers the People Initiatives – Inspiring” above and beyond by constantly opportunity to win a Quantum electric treadmill, a awards, together with gold aiming to build a culture modern tree bookshelf, an electrical multi tool set, or awards for “Best PLC to work which creates, encourages, and even a 6 ft. giant teddy bear. for in Sri Lanka 2020” and rewards consistently high- A special offer for fitness fanatics includes “Best Workplace in Extra Large performing individuals. the offer of up to 50% off at Quantum Fitness and Enterprise Category in Sri The company claims to Decathlon on all fitness ranges. There will also be Lanka 2020”. view a “thriving workforce” as The DIMO HR team receiving the award for ‘Excellence in People Initiatives – Inspiring’ freebies and free shipping. DIMO stated it has taken one in which employees are not In addition, there will be 60% off, free shipping, significant strides over the past simply productive, but are also years. true to our EVP (employee inspire tribe members to and giveaways from the furniture and kitchen range 10 years, in transforming the actively engaged in creating Sharing his views, DIMO value proposition): Making possess high levels of integrity, as well as the chance to win a bedding set worth Rs. organisational culture to support a brighter future for both the Chairman/Managing Director work enjoyable and rewarding and access to information 10,000 for purchases over Rs. 3,000 from Linberry the achievement of its business company and themselves. Ranjith Pandithage stated: and to truly differentiate builds trust and gives them at the DarazMall. strategies while maintaining The company’s “While igniting and driving DIMO’s employer brand. the knowledge they need to You can also stand a chance to win a school the trust and loyalty of team diversification efforts have also a high-performing workplace “Therefore, to be make the right move in all members at all levels. The magnified people’s strengths term’s worth of stationery from ProMate. culture, I along with the rest continuously recognised for situations and take initiative company stated it has fostered via upskilling and cross-skilling Partnered with the DarazMall, as well as brand of the leadership team have eight years in a row for our with confidence. As a result, a culture that has brought about initiatives, it noted, giving the had bright eyes towards conscious efforts is certainly an partners such as Demak, Quantum Fitness, The the company was bestowed Concept Store, ProMate, Serendib, VTEC Home, key components of a great firm the strength to curtail the addressing every aspect of our affirmation to the success of the the “Excellence in People Homelux (Pvt) Ltd., and Five Star Melamine, Daraz workplace such as transparent negative impact of any external people’s lives. We have always DIMO tribe and the guidance aims to offer the very best to their consumers. communication, effective forces, such as an economic fuelled our people to give we have given them over the Initiatives – Inspiring” award To receive early-bird offers on favourite leadership, commitment, downturn or a global pandemic, their best, and we have also years. With every crown we for excellence in people’s categories like music, sports, and fitness from the respect, recognition, and without compromising on ensured that the organisation keep collecting year on year, practice. On a whole, DIMO Lifestyle Mall, you can visit https://click.daraz. camaraderie. its workforce. As a result, in gives back the best for them DIMO’s way of life just keeps has aligned its organisational lk/e/_eB5kP. Although DIMO GPTW culture audits, DIMO through exponential growth getting better and remains a cut culture to be on par with the Read more on offers, sales, products, commenced operations over constantly achieved the and exposure, both personally above the rest.” overall business strategy to and prices on the official Daraz blog: 80 years ago in the field of highest score in the area of and professionally. We have DIMO believes that its flourish in a rapidly evolving https://blog.daraz.lk/ automobiles, during its long “Developing” for the past four practiced this in order to stay transparent communications atmosphere. 144 sports „„ www.themorning.lk { SPORTS } Monday, February 22, 2021 The nationalism in Indian cricket Our neighbouring India, ruled by Bharatiya Janatha Party leader Narendra Modi, is fast establishing News filtered in – through an errand boy roaming the outside electronics stores – noses pressed up against, and itself as a regional economic, strategic, and military superpower. Cricket is one vehicle they seem to hallways – that India had put Sri Lanka in to bat, that heads poking through, the large glass windows – and use to further that supremacy. What is the type of the nationalism that is portrayed in Indian cricket? Jayasuriya and Kaluwitharana were out, that the score crouched around paan beedi (betel leaf and tobacco) shops Here, writer Anjali Doshi examines the subject, in this Wisden India analysis from 6 July 2018, where was 1 for 2… It was all happening, as Tony Greig was to listen for updates on the transistor. she delves into the myth that “the Indians are really loving cricket”, and how Tendulkar filled the shoes probably saying at that very moment, on commentary. “This Cell phones had just made their entry into India, but at of Amitabh Bachchan. is terrible,” I thought. “Now, I can’t concentrate at all.” [Indian] Rs. 32 a minute per call, were hardly the ubiquitous I have never cared less about Kant’s categorical equivalent to the A-Level in England – I was meant to be The rest of my time in the examination hall is a daze. But entity they are now. The taxi driver, who had been following imperative than I did on 13 March 1996. At about 2 p.m. focusing on the Philosophy paper in front of me. But the I do remember it as the only instance in about 20 years of the action on the radio, provided an update: “206 for six. on a Wednesday, in the examination centre in Mumbai only thing on my mind as I studied the questions was, “I writing tests that I left early. as I bundled into a waiting taxi. De Silva, 66.” I made it home just in time to see the Sri for the Higher School Certificate – a public examination wonder who won the toss.” The streets were deserted except for crowds gathered Lankans get to 251.

“Khallaas! (finished)” declared My mum, who has no patience A quick comparison of television The India-Australia Test series my dad, who is forever the prophet for anyone wasting precious hours rating points or TRPs – by no means an earlier this year enjoyed higher ratings of India’s cricketing doom. I argued on flannelled fools – and worries exact science but a fairly accurate guide than the Test series against England A the only way to beat the Sri Lankans constantly about this foreign to India’s viewing habits – recently E last year, despite the England series at their game was to put them in to conspiracy to impede India’s showed a rating of 0.2 for the last day being much more closely contested bat after the massacre at the Feroz economic growth – is quite naturally of the first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge – the general trend shows that the Shah Kotla, where they chased down inclined towards supporting the in July, a Sunday of many twists and minute India start losing a key match, India’s score of 270-odd earlier in the opposition. turns as England snuck home by 15 ratings for general entertainment tournament. “The ball is turning. India As the sun sank into the sea that runs. Just 10 days later on a Wednesday, channels spike as people switch off will lose. Azhar is an idiot,” he said. evening, it seemed my parents were the second ODI between India and from cricket. My dad, I must elaborate, is the pragmatic enough to anticipate the Zimbabwe revealed a rating of 0.5. So positive was the impact of the 4-0 most exasperating cricket lover I have horror that would unfold on television, It’s telling that an inconsequential drubbing of Australia that it resulted ever shared a couch with – constantly a horror that is still very fresh. Those series won 5-0 by India achieved in more interest in the IPL this year overestimating the opposition, numbers are stuck in the head: 251, higher ratings than one of the most than in 2012, after India had lost compulsively criticising the Indian Aravinda’s 66 from 47, Sachin’s 65, dramatic Ashes Tests of all. A TRP of India winning the 1983 World Cup at eight consecutive Tests in England team as he shouts his advice, and and India’s 120 for 8 when the match 0.1 (roughly about 100,000 viewers) Lord’s beating favourites West Indies and Australia, and delighted the IPL ‘I’ve never cared less about (German always preparing for the worst, which was abandoned. I don’t need to refer has been the average viewership for rights holders because the “happy philosopher Immanuel) Kant’s basically involves rushing to hide in to the 1996 World Cup semi-final what Star Sports has been marketing Even the Wimbledon in June garnered state of mind” of the Indian cricket categorical imperative than I did on 13 his bedroom each time the opposition scorecard to double-check the scores. as “Test cricket’s greatest rivalry ever”. more viewership with a rating of 0.3. fan would mean more business. March 1996 (when Sri Lanka met India in the World Cup)’ hits a boundary or an Indian wicket But when I do, it still hurts to see: falls. “Sri Lanka won by default”. Marketing Jasdeep Pannu. When the mood is buoyant after a win like That day, for me, epitomises the Bangalore to Calcutta, the headlines the World Cup or the 4-0 thrashing very best and worst of Indian cricket. changed from, “Nation Erupts in Joy” F of Australia, the after-effects of this The hold cricket has on the nation as to “A Nation Shamed”. “happy state of mind” are visible: it wipes life off the streets, a bond B There have been many such days advertisers are more than willing to that unites family members who may before and after that one at Eden pay up to 20% more because they have little else to talk about, a sense Garden. And there will be many more. know the Indian public will tune in. of identity that infuses a billion with It is hard to decide, to paraphrase writer The psychographic portrait – purpose, confidence, and self-worth Mike Marqusee, which brings out the not a thorough data-driven study in their collective consumption of a worst in India’s cricket nationalism: but a rough guide – revealed three new-age opium and new-age idols, and victory or defeat. categories of cricket-viewers in a balm that soothes our deepest scars. Each World Cup has brought us to India: players, disciples, and fans. But there was also the backlash of a closer understanding how Indians The players – those who have played a deflated nation who set the stands view themselves through the prism the game at some level, have a deep on fire, burnt its superstars’ effigies, Over 100,000 watching the 1996 World of their team’s performance. If 1983 appreciation for its nuances, and are decreed the Indian team the worst Cup semi-final at Eden Gardens in was the triumph of the underdog, and largely unaffected by India’s wins Calcutta in the world, accused its heroes of 1996 a nation shamed, then 2003 was and losses – account for about 5 throwing the match, cursed its beloved to bear the loss and what it said about a confident stride in the right direction, million of India’s total population. Sachin Tendulkar, and switched off its them. 2007 a lesson in overconfidence, and Kolkata Knight Riders winning the 2012 IPL, beating Chennai Super Kings in the final The disciples, who also follow Indian televisions as defeat loomed, unable From one game to the next, from 2011 a nation whose time has come. cricket closely, but whose emotions In a recent study conducted by programming one must create for are tied in very strongly with India’s the Consumer Insight Division of the Indian public. wins and losses, account for about “As globalisation strides forward, three cricket-crazy protagonists in Star Sports – the Rupert Murdoch- “With about a billion dollars being 50 million. And the fans, categorised the search for national identity the backdrop of the 2011 World Cup. owned network that acquired rights invested by advertisers every year, it as BIRGs because they bask in the becomes ever more desperate and Social and cultural historians to all cricket in India between 2012 is important to have an insight into reflected glory of India’s victories and ever more dominated by the hostility have been hard-pressed to find a and 2018 – the team attempted certain trends,” says Star Sports disassociate when the team is losing, to perceived national enemies, both parallel elsewhere of a sport that to understand the kind of cricket Senior Vice President of Sports form the rest at about 65 million. within and without the country’s has inadvertently become the borders,” writes Marqusee in War torchbearer of a nation’s aspirations. Minus the Shooting – his portrait Jamaica and sprinting, China and This research explains the IPL’s of the subcontinent during the basketball, Brazil and football, immense success despite a string of ’96 World Cup. “The carnival of but none offers both: an enormous scandals – none worse than the fixing globalisation turned into an orgy population and a unanimous controversy this year. The racy domestic G of nationalism.” obsession. Twenty20 league with a thrust on Never was this nationalism, or “Indians are mad about the Bollywood and entertainment, featuring brazen flag-waving, more apparent game. Sometimes I do think they international stars and occupying a than on the night of 2 April 2011, are mad. But the unbridled passion primetime slot is viewed purely as as India poured on to its streets to is infectious,” said Don Bradman. C a tamasha (spectacle) that involves celebrate what each Indian deemed a The only time Bradman ever ‘War Minus the Shooting’ by Mike little emotional investment and holds personal triumph. The most viewed visited India was when his plane Marqusee no threat of national shame. The IPL sporting event on television was stopped to refuel in Calcutta en ratings for 2013? An average of 3.5 followed by the longest celebration route to England, where he was to Airport for a view. over 76 games. in sporting history, a postscript that cover the 1953 Ashes. When word Sixty years after Bradman visited, Following a successful first edition, closes Beyond A Boundary, a recent spread, courtesy of the airline staff, the general perception in India and Sony TV came up with the tagline “Ab documentary following the lives of thousands gathered at the Dum Dum outside remains the same. Kabhi Nahin Harega India” (Now Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel watch a live broadcast of the Cricket India can never lose) in 2009. The World Cup tournament moved to South Africa for political reasons and the line had sport can play this role. In seeking in understanding the popularity of to be dropped but Sony’s executives the emotional allegiance of Indians, Amitabh Bachchan. The country’s most have not given up on the idea just yet. cricket has entered into an amiable famous superstar burst into prominence D “While India was a colony, cricket competition with the Hindi film,” wrote as the angry young man of the Indian was a means of settling accounts with Ramachandra Guha in A Corner of a screen – the lower-middle or working- the rulers. After Independence, the Foreign Field. class hero from Mumbai’s slums, out new nation came to identify cricketing Perhaps the cue to the genesis of to fight a lone battle against a corrupt prowess with patriotic virtue. No other this search for national identity lies and unjust system.

Twenty-five years after why cricketers who hail from Independence, a nation small-town India, like Mahendra disillusioned with the imposition Singh Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, of the Emergency (1975-77), the as well as posh urban pockets, like H license raj, unemployment, and Virat Kohli, market everything labour conflicts, was searching for from Cola to cement, and even new heroes and hope. Bachchan’s English Premier League football. character, always known as Vijay As for Test cricket’s greatest (victory) in this anti-establishment rivalry, forgive my fellow Indians brand of cinema, became the icon if they reach for the remote. of protest against India’s ills. Since India’s 1983 World Cup Anjali Doshi wrote this victory and post-liberalisation, as co-editor of Wisden’s cricketers more than Bollywood cricket quarterly, “The Don Bradman at Dum Dum airport in Kolkata in 1953 stars have taken over as Nightwatchman”. She is a representatives of the nation’s cricket and features journalist But consumer research and breaking success of its Indian version Scyld Berry to remark: “Cricket in global aspirations, and none more and has followed Indian cricket television audience measurement Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). India is not a religion, as has been than Sachin Tendulkar. Through for nearly 15 years. She increasingly suggest it is a fallacy He pitched a cricket KBC to the said, nor is one-day cricket. Only the 90s, Tendulkar alone drove has contributed pieces to to call India a cricket-loving nation. Indian rights holders, only to return one-day cricket involving India television rating points up and the Wisden Cricketers’ The majority is interested either home a dejected man when he found attracts public attention.” down, perhaps like no other Almanack, Wisden in associating themselves with a no takers, because market research Several television industry cricketer in India and the world, India, and Sports victorious Indian team, or in the suggested very few Indians would executives agree. “Indians do not as he typified this phenomenon Illustrated. She was entertainment that events like be interested in the concept, or have love cricket,” says Sony TV Senior of India’s “happy state of mind” cricket editor at New the Indian Premier League (IPL) the knowledge. Executive Vice President and based on how many runs he scored Delhi Television. A cue to the genesis provide. A phenomenon first noticed during Business Head Sneha Rajani, whose – or did not. Doshi won the 2012 of the Indians’ search A senior television executive tells the 2006 Champions Trophy – company holds the rights to the IPL This emotional dependence on Ramnath Goenka for national identity: the story of one of the Who Wants to when India hosted a global cricket till 2017. “There is little or no interest Tendulkar changed significantly award for sports their biggest silver screen superstar be a Millionaire? creators, who flew tournament after a gap of 10 years in games that do not feature India. in the last 10 years, as India began journalism. Amitabh Bachchan, down to Mumbai from England to – saw several matches not featuring So you might say they love Indian performing better overseas and seen here in the 1975 discuss the idea of a cricket-based India played to empty stands, cricket. But there is also very little enjoyed its most successful decade box-office hit Sholay version of the show, after the ground- prompting former Wisden editor interest in a game India is losing.” in cricketing history. And it explains sports 154 Monday, February 22, 2021 { SPORTS } „„ www.themorning.lk FOREIGN SPORTS IN BRIEF

Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2021 begins The Pakistan Super League (PSL) began on Saturday (20) when defending champions Karachi Kings faced Quetta Gladiators. Six teams, packed with Pakistan players and overseas stars, will play a total of 34 T20 games in just over a month as they aim to reach the final on 22 March. All matches will be played in bio-secure bubbles, with the first 20 fixtures taking place at Karachi’s National Stadium and the remaining group games, play-offs, and final at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Both venues have been given permission to open their stadiums at 20% capacity, meaning 7,500 fans will be able to attend in Karachi and 5,500 in Lahore. Jennifer Brady's overall error count wasn’t costly, but their timing was Russia will be named ‘ROC’ at Tokyo 2020 Russian athletes are set to compete at Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 under the name “Russian Olympic Committee” or “ROC”, Neil Shefferd of Inside the Games said last week. The details were announced on Friday (19) in implementation guidelines approved by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)’s Compliance Review Committee. The guidelines set out the principles in relation to the implementation of sanctions imposed on the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) by WADA, Analysis: How Osaka and partially upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for the manipulation of the Moscow won the Aus Open final Laboratory data. Naomi Osaka stormed to her second Australian In the second set, she attacked Brady early, Open title over 22nd seed Jennifer Brady on breaking twice for a 4/0 lead. That cushion proved Saturday (20) night with a 6/4, 6/3 victory, her pivotal, and although Osaka handed a break back, fourth Grand Slam singles success. In breezy it was enough to seal victory. G7 leaders to support Japan to hold Tokyo 2020 conditions on Rod Laver Arena, here’s how The Group of Seven (G7) leaders have released a statement saying they support Japan’s the 23-year-old Osaka, who triumphed in Key 3: Osaka’s rock-solid composure commitment to hold the Tokyo 2020 Olympic in a “safe and secure manner”. The G7 leaders held a Melbourne in 2019, overcame the American to Osaka’s nerves of steel have already been virtual meeting on Friday to discuss the world’s fight against and recovery from coronavirus. In a statement they said: “We support the commitment of Japan to hold the Tokyo 2020 in a safe and earn a fourth major. showcased this fortnight – she saved two match secure manner this summer as a symbol of global unity in overcoming Covid-19.” Key 1: Osaka’s serve on song points against two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza in their fourth-round tussle. Tokyo qualification period for badminton The world No. 3 asserted herself from the start, Again on Saturday, the Japanese star showed no changed firing a pair of aces en route to holding to love in a signs of being rattled, even after Brady broke back The qualification period for the badminton tournaments at Tokyo 2020 has been extended from 77-second opening game. She went on to land six aces to level the opening set. 25 April to 15 June. The change comes after the Badminton World Federation (BWF) announced to Brady’s two, and produced the fastest serve of the As the American’s forehand found its range, alterations to its World Tour tournament calendar due to the pandemic. encounter at 197 km/h. Osaka stayed cool under pressure, interchanging AIBA censures IOC Despite landing only 48% of first serves, the powerful calm exhalations with a few “C’mon!” cheers even The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has criticised the International Olympic Committee right-hander had a higher winning percentage of both as Brady fought her way into games. Naomi Osaka stormed to her second Australian Open title (IOC) for cancelling the final boxing qualifier for Tokyo 2020. Fifty three quota places had been due first and second serves than Brady – 73% and 55% over 22nd seed Jennifer Brady on Saturday (21) to be available at the World Olympic Qualifier in Paris in June, but the IOC Boxing Task Force, which respectively, compared to her opponent’s 62% and 42%. Key 4: Brady’s untimely errors is organising the Tokyo 2020 tournament and the qualification events after AIBA’s recognition was Osaka double-faulted twice – including once to set The American served four double faults during otherwise might, responding to a relatively slow suspended by the IOC, scrapped the competition early February because of the pandemic. These places will instead be assigned based on rankings, with the best-ranked boxer per region, per up Brady’s first break point which the American seized the final, including one to give up the first break 128 km/h Osaka serve with a slapped forehand that weight category receiving a berth. – but that’s a number she minimised by intentionally point of the match. That’s roughly a quarter of her sailed long to set up championship point. taking pace off her second serve. On average, it landed total of 17 through her seven matches at Aus Open Key 5: Osaka takes her chances No. 1 Alcott wins at 125 km/h, slower than Brady’s 141 km/h. 2021. Brady won only two points in her first two quad wheelchair in Key 2: Osaka’s return game service games of the second set to find herself in a Both players created break opportunities, but it was Aus Open double-break deficit at 0/4. The 22nd seed was also Osaka who stepped up and seized the most crucial of World No.1 Dylan Alcott put in a Osaka won marginally more return points than Brady, unable to control her unforced error count, which points – and equally, landed one of her 16 winners champion’s performance to lift an which enabled her to create scoreboard pressure and ended at 31 to Osaka’s 24. Crucially, some of these to fend off one break point. unprecedented seventh successive Australian Open title on Thursday (18). The posed questions that her opponent, previously untested came at inopportune moments, including “shanking” Osaka converted four of her five break-point chances all-conquering Australian commanded in Grand Slam finals, was unable to answer. a forehand to give Osaka a look at set point in the compared to Brady’s 50% (two from four); that’s a Sam Schroder 6/1, 6/0 in the quad In just the second game of the match, Osaka clawed opener. She then dumped a straightforward forehand number that will disappoint the American, given wheelchair singles final to shine on home back from 0-40 to deuce, and unable to break, she into the net to hand Osaka a one-set advantage, she managed 67%, 70%, and 100% conversion rates courts once again. planted a seed of doubt across the net. A similar charge which quickly turned into a 0/4 second-set hole through her fourth round, quarter-final and semi-final from 15-40 in the tenth game enabled Osaka to break for the American. respectively. and take the set 6/4. The American also didn’t attack on points she By Gillian Tan at ausopen.com Sabalenka and Mertens storm to women’s doubles crown Elise Mertens and Aryna Sabalenka have captured their second Grand Slam Qu te trophy together, denying Czechs Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova to secure from a legend the Australian Open women’s doubles final on Friday (19). Second seeds Mertens and Sabalenka bolstered their hard-court credentials as they prevailed 6/2, 6/3 for The experience that I their fifth title as a team. Between them, both pairs had triumphed at the other three bring into the job is going to majors, but the women’s doubles silverware give them that. It’s going to be at Melbourne Park had proved elusive. a tough ride for the players. Ram, Krejcikova deny Aussies in mixed doubles decider It’s going to be hard work. But Barbora Krejcikova and Rajeev Ram regained the Australian Open (AO) mixed doubles title on Saturday (20). The sixth seeds, AO 2019 champions, dominated proceedings 6/1, 6/4 facing I’m comfortable we’ve got the Australian wild card duo Sam Stosur and Matt Ebden. “I’ve got to thank my partner. We had a year Ranjit Fernando in 1975 off as a team, but she didn’t. Three years running lifting this trophy is an amazing job,” said Ram, skill there – to be able to 22 paying tribute to his team-mate’s treble of titles at Melbourne Park. Now Krejcikova has won three FEBRUARY mixed doubles titles at AO in a row, twice with Ram (in 2019 and 2021) and once with Nikola mould it and put it into ON THIS DAY Mectic (2020). something that’s going to be really good because it (Sri 1882 - With 120 miles auto race; Lee Petty Miami Heat Lanka) is a very proud cricket nation. And I’m comfortable James Saunders won won with a speed of beat Los Angeles New York City’s 135.521 mph Lakers at NBA that we’ve got the tools to make it work. We’ve got a good 24-hour race and $100 Miami Heat beat the Los prize 1962 - Wilt Chamberlain Angeles Lakers 96-94 in a rematch of last season’s National Basketball coaching staff. We’ve got some very skilled players. It’s set NBA record with 34 1920 - In Emeryville, League (NBA) Finals yesterday. The just about getting all the parts of the jigsaw into place free throw attempts Lakers claimed a 4-2 series win New York, the first dog to take the title last October but race track to employ an 1972 - Birth of tennis in the first meeting between the – Mickey Arthur imitation rabbit opened sides this season, Kendrick Nunn legend Michael Chang scored 27 points and Jimmy Butler John Michael “Mickey” Head Coach in December through a three-year 1940 - Birth of Chet in Hoboken, New had 24 points and eight rebounds Arthur, 52, is a former 2019 in place of Chandika contract in 2013, after Walker, National Jersey, USA for the visitors in Los Angeles. cricketer and one of the Hathurusingha and Interim he had opted to axe Basketball League best international coaches Coach Rumesh Ratnayake. four regular Australian (NBA) all-star forward 1977 – Famous England in the cricket world today. Before surprisingly players from a Test match who played for Chicago Test cricketer in the late Presently the Sri Lanka becoming South Africa’s during a series in India Bulls 1920s, Jack O’Connor, Head Coach, Arthur said Coach in place of Ray for not completing their died this in January 2020 after Jennings, Arthur had “homework” in an incident 1944 - Birth of Ranjit Sri Lanka’s second T20 guided Eastern Cape to the media named the Fernando, Sri Lankan 1983 - Vladimir Salnikov International in India, the finals of their domestic “homeworkgate scandal”. wicketkeeper in the (USSR) set 1,500-metre 1975 World Cup which his side lost by seven T20 league. Then, under After taking over freestyle swimming wickets. Arthur, South Africa played Pakistan in 2016 as record 1949 - Birth of Nikki Born in Johannesburg, the 2007 World Cup as the his third international Lauda in Austria, 1987 - Bruno Marie-Rose South Africa in 1968, world’s No. 1 ODI team. He assignment, Arthur Formula One world Arthur played domestic also guided them to nine guided them to the No. ran world record 200- champion 1975, 1977, metre indoor (20.36 European football results cricket during 1986-2001 consecutive unbeaten 1 spot in both Tests and and 1984 seconds) – Everton produced an outstanding Merseyside derby performance to beat Liverpool 2-0 at for teams Northern Cape Test series during the T20Is, while also helping Anfield for the first time since 1999 on Saturday (20). In a landmark result for both sides, Everton (formerly Griqualand same period, when they them to clinch the 2017 1957 - Jockey Ted earned their first derby win anywhere since 2010, while Liverpool have now lost four successive West), Orange Free State, recorded historic triumphs Champions Trophy title. Atkinson recorded his 1991 - Test cricket debut home matches for the first time since 1923. and South Africa “A”. Arthur over England and Australia In August 2019, though, 3,500th win of Sanath Jayasuriya, – Atletico Madrid’s grip of the lead at the top of La Liga loosened after a surprise home defeat by versus New Zealand at Levante at Spanish La Liga on Saturday. became coach of the away from home. Pakistan chose not to – Also in the same League on Saturday, Casemiro scored Real Madrid’s winner against Real national teams of South In 2011, Arthur became renew Arthur’s contract, 1958 - Australian Hamilton Valladolid as they closed to within three points of La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid. Africa (from 2005-10), the first overseas coach yet in a couple of months, swimmer Jon Konrads – Bayern Munich missed the chance to go eight points clear at the top of the Bundesliga as they Australia (2011-13), and of Australia, but he was a fourth international side set six world records in 1993 - Vinod Kambli lost 2-1 against Eintracht Frankfurt, also on Saturday. two days scored 224 versus – By yesterday, Sunday when this edition went to press, third-placed Barcelona were leading Pakistan (2016-19) before controversially sacked was ready for his services. 1-0 against Cadiz, with a Lionel Messi goal in the 32nd minute, in Spanish La Liga. he was appointed Sri Lanka from the job only halfway That was Sri Lanka. England at Bombay in – Aston Villa were playing Leicester City in their British Premier League match at Villa Park, 1959 - First Daytona 500 411 balls with 23 fours England „„ www.themorning.lk Monday, February 22, 2021 Niluka says Ushan Thivanka adios! betters Kumara’s Double Olympian Niluka record Karunaratne announced Ushan Thivanka Perera set a new his retirement from all Sri Lanka record in men’s indoor local events yesterday (21) high jump yesterday (21) at the after clinching his 17th LSC Indoor Athletics in Texas, USA. national badminton men’s Perera became first in the event single title in Colombo. representing Texas A&M University He beat Ransindu recording a jump of 2.25 m. This Hendahewa in the final meant Manjula Kumara’s previous Sri 21/17, 21/16 while Lanka record of 2.24 m, set in 2016 Hasini Ambalangodage at the Asian Indoor Athletics in Doha, beat Hasara Wijerathne is shattered. Perera also reached the 21/14, 21/9 to win the 17th spot in world rankings with corresponding women’s yesterday’s achievement. single title. (By Chathura Ranasinghe)

than raise his hands in helplessness sports time and time again as Djokovic’s Ninth Aus Open title for ‘Djoker’ relentless, wall-like dominance Novak Djokovic, nicknamed Medvedev, contesting his second showed no signs of cracking. “Djoker”, further etched himself major final, was broken in his opening After his victory, Djokovic into tennis history, clinching a third service game, reported Gillian Tan on described Medvedev as one of the Australian Open (AO) title in a ausopen.com yesterday. “toughest players I ever faced in my successive and record-extending ninth The top-seeded Serb consolidated life” and paid tribute to the Russian’s in all with a comprehensive 7/5, 6/2, the break for a 3/0 lead, at which promising future. 6/2 victory over Daniil Medvedev at point things were looking bleak for “It’s a matter of time when you’re Melbourne Park yesterday (21). his Russian opponent, who had won going to hold a Grand Slam, that’s “I would like to thank this court, just three points. for sure ... if you don’t mind waiting and Rod Laver Arena, I love you each But the fourth seed played himself (a) few more years,” he laughed. year more and more - the love affair into the match. In the fifth game; he The victory, his third consecutive keeps going,” Djokovoic said, arms won a high-intensity 28-stroke rally in Melbourne, makes Djokovic the wrapped around the coveted Norman that Djokovic tried to end with a first man in the Open Era to win Brookes Challenge Cup once again, failed drop-shot that set him up with three Australian Open titles after describing his AO 2021 campaign, breakpoint opportunities. turning 30, and he joins Nadal atop Yesterday’s (21) win in Melbourne took World which featured an abdominal injury, 53 minutes, takes the world no.1’s Federer and Rafael Nadal. Though Medvedev willed himself the list of Open Era players for most No. 1 Novak Djokovic’s total Grand Slam count as a rollercoaster. total Grand Slam count to 18, two Playing in cool conditions on – and the crowd – into the match, slam wins aged 30 or older, with to 18, two shy of the 20 held by his biggest rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal The win, which took one hour and shy of the 20 held by rivals Roger Rod Laver Arena, the 25 year-old the Russian couldn’t do much more six apiece. Leading names dropped for fitness issues z Roshen Silva, Pathum Nissanka in SL Test squad for Windies

The victorious GPA Cricket Academy U-13 team INTER ACADEMY UNDER-13 CRICKET 2021 GPA beat Colombo Premier CF in curtain raiser The Inter Academy Under-13 Brief Scores: cricket tournament, organised GPA Cricket Academy 263/2 by CCC School of Cricket, got in 30 overs (Hansaka Perera underway yesterday (21) with 36, Pasindu Theekshana 20, 20 major cricket academies Matheesha Nadul 103 n.o. in taking part in the prestigious 67 balls – 4x14, 6x2, Nethul annual event. Anuhas 73 n.o.) In the curtain raiser held Colombo Premier Cricket at CMS Grounds, Kotte, Foundation 112 all out in 26.1 newcomers Grand Park Arena overs (Minuka Wijerathne 29; (GPA) Cricket Academy took Nethul Anuhas 3/20, Randir on fancied Colombo Premier Perera 3/21, A.J. Paranawidana Cricket Foundation and stunned 2/16) their opponents beating them Result: GPA Cricket Academy by 151 runs. won by 151 runs Helping GPA’s cause was Next match for GPA Cricket their wicket-keeper Adeesha Academy: Vs. Panadura Cricket Maxwell who held onto three Club on Sunday, 7 March at brilliant catches behind the St. John’s College grounds, stumps. Panadura

Pathum Nissanka, who averages 67.54 at first-class level, is expected to stabilise his place in the national squad with the good form he is showing at present

BY REVATHA S. SILVA SRI LANKA TEST SQUAD test but have practical problems, like A two-member national cricket selection panel, reportedly consisting FOR WEST INDIES: ill-health, depriving them of facing temporarily of Pramodya Wickramasinghe and Chaminda Mendis only another test before the scheduled for the forthcoming West Indies series, have picked an 18-member Sri 1. Dimuth Karunaratne (Captain) departure of the team, a situation that Lanka Test squad on Friday (19). 2. Lahiru Thirimanne* have reportedly allowed such players The two-match Test series against West handed middle-order bats and off-spin to be included in the squad (Dhanushka Indies is to begin on 21 March in the bowler, who made his Test debut in Galle 3. Oshada Fernando Gunathilaka). Caribbean island of Antigua and Barbuda. against England in January, has also been 4. Dinesh Chandimal (wk) A 20-member Sri Lanka ODI and T20I retained for the Windies Tests. 5. Angelo Mathews Avishka Fernando omitted squad was named as well (as we revealed 6. Roshen Silva In our Sunday lead story, it was in our Sunday Morning Sports story on 21 Extremely strict on fitness 7. Niroshan Dickwella (wk) inadvertently reported the name of Janaka Fonseka (left) of Vision Care Opticians presents the sponsorship to the organisers of the 105th Colombo Championship. SLTA Playing February) with at least four newcomers in Right-arm fast bowler Dushmantha 8. Pathum Nissanka Asitha Fernando instead of Avishka it: Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Chameera who missed the England Test Fernando, saying the former was among Section President Ayendra Bandaranaike in the centre and on right is Sri Ashen Bandara, and Dilshan Madushanka. series in January has also been included 9. Dhananjaya de Silva* the “big names” that have been dropped Lanka Tennis Association General Secretary Pradeep Goonasekera PHOTO ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI Nissanka has been included in the Test in both Test and white-ball squads for 10. Dasun Shanaka from the Sri Lanka squads for West squad too. Windies. He played in the Test series in 11. Ramesh Mendis Indies. Many prominent players such as Kusal South Africa this year but last played in 12. Wanindu Hasaranga Asitha Fernando, the 23-year-old 105TH COLOMBO CHAMPIONSHIP TENNIS Janith Perera, Kusal Mendis, and Dilruwan an ODI in January 2019 in New Zealand. 13. Lasith Embuldeniya right-arm medium-fast bowler with Perera have been dropped from the Sri The 29-year-old has played in nine Tests, 14. Vishwa Fernando three Tests and an ODI, has in fact been Lanka Test team owing to either fitness or 23 ODIs, and 19 T20Is so far for Sri picked for both limited-over and Tests Oneli and Chathurya injury issues, revealed a senior Sri Lanka Lanka since 2015. 15. Lahiru Kumara squads for the West Indies while dashing Cricket (SLC) official yesterday (21). The SLC official also added that 16. Dushmantha Chameera top-order batsman in the shorter formats win U-18 titles For similar reasons, as we reported authorities have now become extremely 17. Suranga Lakmal Avishka Fernando, has not undergone on Sunday, Isuru Udana and Bhanuka strict on the players’ fitness after an array 18. Asitha Fernando fitness tests due to an ankle injury and Top-seed Oneli Perera Rajapaksa had also been removed from the of recent allegations against leading Sri * Subject to another injury test has therefore been omitted. and Chathurya Nilaweera national short-format squads for Windies. Lanka players for “altering” their fitness clinched the coveted girls reports by allegedly bribing the national Teams leaving soon and boys U-18 singles titles Roshen Silva recalled team support staff. are suffering at the moment (Avishka Sri Lanka will play three T20Is (on respectively at the Colombo Notably for West Indies Tests, Roshen Fernando). 3, 5, and 7 March in Coolidge Cricket Championship tennis A Silva has been recalled. The 32-year-old Thirimanne, de Silva to Meanwhile some Test probables have Ground), three ODIs (10, 12, and 14 Grade tournament junior middle-order batsman last played for the undergo another fitness test been asked to undergo fitness tests on March at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium), segment last week at the Sri country in January 2019. Many leading players have not fared a later date (Lahiru Thirimanne and and two Tests (21-25 March and 29 Lanka Tennis Association Dimuth Karunaratne has been named well in the fitness test conducted last Dhananjaya de Silva), if they are to March-2 April at Sir Vivian Richards (SLTA) Playing Section as Sri Lanka Test and ODI Captain while week for the West Indies tour (like be included in the Test squad. Stadium) in Antigua. clay courts in Colombo. Dasun Shanaka has been named as the in the case of Bhanuka Rajapaksa The authorities have begun to follow Sri Lanka Test squad are said to be Vision Care Opticians skipper for the T20Is, reportedly until the and Santhush Gunathilaka). Some a policy of not joining any players on taking wings to the Caribbean islands was the main sponsor of Men’s Over-45 singles champion next T20 World Cup starting this October. players have not been able to undergo tour who are only half fit (Isuru Udana) on 5 March. The national ODI and T20I the tournament. Dharaka K.A. Sudarshana Ramesh Mendis, the 25-year-old right- those tests due to injuries that they while some have failed their fitness squad is to tour there on Tuesday (23). Ellawala refereed.

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