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For verified information on the Quarantine Unit COVID-19 TOTAL CASES TOTAL CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 ACTIVE CASES of the following authorities CASES IN Epidemiology Unit Health THE WORLD 25,447,270 Suwasariya 0112 695 112 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 3,018 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS Bureau Service Govt. coronavirus hotline USA 6,177,207 187,248 COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1999 1990 0113071073 851,512 BRAZIL 3,862,311 120,896 INDIA 3,649,639 64,951 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD RUSSIA 995,319 17,176 12 2,868 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 17,760,450 PERU 647,166 28,788 THE ABOVE STATISTICS138 ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 8.25 P.M. ON 31 AUGUST 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

NAVY APREHENDS FIVE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS Crackdown continues amidst Covid-19 fears z Total of 113 persons accused BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA of Immigration and Emigration at present, ongoing against those who violated the Act. those who were apprehended by the of violating immigration laws Immigration and Emigration Department The statistics provided are as of yesterday Navy were handed over to the Police. A total of 113 persons who have violated Media Spokesman Gayan Milinda told (31 August), the Media Spokesman said. Since 2 June till 11 July, the Navy has z Legal action being initiated the Immigrants and Emigrants Act are being The Morning. In addition, Navy Spokesman Capt. apprehended five people, he added. Navy Spokesman against law violators kept under the custody of the Department He said legal action was currently Indika De Silva told The Morning that Contd. on page 2 Capt. Indika De Silva

CBSL CUSTOMER CARE DEPT. PROPOSED 20TH AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION 30 complaints recorded daily The recently set up Financial Consumer No referendum, only Relations Department at the Central Bank receives an estimated 30 complaints a day. Contd. on page 2 US SECDEF TELEPHONES PREZ. two-thirds: G.L. Discusses free z Amended clauses require z 20A before Cabinet and open Indo- only two-thirds on Wednesday Pacific region BY SARAH HANNAN “The draft of the new in a matter of weeks,” Prof. Peiris US Secretary of Defence Dr. Mark T. Esper The draft proposal of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution will only include explained, adding that the present on Sunday (30) telephoned President Gotabaya amendments that would require Government no longer sees the Rajapaksa and urged continued progress on Constitution that would be tabled at the Cabinet a two-thirds vote of the Parliament necessity to delay adapting to the reconciliation and human rights in Sri Lanka, tomorrow (2) will only require a two-thirds vote, Sri and will not require a public opinion new Constitution that will be while also congratulating the President on his Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Chairman and poll. Therefore, the adoption of the known as the 20th Amendment successful handling of the Covid-19 pandemic Minister of Education Prof. G.L. Peiris said at a press approved 20th Amendment to the to the Constitution. and the recently concluded parliamentary briefing yesterday (31 August). Constitution will come into play Contd. on page 2 Minister of Education Prof. G.L. Peiris election, the US Department of Defence said. Contd. on page 2 EC CLARIFIES PROPOSED 20TH AMENDMENT Before Cabinet this week SJB members The draft of the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution is expected to be tabled before the Cabinet of Ministers this week, government sources said. not UNPers The Cabinet is scheduled to meet at 4 p.m. Election Commission (EC) that there were no UNP MPs in tomorrow (2 September) under the patronage Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya Parliament at present and all those of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. yesterday (31 August) clarified who contested under SJB were Contd. on page 2 that the MPs representing the now identified as Samaji Jana Balawegaya (SJB), SJB members SAMPAYO AND THREE OTHERS the newly formed political party even though under the leadership of Opposition they held the Leader Sajith Premadasa, were membership Court grants PHOTO LALITH PERERA no longer identified as United of the UNP PCOI ON EASTER SUNDAY ATTACKS National Party (UNP) members. earlier. bail to four Deshapriya told The Morning Contd. on page 2 EC Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya prison officers INCREASE IN HIV-POSITIVE CASES Former Indian Former Superintendent of the Negombo Ranil gives four- Prison Anuruddha Sampayo and three other prison officers were yesterday (31 August) Youth President granted bail by the Negombo Magistrate’s Court. hour statement urged to do passes away Contd. on page 2 United National Party (UNP) Leader at the PCoI following summons issued and former Prime Minister Ranil on him to give evidence about the Former President of FIRE AT KARADIYANA DUMP Wickremesinghe yesterday (31 August) Commission since he was the Prime blood tests India Pranab Mukherjee went before the Presidential Commission Minister at the time of the Easter Sunday The amount of confirmed HIV-positive passed away yesterday (31 of Inquiry (PCoI) probing the Easter attacks. cases in Sri Lanka is gradually increasing with August), confirmed his son Caused by Sunday attacks. Wickremesinghe arrived Contd. on page 2 the prevalence being high among males in the Abhijit. age group of 19-25 years, the National STD/ He was 84. Taking to cigarette butts: AIDS Control Programme (NSACP) revealed. Twitter, Abhijit wrote: US SANCTIONS ON CHINESE COMPANIES Infections are on the rise, said NSACP “With a heavy heart, Director Dr. Rasanjali Hettiarachchi. this is to inform you that Authorities “The diagnostic test data from the my father Shri Pranab Former President Colombo Port City construction of India Pranab The fire reported at the Karadiyana Garbage clinics of the National STD/AIDS Control Mukherjee has just Mukherjee Dump in Piliyandala on Sunday night (30) Programme islandwide records that this passed away inspite of the was caused by some cigarette butts, and company included deplorable condition has shown a gradual best efforts of doctors of RR Hospital and took place in the land adjoining the dump, The US last week it illegal for American without a government increase in recent times. prayers, duas, and prarthanas from people according to authorities. imposed sanctions on 24 companies to export license. Contd. on page 2 throughout India! I thank all of you.” Contd. on page 2 Chinese companies, making products to these entities Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 UVA AND NW PROVINCES POST-COVID-19 RAILWAY SERVICES Gradually returning to normal Governors “Long distance traffic still hasn’t z Long distance traffic yet to pick up picked up, but we are hoping that swapped schools opening and things retuning BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA Railways General Manager D. compared with the previous month,” to normal will help.” Governor of the North Western Province Fernando, told The Morning that they Fernando said. He said that they were still making A.J.M. Muzammil has taken oaths as the new The railway services are gradually are seeing an increase in ticket sales. However he said that the number calculations with regard to the losses Governor of the Uva Province. recovering following the Covid-19 “Last month, we saw an increment of commuters was still low on the as a result of the curfew. The governorship of the Uva Province was lockdown, The Morning reliably learnt. of Rs. 2 million from ticket sales when long distance routes. Contd. on page 2 previously held by D.C. Raja Collure. Contd. on page 2 2 the morning OPINION/NEWS Tuesday, September 1, 2020

BY SANDEEP DIKSHIT The US’ first-ever sanctioning of Chinese companies involved in US sanctions could put China’s building artificial islands in the South China Sea may affect the fate of several of Beijing’s under- construction One Belt, One Road (OBOR) projects, including the Sri Lanka project in trouble strategically sensitive Port City Colombo project. z Lanka’s involvement with Chinese companies had begun under Mahinda Rajapaksa

India and other western countries have Chinese companies had earlier Rajapaksa as President. tried in vain to dissuade Sri Lanka from completed the Hambantota Rajapaksa is back and more politically handing over the Colombo Port City Port in the south east powerful after his brother comprehensively project in its south west to China. Chinese won the presidential election and he helmed companies had earlier completed the the sweep of the Parliamentary polls. Hambantota port in the south east. This has Though Rajapaksa has ensured that helped China establish lookouts on both diplomatic civility has guided India-Sri flanks of Sri Lanka overlooking the Indian Lanka ties, he has made no move to Ocean. accommodate Indian interests by opening a Things are likely to change after the US port on the northern coast or allocating oil sanctioned 24 Chinese companies, which blocks in the common waters separating the means US companies cannot do business two nations. with them. Sources said some of the Chinese Sources said if the US sanctions gather companies are in tie-ups with US firms as pace, not just Colombo Port City but other subcontractors and equipment suppliers in infrastructure projects in Myanmar and the Colombo Port City project, and it seems Thailand, that cause South Block unease, unlikely that they will get a special waiver. may seize up and could be up for grabs. In If this first economic strike by an this respect, they referred to moves by Japan executive fiat becomes law, sources expect which has set up a mega fund for projects the legislation to be more well-rounded companies from partnering with Chinese Communications Construction Company unless their leaders decide to defy the US, in Asia Pacific and the US that has created since there is bipartisan political consensus companies. This possibility is high after (CCCC), is the “Huawei of Construction”. they added. a new overseas infrastructure funding in the US on containing China. This means reports quoted US officials as saying that This would further cripple Chinese Sri Lanka’s involvement with Chinese organisation which could fill the breach. a future law could even bar third country the sanctioned mother company, China construction activity in other countries companies had begun under Mahinda (Tribune News Service)

Contd. from page 1 main Opposition in just six months after its Group in a note has said the company was respiratory infection. unexpected fires in the future, No referendum... formation. currently involved in 923 projects in 157 Pranab Mukherjee was the 13th Mannapperuma said they installed fire Moreover, the SLPP Government’s main – Maheesha Mudugamuwa countries. President of India from 2012 to 2017. He extinguishing systems at the dump and goal is to iron out the clauses that are being National University of Malaysia is survived by two sons and one daughter. have also set up a disaster management continuously misinterpreted and have International Relations Researcher Hoo Extending condolences, President of India plan to control situations like this. given rise to the downfall of the country’s Colombo Port... Chiew Ping said CCCC’s involvement Ram Nath Kovind wrote: “Sad to hear that governance structure. This decision would affect the China was one of the criteria used within the former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee “We believe that this amendment will Communications Construction Company research community to assess whether is no more. His demise is (the) passing of Court grants... fortify the powers of the first citizen of (CCCC), which is the parent company a project was part of the Belt and Road an era. A colossus in public life, he served The Criminal Investigation Department this country, i.e. the President who was of China Harbour Engineering Company plan. Mother India with the spirit of a sage. The (CID) on 22 July obtained arrest appointed by a majority vote. We would (CHEC) engaged in constructing the Another Malaysian scholar of Chinese nation mourns losing one of its worthiest warrants from the Negombo Magistrate like to reiterate that at no point will we as Colombo Port City. diplomacy Ngeow Chow Bing suggested sons. Condolences to his family, friends, on Anuruddha Sampayo and three a Government look at extending the office CCCC was previously involved in the a tough road ahead for corporate entities and all citizens.” other officials of the Negombo Prison term of the President or the term of the construction of the Hambantota Port linked to CCCC projects. following a directive by the Attorney incumbent Government.” and the Mattala Rajapaksa International “Sanctions like this indicate that any General (AG). Prof. Peiris also confirmed that the Airport (MRIA). CCCC-related projects, present or future, Governors... Arrest warrants were issued on new Constitution will not remove the This is the first time the US has will have to avoid US companies,” Accordingly, Collure has been sworn in interdicted Superintendent P.W.W.U.P. independent commissions, but will draft in sanctioned Chinese companies involved University of Malaya Institute of China as Governor of the North Western Province, Anuruddha Sampayo, Chief Jailors clauses that would ensure that the members in building artificial islands in the South Studies Director Ngeow said. “It creates the post held by Muzammil. Sarath Bandara and Nishantha who are appointed would function as truly China Sea. more complications for Malaysia for sure, Both governors were sworn into their Senarathna, and Jailor Kalinga independent officers of the State, who will China has constructed artificial islands and the full extent of how far the US will new positions before President Gotabaya Kaluaggala. not be biased in their contributions to the in the South China seas including the go remains to be seen.” Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat last Negombo Prisons Jailor Kalinga commissions that they serve. Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef, and the Port Five CCCC subsidiaries were among evening (31 August). Kaluaggala surrendered to the CID on City in the seas of Sri Lanka. 24 Chinese companies that the US 25 July and was subsequently remanded The South China Morning Post reported Commerce Department last week added while Chief Jailors Sarath Bandara and Crackdown... that the US’ blacklisting of the Chinese to its so-called entity list, which bans the Gradually... Nishantha Senarathna surrendered to Meanwhile, Ministry of Health Chief contractor at the centre of Beijing’s companies from receiving US imports “We have always been running at a loss. the Negombo Magistrate’s Court on 29 Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera island-building activity in the disputed without a license. We will have to see how bad the Covid July. They were remanded after being urged the public to be vigilant and follow all South China Sea could have a disruptive The building of artificial islands is not lockdown months were.” produced before the court. Covid-19-related health guidelines issued by ripple effect across Asia, diplomatic in itself illegal under international law, Meanwhile, then interdicted Prison the authorities as there was a threat of illegal observers have said, pointing to the firm’s though the US and the 10 members of the Superintendent Sampayo had filed a writ immigrants arriving from other countries, extensive presence from Sri Lanka to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Ranil gives... petition at the Court of Appeal, seeking especially from India; where the virus was Philippines. (ASEAN) say Beijing’s militarisation of The former Premier left the Commission an injunction preventing him from being spreading widely. The censure’s impact might also be felt the manmade islands threatens freedom after giving a four-hour statement. arrested by the CID. According to Dr. Samaraweera, due to by American firms that would be required of navigation and overflight in the South Former Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam Former Superintendent of the this threat, if an immigrant was infected to obtain licences before they exported China Sea. US Secretary of State Mike also arrived at the PCoI to give evidence Negombo Prison Sampayo, who was with Covid-19, there was a threat of the products to support Asian projects linked Pompeo said China should not be allowed following summons issued on him as well. evading the police for more than 11 virus spreading within the society. to the CCCC, the analysts said. to use CCCC and other state-backed days, was taken into police custody on He told The Morning that while at present Malaysia’s $ 10.5 billion East Coast entities to “impose an expansionist 2 August by the Negombo Police in there was no such threat in society, the Rail Link, the $ 1.4 billion Port City agenda”, while a senior administration Youth urged... Kurunegala. public should be vigilant and must follow all Colombo in Sri Lanka, and a new $ 10 official was quoted in The Wall Street According to the scientific projections, He was then transferred to the CID in health guidelines. billion airport outside the Philippine Journal as saying the censure was aimed Sri Lanka should have eliminated HIV Colombo and remanded after being capital of Manila are among CCCC’s at labelling CCCC as the “Huawei of by 2020. However, with new cases being produced before the court. marquee overseas projects. infrastructure”. reported over the past months and not SJB members... Given the scale of the Chinese firm’s Observers have said while the CCCC many youths getting tested for HIV due The alliance was formed to contest the regional presence, observers who had entities that were included on the entity to the stigma, this may be causing the Before Cabinet... 2020 Sri Lankan parliamentary election. spoken to This Week in Asia predicted list did not have direct dealings in spread of it,” Dr. Hettiarachchi told The The draft of the 20th Amendment was On 11 February 2020, the Election multiple governments as well as local projects such as Malaysia’s East Coast Morning. She also said that society itself submitted to the Attorney General (AG) for Commission of Sri Lanka announced that corporate entities that had partnered with Rail Link – seen as one of the Belt and should pay attention to another special observations. they have accepted the party as a recognised CCCC and its subsidiaries would be Road strategy’s crown jewels – these issue, noting that although 3,600 infected Meanwhile, the proposal on the committee political party in Sri Lanka. scrambling in the coming days to figure developments might still be impacted. people were required to register with the to be appointed by the Justice Ministry MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara was out just how the sanctions worked. The Asia Group Vice President John NSACP clinics for treatment, only 2,000 for the drafting of the proposed new named as the General Secretary of the party. CCCC is embedded in Asian economies Lichtefeld said: “While the initial listings are currently registered. Constitution is to also be taken up at this The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), the Sri partly because of their participation may not directly or immediately impede She pointed out that the remaining week’s Cabinet meeting, sources added. Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), and the in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), CCCC’s operations in support of major 1,600 people may be interacting with Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) joined the Beijing’s multibillion-dollar infrastructure regional infrastructure projects, additional others in society without even knowing new alliance on 12 February 2020. programme. measures or blacklisted subsidiaries could they are infected, and that healthy people 30 complaints... The alliance won 54 seats and became the Political risk consultancy Eurasia begin to raise obstacles.” may also be infected because of them. Department Head J.P. Gamlath told The Drew Thompson, a former US defence Dr. Hettiarachchi therefore urged Morning that they had begun receiving department official now at the Lee Kuan everyone to come to the clinics and a high number of complaints since its Yew School of Public Policy at the undergo free blood tests to rule out inception. National University of Singapore, noted infection. She also said that a special “A lot of complaints have been received. Cartoon of the day that CCCC was also involved in projects programme will be implemented from this Daily, we are getting about 30 complaints that were not part of the Belt and Road month onwards to create public awareness roughly,” he said. plan, such as public housing projects in of the potential effects of contracting He said the most common complaints were Singapore. HIV or AIDS and the precautions one about the debt moratorium. He has suggested “marquee” US could take to prevent themselves from “General complaints are about debt companies such as the Illinois- contracting the virus. moratorium issues. We also receive queries headquartered heavy equipment – Sarah Hannan about loans.” manufacturer Caterpillar could be The new Department was established on 10 impacted by the US censure of CCCC. August this year. Caused by... – Skandha Gunasekara “It was a small fire and the Moratuwa Former Indian... and Mount Lavinia fire brigades were at Mukherjee, a congress stalwart, the scene to control and extinguish it. Discusses free... was admitted to the hospital in Delhi “Also, the fire took place in the land The two leaders discussed their shared Cantonment on 10 August and was adjoining the dump. This land is been commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific operated the same day for the removal of used as an illegal dumping site and we that ensures the sovereignty of all nations. a clot in his brain. have informed the relevant authorities as “Reviewing common bilateral defence The condition of the former President well as written to the SLRDC (Sri Lanka priorities, they noted opportunities to declined last morning after he suffered a Land Reclamation and Development enhance military professionalisation, septic shock due to his lung infection, the Corporation) to take stern action on it,” counterterrorism, and maritime security Army’s Research and Referral Hospital Waste Management Authority Executive co-operation. Both leaders expressed their said. Director Nalin Mannapperuma told The commitment to expanding bilateral defence The Bharat Ratna awardee had also Morning. relations and to advancing shared interests,” tested positive for Covid-19 at the time When asked about what safety the US Department of Defence mentioned in of his admission and later developed a measures they have taken to prevent a read-out of the conversation. the morning Tuesday , September 01, 2020 3 business George Steuart Health and TIL Healthcare renew partnership George Steuart Health various products in liquids, forward to a fruitful partnership,” yesterday (31 August) capsules, tablets, injectables, soft- said George Steuart and Co. Group announced their gel, and powders. TIL Healthcare Chairman Dilith Jayaweera. renewed partnership exports its products to over 54 George Steuart Health with TIL Healthcare, countries spread across Asia, currently boasts a portfolio of India, for marketing and Africa, CIS (Commonwealth of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, distribution of TIL Healthcare Independent States), and Central cosmodermaceuticals, medical products in Sri Lanka. and Latin America and is backed equipment, and medical diagnostic by strong infrastructure and devices. “The addition of the TIL TIL Healthcare, formerly known technical personnel. Healthcare products will further as Tablets India Ltd., originally TIL Healthcare President and strengthen our basket and broaden launched with George Steuart Managing Director Kapil Jhaver our services to the healthcare in the mid-90s. This renewed noted that they are “elated” to sector,” stated George Steuart partnership will make available a partner with “one of the fastest Health Executive Director Eran range of amino acids and probiotics growing companies” in Sri Lanka. Ranasinghe. to the market. Bifilac, the With their recently commissioned On the company’s renewed pioneer probiotic is also set to be new state-of-the-art manufacturing partnership, he commented: “We reintroduced to the market through facility dedicated towards global are happy to reconnect with our this synergy. supplies, he stated that TIL old partners. Although the agencies “Probiotics are live micro- Healthcare is committed to further have drifted apart for a brief period, organisms that are intended to have strengthen the partnership with the companies’ commitment to health benefits when consumed or George Steuart Health through new deliver high-quality medication to George Steuart and Co. Group Chairman TIL Healthcare President and Managing George Steuart Health Executive Director applied to the body. They can help Dilith Jayaweera Director Kapil Jhaver Eran Ranasinghe business opportunities. patients have brought us together maintain the homeostasis within “As we celebrate our 185th once again.” the gut microbiota, providing a The benefits of probiotics to the intestine intentionally to balance international pharmaceutical arm anniversary this year, we recognise George Steuart Health is a wide range of health benefits. At cereal-based Sri Lankan diet has the microbial flora (internal of the Jhaver Group of companies. that our greatest strength is healthcare and wellness solution present, it is a worldwide trend also been studied. Bifilac offers a environment) of the intestine,” The group currently has five our people and our partners. I provider and is a member of the to incorporate probiotics to the combination of good bacteria and George Steuart Health said. pharmaceutical formulation congratulate TIL Healthcare and George Steuart Group; Sri Lanka’s daily diet in fermented foods. yeast, which is introduced in the TIL Healthcare is the manufacturing facilities offering George Steuart Health and look oldest mercantile establishment. OPPO completes 5 years in Sri Lanka Renowned mobile phone which the brand perceives as JKH is Sri Lanka’s and accessories brand OPPO an act of giving back to the recently completed five years of country and community that they operations in Sri Lanka. hold dear. OPPO also took the ‘Most Respected’ for “Having made its foray necessary measures to ensure the into the local market in 2015 safety of partners, employees, primarily targeting the social as well as customers; in that media-savvy millennial, OPPO regard, using their social media record 15th year has managed to elevate itself channels, OPPO shared periodic John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), was development processes stem from these to be one of Sri Lanka’s most reminders regarding preventative ranked as the “Most Respected” entity values and over our rich history of 150 sought after brands appealing measures to manage and mitigate in Sri Lanka, in the recently released years, has enabled us to do the right to all demographics with its OPPO completes five years in Sri Lanka the pandemic. edition of LMD’s Most Respected thing always, foster a great place to work elaborate portfolio of affordable Coinciding with the fifth Entities issue. John Keells Group which for our people, build strong relationships yet sophisticated devices,” the the prominent local tech and Grand Finals live as a token of year anniversary, three celebrates its 150th anniversary in with our partners, and empower our company said. mobile community Android gratitude for their hard work. giveaway promos have 2020, has occupied the communities. We Commenting on the success Wedakarayo. The brand holds the distinct been planned in which number one position are humbled at of the brand, Xinda Lanka OPPO broad-based its honour of having been the users who upgrade selected in LMD’s Most being recognised as (Pvt.) Ltd. (OPPO Sri Lanka) product offering over the last first-ever Asian partner of the OPPO models could grab Respected rankings Sri Lanka’s Most CEO Bob Li said: “We are five years by introducing the F coveted Wimbledon in 2018, an exclusive OPPO Fifth for 15 years since the Respected Entity once humbled by the success Series, Reno Series, and mid- and in 2019, OPPO became a Anniversary Edition t-shirt rankings were launched again in appreciation OPPO has achieved in the tier, entry-level phones through Premium Partner and the Official whilst every purchase of in 2005. of the way we conduct Sri Lankan market over the their A Series. OPPO is a brand Smartphone of the world- A31, A52, F15, Reno2 f, A5 In terms of the 10 our business and last five years. We thank our endorsed heavily by Hollywood, renowned Roland-Garros and 2020, A9 2020 will receive attribute rankings, JKH contribute to the customers, distributors, partners, Bollywood, as well as local of the Rolex Paris Masters for a free anniversary edition has taken the lead in nation.” stakeholders, and especially our celebrities and influencers. a three-year period. The same t-shirt as well. Any customer five categories, namely JKH is Sri Lanka's loyal clientele for placing their OPPO is a Global Partner of year, OPPO became the title who purchases an OPPO Quality Consciousness, largest listed trust on us.” the International Cricket Council partner of the “Roland-Garros phone, takes a selfie with the Management Profile, conglomerate on A highlight of OPPO’s (ICC) and was a sponsor of the Junior Wild Card Series”. phone box, and uploads it on Dynamism, Corporate the Colombo Stock tenure in Sri Lanka includes Cricket World Cup in 2016 and Locally, OPPO pledged Rs. Facebook (public) tagging Culture, and Vision. Exchange (CSE), emerging the winner of the title 2019. In 2019, OPPO Sri Lanka 1.2 million to the Covid-19 @opposrilanka will stand a JKH retained its operating over 70 of “Sri Lanka’s Most Popular flew 20 best-performing branch Healthcare and Social Security chance to win a OPPO Enco position as the Most companies in seven Smartphone Brand of the Year” managers and partners on an all- Fund to assist the Government’s Free, OPPO Enco W31, W11, Respected entity by diverse industry JKH Chairman Krishan Balendra in a poll conducted in 2018 by expenses paid tour to witness the efforts to mitigate the crisis, and a backpack. garnering the highest sectors. In 2020, John number of votes (1,125) in a survey Keells Group celebrates 150 years of commissioned and conceptualised by being in business and contributing to LMD and conducted by Nielsen. The the development of the country. JKH survey was designed to rank the “Most provides employment to over 14,000 SLT wins Gold at JASTECA Awards Respected” entities in Sri Lanka based persons and has been ranked as Sri Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) 24th consecutive year. on the perceptions of respondents – and Lanka's “Most Respected Entity” for recently won the gold award The JASTECA Awards to evaluate why they’re perceived as the last 15 years by LMD. Whilst at the Japan Sri Lanka Ceremony is annually such. The survey covered a sample of being a full member of the World Technical and Cultural organised by the JASTECA 800 respondents (managers and above) Economic Forum and a participant Association (JASTECA) to recognise and reward from listed companies. of the UN Global Compact, JKH 5S Akimoto Awards the overall performance JKH Chairman Krishan Balendra in drives its CSR (corporate social Ceremony 2019. SLT’s excellence of organisations, his interview in the August 2020 issue responsibility) vision of “Empowering Outside Plant Maintenance strictly evaluating of LMD said: “Our strongest attribute the nation for tomorrow” through the Centre (OPMC) Kurunegala applicants upon a broad is our commitment to live our core John Keells Foundation and through won this award under the range of criteria as per 5S values – integrity, care, trust, innovation, the social entrepreneurship initiative “Medium” category. This standards. A large number and excellence. Our robust corporate “Plasticcycle”, which is a catalyst in awards ceremony was held of companies took part in governance structure, professional significantly reducing plastic pollution at Galadari Hotel, Colombo the 2019 competition, same From left: Sr. Eng. Thilini Amarasinghe and OPMC – Kurunegala Manager Nandana management, and sustainable in Sri Lanka. and was conducted for the as previous years. Niyangama of SLT receiving the award ComBank conducts webinar to help women entrepreneurs The Commercial Bank of Ceylon these funds, and information on how to make bank continues to address this issue as a Development Credit Department SME (ComBank), in collaboration with the the best use of the Covid-19 loan schemes priority. The unprecedented economic and Officer Vinod Pillai. The moderator was Women’s Chamber of Industry and launched by the bank for both the SME and social challenges created by the pandemic Commercial Bank Senior Manager – Women Commerce (WCIC), recently conducted micro-business sectors. The bank also briefed make webinars of this nature a need of Banking Kamalini Ellawala. a webinar exclusively for women participants on the reduced lending rates the hour to create awareness of the bank’s Participants received both financial entrepreneurs to help them adapt to the offered by the bank in response to the adverse pandemic-related support programmes, to and non-financial advice from qualified, requisites of the “new normal” after the effects of the pandemic on businesses. build business acumen specifically needed prominent figures in the industry and Covid-19 pandemic. This live webinar which included a for tough times, and to reassure our female had the opportunity to interact live with The webinar was part of the bank’s question and answer session was delivered customers of our continued commitment to bank officials, further strengthening the ongoing efforts to further empower through Zoom. A video of the forum is them.” relationship between the bank and this women in business, and an extension of Resource persons and moderator at the currently hosted on the Commercial Bank The resource persons for the webinar customer segment. its knowledge-sharing and educational Commercial Bank webinar website, Facebook page, and YouTube included management consultant Anoji De Commercial Bank recently entered into sessions designed for this period of social Topics covered in the webinar included channel. Silva; Women in Logistics and Transport an agreement with the International Finance distancing. The bank has been consistently “Managing your money”, “Making your Commenting on the webinar, Commercial (WiLAT) Sri Lanka Founding Chairperson Corporation (IFC) to carry out a “Gender offering Entrepreneur Skills Development supply chain resilient”, “Covid-19 is just Bank Deputy General Manager – Personal and Chartered Institute of Logistics Advisory Project” to further improve its Programmes to enable its small and medium another hurdle”, and “Self-confidence is Banking Sandra Walgama said: “Commercial and Transport (CILT) Immediate Past focus on the needs of female customers. enterprise (SME) and micro-customer all you need”. The webinar also discussed Bank has always been committed to Chairperson Gayani de Alwis, business and This is positioned as a 360-degree approach segments to remain competitive, and this directions on how to get financial assistance the principle of equal opportunity in its marketing consultant and transformation to focus on both financial and non-financial webinar was focused on offering pandemic- from the bank, information on the release dealings with customers, but we recognise catalyst Tusitha Kumarakulasingam, aspects, including training to further improve specific advice to women entrepreneurs in of loan funds and subsequent monitoring that there are still challenges that are renowned hairdresser, beautician, and trainer the quality of the interaction between bank these segments, the bank said. involved to ensure beneficial utilisation of specific to women entrepreneurs, and the Nayana Karunaratne, and Commercial Bank staff and this customer segment. the morning 4 Tuesday , September 01, 2020 brunch Child rights risk assessment in Sri Lanka’s tea supply chain Save the Children Sri Lanka launches report BY NAVEED ROZAIS rights, going on to explain that more within the estate and plantation Breastfeeding is also not considered in than half of estate and plantation communities with 36.6% of children many factories, and workers are given no Sri Lanka’s tea estate and labourers earn less than Rs. 10,000 a saying they were punished in the past official breaks, making it very difficult to plantations form an integral part month, leaving them struggling to cover six months, of whom 77.7% were feed babies on time. of Sri Lanka’s modern heritage. basic expenses and impacting things punished by their parents. A point of Research also showed a high risk for like healthcare and education access. note is that 85.2% of children who potential child labour, with 73% of children The image of a smiling tea plucker This financial strain makes children were punished in the past six months working on the plantations, having started is iconic and is one that embodies in these communities with 18.2% of were subject to corporal punishment working before the age of 12. Labourers Sri Lanka as much as our beaches, children surveyed for the assessment such as spanking, beating, and said they have no choice but to get their our wildlife, and our historical sites, having left school before the age of 12. slapping. children involved in work. A female labourer particularly on the global stage. The study looked at the On witnessing violence, 15.8% of described how a child she knows had to start Estate and plantation workers form 6% perspectives of both parents and parents claim their children witnessed working after his mother fell ill and became of our population, but historically, from the children for leaving school. From a violence and 41.5% of the violence bedridden. colonial history of our tea industry though parental perspective, the most common they witnessed happened at home, The key recommendations of the risk to the present day, the estate and plantation reason for parents discontinuing their either between the parents or other assessment included strengthening child population segments lag significantly behind children’s education was lack of family members. As for the children protection mechanisms with the tea industry the rest of our population in accessing financial resources (36.8%), followed who participated in the survey, 34.7% developing and shaping clear guidelines, healthcare and child education services. by children’s lack of interest or poor said they witnessed a violent fight at devising minimum income level guidelines, As part of a private-public partnership academic performance (25.3%). Closely least once and 21.8% of those said they reconsidering the pricing structures of tea with the Sri Lankan Government and related to the family's financial inability often witnessed violence. 14.4% of and their impact on the vulnerable, increasing stakeholders in the Lankan tea industry, to afford more schooling for children those violent fights took place at home. estate and community-based awareness on Sri Lanka’s arm of Save the Children, the is their need for additional income 14.4% of children who witnessed a nutrition for pregnant and lactating mothers, world’s leading independent organisation (15.8%), which leads to children joining violent fight said they were affected and building child-friendly spaces for for children, recently concluded a child the workforce early to support the rest by it and the other 9.4% declined to recreation that can also double as childcare. rights risk assessment across the tea industry of their siblings. answer. The launch event was commemorated supply chain. Children’s reasons for leaving Other risks highlighted during by a plenary discussion on “How can the The objective of the assessment was school reflect that of their parents to a the research were childcare needs and mother and child-friendly standards be to enhance existing child rights principles degree. For them, the most common gaps, with parents working longer moved to small and mid-scale industry?” The risk assessment also looked at across the tea industry supply chain by reason is their own poor performance hours, they were likely less able to The discussion was facilitated by Save the risk children face in the home, with understanding the risks and issues involved, in school (35%) followed by their lack of care for their children, with 27.7% of the Children Director Policy Advocacy children surveyed rating their feeling of with research being conducted between interest (25%). On the surface, these reasons parents reporting that their job frequently and Research Ranjan Weththasinghe. The safety within the home out of 10. The September and December 2019. A virtual might seem to be related to personal reasons prevented them from spending enough panel included Save the Children Sweden assessment found that children living in launch event was held on 28 August to share and capabilities of the child, but could in time with their children. Representative Annika Shelly, Department of their own homes reported higher feelings the conclusions reached by researchers. fact very well be linked to other factors, Looking at maternity leave and Probation and Child Care Services Assistant of safety (9.5 out 10), while those living Save the Children International such as not having a supportive family breastfeeding, research showed many Commissioner Sandareka Liyanage, Horana in housing facilities on tea estates felt Senior Technical Advisor for Child environment to help them with their studies, estate labourers did not take maternity Plantations Chief Executive Officer (CEO) significantly less safe (with a rating of 9 Protection Buddhini Withana shared that not being able to hire a tutor when they leave as they are not compensated, with Johann Rodrigo, and Centre for Child Rights out of 10). household income and expenditure showed struggle in school, having psychological many women going back to work fulltime and Corporate Social Responsibility Director The report also looked at violence communities’ abilities to keep and maintain difficulties from broken families, etc. as soon as a week after giving birth. Ines Kämpfer.

Join Hiran Cooray on a journey to the East The east coast is a region where tourism booms during this time of year. However, there is much to discover on the journey towards the coastal towns and Jetwing Symphony Chairman Hiran Cooray is ready to show guests a unique perspective of the less explored gems of our island. The tour named “Journey A life saving demonstration in progress to the East” is the second installation President Julian Bolling said that of his tours across the country and is a this initiative was long overdue. “We five-day guided tour with Cooray from are happy to see many stakeholders 22-26 September 2020 and will take State Minister of Urban Development, Coast Conservation, Waste Disposal, and Public Sanitation Dr. joining us in this initiative to help guests on exciting excursions through designed to resemble a traditional Nalaka Godahewa at the launch save lives. The Kinross Club has said Pottuvil and Wellawaya. village with rustic dwellings among it wants to help young people of this “There’s so much we have yet to lush paddy fields. area to learn how to swim. We want discover that will make us Cooray, a trailblazer in the Sri My Friend Foundation to make Wellawatte a model where appreciate our home and Lankan tourism industry, one can enjoy nature while being safe heritage even more. I’m has visited nearly 100 swimming. We are extending this excited to introduce my countries and has been partners with ‘Lifeworth an avid nature lover initiative not only to other coastal areas Sri Lankan friends to these too but also to inland water bodies too, unexplored parts of our since childhood. It was – Save a Life’ project to make them safe.” island,” said Cooray. his passion to showcase My Friend Foundation Chairman The tour will consist Sri Lanka’s best that It is said that an average of 1,000 our beaches and the people who use it Fouzul Hameed said that this was a of visits to ancient saw hospitality expand people die of drowning every year in and that’s where this initiative is useful. project very close to his heart. “I’m from ruins, national parks, to destinations such as Sri Lanka. It goes on record as being I’m happy to learn that this project will Wellawatte and what better place to and river safaris, with Wellawaya and Pottuvil. the second highest cause of death in this be extended to other beachfronts too. launch this project than at the legendary luxury accommodation Join Cooray as he country. We all need to get together and work Kinross Club which has, for decades, and delicious meals at invites you on a journey to Lifeworth is a project initiated together for our country. That’s the some of the most wondrous been engaged in teaching swimming Jetwing Surf and Jetwing Hiran Cooray jointly by Fouzul Hameed, Julian vision of President Rajapaksa too, to and lifesaving.” Hameed also went Kaduruketha along with yet unexplored destinations Bolling, and Asanka Nanayakkara to see people engaged in the running of the on to thank all the stakeholders, both return transport from Colombo for around the island, from exciting create islandwide awareness about the country.” individuals and organisations, who the price of Rs. 75,000 per person on safaris, visits to archaeological sites, dangers of drowning and to parallely Addressing the gathering, Sri helped make this venture a reality. double sharing basis. Jetwing Surf is to immaculate beaches, and lush paddy encourage safe swimming. Lanka’s multiple medal-winning Sri Lanka Life Saving Association a divine eco-luxury resort in Pottuvil fields that span for miles; this is an Lifeworth works hand in hand with swimmer Rainbow Swimming Academy President Asanka Nanayakkara said that offering facilities from cabanas fitted exclusive adventure not to be missed! the Rainbow Swimming Academy and Sri Lanka was possibly the only country with plush king-sized beds to an Sri Lanka Life Saving Association, in the world which has the safest waters infinity pool by the sea with a pool bar For inquiries and reservations, together with the My Friend Foundation. for swimming all year long. “Tourists under swaying coconut trees. Nestled contact Hafi on +94 707 347048 or The launch event was held recently come to enjoy the outdoors which in the midst of rolling hills, Jetwing Asangika on +94 70 795 4986. at the Kinross Beach in Wellawatte includes the beaches too, and not be Kaduruketha in Wellawaya has been under the distinguished patronage of confined to hotel rooms. Hence the need State Minister of Urban Development, to promote safe swimming around the Coast Conservation, Waste Disposal, country.” and Public Sanitation Dr. Nalaka Kinross Swimming and Life Saving Godahewa. Club President Manada Yahampath Also present were My Friend also spoke about the importance of Foundation Chairman Fouzul Hameed, safe swimming and life saving, and Rainbow Swimming Academy enumerated the yeoman service rendered President Julian Bolling, Sri Lanka Life by the Kinross Club over the years. Saving Association President Asanka After the ceremonial launch of Nanayakkara, Kinross Swimming and the project, the guests, invitees, and Life Saving Club President Manada members engaged in a beach clean- Yahampath, and several others including up of the surroundings of the Kinross Bathiya Jayakody, Dr. Asha de Vos, etc. Club. Everyone present was then Welcoming the initiative, Dr. invited to watch a very interesting and Godahewa said that Sri Lanka has nearly educational series of demonstrations 1,600 km of beach front which was for conducted by lifeguards of the everyone to use. “We need to protect Beach clean-up of the surroundings of the Kinross Club Sri Lanka Life Saving Club. 5 the morning sports Tuesday , September 01, 2020 Djokovic breaks away from ATP Players’ Council Ravi Nair hits the nail on the head Alaphilippe wins Tour’s 2nd stage Men’s world No. 1 Novak Djokovic on Sunday, 30 August resigned as President Mumbai-based social activist Ravi Nair has on Sunday, 30 August France’s Julian Alaphilippe won the second stage of the of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Players’ Council to form a asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to scrap this Tour de France after a three-way battle on the descent new players’ association, leading to criticism from some high-profile year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) saying he felt ashamed that the in Nice, taking the yellow jersey in the process. With 13 players. Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have opposed the Indian Government and the BCCI thought the UAE was fit to stage km to go, Alaphilippe made the decisive move on the move and remain members of the ATP Players’ Council. the IPL in spite of the staggering Covid-19 situation there. He has climb, eventually pulling Swiss cyclist Marc Hirschi along Djokovic’s new Professional Tennis Players’ Association also added: “It is clear that monetisation and commercialisation with him. Coming into a strong headwind and being caught quickly by the peloton, (PTPA) members met on Saturday (29) at the Billie of cricket, sold via broadcasting and advertising revenue, etc., are Alaphilippe took advantage of the slipstream of a struggling Britisher Adam Yates to Jean King National Tennis Centre in New York. more important than the lives of the cricketers.” hit the front, holding off Hirschi in a photo finish for the win.

SLC membership ratifies In Brief

LOCAL Jos Buttler, Mark Wood, and Jofra Dharmadasa’s abrupt entry SL CLAY COURT NATIONALS TENNIS Archer were recalled to England’s T20I BY REVATHA S. SILVA Women’s Doubles title of the 2020 Sri and ODI squads yesterday (31 August) Lanka Clay Court Nationals in Colombo for their series against Australia, to be Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) went to Neyara Weerawansa and held from this Friday, 4 to 16 September announced yesterday, 31 Tuvini de Alwis after a gruelling three- at both Southampton and Manchester August that the appointment setter when they beat Savini Jayasuriya England T20I Squad: Eoin Morgan of Jayantha Dharmadasa to and Janali Manamperi 6/3, 5/7, 11/9. (Capt.), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny the post of Vice President The tournament is sponsored by Hatton Bairstow, Tom Banton, Sam Billings, Jos was ratified by the SLC National Bank and Hutch Telecom Buttler, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Joe general membership at INTERNATIONAL Denly, Chris Jordan, Dawid Malan, Adil the Extraordinary General Rashid, and Mark Wood (Reserves: Liam Meeting held yesterday at ENGLAND VS. PAKISTAN SECOND Livingstone and Saqib Mahmood) T20I AT MANCHESTER England ODI Squad: Eoin Morgan the Jaic Hilton Ballroom, England 199/5 in 19.1 overs (Eoin (Capt.), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Colombo. Morgan 66 in 33, Dawid Malan 54 Bairstow, Tom Banton, Sam Billings, Jos “Following the approval granted by the in 36 n.o., Jonny Bairstow 44; Shadab Buttler, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Adil membership, the constitutional process Khan 3/34, Haris Rauf 2/34) beat Rashid, Joe Root, Chris Woakes, and Mark in appointing Dr. Jayantha Dharmadasa Pakistan 195/4 in 20 overs (Mohammad Wood (Reserves: Joe Denly and to the post of Vice President of Sri Lanka Hafeez 69 in 36 balls, Babar Azam 56, Saqib Mahmood) Cricket is now complete,” SLC said in Fakhar Zaman 36; Adil Rashid 2/32) by a media communiqué yesterday. five wickets CARIBBEAN PREMIER On 29 July, SLC appointed Dr. Player of the Match: Eoin Morgan LEAGUE 2020 Dharmadasa in place of Kangadaran Series: England lead 1-0 after first game Out of the six participating teams, Mathivanan within mere hours as the abandoned due to bad weather Trinbago Knight Riders are now latter’s successor for the post of Vice Last match: Today, 1 September at leading the table with six out of six wins President. Mathivanan resigned citing Manchester at 6 p.m. with St. Lucia Zouks and Guyana “lack of transparency and integrity” (SL time 10.30 p.m.) Amazon Warriors following as second at SLC. and third, respectively. Twenty out of the At the above-mentioned meeting, ENGLAND SQUADS ANNOUNCED 30 league games are now over. The final a resolution has also been passed FOR AUS LIMITED-OVERS SERIES will be held on 10 September amending the SLC tournament rules Leading players of Sri Lanka Cricket administration (from left): Nishantha Ranatunga, Jayantha Dharmadasa, Kangadaran and regulations. Accordingly, only the Mathivanan, and Mohan de Silva. SLC affiliates yesterday, 31 August, ratified the unexpected entry of Dharmadasa into the SLC official cricket scorers who have been ex-co which took place last month accredited by SLC will be permitted certified by the Auditor General, was 2019,” it further said. off the long-standing balances depicted to keep scores of SLC-conducted approved by the general membership “Inter alia, the general membership in the financial statements of SLC, tournaments in the future. of SLC at this meeting in addition to of SLC noted the decision taken by the with a view of fairly representing the the Annual Report of SLC for the year Executive Committee of SLC to write financial accounts of SLC,” it added. 59th SLC AGM too Meanwhile the 59th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of SLC was also held Fate of Bangladesh required health guidelines on which the Bangladesh Cricket Board Bangladesh Cricket Board whether yesterday at the Jaic Hilton. series to be decided Friday,” the official said. (BCB) has been reluctant to accept. they would like to have seven days of “Pursuant to the permission granted on Friday “They (health authorities) have told quarantine without outside training by the regulations promulgated by The fate of the Bangladesh tour Quarantine with us that they are going to look at the until we get a clear picture from the Minister of Sports under Section of Sri Lanka, the first international training or without requirement (one week of quarantine our (health) authorities,” he further 41 read with Section 31 of the Sports cricket tour here “after” the training? with training) positively. But fingers explained. Law, No. 25 of 1973, vide Gazette pandemic, will be decided on Friday, The most decisive issue at hand is crossed. We are waiting till their final The three-Test series was Extraordinary No. 1990/23 of 27 4 September, a senior Sri Lanka whether the local health authorities decision on Friday,” the said official originally scheduled for July and October 2016, the 59th AGM of SLC Cricket (SLC) official revealed to would allow the touring party to go added. August, but due to the pandemic both was held today, 31 August 2020, with The Morning Sports yesterday, 31 out and train during their first week of cricket boards were later looking to the participation of its members,” the August. quarantine here, it was reported earlier. No talks with BCB play a combination of Test matches Tuvini de Alwis (on left) and Neyara Weerawansa won the Women’s Doubles at the SL Clay Court Tennis Nationals in Colombo yesterday (31 said SLC communiqué further added. “The ministry authorities are Previously, the requirement was to have till then and T20Is with a possible start date August) “The annual audited accounts of SLC to give their final verdict on the two weeks of fully in-house quarantine, “We can’t discuss with the in October. PHOTO ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI ending 31 December 2019, which was From better to way better z They just don’t give up. They fight. They always aimed to do better

The Los Angeles Lakers held a 3-1 lead over the Portland Trailblazers in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs when the brutal shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin derailed the season. It is not certain if the Lakers will return to the court. At that point the Lakers looked like quite the champion team they were expected to be after hiring Anthony Davis. And yet, on 3 January Eventually during five years from 2009-13, She went on to represent Sri Lanka in four Chess 2020, the Lakers lost to the Blazers on a night Sachini ended up winning the national title four Olympiads too that LeBron James shot 9-for-22 and had five times turnovers. All of that went unnoticed for it was 2010 (Russia), 2012 (Turkey), 2016 (Azerbaijan), the first time the Lakers played after Kobe and 2018 (Georgia). She would probably have Bryant and his daughter Gianna tragically died INTERCEPTION made the team in 2014 too had she opted to in a helicopter crash along with seven others. play in the Women’s National “A”. She also by Malinda holds the distinction of being Sri Lanka’s first The Kobe Bryant Day Seneviratne Women’s International Master (WIM). The fourth game of the series against the Blazers was played on 25 August; a couple Better, then way better of days after what would have been Kobe’s wanted to be a champion and not a runner-up. She’s not done. She competes fiercely. She 42nd birthday. The team had a moment before Now someone might have thought the kid takes victories in her stride and is quite gracious the game. was being a tad arrogant, but she had the right in defeat. She simply wants to be better. Back in It was just 24 hours after that “Kobe Bryant mindset. She had her ups and downs, coming 2016, she was already challenging herself. She Day” was declared as such by Los Angeles third the next year and eighth in 2008. Between still does. That’s what Kobe did. That’s what and Orange County in honour of the two Sachini Ranasinghe, 14, was the runner-up in the 2006 National ‘A’ Chess Tournament. But she was 2009 and 2013 she won the national title four Antetokounmpo does. That’s what separates numbers Kobe wore during his career, 8 and hungry to be the champion one day times, coming second in 2010. the good from the great. 24. The Lakers also watched Nike’s latest coincidentally, Antetokounmpo was declared Sachini Ranasinghe was In a sense it is a simple enough formula: Go spot, titled “Better” where rapper Kendrick the NBA’s “Defensive Player of the Year” in not happy Ends up in four Chess Olympiads from better to way better. Sachini is already a Lamar described “Bryant’s incessant drive to a landslide vote. She competed in the Men’s Nationals the veteran in a field where most of the competition achieve self-actualisation through constant Antetokounmpo believes that this has been It brought to mind a television interview I following year. Since then Sachini’s performance comes from players still in school. Sachini, improvement”. his best year. He believes however that he can watched way back in 2006. A girl was featured has been checkered: Fifth (2015), fourth (2016), like Vineetha Wijesuriya (who won in 2006, get better. in a sports programme. She was the runner-up at 10th (2017), and eighth (2019. She was second by the way) and her older sister Suneetha, Antetokounmpo is ‘Kobesque’ “Obviously, I think I can get way better. I that year’s National “A” Chess Championship. in 2018, though, and this year she won the just doesn’t give up. They fight. They always Better. That’s a word to remember. Giannis can be more active. I can block more shots. I Sachini Ranasinghe was barely 14 at the time. Women’s Grand Prix title quite comfortably. aimed for “better”. Antetokounmpo may have not watched the can be in the passing lanes more…but you can All I remember from that interview is Sachini What’s creditable is that she has consistently (The writer can be reached at Nike spot. He knew of Kobe (who in the always get better. You can always improve.” expressing the view that she was not happy made it to the National “A” and has already [email protected] or www. NBA did not?) though. On Kobe Bryant Day, Kobesque. with the outcome. She wanted to be better. She represented Sri Lanka in four Chess Olympiads: malindawords.blogspot.com)