www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk FRIDAY, AUGUST 07, 2020

For verified information on the Quarantine Unit COVID-19 TOTAL CASES TOTAL CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 ACTIVE CASES of the following authorities CASES IN Epidemiology Unit Health THE WORLD 19,126,262 Suwasariya 0112 695 112 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 2,839 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS Bureau Service Govt. coronavirus hotline USA 5,000,443 162,102 COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1999 1990 0113071073 714,027 BRAZIL 2,873,304 97,692 INDIA 2,025,409 41,638 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD RUSSIA 871,894 14,606 11 2,541 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 12,272,098 S. AFRICA 529,877 9,298 THE ABOVE STATISTICS666 ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 9.30 P.M. ON 7 AUGUST 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU Preferential vote Confident of two-thirds counting underway BY SARAH HANNAN in Parliament: SLPP BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA two-thirds, in areas other than its goal.“The two-thirds The third phase of vote counting to determine the results the North and East,” former (majority) is our target of preferential votes is well underway today (7), with By late evening yesterday (6), MP and SLPP member and I feel we are nearing the first results of preferential votes scheduled to be the Podujana Peramuna Keheliya Rambuwella said. the target. The UNP issued by evening and all results to be announced (SLPP) was confident of achieving He said the losses (United National Party) before midnight tonight, the Election Commission the two-thirds majority seats in incurred by the is in a pathetic position, and (EC) confirmed. Parliament. Opposition would so is Sajith’s group. Contd. on page 2 “I’m 100% sure that we will get assist the SLPP SLPP member Contd. on around 67-68%, which amounts to in achieving Keheliya page 2 Rambuwella

z he Sri Lanka Podujana Indian Premier Modi Peramuna (SLPP) was congratulates MR headed for a landslide victory last evening (6) at z UNP heads for an the 2020 general election Tthat concluded on Wednesday (5). unprecedented defeat The one-time largest party in the country, the United National Party (UNP) led by former SJB General Secretary z SJB outshines the UNP Prime Minister , was heading for an unprecedented defeat at the 2020 in all electorates general election while the splinter group of the Great UNP, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) led z NPP fails to dazzle as by former Opposition Leader , was performing much better than the UNP. achievement predicted Contd. on page 2 so soon: SJB The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) said that 2020 GENERAL ELECTION they have been able to become the main opposition in Parliament, despite being the youngest party that contested the general election. “We are the youngest party that contested, having only registered the party five months ago and an election campaign of just one-and-half months.” Contd. on page 2 LANDSLIDE Must evaluate what went VICTORY FOR wrong: JVP The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) had expected more votes than the results released by last evening (6). “We must evaluate what went wrong. But if the people still want to vote for those corrupt politicians even after us having exposed so many of their misdeeds, then there’s nothing much we can do,” JVP member Bimal Ratnayake told The Morning. Contd. on page 2 JVP member Bimal Ratnayake Rallies and parades banned No post-election day violence ELECTION LAW VIOLATIONS LANKAPURA PS CHAIRMAN VOTES The holding of rallies and parades has been SLPPThe Police Media Division confirmed that no banned until one week after the announcement incidents relating to the violation of election law were Violators granted bail Regulations ignored of the final results of the parliamentary election reported over the immediate 24 hours since polls closed The parliamentary election candidates arrested An incident was reported on polling day (5) where held on Wednesday (5), announced Police Legal on Wednesday (5). “Since 5 p.m. on Wednesday till 5 by the Police on Wednesday (5) for the violation of the Lankapura Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) Chairman, who Division Director SSP Ruwan Gunasekara, p.m. on Thursday (6), no incidents (of violence) were election laws have been granted bail, according to the has been under quarantine at home, reportedly voted speaking to the media yesterday (6). reported at any of the police stations across the country.” Police Media Division. at the freshly concluded parliamentary election. Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2

ADVERSE WEATHER AG DIRECTS ACTING IGP Power supply disrupted Arrest Kurunegala Discrepancies in Adverse weather conditions According to the Ministry, experienced recently have some areas in the Ratnapura Mayor and 4 others resulted in interruptions to the and Nuwara Eliya Districts, The Attorney General (AG) has directed the power supply in several districts among several others, had Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) to in the country, the Ministry of experienced interruptions to obtain a court warrant to arrest and produce student recruitment? Power and Energy has stated. the power supply. Mayor of Kurunegala Thushara Sanjeewa z Uni of Visual and Performing Arts and UGC in hot water Witharana, the Municipal Commissioner, EXPLOSION IN BEIRUT Engineer, two others over the demolition of the A fundamental rights (FR) petition last year's circular to increase the intake the UVPA administration over the 13th Century building believed to be the King’s was filed against the University of students had been misinterpreted recruitment criteria for students for Court of King Buwanekabahu II in Kurunegala. of Visual and Performing Arts by the University Grants Commission the years 2018 and 2019. Number of Lankan Contd. on page 2 (UVPA) on 4 August at the Supreme (UGC) and the UPVA administration,” Inter University Students’ Court (SC), challenging the Attorney-at-Law Muzar Lye, who is Federation (IUSF) Convener admission list to the UVPA Faculty appearing for the petitioner, told The Ratkarawwe Jinarathna Thera casualties The Sri Lankan Embassy increaseLankans have increased to 10. of Music. Morning. last year stated that there was in Lebanon has recorded an Sri Lankan Ambassador to “The FR petition refers to the Last year in October, our weekly a discrepancy in the recruitment increase in the number of Sri Lebanon Shani Karunaratne has discrepancy of the student recruitment newspaper shared some insights into of students for the UVPA for the Lankan casualties in the massive told the media that the injured criteria to the UVPA. Ideally, the the incident where student unions academic year 2018/2019. explosion in Lebanese capital Sri Lankans are being treated in prospective student should face a had filed a Right to Information There are two methods of recruiting Beirut on Tuesday (4). hospitals and their conditions are practical test and an aptitude test to (RTI) application requesting a students to the UVPA. The Sri Lankan mission has not critical. gain entry to this university. However, clear explanation by the UGC and Contd. on page 2 said the number of injured Sri Contd. on page 2 2 the morning POLLS 2020/NEWS Friday , August 07, 2020

Contd. from page 1

the university and not by the UGC. SSP Gunasekara called on the people Landslide... After considering all these factors, to respect those laws and maintain the university has now stayed the peace during the postelection period. The UNP was even defeated in its academic course of the batch accepted (MM) 2020 power base of . by the UGC, and such a move is said to Indian Prime Minister Narendra be the first in the history of Sri Lanka. GENERAL ELECTION Modi meanwhile has congratulated his – Sarah Hannan Preferential... Sri Lankan counterpart Prime Minister “Preferential vote counting will take on the clear place in the same 71 counting centres mandate at the parliamentary polls. and 2,820 halls that conducted the vote Posting a message on Twitter, Great... counting yesterday (6). Marking of RESULTS Rajapaksa had thanked the Indian “We have been able to surpass all the number of preferences obtained by Premier for his congratulatory call last the other old and traditional political each candidate on tally sheets/summary evening (6). parties and establish a majority in the sheets and calculating the total number Galle District Matara District Rajapaksa has said that he looks Opposition,” SJB General Secretary of preferences obtained by each 430,334 70.5% 352,217 73.6% forward to working closely with and former MP Ranjith Madduma candidate (is done) at this stage,” Modi to further enhance the long- Bandara said. Director General of Elections Saman 115,456 18.9% 72,740 15.2% standing co-operation between the two He said they would work in Sri Ratnayake explained. countries. the coming years to establish He noted that counting preferences 29,963 4.9% 37,136 7.7% Prime Minister Rajapaksa further their dominance and form a new starts with the party/group which has said that Sri Lanka and India are both government. obtained the highest number of votes. “friends and relations”. “In the next three to five years, we Before commencing the marking of Kalutara District Kegalle District PM Rajapaksa’s tweet read: “Thank will do the duty of the Opposition and preferences, the ballot papers have you PM @narendramodi for your prepare to establish a government.” to be recounted to identify those 448,699 64.0% 331,573 66.2% congratulatory phone call. With He then said that the United which are not valid for the count of the strong support of the people of National Party (UNP) had been given a preferences. 171,988 24.5% 131,317 26.2% #SriLanka, I look forward to working judgment at this election by the people. Ballot papers that are not valid for with you closely to further enhance the There is no point in talking about the the count of preferences are those 33,434 4.7% 14,033 2.8% long-standing cooperation between our UNP; the people have spoken about which are not marked with preferences, two countries. Sri Lanka & India are them and their leaders through their those which have marked preferences friends & relations.” votes.” for more than three candidates, and Kurunegala District Matale District Meanwhile, President Gotabaya Madduma Bandara said that only those where marked preferences are Rajapaksa last evening declared on clean politicians from the UNP would doubtful and therefore cancelled. 649,965 66.9% 188,779 65.5% social media that the SLPP was the be allowed to join with the SJB. victor at the parliamentary polls. “Who is there to join with the UNP? 244,860 25.2% 73,955 25.6% “According to the official election If there are clean politicians, then we results declared so far, the SLPP will get together with them.” Regulations... 36,290 3.7% 7,542 2.2% has won a landslide victory. It is my He also charged that the UNP According to the Police Media belief that the hope of establishing leadership that supported the Division (PMD), the PS Chairman a parliament with a capacity of incumbent Government and refused and his family members were sent on Ratnapura District Badulla District empowering the ‘Vistas of Prosperity’ to contest under the leadership of quarantine for 14 days at the Punani policies will be achieved by Sajith Premadasa is responsible for the Quarantine Centre. 446,668 68.8% 309,538 62.0% tomorrow,” the President stated on his party’s defeat. When asked whether legal action official Facebook account. “The Working Committee of the UNP would be taken against the PS 155,759 24.0% 144,290 28.9% While the election results released decided to contest under the leadership Chairman, the Police said no action throughout yesterday saw the SLPP of Sajith Premadasa, but they went would be taken but that they have been 37,136 2.7% 19,308 3.8% securing a landslide victory winning ahead and contested without him. So sent on quarantine. a greater majority of the electorates, those in the UNP who followed the It was reported that the PS Chairman the SJB recorded its first victory in notions of the Government must take accepted that he had voted when inquired Monaragala District Anuradhapura District the 2020 general election by securing blame for their historic defeat. If they about the same by the Police and the Public 51,330 votes in the Muttur Electorate (UNP) had worked with us instead of Health Inspectors (PHIs). The Police have 208,193 74.1% 344,458 67.9% in the Trincomalee District. working for the Government, we could taken steps to send them to the Punani The SLPP secured 11,085 votes have had an even bigger victory.” Quarantine Centre to undergo quarantine. 54,147 19.2% 119,788 23.6% while the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi – Skandha Gunasekara (MM) (ITAK) garnered 9,502 votes, and the 11,429 4.0% 24,492 4.8% Ahila Ilankai Tamil Congress (AITC) polled 1,073 votes. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna No post-election... Arrest... Nuwara Eliya District Polonnaruwa District (JVP)-led National People’s Power “The counting of ballots is still The AG has ordered the Acting IGP (NPP) failed to live up to expectations. ongoing and we have not received a to make the arrests on charges under 230,389 54.4% 180,847 73.6% Meanwhile, ITAK won the Jaffna single complaint from the counting the Antiquities Ordinance and the Electorate in the Jaffna District by centres so far as well,” Police Media Offences Against Public Property Act. 132,008 31.1% 47,781 19.4% securing 7,634 votes. The Eelam Spokesperson SSP Jaliya Seneviratne Witharana came under heavy public People’s Democratic Party (EPDP) told The Morning. and media scrutiny for allegedly 17,107 4.0% 6,792 2.7% came in second with 5,545 votes. Sri Lanka Police informed that they ordering the demolition of the building. had deployed over 70,000 officers on The Department of Archaeology election duty a day prior to election had recognised the building as an Trincomalee District The results included day, and those officers are still archaeological site and had scheduled Discrepancies... providing the required security to excavation and preservation work to 86,394 40.5% herein were Students who have studied aesthetics the counting centres that have been commence on 16 July. for their Advanced Level (A/L) exam appointed by the Election Commission However, it was reported on 15 July 68,681 32.2% recorded as of and passed the exam are given an (EC) across the 22 electoral districts. that the Road Development Authority opportunity by the UPVA to sit for a – Sarah Hannan (RDA), without seeking the approval 39,570 18.5% 12.30 a.m. today practical examination and the list of from the Department of Archaeology, students who pass the practical exam had demolished the building using a is shared with the UGC, which then bulldozer. shortlists candidates based on their Z Must evaluate... scores. He said former MP Sunil Keeping up However, for the academic year Handunnetti would not be entering the 2018/2019, the recruitment criteria had new parliament. Violators... been changed without even providing Handunnetti would not be brought Accordingly, seven candidates have with safety a clear explanation to the students even through the National List, been arrested by the Police together as to why the criteria were changed. according to him. with another 82 people for the violation measures Therefore, the prospective new batch “No, he will not be returning to of election laws, the Police said. All individuals entering of students is facing a number of issues Parliament, even through the National As explained by the Police Media Royal College, Colombo, when applying for the university. List,” Ratnayake said. Division, election law violation is a one of the vote counting centres of the recently Meanwhile, the UGC had issued a – Skandha Gunasekara bailable offense and therefore, all those concluded general election, circular requesting the UVPA to submit who have been arrested so far have were photographed a list which had three times more of the been granted bail. using thermal cameras to average amount of students they would Around 415 persons have been record temperatures at the entrance recruit during an academic year. Number of... arrested for complaints on election law PHOTO For instance, for a year on average, Several boarding places of Sri violations since the general election SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA the Faculty of Fine Arts receives Lankans have also been damaged due 2020 was declared, the Police further applications from about 700-800 to the explosion. said. students who later sit for the practical “The Embassy has taken action to Among the suspects arrested are 123 exams, out of which only 200-300 send dry rations for the affected Sri Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) students would pass the exam. That list Lankans while those who are displaced supporters, 38 United National Party Cartoon of the day of names would be sent to the UGC have been provided with temporary (UNP) supporters, and 38 Samagi Jana and they would select the students who accommodation by the Lebanese Balawegaya (SJB) supporters. have the appropriate Z score and fulfil Government,” the Ambassador has By Sunday (2), about 347 complaints the criteria set out by the university. said. had been received by the Police With the new circular, the university The explosion had also caused minor Election Head Office, according to this year had not only sent the names damage to the Sri Lankan Embassy Senior Deputy Inspector General of the students who passed the practical premises in Beirut and the residences (DIG) Priyantha Weerasooriya, the exams, but also the others who didn’t of Embassy officials. OIC of election activities of the Police pass the practical exams. With this new Department. adjustment, the students are facing an (MM) issue with the increasing amount of student intake and the question as to Rallies and... how certain students who didn’t fare well at the practical exam are able to Highlighting Sections 69 and 70 Confident of... gain entry to the university. of the Parliamentary Elections Act, In many areas, the latter only got The petition was filed on the basis Police Legal Division Director SSP around 20%. I think both together add that the UGC had ignored the result Ruwan Gunasekara told the media at up to around 30%.” of the mandatory aptitude test, while a special briefing held at the Police He said that it would be a reducing the cutoff mark given by the Headquarters that the ban will remain monumental win for the SLPP. university. in place for another week after all the “It’s a historic victory for the The cutoff mark, which was results of the parliamentary election SLPP because in most of the areas, originally 50, was reduced to 26 are released and the final results are the numbers of elected members are and students who have not passed declared. close to the target that we had with the aptitude test had been accepted. He added that such provisions have optimism. It will be a historic win at Petitioning counsels pointed out that been made to further maintain peace the end of the day, except for in the the cutoff mark should be decided by after the election. North and the East.” the morning Friday, August 07, 2020 3 business Tikiri Toys wins Most Ethical Gift award at NEC Spring Fair UK

Tikiri Toys Director – Marketing Peter Hawkins (centre left) and DSL Lanka CEO Mano Sheriff (centre right) received DSL Lanka CEO Mano Sheriff with Sri Lankan High Commission The storybook about popular natural rubber toy characters Meiya and Alvin has the award for “Most Ethical Gift” at the NEC Spring Fair, UK on behalf of Tikiri Toys in London Minister of Commerce Dr. Lakmini Mendis been translated to 12 languages to the delight of children across the world

Tikiri Toys – the Sri Lankan brand of natural play products DSL Lanka has created its lovable handcrafted toys that not just natural rubber – that is BPA-free, and its wide portfolio of infant and – has been awarded the “Ethical Gift of the Year” title at the Tikiri, and Meiya and Alvin promote childhood physical and phthalate-free and PVC-free – toddler products have always stood recently held NEC Spring Fair Birmingham 2020. collections, for clients in over 46 emotional development, but are sustainably harvested from the by the physical and emotional countries across the globe. From a also environmentally sustainable, Hevea tree. Paints used are made developmental benefits of play, “DSL Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd., the London Minister of Commerce Dr. humble production facility in 1991, as well as ethical in production. from non-toxic dyes, making and we will continue to promote manufacturer of the locally Lakmini Mendis were present at the company’s signature brand of All components of each Tikiri it safe for teething newborns, to our local and international designed and produced toys the awards ceremony to receive the safe and endearing playthings has play product are made with and even the packaging is customers its positive impact on that have captured the hearts of distinguished title. since received many a prestigious reverence to the child as well as manufactured from recycled board childhood, alongside our own toddlers and infants the world over, Backed by over a decade of industry certification, and now also the environment, with materials and soy-based inks. Furthermore, personal values of ethical and and chief exporter of organic toys producing and exporting toys, operates from sales and marketing that are eco-friendly, non-toxic, the toys are machine washable sustainable production.” from Sri Lanka was one of only 14 DSL Lanka officially launched offices in the UK and the US. Just and durable. for hygiene and longer use,” DSL Also a strong advocate for honourees at this year’s Gift of the the Tikiri brand in 2013 with its last year, DSL Lanka produced and “The stuffing elements comprise stated. ethical manufacturing practices, Year Awards ceremony, organised inaugural range of handcrafted, shipped nearly two million toys, reclaimed recycled plastic bottles “This award is a highly DSL Lanka has always stayed true by the Giftware Association UK,” ethical dolls: The successful contributing significantly to the – a superior alternative to other respected industry accolade, and to its commitment to fair trade DSL said. Bonikka collection. The first – and country’s GDP. natural materials which dry we are absolutely delighted that by seeking to ensure that wages, DSL Lanka Chief Executive still, only – Sri Lankan toy brand “What differentiates Tikiri poorly and have a greater risk of Tikiri, an inherently Sri Lankan working conditions, and employee Officer (CEO) Mano Sheriff and to export high-quality, organic products from others is its wide forming mould – and all rubber brand, was chosen as ‘Ethical Gift’ access to management are just and Sri Lankan High Commission in stuffed toys across the globe, portfolio of only top-quality, components are fashioned from of the year,” said Sheriff. “Tikiri fair, DSL said. Iconic Galaxy adds virtual Asiri Hospitals awarded Australian Healthcare Accreditation tour and improved In recognition of Asiri Group of Hospitals’ continuous pursuit of safe and high-quality healthcare, Asiri Surgical and Medical functionality to website Hospitals in Colombo and Asiri Hospitals in Galle and Matara were One of the leading the views and amenities recently awarded accreditation infrastructure developers, available at the apartment by the Australian Council on Iconic Developments complex. Healthcare Standards International (Pvt.) Ltd. relaunched its Iconic Galaxy offers (ACHSI). website for its ongoing 272 super luxury, two, As the Covid-19 pandemic project in Rajagiriya, three, four, and five- continues to impact lives, many Iconic Galaxy, inclusive bedroom apartments are the challenges healthcare of a 360-degree virtual amidst a plethora of organisations and frontline workers walkthrough and dynamic world-class amenities face. The need for responsibly customer service portal and services. The delivering high-quality care to for prospective buyers. apartment complex patients and the wider community The redesigned site brings together the is very high. The achievement of features a sleek, modern pulse and texture of a gaining an accreditation during interface with improved green Colombo to offer a national crisis reaffirms the functionality and easy spectacular views from Group’s commitment in upholding access to essential a rooftop fragrance high standards in patient care, information for potential garden, open cafeteria, safety, and risk management, Asiri buyers to make well- and a glimpse of the stars said. informed decisions. from an observatory, the ACHSI, a globally-recognised Asiri Health CEO Dr. Manjula Karunaratne receiving the certificate of “We are thrilled to developer said. organisation driven with an aim accreditation for four Asiri Group hospitals from ACHSI CEO Dr. Karen Luxford debut our revamped The self-contained to ensure quality and safety website to those who are apartment complex also standards in patient care, awarded staff on healthcare delivery. services and activities centering looking to discover and provides a seven-level the accreditation based on results Elaborating on the accreditation, on patient safety, service experience luxury living private club worthy of of its robust evaluation and quality Asiri Health CEO Dr. Manjula improvement, and provision offered at Iconic Galaxy. a five-star hotel, private improvement programme. The Karunaratne said: “As a pioneer of a safe environment for both Our new website is easier guest suites for overnight programme contains stringent in healthcare services, we are patients and staff. These included to navigate and allows visitors, and on-site requirements covering all clinical, delighted that the accreditation providing standardised, evidence- current and potential conveniences that include operational, and corporate serves as an independent external based, uniform, and holistic customers to understand a supermarket, business parameters across a broad range of assessment of our continuous healthcare in line with a patient’s the full breadth of the Sample images of the walkthrough on the Iconic Galaxy website centre, ATM, and electric key service criteria. commitment to ensure high- religious and cultural beliefs, and stellar amenities we offer car charging facility. Valid for a period of four quality patient care. Receiving respecting patient rights. at their leisure,” stated depth, including its Zen active customer service Accessible from two years, the comprehensive, international recognition on The ACHS accreditation for Iconic Developments gardens, observatory portal and a “Site roads, Iconic Galaxy is week-long accreditation survey standards of care provided to Asiri Surgical, Asiri Medical, Managing Director Rohan deck, the model for a Updates” page through perched on the trunk route was conducted in March at the our consumers is a milestone and Asiri Galle and Asiri Parikh. fully furnished two- which customers can of Buthgamuwa Road. four Asiri hospitals. During the achievement and reflective of Matara hospitals follows the The virtual tour bedroom apartment, and view and keep track of Iconic galaxy was rigorous evaluation, corporate our unceasing enthusiasm and Joint Commission International of the Iconic Galaxy 360-degree views from the progress of Iconic recently recognised in and clinical management teams belief to continue the important (JCI) Gold Seal of Approval® apartment complex gives the sixth and 19th floor Galaxy’s construction. the residential high-rise were interviewed, physical visits journey towards maintaining high- for Asiri Central Hospital customers the opportunity as well as the rooftop Customers can visit the development category and walk rounds were conducted, quality care and services to the re-accreditation in February 2020 to explore the unique garden. Iconic Galaxy website for Sri Lanka at the Asia medical records were evaluated, community.” for demonstrating its commitment facilities of this 33-storey The tour is further to experience the virtual Pacific Property Awards and detailed sessions were held The awarded accreditation to providing safe and effective modern complex in complemented by an walkthrough and observe 2020-21. with operational and ground-level encompassed a wide range of patient care. Emirates Skywards introduces over 1,500 new ways to earn Miles Emirates Skywards, the award- emirates.com. Members can then browse the option to calculate eligible Miles on winning loyalty programme of Emirates through a list of fantastic offers across the portal based on transactions made. and flydubai, has introduced over fashion, lifestyle, and other retail stores. Members can choose from over 1,500 1,000 new ways to earn Miles while To shop from participating brands, log partner brands in the UK and the US shopping online with popular UK and in using Emirates Skywards account across several categories including beauty, US brands. Members can now visit www. details and continue to the partner brand’s fitness, health, electronics including skywardsmilesmall.com, choose from website to complete the purchase. For fashion wear from popular retail brands more than 1,500 brands, and splurge on every £ 1 spent, members can earn up to including Harvey Nichols and Macy’s. shopping, all the while racking up Miles 15 Miles; for every $ 1 spent, members Emirates Skywards’ 27 million that can be used for discounted flight can earn up to 12 Miles. members worldwide can earn and spend tickets and other rewards. Emirates Skywards co-branded Miles for an extensive range of rewards, Earn Miles all day, every day cardholders can earn even more including flight tickets on partner airlines, To start earning Miles, visit www. Miles while shopping on www. flight upgrades, hotel stays, tickets, skywardsmilesmall.com, which can be skywardsmilesmall.com. Before hospitality at sporting and cultural events, accessed on the Emirates app or at www. completing the purchase, customers have tours, and money-can’t-buy experiences. the morning 4 Friday, August 07, 2020 brunch

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE the best care possible, adding that upon arrival you will be allocated an Little Adventures – an outfit elephant to work with and you will specialising in organising be allowed the opportunity to help adventure, wildlife, hiking, with its daily care and if necessary, heritage, and 4x4 expeditions medical treatment. You will be in Sri Lanka, in collaboration working under the direction of your with the Millennium Elephant Be an elephant elephant’s “caregiver”, foundation Foundation (MEF) – is offering guide, and the host himself. MEF is a family-run non- animal enthusiasts an governmental organisation (NGO) opportunity to get up close dedicated to improving the welfare and personal with elephants of domestic elephants throughout in a safe and controlled Sri Lanka. The foundation was environment. On Saturday, carer for the day founded in 1999 in memory of Sam 8 August, Little Adventures Samarasinghe. is hosting an experience- MEF provides and funds the care, based event where they allow medical treatment, food, caregiver participants to take care of an salaries, running costs of the charity, elephant for a day. as well an on-call Mobile Veterinary Unit which travels around the They are offering a full itinerary country treating sick elephants in of events for their guests, complete need. MEF relies on the income with transport from Colombo and from volunteers and tourism to meals for the duration of the trip. continue the work that they do for You will be given a briefing of the elephants in their care. the day’s programme and how to MEF also runs an international proceed. Following this, you will elephant volunteer programme 365 be able to commence taking care of days per year, where their team is your elephant for the day. dedicated to the daily care of their Together with your guide, you elephants and welcomes applicants will be carrying out a number of from all over the world. activities, including preparing They shared that these vitamin balls for your elephant, experiences are an alternative to the feeding you elephant, taking your elephant riding option available for elephant for a walk, bathing your tourists in Sri Lanka; it is an ethical, elephant, cleaning its bed, and other up close and personal experience activities that are part and parcel of unique to MEF. They added that it the care of an elephant. is the most interactive, enjoyable They shared that guests will also way to see domestic elephants in Sri get to watch daily husbandry care Ashan Seneviratne Lanka. being performed by the caregivers The event on Saturday will be – this could include anything from activities pertaining to elephants. that you have a “great attitude, be experience whilst all Covid enjoy their daily routine and all hosted by adventurer and explorer washing to skin/foot care and taking The organisers will be awarding spirited, and have a reasonable level protocols will be followed on tour guests will be working alongside Ashan Seneviratne, with 10 years them for a walk. There will also be a volunteer certificate to all of fitness to participate fully in this and onsite. their team of “Elephant Carers” in of experience as a professional additional events like eco-gardening participants at the end of the event. experience”. They shared that the elephants a protected contact management outfitter, who is also trained and and knowledge-enhancing Further, to participate, they only ask The tour includes a full under the care of the foundation system, ensuring that they receive certified in first aid. Camping during Covid-19 – should you do it? BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE directions. We left Colombo at 8 a.m. who had setup camp. In keeping to avoid heavy traffic in Kandy town, with the unspoken rule of sharing a The pandemic is still going strong, as it is the Perahera season. Our route campsite, everyone had setup tents and while you’re allowed to move started at Fort, after which we headed at a respectable distance in order about freely so long as you wear proper to Kegalle, then Kandy, Buwelikada, to maintain privacy and, in these protection, you are not encouraged Tennekumbura, Kundasale, Digana, times, also allow for effective social to unnecessarily travel or attend or and finally Medamahanuwara, and distancing. Nihonbashi celebrates organise large gatherings. However, planned to return the same way. We spent the night at the campsite, considering these limitations and that The road to Wewathenna starts a few and we need to warn you, as a result 25 years with the the only alternative is being cooped metres past Medamahanuwara town. of the altitude, it is always extremely up in your house or office all day, the While to an extent you can rely on windy, and come night time, it gets launch of its food hall outdoors start to feel very inviting and Google Maps and signboards (there is freezing cold; it gets very difficult to might even seem like a safe place to be. a big nameboard showing information sleep in a tent if you are not bundled with Luxe Colombo The Centres for Disease Control on the Bomure Memorial at the starting up nicely. We experienced a storm that Nihonbashi, an iconic dining destination, has and Prevention of the US (CDC) has point of the road), it is best to stop forced us to retreat into our vehicle for partnered with Luxe Colombo to create a food hall provided that “staying physically and ask the locals for directions as the night, abandoning our tents. And concept, where premium imported products are active is one of the best ways to keep these roads are very unpredictable; the the following morning was no better. available for purchase or can be enjoyed at the “Taste your mind and body healthy”, and the locals can direct you best on the most With the mist obscuring our view, Lab” with a glass of wine, sake, or sushi. This is the agency encourages people to visit parks suitable path, considering the weather we cooked at the back of our vehicle first space in Sri Lanka where an extensive range of and camps, but with some basic rules. conditions and your mode of transport and set off to Hulu Ganga where we specialty cheeses and cold-cuts are paired with wines It shared that you will need to continue too. finally settled down to bathe and have from around the world and can be sampled at the space to practice good personal hygiene and The winding road to the Wewathenna a meal, following which we set off to itself. maintain social distancing. Camping Site is best suited for travel Colombo. After 25 years in its original location, a stone’s throw CDC Chief Medical Officer Dr. on motorbikes; it takes a considerable As it was our first camping trip after from Galle Face Green, famed Chef-Restaurateur Stephen Loyd MD also stated: “If amount of time to make it to the the pandemic hit, we were surprised Dharshan Munidasa decided it was time to adopt a you’re prepared to take the proper top, where the campsite is located, at how cautious everyone was being. modern concept of a deli-style space where specially precautions to keep yourself and others if you are going in a bigger vehicle. There are certain towns where people curated menus could come into play, along with small safe, camping is actually a great idea We reached the site by about 5 p.m. were not following the guidelines pop-ups showcasing his love of Japanese cuisine and right now,” adding: “A lot of people At the entrance to the site is a local of wearing masks and maintaining steaks. It would also be a space for his chef friends have been stuck inside or are struggling groundskeeper who checks physical distance; however, we did to host pop-ups to capture the attention of a growing with anxiety or depression due to the your temperature and notice that in the main cities, we segment of discerning luxury diners, while at the same pandemic, and getting out in nature notes down your could travel safely without fear of time staying true to the Zen spirit of Nihonbashi, which might be the remedy that you need. details before spreading the virus. prides itself in high-quality produce and authenticity Spending time in nature is great for allowing In our experience, the people that has kept raising the bar over 25 years and was your mind and body as it’s known to you into the were extremely respectful in fact the first restaurant in Sri Lanka to ever make increase immunity and combat anxiety/ grounds. when it came to our personal it to the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. depression.” Unlike how space when camping. One Luxe Colombo has fast earned a solid reputation as Taking all recommended safety it would must keep that in mind and a purveyor of fine foods from Europe, and delivery protocols into consideration, we set out have been return the same courtesy options are also available out of this well-located space. on our first post-lockdown camping before the by keeping a distance and The Taste Lab embodies the best of the brand’s trip to Wewathenna. pandemic, wearing protective gear personality. Visitors to the space are met with a sense We chose to leave on a Saturday, the campsite when venturing out. If you are of serenity and anticipation as they walk across the and although it was likely that the was not careful, camping can really be a pond. The space has been designed to maintain its camping spot would be a little more crawling with great escape, a safe and effective Zen interiors in this atrium flooded with natural light. crowded during the weekend, we felt people, although change of pace from the It brings an open-air courtyard feel inside, and the it was also better to go when there there were about troubling times we’ve endured. leafy-green foliage used as decor adds to the fresh feel. are enough people around to give us three different groups Original features such as the bamboo columns and pond are highlighted at night with subtle lighting. Ready-made vegan soups, aged soy-sauce, a delectable range of freshly made mayonnaises, and many other Nihonbashi ready-to-go products are also available at the Taste Lab, along with Luxe Colombo’s gourmet collection. 5 the morning sports Friday , August 7, 2020 Masood guides Pakistan EPL clubs deny LeBron’s answer to Left-handed Kuwait-born opening bat Shan ‘five subs’ Donald Trump Masood struck a timely top-score of 150 The participating soccer clubs in Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron for Pakistan yesterday (6) at Manchester as the the English Premier League (EPL) James says that basketball will not miss visitors had tea at a comfortable 312 for eight yesterday (6) voted against continuing Donald Trump after the US President said against England in their first Test. Scores: Pakistan to allow five substitutes in a match he turns off the games featuring social (overnight 139/2) 312 for eight wkts. in 106 for the 2020-21 Season. Therefore, injustice protests. “I really don’t think the overs (Masood 151 n.o., Babar Azam 69, Shadab the rule, which was introduced when the 2019-20 topflight season basketball community is sad about losing Khan 45; Jofra Archer 3-45, Chris Woakes 2-43). restarted last June, will be reverted to three permitted subs next season. his (Trump’s) viewership,” James said. Is it ‘IPL 2020’ or ‘PCR 2020’? Every single player likely to be required to undergo about 20 PCR tests before and during the tournament

BY REVATHA S. SILVA 13th IPL 2020 details Tuesday, 10 November The eight franchises The mighty rush in which the Board  Squad size of all eight franchises are capped at 24  Dates: From 19 September to 10 November (53 days) (Key: Franchise name/captain/franchise owners) of Control for in India (BCCI)  Spectators are not allowed at venues during the initial  The three venues will be Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah phase of the tournament (i) Chennai Super Kings (CSK)/Mahendra Singh Dhoni/ has to stage the Indian Premier in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) India Cements League (IPL) 2020 has put them in  Women’s T20 Challenge will be held from 1 to 10 November  There will be 10 “doubleheaders” (days where there will (ii) Delhi Capitals (DC)/Shreyas Iyer/GMR and JSW Groups a great dilemma. They have faced  Star Sports Network is the official telecaster of IPL 2020 be two matches)  Matches will also be available on Disney+ Hotstar (iii) Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)/Lokesh Rahul/Mohit Burman, obstacles first due to the Covid-  There will be 10 afternoon matches starting at 3.30 Ness Wadia, Preity Zinta, and Karan Paul 19 pandemic and now for the  Chinese-owned Vivo mobile phone company pulled out p.m. (SL time) from IPL title sponsorship this week (iv) Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)/Dinesh Karthik/Red withdrawal of its title sponsor, the  UAE is one-and-a-half hours behind Sri Lanka and India Chillies Entertainment of Shah Rukh Khan and Mehta China-owned Vivo phone company,  The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on  Starting times of evening matches have advanced from Wednesday (5) that they will not pay compensation to Group of Juhi Chawla’s spouse Jay Mehta owing to the escalating Sino-India 8 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. franchises for losses they suffer due to non-availability (v) Mumbai Indians (MI)/Rohit Sharma (includes Lasith political tensions and oppression  The final will be held on a weekday for the first time, on of gate revenue and exit of Vivo Malinga and coached by Mahela Jayawardene from from leading local trade unions and SL)/Reliance Industries owned by Mukesh Ambani organisations. (vi) Rajasthan Royals (RR)/Ben Stokes/Amisha Hathiramani, Further chat on SOP Shah Rukh Khan in jubilant mood when his Manoj Badale, Lachlan Murdoch (son of Rupert Due to the pandemic, in particular, the IPL After that, each individual within the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders played in the Murdoch), and Shane Warne organisers had to move the event to the United “bio-security bubble” will be tested every 2018 IPL (vii) Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)/Virat Kohli (includes Arab Emirates (UAE). Yet, they are required fifth day through the entire month before the live without the IPL? Isuru Udana from SL)/United Spirits Ltd. (manufacturer to follow stringent health measures in the start of the event. The routine PCR tests will The answer is actually “no”. Not only the of Royal Challenge Indian whiskey) UAE where every single player/participant be made at the same frequency through the BCCI, the entire Indian economy as well as (viii) Sunrisers Hyderabad (SH)/David Warner/Sun TV may have to undergo over 20 Polymerase following 53 days the tournament. the economy of the entire cricket world will Network Chain Reaction (PCR or Reverse Transaction Therefore, the total number of PCR tests feel the tremors if the IPL is not held. PCR) tests. for each individual could amount to close to Huge loss to Indian economy Though the event is scheduled to start on 19 a staggering 22! Massive loss if cancelled The IPL franchises will also lose sponsorship September, all involved with the tournament, For this, the IPL teams have requested the In 2018, Star India had won the bid for and advertisement money of about Indian Rs. including the teams, will have to be in UAE organisers, the IPL Governing Council (GC), the IPL sponsorship for five years (2018-23) 400-500 crore. They will also lose ticket sales in one month – by 20 August. Mumbai Indian celebrate their IPL triumph last on Wednesday to reduce the initial six-day for Indian Rs. 6,138 crore ($ 944 million). estimated up to Indian Rs. 250 crore. year orchestrated by Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga quarantine period in the UAE, to be cut down They additionally paid a massive some of So, the total economic output of the IPL, one Six-day quarantine upon arrival only after that period. to only three days, but, reportedly, to no avail. Indian Rs. 16,347.50 crore ($ 2.55 billion) for of highest-attended sports leagues in the world, As per the existing BCCI Standard Operation According to current travel procedures having worldwide TV and digital rights of the was expected to give India’s Gross Domestic Procedure (SOP), which could be altered in required by the IPL organisers, each individual How important is IPL? tournament for five years from 2018. Product (GDP) an estimated Indian Rs. 11.5 future, the players as well as support staff may have to undergo a couple of PCR tests Initially planned to start on 29 March, the The Vivo title sponsorship of the IPL had billion ($ 160 million). The BCCI expects an will be tested on day one, day three, and day before they leave their respective countries. IPL was later moved to 15 April after the been valued at Indian Rs. 2,000 crore. official nod from the Central Government. The six upon their arrival in the UAE. That will This means they will have to undergo at least coronavirus outbreak. Now, the BCCI is Therefore, if the IPL is to be cancelled this latter is expected to signal the green light for be a six-day quarantine period. They will be five PCR tests even before joining the IPL tour preparing to hold it nearly six months later year, BCCI is going to lose something in the the team and all stakeholders to travel to the allowed to enter the “bio-security bubble” party in the UAE. in a different country. Why? Can’t the BCCI range of Indian Rs. 3,800 crore. UAE in the next two to three days.

The rules are such that a member of a dissolved KANDY So what happens next? committee almost certainly can’t hold office MUSINGS in a new one. by Hafiz Marikar z Election time is over, SLPP records landslide victory, Cricket will not be the same and cricket will not be the same Will Thilanga Sumathipala, another key player in local cricket administration, be able cricket, the country’s leading sport. It is not What’s on top of the agenda? to win from his Moratuwa area and enter the The country of Sri Lanka will acquire a at all on a fair footing. The team is losing The new government will surely look into 16th Parliament? Will the victorious Sri Lanka Jayantha Dharmadasa (on left) and different colour from today. The previous most of the time, and the administration and an overhaul of the local cricket administration. Thilanga Sumathipala Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) allocate one of Yahapalana dispensation is over. The the system are deriving an unprecedented The appointment of an interim committee to run its National List seats to former star batsman Pohottuwa will be in full flow from now. number of accusations – from various the sport, probably under Upali Dharmadasa cannot be ruled out. In such a situation, Jayantha Tillakaratne Dilshan? Will Dilshan meet Arjuna The path is cleared for them; the executive quarters including the International or someone from their camp, with the able Dharmadasa is unlikely to play a part for one Rantunga, an almost possible entry to the new as well as the legislature too will be theirs Cricket Council (ICC) – ranging from assistance of Nishantha Ranatunga and obvious reason. If the government is to dissolve parliament from Gampaha, in the Opposition? from today (7). mismanagement, corruption, and match- Kangadaran Mathivanan, the recently resigned the present SLC Committee, he is now a part Anyway, cricket in this country will not be They would soon turn their focus on fixing. Vice President of (SLC), of it, as Mathivanan’s immediate replacement. the same from today.