Responsibility for fuel price hike We Thoroughly tuesday 15 june 2021 Condemn E-Paper Blaming People from WP who received Jab in Udaya Chief Magistrate Eight SLPP Gen Secy constituent has pushed Orders List be parties of Govt towards an Govt issue unnecessary Given to Police statement crisis

Galle Chief Magistrate Harshana Health Service and the Controller of Kekunawela yesterday ordered the the Unawatuna Drug Store to hand Those affected by the Director of the Southern Province over to the Galle Crimes Unit a Health Service and the Controller of complete report containing the precise the Unawatuna Drug Store to submit amount of vaccines that had been fuel price hike must be to the Galle Division Crimes Unit, a provided to the drug Store, the amount detailed list of names, of those from the of vaccines that had remained as given concessions Western Province (WP), who had been excess as well as the CCTV camera given the AstraZeneca vaccine on 5 footage of the incident. BY Thameenah Razeek and 7 June. He also ordered the relevant The Magistrate also ordered the telecommunication firms to submit a Director of the Southern Province complete report of telephone ... Story Continued on page 2

Story Continued on page 2 Justice Obeysekera X-Press Pearl fire US$ 40M sought as sworn in as SC Judge interim compensation By Faadhila Court was previously former High Court By Faadhila Thassim Thassim approved by the Judge, Shashi Mahendra Parliament Council upon was sworn in as a Court The Attorney General has said President of the Court a proposal made by of Appeal Judge. These an interim compensation of US$ of Appeal, Justice Arjuna President Rajapaksa to appointments were also 40 million has been sought from Obeysekera was sworn in fill in the position that approved by the the MV X-Press Pearl operator for as a Supreme Court fell vacant following the Parliament Council. the costs and losses incurred from Judge before President retirement of Supreme The decisions were X-Press Pearl 20 May to 3 June, State Minister, Gotabaya Rajapaksa at Court Justice Sisira de taken at the Parliament said. the Presidential Abrew. Council meeting held on He added the compensation Secretariat yesterday Meanwhile, Court of 8 June at Parliament skipper granted bail claimed is to cover the expenses (14). Appeal Judge Priyantha under the patronage of incurred to control the fire that The appointment of Fernando was sworn in Speaker of Parliament By Hansi Nanayakkara broke out in the ship, the loss of Justice Obeysekera as a as the new President of Mahinda Yapa daily income faced by fishermen, Judge of the Supreme the Court of Appeal and Abeywardena. High Court Judge Damith Thotawatta the cost for damages caused to fishing gear, cost incurred yesterday (14) released on bail, in a personal bond of Rs to clear the shores and the cost incurred to carry out 2 million, the Captain of the fire-ravaged X-Press Pearl investigations between 20 May to 3 June. cargo ship, who was arrested by the CID and produced in He added that while this is only an interim Court. compensation, further losses and costs incurred will be Judge Thotawatta also ordered the passport of the assessed for future claims. This statement was made Captain to be impounded and handed over to the following a discussion, pertaining to the legal steps to be custody of the Court. adopted in claiming compensation for the MV X-Press The accused Captain, a Russian national, has been Pearl fire, held yesterday (14) at the Ministry of Justice charged with dereliction of duty. under the patronage of Minister of Justice Ali Sabry. DSG Madawa Tennakoon represented the prosecution The Minister stated an alternative procedure has been on behalf of the AG while Sarath Jayamanna PC adopted for external parties to inform of the damages appeared for the accused. Further proceedings of the caused by way of the fire and that a special unit will be trial were then deferred to 1 July. The case filed in this established for this purpose. regard at the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court is due to He added that steps have also been taken to seek be called today. (Pic by Sajeeva Chinthaka) assistance of international experts in relation to claiming compensation and that thereby three specialists from the United Nations are due to arrive in the country with the due course. Fuel Price hike Sajith demands Govt reverse decision Sale of liquor online By Nabiya Vaffoor Supermarkets not given Opposition Leader has demanded Rs 7,500 for health workers the Government to reverse its decision to increase fuel permission – Excise Dept prices. y aadhila hassim Issuing a special statement, Premadasa alleged the B F T in COVID-19 treatment Government members are trying to save themselves saying the increase in fuel prices was not a collective The Excise Department states that misinformation has By W. K. Prasad Manju It is reported further that the decision and the subject minister is the only one who been circulated that permission has been granted to Government has taken this decision to should be held responsible for it. Supermarkets to sell liquor through their online delivery A decision was taken at the Cabinet appreciate the services rendered by The Government must sort out its internal issues and services. It added the department has not granted such meeting held yesterday (14) under the everyone in the health sector and to reverse the decision to increase the fuel price. They permission. patronage of Prime Minister Mahinda encourage them to continue to do so. should stop being jokers, he stressed. Deputy Commissioner of Excise and Spokesman Kapila Rajapaksa to pay a special monthly In addition, it was decided to raise the He also criticised the proposal to import luxury Kumarasinghe told Ceylon Today although several allowance of Rs 7,500 to everyone in the retirement age of nurses in service in vehicles for MPs, saying that his party would never requests have been made for permission to sell liquor health sector directly connected to State hospitals to 63. The previous age approve using public funds to import luxury vehicles through online delivery services, following the decision COVID-19 prevention activities. specified for retirement of nursing staff when the country is struggling with a pandemic. taken by the Department to seal all liquor stores, no All persons in the health sector who was 60 years. "The SJB condemns the proposal by the Government policy decision has been arrived at to grant permission. were at risk when treating COVID-19 Minister of Health Pavithra to provide MPs with vehicles at the taxpayers’ expense. He added that Supermarkets will not be permitted to patients while attempting to bring the Wanniarachchi presented the Cabinet We urge the Government to ensure that public funds are sell liquor through their online delivery services while pandemic under control are due to be papers for both proposals. utilised to provide vaccines for all Sri Lankans. Public liquor sale outlets will remain sealed until travel paid Rs 7,500 monthly for three The Cabinet meeting was held last funds should be invested in promoting a prosperous and restrictions are lifted. Liquor sales outlets island wide months. evening at the Presidential Secretariat. developed country," added Premadasa. were sealed from 1 June. A2 tuesday 15 june 2021 News

If fully vaccinated, Navy, Coastguard nab KG shows negative PCR test… Home-quarantine smugglers off Point Pedro for Dual citizens, Navy personnel yesterday (14), leading to the suspects. Pedro and Achchuveli, aged seized 237.5 kg of Kerala interception of a suspicious The operation led to the between 28 and 29 years. repatriates – Dr. Herath cannabis (KG), worth over Rs. dinghy heading towards the seizure of about 237.5 kg of The suspects, drugs and 71 million along with three shore loaded with two sacks of drugs. It is suspected that the dinghy will be handed over to By Dilanthi that overseas returnees suspects and a dinghy in a KG. contraband was transported the Kankesanthurai Police for Jayamanne will be permitted to mingle special operation conducted in After questioning the to the dinghy at the onward legal action. The Navy with society only after a the seas north of Point Pedro. suspects, the Navy and international maritime and Coastguard are currently A home-quarantine second PCR test The operation was carried Coastguard swept the sea area boundary line. conducting additional period would be permitted conducted after the out by the Northern Naval and found six more sacks of KG The suspects have been searches. for repatriates and dual quarantine period shows a Command in the early hours thrown overboard by the identified as residents of Point (NV) citizens returning to Sri negative result. Lanka who have been fully The Deputy Director vaccinated and indicate a General said that the negative PCR test report, Health Ministry would Deputy Director General have to include Pakistani Mangoes Mercantile Investments assists (Disaster Management administering the gifted to diplomats? and Response), Dr. coronavirus vaccine to Hemantha Herath said. children into the National Army’s battle against COVID Responding to questions immunisation programme Foreign Affairs Ministry during a Media briefing only after assessing all the held in Colombo, Dr. data from ongoing rejects claims Herath said that measures research. would be taken to “There is ongoing In response to queries from the media regarding quarantine repatriates in research as to which age the gifting of Pakistani mangoes to foreign a hotel where an group the vaccine should dignitaries, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, Spokesperson on-arrival PCR test will be be given to, about its for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that no such conducted. “If the test effects, which individuals incident had occurred. proves negative, those with chronic diseases “We have seen Media reports that Pakistani mangoes persons could quarantine could be immunised and had been dispatched last week as gift to some foreign in their homes for a period its effects on healthy dignitaries. We reject these reports as factually of 14-days provided the persons, etc. What is incorrect and misleading. A section of the Indian Media home environment is available now is the has carried wrong reports,” Chaudhri said. He added suitable,” he said. research that has been that the President of sends high-quality Explaining the twice carried out on volunteers”. mangoes as a gift to selected countries annually as part amended quarantine He said that there is a of goodwill and to promote trade diplomacy efforts. measures for travellers National Immunisation The Ministry of Foreign Affairs prepares a list of arriving from overseas Policy to be followed when countries keeping in view quarantine regulations, during the COVID-19 deciding who the vaccines sanitary and phytosanitary requirements as well as pandemic, Dr. Herath said should be given to. availability of flights. Mercantile Investments recently presented the Sri Lanka Army with (ST) oxygen cylinder regulators to help its frontline services in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. The equipment was handed over to Commander of Army, Shavendra Silva by Company Director - COO, Danushka Fonseka, at the Army Headquarters. The SL Army hopes to use the regulators in Army hospitals built to treat COVID-19 patients islandwide. Police make several Slight decrease in heroin busts on Sunday COVID-19 cases By Paneetha residents of Mt. Lavinia. Ameresekere In like developments, the – Dr Kolambage NBRO issues landslide Crime Division on Sunday Mt. Lavinia Police on arrested a woman (34) with By Dilanthi Jayamanne alert to 17 DSDs Sunday (13) arrested a 9.97g of heroin and with Rs. suspect (34) wanted for the 90,100 in her possession at There has been a slight decrease in the BY Paneetha Ameresekere Aranayaka, Bulathkohupitiya, theft of Rs 250,000 worth of Grandpass. This money was number of COVID-19 patients being reported Derinayagala, Ruwanwella, rice from a supermarket. The allegedly made from the sale daily, but it would take about another week to The National Building Research Galigamuwa, Warakapola, Kegalle arrest was made near the Mt. of heroin. note if there is a marked decrease, Executive Organisation (NBRO) at 4.30 pm and Mawanella DSDs and Lavinia Railway Station. Elsewhere on Sunday, Police Committee member of the Government yesterday (14) and valid up to 4.30 surrounding areas in the Kegalle Police also recovered 4.1 g of seized a total of 38.79g of Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) Dr. pm this evening (15) issued a District and Kuruwita, heroin and five bags of rice, heroin and arrested four Prasad Kolambage said. landslide alert covering 17 Eheliyagoda, Ayagama and Kiriella each weighing 5 kg in his suspects in four separate Addressing the media in Colombo, Dr. divisional secretariat divisions DSDs and surrounding areas in the possession. operations. Accordingly, 25.3g Kolambage said yesterday (14) the PCR (DSDs) and their surrounding areas Ratnapura District, respectively. Further investigations led of heroin was seized from a positivity of patients last week had been 15.6 in four districts. The NBRO alert, denoted in to the discovery of another suspect (38) in Meegoda, 5.06g per cent. However this week it has shown a They were Ambagmauwa DSD yellow, issued in this connection eight bags of rice which the of heroin seized from a suspect slight decline to 14.6 per cent. “If the public and surrounding areas in the said that as rains in the aforesaid suspect had sold to two (38) in Anuradhapura, and adhere to travel restrictions properly there Nuwara Eliya District; Ganga Ihala areas in the past 24 hours have shops. In this connection, the 4.32g of heroin from a 30 year would definitely be a marked decline in Korale and surrounding areas in exceeded 75 mm, to be watchful of Police also took a woman (39) old suspect and 4.11g of patients,” he noted. the District; Dehiowita, landslides, earth slips, rock falls and a man (33) into custody. heroin from a 61 year old Dr. Kolambage said that 54.9 per cent of Yatiyantota, Rambukkana, and such like. All the suspects were suspect in Borella. patients infected with COVID-19 suffered from diabetes while 51.2 per cent of them suffered from High Blood pressure. 21.3 per cent suffered heart disease. Patients with chronic diseases found it difficult to attend their clinics. “But if we were unable to control the deaths of Violating COVID-19 rules… patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) we would not be able to reduce the number of deaths due to the pandemic,” he Group attending wedding quarantined said. He said that currently the country had By Naalir Jamaldeen Health sector officials who rushed to the the travel ban is in effect across the country, surpassed in its death ratio. While India scene had confirmed that more than 15 persons According to Jaffna municipal health officials. had a ratio of 2.38 patients for every one A group of 16 individuals who attended a were participating in the wedding ceremony and However, the participants at this wedding million of people Sri Lanka had 2.39 patients wedding in Gurunagar, Jaffna were sent to took actions to quarantine them. ceremony were sent to quarantine because they for every one million of its citizens. quarantine yesterday (14) for violating COVID- The Government has permitted marriage violated the COVID-19 regulations, the officials 19 travel restrictions. registrations with less than 15 attendants while added.

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We Thoroughly Condemn... Chief Magistrate... Leaders of eight constituent parties of the Democratic Left Front, Prof. Tissa Vitarana Minister to swiftly combat this sectarian ..record data of an that had gone in the Government yesterday (14) in a joint (MP) of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party, tendency. individual on whom a direction of Galle from the statement denounced the attempts to solely A.L.M. Athaulla (MP) of the National "Not only have the citizens of the country statement had been Pinnaduwa entrance, on the blame Minister of Energy Udaya Congress, Dr. G. Weerasinghe (MP) of the suffered greatly, but the country's economy recorded in this connection two dates in question, to the Gammanpila for the recent fuel price hike. Communist Party of Sri Lanka, has also suffered greatly, resulting in a to the Galle Division Crimes Galle Crimes Unit. In their joint statement, the party leaders (MP) of the United People’s Party and crisis. In a circumstance like this, the Unit. Police, making further have pointed out that at a difficult time Asanka Nawarathne of the Sri Lanka Government is expected to make 'unpopular Magistrate Kekunawela submissions, stated that when both people and the Governments People’s Party. decisions'. As a result, we believe that gave this order having they had begun a probe into around the world are equally suffering, They, in a statement, further pointed out increasing the fuel price is likewise an perused submissions made the incident after wide situations may arise where Governments that in this context the recent statement unpopular decision. We also believe that to him by the Galle Division exposure by the local media have to take ‘unpopular’ decisions and the issued by SLPP General Secretary Sagara low-income families that suffered hardship Crimes Unit, where they as well as complaints recent fuel price hike was one such Kariywasam blaming Minister Gammanpila as a result of the increases should be stated that on the two received that a large instance. over the fuel price hike has pushed the compensated. We also want to present a aforesaid dates a sizeable number of unauthorised “However, we condemn the attempts to Government into a compromising situation recommendation to the President in this number of people from the persons from the Western put the blame on Energy Minister Udaya in the public’s eye. regard in the near future," they stated. Western Province had Province had arrived in Gammanpila and to project him as the sole “Not only that, the SLPP General Secretary The decision to raise petrol prices was made arrived in Galle through the vehicles to Galle to receive person who is responsible for this by his statement has contested the by a Cabinet Subcommittee on Cost of Living, Southern Highway to the second dose of the ‘unpopular’ decision. It is understood that decisions taken by the President and the chaired by the President and attended by the receive the second dose of vaccine in question on 5 the decision was reached at a Cabinet Sub- Prime Minister thereby has fuelled doubts Prime Minister, they said in a joint statement. the said vaccine, flouting and 7 June. Committee headed by the President and had that there are divisions within the As a result, they rejected any attempt to hold the quarantine regulations The Police stated that the Prime Minister in attendance. This was Government ranks,” they noted. the Minister of Energy responsible for the put in place to curb the complaints received had also proved by a recent media release issued They further claimed that Kariyawasam 'unpopular' decision to raise fuel prices. spread of the third wave of mentioned that these people by the President’s Media Division (PMD),” had questioned the President and Prime In addition, in light of the Presidential the COVID-19 pandemic. from the Western Province they noted in the statement. Minister's decision, creating concerns about Media Unit's confirmation, SLPP General The Magistrate had had been given preference The joint statement was signed by Ven. sectarianism within the administration. Secretary has stated earlier issued an order to and priority ahead of those Athuraliye Rathana Thera of the Our They stated that such sectarian and that the blame for the 'unpopular' decision the Director of the Southern from the Galle District with People’s Power Party, Minister Wimal immature activities would destroy the has been placed on Minister Udaya Highway to hand over all regard to the inoculation of Weerawansa of the National Freedom Front, public’s faith in the Government, and that it Gammanpila, putting the Government in an CCTV camera footage the second dose of the Minister of the is the obligation of the President and Prime unnecessary crisis before the people. pertaining to the vehicles AstraZeneca vaccine. �6l)Ili)ffi$ ffi60'8=f • • UlllJIDJUl• 6lltr]f!6,; u�difffimmffim • • p .Ililll>ffl' QUltrffiUoOo\'.l QudJIDJliiQmtrmm 6TU>C8UltrQ, �ffi�rr.qililmm

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COVID-19 Deaths to be Treating COVID-19 patients Managing mental Reported Expeditiously health vital By Dilanthi Jayamanne Speaking to the Media, Dr. Gunawardana COVID-19 deaths that occurred. said yesterday (14) that the Ministry would Thereby, the daily death toll of the Going forward, the Health Ministry will hereafter announce COVID-19 deaths infection was lengthy and contained – Dr. Sudarshini be able to report COVID-19 deaths within within 24 to 48 hours, as it had come up details of those who died a day or two 24 to 48 hours, Director General of Health with a methodology to do so. Over the past earlier as well as those who had It is essential to maintain the mental health status Services (DGHS) Dr. Asela Gunawardana several months, the Ministry waited to succumbed to the illness several days of patients with COVID-19 while providing them with said. gather all details with regard to the earlier. medical care, State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID-19 Disease Control, Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle said. During an observation visit to the Intermediate Care Centre for COVID-19 patients in Werella Watta, Due to spike in COVID-19 Yakkala, Dr. Fernandopulle said there was an urgent Douglas promises cases worldwide need to formulate a mental healthcare programme while treating asymptomatic COVID-19 patients. Dr. Fernandopulle said close attention should also fixed price for be paid towards maintaining good mental health Foreigners conditions of women who fall victim to the viral infection, as they were very close and attentive to the rest of the family. Therefore, being compelled to stay fishing equipment banned from hajj away from the family for several days due to the infection, it is essential to maintain their mental By Naalir Jamaldeen health in addition to the treatment. pilgrimage – Uvaise The Minister volunteered, stating that her Ministry Fisheries Minister said a fixed price will too could contribute towards creating a friendly be determined for fishing equipment, including fishing nets environment to enhance the patient’s mental health and other essential accessories. By Naalir Jamaldeen during the viral infection by providing television sets Devananda added that the fisheries societies in Negombo and carrom boards etc. had brought this issue to his attention during a special Muslims world over have lost the opportunity to perform hajj An official for the State Ministry said although this meeting held at the Negombo Municipal Council Auditorium this year following the spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, was an Intermediate Care Centre, it also provides recently. President of the Hajj Committee, which functions under the emergency care for asymptomatic patients, including He said fishermen also alleged that due to not having a Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs, Alkham an Oxygen Therapy Unit. standard price formula for fishing equipment, traders were Uvaise said yesterday (14). Set up at a cost of Rs 23 million from the Western arbitrarily increasing the prices in the market and low-quality He said the Hajj season is to commence in mid-July. Over 2 Provincial Council at an apparel factory in Werella fishing equipment being sold at higher prices. million pilgrims from 162 countries usually perform hajj, he Watta, Yakkala, the Intermediate Care Centre can Devananda promised them that all necessary steps will be said. provide care for 2,000 persons. The Official said the taken to ensure that quality fishing equipment is available in Uvaise said the Central Hajj Committee in has sewerage system had been refurbished and all repairs the market at reasonable prices. unanimously taken this decision following the surge in COVID- have been carried out with the assistance of the Sri Devananda also instructed the officials to submit a 19 cases worldwide. Lanka Navy. comprehensive report regarding the matter after conducting He went on to say that they had communicated this to Hajj (DJ) market research. Tour Operators Association President, M.R.M. Farook.

750 ml plastic bottles 35,000 Families get Amaraweera orders CEA dry rations in Kalutara Minister of Ports and Shipping oversaw the distribution of dry to develop rations to 35,000 families in the , who were victims of flooding and the COVID- 19 pandemic, on 12 and 13 June. recycling A statement by the Ministry of Ports and Shipping, said this was organised by the Minister under scheme the “Food for the Hungry” programme. The rations were distributed at 1,480 centres that By Thameenah Razeek spanned 762 Grama Niladhari Divisions and 14 Divisional Minister of Environment Mahinda Secretariats. Amaraweera has directed manufacturing The statement added that aid firms and the Central Environmental programmes to help people in the Authority (CEA) to develop a recycling Kalutara District are being programme for 750 ml plastic bottles. planned. The Ministry of Environment is (TF) currently concentrating on setting up a cooperative recycling factory with these plastic bottle manufacturing firms, as Sri Lanka’s Local Government Authorities lack such facilities. Going back on commitments Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Fuel price Environment is working on an alternative scheme to prevent 750 ml plastic bottles from entering the environment. SL risks losing EU’s hike national Because of the expense and durability of alternative packaging, the CEA believes that prohibiting plastic bottles is tragedy unrealistic. According to Amaraweera, a vital support – SJB suggestion has been made to hold a particular amount of money as a deposit when purchasing 750 ml plastic bottles The SJB stressed that programmes without flaws without offering – Abeywardena for recycling. because the Government having to present any viable solutions. “We The deposit can be reclaimed by has failed to honour its evidence of a crime to a should point out that a By Sandeep Tissaaratchy returning the empty bottle, and even if the commitments, the people Competent Court. previous attempt to enact empty bottle is thrown away, extra cash of Sri Lanka are in The SJB went on to say a new counter-terrorism The rise in oil prices at a time when people can be made by collecting and reselling danger of losing the that the Government’s law was marred by are in dire straits is a serious tragedy for such bottles. European Union’s vital persistent failure and controversy. However, we citizens, UNP Chairman, “The deposit is now set at Rs 10. The support. incompetence in note that the Sri Lanka said yesterday (14) in a Media release. plan has also been accepted by the In response to the managing its foreign Law Commission, which is Abeywardena went on to criticise the companies involved,” he said. European Parliament’s affairs, as well as its total made up of distinguished Government policies of increasing fuel prices Amaraweera, on the other hand, said Resolution on “the bad faith in enforcing the members of Sri Lanka’s and said during the former regime, prices of though no final decision has been made situation in Sri Lanka, in law in the country, had legal fraternity, has petrol, diesel, kerosene, gas and essential food on the 750 ml bottles, a permanent particular the arrests directly contributed to produced a draft law on items were lowered to support the public recycling programme is expected to be under the Prevention of the current predicament the Protection of National during difficult times. developed. Terrorism Act” on 9 June, that the people of Sri Security, which is a “The former Government hoped to introduce Several similar goods have been banned the SJB said while the Lanka are facing. concise and effective piece a price formula for fuel. Had that price by the Ministry of Environment as part of Foreign Secretary has They remarked that the of legislation that is in line formula been introduced, the public would a drive to minimise the use of polythene stated that the PTA must recent EU Resolution with worldwide best have received billions of rupees in the past few and plastics in the country. A second list be revised, the demonstrates another practices,” it stated, years. But due to the misinterpretations of the of polythene and plastic products has Government has failed to failure of this adding that the SJB is then Opposition, the price formula was been compiled, to ban them in the near introduce any meaningful Government’s foreign now studying the Law ridiculed and destroyed without giving the future. “Many of these polythene and plastic pro-reform legislation. policy. The Commission’s public a proper understanding,” he said. products are prohibited because they are According to the Administration appears recommendations and will The UNP Chairman added that it is created from materials that are not statement, rather than set on gradually losing work to initiate a process unfortunate to see many of those infected environmentally benign and quickly reforming the PTA, it has Sri Lanka’s two major in Parliament through with COVID-19 and those who lost their biodegradable,” he said. exacerbated the situation export markets; the which these proposals are houses and relatives as a result of the natural Despite the fact that 750 ml plastic bottles by introducing United States and the taken up. disasters, suffering economic hardship as a are included in the second suggested list for regulations that expand European Union, while The SJB is convinced result of Government inefficiencies. the ban, the CEA has stated that it will be its authority even embarking on pipe- that a robust and “The next generation, both youths and difficult to implement. further. As the SJB dream investor forums. effective national security adults, should not be applauding the rhetoric Therefore, the Authority has emphasised to points out, the new As the main Opposition framework can be built of the political arena. We need a leader who the Minister the importance of implementing regulations allow party in Parliament, the without compromising can protect the most vulnerable groups and a bottle recycling scheme. authorities to place SJB has stated that they human rights and implement policies which will alleviate the suspects in do not aim to just point democracy. economic hardships that our country is facing “rehabilitation” out the Government’s (TR) at the moment,” Abeywardena said. A4 tuesday 15 june 2021 column J R’s Erosion of Democracy Talking to Stakeholders

By Prof. be relied upon not to make common younger generation, along with his cause with the TULF. Again, amongst expulsion of Gertrude, Jayewardene Soon after the riots, JR and various representatives of the Muslim achieved the impossible of leaving other ministers went to India for organisation in particular but also of out Claudius as well. I refer to consultations about finding a the Buddhist ones too, were Parthasarathy, the envoy Indira solution to a problem now much individuals who were members of the Gandhi had sent to Sri Lanka when more serious of course (given also UNP. the riots spread. Later he had worked international condemnation of what with Government leaders in India to had occurred) than when Indira Hamlet without the formulate proposals which had in Gandhi’s concern had been Prince fact been published in Sri Lanka. But dismissed angrily as interference. these were now only a disembodied The position of the Government was Nevertheless not all of these could presence at the Conference, rather complicated further in that, since the be said to conform to Government like the Ghost in Hamlet. TULF had been in effect proscribed, thinking. A much more pertinent They were presented to the they could not very well be invited for effect of this mass participation was participants at the conference as a negotiations. Nevertheless, with the a proliferation of views, some without strange mutation with no parentage, Indian Government acting as an any basis m political reality, which called merely Annexure C, available intermediary, a table of proposals led to it being impossible to arrive for comment but with no one was drawn up that could have served swiftly at consensus. The excuse was acknowledging their origin. They as a first step to a solution. that all sections of the community would probably not have been But then JR declared that he could that might be affected should have generally acceptable now, as opposed take no steps unless an all party Sri Lanka President, J. R. Jayewardene and Indian Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi on 29 an opportunity to express their to if they had been advanced in the conference were held so that other July 1987 sign the Indo Sri Lanka Agreement views. But if that were so a immediate aftermath of the rioting parties could be consulted. This significant, indeed crucial, omission when the urgency of action was might have been because he Colombo an all party conference was With the leader of the main was the terrorist groups. It might widely acknowledged. Nevertheless genuinely feared a backlash that summoned, the TULF was not opposition party deprived of her civic have been argued (and indeed was, they would certainly have provided a other parties might exploit, invited. It was only after all other rights and unable to participate in until the inevitable retraction under fruitful ground for discussion, compounded by the embarrassment parties, behaving with a more the decision-making process, the pressure took place eighteen months dealing as they did with possible that the proposals had in effect been responsible attitude towards the validity of any consensus reached at later) that it would have been wrong units of devolution and other issues reached in consultation with a party urgency of the situation than the the conference could always be to negotiate with them until they had that had been mentioned in the UNP he had so recently tried to sideline. treatment meted out to them placed in doubt. renounced terrorism, and that manifesto in 1977. But it is equally likely that it was previously warranted, attended and And there were other indications terrorism had to be stamped out They appeared however without a because he had no intention requested that the TULF too be asked that the originator of the conference before such negotiations could be sponsor, and understandably no one whatsoever of implementing the that Jayewardene agreed. Its was not keen on its arriving at any contemplated. Yet their exclusion else was prepared to sponsor them. proposals and sought an excuse for attendance had of course been conclusive decisions. It was not from the all-party conference that The SLFP had enough experience of delay. Whatever the reason, it was essential for discussions to start if confined to political parties. finally got off the ground towards the Jayewardene to know that, if it ironic that, commanding practically the conference were to mean Government invited not only a end of 1983 meant in practical terms advocated any of the measures all the seats in parliament, he said he anything. Jayewardene’s maneuvers delegation of Buddhist priests, but that any decisions reached would suggested, he and his cohorts were needed the opposition parties he had suggested that all he wanted to do Christian clergymen too. Hindus and have little validity. Certainly the capable of going before the country treated so contemptuously was dodge the responsibility, and not Muslims also were represented omission of one of the most central and claiming that it was attempting previously. The members of the appear inconsistent with the separately, though not by clerics but factors in the equation made doubly to sell out the country to the Tamils TULF, having fled to India, made it proscription he had perpetrated and by laymen representing what were absurd the deviation from the or to India. When the SLFP had clear they would under no which he felt obliged to keep in force. termed Hindu and Muslim original concept of a conference only earlier suggested using India’s good circumstances at this juncture take Deprived of civic rights organisations. For good measure two for all political parties. Had that offices to resolve the problem, Prime the oath of allegiance to an unitary sets of Buddhist lay representatives taken place, a purely political Minister Premadasa had indeed flown state, prescribed under the sixth There were other factors that from were also invited in addition to solution might have been thrown up that particular kite. amendment to the constitution that the start vitiated the progress of the priests. which the country could have The TULF was equally inhibited was rushed through after the riots. talks. In India he had given what This may have been thought decided upon at a vote, religious from remarking favourably on the So there were fewer than ten seemed an undertaking that Sirimavo necessary by Government to redress organisations canvassing for or proposals in Annexure C, for opposition members in a parliament Bandaranaike’s Civic Rights would the balance, since otherwise the UNP against it as desired. As it was, the Jayewardene might very well than of over 150 sitting members. be restored, to enable her too to and Thondaman’s CWC would have failure once the scope had been have defined that as the start of its The gleeful talk in his party after participate in the conference. This been outnumbered by all the other widened to invite all concerned negotiating position, and himself the referendum about the next was widely expected in the immediate parties. Instead, amongst the interests indicated that the produced something much less referendum suggested there was a aftermath of his return to Colombo representatives of the religious Government did not take too positive as the start of his. The result feeling he could stay in power for but it did not transpire. The SLFP groups, chosen by no obviously seriously the prospect that the was that there was nothing concrete ever. Now however he seemed obliged nevertheless attended the first consistent means, were individuals conference might evolve a solution for the conference to proceed on. to confess that there was more to the session, at which it was decided that who might have been identified some that would be generally acceptable. Instead the country was faced for the country than his own power or the the TULF be invited, but by the time months previously as being In’ passing it is worth noting that next year with a series of speeches constitutional base on which it had that had been done and the TULF associated with the Government. none of the delegates to the that delved deep into history or been erected. had accepted it was clear that Representing the Hindu organisation conference belonged to the age rather legend. Other organisations Or perhaps it was simply that he Jayewardene was still determined to for instance, and thus given a new bracket of the terrorists or the JVP rather than the political parties wanted someone to pull his keep Sirimavo out. So then the SLFP lease of political life, was the former which the Government in theory at played an ever increasing part in the chestnuts out of the fire, if only for stayed away, whereupon the other Government Agent of Jaffna who had any rate still held responsible for the proceedings as time went on, and the the purpose of allowing him the parties decided to adjourn and try to been a defeated candidate in the riots. The conference was very much conference seemed no nearer than at pleasure of flinging them back in persuade it to attend. It gave in 1977 Election. Even if he was now a case of Hamlet without the Prince. the start to producing anything like a again. When after he returned to readily, but the point had been made. more wary about the UNP, he could But then, having cut away the solution. Unseen Compromises of the CPCP By Dr. Rajkumar Singh in October 2019 and a prediction was will be on 99-years lease basis. If the also made about the entire Government does not require extra On 27 May 2021, the 225-member construction to be completed by 2041. land it has kept, the company may passed the With the passing of the Bill, the obtain the land for another 99- years. Colombo Port City Project (CPCP) Bill comment phase is over and now the by a ratio of 149 in favour and 58 in country is ready to face its Reactions abroad against as a result of a marathon of consequences-good as well as bad. The passing of the most one decade, leading to a wide controversial Colombo Port City discussion at national, regional and Basics of the Colombo Economic Commission Bill from the global level and redrafting of the bill in Port City legislature of Sri Lanka on 27 May the light of suggestions/ directions of 2021 invited a criticism from several the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. The The Colombo Port City project is a countries of the world including India first such idea to use the off-shore part of China’s Belt and Road because of its security and strategic land was envisioned by the Initiative, a centrepiece of Chinese consequences. Although, the Government in 2004 solely on public Communist Party and ambitious Government of Sri Lanka has funding but stalled later due to high strategic-cum- development plan of highlighted a five-points objectives cost and other factors. Again in 2011, its present President Xi Jinping to get which include; a. employment, b. the China Communications support of countries across the world. foreign direct investment, c. value Construction Company (CCCC), a When completed it would be a brand- addition, d. balance of payment, and publicly traded company with links to new city developed and built as an e. Government revenue, its the Chinese State and via China extension of the Central Business completion could become a virtual Harbor Engineering Company District of Sri Lanka, spanning in 269 outpost or colony. But, especially for (CHEC), submitted an unsolicited hectares of reclaimed land from the India the Colombo Port City has proposal to develop the Colombo Port sea, having South Asia’s premier In October 2019 after five years, a revised plan of work on the CPCP was inaugurated brought China at its backyard with City and envisaged the reclamation of residential, retail and business Belt and Road Initiative infrastructure 233 hectares of through Foreign destination. Its built area will be of 74 buildable plots of land, 40 have GDP from .3.3 in 2018 followed by 2.3 projects in , Sri Lanka, the Direct Investment (FDI). Negotiations over 5.6 million squares meters-built been allocated for commercial in 2019 and 3.6 % in 2020. Despite , and Pakistan-essentially for the deal started in 2012 and after space and include the facilities of development while 34 plots are for progress in managing coronavirus, surrounding the country in a ‘string of two yeas of preliminary deliberations healthcare, education, entertainment, residential use. Regarding land of 269 external debt remains a challenge pearls’. In the situation the on 16 September 2014 a Concession hotels, and restaurants, retail and hectares reclaimed, China Harbour amid concerns over money printing apprehension is that these apparently Agreement (CA) was signed between office with an integrated resort and a will get 113 hectares, 91 will be under Modern Monetary Theory and commercial projects could serve Ministry of Ports and Shipping and marina. The making of the Colombo common areas vested in the currency troubles and especially after other, potentially militaristic, China Harbour Engineering Company Port City project testifies the gradual Government and the balance of 60 2015 it remained on decline purposes as well. This apart, there is and the very next day, (17 strengthening of China-Sri Lanka odd hectares are land the Government continuously. Keeping in view the a general feeling that China is going to September), construction on Colombo relations and understandings on all can sell and earn revenue. current financial position of the have naval interests and a security Port City was launched by the then counts including the regional and country, the Government took presence there would surely affect president of Sri Lanka Mahinda global strategy. Although the relations Finance for the project effective steps to expedite the Port India’s geopolitical position. Now, Sri Rajapaksa and Chinese President Xi between the two remained non- Economy of the country is already City project which would attract $ 15 Lanka’s relations with other western Jinping. However, owing to the controversial since Island’s in bad shape due to decades of war billion in investments from the foreign countries including the United States, criticisms from various corners and independence, it achieved a height against the terrorism, the LTTE, in countries and public resources of the will witness some drastic shifts in change of guard in January 2015 the higher than imagination with the particular, and after its eradication on nation, loans from Chinese banks. As coming days and years. work on the project was suspended in initiation of presidentship of Mahinda account of foreign loans which take a provided in the Bill now the Author: early March 2015 citing Rajapaksa in the year 2005-2015 and significant portion of GDP every year Government will have extensive power Dr. Rajkumar Singh environmental basis, but the same again from November 2019 onwards. without fail. Although the World Bank to approve investments without going Professor and Head year further negotiation commenced In fact, Rajapaksa is very much has classified the country in lower to the Board of Investment, give tax Department of Political Science due to heavy compensations claimed obliged on account of Chinese help in middle-income group because of high breaks and regulate businesses in the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences by the construction company in various fields including the human development indicators most far-reaching one-stop-shop Bhupendra Narayan Mandal reference to the agreement signed infrastructural developments of the including adult literacy 93%, HDI of designed so far. In addition, according University earlier. After a long gap of five years country in last two decades. In the 0.782, life expectancy 75 years, and to consultations of the new Madhepura-852113. the scheduled works on the project present plan, according to a gender equality 0.948, its economy Government, no land will be granted Bihar, India. with a revised plan was inaugurated spokesperson of the company out of has registered a significant decline in on free hold basis and all the lands [email protected] COLUMN TUESDAY 15 JUNE 2021 A5 Chinese Checkers

y athiya oorthy Sans Board B N S M entered into a $ 200-m currency swap. In between, there it was with the larger If someone wanted to know, who Indian neighbour. Already, critics in Sri wanted the Colombo Port City Bill Lanka have attributed motives to India designed and drafted the way it now is delaying further decisions on Colombo’s (thanks to the Supreme Court’s request. uncompromising determination), then But the fact remains that despite a you now have the answer. Addressing decade-long economic engagement with the Sri Lanka Investment Forum- China, Sri Lanka is unable to raise 2021, Chinese Ambassador Qi that $ 200-m, borrowed from Zhenhong talked a lot about what in a Bangladesh, with the arrangement to single, worn-out phrase could be return it in goods or services or local dismissed as ‘red-tape’ (no reference currency. It implies that the US this to that nation’s political colour or dollar, whether China and Sri Lanka how it is red in other parts of the like it or not, is going to be the sole world). international currency. It will be so Interestingly, Ambassador until at least, China is able to make Zhenhong also mentioned how Sri its yuan a regional, if not Lanka’s kind of free speech and international currency, through the debate unenthused Chinese investors. Colombo Port City – as is being Now, you know why the draft Bill anticipated. wanted to deny judicial review, that corner-stone of democracy, over the Gainer, loser functioning of the proposed Port City All of India’s neighbours are seeing an increase in COVID-19, and Sri Lanka is left stranded without the second dose of AstrazZeneca At the end of it, who is the gainer, Economic Commission, meant to who is the loser? For China, it is the manage the affairs of the Special donation of vaccines. need more friends and allies than it obvious gainer. Even if some of the Economic Zone (SEZ). Today, the US has offered vaccines, would have been happy with – rather, plans like the Mattala International Possibly, someone in the so have Japan and – no just one, that is China. There is more Airport did not work out as expected, Government had better sense. They reference this to Quad, which along to international relations and foreign it has nothing to lose. You cannot seemed to have advised the with India, is a geo-strategic grouping India began it, policy than debt-driven development, blame China for it. Government’s legal team to readily against China in the Indo-Pacific. and well, with which has proved to be no Sri Lanka wanted the airport, did agree to amend such offending Russia has offered its Sputnik V development in Sri Lanka’s case. not do its due diligence on the fiscal provisions midway through the vaccine, and the Russian envoy in early donations, The problem is not just about the and economic front. India did so on Determination Hearing in the Colombo has personally debt, but about its size and the needs , so in a way advised Sri Supreme Court. If so, it still needs to congratulated the army chief, for first of testing- to which it was employed. Thus far, Lanka, not to venture out. India did be noted that China had enough doing a good job of COVID control. kits and the like, all of it, running to millions and not expect to swap Sri Lankan influence to push through its version From a local perspective, the first millions of dollars, have driven jobless territory for unpaid dues, however of the Bill through the Government, wave job was much better than the during the first growth, as all men and material for short the repayment time be. China but not through the higher judiciary, second. But even for whatever was wave. This was the China-funded projects came from was not looking at repayment, but hence Parliament, too. done and achieved during the second that country. It was no growth in any everything else, including Sri Lankan wave, there was/is no replacement for followed by the sense of the term, especially territory. Where angels fear to tread…. German game, but… the armed forces. considering that most of the debt went So, today, is Colombo Port City Chinese Checkers is a board game So, is it all about China when it Indian donation into Hambantota and the rest into going to go the Hambantota-Mattala that originated in Germany. It needs comes to the multitude of Sri Lanka’s of vaccines. road-laying, euphemistically called way, or is it going to create a new two, four or six players to play the demands on the international ‘expressways’. beginning in bilateral economic ties game. In the case of Sri Lanka, community and none else? Clearly, Sri Today, the US Other than the unsure Norochcholai with China, for Sri Lanka that is? someone wants to play it all on their Lanka is realising that it cannot thermal power project, there is no Friends of Sri Lanka can only wish the own, call it competition, if you want. continue to depend on one source of has offered manufacturing unit that China created nation well. So at least for that But you cannot play it by yourself. vaccine or whatever COVID vaccines, so in and for Sri Lanka, which alone can goodwill, Sri Lanka cannot afford to That’s a problem situation, Sri Lanka management kit that is required. It is bring in the moolah for the Government lose on the Port City, at the very least. has found for itself. Colombo may still even more so when it comes to serving have Japan and and constituent homes – which is what Does it all mean that past debts and be shy of acknowledging it. and sub-serving the Nation’s economy. Australia growth is all about. Now, we are told sins would be overcome? Granted that Thus, you have the Government that the Port City project will bring in the Port City works well, and even rescinding on the Sri Lankan State’s Monopoly debt-trap those jobs, hence family incomes. It more than expected for Sri Lanka – no commitments on the ECT project with Elementary economics tells you that remains to be seen how far does China one knows how and why – it would be India and Japan, and the MCC a ‘monopoly’ tends to mark up prices, Some clarity… sticks to this unprecedented promise a good beginning, yes. At least a time funding from the US. But the cut down on quality and hold the Today, the ruling Rajapaksas are with which Beijing has always been may then soon come so that Sri Lanka objections outlined in those cases market to ransom. That is what clear in their global priorities and the uncomfortable. need not have to look around for have been want only overlooked in the happened to Sri Lanka at Hambantota, reasons thereof – whether or not It is not just for commercial reasons, ‘currency swap’ even of $ 100-200 case of the Port City. It was precisely after India repeatedly showed others, especially third nations, as in the case of the West, but owing to millions, which should not have been a the kind of thing done in the case of disinterest. Clearly, no one expected accept them or approve of them. Their ideology and also to keep a tight-fist problem for a middle-income nation, Hambantota even as nothing came of a Chinese monopoly of ‘debt-trap’, political rivals are at it, too, but want over the labour. Ask the Chinese, and pandemic or not. projects that neighbouring India was too. Which is what the debt-equity the western world and the Indian they would tell you, it is all for keeping But that would not still wash out the to have undertaken. swap-deal on Hambantota boils neighbour to believe otherwise. their commitments and deadlines to the past debts, most of it committed to Who is the loser? Not India. down. It is here, any ‘hidden clauses’ The Opposition’s game is up. Unless host-nation, for whom the interest- China. It is not about Governments in Definitely, Indian security concerns, in the Port City pact should be cause the re-branded SJB, from the tired clock would be ticking away, anyway. Colombo, but about creditor-nations. vis a vis, China on Sri Lankan soil for Sri Lanka’s concern. If the and defeated UNP stables, under a They are not going to change the rules, may have heightened a few more Opposition SJB, is aware of such less-cunning Sajith Premadasa, is Swap, another kind that too in debtor’s favour, even if the notches than already after clauses or similar possibilities, they able to actually prove otherwise, the When the talk is about China in Sri Port City prospered for them to gain Hambantota. But the real loser is Sri have not talked. That’s what predecessors have only made it bad Lanka, the phrase ‘swap’ brings to from, more than expected. This is a Lanka, as the Nation is finding for happened with the Hambantota for their types in Sri Lanka. But then mind only the surrender of Sri Lankan burden, the present generation, the Big itself. swap-deal. SJB’s has recently gone territory to the creditor in Hambantota, Two political entities have inflicted on At the height of COVID second The secrecy and speed with which out of the way to reiterate that they as if national sovereignty and territorial future generations, knowingly and wave, every other nation has to rush the previous Government went about are ‘not against China’, as if they integrity are high-value assets that otherwise. Does anyone care? to Sri Lanka’s help, helping to tide the swap-deal processes makes one needed to tear open their chest to could be pledged. But there is the other, (The writer is Distinguished Fellow over the vaccine crisis. It’s just not suspect more than may be necessary show up the sincerity behind their more recent employment of the term, and Head-Chennai Initiative, China’s Sinopharm – whether or not But even today, neither of the two statement. where ‘currency swap’ is in currency. Observer Research Foundation, the you pay for it. India began it, and well, ‘Sinhala majors’ has given a It is a time of reckoning for the China is there, too, in a big way. It is multi-disciplinary Indian public- with early donations, first of testing- convincing answer. Not that anyone, nation, and in more ways than one. not about China or any other. policy think-tank, headquartered in kits and the like, during the first including the Supreme Court, had COVID pandemic has now shown that Bangladesh is only the more recent New Delhi. email: sathiyam54@ wave. This was followed by the Indian sought any. there are times when Sri Lanka will instance in which the nation has nsathiyamoorthy.com) Significance of June The entire world is preoccupied with reaction to the name, at least to me is: married in June hence the term – COVID-19. Some countries like the Poson, the religion brought over by ‘June bride.’ Connotations for June US, went on the attack and ferociously Mahinda Thera, son of Emperor Asoka are thus flowers and bouquets of white inoculated all who were willing to be of India, officially sanctioned as the blossoms, joy and love, celebration and jabbed, with the free to all Pfizer religion of Lanka by King togetherness. All stymied at present vaccine. They over there are having Devanampiyatissa, Thoughts go to with the rule - No wedding their parties, moving around freely and Mihintale. celebrations. getting back to normal, or rather, a The origin of the name of the month new normal. Vietnam was an example is traced to Rome. The name June is Anniversaries of a country that held the virus at bay. derived from Goddess Juno, who is the Wading through an Internet date by Very unfortunately a new strain has goddess of marriage and wife of the date list of June anniversaries down entered the country and infected supreme deity Jupiter. Another traced the years, I picked out some that many. Sri Lanka is one of the most descent of the name June is from the appealed to me. Here they are: unfortunate. We lost the chance to Latin world iuniores meaning ‘younger 1953 – Queen Elizabeth crowned in maintain the head start we had last ones’. This is the opposite of maiores Westminster Abbey. Remembered now year of actually downing the virus. So or ‘elders’. The name May may be soon after her beloved Philip’s death, is few fell ill and very few died. Not so derived from this second Latin word. the promise he made to be her “liege now. The infection has spread socially The flower symbols for June are the man of life and limb.” and is causing a disaster. rose and honeysuckle; gemstones – 1937 – six months after abdicating Away with gloom pearl, alexandrite and moonstone; the British throne, Edward, Duke of Zodiac signs - Gemini and Cancer. Windsor, marries the twice divorced Peradeniya Botanical gardens on a sunny June day and doom! Thus we have June being the month Wallis Simpson in France. of and for youth and also the month of 1940 – Winston Churchill makes his by Allied Forces landing in Normandy, used the date - Jan 16 - for his novel But let’s get away from this dismal marriage. Both these are facts present famous “we will fight on the beaches…” this time to succeed in infiltration and Ulysses as the one day of the subject and move to a more mood- even today. Weddings of those speech to rally British to fight the defeat of the Nazis. protagonist’s life described. uplifting reflection. What better than to ‘westernised’ as we say of most Germans when the Germans were 1215 – The British Magna Carta 1945 - At a conference in San ponder over the month that has just Christians and English speakers gaining the upper hand. accepted and signed. Francisco, 50 nations signed the come to us, right in the middle of the among us, feel the buoyancy of youth 1944 – the largest amphibious 1922 – James Joyce began his charter creating the United Nations. year as we are: June! Immediate in this season and also decide to get military undertaking in history began relationship with Nora Barnacle and Date 26/6 A6 tuesday 15 june 2021 asia

New Delhi, India COVID-19 curbs Suu Kyi’s trial gently eases As new cases dip to two-month low

Many Indian States eased parks remained shut. coronavirus restrictions on City Chief Minister Arvind Monday (14), including the Kejriwal said that markets capital Delhi, where and restaurants would be set to start in authorities allowed all shops carefully watched this week. and malls to open, as the “If we see coronavirus number of new infections cases are going up, we will dropped to the lowest in have to reimpose strict more than two months. restrictions,” Kejriwal said in Experts have cautioned a televised address on against a full re-opening as Sunday (13). India has vaccinated only Hospitals in Delhi had Myanmar about five per cent of its struggled to provide oxygen estimated 950 million adults cylinders and beds to with the necessary two patients last month as Junta rejects UN Rights Chief’s statement doses, leaving millions infections surged but earlier vulnerable. this month, the city allowed The trial of Myanmar’s Commissioner for Human Infections peaked in India businesses to bring back 50 ousted Leader Aung San Suu Rights Michelle Bachelet said in May with about 400,000 per cent of employees and Kyi was set to start on Monday on Friday (11), that violence new cases a day but that they partially resumed (14), as the junta that was intensifying and dropped to 70,421 new public transport. overthrew her elected condemned the army’s infections reported on In the southern State of Government rejected criticism “outrageous” use of heavy Monday, the lowest daily Tamil Nadu, known for by the UN High Commissioner weapons. increase since 31 March automobile manufacturing, for Human Rights over its use Bachelet said the junta had Health Ministry data some businesses were of deadly force against shown no willingness to showed. allowed to bring back 50 per protesters. implement a five-point The number of deaths went cent of employees and salons Myanmar has been in consensus it agreed with the up by 3,921, the data and liquor shops re-opened. turmoil since the junta seized Association of Southeast Asian showed. Bus services remained power on 1 February and Nations (ASEAN) in April to India has had the second- suspended until 21 June. detained Suu Kyi and other halt violence and start highest tally of COVID-19 In Bengaluru, the capital senior members of her party, dialogue with its opponents. infections in the world after of neighbouring Karnataka unleashing daily protests and In a Press release, the United States, with 29.51 state and a major tech hub, fighting between the armed Myanmar’s junta-led Ministry million cases and 374,305 traffic returned to the streets forces and ethnic minority of Foreign Affairs rejected deaths, according to ministry as authorities allowed the guerrilla forces and militias. Bachelet’s statement, data. partial re-opening of Suu Kyi, 75, is due to face questioning the accuracy and Authorities in Delhi businesses though strict trial on Monday on charges of impartiality of the report. allowed all shops and malls night and weekend curfews breaching coronavirus “The report neither to re-open although bars, remained in place. regulations while campaigning mentioned nor condemned the gyms, salons, cinemas and (Reuters) for the election she won last acts of sabotage and terrorism November and also for committed by the unlawful possession of unlicensed associations and terrorist walkie-talkies. groups as well as the The first trial is expected to sufferings and deaths of the run until the end of July, her security forces,” it said. lawyer said. The junta has branded a Nobel laureate Suu Kyi also rival National Unity faces other more serious Myanmar’s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi attends Invest Government set up by charges including intent to Myanmar in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, 28 January 2019 (Reuters) supporters of Suu Kyi as a incite, breaching the official terrorist group and blamed it secrets act and charges for dropped, resulting in her though the junta disputes the for bombings, arson and accepting USD 600,000 and immediate and unconditional number. killings. 11.4 kg worth of gold from release.” Pro-democracy supporters Myanmar’s junta-controlled Yangon’s Former Chief The army says it took power took to the streets of the main Media on Monday accused an Minister. by force because Suu Kyi’s city of Yangon on Monday, ethnic armed group of killing Rohan Aggarwal, 26, a resident doctor treating patients suffering Her legal team have denied party won the election through some chanting ‘revolutionary 25 construction workers in the from the COVID-19, tends to a patient during his 27-hour shift at any wrong doing by Suu Kyi voter fraud, an accusation war, we participate’, according east of the country after Holy Family Hospital in New Delhi, India, 1 May 2021 (Reuters) and her Chief Lawyer Khin rejected by the previous to social media posts. abducting a group of 47 people Maung Zaw called the most election commission and Some activists said they last month. recent corruption charges international monitors. planned to stage a series of Reuters was unable to reach “absurd”. Myanmar’s Security Forces strikes and protests on the Karen National Defence Phil Robertson, Deputy Asia have killed at least 862 people Monday to coincide with the Organisation (KNDO) for Director, Human Rights during their crackdown on birthday of Che Guevara, a comment on the accusation. China urges G7 to stop Watch, said in a statement the protests since the coup, Latin American revolutionary The junta spokesman did not charges Suu Kyi faced “are according to the Assistance who became an international answer calls to seek further bogus, and politically Association for Political icon after his death. comment. slandering country motivated” and “should be Prisoners, an activist group, The United Nations High (Reuters) Denounces joint statement China denounced on welcomed the G7 statement, Monday (14), a joint saying the Chinese-claimed statement by the Group of Island will be a ‘force for Kabul, Manila, Philippines Seven leaders that had good’ and that they will scolded Beijing over a range continue to seek even greater of issues as a gross international support. Full hospitals close interference in the country’s White House national internal affairs, and urged security adviser Jake doors to new patients the grouping to stop Sullivan said Sunday’s slandering China. statement from G7 was a The G7 leaders on Sunday significant move forward for as COVID-19 surges (13), took China to task over the group as leaders rallied The two main hospitals authorised to speak publicly human rights in the heavily around the need to ‘counter treating people with COVID- about the matter. Muslim region of Xinjiang, and compete’ with China on 19 in Afghanistan have had The official said the two called for Hong Kong to keep challenges ranging from to close their doors to new hospitals, both in the capital a high degree of autonomy safeguarding democracy to patients because of a lack of Kabul, were facing persistent and underscored the the technology race. beds, a senior health official shortages of oxygen and importance of peace and China’s Embassy said the and doctors said on Monday other medical supplies. stability across the Taiwan G7 should do more that is (14). Afghanistan is grappling Mirwais Alizay, deputy Strait - all highly sensitive conducive to promoting with a third wave of the Health Ministry issues for Beijing. international cooperation pandemic, with a record spokesperson, said hospitals China’s Embassy in instead of artificially creating number of infections and had close sometimes due to London said it was strongly confrontation and friction. deaths being reported amid a higher patient numbers but dissatisfied and resolutely “We urge the United States surge in violence as U.S.-led he denied that hospitals were opposed to mentions of and other members of the G7 international forces withdraw facing serious shortages of Xinjiang, Hong Kong and to respect the facts, and Taliban insurgents go on supplies, saying issues with Taiwan that distorted the understand the situation, the offensive. oxygen had been solved. facts and exposed the stop slandering China, stop “Both Afghan Japan and Masi Noori, a doctor at ‘sinister intentions of a few interfering in China’s Ali Jinnah hospitals had to Afghan Japan hospital, said countries such as the United internal affairs, and stop close their doors because it had been closed to new States’. harming China’s interests.” they had no more beds or patients for several days With the COVID-19 The embassy also said resources,” the health official because it had run out of pandemic still raging and work on looking at the said on condition of beds. global economy sluggish, the origins of the COVID-19 anonymity as they were not (Reuters) international community pandemic should not be needs unity and cooperation politicised, after the G7 in of all countries rather than the same statement U.S. Military Forces cross a flooded area near the shore during the annual Philippines-US amphibious landing exercise at San Antonio, ‘cliquey’ power politics demanded a full and Zambales province, Philippines, 7 October 2016 (Reuters) sowing division, it added. thorough investigation of the China is a peace-loving origins of the coronavirus in country that advocates China. Plan to scrap troop pact cooperation, but also has its The joint expert group on bottom lines, the embassy the virus between China and with U.S. suspended said. the World Health “China’s internal affairs Organisation has been The Philippines has suspended for the third time its decision must not be interfered in, conducting research to scrap a two-decade-old Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with China’s reputation must not independently and following the United States, its foreign minister said on Monday (14). be slandered, and China’s WHO procedures, the Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin said the suspension interests must not be embassy added. would be for a further six months while President Rodrigo violated,” it added. “Politicians in the United Duterte “studies, and both sides further address his concerns “We will resolutely defend States and other countries regarding, particular aspects of the agreement”. our national sovereignty, ignore facts and science, The Philippines is a treaty ally of the United States, and security, and development openly question and deny the several military agreements are dependent on the VFA. Duterte interests, and resolutely fight conclusions of the joint last year notified Washington he was cancelling the deal, which back against all kinds of expert group report, and A hospital worker receives the first dose of AstraZeneca’s vaccine came amid outrage over a senator and ally being denied a U.S. injustices and infringements make unreasonable against COVID-19 at a hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan, 28 February visa. imposed on China.” accusations against China.” 2021 (Reuters) (Reuters) Taiwan’s Government (Reuters) world tuesday 15 june 2021 A7 Brussels, Belgium Israel’s New Government Begins, Netanyahu Era Ends The first Israeli Government in 12 years not led by Benjamin Netanyahu got down to business on Monday (14), with the former Prime Minister shying away from a handover ceremony with successor Naftali Bennett. The right-wing leader's record run in office ended on Sunday (13), with Parliament approving, by a razor-thin majority of 60-59, a new administration led by Bennett, a nationalist whose views mirror Netanyahu's on many issues. In Tel Aviv, thousands turned out to Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives ahead of a NATO Summit, at welcome the result, after four Brussels Military Airport in Melsbroek, Belgium (Reuters) inconclusive elections in two years. "I am here celebrating the end of an era in Israel," said Erez Biezuner in Rabin Square. "We want them to succeed and to unite NATO to us again," he added, as flag-waving supporters of the new Government sang and danced around him. A combative Netanyahu, 71, said he would be back sooner than expected. toughen "If we are destined to go into the opposition, we will do so with our heads held high until we can topple it," he told People celebrate after Israel’s Parliament voted in a new coalition Government, ending Parliament before Bennett was sworn in. Benjamin Netanyahu’s 12-year hold on power, at Rabin Square in Tel Aviv, Israel (Reuters) G7 message The traditional handover ceremony was not scheduled at the Prime Minister's diplomatic and security advisers to U.S. President Joe Biden congratulated office, where Netanyahu was expected to ensure an orderly handover. Bennett and Lapid, saying he looked meet Bennett later on Monday to brief him After holding its first meeting late on forward to strengthening the ‘close and on China on State matters. Sunday, Bennett's new cabinet was enduring’ relationship between the two The last time Netanyahu was unseated invited for a traditional group photograph, countries. as Israel's leader, in 1999, he ended his showcasing incoming Governments, at Addressing Parliament on Sunday, Despite Beijing’s cries of ‘slander’ first term in office with a glass of wine in the official residence of President Reuven Bennett put Biden on notice that he his hand and affable words of welcome to Rivlin. would follow in Netanyahu's footsteps in NATO leaders are Britain over the weekend then-Labour party leader Ehud Barak, With little in common other than a opposing any U.S. return to the 2015 Iran expected to brand China a scolded China over human who defeated him at the polls. desire to unseat Netanyahu, the nuclear deal abrogated by former security risk to the Western rights in its Xinjiang region, "Sour, grumpy, not stately – Trump-like patchwork coalition of right-wing, President Donald Trump. alliance when they meet on called for Hong Kong to keep until the final moment," Yossi Verter, a centrist, left-wing and Arab parties largely Netanyahu was Israel's longest-serving Monday (14), a day after the a high degree of autonomy political affairs commentator, wrote in the plans to avoid sweeping moves on hot- leader, and had served consecutive terms Group of Seven rich nations and demanded a full and left-leaning Haaretz newspaper. button issues such as policy towards the as Prime Minister since 2009. issued a statement on thorough investigation of Asked why there would be no such Palestinians, and to focus instead on He used his global stature to resist calls human rights in China and the origins of the scene now, Topaz Luk, a senior aide to domestic reforms. for Palestinian statehood, describing it as Taiwan that Beijing said coronavirus in China. Netanyahu, told Army Radio: ‘That's just Palestinians were unmoved by the a danger to Israel's security. He sought to slandered its reputation. China's Embassy in what happens.’ change of administration, predicting that bypass the Palestinian issue by forging NATO Secretary-General London said it was Netanyahu, he said, was "filled with Bennett, a former Defence Chief who diplomatic deals with regional Arab Jens Stoltenberg has resolutely opposed to motivation to topple this dangerous advocates annexing parts of the occupied States, on the back of shared fears of Iran described the summit, mentions of Xinjiang, Hong Government as quickly as possible". Luk West Bank, would pursue the same right- and its nuclear programme. which U.S. President Joe Kong and Taiwan, which it declined to disclose Netanyahu's wing agenda as Netanyahu. But he was a divisive figure at home and Biden will attend for the said distorted the facts and comeback strategy, pointing only to the Under the coalition deal, Bennett, a abroad, weakened by repeated failure to first time, as a ‘pivotal exposed the ‘sinister new administration's slim margin of 49-year-old Orthodox Jew and high-tech clinch a decisive election victory, and by a moment’. intentions of a few countries support in Parliament. millionaire, will be replaced as prime corruption trial in which he has denied Members aim to show that such as the United States’. Luk said the incoming Government was minister in 2023 by centrist Yair Lapid, any wrongdoing. the seven-decades-old "China's reputation must receiving briefings from Netanyahu's 57, a popular former television host. (Reuters) defence alliance remains a not be slandered," the central support for U.S. embassy said on Monday. efforts to uphold peace and White House national democracy around the security adviser Jake world, including standing Sullivan said on Sunday Lagos, Nigeria Managua, Nicaragua up to China and its rapid (13), G7 Leaders had rallied military rise. around the need to ‘counter "We know that China does and compete’ with China on Five Ortega not share our values ... we challenges ranging from need to respond together as safeguarding democracy to an alliance," Stoltenberg technology. critics jailed said as he arrived for the "China will feature in the one-day summit in (NATO) communique in a Brussels. more robust way than we've as political "China is coming closer to ever seen before," Sullivan us. We see them in cyber told reporters aboard Lagos based space, we see China in Biden's plane, Air Force entrepreneur crisis deepens Africa, but we also see One, from the G7 Summit in Ogechi Egemonu China investing heavily in England to the Belgian opens the Twitter Nicaraguan Police arrested and jailed five our own critical capital. app on a smart prominent opponents of President Daniel Ortega infrastructure," he said, a Since Russia's 2014 phone at her over the weekend, including one-time rebel allies reference to ports and annexation of Crimea, NATO office in Lagos, who denounced the detentions as an assault on Nigeria (Reuters) telecoms networks. has modernised its defences democracy. Diplomats said the NATO but has only recently begun The arrests beginning late on Saturday (12), Summit's final communique to look more seriously at marked a deepening political crisis in the Central would not call China an any potential threat from American nation, ahead of an election in November adversary - and Stoltenberg Chinese ambitions. Twitter ban leaves in which the leftist Ortega, 75, is seeking to extend said China was not an From China's investments his 14 years as President. enemy - but would in European ports and Over the past few weeks, a dozen opposition demonstrate concern, plans to set up military figures have been arrested on orders from Ortega's calling it a "systemic" bases in Africa to joint some businesses security apparatus, including four declared challenge to Atlantic military exercises with presidential rivals. Ortega loyalists argue they are security as it joins Russia Russia in the Baltic, NATO only enforcing the law, which prohibits would-be with military drills, is now agreed that Beijing's in the lurch candidates from receiving foreign financing or the launches cyber attacks and rise deserves a strong publication of information the Government rapidly builds up its Navy. response. Lagos-based entrepreneur Ogechi accessible using Virtual Private determines to be false. In statements, the Police G7 nations meeting in (Reuters) Egemonu was selling more than Networks that mask location - could blamed the detainees for seeking to undermine the 500,000 naira (USD 1,219) worth of ripple across the economy. country's independence and sovereignty, as well as watches, shoes and handbags on "The ban has significant collateral for "inciting foreign interference in internal affairs, Twitter per week. Now, with the site damage," said Muda Yusuf, director requesting military interventions and organising Riyadh, Saudi Arabia suspended by the Nigerian general of the Lagos Chamber of with foreign financing." government, Egemonu does not Commerce, who said that a "sizeable The latest raids targeted the leadership of the know how she will cope. number of citizens" use Twitter to leftist opposition Unamos party, including its Drone falls on "Social media is where I eat," she make a living. Parliament's minority president, Suyen Barahona, and former General told Reuters. "I depend on social caucus warned the suspension was Hugo Torres. Unamos is made up of many former media for my livelihood." costing Nigerians "billions of naira on Ortega allies like Torres, who fought alongside him school in Scores of small and medium-sized a daily basis." Dumebi Iyeke, a in the late 1970s as they drove right-wing dictator businesses across Africa's most research analyst with the Financial Anastasio Somoza from power. Just before he was populous nation - and largest Derivatives Company, said it would arrested, the 73-year-old Torres uploaded a video Aseer Province, economy - are reeling from the hit young Nigerians - among whom that denounced Ortega for launching a "second indefinite suspension of the social there is a 45 per cent unemployment dictatorship" and betraying the values he once media site. Nigeria announced the rate - the hardest. championed. no injuries suspension on 4 June, days after the "We are looking at a potential loss "These are desperate acts from a regime that can platform removed a post from in their revenue," Iyeke said, adding feel itself dying," he said. Critical journalists have – State Media President Muhammadu Buhari that that it could further lower living also been questioned by authorities in recent threatened to punish regional standards amid high inflation. weeks. Last week, a senior U.S. diplomat blasted A drone rigged with explosives fell on a school in Saudi separatists. Most Information Minister Lai the ‘wave of repression’ by Ortega and his allies, Arabia's Aseer Province on Sunday (13), Saudi State TV and telecommunications sites have since Mohammed last week said that all adding the United States is prepared to review trade State news agency (SPA) said, adding no injuries were reported. blocked access. social media sites must register a relations with Nicaragua if the upcoming election is The agency said civil defence authorities had received a report NOI Polls estimates that 39.6 local entity and get a license to not free and fair. that a projectile launched from Yemen by the Houthi movement million Nigerians use Twitter – 20 per operate. He cited complaints over lost "These actions against the Unamos leadership are had fallen on a school in Aseer. The projectile turned out to be a cent of them for business money as proof that the ban was part of an escalation of repression from the Ortega drone, the agency reported, citing the Aseer civil defence advertisement and 18 per cent to effective, but said other sites are still regime against the democratic opposition," Unamos directorate. look for employment. Experts warn available. said in a statement. (Reuters) its lack of ready availability - it is (Reuters) (Reuters) TUESDAY 15 JUNE 2021

Way Forward For Sustainability of Future ADB Loans due to Sri Lanka’s High Debt Working on PPPs With GoSL as Solution By Paneetha Ameresekere – ADB Energy Specialist Asian Development Bank’s (ADB’s) solution to providing soft houses and buildings thereby loans for renewable energy (RE) supporting RE generation. projects in Sri Lanka in the The project is expected to instal backdrop of the Government of Sri approximately 60 MW of solar Lanka’s (GoSL’s) high debt profile rooftop installations. The project is through public-private has so far approved more than Email: [email protected] partnerships (PPPs), ADB’s Senior 4,500 applications for installation Energy Specialist Jaimes of about 50 MW and completed Kolantharaj told Ceylon FT. more than 2,800 installations. Monday Markets His answer by e-mail was in ADB has also supported the response to a question posed by preparation of rooftop solar Ceylon FT also by e-mail on operations manual that includes GoSL’s FVMP Debt Thursday, where he was asked, the procedures and technical “Sri Lanka has a high debt profile, guidelines to ensure equipment Passes Rs 900 B easily over 100 per cent of GDP. and installations’ quality and Isn’t that a stumbling block to provide capacity building and after 39 Days receive ADB aid?” awareness activities across all Kolantharaj, based in ADB stakeholders in the rooftop solar Headquarters, Manila, in response value chain. A website (RSPGP) By Paneetha Ameresekere said, “ADB works closely with be financed through loan savings ADB is also supporting has also been launched to provide GoSL to identify priority areas and secured due to efficient environmental and social impact detailed information of the project. Government of Sri Lanka’s (GoSL’s) face finance critical development procurement and this will increase assessment of Pooneryn solar and value money printing (FVMP) debt passed expenditure as well as to facilitate the total wind farm capacity to 125 wind hybrid park where wind farm Any plans for the Rs 900 billion after 39 days yesterday, with private sector participation in MW. capacity is estimated to be expansion of household its non-demand pull inflationary FVMP development-related investments.” The wind farm is also equipped approximately 140 MW and a 100 solar grids? debt increasing by 2.50 per cent (Rs Given below are answers (A) to with radar-based bird detection MW Solar project at A: ADB is in discussions with 22,001 million) to Rs 903,119.37 million. other questions (Q) given by systems that tracks incoming Siyabalanduwa. GoSL in understanding the GoSL’s FVMP debt has been over Rs 0.5 Kolantharaj. migratory birds and shuts down possibility of expanding the trillion for a record 147 consecutive market turbines to avoid any collision. It A synopsis of your support for the rooftop solar power days to yesterday due to a lack of revenue. A synopsis of ADB funded creates an environment for further household solar ‘micro’ programme. There is a potential for GoSL’s money printing borrowing costs Mannar Wind Power wind power development through plants? providing additional support to (MPBCs) sharply decreased by 2.01 per Plant? public-private partnerships (PPPs). A: In 2017 ADB approved a $50 scale up this programme in an cent (Rs424.90million) to Rs 20,763.53 A: ADB approved a US$ 200 million loan for Sri Lanka’s rooftop optimal way. million, yesterday, due to investors buying million loan in October 2017 to Any future wind power solar generation project through a ADB is also conducting pilot into low returns Treasury T-Bills and support the Mannar wind farm. plants? credit line. The project is in line prefeasibility studies to T-Bonds in secondary market trading The project has installed 30 state- A: Mannar region has an with GoSL’s ‘Soorya Bala understand the potential of small rather than lend to the lucrative private of-the-art wind turbines with a additional 200 MW potential which Sangramaya,’ (Battle for Solar scale waste-to-energy plants and sector, the engine of growth, due to total installed capacity of 103.5 is expected to be developed in 100 Energy) which envisions to instal also planning to initiate feasibility sustained uncertainty. MW completed by Q1 2021. ADB is MW phases. ADB will support 1000MW by 2025. This project studies on battery energy storage Liquidity decreased for the second currently supporting the capacity GoSL in conducting necessary provides financing to households systems and other emerging RE consecutive market day to yesterday, this enhancement of Mannar wind farm studies, financing power and businesses and encourage technologies such as floating solar time by Rs 43,595 million (US$218.32 with an additional six turbines to evacuation facilities and facilitate them to become electricity installation which has potential in million) led by the settlement/s of GoSL’s be installed within the same land the development of subsequent consumers, by installing solar PV Sri Lanka to increase RE foreign debt servicing commitments and/or area. This additional capacity will phases of Mannar through PPPs. generation facilities atop their penetration. CBSL’s swaps with the market and/or CBSL’s US dollar sales to and/or swaps with GoSL during trading. Transactions between GoSL and CBSL are foreign reserves neutral. Conversions are based on CBSL’s administered ‘spot’ on Thursday FDI Can Help Sri Lanka C T Holdings PLC records which was Rs 199.68 to the dollar. The country’s foreign reserves bled by profit of Rs 3.3 Bn for 2020 $1.2 billion in the first quarter due to Build Back Better - WB GoSL’s foreign debt servicing commitments Sri Lanka’s seven year old, The sector reported revenues of Rs which total $ four billion for the full year, The COVID-19 crisis can be an Cargills Bank recorded losses 89.6 billion which is up Rs 3.0 where the market is avoided to meet such opportunity for Sri Lanka to push amounting to Rs 744 million for billion over the previous year. The liabilities for fear that that would cause forward policies that will enable the year 2020, on account of the sector continues to expand its further depreciative pressure on the rupee the country to build back better weak loan book and thinning net footprint throughout the country and where such liabilities are met from the with stronger measures to attract interest margins, C T Holdings opening 43 new stores taking the country’s foreign reserves. much needed Foreign Direct PLC, Chairman Louis Page stated outlet count to over 450. Operating The benchmark administered ‘spot’ was Investment (FDI). in its Annual Report. profits for the year amounted to Rs administratively kept unchanged at Rs Faris Hadad-Zervos, World “Nevertheless, the Group sees 2.6 billion compared to Rs 3.1 199.75/200.25 to the dollar for the Bank Country Director for Sri many positives in the Bank’s billion in the previous year. The 19th consecutive market day to yesterday Lanka, and Maldives future performance with a new sector presently employs over in the interbank foreign exchange (FX) speaking during a panel leadership aligned to the original 7,500 employees across every market, with no trades done, led by moral discussion at the virtual Sri business philosophy and single district of the island. suasion. Lanka Investment Forum objectives of the Bank. Leveraging The restaurant sector (KFC) was Friday was also the 31st consecutive 2021 organised by the Ceylon on the islandwide network of the predictably impacted by the market day than no trades were executed Chamber of Commerce (CCC) last Faris Hadad-Zervos Group and networking reluctance of customers to eat out in the interbank FX market. Nonetheless, week focused on the importance opportunities, a clear path has in the current situation. Volumes the unsaid market exchange rate (MER) FDI plays in Sri Lanka’s post- play in helping Sri Lanka leverage been drawn up for improved were also impacted by periods of has theoretically depreciated by between pandemic recovery and future its potential and diversify its performance in the medium term,” total lockdown. However, the Rs 12.25-11.75 (6.53-6.23 per cent) in two economic growth. export and investment sources. he stated. sector saw growth in the take way quotes in the calendar year He pointed out that Sri Lanka is Many Sri Lankan companies have Group revenue for the year home and delivery channels which to yesterday and year on year by between capable of meeting its goal of already tapped into this amounted to Rs 112.9 billion compensated for reduction in the Rs 14.40-14.85 (7. 77-8.01 per cent), attracting $5 billion FDI by 2025. opportunity and have become compared to Rs 107.8 billion in the eat-in volumes at the restaurants. thereby causing cost-push inflationary Higher levels of FDI would also global players in multiple previous year. Profit for the year The sector continued to evolve pressure in the event trades were executed strengthen exports, foster growth markets. amounted to Rs. 3.3 billion strategies to manage operating at those administered prices. and assist the country to put its The Country Director called for compared to Rs 2.7 billion in the costs to cover and indeed exceed debt on a more sustainable policy makers to focus on export previous year. the impact of reduced volumes and footing. earnings in comparison to overall The retail and wholesale suffering a decline of 17.6% on the “We believe this is entirely GDP and track its growth distribution sector (Food City) top line. However, bottom-line doable given the country’s rich consistently to identify what continues to be the largest performance achieved a growth of natural resources, strategic policy changes are needed to contributor to the Group’s top line. 14.4% over the previous year. (IG) Shares Start New location, highly literate workforce improve competitiveness and and opportunities for investment reach. He also advocated for a Week in the Red in tourism, IT enabled services, fresh look at tariff systems and logistics, high value-added improved access to intermediate By Mario Andree apparel and food services among imports needed for export value Adani Stocks Plunge as Some others.” addition. Despite closing the previous week at an However, for Sri Lanka to “Where can policy makers eight-week high, the Colombo Stock leverage on these competitive create an equal system to tap into Foreign Investor Accounts Frozen Exchange started the new week on Monday advantages Hadad-Zervos called this innovative drive in the larger Shares of some companies much as 19%. Adani Total Gas (14) on a negative footing as the benchmark for the country to focus on existing manufacturing sectors, controlled by billionaire Gautam Ltd., Adani Green Energy Ltd., index posted losses on a relatively lower comprehensive reforms to such as apparel and Adani plunged after a report said Adani Power Ltd. and Adani turnover with continued foreign exits. increase productivity and entrepreneurial dynamism in accounts of three Mauritius-based Transmission Ltd. all fell by their The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI), competitiveness. niche sectors such as ICT and funds that own the group’s stocks 5% limit. which started the day at 7,610.30 points, “The Government needs to set high tech products to fully have been frozen. The National An Adani Group spokesperson peaked to 7,623.55 points during the early in place a collective set of policies harness Sri Lanka’s competitive Securities Depository Ltd. froze the declined to comment immediately. A hours before crashing to 7,553.64 points and practices that make up an advantage and integrate further accounts of Albula Investment spokesperson for capital markets during mid-day and then recovered to settle at investment ecosystem, ranging into the global value chain? These Fund, Cresta Fund and APMS regulator Sebi didn’t immediately 7,582.27 points, down 28.03 points (0.37 per from improvements of the sectors have scaled up with the Investment Fund effective 31 May, respond to a request for comments. cent) compared to previous day’s close. investment climate, elimination of latest outside technologies and according to the NSDL’s website. Authorities must be “vigilant” on The more liquid S&P SL20, which started unnecessary regulatory burdens experiences for the potential to The action could be due to the sharp price moves in Adani the day with 3,067.03 points, gained to to enhancing predictability of drive Sri Lanka’s transformation.” insufficient disclosure of Group stocks, said Shriram 3,069.79 points during the early hours laws and responsiveness of In the short-term Sri Lanka, information regarding beneficial Subramanian, founder of proxy before crashing to 3,037.83 points during bureaucracy to deliver effective much like many other developing ownership, the Economic Times advisory firm InGovern Research mid-day and then recovered to 3,054.94 FDI services,” he told the online countries around the world, will newspaper reported on Monday, Services Pvt. points, down 12.09 points (0.39 per cent) gathering. “What we have seen in also face a challenging balancing citing people it didn’t identify. “Sebi should also investigate the compared to the previous day’s close. other countries is that investment act between maintaining fiscal The funds, registered at the same concentration of holdings by select The day’s turnover neared Rs 1.36 billion, promotion is the beginning of the sustainability and jump-starting address in Port Louis, own more funds without disclosure of higher than the Rs 2.27 billion recorded game and not the end. The name economic recovery. than 435 billion rupees ($6 billion) beneficial owners,” he said. during the Market’s previous day’s trading. of the game is attracting and “Sri Lanka should use the in four Adani Group firms, the A sharp rally in the shares of Shares of 247 listed companies were traded retaining efficiency seeking FDI.” pandemic to churn challenge into report said, adding that the frozen some of the Adani Group companies during the day of which 104 were losers Sri Lanka is currently placed opportunity, to tackle the accounts won’t be able to sell or had added over $40 billion to ahead of 51 winners. 99th in the latest Ease of Doing fundamental core issues that buy new securities. Adani Gautam Adani’s wealth this year More than 68.97 million shares changed Business rankings compiled by existed before COVID-19 to build Enterprises Ltd. dropped as much through Friday, making him the hands during the 18,709 trades that took the World Bank. Hadad- Zervos back better, greener and with as 25% while Adani Ports & Special second-richest person in Asia. place. pointed out FDI has a huge role to more agility.” Economic Zone Ltd. slipped as (Bloomberg) b2 Ceylon FT Tuesday 15 june 2020 Focus /News Connectivity to Enhance Food Access During Lockdowns Ensuring smooth functioning of food chains is of paramount importance

By Isuru Samaratunga strategies. Supermarkets introduced challenge for small grocery shop online-queues to order products and owners, leading to them being left The COVID-19 pandemic has caused enhanced their inventory management, behind in times of crisis. unprecedented stress on food supply where the upgraded facilities served In 2019, only 4% of SMEs used chains due to momentous shifts in the consumer demand better. Online mobile money services. The COVID 19 demand and significant restrictions in delivery platforms such as PickMe and lockdowns created a clear need for the supply value chain and supply. Uber partnered with supermarkets SMEs to get connected and use digital Such strains are well visible when the ensuring timely delivery. However, the platforms to provide their services. public is compelled to remain in local grocery stores could not be on par Digital payment services play an lockdown conditions. LIRNEasia with the supermarkets in terms of important role in the interactions researched households and retailers digital adaptation and consequently during the pandemic. However digital for over a period of 14 days during the their service to consumers initiatives for these corner shops second wave of the pandemic in Sri deteriorated. According to the should not be limited to payment Lanka in November 2020, when interviews conducted with grocery platforms. Digitalized inventory lockdown measures were imposed in shop owners, their businesses were not management could ensure sustainable certain areas in Gampaha District. profitable during the second wave. A product supply. Marketing campaigns Real time information from the consumers’ demand increased for rice, grocery shops, mobile vendors that reason highlighted was that their could be digitalized to reach a wider research participants were collected grain-based products, sugar, snacks came to their neighbourhoods, and customers moving to upgraded, more customer base. Moreover, usable through online platforms such as and milk powder;presumably because online platforms. During the first efficient online ordering systems of the consumer insights couldbe generated WhatsApp and Messenger. Our people were focusing on products with lockdown (March- June 2020) grocery supermarkets, and supplier focus through digital platforms.At the end, research revealed several bottlenecks longer shelf life. Panic buying shops competitively provided shifting away from the groceries and consumer relations of the shop owners of food access experienced by the contributed to a significant rise in food satisfactory service to their customers towards supermarkets. would be enhanced, making the people living under lockdown prices resulting in some store shelves unlike the supermarkets who were “The pandemic is not going to end in businesses resilient during lockdowns. condition. temporarily being emptied. Fresh unprepared. Grocery shop owners the near future, so we have to be In China, an Ali Baba initiative called Movement restrictions and vegetable prices went up since the capitalized on the social relations they prepared for digital adaptation. We can Ling Shou Tong (retail integrated) Manning Market was closed and had with the consumers in the locality adopted the system of online ordering offered a suite of new services to high prices are affecting grocery shop owners had to buy fresh and essential items were delivered to and delivering. But we need to find digitalize classic Mom and Pop shops. food security vegetable from other accessible households. Grocery shops quickly good suppliers such as wholesale The initiative was to digitalize the entire markets. adapted to the situation by taking food shops or Sathosa. So we can look after retail value chain for the benefit of both During a lockdown, there is a risk to Movement restrictions disrupted the orders via phone calls and WhatsApp. customers in our village and that merchant and consumer. food security when consumers are food distribution to local outlets, which Supermarket chains were unable to would be enough business for us” a Grocery shop digitalization will not unable to access food. World Food may have resulted in a temporary rise cope with online demand, and those grocery shop owner mentioned. only minimize the barriers in the food Summit in 1996 empathized physical, in food prices. Getting travel permits to who purchased products from Changing grocers’ methods supply chain butwill prevent the economic and social barriers of food source, sell and deliver food items was supermarkets through online spread of pandemic by minimizing access. Physical barriers explain difficult for retail shop owners since the platforms mentioned severe delays in to enhance food access human interactions. In the long term, logistical dimensions. For instance, procedure to obtain travel permits was delivery and lack of products to Digitalization, or the lack thereof, digitalizing small retailers could reduce even though the food is produced in an not clearly defined. Though the World purchase online. has been a long standing challenge for the negative impacts on the economy area, but due to limits to or no Bank and ICTA have initiated a digital Digital response from smallholders. A study conducted by and will improve food access. transport facilities, getting it across to platform to process travel permit LIRNEasia (in 2019 before the COVID Isuru Samaratungais a wherever it is needed becomes an requests, thereby making the process supermarket chains led pandemic) revealed that Small and Researcher at LIRNEasia, which is issue. Lack of information too faster, it is yet to be implemented. to reversal of fates by the Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) do not an information and communication regarding those who actually need food Grocers thrived during see the need to be connected, technology (ICT) policy and in another area may contribute to them second lockdown despiteevidence that connected SMEs regulation think-tank active in the not getting it. Additionally, food should first lockdown, while According to grocery shop owners earn 2.8 times the revenue, and 2 Asia Pacific region. The author has be affordable and people who need it, supermarkets faltered and consumers, by the time the second times the profit of their unconnected expertise in inductive approach of should have financial ability to lockdown was implemented, the counterparts. Consequently, only 40% qualitative data analysis and use of purchase. Those under lockdown conditions supermarkets had adapted to the of SMEs used the internet or social research findings for human- The research revealed that at the bought food from a variety of sources, situation by upgrading their online media. Evidence from our latest centred design. He can be contacted start of the second wave of lockdown, including supermarkets, nearby ordering procedures and distribution research indicates that this has been a on [email protected].

Malware and ransom-ware encounter rates DFCC Bank Implements Non Face to Face Microsoft telemetry shows Digital Account Opening Process DFCC Bank moves forward by any device of their choice . Identification Card (NIC) data implementing the Non-Face to The recently introduced its stored in the Department for increase in Sri Lanka Face (NF2F) on-boarding NF2F digital account opening Registration of Persons’ (DRP) process based on the guidelines process which includes video system is integrated to facilitate issued by Central Bank and verification using the “DFCC this seamless process digitally Microsoft Corp. has announced new products, Research Services (IBRS), added, “Highly accessing the database of Video Chatz “ video banking and offer customers the employee plans, and guidance to tackle the automated social attacks (phishing) are on department of registration of service hosted on the bank’s convenience to open Savings global fight against increasingly large-scale and the rise. They are coming through email, persons to verify customer cutting edge trilingual website. Accounts, Foreign Currency complex cyber-attacks. instant messaging, social media and texts. It national identity card Resulting from the recent (FCY) Accounts, Fixed Deposit The cyber security landscape has is critical for organizations to take on a Zero information. The process was guidelines issued by the Central (FD) accounts and Special fundamentally changed due to large-scale, Trust approachto address this, by segmenting implemented in May 2021 and Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), Deposit Accounts (SDA) complex attacks in recent times. Hackers all aspects of the end user environment and many customers since have DFCC Bank has developed this virtually. Following this process launch an average of 50 million password treat each as untrusted. This requires a very been on-boarded. This initiative fully integrated and seamless the applicant will be able to attacks every day—579 per second, and different thinking from the traditional was timely as well with the customer on-boarding process choose a convenient time for a phishing attacks have increased. Firmware ‘network as the border’ and ‘protect the present outbreak of Covid-19 which allows customers to open video call with the bank attacks are on the rise, and ransom-ware has device’ approach. It requires a data-centric phase 3 and minimises the risk accounts digitally online representative for the become incredibly problematic. Microsoft had and authentication-centric approach. While of spread of contagion since without having to step into the verification process to take intercepted and thwarted a record-breaking 30 there are other security considerations, customers can on-board from bank branch anytime from any place to fulfil CBSL guidelines billion email threats last year and is currently getting identity, authentication and the safety of their home using place .The National on the e-KYC process. actively tracking 40 plus active Nation-State information management sorted is essential.” actors and over 140 threat groups representing Securing remote working with 20 countries. According to Microsoft Defender Antivirus’ new products telemetry, malware encounter rates in Asia In line with individual and business Pacific have increased – 12% in Sri Lanka; 23% security needs that come with remote Union Assurance &Cinnamon Hotels in Australia;80% in China; 15% in India; 16% in working, Microsoft has launched new Japan; 19% in ; and 43% in innovations to further protect customers. provide meals to flood victims Singapore over the past 18 months, spanning These new verification features include Azure pre-pandemic to now. As a subset of malware, AD Conditional Access to give admins more ransom-ware encounters have also increased granular access controls, conditional launch 74% in Sri Lanka; 453% in Australia; 463% in settings with App Protection Policies in China; 100% in India; 541% in Japan; 825% in Microsoft Endpoint Manager, and an Azure New Zealand; and 296% in Singapore over the AD shared device mode across multiple users. same period. Additional features and enhancements have According to Microsoft’s Work Trend Index, also been launched on Microsoft 365 53% of people surveyed in Asia plan to move Defender, Azure Sentinel and Microsoft Cloud because they can now work remotely – this is App Security. slightly higher than the global figure of 46%, Microsoft’s technology plan for pointing to the urgency for security to address this new way of working. employees Mary Jo Schrade, Assistant General Counsel, Microsoft and its 160,000 employees made Regional Lead, Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit the transition to hybrid work in 2020, with Asia, shared, “Most of our region has the following new guidance released transitioned to remote working over the past organization-wide to maintain and uphold year. As we continue the need to work from security: home either full time or part time, we need to Keeping devices healthy and managed: All adopt more tools and build our defences against devices that need access to corporate potential cyber-attacks. In Asia, adopting multi- resources must be managed to seamlessly Union Assurance partnered conducted in collaboration with Hotels & Resorts on this factor authentication together with a Zero Trust keep the device secure and protected from with Cinnamon Hotels & the Disaster Management initiative to offer much needed approach are the foundations to safer work from phishing and malicious websites. Resorts to distribute over Centre and the Asia Pacific support to our communities in home or hybrid work scenarios.” Making security everyone’s job: Microsoft is 3,000 meals to people impacted Alliance for Disaster need.” Small-and-medium businesses (SMBs) offering new training, opportunities to provide by the inclement weather as a Management (A-PAD). Meals were distributed on areparticularly vulnerableto cyber security feedback, and a new virtual security summit part of Cinnamon’s ‘Meals that Commenting on the initiative, three consecutive days, from threats – in Asia Pacific, SMBs make up more to ensure employees are empowered and Heal’ community Jude Gomes, the Chief 9th to 11th June, in than 98% of enterprise and employ 50% of the equipped to be more secure. project. Amidst the ongoing Executive Officer of Union Thunadahena, PahalaBomiriya, workforce, comprising an integral part of the Securing home offices: Microsoft will fight against the Assurance stated, “We pledged Kothalawala, Welivita, and region’s social and economic well-being. continue to build and offer resources and pandemic, extreme weather to provide 3,000 meals to those Welihinda of the Kaduwela However, a large percentage of SMBs do not guidelines for employees that will work events have impacted over displaced as a result of the municipality, and Panaluwa, know how to protect their companies, lack remotely either part or full time. 200,000 individuals across 10 floods, to offer some redress for Wataraka, and Atigala East of dedicated IT staff and have inadequate Building for Zero Trust: Microsoft is asking districts in the country. The those families living in difficult the Homagama DS Division – computer and network security. developers to build with a Zero Trust distribution of meals to conditions. We are pleased to areas severely impacted by Joe Sweeney, Advisor, Intelligent Business mentality. displaced communities was have partnered with Cinnamon flooding. A10 tuesday 15 june 2021 sports Tom Latham sets Calendar Grand sights on WTC final New Zealand’s series win in England is their 3-1 series win against England in their first since 1999, and they have an March. Slam Possible opportunity to add the inaugural World Test They made six changes from the team that Championship title next week when they drew at Lord’s, with Kane Williamson, BJ play India at the Ageas Bowl. Watling, and Mitchell Santner suffering Which is the bigger prize? “Both sounds elbow, back and finger niggles respectively, pretty good,” Tom Latham, their vice- and Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee captain, grinned after leading them to victory and Kyle Jamieson all rested ahead of the This Year, Says at Edgbaston. “From our point of view, it was main event. about coming here and focusing on these Latham said that New Zealand expect to first two Test matches against England and have a clean bill of health leading into that trying to continue doing what we’ve been final, and paid tribute to the strength in doing over a couple of years now. Now that depth within the squad. Djokovic we’ve ticked them off, it’s important that our “It was amazing from a personnel change focus shifts to India in a couple of days. of six guys. That hasn’t happened for a long For the second time in six years Novak Djokovic is “It’s a fantastic achievement from the time in this group and it has been a hard halfway to a calendar year sweep of all four Grand group. I think it’s important that we team to crack into. For all those guys to get Slam titles after winning the French Open for a celebrate with each other. It hasn’t been that opportunity - Will Young, Matt Henry, second time on Sunday. done since ‘99. For us to come here as a Ajaz Patel - was fantastic. They performed The 34-year-old dug deep into his reserves of group, it was about trying to play our brand their roles really well. resilience to hit back from two sets down against of and I thought we did that really “[Watling and Williamson] are travelling Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas to win 6-7(6) 2-6 6-3 6-2 well over the four days and got our rewards reasonably well. It was important for them to 6-4 and increase his Grand Slam tally to 19. at the end.” get a little bit of rest in order to be fully fit That takes him only one behind the men’s record While New Zealand’s recent record against heading into next week. Fingers crossed we’ll 20 held by Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer, and there England has been excellent - they have won have a fully-fit squad.” is nothing to suggest the world number one will not four and drawn three of their last seven Tests As for the challenge India will present, surpass his two career rivals. against them, dating back to 2015 - their Latham said that their performances on their He can already claim something neither of those away record against the big three of India, tour of England in 2018 - albeit in a 4-1 two can, after his win over the 22-year-old Tsitsipas England and Australia had been poor since series defeat - demonstrated that they would made him the first player in the professional era to that 1999 triumph, with just two victories in be tough to beat at the Ageas Bowl. win each of the four Grand Slams at least twice. their previous 39 attempts. Latham said that “They’ve got a fantastic set of bowlers, Having already claimed the Australian Open this his memories of seeing teams struggle on [and] a lot of quality batsmen year, he has a shot at becoming the first man to win previous tours made the victory even better. that have scored runs all four majors in the same year since Rod Laver in “I certainly remember staying up late, in different 1969, and he could even complete a ‘Golden Slam’ by watching teams come over to England and conditions all adding the Olympic title in Tokyo. playing Test cricket - at Lord’s, and all these round the “Everything is possible,” Djokovic told reporters. iconic grounds. For us to come here and put world. “I’ve achieved some things that a lot of people a performance on the board that was true to They thought it would be not possible for me to achieve. us was really important. were Everything is possible, and I did put myself in a good “It was about trying to do what we do really over here position to go for the Golden Slam. But, you know, I well and I thought we did. [It’s] well a few years ago was in this position in 2016 as well. documented that ‘99 was the last time we’d and played really well, so “It ended up in a third-round loss in Wimbledon.” won here and we have been here a couple we know we’ll have to Wimbledon returns later this month after last of times in recent years and haven’t quite play well to beat them. year’s tournament was cancelled because of the Djokovic poses in front of the Eiffel Tower with the got the rewards. It’s certainly an “Our focus will shift to pandemic. trophy achievement that’s worth celebrating.” them in a couple of days. Djokovic won it in 2019 and will be the favourite to New Zealand’s series win also took The preparation has add a sixth title on the grass, after which he will turn Ivanisevic, who is also part of the team, would retire them back to No. 1 in the ICC’s Test been great, but it’s his thoughts to the Olympic Games and the U.S. if Djokovic won the calendar Slam. rankings, leapfrogging India, their important that we do Open. “I think it is possible, much more possible. He upcoming opponents. They reached shift our focus and “Obviously I will enjoy this win and then think loves to play in Wimbledon and U.S. Open,” he told the summit for the first time earlier adapt to a completely about Wimbledon in a few days’ time. I don’t have an reporters. “As much as Novak is healthy, and he’s this year after beating Pakistan, different side.” issue to say that I’m going for the title in Wimbledon,” healthy right now, he’s in great shape, I think he before India nudged past them following (ESPN) he said. “Of course, I am. I won in ‘18 and ‘19 there. has ability to win the Grand Slam for this year. I’m Tom Latham Hopefully I can keep that run going.” pretty sure.” As far as chasing down Federer and Nadal, It did not look likely when Djokovic trailed by two Djokovic said he has always considered it a sets against an inspired Tsitsipas on Sunday - the possibility despite the fact that when he won his effort of beating Nadal in a seismic semi-final second Grand Slam title at the 2011 Australian appearing to catch up on him. Open, Nadal had nine and Federer was on 16. But Djokovic said some words of wisdom from a “I never thought it was a mission impossible to young fan helped him out. reach the Grand Slams of these guys,” Djokovic said. “I don’t know the boy. He was in my ear the entire “I mean, I’m not there, but it’s one less. But they are match basically, especially when I was two sets to still playing. love down. He was encouraging me. He was actually “Obviously they’re playing great, especially Rafa giving me tactics,” Djokovic, who presented the with his level. We all still have opportunities at excited fan with his racket at the end, said. Wimbledon, all the other slams. I’ll keep on going. I’ll “He was like, ‘hold your serve, get an easy first keep on chasing. At the same time, I’ll keep on paving ball, then dictate, go to his backhand’. He was my own path.” coaching me literally. I found that very cute, very His long-time coach Marian Vajda joked after nice.” Sunday’s comeback win that he and Goran (Reuters)

New Zealand’s Tom Latham celebrates winning the series with the trophy and teammates Krejcikova completes Brazil open Copa singles-doubles title sweep America with 3-0 win Czech Barbora Krejcikova said she was going to enjoy a rare glass of champagne on Sunday after completing a singles-doubles title sweep at the French Open by taking the women’s doubles trophy with compatriot Katerina Siniakova. Krejcikova became the first player to win both the women’s singles and doubles title in Paris since Frenchwoman Mary Pierce completed the feat in 2000, after the Czech duo beat Iga Swiatek and Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-4 6-2. The 25-year-old Krejcikova, who will climb to 15th in singles following Neymar scores their second goal from the penalty spot her maiden Grand Slam singles title Brazil opened the 2021 Copa America debutants in a line-up that included just on Saturday, will return as the world with a 3-0 win over a depleted Venezuela three of the players who began their World number one doubles player when on Sunday, dominating their Cup qualifier with Uruguay last Tuesday. the rankings are updated on inexperienced opponents from start to Venezuela have never beaten Brazil in a Monday. finish in a one-sided match. competitive match, but they were not “I think we are going to have a Defender Marquinhos scored the overawed on a rainy night in Brasilia and dinner together this evening,” she opening goal midway through the first they were spared more blushes by a home told reporters. “We will have a little half when he was fortunate to see his side who, although they never looked like bit glass of champagne. I already backheel squirm through a defender’s losing, were frequently wasteful in the last said I don’t really drink, but I think legs and into the net. third of the field. it’s a time to actually celebrate it. I Barbora Krejcikova poses with trophies Neymar netted his 67th international Richarlison in particular missed a think we are going to really enjoy goal from the penalty spot 19 minutes series of half and full chances before “The rest, I just want to go back today when I went on court. I was serving out for the set. into the second half after Danilo was making way for Gabriel Barbosa in the home. I just really have to relax. I just trying to really support my On a windy day under the Parisian felled in the box.Substitute Gabriel 65th minute. “We knew we were going to have to spend some time with my partner and also just try to cheer her sun, Siniakova had continued Barbosa made it three with two minutes come across a Venezuela that shut up family. After that just start to work up a little bit.” trouble with her serve and the Czech remaining when he chested home a shop and make it difficult for us to play,” again.” Swiatek, the 2020 singles duo had a total of eight double faults cross from Neymar after the tireless Marquinhos said. “But thanks be to God Less than 24 hours after picking champion, and Mattek-Sands were in the match. Paris St Germain player had rounded we were able to score in the first half and up her first singles major title, playing only their third tournament But the pair, who also won the the keeper. that helped us.” Krejcikova returned to Court together, and found the going tough 2018 Wimbledon doubles title, The Copa America was moved to Brazil “We know how important it is to score Philippe Chatrier, but it was not against Siniakova’s nimble overcame their serving trouble with with just two weeks-notice after co-hosts goals, especially in a game like this. Here easy. movement and skillful netplay and their experience and excellent Colombia were removed due to a wave of the first goal is so important to open the “Like yesterday so many emotions Krejcikova’s strong performance coordination. civil unrest and Argentina pulled out game up and force your opponent to play and everything. I didn’t really sleep from the baseline. The number two seeds lost serve because of a COVID-19 surge there. a bit more.” well. I woke up in the morning and I The second-seeded Czech pair, once in the second set, but broke Nevertheless, players or officials from Brazil’s next game is against Peru on 17 felt really tired. I can actually say who also won the Roland Garros title their opponents three times and three countries have tested positive for June, while Venezuela take on Colombia that out loud right now, I’m having in 2018, quickly jumped to a 5-1 sealed the win when Siniakova hit a the new coronavirus, with Venezuela the same day. Ecuador, the fifth team in some pains in my leg,” she said. lead and though Swiatek and backhand winner on their second losing eight players and calling up Group ‘B’, face Colombia later on “I’m really happy that it went this Mattek-Sands fought back to 5-4 match point. another 15 on the eve of the opener. Sunday. way. I actually went really relaxed they could not stop Krejcikova from (Reuters) The changes meant Venezuela had two (Reuters) sports tuesday 15 june 2021 A11 Alagic on mission to uplift football Believes more foreign recruits will boost SL’s performance at SAFF

By Mustaq Sydeen Lanka. So far, only Dilon de Countries such as Asian comes to playing a positive Silva and Marvin Hamilton champions Qatar and China brand of football, and Naturalizing players so are eligible to play for us. I have also drafted players of scrapping the long-ball they can join national sports have already spoken to the foreign nationalities into tactics in big matches. The teams is standard practice Sports Minister and he their squads and achieved Bosnian tactician must take internationally, and promised his help and success. Following a similar much of the credit for following those steps involvement to solve this route, it is hoped Sri Lanka’s providing a calming influence Technical Director and problem. SAFF Games are National squad would and shrewd guidance, which head coach Amir Alagic only three months away. I similarly be strengthened. was witnessed with Sri believes Sri Lanka will don’t know whether we can Sri Lanka shines in cricket, Lanka almost turning tables be more competitive bring more foreign players by but a lack of investment and over Lebanon, and an at the upcoming that time, but definitely we local talent has limited the improved performance SAFF need them, because then we beautiful game’s ascent, against top ranked South Championship will be more competitive pushing audiences to watch Korea with inclusion of since those players are more foreign clubs in action “We are all encouraged by more foreign advanced football-wise,” the instead of local clubs. But the results in Korea. based Sri tactician added. that’s slowly changing Definitely we are now Lankan After unsuccessfully trying thanks to the ‘valiant’ positive that we can narrow players in the for years to forge a world- performance against 93rd the gap among South East national class national men’s soccer ranked Lebanon and 39th Asia nations,” Alagic said. squad. team, Sri Lanka signaled it ranked South Korea at the It is clear that football still “I have was considering a recently concluded 2022 has a long way to go before it found a surprisingly new tack: FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. can match cricket in terms of total of 14 looking for foreign based Sri Ever since the Bosnian popularity and revenue overseas Lankan players to join the born tactician took over the generation, but there is no players national squad with the idea reins of the National camp, doubt it has caught the who are of uplifting the game in the the Islanders have had some imagination of the youth of eligible country, and met with inspirational performances the country. to play success when they were able on the pitch, which proves It may well be a case of for Sri to bring down a few players beyond doubt their ability on short-term pain for long- to represent their the field, the most notable term gain for Sri Lanka, and motherland. Some of the being the Sri Lanka-Lebanon Alagic’s youthful charges notable foreign-based stars clash where the boys showed could well find themselves are Wazeem Razeek from brilliant fighting spirit learning some tough lessons Germany and Marvin despite going down 3-2. to narrow the gap with the Sri Lanka head coach Amir Alagic Hamilton and 19-year-old The lads have shown a lot Asian powers and be among Dilon de Silva from England. of improvement when it the top 10 in the continent.

FIDE Online Queen’s Best-of-three Chess Festival 2021 WTC final not I’m not retiring Sanidula and realistic, says ICC just yet – Malinga Oshini shine in Former Sri Lanka T20 skipper these days. Deciding the World Test and pace bowling spearhead Earlier, during an episode on Championship (WTC) in a said that he is Malinga’s own YouTube Asian Qualifier best-of-three final is not a not retiring just yet, though he Channel, he stated that many realistic idea in a crowded is not actively involved in young cricketers first failed the calendar, the governing Cricket practices these days. He 2km test, and then passed it a International Cricket said this during a YouTube few days later. This was due to Council (ICC) said on programme conducted by lack of training and Monday. former Sri Lanka cricketer and preparation, which SLC coaches India and New Zealand commentator Russell and trainers should have earlier will contest a one-off match for five-day international Arnold,’Chilling with Russel’. prepared them for. Malinga said in Southampton on Friday for cricket, following the successes Malinga, 37, last played for that the test was not a big deal test cricket’s biggest honour, of the T20 and 50-over World Sri Lanka on 6 March last year for young cricketers; they along with the Test Cups. against West Indies, and has simply judge the pace they Championship Mace and a Australia and England were not played cricket since the should run one round to winners’ cheque of $1.6 in the race before India and COVID-19 pandemic first hit complete five rounds (2 km), million. New Zealand pulled ahead to the country. Malinga who was and after a few training India coach Ravi Shastri has grab the top two spots in the set to lead at sessions they know exactly said a best-of-three final would WTC final. the Lanka Premier League what to do; hence, they clear Sanidula Dahamdi Oshini Gunawardena be an ideal way to determine “We were really pleased with 2020, withdrew from the the test at their second attempt. the winner at the end of the the way it played out,” Allardice tournament citing lack of Sanidula Dahamdi (Musaeus Colombo - Rating WTC’s two-year cycle. said of the qualification preparation. Category between 1500 - 1699) and 9-year-old ICC Acting CEO Geoff process. “It was obvious that He also met the Selectors Oshini Gunawardena (Fergusan Girls HS Ratnapura Allardice said that would be the interest in certain series recently, where Chairman of - Rating Category less than 1500), won 2nd place at possible only ‘in a perfect wasn’t just restricted to the two Selectors, Pramodya the Asian Qualifier of the Queens Chess Festival world’. teams involved, “ he said. “It Wickramasinghe, stated earlier conducted by the FIDE Women’s Commission. All “The reality of the was coming from all over the that Malinga did not clearly games of the Asian Continental event were held on international cricket schedule cricketing world and I think to state whether or not he 13 June. is that we’re not going to have bring that sort of context to intended to play in the Sanidula scored 8 ½ points out of 11 games to that month or so, blocking out Test cricket is a real step upcoming T20 World Cup. reach 2nd spot, while Oshini scored 9 points along a month or so for all the teams forward.” During the YouTube with two others and was awarded 2nd place in the tournament for a final,” The ICC has approved programme Malinga said that according to the tie breaker. Allardice told a virtual news concussion substitutes as well he can bowl well, but cannot Online Queen’s Chess Festival is an open event conference. “That’s why (a) one- as COVID-19 replacement, run the newly introduced 2km organized by the FIDE Women’s Commission for match final was decided upon.” which was introduced last fitness test; hence, he is Lasith Malinga Women Chess players in the world on the Tornelo The WTC was launched in year, for this year’s final. spending his days at home Platform. It is a Blitz chess event giving 3 minutes + 2019 to create a pinnacle event (Reuters) 2 seconds for each move played. The pairing was also done by Tornelo in this 11-round chess event which had 4 categories as below: Category ‘A’ - Ratings above 2100; Category ‘B’ - Ratings between 1800 - 2199, Category ‘C’ - Ratings between 1500 - 1799, Category ‘D’ - Ratings below 1500 Du Plessis suffers memory loss Sri Lanka fielded 2 players in Category ‘C’ and 9 in Category ‘D’. In addition to Sanidula and Oshini the other participants were: WIM Sachini Ranasinghe after concussion (Nf3 Chess Club), Chanindi Mewna Attanayake (Devi Balika Vidyalaya), Oneli Vithanawasam batsman Faf du Gladiators physio attended him, previous match when West (Lyceum Wattala), G.H.S. Senulya (Royal Primary Plessis said he suffered some before he got up and was taken Indies all-rounder Polonnaruwa), Piyumi Uthpala Amarathunga (JMC memory loss after sustaining a to hospital. was hit on his helmet by a International, Kalutara), Desandi Dhihansa Gamage concussion during a Pakistan “Thank you everyone for all the Mohammad Musa bouncer in (Sirimavo Bandayanayake College Colombo), Super League (PSL) T20 match messages of support,” du Plessis the match against Islamabad Nemindi Linaya Ramanayake (Bandaranayake CC, in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, but is tweeted on Sunday. “I’m back at United. Veyangoda), Tenuli Dahamna Rathnayake (Ananda confident of making a quick the hotel recovering. Have Russell was checked over by a Balika Vidyalaya Colombo) and H.G. Sasmi return to action. concussion with some memory physio and was allowed to bat Sithumsa (Lyceum Ratnapura). Du Plessis collided with Quetta loss, but I will be fine. Hopefully on, but was out in the very next The preliminary events were held as continental Gladiators team mate be back on the field soon.” ball. He was taken to hospital, events of Asia, Africa, America and , and the Mohammad Hasnain while Opener Saim Ayub replaced du with Naseem Shah playing as top three players in each continental event qualified trying to save a boundary in Plessis as a concussion concussion substitute. for the World event to be held on 26 June. their 61-run defeat to Peshawar substitute. Quetta play Lahore Qalandars CFSL congratulates Dahamdi and Oshini and Zalmi. The 36-year-old lay prone The Gladiators also had to use in their next match on Tuesday. wish them all the best for the final stage. Du Plessis on the ground while the a concussion substitute in their (Reuters) (IR)

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