Sunday 13 September 2020 Latest Edition Vol: 09/43 Price : Rs 70.00 READ Inside Story AND SLR to kick off with 7s tournament WIN Despite not playing rugby for LUXURY HOTEL nearly sixth months, Rugby (SLR) is planning to kick off STAYS! the sport with two inter club Sevens rugby tournaments end of D INSIDE October. ETAILS A16

Report on 20A to PM soon By W.K. Prasad Manju

The report compiled by the Ministerial Committee, formed to examine the merits and demerits of the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution, is to be submitted to Prime Minister during the coming week, informed sources revealed. When contacted, Minister of Justice, President’s Counsel M.U.M. Ali Sabry said the committee would decide whether any amendments would need to be Ten Opposition included or not in the proposed draft. Story Continued on page 2 MPs to Support ‘MT New Diamond’ Court orders to obtain 20th Amendment crude oil samples By Hansi Nanayakkara

Some to cross over to Govt during vote Chief Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne on 11 September, ordered the Director of the Sri Lankan shipping firm, which is in charge of the oil tanker ‘MT New Rifts appearing within SJB coalition? Diamond’, to obtain samples of the crude oil stored in it and to hand over copies of the vessel data records to the By W.K. Prasad Manju to back the Government in two ways, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), in order for Minister added. them to ascertain whether the spewing of oil by the tanker Ten Opposition Parliamentarians have He averred that some of the Opposition MPs had occurred due to an error on the part of its officials or expressed willingness to support the proposed would cross over to Government ranks when the due to any other reason. draft of the 20th Amendment to the vote will be taken. The Chief Magistrate also issued an order to the firm, Constitution, a top Cabinet Minister said. The Minister noted that a sizeable lot from the which has presently placed 23 members of its crew in self- The group had affirmed that they were ready Opposition would still continue to back the... isolation, according to COVID-19 prevention guidelines, to...

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2

Failure to fill SLMC vacancies GMOA will strike if Minister doesn’t intervene By Dilanthi Jayamanne GMOA Secretary Dr. Senal Fernando said, of the 25 Council The Government Medical Officers’ Members, only 21 were there at Association (GMOA) on 11 present. Although Wanniarachchi September warned it would resort called for the Council to conduct to strike action if Health Minister the elections, the incumbent did not Council Chairman and several take measures to ensure that the others who are staunch supporters Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) of former Health Minister Dr. conduct its elections to fill in four have been vacancies. stalling it. Story Continued on page 2 Producing medicine locally Khawaja Govt hopes to breaks down in halve pharma Sydney Court imports in Apologises for three years framing love rival The Government plans to produce Arsalan Khawaja, brother of 50 per cent of the country’s Australian Cricketer Usman requirement of pharmaceuticals Khawaja broke down in a Sydney locally within the next three years. Court and apologised for framing...

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Names of COPE, COPA members announced By Gagani Weerakoon and Methmalie Dissanayake Speaker on 11 September announced the names of Parliamentarians appointed to the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA), the Committee on Standing Orders and the Committee on Public Petitions. Accordingly, MPs , , , , , , Herath, Dr. Sarath Weerasekera,...

Story Continued on page 2 A2 sunday 13 september 2020 news Continued from page 1 Court orders... Obituary Ten Opposition...... facilitate the CID to record statements from Tony Opatha (73) passed away on Friday, 11 September 2020 them in this connection. with his family by his side following a sudden illness. ...Government with regard to Opposition MPs had not taken part in Jayaratne also issued an order to the Marine He leaves behind his wife, Indrani Opatha and children, as democratic and progressive Bills that some of the recent anti-Government Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) well as many beloved family and friends, especially his youngest are tabled, while remaining in the protests organised by the main officials, to visit the oil tanker in question to brother, Mervin Opatha. Opposition benches in Parliament. Opposition SJB, and this has now inspect and decide whether the oil samples A memorial service will be held at Barney Raymond funeral He remarked that talks which are become a heated topic of discussion in they had taken near the distressed tanker, parlour at Borella on Sunday, 13 September at 3:30 p.m. presently proceeding with Opposition local political circles. It is claimed that would match with the oil samples taken from MPs in this connection have been some of the MPs belonging to smaller the ship. positive. parties in the SJB coalition had not The CID informed the Court that they had He pointed out that in order to carry attended these anti-Government commenced an investigation to ascertain out expeditious development work in protests. whether any violation of the provisions Report on... the country, the support of the These anti-Government protests had contained in Sections of 25, 26, 38 and 53 of Opposition would be most welcome been held against the 20th the Marine Pollution Prevention Act, No. 35 of He remarked that though Amendment rather than the and insisted that a sizeable number of Amendment, opposite the statue of the 2008, had taken place due to the blaze that had some had claimed that before incurring of additional MPs from the Opposition had already late monk Ven. Maduluwave Sobitha occurred on the oil tanker ‘MT New Diamond’. the ratification of the 20th expenses for the staging of an expressed their willingness towards Thera. The sporting of black shawls The Attorney General and the prosecution Amendment, a referendum unwarranted referendum. this. (satakayas) within Parliament too took were represented in Court by Deputy Solicitor would have to be held, the The committee formed by Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture place recently. General Dileepa Peiris and senior officers from Government had not included Prime Minister Rajapaksa to Mahindananda Aluthgamage revealed Political analysts had further opined the CID, while Attorney-at-Law and Head of the any clauses to the proposed study the pros and cons of the in Parliament on 10 September that that the internal tension in the SJB MEPA, Dharshani Lahandapura and Dr. Amendment which would draft proposal for the 20th some 10 to 15 MPs from the Opposition had been underscored with All Ceylon Turney Pradeep Kumara appeared for the warrant the conduct of a Amendment is set to convene were ready to support the draft 20th Makkal Congress MP S.M. Musharaf MEPA. referendum. on 14 September in Colombo Amendment mooted by the speaking in favour of the conduct of The Court also instructed the CID to record Ali Sabry PC opined that and the final report of this Government. the present regime when the House statements from the Captain and crew both the 18th and 19th committee is to be handed In the meantime, some of the had convened on 10 September. members of the distressed crude oil tanker. Amendments to the over to the Premier during the Constitution had been ratified course of the coming week. in Parliament with a majority According to informed of two-thirds vote. sources, the Government is Hence, he argued, the expecting to table the draft Names of... majority vote in the House 20th Amendment to the Govt hopes... would be sufficient for the Constitution in the House on ...D.V. Chanaka, Dr. Nalaka MPs Pavithra Wanniarachchi, ratification of the said 22 or 23 September. The objective is to provide high-quality medicine to Godahewa, , Susil Premajayantha, , the public and the foreign market as well, at , Anura Kumara , Mayantha affordable prices. All products are to be made Dissanayake, Patali Champika Dissanayake, Charles according to the recommendations and standards of Ranawaka, , Nirmalanathan, Sujith Perera, the World Health Organisation. Eran Wickremaratne, Ranjan and Dr. Suren GMOA will... At present, 85 per cent of the country’s drug Ramanayake, Raghavan have been appointed to requirement is met by imports at an annual cost of Jayamaha, S.M. Marikkar, the Committee on Standing Orders. He alleged that with their presence in the Council, it would Rs 130 billion. Manufacturing pharmaceuticals Premnath C. Dolawatte, Sanakiyan MPs , Dayasiri only help in politicising the Council and disrupting the services locally will save Rs 60 billion. Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam and Jayasekera, , Janaka being carried out by it such as the issue regarding the President made these Professor have Wakkumbura, S. Viyalendran, de-registration of four Russian Universities. remarks at a discussion held at the Presidential been appointed as Members of Thenuka Vidanagamage, Jeevan He said, the Union would decide on its course of trade union Secretariat on 10 September on the future plans of COPE. Thondaman, Imthiaz Bakeer action from the week commencing on 21 September, if the the State Ministry of Pharmaceutical Production, Members of the COPA are MPs Markar, Jagath Pushpakumara, Minister failed to resolve the issue. Supply and Regulation. , Duminda , Manusha Sri Lanka is currently the largest importer of Dissanayake, Dayasiri Jayasekera, Nanayakkara, K. Kader Masthan, drugs in the Asian region. President Rajapaksa , Dr. , Jayantha stressed that it was high time to turn the tables, and Sudarshini Fernandopulle, Shehan Ketagoda, Khawaja breaks... added that large-scale local investors are willing to Semasinghe, , Amarasena, Mujibur Rahuman, contribute to this effort. , Prof. Tissa Geetha Samanmalee Kumarasinghe, ...a love rival with false terrorism claims. An Investment Zone of 400 acres will be Vitarana, , Niroshan Kulasingham Dhileepan, Nipuna Arsalan Khawaja was working at the University of New South established in the Hambantota Industrial Zone for Perera, Faizal Cassim, Ashok Ranawaka and Rajika Wales when he concocted a fake terror plot to get a love rival out manufacturing medicine, targeting the global Abeysinghe, , K. Wickramasinghe were named as the of the way. The Court heard that he was jealous of Sri Lankan market. The world’s topmost pharmaceutical Kader Masthan, Sivagnanam Members of the Committee on Public national Mohamed Nizamdeen’s friendship with a woman they companies have already expressed their inclination Sritharan, Dr. Upul Galappatti, Petitions. worked with, so he forged diary entries containing plans to kill to join this venture. There is a huge demand for B.Y.G. Rathnasekera, Weerasumana Meanwhile, the Speaker soldiers, politicians and attack iconic landmarks. pharmaceuticals in the African and Southeast Asian Dissanayake, Prof. , announced that MP Dharmalingam Nizamdeen was wrongly charged with terrorism offences and region and it is also a goal to grab those market Mohamad Musammil and Dr. Harini Sithadthan has been appointed to sent to the nation’s toughest jail, Goulburn Supermax. opportunities. Amarasuriya. the Committee on High Posts. (9news.com.au) news sunday 13 september 2020 A3

Premalal Jayasekera being sworn in as MP SLINTEC renders commendable Too late to raise Points service - Dr. Arambepola State Minister of Skills Development, Vocational Education, Research and of Order - Speaker Innovation Dr. said the By Gagani decided to allow handed down a death economic and social Weerakoon and Jayasekara to take oaths. sentence by the value and service Methmalie In response to Ratnapura High Court rendered to a country Dissanayake Opposition Leader Sajith over a murder during a by a research Premadasa’s objection Presidential Election rally institution was Speaker Mahinda Yapa raised during the in 2015. immeasurable. Abeywardena on 11 Parliamentary sitting on “I am not talking about She made this September said it was too 11 September, the conduct of the comment after an late to raise Points of Abeywardena further said Judiciary. My point is inspection visit made Order to question the Parliament carried out the that the Speaker should to the Sri Lanka swearing in of Sri Lanka order of the Court of have followed the Institute of Podujana Peramuna Appeal after it gave its examples set by former Nanotechnology with regard to noted the importance Parliamentarian Premalal ruling on Jayasekara. Speakers that Parliament (SLINTEC) on 11 innovations as well as of further streamlining Jayasekara now, adding Premadasa said the was above the Judiciary,” September. She noted adding value to natural the activities of the that the matter should Speaker set a wrong he noted. that SLINTEC had and national SLINTEC to enhance have been raised in the precedent by allowing Jayasekara took oaths already rendered a resources. economic growth in the Court of Appeal before it Jayasekara who has been as an MP on 8 September. commendable service Dr. Arambepola sector.

Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera says Male nurses should have pleasant demeanour By Thameenah Razeek

Pointing out that male nurses in hospitals did not maintain a pleasant demeanour, Chairman of the Public Services United Nurses Union, Ven Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera urged male nurses in hospitals around the country to do so. Addressing the capping ceremony organised by the School of Nursing at Temple Trees on 11 September, the monk noted that most male nurses sported a beard and had grown their hair. He insisted that all nurses should be polite, honest as well as kind while maintaining a pleasant appearance. He also lamented about infrastructure at Nursing Schools as students were facing huge problems in hostels.

ACJU displeased with PCoI video incident

By Naalir Jamaldeen

All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) has expressed its displeasure and regret over the incident which took place on 9 September at the President Commission of Inquiry (PCol), ACJU General Secretary M.S.M. Thassim said on 11 September. Assistant General Secretary of the ACJU, M.M.M. Murshid, is alleged to have attempted to record the proceedings on video, using his mobile phone, which he had brought into the PCol through his lawyer, when Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera was testifying before the PCol. Thassim said that following the incident, an executive meeting was held on 10 September at the head office of the ACJU to obtain a clarification from Murshid, who was allegedly involved in the controversial video recording at the PCol. As per the constitution of the ACJU, a special committee has been setup to further inquire into this matter, Thassim noted. Meanwhile, Murshid has submitted a letter to the ACJU saying he was resigning from his position as the Assistant General Secretary until the inquiries on the aforesaid incident are completed, he added.

Premier pledges to restore Nursing Schools’ infrastructure By Thameenah Razeek

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa pledged to restore infrastructure facilities at Nursing Schools and Nursing Hospitals when he found that students were facing major issues concerning accommodation. Addressing the capping ceremony organised by the School of Nursing at Temple Trees, the Premier requested nurses to exercise patience with patients who have Non Communicable Diseases since they faced more difficulties than others. He also emphasised the need for English literacy and literacy in other languages to corporate with international organisations and increase efficiency in the workflow. However, students who were undergoing training in Nursing Schools were given a good training and practice on a daily basis to use English in their day-to-day dealings. A4 sunday 13 september 2020 focus Fmr Indian Navy spokesman says best to transfer oil to smaller ships and tow the tanker out of Sri Lankan waters Detain the Ship For Legal Claims – Maritime Expert By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan Former Indian navy As an apparent oil slick has been Spokesman: Captain spokesman: Captain observed lately, after a continuous mission of preventing a major Indika de Silva D.K. Sharma environmental disaster caused by the fire on the ‘MT New Diamond’, Sri The ship is in The legal matter Lankan authorities are filing a lawsuit, the EEZ and on is highly complex under the nation’s law, against the Friday morning it as the owner of the crude oil carrier, which departed from was towed 45 ship is in Greece, Mina Al Ahmadi, Kuwait on August 23, nautical miles on the ship is 2020 and caught fire in its engine room the East coast. registered in on September 3 while on its way to Oil patches are Panama, the Paradip Harbour, East of India, to reach visible in the sea charterer is India as scheduled on September 5. and the MEPA is and the oil belongs The breach of safety within ships can Ship on fire experts to board the ship taking legal action to Indian Oil happen unfortunately, and there were when the country in the vicinity takes regarding this Company. Also, famous cases being recorded in history charge to avert deaths and damage matter. Director- Indika de Silva now that there is D.K. Sharma as devastating tragedies. caused by fire and thwarting the oil General Merchant an oil slick there is This is the first time a tanker caught spill. What Sri Lanka Shipping is handling the legal environmental damage to Lankan fire in Sri Lankan waters. The statutory claim also adds up the should probe is aspect and seeking the Attorney waters. However, the best is to An in-depth legal framework is being concept of No Cure No Pay, where the General’s department’s keep observing the situation and prepared on how to handle the now- salvor will not be able to obtain his cost whether we can intervention. to watch for another 72 hours or defunct ship that is idling in the if he cannot save the ship. In this so whether there is any ignition. Exclusive Economic Zone carrying particular fire, it does not apply. Sri detain the ship It’s a huge tanker and a approximately 200,000 tons of oil and Lanka’s statutory duty was to avert the and whether we the Attorney General. They should know continuous search on the the Sri Lanka Navy, Air Force held a damage. The cost incurred is only the gravity of this action when there is a technical part of the ship has to combined operation with the Indian possible when the ship is detained in Sri can get the oil out massive cost incurred in preventing go on. Also, the best is to transfer Coast Guard, Indian Navy and the Air Lankan waters, he pointed out. of the ship and mayhem in the sea. Through the the oil to smaller ships and force to douse the fire and oil spill so “If India, in this situation takes the Protection and indemnity insurance, we reduce the weight on the oil that no major harm is caused to the claim as they also took part in salvage transfer it to can claim however it has to be studied tanker. The process is long marine environment. operations, the owner of the ship will further how to go forward. because there needs to be an What Sri Lanka should probe is deposit the cash in India which will lead another tanker Although it’s mandatory by virtue of early booking for smaller ships to whether we can detain the ship and to a long process of claiming and also get the international Convention on load oil. At this point, the salvors whether we can get the oil out of the compensation hence the vessel should Intervention for the countries nearby on board the ship decide on the ship and transfer it to another tanker be detained,” he said. ship to the Sri should assist in a fire or lifesaving best that could be done. and also get the ship to the Sri Lankan Some of the points the Indian Lankan coast to mission in the sea, in this case, there is Also, such huge oil shipment coast to proceed with legal action to maritime experts point are: a claim he explained. does not operate without claim compensation. Also whether the • The VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) proceed with legal To take the matter to Court but, if the seaworthiness being tested, he owner of the ship could pay the which caught fire off SL Coast yet in vessel is not in the territorial waters to stressed. The best thing is to expenses spent on preventive measures the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) action to claim be arrested, we can detain the captain move the ship out of Sri Lankan taken and supported by the Sri Lankan and the tanker could not be towed to compensation. and the crew until the matter is solved. waters without further polluting agencies. Sri Lankan port as it is too big. Also, We have the right to detain it. the water. However, the damage Sri Lanka’s laws are in place to tackle it is noted that the oil has to be Also whether the As there is an oil slick as well, claim from the ship owner such sea-based tragedies but the pumped out in offshore stations in compensation could be coupled to this. through insurance could take compensation package is less compared the sea called Single Buoy Mooring owner of the ship We need to have a hold to get the owner years, he added. to international standards. Our law (SBM). could pay the to Courts and the Admiralty Law is that MEPA states states a specific limitation for liability • Also, the ship’s engine has been shut when the ship is arrested the owner has General Manager MEPA, but since it’s only a preventive measure down so the only option is to tow the expenses spent on to deposit the claim prepared by the environmentalist Dr P.B. Terney we can work with that limitation, VLCC to Paradip where the oil preventive statutory salvors, the Navy and the Pradeep Kumara told Ceylon however, if there is pollution caused to refinery is. other government agencies that were Today that while the Government the marine environment it can be • The ship owner is Greek and it’s a measures taken involved in the mission. supported dousing the fire on the coupled with the preventive measure large established company that and supported by How can the technical worthiness of tanker along with the Indian claim. handles large shipments and such the ship be tested after the damage? Coast Guards and others, the oil Around two years ago, the former companies could only do the towing. the Sri Lankan You have to get down the ship surveyor slick has to be tackled now. government amended the pollution • The ship owner provided ship on to probe the cause of the fire, was it a The ship has to be towed to prevention Act, increasing the liability Time Charter and the crew. agencies human error or a latent defect. We will international waters. He also limits, etc., but it was not tabled as a • The boiler fire in the engine room is have to hire an international company emphasised that the MEPA on Cabinet proposal. not uncommon. to do the proper claim. If it’s a human the day the ship caught fire had Thwart the fire • Insurance covered by ship owner will there was pollution to the waters. Our error the question arises whether the lodged a Police complaint at the be ones who will address claims. marine pollution prevention Act in line crew was voyage worthy. Thirukkovil Police Station in It was an expensive mission that was A ship can be arrested if it’s within the with international convention related to The critical point here is if the insurer Ampara and were planning to get conducted in the last two weeks until 12 nautical miles of Sri Lanka however, this type of tanker oil pollution called finds out that the ship was not compensation for the vessel from last Thursday to thwart the fire on the this accident occurred in the Exclusive the Convention of Civil Liability for oil seaworthy they may not pay the owner, the owners- a Greek company, ship spreading but it’s now not a matter Economic Zone hence we can claim pollution damage Act of 1969 amended hence we cannot wait till the insurance Porto Emporios Shipping Inc, to send off the vessel salvage claim or based on the Admiralty Jurisdiction Act, by the protocol of 1992. The MEPA aptly company clears this matter for the Piraeus, Greece. He said the legal transfer the oil tanks to another vessel, Dr Gunasekera noted. says whenever there is oil pollution owner. arm that is preparing to sue the prior to sending the tanker away There is a provision in the Marine damage or preventive measures taking Annually, the ship is classified and ship owners are working on the because there are many aspects to be Environment Protection Authority place either within the territorial sea issued with certificates by marine legality involved in the mission of probed as to whether the fire erupted (MEPA) Act which says any preventive which is 12 nautical miles or within the surveyors again to see whether the ship rescue operation and the oil slick. because the boiler burst due to the fire measures taken within the EEZ are EEZ which is 200 nautical miles if we is technically checked on sea worthiness He noted that compensation in the engine room. claimable. experience pollution damage or we have and some can forge these certificates amounting to approximately Rs On September 3, a fire broke out in Before speculating whether the fire taken a preventive measure to avert and get a class for their ship he noted. 15 million is to prevent the fire the engine room of the vessel at about which erupted in the boiler room of the pollution damage all those liabilities can If the ship is towed to international and saving the marine 07.45 local time (SLST), when the ship vessel was an accident or whether it was be channelled to the owner of the vessel. water we can be duped. environment of the country. was about 65km(40 miles) East of Sri a fault of the ship or a human error due The ship at the time of the incident “We have to see the possibility of The ship is in the Exclusive Lanka in the Sangaman Kanda Point to negligence, is an aspect that has to be was at 35 nautical miles away now getting the ship to our coast if there is Economic Zone, hence they are close to Ampara in the Eastern Province. checked in detail noted the maritime towed to more than 40 nautical miles no leakage. We have to make sure there liable to be detained and pay The ship was chartered for the voyage expert who runs a maritime law firm in and still in the EEZ of Sri Lanka. is no oil leak and no leak will occur as compensation. by the Indian Oil Corporation when the Sri Lanka. There is also a law called Intervention well. We need to eliminate the danger “We are studying the legality fire erupted. The ship that goes to the sea must be Convention, where incidents like this and the risk and then arrest if possible,” involved and how additional Salvage claim seaworthy and there are three measures occurs in international waters. The he said. damages could be claimed,” he of seaworthiness, Dr Gunasekera economic zone is also identified as The rescue mission is to cool the oil added. The Attorney General’s Sri Lanka needs to establish a valid explained. international waters but not purely and possibly have a ship to transfer the Department was of the view that salvage claim under maritime law, the Firstly, he pointed out that there international waters like the high seas oil. ship be towed to international claimant must prove the following: the should be technical seaworthiness. It and the high sea is out of the It’s the right time also to call the waters however, whether to salvage was needed because of a marine involves relating to the vessel’s design, jurisdiction and cannot deal with any international community including the detain it or tow it was still at the peril; the claimant’s service was condition of her hull and machinery and incidents such as this. But as it is the international maritime organisation to discussion stage Dr Kumara said. rendered voluntarily and not because of her stability. The second element is EEZ, we do have certain sovereign rights support us financially to get the an existing duty or contract; and the voyage worthiness as to whether the and jurisdictional rights. The oil tanker technical capability to conduct such claimant’s service contributed to the ship is fit for the voyage to have the was on the voyage on the EEZ to East operations as well. There are ways and success of the salvage in whole or in proper charts and the crew onboard India so there is no question of an means even to hire the equipment to get part notes a maritime expert and Law of has the competency. The ship is usually innocent passage he added. huge tankers to the country to help the Sea, Dr Dan Malika Gunasekera, classed unlike the Nippon NHK or NK If the Government let the ship be remove the oil from the damaged ship. Attorney-at-Law and LLM (Utrecht) PhD but in the shipping field, many take this towed out of EEZ it can be crucial in This preparation is to avert future (Hamburg) and former Executive classification without proper surveying. claiming the financial damage and the accidents such as this. Director, Ceylon Shipping Corporation. So we need to know whether there was a Attorney General’s Department The next time there can be a worse He said we should detain the ship as proper survey and a proper direction to tow the ship away to scenario and it’s time for Sri Lanka to the government has incurred classification of the ship. international waters was crucial too. be prepared. We are the maritime hub expenditure in the salvage operation Thirdly, it’s about cargo worthiness. It’s now a double edge and we can see and most of the maritime transport where Sri Lanka has performed a As this is an oil vessel, it must make the advantage and the disadvantage of occurs in the southern sea statutory salvage and not a contractual sure whether the equipment could carry keeping the ship in the EEZ said Dr. belt of Sri Lanka so we salvage, which means before the oil tanks. Gunasekera because the oil slick should should have such commencement of the salvage What has to be also noted is that as not continue. facilities. operations there is a contract between the fire occurred on the ship, whether The MEPA is acting on the direction of the rescuer and the owner of the cargo or vessel for a fixed remuneration irrespective of the recovery,” he explained to Ceylon Today. The statutory salvage is news sunday 13 september 2020 A5

President tells State Ministers Boossa Prison hunger strike Rights group urges Govt to ‘Render a great address legitimate grievances By Ruwan Laknath Senaka Perera observed, “The Rs sometimes need to answer the Jayakody 8,000 monthly allowance they call of nature and such actions service with are getting amounts to just over are being watched by STF The Committee for Protecting Rs 200 per day. Is this adequate personnel. He cited the United the Rights of Prisoners urged the to obtain three meals? Do they Nations Standard Minimum relevant authorities, including receive these meals? The Prisons Rules for the Treatment of the Government and the Prisons Ordinance states that prisoners Prisoners and also queried the simple tasks’ Department, to heed to the must be provided with a humaneness of placing the grievances aired by a group of nutritious, balanced meal which inmates in such a position. A simple start can make a change the current political prisoners detained at the Boossa includes meat.” “Prison congestion is partly the big difference over time and culture. “I am bound by that Prison, who are currently Concerning more time for result of recidivism. Training therefore initiate the responsibility and you as engaged in a hunger strike. interaction with their lawyers, them in vocational skills that process with the simplest well. Also, make the A group of around 40 prisoners Article 13(3) of the Constitution would become useful upon their step as every Ministry can maximum out of this is currently on a hunger strike holds, among others that anyone release from prison is not render a great service with opportunity to shape your over several unaddressed charged with an offence is adequate without instilling simple tasks, said President political life.” concerns, one of which concerns entitled to be heard by an mental discipline. A social Gotabaya Rajapaksa while During his discussion the monthly allowance afforded Attorney-at-Law. “This is a basic, scientific correctional and addressing State Ministers with State Ministers, the to prisoners to purchase food and fundamental right which no one rehabilitation programme is at the Presidential President touched on a essential items from the Prison can take away or impose therefore essential.” Secretariat, on 10 number of areas including welfare cum sales outlet, which limitations on. The suspect, Meanwhile, General Secretary September. agriculture, technological they state should be increased accused or convict needs time to of the Committee, Sudesh “The review of the scope innovations, housing from the present sum of Rs converse with a lawyer and to Nandimal Silva alleged that and role of State Ministries development, water supply, 8,000, which they claim is have their case presented as they prisoners were only being fed a could be completed in the emphasised that future urban development and the insufficient. Another demand wish because their fate depends diet of rice and water and further next three weeks,” the work should be done cost of living. was regarding having more time on this. For this a lawyer’s alleged with regard to recidivism President said, adding that according to a plan and “Some paddy lands are to communicate with their legal services must be obtained, and that the Police planted drugs on the structure of State requested to evaluate the abandoned; they have counsel and representatives. The the suspect, accused or convict offenders upon their release from Ministries was formulated amount of work that could turned fallow. We granted other issues included the must be able to speak freely, prison. to address the issues be done from year-to-year permission for Agrarian deployment of Special Task Force independently and voluntarily When questioned about the identified during the last and to prepare a five-year Services Centres to cultivate (STF) personnel inside the Prison without the authorities position of the Committee with few years. plan. other crops in them. and privacy related issues that eavesdropping or listening close regard to death row convict “You have been entrusted “Officials may say that Likewise, you can use such have arisen as a result. by.” being with the responsibility of everything has been done lands to plant coconut The Committee also took On the matter of utilising the allowed to participate in the law working in agreement with and in order. But strategies trees.” offence with the categorisation STF for prison security, Perera and policymaking process in the the Minister on a common and plans are useless if they President Rajapaksa said and classification of the prisoners said that they should only be Legislature as a Parliamentarian, policy. It is our duty to meet are confined only to files he expects to meet the State at Boossa as dangerous deployed after being given the Perera claimed that this was the expectations of the and folders. You have to Ministers every month to criminals, pointing out that the same training afforded to Prison symptomatic of the country people. Fulfil your take them to the ground exchange ideas and that it law of the land did not allow such officers such as jailors and moving towards a state of responsibilities with the and make them a reality,” will assist them in resolving a differentiation. superintendents. He also claimed primitivisation and called for assistance of officials,” the he said. issues they encounter when Addressing a media briefing that these prisoners, when they eligible prisoners to be facilitated President said. President Rajapaksa they move forward with held on 11 September, Chairman are taken to Court and are being with the opportunity to exercise President Rajapaksa reaffirmed that he would their action. of the Committee, Attorney brought back to Prison their franchise.

Treat ailing detainees at Prison Hospital – Sudarshani

By Kumudu Upul Shantha

State Minister of Prison Reforms and Prisoners’ Rehabilitation, Dr. has instructed Prison officers to subject all inmates suffering from various ailments to medical tests and treat them at the Prison Hospital. A spokesman for the Prisons Department stated, said she had given instructions following a visit to Cell G at the Welikada Prison, on 9 September, to look into the well-being of ageing inmates suffering from ailments.

Hunt on for killer three- wheeler driver Student dies, father and sister critical The Police on 11 September were hunting for a three-wheeler driver who killed a 12-year-old student and critically injured his father and sister in a hit-and-run incident at a location in Hungama. The incident took place on the Ranna- Hungama Road on 10 September, they added. The victims were on a motorcycle when the three-wheeler allegedly crashed into them from behind and sped away from the scene. The father and sister of the victim are currently receiving treatment at the Tangalle Base Hospital. The Hungama Police are conducting further investigations into the incident. (LB)

Regain public attention on COVID-19 prevention Ministry to initiate programme The Ministry of Health has decided to initiate a programme aimed at regaining attention of the public towards preventive measures to be taken regarding the continuous spread of COVID-19. The Ministry stated that Director of the Health Promotion Bureau, Specialist Dr. Palitha Karunapema had been advised by the Health Services Director General to conduct daily media briefings to keep the public informed of the preventive measures that should be constantly followed in connection with the spread of the pandemic. The Ministry further added that officers from the Epidemiology Unit will also be a part of these media briefings. A6 sunday 13 september 2020 issues

Private Bus Owners Drop Bombshell Claims having to Facing a loss of NTC denies claim, pay out Rs 200M 25 per cent of says never received monthly as bribes their revenue complaints

By Thameenah Razeek the track records”, Miranda said illustrating what is actually Dropping a bombshell regarding the happening here. However, it was Public Transport Service and its noted that the bribe is a huge amount irregularities, President of the Lanka and it is changed according to the Private Bus Owners’ Association time period which depends of peak (LPBOA) disclosed that bus operators and off-peak time. and employees have to pay around Rs Wijeratne showed that all of these 200 million per month to those time keepers or the bus employees are working in State institutions seeking bribing because there is no proper bribes, including timekeepers at bus time table scheduled for arrival and stations. departure time. Miranda and Even though the revelation was Ranawaka vehemently denied that made last week, according to the allegation because they have released President of LPBOA, Gemunu proper time tables to each depot. Wijeratne, the mafia had been in the However, both of them clearly sector from as far back as two mentioned that time keepers who decades due to the negligence of the work under Intra Provincial sector do officials working in Sri Lanka not have any time table since there is Transport Board (SLTB), National no functioning PCs. Transport Commission (NTC), and “So, politicians are handling State Provincial Councils (PCs). employees as they wish. There is no Neither heads of SLTB or NTC official to monitor anyone. If the denied the allegation made by Gemunu Wijeratne Governor or any other politician Wijeratne, but they also working under him wants to support acknowledged there is a mafia created plying the Akkaraipattu - Batticaloa some businessman, he will definitely in the sector from a long time back route. In order to keep the bus take a bribe to keep records about and agreed with all other allegations When contacted, stationed in the queue until their turn other bus arrival and departure time. Wijeratne pointed out. However, the and for assurance to drive without Even though the time keepers should main attention was drawn to the SLTB Chairman any obstacles from other buses plying maintain the smoothness of the officials who are carrying the that route. Public sector by not delaying the designation called ‘Time Keepers’. Kingsley “First of all, these associations buses, it is not happening Wijeratne went on slamming the so Ranawaka should lodge a complaint with NTC unfortunately because there is no called time keepers being bribed in a saying that they have to bribe by this proper functioning body to regulate bid to fulfil their other agendas like pointed out why particular officer at this particular them,” Ranawaka claimed. retrieving information about other these area. We are still wondering why no The time keepers under intra buses. one is lodging any complaint,” he said provincial sector are acting according A Time Keeper for Public Transport irregularities are while showing the reasons for having to their whims and fancies since there Services is the person who is zero complaints regarding bribes. is no proper body to regulate them. monitoring the time of arrival and not happening in The Director General was very firm The bribing menace was there for departure of buses at major bus SLTB bus service that action should be taken against decades and no official was able to stops, which is presently done both parties which are bus employees stop it, but also complaints are rarely manually. In most cases it has been because the as well as time keepers. He showed lodged with CIABOC in this regard. observed that such individuals that the time keepers are filling their Speaking further Ranawaka noted purposely falsify these records, drivers or the pockets with bribes only because the that the legal framework of the resulting in a poor service to employees of the bus owners or drivers are willing to establishment of PCs to provide for a commuters and poor utilization of give bribes. Apart from that he said set of structures and positions that buses and human resources. service are not the allegation regarding the arbitrary are assigned political, administrative, Consequently, the bus owners have being paid by decisions made by PCs are true and fiscal responsibilities that must to face a loss of about 25 per cent of whereas no authority to rule them be discharged for the proper their revenue due to this and collected bus out. performance of the powers and Wijeratne claimed that there are no Kingsley Ranawaka Speaking further Miranda functions assigned to the province, ongoing investigations to crackdown fares, whereas emphasised the fact that there are are not being done according to on such extortionists in the same officials to stay in the same place by it’s different with three types of time keepers who work proper technical ways. Even though manner as they conduct raids and extending their tenure,” he claimed. for three different government this section should examine the private bus operations to capture underworld Mutual relationship institutions. Time keepers working nature, scope and content of figures and drug traffickers. service under SLTB, Inter Provincial which is responsibilities of each of the Having PCs and the arbitrary It was crystal clear that the both controlled by NTC, and Intra structures and positions assigned by actions taken by them, the chiefs of parties including the bus employees Provincial, the government body the legal framework to establish the councils are the very ones who are as well as the time keepers are controlled by the PCs. Therefore, a provincial councils, is not happening shielding and feeding these corrupted currently engaging in an illegal industry as a mutual relationship. very few time keepers work under and all the corruption will take place time keepers from law. Wijeratne activity, which is bribery. However, However, Wijeratne noted that in SLTB and there are 3,000 time in this institute called PC,” Ranawaka pointed that the power vested with the mind-blowing fact is that the NTC the year 2018 he lodged a complaint keepers under NTC. explained. PCs are a handful and the authorities has not received a single complaint with the Commission to Investigate Peak and off-peak bribes Most of the PCs that we reached are misusing the influence and about these bribing. At the same time Allegations of Bribery or Corruption either did not know who time keepers attempt to sweep all huge issues none of the allegations forwarded by (CIABOC) regarding bribing time When contacted, SLTB Chairman were or no one was there to regulate under the rug without giving it a Wijeratne was negated at any point keepers and the culprits were Kingsley Ranawaka pointed out why them. We also tried to reach one of the second thought. It has been years and it was also exposed that the time subsequently punished. However, he these irregularities are not happening Governors, but they were either not since PCs were dissolved and all the keepers are motivated not only said the culprits when released got in SLTB bus service because the available for a comment or did not power vested on PCs is converted to because of the bribes the bus back to their bribery operarion. “The drivers or the employees of the service want to comment on this issue. the Governors by default which also employees are constantly giving, but Time Keepers not only bribe the bus are not being paid by collected bus The two heads of the main led to another arbitrary ruling. also the Governors and officials of the employees but also the politicians and fares, whereas it’s different with stakeholders, concluded that bribery While reiterating that the PCs are PC. officials in PCs. So, we thought there private bus service. He said the and corruption is out there in Public the actual wrongdoers, he noted Pointing out that there are is no point of lodging any complaint competition is between the private Transport which functions using the claimed that the time keepers are irregularities happening in the sector against anyone since it will only waste buses since they compete with one taxpayer’s money. Even though the staying in one place for years without which they are aware about, Director our time and money,” he accused. another in trying to get as much officials are aware of the menace no a single transfer. “There are time General Commander (Retired) Nilan The Investigation Officers of the passengers as they could. action could be taken, since no keepers who have already built their Miranda said the commission has no CIABOC apprehended a Time-Keeper “These private bus drivers are not complaints have been lodged with houses in the area, staying for around power to take action against anyone attached to the Road Passenger only bribing the time keepers but also NTC or CIABOC. The one and only six to seven years in the same place, without a complaint. The wonder is Transport Authority (RPTA) - Eastern each and every person that is on their reason being that the space has been cultivating his business with other that NTC does not have any single Province in 2018 and produced him route starting from the king coconut created for these corrupted officials, bribers. Timekeepers are in the same complaint in this regard which before the Magistrate in the seller. If these bus drivers want to since the PCs are taking arbitrary place for years and when a new head highlighted that not a single party Magistrate’s Court – Ampara. He was know at what time the previous bus action and currently there is no is appointed to the PCs, these wants them captured to stop the charged for obtaining a bribe of Rs passed several destinations, they will regulatory body to monitor the timekeepers will negotiate with those mafia, since it was there in the 100/- from an employee of a bus bribe the king coconut seller to keep system.

A8 sunday 13 september 2020 Editorial Editorial sunday 13 september 2020 A9

lobby It’s too late to SJB Leadership Worries of a question Premalal Jayasekara Ceylon Newspapers (Pvt) Ltd. No: 101, Rosmead Place, Colombo 07. taking oaths - Speaker Editorial Tel: 0117566522, 0117566526, 0117566527 Fax: 0117566545 By Methmalie Dissanayake Marketing Manager: 0117566550, 0117566551 Circulation Manager: 0117566580, 0117566581 National People’s Power (NPP) Leader Anura E-mail : [email protected] Possible Crack as Members Kumara Dissanayake on Tuesday (8) used a clever tactic to silence Government MPs who started to disturb him when he began to speak about the swearing-in of SLPP MP Premalal Jayasekara. He mentioned about allegations Onus on Govt levelled against MPs who got up to raise Points of Order during his speech saying that he would come out with more allegations Dissanayake started to speak about prisoners to protect Evade Maiden Protest who were imposed capital punishment during the debate on the Central Bank Annual Report 2019. When MPs from Government ranks environment started to shout, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Secret meeting at Parliament library No show at sathyagraha in front of Abeywardena advised Dissanayake to stick to Without any doubt 2020 will be one of the hottest the topic of the debate which was the CBSL years on record for the planet. And, it will most Annual Report. probably be the hottest ever, according to a report by Dissanayake: “Yes, yes I am coming to that. the National Oceanic and Atmospheric amidst ‘black sataka’ protest Sobhitha Thera’s statue against 20A We are speaking about the CBSL report. It is Administration. about public money. Public money has been Continued destruction caused to the environment is The agitation against 20th to lead decent lives without He remarked that though some allocated for maintaining prisons, prisoners and one of the reasons for the extreme weather felt across Amendment, deforestation in resorting to vices or acts of violence. had claimed that before the even for the rope of the scaffold. I am talking the globe and this is the case in Sri Lanka too: dry Anavilundawa and Sinharaja th ratification of the 20th Amendment, about that rope.” seasons have become hotter and monsoon rains took back stage, with a mere Criticism against 20 a referendum would have to be held, Dissanayake continued the speech. After some continue far longer than they used to be. verbal proposal made by Prime Amendment the Government had not included time Minister got up. Unfortunately, however, the unabated destruction Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa any clauses to the proposed Fernando: “You are telling the same thing you of forest lands and protected areas is reported to SLPP Parliamentary Group President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Amendment which would warrant were saying for the last five years.” regularly, which inevitably contributes to climate Meeting to ban cattle Thursday (10) responding to the conduct of a referendum. Dissanayake: “No, I am not. This is something change. slaughter taking centre stage. comments by the Opposition and its Ali Sabry PC opined that both the new.” Two of the very recent such incidents were the The Prime Minister has allies on the 20th Amendment to the 18th and 19th Amendments to the Fernando: “What did your Government do for destruction caused to the Anawilundawa Wetland taken this decision in his Constitution and the court ruling on Constitution had been ratified in five years? You went to Temple Trees through Sanctuary in Puttalam and large-scale felling of trees capacity as the Minister of SLPP Parliamentarian Premalal Parliament with a majority of two- the back door to attend Government meetings.” in over 100 acres of land belonging to the Forest Buddha Sasana, Religious and Jayasekara, said the objective of the thirds vote. Dissanayake: “Can you say how many Department in the Eluwankulama Mangalapura Cultural Affairs. He explained 20th Amendment to the Hence, he argued, the majority speeches were made by you in Parliament Grama Niladhari Division in the Wanathawilluwa that society is concerned Constitution is to remove the vote in the House would be sufficient during those five years?” Divisional Secretariat Division. about cattle slaughter and Wimaladhamma Thera and request Points of Order as well. obstacles imposed by the 19th for the ratification of the said Fernando: “Your Government tried to put us Minister of Wildlife and Forest Conservation C.B. Buddhist Monks and other the Anunayaka of the Asgiriya Leader of the House and Amendment and move forward. Amendment rather than the behind bars. You filed 11 Court cases against Rathnayake on Wednesday (9), tabled in Parliament religious leaders have urged to Chapter Ven. Wendaruwe Minister He said this during a meeting with incurring of additional expenses for me. You people tried to keep us in jails, not in the report of the five-member committee appointed to ban it, on several occasions. Upali Thera. pointed out, as per the Standing State Ministers held at the the staging of an unwarranted Parliament. We saw what you did after listening probe the damage caused to the Anawilundawa Premier Rajapaksa called for Orders the MPs could not raise Presidential Secretariat. referendum. to ’s call recordings.” Wetland Sanctuary. the support of all people to Enter Premalal Points of Order when the “Everything cannot be changed The committee formed by Prime Dissanayake: “If I had the power to punish The report stated that it has been revealed that stop cattle slaughter. The Amidst the debate on banning Speaker was making an overnight. It takes a long time. Minister Rajapaksa to study the pros criminals and those responsible for corruption, State Minister ’s brother Jagath Government Parliamentary cattle slaughter, Premalal announcement. Various views have been expressed. and cons of the draft proposal for the many will not be sitting in this Chamber today. I Samantha was behind the incident. The purpose of Group endorsed the proposal Jayasekara who polled second SJB MPs Harin Fernando, We want to retain some of the 20th Amendment is set to convene regret that I do not have such power.” the destruction was establishing a prawn farm, the moved by Rajapaksa to ban highest votes from Ratnapaura Nalin Bandara and Kiriella features of the 19th Amendment. on 14 September in Colombo and Fernando was heard responding to report claimed. cattle slaughter. District, was sworn in as a shouted that it was illegal for The primary objective is to keep the the final report of this committee is Dissnayake’s claim but his microphone had Sanath Nishantha shot to infamy when he clashed While there was a barrage of Member of Parliament on Jayasekara to take oaths as an tenure of the President unchanged to be handed over to the Premier been taken away. with a firebrand Forest Officer early this year when criticism against this decision Tuesday. MP. and to move forward,” President during the course of the coming After that several Government MPs tried to she opposed the clearing of a mangrove forest to build from some factions in the Jayasekara was sentenced to Amidst the uproar, Serjeant- explained. week. disturb Dissanayake but he cut them off by a playground. In a video recording that went viral on society and religious groups, death by the Ratnapura High at-Arms Narendra Fernando Responding to the accusations Meanwhile, a top Cabinet minister dragging allegations levelled against them. social media, the Forest Officer was seen refusing to the Anunayaka Theras of the Court over the shooting to death accompanied Jayasekera to the made by the Opposition regarding revealed at least 10 Opposition “I will mention allegations against you one by grant permission to any activity that is in Malwatte and Asgiriya of an individual and causing Speaker’s Chair and he was MP Jayasekera, President Rajapaksa Parliamentarians have expressed one. I remember them all and I really like when contravention of the law. Chapters of the Siam Sect, in injury to two others during the sworn in. He read out his oath emphasised that neither he nor the willingness to support the proposed you stand up. When we talk about the CBSL The response to her refusal, both from State a joint communiqué, pointed Presidential Election in 2015. amidst loud protests. Prime Minister did intervene in the draft of the 20th Amendment to the report, many big reports are coming up. I love Minister Sanath Nishantha Perera who presided the out that both the Government He was given the approval to After swearing in, Jayasekera Peiris said, according to the procedures of the Court. Constitution. this,” he said. meeting as well as the group of individuals calling for and the Opposition should attend Parliament Sittings by was congratulated by provisions of Article 89 of the “If the intention was to influence in The group had affirmed that they SLPP MP Vasudewa Nanayakkara: “What the clearing of the mangrove forest was astounding. equally support the decision the Court of Appeal. An interim Government MPs Vijitha Constitution, an MP-elect would Instructions to bulldoze this regard it should have been done were ready to back the Government about me? Are there files against me too?” The State Minister kept on insisting that if we were to taken by the Prime Minister to order also issued by the Court Berugoda, Janaka not be able to take oaths if he or at the High Court stage. Something in two ways, the Minister added. Dissanayake: “There is nothing much about strictly adhere to laws protecting the environment formulate necessary laws to stated, permission which was Wakkumbura and front row she would be convicted by a Ramsar Wetland given by of this nature never occurred. The He averred that some of the you. You are a respected leftist politician who there won’t be enough space for people to live. He is prohibit cattle slaughter. granted will be in effect until the members of the Government in Court. I will read Prof. Peiris’s verdict was given by the judge who Opposition MPs would cross over to spoke against the Constitution passed in 1978.” heard urging the Forest Officer to find a ‘middle The Monks had explained petition filed by Jayasekara is the Chamber. statement made on that day. He was appointed by the Constitutional the Government ranks when the NPP MP shouted “pumpkin, ground’ while one individual was seen making that the Buddhist Clergy had taken up for hearing and a Prime Minister Rajapaksa said, the MP-elect would State Minister’s brother Council. Members of the vote will be taken. The Minister pumpkin,” remembering the famous argument threatening gestures at the Officer saying, ‘there’s no for long voiced their vehement verdict is delivered. arrived in the Chamber several automatically lose his seat when The five-member committee Pradeshiya Sabha.” Constitutional Council included noted that a sizeable lot from the between former Prime Minister Ranil point having oxygen if children don’t have a opposition to the wanton When Tuesday’s minutes after Jayasekara took convicted by a High Court and report compiled on the It was observed that personnel from Opposition such as Opposition would still continue to Wickremesinghe and Nanayakkara in which playground’. slaughter of cattle, but noted Parliamentary Sittings his oaths. that such a person could not destruction caused to the Samantha had annual licences , back the Government with regard to Wickremesinghe called the latter, a ‘dried And now, the State Minister’s name is again that such pleas had fallen on commenced, Speaker Mahinda The Speaker then opened the become an MP when that person Anawilundawa International for five prawn farms of 1 acre, and Thalatha Atukorala. One democratic and progressive Bills pumpkin.’ mentioned when it comes to the illegal clearing of deaf ears to date. Yapa Abeywardena announced floor for Points of Order raised was sentenced to death. He said, Ramsar Wetland has revealed two prawn farms of 2 acres and decision is acceptable for the that are tabled, while remaining in Dissanayake: (laughing) “Ah yes pumpkin. another protected forest area. Hence, they stressed that that Jayasekara would take his by SJB MPs. in such moments, the Speaker that Jagath Samantha, the one prawn farm of 3 acres until Opposition while the other is not,” the Opposition benches in But that was a minor issue.” This Wetland has been declared as a Sanctuary by a Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa oath as an MP. Kiriella: “A person who has does not have jurisdiction.” brother of State Minister 2015. Those licences had been the President said. Parliament. These MPs who would State Minister Ajith Nivard Cabraal who raised Gazette under the Fauna and Flora Protection taking the initiative to prohibit At this juncture, Opposition been sentenced to death by the Gunawardena: “I do not think Sanath Nishantha, had given granted by National The President observed that be supporting from the Opposition a Point of Order read out a list of alleged Ordinance and is also declared a Ramsar Wetland in the slaughter of cattle is a Leader Sajith Premadasa and Court was sworn in as an MP. that we have room for Points of the orders to clear the land for Aquaculture Development President of the Court of Appeal was without crossing over are mostly assassinations and destructions of property the Western Dry Zone. timely and commendable move SJB MPs were seen wearing When MP Field Marshal Sarath Order when a person who was a Prawn farm. Authority. There had been a also appointed by the Constitutional from two political parties caused by the JVP during 88/89 insurgency. He The 100 acres of land where large trees were felled and a long felt need. ‘black satakas’ round their Fonseka was elected to this elected by the people is swearing The report was tabled in licence for the land in question Council itself and added that the representing an ethnic minority. was not allowed to finish making his remarks as belonging to the Forest Department was leased to the The communiqué had been necks. Chief Opposition Whip House in 2010, he was denied -in as an MP. The Standing Parliament by Minister of which was issued for a prawn Opposition is running a false This comes in the wake there was the Speaker ruled out that it was not a Point of Ceylon Cement Corporation by the Forest Department signed by the Anunayaka of stood up and attending Parliamentary Orders clearly say anyone who Wildlife C.B. Rathnayake on farm before 2015. However, propaganda campaign in this regard. a secret meeting of five members of Order. some year ago and it was later leased to another the Malwatte Chapter Ven. raised a Point of Order. Several Sittings. When we questioned is sworn in before the Speaker Wednesday (9). It revealed that licence had not been Meanwhile, the Government Party the SLMC and its Leader Rauff Dissanayake then started to mention about private company. Dimbulkumbe other SJB MPs also started to about it, Minister Professor G.L as an MP has rights and details of the statements given renewed since 2015 as the land Leaders’ meeting convened by Prime Hakeem taking place in the controversial investment on Greek Government More than a thousand large trees were cut down by Warnakulasooriya is a Ramsar Wetland despite Minister Rajapaksa decided to form Parliament Library. Bonds in 2011 and the hedging deal in 2007 and the trees were set on fire. Nishantha Fernando, the requests for establishing prawn a seven-member committee to He remarked that talks which are when Cabraal was the Governor of the CBSL. Among the felled trees are a number of valuable owner of the bulldozer which farms and housing projects, the examine the draft proposal for the presently proceeding with “If you want to stand up once again I will trees, including palu, weera, madang and teak. was used for the destruction. report stated. 20th Amendment. Opposition MPs in this connection mention another one like that. Do you actually Environmental groups say some of the trees that were The report states: “Therefore, it can be observed This committee which is headed have been positive. He pointed out want to stand up?” Dissanayake asked. cut down and set on fire are 400-500 years old, “The statement given by that this land in question which by Minister of Education, Professor that in order to carry out expeditious Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP exceeding 7-8 feet in circumference. Warnakulasooriya Nishantha was not used for any activity G.L. Peiris, consists of Minister of development work in the country, Uddika Premaratne brought 10 kg of corn from Environmental organisations, officials of the Fernando shows that he since 2015 has been tried to be Labour , the support of the Opposition would Anuradhapura to Parliament on the same day. Cement Corporation and officials of the Forest carried out the destruction used for establishing a prawn Minister of Industries Wimal be most welcome and insisted that a He handed over the stock of corn to the canteen Department visited the site and all spoke in following the instructions given farm again without an Weerawansa, Minister of Energy sizeable number of MPs from the of the House. condemnation of the devastation. by Jagath Samantha, former authorisation and in an illegal Udaya Gammanpila, Minister of Opposition had already expressed Later, when he was given time to participate in Ajith Gihan, Coordinator of Wayamba Handa Chairman of Arachchikattuwa manner,” the report said. Justice and President’s Counsel their willingness towards this. the debate, Premaratne said that he brought Environmental Organisation stated that this disaster M.U.M. Ali Sabry, State Minister of Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture corn to Parliament to symbolise his new is the biggest environmental disaster in Sri Lanka so Cost of Living Education Reforms, Open Mahindananda Aluthgamage programme to protect and empower corn far. “Today, there is a great deal of environmental Universities and Distance Learning revealed in Parliament on 10 farmers in Anuradhapura. It was reported that destruction in Puttalam. As far as I know, not so privileges of an MP.” conduct review process accorded to Promotion Susil Premjayantha and September that some 10 to 15 MPs MPs were served with corn curry instead of the much destruction has taken place in Wilpattu and the Fonseka: “The Constitution says prisoners. Parliamentarian, Attorney-at-Law from the Opposition were ready to usual dhal curry prepared by the Parliament institutions that leased these lands and the that a person sentenced to death He said he will shortly submit a Premanath C. Dolewatta. support the draft 20th Amendment canteen for lunch. Government officials in the area are responsible for could not become an MP and is not proposal to this effect in Parliament. The main task entrusted to the mooted by the Government. The new MP said that corn should be this destruction. Cattle even entitled to cast his vote. When Jayasekara, claimed that once the committee is to have a wide dialogue In the meantime, some of the promoted more and more in the country. Chairman of the Ceylon Cement Corporation slaughter I was sent to jail in 2010, I had four-year review process is with the society ahead of submitting Opposition MPs had not taken part “Corn could be prepared as a curry. Today we Gamini Ekanayake stated that the land has been ban taken my oath as an MP. Even then reactivated, those who are on death its proposals aimed at formulating in some of the recent anti- ate corn curry instead of dhal. It is tastier than leased out to a private company by his Corporation. I was not allowed to attend row would have recourse to turn the the 20th Amendment. Government protests organised by dhal curry. We spend millions of rupees to Surprisingly, no official in the area was aware of this Parliamentary Sittings.” death penalty into a life-term. He The committee will also be the main Opposition SJB, and this import dhal from India. If we consume corn until such a catastrophe occurred. When the Speaker moved the further claimed that those who are responsible for seeking the views of has now become a heated topic of instead of dhal we can save both our money and Ekanayake has lodged a complaint with the House to proceed with the day’s serving life terms would have their all political parties represented in the discussion in local political circles. It our farmers,” he said. Wanathawilluwa Police. When inquired about this, an business, the SJB MPs got up and term reduced to 20 years. Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna is claimed that some of the MPs Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and official of the Puttalam Forest Department stated that Reducingegg started to shout. Followed by Jayasekara opined that those who Government in Parliament. belonging to smaller parties in the several (SJB) MPs the Ceylon Cement Corporation was responsible for prices Premadasa, the SJB MPs took off are serving a 20-year prison term Future of 20th SJB coalition had not attended these raised question regarding Premalal Jayasekara this. their ‘black satakas’ and threw would have further recourse to anti-Government protests. taking oaths as a Member of Parliament at all If this trend of environmental destruction continues, them into the well and left the reduce the term to 13½ years. Amendment These anti-Government protests Parliamentary Sittings this week . However, the Sri Lanka will soon turn into a dessert. The climate will Chamber in protest while He said that many inmates at the had been held against the 20th Speaker on Friday (11) told them that it was too turn hotter, water resources will deplete and the Jayasekara who was in the back Welikada Prison had urged him to The report compiled by the Amendment, opposite the statue of late to raise questions and those MPs should oxygen levels in the air will be lowered. row of the Government ranks was intervene on their behalf to request Ministerial committee, formed to the late monk Ven. Maduluwave have gone before the Court of Appeal which Protection of the environment is one of the key seen observing the protest silently. the Government to re-launch the examine the merits and demerits of Sobitha Thera. The sporting of black ruled that Jayasekara could be sworn in as an pledges made by the present Government and it is the However, other Opposition parties four-year review process. He the proposed 20th Amendment to shawls (satakayas) within MP. sincere hope of those who voted in this Government did not participate in the protest. mentioned that on humane the Constitution, is to be submitted Parliament too took place recently. Jayasekara who attended the Sittings, that they will duly punish those who destroy the After several minutes, Kiriella and grounds, the Government should to Prime Minister Mahinda Political analysts had further however did not participate in any discussion environment. MP were seen seriously consider restarting the Rajapaksa during the coming week. opined that the internal tension in regarding his post. He had simply sat down in We urge the President and the Prime Minister to returning to the Chamber and said process on behalf of the When contacted, Minister of the SJB had been underscored with the seat allocated for him and observed the take severe action against those who have been taking their seats. prisoners. Justice, President’s Counsel M.U.M. All Ceylon Makkal Congress MP S.M. Sittings. He was seen to be in deep thought most identified as having caused irreparable damage to the Jayasekara who was sworn in as Jayasekara also claimed that Ali Sabry said the committee would Musharaf speaking in favour of the of the time. In one of such moments SLPP MP environment. an MP, later said he will be making surveys conducted had revealed decide whether any amendments conduct of the present regime when S.B. Dissanayake went to Jayasekara and a request to the Government to that some 98 prisoners who had would need to be included or not in the House had convened on 10 patted him on his shoulder. The duo was seen revive the four-year behavioural been released to society had begun the proposed draft. September. engaging in a discussion for some time. A10 Sunday 13 september 2020 Focus

SLMC criticised for snubbing Russian degrees

By Dilanthi Jayamanne

The Association of Sri Lankan Graduates from Socialist Countries (ASLGSC) seemed to have stirred a hornets’ nest following their vehement condemnation of the Sri Lanka Medical Council’s (SLMC) decision to delist four Russian medical degrees presented by four Universities to students who sought foreign medical degrees after their GCE A/L examinations. It has fired up the Russian Centre which has issued a warning that the SLMC’s decision would have a direct impact on the “relationship between the two countries.” Also the centre in a communiqué said that Russia had been a country with which Sri Lanka had maintained diplomatic relations since 1957 while it had also supported the Local Healthcare country whenever she needed support in international affairs. It has also used its veto power in the United Nations Security Council to support Sri Lanka. Last month Health Minister Pavitra Devi Wanniarachchi pledged to purchase the vaccine developed by Russia for the Imperilled by the treatment of local patients during a meeting with Ambassador to the Russian Federation Yury B. Materiy. Therefore, the repercussions of this bold move by the SLMC could have severe repercussions on a country as small as ours. Underqualified? Also what probably does not sit well with several interested parties could be the large amounts of money that is involved in sending By Udeni Saman Kumara to the medical degrees, the SLMC students to foreign countries for degrees stipulated five years ago that a whether the particular degree could be Free education and free validation of the council is required considered with value in Sri Lanka or not. healthcare are two sectors in before accrediting a foreign It is also not the first time the Council has which Sri Lanka is renowned in medical faculty. SLMC could exercised the power vested to it under the the world. The country is ahead of scrutinise the basic qualifications Medical ordinance although the hue and cry many countries in terms of both and the standard of the relevant that is being made seems to imply it. preventions and cures. However, university in that way. However, But it is unfortunate that all those who are the health sector in Sri Lanka is in still, a large group of students ready to condemn the SLMC for having used a severe crisis due to several circumvent this requirement, their authority fail to realise that it is in order issues. graduate from foreign universities to ensure that foreign medical graduates The reasons for the problems are and seek registration to be doctors returning with their Medical Degrees (MD) to related to weak administration. in Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, the Sri Lanka are able to meet the proper The quality of the health service law is on their side. criteria. They are merely doing their best to is deteriorating as a result of the Seven such medical graduates regulate the medical profession to keep decisions taken by the health went to the court arguing that the patients from being treated by a doctor who administration for about a decade. deep that there are occasions the sources said that they only SLMC had no powers to scrutinise is not capable or qualified to deal with their This article reviews the students with best marks for evaluated the standard of the their A/L results. They won over illness or their medical emergency. Unlike in background of the issue. bioscience sometimes join the university as a whole and not their cases over the Medical Sri Lanka some medical degrees do not train According to the official statistics health service as labourers. So enrolment qualifications. Council because no such law is the student in emergency care or forensic of the Sri Lanka Medical Council, those who dream of becoming a The standard of healthcare of a passed in the country. Whereas medicines as expected in doctors who are 27,766 doctors are in active doctor are devasted and languish a country primarily depends on the every developed country has deployed to the peripheries of the country. service. By July 2019, the few more years to find a career quality of the professionals legalised the criteria of their The majority of students studying overseas population of Sri Lanka is 22.1 while depending on their parents. engaged in the service. The Medical Councils, Sri Lanka has are those who have fallen short of the million. The doctor per population Degrees for sale material infrastructure comes not, because of the greed of the required number of marks to enter the ratio is 1:750. It is a highly healthy second. powerful and wealthy elements medical colleges in Sri Lanka. Their ‘Z’ scores ratio, and 91 per cent of the cadre We have to speak about the Standards and criteria are set to who want their children made at the A/L’s are such that once they return to is supplied by the local university terrible side of this story now. The maintain the quality of the health professionals. the country and sit their Act 16 exams medical faculties. well-to-do class of Sri Lankan service. The Parliament must Twenty of the medical interns (which they have to pass to receive Sri Lankan doctors are second to society send their children to endorse these standards. enrolled in public service last year registration) they are deployed to difficult none of the doctors in any other foreign medical colleges spending According to the rules and lacked basic A/L qualifications. stations. country. The high competency level massive amounts of money. They regulations passed by the SLMC in Seven of them had failed all three SLMC Registrar Dr. Ananda Hapugoda of doctors saves lives while graduate from those universities 2010, the basic qualifications are subjects. While the SLMC requires said that every country formulates its providing an exemplary health and look for Sri Lanka Medical two credits and one general pass at medical graduates to learn biology, medical degree to suit the requirements of its service. Council (SLMC) registration. The the GCE Advanced Level chemistry and physics, the foreign own people. Therefore the SLMC has to However, as a result of the number of medical graduates who examination. The Cabinet must degree awarding institutes do not ensure that the medical degree being offered recruitment of a large number of have applied for registration at the endorse this and publish it as a need such qualifications. The by that particular university is on par or can doctors who have not fulfilled the SLMC is currently 750. These Gazette Notification before it is graduates had proven before be considered equivalent to the medical necessary qualifications, the long- students have applied for ERPM approved by the Parliament. courts that the SLMC had no right degree course being offered to local students. lasting reputation of Sri Lankan basic qualification to be registered The basic standards set by the to scrutinise the basic If there are issues in this regard the SLMC doctors is now at stake. in the SLMC. SLMC have not been made into law qualifications of the graduates who discusses the matter with those universities Unfortunately, people are not One can simply ask what the after 2010. The reason is because have earned foreign degrees. and requests them to rectify the drawbacks aware of the situation yet. fault is for trying to entering the the Ministers of Health deliberately In 2018, 666 biology stream in the course matter of the particular medical Politicians and the other government medical service after suspended the process. The students obtained three A passes degree. authorities also lack graduating from a foreign outcome is the recruitment of at the A/Ls. Meanwhile, 3,500 The particular decision to deregister the understanding about the situation. university. However, there is a side medical undergraduates without students got three B passes. The four universities was taken after a group of It is revealed that a mafia that has to the problem that we do not basic qualifications required for number of students who obtained experts conducted a five year review on the invaded the entire health service is usually see. That is, a large university entrance in Sri Lanka. two Bs and one C is 6,000. Thus, approved foreign universities medical degree. dragging healthcare into number of medical graduates from That is why a group of medical 10,000 students have received The decision was based on the quality of deterioration. foreign universities do not have the graduates who have not passed excellent qualifications to enrol for education and relevance of the curriculum to Becoming a doctor in basic qualifications to enter a local A/L’s have applied for registration. medical degrees in Sri Lankan the Sri Lankan healthcare system. Every university. The situation is seen to A large number of such graduates universities. All 11 medical foreign medical degree undergoes the same Sri Lanka downgrade the reputation of the have lined up to register now. They faculties of State universities enroll review. And each degree course, once medical service in Sri Lanka while are the offspring of politicians, only 1,500 students while 3,000 registered by the Council, undergoes a review Sri Lanka spends 3.4 per cent of putting the lives of the patients in public service executives and the students are now studying during a five-year period in order to be the GDP on health. However, this danger. wealthy people who have failed the medicine in foreign universities. removed or recognized as a plausible degree allocation remains unchanged for According to the available local examinations. Their speciality The Government medical service course being offered by the particular the past five years. According to statistics, 71 of the 83 medical is the weakness of the subject is now balanced with both these university. reports issued by the Ministry of graduates who have applied for the knowledge. types of doctors risking the lives of Dr. Hapugoda said that the decision to Health in September 2019, Sri registration of SLMC have not Brokering Sri Lankan students the patients. However, the delist these medical degrees offered by the Lanka has 1,654 doctor vacancies. obtained the basic qualification of for medical education in foreign Government does not seem to five universities had not been taken It takes two years to fill these two credits and one general pass at universities is a big business now. understand this dangerous overnight. It had only been the COVID-19 vacancies with candidates A/L’s. Thirty graduates have failed Such a degree costs from six to 40 situation. There are many officials issue which had temporarily shelved it. produced by local and foreign their A/L’s while seven of them million rupees. The business is so in the Ministry of Health as well as The Universities the SLMC had universities. The number of have been unable to pass all lucrative that some medical the SLMC to deform the big de-recognised were the Pirogov Russian appointments granted to the subjects. Two of these 83 students doctors who have qualified from picture. In this context, the new National Research Medical University, doctors annually is around 1,100. have not sat their A/L’s. They have foreign universities have dropped Minister of Health must notify the Moscow, the Tver State Medical University, About 300-350 doctors retire registered in foreign medical out from the medical profession to basic standards immediately for the Astrakhan State Medical University, and annually from the public service. colleges based on their O/L engage in this business. As the medical degrees recognised in the People’s Friendship University of Russia. The number of Government results. estimated by some, the number of Sri Lanka. The graduates of foreign For the past several years there has been medical faculties administrated by The number of medical Sri Lankan students who enrol for universities who have basic an effort to sanction approval from the the Ministry of Higher Education is graduates who seek the SLMC foreign medical degrees is over qualifications will not face any Cabinet of Ministers to gazette the minimum ten. About 1,500 students who registration is 750, and there is no 1,000. injustice due to this. standards for medical education to safeguard obtain the highest z-score in the doubt that the number of The worst scenario is that the Several immediate steps can be patients and prospective students who wish bioscience stream at A/L’s are candidates who do not have basic students who obtain three A taken to relieve the country from to follow a medical degree in a foreign enrolled in universities. The qualifications is very high. Some passes in Sri Lanka also fail to this menace that is dragging the university. The SLMC Registrar said that minimal qualification for medical have passed their A/L’s in Arts qualify for the entrance of the health service of Sri Lankan into Health Minister Wanniarachchi had pledged education is two credits and one stream and graduated as doctors medical faculties of Sri Lanka. The crisis. The first is making the to sanction approval in order to issue the general pass in A/L. However, the because of the money their parents situation has worsened to the level minimum basic qualifications for Gazette. cut-off mark depends on the have. that the medical graduates of medical education in Sri Lanka Spokesman for the Government Medical number of annual intakes and Standards and rules foreign universities now try to into law through the Parliament. Officers Association (GMOA), Dr. Senal sometimes two As and one B in claim for 50:50 ratio in terms of Secondly, the brokering of Fernando observed that the SLMC should Colombo District may not open the When we enquired about this recruitment in the public service. foreign medical education in Sri give justification to the Health Minister for doors of Government medical situation, we understood that the There are numerous influential Lanka must be thoroughly their move to delist the four universities so faculties. reason for the crisis is that there is individuals in and out of the regulated. that the Health Minister could iron out the The dream of Sri Lankan youth a large number of foreign Parliament to advocate for them. The only sustainable solution is issue at a diplomatic level. to serve the country after universities approved by SLMC. The children of low-income families appointing a Presidential The question remains, however, as to graduating from a local university Many of these universities are suffer while the politicians, senior Commission or any other whether we are willing to permit a threat of is thus shattered. As a result, the situated in countries like Russia, officials and wealthy business competent authority that possible repercussions from the Russian students with high marks in China, Belarus, Georgia, people have found easy paths to represents all relevant sectors to Federation that might jeopardise the very bioscience stream end up Bangladesh, Malaysia, Ukraine, make their kids into professionals. prepare a long-term plan for the health service of the country. becoming nurses or development India, Philippine and Armenis. In the backdrop of the law not medical education of Sri Lanka assistants. The disparities are so Sri Lanka Medical Association being passed in terms of enrolment and legalising standards. Focus sunday 13 September 2020 A11 Did We Need a Pandemic to Curb Pollution? How the Bolgoda Reservoir and its fishing community thrived during COVID-19

By Buddhika consisting of a series of seen contamination due to strengthen the economy and Samaraweera interconnected reservoirs of human activity. Such provide employment survive the water from ancient times with conditions highlight the need for pandemic. Granted, the The world is set up in a truly the combination of the Bolgoda a systematic and practical contribution of the tourism wonderful way, such that, River, Veras Ganga and Kalu programme in place to protect sector, which is likely the everything that happens in it Ganga basins. This aquatic all such water sources, which hardest-hit, can never be brings about both positive and environment is rich in natural would also protect the underestimated. But now is the negative consequences. An resources and home to rare livelihoods of many. time to consider if the revenue it example of this is how, over the species of fish, aquatic plants, There is no need to make sky- generates is truly worth it if it past few months, the outbreak birds and medicinal plants of high reports or appoint comes at the cost of our of COVID-19 tragically has so Sri Lanka. This environment is committees that cost billions to environment. far claimed more than of course a gift of nature in address local industry problems In working to strengthen the 28,330,000 human lives, and comparison to the artificial – this would result in further economy, if we do it in a manner yet brought about a benefit to environment of the Colombo waste of public money. The that is respectful of nature, we the planet itself, as many of the District, which has been heavily traditional methods of solving can ensure the benefits of human activities that have been urbanised and overcrowded at these problems would provide a prosperity are enjoyed by future destroying the environment for present. Not only the Bolgoda sufficient answer to the issues generations, as well as our decades have come to a Reservoir, but many other water raised by our fisher-folk. current natural companions on standstill due to the pandemic. sources in the country have also It is vital that all sectors that this island. Such activity was happening at the Bolgoda Environmental Protection Area, where various unauthorised establishments and the irregular disposal of Congratulations! garbage were severely affecting the largest wetland in the Western Province. Villagers in factories located in the area engaged for generations, are put The three lucky Ceylon Today readers who walk areas such as Ratmalana, were not functioning due to at risk, they remain helpless to away with luxury hotel stays this week are: Kesbewa, Moratuwa, Kalutara, COVID-19. stop it, he said, as the Bolgoda Panadura, Piliyandala and He noted that the closure of Environmental Protection Area n Ajitha E. Goonesinha – Ratmalana Bandaragama regularly many hotels resulted in a comes under various agencies, n N.R. Sena Angulagodawatte – Dewanagala complained of the serious dramatic reduction in water making it difficult to lodge a n Priyantha Kannangara – Kelaniya environmental issues that arose pollution, adding that as a complaint. in the recent past as a result of result, many people in the “When we go to one The more you read Ceylon Today, the more this. fishing industry were making a institution to lodge a complaint, chances you get to win, as we continue the ‘Read Unfortunately, the state of the considerable income these they say they are unable to look and Win Luxury Holiday Packages’ competition for Bolgoda Reservoir and its days. This also makes it clear into the matter, and direct us to the second week. surrounding environment is that the improperly-constructed another agency. They, in turn, We have hidden the Sri Lanka Map within our very sad today. Its water has hotels and houses directly direct us to yet another pages. When you find it, fill in the coupon below and been heavily polluted, caused the decline in the fish institution. In the end, we get WhatsApp us before Thursday 3 p.m. threatening its aquatic plants harvests in the past, he further fed up of being sent back and Full-board overnight stays for you and a loved one and creatures with extinction. said. forth and give up on our at Asia Leisure luxury hotels are up for grabs. Unauthorised filling and He recalled how the waters complaint. It would be ideal if The winners will be announced on next Sunday’s construction of the reservoir would sometimes completely the area could be brought under Ceylon Today. have invaded its natural change colour, owing to the one agency, and hotels are (Pic by Venura Chandramalitha) boundaries, to the extent that dumping of old paint by the operated in way that does not even the fishing community paint manufacturing plants harm the environment,” he said. that was dependent on the lake along the Bolgoda River, while He went on to say, “Most gradually moved away from its surface would be dotted with hotels and other factories these activities. the waste disposed from the located in the area are not Most of this damage stems bridges over the river in operating these days. As a from the tourist hotels and Panadura and Moratuwa. result, the Bolgoda River has houses built along the Bolgoda Making matters worse, he been cleaned up considerably, River. Those involved in fishing claimed, was the unauthorised making the cause of pollution in in the area constantly complain land reclamation taking place this reservoir very clear. that water pollution has greatly along the river, with no Bolgoda River benefits not only increased due to wastewater institution trying to stop this. “If the fishermen, but also other and other garbage disposed we cut a branch off a tree, we people in many ways. We have from hotels and the would be arrested. However, been complaining about these surrounding houses into the there is no institution to look issues for a long time, but there Bolgoda River. Despite into such matters,” he has been no satisfactory constantly asking authorities to complained. solution.” pay attention to protecting this “Due to the prevailing curfew “We are not saying ‘don’t build national treasure, they have over the past few days, traffic hotels’. However, we have to be seen no reasonable solution. has been reduced, which also very cautious when However, there may still be helping to reduce water constructing such buildings in hope. A group of fishermen from pollution. All of this means, we a place like this. Especially the Piliyandala area told Ceylon must act in a way that is not when they provide boat-riding Today, that with the outbreak harmful to the environment. We facilities, it should be planned of COVID-19 virus, fish hope that everybody will pay in a way that does not harm the harvests are larger than normal attention to this and act with a environment and hinder our these days. Nowadays, the sense of respect towards livelihoods. Because saving this whole world is under a nature,” he added. river and its fishing industry for recession due to the socio- Another person involved in the next generation is worth economic impacts of COVID-19. the fishing industry in the area thousands of times more than This has caused severe said, that many hotels located the profits made by these difficulties in developing nations in this area were disposing hotels.” like Sri Lanka, with the people garbage into the river, posing a Dealing with the economic facing an extreme degree of serious threat not only to their impact as he said, there are economic hardship. In such a livelihoods, but also to the several factories and hotels by situation, the increase in fishing environment. He noted, that the river, but many of them are yields is a great relief to those many of these hotels offered currently inactive due to the dependent on the fishing boat-riding facilities to the COVID-19 virus. A large industry. guests, but due to the high number of people have lost their A noticeable drop in speeds of these boats, fish eggs jobs, and various reports show and fishing nets were being that further job losses are pollution destroyed. expected. Though their As you probably know, there Sugath, a fisherman using livelihoods, has been a lot of talk about the Bolgoda River, said that due in which home gardening and to various reasons, he was they strengthening local industries finding it difficult to continue have over the past few months. his livelihood, but was earning been Together, the Government and :HHN a substantial income during all other relevant authorities these few months since most of have come up with a number of the hotels and other programmes to address the problems faced by those involved in local industries. The fishing industry is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest local industries, and has become the primary source of income for many. There is also the possibility of earning a large amount of foreign exchange through the export of this industry’s products. This makes it important to retain people within the industry. However, the problems faced by the fishing industry and the lack of fair solutions to these issues have led to people turning to other forms of employment. Also, many have forgotten the value of the Bolgoda Reservoir and its ecological importance. Bolgoda is a wetland system A12 sunday 13 SEPTEMBER 2020 Focus

Trailing the Undisclosed History of Annaiwilundawa Tank Sanctuary By Sayuni Masakorala diverse bird population. Apart from the significant presence of Over the last few months, we numerous water Bird species, witnessed an increasing trend the sanctuary is also of destruction caused to frequented with the presence of ecosystems of importance. rare butterflies. Even Ranging from the controversy arthropods such as the Dragon surrounding encroachments in Fly and Damsel fly can also be Wilpattu National Park to road found here. However, there is a constructions in the buffer lack of in-depth systematic zone of the Sinharaja world data collected and recorded heritage site and recently to the with regards to these fauna. Ramsar acclaimed The complex is also pertinent Annaiwilundawa wetland, we in housing a variety of Orchid were able to witness the plant species and lichens. gradual depletion of our This treasure of fauna and biodiversity. The recent flora also comprises mangrove Annaiwilundawa wetland environment which provides where a vast area was cleared wide. Whilst studies conducted versatile uses. Being coastline for prawn farming caused on bird diversity of this habitat protectors they absorb influxes outrage in the country and during the survey, we were also of water on a daily basis received backlash from various able to come across another preventing extra flooding. specialists in the field of significant duck species ‘Lesser Reducing erosion they also environment and the public. A Whistling Ducks’. During a remove carbon dioxide from the pertinent issue of subsequent Mid-Winter Water environment and help combat ‘accountability’ surfaced as to Bird Census the cluster of global warming. Being a rich whether the State and non tanks at Annaiwilundawa ecosystem of biodiversity, it -State actors who are (South-West of Battulu Oya) acts as nesting and feeding responsible in protecting these were found harbouring nearly grounds for many animals and integral ecosystems are 125,000 water birds alone. The as breeding grounds for the preserving these environments survey conducted established very rare ‘Fulvous Whistling Thilo Hoffmann as highlighted by the fact that the importance of this area as a Duck’. Being a cluster of tanks these issues took place major habitat and breeding containing fresh water it also unbeknownst to government ground for birds to declare it as helps to keep the balance in watchdogs. It also brings about a ‘sanctuary’ under the Fauna our marine environment. This the question as to whether we and Flora Protection Ordinance versatility does not only cater should wait till the destruction (FFPO). Under to the ecosystem but also of our forest cover to realise the Hoffmann’s guidance we extends to contribute as a pertinence of conservation set about persuading the major social factor. The paddy efforts. how it came to be declared a authorities about this fields in the surrounding are sanctuary in accordance to the wetland complex and used for agricultural purposes Commercial avarice Fauna and Flora Protection finally it was declared where the tanks are used as a It is regretful that Ordinance (FFPO) and gain its Though many ‘Annaiwilundawa Tank medium of irrigation. Annually, conservation efforts of these Ramsar status. In unraveling Sanctuary’ by the State in the site is explored by tourists protected fauna and flora are in this untold story we spoke to became aware 1999.” during the period of migrant vain, due to individuals the Joint secretary of the of the Upali Ekanayake bird visits. Thus this is an incentivised by commercial Ceylon Bird Club & Co-Author Extension from a integral ‘Eco-Tourism’ site in avarice. It is also penitent that of ‘Helm Field Guides Birds of Annaiwilundawa Wetland Sanctuary to the North-Western area of Sri we have failed in conserving Sri Lanka 2012’ and ‘A wetland after a ‘Ramsar Status’ Lanka.” these ecosystems. Thus it is Photographic Guide to Birds of Volunteerism important that we become Sri Lanka’ published in 2000, the recent issue, “We identified the rich aware of the history and Deepal Warakagoda. habitat of this wetland complex spearheading change significance behind these Being one among the three the public is still and we came across a duck components of our biodiversity individuals who were unaware of the species called ‘Garganey’. They Gunawardene also in curbing the possibility of instrumental in the are migrant ducks and a highlighted the significance of such a situation recurring in aforementioned declarations he significance of globally-threatened species. the initiative taken by these the future. Looking at the traced the beginnings, “Late This significant presence easily three individuals in conducting recent incident at T.W. Hoffmann was the central this site. This meeting 1 per cent of the a survey based on their own Annaiwilundawa, we realised figure in recognising the general Ramsar Convention Criterion strength and capacity which the pertinence of making importance of this wetland. He Deepal Warakagoda on declaring wetland sites paved the way in recognising people aware of these ecological engaged in numerous unawareness in gained ‘Annawilundawa Tank such a valuable ecosystem of treasures. Annaiwilundawa conservation projects in Sri the first place Sanctuary’ the second Ramsar importance in Sri Lanka. He wetland is not only of national Lanka. acclaimed site in the country. also added that Hoffmann was importance but is also one The most significant nature on our protected In 2015 another finding not even a Sri Lankan national amongst the six sites conservation work by him is strengthened this status where and that he was a Swiss designated as wetlands of Saving the Rainforest. Even his ecologies is what ‘Fulvous Whistling Duck’ an national who was instrumental International Importance in Sri autobiography is named after drives extremely rare migrant to Sri in the declaration of many Lanka under the Ramsar this project; The Man Who Lanka was found on this site National Parks. This act of Convention. Saved Sinharaja Rainforest. individuals to by Tara Wickramanayake. Very volunteerism should be He has been studying few handfuls of records can be appreciated and we should be A tale of a discovery; wetlands for years and making create more found within the country whilst grateful to them he said. a trail of ecology inventories of important harm Annaiwilundawa is the only (Pix courtesy wetlands. Annaiwulundawa is region in the Indian Peninsula Green Media Networks) Though many became aware a cluster of five fresh water Jagath Gunawardene to act as a breeding ground for of the Annaiwilundawa wetland tanks ‘Maiyawa Tank’, Bird Census in Sri Lanka. this species.” This wetland complex after the recent issue, the ‘Suruwila Tank’, Whilst he was carrying out November 1992. Our survey meets ‘criterion 6: specific public is still unaware of the ‘Annaiwilundawa Tank’, ‘ Annual Water Bird Census he consisted of monthly point Treasure of Fauna criteria based on water significance of this site. This Maradansole Tank’ and had come across this wetland counts where we conducted and Flora Birds’ under Group B of the general unawareness in the ‘Pinkattiya Tank’ situated cluster which is very important observations on all five tanks Ramsar sites criteria which first place on our protected north of Chilaw.” for both resident and migrant and its immediate surrounding The Sanctuary does not only recognises sites of ecologies is what drives Water Birds. Realising this he and habitat. The survey was cover the cluster of five tanks International Importance for individuals to create more Declaration as a wanted to conduct a systematic concluded by April 1994 and but also the immediate conserving biological harm. Thus recognising the Sanctuary avifaunal survey. Without during this period we came surrounding rich in paddy diversity. This states that, “A relevance on highlighting the regular surveys it was hard to across an inventory of 143 fields, scrublands, woodlands, wetland should be historical background of the “At that time Ceylon Bird determine the level of different species of birds. ‘Muthupanthiya’ mudflats and considered internationally Annaiwilundawa wetland on Club was the representative of importance. Thus together with Nearly 70 per cent were more. Speaking with us Senior important if it regularly par with the heated ongoing the Asian Wetland Bureau and Hoffmann, me and my fellow resident birds and a little over Environmentalist, Attorney-at- supports 1 percent of the discussions we at Ceylon Hoffmann was the chairman of club member Upali Ekanayake 30 per cent were migrants, Law, Jagath Gunawardene population of one species or Today thought of tracking the the Ceylon Bird Club. He was engaged in carrying out this compared with the 40 per cent said, “The wetland is subspecies of water Birds.” trail behind this ecosystem and also the initiator of the Water survey. We began the survey in migrant birds found country significant in relation to the Column Sunday 13 September 2020 A13

MT Diamond Oil Spill A Clarion Call for Increased Cooperation in Indian Ocean Region

By Lakna Paranamanna Lack of resources during a crisis at Governance (UNFGG) and continues A successful case is point would be sea has been a long-standing issue for under the leadership of President the Global Initiative for West, Central, Pristine, species rich waters and Sri Lanka. In 2017, when a fire Gotabaya Rajapaksa. But the lack of and Southern Africa (GI WACAF) coral reefs suffocated by heavy fuel oil erupted onboard a large container ship specialised capabilities and established to raise standards of oil could have been the fate that awaited MSC Daniela, Sri Lanka reached out mechanisms stand in the way of Sri spill preparedness and response the eastern shores of Sri Lanka when to India and Pakistan for assistance Lanka using its prime geopolitical capability across the African region in the fire broke out onboard crude oil due to lack of vessels with fire-fighting positioning for maximum gains. 2006. It could also act as a balancing tanker MT New Diamond, if not for the capabilities locally. bloc against super powers vying to swift responses of Sri Lankan With the Colombo Port deal soured, It is time that Call for international expand influence in the region as we maritime authorities and armed Sri Lanka’s ties may be strained with nations of the cooperation currently experience with the US forces. India but the swift response to the -China competition in the Indian Despite tireless efforts for the past request for specialised support to Indian Ocean rim Lack of scientific and technological Ocean. week, we are still not entirely rid of the douse the tanker fire stands as a expertise, particularly in handling a Sri Lanka is already working with danger. testament of Sri Lanka’s powerful looked beyond their crisis such as an oil spill is not a India on some key aspects of maritime The MT New Diamond fire comes at neighbour’s willingness to aid us at borders through challenge that Sri Lanka faces alone – safety such as improving its Maritime the heels of the devastating oil spill our hour of need. it is an issue for many other smaller, Rescue Coordination Centre. A similar that plagued neighbouring Mauritius The fire and the subsequent integrated national developing nations of the Indian Ocean venture could be initiated for an in July this year. Over 1,000 tonnes of response by India also stands as a contingency plans rim as well. information sharing platform that fuel leaked from MV Wakashio, which stark reminder that international These obstacles only make a could monitor and provide real time experts note although low – in cooperation, aid and assistance are with their closest stronger case for significant updates on its maritime environment comparison to disasters like the Deep not factors Sri Lanka can do without, improvements in transboundary so that crises such as oil spills can be water Horizon (2010) that saw nearly particularly to those within the neighbours. There cooperation. Regional bodies such as responded with minimal delays, but 400,000 tonnes of oil leaked into the present Government who tow an uber- needs to be the Indian Ocean Rim Association also aid in other aspects of maritime ocean – would still have long lasting, nationalist line, envisioning a future of (IORA) must take on a more proactive safety such as counterterrorism adverse impacts to the environment self-sufficiency requiring little to no regionally role in addressing and responding to operations, trafficking and maritime and livelihoods. international support. organised efforts challenges that small and littoral piracy. The fire onboard MT Diamond, Sri Lanka’s ambitious states find tougher to meet head-on. Arbitration and accountability however, well handled, has exposed aimed at improving IORA’s 2019 cluster group meeting mechanisms maritime law and the need for a re-evaluation of Sri plans in the Indian Ocean on disaster risk management obligation violations are also key areas Lanka’s current resources and cooperation, appeared to be a promising start. that require focus. It is also an area capabilities in handling an oil spill, as In effectively responding to a crisis of communication and Unfortunately, it was too focused on that Sri Lanka could take the lead on well as the urgent need for improved this nature, efforts do not stop at natural disasters and any concrete as it falls perfectly in line with the regional cooperation – particularly putting out the fire and preventing an response steps on coordinated measures appear vision of transforming the country into among nations in the Indian Ocean oil spill. A crucial aspect that requires to be a work in progress. a maritime hub. rim as well as South Asia, to handle immediate attention is the collection of capabilities India, as the South Asian power and The intense competition to woo threats posed by man-made disasters samples at the polluted site to inclusive of a pool other rising nations such as Indonesia nations in the Indian Ocean region can through a unified, coordinated accurately gauge the level of damage in the IORA, are content with their also serve as a blessing in this regard response. in the event of a compensation payout. of resources and current status but have adopted a less if wielded prudently. US Deputy Friends in need A failure could lead to a situation experts who are enthusiastic approach in assuming Secretary of State, Stephen Beigun similar to the Cosco Busan spill (2007) true leadership positions in the region. was recently quoted stating the US’ To date Sri Lanka has experienced where it was too late to account for the ready to respond in Delivery of swift, collective and Indo Pacific Strategy – the blueprint to six oil spills since 1994 and most have actual damage. comprehensive action by these counter Chinese influence in the been tier-1 – meaning they required It is equally important to be an emergency at regional powers are vital if they are to region – would not be successful only local responses involving local equipped with a pool of independent national and prevent other global power without India standing by their side. It resources and capabilities to manage experts to study the samples using powerhouses setting up shop in their would only make sense for powers the impact. robust scientific protocols to ensure regional levels. backyards. such as the US that is equipped with The fire onboard MT New Diamond, admissibility during an arbitration It is time that nations of the Indian expertise of 16 federal agencies in though not caused an oil spill, process. Sri Lanka at the time of These measures Ocean rim looked beyond their borders dealing with maritime crises such as prompted the National Oil Spill writing is still assessing the damage could help in the through integrated national oil spills, to ready their partners and Contingency Plan (NOSCP) and and ‘exploring the possibility’ of filing a contingency plans with their closest allies with necessary disaster relief international assistance – measures claim with the insurer. Reality is, creation of ‘home- neighbours. There needs to be responses via knowledge sharing and that would have been activated during such technical and scientific resources grown’ solutions regionally organised efforts aimed at technical cooperation, not to mention a tier three spill, due to lack of can be a far reaching goal for a small improving cooperation, equipment upgrades. With the US and resources and capabilities to fully State such as Sri Lanka due to appropriate for the communication and response India joining hands alongside Japan to handle the crisis locally. financial constraints. capabilities inclusive of a pool of counter Chinese presence in Sri Drawing lessons from setbacks Enhancing Sri Lanka’s strategic region resources and experts who are ready Lanka, Sri Lanka too is in an optimal during the 2006 MV Amanat Shah positioning in the Indian Ocean region to respond in an emergency at position to request technical tier-1 spill, the NOSCP dove into and transformation of the country into national and regional levels. These assistance. action and through tireless efforts of a maritime hub was a vision in measures could help in the creation of the Sri Lanka Navy, Coastguard and Mahinda Chinthana, taken forward by ‘home-grown’ solutions appropriate for Way forward for Sri Lanka Air Force, was able to contain the fire the United National Front for Good the region. Sri Lanka plans to have a lot on its and continue cooling operations on MT plate with regard to maritime domain New Diamond. Sri Lanka Navy in the years to come – an international deployed two offshore patrolling role for the Sri Lanka Navy and naval vessels – Sayura and Samudura, one modernisation plans via Sri Lanka fast gunboat, two tugs and an anchor Navy Maritime Strategy 2025, handling vessel ALP Winger was also upgrading of ports, as well as oil deployed at the scene while Sri Lanka production by 2023. These aspirations Air Force deployed two MI 17s, a Y-12 also indicate the increased risk of utility transport, a Bell 212 and a man-made damages to the marine beechcraft reconnaissance aircraft for ecosystem surrounding the country. the operation. Furthermore, against a backdrop of But the drawback was the such vast ambitions, can Sri Lanka unavailability of a vessel specialised in continue to ignore much needed fire-fighting or pollutant control. capacity building? So the Sri Lankan Government and While Sri Lanka’s defence budget Navy promptly requested Indian has increased since the war, close to assistance for specialist operations 70 per cent of it is spent on manpower, and in response, Indian Coastguard leaving a restricted budget for and Navy deployed Samudra upgrades. As such, foreign assistance Paheredar – a pollution control vessel, is always an available option. But it is and a TTT One – a vessel specialised in vital that the Government remains fire-fighting capabilities to join the prudent in accepting opportunities for efforts of Sri Lankan forces alongside cooperation and takes into account three off-shore patrol vessels and two the agendas and interests that come fast patrol vehicles. They were also concealed in the form of assistance in joined by two Dorniers and a Chetak order to ensure Sri Lanka’s national to aid in the fire-fighting mission in the interests remain unharmed and any Eastern Sri Lankan waters. conflict in the region is avoided. A14 sunday 13 september 2020 focus Yahapalanaya Paved Way for Premalal to Enter Parliament By Buddhisiri Dharmapriya Kodagoda was appointed to the and Kamal Mahendra Supreme Court as one of its Justices eeraratne W to fill the vacancy created by the demise of Justice Prasanna According to the views of the SJB- Jayawardena. Due to this situation led Opposition in the present there was a vacancy that was created Parliament, the most pressing issue in the Court of Appeal and the facing this country at the moment is President mooted the name of Nawaz Premalal Jayasekara being allowed to to fill the void. swear in as an MP of the SLPP The CC was tasked with either Government. approving or disapproving that name. They claim that due to the presence If it was wrong to appoint Nawaz as a of Jayasekara in the House, the Justice of the Court of Appeal then August Assembly has been that responsibility has to be taken by besmirched and its image forever the CC. The CC took the decision to tainted. The Opposition also spent approve Justice A.H.M.D. Nawaz as two full days to discuss the demerits Court of Appeal President on 24 of the decision taken to allow January this year. The CC was then Jayasekara to be sworn in as an MP. headed by ex-Speaker Karu It is true that this particular MP Jayasuriya. Among the others in the was convicted of homicide by the CC were PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, Ratnapura High Court. It is also true Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, that he has already appealed against TNA MP R. Sampanthan, UPFA MP his conviction to the Court of Appeal. , JVP MP Jayasekara was elected to the ninth Bimal Ratnayaka, UNP MP Thalatha Parliament from the Ratnapura Athukorala and the civil society District on the SLPP ticket by polling members, Attorney Javed Yusuf and 104,237 preferential votes. Prof. N. Selvakumaran. As per the Articles contained in the Each of these people had a Constitution, the sovereignty lies with favourable impression of Justice the masses. Hence the Judiciary also Parliament was illegal. Accordingly, 62 of the Parliamentary Election Act Nawaz at the time. Hence, these functions with that in mind. After there is no legal impediment to the No.1 of 1981 that the petitioner has people now claiming that the Jayasekara was convicted by the High petitioner enjoying all the rights of a The CC took the been elected as an MP and this was appointment of the Justice concerned Court and after he was sent to Member of Parliament as per the pointed out by Igalahewa PC. Lastly, had been corrupt is not only mind Welikada Prison, the Prisons Constitution. decision to the stance taken by the Prisons boggling but a real shock. After Department sought advice from the Thereby, no legal impediment approve Justice Commissioner General becomes Justice Nawaz was appointed to the Attorney General regarding the presents itself to Jayasekera being questionable as it cannot be accepted Court of Appeal a void was created in possibility of his attending Parliament sworn in as a Member of Parliament, A.H.M.D. Nawaz as one of his own decisions. That is one of the Justice posts of the said sessions as a public representative he declared. because it has been lucidly explained Court. It was only filled with the who had been elected to the The 12-page Court of Appeal order as Court of in the Wade and Forsyth appointment of Sobitha Rajakaruna Legislature. also says: “The reason for this Appeal President Administrative Law 11th Edition that who up to that stage had functioned Accordingly, the Attorney General petitioner to submit a writ petition to such a stance cannot be maintained as a Senior Deputy Director of the informed, in writing, that as per this Bench had been the conviction on 24 January based on the input of the Attorney AGs Department. The CC which Article 89 of the Constitution anyone that had been given against him by General or a third party. convened on 20 February this year convicted and serving time on death the said Court on a charge of this year. The CC Hence, the decision taken by the confirmed and approved the row or being imposed with a two-year homicide on 31 July just four days was then headed Prisons Commissioner General to appointment of Justice Rajakaruna. jail term will lose their right to vote before the conduct of the 5 August refrain from allowing the petitioner to The other members of the CC were its and as such he or she would be General Election and the various by ex-Speaker attend Parliament has to be deemed Chairman then Speaker Karu prohibited from attending Parliament impediments that had been placed on Karu Jayasuriya. null and void. Furthermore, no legal Jayasuriya, then PM Mahinda sessions. Following the clarification his path in this regard. However, on institution here has to date given an Rajapaksa, R. Sampanthan of the made by the Attorney General to the the eve of the Poll and after three days Among the others order nullifying the election of the TNA, Thalatha Athukorala of the UNP, Prisons Commissioner General, of the verdict given by the Court the petitioner to the House at the 5 Bimal Ratnayaka of the JVP and the Jayasekara proceeded to file a writ petitioner had submitted an appeal in the CC were August Poll and hence the petitioner’s civil society activists. petition with the Court of Appeal against his conviction and it has been PM Mahinda election becomes wholly legal and The readers would also do well to be against his conviction by the High accepted by this Bench. It had been valid to the Legislature in the eyes of informed about the makeup of the CC Court. The two-Judge Bench of the submitted by the petitioner while Rajapaksa, this Bench. Under these which was born as a result of the Court comprising Justices A.H.M.D. being an inmate of the Welikada Opposition Leader circumstances it is the view of this 19th Amendment to the Constitution. Nawaz and Sobitha Rajakaruna Prison.” Court that the petitioner concerned From its inception it was the former decided to peruse the writ petition. Meanwhile, though Jayasekara had Sajith Premadasa, would be clothed with all the rights of Speaker who headed the CC. Three Announcing his decision Justice been informed by President Gotabaya an elected MP. Having considered civil society activists had to be named Nawaz stated that there would be no Rajapaksa to come and meet him TNA MP R. these legal points this Court grants to it with the consent of both the then legal obstacle for Jayasekara to be after having obtained official approval Sampanthan, the interim relief that has been PM and the Opposition Leader. Hence sworn in as an MP as no Court has on 20 August the permission for the sought by the petitioner with regard the appointment of the three civil deemed his election as an MP MP to meet the President had not UPFA MP to his writ petition and an interim society activists had taken place with unlawful or illegal. The Court of been granted. In the meantime, ex- injunction is issued as a result. Also the consent of the then Premier Ranil Appeal further deemed that there Attorney General President’s Counsel Mahinda the Bench has unanimously decided Wickremesinghe and then Opposition would be no legal barrier for Palitha Fernando, submitting a letter Samarasinghe, to impose the interim injunction valid Leader R. Sampanthan. Jayasekara to enjoy all privileges that to Attorney General Dappula de till the conclusion of the hearing of On 10 September 2015, names of are accorded to MPs as well as to take Livera, dated 16 August, had JVP MP Bimal the writ petition filed by the petitioner Dr A.T. Ariyaratne, Dr Radhika part in sessions in the House. The explained that as per provisions Ratnayaka, UNP and as such the petitioner would have Coomaraswamy and Shibly Aziz, PC Court also ordered the Prisons contained in Section 331 (4) of Code no hindrance to attend sittings in the were nominated to the CC and Commissioner General to facilitate of Criminal Procedure No 15 of 1979 MP Thalatha Legislature during this period.” Parliament approved their nomination the same for the MP. and as the appeal submitted by the The Court of Appeal Bench further on 22 September 2015. Their term The Court also granted the interim petitioner against his conviction has Athukorala and stated that the decision taken by the lasted three years, at the end of which relief that was sought on behalf of the already been accepted by the Court, the civil society Prisons Commissioner General Dr. Jayantha Dhanapala, Prof N. MP by his lawyers, who included such people will not continue to be regarding the suitability of the Selvakumaran and Attorney-at-Law President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva, identified as convicts and hence they members, petitioner to attend Parliament Javed Yusuf were appointed to the senior lawyer Sugath Caldera and will only be treated as remand sittings from a third party such as the CC. Attorneys-at-Law Niran Ankatel and prisoners and therefore he or she Attorney Javed Attorney General is a serious It has to be asked from all those Paul Ratnayaka Associates, and could be granted approval to attend Yusuf and Prof. N. shortcoming on the part of the who oppose the verdict issued on MP imposed an interim injunction. The Parliamentary proceedings. Prisons Commissioner General.” Premalal Jayasekara by the Court of order issued by the Court of Appeal In response to this, the Attorney Selvakumaran As per the order given by the Court Appeal as to what they have to say states, “No institution in this country General on 17 August had stated that of Appeal, petitioner Premalal regarding the death penalty that had has been empowered to prevent or he would be seeking further Jayasekara was escorted to the been handed down to him by the block the process of an MP being clarifications on the issue from the Legislature by Prisons Department Ratnapura High Court. Even the sworn in at Parliament after he or she relevant officers. The order issued by by the AG while failing to even submit officers on 7 September before he was verdict by the High Court had been had been duly elected by the people at Justice Nawaz further mentioned: a copy of that recommendation to the sworn in as an MP of the ninth given with the present President being a public election as the sovereignty “Romesh de Silva, PC, lucidly Court. Also, before announcing my Parliament. At this point the MPs in in office. Hence, do they mean to say lies supreme with the people. explaining the provisions contained in decision I also would like to turn the the Opposition became incensed with that the verdict by the High Court is Parliament is one of the three major Section 333 of the Code of Criminal attention of this Court to the the arrival of Jayasekara. also faulty? pillars with the other two being the Procedure stated that as the appeal submissions made by Uditha Jesus Christ had advised the The people have already done their Executive and the Judiciary. Hence, lodged by the petitioner against his Igalahewa PC on behalf of the third person who had not committed any job with regard to these MPs at the no person or institution has the conviction had been accepted by a respondent Parliament Secretary sin to hurl the first stone. The last General Election. Could there be power to intervene in the conduct of higher Court he or she will not General Dhammika Dasanayake. pedigree of most of those who shout a possibility for a verdict given by one activities of these pillars. henceforth be referred to as death row He had pointed out that as per from the rooftops about their hands particular Court to be acceptable Also, unless deemed by a higher inmates and as such they will only be provisions contained in Bail Act No. being cleaned of any blood stains is while a verdict given by another Court Court that the election of an MP is referred to as normal remand 20 (3) after an appeal against a death not forgotten by the people as they to be erroneous regarding the same unlawful, no institution or person has prisoners. As such pointed out by sentence is accepted by a higher were not reborn yesterday. Now these case. This only further shows that the been empowered by the law to hinder DSG Nerin Pulle as per Article 91 (1) Court as per provisions contained in people are charging that Justice SJB-led Opposition has become MPs from taking oaths in the House of the Constitution, the petitioner Section 333 (3) of the Code of A.H.M.D. Nawaz had given a biased entangled in this case and they are or to prevent them from visiting the does not become ineligible to Criminal Procedure such persons political ruling and through it had presently struggling hard to untangle Legislature as per their duty. Under represent Parliament from the party invariably become remand prisoners tainted the image of the House. themselves from it. these circumstances neither the that he was elected and that and as such they are entitled to the Senior Judge Nawaz was appointed The appeal filed by Jayasekara Attorney General nor the Prisons particular Article cannot be referred privileges that are accorded to such to the Court of Appeal on 20 against his conviction by the High Commissioner General has been to on this occasion. If that Article is to inmates by the Prisons Department. September six years ago following a Court will be heard in due course. authorised by the law to prevent the become valid on this instance then as Also, Igalahewa PC told this Court by recommendation from then President That would be a task entrusted to the petitioner Premalal Jayasekara from per Article 89 (D) of the Constitution displaying the letter issued by the Mahinda Rajapaksa. As per the 19th Judiciary. All things should take being sworn in as an MP or him laying such persons should be imposed with Parliament Secretary General dated Amendment to the Constitution, the place within the accepted legal claim to privileges that are afforded to a seven-year rigorous jail term or even 28 August 2020 inviting the petitioner Constitutional Council (CC) was framework here. Hence, no one has MPs as he had been duly elected by exceeding that number and he or she to the House and as such the formed. the right to say that one particular the people of the ought to have served at least over six Secretary General had advised the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had verdict is right and that another to represent them at the Legislature. months of that punishment period. Prisons Commissioner General to appointed Nawaz as the President of judgment is erroneous. If someone President of the Court of Appeal, “Furthermore, the Bench had also allow the petitioner to visit the the Court of Appeal not according to deems that a particular verdict is Justice A.H.M.D. Nawaz also said no taken on board the submissions Parliament on 8 September. his sole discretion. The decision to unacceptable then provisions to Court decision had been previously made by Romesh de Silva, PC that the Also, the Election Commission (EC) appoint Justice Nawaz was instead appeal against such judgments have issued that the election of Premalal DSG had only verbally informed this has issued a Gazette Notification as taken by the CC. He only succeeded been provided from within the legal Jayasekara, as a Member of Court regarding the recommendation per provisions contained in Section Justice Yasantha Kodagoda. Justice framework. sports sunday 13 september 2020 A15 Education Ministry Issues Circular Separate Class for Sports-oriented Students Following a recent joint discussion Education Ministry has suggested held by Minister of Education Prof. commencement of a new class from G.L. Peiris and Minister of Youth and Grade 8 exclusively for sports scholars. Sports Namal Rajapaksa, a circular In case the school fails to fill the has been issued by the Ministry of maximum number (40), they can Education on 8 September containing admit sports students the following details regarding the admission of year to Grade 9. students to sports schools, conduct of A newspaper advertisement will be sports administration activities, published by the Education Ministry financial activities, as well as calling for applications from sports measures that should be adopted scholars. The Ministry will then direct towards sports development work. each application to the relevant school 25 sports schools have been to select students, who will be vetted identified encompassing each of the by an expert panel and have to face a districts in the country. physical test. Schools have been advised to Further, the Education Ministry has maintain a separate class with a made it compulsory for sports schools maximum of 40 students to to allocate hostel facilities for these accommodate children involved in sports students. The circular has also sports. So far the practice has been to introduced a new annual sports event admit students who excel in sports to to be held only among sports schools. sports schools at Grade 8. The main aim of setting up such a Grade 5 scholars also seek class is to develop the sporting talent admission to Grade 6 in popular sports of students, while also not neglecting schools, where vacancies diminish by their education, and bring them up to Grade 8, and hence, schools fail to international standard to compete admit sports scholars to Grade 8. against the world’s best and win To avoid this situation, the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Namal Rajapaksa and Minister of Education Prof. G.L. Peiris during the joint discussion medals. (CT sports) TKR win fourth CPL title Liverpool face Leeds in PL opener Leeds United have waited 16 long years to return to the Premier League, and Marcelo Bielsa's side will get a very clear reminder of what they are now up against when they face champions Liverpool at Anfield in Saturday's season opener. Juergen Klopp's side dominated the Premier Defending champions Liverpool League last season, winning their first domestic league great clashes between the against Klopp's similarly title for 30 years by a massive clubs in the early 1970s relentlessly attack. Analysis The champion team pose with the trophy 18-point margin from when they were among the by data company Gracenote Manchester City. top teams in the country. reveals that this season's Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) carve him over the extra cover in a similar fashion to Fawad Leeds won the second-tier That period included a competition will contain the became the first team to go rope. Next ball Raza tried to Ahmed's legspin three balls Championship by 10 points memorable Charity Shield highest number of former through an entire CPL season follow him, but Fletcher went later, before Daren Sammy to secure their long-awaited game in 1974 when Kevin league champions for 51 undefeated as a momentum- with the spin on this occasion, prodded down the wrong line to promotion and are entering Keegan and Billy Bremner years. Fifteen clubs in this shifting bowling performance cranking him over wide long-on Akeal Hosein's left-arm spin in the top flight on a high, were sent off after punches season's Premier League from captain Kieron Pollard was for an even bigger six. Raza then the 17th. though it is a pity that their were thrown at Wembley. have been English top-flight followed by a thrilling century over-corrected too short outside Pollard then rounded off his fans will still not be able to Pressing rather than champions in their history. partnership between Lendl off, resulting in a cut to the haul in the 19th over. Javelle support their team in person. punching is likely to be the This is the most former Simmons and Darren Bravo to backward point boundary for mistimed a heave off a slower While the Yorkshire club order of the day on Saturday winners to compete in an take them past the St. Lucia four more. ball to produce a leading edge to have work to do to and it will be fascinating to English top-flight season Zouks by eight wickets and to a Fletcher followed his point. The well-set Najibullah reestablish themselves in the see Leeds, with their new since the same number did fourth CPL title. demolition of Raza with success Zadran then pulled Pollard to Premier League, the fixture Spanish striker Rodrigo, play so in the 1969-70 campaign. From 19 for 2 chasing 155, against Ali Khan. The American Raza at deep square leg two balls brings back memories of their high-energy approach (Reuters) Simmons and Bravo steadily quick had his number later. Pollard claimed a run-out rebuilt the innings through the throughout the summer of 2018, to end his final over as Kesrick remainder of the first half, whether at the Global T20 Williams was well short of his setting up 96 to get from the Canada or in the CPL, but the ground after colliding with Scott final ten overs. The pair then wicketkeeper from Grenada Kuggeleijn trying to come back F1 needed Vettel to stay, says Hamilton feasted on the wristspin pair of anticipated his lengths and for a second run to long-off. A Javelle Glen and Zahir Khan to changes of pace well. After yorker from Ali Khan cleaned up Formula One needed Mexican Sergio Perez. turn a competitive target into a flicking him through fine leg for Zahir Khan on the first ball of Sebastian Vettel to stay and Vettel, 33, told reporters cakewalk. his first boundary, he charged to the 20th, bookending his wicket Racing Point, who become he had come close to The Zouks paid the price for a pair of full-length balls in the of Cornwall to start the match. Aston Martin F1 next retiring before signing the not batting out their innings, sixth over for two scorching Sizzling Simmons season, made a smart move deal. His staying means the having been 89 for 2 after 11 drives through the covers, The opener was arguably at in signing him, according to sport will have three overs and seemingly on course holding the pose afterwards for fault for the dismissal of his six times world champion multiple world champions for a total in excess of 170. full effect. opening partner Tion Webster Lewis Hamilton. still racing, with Spain's Pollard's intervention in the 12th Pollard roars back after failing to respond to a The 35-year-old Briton double champion Fernando over sparked a collapse in which The Knight Riders captain couple of clear singles at the said at the Tuscan Grand Alonso returning after two they were bowled out off the first disrupted not just Fletcher, but non-striker's end when Webster Prix on Thursday that seasons out to drive for ball of the final over for 154. the rest of the Zouks middle was trying to get off strike facing Vettel's move from Ferrari to Renault, who will be The Knight Riders showed no order. He came into the match Chase's offspin, only for Webster the Silverstone-based team, renamed Alpine F1. mercy by clinching victory with with just four wickets in 16 to fall to Chase off a skied slog announced earlier, was "I think it's one of the 11 balls to spare as Simmons overs bowled sporadically across two balls later. Kuggeleijn then exciting for the sport. smartest moves that Aston and Bravo rode a 138-run stand the tournament, but doubled his exploited that breakthrough "It's quite a big shift from Martin could do and I'm Sebastian Vettel to the championship. wickets tally with an with a gem of a back-of-a-length Ferrari to an up-and- excited to see what he Fiery Fletcher inspirational spell. delivery in the following over to coming team," Hamilton "I'm just really happy for contributes and how he Andre Fletcher made up for He mixed up his pace claim Tim Seifert and put the told Sky Sports television at him because it's not been helps progress that team the early loss of Rahkeem regularly, throwing Fletcher's Zouks in control. the Mugello circuit. the easiest of journeys at forward," said Hamilton. Cornwall in the second over by rhythm off to induce a lofted St. Lucia Zouks 154 (Fletcher "But I think Formula One Ferrari, and I think he'll The Briton, who leads putting his stamp on the final catch to Darren Bravo at long-off 39, Pollard 4-30, Ahmed 2-22) really needs to keep the learn so much from there." teammate Valtteri Bottas in with a scintillating knock. The to start the 12th over. A slower Trinbago Knight Riders 157 great driver that he is in the Racing Point have said the championship by 47 shot of the innings came off ball accounted for Roston Chase for 2 (Simmons 84*, Bravo 58*, sport, so I'm really happy four times world champion points after eight races, said Sikandar Raza's offspin when holing to long-on off the last ball Chase 1-13) that he's continuing and not Vettel will drive for them in experience counted for a lot. Fletcher backed away slightly to of the 14th. Mohammad Nabi fell (Agencies) stopping. 2021 and beyond, replacing (Reuters)

Umpires annual Cricket South Africa suspended The South African Sports with the Board and requested friendly fixture today Confederation and Olympic sight of the elusive forensic Committee (SASCOC) has report, which has not been Galle Cricket Umpires will meet Kalutara Cricket suspended the Board of Cricket forthcoming. "We have asked the Umpires in their third annual friendly cricket fixture South Africa (CSA) for a period of Board to step aside so that we today at Galle International Cricket Stadium. The tally one month while it launches an can implement a task team to stands at one match each. investigation into its conduct, look into their actions and report Galle will be led by Chandana de Silva, while Wasantha officials told Reuters on back to us within one month." Ariyawickrame leads Kalutara. Thursday. The organisation has come The match is being sponsored by Daminda SASCOC Acting Chief under heavy criticism from Imbuldeniya, Senior Manager, Galle Bazzar Branch, Executive Ravi Govender said the sponsors over governance issues, Singer PLC Ltd. radical step is "to remove the while last week 30 leading Shammi Silva, President of SLC, Raveen negativity and governance issues players from the men’s and South African squad Wickramarathne Vice President of SLC and Harsha around CSA, so that in future women’s national teams signed a Munasinghe Venue Manager Galle ICS were instrumental they can be more effective and organisation that led to the says will not be made public. scathing letter criticising the in obtaining the stadium for the match. efficient in their mandate". dismissal of Chief Executive "We are deeply concerned Board for postponing CSA’s (IR) CSA has been plunged into Thabang Moroe in August, nine about the issues that have been Annual General Meeting that had crisis following a damning report months after he was first permeating around CSA been scheduled for 5 Sept. on conduct within the suspended, but which the Board recently," Govender said. "We met (Reuters) A16 sunday 13 september 2020 SPORTS

(From left) Dilory Fernando (Consultant), Jude Pillai (Secretary SLC), Rear Admiral H.A.U.D. Hettiarachchi (Chairman Women’s Rugby), Rizly Illyas (President), Ranjith Weerasinghe (Director 7s Tournaments), Nazim Mohamed (Chairman, Tournament Committee) and Kevin Herft ( Executive Director)

By Asanka Gammanpila medical personnel, Provincial Unions, President or Despite not playing rugby for Secretary, Rugby Development nearly sixth months, Sri Lanka SLR to kick off Officer and Provincial Coaches Rugby (SLR) is planning to are expected to attend the kick off the sport with two workshop on 17 September at inter club Sevens rugby 1.00 p.m. at the Duncan White tournaments end of October. Auditorium, Sports Ministry. Under the theme ‘Get back with 7s tournament New Appointments to rugby’, SLR is planning to SLR yesterday announced have a workshop on 17 Plan to conduct workshop with stakeholders before new appointments to their September with all three main committees. stakeholders to discuss the seeking Sports Ministry approval Deputy President Nazim process and how safe it is to the Club season with two scheduled (Colombo, Down kick off. Chairman of the Women’s Mohamed – Chairman of the return to play in the context of sevens tournaments, one in South, and Radella) This year the ‘A’ division and Girls’ Committee Rear Tournament Committee the COVID-19 pandemic. Colombo and one Down South, after the XV-a-side league and league also was cut short by Admiral Hettiarachchi Council Member Fazal President Rizly Illyas comprising eight ‘A’ division knock out tournaments, to four weeks compared to the addressing the Media stated Mohamed – Chairman of the announced this at a Media clubs and four women’s teams. prepare players for the Asian last tournament. First round their main target is to increase Development Committee briefing on Friday. He said at “Why we want to start the Sevens tournaments, but due all teams will face each other, the number of Women’s rugby Rear Admiral H.A.U.D. the conclusion of the season with the sevens rugby to the current situation we and the second round there players to fill the national Hettiarachchi – Chairman of workshop they will prepare a is because it is a shorter have decided to bring forward will be two segments – top tier team. “At the moment we have the Women’s and Girls’ report to be submitted to the format and more suitable to two sevens tournaments,” said and bottom tier. only four ‘A’ division clubs – Committee Sports Ministry to seek their follow health protocols; has Nazim. Nazim further added, “The Army, Navy, Air Force and CR World Rugby educator Dilroy approval to recommence fewer players with less contact, After the two sevens U-24 tournament was initially – but our focus is increase this Fernando – Consultant rugby. “Before asking for and fewer playing days,” said tournaments SLR is planning started ten years ago, but it to ten clubs soon.” Old Wesleyite Kevin Herft – approval from the Sports Deputy President Nazim to play an Under-24 XV-a-side couldn’t be continued. Club Chairman or Secretary Executive Director (replacing Ministry we have to show how Mohamed, who was appointed rugby tournament in However, we have decided to Rugby Committee, team Rohan Gunaratne) well we have prepared Chairman of the Tournament December, which is going to be restart it again because it is a managers, team captains and Old boy of Vidyartha College ourselves to get back to the Committee. a new tournament in the middle layer competition for medical personnel, along with Kandy Ranjith Weerasinghe – game following health “According to the original annual rugby calendar, before school leavers to play before every school’s Master-in- Director, Seven’s guidelines,” said Illyas. SLR tournament plan, four the Dialog Inter Club league graduating to ‘A’ division club Charge, team managers, Tournaments. Plans are afoot to kick off club Sevens tournaments were and knock out tournaments rugby. coaches, team captains and (Pic by Ashan Gamage)

Osaka, Azarenka in final National Sports Festival 2020 Record-equalling title eludes Serena once again Ten overseas scholarships Two-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka reached the US Open final for the for best athletes second time in her career with a thrilling 7-6(1) Ten outstanding athletes Sports Ministry stated in a A total of 30 sports are 3-6 6-3 victory over American hope Jennifer with potential to win Media release yesterday. included in the NSF which will Brady on Thursday. international medals will be The release further stated be held in four stages - Grama Brady arrived at her first Grand Slam semi- selected based on their that the 46th National Sports Sewa Division (GS Meets), final without having dropped a set in New York performance at the National Festival 2020 (NSF) will be held District Meets, Provincial Meets and did not show any nerves, but Osaka’s Sports Festival (NSF) 2020, this December at the and then All Island Meets. firepower allowed her to get by the 28th and will be given an Sugathadasa Stadium, making Marathon, Cycling and Race seed. international scholarship for it the first instance in five years Walking open events will be Fourth seed Osaka, who further overseas training for a that the Festival will be held on held on 10 and 11 October in won the first of two period of three years, the a synthetic track. Kataragama. consecutive Grand Slam titles two years ago in New York, fired 35 winners and had 17 unforced errors as steady rain pounded on the roof of an otherwise quiet Dian elected to World Arthur Ashe Stadium. Osaka’s victory sends her back to the Flushing Meadows final, where in Boxing Body 2018 she beat Williams Dian Gomes has been from getting Anuruddha in a match that saw the appointed as an Executive Ratnayake to compete at the American become Committee Member of the 2008 Beijing Olympics after involved in a series of World Boxing Body of AIBA, 40 years, and winning three confrontations with the chair the supreme and most medals at the umpire. prestigious global Commonwealth Games in association dedicated to Brisbane after a lapse of 68 Azarenka stuns Serena boxing. Dian needs no years. Meanwhile, Serena Williams was stunned special introduction as his He became the first Sri by Victoria Azarenka 1-6 6-3 6-3, denying name is synonymous with Lankan to be appointed to her the chance of winning a record- the renaissance of sports in the Commonwealth Advisory equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title on our island. Board of Sports (CABOS) in home soil this year. A former Royal College fly 2014, and also the first Sri Azarenka was playing her first Grand weight boxing champion and Lankan to be appointed to Slam semi-final in seven years. The twice a former President of CIMA the Executive Committee of Australian Open champion kept up the Sri Lanka Division, Dian has the Asian Boxing Federation pressure in the third set as 38-year-old been a leading corporate last year. He has served in Williams struggled with an injury to her personality for the better the world body as a member left ankle and sealed her place in the final Victoria Azarenka of Belarus part of three decades, first as of the Finance Commission, with an ace. a Group Director of MAS the marketing commission Naomi Osaka of Japan reacts after winning a point Dian Gomes celebrates her victory (Reuters) against Serena Williams Holdings and then as and the women’s Chairman of Hela Clothing, Being the current commission. where he was instrumental He has now been in promoting not only boxing Boxing, he is also fondly appointed to the Executive but other sports as well, and known as the ‘Godfather’ of Committee of the World supporting rural athletes. boxing in the country. Dian’s Boxing Association (AIBA), Dian currently serves as service in taking the Nation’s and is the first Sri Lankan to Former SL Cricketer Tony the Honorary Consul of boxing to the international be appointed to this Georgia in Sri Lanka and is arena and exceeding all prestigious body; a leap for on the Board of Nestle Lanka expectations since then is Sri Lanka in the World Policy Opatha passes away PLC. truly a magnanimous effort, making body of Boxing. Tony Opatha, who 1979, and received an offer to represented Sri Lanka in five coach the Holland team. ODIs and masterminded the As player/manager of the rebel tour to South Africa, rebel tour to South Africa in has passed away at the age of 1982-83 in defiance of the 73. sporting ban against the LPL player auction on Opatha, a right-arm apartheid state, he and the medium pace bowler, was others who participated in educated at St. Peter’s the tour received lifetime College, Colombo and joined bans from international 1 October the Royal Ceylon Volunteer cricket. The player auction of the The tournament was earlier Patel and Air Force in 1968. In September 2018, Tony Lanka Premier League (LPL) scheduled to be held in Vernon Philander, are in He first played for Sri Opatha was one of 49 former will be held on 1 October. August but postponed due to line to play in the inaugural Lanka in 1971, and was a Sri Lankan cricketers The tournament will Covid-19. edition of the LPL. member of the Sri Lankan felicitated by Sri Lanka commence from 14 November About 150 top-notch Each franchise can buy up team which played in the Cricket in honour of their and conclude on 6 December. cricketers, including Chris to six international players. 1975 and 1979 World Cups services before Sri Lanka Matches will be played in Gayle, Darren Sammy, A total of 30 international in England. Tony Opatha became a full member of the Dambulla, Pallekele and Darren Bravo, Shahid Afridi, cricketers and 65 local later played club cricket in International Cricket Hambantota international Shakib-Al-Hasan, Ravi cricketers are expected to Ireland for one season in Council. Tony Opatha stadiums. Bopara, Colin Munro, Munaf make up the five teams.

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