„„ www.themorning.lk „„ Late City VOL 01 | NO 18 | Rs. 30.00 { WEDNESDAY } WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021 AXAR GETS FIVE-FOR, ACHINTHYA INDIA LEVEL SERIES AMARAKOON Same-sex love stories on comic strips

BROWN SUGAR ‘SENIOR FEMALE IMPORTS OFFICERS MARGINALISED BANNED AND VICTIMISED’ »SEE PAGE 15 »SEE PAGE 7 »SEE PAGE 6 »SEE PAGE 12 Easter Sunday SL to tender home- report to Cabinet postponed further z Report to Cardinal z Vatican awaiting grown resolution only after Cabinet: swift justice: z GoSL and Core Group to go separate ways z Gaps in GoSL needs and Core Group hopes: Sumanthiran Archdiocese BY PAMODI WARAVITA would be submitted at the session to be and Spokesman President’s Counsel BY PAMODI WARAVITA that the report would be sent The Government of (GoSL) and the “Core Group of Countries for held next week onwards in Switzerland. M.A. Sumanthiran said that through their The final report of the to the Archbishop of Colombo Sri Lanka” are likely to go on divergent paths at the United Nations Human “It is very unlikely that we would agree discussions with representatives from Presidential Commission of Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith only Rights Council (UNHRC) Session in Geneva, with all signs pointing to a to a consensual resolution,” noted Dr. the Core Group, it has been learnt that a Inquiry (PCoI) into the Easter after it has been submitted to home-grown resolution by Sri Lanka. Pathirana. consensual resolution between the GoSL Sunday bombings is unlikely Cabinet. The Morning reported Co-Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Ramesh (16) that indications are that a home- Speaking to The Morning yesterday, and the Core Group has been ruled out. to be presented to the Cabinet last week that a letter was sent Pathirana told The Morning yesterday grown resolution from the Government Parliamentarian Contd. on page 2 of Ministers this week, despite by Cardinal Ranjith to President earlier indications to that effect, a week ago, NEW VARIANT The Morning learnt. requesting an unedited copy of “We will most probably the report to be handed over to H’tota Port security not receive the Easter Sunday him without any further delays. report this week,” Co-Cabinet However, Archdiocese of Colombo contact Spokesman Dr. Ramesh Colombo Secretary Father lies with SL: China Pathirana told The Morning Denington Subasinghe said z Embassy denies alleged request yesterday (16). that, as of yesterday, tracing still ongoing to withdraw Navy camp Dr. Pathirana further said Contd. on page 2 BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE The Embassy Spokesman, z SJB foursome decline vaccine Samaraweera said that their speaking to The Morning in this contacts are still being traced, In response to a story doing regard, highlighted that these BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI Avissawella and quarantine but that the total number of the rounds that the Chinese matters are controlled by the With the detection of the centres is still ongoing, The contacts traced could not be Government had made a request GoSL and China respects the UK variant of the coronavirus Morning learnt. provided. to withdraw the Sri Lanka sovereignty of Sri Lanka. in Sri Lanka on 12 February, Speaking to The Morning “We are still tracing the Navy (SLN) camp from the “This is a Sri Lankan internal contact tracing of the patients yesterday (16), Chief contacts of all patients.” Hambantota Port, the Chinese issue. The GoSL and the SLN found from Colombo, Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Contd. on page 2 Embassy stressed that the security make the decisions regarding the of the Hambantota Port is in the security of the Hambantota Port. hands of the Government of Sri The security and PRIORITY FOR THE VVIPS Lanka (GoSL). Contd. on page 2 Ranil mum despite UNP pleas to enter P’ment z He may take it up at the right time: UNP Gen Secy

BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE vacancy, but may accept when the Leader of the United time is right, The Morning learnt. National Party (UNP) Ranil “We will see. He might accept Wickremesinghe has not accepted the seat when the necessary time his Party members’ repeated comes,” UNP General Secretary requests to fill the UNP’s solitary told Parliamentary National List seat Contd. on page 2 Struggling vehicle importers to meet PM BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and National Freedom Front MP Mohamed Muzammil arriving at the with Prime Minister Mahinda Narahenpita Army Hospital yesterday (16) to receive a dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, which is being Vehicle importers severely Rajapaksa next week, The given to MPs on a priority basis affected by the ongoing import Morning learnt. PHOTO LALITH PERERA ban on vehicles are to meet Contd. on page 2 COVID-19 CASES SL’s first Agro Cold Storage ACTIVE CASES TOTAL CASES 76,428 complete before April Seychelles, The Morning DEATHS RECOVERED z Set to prevent post-harvest crop wastage learnt. BY PAMODI WARAVITA Speaking to The Morning, 6,614 409 70,429 Perishables in Sri Lanka by mid-2021, which would Ministry of Trade Secretary SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU The first Temperature would be completed by 31 eventually enable the export B. Jayawardena said that THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 10.00 P.M. ON 16 FEBRUARY 2021 and Humidity Controlled March, with the facilities of vegetables to countries following a recent discussion Warehouse Complex for being made available for use such as the Maldives and Contd. on page 2 42 „„ www.themorning.lk { NEWS } Wednesday, February 17, 2021 Sri Lanka’s higher education sector must keep pace with transformative changes taking place globally, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said SL higher education must yesterday (16). “We cannot afford to lag behind. Our higher education system must adapt swiftly. It has to offer our students an education that keep up with the world: Prez. will remain relevant despite fast changing circumstances, and help them find gainful employment in zSays private sector, State Universities, and other Institutions should work together future. Unfortunately, this is an area in which our universities and Best Air Force Officer, and Second field of study, all students selected competition that exists amongst the other higher education institutions Lieutenant R.M.T.G.P. Ratnayake for university education are universities at every level, leading need considerable improvement,” as the Superior Officer. intelligent. Any lack of exposure to significant overall improvements the President said. The General Sir John Kotelawala they have to these subjects when across the entire higher education The President made these Defence University was established they enter university is due to a system. Through this, it is also remarks presiding over the final in 1981 to meet the educational failure in the education system likely that the rankings of our session of the 31st General needs of the officers of the three rather than due to their own national universities will improve, Convocation of the General Armed Forces. It was elevated weaknesses,” the President said. President Rajapaksa further said. Sir John Kotelawala Defence into a full-fledged University in “Enhancing focus on research Members of the Parliament, University held at the BMICH 2009 by then Defence Secretary and development will also Madam Shiranthi Rajapaksa, yesterday. Gotabaya Rajapaksa. In 2009, have a beneficial impact on the Secretary to the Ministry of Degrees were awarded to 1379 civilian students were granted international rankings of Sri Defence Major Gen. (Retd.) graduates covering the fields of the opportunity to study there. Lankan universities. Improving Kamal Gunaratne, Secretaries Defence Studies, Management, At present, members of the three these rankings is important if we to Ministries, Chief of Defence Business Management, Law, Armed Forces and local and foreign are to attract more foreign students Staff and Commander of the Medicine, Engineering, students can pursue doctoral, as well as attract and retain Army Gen. Shavendra Silva, Promotional Management, postgraduate, and postgraduate talented faculty members at our Commander of the Navy Vice Industrial Science and Sociology. diploma courses at the University. universities,” the President added. Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, Among them were five doctoral The President commended The President speaking at the 31st General Convocation of the General Sir John The governing body, Vice Commander of the Air Force students and 263 postgraduate and General Sir John Kotelawala Kotelawala Defence University Chancellor, Faculties, and staff Air Marshal S.K. Pathirana, postgraduate diploma holders. The Defence University for becoming of each university should have IGP C.D. Wickramaratne, number of First Degree holders a fully-fledged University within with public universities and other computers if they are to have a more freedom to determine, Chancellor of the General Sir John was 1111. a short span of time. He further institutions of higher education chance to build successful futures design, manage, and deliver their Kotelawala Defence University President Rajapaksa presented stated that the University’s in finding solutions to current for themselves,” the President said. programmes of study. They should General Gerard de Silva, Vice special awards to Second expansion was a great success due problems. He urged the Vice Chancellors also be able to select the students Chancellor Major General Milinda Lieutenant R.M.T.E.P. Rathnayake to its ability to produce outstanding “At a minimum, all graduates of all universities to introduce they feel are best suited to learn at Pieris, Ambassadors, High as the Best Army Officer , graduates in fields as diverse as from our university system need information technology (IT) and their institutions. Talented students, Commissioners, and academic and Lieutenant V.S. Palihawadana as Medicine, Engineering, and Law. to have some knowledge about computer science to all students, too, should have more freedom non-academic staff of Kotelawala the Best Naval Officer, Flying He said the private sector should new technologies and at least regardless of their field of study. to choose their universities. Defence University and others Officer R.G.S.D. Gamage as the have more opportunities to work a functional familiarity with “Irrespective of their chosen These changes will increase the participated in this occasion.

Contd. from page 1

“Requesting something like this sequenced.” worthy of such.” Then, we will discuss the issues affecting SL to... might cause a threat to national security. Dr. De Silva said that no travel When further questioned whether our industry. Our workforce is about “There would be no consensual Therefore, this might be false.” restrictions are being planned to be Wickremesinghe had requested for special 200,000, employees are losing their jobs, resolution as the expectations of the Meanwhile, Co-Cabinet Spokesman imposed yet, but requested the public to security, Range Bandara said that the and this is in turn going to increase the Core Group have not been met by the , speaking to the media minimise travel. He added that there is no protection would be provided according to country’s unemployment rate.” Government. There is a large gap between at the Cabinet press conference yesterday evidence to say that Colombo is facing a an assessment done by the Government. When inquired regarding not lifting the what the Government wants and what the (16), said that President Gotabaya higher risk from the new variant. The decision to increase his security ban on vehicle importations, State Ministry Core Group expects,” said Sumanthiran. Rajapaksa had conveyed Sri Lanka’s Yesterday was the second day of the might show how important he is, he added. of Vehicle Regulation, Bus Transport Sumanthiran confirmed that he had position in this regard during talks with rollout of the Oxford Astra-Zeneca Meanwhile, in this regard, the Services, Train Compartments and Motor met with British High Commissioner in the Chinese Government, just after he took Covishield vaccine for the Western Government has not taken any step to Car Industry Secretary S.M.D.L.K. De Colombo Sarah Hulton on 10 February office. Province public, including those from high increase the security of Wickremesinghe, Alwis said that the State Ministry has to discuss the upcoming Geneva Session. He also said there is no move to risk areas in Colombo, as well as MPs. The Morning learnt. begun a process of exploring the option He further said that members of the withdraw the Navy from the Chinese- Accordingly, members of the public facing Minister of Public Security Rear of manufacturing motorcycles and three- minority Tamil community are hoping funded Hambantota Port and that President a high risk of contracting the virus received Admiral Dr. Sarath Weerasekera said that wheelers in Sri Lanka. that the precedents set by the previous Rajapaksa has clearly informed China that the vaccination yesterday alongside 20 no decision has been taken to increase the “We are exploring the possibility of 30/1 Resolution are upheld and that the the security of the Port will be in the hands MPs. security of Wickremesinghe. manufacturing motorcycles and three- Government co-operates at the UNHRC of Sri Lanka. “We started rolling it out on groups “We have not done any assessments wheelers in Sri Lanka and we have Session. Following the signing of an agreement such as medical students, nursing regarding Wickremesinghe’s protection so discussed with agents of large companies Earlier this month, The Morning learnt in December 2017 with China, the students, persons facing a higher risk of we have not taken a decision to increase the such as Yamaha and Honda.” through a top official at the Foreign Hambantota Port operations were handed transmission, Police officers, vendors security,” he added. In order to pursue this, a committee has Ministry that Sri Lanka is considering over to HIPG and HIPS. from the Manning Market, Colombo Meanwhile, UNP members had held a been appointed to come up with standard submitting a home grown resolution by Concerns have been raised in the Municipal Council workers, and harbour special meeting yesterday (16) at the Party operating procedures (SOPs). De Alwis itself at the upcoming session. past, particularly by India, over China’s and airport workers,” said Ministry of headquarters, Sirikotha, to discuss the said that the preparation of guidelines for The Core Group for Sri Lanka – involvement with the Hambantota Port. Health Epidemiology Unit Consultant upcoming Elections and reorganising the this would take about two months. including the UK, Canada, Germany, There had been concerns that the Port Epidemiologist Dr. Deepa Gamage Party stature. Montenegro, and North Macedonia – has will be used by the Chinese for military While The Morning learnt from According to Range Bandara, the confirmed that it will be submitting a activities, but the Chinese Government Parliament that 20 MPs had received the Party members had specially focused on SL’s first... resolution on Sri Lanka. Although the rejected the claims. vaccine yesterday at the Army Hospital, online organising, training programmes, with the High Commission of India and GoSL was initially considering consenting it was also learnt that four MPs from the UNP women’s wing Lakwanitha, the the contractors, it has been decided that to this resolution and is at present engaged (SJB) in the professional ladies’ organisation and other the construction of the Agro Cold Storage in discussions with the Core Group in this Easter Sunday... Opposition have refrained from receiving aspects. Complex at the Dambulla Dedicated regard, it was reported that the Foreign there has been no communication from the vaccine. “Our intention is to form a Government Economic Centre would be completed Ministry is seeking further time to make a the President’s office since the report When contacted, SJB MP Harin but before that, we need to restructure the by 31 March. However, Jayawardena decision concerning the matter. had been handed over to the President. Fernando said that he refrained from Party. Since our Party was always dedicated mentioned that the training of farmers has All attempts to contact the Foreign Subasinghe added that the international receiving the vaccine to allow another to empowering women, we will give the to be done to ensure the proper usage of the Ministry for clarification proved futile. community, including the Vatican, is person to receive the vaccine. same attention this Election as well.” facility. The upcoming 46th Regular Session anticipating swift justice to the victims of “I will not use my Parliamentary The UNP suffered one of the greatest When contacted by The Morning, Food of the UNHRC would be held from 22 the terror attacks. privilege to get vaccinated. There are shocks in Sri Lankan political history Commissioner J. Krishnamoorthy said that February to 23 March, where Sri Lanka’s Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya many others who should receive the at the 2020 General Election, failing to farmer training workshops have already issues of accountability with regard to the Rambukwella also told The Morning on 15 vaccine before me, and I want them secure even a single seat from the Colombo begun where the harvest transport, harvest final stages of the war in 2009 would be February that a special meeting would have to get the opportunity. The amount of District. To add insult to injury, former methods and harvest times are taught to the discussed. The Core Group for Sri Lanka to be held regarding the report, due to its vaccines available as of now is limited, Prime Minister farmers. is expected to submit a resolution while the length. and I will receive the vaccine when at least was kicked out of the Parliament at the “The necessary protocol to be followed UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Former President one million of the population has been Poll after failing to secure enough votes when it comes to using such a facility Michelle Bachelet raised serious concerns appointed the PCoI in September 2019, vaccinated.” from Colombo. Historically, the Colombo effectively is being communicated to the regarding Sri Lanka’s human rights to probe the co-ordinated suicide bomb SJB MP Mujibur Rahman told The District has been the stronghold of the UNP. farmers. At the initial stages, the facility situation in her report earlier this year. attacks by terrorists on 21 April 2019 Morning that the decision of the four would only be available to Dambulla targeting hotels and churches, which cost SJB MPs, including himself, to refrain District farmers from the middle of this 270 lives, injured over 500, and destroyed from receiving the vaccine were personal Struggling vehicle... year. We hope to open up the facility to H’tota Port... property. Accordingly, the Commission choices to allow more members of the Speaking to The Morning yesterday (16), farmers from Nuwara Eliya and Jaffna the ownership of the Port are 100% on recorded evidence from 457 persons over public to be vaccinated, and that it was Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka later,” said Krishnamoorthy. the Sri Lankan side. We have made this 214 days to compile the six-volume report. not at all a Party decision. MPs Manusha (VIASL) President S.K. Gamage said that Krishnamoorthy further said that the very clear.” The Commission comprises Supreme Nanayakkara and Hesha Withanage are they are hoping to discuss the problems Agro Cold Storage Complex would This allegation therefore has no truth, the Court Judge Justice Janak de Silva, Court the other SJB MPs who refrained from faced by their industry with the Premier and eventually enable the export of goods Spokesman added. of Appeal Judge Justice Nishshanka receiving the vaccine yesterday. propose solutions. to countries such as the Maldives and Further, according to the Spokesman, Bandula Karunaratne, retired High Court “We have requested for appointments Seychelles too. Sri Lanka can decide to have the Navy Judges Nihal Sunil Rajapaksha and with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Meanwhile, the All Ceylon Farmers’ base inside or outside of the Port and A.L. Bandula Kumara Atapattu, former Ranil mum... Minister Rajapaksa, and the Head of the Federation Convener Namal Karunaratne this fact has already been included in the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice R. The Morning when we queried regarding Presidential Task Force for Economic told The Morning that in addition to these agreement. Adhikari, and Secretary to the Commission the fate of the vacant seat. Revival and Poverty Alleviation Basil infrastructure facilities, a proper system “There is no doubt about the security Buwaneka Herath. Wickremesinghe initially dismissed a Rajapaksa, and we have been told that we needs to be implemented to ensure that and everything included in this agreement request made to him by a group of Party will be given a meeting with the Prime the benefits are felt by the farmers. “This has been approved by the Sri Lanka Ports seniors to take up the party’s solitary Minister next week.” facility must be implemented with no Authority.” Colombo contact... National List seat that had been offered Gamage said that their solutions would additional cost to the farmers,” stressed Hambantota International Port Group “Many of these UK variant cases were to him following the concluded General depend on what the political authorities Karunaratne. (Pvt.) Ltd. (HIPG) and Hambantota reported from quarantine centres, and we Election. He informed them that he was decide to do next. The Agro Cold Storage Complex, International Port Services (Pvt.) Ltd. had begun tracing their contacts from the planning to spend his time writing a book “Retaining foreign reserves in Sri Lanka which began its construction during the (HIPS) are only handling the operational moment they tested positive.” and had stressed that there were young is important. But we have solutions. When United National Front led Government, services, he further added. Samples of Covid-19 positive patients members of the Party who were more than big vehicles are imported, a lot of foreign has a capacity of 5,000 metric tons, is When The Morning contacted the Navy will be sent for genomic sequencing tests ready to steer the political course of the currency is spent on it. But that is not the capable of storing the excess harvest of Spokesman to clarify this allegation, he to conduct further tests on the new variant, UNP in the coming years. case for smaller vehicles. We suggest a vegetables and fruits within six chambers, asked that we call the Ministry of Defence The Morning learnt from State Ministry When queried regarding speculation that relaxation for importing smaller vehicles as and is constructed with a Rs. 300 million since the Navy is not aware of the matter. of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and Wickremesinghe‘s security details are to a possible solution”. financial grant from the Government of He also confirmed that the Navy base COVID Disease Control Secretary Dr. be increased, Range Bandara said: “Special He added that the VIASL’s immediate India. The then Economic Reforms and in the Hambantota Port has not been Amal . protection will be provided only to a person goal is to get the release of about 150 Public Distribution Minister and current relocated. “It has not been clinically proven who holds a real value to the country and imported vehicles of doctors and engineers Samagi Jana Balawegeya Opposition When contacted, Ministry of Defence whether this variant is spreading faster in for the ones who should be protected. If that are stuck in the Ports. Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha de Silva Media Director Col. Chandima Sri Lanka yet. But it is too soon to tell, the Government decides to increase the “Since we have to do something as an recently met with the Minister of Trade Dr. Kumarasinghe said that the Ministry is not since the behaviour of the virus changes. protection afforded to Wickremesinghe that Association, we are mainly discussing the Bandula Gunawardena for a discussion on aware of any relocation. We are sending these samples to be means that he should be protected and is releasing of the vehicles stuck at the Ports. the facility’s construction. 43 Wednesday, February 17, 2021 { NEWS } „„ www.themorning.lk State Minister for made PCs and LG Affairs Roshan Ranasinghe has been appointed as the State Minister for Provincial Acting Health Minister Councils and Local Government Affairs. He previously served z Pavithra discharged z Funerals to be done z Prez, PM, or Cabinet can’t as the State Minister for Land Management, Public from IDH within 24 hours decide on burial: Gammanpila Enterprises, and Land and Roshan Property Development. Ranasinghe BY MIHI PERERA attention is being paid other health authorities,” he said in the Covid-19 vaccine, so as to give Ranasinghe was sworn The State Minister of the Production, Supply, to nightclubs and other response to a question posed by a priority to vulnerable groups. in before the President at the Presidential and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa recreational gatherings. journalist. “I have decided not to take the Secretariat yesterday (16). Jayasumana has been appointed the Acting Cabinet Elsewhere, With regard to the national Covid-19 vaccine now. Our priority Minister of Health until the Minister in charge of the Co-Cabinet Spokesman pandemic situation, a total of 208 should be vaccinating the most subject, , who tested positive Udaya Gammanpila Covid-19 patients were reported vulnerable groups and frontline O/L students for Covid-19 recently, returns to work. said that Prime Minister from the Gampaha District on 15 workers. I will take it after at least one He was sworn in before President programme on 15 ’s February, and 179 were reported from million people have been vaccinated,” granted study Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the February, said that statement on allowing Colombo, out of the 774 total cases he said on Twitter. The vaccination of yesterday steps have been taken the burial of Covid-19 islandwide. In Gampaha, the highest MPs is to conclude by 19 February. leave from today (16). to implement new victims was simply an number of patients was reported in A total of 3,589 persons have been The students who will face their General It was also reported yesterday decisions on a number opinion he expressed, , with 41 cases, followed vaccinated against Covid-19 on 15 Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary that Wanniarachchi, who was of issues, including and that a decision in by 26 from Kadawatha, while in February, thereby increasing the total Level (O/L) examination for the year 2020, receiving treatment for Covid-19, the completion of all this regard would only Colombo, 25 patients were reported number of vaccinated persons to which is scheduled to be held on 1 March, was discharged from the Infectious funeral arrangements Prof. Channa Jayasumana be taken by the health from Grandpass, followed by 13 each 192,938, the Chief Epidemiologist will receive study leave from today (17) Disease Hospital (IDH) after making within 24 hours. authorities. from Slave Island and Narahenpita. said. to 25 February, said Education Ministry a complete recovery. Wanniarachchi “We have decided to limit the He said that the Premier, the A total of 715 Covid-19 patients Furthermore, the isolation status Secretary Prof. Kapila Perera. had tested positive for the virus on number of people attending funerals President, or the Cabinet of Ministers recovered and have been discharged of the Veyangalla East-818 and He further requested that there not be an 23 January in a rapid antigen test. and to advise that the funeral be are not the ones in charge of deciding from hospitals on 15 February, Veyangalla West-818A Grama issue in the process of issuing admission She had initially been receiving completed within 24 hours. whether or not to bury the bodies of said the Government Information Niladhari Divisions in the letters to the students because of study leave. treatment at an intermediate hotel Meanwhile, we have reduced the Covid-19 victims. Department. This has raised the total District has been lifted with The examination is scheduled to end on quarantine centre in Hikkaduwa, number of participants for weddings “It is the Director General of Health number of recoveries to 69,411. immediate effect, the Head of the 11 March. but was later transferred to IDH for to only 50, from 150. If there has been Services who has authority over On the front of the national National Operations Centre for the further treatment. a breach of quarantine laws, we will the matter. He can make a decision vaccination programme, Samagi Prevention of the Covid-19 Outbreak Meanwhile, Prof. Jayasumana, be issuing legal notices,” he said. following recommendations received Jana Balawegaya MP Gen. Shavendra Silva said on 15 speaking at an electronic media It was further revealed that special by his technical committee and the said yesterday that he would not take February. All school functions suspended until Bus strike cancelled; BJP plan; GoSL says further notice Education Ministry Secretary Prof. Kapila unions to hold Perera has instructed all provincial and zonal education authorities and principals to suspend discussion with Prez can’t respond to rumours all school functions until further notice, the Private bus owners’ The Ministry of Co-Cabinet Spokesman Udaya He said this while addressing the Government could only make a Ministry said on 15 February. associations cancelled Transport said that a Gammanpila said yesterday (16) that weekly Cabinet media briefing. statement if the Indian Government “Despite the dangers of the Covid-19 the bus strike that was loan of Rs. 300,000 has the official opinion of the Government Gammanpila said that Indian officially made a statement. pandemic, there are reports that some schools scheduled to begin been provided to private cannot be expressed regarding the Minister Amit Shah had not made However, the Minister said that he are holding various events and organising yesterday (16), Lanka bus owners affected by rumour on establishing a Bharatiya any statement that there were plans to did not believe that the patriotic people activities. The time has come for the entire Private Bus Owners’ the Covid-19 pandemic Janata Party (BJP) rule in Sri Lanka. form a wing of the BJP in Sri Lanka of Sri Lanka would allow a foreign school community, including children, to take Association President through state banks, The BJP is currently the ruling party as well. political party to seize political power a more responsible and vigilant approach to Gemunu Wijeratne said. and another Rs. 50,000 in India. He emphasised that the Sri Lankan in the country. education,” Prof. Perera said. “About 80% of the Gemunu has been provided for Accordingly, he said that if any school is issues we faced have Wijeratne the purchase of ticket currently organising events, necessary steps already been resolved. machines. NEW CONSTITUTION should be taken to suspend all such activities We hope to get the other issues The token loan letters were until further notice. also resolved during a future handed over to 27 bus owners at discussion with the President,” the Ministry of Transport on 15 Prez. assured no dual citizens he said last morning. February. AG requests 11 road accident in politics: Gammanpila another bond President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has given a scam trial-at-bar pledge to 10 parties that dual citizens will be fatalities on 15 Feb deprived of the right to participate in politics Attorney General (AG) President's Counsel A total of 11 deaths deaths had been reported under the new Constitution, Co-Cabinet (PC) Dappula de Livera has requested Chief were reported due to from the respective Spokesman Udaya Gammanpila said Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya PC to appoint road accidents during hospitals. yesterday (16). another trial-at-bar for the Central Bank of 15 February, said Police “We can see that Addressing the weekly Cabinet media Sri Lanka (CBSL) Treasury Bond scam that Media Spokesperson, according to the statistics, briefing, Minister Gammanpila said that the took place during the third bond auction of 31 Deputy Inspector there is a daily total of President had made that pledge last September. March 2016. General of Police (DIG) approximately nine to 10 “The President pledged to 10 parties in The accused in this particular scam are Ajith Rohana. deaths and over 40 injuries September 2020 that the new Constitution former Finance Minister and incumbent MP He said that nine of DIG Ajith from road traffic accidents. would deprive dual citizens of the right to ; former CBSL Governor them had been killed Rohana Therefore, we urge the participate in politics. The work on the new Arjuna Mahendran; the latter's son-in-law Arjun while the remaining public to be vigilant Constitution is progressing rapidly. We will Aloysius, who is linked to the primary dealer two had been in hospital after and to avoid reckless driving be able to pass the new Constitution within Perpetual Treasuries Ltd.; and seven others, Minister Udaya Gammanpila sustaining injuries from the road that causes road accidents,” he a year,” he claimed. stated Co-ordinating Officer to the AG State traffic accidents, and that their said. Counsel Nishara Jayaratne. Approval to implement Three persons Duo nabbed for 100kW solar power nabbed with heroin During anti-narcotic operations woman has been arrested in Modara illegally dumping sand conducted on 15 February by with 10 g of heroin. Furthermore, a generation programme the Police, three suspects have 30-year-old man in Dummalasuriya Police have arrested two (STF) raid unit. The STF were also involved in the A 100 kilo watt (kW) solar projects are designed to be been arrested with heroin from has been arrested with 16 g of heroin persons and two trucks for also seized 20 cubes of sand raid. power generation programme implemented under private the Maligawatta, Modara, and and two electronic scales used to illegally dumping sand in that had been piled up, said It was revealed that the will be implemented under the sector investments. Dummalasuriya areas, said Police measure heroin. the vicinity of the Kuda Police Media Spokesman, suspects had been carrying renewable energy promotion It was planned to implement Media Spokesman, Deputy Inspector He said that further investigations Oya and the Wadumune Deputy Inspector General of out this sand smuggling concept within 18 months, the a project to generate renewable General of Police (DIG) Ajith Rohana. are underway, and the public would Oya in the Maduru Oya Police (DIG) Ajith Rohana. racket for some time. The Government said. electricity by connecting Accordingly, a 53-year-old has be rewarded for assisting the anti- National Park. Officials from the suspects are to be produced It has been planned to derive ground-mounted solar power been arrested in Maligawatta with narcotic operations with substantial The raid was carried out Geological Survey and before the Polonnaruwa the maximum capacity of the plants for 7,000 power 110 g of heroin, while a 38-year-old evidence. by the Special Task Force Mines Bureau (GSMB) District Court. total electricity requirement distribution transformers owned from renewable energy sources by the Ceylon Electricity Board by 2030. (CEB) and the Lanka Electricity These renewable energy Company (Pvt.) Ltd. GoSL seeks foreign policy Online prepaid card for public transport ally in Opposition The Cabinet of Ministers on 15 Cabinet approval was given z 50,000-plus asylum seekers in Tamil Nadu camps; even more outside February approved the necessary on 2 October 2018 for the Foreign Minister Dinesh on 12 February, while addressing asylum seekers are in camps in Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission steps to be taken to utilise an appointment of a monitoring Gunawardena said that even the Consultative Committee on the Tamil Nadu, and also pointed out in Chennai. The matter is also being online prepaid transit card for committee comprising though the country’s foreign policy Foreign Ministry. that there are also people outside followed up on a priority basis by the public transport service, the representatives from all may ignite debates domestically, At the Committee, when taking these camps. According to him, the Foreign Ministry amidst the Government said. institutions of the public transport everyone must unite under one up the last meeting’s progress measures have been taken to Covid-19 pandemic situation. It said that this was the first sector in order to implement a voice when representing the country regarding the repatriation of repatriate a considerable number When inquired regarding the step towards implementing an project to introduce an online internationally. Sri Lankan refugees in India, a back to Sri Lanka. Whilst stating progress concerning the presence electronic system for charging transit card to be used in Accordingly, the Minister also concern raised by MP Charles that the Indian Government is of Indian fishing vessels in Sri fees in the public transport sector, public buses and trains, with said that he is hopeful that all Nirmalanathan, Foreign Secretary providing the refugees located Lankan waters and its impact on which was introduced by Lanka the objective of circumventing parties will unite in representing Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage within the camps with food, shelter, local fishermen, Gunawardena Clear (Pvt.) Ltd., a local company inconveniences that have been Foreign Minister the country’s foreign policy said that there are a number of medication, education, basic needs, said that a special discussion will affiliated with the Central Bank caused due to having to pay with internationally as one nation. camps for asylum seekers in India. and welfare, he explained that the continue with the Indian Embassy of Sri Lanka. physical money. He said the above in Parliament He noted that more than 50,000 issue is also being monitored by the towards resolving the matter. 4 „„ www.themorning.lk { EDITORIAL/OPINION } Wednesday, February 17, 2021

abductor(s) knew Razeek’s activities well. Gender No investigations appear to have BY RUKI FERNANDO been conducted to see if Nihamath was connected to the abduction, Apartheid in except for verbal statements taken from him by the Police. Police PATTANI RAZEEK’S ABDUCTION AND KILLING appear to not have reported to the Magistrate regarding the abductors’ Police Dept. demand to transfer the CTF funds to the “Nujoom Trust”, even Yesterday (16), the Supreme Court set dates though Razeek’s family members to hear a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition had mentioned this in their verbal filed by a group of 18 Senior Superintendents statements given to the Police. of Police (SSPs), seeking the annulment of An eleven-year The Police also don’t appear to have questioned, or produced before the appointment of Sri Lanka’s first female Courts, Irshad Rahmathulla, then- Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG). Parliamentary Secretary to former While various parties expressed mixed Minister and incumbent MP Rishad feelings about this petition on several grounds, Bathiudeen, who had stated publicly in October 2010 that Razeek was including the gender of the said officer and the wait for justice being held by the Defence Ministry. alleged violation of the FR of the petitioners, Persons travelling in the vehicle this will be a landmark case in the history with the suspect Mushdeen (in of the Department, as it which Razeek was abducted) and persons travelling with the suspect involves the appointment of Sri Lanka’s first Nowshaad (who admitted to meeting female DIG. Razeek in Polonnaruwa on the day The main argument raised by the petitioners he disappeared), also don’t appear to was that there was no cadre position available have been investigated. According within the Sri Lanka Police by the rank of to Nowshaadh, he and several others were travelling in a vehicle belonging “Woman DIG”, and that making such an to the Resettlement Ministry, then appointment, even in an acting capacity, headed by Bathiudeen. is in violation of the approved recruitment Shortcomings in the Police and promotion scheme of the Police. In investigations had prompted a Magistrate to mention that the the petition, they also request that the said evidence had not been presented appointment be declared illegal, and null and properly, and had not been filed void, and that the respondents of the petition according to the Code of Criminal be directed to either remove the Woman DIG, Procedure. or that the said appointment be rescinded. What next – yet another Last but not least, the petitioners seek an Commission of Inquiry or interim order staying the decision taken to prosecutions? appoint the Woman DIG until the verdict is Family, friends, and colleagues of given. According to the petition, no female Razeek had pursued justice under then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa, officers are envisaged in the existing DIG as well as his successor Maithripala cadre, which includes DIGs and Senior DIGs. Funeral of Pattani Razeek Sirisena, and are now seeking justice This raises a serious question – why are PHOTO © DEUTSCHE PRESSE AGENTUR under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, female Police officers not entitled to the who was the Secretary to the Ministry BY RUKI FERNANDO of Defence when Razeek was rights granted by the country’s supreme law, On 11 February 2010, Pattani Razeek, a former Grama Niladhari, a abducted and his remains were found. the Constitution, and why do they have limits former Managing Trustee of the Community Trust Fund (CTF), and an Last month, President Rajapaksa concerning career development on the mere Executive Committee Member of the Asian Forum for Human Rights and appointed yet another Commission basis of a person’s gender? Development (FORUM-ASIA), was abducted. His remains were exhumed to identify the findings of previous Even though the Constitution, in its Article on 28 July 2011. Commissions of Inquiry (CoI) and the recommendations that have 12(1) for the right to equality, says that no On 1 February 2021, Razeek’s These had later been amalgamated been made. Nearly 10 years ago, citizen shall be discriminated against on the son Riskhan wrote to the Attorney into one case at the Polonnaruwa’s in November 2011, the final report grounds of race, religion, language, caste, General (AG) Dappula De Livera PC Magistrate Court (MC). In 2015, of the Presidential CoI and the sex, political opinion, place of birth, or any and the Minister of Justice M.U.M. the family was informed by a Police Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Ali Sabry PC, about justice for his officer that the proceedings before Commission (LLRC), dedicated one of such grounds, the petitioners in the father. “I and my family members the MC had concluded, and that several paragraphs to comment on the said petition claim that at the time of the kindly appeal to you to let us know indictments were to be filed in the case of Razeek, some of which are appointment, there was no cadre position the progress and status of the case relevant High Court. But there has worthy of repeating: available within the Sri Lanka Police by the related to my father, and to expedite been no further information in this “Among the many disturbing rank of Woman DIG. However, male Police the legal process to hold those regard, and it is in desperation that Pattani Razeek, a former Grama Niladhari allegations concerning missing responsible, accountable,” was how the son had written to the AG and the persons submitted to the officers are entitled to it. the letter ended. Minister of Justice earlier this month. Commission by the general An alarming factor that comes to light in In the beginning of the letter, In 2012, the AG’s Department Razeek was unearthed. He had been public, especially during its visits this connection is the approved recruitment he had said: “We were shocked had decided to release Sahabdeen released on bail in March 2012. But to conflict-affected areas, the and promotion scheme of the Sri Lanka and saddened by our father’s Nowshaadh, who had been arrested his motive of allegedly murdering case of Razeek in Puttalam is disappearance, and subsequently to as a suspect, and to instead name him Razeek seems to be unclear, and referred to here, on account of the Police being inconsistent with the country’s know that he had been killed. We as a witness in the case. In the Court so Razeek’s relatives suspect that Commission’s own disappointing Constitution, as sex is not supposed to be a are now saddened at not knowing hearings, Nowshaadh’s lawyer had Mushdeen was not acting alone, and experience concerning that case. It factor that affects employment and promotion the status of the case, and the long admitted that the phone which was may have been supported by people highlights the deplorable absence opportunities. delay in holding those responsible used to make ransom calls belonged who knew Razeek personally. of conclusive law enforcement legally accountable.” Two weeks to Nowshaadh. In the Police According to Razeek’s son, the action, despite the Commission itself What does the allegation – that the topmost later, there has not even been an investigation, it was revealed that the demands of the abductors were as bringing this case to the attention State institutions tasked with making acknowledgment of the letter. SIM cards used for the ransom calls follows: Rs. 20 million be paid to of the concerned authorities of the appointments to the country’s main law were Razeek’s, and that the ransom the abductors; that the family should area. Razeek’s body was reportedly Police investigations and calls were made using a phone provide details of CTF assets; and discovered while the Commission enforcement agency, i.e. the Department Magistrate’s Court hearings of Police, failed to follow the approved belonging to Nowshaadh. that the Trustees should transfer any was writing its report. Timely action Initially, there were Police Another suspect who had been properties held in their name to the could probably have saved this life.” recruitment and promotion scheme, and investigations and several Court cases arrested was one Mushdeen, who “Nujoom Trust”, a trust set up by one It added: “When inquiries were 18 SSPs claiming that their FR in terms of in Puttalam and Polonnaruwa Courts had confessed about the abduction of Nihamath, a former Trustee of the made from the relevant Deputy Articles 12(1) and 14(1)(g) had been violated relating to the abduction of Razeek. Razeek, based on which the body of CTF. These demands indicate that the Inspector-General of Police in the due to the said appointment – tell us? area as to why there was a delay in arresting the alleged abductor And most importantly, in a time when the following a Court order, he has world has started counting on people’s abilities CARTOON OF THE DAY reportedly said that the Police and knowledge instead of gender, why has Sri was not aware of the suspect’s Lanka failed to amend and update laws and whereabouts, and that if the people regulations to give women the opportunity to know where he was, to let the Police know so that they could arrest him. be appointed to any position provided they It was alleged in this regard that are fit to fulfill the responsibilities? the suspect evaded arrest due to his As far as ensuring equal treatment for people ‘political connections’. If this is of all genders is concerned, Sri Lanka has established, it must be mentioned that such an attitude would completely taken a number of admirable steps. However, erode public confidence, in there is still a lot more to do, and changing particular in the Police, and make the laws, regulations, and policies, in fact, is one maintenance of law and order much point where it should start. more difficult. The Commission is equally concerned that undue political And, at the same time, what would happen interference has also contributed to the after the Supreme Court’s verdict? Will the lapses on the part of the Police.” authorities end up rescinding the above- More than nine years after the mentioned female officer’s appointment LLRC report, we are no closer to and forget everything, or will they look into justice, and there does not appear to be much prospects for justice. What taking long-term steps to ensure equality at is needed is not more and more CoIs, the foremost law enforcement institution that but to follow up on the investigations is expected to help and protect the public? done by the Police and court hearings held, which had unearthed some information and led to at least No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. two arrests; and to ensure that the Fax - 011 2 673 441 prosecutions are expedited and those General - 011 5 200 900 responsible are convicted through Sales & Marketing - 076 1 367 612 the Judiciary, keeping the family Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367 620 informed. E-mail - [email protected] (The author is a human rights Special Investigations Department - 077 7 714 078 activist who has closely followed Website - www.themorning.lk developments in the case of Razeek and has been involved in campaigns for justice) 45 Wednesday, February 17, 2021 { SPOTLIGHT } „„ www.themorning.lk against it, claiming that the bill would pose a threat to consensual conversions as well, and might hinder charity work carried out by Christian churches for the needy. The Morning’s attempts to contact the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, to get information about its stance regarding anti-conversion laws, proved futile. As a country that has a historical relationship with Buddhism and a Sinhala-Buddhist culture, Sri Lanka gives a foremost place to Buddhism. The Constitution in Article 9, says that Sri Lanka shall give to Buddhism the foremost place and that accordingly it shall be the duty of the State to protect and foster the Buddha Sasana, while assuring to all religions the rights granted by Articles 10 and 14(1)(e). The two Articles say that every person is entitled to the freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his/her choice, and also to the freedom, either by himself/herself or in association with others, and either in public or in private, to manifest his/her religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching, respectively. Conversion, or propagating Despite their use of Christian names, several religious conversion groups are in no way affiliated to the Catholic Church or any other similar entity religion? The programmes aimed at directly people, therefore, have a collective or indirectly encouraging people responsibility to safeguard religious to convert to new religions, has freedom,” he opined. a direct link to people’s right to He added: “If a person wishes propagate their religion. In fact, most to change his or her religion, there of the religions in Sri Lanka can be is a certain accepted procedure promoting their religion through Silver-tongued to do that. Such procedures have various programmes; however, a huge been established in every religion. controversy has developed around But, the activities of these self- evangelisation. appointed pastors are creating The SC, in a verdict delivered in tensions and they are disseminating 2018 in a Fundamental Rights petition a very wrong concept of conversion involving propagating religion, said and evangelisation. It amounts to that the Constitution does not confer ridiculing the religion they claim the right to propagate a religion, even godmen and to represent as well as its religious though the Constitution of India does. leaders.” Last year, Prime Minister He also concurred with the Mahinda Rajapaksa hinted about sentiments expressed by Cardinal introducing an anti-conversion Ranjith, saying that there is a pressing bill, in order to deal with need to monitor these pastors, as incidents of conversions, which, they cannot be held responsible or according to him, was on the rise. accountable due to them not being false prophets affiliated with any reputed body. He In the said verdict, the SC also stressed that the people also have further said: “The Constitution of a responsibility to be vigilant in this India would have, undoubtedly z Sri Lanka’s lucrative and thriving spiritual bazaar regard. been considered by the drafters of Even though The Morning our Constitution and, having done BY SUMUDU CHAMARA affairs of these religious conversion attempted to contact a number of so, they appear to have taken a Being born as a human being gives us the title of human; but what gives groups, Cardinal Ranjith said that organisations and individuals dealing considered decision to omit granting this human being a unique identity in a world filled with billions of even though the Roman Catholic with matters pertaining to Christian a right to ‘propagate’ religion or people has a great deal to do with what happens after the birth. How we Church has proper administrative and Catholic religious affairs, none of beliefs in Sri Lanka and to grant only think, what we believe in and what we aspire to be, among many other procedures, regulations and leaders them were available to comment on a more private and confined right to things, give us the uniqueness in which we take pride during our short that help the monitoring process, these this matter. ‘teach’ religion or beliefs. There could life on earth. What we believe in defines our actions, and our actions groups cannot be monitored and that have been reasons for that decision, make us who we are. they have appointed themselves as Freedom of religion and including the vital importance of Religion, among other things, is one are concerned, there seems to be no pastors. anti-conversion laws taking measures to preserve social of the inseparable parts of the human standards, systems, official training, Allegations of organised groups harmony and amity, which have race, and throughout history, has led responsibility or accountability. influencing people of one religion to proved to be fragile at times, in a to some of the biggest changes the “These conversions are carried out  Take steps to convert to another are not at all new. geographically small country with world has seen. promising people various things, and Similar incidents and programmes a rapidly growing population which Sri Lanka too has faced a number of what these self-appointed pastors regulate self-proclaimed have been reported in the recent is multi-ethnic, multi-religious and challenges including conflicts in the promote amounts to is something ‘pastors’ past as well, which in turn led economically disparate. Regrettably, past due to differences and disputes completely different to what has been to a widespread discourse about there have been many lessons between diverse religions and taught by religious leaders,” he said, introducing an anti-conversion bill. in our history, of the horrendous ethnicities, and one of the foremost adding that some of these conversion The discussions on enacting an anti- consequences of fractures in social goals the country is endeavouring programmes had gradually developed  SL lacks laws on conversion bill have in the past caused harmony and amity. The drafters of to achieve, is religious and ethnic in the past few decades. controversy due to opposing views our Constitution may have also had harmony. He added: “Even though these freedom to propagate and the fear of religious rifts. While in their minds that unlike in avowedly The Archbishop of Colombo, groups claim to be followers of some religions’ factions such as those secular India, Article 9 of our Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, recently Christ, they are not, as they do not religion in the Buddhist clergy supported Constitution vests in the Republic, a said that there is a rising issue of promote the good values taught by this as a solution to stopping forced duty to give Buddhism the foremost self-appointed pastors engaging Christ. We reject these programmes. conversions, members of some place.” in religious conversion activities, They use deceitful and misleading religions have opposed it saying that The SC concluded that according which is likely to tarnish the name methods to attract people, and this  Right to change it violates a person’s right to change to the Constitution, the citizens of genuine pastors and religious amounts to devaluing the religious religion is a personal their religion. However, adequate of the country do not possess a teachings. teachings and religious culture. In studies have not been conducted in Constitutionally protected freedom to Cardinal Ranjith added that certain a civilised country, these types of choice this connection. “propagate” their religion or beliefs. prominent figures such as sports incidents cannot happen. What the Last year, Prime Minister Mahinda In India, the right to propagate a personalities, artistes and business religious teachers have preached is a Rajapaksa hinted about introducing an religion is conferred by Article 25(1) folk have become victims of these lifestyle based on righteous principles. anti-conversion bill, in order to deal of the Constitution of India, which groups, which, according to him, are Devaluing those teachings for mere  Is having an anti- with incidents of conversions, which, reads: “Subject to public order, highly organised. monetary advantages is an insult according to him, was on the rise. morality and health and to the other He added that these pastors are to the actual teachers. How can a conversion law, a He added that he was willing to provisions of this part, all persons not affiliated with any established programme that is intended to mislead present a bill if Buddhist monks are equally entitled to the freedom religious body, and are therefore not people be equal to a programme that solution or worse? approve of it. He however claimed of conscience and the right freely answerable to any party for their promotes spiritual strength? It is that they (the Government) was to profess, practice and propagate actions, which poses a serious threat easy to deceive people affected by “This particular situation does not hesitant to initiate this process religion.” to genuine religious activities. economic hardships and illnesses. But mean giving people religious freedom. because there are certain groups who Similar to many countries, Cardinal Ranjith requested the people should understand that life is In fact, if allowed to continue, it are likely to express opposition to it. Sri Lanka has also suffered the country’s political leadership filled with unpleasant experiences, can be an obstruction to exercising He added that the bill could only be consequences of religion-based to regulate those who deceive and that the reality is that there are no religious freedom,” he stressed, a success if everyone extends their disputes, including groundless people and get rich from people’s short paths to overcome the hardships adding that these extremist groups’ support to it. misconceptions such as that the money, by pretending to of life.” objective could be destroying the He also said that conversion of mainstream religions are always be pastors He requested people to live a country’s religious harmony. traditional Buddhist families to other trying to oppress the minority religious life, which will not lead them religions was one of the threats faced religions, and that the minority He also emphasised that even to go after any of these groups seeking Take action against self- by Buddhism, and that there is a religions are always trying to become though these religious conversion advantages or miracles. “Do not trade proclaimed ‘pastors’: responsibility to look after those who the mainstream religions. groups use Christian names, they are your soul for worldly advantages and Religious leaders follow Buddhism. However, Sri Lanka’s history bears not affiliated with the Roman Catholic do not welcome programmes that Meanwhile, a high-ranking The discussion on introducing laws witness to the fact that a majority of Church or any other such reputed devalue original religious teachings,” official affiliated with Sri Lanka’s against forced conversions began as issues between communities arise entity. Cardinal Ranjith further he further requested. Catholic churches, speaking to The far back as 2004, when the Jathika due to the lack of communication requested the public to understand Cardinal Ranjith further requested Morning, emphasised that even Hela Urumaya (JHU) tabled an and mutual understanding. Giving all that the traditional Roman Catholic the country’s political leadership to though converting to a religion is anti-conversion bill in Parliament. parties the right to have their say in Church is neither affiliated with regulate those who deceive people a personal choice and no objection However, the bill was challenged matters that affect them can actually these religious conversion groups and get rich from people’s money, could be raised in that connection as before the Supreme Court (SC), and put to rest these misconceptions. nor support or approve of their by pretending to be pastors. He also it is essentially exercising a person’s as a result, two clauses of the said At the same time, authorities should programmes involving religious requested the authorities to take action right to religious freedom, these self- bill were ordered to be struck down take steps to protect the genuine conversion. against these groups’ leaders, and also appointed pastors pose a threat to that as the SC deemed that they were interests of the people including their Raising concerns about the to find out and monitor their income freedom. inconsistent with the Constitution. freedom to follow a religion of their genuineness of these groups, he sources and the foreign organisations He also said that their actions The bill sought to regulate unethical choice, while dealing with imposters added that as far as these groups, their they are affiliated with, if any. could tarnish the name of actual conversions among others, and trying to gain narrow advantages organisations and representatives Elaborating on monitoring the pastors who serve the people. “The Christian groups expressed opposition using the name of religions. 46 „„ www.themorning.lk { HOTSEAT/FOCUS } Wednesday, February 17, 2021 ‘Senior female officers marginalised and victimised’ z First ever female DIG on the challenges she has faced since her appointment

BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE Is it difficult for you to handle Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Bimshani Jasin Arachchi was your position as the DIG Police appointed as the first ever female DIG in Sri Lanka in October 2020. She Ombudsman Range at the Sri graduated from the University of Ruhuna with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Lanka Police? degree in Economics, Sinhala, and Statistics. She later obtained a Masters No, it is not. I am very good at in Human Rights from the University of Colombo. In 1997, Jasin Arachchi handling complaints. Usually, I deal joined the Sri Lanka Police Department as an Inspector of Police and with complaints which I receive from was promoted to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in 2017. She has Police officers. I am satisfied with been serving at the Bureau for the Prevention of the Abuse of Children the work I am doing. But I regret the and Women of the Sri Lanka Police since 2010. DIG Jasin Arachchi was fact that I was not given the Women appointed as the Head of the Police Welfare and Medical Services Range and Children Affairs Range since any Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Bimshani Jasin Arachchi by the National Police Commission (NPC) and currently she is working as female DIG would want to handle DIG Police Ombudsman Range at the Sri Lanka Police. that Division. Tell us about your qualifications as officers who are willing to work and what you did to be appointed the same as male officers, I would The Morning interviewed DIG day of my appointment as DIG, I How was the response from the DIG? appreciate that. As Police officers, we Jasin Arachchi regarding her had to go through a difficult time public after your appointment as I have 24 years of excellent job are here to change the disparity and experience after being appointed as where everyone tried to make my Sri Lanka’s first-ever female DIG? experience, during which my work help the public. We cannot have gender Sri Lanka’s first-ever female DIG. life difficult. Without any reason, I think that they were happy, and for the Bureau for the Prevention of issues as we all work for the general Below are excerpts of the interview. two months after my appointment, I they respected and appreciated this the Abuse of Children and Women public. We could contribute more if we was transferred to the Ombudsman decision. I hold the third senior of the Sri Lanka Police was where I have the freedom to work. Did you face any challenges after Range at the Sri Lanka Police and position within the Sri Lanka Police, contributed best, in investigations into your appointment as Sri Lanka’s never given the opportunity to handle where the responsibility is huge. crimes against children and women. Professionally, what are the regrets first-ever female DIG? Women and Children Affairs Range, Everyone expected a change in I have experience in the International you have? I was appointed as a DIG on 8 where I was having a lot of activities the Women and Children Affairs field with the United Nations (UN) I hope we would have more October 2020, and as the Head of with the Bureau for the Prevention of Division. I think that this is why the Peace Operations, specifically in the support from senior officers in the the Police Welfare and Medical the Abuse of Children and Women of public appreciated this decision. But, UN Peace Keeping Missions in Timor Sri Lanka Police. Just because we Services Range. I was given the the Sri Lanka Police. after a few days of my appointment, Leste (UNMIT) and South Sudan are women that does not mean that responsibility of handing over a The Sri Lanka Police received a I realised the true nature of senior (UNMISS). we should be sidelined. There is a lot report on Police officers who were total of 20 invitations to participate Police officers. I am not talking about I first graduated with a Bachelor of of discrimination in the Police and affected by the Covid-19 pandemic for the Independence Day all of them, but there were some Arts degree in Economics, Sinhala a disparity. Male officers would not situation. For this, I had to visit celebrations, but I was never given who wanted to stop me from doing and Statistics from the University allow us to work since they don’t Punanai, Kundasale, Habaraduwa, the opportunity to take part in that my job. The public wanted me to of Ruhuna. Subsequently I obtained believe in our working capabilities. We and Kalutara. This was like a target occasion. I also had to reject media go out of the box and do something a Postgraduate Diploma in Human have been marginalised in everything. given to me after my appointment invitations that I received. different. Even if I am capable of Rights and I read for a Masters in We have to build the Sri Lanka and within three days I had to hand I was also invited to participate in that, I have been stopped by some Human Rights at the University of Police together so that the public will over this report with photographic the celebration of 50 professionals parties. I have a lot of disappointment Colombo. also have faith in us. We tell the people evidence. None of the officers in the in Sri Lanka, but they did not allow about that. I have completed several diploma that we offer a friendly, professional, operational units were willing to do me to participate. However, Minister courses, especially in the field of and prestigious Police service, but this job. I had to travel at midnight of Public Security Rear Admiral Dr. Do you mean that the Police human rights, and certificate courses inside the Police, as women, we have to visit Covid-19 centres. I took this Sarath Weerasekera intervened in Department has something to do on the prevention of violence against been victimised. As the DIG of the up as a challenge. However, this this matter, so finally I was able to with this situation? women, forensic deoxyribonucleic acid Police Ombudsman Range at the Sri was the starting point of making me participate at the last minute. Yes, the Police Department tried evidence, and criminal investigation. Lanka Police, I am the one who is uncomfortable in my position and I Further, I requested an official to keep control over me. I think During this period, I have also making the biggest complaint. Why think that it was purposely done. Police quarters from Colombo due to that senior officers should support worked as a Deputy Team Leader for is my service neglected and dragged the travel that I had to undertake, but one another. They should give the National Vulnerable Persons Unit, into unnecessary issues? Why are Who asked you to make this the Police never offered me one. counsel to show the correct path. and also as a Personnel Officer and we wasting time and public money? report? The public also raises questions as Induction Training Officer. How am I supposed to provide a The Inspector General (IG) of Are you satisfied with the support to what the first female DIG has service to the public if I am dragged Police. given by female Police officers in achieved. I am capable of handling Are you satisfied with your four into unnecessary issues? Why can’t senior ranks? Women’s Affairs. It is not new to months of work so far? I make the best use of my local What did you do afterwards? No. Specifically, there is a lot of me and I know that I can make a Yes. I was able to do many things as and international experience? This I was able to establish a 24-hour discrimination, starting from female major change in this sector using I mentioned before and am hoping to discrimination directly targets the operation unit which took care of SSPs. However, officers below my knowledge. Even the Minister, do more in the future in the context of senior female officers in the Police. the welfare of the officers infected the SSP rank have a very good Dr. Weerasekera, advised me to get my Range. But if we have the freedom, by Covid-19 and obtained medical professional connection with each involved in Women’s Affairs, which proper freedom, to do our duty as Lastly, do you have any requests? equipment worth Rs. 13 million for other. I think that this is due to their I have never been given a chance senior officers and are not considered Let us work and stop this the Police Hospital. But from the desire for positions. to do. as women in this field, but simply discrimination. ‘Knowledge gaps on leptospirosis among Colombo farmers’

BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY District. The case fatality ratio was 1.56%. were in addition to agricultural activities, The majority (81.7%) knew that rat fever The researchers noted that most (92.5%) There are some gaps in knowledge Improved awareness and knowledge is engaged in different occupations. could be fatal. Over 90% knew that rat fever had good attitudes about the disease. among Colombo farmers with regard to critical in controlling leptospirosis among The knowledge (transmission, symptoms, could be treated and the majority were aware Pertaining to preventive practices for leptospirosis, commonly known as rat high-risk populations. complications, and preventive and safety that prophylactic medication could prevent leptospirosis, a vast majority (92.5%) fever, and these gaps may affect the level The Ministry of Health has taken measures), attitudes (self-perceived risk rat fever. Almost all knew of the availability claimed that they cover open wounds prior and frequency of correct preventive measures to improve public awareness of and seeking medical care), and disease of prophylaxis and the majority (61.7%) to working in the fields. Although it is practices, a local study found. leptospirosis and to encourage farmers, prevention practices (protective methods and said that they could get prophylaxis from known that there is an uncertain advantage The gaps are specifically with regard who are an high-risk occupational group, prophylaxis) of farmers towards leptospirosis the MOH office. The majority (65-65.8%) in reducing the incidence of leptospirosis to the source and mode of transmission, to seek prophylaxis and early treatment in were assessed using a pretested interviewer knew that rodent control is a preventive with doxycycline prophylaxis, 200 mg of symptoms, complications, risk factors, the the form of prophylactic antibiotic therapy. administered questionnaire. measure. Moreover, there was no significant oral doxycycline prior to farming activities usage of personal protective equipment Early detection can contribute considerably With regard to their knowledge on difference in the level of knowledge in famers has been advocated as a preventive measure. (PPE), and prophylaxis, the study added. to recovery with good outcomes due to leptospirosis, almost all (116 – 96.7%) had with differing educational levels (primary, Antibiotic prophylaxis is freely available These observations were made in the availability of antibiotic therapy and heard of leptospirosis. The main sources secondary, and tertiary). through the MOH offices to those engaging a research article titled “Farmers’ appropriate management. of information were visits by public health The researchers found that a good number in farming activities. Most participants occupational health, perception, and Unfortunately, there is a delay in patients inspectors (89.2%), television (61.7%), and (74%) had satisfactory knowledge. (94%) knew of a prophylaxis, and 90% practices towards leptospirosis: A cause for seeking medical attention at an early stage. leaflets distributed by the Ministry of Health Concerning their attitudes towards pointed out that taking prophylaxis is an concern” authored by J. Mathanamohan, This may be due to insufficient knowledge (57.5%). The majority (65.8%) thought they leptospirosis, the majority (87.5%) believed important means of prevention. More F. Kaleel, H. Hyderaly, I. Imthiyaz, R. and poor attitudes and practices towards were at risk, while over 50% had heard of that leptospirosis is a deadly disease and than half (59.2%) claimed that they take Unais, T. Nisansala, M. Weerasekera, N. leptospirosis. A recent systematic review a recent case of leptospirosis in the area. 97.5% were of the attitude that they should doxycycline prophylaxis properly. However, Fernando, C. Gunasekara (all attached of the burden of leptospirosis showed that While rats were identified by the majority immediately seek medical attention if nearly 50% acknowledged taking traditional to the Department of Microbiology of the disease is grossly underestimated. The (85.8%) as transmitters, participants were leptospirosis is suspected. Only 26.6% medicine as a first cure for fever, which is a the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the disease is highly endemic and carries a high able to identify other mammals such as cows, thought that they were not at risk of getting potentially risky practice. Methods used for University of Sri Jayewardenepura) and morbidity and mortality. buffaloes (70.8%), and dogs (72%) as vectors. leptospirosis while 43.3% erroneously rodent control included traps (59.1%) and T. Liyanage (attached to the Department This study by Mathanamohan et al. They also identified the paddy cultivation believed that once they got the disease, it the use of bait (42.5%). Many recommended of Community Medicine of the same), was a descriptive cross-sectional study season (75%), the rainy season (52%), and provided lifelong immunity (an individual practices for the prevention of leptospirosis and published recently in the Sri Lankan conducted among farmers in four randomly harvesting season (50%) as important periods who has had leptospirosis once may were practised by only just over half Journal of Infectious Diseases. selected Medical Officer of Health (MOH) for the transmission of this disease. Farmers therefore be more likely to be careless where (53.3%). Yet again, there was no significant Leptospirosis is an endemic zoonotic areas, namely Homagama, Padukka, knew that leptospirosis was an occupational prevention is concerned). Most (81.6%) association between the education levels disease. Large outbreaks of leptospirosis Boralesgamuwa, and Kotte in the Colombo hazard (89.2% identified working in paddy believed that controlling the rat population of the participants and their practices for have been reported during the paddy District where the farming populations are fields as a risk activity), and were able to was necessary to prevent transmission. prevention. cultivation seasons. Rainfall is experienced 9,319, 6,220, 3,010, and 227, respectively. identify paddy fields (80.8%), marshy lands Although 70.8% believed that wearing Local government health units and in Colombo during monsoon seasons from The study population consisted of 120 (67.5%) and animal urine (69.2%) as sources proper gloves and boots when working in the mass media are tools in generating May to August, and October to January, farmers involved in paddy farming from of infection. However, most respondents the field was helpful, only 18.3% wore boots better local awareness about leptospirosis. when paddy farming is carried out. May to August, coinciding with the paddy failed to identify other important sources, and 21.7% wore gloves, as a considerable Therefore, the authors recommended that According to epidemiological reports, the cultivation season (these farmers were all such as exposure to flood water, ponds, rivers number (63%) believed and found PPE too awareness be initiated at an individual level trend of leptospirosis notification follows engaged in paddy cultivation for a period and pools, and recreational activities such as cumbersome for routine use, a finding that through regular training programmes a seasonal variation linked with paddy of one year or more). Of the total of 120 swimming, as risk factors. Most respondents reflects difficulties in establishing feasible among the farming community and the cultivation and harvesting. farmers, 49 (40.8%) were from Homagama, (95%) correctly stated that damaged skin preventive measures in the population at distribution of information leaflets, to The disease is transmitted by mammalian 35 (29.2%) from Padukka, 22 (18.3%) is a route of infection, and identified fever risk. While the majority (87.5%) thought improve effective preventive measures. vectors including rodents and cattle and is from Boralesgamuwa, and 14 (11.7%) from (98.3%), muscle pain (84.2%), and headaches that covering wounds is necessary, a large Further, school awareness programmes a major occupational health concern among Kotte. Half (50.8%) of the respondents were as common clinical symptoms. Further, the percentage (85%) felt that prophylaxis is an in high-risk areas for both parents and farmers. In 2016, 3,982 suspected cases of between the age group of 50 and 74 years. majority (75%) were aware that it could effective factor for preventing such. Once students, it was noted, could further leptospirosis and 62 deaths were reported The majority (85%) were males. A total of 63 cause multi-organ damage and failure, again, there was no significant difference in contribute in this regard, to increase to the Epidemiological Unit, including (52.5%) were involved only in agricultural including kidney damage (73.3%) and liver attitudes between participants of different awareness and better practices among the 290 suspected cases from the Colombo activities while the remaining 57 (47.5%) damage as the commonest complications. educational levels. general population. 47 Wednesday, February 17, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

CTCbusiness appoints Suresh Shah as Chairman Suresh Kumar Shah, has Brown sugar imports been appointed Chairman of Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) with effect from yesterday (16). His predecessor, William Francis Pegel, served as Chairman from August 2019 banned over claims and stepped down from the position and announced his resignation from the Board as a Non-Executive Director with effect from 16 February 2021. The appointment of Suresh Suresh Kumar Shah of self-sufficiency Shah as Chairman follows changes to CTC’s Board the Institute of Chartered announced on 1 February, Accountants of Sri Lanka, z Ban effective from z Plans underway to increase state with the appointment of three Suresh Shah brings with him new Non-Executive Directors: a wealth of business acumen, June 2021 and local production Suresh Kumar Shah, Stuart serving as Director on the Kidd, and Rumana Rahman; Board of reputed blue chip BY KAREN HAPUARACHCHI the fact that local production has increased production. It was highlighted that one bringing the number of directors Carson Cumberbatch & Co. The Government is gearing up drastically within the past three years. In of the reasons for the ban is to protect on CTC’s board to eight. In light PLC since 2002 and Director/ to ban brown sugar imports addition, local production has increased the public from this and guide them of these new appointments, CEO of Ceylon Beverage completely with effect from June, by 440%, bringing the local production to healthy and organic local products. CTC informed all relevant Holdings PLC since 1991 and as the country’s brown sugar units to 270,000 metric tonnes in the “We want to promote local production. stakeholders that Suresh Kumar Lion Brewery Ceylon PLC manufacturing has been more present year against the 50,000 metric As local production doesn't consist of Shah, Stuart Kidd, and Rumana since its inception in 1996. than sufficient to cater to the local tonnes produced in the past years. chemicals in comparison to the sugar Rahman do not hold any shares Current British American demand, The Morning Business “Along with three manufacturers, that is imported to Sri Lanka, our goal in the company. Tobacco’s (BAT) Regional Head learns. Pelwatte, and Sevanagala owned by is to protect the people of the country in Suresh Shah has served of Finance – Asia Pacific and Speaking to The Morning Business, Lanka Sugar, the Ministry is working terms of health. The second reason why as Chairman of the Ceylon Middle East Stuart Kidd, joined Additional Secretary to the State with private, public, and government we want to impose the ban is because Chamber of Commerce, Sri BAT Australia in 2001. He has Ministry of Development of Minor local manufacturers to cater to the Sri Lanka is self-sufficient in the local Lanka’s apex trade chamber, held various senior finance Crops including Sugarcane, Maize, demand. Local manufacturers include production of sugar, thus employees can and is a Past Chairman of roles in New Zealand, Vietnam, Cashew, Pepper, Cinnamon, Cloves, the Lanka Sugar Company, Galoya improve financially. Also, thirdly, as we the Employers’ Federation of the UK, Switzerland, Hong and Betel-Related Industries and Export “The ban was a request from the Plantations, and a private firm that are self-sufficient, there is no reason for Ceylon. He has also served Kong, and Japan. Prior to his Promotion Thilaka Jayasundara stated President, which will take effect produces brown sugar. There are four us to keep spending our foreign reserves as a Commissioner on the appointment as Regional Head that the predominant cause for the ban approximately from June. There is a local manufacturers that cater to this to import these products,” Jayasundara Securities and Exchange of Finance, he was Finance is the local production of brown sugar prominent local production of brown demand. We have signed Pelwatte to added. Commission of Sri Lanka, and Director at BAT Japan from being more than sufficient to cater to sugar in the country. The Ministry wants 50,000 metric tonnes, while Sevenagala On a further note, due to the was a member of the Monetary 2015. Kidd counts over 19 years the local demand. to initiate an import substitution where produces 220,500 metric tonnes. The aforementioned reasons, she highlighted Policy Consultative Committee of experience across the group. While the annual sugar requirement the total local production of 270,000 private manufacturer provides the rest,” that as this measure would reduce the with the Central Bank of Sri He is a Certified Chartered of the country stands at around 600,000 metric tonnes would replace the import she further added. annual cost for sugar importation, which Lanka and of the Council at Accountant from the Australia metric tonnes, brown sugar imports demand of 120,000 metric tonnes,” According to Jayasundara, imported stands at Rs. 40 billion, there is no reason the University of Moratuwa. and New Zealand Institute of stand at 120,000 metric tonnes out of Jayasundara stated. sugar products are heavily processed for the country to continue to import A Fellow Member of Chartered Accountants. the total requirement. The State Ministry brought forward and contain several chemicals in its brown sugar. Sampath Bank PAT declines by 28% in 2020 zAsset base crosses Rs. 1 trillion; youngest bank in country to hit target Sampath Bank stated it recorded a substantial growth De-recognition of Financial recorded a 28% decline in Profit of 179.2% in 2020, primarily Assets was Rs. 423.8 million After Tax (PAT), which fell from due to higher realised exchange in 2020, as opposed to the Rs. Rs. 11.1 billion in 2019 to Rs. 8 income and the FCY reserve 113.7 million reported in 2019, billion in 2020, the bank noted in revaluation gains. These a year-on-year (YoY) increase The SEC’s expert panel briefed potential market entrants on the benefits of getting listed a statement issued yesterday (16). exchange gains are attributed of 272.8%. “Despite this 28% decline, to the 2.2% depreciation of the Due to all these prudential it is nonetheless a noteworthy Sampath Bank Chairman Harsha Amarasekera (left) and Sampath LKR against the US Dollar. On measures taken by Sampath result, against the backdrop of Bank Managing Director Nanda Fernando the other hand, the same reason Bank, impairment provision SEC conducts workshop the Covid-19 induced economic was behind the exchange losses against Stage 1 and Stage 2 slowdown locally and globally,” in total assets in just over 33 Rs. 61.9 billion recorded in 2019. on the revaluation of forward loans for 2020 increased by for CFOs of potential the bank added. years represents a significant “The combined impact of exchange contracts, which was 15.8% compared to 2019. Meanwhile, the bank registered milestone in Sampath Bank's the lower interest regime and responsible for the 98.9% decline Owing to the significant a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of journey, as it makes Sampath the concessionary interest rates in the Net Gain from Trading increase in Stage 3 loans (Rs. listed companies Rs. 11.2 billion compared to Rs. Bank the youngest bank in the charged during debt moratorium compared to the previous year. 10.7 billion) during 2019, The Securities and Exchange listing a company was not as 15.5 billion recorded in 2019, a local banking sector to surpass phase I, drove down the bank’s Therefore, while the bank’s the bank had to make higher Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) cumbersome or expensive as is decline of 27.9%. The PBT and this remarkable landmark, the NII by 18.6% from Rs. 41.6 Net Other Operating Income impairment provisions against recently conducted a forum for the generally perceived. He requested PAT of the Group for the year bank claimed. billion in the previous year to Rs. increased to Rs. 3.5 billion in the Stage 3 loans in that year. Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) them to take the message to their ended 31 December 2020 stood The bank registered a Net 33.8 billion in 2020. The bank 2020 compared to the Rs. 1.2 However, the bank did not of several private companies with respective boards. at Rs. 11.9 billion and Rs. 8.4 Interest Margin (NIM) of 3.3% continued to closely monitor billion reported in 2019, the Net require higher impairment the view of encouraging them Those present had the benefit billion, respectively, denoting in 2020, which was 116 basis all variables affecting the NII Gain from Trading declined to provisions against Stage to list on the Colombo Stock of insightful presentations by a decline of 27.2% and 27.6%, points lower than in 2019. supported by necessary follow Rs. 24.8 million for 2020 3 loans in 2020 as it did in Exchange (CSE). CSE Chief Regulatory Officer respectively. Total Interest Income for 2020 up action to prudently manage compared to the Rs. 2.2 billion 2019, owing to the fact that the The SEC has had a continuous (CRO) Renuke Wijayawardhana The bank's asset base expanded decreased by Rs. 14.9 billion to the same throughout the year,” recorded in 2019. The total Stage 3 loan growth was only dialog with all stakeholders of the and commission members of by 15.4% to cross the Rs. 1 Rs. 88.6 billion, compared to Rs. the bank added. exchange income meanwhile Rs. 6 billion during the year capital market and has emphasised the SEC, Manil Jayesinghe and trillion mark, reaching Rs. 1.1 103.5 billion registered in the Sampath Bank reported net fee reported only a marginal decrease under review. Consequently, on the need to take aggressive Naresh Abeysekera. trillion as at 31 December 2020, previous year, reflecting a dip of and commission income of Rs. of Rs. 1 million in the year under impairment charges against measures to develop the market Wijayawardhana outlined from Rs. 962 billion reported 14.4%. Total Interest Expenses 8.5 billion in 2020, a decline of review in comparison to the Stage 3 loans in 2020 decreased to ensure that it is the preferred the requirements and processes as at end-December 2019. too reported a decline of 11.6% 15.7% against the previous year. previous year. by 33.1% compared to the place to raise capital. involved in listing and Jayesinghe Passing the one trillion mark to Rs. 54.8 billion in 2020, from Net Other Operating Income Moreover, the Net Gain on previous year. Only a few companies have explained in detail how listing listed on the CSE during the on the CSE was an attractive last several years and that was option for companies to raise Airport losses can be seen as one of the reasons for funds. He highlighted as to why MAS Textprint signs SPA inadequate level of liquidity this method of raising capital covered – Tourism Min. and relatively small size of was more advantageous than BY ZAHIDA RIZVI ground handling charges the market. The SEC recently other methods through which a The Ministry of Tourism requested to be waived off with Trischel Fabric approved a new framework for company was able to raise capital. expects benefits to overtake were not granted. Textprint Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd., the listing of companies, granting Naresh Abeysekera pointed the expected revenue loss The CAA approved to fully integrated fabric printing complete autonomy to the CSE out how the digital platform can from the extended waiver operate over 20 charter entity of MAS Holdings supply in the listing process, and has be used to raise capital in the of parking and landing flights last month. The chain, signed a Sales and Purchase also relaxed the Listing Rules in near future and benefits that listed fees for charter flights CAA partnered with Agreement (SPA) with Trischel order to encourage more listings. companies can derive from the at the Mattala Mahinda airlines Air Astana from Fabric (Pvt.) Ltd. on 31 January The aim of this forum was to CSE mobile application. Rajapaksa International Kazakhstan and SkyUp and 2021. reach out to companies that are The forum concluded with a Airport (MRIA) and the Ukraine International from With this merger, Trischel – not listed in order to make them panel discussion featuring the Bandaranaike International Ukraine operating flights the only vertically integrated aware of the benefits of getting Chairman, the two commission Airport (BIA) until July to Mattala Rajapaksa warp and weft synthetic fabric listed and to apprise them of the members, Director General From left: Trischel Fabric (Pvt.) Ltd. CEO Dhanushka Fernando, Trischel 2021, The Morning International Airport manufacturer in South Asia, Fabric (Pvt.) Ltd. Director Jon Jia, MAS Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd. Group Finance key proposals included in the Chinthaka Mendis and the CRO Business learns. (MRIA). Ethiopian Airlines according to Textprint – will Director Prasanna Jayasekera, MAS Fabric Park (Pvt.) Ltd. CEO Misver Deane, Government’s Budget for 2021 of the CSE. The panel discussion Cabinet approval was and Maldivian Airlines are leverage Textprint printing and Trischel Fabric (Pvt.) Ltd. General Manager – Finance Uvais Hamza which has provided certain tax created the space for a dialogue granted for concessions also to operate flights into capabilities in synthetic fabric, formalising the Sales and Purchase Agreement exemptions to companies who between the panellists and the to encourage air charter Sri Lanka. cotton fabric, and lace to offer list prior to 31 December 2021. CFOs who participated at the operations according to Airport and Aviation a comprehensive manufacturing Trischel has grown to become the company will continue to drive SEC Chairman Viraj Dayaratne forum. schedules prepared by the Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. solution. one of the largest synthetic performance improvements across PC made the opening remarks The SEC intends in the future to Ministry of Tourism and the had made all required The amalgamation follows fabric manufacturers in South the supply chain by streamlining and explained the advantages organise events where chairmen/ Sri Lanka Civil Aviation arrangements to facilitate MAS’ joint venture agreement Asia catering to the needs of the operations and exploring more of obtaining a listing, especially chief executive officers (CEOs) Authority (CAA). flight operations acording of 2018 with Best Pacific world’s foremost fashion brands. growth opportunities in the during the current positive of companies would be spoken However, according to guidelines of the Sri International Holdings Ltd. Since With the amalgamation of domain of fabric printing market environment, and stated to in order to take this initiative to the Tourism Ministry, Lanka health authorities. the formation of the joint venture, Trischel and Textprint Lanka, technology. that the process involved in forward. 48 business „„ www.themorning.lk { ECONOMY } Wednesday, February 17, 2021 Private sector involvement in A PATHFINDER BRIEF developing ports became a critical necessity in the 1980s due to a host of reasons. The bottleneck effect caused due to congestion in ports had a considerable strain on the efficiency of distribution chains, Understanding the role of which is an important factor that needed attention. In this backdrop, government investments into port development were seen as “White Elephant FDI in port development Syndrome”. Amplified by recurring port Capacities of other regional hubs and their utilisation levels during 2019 congestion, consequent chronic Regional hub ports Capacity CY 2019 throughput Utilisation% service failures were mainly Singapore 38,000,000 37,195,636 98% attributed to the deterioration of Hong Kong 23,000,000 18,300,000 80% service quality during this period. Dubai 22,600,000 14,111,000 62% Inadequate port services are Salalah 6,100,000 4,109,000 67% phenomenal in this context, owing to the inability of governments Calendar year 2019 (Jan-Dec) volume of terminals in the Port of Colombo to invest in port infrastructure (‘POC’) compared against their respective capacities: capable of catering to the needs of PoC terminals Total throughput Capacity available Utilisation international shipping. Hence, many SAGT 2,052,141 2,200,000 93% port complexes became virtual JCT 2,282,609 2,600,000 88% “white elephants”. CICT 2,893,544 3,200,000 90% Secondly, the centralised control Total POC 7,228,294 8,000,000 90% by the governments in the port sector hindered adequate responses to overwhelming demands. Particularly during the 1960s to 1980, central planning in the port sector and elsewhere prevailed in the socialist economies and in many western and developing countries where state-held ports were often promoted by international development banks. The third was the restrictive labour practices, and the denial of institutional reform and technological advances that frequently precede rapid modernisation of port-handling equipment. Initially, labour unions Contribution of FDI towards the timely expansion of the Colombo Port often refused to accept reductions in the workforce, ignoring the need to lines. These are vital factors that part container yard, and a 440 upgrade skills. Sri Lanka seems to have ignored m deep-water berth. In 2016, a The World Bank has classified in its decision to develop the East request for a proposal was floated port terminal ownership and Container Terminal (ECT). The Port to develop the ECT on a build- administration into four models The world’s largest shipping hubs of Colombo has reached its capacity operate-transfer (BOT) basis. This based on public-private partnership. and is losing its market share. was terminated in 2017 when the As of 2018-2019 we have reached (GoSL) Gaining a share in the cannot offer the additional operating Monetary Fund (IMF) projected discount the relevance of India, to the maximum capacity levels and contracted with India and Japan to Indian subcontinent capacity required to compete for the India to grow by 11.5% in 2021 remain as a prospective hub port. had failed to gain an annual increase develop the ECT. Based on these transhipment market Indian subcontinent transhipment and Sri Lanka is well positioned to As explained initially, transhipment of at least 5-6% of transhipment discussions, a Memorandum of post Covid market or the depth required to benefit from this growth. hubs were created as domestic volume (see table), undoubtedly lost Co-operation (MoC) was signed in Transhipment emerged in berth the latest generation container India has 12 major ports and economies were unable to sustain to regional peers. May 2019. This was overturned in the 1970s as trade with Asia ships. Colombo Port will have around 200 non-major ports. longer shipping routes. In this Shippers’ Academy Colombo February 2021 to develop the ECT increased. However, volumes to develop additional container In FY20, major ports in India backdrop, what we need to realise is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as a public service port. were not sufficient to justify direct berths with the required depth to handled 704.82 million metric that expansion of the Colombo Port Rohan Masakorala in his article connections to many ports in Asia. address this capacity and depth tonnes (MMT) of cargo. Cargo is unsustainable in the absence of published in the Daily FT captioned Contribution of FDI Nevertheless, Kaohsiung emerged infrastructure constraints if it is traffic at non-major ports reached Indian transhipment containers. “Shipping and Ports in crisis”, towards the timely as the first transhipment hub. As to remain a transhipment hub 447.21 MMT in FY20. Since ports clearly articulates an opportunity expansion of the container ships grew larger on port.” Transhipment and India’s handle almost 95% of the trade Importance of links cost of 10% growth in transhipment Colombo Port improved designs, setting up of contribution towards hub status volumes in India, the rising trade between port operators volume lost due to delays in Only 20% of the ECT has been pure transhipment hubs along major of the Colombo Port is a fact that has contributed significantly to and shipping lines developing the ECT. developed up to now. It can service shipping routes, including Colombo, cannot be ignored. the country’s cargo traffic. Given Major port operators have The ECT was to be operational only 200,000 TEUs annually at its became a necessity. South Asia has suffered the most the positive outlook, proposed established links with main shipping by 2017, which would have added best now. An investment of another The Colombo Port expansion during the pandemic with a 10% dip investment in major ports was lines to plan routes, which are approximately three million TEUs $ 550 million is required to develop project was funded by the Asian in forecasted volumes. The region expected to reach $ 18.6 billion strategically important to shipping annually to the Port of Colombo the ECT to handle three million Development Bank (ADB) owing will play catchup in the years to by 2020, while those in non-major lines. The shipping lines schedule (POC) capacity. Sri Lanka has lost TEUs annually. This needs to be to the country’s ailing domestic come. ports, around $ 28.5 billion. their routes considering the services a golden opportunity to capture done immediately to develop the economy. In ADB’s 2007 report, the Meanwhile, Singapore has lost Indian transhipment is the main and pricing offered by the port market share due to inconsistent terminal within two years. Duration rationale for the expansion is stated its top slot to Shanghai in the last business of the Port of Colombo. operators. This and a host of other government policy. The Sri Lanka is crucial in maintaining market as: “Colombo Port is the natural 14 years. Zhoushan, Shenzen, and With terminals being developed, reasons compel governments to Ports Authority (SLPA) completed share for the entire port. FDI is transhipment hub for the South Guanzhou have been developed as the total capacity of Colombo can refrain from port development, development of the first phase the need of the hour. It brings a Asian region. However, in recent very close competitors to Singapore. be projected to an estimated 14-15 including inability and lack of of the ECT by early 2015. This package of capital and also market years, Colombo Port lost its market Growth in these new ports was million TEUs (20-foot equivalent flexibility to attract main shipping consisted of a 600 m quay wall, access and technology transfer will share in the regional transhipment driven by Chinese economic unit) annually. As of now, 85% of ensure timely development without market because the fundamentals of growth. Similarly, Sri Lanka this will be transhipment containers, stressing the GoSL financially. The the market changed, and Colombo cannot ignore the growth in the over 70% of which will be to/ GoSL will find it very challenging Port did not adapt. Colombo Port Indian economy. The International from India, hence Colombo cannot to invest $ 550 million to develop the ECT based on their financial capability. Only time will tell if the decision to develop the ECT as a public service port would be implemented in a timely and cost- effective manner, as articulated by the trade unions. On a positive note, the GoSL’s initiative to hold discussions with India and Japan to develop the Western Container Terminal (WCT) as a private service port on a 35-year concession is a welcome change Categorised port terminal ownership The top 10 terminal operators with their respective market shares in 2019 under these circumstances. PMI remains expanded in January 2021 Manufacturing Purchasing mainly with the pandemic-related positive note, services sector accommodation and food and Managers’ Index (PMI) remained health concerns. PMI recorded a value of beverage subsector improved expanded in January 2021, Although new orders and 56.2 in January 2021. This further with the gradual recovery recording an index value of production expanded at a slower indicates a further recovery in in domestic tourism owing to the 60.2 owing to the expansion in pace, the stock of purchases the services sector, which was promotional discounts offered new orders and production. The expanded at a higher rate due affected by the second wave of during the period. Moreover, increase of stock of purchases to depleting of stocks previously the Covid-19 pandemic. This financial services, education, sub-index also contributed to the held and intended accumulation increase was underpinned by and other personal services overall expansion of the PMI. of stocks for future requirements, the expansions observed in new subsectors also experienced an New orders and production anticipating supply disruptions, businesses, business activities, increase in business activities in sub-indices remained at healthy due to upcoming Chinese New and expectations for activity. January 2021. levels, especially in manufacture Year holidays. New businesses increased in However, respondents in of food and beverages sector Furthermore, the Suppliers’ January 2021, particularly with import trade continuously cited following the festival season. Time subindex the improvements observed in their concerns over restrictions However, some respondents in lengthened at a higher pace during financial services, transportation, on non-essential imports. this sector highlighted that lower the month. Many respondents and wholesale and retail trade Employment declined in January than expected demand due to the mentioned that their shipments subsectors. Business activities 2021 due to non-extension of Covid-19 situation affected the were delayed due to issues related in the services sector increased work agreements of the contract business activities. to port/shipping. Expectations in January 2021 for the second employees and retirements amidst Employment expanded at a for manufacturing activities in consecutive month. The goods delays in new recruitments. higher rate during this period with the next three months improved and passenger transportation sub- Backlogs of work increased new recruitments. However, some further with the expectation for sector recorded an improvement in January 2021 due to the manufacturers highlighted that the normalisation of economic during the month with people disruptions to business they had to struggle to complete activities within the country as adopting to the new normal activities caused by the Covid- their production on time due to well as in major export markets. environment. 19 pandemic-related health the lack of employee availability Starting the year with a Business activities in concerns. MESSAGE FROM THE MESSAGE FROM THE SENIOR 9 VICE PRESIDENT OF SRI LANKA Wednesday, February 17, 2021 INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS

possible to gauge the damage institute that models the way the virus has already done – forward. and is still continuing to do. Therefore, we will have our One way of adapting to Inauguration Ceremony in a the new-normal comprises grander, hybrid manner; most mainly hybrid solutions. importantly a larger cross- These unfortunately result section of stakeholders will in lacklustre events and do participate. The main feature completely disregard a basic of this inauguration will be fact – that man is a gregarious the keynote address by Ar. animal. To what extent Tony Wong and Ar. Thana we can go forward in this Chirapiwat on “Co-inventing direction, time alone will tell. Built Environment”, amidst I appreciate all those who the 13 ARCASIA Covid-19 toiled to make the events Guidelines. comprising the Annual With great expectations of Archt. Veranjan Kurukulasuriya, Archt. Russell Dandeniya, FIA (SL) B.Sc. (Built Environment); Sessions in these trying times FIA (SL), RIBA, Int. Asso. AIA “back-to-normal”, instead M.Sc. (Architecture), FITP (SL) a success. True, some events of the new normal, and have been stripped to bare It is a great pleasure to more “social interaction” It is time for the Annual essentials – but it took a lot of provide this message in instead of social distancing, Sessions of the Sri Lanka courage to make the difficult the context of a seemingly SLIA looks forward to Institute of Architects - again! decisions; and they came up difficult period. We, SLIA, an even brighter, better, But this is not just another with some novel solutions that decided to move forward and more booming built year; and last year seems surpassed the usual practices. positively with essential environment in Sri Lanka, almost a away. An To all the committees and annual events hybrid with lots of opportunities for invisible virus played havoc their members - a big Thank and online under new architects and architecture, with our cozy comfortable You! normal circumstances, as a under the new vision of the lives, and we are yet to regain And may the events be gesture to face this period Government and its positive our balance. It is still not more successful than ever! confidently as the leading way forward.

MESSAGE FROM THE VICE MESSAGE FROM THE HONY. PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN SECRETARY OF SRI LANKA EXHIBITION COMMITTEE, INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS ARCHITECT - 2021 We are at a crucial juncture of our country today. Just After a very successful over 10 years ago, we exhibition in the history concluded a 30-year long of SLIA’s Architect 2020, armed conflict that ravaged all preparations were in the whole country and the place to showcase Architect peace-loving nation, but 2021, the oldest and most ethnic and religious sparks visited construction-related still popping up in various ‘Social Responsibility exhibition in Sri Lanka, in its forms disturbing the serenity 39th consecutive year, where of the atmosphere from the trade and profession of time to time. However, architecture unites in one incapacitating all internal of the Architect’ mutual forum to enhance the conflicts, yet another The conference theme for Architect 2021 advancement of Sri Lanka’s natural disaster, a pandemic, exhibition culture. invaded the whole country “With great power comes great the “moral responsibility of care” involve geo-spatial expertise. The Architect 2021 is just after the last Annual Archt. Ranjana Suraweera, responsibility.” in responding to emerging social architect also deals with broader legal FIA (SL) M.Sc. (Arch.), B.Sc.(BE) While gaining popularity through needs such as disaster management responsibilities towards the State and undoubtedly an exceptional Sessions of the Sri Lanka a superhero character from Marvel measures and settlement-related statutory authorities by upholding experience of an exhibition, Archt. Herath, Institute of Architects, FIA (SL), FIIM (HK), FCPM, IAIA Comics, the above slogan may describe ethnic integration, etc. This “communal development guidelines that ensure with the latest state-of-the- (USA), AP (GBCSL),M.Sc. (Arch.), denying the glamour of thought process to come up how moral obligations instigate the responsibility” leads the architect to the wellbeing of the nation’s built art products and services B.Sc. (BE) the 39th Annual Sessions with an optimised design architect to serve the greater society in create vibrant neighbourhoods where environment. on display by the trade and of the Institute this year. that best suits the occupants, a selfless crusade. physical environments ensure rich As a leading “global citizen” who architects panels and models instructions and restrictions However, as architecture is a their lifestyle, socioeconomic Armed and equipped with a human interaction where the architect makes crucial value judgements, the of buildings, to provide of the Health Authority, problem-solving process, we structure, and micro and unique set of skills and expertise, the engages in “social engineering”. The architect assumes “environmental insight into the intricate the exhibition will not be architects have been facing macro environment, while architect also inherits a wide array architect defends such communities responsibilities” of planetary designs of the projects held as scheduled, and it is and managing the pandemic being aesthetically soothing of social responsibilities which are by ensuring a “secure” public realm scale in dealing with issues of undertaken by members of postponed, awaiting a safer in the “new normal”. at the same time. confronted at professional, communal, and habitations that are protected sustainability such as the prevention the Sri Lanka Institute of period and health authority History tells us that Architects are responsible national, and global scales. against subversive violence, crime and of environmental pollution and Architects. clearance to hold it. architecture is not just for creating space that An elite professional who social disruption, etc. resource depletion. The architect A public forum to To overcome this inspired by imagination; qualifies for the occupants’ orchestrates multiple professional As a prominent member of the would champion these ideals address day-to-day drawback, SLIA is proud architects must do something wellbeing in terms of the disciplines, the architect assumes intellectual community, the architect through strategies that ensure energy issues on construction, to present to you a new more than designing indoor climate, and security the legal responsibility of realising is also charged with the “socio- efficiency in building design and a members’ forum to concept, “The Architect” a building. The social and safety from natural and the aspirations of a primary client cultural responsibility” of preserving urban development plans while share the experience Trade Platform, a digital responsibility of architects man-made hazards to a great while ensuring the safety, health, “tangible and intangible” elements of mitigating material wastage in of architects; and a solution that is the first lies in believing that extent. and wellbeing of many direct and “heritage” related to the built fabric construction practices. constructional professionals’ of its kind in Sri Lanka, architecture can create better Architectural solutions indirect users that include occupants, and conserving cultural identities. An “architect” is defined by forum together with the to showcase and market places, that architecture can emerged today due to maintenance workers, visitors, as Further, on a broader scale, the architect such broader responsibilities Organisation of Professional your products and services affect society, and that it can natural disasters, such as the well as passive commuters who also performs the “socio-political as much as the unique talents, may only engage the architectural responsibility” of fostering public spaces knowledge, and expertise that this Associations of Sri Lanka to to the general public with even have a role in making a Tsunami, and epidemics, manifestation visually. to accommodate mass congregation professional is gifted with. These discuss and address current information on how you community more livable. whilst man-made situations As a respected member of the and meaningful expression while social responsibilities are part of an issues in the industry, are may be featured on this Therefore, architects have such as armed conflicts, and communities touched by architectural ensuring social participation in the inevitable duty towards the greater added features of Architect platform. A decision to significant responsibilities negligence of peoples, are at endeavours, the architect assumes macro changes of urbanity. good which entail the capabilities 2021. fast-track this initiative towards society as well the forefront in this respect. the “communal responsibility” of As an esteemed citizen of the possessed by the architect. It is the The theme of this was taken, and it will be as the environment. It’s a Architects have responded to providing intellectual intervention in nation state, the architect assumes “sacred duty” of a professional who session is “The Social launched on 19 February, profession that deals with the the need for such problems in aspects such as ensuring adequate the “socio-economic responsibilities” is entrusted with much “social faith” Responsibility of the the day the exhibition was human community and the society, thereby introducing communal participation in macro by leading broader spatial to serve humanity. The conference Architect”, which is an to be held at BMICH. You ecosystem. Architecture is and establishing a new way habitat development plans, mediating structuring endeavours for “national may explore how such multifaceted apt theme of Architect may reap the benefits of this not merely about designing of thinking whilst controlling the conflicting needs between development” and “economic growth” “responsibilities” redefine 2021. However, on the online venture. buildings. It’s about the such situations. developers and their neighbouring while ensuring “social equity” in such themselves in today’s context of communities, as well as exercising macro-scale developments which evolving social needs.

COUNCIL OF THE SRI LANKA INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS FOR THE SESSION 2020/2021

Seated from left: Honorary Assistant Secretary Archt. Nandaka Jayasinghe, AIA (SL); Professional Affairs Board Chairman Archt. Upendra Randeniya, FIA(SL); Board Architectural Education Chairman Archt. Nela De Zoysa, FIA (SL); Honorary Secretary Archt. Ranjana Suraweera, FIA (SL); Immediate Past President Archt. D. H. Wijewardene, FIA (SL); President Archt. Veranjan Kurukulasuriya, FIA (SL); Senior Vice President Archt. Russell Dandeniya, FIA (SL); Vice President Archt. Rohana Bandara Herath, FIA (SL); Honorary Treasurer Archt. Dilummini De Mel, FIA (SL); Board of Architectural Publication Chairman Archt. Chinthaka Nikapitiya, AIA (SL); Board of Management Chairman Archt. Migara Alwis, FIA (SL); Honorary Assistant Treasurer Archt. Damith Premathilake, AIA(SL) Standing from left: Member in Council Archt. Thilan Koththigoda, AIA (SL); Reg. Member in Council Archt. C.P. Samarasinghe; Member in Council Archt. Dr. Nishan Rasanga Wijetunga, FIA (SL); Member in Council Archt. Surindu Basnayake, FIA (SL); Member in Council Archt. Kosala Weerasekara, AIA (SL); Member in Council Anuka Weththasinghe, AIA (SL); Archt. Vishaka Ratnayaka, AIA (SL); Member in Council Archt. Jayanath Silva, FIA (SL) 10 SLIA Design Awards 2021 Wednesday, February 17, 2021 SUPER SHOP AND MULTIPURPOSE HALL – JAFFNA

Design Awards 2021 – Archt. Asokan Sritharan AIA (SL) Commercial Buildings category Award of Excellence In recognition of the project

A RENOVATION OF A DWELLING TO NIGHTCLUB THE BOX HOUSE – TANGALLE 2 ZERO 6 MUSIC FACTORY – COLOMBO 5

Design Awards 2021 Archt. Malisha Kodituwakku, AIA(SL) Archt. Chamikara Merit Award Design Awards 2021 • Adaptive Reuse Merit Award Moses, AIA (SL) category • Private Residencies • In recognition of the category project • In recognition of the project

WELLNESS RESORT – HABARANA PERSONALISED RESIDENCE – KALALGODA

LEISURE POINT – MIRISSA

Design Awards 2021 Archt. Palinda Merit Award Kannangara, FIA (SL) Design Awards 2021 Archt. Damith • Hospitality Premathilake, AIA (SL) Architecture category Merit Award • Private Residencies • In recognition of the category project • In recognition of the project

RAVEE’S RESIDENCE – PILIYANDALA YOUNG ARCHITECT RESEARCH AND PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR 2021 PUBLICATION AWARD 2021 COLOUR AWARDS Archt. Sudesh AWARDS 2021 2021 – Award of Excellence Nanayakkara, AIA (SL) • In recognition of the project

RENOVATION OF INDRA HARDWARE – PILIYANDALA COLOUR AWARDS 2021 – Merit Award Design Awards 2021 Archt. Shanaka Archt. Gayan Honorable Mention Abeywickrama, Herath, AIA (SL) AIA (SL) • Private Residencies • In recognition of Archt. Chamikara Archt. Archt. Sagara the project category • In recognition of the Moses Dr. Rizna Arooz Jayasinghe project 11

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are “The greatest legacy one can expecting again pass on to one’s children and Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are grandchildren is not money about to become a family of four! The two or other material things are expecting their second child together, accumulated in one’s life, but the couple announced on Sunday (14). rather a legacy of character The baby will be the younger sibling to and faith” the couple’s son Archie Harrison, who will – Billy Graham turn two on 6 May. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child,” a spokesperson for the couple told People. PHOTO © TEEN VOGUE

young age, Achinthya said she enrolled at the OpenArc Computer School, expressing brunchher gratitude to one particular instructor, Ms. Lavandi Rasara Fonseka, whom she credits as having inspired her to pursue digital art. Accumulating the skill set necessary is but one step. About moving on from ambient artworks which most digital artists attempt to do, Achinthya shared how she stepped outside the box in getting into drawing comics. “I actually draw both. I draw a lot of fantasy portraits during my spare time and also in my freelance career,” she said. A typical Papadamn comic about Sri Lankan society However, personally, she feels that comics are a very effective medium to express her ideas and tell stories when she cannot find the right words. “Comics allowed me to exercise my storytelling and art skills in a single context. Besides, it’s something new – something not a lot of people do (in Sri Lanka), which in itself is a reason why I started comics.” Achinthya explained that comic series are adapting to the digital age and they no longer follow the horizontal layout you’re familiar with in newspapers; comics are now drawn vertically to fit mobile devices. It’s easy to take a screenshot of a pivotal Teacher moment on a comic and share it around to create engagement. As a result, she said that we’re at the perfect time to embrace comics once again. The Sakkai Muniyai cover Pursuing the art of creating comics, are extremely thankful to feel represented. Achinthya said that things weren’t so However, as is to be expected, on the other smooth in the beginning. Starting off by side, there are people with homophobic publishing stories on online platforms like opinions who have called her work ACHINTHYA Tapas.io and ComicFury, she said her work “disgusting”. Nonetheless, she said that was well received but she soon realised most people have warmed up to the content that the series she undertook back then and have become fans. were a bit too ambitious for an amateur like Speaking about pursuing a rather niche herself, especially when she tried to release subject matter, Achinthya said: “I do know one on a more “commercial” platform and that I would get more audiences if I pursued it received negative criticism. more ‘mainstream’ genres. However, Even though she stopped drawing for passion and self-satisfaction is the core AMARAKOON the international audience for a while, she motivator for my work, and I continue to said her love for comics never died and so stick to genres that I feel happy drawing.” Same-sex love stories on comic strips along came the birth of Sakkai Muniyai, a Achinthya shared that for her, Sakkai fantasy story set in modern-day Sri Lanka Muniyai is more than just a comic. “The about a demon and a god inspired by Sri boys helped me through some of the most BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE internet”, Achinthya shared that her love Lankan folklore. depressing times of my life. I collected for art has been with her since she was a Achinthya started posting the story on many precious fans who were supportive Born and raised in Sri Lanka, toddler. her Facebook page called “Papadamn”, of me and the stories I was telling. They Achinthya Amarakoon is a “At school, art was basically what I where she debuted her long-running also inspired other artists,” she said, adding Canadian resident artist creating was known for and people loved having comic, which ultimately that these tempestuous times, however, art, satirical comic strips, and other me in their groups during ‘artistic’ group ended up spanning two years and also resulted in her creating another project of became her first published comic book. works with Lankan influences. activities,” she said, adding that her hers titled “Papadamn Learn”, a page where parents were always supportive and very “It is undoubtedly one of my greatest she shares tips, tricks, and techniques in Since 2018, she has been creating accomplishments thus far,” said Achinthya. her first long-running Sinhalese encouraging. drawing comics. Achinthya’s comics primarily feature She said that Sakkai Muniyai gave manga Sakkai Muniyai, which is She said that one of the biggest “male x male” or “BL” storylines; typically, her a lot more confidence and training challenges aspiring comic artists face in awaiting its third and final season the stories show same-sex couples. Having to improve herself, and after doing two Sri Lanka is the lack of an industry, and soon this year. coined herself as a “fujotist” (a derivative of seasons of it, she decided to face her fears therefore the lack of resources to pull off Professionally a UX designer and the Japanese term Fujoshi, used to describe once more and evaluate whether her skills big, long-running projects like a comic. She an occasional frontend developer at women who are fans of same-sex romance have improved at all, and so came along her hopes to use her lessons to teach them how an aquaculture innovation company in stories), she shared what drew her to this most recent BL comic, This Fluffy Love. to pull off a comic series on zero budget Canada, Amarakoon shared with The particular genre. Considering that Sakkai Muniyai and with limited time. Morning Brunch that she is a “semi- “I am interested in same-sex love Season 1 is now available in print, we If you’re interested in Achinthya’s professional artist” working on a freelance stories more than your regular old love wondered whether there is much of an work, she has some work down the pipeline basis who still prefers to keep art as a story. From an artist’s and a storyteller’s audience for comics, particularly BL- you can look forward to: This Fluffy Love, hobby. perspective, same-sex love has this themed ones, in Sri Lanka, to which a single-season story, and the third and final Settling down in Canada with her somewhat tragic and dramatic element Achinthya responded saying that while season of Sakkai Muniyai, the first season husband Rajitha, whom she says has been to it. It makes me feel like we take our it is generally panned in Sri Lanka, there of which will soon be available on print, One of Amarakoon’s original characters, Nilame a big influence in her life and the one who heterosexual relationships for granted,” she are BL fangirls (especially with the rise of having partnered with Red Dot Geek as the urged her to start a proper comic and art said. popularity of KDramas) as well as other publisher (visit www.reddotgeek.com or page “without uploading them all over the Being introduced to digital art at a members of the LGBTIQ+ community who visit their store to purchase the book). Achinthya’s work can be found online on

www.facebook.com/papadamnNoire www.facebook.com/papadamnarts www.facebook.com/papadamnlearn www.artstation.com/supzter www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/this-fluffy-love/

twitter.com/PapadamnNoire tapas.io/series/This-Fluffy-Love www.instagram.com/papadamnarts/ www.deviantart.com/supzter blog.papadamn.com/ Astra Diriya Wanitha: A programme to empower women BY VENESSA ANTHONY commitment as they expect happy. Previously, Astra has the ripple effect of this delivered similar initiatives Astra launched initiative to empower women in Colombo and . “Astra Diriya Wanitha”, a to be able to give more The current initiative will be programme which aims to nutritious foods and better at a larger scale, involving equip women to start their education to their children, many more beneficiaries and baking businesses, on 16 making our kids, the next stakeholders. generation, healthier and With the onset of the February at a launch event Upfield Sri Lanka Marketing at the Cinnamon Grand Manager Shehani Liyanage happier. pandemic triggering a number Ruhunuhewa explained of daunting challenges in Colombo. (From left:) White FLower Academy Founder/Owner Chef Dushanthi Madanayake, Upfield Sri Lanka Head of Since their initiation Business and Customer Development Director Anuruddha Aluvihare, MP , Association of Samurdhi training, knowledge, and that the Astra Home Bakers society, families with children Officers and Agricultural Research Offices General Secretary and Upfield Sri Lanka Senior Country Financial Programme will include continue to endure economic in 1966, Astra has been Controller Krishan Fernando, and Upfield Sri Lanka Marketing Manager Shehani Liyanage equipment needed to start a household brand with a their baking businesses. Their comprehensive training on hardship due to a loss of legacy of contributing to the will empower mothers to Aluvihare, Upfield Sri Lanka side income while at home. end goal is to improve the all aspects of cake making. income. In such a day and awareness and improvement start their baking businesses Senior Country Financial Their collaboration with the livelihoods of these women Astra’s mission is to age, this initiative by Astra of child nutrition. The as part of the company’s Controller Krishan Fernando, Samurdhi programme will and support them to become empower at least one woman will aid mothers to start their Astra Diriya Wanitha social mission. Special guests and White Flower Academy give way for them to identify self-sufficient. from each village division own businesses and earn an programme is another step at the event included MP Owner and Founder Chef women who need support and Astra believes that every in the country, thereby additional income. Through in Astra’s commitment to Jagath Kumara, Association Dushanthi Madanayake, have the passion to initiate child deserves the opportunity elevating the living standards this, they hope to combine raising a healthy, active, and of Samurdhi officers, among others. and continue successful home to get the nutrition they need of 14,000 families across the decades-long connection empowered future generation Agricultural Research Offices Astra Public Relations baking businesses. to grow, develop, and reach the country. This will enable of Astra with baking to help of leaders and achievers. General Secretary and Upfield Executive Dinali The initiative will their full potential at school the women to give better mothers in Sri Lanka find This programme, Sri Lanka Head of Business Ruhunuhewa shared that this recognise women across and later in life. The Astra education and more nutritious financial stability and support launched in collaboration with and Customer Development programme would be a great Sri Lanka’s 25 districts Diriya Wanitha campaign food to their children to for their kids and family the Samurdhi programme, Director Anuruddha way for women to earn a and provide them with the in Sri Lanka is part of that make them healthy and during these trying times. brunch 134 Wednesday, February 17, 2021 { FOOD } „„ www.themorning.lk

Consultant Sathritra Yapa

Honey is, therefore, telling a larger story of a greener and cleaner Sri Lanka. Yapa added that they do not collect their honey from forests, but from rural parts of the country from boxes. “We believe that honey collected from in honey have been linked to reduced forests is not as pure as the ones you risk of heart attacks, strokes, and get from boxes, so our products are some types of cancer. They may also assured to be of the highest quality, and promote eye health. With the infusion taste amazing too.” of herbs and spices, that are also very Honey collected from forests also beneficial health wise – their honey takes a long process to purify, and it is perfect for anyone with ailments is unlikely that all the other unhealthy or someone who simply just wants bits are entirely removed during the to keep an eye on their health and purification process. Talking about wellbeing. Yapa added that they efforts, they could fill that void. “We other benefits of the box, he added: even source the spices and bulbs aimed for the highest qualities of bee “We can protect the bees through from different parts of Sri Lanka, so honey industries in the globe and this method as well; it does not harm everything is organic. sailed towards that direction, while them and they do not feel as though Yapa informed us that scientists strengthening the local bee honey- we are interfering, as we only touch a have reported nanoparticles containing producing families. When we entered very specific area of the box.” Their bee venom can destroy human The buzz the industry, there were no private bees (Apis cerana indica) can fly immunodeficiency virus (HIV) while companies that produced with a value over 700 metres and they are very at the same time leaving surrounding chain, but now, it’s unveiling with productive in pollination, so they are cells unharmed. He further added our commitment and effort.” certain that self-sufficiency can be that honey is a very effective means gained within a short period of time, of quickly rendering heavily infected The collection process not exceeding five years. wounds sterile, without the side effects about Ceylon Their main goal is to make the of antibiotics, and it is even effective country self-sufficient in terms of Speciality honey and its against antibiotic resistant strains of honey and then export this honey benefits bacteria. Ceylon Bee Honey’s range throughout the globe, marketed as The speciality of Ceylon Bee of honey is carefully curated and pure “Ceylon Bee Honey”. When Honey is their range of honey that has incorporates various spices and bulbs various departments and private been infused with famous Sri lankan that target specific illnesses in order Bee Honey companies import bees’ honey from spices and bulbs like garlic and ginger. to provide health benefits for their various locations, many diseases are Honey has amazing health customers. prone to enter the island, which can BY VENESSA ANTHONY The company was formed with benefits on its own; high-quality Finally, Yapa encourages the industrialists who represent the harm the bees that pollinate plants. honey contains many important general public to help contribute to Yapa noted that there wouldn’t Sri Lanka’s first-ever bee honey Ayurveda, agriculture, and social antioxidants. These include organic pollination and saving the bees by development sectors, upon seeing the be any living creatures on Earth if acids and phenolic compounds like being more environmentally conscious shop, Ceylon Bee Honey (Pvt.) pollination ceased, and Ceylon Bee and planting more flowers around Ltd., opened its doors at the vacuum created by the Sri Lankan flavonoids. The antioxidants found bees’ honey industry, and Yapa your gardens. It’s these simple steps Narahenpita Economic Centre added that over time, with their that help keep our bee honey industry on 11 February. thriving and producing this delicious Speaking to The Morning Brunch, honey that we all love. one of the consultants of the group, PHOTOS KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM Sathritra Yapa, commented on the Ceylon Bee Honey concept: “We started Ceylon Bee Honey a couple of years back. The honey comes from the Bee Resource Protection Group (BRPG) that was established in 2006.” Ceylon Bee Honey works with over 100 bee farmers around the country in regions like Udumbara, Vavuniya, Bandarawela, and Badulla, as well as the northern part of the country.

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE 2021: The Year of the Ox

As is tradition at the Hilton Colombo, on 12 February, the hotel started off its Chinese New Year celebrations with the Celebrating the traditional mixing of Yee Sang at the hotel lobby. The Chinese New Year, also called the Lunar New Year, is an annual 15-day Chinese New Year festival in China that is also celebrated by Chinese communities around the world. It begins with the new moon that occurs at the Hilton Colombo sometime between 21 January and 20 February, and the festivities last until the following full moon. The holiday is called the Lunar New Year, because the dates Creative Director Kay Ng (left) and of celebration are in conjunction with the Executive Chef Robert Mujagic (right) phases of the moon, and much like many doing the communal prosperity toss celebrations stemming from Chinese PHOTOS SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA culture, origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in legend. While the Hilton Colombo does not In the year 2021, despite the many have a dedicated chef for Chinese cuisine, challenges the global community has Chef Robert, as usual, was more than up experienced in the past year, the Hilton to the task, as he served up a vibrant new Colombo and everyone who celebrates addition of authentic Chinese cuisine the Chinese New Year welcomed the year featuring speciality dishes from various of the Ox, which is said to bring stability regions of the country for the one-time-only and calmness and is predicted to be a dinner buffet. Usually, this new addition to year of great opportunities and economic the buffet is made available to diners at no prosperity – although, some scepticism extra charge in order to mark the Chinese Colombo, the management shared that on this is unavoidable, considering 2020 New Year. patrons can expect the buffets to return soon, was the year of the rat, which represented sliced onion, crushed peanuts, pomelo, Yet another change was adopted this year Despite the challenges faced by as the hotel has perfected all the necessary fertility, reproduction, and wealth, and pepper, essence of chicken, oil, salt, vinegar, due to pandemic restrictions. hospitality establishments, the many safety precautions and are therefore whether any of these were experienced by sugar, and more. However, in 2021, While typically the Chinese New Year restaurants at the Hilton Colombo have confident in safely hosting their guests. anybody last year is questionable at best. communal anything is ill-advised and so celebrations at the Hilton Colombo are attempted to keep hope alive by continuing This year’s Chinese New Year event at we were left to yell out positive words and followed by the Graze Kitchen offering a to offer dine-in options and arranging for http://www.colombo.hilton.com the Hilton Colombo was a quiet affair, blessings as Executive Chef Robert Mujagic special Chinese menu for nearly two weeks socially distanced seating and independent particularly considering how the Chinese did the honours together with Creative in addition to their international dinner cutlery for guests to use safely. New Year cultural activity, the Yee Sang, Director Kay Ng. Chef Robert and Kay buffet, due to Covid-19, the hotel held a While they have had to adopt some 0112 492 492 is usually a communal prosperity toss; tossed the ingredients high in the air, while Chinese-themed dinner buffet only on 12 necessary changes like holding off on including the tossing of shredded white those around the table loudly exclaimed February, opting out of hosting the usual hosting their multitude of buffets, which are +94 772 613 549 and green radish and carrots, sliced ginger, “prosper” and other auspicious wishes. extended buffet. greatly popular amongst those in and around 144 sports „„ www.themorning.lk { SPORTS } Wednesday, February 17, 2021

A 12-member group of people, who (14) The flawed Constitution of SLC call themselves “like-minded patriots”, encourages a closed body lacking in including former Sri Lanka accountability. It has no place for two captains, leading national cricketers, ‘Like-minded patriots’ unite to of the three key stakeholders in the corporate icons, legal luminaries, game – the players and the cricket diplomats, etc. have come together to loving public (civil society) – to shape save the game of cricket in Sri Lanka. its policymaking through voting rights at the SLC Executive Committee (Ex-Co). The 12 petitioners are Anandarajasingh Policymaking is entirely up to the voting Punchihewa, Dinal Philips PC, Kushil clubs and no one else. It is clear, under the Gunasekera, Michael Tissera, Muttiah save Sri Lanka’s current Constitution of SLC, only one of Muralitharan, Dr. Palitha Kohona, Rienzie the three stakeholders of cricket makes Wijetilleke, Justice (Retd.) Saleem Marsoof final decisions. PC, Sidath Wettimuny, Somasundaram (15) Nothing prevents SLC from publishing Skandakumar, Thilan Wijesinghe, and minutes of its meetings on its website Vijaya Malalasekera. by redacting commercial and security- Most significantly, at least seven of those sensitive issues. This lack of transparency 12 petitioners had been members of one has led to serious allegations against SLC or more of about 10 previous Sri Lanka as highlighted in the Audit Report of SLC Cricket (SLC) interim committees (between debated at Parliament level. 1999-2016). Three of them –Wijetilleke, (16) Consider this fact: 52% of Sri Lankans Wettimuny, and Malalasekera – in fact, are women. How many women are there headed them on different occasions. in the SLC Ex-Co? Zero. There is no Here we publish in full the media gender diversity in Sri Lankan cricket statement they issued on Monday (15) as a Out of 48 Tests played, we have lost 23 for between club and country, governed hidden within. It is easy to allocate the governance. release by civil society advocates on action acricket winning percentage of 35.41%. Out of Sri Lankan cricket. entire blame on the most visible target (17) The current Constitution of SLC has related to cricket governance in Sri Lanka. 89 ODIs played, we have lost 56 for a That itself tells a story. When there are – the players – whom we see losing given birth to a system of politically The emphases are ours. winning percentage of 30.33%. Out of no vested interests, when there are no matches on television. They are the motivated “honorary office bearers” Announcing Writ Petition at Court of 57 T20Is played, we have lost 39 for a divided loyalties between club and easy scapegoats, but they are not the who come through a divisive election Appeal (CoA) of Sri Lanka seeking new winning percentage of 28.07%. These are country, administrators take independent cause of the problem. process. This system is incompatible with Constitution for (SLC) depressing figures. decisions. This is what we see in England, (12) The root cause of the decline a million-dollar corporate dealing with (1) Today (on Monday, 15 February) we, (10) It cannot also be a coincidence that Australia, and New Zealand – who of Sri Lankan cricket is its poor the international community. We wish like-minded patriots, have got together the above results were achieved during display the gold standard in independent governance driven through the to see SLC finally dragged into the to seek legal redress to right the wrongs times sports ministers did not “meddle” cricket governance, where all board flawed Constitution of SLC. The said 21st Century from its archaic amateur in the governance of Sri Lanka Cricket in SLC with “interim committees” and members are independent from domestic Constitution has installed a board which practices of the 19th Century. (SLC). We believe that the time has let “democratically elected boards” to club/state/provincial structures. is not independent from its playing clubs. (18) The superfluous honorary office-bearer come to walk the talk. Not acting now run cricket in the country. (11) Our abysmal playing standard is simply It is severely conflicted between club posts have led to political party-style during these dire times for our cricket Though we boast of the best schools a façade camouflaging a deep malaise and country. This system encourages the “team” elections where “team” members would have been a dereliction of our cricket structure in the world, we have office bearers to take decisions mostly do not contest against each other. In case collective duty. Having considered never won the ICC Under-19 Cricket to satisfy its voter base, causing the there were no honorary office-bearer the matter seriously, we have filed a World Cup. The best we did was to playing standards of Sri Lankan cricket to posts, the elections would have ensured Writ Petition at the Court of Appeal become joint world champions – and deteriorate. quality candidates being elected with (CoA) of Sri Lanka seeking a new that too during an independent interim (13) SLC is a body of the clubs, by the so called “team” members having to Constitution for the flawed governing committee of SLC. clubs, for the clubs. A more appropriate contest against each other with the best body administering cricket in the It cannot be a coincidence that Sri name for SLC under its current candidates elected. country. The matter is being supported Lankan cricket reached five World Constitution would have been “Cricket (19) The lack of division between the by eminent President’s Counsel Sanjeeva Cup finals when independent interim Clubs of Sri Lanka (CCSL)” rather roles of the professional management Jayawardena and Dr. Milhan Mohamed, committees who were not conflicted than “Sri Lanka Cricket”. and honorary office bearers at SLC instructed by Sudath Perera Associates. goes against the corporate rule of thumb (2) At this critical juncture, ad-hoc that a board should have their “noses reforms short of a new constitution for in, but fingers out” of management. SLC would be a cosmetic exercise. The When the Board is sharing the work alarming decline of Sri Lankan cricket can of the management, there cannot only be arrested through a root and branch be any objective monitoring of the governance overhaul of SLC to make the management by the Board. organisation “fit for purpose”. (20) For a population of 22 million, Sri (3) Generic solutions as amending Lanka has a monumental 24 first-class the Sports Act of Sri Lanka cannot Muttiah Muralitharan clubs. Comparatively, for a population improve the governance standards of of 25 million, Australia has just six SLC. Cricket in Sri Lanka is a million- first-class clubs and England with a dollar business unmatched by any other population of 56 million has just 18 first- sport in the country. Cricket is the most class clubs. popular sport in the country that has won (21) Out of the nine provinces in Sri Lanka, two World Cups. No other sport in Sri only four provinces have first-class Lanka has come close to achieving such cricket grounds. It would be disingenuous lofty standards through performance, to showcase players from a mere three public following, or commercial appeal. It provinces, namely Southern, Central, is therefore entirely justifiable that cricket Anandarajasingh Punchihewa Dinal Philips PC and Wayamba, to argue that cricket deserves special treatment – urgently has grown out of Colombo. We are a – bringing forth a higher threshold of country playing since 1982. independence, integrity, transparency, and The rest of the five provinces; North, accountability to its governance. East, Sabaragamuwa, Rajarata (North (4) We would like the Sri Lankan judiciary Central), and Uva have produced zero to order the Government of Sri Lanka Test players. We have not even made a to invoke provisions in the Sports Act dent in developing cricket in two-thirds of of Sri Lanka to form an independent the land in Sri Lanka. committee of governance experts to (22) Elections to the BCCI covering a draft a brand new constitution for Dr. Palitha Kohona population of 1.3 billion has a voter SLC with input from the International base of just 38. For our tiny island Cricket Council (ICC). We also wish to nation of 22 million people, SLC has a have this new Constitution passed as an voter base of 147. Act of Parliament to avoid any dilution (23) It is in the best interests of ICC and or compromises at the hands of vested world cricket to see a strong and stable interests. Sri Lanka competing pound for pound (5) We are aware of the difference between with the best cricketing nations in the a “government acting of its own world. International cricket is a small volition” (political intervention) and a Justice (Retd.) pond, and cricket gains nothing to see “government acting under the direction Somasundaram Skandakumar Saleem Marsoof PC one of its most storied full members – Sri of the judiciary” (judicial intervention). Lanka – wither into oblivion. We are That made the difference between the therefore confident that ICC headed suspension of Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) by its Chairman Greg Barclay and its and non-suspension of Board of Control Board of Directors including Ehsan for (BCCI) by ICC. We Mani would take a sensible decision are very mindful of these legal issues. to provide the necessary time and (6) This case is not about persons or space, guidance, and expertise for Sri personalities. This is all about our cricket. Lankans to oversee a new governance Neither of us the petitioners have any structure for SLC. personal agendas or vendettas against Kushil Gunasekera (24) Considering its national importance, any member of SLC. This court action is we are hopeful that the Government of about correcting the systemic flaws in the Sri Lanka headed by His Excellency governance of our cricket and not about President Gotabaya Rajapaksa penalising anyone. Our sole concern is the and Hon. Prime Minister Mahinda best interests of Sri Lankan cricket. Rajapaksa would support this petition (7) Sri Lankan cricket is seriously ill. It through a collaborative approach via the requires urgent surgery, lest we regret our Hon. Attorney General Dappula de Livera negligence. Not taking corrective action PC, when this matter is heard in court. – now – cannot be an option for any right- (25) We are confident that the Hon. Minister thinking person. Rienzie Wijetilleke Michael Tissera of Sports Namal Rajapaksa, having (8) We love Sri Lanka. We love Sri Lankan represented Sri Lanka at the highest level cricket equally. Cricket is a second in the field of rugby, will take cognisance religion to Sri Lankan society, irrespective of our petition and bring in the required of race, creed, caste, or economic status. governance overhaul in the best interests To the rich man, the poor man, the city of Sri Lankan cricket. We are equally dweller, the villager – cricket is the one confident that Minister Rajapaksa solace. This was amply proved during will be assisted in this process by the our 30-year civil war when weapons cricket-loving Hon. Minister of Justice were dropped and battles stopped, just Ali Sabry PC. Thilan Wijesinghe to watch Sri Lanka play a World Cup (26) Similarly, we are kindly requesting final. Yes, there is something magical and all opposition political parties in Sri enchanting about cricket that runs deep Lanka headed by Hon. Leader of the into the psyche of Sri Lankans. If we Opposition to ever excelled in any field to reach global support us. heights – it was through cricket. (27) We also take this opportunity to (9) Just consider these stats: From 1 warmly invite civil society and experts January 2016 to 31 January 2021, in the field of governance including the Sri Lanka has lost 118 out of all 194 Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) international matches played, for a and Transparency International to Sidath Wettimuny Vijaya Malalasekera dismal winning percentage of 30.92%. intervene and support our petition. sports 154 Wednesday, February 17, 2021 { SPORTS } „„ www.themorning.lk Axar gets five-for, India level series SCORECARD India 1st innings 329 z WTC race for June finals England 1st innings 134 India 2nd innings 286 continues to heat up ENGLAND 2ND INNINGS (O/N 53/3 IN 19 OVS., TARGET 482) It took India just over a session to wrap up proceedings on day standings. They have only one Rory Burns c Kohli b Ashwin 25 four in the second Test in Chennai and seal a huge 317-run win avenue left to make it to the final Dom Sibley lbw b Patel 3 yesterday (16) against England. It was a victory that boosted – they have the daunting task of Dan Lawrence st Pant b Ashwin 26 their chances of making it to the 18 June International Cricket needing to win the remaining two Jack Leach c Sharma b Patel 0 Council (ICC) World Test Championship final at Lord’s, England. Tests in Ahmedabad, and take the Joe Root (Capt.) c Rahane b Patel 33 series 3-1. Ben Stokes c Kohli b Ashwin 8 England were bowled out for 164 move up to No.2 in the World Test The visitors resumed the fourth Ollie Pope c Sharma b Patel 12 in their second innings, with Axar Championship standings. morning 53/3, facing the improbable Ben Foakes (wk) c Patel b Yadav 2 Patel taking a five- haul on task of chasing down 482. Dan Moeen Ali st Pant b Yadav 43 debut. There was brief resistance Six overs into the post- Lawrence and Root, the overnight Olly Stone lbw b Patel 0 from Joe Root and Moeen Ali, but by lunch session batsmen, employed different Stuart Broad not out 5 and large, the Indian spinners ran riot, The defeat meant England, who methods to tackle the spinners – Extras (b 6, lb 1) 7 bringing up a much-needed victory were leading the table, slipped Lawrence used his feet to get to Total (all out in 54.2 overs) 164 to draw level 1-1 in the series, and all the way down to fourth in the the pitch of the ball, while Root, Fall of : 1-17 (Sibley, 8.2 ov), 2-49 (Burns, 15.6 an excellent sweeper of the ball, ov), 3-50 (Leach, 16.6 ov), 4-66 (Lawrence, 25.1 ov), 5-90 repeatedly employed the stroke to (Stokes, 37.6 ov), 6-110 (Pope, 43.5 ov), 7-116 (Foakes, find runs. 48.3 ov), 8-116 (Root, 49.2 ov), 9-126 (Stone, 51.1 ov), Unfortunately for England, it 10-164 (Ali, 54.2 ov) didn’t take long for the opening Bowling: Ishant Sharma 6-3-13-0, Axar Patel 21-5- wicket. Six overs into the day, 60-5, Ravichandran Ashwin 18-5-53-3, Mohammed Siraj Lawrence stepped out to Ashwin, 3-1-6-0, Kuldeep Yadav 6.2-1-25-2 but was confounded by an off- Result: India won by 317 runs break that confused him. Pant was Series: 1-1 all after two Tests of a four-match series excellent to gather down leg and Test No.: 2,411 break the stumps, and India had Axar Patel in all smiles, being embraced by skipper Virat Kohli, after picking up Next Match: Wednesday, 24 February at Ahmedabad their first of the seven wickets to a five-wicket haul guiding India to victory yesterday (16) on the fourth day of the (day/night Test) fall within just six overs into the second Test against England in Chennai Player of the Match: Ravichandran Ashwin post-lunch session. PHOTO BCCI High drama at the ON THIS DAY – 17 FEBRUARY Australian Open z Rarely would have any sporting arena seen so much drama as that happened at the Aus Open on that Friday/Saturday Palitha Perera giving live anchoring on Rupavahini And if all of this was not on 17 February, the first day of Sri Lanka’s inaugural Sports enough, the match had to be Test in Colombo watch stopped in the middle of the fourth set for 20 minutes as 1882 – First-ever Test cricket match was BY DINITH PATHI spectators were marched out played at Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia of the Rod Laver Arena amid a 1898 – Birth of New Zealand’s first Test It all started as just a routine cacophony of booing at the 11.30 Tom Lowry match for the world’s No. 1 p.m. curfew. Fritz described the male tennis player, Novak 20-minute break that he and 1924 – Johnny Weissmuller set 100-yard Djokovic, defending champion Djokovic had to take as being freestyle record (52.4 seconds) and a heavy favourite to win “absolutely ridiculous”. That 1926 – Tennis star of the time Suzanne the pandemic-hit, quarantine- break in the fourth set might Lenglen beat Helen Wills at Cannes, France enforced Australian Open 2021 very well have given the time 1931 – First telecast of a sporting event in at the Melbourne Park. He was needed for Djokovic to make his Japan, a baseball match playing American Taylor Fritz in “miraculous” recovery to be able the third round of the tournament. to pull off the fifth set. And, as 1941 – Joe Louis knocked out Gus Dorazio in All was going according to plan can be gauged from the reaction two rounds for heavyweight boxing title of and Djokovic was up two sets to of Fritz, he did not see the funny the year love. It was close but he was still side of all the happenings. 1952 – Birth of 1970s two sets up 7/6 and 6/4. Then and 80s tennis star everything went upside down Tennis Australia’s Guillermo Vilas destiny and pandemonium broke out, 1963 – Birth of NBA literally and figuratively. This With Melbourne being in legend, Chicago included all the drama on court lockdown even at the time of Bulls’ Michael and off court as well. this article being published, the “Air” Jordan, in To understand all that Australian Open is now being New York, USA happened, you have to go back in played in front of empty stands. 1963 – Toru time a few hours. That was when That will mean another enormous Terasawa ran the Victoria State Premier Daniel dent in the finances of Tennis marathon world Andrews imposed a five-day Australia, as the losses rack up record (2:15:15.8) lockdown on the city, in response at a tournament that was already 1974 – About 49 to a growing outbreak of Covid- struggling to sell tickets in people died in 19, centered on an airport hotel. current circumstances. Rarely stampede for seats 13 cases of the British variant can any sporting event have faced at a soccer match in of Covid-19 had been found in Djokovic (right) eventually managed to pull the match off battling through the pain but Taylor Fritz such a multitude of setbacks. Cairo, Egypt (left) seemed to have his doubts as to the extent of that injury the city. So, all the fans who To anyone interested in the Toru Terasawa runs attended the match were also welfare of Djokovic, he did 1982 – Sri Lanka played inaugural marathon world record aware that they had to be home played out a pulsating five-set nasty slip behind the baseline and 7-6, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 6-2 by recover enough to play his next- cricket Test of the by 12 midnight on that day to encounter which had seen the suffered an injury to his stomach battling through the pain. But round match with Milos Raonic country against England at P. Sara Oval, comply with the lock down. Austrian come back from two muscle. And as Djokovic insisted Taylor Fritz seemed to have his and win it. Colombo The tournament organisers had sets down to beat the Australian afterwards: “I know it’s a tear, doubts as to the extent of the But rarely would have any imposed an 11.30 p.m. curfew 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. With the definitely, of the muscle. So, I don’t injury. “I expected that if he sporting arena or competition 1985 – First day/night cricket match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia versus for the crowd to leave the arena. partisan crowd going wild and know if I’ll manage to recover from was really, really injured, he seen so much drama as that England All this played right into all the trying to cheer the Australian on, that in less than two days.” He said wouldn’t have kept playing,” happened that Friday night/ drama that was happening on it was all happening on the court. so mentioning his next round match. said the Californian. “I knew Saturday morning at the Aus 1987 – New York Yankees’ first baseman the court as well. The Australian, not to be outdone, “I was really debating strongly in that he would come back strong Open. But then on the other Don Mattingly won his $ 1.975 million managed to rack up two separate my head to retire the match after in the fifth. It looked like he hand, in these pandemic-hit arbitration case to break the record for the Simultaneous dramas point penalties to keep the drama two games in the third set.” was struggling in the third and times, it would have made great largest amount ever awarded to a player, set by Jack Morris just four days prior! Whilst all this was going on going as well. But all this was quite the fourth, it was also obviously viewing for the public at home. on this court, on another court routine stuff as to what happened ‘Fake’ injury? tough to deal with him all of But whether the organisers of 1996 – Netherlands played their first official Australian Nick Kyrgios and next on Djokovic’s court. But he eventually managed a sudden moving fast (in the the event felt the same way is ODI, versus New Zealand Austrian Dominic Thiem had In the third set, he suffered a to pull the match off and win fifth).” seriously doubtful. „„ www.themorning.lk Wednesday, February 17, 2021 Ahmedabad Test Illyas in NOCSL ‘sold out’ HP Committee The third cricket Test between Sri Lanka Rugby President India and England that is to Rizly Illyas was named in the begin next Wednesday (24) in Notational Olympic Committee Ahmedabad has been sold out. of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) High Board of Control for Cricket in India Performance (HP) Committee (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly last month. The Committee met was elated when he told Star yesterday (16) with other Sports yesterday (16) that “the pink members including Asanga ball (day and night) Test will be Seneviratne (Chairman), played in a packed stadium” and Nishantha Jayasinghe, that the BCCI will be looking at Mahinda Liyanage, Chathura the possibility of bringing down Jayendra, Thilaka crowds to the next Indian Jinadasa, and Dr. Premier League (IPL) as well, Rohantha Athukorala which they will organise in April. participating.

FOREIGN LOCAL SPORTS IN BRIEF sportsSPORTS IN BRIEF A large-scale player exodus! z A number of leading Sri Lanka national cricketers to migrate to USA soon

BY REVATHA S. SILVA Djokovic to meet impeccable Depressed, distressed, and Karatsev in Aus Open semis  Eight-time and defending champion Novak Djokovic stretched his disheartened, a large number SLT-MOBITEL to power Southern Eliyakanda Hill recent dominance at the Australian Open to a 19th consecutive match of Sri Lanka national and first- Climb 2021 win yesterday (16) in Melbourne. He showed yet more mental and class cricketers are planning to SLT-MOBITEL is to power “SLT Speedup”, the 25th Southern physical resilience to beat German sixth seed Alexander Zverev 6/7, migrate to the US for professional Eliyakanda Hill Climb this year, joining with the organisers Southern (6/8), 6/2, 6/4, 7/6 (8/6) and reach the semi-finals. cricket, sending shockwaves to Motor Sports Club (SMSC) for the fifth successive year. The 16 The Serb will face Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev (pictured), who beat an injured Grigor Dimitrov to become the first man in the Open era the country’s cricket future, The motorbike races and 17 motorcar races will be held on a 600-metre to reach the last four on his Grand Slam debut. World’s 114th Karatsev Morning Sports learnt. course, to be covered in three stages, on Saturday (27) and Sunday is also the first Russian to reach the Australian Open semi-finals since “A lot of players will soon go (28) February. SLT Chief Marketing Officer Prabhath Dahanayake Marat Safin in 2005. to America. It will happen in two and SMSC President Dr. Sanjaya Senarath took part in the launch categories, as emerging and national. of the event held yesterday (16) in Colombo. Serena sets up another dual with National player Shehan Jayasuriya Osaka has already gone. Around 15 more Serena Williams produced a stunning performance to beat second seed Simona Halep and set up an Aus Open semi-final with Naomi are to follow him by March,” one Osaka. The 39-year-old American, bidding for a record-equalling 24th inside source said on Monday (15). Grand Slam title, won 6/3, 6/3 against the Romanian. “I think this is The players who are to retire and the best match I’ve played this tournament,” said Williams. migrate to play for the US soon Earlier yesterday, third seed Osaka cruised past Taiwanese Hsieh Su-Wei 6/2, 6/2 in just 66 minutes to reach the last four. Osaka will include allegedly leading players now face 10th seed seven-time champion Williams tomorrow (18) for such as Upul Tharanga, Dushmantha a place in Saturday’s final. It will be the first meeting between the pair Chameera, Amila Aponso, Malinda Ambalangoda UC Ground redeveloped since their infamous 2018 US Open final. Pushpakumara, Dilshan Munaweera, Lahiru Madushanka, Manoj During the weekend, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) handed over the Sarathchandra, and Nishan Peiris. Ambalangoda Urban Council (UC) Ground to the public after “After the cricket board’s recent redeveloping it. SLC funded the relaying of the turf covering the entire proposal to reduce money and Fast bowler , who played for Sri Lanka in nine Tests since ground, putting up three centre turf wickets, a matting wicket, and not to extend our (second-level 2015, is allegedly one of the leading players who are to migrate to the US soon five practice side turf wickets. Minister of Plantations Dr. Ramesh squads’) annual contracts, many Pathirana presided over the event, which saw the participation of players are planning to go. They exodus happening. There is no many Head Coaches and Selection SLC President Shammi Silva, and Vice Presidents Dr. Jayantha are paid a minimum of $ 50,000 strong future that is assured for us Committee Heads before,” he Dharmadasa and Ravin Wickramaratne. Two Test cricketers produced (approximately Rs. 9.7 million) per here in Sri Lanka,” he added on the lamented. “We dedicated our entire by Ambalangoda, Ajith de Silva and Upul Tharanga, were also present year in the US. The US is presently condition of anonymity. He further school education for our cricket. We during the occasion. hiring players from various Test said a large number of players are can’t find a suitable job now here in countries to form a good national expected to travel to the US next Sri Lanka. There are no series for us in Badminton Nationals begins today side for them,” an SLC emerging- month. the near future too. If the cricket board The Badminton Nationals 2020, postponed from last December, category player, who has applied “The continued overlooking is not paying us and looking after us, will begin today (17) at three to go to the US, told The Morning by the national selectors is why are we to miss this opportunity? locations, the Sri Lanka Sports. another issue. There was obvious We can at least try to play for the US Badminton (SLB), Mercantile “There will be a major player favouritism prevailing under so now,” he further added. Badminton Association (MBA), Moeen Ali goes home and Otters Club, all in Colombo. England all-rounder Moeen Ali has chosen to miss England’s final The championship will go on till two Tests of their tour of India. He returned match figures of 8/226 in SLC rubbishes petition as Sunday (21). Olympian Niluka the 317-run defeat in the second Test in Chennai, his first Test since August 2019. Karunaratne and Dilmi Dias The 33-year-old contracted coronavirus on the tour of Sri Lanka in another ‘backdoor tactic’ will be defending the men’s January and spent 14 days in isolation. “Moeen has chosen to go home. and women’s open singles titles, It’s come to a point where he wants to get out of the bubble,” BBC respectively. quoted Captain Joe Root as saying. z‘The document has been signed some three months ago’ 105th Colombo Championship tennis Top-seeded Sadaru Guruge (pictured) BY REVATHA S. SILVA constitutional and voting change beat “qualifier” Ganuka Fernando A senior official of Sri Lanka of SLC,” the official said. 6/1, 6/4, while Lisal Goonetilleke (4) Cricket (SLC) said yesterday (16) “They have made the Minister beat Methvan Wijemanne (7) 7/6, 7/5 that the writ petition filed by 12 too a respondent. I’m sure the ICC in the boys’ Under-14 singles semi- persons, who named themselves (International Cricket Council) finals as junior age group events of the as “like-minded patriots” and will not allow this type of political 105th Colombo Championship tennis, “civil society advocates”, on interference. Also, the existing sponsored by Vision Care Opticians, Monday (15) in the Appeal sports law of the country cannot continued at the Sri Lanka Tennis Court of Sri Lanka was nothing be challenged, as it is one that has Association Playing Section clay courts France’s Six Nation side isolated but another “backdoor tactic” been passed in Parliament. And in Colombo yesterday (16). France’s Six Nations squad is in isolation after a staff member of a certain party that is “unable implementing a new law could tested positive for coronavirus, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) said to come to SLC administration take a very long time,” he added.  NOCSL joins Crysbro to launch yesterday. All players tested negative on Monday (15) evening, as did through an election”. On Monday, the Minister and ‘NextOlympicHope’ Head Coach Fabien Galthie, who was to be tested again yesterday. “I don’t think the Minister senior SLC officials were ordered Crysbro last week partnered with the National Olympic Committee France are top of the Six Nations table after two wins from two. They will host Scotland in Paris on 28 February. France are to announce (Youth and Sports Minister Namal to submit their explanations on 15 of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) to launch NextOlympicHope.com, a their 31-man squad for Scotland today. Rajapaksa) will approve such a March over the said petition that novel digital funding move. As I know, that document had urged, among other things, Here, Sidath Wettimuny (facing camera) takes portal that aims to Former Tampa Bay player found Sri Lanka’s first Test run. Sri Lanka celebrates the dead (the petition) has been signed to amend the SLC Constitution 39th anniversary of her inaugural cricket Test enable the public to Former San Diego Chargers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide some three months ago. Some and reduce the number of voting today, 17 February. Captain financially sponsor receiver in the US National Football League (NFL) Vincent Jackson have signed it without clearly clubs of the local cricket board. scored the first run, against England at P. Sara, rural athletes, school was found dead in Florida yesterday. The 38-year-old, who knowing it is a petition. Some SLC’s next annual general Colombo. Today, Wettimuny is one of the key sports associations, and announced his retirement in 2018, was found at a hotel complex figures in the landscape of the local cricket in Brandon. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has said it was signatures have been obtained meeting (AGM) is scheduled administration PHOTO ©️ M.L. FERNANDO sports clubs across the investigating the death. on it by saying it is only for a for 20 May. island.

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