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Home , Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Buddhika Pathirana, Charitha Herath, Dayasiri Jayasekara, Johnston Fernando, Lasantha Alagiyawanna

www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

For verified information on the Quarantine Unit COVID-19 TOTAL CASES TOTAL CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 ACTIVE CASES of the following authorities CASES IN Epidemiology Unit Health THE WORLD 31,868,552 Suwasariya 0112 695 112 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 3,315 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS Bureau Service Govt. coronavirus hotline USA 7,104,234 205,775 COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1999 1990 0113071073 977,030 INDIA 5,669,610 90,282 BRAZIL 4,595,335 138,159 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD RUSSIA 1,122,241 19,799 13 3,129 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 23,474,264 PERU 776,546 31,586 THE ABOVE STATISTICS173 ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 8.20 P.M. ON 23 SEPTEMBER 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU 20TH AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION

BYSix SKANDHA GUNASEKARA petitions before SC of the people. Bandara told The Morning. over the same. fundamental rights and other provisions A total of six petitions were filed before the Supreme Court as The SJB yesterday was the second The SJB charged that certain “Our legal team tendered papers to guaranteed by the Constitution. Public to file a case in the Supreme Court. provisions of the 20th Amendment courts objecting to the 20th Amendment interest litigation activist and Attorney- of yesterday (23), including by the “Our lawyers went before the bill violated fundamental rights as well bill,” TNA Leader MP R. Sampanthan at-Law Nagananda Kodithuwakku too (SJB), challenging the 20th Amendment bill. Supreme Court to challenge the as sections of the current Constitution. told The Morning. The TNA alleged challenged the 20th Amendment bill Attorney-at-Law Indika Gallage the bill required a referendum to be 20th Amendment bill,” SJB General The (TNA) that the bill was contrary to the before the Supreme Court. lodged a special application claiming enacted as it violated the basic rights Secretary MP Ranjith Madduma also went before the Supreme Court current Constitution and infringed the Contd. on page 2 COPE MEETINGS No more delays Not open to media in future The proceedings of the decision in Parliament yesterday (23). parliamentary Committee on Public “We noticed that video footage Enterprises (COPE) will not be of the COPE meetings was being open to the media in the future, the used by media channels to attack the governing party said. former President and Prime Minister Chief Government Whip Minister in the past. Minister Johnston announced the Contd. on page 2 Fernando

NEW POLICE UNIT Prof. Vitharana Foreign medical graduates staged a protest yesterday (23) requesting the Medical Council (SLMC) to conduct the Examination for Registration to new COPA Chief Practice Medicine (ERPM) which has been delayed for a period of over a year Uncovering Sri Lanka Podujana PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE Peramuna (SLPP) ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTIONS IN parliamentarian Prof. illegal assets has been The Police is to set up appointed as the new Tax relief for a new division to uncover Chairman of the Committee illegal assets of criminals, on Public Accounts (COPA). Report to The Morning learnt. He was nominated to the large-scale Prof. Tissa Police Media position by State Minister Vitharana Spokesman SSP Jaliya of Co-operative Services, water projects Seneratne told The Marketing Development, and Consumer Police Morning that the division Spokesman Protection , while it Governor Approval for tax relief on by the Cabinet of Ministers on would be set up in the SSP Jaliya was seconded by Co-Cabinet Spokesperson large-scale water supply and Tuesday (22), in accordance with coming weeks. Seneratne and Minister of Energy . sewage management projects the proposal tabled by Minister Contd. on page 2 implemented by the National of Water Supply Vasudeva CANNED FISH IMPORTS Water Supply and Drainage Nanayakkara. Fisheries Corp today Board (NWSDB) was granted Contd. on page 2 Local canned BY MAHEESHA the deadly disaster to increase MUDUGAMUWA occurred on Sunday (20) morning where a five- SL mission in Doha fish market outlets A report on illegal storey building collapsed Approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was constructions in the onto another building in destroyed granted on Tuesday (22) for the Fisheries Kandy Municipa Council Buwelikada, Kandy. temporarily shut Corporation to increase its outlets and enable is to be handed over to A family of three – In a special notice issued of the diplomatic mission Minister of Trade Dr. consumers to purchase fish at reasonable prices. the Central Province including the mother, yesterday (23), the Embassy are currently undergoing Bandula Gunawardana Forty new outlets are to be opened soon Governor today (24), father, and their almost of Sri Lanka in Doha, Qatar, the mandatory quarantine Central Province stated in Parliament for consumers, under the proposal tabled by The Morning learnt. Governor Lalith U. two-month-old infant said one of its staff members procedure, the Embassy yesterday (23) that the Minister of Trade Dr. Bandula Gunawardana, The report has Gamage – died due to Sunday’s tested positive for Covid-19. said. Government should in order to provide fresh fish under fair price been requested by the disaster. The other employees Contd. on page 2 pay attention to the regulations. Governor this week, following Contd. on page 2 importation of canned Minister Dr. fish despite the country Bandula HUMAN-ELEPHANT CONFLICT being an island. Gunawardana DWC on standby Wheat to Turning to high- substitute corn to take action Approval was granted by the Cabinet z Proposed access road to Horton Plains from Balangoda tech methods of Ministers on Tuesday (22) to import Steps are being taken by the a long time, according to the State wheat under temporary import licenses BY SARAH HANNAN standby to take legal action Bungalow to Horton Plains Government to use high-tech methods Ministry of Skills Development, as a substitute for corn. against any entity that is National Park via the Nonpareil in a bid to find a scientific solution to Vocational Education, Research, and State Minister The Department of Wildlife looking to construct an access Estate in Balangoda. the human-elephant conflict that has Innovation. Dr. Seetha Over 90,000 tabs Conservation (DWC) is on road from the Nagrak Holiday Contd. on page 2 plagued the people of the country for Contd. on page 2 Arambepola for national and provincial schools Undoing knots in the The pilot project to provide electronic tabs for students, which was approved during the Yahapalana Government, is to continue with the Ministry of Education deciding to supply tabs to national and local apparel industry provincial council-managed z z schools in the coming weeks. Raw material smuggling to be halted National handloom schools to be set up With imports curtailed, the apparel Apparel Products Lanka Salusala and the co-operative no pricing disparity from apparel that is industry is currently facing a shortage is planning to hold discussions to services. purchased in Batticaloa to apparel that SEE FULL STORIES ON PAGE 2 State Minister in raw materials, for which State import the essential raw materials Jayasekara noted that a price point is purchased in another city. Dayasiri Jayasekara Minister of Batik, Handloom, and Local and is looking to distribute it through too will be introduced, so that there is Contd. on page 2 2 the morning NEWS Thursday, September 24, 2020

BY SARAH HANNAN The Presidential Task Force on Economic Revival and Poverty Alleviation highlighted the National Committee on importance of formulating and implementing a strategy that would cover the education process from early childhood to tertiary level Women to be established studies, and the need to pass the necessary legislations z Special focus on implementing a strategy to cover education by an Act of Parliament that special focus was to be turned been paid to grant an allowance to emphasised. Presidential Task Force on assistance to protect them from to establish a National towards the monitoring of pre-school teachers of preschools which do not The President pointed out the Economic Revival and Poverty being victims of psychological Committee on Women for education and instructed the Ministry charge fees. need to introduce a system where Alleviation Head and economic collapse. Further, the benefit of desperate and of Education officials to draw up a “Another objective is to regulate officers visit schools to provide emphasised the need to provide attention was drawn to expedite the victimised females. plan with the assistance of specialists and train them in a way that does appropriate solutions for the issues safe drinking water and improved adjudication of child abuse cases and in children’s education to ensure that not discomfit them. We also plan of the teachers, rather than teachers sanitation facilities to all schools to provide closed court facilities to During the meeting, President future generations will choose the to provide preschool children with travelling to education offices. within a short period of time. take testimonies in a manner which had advised right path for them and their future. a locally manufactured kit with Even the responsible officers of The Government is also focusing will not disrupt a child’s wellbeing. Minister of Education Prof. G.L. “It is the responsibility of the the aim of developing their early national and provincial schools on setting up special education units Prof. Ven. Medagoda Abhayatissa Peiris and State Minister of Women parents and teachers to create an skills. The primary responsibility should not be confined to their at the district level to develop the Thera, Secretary to the President and Child Development, Preschool environment where the child will of the officers and authorities is respective offices. Instead, they skills of children with special needs P.B. Jayasundera, secretaries to and Primary Education, School be able to receive education with a to identify and properly manage should go to schools to identify in order to socialise them. Rajapaksa cabinet and state ministries, and Infrastructure, and Education free mind as well as to constantly the resources of all schools in the and solve problems on the spot, the said that families with such children officials of line institutions were Services Piyal Nishantha de appreciate the child. Attention has island,” President Rajapaksa had President noted. should be supported with financial present at the discussion.

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Industries Dayasiri Jayasekara; State prevailing laws. Moreover, consequent She also pointed out that a mechanism the Police Media Spokesman said, Six petitions... Minister of Co-operative Services, steps are being taken to facilitate these should be set up expeditiously to identify adding that the Divison Director was “People are the supreme authority. Marketing Development, and Consumer projects. areas that should be given priority to in appointed last week. The bill takes away the sovereignty of Protection Lasantha Alagiyawanna; finding solutions to this social problem He noted that a similar unit was the people. The Constitution speaks of State Minister of Prison Reforms and also to implement pilot projects. already active. democracy, independent judiciary, and and Rehabilitation Dr. Sudarshani SL mission... – Maheesha Mudugamuwa “There’s a police unit for this purpose the separation of power doctrine. The bill Fernandopulle; State Minister of Accordingly, the Sri Lankan Embassy and we will be transforming that into an is a direct violation of all this.” Samurdhi, Micro Finance, Home in Qatar is temporarily shut down from entire division.” Centre for Policy Alternatives Economy, Self-Employment, Business 22 September to 5 October. Undoing knots... – Skandha Gunasekara Executive Director Dr. Paikiasothy Development, and Under-Performing “The Batticaloa weaver is able to sell Saravanamuttu and Anil Kariyawasam State Asset Development Shehan materials at a lower cost since the raw too challenged the 20th Amendment Semasinghe; State Minister of Cane, DWC on... materials get smuggled through fishing Local canned... yesterday. Brass, Clay, Furniture, and Rural DWC Director of Opertaions and boats, and is therefore made available to The Minister stated this in repose to a Industry Promotion ; Planning Ranjan Marasinghe, when them at a low cost, as the raw material question raised by MP Hesha Vithanage Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) contacted by The Morning, said: “We are has no cess imposed.” regarding the importation of substandard Not open... National Organiser ; aware that there have been requests from The State Minister reiterated that in the canned fish that is unfit for consumption. Various officials were also brought in SLPP Parliamentarian Prof. Tissa the management of the Nagrak Holiday future, such attempts will be monitored Dr. Gunawardana said that several using their powers to attain their political Vitharana; SJB MPs , Bungalow to allow park access from their and action will be taken through the factories have been set up to import agendas. It is beneficial for us to reveal , Faizal Cassim, Ashok property. Consumer Affairs Authority and Sri canned fish to Sri Lanka under the all the malpractices after 2015. But Abeysinghe, and ; However, we have not reached any Lanka Customs, so that no weaver is Mahinda Chinthana programme, but due certain media are editing the footage to SLPP MPs K. Kader Masthan, Dr. Upul decision as such, nor have we been afforded an unfair advantage over the to the reduction of tariffs on canned fish promote their political agendas,” he said. Galappaththi, B.Y.G. Rathnasekara, approached by them at any point to obtaining of raw materials for cheap by the previous Government, the local Fernando also noted that the decision to Weerasumana Weerasinghe, Prof. Ranjith discuss the matter.” prices. canned fish market which was developed close the COPE proceedings to the media Bandara, and Mohamed Muzammil; Marasinghe explained that while they In an attempt to revive the now in the country was destroyed due to the was to protect government officials and Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) cannot stop the owners of the property shutdown local apparel weaving factories large import of canned fish. former officials. MP Sivagnanam Sritharan; and Jathika from clearing their end of the road, at no scattered in the North Western, Central, He said that such tax cuts to reap “We will not give false information Jana Balawegaya (JJB) MP Dr. Harini point would the DWC allow an access Southern, and Eastern Provinces, the temporary benefits would lead to to the media. The public rejected such Amarasuriya. road to be built leading to the national State Minister will be meeting up with incurring huge losses, adding that canned activities with a two-thirds majority in park or an entrance point for tourists to the Management Services Department fish is being imported to Sri Lanka the past. We will not recommence such be established in the future. of each local government authority to from 33 countries including Chile and actions rejected by the public,” he added. Report to... “We have demarcated the Horton sort out the issues that are faced by local Thailand. Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP “I’ve instructed the relevant officials to Plains National Park land expanse, and government employees. “We’ve been The Consumer Affairs Authority and COPE member inspect the condition of all buildings in if we receive any reports of entities told that there are issues with their carrier (CAA) is expected to take up the matter said the Government announced that the city and to submit a report,” Central attempting to infiltrate into the protected progressions and salary anomalies,” as soon as it receives a complaint the media will be prevented from Province Governor Lalith U. Gamage land area, we are ready to take necessary Jayasekara said. regarding substandard products. attending COPE proceedings while said. legal action against such persons,” Existing handloom factories are to be COPE Chairman Prof. He told the media that there were Marasinghe noted. refurbished under the first phase and the announced that a decision in this regard incidents where the owners have built the It had been speculated that the Imbulpe establishments are to be rebranded as Wheat to... will be taken next week. buildings without following the proper Pradeshiya Sabha was attempting to the National Handloom Schools, while In order to control the price escalations “A decision in this regard has to be plans approved by the municipal council. permit the owners of the property to selected employees would be trained and of chicken and eggs due to the total drawn by the Chairman of the COPE The building structures in landslide- construct an access path. However, no appointed to the position of entrepreneur stoppage of corn imports, which is used and not the Chief Government Whip. prone areas, especially in Kandy, should Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) development trainer to oversee the as the raw material for the production of This is considered coercion of the be constructed as per the architectural has been ordered to pass the plan to build functions of the school. poultry food, an appropriate programme Chairman of the COPE. It is evident that designs that are suitable for such areas, the road towards a protected national “As per Handloom Department records is to be implemented by responsible the Government has already drawn a the Governor stressed, adding that the park that falls directly under the DWC’s in 2019, at least 190 persons had been institutions for the provision of the decision in this regard,” Bandara added. heavy building architecture was not purview. trained by the Department. However, not required lands, seeds, fertiliser, and Minister Fernando responded by saying matching for the area and therefore steps Marasinghe too agreed that the area even 90 have returned and contributed technology to increase corn cultivation in that the decision was taken following should be taken to change the design is now becoming a popular travel to the betterment of the local apparel the country. a discussion during the party leaders’ types in future constructions. destination, given the positioning of the industry,” Jayasekara explained, adding The proposal was tabled by Minister of meeting, and that Bandara was not “These people have to live in this Nagrak Bungalow, and there might be that the persons who attended the training Trade Dr. Bandula Gunawardana in order present at the meeting. area and they have nowhere else to possible influence taking place by tour received a daily attendance fee of Rs. 400 to ensure the continuous supply of food go. Therefore, like in Japan, a suitable guides to improve the road access to and for a period of 20 days. The issue is that items to the market without shortage. structural method should be applied,” he from the property as of late. many who receive the training lacked Prof. Vitharana... said. The DWC, therefore, requests the expertise in weaving handloom at the The Committee of Selection, at the According to him, the committee public to alert them by contacting 1992 same speed a well-seasoned elder could. Over 90,000... meeting held on the 27 August 2020, appointed to look into the incident is to report any illegal activities that would As such, they had a tendency to abandon Secretary to the Ministry of Education nominated 16 members to the COPA currently conducting the investigation. damage the biodiversity of protected the work that was assigned to them and Prof. Kapila Perera, speaking to The in accordance with the provisions of environmental areas across the country. never return to the factory. Morning, stated: “The Majority of Standing Order 119 (1) of the Parliament. “Therefore, I think the monies given to the tabs will be distributed among the The COPA members include: Minister Tax relief... them during the training period become students and then to teachers based on of Energy Udaya Gammanpila; State Therefore, the large-scale water supply Turning to... a waste. As such, anyone who will be their requirements. Apart from that, Minister of Solar, Wind, and Hydro projects in Hemmathagama, Ruwanwella, Accordingly, the high-tech methods working at the handloom workshop or 1,500 tabs will be allocated to the Power Generation Project Development Jaffna, Kilinochchi, and Ratmalana/ such as high-efficiency hanging fence even the National Handloom School, will Department of Examinations to maintain ; State Minister Moratuwa, as well as Kalu Ganga will that cannot be destroyed by elephants, be allocated a minimum wage or salary the government examination result of Batik, Handloom, and Local Apparel be released from taxes charged under the a collar system that provides special so that they would continue to work,” sheets.” signals, and the use of drone technology Jayasekara noted. Prof. Perera noted that following the has been discussed recently at a meeting They are to be later encouraged to earn former government tender, the supplier held between the State Ministry of Skills extra according to their skill level and the was able to provide a total of 96,919 tabs Development, Vocational Education, amount of handloom cloth they are able at a cost of Rs. 3,009 million. Cartoon of the day Research, and Innovation and the to weave. A cabinet paper has been drafted to State Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Jayasekara said that at present, various approve the budgetary allocations to Conservation. stages of the weaving process are pay the relevant supplier and release the The pilot project for the usage of a completed at different centres. Therefore, stocks. collar system, where a collar providing this process will be brought under one It was in 2017 that then Minister of signals would be worn by wild roof to expedite the weaving. Education elephants, has already been conducted in The next biggest challenge is acquiring presented the proposal to the Cabinet to Udawalawa and Amapara. the latest machinery that is required provide tabs for schoolchildren in the A successful drone technology to weave the latest designs. While the Advanced Level (A/L) classes. application has also been developed suggestion to mechanise the process At the time, former President with the assistance of the Department of was welcomed, Jayasekara opined that it was of the view that Railways to prevent collisions with wild would no longer be handloom, but would the pilot project should only be limited to elephants. The Industrial Technology rather be called “power loom”. national schools, and was not suitable to Institute of Sri Lanka is implementing a The State Minister said his first focus be launched islandwide in all schools. communication-based project to ensure is to improve handloom skills, from the Based on the success of the pilot the safety of the community from wild very basics of threading, moving on to project, the Ministry of Education was elephant attacks. mechanising the weaving process in time advised to proceed to the next phase Speaking at the meeting, State Minister to come. of the project in providing tabs to all Dr. said it would be – Sarah Hannan schools. easier for her State Ministry, the State The then Government was to allocate Ministry of Wildlife, the Department Rs. 5 billion towards purchasing tabs and of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), the Uncovering... the balance monies were to be used to Forest Department, and the Irrigation “The division will uncover illegally purchase desks and chairs, which are a Department to work together to resolve attained assets and use the (Prevention major deficiency in schools. this issue. of) Money Laundering Act to file cases,” – Sarah Hannan the morning Thursday , September 24, 2020 3 business

The high-level delegation from the MarCom Collective comprising the conveners, the nine association presidents, and representatives of Ernst & Young The MarCom Collective submits proposals to PM The MarCom Collective, an industry Prime Minister. provided by the industry to be taxed at a yy The Government to enforce strict industry generates annual net revenue body comprising nine associations The MarCom Collective and Ernst & reduced rate of 14% regulations to control foreign companies Rs. 151 billion, which accounts for 1% linked to the advertising and Young, in their submission to the Prime 7. Any reduced rate tax losses to be from setting up operations in the country of the country’s GDP. The industry, marketing communications sectors, Minister, shared a range of policy measures allowed to be deducted against profits taxed in order to safeguard the local industry. which employs over 100,000 people has proposed that expenditure on for the consideration of the Government in at a higher rate and tax losses be allowed to We propose that foreign companies with another 200,000 dependents, order to support the sector. These proposals be carried forward indefinitely should be set up only through a joint needs immediate attention. The sector promotion and advertising be made venture with local companies having not fully deductible and an additional complement the Government’s efforts to 8. Preservation of cash flows yields revenue of Rs. 1.510 million per accelerate the recovery of the sector and the less than 50% of equity control employee, which is considerably higher deduction of 100% be allowed. yy The Government to facilitate short-term economy. 10. Institute governance than other key sectors such as tea (Rs. working capital loans at concessionary The proposal, along with others, was They said the proposals were well 232,000), textile and garments (Rs. rates for companies with a net annual yy The Government to establish a self- handed over to Prime Minister and Minister received by the Prime Minister who 444,444), rubber (Rs. 452,308), and turnover of less than Rs. 50 million to regulatory institution through a statue to of Finance at Temple appreciated the contributions of the sector tourism (Rs. 1.068 million) in spite of ensure payment of wages and other fixed provide overall leadership and govern Trees recently. The meeting included a and assured to take the proposals into these sectors earning their revenue in overheads. Granting of loans should be the marketing communication industry. high-level delegation from the MarCom consideration. The policy measures that foreign exchange. tailored to meet the low-fixed asset base The control of the institution will be with Collective comprising the conveners, were put forward included: The devastating impact of Covid- in the industry the marketing communication industry the nine association presidents, and 1. Expenditure on promotion and 19 on the industry saw the urgency whilst interfacing with the government representatives of Ernst & Young. advertising to be made fully deductible yy The Government and all other ministries, for 12 sectors coming together to and other stakeholders (e.g. association The meeting was part of the Collective’s and an additional deduction of 100% to be departments, state-owned enterprises, identify immediate measures to revive heads) to create an environment that is ongoing efforts to engage with all allowed promotional boards, etc. to immediately and fortify the industry with policies conducive for the growth of the industry stakeholders in the Government and the 2. The industry be permitted to account clear total outstanding payments due to that will mitigate the effects of the industry to apprise them of the marketing for VAT (value-added tax) on a cash basis the marketing communication industry 11. Ensure succession downturn in the business and ensure communications sector’s contribution to 3. Finance cost incurred by the industry to 9. Generation of future business long-term sustainability post revival. The yy The Government to establish a separate the economy, which it says has largely gone be made tax deductible in full constituent sectors include advertising, yy The Government to provide subsidised organisation to promote media education unnoticed. 4. As the industry is not asset-laden, an market research, event management, rates for advertisements on TV, radio, in line with international standards. This An independent consultancy company, additional deduction equal to 100% of the photography, video and audio and newspapers. The special rates could organisation or body will assist with the Ernst & Young Sri Lanka, which was staff cost to be allowed productions, media planning, digital, be applicable to organisations over the development of media personnel and retained by the MarCom Collective to study 5. Clarity on “associated persons” and public relations, outdoor advertising, next three to six months, making it more consequently improve the overall quality the sector and prepare a report on a three- “gross turnover” to apply the reduced rate tele/broadcast media (TV, print, radio, affordable to advertise using mainstream of the media sector in the country point agenda to mitigate, revive, and sustain for SME to be provided and online media), activations, and platforms and thereby stimulate demand the industry, presented their findings to the 6. The gains and profits from the services The report also identifies that the printing and packaging. JKH’s Plasticcycle partners Port City wins Global Best Project award at 8th ENR Annual Awards Bringing global attention to LAUGFS and Glomark Sri Lanka once again, Port City was given the title of “Global Best Project” by supermarkets international engineering and construction news magazine Plasticcycle, a social Similarly, bins have been placed at now available at 43 outlets in the Engineering News-Record (ENR) entrepreneurship project of John the GLOMARK outlets in Kottawa, Western Province. Further, to ensure at their eighth annual Global Best Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), Delkanda, and Nawala. Speaking on a closed-loop recycling system, Projects competition. recently cemented partnerships with the initiative, Softlogic Supermarkets Plasticcycle has partnered with the Sri With a record number of LAUGFS and Softlogic GLOMARK (Pvt.) Ltd. Chief Executive Officer Lanka Recyclers’ Association (SLRA) submissions entering the supermarket chains and have Andrew Dalby said: “GLOMARK, and manufacturing companies such as competition this year, Port City commenced initial placements in as a socially responsible organisation Eco-Spindles (a subsidiary of BPPL Colombo was evaluated against selected outlets. in Sri Lanka, always looks at giving Holdings PLC) to manufacture value- a diverse mix of projects from LAUGFS Supermarkets (Pvt.) the best experience and convenience added products from used plastics, around the world and took a Ltd. Chief Executive Officer Lilanthi to our customers by providing such as plastic monofilaments used prominent place on the list of 30 Herath said: “We at LAUGFS something different. To support for cleaning tools and yarn for winning projects featured from 21 Port City Colombo believe that the contribution we t’his, we have taken steps to become fabric manufacturers worldwide. countries in six continents. Other make towards a greener environment environmentally friendly, such as The strategy of Plasticcycle is categories included Residential/ Hatfield Group, Jon Magnusson of owned subsidiary of China can positively contribute towards using biodegradable packaging to continue to work with more Hospitality, Road/Highway, and Magnusson Klemencic Associates, Communication Construction a cleaner and sustainable world. in outlets and promoting reusable like-minded organisations to Power/Industrial. This is the first Kit Miyamoto of Miyamoto Company, which was ranked As a responsible corporate, we will bags. Further, solar energy and new provide a solution to the plastic time a Sri Lankan project has International, Allan Montpellier fourth in ENR Top International endeavour to support more projects green building stores are part of waste problem in Sri Lanka. been awarded and recognised at of PAE, Patrick Natale of Mott Contractors list of 2020, with that create awareness on environment our commitment going forward to Plasticcycle continuously promotes the highest level in the field of MacDonald, Bob Prieto of advantages in capital, technology, pollution and its negative effects.” making a difference for our future the 4Rs – “Refuse, Reduce, Reuse engineering and construction in the Strategic Programme Management marketing, talent, and equipment, Currently, Plasticcycle bins have of the new generation. Therefore, and Recycle”, focusing on three key recent years. Due to the prevailing LLC, Hans Van Winkle of Van providing first-rate services to been placed at LAUGFS supermarket we look forward to the growing pillars: Encouraging the reduction condition, this year’s award Winkle Consulting, and Peter customers around the world, and outlets in Rajagiriya, Pepiliyana, partnership with Plasticcycle to and rationalisation of use, supporting ceremony was held as a virtual Zuk formerly of Metrolinx. The has constructed many landmark Maharagama, Kesbewa, and provide greater convenience to our responsible disposal, and promoting event on 17 September. evaluation categories included projects with international Moratuwa to collect all recyclable customers in recycling their plastic recycling initiatives. The project to Global Best Projects identifies safety performance, innovations, influence. CHEC has won many plastics including PET bottles, ice waste.” date has collected over 63 metric and honours the project teams challenges, and design and significant awards including the cream containers, and shampoo Keells was the first supermarket tonnes of plastic waste, sent for behind outstanding design and construction quality, with a “ENR Outstanding Project Award” bottles, etc. chain to be onboarded and bins are responsible disposal. construction efforts of the past special emphasis on the diversity previously. year, standing apart with the of global project teams and their Port City Colombo is a distinct rule that at least one firm collaboration. The judges also brandnew city development built involved in the project must be considered how the project benefits as an extension of the existing working outside of its home the local community and/or the Colombo CBD with an initial SEC, CSE sign MoU with ID Department country. Adhering to the condition domestic construction industry. investment of $ 1.4 billion and The Securities and Exchange details available with the DRP September 2020. that construction had to be The award comes as a landmark an expected $ 15 billion overall Commission of Sri Lanka when a person wishes to open The system to digitally verify the completed between January 2019 achievement for Port City investment when completed. (SEC) and the Colombo a CDS account via the CSE particulars of an ID cardholder is and April 2020, the submission Colombo following their win Spanning 269 hectares, it is a sea Stock Exchange (CSE) have digital app, based on the consent supported by the Information and for the award was made by China of the silver award for Master reclamation project joined to the entered into a Memorandum of obtained from the ID cardholder. Communication Technology Agency Harbour Engineering Company Planning at the Singapore current central business district. Understanding (MoU) with the The feature of obtaining consent of Sri Lanka (ICTA). This is the first Ltd. (CHEC) and was awarded to Landscape Architecture Awards Port City Colombo is made up Commissioner General of the is also built into the app. time this verification process with Colombo Port City Development 2017, the gold award at the Yuan of five different precincts which Department for Registration This was part of the initiative the DRP has been made available Project Phase 1 located in Ye Urban Design Awards 2018, comprises the Financial District, of Persons (DRP). This will to digitalise the end-to-end based on the provisions of the Colombo, Sri Lanka. and an honourable mention at Central Park Living, International enable the CSE and the Central operations of the Sri Lankan Registration of Persons Act read With ENR being one of the most the International Federation of Island, The Marina, and Island Depository Systems (CDS) to Stock Market, which was with the regulations made under prominent news networks in the Landscape Architects AAPME Living. Using the latest sustainable obtain digital verification of the launched by Prime Minister the Electronic Transactions Act US, judging the contest were a Awards 2018 in the category of city design and smart city concepts, National Identity Card (NIC) Mahinda Rajapaksa on 17 No. 19 of 2006. panel of globally renowned judges Analysis and Master Planning. Port City Colombo will be the hub inclusive of Erleen Hatfield of CHEC is a wholly of South Asia. the morning 4 Thursday, September 24, 2020 brunch A safe haven for women travelling around Colombo

BY NAVEED ROZAIS The Pink Drives service operates in the same way as ride-share services Getting around Colombo safely is like Uber, using Google Maps as the sadly something that most women base for its navigation. Bookings can be cannot take for granted. On public made at any time for either scheduled or immediate pickup. “Like other ride-share transport, walking on the street, services, Pink Drives will automatically and even in taxis, women are often allocate passengers to the nearest drivers,” subjected to harassment and Kulasuriya explained. “If there are no intimidation from men. as a way to help a friend’s wife. “A friend to report public issues to government drivers online, drivers can be allocated of mine passed away two years ago, and authorities. Pink Drives is an exclusively female- from the backend.” his wife, who is also a dear friend, had driven ride-share app and taxi service. a vehicle but no steady income. She had The Pink Drives experience – what Operating on the same model as popular Taking Pink Drives forward tried finding work with other similar ride-share apps like Uber, PickMe, and sets it apart? Kulasuirya shared that Pink Drives platforms, but being a woman, had faced Yogo, Pink Drives operates with one Pink Drives was officially launched currently covers a very small area in and difficulties getting around. We came up notable difference – all Pink Drives drivers on 18 September with 25 drivers now on around Colombo, and that going forward, with the idea of operating a taxi service are exclusively female. Our resources were very limited. We board forming the Pink Drives network. they will be looking to expand their reach. operated by women for women so that she Developed by app developer had only one vehicle and one driver, The Pink Drives team, mindful of “We’ve started with 25 drivers and are could use her vehicle and generate some Deegenics, which focuses on building but there was a lot of demand, both safety in all aspects of its service, carefully doing a second intake this weekend, where extra income.” Pink Drives started out as a software that solves human problems, Pink from people asking to be passengers, vets all potential drivers, going to the we do training sessions. We’ve received simple Facebook page set up by Kulasuriya Drives strives to create a safe travelling as well as from people asking to be extent of checking with each driver’s about 50-60 applications so far and hope to help his friend who wasn’t familiar with environment for women and children. drivers. So why not connect the dots grama niladhari office to make sure the to do new intakes regularly, and build the social media. and create a platform that allowed all drivers have no history that may put Pink Drives driver network and reach.” The Pink Drives journey The Pink Drives Facebook page went these different parties to collaborate? passengers at risk. Pink Drives has also received lots of Deegenics Founder and Chief viral. “The initial response was huge,” Deegenics Founder and CEO Pink Drives also limits its service requests for fixed chauffeurs from women Executive Officer (CEO) Shohan Kulasuriya said, adding: “We received Shohan Kulasuriya exclusively to women and children, though looking to get to and from work each day, Kulasuriya shared that Pink Drives began more than 100 calls each day from women exceptions may be made for groups like or to organise regular school drop-offs or interested in using the service to travel vehicle and one driver, but there was a lot families that include men on a case-by-case pick-ups for their kids. “We’re looking Pink Drives also limits as well as from women who wanted to of demand, both from people asking to be basis at the discretion of the driver. In the at how we can manage fixed chauffeur  its service exclusively to be drivers. These women were from passengers, as well as from people asking case of children, the Pink Drives service is requests. Ideally, this will take place in women and children, though around Colombo and the surrounding to be drivers. So why not connect the dots limited to boys under the age of 15. Pink the form of a separate agreement struck exceptions may be made for neighbourhoods. Some were even calling and create a platform that allowed all these Drives also allows for children over 10 to between drivers and passengers that gives groups like families that include in from Negombo.” different parties to collaborate?” travel safely unaccompanied. “Most of our drivers a steady, fixed income.” men on a case-by-case basis at The overwhelming response to Pink Social enterprise has always been drivers are mothers, and have experience “Fifty percent of taxi services are Drives highlighted a need within Colombo important to Kulasuriya, and this passion managing children and getting them around used by women and the response to Pink the discretion of the driver. In and within Sri Lanka as well. Kulasuriya, the case of children, the Pink for fixing social issues through technology safely,” Kulasuriya shared. Drives so far from citizens has been very with his experience in solving human was what inspired the start of Pink In case of emergency, there is a safety enthusiastic,” Kulasuriya said, explaining Drives service is limited to boys problems using software, decided to Drives. Previously a professional banker, button built into the app that both drivers that Pink Drives is a way to make this under the age of 15. Pink Drives create a system that could be scaled. “Our Kulasuriya’s entrepreneurial journey and passengers have access to, which segment of taxi users feel safer when also allows for children over 10 resources were very limited,” Kulasuriya began in 2015 with the development of connects them directly to their family travelling. to travel safely unaccompanied explained, adding: “We had only one Man Kiwwa, an app that allows citizens members.

Vivo to launch Y20 with long-lasting No Time To Die – latest James Bond movie battery and AI triple camera Announces partnership Vivo will be launching its latest of features in the camera, big mid-range smartphone, Y20, to the battery, eye-popping colours, and Sri Lanka market in early October ultra-game mode for a complete with HMD Global 2020. Powered by a massive 5,000 smartphone experience for users in British actress Lashana Lynch, PureView quad camera with Zeiss mAh battery, Y20 comes with an the mid-range price segment. As star of the 25th Bond movie No optics and the iconic Nokia 3310 AI triple rear camera setup (13 an evolving youth-centric brand, Time To Die, has been captured by fans know and love. MP+2 MP+2 MP) and multiple we are continuously innovating to social media “phone-ographer” Ben The partnership allows HMD camera features including macro deliver stylish smartphones infused Maclean as part of HMD Global’s, Global to demonstrate its status as and bokeh camera as well as selfie with trendsetting technologies at the home of Nokia phones, largest- a global provider of AndroidTM features to seamlessly capture the the most competitive price points. ever global marketing campaign. smartphones, showcasing its moments of your life with enough Keeping in mind the users’ day-to- Maclean has over half a million commitment to security, speed, and detail and perfection. The key day lives, Y20 has been designed followers on social media and is innovation, meeting the demands of highlight of Vivo Y20 is its long- to be user-friendly, support various known for his creative photography the world’s toughest customers. lasting battery life complemented multimedia activities with eye and tricks. Lynch said: “The world we by AI power-saving technology, an protection screen, and gaming The shoot, which took place at Gadget You Ever Need”. live in now means we all have the which also supports reverse functions with a large-size battery the iconic Pinewood Studios, sees The images follow the news, ultimate gadget in our pockets. charging. Y20 also features the and strong processor,” stated Vivo Lynch as new 00 agent Nomi in in March, that HMD Global is the It’s amazing what smartphones can side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a Mobile Lanka (Pvt,) Ltd. CEO a Bond-inspired scene, featuring official phone partner for the 25th do nowadays. I’m excited to be clever new design that unlocks your Kevin Jiang. a series of epic effects including James Bond film, No Time To Die. unveiling this new smartphone to phone in a split second. The new Vivo Y20 will be smoke and a 30-foot rig suspending The film features a range of devices celebrate the release of No Time To “We are strengthening our available in the stylish colour Maclean in the air to capture the including the Nokia 8.3 5G, a truly Die in November, and the Nokia Y series family with the latest schemes of Obsidian Black and ultimate shot. Her Nokia 8.3 5G is global, future-proof 5G smartphone 8.3 5G is proof that Bond gadgets addition of Y20 packed with loads Nebula Blue. positioned by her side as “The Only that comes with a powerful are always ahead of the game.” Fashion Bug refurbishes OPD at Badalkumbura Base Hospital Continuing its valuable social service expressed Fashion Bug CEO Shabier in renovating hospitals that are in much Subian. “We have a deep-rooted need of attention, Fashion Bug recently connection with Badalkumbura because it refurbished the OPD of the Badalkumbura is home to a number of staff members who Base Hospital, Monaragala. This is have been working with us since the very part of the series of projects carried out first Fashion Bug showroom opening in by the pioneer fashion retail brand in Bandarawela in 1994. We believe that as a commemoration of its 25th anniversary. homegrown brand, it is our responsibility Badalkumbura is a town that represents to give back as much as we can to society, the microcosm of Sri Lanka, where one especially to people and places who share finds people of all religious faiths and roots with us.” cultures living together in harmony. The Badalkumbura Base Hospital DMO Dr. Kanchana Abeywickrama, Dr. Shantha Dharmasena, Medical Record Assistant Udeni Shantha, Nurse Superintendent Mallika The handover ceremony of the Rajapaksha, Minor Staff-in-Charge D.M.I. Malkanthi, Fashion Bug Head of Business Development and Strategic Marketing Rameez Mohamed, Bandarawela Branch Manager basic medical need of this area is fulfilled Selvam Sekaran, former Bandarawela Branch Manager Sadhurdeen Sumawoon, Marketing Executive Johan Chrisanthan, and Marketing Co-ordinator Hassan Zawahir renovated OPD was held early September, by the base hospital which treats an with the presence of the hospital staff, average of 250 patients daily through its Dr. Kanchana Abeywickrama stated that highest number of patients by one doctor in “Badalkumbura also carries an officials from Fashion Bug, as well as well- OPD. Badalkumbura Base Hospital DMO the OPD sets a record in consulting the the . emotional connect with Fashion Bug,” wishers from the Badalkumbura town. the morning 5 Thursday , September 24, 2020 sports Yoga Guru Nanda to the fore ‘NB’ is new clothing partner of SLC Kuwaiti to be next FINA Head? “In a competing world, athletes should practise Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) yesterday (23) signed a three- Former Kuwaiti plane pilot Husain Al-Musallam’s mindfulness as a way to improve their physical and year agreement with Namal Balachandra (Pvt.) campaign to become the next President of the mental fitness. With this in mind, I held talks with yoga Ltd. (NB) as its “official formal clothing sponsor”. The International Swimming Federation (FINA) has guru Mr. Nanda Siriwardena to look at possibilities agreement was signed at the SLC headquarters by SLC received a boost after it was officially backed by the to introduce yoga to the national sports associations Secretary Mohan De Silva and NB Chairman Namal Govt. of his own country. Al-Musallam, Secretary to benefit all athletes.” Who said so? New Minister of Balachandra. NB is a well-known apparel and costume of the Kuwait Olympic Committee, has been the Sports and Youth Affairs Namal Rajapaksa. That was after designer who will now provide formal clothing to both first Vice President of FINA since 2015 and is the frontrunner to succeed the a meeting with Siriwardena yesterday (23) in Colombo. men’s and women’s cricket teams of the country. 84-year-old Julio Maglione, whose 12-year reign is due to end next year.

As Sri Lanka is showing extreme caution about hosting their forthcoming Test series with Bangladesh next month, the Government of Zimbabwe has now granted its cricket board, Zimbabwe Pakistan starts Cricket (ZC), permission to tour Pakistan for a limited-over series in October and November, the Pakistan media revealed yesterday (23). “ZC has received the good news this week through the Sports and Recreation Commission international cricket (SRC),” international media said yesterday. z Pandemic-hit subcontinent nations, but Sri Lanka, slowly but cautiously get into action “The Sports and Recreation Commission hereby gives you notice, following your application, that the Minister of Youth, Sport, Covid-19 preventative and containment Arts, and Recreation has approved your request measures are observed at all times for the to tour Pakistan to play the referenced matches,” safety of both the players and officials during SRC Director General Prince Mupazviriho has the tour. written in a letter to ZC. Zimbabwe has now intensified their preparations for the tour, with a provisional ZC Chairman elated squad of 25 players having been called up ZC Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani has for a training camp that started in Harare on applauded the Government for authorising the Tuesday (22). tour, which will see Zimbabwe playing for the first time since March when many countries Part of ICC World Cup across the world banned sporting activities Super League and international travel as part of pandemic Meanwhile, the International Cricket lockdown measures aimed at containing the Council (ICC) yesterday announced that spread of Covid-19. ZC has been “granted permission by their As of the schedule that was announced Government to travel to Pakistan for their yesterday, Zimbabwe will play three ODIs from proposed white-ball tour next month”. The 30 October to 3 November in Multan before series will be part of ICC’s Cricket World playing three T20Is from 7 to 10 November Cup Super League, it adds. The Pakistan in Rawalpindi. Cricket Board (PCB) also confirmed the development. “This series is critical to Pakistan as it TOUR SCHEDULE aspires to qualify directly for the ICC Men’s Pakistan vs. Zimbabwe Cricket World Cup 2023, and as such, every point in the Super League will count. Our ODI SERIES IN MULTAN: last ODI series was against Sri Lanka 12 30 October months ago, so the boys will have to hit the 1 November ground running and try to pocket maximum points,” PCB Director for International 3 November Cricket Zakir Khan was quoted by ICC as T20I SERIES IN RAWALPINDI: saying yesterday. 7 November Zims to be hosted after National 8 November Zimbabwean Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation Kirsty Coventry (on extreme left) and Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani T20 Cup 10 November (second left) having a chat with Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ehsan Mani “We have strategically scheduled Zimbabwe’s matches in Multan and Rawalpindi, the venues Pakistan’s official number of infections was World Cup-winning legendary fast-bowler Mukuhlani has told media. which will be hosting the National T20 Cup from Current Covid situation reported as 582, with four deaths. Imran Khan. “Needless to say, we at ZC are bursting 30 September to 18 October,” Khan has said. in Pakistan Meanwhile, Zimbabwe, which has an with excitement as we look forward to playing He has added: “By the time Zimbabwe arrives, estimated population of 14.4 million, has ‘Bursting with excitement’ cricket again and representing our nation with we would have gained enough experience on Pakistan, a country with population of reported over 7,500 Covid-19-positive cases “We would like to extend our sincere pride and passion in Pakistan.” biosecuring hotels, player transportation, the over 212 million, has decisively flattened the with 225 deaths. gratitude to our Minister of Youth, Sport, venues, and the players’ dressing rooms as Covid-19 curve since its peak reported in June. Cricket in Pakistan has a special emphasis Arts, and Recreation, the Honourable Kirsty 25 players already delivery of this series will be under strict Covid- Yet, it has reported over 300,000 coronavirus at present simply for the fact that her current Coventry; the SRC; and the entire Government started training 19 protocols to ensure the health and safety of cases with nearly 6,500 fatalities. Yesterday, Prime Minister is none other than former of Zimbabwe for authorising the tour,” The SRC has emphasised the need to ensure all participants.”

P&S steps into e-sports In Brief Perera & Sons (P&S), one e-sports as a fully fledged LOCAL of Sri Lanka’s foremost quick- sport for the Paris Olympics in The finals of the Dialog President’s Gold Cup service restaurant facility 2024. We also plan to lobby our Volleyball Tournament, conducted by the Sri Lanka providers, announced their first highly active National Olympic Volleyball Federation, will be held tomorrow and on foray into mobile e-sports with Committee (NOC) to make a Friday (25 and 26 September) at the National Youth two events for mobile gamers. case on behalf of e-sports to be Services Centre Indoor Stadium, Maharagama. This is the The “P&S PUBG Mobile included as an Olympic sport,” main tournament of the local volleyball calendar. It is Series” will feature PUBG said P&S Managing Director sponsored by Dialog Axiata PLC for the 14th Mobile as its stand-alone event Gihan Perera. consecutive year with Rs. 100,000 in prize Those who wish register for the money going out to the top eight events can follow the following INTERNATIONAL placements of the event, P&S web links: THE INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE (IPL) 2020 WAS IN FULL FLOW AS IT REACHED ITS FIFTH ENCOUNTER told media this week. NOC to campaign for having yy P&S PUBG Mobile In addition, the “P&S Mobile e-sports as one of the events in Series: https://gamer.lk/go/ YESTERDAY (23): Nike’s senior executive in charge of their track Contenders” event will feature 2024 Paris Olympics pnspubgm Match 3 on Monday (21): Royal Challengers Bangalore and field programme, John Capriotti, has stepped Free Fire (squad-based battle 163/5 (Devdutt Padikkal 56, A.B. de Villiers 51; Vijay down after 28 years, leaving a question mark over yy P&S Mobile Contenders: royale) and Call of Duty between the two events. Olympic team for e-sports if Shankar 1/14) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad 153 in 19.4 the company’s future commitment to the sport it was https://gamer.lk/go/ Mobile (multiplayer) with a “We are committed to the International Olympic overs (Jonny Bairstow 61, Manish Pandey 34; Yuzvendra founded on. Inside the Games said yesterday that pnscontenders prize pool of Rs. 50,000 split establishing a solid Sri Lankan Committee (IOC) accepts Chahal 3/18, Shivam Dube 2/15) by 10 runs at Dubai Capriotti’s retirement coincides with Nike having to cut Match 4 on Tuesday (22): Rajastan Royals 216/7 (Sanju costs because of the coronavirus pandemic, which has Samson 73 in 32 balls, Steven Smith 69; Sam Curran seen the company reportedly losing $ 790 million (Rs. 3/33) beat Chennai Super Kings 200/6 (Faf du Plessis 72 146 billion) in the first quarter of this year. But Nike has in 37, Shane Watson 33; Rahul Tewatia 3/37) by 16 runs been involved in controversy recently when they were at Sharjah forced to shut down the “Nike Oregon Project” (NOP), Match 5 yesterday (23): Mumbai Indians 176/3 in 17.3 the elite group it had established in 2001 to promote Udith Wickremasinghe weds overs vs. Kolkata Knight Riders at Abu Dhabi when we last American long-distance running, after an investigation updated the scores resulted in a four-year ban of long-time coach Alberto Former Royal College, Colombo Salazar following allegations of doping tennis captain and Sri Lanka Abu Jayed Rahi has officially been confirmed only representative for World Juniors yesterday as the latest Bangladesh cricketer to test The best players in National Basketball Association (Under-14) and Junior Davis positive for Covid-19. We at The Morning Sports reported (NBA) in the US could miss the rescheduled Tokyo Cup (Under-16) tennis Udith his name for the first time on Monday (21) soon after Olympics if the NBA 2020-21 Season begins in January. A Wickremasinghe tied the knot the test, even when the Bangladeshi media too couldn’t December start was suggested for the delayed campaign, yesterday (23) at Hilton Colombo. His specify the name. When he was tested positive, Jayed but NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has said yesterday loving bride was Manisha Somasiri. Rahi was taking part in a training camp before their (23) it might now be the new year. A January start could Wickremasinghe was the former Vice scheduled departure for Sri Lanka for a three-match mean the NBA play-offs finish in August or September President of the Sri Lanka Tennis Test series with the Olympics set for a 23 July start Association (SLTA). Here is the new couple with the present SLTA staff