„„ www.themorning.lk „„ Late City VOL 01 | NO 26 | Rs. 30.00 { MONDAY } MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2021 A blackout? CRICKET WEST INDIES’ ‘EMERGING MARKETS TV RIGHTS STILL NOT OUR PRIORITY’ SOLD FOR ASIA!

A CHAT WITH SL PREFERS SWAP AUTHOR FACILITY WITH G.A. MATHUPEMA CHINA OVER IMF »SEE PAGE 16 »SEE PAGE 11 »SEE PAGE 7 »SEE PAGE 6 12 Lankan fishermen Continue with arrested in Myanmar President quite investigations into z Ambassador Prof. Nalin de Silva seeks diplomatic intervention confident about Sarah: Easter PCoI BY THE MORNING NEWS DESK Myanmar into chaos in early BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI Sarah is the wife of the Sri Lankan Ambassador to February. For three weeks since The Presidential Commission Katuwapitiya St. Sebastian Myanmar Prof. Nalin de Silva then, huge crowds have taken to the debt repayments of Inquiry (PCoI) probing Easter Church bomber Atchi has formally requested diplomatic streets across the country, calling for BY OUR POLITICAL EDITOR Sunday attacks of April 2019 has Mohomadu Mohomadu Hasthun. intervention to obtain the release of Aung San Suu Kyi’s release and the to settle its debt this year. recommended that investigations The report notes that Abdul 12 Sri Lankan fishermen detained restoration of civilian rule. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has expressed “It’s not a question of be continued into Pulasthini Cader Fathima Hadiya, the wife in Myanmar amidst the political Speaking to The Morning confidence in meeting Sri Lanka’s debt obligations in whether you have $ 1 or $ Mahendran, alias Sarah Jasmine, of National Thowheed Jama’ath upheaval in the country, The yesterday (28), Ministry of Foreign 2021, despite skepticism among economists, rating 25 to repay. What is needed is The Morning learnt. (NTJ) Leader Zahran Hashim, Morning learnt. Affairs Secretary Admiral Prof. agencies, and the Opposition. the ability to repay. We have The report notes that two had testified that following The arrests were made a couple of Jayanath Colombage said the “I am absolutely confident The Morning yesterday (28). given a very firm assurance witnesses had testified to the the attack in Saindumaradu weeks ago by the Marine Police in Foreign Ministry is working on that we can repay our debt this Speaking to us last week, that we can repay and the PCoI that Sarah, who was on 26 April 2019, she lost the Ayeyarwady region, Mandalay, negotiating the release of the year, which is approximately State Minister of Money amount of foreign currency initially believed to have died consciousness, and when she although the reasons for the arrests fishermen. However, he stated that $ 4.5 billion. I follow our and Capital Market and reserves that we have is in the explosion and shootout in regained consciousness, she were not clear. it is proving difficult as the military revenue streams and the State Enterprise Reforms sufficient to do that,” he said Saindumarudu on 26 April 2019, could faintly hear a female voice A power grab by the Myanmar government is in power and the inflows and outflows, so Ajith Nivard Cabraal in response to our question on was seen alive and that she had much like Sarah’s. military and the detention of the country is in turmoil. my confidence is based on too reiterated that the debt repayments. subsequently fled to India. Contd. on page 2 country’s civilian leadership plunged Contd. on page 2 statistics,” he said, speaking to Government is in a position Contd. on page 2 CROSSING CHOPPERS Wildlife officers unhappy with ‘Gama Samaga Pilisandara’

BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE in the clearing of forests by villagers R.A.S.S. Ranawakaarachchi said Many wildlife officers are in the relevant area, The Morning that after the President’s discussions unhappy with President Gotabaya learnt. with villagers, some farmers attempt Rajapaksa’s “Gama Samaga Speaking to The Morning yesterday to clear large parts of forest areas Pilisandara” (Discussion with (28 February), All Island Wildlife by misinterpreting his directives. Villagers) programme, as it results Guard Officers’ Union Chairman Contd. on page 2 All health measures in place for O/Ls today

BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI Indian Air Force and Indian Navy teams arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday (28) to participate in the 70th anniversary of Sri Lanka Air Force. Pictured is a preview of the aerobatic display by advanced light helicopter ‘Sarang’ The GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM examination is set to begin today (1) with all safety measures in place. The exam will go on till 11 March for 622,352 candidates who applied for the 2020 O/L examination, out of which PUCSL to consider CEB’s 423,746 are school applicants. Speaking to The Morning yesterday (28), Commissioner General of Examinations emergency power request Sanath Pujitha said that the Ministry of Education had allocated funds to provide BY PAMODI WARAVITA PUCSL Chairman Janaka Ratnayake when inquired as to the specifics of the necessary protective equipment and told The Morning yesterday (28). these terms. sanitising facilities to examination centres. The Public Utilities Commission of Rathnayake also said that the request However, when we contacted CEB “The Ministry of Education has allocated Sri Lanka (PUCSL) will be holding a for the purchase of emergency power Chairman Eng. Vijitha Herath, he Rs. 50,000,000 to provide necessary board meeting next week regarding by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) said the CEB had not made such a sanitation equipment to all 4,513 centres the purchase of emergency power, was received last week. request from the PUCSL recently, in all nine provinces, and the centres The Morning learnt. He added that the purchase of but noted that the demand for power have already received this necessary “A board meeting is scheduled for emergency power would be on much increases by approximately 5% each equipment.” early next week to seek approval for more favourable terms this year than year. Contd. on page 2 the purchase of emergency power,” it was earlier, but refused to elaborate Contd. on page 2 COVID-19 CASES UNHRC ‘informal consultations’ ACTIVE CASES TOTAL CASES on Sri Lanka kicks off today 83,094 The United Nations Human The informal consultations Sri Lanka that took place last week, Rights Council (UNHRC) will begin on “promoting reconciliation, many western countries, including DEATHS RECOVERED “informal consultations” on Sri accountability, and human rights in the UK and Canada, criticised the 3,683 Lanka with the Permanent Missions Sri Lanka” are scheduled to continue human rights conditions in Sri Lanka, 471 78,947 of Canada, Germany, Malawi, until 10 March. whereas most Asian countries such as SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 10.00 P.M. ON 28 FEBRUARY 2021 Montenegro, North Macedonia, and At the interactive dialogue sessions Pakistan supported Sri Lanka. the UK today (1). on the High Commissioner’s report on Contd. on page 2 42 „„ www.themorning.lk { NEWS } Monday, March 1, 2021 Man selling heroin to factory President wants workers arrested A man who has allegedly produced before the Maligakanda provided heroin to the labourers Magistrate today (1). of a factory in Wellampitiya has Meanwhile, a 24-year-old suspect teacher vacancies been arrested by the Grandpass was arrested from Rukmalgama Police yesterday (28). along with 16 kg of cannabis and Police found 40 g of heroin from 54 g of ICE. The suspect would be the possession of the suspect who produced before the Homagama is being interrogated and is to be Magistrate. Woman arrested for using filled immediately President Gotabaya Rajapaksa ‘witchcraft’ on 9-year-old has instructed the respective authorities to immediately call z Child dies afterwards for applications to fill the long- standing vacancies for maths, A woman has been arrested by had treated the victim with an oil science, English, and computer the Biyagama Police on charges and then had caned her in order technology teachers in schools. of using “witchcraft” on a nine- to get rid of “evil forces” that had The President said that new year-old girl who died afterwards, possessed her. recruitments will be made for existing Police Media Spokesman DIG The girl had become vacancies in priority subjects on the basis Ajith Rohana said yesterday (28). unconscious after the beating of eight years of compulsory service He said the mother of the girl, and was pronounced dead on in the same school to which the initial who is from Meegahawatta, had admission to the Biyagama appointments were made. taken her to a treatment centre Hospital. The President expressed these views operated by the suspect after the The postmortem examination during the 12th “Discussion with girl fell ill last night. The woman is to be conducted. Villagers” programme on Saturday (27) at the Kivulekadawala School premises in the Kivulekadawala Grama Niladhari Division, Gomarankadawala Divisional Police jeep collides Secretariat in the Trincomalee district. The President addressing the villagers during the ‘Discussion with Villagers’ programme The President, on his way to Kivulekadawala College to participate not imposed any conditions regarding library facilities in all the schools in the to each Pirivenas in the Trincomalee with three-wheeler in the Discussion with Villagers the matter. areas where he attends for the Discussion District and to develop playgrounds and programme, inquired the people gathered Prior to the commencement of the with Villagers programme, the President’s infrastructure facilities for students of z on roadside about the issues they face Discussion with Villagers session, Media Division said. The President all Piriven colleges in the island. Two killed and three injured in the area while casually engaging in President declared the “Smart Classroom” presented sets of books to schools The President instructed the officials Two persons were killed and identified as the 48-year-old driver conversation with them. He also had open which was completed by the SLT- under the theme “A young generation to take swift measures to construct three were injured when a three- of the three-wheeler and his 69-year- a chat with the people from several Mobitel and the State Ministry of School empowered with knowledge”. Each an auditorium and classrooms for wheeler collided head-on with a jeep old mother. nearby houses and asked about the Infrastructure and School Services in school receives 500 books which cover Kivulekadawala Vidyalaya, to attached to the Katupotha Police at The driver’s wife and two paddy harvest in this season as well. Kivulekadawala School. In addition, a number of diverse streams important develop the infrastructure facilities the 10th mile post on the Wariyapola- daughters, who were injured, were The President explained the farmers the President also presented a television for the students. of all schools in the district including Katupotha Road last (28) morning, admitted to the Kurunegala Hospital. that the Government has taken steps and internet connections provided by the The Secretary to the Education Gomarankadawala Maha Vidyalaya Police Media Spokesman DIG Ajith DIG Rohana said the police constable to purchase paddy with moisture for Dialog Axiata to the principal. Ministry further added that steps have and to address the issue of shortage of Rohana said. driver was admitted to the Katupotha a price of Rs. 43 that cannot be sold President Rajapaksa examined a been taken to call for applications next teachers. He said the five persons of the Hospital with injuries. at a minimum price of Rs. 50 per kilo. pair of shoes that generates electricity week to fill the existing vacancies The possibility of making same family were in the three- The constable was arrested in President Rajapaksa said that farmers when walking, invented and designed across the country for teachers in Gomarankadawala an education zone wheeler which was heading connection with the accident and are free to sell their paddy either to the by Chathura Madhumal, a student of subjects such as mathematics, English, and the development of Mahadivulwewa towards Anuradhapura at the time a special investigation has been government or any other party at their Kantale Ganthalawa Maha Vidyalaya. science, and IT. It was also stated that Maha Vidyalaya as a trilingual model of the accident. The deceased were launched by the SSP Kuliyapitiya. own discretion and the government has The President has decided to improve it is planned to provide five computers school were also discussed.

Contd. from page 1

attention has not been given by the PCoI “The intention of the President is to talk exam duties for the O/L exam be vaccinated Kelanitissa would lead to a decreased cost President... on Easter attacks to Sarah Jasmine's escape to the rural people about their long-standing immediately. for both CEB and the consumer. Sri Lanka’s debt servicing obligations over to India. unresolved issues, present them to the officials, “We demand that about 46,000 teachers, Earlier last year, a report by the CEB 2021-2025 amount to an average of $ 4.3 “Pulasthini Mahendran, the wife of a suicide and provide quick solutions. Another objective principals, and other education administrative stated that the closure of the 154 MW billion per year. bomber, had stayed hidden in Batticaloa for is to meet the people living in the most service staff members in the exam service, Kelanitissa Combined Cycle Power Plant In 2021 government external debt of $ 4 a long while, and fled to India. The inquiry difficult villages of the island and identify who will be performing exam duties, be was a contributing factor to the unapproved billion, which is made up of $ 2.7 billion of has not paid attention to this, and has ignored their problems accurately, and we appreciate vaccinated immediately as they would need power interruptions that occurred in the principal and $ 1.3 billion of interest payments. information that could have been discovered that. But if this situation continues further, time to rest following vaccination after country. The biggest repayment is due in July, where if the inquiry has done otherwise,” it said. we might not be able to stop deforestation effects before they are ready to begin their the Government has to settle a $ 1 billion bond. The SLFP said thatan official from the as officers. We urge the President to take duties. There are candidates under quarantine Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves had fallen to $ National Intelligence Unit had revealed in necessary action in a proper way where the – Covid-19-positive candidates. Those on UNHRC... 4.8 billion by end-January 2021, according to July 2020 that Sarah Jasmine had tipped off public isn’t misled,” said Ranawakaarachchi. duty are facing a big risk.” However, Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka, former Central Bank Governor Prof. W.D. Lakshman. the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) of According to Ranawakaarachchi, wildlife However, when inquired from the Ministry Permanent Representative to the UN in They had stood at $ 5.6 billion at end- India on the attacks. guard officers especially had to face this of Health, The Morning learnt that vaccinating Geneva between 2007 to 2009 and Senior December 2020, meaning $ 800 million United National Party member Saman situation after the Discussion with Villagers those in line of duty for exams does not Adviser on International Affairs to Opposition was drained in January alone. Rathnapriya said that the Commission had programme in Dahaiyagala and Somawathiya. provide them with any special protection. Leader Sajith Premadasa, told The Morning not summoned and questioned Sarah, as they The Discussion with Villagers programme “The first dose of the vaccine takes yesterday that of the 21 countries which had should have, and that they did not make a commenced on 25 September 2020 from the at least a period of four weeks from the spoken in favour of Sri Lanka, only nine or Continue... diplomatic request for her to be extradited for Badulla District. Thereafter, programmes were date of vaccination to become effective. 10 were members of the Council. Further, the report states that the DNA this purpose. Further, Samagi Jana Balawegaya organised covering the Matale, Ratnapura, Our country’s vaccination drive began in “Sri Lanka’s base vote has not broken analysis conducted against samples collected MP S.M. Marikkar had said that the PCoI Anuradhapura, Ampara, Polonnaruwa, early February, so when exams started on yet – these are members who have anyway from Sarah’s mother did not establish that she report contains no mention of Sarah Jasmine. Kalutara, Monaragala, Kegalle, Kandy, and 1 March (today), there was no time for voted for Sri Lanka in the years we lost as had died in the Saindamarudu attack. Puttalam Districts. sufficient protection to develop. Immediate well,” said Dr. Jayatilleka. It was reported on 17 July 2020 that security The 12th and most recent programme vaccination does not give the vaccinated Meanwhile, India stated last week that sources said that there has been no information Wildlife... took place on Saturday, 27 February at the any special protection. Following necessary although it supports Sri Lanka’s right for that Sarah had fled the country after the attack. According to Ranawakaarachchi, the Kivulekadawala School premises in the safety precautions is important,” said Deputy territorial integrity, it is still committed to However, on 21 July 2020, PCoI Police President instructs the officials to implement Kivulekadawala Grama Niladhari Division, Director General of Health Services Dr. the demands of Tamils for equality, including Unit Chief Inspector (CI) Arjuna Mahinkanda new rules that allow farmers to continue Gomarankadawala Divisional Secretariat in Hemantha Herath. through the complete implementation of the had informed the Commission that the Police cultivation on lands traditionally used for the Trincomalee District. Dr. Herath, however, added that It would be 13th Amendment to the Constitution. had found sufficient evidence to confirm that agriculture. ideal for all teachers to be vaccinated soon. “We call upon Sri Lanka to take necessary Sarah, who was originally Hindu and had He said the President has instructed all steps to address such aspirations, including embraced Islam in 2015, had fled to India departments and institutions – including those All safety... through the process of reconciliation and the by sea in September 2019. A witness had related to wildlife, forestry, environment, and When inquired by The Morning regarding PUCSL... full implementation of the 13th Amendment testified that he spotted Sarah near the village land – to take into consideration requests the provision of necessary sanitising and “We will have to meet that demand in the to the Constitution of Sri Lanka,” Ambassador of Mankadu on the Batticaloa-Kalmunai frequently made by the public during equipment to those in exam duty, including short-term,” Eng. Herath said. of India to the UN Indra Mani Pandey said. main road. “Discussion with Villagers” sessions when teachers, Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) He added that long-term plans were also Foreign Ministry Secretary Admiral Prof. CI Mahinkanda said that an officer attached formulating new laws in the interest of the General Secretary Joseph Stalin said necessary, saying that the foundation stone Jayanath Colombage had stated last week that to the Kalauwanchikudy Police Station, whom people. yesterday that sanitising facilities and to build the 300 MW Kerawalapitiya liquid Sri Lanka is seeking proactive support from the above witness had spotted in a vehicle with “President Rajapaksa listened to the protective equipment have not been provided natural gas (LNG) power plant would be laid India. However, he also told The Morning Sarah in September, had been identified as grievances of the villagers and instructed to the exam centres by the Government. this week in the presence of Prime Minister last month that the 13th Amendment did not Abubakar, the Officer-in- Charge (OIC) of the relevant officials to implement solutions “Teachers are not being given masks, Mahinda Rajapaksa. serve its desired purpose. Kalawanchikudi Police Transport Division. for unresolved issues. These issues are soap, and sanitiser. Exam centres have only Speaking to The Morning, CEB Dr. Jayatilleka yesterday said that such He added that Abubakar was arrested by the presented on a public platform where the been provided one face shield per centre,” Technological Engineers’ and glaring contradictory stances from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), and that officials aim to provide quick solutions,” said he stressed. Superintendents’ Union President A.G.U. Government were not effective in garnering two other people with Sarah in the vehicle Ranawakaarachchi. However, when Commissioner General Nishantha said that hydropower generation support from India. were identified as the husband of her aunt, According to Ranawakaarachchi, these quick Pujitha was questioned in this regard, he said had dropped approximately 25% due to the The UK said at last week’s dialogues and his brother. solutions have led to people to misinterpret that the required protective equipment and prevailing dry weather conditions. that the Core Group of Countries on Sri While one of them had been arrested, the official decisions and ultimately to dire sanitising facilities have been arranged for “To eventually meet power demand, Lanka (Canada, the UK, Germany, North other was revealed to have gone abroad, said consequences for forest areas. all centres, along with personal protective the CEB would have to make emergency Macedonia, and Montenegro) will present a CI Mahinkanda. He further said that evidence “These solutions have to be given in an equipment (PPE) kits for those who will be purchases. This is an unnecessary cost,” new resolution in support of accountability was available to conclude that Sarah had official manner. But after these discussions, performing duties in the special centres set said Nishantha. and lasting reconciliation for all communities escaped to India on a boat from Mannar, and villagers try to cut down trees belonging to up in treatment centres for Covid-19-positive Elaborating on the status of the Kelanitissa in the country. that it was discovered that a powerful person the Forest Department by saying these are candidates. Combined Cycle Power Plant, Nishantha said in the area had assisted her. President’s orders,” said Ranawakaarachchi. “Face shields and other necessary PPE are that the almost one-and-a-half-year closure Testifying before the PCoI, an official “We have no objection with President being provided by the Ministry of Education of the plant due to repairs had resulted in a 12 Lankan... attached to the State Intelligence Service Rajapaksa’s decisions. What we ask is a proper for those performing duties in the 40 special loss of Rs. 25 billion. Last month, the Marine Police arrested (SIS) had said that it was likely that Indian procedure to announce these decisions. When examination centres for Covid-19-positive “Closure of this power plant has led to five people suspected to be engaged in intelligence had received prior warnings about the President announces such directives in a candidates. Hand washing facilities and hand this huge loss, because it is not part of the electrofishing along the Ayeyarwady coast. the Easter attack through someone from the public place, people try to implement them sanitiser are also being provided. Teachers national grid. Since we can’t generate power It could not be confirmed that the Sri Lankan inner circle of NTJ, and that investigations immediately.” should bring their own masks like everyone.” through this plant, we also have to purchase fishermen were detained for the same offense. are being carried out to determine whether Raising further concerns, Ranawakaarachchi Meanwhile, holding a press conference on power during times like this, which is an Myanmar’s military coup has come in for Sarah was this source of information. said that these directives need to be Thursday (25), Ceylon Teachers’ Services added cost,” said Nishantha. widespread condemnation, particularly from Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party implemented through officials and not through Union (CTSU) General Secretary Mahinda Nishantha claimed that the efficient repair the West, with sanctions being introduced (SLFP) said on Friday (26) that sufficient a public platform. Jayasinghe demanded that those performing and maintenance of plants such as the one in against its military leadership. 43 Monday, March 1, 2021 { NEWS } „„ www.themorning.lk Maximum severance 7 Covid deaths yesterday Five mobile phones payment increased to takes death toll to 471 recovered from Negombo Rs. 2.5mn: Nimal Seven Covid-19 deaths were reported to 78,947, according to the Health Ministry. Prison jailer’s locker Minister of Labour Nimal Siripala de Silva said yesterday (28 February), increasing the Meanwhile, the isolation status of several Five mobile phones were prove the ownership of the mobile yesterday (28 February) that a gazette has been Covid-19 death toll in Sri Lanka to 471, areas in Kattankudy, Batticaloa would be recovered from the locker of a phones. issued, increasing the maximum severance payment the Department of Government Information lifted at 5 a.m. tomorrow (2) morning, 32-year-old jailer at the Negombo It is suspected that the phones to be paid to employees up to Rs. 2.5 million. said. Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva Prison, Prisons Spokesman have been brought into the prison He said the earlier maximum payment was Rs. A total of 574 Covid-19 patients were said today (1). Chandana Ekanayake said yesterday to be given to some inmates.“His 1.25 million, which he said was not enough for discharged from the hospitals yesterday The areas are Gafoor Road, Mohinar (28). service has been suspended, ” any employee. The Minister said the new law is after being recovered, increasing the total Lane, Sinnathona Road, and the First Cross He said the jailer was unable to Ekanayake said. in effect from 19 February. number of Covid recoveries in the country Street of Telecom Mawatha. US approves SL is ‘Priority One’ partner single-shot Johnson for India in defence & Johnson vaccine Sri Lanka is the “Priority One” partner for India in the sphere of defence, the Indian High Commission said yesterday (28) while commenting on the arrival of Indian Air Force (IAF) and Navy personnel to take part in the 70th anniversary celebration of Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).

“The assurance of India’s fullest armed forces of the two nations,” the High co-operation in the field of defence Commission said. and security was recently reiterated As a gesture of solidarity, and in to Sri Lanka’s leadership by National keeping with years of close interaction and Security Adviser of India Ajit Doval, camaraderie between the two countries during his visit to Sri Lanka for the and their militaries, IAF and Indian trilateral maritime security co-operation Navy will participate in the event with talks among India, Sri Lanka, and an aerobatic display by Sarang (advanced the Maldives, hosted by Sri Lanka in light helicopter), Surya Kiran (hawks), November 2020. The participation of IAF Tejas fighter aircraft, Tejas trainer, and Navy will participate in the grand event. inventory of aircrafts and helicopters and Indian Navy aircraft and personnel in the Dornier maritime patrol aircraft. A The detachment for the aerobatic of IAF and Indian Navy is testimony the 70th anniversary celebration of SLAF total of 23 aircraft of the IAF and Indian display arrived in Colombo yesterday, with to the strong bonds of friendship and is indicative of the growing co-operation, the support of C17 Globemaster close interoperability shared between camaraderie, and friendship between the and C130J transport aircrafts the corresponding forces of India and Sri of IAF. Lanka services. During the deployment, “The deployment of such the officers from SLAF and Sri Lanka a wide variety and huge Navy will also have firsthand experience onboard the Indian Navy’s Maritime Patrol Aircraft Dornier. SLAF pilots and Sri Lanka Navy observers will fly along with the Indian crew,” the High Commission added.

US regulators have formally included. approved the single-shot Johnson & The efficacy rate was lower than Johnson (J&J) coronavirus vaccine, two doses of Pfizer or Moderna, the third jab to be authorised in the but the trials were organised country, BBC reported yesterday differently and the J&J tests (28). came at a time when new variants The vaccine is set to be a cost- were in circulation, making effective alternative to the Pfizer comparisons difficult. and Moderna vaccines, and can Notably, there were no deaths be stored in a refrigerator instead among participants who had of a freezer, it said. received the J&J vaccine and Trials found it prevented serious no hospital admissions after 28 illness but was 66% effective days post-vaccine. Myanmar sees 18 deaths in overall when moderate cases were Overall protection was lower included. in South Africa and Brazil, where The vaccine is made by the virus variants have become Belgian firm Janssen. dominant, but defence against bloodiest day of coup protests The company has agreed to severe or critical illness was provide the US with 100 million “similarly high”. At least 18 people were killed and “Any deaths and serious injuries should doses by the end of June. The first South Africa began administering dozens wounded across Myanmar be promptly and impartially investigated. doses could be available to the US the unapproved Johnson & Johnson yesterday (28 February) in the most Those found responsible for any unlawful public as early as next week. jab to healthcare workers as part violent crackdown yet by security forces acts should be held accountable.” The UK, the EU (European of a study earlier this month. It against peaceful demonstrators protesting Robertson called for the release of Union), and Canada have also came after early trials suggested against a 1 February military coup, several journalists detained by security ordered doses, and 500 million the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine according to the United Nations Human forces and said medics treating wounded doses have also been ordered offered “minimal protection” Rights Office. demonstrators at protest sites have also through the Covax scheme to against mild disease from the “Throughout the day, in several been targeted for arrest “in blatant attempts supply poorer nations. variant dominant in large parts of locations throughout the country, police to intimidate anyone attempting to assist US President Joe Biden hailed it the country. and military forces have confronted the pro-democracy protesters”. as “exciting news for all Americans, So far, the only other country to peaceful demonstrations, using lethal “The military junta’s broad nationwide and an encouraging development”, approve the vaccine for emergency force and less-than-lethal force that restrictions against public protests, and but warned that the “fight is far use is Bahrain, which gave it the – according to credible information banning of any assembly of more than five from over”. green light on Thursday. received by the UN Human Rights Office persons, blatantly violates basic rights to “Though we celebrate today’s Because the vaccine will – has left at least 18 people dead and peaceful, public assembly and must be news, I urge all Americans – keep require fewer doses than Pfizer over 30 wounded,” the office said. urgently rescinded,” he said. washing your hands, stay socially and Moderna, it will also require Police were out in force early and The violence in Yangon erupted early distanced, and keep wearing fewer vaccine appointments and opened fire in different parts of Yangon last morning when medical students were masks,” he said in a statement. medical staff. after stun grenades, tear gas, and shots Police broke up protests in other towns of nearly 50 years of strict military rule. marching in the streets near the Hledan “As I have said many times, things The J&J vaccine uses a common in the air failed to break up crowds including Lashio in the northeast and For three weeks now, huge crowds have Centre intersection. are still likely to get worse again as cold virus that has been engineered in Myanmar’s largest city, Al Jazeera Myeik in the deep south, residents and taken to the streets of cities and towns Footage showed protesters running new variants spread, and the current to make it harmless. reported, adding that soldiers also media reported. across Myanmar, calling for Aung San from police who charged at them, and improvement could reverse.” It then safely carries part of the reinforced the Police. A woman also died of a suspected heart Suu Kyi’s release and the restoration of residents setting up makeshift roadblocks Biden's Chief Medical Adviser coronavirus’s genetic code into the The Myanmar Now media group attack after police broke up a teachers’ civilian rule. to slow their advance. Nearby, residents Dr. Anthony Fauci, on Sunday (28 body. This is enough for the body posted a video of a wounded man lying protest with stun grenades in the main city As the popular uprising gathered were pleading with police to release those February), advised people to take to recognise the threat and then on the street near the Hledan Centre of Yangon, her daughter and a colleague steam, security forces have become more they picked up from the street and shoved the J&J shot, when asked about learn to fight coronavirus. intersection in Yangon, and said he had said. aggressive in using force. Three other into police trucks to be taken away. its effectiveness compared with This trains the body's immune been “shot in his chest area by what “We strongly condemn the escalating protesters were killed earlier in February, Police also opened fire and threw stun the other two approved vaccines. system to fight coronavirus when appeared to be live ammunition”. violence against protests in Myanmar while the military said a policeman had grenades at demonstrating teachers in the Dr. Fauci told NBC: “All three it encounters the virus for real. A man who witnessed the shooting told and call on the military to immediately also been killed. district of Yankin. of them are really quite good, and This is similar to the approach the Frontier Magazine that the Police had halt the use of force against peaceful Al Jazeera’s Tony Cheng, reporting Hayman May Hninsi, who was with people should take the one that's used by the University of Oxford fired live rounds at protesters sheltering protesters,” UN Human Rights Office from Bangkok, said reports coming in a group of fellow teachers in Yangon, most available to them. If you go and AstraZeneca. at a bus station and that “one person died Spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said across the country of much more brutal said: “Police got out of their cars and to a place and you have J&J, and About 72.8 million Americans and others are wounded”. A doctor at the in a statement. tactics being used by the security services started throwing stun grenades without that's the one that's available now, have already been vaccinated hospital the man was taken to confirmed “Myanmar is like a battlefield,” the signalled a clear shift in approach. warning. I would take it.” and about 1.3 million doses are his death to Reuters news agency. Buddhist-majority nation’s first Catholic “We saw a change in tactics (on “Some teachers got hurt running. Dr. Fauci, 80, won't need the being administered across the Police also opened fire in Dawei in the Cardinal Charles Maung Bo said on Saturday) when they started to push We’re assessing the situation and J&J as he had his second dose of country each day. US President south, killing three and wounding several, Twitter. back against the protesters much more whether to go out again or not.” Moderna last week. Biden has pledged to administer politician Kyaw Min Htike told Reuters Yesterday’s police action came aggressively, but today it appears they are Myanmar Now said a female public The J&J authorisation by the 100 million vaccines in his first from the town. after state television announced that using live rounds and they are not afraid school teacher sustained a gunshot US Food and Drug Administration 100 days in office. An emergency services charity reported Myanmar’s envoy to the UN, Kyaw to take life,” he said. wound and that her condition remained (FDA) came after an external More than 508,000 people in the two dead in the central town of Bago. Moe Tun, had been fired for betraying Human Rights Watch Deputy Asia unclear. In another part of the city, committee of experts unanimously US have died of Covid, but new Ambulance driver Than Lwin Oo told the country after he urged the global body Director Phil Robertson condemned the footage showed doctors and students in backed the vaccine on Friday. cases, hospitalisations, and deaths AFP news agency he had sent the bodies to use “any means necessary” to reverse use of lethal force as “outrageous and white lab coats fleeing as police threw Results from trials conducted in have all been on the decline over of the 18-year-olds to the mortuary at the 1 February coup that deposed elected unacceptable,” and said it must be halted stun grenades outside a medical school. the US, South Africa, and Brazil the past few weeks. Bago’s main hospital. The deaths were leader Aung San Suu Kyi. immediately. Despite the crackdown, hundreds showed it was more than 85% Top public health experts, confirmed by media based in the town. The military’s power grab and its “Live ammunition should not be used of protesters remain on the streets of effective at preventing serious however, continue to warn that The Irrawaddy online media outlet detention of the country’s civilian to control or disperse protests, and lethal Yangon, with many of them setting illness, and 66% effective overall mutations of the virus can still reported one person had been killed in leadership have plunged Myanmar into force can only be used to protect life or up makeshift barricades and carrying when moderate cases were threaten progress. a protest in the second city of Mandalay. fresh chaos, just a decade after the end prevent serious injury,” he said on Twitter. shields to protect themselves. 4 „„ www.themorning.lk { EDITORIAL/VIEWS } Monday, March 1, 2021 Practical Matters are now outdated. The Kandyan law With regard to the Government’s No cherry-picking was further developed with a complex efforts to overcome structural BY DR. NICHOLAS RUWAN structure that reflects Buddhism, Hindu challenges and prejudice to law DIAS & NIRESH ELIATAMBY laws and customs, Maurian and Sakyan enforcement, it still has to be taken the Easter report customs, other Indian customs, and in order to ensure that women and various other laws and customs brought girls, including those who have been recommendations into Sri Lanka by the original Sinhalese. subjected to sexual or domestic abuse, The Thesawalamai was known as a law have access to the judiciary. The country remains hopeful that the plethora that the Malabar immigrants from India There hasn’t been any significant of recommendations presented by the Presidential brought. They subsequently changed progress in changing Muslim women’s Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the Easter with strong influence by the Hindu laws on marriage and divorce Sunday attack in its final report will help in averting law by immigrants from India. Muslim inequalities. the recurrence of another such attack. legislation and the laws of Mukkuvars, Chetties, Parsees, and Paravars were A better method to get rid of After the release of the report last week, the outdated laws Government has already set in motion the process also recognised as laws for particular to implement the PCoI’s recommendations, by groups at that time. At present, once Parliament passes a presenting the report in Parliament and to the Impossible divorce laws law, we are stuck with it forever; unless Attorney General, and by appointing a Ministerial Parliament gets around to amending it, Around the world, people in civilised which takes forever because they are Committee to look into the practical aspects of the countries are allowed to freely marry too busy throwing chilli water at each recommendations. and divorce. But not in Sri Lanka. You other. So you can have laws that are Allegations are on the rise in Sri Lanka’s political could be married to a person on death vastly outdated, many dating back to arena that the PCoI’s final report merely reiterated row who massacred a hundred people, pre-Independence times, or conflicting those who were derelict in their duties to avert the but you can’t divorce him/her. That’s with other existing laws. There is a Easter Sunday attack, and that it did not, or failed to, because you’re only allowed to divorce slight power given to the Supreme expose those who financed and planned the attack. if you can prove actual adultery (good Court to examine a bill before it is Even though these claims may seem reasonable, the luck with that), impotence at the time passed in Parliament, but that is hardly PCoI’s recommendations, however, were admired of marriage (which can obviously sufficient. In more progressive nations, by the public, as it covers a large number of areas only be applied for a short period after the judiciary is given power to strike to prevent another Easter Sunday attack. marriage), and malicious desertion down laws that are inconsistent with the (there’s a long procedure for this which rest of the legal regime. The main concern now is how the PCoI’s Stopping SL’s can take years). recommendations would be implemented, and Meanwhile, a whole different set of Vagrants Ordinance how long it will take. A more serious concern is very restrictive laws apply to Muslim This is probably the most abused which recommendations would be implemented legal system tying women, making it nearly impossible law in Sri Lanka and is used by immediately, and which recommendations would to divorce their husbands, as they misogynistic policemen (see our take years. come under the Muslim Marriage and column last week) to abuse 52% of the One of the common observations made by experts Divorce Act. Despite many years of population. A woman can’t be standing in various fields following the Easter Sunday attack us up in knots campaigning and various committees or walking down the street without was that it was a well-coordinated attack with a level examining the situation, nothing has running the risk of being arrested and of sophistication Sri Lanka had not seen before, For almost all Sri Lankans, the very thought of going to a court is so changed. charged for “vagrancy”. It’s also used daunting that we don’t do it, even when we have what we believe to which would not have been possible without the A key issue is the fact that divorce against young couples for “offences” be an open and shut case. is “fault-based”, which means the such as holding hands – don’t even support of well-established external groups. law requires that the cause of divorce think about hugging or kissing. This notion was confirmed when the US Courts, judges, lawyers, policemen, languishing for decades, with the vast should be the faut of the husband or Department of Justice early this year charged three court registrars, bailiffs…all of these majority of them being land cases or wife. Thus, amicably agreeing to go Fundamental rights Sri Lankans with terrorism offences, including are terrifying indeed to the average Sri cases related to drugs. The current their own separate ways is not at all cases should extend to conspiring to provide material support to Islamic Lankan. Laws are too complex and situation is alarming; you would lose easy. There is some relief in the ability the private sector State (IS), and for being members of an extremist cases drag for decades. a lot of money or sanity before you to legally divorce after seven years of Fundamental rights form a group that was responsible for the Easter Sunday Sri Lanka’s sputtering legal system win or lose the case. So you have a separation, or by obtaining a court order sacred chapter in our Constitution, attack. is a key contributing factor to the judgement call whether you should for separation and waiting for two years which is intended to keep us safe These facts imply that the Easter Sunday attack breakdown of our society, as legal or should not move through courts. A before divorcing. But in these too the as individuals. But then, why is it was a much more complex attack, and taking this redress is hard to come by for life’s full reform is desperately needed in the grounds for separation are fault-based. enforced only against transgressions into account, the PCoI’s final report presented many challenges. judicial system. Our divorce laws also don’t protect by the state sector? After all, a person’s The Government has appointed a children very much during a divorce, fundamental rights can be violated recommendations covering a multitude of areas Deregulation Commission to simplify Ridiculously low and matters are exacerbated by divorce by another person or by a non-state through which the extremists are believed to have existing laws and regulations, a dire compensation cases taking years as with other types organisation. At present, violations by received support to carry out the attack. need for the economic and social The entire system of fines and of cases. non-state actors must be taken up as That is an admirable step. However, due to the development of Sri Lanka. It’s not compensation needs a massive overhaul. civil cases, which often run for decades. well co-ordinated nature of the Easter Sunday just our laws. Unless a concerted Fines and compensation should be high Equality for women Or they fall under criminal law, which attack, a holistic approach needs to be adopted, effort is made to develop an effective in order to act as a deterrent to aberrant If Chandrika Kumaratunga walked we all know is almost completely implementing all recommendations of the PCoI’s administrative structure in our courts, behaviour. But a policeman can kill a into a Cargills and tried to buy a beer, ineffective due to bureaucracy and report aimed at stifling every possible avenue there will be little change in the system. man and get away with compensation she would be liable to be arrested. She corruption within the legal system. through which extremist groups can receive support. The failure to effectively plan and of only a few lakhs – that too likely to may have been President of the country, Criminal negligence laws Meanwhile, Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General execute the scheme of court managers be paid by the State. Civil penalties are but she can’t legally purchase alcohol. Secretary Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera or to take forward its vision are obvious similarly ridiculously low. This is a country where her mother Sri Lankans use the term “accident” examples. Sirimavo Bandaranaike became the far too freely, and don’t even recognise last week asserted that the BBS would not mind We take a look at some of the Too many exceptions: world’s first head of government some the term “negligence”. But when being banned, as recommended by the PCoI report, practical areas that are currently stifling Kandyan, Muslim, and 60 years ago. the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) as long as its other recommendations are also economic, developmental, and social Thesavalamai However, any woman could simply or the National Water Supply and implemented. Ardent BBS supporters may view activity among ordinary Sri Lankans. The Kandyan Marriage and Divorce ask a man to buy alcohol for her. This Drainage Board (NWSDB) or the local this as a statement that shows BBS’s unwavering Take a walk through any courthouse Act, Kandyan Succession Ordinance, law is just simply stupid. authority digs a hole in the pavement, bravery in the face of challenges, or commitment in Sri Lanka and we can see long lines Jaffna Matrimonial Rights and So are a lot of other laws that fails to cover it up, and a person falls to keeping their cause alive. of people waiting without a guarantee Inheritance Ordinance, Thesawalamai restrict women. We simply need to in and breaks his leg, then that’s However, what it also implies is that the BBS of a full hearing outside the courtroom. law, Muslim Marriage and Divorce apply the principle of equal rights and negligence that someone should be held suspects that the PCoI’s recommendations would not The method of judiciary must be Act, Muslim Interstate Succession change all these ancient nonsensical accountable for. At present, all you can be implemented in full. How many more Sri Lankans simplified. For delaying matters Ordinance – why do we have such a laws. While we’re at it, let’s bring in hope for is to file a civil suit against the are similarly uncertain of the implementation of without justification, lawyers must be jumble of different types of laws? It quotas for the employment of women organisation. penalised. It is not in the interest of simply defeats the “one country, one at all levels of the economy, shall we? the PCoI’s recommendations is a question only the nation. A strong judiciary is not law” principle when various segments Our last week’s column deals with a Election laws to enable the Government’s actions will answer. required by any politician or bureaucrat. of the population are considered more lot of these issues. Sri Lankans overseas to vote Also, the Government has a responsibility to ensure Vigilantism continues to thrive in the privileged or less privileged according The Government failed to respond No one knows for certain how that the implementation of one recommendation absence of speedy justice. Corruption to their religion (Islam) or according to the several recommendations of the many Sri Lankan citizens are working does not negatively affect another, or existing is widespread as well. People choose a to a now defunct kingdom that their United Nations (UN) Committee on overseas; the estimates run from one progressive programmes. For example, the banning police officer or a judge to bribe instead ancestors lived in centuries ago (Jaffna, Elimination of Discrimination against million to two million. What we do of religious ideologies deemed to be detrimental of going through a trial. Kandy). Women (CEDAW). These involve know is that not a single one of them to the country should not impede the authorities’ Cases take too long The Kandyan law, the Thesawalamai questions regarding the safety of can vote in any election. With Sri endeavours to eliminate the ethnic disharmony law, the Muslim law, and the laws of the victims or witnesses and the exclusion Lanka scheduled to have some type of that has long existed in Sri Lanka, and intensified There are cases going on that began Mukkuvars, the Chetties, the Parsees, of women in various constitutional election every 20 months on average, after the Easter Sunday attack. in the 1970s, nearly 50 years ago. and the Paravar were some remarkable consultations and mechanisms for it’s not financially practical to return Hundreds of thousands of cases are laws during those periods, but they transitional justice. home to vote. The Government of Sri Sri Lanka has no shortage of commissions Lanka needs to legitimise laws to allow and commission reports – what is lacking is the the exercise of their vote at national implementation of the recommendations of these elections. commission reports. Past governments, as well In addition, in line with the Strategic as the incumbent Government, have sought the Plan of the Election Commission service of commissions on many occasions to for 2020-2024, it is imperative that address pressing issues. sweeping changes be made to electoral However, a considerable number of issues laws for a range of improvements to the for which commissions were appointed remain voting system including the revision of unaddressed, as the recommendations were either deposits, an earlier date for those who implemented selectively, or not implemented cannot vote on election day, and a three- monthly reform of the electoral roll, at all. Sri Lanka’s history bears witness to such which will give youth the right to vote experiences, and there is absolutely no need for when they are 18. further examples. Furthermore, in the context where the Government Make court processes is already facing backlash due to the PCoI’s user-friendly and courtrooms final report containing less new findings and a less frightening lot of already-known facts, perhaps the proper Why in the world do our courts need and complete implementation of the PCoI’s to look like medieval dungeons? Can recommendations would be the key to restoring we have a nicer environment, please? the faith the public had in the Government, and After all, you don’t need to frighten ensuring long-term national security and ethnic people to death, even if you’re going to give them the death penalty. This harmony. is especially so now that Covid has forced upon the legal system a digital situation where Sri Lankan magistrates No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. and judges have been conducting a Fax - 011 2 673 441 significant amount of judicial work General - 011 5 200 900 online. Why not make it all more user Sales & Marketing - 076 1 367 612 friendly and less daunting? We need Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367 620 to take advantage of the user-friendly E-mail - [email protected] nature of many digital services to Investigations Desk - 077 7 714 078 replace tedious impersonal systems, Website - www.themorning.lk including the use of interactive voice- response systems. Contd. on page 5 45 Monday, March 1, 2021 { FOCUS } „„ www.themorning.lk LGBT persons feel that they are a practice – namely, psychotherapeutic, FORCEFULLY CHANGING IDENTITIES AND ORIENTATIONS disgrace to their families and are medical, and faith-based. therefore not eligible to inherit any According to the report, among property from their families were also the practices used in Sri Lanka are reported. This method and a lot of other medication, people being encouraged methods are not based on scientific to masturbate while fantasising processes; instead, they involve about persons of a different gender, Conversion therapy psychologically manipulating LGBT Ayurvedic, homeopathic, and other persons to change.” traditional medical approaches, Also speaking to The Morning, and electric shocks as an aversion Venasa Transgender Network (VTN) methodology (subjecting a person Executive Director Thenu Ranketh to a negative, painful, or otherwise said that when it comes to conversion distressing sensations while being or coercion therapy? therapy in Sri Lanka, there is an issue exposed to a certain stimulus, under the of lack of awareness, adding that premise that the stimulus will become those who prescribe it give the LGBT sometimes neither the LGBT persons associated with the negative sensation). children and their parents the idea that being subjected to this practice nor Other countries where conversation the medication is supposed to help the medical practitioners who are therapy is prevalent are China, resolve the situation. However, when performing it are aware of its gravity or Ecuador, India, Iran, Panama, Turkey, the medication does not help, parents consequences. the US, Cambodia, Vietnam, and usually subject the LGBT children to He noted that from the moment Uganda. further verbal harassment. an LGBT person’s family or friends “After that, parents tend to seek other learn about his/her sexual orientation forms of treatment provided by both and/or gender identity until they take qualified and non-qualified medical that LGBT person to someone who Conversion practitioners based in various parts performs conversion therapy, various therapy of the island. Some of them are very incidents take place within the family famous, and some are evgen attached in order to convert that LGBT person to continues behind to leading health service providing become cisgender or heterosexual. institutions. “Sometimes, practitioners including closed doors “In addition, when none of the traditional healers employ various medical treatments deliver the results methods, which sometimes involve they seek, parents go on to take their physically harassing or encouraging the LGBT children to astrologists as well LGBT person to opt for various sexual The report, analysing the situation as traditional healers who come up with acts. Sometimes, those close to the of a number of countries including various traditional healing methods LGBT person attempt to convert him/ Sri Lanka, stated that while some of such as thovila, which further harass her by molesting them.” the conversion practices are directly BY SUMUDU CHAMARA the child.” Adding that such practices lead aimed at changing sexual orientation As the famous saying goes, “all five fingers are not the same”, and being Manoj explained that in Sri Lanka, to various consequences, the most and gender identity, others are aimed different is exactly what makes every person unique. Uniqueness is a conversion takes place in three main common one being the LGBT person at supporting individuals to not act on quality that adds value to our lives. However, the way people view each forms: “Great tradition culture” being subjected to such practices their same-sex desires. It also pointed other’s differences has a lot to do with what they believe is normal and under which medicalisation of sexual experiencing mental breakdown/ out that conversion therapy, most acceptable, which depends on their thought patterns and knowledge. orientation and/or gender identity is depression, Ranketh emphasised: “It of the time, involves both physical People of diverse sexual orientations are more likely to be subjected to used, “lower tradition culture” under does not always involve medical or and psychological methods, and that and gender identities have always conversion therapy than adults. which traditional medicinal methods psychological approaches. Family there were instances where practices existed and added a certain beauty “When a parent or a close relative are used, and “popular tradition members of an LGBT person keep of sexual violence were linked to to society by showing that sexual gets to know that a child is an LGBT culture” under which dangerous and telling him/her various things with the alleged intentions of conversion. orientation and gender identity is a person, their first understanding of the unconventional methods that do not aim of changing their sexual orientation The report also added that while human quality that cannot be labelled situation is that the child in question is involve western or traditional medical and/or gender identity – sometimes the practice of LGBT persons being and regulated. not normal. People tend to think that treatment methods are used. involving shaming him/her, which is encouraged to masturbate while The LGBT community has become this is an illness or an addiction that He added that under the third also a form of conversion attempt. fantasising about persons of a more and more visible in the past few needs to be cured – this is their first category, various practices concerning “Depression is the very first different gender exists in countries decades, and has emerged as a strong reaction, which is based on their wrong LGBT persons’ bodies, including their consequence, and sometimes, LGBT such as Iran, Peru, Spain, and the US, community fighting for their rights in understanding. genitalia, and training them to behave persons run away from their homes, certain practices involving hypnosis a majority heterosexual and cisgender “The first step is based on society’s according to their biological sex to which puts them in a risky situation. also exist in countries such as China, society. medicalisation of sexual orientation “improve their personality”, take place. There are reasons to believe that Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Panama, Sri Lanka’s LGBT (lesbian, gay, and/or gender identity, and the first When asked whether medical conversion therapy or similar attempts the Russian Federation, Sri Lanka, bisexual, and transgender) community response is usually seeking medical practitioners’ associations have taken are likely to cause suicides and self- and the US. has also been fighting and struggling practitioners’ assistance. Parents any step in connection with conversion harm also, even though reports in that The report adds: “The deep impact for decades, even though general Sri usually seek medical practitioners’ therapy in Sri Lanka, he added: “In regard are lacking.” on individuals includes significant Lankan society seems to be rather slow support to address what they believe is 2018, the Human Rights Commission loss of self-esteem, anxiety, and hesitant in accepting their right wrong with their LGBT child, i.e. the of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) informed a Is conversion therapy not a depressive syndrome, social isolation, to be treated equally and humanely. child’s characteristics/habits pertaining leading association dealing with mental pressing issue? intimacy difficulties, self-hatred, On top of the lack of acceptance, to their sexual orientation and/or gender health services to look into taking To inquire about steps taken or shame and guilt, sexual dysfunction, they face more severe issues such as identity, such as same-sex relationships steps to prevent conversion therapy, as planned to be taken by medical suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, human rights violations on the basis of in homosexual or bisexual children, or such incidents of were being reported. professionals to curb conversion and symptoms of post-traumatic their sexual orientation and/or gender cross-dressing in transgender or gender However, so far, no action has been therapy in Sri Lanka, The Morning stress disorder, as well as significant identity, which have further stifled their nonconforming children. taken.” spoke to two leading bodies physical pain and suffering.” voice for equality. “Some medical practitioners Speaking of incidents of conversion representing medical professionals, and When it comes to conversion Among a myriad of issues faced by including mental health professionals therapy in Sri Lanka, he added: “A both organisations said that they have therapy, Iran takes a special place as a the LGBT community in Sri Lanka, in see this situation as a good way of large number of incidents of medical not paid attention in this connection. country that medically and financially the last decade, “conversion therapy” earning money, and subject the LGBT practitioners attempting to convert Sri Lanka Medical Association assists its gender nonconforming has popped up from time to time and person to therapy in order to change LGBT persons to heterosexual and/or (SLMA) Ethics Committee Secretary citizens to change their sex. The remains unaddressed, despite activists’ their sexual orientation and/or gender cisgender persons have been reported. Dr. Surantha Perera told The Morning country also legally recognises attempts to get authorities to put an end identity, which amounts to conversion Some of them are not even qualified, that the SLMA has not addressed the transgender persons and holds the to it. therapy.” while some of them are quite famous. issue of conversion therapy yet, nor record as one of the countries that According to the Stonewall According to Manoj, some of these “According to the information we has it issued any sort of guidelines for carry out the largest number of sex campaign, an international movement medical practitioners look into the have received, one such doctor attached medical practitioners. He also stated change surgeries. for the equality of LGBT persons, LGBT person’s history of sexual to a leading hospital employs a method that for the time being, the SLMA is However, LGBT activities conversion therapy (also known as relationships and/or habits, or desires involving humiliation as part of his focused more on the Covid-19 situation worldwide allege that even though “cure” therapy or reparative therapy) pertaining to sexual orientation and/or conversion therapy. He humiliates in Sri Lanka, which it identifies as a assisting those in need of sex change refers to any form of treatment or gender identity, and use them to “treat” LGBT persons that go, or are taken, to more pressing issue. surgery is a positive move, at the psychotherapy that aims to change them. He added that at times, these him about their sexual orientation and/ Government Medical Officers’ same time, the Iranian Government a person’s sexual orientation, or to medical practitioners try to convince or gender identity in order to compel Association (GMOA) Assistant is trying to indirectly force people to suppress a person’s gender identity, and the LGBT persons that their sexual these LGBT persons to feel ashamed Secretary Dr. Naveen De Soysa also adapt to binary gender roles, i.e. male is based on an assumption that being orientation and/or gender identity is a about themselves. stated that the GMOA has not taken or female, and that as a result, the LGBT is a mental illness that can be result of their past actions pertaining “This method also involves talking any decisions regarding taking steps in country’s homosexual community is “cured”. to their sexual relationships and/or about religion/religious beliefs and this connection. at risk of being coerced to changing desires, and that they were not LGBT making the LGBT persons feel that their gender according to social Conversion therapy in Sri before such actions. they are sinners and a burden to society, A worldwide issue norms. Lanka? “These treatments include certain country and themselves, in order to Even though other countries in the Sri Lanka is a country that takes Even though media reports about elements of counselling. There were convince the LGBT persons to change world can be seen progressive steps pride in its culture and tradition, conversion therapy in Sri Lanka have incidents where LGBT+ children their sexual orientation and/or gender in countering this practice, conversion and Sri Lankan tradition has always somewhat declined in recent years, were given medication that are usually identity. In some cases, making the therapy is still a pressing issue faced advocated loving one another, and LGBT+ activists claim that it has prescribed for neurosis – which, by many countries, including those not harassing fellow citizens on not stopped, and instead continues in according to Cambridge Dictionary, is identified as developed nations. any ground. Forcing, deceiving, or various forms behind closed doors. ‘a mental illness resulting in high levels Families’ A report on conversion therapy threatening another person because To look into how conversion therapy of anxiety, unreasonable fears and prepared by Victor Madrigal-Borloz, we cannot agree with their lives takes place in Sri Lanka, The Morning behaviour and often a need to repeat verbal an independent expert on protection was never acceptable in Sri Lanka’s spoke to several LGBT activists who actions for no reason’ – in order to cure against violence and discrimination culture. have extensively dealt with such their situation, and it results in these harassment should based on sexual orientation and A non-LGBT person may not be incidents. children experiencing unwanted side gender identity, which was presented able to perfectly understand how an LGBT and sexual and reproductive effects of this medication. stop: Trans rights at the United Nations Human Rights LGBT person feels – but that does health and rights (SRHR) activist “Even though this medication itself activist Council (UNHRC) in 2020, said that not matter. What matters is letting Thushara Manoj told The Morning that may not necessarily result in any in the world, a number of conversion others live their lives and make their in Sri Lanka, children and teenagers positive change or cause any harm, therapy techniques are believed to be in own choices.

Contd. from page 4

In a true democracy, voters would impossible laws that we have yy Set a quota of female judges Free up the District Court, High ©️ Niresh Eliatamby and Stopping SL’s... be able to choose candidates from referred to in this article to put a stop to the male Court, and Court of Appeal. Nicholas Ruwan Dias Strengthen democracy multiple parties. This means that y domination of the judiciary This will streamline all other (Dr. Nicholas Ruwan Dias, y In all cases, impose a maximum types of cases nominees from larger parties have number of postponements for yy Appoint a public relations BSc, MSc, PhD, and Niresh At present, Sri Lankan voters a huge advantage of decades-old each side, for example, three for office at each courthouse, where yy Require all political parties to Eliatamby, LL.B., LL.M., MBA, have very limited democracy due to branding and huge funding. the plaintiff and three for the ordinary citizens can obtain have a democratic system of are Managing Partners of the following two reasons: Funding of political campaigns defendant/respondent guidance on whom to meet, how nominations Cogitaro.com, a consultancy (i) Most political parties are not is completely unregulated. It to meet them, and on proper that finds practical solutions for democratic within themselves and yy Postponements should be limited yy Change the election laws to is therefore most likely that procedures to follow challenges facing society, the the nominees put forward at elections by time, i.e. the next date of the allow voters the choice of are decided upon by one person or a candidates who promise to support y multiple parties environment, and all types of narcotics dealers, industrial case should be one week away, y Amend the Constitution to allow industries. Dr. Dias is a digital few people who control each party. not six months away the judiciary powers to strike yy Allow Sri Lankans overseas the Voters thus have limited choice mafias, and foreign governments architect and educationist based down laws that are inconsistent right to vote because party leaders have already would have the largest funding for yy Impose a maximum time period in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia narrowed the voters’ choices publicity. for a case, for example, two years. yy Separate the land cases, which yy Require political parties to fully [[email protected].] Eliatamby (ii) Voters are required to vote Practical solutions Any judge who takes more than are the majority of cases, by disclose sources of funding is an author, journalist, and first for a party and then from this should be penalised with appointing a different stream of and expenditure for election educationist based in Colombo, Sri among the nominees of that party. yy Change or discard all of the black marks on his career record the judicial system to hear them. campaigns Lanka [[email protected]]) 46 „„ www.themorning.lk { INTERVIEW/INSIGHT } Monday, March 1, 2021

BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE about the country. Maybe after three The Ministry of Tourism and the months of time, we will be able to Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion end the travel bubble and have less Bureau (SLTPB) are finally planning strict health guidelines. We will not to launch Sri Lanka’s long-delayed argue with the health officials at the global tourism promotional moment, who are the experts in the campaign. The Morning spoke health field. to Secretary to the Ministry of ‘Emerging Health officials were flexible with Tourism S. Hettiarachchi on the us from the beginning, where they campaign, the effects of the Covid- considered loosening the health 19 pandemic, and tourism markets guidelines for those who travel only Sri Lanka will focus on. for a few days. Within the travel bubble, we have received more than Following are excerpts of the 1,000 tourists within the month of interview. markets our February. We expect to have a boom in the tourism industry after August. What is the target market of the planned ‘global promotional How is the relationship between campaign’? the Tourism Ministry and Sri We are focusing on high-end and Lanka Tourism Development business tourists at the moment so Authority (SLTDA) Chair Kimarli that there will be higher spending. priority’ Fernando? The Maldives and India have already We don’t have any issues. We started their global campaigns for might have disagreements, but I tourism and we need to start our Tourism Ministry Secretary discusses think it is a good thing to have campaign parallelly. Most of the disagreements and we see it as a global travellers are frustrated with the constructive dialogue. lack of travel opportunities, and we upcoming global campaign need to go for a global campaign to promote our destination. We already received approval from the Cabinet of Ministers for the global Pakistan was really campaign. We hope to spend $ 56 keen on the fact that Sri million for promotions over five years. Lanka has been named Emerging markets will be our first priority, especially the countries in the safest country in Eastern Europe like Russia, Ukraine, the world to visit and and Kazakhstan. We already have requested assistance from mature markets like Western Europe, which includes Britain, Germany, and Sri Lanka to develop France; Switzerland; Australia; China; tourism in Pakistan and India.

Were you able to meet Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan After the vaccination is during his visit to Sri Lanka? Yes. PM Khan highlighted completed, most of the Buddhist heritage sites in Pakistan tourists will be confident and stressed the need to build about the country. cultural ties and pilgrimage tourism development. Pakistan probably Maybe after three has one of the greatest Buddhist months of time, we will heritages in the world, and they invite be able to end the travel people from Sri Lanka to visit them. Pakistan was really keen on the fact bubble and have less that Sri Lanka has been named the strict health guidelines safest country in the world to visit and requested assistance from Sri Lanka to develop tourism in Pakistan. Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism S. Hettiarachchi India can be our biggest tourism What plans do you have to promote market, but we haven’t even captured you believe this is a realistic target? while eMarketingEye will make the through SLTPB. domestic tourism? 1% of that market. We are still in We were able to archive a $ 4.5 digital promotion a reality. Cricket and celebrity tourism will We are hoping to develop domestic discussions with the Indian High billion tourism revenue in the year There will be a bid for proposals also be included in this campaign. tourism through 50 projects with Commission to seek approval to start 2018. We hope we will be able to from agencies for a “Digital We plan to promote our heritage, the help of district co-ordination a travel corridor where we hope to get archive this target too after July. Marketing Company for Social diversity, beaches, agriculture, and committees (DCC). This will focus approvals within two weeks. However, The reason we are not focusing on Media and Other Forms of Online wildlife through the campaign. A on everything from road development the Indian High Commissioner traditional markets like the UK is due and Digital Marketing”, as well as pre-bid meeting in this regard will to training people in the hospitality has already granted approval for to the pandemic situation. for a “Campaign Development and also be held with a nine-member, field. Sustainable development will business, MICE (meetings, incentives, Management Unit” to facilitate the high-powered steering committee also take place in different locations conferences and exhibitions), and What will be the first step of the Global Communication Campaign appointed by Minister of Tourism in the country. We also hope to have wedding tourism. global promotional campaign? 2021-2025 of Sri Lanka Tourism. Prasanna Ranatunga for strategic tourist development zones handled For business purposes, we have Sri Lanka Tourism has kicked off The maximum total contract value management of Global Promotional by the Urban Development Authority arranged a business bubble with the the search for a reputed, competent over the period of five years for the Campaign. (UDA). We have identified five help of the Board of Investment of agency to handle promotion on digital Digital Marketing Company for Social places including Arugam Bay beach, Sri Lanka (BOI) where they can hold platforms as well as to attract more Media and Other Forms of Online Will the travel bubble concept be Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Hikkaduwa, business meetings at Shangri-La visitors despite Covid-19 challenges. and Digital Marketing will be Rs. continued? and Kalpitiya. We will have a Hotel, Colombo. As per the finalised plan, SLTPB has 250 million, whilst for the Campaign Well, I don’t think we have to progressive discussion with the proposed to appoint JWT (J. Walter Development and Management continue the travel bubble forever. public in these locations where we will You have set a tourism revenue Thompson) as the creative agency to Unit will be Rs. 500 million, and After the vaccination is completed, be able to develop issue-free tourism target of $ 1.5 billion for 2021. Do initially develop promotional material, the required funds will be allocated most of the tourists will be confident programmes.

SUB JUDICE AND LAW OF CONTEMPT IN SL Lack of statutory recognition for constituent elements: SC BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY equipped by their professional training to be on opinions and varied perspectives by setting a most significant role of contempt of court law judice rule are, the Campaign adds, a publication Although contempt of court is recognised as their guard against allowing a prejudging of the standard that would cause the media to steer is the application of the sub judice rule: No which abuses or pressures a party to a proceeding an offence, its constituent elements have not issues to influence them in deciding the case.” clear of providing the opportunity for risky one should interfere with legal proceedings to the extent that he/she is deterred from attending received statutory recognition, and therefore Fundamental rights (FR) applications, Justice views to be expressed. which are pending. In practice, the Campaign court; a publication about matters which are not what would constitute contempt in the eyes Aluwihare noted, pivot on the application of “Sub judice is a legal safeguard and media notes that this rule is usually used to prohibit admissible as evidence in court, and may create of the court would vary according to the facts the law, and judges are in general, immune to institutions should not be allowed to use a the publication of matters which are likely to bias in a jury, such as previous convictions of and circumstances of each case, the Supreme material in the public domain that may create safeguard as a cloak to stifle the citizen’s right prejudice the right to a fair trial when legal the accused which are not relevant to the case at Court (SC) observed. bias. to freedom of expression guaranteed by the proceedings are pending, or in a more colloquial hand; or a publication which prejudges the issues The SC noted thus in the cases U.N.S.P. The SC in Re Garumunige Tilakaratne (the Constitution, or as a cover to evade responsibility sense, to prevent “trial by media”. in a case, such as declaring that the accused is Kurukulasuriya vs. Sri Lanka Rupavahini decision written by Justice Mark Damien Hugh for circumscribing the freedom of speech and The rationale behind this rule, the Campaign guilty before the trial is over. Corporation (SLRC) and Others (SC/ Fernando PC and joined by Justices Dr. Anthony expression. Sub judice is not meant for justifying points out, was explained in the House of Lords The primary target of such restrictions is FR/556/2008) and J.K.W. Jayasekara vs. Ranjit Bevis Amerasinghe and Ranjith N.M. autocratic and stifling conduct relating to the case of Attorney General vs. Times Newspaper to prevent possible bias to jurors, or in some SLRC and Others (SC/FR/557/2008), where the Dheeraratne) observed that “contempt of court freedom of expression. These safeguards are for Ltd., where Lord W.J.K. Diplock (Lords J.S.C. cases witnesses, owing to the belief that such judgement was penned by President’s Counsel is an offence purely sui generis and one that is the purpose of creating an equal marketplace Reid, J.W. Morris, J.E.S. Simon and A.G.N. individuals may be subject to influence, in (PC) and Justice Buwaneka Aluwihare and was vaguely defined”. of ideas with minimal risk of polarisation. Cross were also part of the bench) stated: “The particular from the media reporting on a case, the joined by Justice Priyantha Jayawardena PC The approach with regard to the application of Preventing views that are either disagreeable or due administration of justice requires first Campaign elaborated. Judges, on the other hand, and Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya. Article 14 (1) (a) of the Constitution (the freedom disadvantageous to the broadcaster or the agenda that all citizens have unhindered access to the the Campaign posits, are normally considered Dealing with the issue of sub judice (the of speech and expression including publication) that they seek to further, from reaching the constitutionally established courts of criminal or to be sufficiently professional and objective to term is derived from the Latin phrase “adhuc and the limitations that apply (in the interests public, impinges on the citizen’s entitlement to civil jurisdiction for the determination of disputes withstand such reporting. sub judice lis est”, which means the matter is of racial and religious harmony or in relation exercise the freedom of expression. Although the as to their legal rights and liabilities; secondly, In Sri Lanka, the Campaign opines, the still under consideration) or commenting on to parliamentary privilege, contempt of court, SC’s power to strike down acts or omissions that that they should be able to rely upon obtaining concept of sub judice has been used in the ongoing legal proceedings, Justice Aluwihare defamation, or incitement to an offence), cannot, may lead to the infringement of FR is expressly in the courts the arbitrament of a tribunal which past not only to limit the freedom of the media noted that it is one form of contempt of court as Justice Aluwihare notes, be uniform, and with regard to executive or administrative is free from bias against any party and whose in reporting and commenting on matters recognised in Sri Lanka. therefore, the considerations as to its application action, the courts as an organ of government is decision will be based upon those facts only that relevant to ongoing court proceedings, but However, Justice Aluwihare pointed out that should necessarily vary, taking into account mandated by Article 4 (d) of the Constitution to have been proved in evidence adduced before sometimes to curtail legitimate public interest in common law jurisdictions, contempt of court the type of the media that it concerns, be it respect, secure, and advance the FR declared it in accordance with the procedure adopted and discussion, and also to stifle discussion operates as a safeguard mainly regarding pending print, radio, or television. The reason, Justice and recognised by the Constitution. Therefore, in courts of law; and thirdly, that, once the about the Parliament. A case in point, according judicial proceedings in which the opinion of a Aluwihare explains, is that in the case of the it is not desirable for even a semi-private body dispute has been submitted to a court of law, to the Campaign, is the abduction and killing jury or the veracity of witnesses may be affected print media, it may allow the writer or the editor to be allowed to make inroads into FR, in the they should be able to rely upon there being no of journalist Richard Manik de Zoysa, whose by comments or opinions expressed publicly. a comparatively wider margin of time and absence of express prohibitions.” usurpation by any other person of the function body was found on the beach in Moratuwa In this regard, the SC cited the High Court degree of authority in controlling the content Meanwhile, on the matter of commenting of that court to decide it according to the law. in late 1989. The parliamentary discussion of of Justice – Chancery Division case of Vine of a particular news item or column, while the on ongoing legal proceedings, “ARTICLE 19: Conduct which is calculated to prejudice any the whole episode, even after the magisterial Products Ltd. and Another vs. Daily Telegraph same may not be available to a producer or a The Global Campaign for Free Expression”, in of these three requirements or to undermine the proceedings had been concluded, was prohibited and Another where Justice D.B. Buckley broadcaster of a live television programme. a submission on contempt of court in Sri Lanka public confidence that they will be observed, on the grounds of sub judice as the suspect explained: “It has generally been accepted Justice Aluwihare further noted that the SC with recommendations for codification, noted is contempt of court.” police officers had filed civil actions claiming that professional judges are sufficiently well does not wish to limit the platform for adverse that in common law jurisdictions, perhaps the Examples of possible violations of the sub damages from the late de Zoysa’s mother. 47 Monday, March 1, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

business SL prefers swap facility JKP to commence next with China over IMF z Expects to close z No more reasons $ 1.5 b deal within to depend on IMF, phase of VGCR residences two weeks says Cabraal BY KAREN HAPUARACHCHI February 2020, which consists of John Keells Properties (JKP) costs borne by VGCR as well. the corporate taxations collected in reported that it sold 90% of its Among other benefits, homeowners Regardless of many economists and the previous year of 2019, Rs. 61 exclusive Peacock Valley land can enjoy a complimentary five-year the Opposition urging Sri Lanka to billion was the total corporate tax plots at the Victoria Golf and membership at the club, discounts on apply for the International Monetary involved,” Attygalle revealed. Country Resorts (VGCR) in Digana food and beverages, and a share of the Fund (IMF) facility, the Ministry of “Currently, taking that the tax within three months of its launch, hotel room revenue during the five-year Finance instead opted for a swap percentage decreased from 28% to and the property developer management period. facility with China, maintaining its 24%, and that manufacturing tax hopes to proceed with launching “This exclusive property offering by firm stance of avoiding the Fund has decreased from 28% to 18%, the next phase of its golf course JKP gives members, guests, and golfing completely. into consideration, the Government development plans and world- aficionados the unique opportunity to The Ministry of Finance made a recorded receiving Rs. 65 billion in class “Sunrise Ridge” luxury purchase their own luxury home in one firm statement, highlighting that the 2020. What does this imply? The holiday homes. of the most highly ranked golf courses Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) turnover has increased, even though The golf course and country club have in the world and without the burdens and the Ministry are planning this was during the first and second received renewed interest in its offering often associated with vacation home on meeting the country’s debt wave of the pandemic.” since just last year, when JKP unveiled ownership,” said JKP Sector Head obligations through foreign inflows, Cabraal further highlighted that in plans for the development of residential Nayana Mawilmada. “Judging by the export income, and taxes, and clearly every country, the government builds properties at the resort. The holiday successful sales of our Peacock Valley mentioned that Sri Lanka will not be reserves; however, Sri Lanka has homes have also attracted the interest offering, we are confident that investors accessing the IMF. reportedly been investing its relevant of prospective homeowners wanting a A part of the property that offers panoramic views to its homeowners will see the immense value in owning “There are various instances where reserves in various western countries. slice of tranquility and sophistication an exclusive property that comes with people ask us why we don’t want to Thus, the country is able to derive in the heart of the pristine golf course. Each 2,000 sq. ft. luxury home will Victoria Reservoir on the other. all the trimmings of belonging to a access the IMF. It’s not like we have an income of 1.5%. On the other Nestled among the lush greens of the house two bedrooms, a kitchenette, a Additionally, all Sunrise Ridge first-rate golfing community.” anything against the IMF – I know hand, State Minister Cabraal noted VGCR, the upcoming Sunrise Ridge living room, and a private deck from holiday homes have been offered Additionally, as of early 2021, how to deal with the IMF, because that there are disadvantages posed houses designed by notable architect and where residents can enjoy views up as turnkey projects, a real estate JKP has chosen to collaborate with we did access it in 2007 and 2008, by the IMF’s dictations, as well as urban designer Madhura Prematilleke of the lush fairways and greens on investment where VGCR will manage golf management company Troon the time I was the (CBSL) Governor,” general ratings agencies’ requests. stand out for their elegant, minimalist one side and take in landscapes of the property for the first five years, International for the management of commented State Minister of Money The Ministry of Finance also facades. Kandy’s sprawling hills and the with all maintenance and operating the VGCR course. and Capital Markets and State mentioned the incentives of coming Enterprise Reforms Ajith Nivard to a swap agreement with China as a Cabraal. source of emergency funds. ICRA assigns Cabraal revealed that the swap “When we enter into a swap, NTB records performance agreement between Sri Lanka and like what we did the last time, we BBB issuer rating China is to be finalised in two weeks’ want to hold it as a buffer to draw time, as there have been delays on it at any time, or as a fallback for Oxford College whilst supporting economy from what the Ministry originally position. Thus, it’s going to be estimated. very helpful, and that is why we of Business The Government and the Central “We are very confident about are pursuing it,” Cabraal revealed. Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) initiated getting the swap of $ 1.5 billion, “In fact, we have raised this Instrument Current Rating Action various policy measures during which was actually raised in 2014. issue with the Pakistan Prime Rated Amount 2020, aiming at triggering economic We had $ 2 billion with China in Minister as well. As they are (LKR Mn) activities, ensuring livelihoods, 2014, which unfortunately lapsed also doing the same thing, we are and preserving the stability of the under the previous Government. now looking at ways and means Issuer N/A [SL] country’s financial system. These “This is unfortunate, because if by which we can invest in each Rating BBB(Stable); policy measures included loan NTB CEO/Director the current Government received other’s instruments.” assigned moratoriums, reduction of policy NTB Chairman Gihan Cooray Priyantha Talwatte this opportunity, there would’ve The Ministry of Finance stated rates, lowering of the statutory been no issue. Nevertheless, we that there have been discussions ICRA Lanka Ltd. has assigned the issuer reserve requirement for licensed based to e-based methods. Despite the drop in fee-based income. The are renegotiating this, and we are over acquiring funding via the rating of [SL] BBB (pronounced SL triple commercial banks, restricting the circumstances followed by the efforts were disrupted heavily due to confident that in the next two weeks IMF and the aforementioned swap B) with a Stable Outlook for Oxford College importation of non-essential items, outbreak of the Covid-19 global the pandemic, resulting in the non- or so, we should be able to finalise facility, after which the conditions of Business (Pvt.) Ltd. and offering various incentives to pandemic, NTB demonstrated performing loans ratio increasing all these matters.” and regulations of the swap were The rating factors in the track record in the attract foreign funding sources into performance with a bottom-line to 7.2% compared to 6.2% reported “We had the largest-ever facility decided to be more favourable to education sector, leading market position in the domestic market. growth of 9%. However, net interest last year. The bank made additional where Sri Lanka had obtained $ 2.6 the country. 12-month postgraduate programmes among In this backdrop, Nations Trust income fell short by 15% while provisions on impairment for billion, which we took and repaid as When inquired about the reason the private educational institutes, and healthy Bank PLC (NTB) participated in the interest margins eroded by 80 identified customer segments for well. But at that time it was necessary, why the Ministry decided against financial profile. providing working capital loans bps due to the combined impact of possible cash flow delays based on because we had certain reasons based IMF funding, State Minister The company reported healthy performance under the “Saubhagya” scheme the lower interest regime, interest available information and on certain on which we went to the IMF at that Cabraal explained: “We don’t want in H1FY2021 marked by revenue growth and introduced by the Government and rates ceilings imposed, and the risk-elevated industries they operate time. Now those reasons are not there to go for the IMF. Why do you want improvement in operating margin, supported took measures to extend necessary concessionary interest rates granted in. With the cascading impacts of anymore,” Cabraal declared. us to go for IMF? Why do you by healthy enrolment levels for postgraduate assistance to customers across all on debt moratorium. above coupled with the downgrading Furthermore, Secretary to the want to have these problems in this courses. The company’s financial profile segments who required special Credit demand from the private of the country’s sovereign rating, Treasury and Ministry of Finance country? The first thing they will remains comfortable characterised by healthy attention. sector and the selective lending the overall impairment provisions S.R. Attygalle, in his comparison of say is to depreciate the currency. capital structure and healthy debt protection The bank recognised the approach adopted by the bank amidst increased by 16.5% over last year. corporate taxations of 2019 to that There are so many countries that indicators. importance of contributing to elevated credit risk prevalent in the Operating expenses were curtailed of 2020, revealed that there has been have done that. We ourselves have Additionally, the company has a assisting adversely affected market throughout the year led to by Rs. 968 million, a 9% saving economic growth regardless of the done that. We know the regulations, comfortable liquidity profile driven by businesses with a view of supporting a contraction in the loan book by over last year. Various cost saving fact that the economy was undergoing and we ask that you trust us. We cash and liquid investments. The rating takes the revival of the national economy 7%, adding pressure on the interest strategies and initiatives, along with challenges due to the pandemic and will make sure that the conditions comfort from the established track record of and rebuilding livelihoods. Towards income growth. Low yield on the productivity, efficiency drives, and the lockdown that followed. are favourable so that people can Oxford College of Business spanning more this cause, the bank allocated Rs. excess liquid assets further impacted focus on some of the large cost “In regard to the data from carry out their businesses.” than a decade and the strong brand equity 7 billion for 2020 via internally the overall margins. The low level pools, were the main reasons for the of its 12-month postgraduate programme. generated funds under the “Nations of economic activity and restricted favourable variance. Accordingly, the The rating also factors in the favourable Diriya” scheme dedicated to hours of business operations during cost to income ratio as of December SL’s first digital long-term outlook for private sector higher extending financial support to key the pandemic had a sizable impact on 2020 improved to 46% compared to education in Sri Lanka. industries, thereby enabling such the volume of fee-based transactions 48% achieved last year. The rating, however, is constrained by businesses to recommence their carried out by the bank during the With the abolishment of the Debt business card launched the high reliance of the company on its business operations. year. Repayment Levy (DRL) and the The Buzz Outlet (Pvt.) Ltd., along update on regular business cards postgraduate courses for its revenue, as Special payment relief schemes Furthermore, suspending or Nation Building Tax (NBT) with with its collaborative Australian would have resulted in the wastage it accounted for around ~85% of revenue and special repayment plans for refunding certain charges by the effect from January 2020 and partners Sailax, introduced their of printing resources and additional in H1FY2021 (82% in FY2020 and borrowers were also offered bank, considering the current December 2019, respectively, the digital business card app to the Sri expenses incurred due to reprinting. 71% in FY2019), with revenue from the in addition to the Central Bank- difficulties faced by customers due effective tax rate dropped to 46% Lankan market. Hence, this is not just a virtual undergraduate and professional courses mandated moratorium schemes by to the pandemic, also negatively from 56%, respectively, last year Sailax Group Managing Director solution, but also an environmentally remaining modest. lowering interest rates and charges impacted the bank’s fee-based and the group recorded a profit after Ajay Sharma, speaking on the product friendly solution. Furthermore, the rating takes note of the on identified segments. With banking income, resulting in a drop of 12.9% tax of Rs. 4.05 billion compared to introduction, noted: “Statistically, The Buzz Outlet Co-Founder geographical concentration risk with the being declared an essential service over the past year. Cards income Rs. 3.71 billion in 2019. eight out of 10 people discard Dhanuke Panditharatne, a consultant presence of Oxford College of Business only during the first wave of Covid-19, resulted in the highest drop of 26% The financial position of the business cards in less than a week, with over 15 years of professional in Colombo and significant competition in a concerted effort was made to with the drop in card expenditure group remained strong as its Tier I even if they may require them in the experience in the IT industry, the private sector higher education industry. keep branches across the network due to changes in customer spending Capital and Total Capital Adequacy future. With over eight billion cards explained: “It is vital that we provide Apart from these, given that the private open in order to facilitate regular patterns owing to the pandemic. ratios as at 31 December 2020 stood discarded in a year without use, we businesses with holistic solutions for higher education sector is unregulated branch operations throughout the Restrictions on non-essential imports well above the regulatory levels at believed that a change for a more its sustainability in the long run. We in Sri Lanka, the company is exposed to lockdown period. The bank operated and an overall decline in exports 14.73% and 18.29%, respectively. sustainable, effective solution was equip businesses with solutions that significant regulatory risks associated with a 24x7 contact centre uninterrupted caused a 7% drop in the trade fee. The Statutory Liquid Asset Ratio needed. Thus, the innovative digital are flexible and quick to incorporate future stringent regulatory requirements that throughout this period, supporting However, gains on trading FX (SLAR) for the domestic banking business card aids in cost-saving with the ad hoc market trends. This may be imposed by the University Grants all its client’s banking requirements. increased as a result of FX funding unit and the off‐shore banking in designing, printing, storing, and pandemic is a prime example of how Commission (UGC) and other relevant During the pandemic, the bank swaps with the depreciation of the unit were at 38.79% and 30.75%, deploying cards, as well as more many businesses were hurt as a result regulatory authorities. strengthened its digital essentials in rupee during the current period respectively, as at year-end. importantly saves the environment.” of its inability to keep up with the The Stable Outlook reflects ICRA Lanka’s order to keep its customers connected in contrast to the appreciation NTB CEO/Director Priyantha The digital business card app is a evolving market trends.” expectations that Oxford College of Business and facilitated all banking services experienced during the same period Talwatte stated: “Despite the virtual platform that allows people Concluding, The Buzz Outlet would continue to sustain its healthy financial digitally.The bank also supported last year. The bank continued to substantial headwinds, the bank to design their own unique digital Co-Founder Ian Wickremasinghe profile, supported by healthy enrolment cash to the doorstep services during benefit from the low cost funding will continue to support the Sri business card. The solution eliminates said: “We aim to equip Sri Lankan levels for postgraduate courses. Downward the lockdowns. Digitisation and swaps compared to the cost of rupee Lankan Government’s initiatives the need to stock business cards when entrepreneurs and businessmen pressure on the rating could emerge if any e-Commerce being the way forward, deposits. in reviving the economy and in need of services, aids to store a lot with a platform that will help them adverse regulatory developments impact the the bank continued to invest in further The bank also benefited with safeguarding the livelihoods of our more information than just a paper connect hassle-free, as well as cut company’s operational or financial profile. strengthening the digital platforms trading profits on its fixed income people. The Nations Trust teams business card (unlimited images/ overhead expenses. This is an eco- The rating could also be downgraded if designed with customer centrality. securities portfolio with the drop in are fully committed to support our videos/proposals), and offers a zero- friendly solution that also makes liquidity position or capital structure weakens Whilst being socially responsible, market rates, resulting in an overall nation and all our clients to navigate carbon footprint for sustainability weight for your organisation’s significantly on account of any sizable capex. the bank converted customer and growth in non-fund-based income through this period and come out measures. social responsibility. We make your brand communications from paper- by 18% over the last year, despite strong into a post-pandemic era.” The company said that a normal business cards smarter.” 48 business „„ www.themorning.lk { TRADE/CORPORATE } Monday, March 1, 2021 Emirates operates first flight serviced by fully vaccinated frontline teams

From left: UNIDO Technical Specialist Dr. Jairo Villamil-Diaz, Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and Maldives Project Manager Harshini Halangoda, and ITC National Project Co-ordinator Dr. Dayaratna Silva addressing the press briefing on the impact results of the EU - Sri Lanka Trade-Related Assistance project PHOTO ESHAN DASANAYAKA Honoring its commitment us. We’ve seen a very positive to the health and safety of its response with high demand employees and customers, and take-up of the Covid-19 EU project on trade Emirates has reportedly become vaccine from our colleagues at among the first airlines in the the operational frontline, and world to operate a flight with there’s continued momentum in fully vaccinated frontline teams the rate of vaccinations across servicing customers at every the business. We would like competitiveness concludes touch point of the travel journey. to thank the UAE’s leadership The full airport and onboard for making three types of The EU-Sri Lanka Trade-Related Assistance Project, funded by the European Union (EU), assessment bodies (CAB) have been capacitated customer experience for flight vaccines available in the successfully concluded its four-year engagement of assisting Sri Lankan small and medium-sized to elevate service provision to the sector. To effect EK215, which departed Dubai country and for their proactive enterprises (SMEs) to increase trade competitiveness in the EU and regional markets. institutional co-ordination across the NQI system, at 0830hrs for Los Angeles, was commitment to championing an UNIDO supported the development of the NQI safely supported by check-in, extensive National Vaccination Implemented by the International Trade Centre procedures were addressed by directly supporting over Strategy, an action plan for the National Quality security, Business Class and Programme.” (ITC) with the United Nations Industrial Development 50 enterprises in managing cross-border procedures Policy, and laid the operational foundations of a First Class lounge, and boarding Nearly 5,000 cabin and Organisation (UNIDO), in partnership with Sri Lanka’s of EU and SAARC (South Asian Association for National Quality Council. UNIDO delivered bespoke gate employees, as well as flight deck crew have opted Department of Commerce, the project has helped Sri Regional Co-operation) markets with a five-year technical guidance towards accreditation of 24 engineers, pilots, and cabin to receive both doses of the Lanka integrate policies and regulatory reforms of the roadmap for the implementation of the WTO Trade CABs, now ready to provide 198 new conformity crew who made the choice to Covid-19 vaccine. In addition, World Trade Organisation (WTO), allowing SMEs to Facilitation Agreement (TFA) endorsed by the Sri assessment services; 36 of those calibration services be fully vaccinated. thousands more Emirates Group make the most of potential opportunities resulting from Lanka NationalTrade Facilitation Committee. are accredited by the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board. Also supporting the flight’s employees in other roles have EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+). The Department of Commerce, together with ITC, also The Asia Pacific Metrology Programme, a regional operations were fully vaccinated taken their Covid-19 vaccine Most significantly, the project supported the nurturing launched the step-by-step trade procedures functionality metrology organisation, approved the Measurement aircraft appearance, loading and through the company’s clinics of a conducive business environment and capacity- to enhance the Sri Lanka Trade Information portal to Units, Standards, and Services Department’s quality special handling teams from and vaccination centres, while building for entrepreneurs in terms of building domestic benefit Sri Lankan traders by providing transparent and management system as compliant with international dnata, as well as SkyCargo others have opted to take their production and trade capacities. It addressed standard- updated trade-related import and export information. standards. The Industrial Technology Institute is to teams working on the cargo vaccine at one of the many based compliance and efficiencies in cross-border A comprehensive e-curriculum course was developed launch Sri Lanka’s first national packaging testing and logistics requirements for vaccination centres across the procedures, which are key constraints to market access, with the National Institute of Exporters (NIOE) for centre this quarter. EK215. UAE. especially for SMEs. Sri Lankan SMEs to manage cross-border procedures. The pinnacle of the collective efforts of the Ceylon The Emirates Group rolled “At the outset of the pandemic, Since its commencement in November 2016, the The project focused on increasing SME Cinnamon Geographical Indication Association, out its vaccination drive at Emirates implemented robust EU-Sri Lanka Trade-Related Assistance Project competitiveness in high-potential export-oriented founded with UNIDO’s support, is the prospective pace just over a month ago, safety measures to protect has strengthened the country’s macroeconomic sectors, with special attention given to enhancing value international and local registration of geographical and since then, close to and prioritise the safety of our framework by expanding the export economy and chains in the spices and concentrates, processed food indication (GI) for Ceylon cinnamon in the EU and 26,000, or 44%, of the group’s customers and employees at all promoting investment within Sri Lanka’s National and beverages (SCPFB), as well as the IT/BPO value Sri Lanka. To prepare upstream actors for higher-level United Arab Emirates (UAE) stages of the travel journey, and Policy Framework. ITC supported the planning and chains. Jointly with EDB and Sri Lanka Association quality compliance, 800-plus cinnamon processing frontline aviation workforce with the rapid progress of our implementation of a coherent national-scale trade of Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM), technicians have been trained at the Cinnamon have received both doses of own vaccination programme and strategy for export competitiveness, under the lead the national chamber for the IT/BPM industry in Sri Training Academy (CTA) within the National either the Pfizer-BioNTech or high rates of take-up, more of our of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), Lanka, Sri Lankan SMEs entered eight new markets in Vocational Qualification (NVQ) framework, an Sinopharm vaccines. flights will soon be operating resulting in a five-year National Export Strategy (NES) Europe and Asia, benefited from more than 300 business international occupational standard scheme CTA has Emirates Airline Chief with fully vaccinated frontline to support the country’s development agenda and its meetings and 120 companies received training and become accredited for. A cinnamon processing centre Operating Officer (COO) Adel employees,” Redha added. goal of becoming a leading Asian export hub driven coaching to increase exports with the support of ITC. has also been established there with project support. Al Redha said: “Our operational The Emirates Group by innovation and investment. With UNIDO’s support, SMEs in the SCPFB sector To fortify the legal and institutional framework for workforce is at the aviation vaccination programme claims Among countless other initiatives, national capacities entered 16 new markets in the EU, Asia-Pacific, and food safety, UNIDO proposed modernisations to frontline, helping people get to be the latest in its series of were developed with the support of ITC in e-commerce, Americas. 2,000 SMEs and 400 extension officers were primary and secondary legislation for adoption, and to where they need to be and safeguards and protections to investment promotion, trade negotiations, and policy trained on food safety and quality (FSQ) assurance delivered an analysis to substantiate public health and moving essential goods to global deliver on its health and safety dialogue to support policymakers and SMEs navigate best practices and bespoke technical guidance to commercial benefits of reform to stakeholders in the communities. Protecting our promises to its customers, complex multilateral, regional and domestic trading holistically strengthen enterprise performance food control system. people with vaccinations is employees, and the communities environments. Implementation was carried out in was delivered to 101 SMEs, a third now certified The nature of disseminated and replicable results important – for them, for our it serves around the world. The partnership with chambers of commerce and trade against international FSQ standards. Three practical among local stakeholders following the large number community, for the smooth group’s vaccination centres chambers in regions, including the Ceylon Chamber handbooks on food safety, quality, and packaging as of activities and initiatives carried out during the past running of our operations, and have been running 12 hours a of Commerce (CCC) and the Federation of Chambers well as the Exporter’s Guide are available reference four years has ensured the sustained continuation of also for our customers as it day, every day of the week, to of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka, to develop materials for SMEs targeting export markets. trade development following the completion of the introduces an additional layer of prioritise and provide aviation advocacy skills on issues interested to the private sector. A total of 4,000 trainees from national quality project, with continued support for Sri Lanka’s trade- protection when they travel with front liners with the vaccine. Efficiencies and capacities for cross-border infrastructure (NQI) institutions and conformity led economy in the future. WSO2 expands global customer Colombo Dockyard PLC launches base and revenue in 2020 vessel built for Iraqi firm WSO2, a leader in digital transformation and WSO2 Open Healthcare. technology, recently announced that 139 In 2020, WSO2 invested significantly enterprises signed up as new customers in expanding both its team and network z Fulfils agreement with Japan’s Toyota Tsusho Corp. in 2020. Now, 550 of the world’s largest of channel partners. The company also corporations, top universities, and brought on Eric Newcomer as Chief The pilot station vessel (PSV) is a twin-hull governments rely on WSO2’s open source, Technology Officer (CTO) to contribute Catamaran-type vessel that will be used to cloud-native solutions to drive their digital to the company’s technical vision, and lead transport pilots and provisions, to provide pilots initiatives, executing over 6.2 trillion the rollout of WSO2’s next generation of with accommodation services, and to provide transactions annually. solutions. stationing and necessary support for pilot boats. In 2020, WSO2 reportedly saw double- Additionally, WSO2 made a number The vessel was a 52.4 m long vessel with a digit growth in annual recurring revenue of executive promotions to support breadth of 18m and a depth of 6.1m, driven across its business units, and expanded to the next stage of the company’s global by two diesel engines with a top speed of 14 700-plus employees worldwide. WSO2 also growth, most recently appointing Devaka knots. The vessel will be fully air-conditioned stated that it added 63 channel partners Randeniya as Chief Revenue Officer and will provide accommodation for 47 persons. across the globe, and saw 80% growth in (CRO); Padmika Dissanaike as Chief CDPLC stated it had already launched a original equipment manufacturing (OEM) Financial Officer (CFO); Geethika Cooray buoy tender vessel (BTV), which is designed partners. as Vice President and Head of Identity and to be operated to retrieve and launch marine WSO2 stated its strong growth has Access Management (IAM); Dr. Senaka navigation buoys, to provide repair and continued despite the disruption by the Fernando as Senior Director and Head of maintenance to marine navigation buoy, and global pandemic. Even as some companies Digital Transformation; Ricardo Diniz as to transport marine navigation buoys and/or were forced to cut their budgets, many Vice President and General Manager of spare parts and to transport general cargo, on organisations accelerated their digital the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Italy A snap from the launching ceremony 22 July 2020. Both the BTV and PSV were to transformation efforts to enable online and Portugal; and Fernando Arditti as Vice be delivered within 2021. communications, collaboration, and President and General Manager of Latin Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) last Al-Badran, and Amjed Saeed Mohsin These projects, which are vital to the socio commerce, compressing project timelines America. Monday (22) launched the pilot station vessel Al-Chalabi. economic development of Iraq, will strengthen from years to months. “We’ve emerged from a black swan “Shatt Al-Arab”, built for General Company for Along with TTC representative G.G. the relationship with Republic of Iraq, one of Sri These enterprises reportedly turned to year, where the pull of the pandemic has Ports of Iraq (GCPI) as per an agreement signed Thilekaratne, Nippon Koei Co. Ltd. Project Lanka’s close allies for decades, and CDPLC WSO2 for API management, integration, stretched in ways we never could have with Toyota Tsusho Corporation (TTC) of Japan, Site Manager Ali Alakus and GCPI Site Engineer stated it is confident that these shipbuilding and customer identity and access imagined. But time and again, we’ve seen funded under Japanese official development Amjed Saeed Mohsin Al-Chalabi performed the projects, generated by TTC Japan and funded management (CIAM) to harness the full our customers’ digital innovation drive both assistance (ODA) loans by Japan International honour of cutting the rope to break the milk pot, by JICA, will also usher in a new era in the power of their APIs to securely deliver the business continuity and new opportunities,” Co-operation Agency (JICA). and launching the vessel. bilateral economic relationship between Sri digital services and applications powering said WSO2 Founder/CEO Dr. Sanjiva The ceremonial launching is the process of Classification society ClassNK’s Colombo Lanka and Japan. their businesses. Weerawarana. floating or transferring the vessel to water for Office Manager Madhawa Fonseka, Project This ceremony was organised and conducted WSO2 also introduced two vertical “I’m honoured by our employees’ and the first time, which is symbolically done by In-Charge Vishal Chowdary, and Colombo Office with attention to the Government’s health and industry practices in 2020: WSO2 Banking, partners’ role in ensuring customers’ success breaking a pot of milk, according to Sri Lankan Surveyor Roshen Sanjeewa also attended the safety guidelines placed in view of the Covid- Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI), as they implement their digital strategies, tradition, over the ship’s bow area inviting good event. 19 outbreak. and WSO2 Healthcare. In addition to and I’m excited about 2021 as we work luck to the vessel, the crew, and the owners, From CDPLC, Chairman Hideaki Tanaka, Colombo Dockyard PLC is a flagship providing customised solutions, the groups together to accelerate global adoption and and subsequently filling the dock with sea Managing Director/CEO D.V. Abeysinghe, investment of Japan and operates in collaboration deliver turnkey, API-driven interoperability roll out our next generation of solutions for water, enabling the vessel to float. Director K. Kanaya, Technical Advisor/Alternate with Onomichi Dockyard Company Ltd. of Japan, solutions, including WSO2 Open Banking enabling secure, API-first digital services.” The ceremony was attended by GCPI Director S. Asai, and a host of other senior while Sri Lankan government institutions hold Site Engineers Ali Abdulimam Abdulrazzaq management and staff participated at the occasion. more than 35% stake in CDPLC. business 49 Monday, March 1, 2021 { CORPORATE } „„ www.themorning.lk FriMi kicks off Central Bank’s ‘Lankawatama QR’ initiative FriMi, a Sri Lankan digital banking service, announced that it kickstarted the first phase of the “Lankawatama QR with FriMi” programme with a ceremony held at Thilakawardhana Textiles, Kiribathgoda on 18 February 2021. The campaign was established Director Priyantha Talwatte, along by FriMi in support of the with Nations Trust Bank Senior LANKAQR initiative by the Vice President of Sales and Digital Moose Clothing Company Executive Director/CEO Hasib Omar (second Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Banking Randil Boteju. from left) with the company’s Head of Sales and Marketing Stefan to make cashless payments across Nations Trust Bank Schumacher, Head of Supply Chain Vinu Basnayake, and Senior Manager the nation more convenient, and Kiribathgoda Senior Branch Finance Nadeesha Gunawardana to contribute towards building Manager Sashika De Silva a robust digital economy in the and Thilakawardhana Textiles island. Owner and Director Thushan Moose Clothing Company Thilakawardhana Textiles, Thilakawardhana. Lanka Pharmacy, and Laksela FriMi was ranked amongst the wins bronze at SLIM Trade Centre were the first Top 30 Best Digital Financial merchants in Kiribathgoda to get Services Providers in the Asia Brand Excellence 2020 on board with FriMi, embracing Pacific, Middle East, and Africa, Moose Clothing Company tailored to match that uniqueness. the LANKAQR payment method. by The Asian Banker. stated it clinched its first bronze We entered the market with that The event was graced by FriMi is powered by Nations award for “Best New Entrant in mind and this award is a clear CBSL Director Payments and Trust Bank PLC, which is among Brand” category at the SLIM indication that we are on the right Settlements D. Kumaratunge the top 15 business establishments Brand Excellence Awards 2020. track.” as Chief Guest accompanied by in Sri Lanka as ranked by Business The launch of the ‘Lankawatama QR with FriMi’ programme held in Kiribathgoda Moose Clothing stated that, The SLIM Brand Excellence Nations Trust Bank CEO and Today. over time, it has established itself Awards is a celebration of brand as a versatile brand that creates excellence at the national level, comfortable quality clothing with which recognises and rewards the the perfect fit, and puts in every efforts of outstanding marketers. Union Assurance tops MDRT qualifiers effort to create a quality garment SLIM aims to encourage best that speaks for itself. practices in branding and raise Moose Clothing Company local brands to global standards, Executive Director/CEO Hasib thereby enhancing the image of Omar said: “This is indeed a marketing in the country. Each testimony of our hard work and year, the panel of judges evaluates dedication towards the brand the applicants for each category and our customers. At Moose, of award, seeking the qualities we believe that each customer that elevate brands beyond the is unique, and our clothing is normal realm.

The five Top of the Table achievers in the presence of Union Assurance CEO Jude Gomes and other Union Assurance officials Coca-Cola and Avocado

Local insurer Union including five “Top of the with the latest Apple iPads, meeting all Union Assurance The MDRT focuses on partnership to refresh and Assurance announced that it Table” achievers, 10 “Court while all achievers were objectives, and keeping to our networking, education, and has achieved the highest number of the Table” achievers, and given commendation by values excellence, innovation, personal and professional reward food experiences of qualifiers for the prestigious 157 further qualifiers, were Union Assurance for their trust, ethics, and integrity.” growth, while adhering to Million Dollar Round Table felicitated with by Union commitment to providing the He added that training and ethical client service standards. (MDRT). Assurance for being selected service experience to Union development would always Members must meet strict The MDRT is a global, to the MDRT. Assurance customers. remain a key pillar of the Union requirements for membership, independent association The five Top of the Table Union Assurance Chief Assurance strategy. In order to including satisfying certain of the world’s leading life achievers were bestowed with Executive Officer (CEO) Jude maintain these high standards levels of production, and insurance and financial services brand new Mercedes-Benz and Gomes said: “It is with great of personal development, must reapply for membership professionals, with 66,000 Toyota Premio automobiles, pride that we celebrate our team the company offers tailor- annually to ensure they continue members in 72 countries from while the 10 Court of the Table for this amazing achievement. made training and facilitates to meet MDRT standards. Top more than 500 of the world’s achievers were presented with Despite the challenging independent recognition of the Table membership allows leading companies. overseas tours. situation, our employees have programmes that keep them members to access the highest In total, 172 insurance The rest of the MDRT stood up and excelled. They engaged throughout their career level of member benefits and advisors from Union Assurance, achievers were rewarded have reached great heights while at Union Assurance. recognition.

Coca-Cola is a beverage creative photos of their meals company which aims to refresh before they enjoy them with the world and make a difference. friends and family. Mealtimes, The company has entered into whether they are at home or at a partnership with Avocado, a a restaurant, are now more than leading Sri Lankan food-based just enjoying food. Consumers, loyalty app to make mealtimes especially millennials, have a The NOLIMIT team was presented with the Laureate Award as a result of the fashion chain clinching the Best more fun and rewarding for desire to showcase their inner Workplace in Sri Lanka title for five consecutive years from 2016 to 2020 Dinodi Dissanayaka and family from Anuradhapura consumers. foodie through these creative Avocado app users can click and photos. upload photos of their Coke over Coca-Cola Sri Lanka (Pvt.) NOLIMIT adjudged as one of the best a meal with family and friends till Ltd. Managing Director Pankaj Milo gives 10,000 12 March 2021 and be entitled to Sinha said: “The act of sharing workplaces for the 5th consecutive year win a grand prize of an iPhone 12 a meal with friends and family, children Rs. 10 million NOLIMIT, Sri Lankan fashion serving its customers through 21 considered a global authority on Pro and exciting gift vouchers treasuring each moment, and chain, was recognised as one of outlets islandwide. NOLIMIT high-trust and high-performance worth Rs. 100,000 from Avocado’s bonding with them has become worth of support the best workplaces in 2020 by reportedly has provided value for workplace culture. Through network of partners. more important than ever before. Milo announced that driven campaign is our way Great Place to Work®️. money and high-quality clothing assessment tools and advisory The Avocado app enables users This partnership with Avocado 10,000 children will of supporting parents with At an awards ceremony held choices for its customers, keeping services based on over 30 years to get rewarded for every picture is unique as social media is a receive Rs. 10 million the resources they need on the 27 January 2021 at the up with the latest trends and of research, Great Place to or video they upload of them natural home for foodies. We worth of support via its to help their children go Hilton Colombo, NOLIMIT industry innovations. Work®️ provides the framework, enjoying Coca-Cola with their look forward to our consumers latest campaign in the form further in life” said Milo was also presented with the NOLIMIT retail stores house a benchmarks, and expertise family, friends, or a loved one. sharing authentic and creative of laptops, tabs, reloads, Category Marketing Manager Laureate Award as a result of range of clothes and accessories needed to create and maintain an The more unique the content is, the pictures of mouth-watering scooters, bikes, and more Mohamed Ali. the fashion chain clinching the for men, women, and kids, along efficient working culture. Great more points the user can generate. dishes along with the taste of to help them learn remotely Dinodi Dissanayaka from Best Workplace in Sri Lanka title with a range of homeware and Place to Work’s®️ mission is to Users who send in content who get Coca-Cola.” and stay physically active Anuradhapura is one of the for five consecutive years from lifestyle products to complement build a better society by helping the highest points stand a chance The Avocado app has over at a time where many are first week’s winners. She 2016 to 2020. a family shopping experience for organisations transform their to win the grand prize and gift 3,000 users in Sri Lanka and a shielding indoors from the said the laptop she won will NOLIMIT claims to enjoy a all customers. workplaces to nurture high-trust vouchers. growing partner network that pandemic and limiting the make a world of difference to strong presence in all major cities, Great Place to Work®️ is and high-performance teams. Mobile and social media includes restaurants, fashion stores, time spent outside their her family. “My sister and I platforms are helping people share hotels, and many more. homes. follow online classes on our The brand will be gifting mother’s mobile phone and 1,000 children every week sometimes even have classes OPPO launches global partnership for flash charging via raffle draws between at the same time, which makes held 18 February 2021 and18 it difficult. We took part in Smart device company OPPO partner will work with proprietary Anker Innovations China April 2021. the competition hoping that announced the launch of its technical designs developed by Brand Director Cynthia Tan said: “The Milo brand has we would win an electronic flash charging project, the Flash OPPO, which has applied for “Our users have always been always been about nourishing device to help us follow Initiative, at the Mobile World more than 2,950 flash charging the top priority at Anker, and our consumers to go further classes better and complete Congress, Shanghai (MWCS). patents worldwide, with over this perfectly matches OPPO’s in life. Supporting and our school work easily. Thank Based on OPPO’s VOOC flash 1,400 already granted. human-centric philosophy. From encouraging them to stay you so much Nestlé Milo.” charging technology, the project OPPO Senior Director of day one, we wanted to use our active and lead a healthy Parents who send in will see organisations license Intellectual Property Adler Feng, innovations to bring the best lifestyle has been a big part a picture of their child OPPO’s technology to help bring said: charging technology we could of this, but we wanted to go enjoying a Milo RTD faster charging to every area of “The Flash Initiative reflects to as many people as possible. one step further this year. (ready-to-drink) via Viber consumers’ lives. OPPO’s belief in human- By working with OPPO, we’re We heard many stories of or WhatsApp to 077768007; These new partners include centric technologies that looking forward to giving our families struggling with postal mail to PO Box 189, FAW-Volkswagen, Anker and make a difference in people’s customers new flash charging remote learning and online Colombo; or direct message NXP Semiconductors – leaders everyday lives. And thanks to experiences.” classes, especially those with to the @MiloSriLanka in their respective fields of our new partners, our proprietary NXP will implement several more than one child, as they Facebook page along with automobiles, portable charging, technologies can reach more OPPO patents to support VOOC didn’t have enough devices their name, phone number, and chip manufacture. people than ever before. This is flash charging across its printed or data to cope. We also heard NIC number, and address will Between them, their products a vital step in freeing consumers circuit board assemblies, meaning of parents worried about the be eligible for the campaign. reach consumers in three settings to use their devices however they that flash charging could be more FAW-Volkswagen, the joint incorporate rapid charging into lack of outdoor playtime and Every week, 1,000 winners where they often need to charge want, no matter what they need integrated into more automotive venture between FAW Group Volkswagen cars made in China, physical activity for their will be chosen at random via their devices: their homes, their to do, or where in the world they applications, public spaces and and Volkswagen Group, will giving automobile drivers and children. This purpose- a raffle draw. cars, and in public spaces. Each are.” industrial settings. use OPPO’s charging IP to passengers power on the go. 104 business „„ www.themorning.lk { MARKET } Monday, March 1, 2021 Unit trust prices­ at 24 Feb. 2021 CSE Price List 25 Feb. 2021 Fund name Unit selling price...... Unit buying price SE­CUR­I­TY V.W.A. OPEN HIGH LOW V.W.A. CHANGE SE­CUR­I­TY V.W.A. OPEN HIGH LOW V.W.A. CHANGE Astrue Active Income Fund 100.8269...... 100.8269 VOLUME PREVIOUS TODAY’S (RS.) VOLUME PREVIOUS TODAY’S (RS.) Astrue Alpha Fund 15.0167...... 14.1444 A.SPEN.HOT.HOLD...... 23,868...... 29...... 29.3...... 30...... 29...... 29.7...... 0.7 SINGER FINANCE...... 118,649...... 14.1...... 14.1...... 14.2...... 14...... 14...... -0.1 Assetline Income Fund 16.8713...... 16.8713 ABANS...... 1,255...... 177...... 167.75...... 167.75...... 166...... 166.25...... -10.75 SLT...... 1,936...... 34.3...... 34.6...... 34.8...... 34.5...... 34.8...... 0.5 Assetline Income Plus Growth Fund 17.0036...... 16.5362 ACCESS ENG SL...... 1,961,422...... 23.9...... 24...... 24.3...... 23.8...... 24.1...... 0.2 SUNSHINE HOLDING...... 20,832...... 75.2...... 77.1...... 79.2...... 75.2...... 78.2...... 3 Senfin Dyanmic Income Fund 10.0170...... 10.0170 ACL PLASTICS...... 1,511...... 243.25...... 250.5...... 250.5...... 248...... 249.75...... 6.5 SWISSTEK...... 87,571...... 108.5...... 110...... 117.75...... 108...... 111...... 2.5 Senfin Growth Fund 9.1100...... 8.8100 ACME...... 7,015...... 6...... 6...... 6.1...... 6...... 6...... 0 TALAWAKELLE...... 8,890...... 39.3...... 40...... 44.4...... 38.2...... 40.6...... 1.3 Senfin Money Market Fund 15.1120...... 15.1120 AGALAWATTE...... 24,527...... 27.2...... 28.4...... 31...... 28.4...... 30.2...... 3 TEA SMALLHOLDER...... 1...... 38.7...... 36...... 36...... 36...... 38.7...... 0 Senfin Shariah Balanced Fund 11.9100...... 11.5600 AHOT PROPERTIES...... 184...... 38.9...... 38.1...... 39...... 38.1...... 39...... 0.1 TEEJAY LANKA...... 15,543...... 41...... 41.8...... 41.8...... 40...... 40.6...... -0.4 Senfin Shariah Income Fund 12.4433...... 12.4433 AITKEN SPENCE...... 157,185...... 61.6...... 62...... 62.5...... 59.9...... 61...... -0.6 THREE ACRE FARMS...... 18,727...... 220.25...... 210...... 220...... 210...... 213.75...... -6.5 Ceybank Century Growth 75.3200...... 73.0100 ALLIANCE...... 1,200...... 50.8...... 50.8...... 50.8...... 50...... 50...... -0.8 TOKYO CEMENT...... 284,915...... 70...... 72.2...... 73.9...... 70...... 73.2...... 3.2 Ceybank Gilt Edge Fund (A Series) 14.5141...... 14.5141 AMANA BANK...... 523,297...... 3.4...... 3.5...... 3.5...... 3.3...... 3.4...... 0 TOKYO CEMENT [TKYO.X0000].763,617...... 63.5...... 63.5...... 66.5...... 63.5...... 66.2...... 2.7 Ceybank Gilt Edged Fund (B Series) 11.1164...... 11.1164 AMAYA LEISURE...... 103...... 18.5...... 18.5...... 19.5...... 18.5...... 19.5...... 1 UNION BANK...... 29,196...... 11.2...... 11.2...... 11.5...... 11...... 11.4...... 0.2 Ceybank High Yield Fund 13.8604...... 13.8604 ASIA ASSET...... 22,698...... 6.2...... 6.2...... 7...... 6.2...... 6.5...... 0.3 UNION CHEMICALS...... 100...... 772...... 720...... 720...... 715...... 716...... -56 Ceybank Surakum Fund 12.3880...... 12.3880 ASIRI...... 11,211...... 26.5...... 26.6...... 27.5...... 26.5...... 27.5...... 1 UNISYST...... 27,050...... 15...... 15...... 15.1...... 14.8...... 15...... 0 Ceybank Unit Trust 25.4100...... 23.8500 ASIRI SURG...... 102,449...... 14...... 14...... 14.7...... 14...... 14...... 0 UNITED MOTORS...... 1,511...... 67...... 67...... 67...... 66.2...... 66.5...... -0.5 Ceylon Dollar Bond Fund (in $) 0.6963...... 0.6928 AUTODROME...... 107...... 75...... 75...... 75...... 75...... 75...... 0 VALLIBEL...... 483,752...... 7.4...... 7.4...... 7.5...... 7.2...... 7.4...... 0 Ceylon Financial Sector Fund 6.9800...... 6.7000 BAIRAHA FARMS...... 1,512...... 138.25...... 140.5...... 144...... 136.25...... 139.5...... 1.25 VALLIBEL FINANCE...... 12,121...... 111.5...... 119...... 119...... 112...... 114...... 2.5 Ceylon Income Fund 22.3119...... 22.3119 BALANGODA...... 700...... 14.2...... 13.2...... 14...... 13.1...... 13.4...... -0.8 VIDULLANKA...... 61,977...... 5.3...... 5.4...... 5.4...... 5.2...... 5.2...... -0.1 CEYLON Index Fund 53.2300...... 51.0800 BUKIT DARAH...... 303...... 316...... 328...... 328...... 327.75...... 327.75...... 11.75 WATAWALA...... 9,054...... 55...... 55.7...... 55.7...... 55...... 55.5...... 0.5 Ceylon IPO Fund 5.4600...... 5.3500 C M HOLDINGS...... 5,001...... 90.1...... 90...... 90...... 90...... 90...... -0.1 YORK ARCADE...... 101...... 165...... 165...... 165...... 164.5...... 164.75...... -0.25 Ceylon Money Market Fund 17.3934...... 17.3934 C T HOLDINGS...... 36,545...... 169...... 173.5...... 173.5...... 169...... 169...... 0 SECOND BOARD Ceylon Tourism Fund 3.5500...... 3.4200 CARGILLS...... 562...... 230.25...... 237.5...... 240...... 235...... 238.5...... 8.25 ABANS FINANCIAL...... 2...... 25.6...... 27.7...... 27.7...... 27.6...... 25.6...... 0 Ceylon Treasury Income Fund 6.1500...... 6.1500 CARGO BOAT...... 918...... 61.2...... 62.5...... 64.5...... 61.6...... 62.3...... 1.1 AMBEON CAPITAL...... 2,904...... 5.2...... 5.4...... 5.4...... 5.3...... 5.4...... 0.2 Comtrust ADL Mudarabah Fund 11.7095...... 11.7095 CARSONS...... 2,464...... 280.5...... 277.25...... 277.25...... 254.25...... 264.75...... -15.75 ARPICO...... 1,169...... 171...... 170.5...... 199.75...... 170...... 199...... 28 Comtrust Equity Fund 18.4500...... 17.5400 CDB...... 1,200...... 110...... 107.5...... 116...... 107.5...... 116...... 6 ASIA CAPITAL...... 4,026...... 5.4...... 5.5...... 5.7...... 5.3...... 5.4...... 0 Comtrust Money Market Fund 11.9071...... 11.9071 CDB [CDB.X0000]...... 2,359...... 78.9...... 76.5...... 78.9...... 76.5...... 78...... -0.9 BROWNS BEACH...... 56...... 11.9...... 12.4...... 12.4...... 11.9...... 11.9...... 0 First Capital Equity Fund (FCEF) 1,342.5900...... 1,275.4600 CENTRAL FINANCE...... 55,922...... 90.6...... 90.1...... 92.5...... 90...... 90.3...... -0.3 COMM LEASE & FIN...... 33,375...... 6.7...... 6.6...... 6.8...... 6.6...... 6.7...... 0 First Capital Fixed income Fund 1,857.6400...... 1,857.5900 CENTRAL IND...... 7,320...... 114.75...... 118...... 118...... 113...... 116.75...... 2 DIALOG FINANCE...... 5...... 59.7...... 56...... 56...... 56...... 59.7...... 0 First Capital Gilt Edged Fund 1,497.3700...... 1,497.3700 CEYLINCO INS...... 102...... 1992...... 1,902.25...... 2,000.00...... 1,902.25.....2,000.00...... 8 DISTILLERIES...... 42,514...... 20.7...... 20.7...... 21.1...... 20.7...... 21.1...... 0.4 First Capital Money Market Fund 1,918.9300...... 1,918.9300 CEYLINCO INS. [CINS.X0000]...... 18...... 1099.75...... 1,100.00...... 1,138.25...... 1,100.00.....1,099.75...... 0 FIRST CAPITAL...... 150,222...... 52.5...... 52...... 52...... 50...... 51.8...... -0.7 First Capital Wealth Fund 1,133.4600...... 1,133.4300 CEYLON GUARDIAN...... 20,736...... 126.25...... 125.75...... 125.75...... 125.25...... 125.25...... -1 KELSEY...... 101...... 42.8...... 42.7...... 42.7...... 35.1...... 35.1...... -7.7 Guardian Acuity Equity Fund 18.2918...... 17.9572 CEYLON INV...... 5,988...... 64.2...... 65.5...... 69.8...... 65.5...... 67.9...... 3.7 KOTMALE HOLDINGS...... 10...... 216.5...... 210.25...... 210.25...... 210.25...... 216.5...... 0 Guardian Acuity Money Market Fund 20.3607...... 20.3607 CEYLON TOBACCO...... 17,975...... 1060.5...... 1,060.00...... 1,060.00...... 1,045.00.....1,050.00...... -10.5 LANKA REALTY...... 250...... 33...... 33...... 33...... 33...... 33...... 0 JB Vantage Money Market Fund 27.7499...... 27.7499 CHEMANEX...... 1,503...... 82.2...... 82.2...... 83...... 75.1...... 78.8...... -3.4 LOLC FINANCE...... 427,599...... 6.5...... 6.5...... 6.9...... 6.5...... 6.8...... 0.3 JB Vantage Short Term Gilt Fund 14.9371...... 14.9371 CHEVRON...... 63,876...... 99.9...... 101...... 102.5...... 99.9...... 101.5...... 1.6 MADULSIMA...... 15,518...... 8.8...... 8.2...... 8.6...... 8.2...... 8.2...... -0.6 JB Vantage Value Equity Fund 24.4400...... 22.9700 CIC...... 143,690...... 57.5...... 58.5...... 59.7...... 58...... 59...... 1.5 ODEL PLC...... 23,170...... 19...... 19.00...... 19.00...... 19.00...... 19.00...... 0 NAMAL Bank Fund 8.9837...... 8.6324 CIC [CIC.X0000]...... 362,777...... 46.9...... 48.5...... 48.5...... 46.5...... 48...... 1.1 PEOPLE’S MERCH...... XR 1,500...... 7.9...... 7.9...... 8...... 7.9...... 8...... 0.1 NAMAL Growth Fund 140.9746...... 131.6078 CITRUS LEISURE...... 23...... 8.6...... 8.7...... 8.7...... 8.6...... 8.6...... 0 SELINSING...... 1...... 817.25...... 817.75...... 817.75...... 817.75...... 817.25...... 0 NAMAL High Yield Fund 24.8483...... 24.8483 COLD STORES...... 234...... 640.25...... 650...... 650...... 645...... 647.75...... 7.5 SERENDIB LAND...... 30...... 3000...... 2,666.00...... 2,666.00...... 2,550.00...... 3,000.00...... 0 NAMAL Income Fund 14.1419...... 14.1419 COLOMBO CITY...... 153...... 893.75...... 891...... 891...... 875...... 877.75...... -16 SHALIMAR...... 18...... 1203.2...... 1,113.00...... 1,113.00...... 1,100.00...... 1,203.20...... 0 National Equity Fund 34.5488...... 32.3305 COLOMBO LAND...... 26,108...... 25...... 25.4...... 25.5...... 24...... 24...... -1 SINGER SRI LANKA...... 20,195...... 51.1...... 50.4...... 54...... 50...... 52.1...... 1 NDB Wealth Gilt Edged Fund 18.7588...... 18.7588 COMMERCIAL BANK...... 835,848...... 85...... 89...... 91...... 87.7...... 88.8...... 3.8 DIRI SAVI BOARD NDB Wealth Growth & Income Fund 45.8200...... 44.3900 COMMERCIAL BANK [COMB.X0000].132,920...... 76.5...... 78...... 87...... 78...... 81.4...... 4.9 AGSTAR PLC...... 12,454...... 7...... 7.1...... 7.4...... 7.1...... 7.3...... 0.3 NDB Wealth Growth Fund 10.5200...... 10.1000 CONVENIENCE FOOD...... 70...... 1225...... 1,250.00...... 1,250.00...... 1,250.00.....1,225.00...... 0 ALUMEX PLC...... 116,542...... 20.9...... 21...... 21.7...... 20.9...... 21.5...... 0.6 NDB Wealth Income Fund 16.0966...... 16.0966 DANKOTUWA PORCEL...... 57,364...... 11.9...... 11.9...... 12.1...... 11.3...... 12...... 0.1 AMANA TAKAFUL...... 22,502...... 8...... 8.2...... 8.2...... 7.1...... 7.8...... -0.2 NDB Wealth Income Plus Fund 17.1658...... 17.1658 DFCC BANK PLC...... 21,818...... 61.9...... 62...... 62.9...... 62...... 62.7...... 0.8 AMBEON HOLDINGS...... 23,764...... 17.7...... 17.2...... 18.7...... 17.2...... 18.3...... 0.6 NDB Wealth Islamic Money Plus Fund 16.3730...... 16.3730 DIALOG...... 1,000,119...... 12.7...... 12.6...... 12.8...... 12.6...... 12.7...... 0 AMF CO LTD...... 106...... 298.5...... 301.25...... 301.25...... 299...... 300.25...... 1.75 NDB Wealth Money Fund 20.7108...... 20.7108 DIMO...... 13...... 530...... 539...... 539...... 525...... 530...... 0 ARPICO INSURANCE...... 200...... 21.5...... 21.5...... 21.5...... 21.5...... 21.5...... 0 NDB Wealth Money Plus Fund 23.6637...... 23.6637 DIPPED PRODUCTS...... 2,765,735...... 50.1...... 50...... 51.8...... 47.9...... 50.3...... 0.2 ASIA SIYAKA...... 389,733...... 2.5...... 2.6...... 2.7...... 2.5...... 2.7...... 0.2 Premier Growth Fund 7.0200...... 6.6700 DOCKYARD...... 698...... 75.4...... 79.8...... 83.9...... 76...... 81.5...... 6.1 BANSEI RESORTS...... 100...... 7.8...... 7.90...... 7.90...... 7.90...... 7.90...... 0.1 Premier Money Market Fund 18.7506...... 18.7506 DOLPHIN HOTELS...... 300...... 23.5...... 23...... 23...... 23...... 23...... -0.5 BERUWALA RESORTS...... 47,542...... 0.9...... 0.9...... 0.9...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0 Softlogic Equity Fund 119.1758...... 113.2909 DURDANS...... 3...... 100.75...... 104.5...... 104.5...... 101...... 100.75...... 0 BOGALA GRAPHITE...... 37,521...... 24.2...... 24.00...... 24.80...... 22.60...... 24.40...... 0.2 Softlogic Money Market Fund 104.8911...... 104.8911 E B CREASY...... 41,728...... 38.9...... 39...... 39...... 36.9...... 37.3...... -1.6 BOGAWANTALAWA...... 1,559...... 13.7...... 13...... 13.1...... 12.8...... 13.1...... -0.6 Unit holders can contact relevant Fund Managers to obtain Unit Prices for redemptions within EAST WEST...... 233,672...... 11.5...... 11.5...... 11.5...... 11...... 11.3...... -0.2 BPPL HOLDINGS...... 212,108...... 14.3...... 14.3...... 14.3...... 14...... 14.1...... -0.2 short duration from the date of investment where exit fee is applicable. EASTERN MERCHANT...... 2,070...... 5.8...... 5.8...... 5.8...... 5.8...... 5.8...... 0 BROWNS...... 567,972...... 170.5...... 165...... 182.25...... 160...... 176...... 5.5 EXPOLANKA...... 9,988,516...... 41...... 41.7...... 47.9...... 41...... 46.5...... 5.5 BROWNS INVSTMNTS...... 34,937,373...... 5.4...... 5.5...... 5.9...... 5.4...... 5.8...... 0.4 Ex­change Rates 25 Feb. 2021 FORT LAND...... 761...... 13.6...... 13...... 14...... 13...... 13.8...... 0.2 C T LAND...... 25,388...... 28.3...... 27.1...... 29...... 27.1...... 29...... 0.7 (1) The average rates of the following (2) The approximate exchange rates GRAIN ELEVATORS...... 158,410...... 135...... 135...... 135...... 126...... 127.75...... -7.25 C.W.MACKIE...... 1,225...... 44.6...... 44.5...... 47.2...... 44.5...... 45.5...... 0.9 currencies quoted by commercial banks of GULF currencies based on previous HAYCARB...... 614,470...... 102.25...... 102.5...... 104.25...... 100.25...... 102.75...... 0.5 CEYLON BEVERAGE...... 42...... 779.75...... 722.25...... 725...... 722.25...... 779.75...... 0 in Colombo for Telegraphic Transfers day’s market weighted average rate for HAYLEYS...... 989,490...... 61.3...... 64...... 64...... 60...... 62...... 0.7 CEYLON TEA BRKRS...... 11,085...... 3.3...... 3.4...... 3.4...... 3.2...... 3.3...... 0 (TT) at 9.30 a.m. are as follows. the US$ are as follows. HAYLEYS FABRIC...... 1,689,064...... 15...... 15...... 15.4...... 14.9...... 15.2...... 0.2 CURRENCY BUYING RATE...... SELLING RATE COUNTRY CURRENCY...... INDICATIVE RATE CFI...... 57...... 74.9...... 71...... 71...... 71...... 74.9...... 0 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 152.4460...... 157.3191 Bahrain Bahrain Dinar...... 514.6204 HAYLEYS FIBRE...... 7,020...... 51.6...... 52.9...... 56.4...... 52.9...... 53.2...... 1.6 CIT...... 80...... 113...... 139.25...... 139.25...... 108.25...... 113...... 0 CANADIAN DOLLAR 152.7623...... 158.2757 Kuwait Kuwait Dinar...... 640.8744 HDFC...... 5,110...... 38...... 39...... 39...... 38.9...... 38.9...... 0.9 CITRUS HIKKADUWA...... 10,100...... 5.2...... 5.2...... 5.4...... 5.2...... 5.2...... 0 CHINESE YUAN (RENMINBI) 28.9349...... 30.6890 Oman Oman Rial...... 503.9401 HEMAS HOLDINGS...... 82,985...... 80.4...... 82.2...... 82.2...... 80.2...... 81...... 0.6 CITRUS WASKADUWA...... 18,305...... 3.4...... 3.3...... 3.4...... 3.3...... 3.4...... 0 EURO 233.5326...... 239.6390 Qatar Qatar Riyal...... 53.2853 HNB...... 192,013...... 130.75...... 134...... 134...... 132...... 133.75...... 3 JAPANESE YEN 1.8162...... 1.8579 Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian Riyal...... 51.7213 COM.CREDIT...... 1,121...... 22.8...... 23.1...... 23.1...... 22...... 22.1...... -0.7 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 145.7882...... 149.4917 UAE UAE Dirham...... 52.8189 HNB ASSURANCE...... 25,625...... 58.6...... 60...... 60...... 58...... 58.9...... 0.3 COMMERCIAL DEV...... 12,598...... 113.5...... 116...... 116...... 112.5...... 113...... -0.5 STERLING POUND 272.3374...... 272.4161 HNB [HNB.X0000]...... 814,787...... 103.25...... 104.5...... 105...... 103.25...... 104...... 0.75 DILMAH CEYLON...... 5...... 652...... 651.5...... 651.5...... 651.5...... 652...... 0 SWISS FRANC 210.2429...... 218.0653 HORANA...... 2,221...... 23.7...... 21.1...... 22.9...... 21.1...... 22.9...... -0.8 US DOLLAR 192.8800...... 196.6200 E - CHANNELLING...... 3,680...... 6.1...... 6.2...... 6.2...... 5.8...... 5.8...... -0.3 HOTEL SIGIRIYA...... 47...... 60...... 54.5...... 59.7...... 54.5...... 60...... 0 EDEN HOTEL LANKA...... 6,400...... 10.4...... 10.9...... 10.9...... 10.5...... 10.5...... 0.1 HOTELS CORP...... 4...... 12...... 12...... 12...... 12...... 12...... 0 ELPITIYA...... 14,495...... 44.9...... 42.3...... 45...... 42.1...... 44...... -0.9 Market Indicators 25 Feb. 2021 HUNTERS...... 8...... 632...... 635...... 635...... 635...... 632...... 0 EQUITY TWO PLC...... 200...... 53.4...... 59.9...... 59.9...... 59.9...... 59.9...... 6.5 INDUSTRIAL ASPH...... 363,970...... 0.5...... 0.4...... 0.5...... 0.4...... 0.4...... -0.1 CSE ALL SHARE PRICE INDEX 7,476.34...... 7,371.86 FORTRESS RESORTS...... 11,900...... 11.4...... 10.3...... 10.3...... 10.3...... 10.3...... -1.1 JANASHAKTHI INS...... 8,724...... 28.5...... 28.5...... 28.8...... 28.1...... 28.5...... 0 GALADARI...... 2,056...... 8.6...... 8.3...... 8.7...... 8.3...... 8.7...... 0.1 S&P SL20 2,966.63...... 2,899.00 JKH...... 1,344,685...... 152...... 153...... 155.5...... 152...... 152.25...... 0.25 GUARDIAN CAPITAL...... 448...... 31.2...... 30.2...... 31.4...... 30.1...... 30.7...... -0.5 TRI ON ALL SHARE (ASTRI) 10,020.80...... 9,880.76 KEGALLE...... 2,536...... 109.5...... 107.25...... 114.25...... 107...... 114.25...... 4.75 HAPUGASTENNE...... 1...... 16.1...... 16...... 16...... 16...... 16.1...... 0 TRI ON S&P SL20 4,885.01...... 4,773.65 KELANI CABLES...... 24,890...... 124.5...... 124.5...... 125.25...... 122...... 125...... 0.5 HARISCHANDRA...... 1,252...... 3914.25...... 4,044.00...... 4,050.00...... 3,999.00...... 4,048.25...... 134 VALUE OF TURNOVER(Rs.) 3,006,492,160.00...... 2,620,086,270.00 KELANI TYRES...... 36,330...... 77.1...... 79.9...... 80...... 77.5...... 78.9...... 1.8 HATTON...... 15,458...... 8.1...... 8.5...... 9...... 8.5...... 8.9...... 0.8 KELANI VALLEY...... 5,243...... 38.5...... 39.5...... 40.8...... 38.5...... 40...... 1.5 DOMESTIC PURCHASES 2,905,094,910.00...... 2,588,836,860.00 HNB FINANCE...... 2,201...... 8.2...... 8.2...... 8.5...... 8.2...... 8.2...... 0 KINGSBURY...... 8,860...... 11.2...... 11.3...... 11.9...... 11.2...... 11.8...... 0.6 HVA FOODS...... 2,861...... 5.1...... 5.5...... 5.5...... 5.1...... 5.4...... 0.3 DOMESTIC SALES 2,151,753,220.00...... 2,207,924,480.00 KOTAGALA...... 23,433...... 6...... 5.7...... 6.2...... 5.7...... 6...... 0 JETWING SYMPHONY...... 1,700...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 0 FOREIGN PURCHASES 101,397,168.00...... 31,249,386.00 L O L C HOLDINGS...... 209,038...... 357.5...... 372...... 378...... 352...... 365...... 7.5 JOHN KEELLS...... 273...... 74...... 74.4...... 74.4...... 74...... 74.2...... 0.2 FOREIGN SALES 854,738,880.00...... 412,161,760.00 LANKA ALUMINIUM...... 79,192...... 16.4...... 16.5...... 17.8...... 16...... 16.7...... 0.3 KEELLS FOOD...... 4,029...... 155...... 155...... 157...... 155...... 156...... 1 LANKA ASHOK...... 5...... 839.25...... 760.25...... 760.25...... 760.25...... 839.25...... 0 VOLUME OF TURNOVER(NO.) 100,956,872.00...... 75,740,752.00 KEELLS HOTELS...... 15,079...... 10.5...... 10.6...... 10.6...... 10.3...... 10.4...... -0.1 LANKA HOSPITALS...... 2,856...... 43.9...... 45.7...... 45.7...... 43...... 44...... 0.1 DOMESTIC 91,486,984.00...... 70,686,024.00 LANKA CERAMIC...... 100...... 128.75...... 121.5...... 121.5...... 121.5...... 121.5...... -7.25 LANKA IOC...... 120,279...... 20.1...... 20.9...... 21.3...... 20.4...... 20.6...... 0.5 FOREIGN 5,760,791.00...... 2,501,250.00 LANKEM CEYLON...... 5,534...... 29...... 27...... 30...... 27...... 28.4...... -0.6 LANKA TILES...... 58,866...... 197...... 206...... 210...... 192...... 207...... 10 TRADES(NO.) 18,270...... 17,888 LANKA WALLTILE...... 123,121...... 193.5...... 193.25...... 207...... 193.25...... 204.5...... 11 LAUGFS POWER...... 2,901...... 9.5...... 10.00...... 10.00...... 9.10...... 9.30...... -0.2 DOMESTIC 17,768...... 17,392 LAUGFS GAS...... 37,105...... 22...... 22...... 22.6...... 20.5...... 22.1...... 0.1 LAUGFS POWER [LPL-X-0000]...... 20,234...... 6.9...... 6.7...... 7.1...... 6.7...... 7...... 0.1 LOTUS HYDRO...... 2,550...... 9.4...... 9.8...... 9.8...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 0.1 FOREIGN 502...... 496 LAUGFS GAS [LGL.X0000]...... 36,790...... 18...... 17.5...... 18.4...... 17.1...... 18...... 0 LAXAPANA XR...... 75,666...... 14.4...... 14.4...... 14.5...... 14.3...... 14.4...... 0 MAHAWELI REACH...... 845...... 13...... 13...... 13...... 12.6...... 12.7...... -0.3 CORPORATE DEBT 0...... 0 MARAWILA RESORTS...... 167,533...... 1.9...... 1.9...... 2...... 1.9...... 1.9...... 0 GOVERNMENT DEBT 0...... 0 LAXAPANA [LITE.R0000] XR.3,709,097...... 0.5...... 0.4...... 0.5...... 0.2...... 0.4...... -0.1 LB FINANCE...... 39,103...... 205.5...... 209.75...... 210...... 205...... 206.25...... 0.75 MASKELIYA...... 5,001...... 12.5...... 11.2...... 11.5...... 11.2...... 11.5...... -1 LISTED COMPANIES (NO.) 283...... 283 LEE HEDGES...... 4,331...... 63...... 72.5...... 74.7...... 66...... 66.9...... 3.9 MILLENNIUM HOUSE...... 11,543...... 5.9...... 6...... 6...... 5.9...... 6...... 0.1 TRADED COMPANIES (NO.) 260...... 249 LION BREWERY...... 81...... 550.25...... 548.75...... 555...... 548...... 550.25...... 0 NUWARA ELIYA...... 172...... 1171.5...... 1,002.50...... 1,003.50...... 1,000.00...... 1,001.00...... -170.5 MARKET PRICE EARNINGS RATIO(PER) 13.2...... 13 LMF...... 29,494...... 159.5...... 155...... 163.75...... 155...... 161...... 1.5 ON’ALLY...... 840...... 36.5...... 32.5...... 32.5...... 32...... 32...... -4.5 MARKET PRICE TO BOOK VALUE (PBV) 1.2...... 1.2 LVL ENERGY...... 75,711...... 9.3...... 9.6...... 10...... 9.2...... 9.6...... 0.3 ORIENT FINANCE...... 20,500...... 15.9...... 14.9...... 15...... 14.9...... 14.9...... -1 MALWATTE...... 11,630...... 12.9...... 12.5...... 13.5...... 12.2...... 13.5...... 0.6 PALM GARDEN HOTL...... 405...... 26.3...... 27.8...... 27.8...... 26.5...... 27.8...... 1.5 MARKET DIVIDEND YIELD (DY) 2.4...... 2.5 PEGASUS HOTELS...... 11...... 30...... 29.7...... 30.9...... 29.7...... 30...... 0 MARKET CAPITALIZATION (Rs.) 3,269,427,205,151.00...... 3,223,736,457,106.00 MALWATTE [MAL.X0000]...... 2,100...... 8.5...... 8.5...... 8.8...... 8.5...... 8.8...... 0.3 MELSTACORP...... 599,536...... 48.1...... 50...... 51.2...... 48.2...... 50.1...... 2 PRIME FINANCE...... 1,500...... 12.9...... 13.2...... 13.4...... 13.2...... 13.3...... 0.4 MERC. SHIPPING...... 150...... 75.1...... 72.3...... 72.3...... 72.3...... 72.3...... -2.8 RAIGAM SALTERNS...... 60,603...... 5.2...... 5.2...... 5.4...... 5...... 5.2...... 0 1. Overnight Money Market Transactions MERCHANT BANK...... 14,686...... 7.6...... 7.1...... 7.5...... 7.1...... 7.5...... -0.1 RAMBODA FALLS...... 762...... 16.8...... 16.5...... 17.7...... 16.2...... 17.1...... 0.3 Call Money Market...... Repo Market MULLERS...... 416,708...... 1.1...... 1...... 1.1...... 1...... 1...... -0.1 RENUKA CAPITAL...... 28,860...... 7...... 7...... 7.3...... 7...... 7.2...... 0.2 Weighted Average Rate (%)...... 4.55...... 4.57 NAMUNUKULA...... 231...... 180...... 176.5...... 184.25...... 176.5...... 177.5...... -2.5 RICH PIERIS EXP...... 2,270...... 349.75...... 355...... 360...... 354.75...... 357.5...... 7.75 Minimum Rate (%)...... 4.54...... 4.54 ROYAL PALMS...... 54,104...... 15.4...... 15.4...... 15.5...... 15.4...... 15.4...... 0 Maximum Rate (%)...... 4.55...... 4.65 NAT. DEV. BANK...... 191,901...... 82.2...... 83...... 86...... 82...... 82.9...... 0.7 Total Gross amount (Rs. million)...... 11,950...... 9,136 NATIONS TRUST...... 5,546...... 57.5...... 57.6...... 59...... 57.6...... 58...... 0.5 SATHOSA MOTORS...... 16...... 227...... 227...... 233.5...... 227...... 227...... 0 Total Net amount (Rs. million)...... 11,950...... 8,950 NAWALOKA...... 91,911...... 5.2...... 5.2...... 5.2...... 5...... 5...... -0.2 SERENDIB ENG.GRP...... 2...... 6.3...... 6.6...... 6.6...... 6.4...... 6.3...... 0 2. Use of the CBSL Standing Facility NESTLE...... 291...... 1200...... 1,200.00...... 1,200.00...... 1,186.00.....1,198.75...... -1.25 SERENDIB HOTELS...... 546...... 15...... 15.2...... 15.2...... 15.2...... 15.2...... 0.2 SERENDIB HOTELS [SHOT.X0000]...... 1,000...... 9...... 9...... 9...... 8.6...... 8.9...... -0.1 Standing Deposit Facility (Rs. million)...... 171,553 OVERSEAS REALTY...... 166,649...... 15.6...... 15.6...... 16...... 15.5...... 15.8...... 0.2 Standing Lending Facility (Rs. million)...... - PAN ASIA...... 108,285...... 17...... 17...... 17.6...... 17...... 17.2...... 0.2 SINGER IND...... 2...... 94.3...... 94.5...... 94.5...... 94.5...... 94.3...... 0 PANASIAN POWER...... 10,643,041...... 3.5...... 3.5...... 3.6...... 3.4...... 3.6...... 0.1 SINGHE HOSPITALS...... 260,277...... 2...... 2...... 2.1...... 1.9...... 2.1...... 0.1 3. CBSL Treasury Bill/Bonds Holdings PEOPLE’S INS...... 32,624...... 31.1...... 31...... 31.5...... 30.8...... 31...... -0.1 SINHAPUTHRA FIN [SFL.P0000]...... 4,439...... 4.2...... 4.3...... 4.3...... 4...... 4.1...... -0.1 Face Value (Rs. million)...... 809,958.88 PEOPLES LEASING...... 26,799...... 12...... 12.1...... 12.3...... 12.1...... 12.3...... 0.3 SOFTLOGIC...... 17,715...... 12.7...... 12.8...... 12.8...... 12.5...... 12.6...... -0.1 Book Value (Rs. million)...... 793,445.02 PIRAMAL GLASS...... 3,012,472...... 9.8...... 9.8...... 10...... 9.7...... 9.9...... 0.1 SOFTLOGIC CAP...... 21,988...... 3.7...... 3.7...... 4...... 3.7...... 3.9...... 0.2 PRINTCARE PLC...... 6,497...... 30.5...... 30.1...... 30.1...... 29.4...... 29.4...... -1.1 SOFTLOGIC FIN...... 8...... 10.2...... 10.2...... 10.2...... 10.2...... 10.2...... 0 TOP 10 GAINERS R I L PROPERTY...... 151,743...... 6.6...... 6.6...... 6.9...... 6.4...... 6.7...... 0.1 SOFTLOGIC LIFE...... 89,615...... 31.4...... 31.2...... 31.8...... 30...... 30.8...... -0.6 REGNIS...... 11,575...... 96.4...... 98...... 98...... 95...... 95...... -1.4 TAL LANKA...... 550...... 12.3...... 12.2...... 13...... 12...... 13...... 0.7 Company VWA VWA Change Change Prev. Close Days Close (Rs.) % RENUKA AGRI...... 462,928...... 3.8...... 3.8...... 3.8...... 3.5...... 3.7...... -0.1 UDAPUSSELLAWA...... 81...... 22.4...... 22.4...... 22.8...... 22.4...... 22.4...... 0 TESS AGRO 0.4 0.5...... 0.1...... 25 RENUKA CITY HOT...... 220...... 225.75...... 225...... 225...... 225...... 225...... -0.75 UNION ASSURANCE...... 8,216...... 314.5...... 305...... 318...... 305...... 305...... -9.5 TESS AGRO 0.5 0.6...... 0.1...... 20 RENUKA FOODS...... 13,399...... 14.3...... 14.6...... 14.6...... 14...... 14...... -0.3 VALLIBEL ONE...... 1,532,475...... 55.3...... 56...... 59...... 55.3...... 57.6...... 2.3 S M B LEASING 0.5 0.6...... 0.1...... 20 ARPICO 171 199...... 28...... 16.37 RENUKA FOODS [COCO.X0000]...4,137...... 12.1...... 12...... 12.6...... 11.7...... 12.1...... 0 WATCH LIST EXPOLANKA 41 46.5...... 5.5...... 13.41 RENUKA HOLDINGS...... 125,128...... 15.2...... 15...... 15.5...... 14.7...... 15.2...... 0 ANILANA HOTELS...... 4,912...... 1.1...... 1.2...... 1.3...... 1.2...... 1.2...... 0.1 EQUITY TWO PLC 53.4 59.9...... 6.5...... 12.17 BIMPUTH FINANCE...... 1,614...... 8.3...... 8.3...... 8.3...... 7.6...... 8.3...... 0 AGALAWATTE 27.2 30.2...... 3...... 11.03 RENUKA HOLDINGS [RHL.X0000].2,501...... 11.3...... 11.6...... 12.5...... 11.6...... 12.4...... 1.1 HATTON 8.1 8.9...... 0.8...... 9.88 RESUS ENERGY...... 9,838...... 24.8...... 26...... 26...... 24...... 24.1...... -0.7 BLUE DIAMONDS...... 25,800...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0 RENUKA HOLDINGS 11.3 12.4...... 1.1...... 9.73 RICHARD PIERIS...... 582,491...... 16.5...... 17...... 17...... 16...... 16.3...... -0.2 BLUE DIAMONDS [BLUE.X0000].154,249...... 0.3...... 0.3...... 0.3...... 0.2...... 0.3...... 0 ANILANA HOTELS 1.1 1.2...... 0.1...... 9.09 ROYAL CERAMIC...... 304,202...... 278.25...... 278...... 295...... 270...... 285.5...... 7.25 HUNAS FALLS...... 537...... 152...... 155...... 155...... 150...... 150.25...... -1.75 TOP 10 LOSERS S M B LEASING...... 1,939,618...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.1 LANKEM DEV...... 9,200...... 3.7...... 3.7...... 3.8...... 3.7...... 3.7...... 0 Company VWA VWA...... Change...... Change S M B LEASING [SEMB.X0000].3,715,320...... 0.3...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.3...... 0.3...... 0 MACKWOODS ENERGY...... 9,553...... 2.9...... 2.8...... 2.9...... 2.7...... 2.9...... 0 INDUSTRIAL ASPH. 0.5 0.4...... -0.1...... -20 SAMPATH...... 5,127,803...... 154...... 154...... 158...... 154...... 155.75...... 1.75 NATION LANKA...... 113,259...... 0.9...... 0.9...... 0.9...... 0.8...... 0.8...... -0.1 LAXAPANA 0.5 0.4...... -0.1...... -20 KELSEY 42.8 35.1...... -7.7...... -17.99 SANASA DEV. BANK...... 27,508...... 57.4...... 58.4...... 58.4...... 57.5...... 58...... 0.6 PARAGON...... 2,330...... 53.2...... 52.5...... 52.5...... 49...... 49.8...... -3.4 NUWARA ELIYA 1,171.50 1,001.00...... -170.5...... -14.55 SEYLAN BANK...... 6,376...... 50...... 50...... 50.4...... 49.1...... 49.6...... -0.4 RADIANT GEMS...... 458...... 29.4...... 29.5...... 29.5...... 25.3...... 29.4...... 0 ON’ALLY 36.5 32...... -4.5...... -12.33 NATION LANKA 0.9 0.8...... -0.1...... -11.11 SEYLAN BANK [SEYB.X0000]....99,671...... 39.9...... 40...... 41.6...... 40...... 40.8...... 0.9 SINHAPUTHRA FIN...... 8,300...... 7.5...... 7.4...... 7.5...... 7.2...... 7.2...... -0.3 FORTRESS RESORTS 11.4 10.3...... -1.1...... -9.65 SEYLAN DEVTS...... 144,455...... 16.1...... 16.3...... 16.7...... 15.7...... 15.9...... -0.2 STANDARD CAPITAL...... 26...... 73...... 73...... 73...... 68.5...... 73...... 0 MULLERS 1.1 1...... -0.1...... -9.09 MASKELIYA 12.5 11.5...... -1...... -8 SIERRA CABL...... 538,608...... 6.4...... 6.4...... 6.8...... 6.3...... 6.6...... 0.2 TESS AGRO...... 215,616...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.7...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.1 UNION CHEMICALS 772 716...... -56...... -7.25 SIGIRIYA VILLAGE...... 1...... 33.1...... 32...... 32...... 32...... 33.1...... 0 TESS AGRO [TESS.X0000]...... 611,203...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.5...... 0.4...... 0.5...... 0.1 114 Monday, March 1, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

Taylor Swift cancels tour due to THOUGHT FOR THE DAY ‘unprecedented pandemic’ Taylor Swift has cancelled the remaining shows of her “Lover Fest” tour due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Swift, 31, took to her social media accounts “You must want on Friday (26 Feb.) to share the “sad” update for her fans. to be a butterfly “I love coming on here to tell you good news, or to share so badly, you a new project with you. It’s not my favourite thing in the are willing to world to have to tell you news I’m sad about. I’m so sorry, give up being a but I cannot reschedule the shows that we’ve postponed. caterpillar.” Although refunds have been available since we first – TRINA PAULUS postponed the Lover Fest shows, many of you hung onto your tickets and I too hung onto the idea that we could reschedule,” the Evermore singer said. brunchA chat with author G.A. Mathupema

Professor of Psychology at the time, Prof. L.P. various publications, notably the Rasavahini Kotalawala, had provided the class with a list of magazine where his first article titled “fldamh books for recommended reading. Funnily enough, ueomj;ajd.kafka flfiao” (how to control Mathupema’s own book was included in the list, your anger) was published. which led to a number of students in the class who He said he often got comments from people knew of his identity to simply burst out laughing. saying they wished to read about psychology in He shared that it is so pleasant looking these simple terms – in a way the general public back at these memories, could understand – and so, encouraged by the how certain decisions editors at Rasavahini, he wrote and published he made in his life his first book. led him down a most Mathupema said he would never forget the interesting path. very first criticism he received for his book, Being an English published by Nandasena Rathnapala of Sunday language teacher Lankadeepa. He said the critic titled the article by profession, we “wOqkslfhlaf.ka fyd| l;djla” (a good story asked Mathupema form an amateur), also sharing that back then, what prompted him the way one went about getting publicity for to write books on a book was by taking two copies of the story psychology, and he to each editor of any interested publication commented that it in the hopes that they would give it a chance. all started as a way However, he said he had never met Ratnapala, to remedy one of the and the critic had come across the book entirely major weaknesses on his own. Mathupema said he and Rathnapala he harboured as a met at a book exhibition some time later and young student – developed a close friendship. being awfully hot- Having lived a vivacious life, Mathupema As an author, tempered. shared that if he could say anything to students Mathupema is known for his and the younger generation of our country, it novels in both English and would be to encourage them to read. “There’s Sinhala. However, he’s even nothing like reading,” he added. better known for his publications Having read nearly all the publications on psychology. His book I began to study that have been awarded the Nobel Prize in “ir, udfkdaúoHdj” (Simple the subject and Literature, he said he has heard from some of Psychology) has been better understand his students that they too are able to read any recommended as a reference and all of the books he talks about, on their G.A. Mathupema of a useful body of work in my temper smartphones. Admitting that perhaps it is his the University of Peradeniya personal view of the past, he said he believes BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE and the Sri Lanka Teacher you cannot enjoy a book on a phone screen, as Training College. During the He said he had this very bad true enjoyment of a book comes from physically Born in 1931, G.A. Mathupema is 1971 educational reforms, practice and looked into how reading that book. Regardless, he only wishes his book was utilised he could manage his emotions, that reading beyond the rigid school curriculum turning 90 years old this year, and as a textbook when having authored over 50 books and and in looking into this, he is encouraged further amongst younger principles of psychology was taken down the path of generations. given his countless contributions to were introduced to the psychology and the science of On a closing note, Mathupema also shared numerous local publications, we spoke curriculum. Since the popularity the mind. He said his very first that he is an avid believer that if the current to the incredible Mathupema to share of Simple Psychology, Mathupema has gone on exposure to the subject came in education system is to reinstate the pre- with us his remarkable life story from to publish several psychology books – including the form of a psychology digest that was vocational education programme implemented a “village boy” travelling to Colombo, “Ôjk .eg¿ iy ufkdaúoHdj” (Life Problems available in his school library, which he read from 1972-1977 before the turning of the boarding by himself amongst strangers and Psychology), which has gone on to become diligently. Government, there would be a lot more better- in Bambalapitiya, to publishing his very extremely popular, selling over 5,000 copies in “I began to study the subject and better adjusted students entering society. first book, as well as a bit of advice on eight months. understand my temper,” he said, and this More of his thoughts on this subject and how to become better adjusted adults in He shared with us a rather hilarious anecdote, knowledge combined with his love for language numerous others are available in his book noting that back when he was pursuing his Diploma these difficult times. resulted in him writing essays, drawing from “.=rejrhl= olsk f,dalh” (The World Through the in Education at the University of Colombo, his his findings and research and sharing them with Eyes of a Teacher). Nira Wickramasinghe on

In many ways, this book deals with the perennial issue of tracing lives from ‘Slave in a a hostile archive. It takes the shape of a descent into what was considered as ordinary Palanquin’ Nira Wickramasinghe BY VENESSA ANTHONY crossroads in the Indian Ocean slave trade. Speaking about Slavery was present in multiple forms in the cover of the book, An online book talk by Prof. Nira Sri Lanka – then Ceylon – when the British archive Wickramasinghe noted Wickramasinghe at Leiden University, who is conquered the island in the late 18th Century of slavery. that it is very special, the author of Slave in a Palanquin: Colonial and began to gradually abolish slavery. Yet, She examines adding: “It is based on a Servitude and Resistance in Sri Lanka, the continued presence of enslaved people in how colour-based racial sketch by my mother, with organised by the Leiden Centre for Indian Sri Lanka in the 19th Century has practically thinking gave way to more whom I travelled to Jaffna Ocean Studies, was held on 25 February. vanished from collective memory in both the nuanced debates about identity, some years ago.” She went on This is the first of a new series of book Sinhalese and Tamil communities. complicating conceptions of blackness and to elaborate on why she started talks organised by the Leiden Centre for racialisation. the book with the question: Indian Ocean Studies (Leiden University, ‘Slave in a Palanquin’ Wickramasinghe noted that Slave in a What condition must exist for KITLV/Royal Netherlands Institute of In the webinar, Wickramasinghe uncovers Palanquin: Colonial Servitude and Resistance men and women to cease to accept their Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies, and the traces of slavery in the history and memory in Sri Lanka is a deeply interdisciplinary book lives as they are? “I try to answer this IIAS). of the Indian Ocean world, exploring moments with a focus on recovering subaltern resistance question by relating the lives of enslaved Wickramasinghe is Chair Professor of revolt in the lives of enslaved people in that offers a vital new portrait of the local and men and women who carved a moral self of Modern South Asian Studies at Leiden the wake of abolition. The book Slave in a transnational worlds of the colonial-era Asian for themselves by resisting what they University. Her other books include Metallic Palanquin: Colonial Servitude and Resistance slave trade in the Indian Ocean. perceived as injustice.” not a book about the abolition of slavery, Modern: Everyday Machines in Colonial Sri in Sri Lanka tells the stories of Wayreven, the She went on to say that it’s the story of which is a topic that has spawned a rich Lanka (2014) and Sri Lanka in the Modern slave who travelled in the palanquin of his Themes a place and its connected world during the and variegated body of global scholarship, Age: A History (second edition, 2015). master; Selestina, accused of killing her child; Some of the underlying themes of her late 18th and early 19th Centuries when but rather it is about the battles against Her latest book Slave in a Palanquin: Rawothan, who sought permission for his son book, Wickremasinghe explained, were the the ordinary lives of individuals virtually adversity during this period, and the battles Colonial Servitude and Resistance in Sri to be circumcised; and others, enslaved or archive of slavery detailing the practices, burst into the archives. “In many ways, of individual slaves were not seen as Lanka explains that for hundreds of years, the emancipated, who challenged their status. names, and statistics; the comparative this book deals with the perennial issue capable of moral atonomy. island of Sri Lanka was a crucial stopover for Drawing on legal cases, petitions, and connected histories of the cape; of tracing lives from a hostile archive. It Slave in a Palanquin: Colonial people and goods in the Indian Ocean. For and other colonial records to recover East Indies, India, and the Caribbean; takes the shape of a descent into what was Servitude and Resistance in Sri Lanka can the Dutch East India Company, it was also a individual voices and quotidian moments, and intuitive work including a storied considered as ordinary,” she explained. be purchased on Amazon to find out more Wickramasinghe offers a meditation on the articulation of ideas. Wickramasinghe concluded that this is about the lives of slaves in Sri Lanka. 124 brunch „„ www.themorning.lk { CAUSE/EVENTS } Monday, March 1, 2021 In similar ways, each avenue Hashtag Generation Co-Founder Fighting hate speech and disinformation of legal recourse comes with its and Director Senel Wanniarachchi inherent challenges and room for and featured Open Society misinterpretation and application. Foundation Fellow and former Human Rights Commission of Sri Alternative framework Lanka (HRCSL) Commissioner The report also addressed Ambika Satkunanathan, media alternative frameworks that can analyst Nalaka Gunawardene, and Regulating social be pursued to address hate speech Democracy Reporting International and disinformation, analysing Reporting Digital Programme the pros and cons of each type of – Programme Officer Helena mechanism. Schwertheim. Frameworks covered in Satkunanathan commended the report included voluntary the report while stressing that Sri self-regulation by social media Lanka’s legal system, like in many media in Sri Lanka companies, independent industry- other countries, despite needing to level regulatory mechanisms, and be a neutral tool for resolving issues, Verité launches report on mechanisms counter-messaging and ethical is actually a system of power that engagement at the institutional and includes and excludes people while individual level. disciplining and punishing them. Another dimension of regulating This alternative framework also Satkunanathan also emphasised hate speech and disinformation is comes with its own challenges; for that hate speech and disinformation that authoritarian governments can instance, depending on social media cannot be combatted without first use hate speech laws and regulations companies to voluntarily self-regulate combating deep-seated issues like to silence dissident and critical content on their platforms, there patriarchy and institutional sexism. voices instead of using it to protect will be a lack of self-regulation of She also said that it is important to marginalised communities. content in the local language, as be mindful of who is implementing well an overall lack of clarity and the laws that are put in place, noting Formal framework transparency to the process. that in the recent past, none of Sri Despite public perception, there Lanka’s public institutions can are several forms of legal redress So where do we go from here? claim to be free of undue political that can apply with hate speech and The report made several influence. disinformation in the Sri Lankan recommendations to create a safer Gunawardene noted that while context. A few of these highlighted space and to fight hate speech and the study was well researched and in Verité Research’s report were the disinformation on social media. articulated, there was an over- International Covenant on Civil and The major conclusion the report reliance on legal analysis and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act (No. came to was that in Sri Lanka, legal recommendation, and recommended 56 of 2007), Penal Code of Sri Lanka provision with formal legal and considering more interventions. Ordinance (No. 2 of 1883), Polie regulatory frameworks do in fact Gunawardene also noted that the Ordinance (No. 16 of 1865), Public cover social media, but these laws run study didn’t fully take into account Security Ordinance (No. 25 of 1947), the risk of over-selective application BY NAVEED ROZAIS Struggles of dealing with hate the limitations of civil society, Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary and being used to target those seen as explaining that there are huge speech and disinformation Provisions) Act (PTA) (No. 48 of dissident or critical instead of against asymmetries present between the Verité Research, in partnership There is no universally accepted 1979), Sri Lanka Telecommunications those who incite discrimination, with Democracy Reporting very well-organised cyber armies definition of hate speech. Very Act (SLTA) (No. 25 of 1991), and hostility, and violence. that produce and disseminate hate International, hosted an online simply put, hate speech is expression Computer Crimes Act (No. 24 of On a legislative level, the report speech and disinformation and event on 25 February to launch and content that advocates hatred 2007). recommended amending the ICCPR the little disjointed, well-meaning Verité Research’s latest research and promotes intolerance, unrest, However, it must be noted that Act and the Penal Code to improve efforts by civil society organisations report titled “Regulating Social discrimination, or violence. while this framework is in place, both clarity and scope. The report and individual members of civil Media in Sri Lanka: Formal Online, and on social media, hate pursuing redress using this framework also recommended extending the society. and Alternative Mechanisms” speech and disinformation are very can often achieve mixed results based Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Schwertheim, commenting on relating to hate speech and difficult to counter for a variety of on the application of these laws. In the Readiness Team (SLCERT) mandate hate speech and disinformation from a case of the ICCPR, for instance, there disinformation. reasons. For one, it’s very quickly to include further support when it global level, shared that there was no replicated and often mutates each time was noticeable inadequate prosecution comes to hate speech. silver bullet for fighting hate speech Sri Lanka is no stranger to it’s shared, which can make taking in the cases of those involved in the The report also recommended and disinformation, explaining that it disinformation or hate speech. down such content very difficult, Aluthgama, Dharga Town, Valipanna, increasing liability on internet is always a multistakeholder approach Misleading and malicious information even after the original post or content and Beruwala violence in 2014; the intermediaries like social media that needs to be taken to handle issues online that goes viral, often for has been tracked and taken down. anti-muslim violence in Gintota in companies by the State. of this nature effectively. The ideal entirely wrong reasons, create Inadequate legal framework and the 2017; and the violence subsequent to Addressing alternatives that vision of this kind of multistakeholder immense challenges for social media abuse of the existing legal framework the Easter attacks in 2019. could be pursued by civil society approach would be a world where companies, governments, and society (systemic or otherwise) also Conversely, under the purview organisations, like creating a technology companies are held at large. In Sri Lanka, hate speech and complicates dealing with hate speech of the ICCPR Act, there have been council for independent industry- accountable for their technology and disinformation have seen riots and and disinformation. instances where the law has been level regulation and forming a do not allow hate speech to go viral, other violence being incited (or at least In the social media space, each over-inclusively applied, like in the national civil society coalition to minimising conflict, and where the greatly encouraged through hate speech social media company defines arrest and remand of author Shakthika drive citizen-driven initiatives and power of governments is also balanced and disinformation). prohibited content differently, and Sathkumara in April 2019 for the programmes increasing awareness so that dissident or critical voices aren’t This latest report looks to address language nuances can often play a publication of a book that mentioned about frameworks like the ICCPR silenced. whether Sri Lanka has adequate legal part. What may be hate speech may sexual misconduct among the clergy Act, were also recommended. To watch the launching event processes to tackle disinformation that not always feel like it when translated as well as the arrest of Abdul Raheem The launching event ended of “Regulating Social Media in Sri interferes with peacekeeping, what into another language, because the Masaheena in May 2019 for wearing with a panel discussion, discussing Lanka: Formal and Alternative these legal processes are, and what nuances of the message can be lost in motifs that were thought to resemble a freedom of expression in Sri Lanka. Mechanisms” in its entirety, visit the alternative processes are available. translation. valued symbol of Buddhism. The discussion was moderated by Verité Research Facebook page.

BY VENESSA ANTHONY

The connection between young people and sports is one of the strongest. The progress of local and global sports is carried upon the shoulders of young people. Similarly, sports open doors to young people, provide a stage for them to express their talents, and excel at bringing them together to teach them valuable ESPN Cricinfo Sri Lanka Correspondent SL women’s T20 cricket team Team Nixo Leader Jaffna Stallions Gamer.lk e-sports athlete Jaffna Stallions cricketer Captain Chamari Atapattu Co-Owner Rahul Sood life lessons. Andrew Fidel Fernando Nisal Kodithuwakku Nadeeshani Jayasinghe Vijayakanth Viyaskanth Sports are also a powerful force for sustainable development through its innate qualities to promote health, strengthen social cohesion, and facilitate economic progress. Shedding light on BREAKING BOUNDARIES this topic, the Youth National Dialogue hosted a webinar on 25 February on the link that young A webinar on the impact of sports people have with sports. The National Youth Dialogue cricketer Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, In a very impressive act that one, no matter where they are in atmosphere are people with a cricket is a well-loved sport in Sri brings together voices of the Gamer.lk e-sports athlete has revolutionised the lives of the world. “It is something that mission to change the world Lanka, it is not that famous around youth to build a better and more Nadeeshani Jayasinghe, and Team many visually impaired athletes, connects us universally. When we around them, from global business the world. Taking e-sports into sustainable future for all. The Nixo Leader Nisal Kodithuwakku. Kodithuwakku has developed a are in a team, we don't see what people ready to invest in the consideration, as Jayasinghe noted, webinar engaged with a diverse They discussed what the prototype that can point out the nation we are from, rich or poor, potential of youth in Sri Lanka it is not yet recognised as an official group of individuals at the wicket future holds for any young person exact moment these athletes need or what religion or race; what to young entrepreneurs who sport in many parts of the world. facing some challenging deliveries in Sri Lanka who wants to be to jump while they compete in brings us together is our love for are determined to develop their Commenting on this, Rahul of inquiry from one of the best on a fast lane to international long jump. the sport.” She believes that with innovations that will improve Sood added: “On the cricket front, in the business, as they discussed sporting excellence, and explained sports, we can spread a message of inclusivity in sport. the LPL (Lanka Premier League) how the sports landscape of Sri that factors such as gender and unity to the world. She added that as a gamer, she was a good start, but we need more to Lanka – a proud sporting nation – disability are no longer hurdles in is proud of Sri Lanka for gazetting make it possible for these franchises is changing, thanks to the efforts their run for success. People need to be educated on The evolution of sport e-sports as an official sport back to develop into worldwide brands. The discussion noted that of young people. what e-sports actually are; there in 2019, putting Sri Lanka on There needs to be more participation young people are itching for Speaking at the webinar were The role of sports in shaping are many misconceptions the map as the first country in from the government and more new opportunities with much Jaffna Stallions Co-Owner Rahul the world surrounding it Southeast Asia to do so. Now, involvement from the teams, as these enthusiasm to showcase their Sood, Sri Lanka women's T20 Starting off the webinar, Jaffna Stallions anyone of any age can engage in types of brands take time to build.” talents. Sports are no longer cricket team Captain Chamari Andrew Fidel Fernando explained: e-sports, as Sri Lanka organises Speaking on the ground of Co-Owner Rahul Sood confined to a physical nature; Atapattu, ESPN Cricinfo Sri “As we move into the decade of many tournaments for kids in e-sports, he said: “People need to be in this day and age, e-sports Lanka Correspondent Andrew action, young people are pushing schools, university students, and educated on what e-sports actually has become quite popular. Fidel Fernando, Jaffna Stallions sport beyond its boundaries and Explaining how it works, he even adults and employees from are; there are many misconceptions changing the rules of the game. said: “I noticed that many visually Commenting on this, Nadeeshani both the government and the private surrounding it. Parents also need Dreams of many young people impaired people fail to run in a Jayasinghe stated: “Look sector. Over the years, the number to embrace it and understand that from all around Sri Lanka of straight line, so my device helps elsewhere and new playing fields of people engaging in this sport has not every kid is going to become them learn to run straight in a are emerging for young people increased tremendously, breaking a professional cricketer or football When we are in a team, we representing the country at the international level, in our beloved short period of time using sensors. with the rise of newer forms of the stereotype that “online gaming player – they may have talent in don’t see what nation we are They will also hear beep sounds sport such as e-sports. In all this, is not a real sport”, Jayasinghe video games, and they should be from, rich or poor, or what sport cricket for instance, are very much alive.” at the right point, which prompts the audience is beginning to take added. encouraged to follow what they love.” religion or race; what brings us them to jump.” notice of young women and girls There is a stigma that needs to together is our love for the sport With e-sports developing and earning more recognition, Nisal Touching on the impact of who are challenging stereotypes The future of sports be broken first. Once that is done and SL women’s T20 cricket team Kodithuwakku explained that sports in the world, Chamari and saying this stage is ours, Not many sports are spread opportunities are provided for kids Captain Chamari Atapattu technology can also help a lot Atapattu stated that sports is equally.” so widely around the world, and from a young age, sports will change with more conventional sports. a language understood by any Adding to this harsh Fernando observed that even though the world, he concluded. brunch 13 4 Monday, March 1, 2021 { COLUMNS/EVENTS }  www.themorning.lk Hafiz Sheriff launches debut book ‘History as I See It and Others’ delves into PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM Israel-Palestine conflict and global current affairs

History as I See It and Others by to merely paint a bleak picture of the Elephants and other animals in captivity: Hafiz Sheriff, a searing take on the state of current affairs in the Middle Israel-Palestine conflict and current world East however, History as I See It, as Where are our pristine affairs, has been launched in Sri Lanka. the title suggests, is also a retrospective beaches, our lush forests, our age- The Israeli occupation of Palestine has assessment of the author’s own views on old traditions of hospitality, and been a hotly debated topic for many the current state of global affairs. Dharma? They have been destroyed years among academic circles, casual In a chapter titled “Mindfulness”, Sheriff in the name of progress, which in gatherings, and within the hallowed writes of harnessing compassion in our reality is plain and unbridled greed! halls of the United Nations. In Sri Lanka daily lives – a gentle segue between The tragedy Today, it has become a fad to however, the subject of the military chapters, as well as an appeal to the post photographs of animal abuse exercises, settler violence, and merciless reader to fully appreciate and reflect on on social media – the perpetrators tactics of persecution inflicted upon the history and its many consequences. The go unchecked; after all, there are Palestinian people is a conversation that author additionally draws from the works no laws to serve as a deterrent not often takes centre stage. of George Vaillant, Richard Dawkins, or punish them, hence animal In History as I see It and Others, author and Abraham H. Marslow, in an attempt cruelty has become a pastime. And Hafiz Sheriff breaks down the intricacies to reinforce his views and beliefs on of our times why has the Animal Welfare Bill of the Israel-Palestine conflict, providing emotional intelligence and personal not been passed in Parliament? a wider historical understanding of the development. Because it doesn’t benefit the Zionist movement’s many machinations “I wrote History as I See It and parliamentarians! towards establishing a Jewish state Others primarily with the intention of Last year saw the demise of in Palestine, and how in the slow highlighting the many human rights over 300 elephants. I wonder how process – spanning decades now – the violations committed by consecutive Elephants and other animals many more will die this year. Israeli Government is succeeding in the Israeli governments, so as to raise greater in captivity – the tragedy Staff working in the Wildlife complete displacement of the Palestinian awareness and urge more people to stand of our times; actually this Department struggle to be effective Arab people from a land originally their in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their jobs, but come up against own. Not wanting against Israel’s apartheid State,” said is more than a tragedy, it Sheriff of his debut work. is an indictment on all of Truepanion arrogant, cruel, and ignorant officials who ride roughshod over “This book is humankind. Zoos abound worldwide where them and even threaten them when a product of deep Today we are celebrating animals are kept in abominable they try to do their jobs. research combined findings on Mars, but we continue conditions with minimum food and Wild animals have become with the desire to to abuse planet Earth and all life water, hardly any care, and a lot of playthings for humans, while even share what I have forms on her. covert abuse. domestic pets today suffer untold learned, and I am Right now, as I write, a Zoos are passé today. They abuse at the hands of their owners. grateful to Jam Fruit peaceful protest is being carried should be extinct and a thing of Protests and petitions and the Tree Publications for out at Independence Square for the the past. Animals belong in the Judiciary win the day in other allowing me to see my grossly abused elephant Mayan wild, not in cages. I wonder how countries, but alas not in ours as efforts bear fruit.” Prince. Mayan Prince is being humans would feel if the tables were well as a handful of others, where The author and abused by his captors – people who turned? Majestic tigers and lions, “might” rules in place of “right”. songwriter has preach Dharma, kindness to all polar bears, elephants, exotic birds, It is not too late to turn the previously released an humans and animals, yet abuse a ornamental fish, zebras, giraffes, tide on Sri Lanka’s sorry track album Love You Riza in wild animal who should be in the and the other wonderful animals record. It’s not too late to save our 2018, of which the song jungle – for reacting adversely to his this planet has been blessed with, forests, our wildlife, and indeed Oh Jerusalem is dedicated captive environment and his captors, languish in captivity, abused, and our humanity, but we need to act to the plight of the who passed their time by tormenting neglected. NOW. Palestinians under Israeli him. And all this within the sacred Even in the wild they are being We can start by freeing Mayan colonialism, and he hopes precincts of a temple. snared and electrocuted, their habitat Prince and all other elephants that this book will serve destroyed and encroached upon, all who languish in misery in their as a fitting justification for in the name of development, when captivity. We can regain our the impassioned sentiments in actuality it is a ploy to buy the humanity and save this beautiful shared in the song. votes of the masses. country of ours by implementing Although released in Elephant corridors are being and enforcing a proper legislature December 2019 on Amazon destroyed for proposed cultivation that will protect and preserve what and Kindle, History as I and rehabilitation of villagers nature has so bountifully blessed See It and Others is now – these are the actions of those us with. It’s not too late, but we available in paperback form in Government. Such wanton need to act NOW! for Rs. 700 at Jam Fruit depravity, for that is what describes (The views and opinions Tree Publications located at it best, can only result in the rapid expressed in this column are 366/1, Galle Road, Colombo destruction of this paradise isle and those of the author, and do 3. Contact 0727268078 to A peaceful protest carried out at Independence Square for the grossly its reputation for being a tourist not necessarily reflect those of reserve a copy or abused elephant Mayan Prince paradise. this publication) arrange delivery. Nawaloka launches two care centres SLTC launches extensive for Covid patients research complex Nawaloka Hospitals centre. The hospital will then recently introduced two new transport the patient safely to the intermediate care centres for centre for a mandatory period the treatment of asymptomatic of treatment and quarantine, Covid-19-positive patients. The 10 days after the initial PCR fully equipped treatment centres test. Patients will be treated to are hosted in partnership with comprehensive care services Mt. Lavinia Hotel Colombo offered by a skilled clinical The Sri Lanka Technological The complex features dedicated and Mirage Hotel Colombo, team to oversee and manage all Campus (SLTC) stated that it opened laboratories and co-working spaces which have been converted and operations within the centre. a research lab complex at its Padukka for fields of telecommunication, geared to safely manage patients All patients will be screened Campus premises recently. The event electrical and electronics, power approved to seek private medical daily and their progress will saw that participation of Minister of system, environmental engineering treatment by the Ministry of be closely tracked, while any Education Prof. G.L. Peiris as Chief and technology, chemical science, Health. other ailments discovered Guest, and Minister of Trade Dr. food processing and engineering, “The Nawaloka intermediate during routine checks will Bandula Gunawardana as Guest of instrumental, microbiology Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardana care centres are exclusively for immediately be referred to a Honour. Minister Prof. G.L Peiris and SLT Chairman and SLTC Founder President/CEO Eng. and biotechnology, IOT, civil asymptomatic patients, who specialist medical consultant. If Other attendees included Rohan Fernando Ranjith Rubasinghe engineering, and hydraulics. prefer an uninterrupted period the patient’s condition escalates Moratuwa University Chancellor projects, and international competition Gunawardana noted: “Today is a red Speaking at the opening, SLTC of treatment, and quarantine at drastically, they will be carefully and SLTC Council Member Prof. wins, while 12 staff awards, including letter for SLTC as well as the country. Founder President/CEO Eng. Ranjith a comfortable and safe facility,” transferred to a special, isolated K.K.Y.W. Perera, Secretary to the Outstanding Research Award, Embracing research-based education Rubasinghe noted: “We are excited stated Nawaloka Hospitals Intensive Care Unit (ICU). the Ministry of Youth and Sports Emerging Young Researcher, and is bound to yield positive results and to expose the next generation of Deputy Chairman Harshith Anuradha Wijekoon, Secretary to STLC President’s Research Award, we congratulate SLTC for paving the graduates in Sri Lanka to world- Dharmadasa. the State Ministry of Rural Roads were distributed among faculty way for it. Hopefully all public and class infrastructure in research and Patients who test positive and other Infrastructure Prof. Ranjith members. private universities in Sri Lanka will development, thereby offering them for Covid-19 can reach out to Dissanayake, Telecommunication Upon declaring the new facility follow suit.” not merely theoretical knowledge, Nawaloka Hospitals to book a Regulatory Commission of Sri open, Chief Guest Prof. Peiris The dedicated research facility but also hands-on experience across room in either intermediate care Lanka (TRCSL) Director General remarked: “SLTC’s emphasis on aligns with SLTC’s vision and focus various technological disciplines. Oshada Senanayake, Sri Lanka research is noteworthy; universities to emerge the number one research We believe this facility will serve Telecom (SLT) PLC Chairman have two main components – university in the region; it serves to elevate SLTC as the foremost Nawaloka Hospital’s Rohan Fernando, and Atomic Energy teaching and research. Both are to facilitate and foster research as a knowledge hub and research intermediate care centre at Mt. Authority Chairman and SLTC equally important, though in the natural part of university education. university in the whole of South Lavinia Hotel, Colombo Council Member Prof. S.R.D. Rosa. more traditional approach, imparting Spread across an extent of 45,000 sq Asia.” The event coincided with the theoretical knowledge is prioritised ft, SLTC serves to facilitate extensive SLTC’s panel of lecturers unveiling of the university crest and over hands-on experience. Eng. collaboration between different includes 40 PhD holders, two the 2025 infrastructure development Rubasinghe’s vision to restore this research groups, to produce and Institute of Electrical and Electronics blueprint of SLTC, incorporating all equilibrium by striking a perceptive disseminate new knowledge across Engineers (IEEE) senior members, enhancements in progress as well balance between theory and practical various disciplines. The complex is and an Institution of Engineering as those planned for the future. Ten education is commendable and designed with interactive spaces to and Technology (IET) fellow. It also students were felicitated for their exemplary. SLTC is a trailblazer in promote free thinking, co-operation, holds the distinct honour of being the outstanding performance in research that regard.” and entrepreneurship among first non-state university to embark on and innovation, best final year Meanwhile, Guest of Honour Dr. undergraduates. a post-doctoral programme. 144 sports „„ www.themorning.lk { SPORTS } Monday, March 1, 2021

(at Wankhede Stadium and D.Y. Patil matches would be played behind closed Stadium), and Raipur (Shaheed Veer doors in D.Y. Patil Stadium, but they could Narayan Singh International Cricket not be held anyway last year due to the Stadium). continuous spread of the virus. Last year, Sachin Tendulkar (India Legends), Brian Lara (West Indies) This year, half the stadium Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka), Brett will be open Lee (Australia), and Jonty Rhodes Legends such as Tendulkar, Sehwag, (South Africa) were the Captains of their and Lara, along with Sanath Jayasuriya, respective teams. will take the field in this year’s T20 The inaugural series last year (2020) legends’ series, which will be held from featured notable retired players from 5 to 21 March. India, Australia, Sri Lanka, West The venue for the second edition of Indies, and South Africa, including the Road Safety World Series is the Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Romesh newly built Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Kaluwitharana, Zaheer Khan, Brian Lara, International Cricket Stadium in Raipur, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, whose seating capacity is 65,000. and Shivnarine Chanderpaul. However, tickets for only 50% of the seats will be up for grabs, owing to the Results last year pandemic. The five-team tournament was to be played in a round-robin format, with the Yusuf Pathan, Jayasuriya add spice Sri Lanka cricket legends (from left) Romesh Kaluwitharana, Rangana Herath, and Farveez Maharoof in a promotional event of last year’s inaugural Road top two finishers playing the final. Yet, Safety World Series in Mumbai on 5 March only four of the 10 round-robin matches Yusuf Pathan, Naman Ojha, and Vinay could be completed due to the coronavirus Kumar will feature in the India Legends ROAD SAFETY LEGENDS’ WORLD SERIES FROM FRIDAY outbreak in the same month. team in the Road Safety Series this time. In those four games, India Legends beat And Sri Lanka Legends too have included West Indies by seven wickets (on 7 March Jayasuriya, Russel Arnold, and Upul at Wankhede), Sri Lanka Legends beat Tharanga in their team. They will be led Australia Legends by seven runs (on 8 by Dilshan this time as well. March at Wankhede, with Kaluwitharana India Legends will play against NOSTALGIC MEMORIES scoring 30 runs and Dilshan taking 3/35), Bangladesh Legends on 5 March in the India beat Sri Lanka by five wickets (on curtain raiser. Sri Lanka Legends are to 10 March at D.Y. Patil Stadium, even start their campaign against West Indies REKINDLED FOR NOBLE CAUSE though Chaminda Vaas took 2/5), and Legends on Saturday, 6 March, notably South Africa Legends beat West Indies in the midst of a T20 International series, The nostalgic memories of a generation of cricket fans will be revived Legends by six wickets (on 11 March which will be played between the same when the Road Safety World Cricket Series 2021 begins on Friday, at D.Y. Patil). two nations in the Caribbean island of 5 March, in Raipur, India, with the India Legends team meeting Antigua and Barbuda. Bangladesh Legends. Sri Lanka’s team last year Tillakaratne Dilshan (Capt.), Chamara How many teams are Here we present The Morning Sports The World Series is an initiative by Kapugedera, Marvan Atapattu, Malinda participating? readers the history, speciality, full the Road Safety Cell of Maharashtra Warnapura, Dulanjana Wijesinghe, Thilan Australia Legends have pulled out schedule, squads, match timings, and in association with the Professional Thushara, Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah of the series this year due to the team’s details of live telecasts of the event. Management Group (PMG), spearheaded Muralitharan, Rangana Herath, Sachithra inability to travel owing to strict Covid-19 Who organises it? by Sunil Gavaskar as the Commissioner Founder of the tournament, Ravi Senanayake, Upul Chandana, Ajantha restrictions in their country at the moment. of the Series. Gaikwad (on left) of the Road Safety Cell Mendis, Farveez Maharoof, and Romesh England and Bangladesh Legends will The first edition of the Road Safety Sachin Tendulkar is the Brand of Maharashtra, with Sunil Gavaskar, Kaluwitharana played for the Sri Lanka be the two new teams this year. World Cricket Series was called off on Ambassador of the league. Unacademy, Commissioner of the series, and Sachin team. Bangladesh have been included as a 11 March last year, after just four games an Indian online education technology Tendulkar, Brand Ambassador of the league On 13 March 2020, the remaining replacement to the Australian Legends, out of 11, due to the unexpected outbreak company based in Bangalore, is the title seven matches of the tournament were it has been reported. England Legends of the Covid-19 pandemic. sponsor, and Viacom18 is said to be the Gaikwad has said thus about this year’s rescheduled to a later date – the pandemic have meanwhile been included as the The Road Safety World Series, also current broadcast partner of the annual event: “It gives me immense pleasure to struck midway through the tournament sixth team in the event, which featured known as Unacademy Road Safety World league. welcome the England Legends and the – as a result of an Indian Government only five teams last year. Series for sponsorship reasons, or simply Bangladesh Legends to the Unacademy advisory following the coronavirus Please see page 15 for the latest “RSWS”, is a T20 cricket competition Virus hasn’t reduced deaths Road Safety World Series (2021). Their outbreak. updated schedule of the Road Safety organised by the Road Safety Cell of the by accidents participation will add to the competitive It was earlier decided that those seven Legends World Series Indian State of Maharashtra. The aim of Road Safety World Series Founder spirit of this exciting series. organising it is to raise awareness about Ravi Gaikwad is also a Senior Member “The importance of this series has road safety in general. of the Road Safety Cell of Maharashtra. gained further relevance given the fact This legends’ series has been approved Gaikwad was recently honoured by the that the number of deaths due to road by both the Board of Control for Cricket Wockhardt Foundation, presenting him accidents haven’t lessened even during in India (BCCI) and International Cricket the India Corona Warrior Award. the pandemic. We all need to carry on with Council (ICC). our efforts to create maximum awareness towards road safety and save as many Aim of the event lives as possible.” The Road Safety World Series T20 league aims to influence and change Skippers last year people’s mindset towards their THE SIX TEAMS The first edition of the tournament behaviour on roads and create OF 2021 began on 7 March 2020, scheduled to On 10 March 2020 in Mumbai, Vaas took the wicket of Tendulkar for naught, caught behind by Kaluwitharana awareness towards road safety. BANGLADESH LEGENDS take place across venues in Mumbai THE SQUADS ENGLAND LEGENDS INDIA LEGENDS INDIA LEGENDS How to watch the event on TV WEST INDIES LEGENDS SOUTH AFRICA LEGENDS Those who can watch Indian satellite TV channels can experience live TV action of the SRI LANKA LEGENDS series this year. The series will be aired live on Brian Lara India-based channels like COLORS Cineplex, Dinanath Ramnarine WEST INDIES LEGENDS COLORS Kannada Cinema, and FTA channel Adam Sanford Rishtey Cineplex, from 7 p.m. onwards each day. Carl Hooper Dwayne Smith Ryan Austin William Perkins Sachin Tendulkar (Capt.) SOUTH AFRICA LEGENDS Mahendra Nagamootoo Virender Sehwag Pedro Collins Yuvraj Singh Ridley Jacobs Mohammed Kaif Narsingh Deonarine Yusuf Pathan Tino Best Naman Ojha (wk) Sulieman Benn Pragyan Ojha Noel David Munaf Patel Irfan Pathan Brian Lara Manpreet Gony Morne Van Wyk Loots Bosman Roger Telemachus Subramaniam Badrinath Alviro Petersen Llyod Norris Jones Jonty Rhodes Vinay Kumar Nicky Boje Zander de Bruyn Makhaya Ntini ENGLAND LEGENDS Sachin Tendulkar Andrew Puttick Monde Zondeki Justin Kemp Thandi Tshabalala Garnett Kruger SRI LANKA LEGENDS Jonty Rhodes

Tillakaratne Dilshan (Capt.) BANGLADESH LEGENDS Sanath Jayasuriya Mohammad Rafique (Capt.) Rangana Herath Khaled Mahmud Nuwan Kulasekara Mohammad Sharif Russel Arnold Mushfiqur Rahman Upul Tharanga Mamoon Rashid Ajantha Mendis Nafees Iqbal Kevin Pietersen Farveez Maharoof Abdur Razzak Owais Shah Chamara Silva Khaled Mashud Philip Mustard Chamara Kapugedara Hannan Sarkar Monty Panesar Dhammika Prasad Javed Omar Nick Compton Thilan Thushara Rajin Saleh Kabir Ali Malinda Warnapura Mehrab Hossain Usman Afzaal Chinthaka Jayasinghe Aftab Ahmed Matthew Hoggard Dulanjana Wijesinghe Alamgir Kabir James Tindall Mohammad Nazimuddin Chris Tremlett Sajid Mahmood James Tredwell Chris Schoefield Johnathan Trott Ryan Sidebottom

Tillakaratne Dilshan Mohammad Rafique Kevin Pietersen SOURCE WWW.WORLDSERIEST20.COM sports 154 Monday, March 1, 2021 { SPORTS } „„ www.themorning.lk

The 22-year-old Ajith in England two weeks before making his Sri Lanka debut, against Pakistan on 14 June 1975 in a World Cup match in Nottingham Qu te from a legend We lack cricket spirit now. We got (Sri Lankan rupees) 50 bucks for a match in the 1970s. We went to play the match by bus, taking a 25-cent ticket. We came back home too by bus. The spectators too travelled with us in the same bus. It was a completely different era. Yet, we played a very hard game. We fought to our Savini Jayasuriya (left), who became women’s singles champion at SSC Open tennis when she beat Janali Manamperi maximum ability. Such an attempt (right) in straight sets in the event’s final, with former seven-time SSC and National tennis champion Amritha Muttiah, also paid dividends who was the Chief Guest of the prize giving yesterday (28 February) – Ajith de Silva SSC OPEN TENNIS 20201 Ginigalgodage Ramba Ajith de Silva (aka Ajit de Silva), born on 12 December 1952 in Ambalangoda, was Sri Lanka’s first left-arm spin bowler in her Test cricket era. De Silva began his education at Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda but later Savini and Luca moved to Ananda College, Colombo. De Silva played in the 42nd and 43rd Ananda vs. Nalanda Big Match, under the captaincy of Saliya Senanayake and Keerthi Subash in 1971 and 1972, respectively. He made his Sri Lanka debut in the 1975 World Cup in England in 1975. win main titles De Silva was one of three expert spinners Savini Jayasuriya and Luca Knese clinched RESULTS – among Somachandra de Silva and Lalith the coveted women’s and men’s singles titles, Kaluperuma – who played in the island’s inaugural Vibuda Wijebandara respectively, at the Singhalese Sports Club (SSC) Women’s open singles Luca Knese receives men’s single trophy from Sri Lanka tennis legend Arjun cricket Test in 1982 against England. Yet, he was Open Ranking Tennis 2021, which ended at the club semi-final: Final: Fernando as First Capital Director Dilshan Weerasekara (left) and SSC Secretary subsequently banned from all forms of cricket for Vasantha Wijesekera (right) look on clay courts in Colombo yesterday (28 February). Janali Manamperi beat Denethya Luka Knese beat Vibuda Wijebandara 25 years the same year, which effectively ended Dharmaratne 6/0, 6/0 3/6, 6/0, 6/1 the then 28-year-old’s career, after being part of Jayasuriya beat Janali Movindi Fernando to win Savini Jayasuriya beat Tanya the “rebel” tour to South Africa under first Test Manamperi in the final with the title. Doloswala 6/1, 6/2 Girls singles U-12 semi- Captain Bandula Warnapura. relative ease, while Knese beat The principal sponsor of final: His father G.M.T. de Silva was a school principal, Vibuda Wijebandara in the the event was First Capital Final: Gehansa Methnadi beat Sandathi and mother Sirinawathie de Silva was a staunch men’s singles final yesterday Holdings. The co-sponsors Savini Jayasuriya beat Janali Usgodaarachchi 6/0, 6/3 member of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party after losing in the first set. were DIMO, 3G Sports - the Manamperi 6/1, 6/4 Movindi Fernando beat Githmi (LSSP). She was also the first-ever woman mayor Meanwhile in the girls’ official ball sponsor (Head), Men’s open singles Fernando 7/5, 6/4 in the country, when she became Head of the U-12 singles final, also held ABC Shipping, CBL- Ambalangoda Urban Council in 1969. over the weekend, Gehansa Nutriline, and People’s Bank. semi-final: Final: On record, Ajith de Silva played four Tests and Luka Knese beat Kiran Vairavanathan Gehansa Methnadi beat Movindi Methnadi of Musaeus six ODIs for Sri Lanka between 1975-82, during a 6/2, 6/1 Sankha Atukorale beat Fernando 6/4, 1/6, 10/8 College, Colombo, beat PHOTOS ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI period when an “amateuristic” Sri Lanka side tried to prove their credentials to the outside world, taking 16 international wickets in all.

Ajith de Silva dislodging John Emburey on the second day of Sri Lanka’s inaugural Test in February 1982 at P. Sara, Colombo. On right is non-striker Paul Allott. De Silva Gehansa Methnadi receives girls’ U-12 singles trophy from SSC Tennis Committee took 4/98 in the match Vibuda Wijebandara receives the men’s singles runner-up trophy. In the picture are DIMO Deputy General Manager Yohan Chairman Neshan Gunasekera, as Tournament Detector Chammika De Silva (left) Thilakaratne, Dilshan Weerasekara from First Capital, Arjun Fernando, Vasantha Wijesekera, and 3G Sports Director Suriya Bibile looks on

Contd. from page 14 Road Safety Shammi Silva’s brazen attempt to launder World Series’ full schedule and SLC’s poor public image to a worse one match timing Silva camp vs. Mathivanan camp SQUARE CUTS The election scheduled for 20 May 2021 MATCHES DATE TIME will be a contest between Shammi Silva’s and India Legends vs. BY SUDAT former Vice President Kangadaran Mathivanan’s 5 March (FRI) 7 p.m. Bangladesh Legends teams. In reality, the Mathivanan camp is only PASQUAL contesting for three of the seven offices up for Sri Lanka Legends vs. 6 March (SAT) 7 p.m. West Indies Legends grabs, whilst the Silva camp has forwarded candidates for all. England Legends vs. 7 March (SUN) 7 p.m. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is gearing up for Mathivanan will go against Shammi Silva Bangladesh Legends another election. As with almost all previous for the presidency, Bandula Warnapura will Sri Lanka Legends vs. elections, this one too is heading in a predictable contest for one of the Vice President positions, 8 March (MON) 7 p.m. South Africa Legends direction. and Nishantha Ranatunga will contest for Backed openly by former Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Thilanga Sumathipala (right), Shammi India Legends vs. The incumbent President Shammi Silva Silva (second from left) garnered 83 votes out of the possible 142 in SLC’s previous election held on the position of Secretary. Mathivanan has 9 March (TUE) 7 p.m. England Legends has already declared victory, saying his team 21 February 2019, defeating Jayantha Dharmadasa, who got only 56 votes. Also here are (from left:) not submitted candidates for the positions of is guaranteed of getting more than two-thirds SLC CEO Ashley de Silva, Assistant Secretary Chryshantha Kapuwatte, and Secretary Mohan de Silva Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Sri Lanka Legends vs. 10 March (WED) 7 p.m. of the vote. Silva talks like a man who has got after their 2019 election victory Secretary, and is only contesting for one Vice Bangladesh Legends those votes already signed and delivered to him. President slot (there are two Vice Presidents). England Legends vs. 11 March (THU) 7 p.m. While admitting that he won the last election administrator who has the overwhelming support White bribery and the Minister South Africa Legends because Thilanga Sumathipala threw his support of SLC’s membership, facing the wrath of an Appeal Court decision, the real opponent Bangladesh Legends vs. behind him, Shammi Silva says that this time old guard of an entitled and elitist cabal that is The power of the incumbency at SLC is all 12 March (FRI) 7 p.m. West Indies Legends what he has done for the membership will get attempting to circumvent SLC’s democratic encompassed by the lack of systemic pressure One is left wondering whether Mathivanan’s him elected. process because of their inability to enlist the on elected officials to be held accountable for decision is a tactical one, or whether it was due India Legends vs. 13 March (SAT) 7 p.m. South Africa Legends By that, I believe Shammi Silva is referring support of enough clubs to defeat him at an their actions and inactions. The elected officials to the inability of corralling suitable candidates to the monies that have been doled out by his election. of SLC are only answerable to the Minister of to contest for all seven positions. Regardless, Sri Lanka Legends vs. 14 March (SUN) 7 p.m. executive committee to member clubs with However, the trail of resignations, and on-field Sports. The Minister is susceptible to “white Mathivanan’s team will face an uphill battle England Legends voting rights, though he was short on details of and off-field fiascos that have engulfed SLC bribery”. on 20 May. South Africa Legends vs. what has been done during his tenure. Maybe during Shammi Silva’s tenure paint a different By white bribery, I mean the offer of The reality of the situation is that Shammi Silva 15 March (MON) 7 p.m. Bangladesh Legends because some of those doings are not visible picture. administrative positions to the Minister’s and his team’s real opponent at this election is the England Legends vs. to the naked eye, or could not be detailed with His unrepentant public utterings, such as supporters, the offer of complimentary tickets to Court of Appeal, which will decide on a petition 16 March (TUE) 7 p.m. West Indies Legends evidence. Such is the murky world of SLC placing the entire blame for poor on-field matches and events, public exposure, and access filed by former cricketers, administrators, and spending sprees. performance on players, refusing to accept to a nationwide network of personnel during others seeking the Court’s intervention to change Semi-final – 1 17 March (WED) 7 p.m. A man living in denial of reality any responsibility for the dysfunction in his elections and the like. The above-mentioned are the nature of Sri Lanka Cricket’s administrative Semi-final – 2 19 March (FRI) 7 p.m. administration, and failure to even acknowledge powerful enticements for a person to look the and governing structure. Silva has been on a mission to project himself SLC’s descent into a pit of incorrigible corruption, other way, and to be indulgent of the squalor Shammi Silva’s recent words and inaction Finals 21 March (SUN) 7 p.m. as a responsible, independent, and fearless suggest a man living in denial of reality. of waste, mismanagement, and fraud. confirm the above as fact. „„ www.themorning.lk Monday, March 1, 2021 England mulls over Test pitch Asia Cup in SL to be a nonstarter England is mulling over whether Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ehsan Mani yesterday (28 to lodge a formal complaint February) confirmed that the Asia Cup, slated about the pitch used during to be held in June this year most probably their two-day defeat to India in Sri Lanka, is likely to be postponed if in Ahmedabad, even if Chris India manages to qualify for the final of Silverwood, their Head Coach, the World Test Championship (WTC). “Asia accepts his team were also Cup was set to go last year, but it got culpable. The combination of postponed to this year. Right now, it a turning track and a pink ball looks like the Asia Cup that skidded on from the spin won’t be going bowlers resulted in the shortest ahead this year as completed Test in 96 years, the WTC finals are with 17 wickets falling on the set to go ahead in second day and “part-timer ” Joe June,” Mani has Root claiming five wickets for told the media in eight runs. Karachi.

FOREIGN sportsSPORTS IN BRIEF  England won’t complain on “appalling refereeing” England will not make an official complaint to governing body World Rugby over the refereeing in Saturday’s (27 February) 40-24 defeat by Wales in Six Nations Rugby. Referee Pascal Gauzere awarded Wayne Pivac’s side two controversial first-half tries in Cardiff. England Head Coach Eddie Jones said after the match his side were “not allowed to debate” the decisions. Ex-England Captain Martin Johnson described the awarding of Wales’ first try as “appalling refereeing”.  Ireland claim first win in Six Nations Rugby Ireland ran in six tries to claim their first win of this year’s Six Nations in a one-sided contest against a poor Italy in Rome on Saturday. Garry Ringrose, Hugo Keenan, and Will Connors scored to open up a first-half A BLACKOUT? lead for a much-improved visiting team before Johan Meyer replied. C.J. Stander, Connors, and Keith Earls added further tries after the break, as Ireland strolled to victory. For Italy, it is a 30th consecutive Six Nations defeat. The Azzurri have conceded 139 points in their past Cricket West Indies’ TV three matches, and despite flashes of attacking flair, it is their porous defence that continues to fail them in a winless run in the tournament that stretches back to 2013.  A blow for Leicester City Leicester City’s increasingly forlorn-looking rights still not sold for Asia! pursuit of Premier League leaders Manchester City suffered a big blow as Arsenal came from Poor ratings of Sri Lanka, massive time difference, and lack of Asian region feed likely to create a complete live-coverage blackout of the West Indies series behind to claim an impressive victory over them 3-1 yesterday (28 February) at the King BY REVATHA S. SILVA Power Stadium yesterday (28 February). AMAZING TIME DIFFERENCE! “On a miserable afternoon at the end Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced last week a major broadcasting of a dire week for the Foxes, they also had and can go on till possibly 2 a.m. influential winger Harvey Barnes carried off agreement with Super Sport. But so far CWI has not reportedly gone In SL time, when will the WI on a stretcher with his leg in a brace to add to for any agreement with a broadcaster in the Asian market, indicating matches be held? the following day their already considerable injury problems,” BBC reported. that there will be no live coverage of the Sri Lanka-West Indies series yy Sri Lanka will play three T20Is, yy The third ODI will be a day-  Juv held for 1-1 draw by Verona starting on Wednesday (3). three ODIs, and two Tests in nighter and will start at 11 p.m. Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw on Saturday by mid-table Hellas Verona and now sit seven CWI on Thursday (25) officially week that there was a great possibility Antigua from 3 March to 2 April Sri Lanka time the same night. points behind Italian Serie A leaders Inter Milan. Andrea Pirlo’s side led when Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed its third new multi-year that the one-month long Sri Lanka tour But it can go on till 6 a.m. the slotted home with a first-time finish from Federico Chiesa’s pass, his 19th league goal of the season. broadcast rights agreement with Super of West Indies will not be shown live yy The venue Antigua is nine-and- following day morning But Juve were poor, and Verona equalised through Antonin Barak’s header from Darko Lazovic’s cross. Sport. Super Sport has thus secured by any local TV channels. That was half hours behind Sri Lanka time The defending Italian champions were hanging on at the end, and Wojciech Szczesny denied The Tests Lazovic a winner. Inter will go 10 points clear of Juve – who have won the past nine titles – if they exclusive rights for airing live coverage after contacting two stations in Sri yy Therefore the first T20I will start were to beat Genoa yesterday. of West Indies men’s and women’s home Lanka who show live cricket coverage on Wednesday (3) at 6 p.m. in yy The two Tests are scheduled to internationals and regional tournaments, domestically over the years. Now, Antigua. It will be at 3.30 a.m. start at 7.30 p.m. Sri Lanka time  Mbappe scores twice played in the Caribbean, on its television reports emerging from the Caribbean on Thursday (4) in Sri Lanka each day, possibly going on till for Paris St-Germain and digital platforms for four years (until islands indicate that the Sri Lanka 2.30 a.m. the following day Kylian Mbappe scored twice as second-placed Paris 2024) in sub-Saharan Africa. series may not be shown live anywhere yy The nine-and-half-hour time St-Germain beat bottom side Dijon in French Ligue 1 on in the entire Asian region. difference will apply to the other yy Sri Lanka will play three T20Is Saturday. Moise Kean, on loan from Everton, slotted in an No broadcaster in Asia We in The Morning Sports pointed two T20Is as well, to be played on 3, 5, and 7 March in Coolidge early opener for Mauricio Pochettino’s side. Cricket Ground, three ODIs Mbappe then scored a penalty and curled home a fine Super Sport’s newest CWI coverage out this fact first on Monday, 22 on 5 and 7 March on 10, 12, and 14 March at Sir second, his 113th goal for the club. Danilo headed in a late cycle starts with the West Indies vs. February. There we said that there The ODIs fourth from Julian Draxler’s corner, but PSG remained one Sri Lanka series, which commences could be a lukewarm response in Vivian Richards Stadium, and point below Lille, who faced Strasbourg in a game in hand on Wednesday with the three-match the broadcasting market for the West yy The first two ODIs will be day two Tests, from 21-25 March and yesterday. T20I series. Indies-Sri Lanka series, mainly due games, to be played on 10 and 12 29 March-2 April at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in the West  England women’s team lose In two major broadcast agreements to the fact that the Sri Lanka team March. They will start at 7 p.m. announced earlier, CWI reached the US is not performing well enough at Sri Lanka time (on the same day) Indian island of Antigua and last ODI, but win series 2-1 Barbuda Amy Satterthwaite’s superb unbeaten century led market, with ESPN+ channel, and the present to attract competitive bidders New Zealand to an easy seven-wicket win over England UK and Ireland markets, with BT Sport. for showing their live action, mainly in the final ODI in Dunedin yesterday. England opener The recent agreement with Super in the Asian region. Tammy Beaumont continued her fine form with 88 not Sports will ensure that over 54 African Creating viewer interest during these West Indies teams will be accessible out and Captain Heather Knight scored 60. But the rest of Massive time difference the batters struggled as the tourists fell from 140/2 to be countries and islands, including South extraordinary playing hours needs to an expanded number of African bowled out for 220 off 47.5 overs. Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Kenya between venue and Asia exceptional appeal from the part of consumer markets with sub-Saharan Satterthwaite hit 119 and Amelia Kerr made 72 not out to guide the hosts to their target with 20 are fed with live cricket action from the The other contributing factor for this the players, which Sri Lanka is lacking Africa’s premier broadcaster. balls to spare. Reigning 50-over World Cup champions England take the series 2-1, but defeat ends a Caribbean. lukewarm response is the massive nine- very much at the moment. “As CWI’s third major media rights run of 10 consecutive victories across all formats. But still there is no agreement and-half-hour time difference between agreement finalised in the past few whatsoever reached between CWI and Sri Lanka and Antigua. This means all Ricky Skerritt elated weeks, we are excited that Super Sport a potential broadcaster to provide live action – particularly the day-night action CWI President Ricky Skerritt will be featuring every international coverage to Asia. in Antigua – going deep into night here expressed his satisfaction last week series and regional tournament from in the Asian subcontinent. At times, the over the recently struck deal with Super the Caribbean, including the upcoming Poor standing of live feed can run past dawn the next day. Sport. Sri Lanka series and the rescheduled Sri Lanka team This is a major reason to deter “This new long-term Super Sport tour of the West Indies by South Africa The Morning Sports reported only last advertisers from the live coverage. agreement ensures that the much-loved in June.” SLC MAJOR CLUB U-23 Lankan CC emerge champions Duncan White 1 BY ISHANI UPATHARITHA MARCH ON THIS DAY Lankan Cricket Club (CC) yesterday (28 February) 1923 – Birth of Duncan White, stumps with the mammoth emerged champions of the Sri Lanka’s first Olympics total of 790/3 versus Pakistan Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) (1948) medal winner (400m Major Club Youth Under-23 Hurdles) 1965 – Australia suspended Tournament, beating Singhalese champion swimmer Dawn Sports Club (SSC) by 59 runs 1942 – Major League Baseball Fraser for 10 years for in the final at SSC grounds, decided that players in misconduct Colombo. military can’t play when on SSC won the toss and elected furlough or unpaid leave of 1968 – Birth of Sanjeeva to field first. Lankan CC made absence Weerasinghe, Sri Lanka’s 223 runs in 49.2 overs before youngest Test cricketer they were bowled out. In their Lankan CC left-arm spinner 1949 – Joe Louis retired pursuit of a relatively easy target Dunith Wellalage celebrates as heavyweight boxing 1973 – Robyn Smith became of 224, SSC were bundled out SLC Secretary Mohan De Silva (second from right) handing over Major Club U-23 winners’ trophy to scalping SSC Skipper Sammu champion first female jockey to win a for 164 in 44.3 overs. Lankan CC Captain Damitha Silva as SLC Tournament Committee Chairman Bandula Dissanayake (left) and Ashan major race Former Thurstan College its Head of Domestic Cricket Chinthaka Edirimanne look on 1953 – Birth of Bandula wicketkeeper bat Kasun Nipun Dananjaya 38, Krishan Warnapura, Sri Lanka’s first 1980 – Birth of cricketer Abeyrathne scored 51 in 66 Lakshan chipped in with over- in 65 balls with six fours. Sri fancied SSC’s hopes in the Sanjula 31, Chamindu Test Captain Shahid Afridi, Pakistan’s balls, with four fours and a 20 scores to lift their total. Lanka U-19 Captain Nipun end. Wickramasinghe 15, Sohan De “Boom Boom” fame six, to strengthen Lankan CC Abeyrathne and Perera shared Dananjaya and Krishan Sanjula Livera 11; Dunith Wellalage 1958 – Gary Sobers whacked batting, before Dunith Wellalage 76 runs for the fourth wicket. struck valuable thirties – yet Scores: 3/29, Yasiru Rodrigo 2/23, 365 versus Pakistan in 614 1989 – Ben Johnson’s coach took three wickets for 29 runs Sammu Ashan and Dilum they were not enough. Ashan Lankan CC 223 all out in Sandun Sathsara 2/29) minutes with 38 fours – the testified Johnson began using to demolish SSC 59 runs shy Sudeera took three wickets tried to take his team home with 49.2 overs (Kasun Abeyrathne Top performers of the highest Test score, to be steroids in 1981 of their target. apiece for SSC. Chamindu Wickramasinghe, 51, Kevin Perera 40, Damitha Major Club U-23 2020-21: surpassed by Brian Lara only sharing 55 runs with him for Silva 30, Lahiru Dilshan 22, Best Batsman – Lahiru after 36 years 1992 – Jenny Thompson swam Lankan batters Wellalage game the seventh wicket. Umesh Lakshan 21, Sawan Udara of NCC 100–metre freestyle world impress changer But it was 18-year-old St. Kankanamge 14, Vishwa Best Bowler – Duvindu 1958 – Sobers completed a record (1:01.40) Other than Abeyrathne, Kevin In their chase of 224 runs, Joseph College, Colombo’s Chathuranga 14, Yasiru Tillakaratne of BRC 446–run stand for the 2nd Perera made 40 for Lankan CC SSC were bowled out somewhat left-arm spin bowler Dunith Rodrigo 11; Sammu Ashan Player of the Tournament wicket with Conrad Hunte 1996 – Lenny Wilkens in 39 balls with a four and a unexpectedly for 164 in 44.3 Wellalage who rose to the 3/31, Dilum Sudeera 3/35) – Ashan Priyanjan of CCC recorded 1,000th victory as six each, while Damitha Silva, overs. occasion with a three-wicket SSC 164 all out in 44.3 Player of the Final – Kasun 1958 – West Indies declared at an NBA Coach Lahiru Dilshan, and Umesh Skipper Ashan scored 50 haul for 29 runs to demolish overs (Sammu Ashan 50, Abeyrathne of Lanka CC

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