www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020

For verified information on the Quarantine Unit COVID-19 TOTAL CASES ACTIVE CASES TOTAL CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 of the following authorities Epidemiology Unit CASES IN 0112 695 112 THE WORLD 59,690,139 Health Suwasariya Govt. coronavirus hotline PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 20,795 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS 0113071073 Bureau Service USA 12,780,938 263,799 1999 If showing symptoms COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1990 0117 966 366 1,405,250 INDIA 9,179,425 134,273 BRAZIL 6,088,004 169,541 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD 14,962 FRANCE 2,144,660 49,232 94 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 5,739 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 41,292,110 RUSSIA 2,138,828 37,031 THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 10.00 P.M. ON 24 NOVEMBER 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

Ruwan KANDY CABLE CAR PROJECT NEW PHIS Wijewardene Retired military personnel recruited Governor, KMC z Six PHIs UNP NATIONAL LIST for Covid-19 prevention duties Ruwan tipped at prisons yet to approve Understanding the growing to fill slot need to allocate extra Public BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA z Korean entrepreneur z Kandy Mayor and CP Health Inspectors (PHIs) to the Department of Prisons, PHI Union of Sri Lanka United National Party (UNP) Deputy wins business rights Governor to discuss the Ministry of Health called President M.G.U. Rohana Leader Ruwan Wijewardene is tipped to fill in retired military PHIs to join today (25) onwards, to assist the party’s National List seat in Parliament. BY SARAH HANNAN at the time of proposal submission its service, The Morning learnt. with the Covid-19 prevention Contd. on page 2 earlier this year. To our knowledge, A total of six PHIs will measures that are in place at The cable car project that is to be built in Kandy has not been the Korean company is yet to obtain commence work at various the Department of Prisons. approved by the Kandy Municipal Council (KMC) or the Central the necessary approval from the Kandy prisons in Sri Lanka from Contd. on page 2 COURT OF APPEAL Province (CP) Governor’s Office, The Morning learnt. Municipal Council and consent from the Central Province Governor, to IRRIGATION PROJECTS Summons on Meanwhile, as reported in The Korea of 2.2 km. commence the project. Herald, Sky Asia Chairman Yoo Sun- When The Morning contacted the “We can assure that, to date, no Compensation before President annulled ha – the Korean entrepreneur who won CP Governor’s Office, the liaison approval was given from any of these The Court of Appeal has annulled the the business rights to launch the project officer said no official approval was offices. Discussions will be held about summons issued on President Gotabaya – is set to invest $ 35 million in the given for the project to commence, this cable car project, and another land acquisition Rajapaksa by the Jaffna Magistrate’s project, and is looking to commence adding that the Mayor of Kandy too cable car project that is proposed to Minister of Irrigation and compensation should be paid Court pertaining to the case filed over the construction in 2021 and complete the had requested for an appointment be built in Kadugannawa as well,” the State Minister of Internal for lands acquired, prior to the disappearance of human rights activists Lalith construction work by end-2022. The with CP Governor Lalith U. Gamage CP Governor’s Office liaison officer Security, Home Affairs, commencement of irrigation Weeraraj and Kugan Muruganandan. cable cars are set to connect Hanthana to discuss the matter. informed The Morning. and Disaster Management projects. Contd. on page 2 and Kandy, operating over a distance “The council opposed this project Contd. on page 2 Chamal Rajapaksa said Contd. on page 2 DEMANDING THEIR DUES TOTAL CASES

17,265*Stats updated as at 7.00 p.m. on 24 November Dian Gomes Dilith Jayaweera COVID-19 PUBLIC SERVICES COMMISSION Dian and Dilith proposed Four more deaths Dian Gomes and Dilith Jayaweera The Parliamentary Secretariat stated were proposed to be appointed as the that the matter was under discussion reported private sector representatives to the Public within the Parliamentary Council. Four more Covid-19 deaths were Services Commission yesterday (24). Contd. on page 2 reported last night (24), bringing the total Covid-19 deaths in Sri Lanka to 94. LINKS WITH DRUG DEALERS FERTILISER PNB officers Probe on Over 1,000 police further remanded personnel infected The 13 officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau over Rs. 4 b The National Operation Centre for (PNB) who were arrested for their alleged payments Prevention of Covid-19 stated that 1,039 involvement with drug dealers, were further police officers tested positive for Covid-19. remanded until 7 December. BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA Contd. on page 2 The Auditor General (AG) Housing complex New court complex has recommended that legal and disciplinary action be isolated in Wattala A housing complex located down the in the making taken against officials The National Organisation for the Protection of Pensioners' Rights protested at the Polduwa Junction yesterday (24) involved in paying more demanding that the pensions due from 2016-2019 be paid through the Budget from January 2021 Wattala Church Road has been isolated Justice Minister Ali Sabry has instructed than Rs. 4,080 million to PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE following the detection of 35 Covid- ministry officials and officials of the Central fertiliser import companies PADDY PURCHASING 19 cases, area public health inspectors Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB) to against the decisions of the Budget (PHIs) confirmed yesterday (24). expedite the construction of the new court Cabinet during the previous proposals SME At gazetted price: Govt. complex, “Adikarana Piyasa”, which is Government. The Government is to buy paddy Minister of Mass Media Keheliya 465 more patients recover presented as a replacement to the existing Contd. on page 2 at the gazetted price of Rs. 50 per Rambukwella confirmed this move The Ministry of Health last evening dilapidated courthouse in Hulftsdorp, Colombo. friendly: ICCSL kilogramme, The Morning learnt. to The Morning. (24) said 465 more individuals Contd. on page 2 The International Chamber of Government Spokesman and Contd. on page 2 previously diagnosed with Covid-19, SL WORKERS Commerce of Sri Lanka (ICCSL) made complete recoveries. Focus on welcomed the 2021 Budget proposals COVID-19 presented in Parliament Nurses stage silent Korean recently by Prime Minister Sports official infected and Finance Minister protest in Matara programme Mahinda Rajapaksa. says Sports Ministry Nurses at the Matara District Covid- State Minister of Foreign ICCSL Chairman One sports official was found to Sports premises due to the nature 19 Treatment Hospital staged a silent Employment Promotion Dinesh Weerakkody have tested positive for Covid-19 of his duties, necessary measures protest yesterday (24). and Market Diversification noted that the budget on Sunday (22), after a random were taken to mitigate the risk Priyanka Jayaratne yesterday proposals can be sampling last Friday (20), the of transmission of Covid-19 VACCINE (24) instructed ministry described as progressive Sports Ministry noted in a to athletes and officials of the officials to expedite the Korea and business statement yesterday (24). The Torrington Sports Hostel and Only way to get is migrant worker programme. ICCSL Chairman friendly. statement further noted that since also within the premises. Contd. on page 2 Dinesh Weerakkody Contd. on page 2 the official was at the Torrington Contd. on page 2 through COVAX: VIDFSL The only way that Sri Lanka would get MONASH CITY COUNCIL a Covid-19 vaccine would be through MP Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias “Pillayan” after leaving the court premises COVAX at the end of 2021, the Vaccine Sri Lankan-born elected to Council and Infectious Diseases Forum of Sri Lanka (VIDFSL) said in a statement. Sri Lankan-born Anjalee de Silva has also been appointed a member both her parents were chartered civil Pillayan was recently elected to the Monash of the Monash Council Gender engineers who graduated from the Lankans repatriated City Council in the latest local Equity Advisory Committee and University of Moratuwa. government elections in Victoria, the Monash Council Multicultural Anjalee graduated from the from Middle East granted bail Australia. She was endorsed by Advisory Committee. University of Melbourne with Army Commander Lt. Gen. Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) the Australian Greens Party and is Anjalee migrated to Australia as a First Class Honours in Law. She Shavendra Silva said that Sri Lankans Leader and parliamentarian Sivanesathurai the only councillor of Sri Lankan four-year-old, with her younger sister also holds a bachelor’s degree in stranded in the Middle East will be Chandrakanthan alias “Pillayan” has been origin to be elected in Victoria for Saranee and her parents Dr. Saman media and communications from Anjalee given priority in the repatriation process. granted bail by the Batticaloa High Court. the upcoming four-year term. As de Silva and Mihiri de Silva (nee the University of Melbourne. de Silva Contd. on page 2 part of her role as a councillor, she Premathilake). At the time of migration, Contd. on page 2 SEE FULL STORIES ON PAGE 2 2 the morning NEWS Wednesday , November 25, 2020

Contd. from page 1

the Budget and that this project, which will continue to advocate for a just society that officials, and a driver since they had social care workers, elderly, and persons with Governor... supply water to nearly 355 tanks, is scheduled functions free of prejudice and discrimination been travelling together for random PCR chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Earlier this year, Mayor of Kandy Kesara to be operational by June. Adding, Dissanayake and that serves the needs and interests of all, sampling on 20 November However, the chances are that WHO/COVAX Senanayake opposed the initiation of the further stated that the 26 km long tunnel and the rather than just the powerful and privileged. yy The premises were immediately would be able to provide some vaccine doses project when a Korean company had submitted 94 km long North Central Maha Ela Project, Ironically, Anjalee has contested and got disinfected including the Strength Hall to Sri Lanka towards the end of 2021,” it said. a proposal to the KMC. which is set to feed 1,200 small tanks and was elected from the Mount Waverley Ward, where yy Measures were taken to make a bio-bubble It said WHO/COVAX has pledged that they The Mayor indicated that the project could proposed to be completed in six years, will she spent her early childhood as a migrant including all the athletes and officials would reserve a supply of vaccines necessary cause extensive environmental damage, as it be completed in four years’ time. Given that and had her primary schooling at Mount yy Strict health measures have been imposed for only about 20% of our total population, and would require the installation of a cable car provisions have been allocated through the Waverley Primary School. Anjalee has been on all the athletes and officials including Sri Lanka will have to pay for them. station in an environmentally sensitive area Budget for a number of projects including the a vivid reader and a gifted writer since her temperature checks two times a day, a “They have also indicated that they do not adjacent to the Hanthana Forest Range. aforesaid, he assured that a number of projects early childhood and enjoyed reading a wide Covid-19 health questionnaire once daily, wish to buy vaccines that exceed a cost of $ Moreover, he pointed out that the required that were delayed will be completed soon. range of topics, including politics. She has hand washing, wearing facemasks, and 20 per dose for any country. construction would take place within the forest demonstrated academic excellence throughout keeping distance Thus, it is time to face reality. It is necessary reserve, while the instruments used could her career. Anjalee is the granddaughter of yy The Torrington premises cannot be entered to implement mechanisms to educate the public possibly be placed across the water distribution Summons on... the late Meemana Premathilake, the great by outsiders and residential athletes and on getting vulnerable persons to hospital early storage tank that is situated on the path of the The Appeals Court had issued an interim poet and legendary editor of the Silumina officials cannot leave the premises for the management of complications of Covid- cables. He had added that the residents and injunction preventing the summoning of newspaper. She is also the niece of veteran yy The rest of the national pool athletes who 19 to prevent unnecessary deaths. the Maha Sangha too opposed the proposal. Rajapaksa on 27 September 2019 by the journalist and exalted human rights activist are not residing at the premises will be able “It is necessary to continue vigorously public Speaking to The Morning, Kandy Mayor Jaffna Magistrate’s Court over the Lalith, Sunil Madhawa Premathilake. to train at other sports venues, with strict health recommendations on wearing face masks, Senanayake said: “This project was opposed Kugan disappearance case. In 2012, a writ health guidelines given by the Institute of social distancing, hand washing, and related by environmentalists, the UNESCO (United of Habeas Corpus was filed in the Court of Sports Medicine and health authorities mechanisms which have stood the test of time Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Appeal to demand the release of Weeraraj and Housing... even from the times of the Spanish flu of 1918. Organisation) Heritage Council Committee of Muruganandan, if they were in the custody of The National Operation Centre for There is some expectation among the public Kandy, and the Mahanayakes as well. the state. An inquiry into the writ commenced at Prevention of Covid-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) Probe on... that Covid-19 vaccines would be available in “The proposal’s sketches indicate that the the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court in September 2012. identified the property as a workers’ housing A price formula has been prepared for the Sri Lanka very soon, even in a month or so. cable car lines would be going above the complex and stated that steps were taken to purchase of fertiliser on the recommendation This is far from the truth,” the forum said. Dalada Maligawa, but the city plan is such that isolate the premises. of a committee appointed by the Ministry There are claims from Pfizer and Moderna no structure within the Kandy City limits will Dian and... of Agriculture. The audit revealed that the that their vaccines are 95% effective. However, go above the height of the Dalada Maligawa,” A law graduate of the University of Colombo payment was made on the basis of bids these are interim results announced in the public he said, adding: “I have also requested for a and an Attorney-at-Law by profession, Dilith Four more... submitted by private companies, instead domain before completion of Phase III studies. meeting with the Governor and have explicitly Jayaweera is a corporate leader and a prominent The deaths were of three males (aged 74, 54, of paying a common price for each type of As studies are not complete, results have not been stated my disapproval of this project.” figure in the country’s advertising industry. and 42) as well as a female (aged 73), stated fertiliser using the same price formula. The AG published in scientific journals. These vaccines Senanayake noted that, as the first citizen Dilith Jayaweera set up Triad Advertising the Department of Government Information. has recommended that the officers involved in are not registered under any internationally of Kandy, he has the best interests of the City (Pvt.) Ltd. in 1993. In 2011, he was named by such payments be investigated and legal and recognised regulatory bodies or by the WHO. of Kandy and its heritage at heart and said the LMD Magazine as one of the 10 “Business disciplinary action be taken against them. The “Moderna expects their vaccine to be he would not permit the implementation of People of the Year”. In 2020, Dilith Jayaweera New court... quantity of fertiliser purchased at a cost of Rs. available to the public next spring. Even then, any project that would damage the UNESCO was among 100 corporate leaders named The new court complex will be built on a 4,080 million is stated to be 156,275 metric it will not be available in Sri Lanka. This is Heritage status of the city. by the LMD on its A-list of businesspeople six-acre land and will consist of a 12-storey tonnes. This fertiliser had been purchased for because millions of doses of vaccines of these who continue to drive the engine of growth building with 40 courthouses, eight-storey the implementation of the fertiliser subsidy manufacturers have been already contracted to in Sri Lanka. He is the Chairman of George building for the Justice Ministry, and a training for the year 2018. the US and the EU (European Union) and other Retired military... Steuart and Co., Sri Lanka’s oldest mercantile centre for the judges, according to the Minister. The audit further revealed that the National countries. Sri Lanka has no such contracts with Speaking to The Morning, PHI Union of Sri establishment, and Derana, one of the largest Minister Sabry said the initial plans of the Fertiliser Secretariat had purchased the stocks the manufacturers of these vaccines. As these Lanka President M.G.U. Rohana said: “We have media networks in Sri Lanka. Dian Gomes project were now nearing completion, and added of fertilisers from those companies without a vaccines have not completed safety studies and a scheme where we recruit military officials who was a Group Director of MAS Holdings the project will commence as soon as possible. formal study and that the purchases had not as no recognised regulatory body has registered have undergone the PHI training and had served (Pvt.) Ltd. and the Managing Director of – Maheesha Mudugamuwa been made with a specific warranty certificate them, Sri Lanka is not in a position to make the military previously. The volunteer cadre the group’s largest business division, MAS obtained from private chartered companies upfront payment and reservations for them.” of the military allows its officers to retire after Intimates. A Fellow Member of the Chartered serving the military for a period of 12 years. Institute of Management Accountants (UK), Pillayan... Therefore, these officers are not essentially the Association of Chartered Certified The Batticaloa District MP was ordered to PNB officers... Budget... of the traditional retirement age. Every year, Accountants (UK), and Certified Practising be released on bail by Batticaloa High Court The case was taken up before the Colombo Weerakkody added that the budget proposals we allow them to apply for vacancies that are Accountants (Australia), he received his Judge T. Wigneshwaran, when the case filed Magistrate’s Court yesterday (24). placed emphasis and focus on encouraging made available in our sector.” executive education at Wharton, Ashridge and over the murder of former Tamil National Reportedly, Colombo Chief Magistrate local entrepreneurship, skills development, Rohana noted that this year, they recruited Harvard Business Schools. Dian was President Alliance (TNA) MP Joseph Pararajasingham Mohamed Mihal dismissed the preliminary boosting exports and fostering local SMEs. one such person after interviewing them, of the Chartered Institute of Management was taken up yesterday (24). objections raised by the defence. He further stated that the budget proposals but were not in opposition to offer them Accountants (UK) – Sri Lanka Division in Four other defendants in the case who were During a previous proceeding, the defence have been presented in the backdrop of employment since there was no available 2001/2002 and presently sits on the boards of in remand custody were also granted bail by had argued that the Magistrate’s Court has the perhaps the most challenging and difficult of vacant position in any of the Medical Officer many private and government organisations. the court. Pillayan had been in remand custody authority to grant bail to the suspects in terms times in the history of budget making due to of Health (MOH) divisions. since his arrest on 11 October 2015 when he of the Poisons, Opium, and Dangerous Drugs the unprecedented global crisis precipitated However, he added: “Since there is a concern arrived at the Criminal Investigation Department Ordinance. Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa by the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the that the prisons are becoming hotspots for Sri Lankan-born... (CID) to give a statement in connection with Peiris, who represented the Attorney General’s same, the proposals contain significant and Covid-19 spread, we have decided, as per She commenced her career as a commercial the assassination of the late Tamil politician (AG’s) Department, informed the court that positive measures to strengthen the country’s the request of the Department of Prisons, to lawyer with Linklaters, a magic circle law Joseph Pararajasingham, who was shot dead sufficient evidence had come to light to prove macroeconomic framework, stabilising trade, allocate six more PHIs to monitor the Prison firm in London, UK. She has also practised on Christmas Eve in 2005. A gunman opened the suspects were involved with internationally reviving exports and services, enhancing the Department institutions. Generally, we only as a lawyer in top-tier law firms in Hong fire on TNA MP Pararajasingham after he operating traffickers to smuggle drugs into the investment climate, and capacity building in have two PHIs allocated to the Welikada Kong and Melbourne and completed in-house received communion at St. Mary’s Church in country via sea routes. Taking these submissions local production volumes and capabilities, as Prison; now, these PHIs will be assigned as client secondments at Barclays Bank and the Batticaloa, killing him and injuring eight others into account, the Chief Magistrate decided to a key strategy. per the requirement,” Rohana elaborated. Royal Bank of Scotland in London, as well including his wife. Contesting at the general dismiss the bail applications put forward by The Chamber noted with particular The PHI cadre has about 50 such PHIs in total as a pro bono secondment at the Asylum election 2020, Pillayan had obtained the highest the defence and to further remand them until appreciation, the proposals to provide investment who completed the Public Health Inspectors Seeker Resource Centre in Melbourne. Anjalee number of votes from the Batticaloa District next month. relief for several “thrust sectors”; public Diploma Course and were delisted from the has extensive experience in researching and and entered Parliament. investment, promotion, and greater development military. Before being assigned to their posts, advising on a range of legal, commercial, of capital markets; and measures to create a however, they will be given an induction and and policy matters as well as managing, At gazetted... resurgence of the SME sector and startups. briefing on measures they would have to follow, instructing, and mentoring law students and Lankans... “We will be buying paddy from the next The Chamber also welcomed the given the present pandemic situation. teams of junior lawyers. The Army Chief said expatriates in this harvest at Rs. 50, which was gazetted recently. Government’s commitment towards the Although these PHIs will be assigned to the A key motivator of Anjalee’s work region are facing dire situations. A total of 326 We want to protect the farmers and this will help continuity of its tax policy and the measures Department of Prisons, they will be included throughout her career has been her passion Sri Lankans were repatriated from Kuwait on the Government to do this,” the Government to strengthen the tax administration regimen. in the Ministry of Health payroll. for shaping law and policy reform in ways Monday (23), he said, adding that 188 more Spokesman said. It is the view of the Chamber that there – Sarah Hannan that affect social justice for vulnerable expatriates in Doha, Qatar returned yesterday He said that on the side, this would also should be comprehensive stakeholder communities, especially women and girls. (24). Another group of Sri Lankans will be ensure a safe retail price for consumers. engagement prior to the implementation of Ruwan tipped... She recently completed her PhD thesis, titled repatriated from Saudi Arabia on 30 November, “We will then sell at Rs. 90 a kilogramme to the proposals to amend the retirement age of “Addressing the Vilification of Women: A he said further. Relevant Sri Lankan embassies the consumer. This will safeguard the consumer private sector employees and contribution of Senior sources within the UNP told The Functional Theory of Harm and Implication in foreign countries have been informed of the as well. Of course, in the private sector, we’ll 0.25% of turnover towards an insurance fund, Morning that Wijewardene had the majority for Law”, through Melbourne Law School, repatriation process scheduled for the coming see competition and so the price there could taking into cognizance the many challenges of the UNP MPs’ support. the University of Melbourne. She completed week, the Army Chief continued. be a few rupees higher.” which the private sector is currently facing Party Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe had her thesis with the support of the prestigious He noted that authorities are working towards – Skandha Gunasekara due to the effects of the coronavirus initially been offered the position, but he had University of Melbourne Human Rights bringing back Sri Lankans stranded in other pandemic and critical reforms necessary in turned it down. Thereafter, Wijewardene’s name Scholarship. She is a member of a number foreign countries as well, although priority labour market practices which are a “sine was nominated and garnered the most support. of professional and learned organisations, has been given to those in the Middle East. Nurses stage... qua non” today in attracting foreign direct Sources also revealed that new appointments including the Law Institute Victoria, Australian The nurses charged that they were not investment (FDI) as well as local investment would be made to key positions in the party Lawyers for Human Rights, International afforded the proper facilities for them to for productive and sustainable private sector next January. Meanwhile, the party’s General Association of Constitutional Law, Castan Sports official... carry out their duties, adding that they had development. Secretary, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, is to Centre of Human Rights Law, and the With the instructions of health officials: not received adequate transport, health, food, Weerakkody further opined that prudent officially step down from his position in International Political Science Association. yy First-line contacts have already been and lodging facilities. The nurses also said that debt management, export promotion, and a January 2021. She aspires to use her role on the council to quarantined, including two athletes, four they do not have adequate staff to carry out structured relaxation of imports, especially their necessary duties. Nearly 200 Covid-19 for the competitive sourcing of raw materials, patients are currently receiving treatment at would become necessary in 2021 to support Compensation... the Matara Hospital. local manufacturing. He made these remarks during the meeting Cartoon of the day The ICCSL, in its capacity as the domestic of the Ministerial Consultative Committee chapter of the Paris-based International on Irrigation in Parliament on Monday (23). Focus on... Chamber of Commerce (ICC) that represents The Minister emphasised that attention Instructions were given to conduct the over six million member companies and 43 should be given towards the satisfaction necessary PCR tests and discuss with the Korean million members globally in over 130 countries, of the people who are losing their lands authorities how to proceed with the programme looks forward to an ongoing engagement and that they should be justly compensated, while adhering to the necessary Covid-19-related with the Government with respect to the thus receiving their blessings for projects in guidelines. Accordingly, a meeting between implementation of the budget proposals. return. Accordingly, the Minister instructed Sri Lankan Embassy officials and the Korean the relevant divisions to immediately take the Human Resources Management Authority is necessary measures required for this purpose. scheduled to be held tomorrow (26). Over 1,000... Minister Rajapaksa’s comments followed It was also reported that priority would be This includes 238 Special Task Force MP Dilan Perera’s revelation that 6,000 given to individuals who sat for the Korean members. Around 3,000 officers were placed families, who had lost their lands as a result language examination when considering under quarantine due to Covid-19 infection of the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development candidates for employment opportunities in the Police Department during the second Project, had not yet been compensated. in Korea. wave of the pandemic. The work pertaining to the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project is scheduled to be completed by June next year, through Only way... 465 more... which the Government will be able to add 120 The forum said COVAX – the initiative of the The new development brings the total number megawatts (MW) to the national power grid, Global Alliance on Vaccines and Immunisation of novel coronavirus recoveries reported in the which is considered a key component of the (GAVI), World Health Organisation (WHO), country to 14,962 as of last night. Sri Lanka’s Government’s return on investment (ROI). and others – pledged to give all low and middle- confirmed infections count meanwhile stood Furthermore, Ministry Secretary Anura income countries equitable access to vaccines. at 20,795. The Epidemiology Unit said 5,743 Dissanayake stated that all the necessary funds “The vaccines will be made available to active cases were still under medical care at have been allocated for this purpose through priority groups. These include healthcare and the time. the morning Wednesday, November 25, 2020 3 business The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) is likely to maintain the same policy stance in this week’s monetary policy review, but given the concerns Central Bank likely to hold policy around economic growth, the CBSL is likely to retain the monetary policy stance at “accommodative”, First Capital Research (FCR) said in its pre- rates steady: First Capital Research monetary policy report yesterday foreign debt ratio to 54:46 by end-July 2020 (24). from the previous 51:49 as at end-2019. In the midst of limited access to international FCR believes that there is a 50% financial markets, the Government will probability to hold rates due to improvement opt to rely more on domestic borrowings in high frequency indicators and that there to finance the budget deficit, and hence is a 25% probability for 25 bps and 50 bps, easing rates at the upcoming policy meeting respectively, to support economic growth. results in reduced funding cost favouring the Government, FCR noted. Arguments against further Yields heading north with auctions relaxation in monetary policy being undersubscribed Improvement in high frequency indicators Despite the improved liquidity position, with surplus liquidity in the system yields in the secondary market witnessed As a response to the measures taken by a slight increase with low activities as the government, private sector credit has market participants followed a wait-and-see improved to Rs. 87.4 billion in September wave of Covid-19, the CBSL has extended the recovery in private credit and historic which was spelled out through the Budget approach amidst the looming uncertainty. while market liquidity has reached Rs. 140.0 the debt moratorium for another period of six low levels in the AWPR, there is no vital 2021 as well. Accordingly, the Government The Treasury Bond auction on 12 November billion by 13 November, indicating that there months commencing 1 October 2020. FCR requirement for the CBSL to provide a rate plans to reach 6% and above GDP growth and Treasury Bill auction on 18 November is surplus liquidity in the system. Moreover, believes that the extension of the moratorium cut and to further bring down the market during the next five years commencing from were both undersubscribed by a considerable the unemployment rate, which was at 5.7% is one of the relief packages offered by the lending rates drastically. 2021. amount, reflecting the lack of clarity of in the Q12020 has declined to 5.4% in the CBSL for individual/businesses to revive “As we believe, a development- market participants with the given economic second quarter. These indicators suggest their business activities. Arguments for further relaxation oriented budget coupled with a further condition and Covid-19 impacts. FCR that economic activity has remained steady Rock-bottom market rates in monetary policy low interest rate environment can support believes a rate cut would be a sweetener without much deterioration in Q2, FCR said. In response to previous monetary easing A thrust for development: The need of the the Government’s medium-term goals. to sustain the yields at the current low “Except the GDP growth numbers, where measures implemented by the CBSL, to current Government Therefore, the need to accelerate the GDP levels and to enhance the activities of the the Q22020 figures are yet to be seen, bring down costs of borrowing of businesses First Capital Research estimates that growth can be considered as a major factor secondary bond market. other indicators are signifying a recovery, and households, both market deposit and Sri Lanka’s GDP would see its steepest favouring further policy easing at the In-line with FCR’s expectations, at the questioning the need of further policy easing lending rates were adjusted notably so far contraction in history of -5.8% in 2020 upcoming review,” FCR said. last policy meeting held in October, the at the upcoming review.” during the year. The AWPR declined to following the unexpected contraction in Access to less expensive domestic funding CBSL maintained its monetary policy Extended moratorium: A solution historic lows in recent weeks, while banks’ Q1 GDP growth of -1.6% while Q2 GDP It is reasonable to assume that the stance, particularly as market lending rates for grievances lending rates also witnessed a downward figures are yet to be seen. However, the Government is more focused on domestic were yet to reflect the full passthrough of Considering the encounters faced by the adjustment in line with the CBSL’s current Government’s key drive is the funding to finance the budget deficit. This policy easing measures implemented up to businesses and individuals due to the second expectations. FCR believes that considering development-oriented economic growth is reflected by the improved domestic-to- that point. President to inaugurate Sri Europe’s top ride-hailing Lanka Economic Summit President Gotabaya Enterprise Reforms Ajith Rajapaksa will inaugurate Nivard Cabraal. Ceylon the Sri Lanka Economic Chamber of Commerce company Bolt enters SL Summit as its Chief Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya Guest on 1 December will deliver the welcome Bolt, the leading European savings on to customers, partners.bolt.eu/driver-signup Chief Executive Officer 2020 and will also deliver address. transportation platform, is passengers, and drivers. Bolt by completing the relevant (CEO) Markus Villig with the inaugural address, The flagship summit launching its services in Sri has chosen to enter Sri Lanka formalities or through the Bolt his brother Martin, in 2013, the organisers, Ceylon will be held on a virtual Lanka today (25) with a during the peak of the Covid- Driver App available on the Bolt currently operates Chamber of Commerce format in compliance pilot launch of its service in 19 crisis with the firm belief Apple App Store or Google globally in over 35 countries announced yesterday (24). with health guidelines and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Colombo, making Sri Lanka its that people still need to move Play Store. and 150 cities, with over 30 Prime Minister Mahinda will bring together key first market in South Asia. around in the city, and is doing Passengers looking for a million passengers and one Rajapaksa will launch policymakers and business With over 2,000 drivers its best to fulfil the mission to ride can open the app, set their million drivers. Bolt Food is the second day of the leaders, and will see top ready to start accepting rides, help them do so,” Bolt said in a location, and their intended operational in 13 countries summit on 2 December international thought the company has announced press release. destination. The app then in Europe and Africa and 2020 and participate in the leaders coming together that it will be charging drivers Currently available only gives an upfront cost estimate the company also offers VVIP session focused on to identify the steps in no commission for using the within Colombo, Bolt services for the trip. Once passengers micro mobility services with “Empowering Take-off: developing the pathway platform and that it will offer can be accessed by passengers accept the cost estimate, the e-scooters and electric bikes Efficient Government towards the accelerated and fares 20% lower than other by downloading the secure and app alerts drivers nearby in 45 cities across Europe. and Progressive State people-centric revival of competitors, for a minimum of free Bolt app from the Apple to accept the ride. The app Bolt is the third fastest Enterprises”. the country’s economy, the Prime Minister Mahinda six months. App Store or Google Play Store allows passengers to see their growing European company The summit is themed Ceylon Chamber said. Rajapaksa “It builds on being smart and setting up a user profile. driver’s details and track the for the second year in a row “Roadmap for Take-off: Participants may register about how to grow the Any person with their own car driver in real-time, and when according to Financial Times, Driving a People-Centric for the entire two-day company, and focusing who wishes to join Bolt as a the ride is complete, they can and has been named Europe’s Economic Revival”. virtual summit, or pick the operations on efficiency, driver can easily register with make their payment in cash. Hottest Unicorn by The The inaugural session on sessions of their choice, an allowing Bolt to pass the the company through https:// Built by Founder and Europas Awards. 1 December, commencing opportunity offered for the at 8.30 a.m., will feature first time. Registrations for addresses by Keynote the event are now open and Speaker Indian Minister further information could of Finance and Corporate be obtained from Niroshini Ceylon Asset Management Chairman Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman on [email protected] and Guest of Honour or 0115 588 852; or Alikie Indian Minister of Finance State Minister of Money, on [email protected] or and Corporate Affairs highlights SL’s sovereign bonds Capital Markets, and State 0115 588 805. Nirmala Sitharaman The discounted prices of Sri Lanka’s sovereign bonds make it a worthwhile investment, Tourism Alliance and Good said Malaka Bandara, the new Chairman of Ceylon Asset Life X announce SME grants Management (CAM), the only dollar-denominated sovereign With Sri Lanka’s tourism bond fund in Sri Lanka. industry grappling to stay “This is a rare opportunity to afloat amidst the ongoing invest in Sri Lankan sovereign Covid-19 pandemic, Sri bonds at discounted prices,” he Lanka Tourism Alliance said. and Good Life X will The prices dropped after a disburse a total of € 50,000 Moody’s downgrade of Sri CAM Chairman Malaka Bandara to assist sustainable Small Lanka to Caa1 in September and Medium Enterprises (source: Moody’s Investor years. Given the geographic (SMEs), the Tourism Service, 28 September location of the island and Alliance announced Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance Co- Good Life X Director Randhula 2020). However, Moody’s 2030 SLISB price movement during 2020 (from 1 January 2020 to 18 intra-island connectivity with yesterday (24). Chair Malik Fernando de Silva recent report was positive November 2020) SOURCE: WWW.BONDEVALUE.COM development in infrastructure, “Our partnership with (approximately) with Foundation Germany, on Sri Lanka, highlighting global names are expected Good Life X is another funding going towards under the initiative of strong FDIs (foreign direct and foreign investors. Investors October after Sri Lanka was to invest in manufacturing key milestone in our the implementation of a the German Federal investment) expected during can exit at any time without downgraded from B to Caa1 facilities in the Hambantota journey towards providing sustainable idea that will Ministry for Economic 2021. Thereafter, Sri Lanka penalties, and repatriate dollars (Stable Outlook) by Moody’s on Free Trade Zone (FTZ). support and assistance to help businesses innovate, Co-operation and International Sovereign Bond to the originating bank account. 28 September 2020. As a result, The 2030 SLISB with a par the industry during this grow, and bounce back Development (BMZ) as a (SLISB) prices bounced back CDBF offers true diversification SLISB prices failed to gain value of $ 100, traded at $ crisis. Through the Grants better. response to the Covid-19 with strong buying from for a minimum investment of despite the $ 1 billion sovereign 71.5 on 28 September 2020 for Tourism Resilience “Tourism businesses crisis in Sri Lanka,” said foreign investors. Analysts $ 1,000 while an individual bond settlement on 4 October before the rating downgrade by programme, we will are looking for ways Good Life X Director expect the SLISB prices to SLISB purchase has a minimum 2020 demonstrating Sri Lanka’s Moody’s but plunged to $ 53.6 disburse a total of € 50,000 to remain resilient and Randhula de Silva. maintain positive momentum trade size of $ 200,000. creditworthiness. on 29 October 2020. However, to assist sustainable competitive during this Interested tourism with improving economic Dinesh Ambani, the new Moody’s on 26 October the bond prices recovered SMEs that have used challenging time. We are businesses are required fundamentals of Sri Lanka. Director to join the Board of 2020, published a favourable to $ 62.31 on 18 November this time to successfully happy to partner with to submit a completed The Ceylon Dollar Bond Fund Directors of CAM, said he report on FDIs into Sri Lanka 2020 following the recent adapt, innovate, and stay the Sri Lanka Tourism Google application (CDBF) managed by CAM expects new FDIs to Sri Lanka in 2021. The rating agency publication by Moody’s on Sri resilient,” said Sri Lanka Alliance to extend the form before midnight is exclusively invested in Sri following the 2021 Budget attributes the development of Lanka’s FDI. Tourism Alliance Co-Chair support to SMEs that have on 18 December 2020. Lanka Government-guaranteed announcement this month, while economic/investment zones by The Ceylon Dollar Bond Malik Fernando. successfully leveraged More information dollar sovereign bonds and expecting a positive country the ports and state-of-the-art Fund (CDBF), the only dollar- The programme will opportunities brought about the programme is open to local individual rating outlook. He emphasised development projects in the denominated sovereign bond assist SMEs that have on by this crisis to is available on the Sri investors who hold a Personal that “local dollar investors Port City as the main factors fund in Sri Lanka is managed been in operation for a navigate towards a more Lanka Tourism Alliance’s Foreign Currency Account should exploit the opportunity for improved FDIs, including by Ceylon Asset Management minimum of two years. sustainable growth path. website https://www. (PFCA), corporate investors available through the Ceylon a BOI (Board of Investment)- Co Ltd., an associate company An individual SME can This grant programme is srilankatourismalliance. with a Business Foreign Dollar Bond Fund”. approved $ 24 billion oil of Sri Lanka Insurance apply for a grant between an extension of the work com/grants-for-tourism- Currency Account (BFCA), SLISBs underwent a turbulent refinery investment over five Corporation. Rs. 1,000,000-2,100,000 implemented by Noah resilience/. the morning 4 Wednesday , November 25, 2020 brunch ‘DO THEY KNOW IT’S

Ryan De Mel CHRISTMAS Romaine Willis from Voice Print TIME AT ALL?’ Mayora Adriyanna Shaun Perera from BY THE RUGRATS COMING SOON! from OHME Magic Box Mixup BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE The Rugrats, a brand new Lankan act formed at the beginning of 2020, is a passion project borne of a number of established artists in the Island; Ashan Naomi Wijemanne Amarsha Tissera Hettiarachchi – keys, Nathan Eardly – vocals/guitar, you’ll soon realise these Sandun Dharmawansha – influences in their arrangements. saxophone, Denver Barnes With a groovy sound that is – bass, and Shane John extremely fresh, Nathan attributed a – drums, which are names lot of their sound to their drummer you’ve no doubt heard one and household name Shane John, too many times when talking of Voice Print, who was also about the local music scene. responsible for the music direction and the arrangement. Minesh Dissanayake Out of curiosity, before we Not only was Shane discussed anything, we had to responsible for this previous project exciting new project to look ask them about their interesting but he will also be taking the helm forward to as there’s really been no band name, and as some of you in their most recent and upcoming noise this year about what we will may have expected, turns out, it project for Christmas; a cover of do for Christmas, understandably is a reference to the Nickelodeon “Do they know it’s Christmas so. However, there is a bit of a classic cartoon that was a staple in time at all?”, representative of silver lining if you look into music many of our childhoods growing their own unique blend of sounds. where The Rugrats are concerned. up; “Rugrats”. Band member Nathan shared that the project will Nathan also shared that they Nathan Eardly said that when undoubtedly be “big”, especially have two other projects lined up, they were brainstorming names, considering the number of one being a medley and the other this was what stood out to them collaborators who have come on being another cover. He also and funnily enough, the members board. added that they hope to release could relate themselves to each The male singers lending their some original music as well in voice include Minesh Dissanayake, the upcoming year and you can Ryan De Mel, Shaun Perera, and expect a very busy schedule for The Nathan Eardly, while the female Rugrats come 2021. singers include Amarsha Tissera, It is never too late to start Mayora Andriyanna, Naomi celebrating Christmas; we think Wijemanne, and Romaine Willis. that late November is high time, character on the show. when they formed the group, he Nathan said that the song will be and so The Rugrats are really Speaking to Nathan, he shared added that there was a sense of musically and vocally massive; setting things up, and this new that their main motive in creating uncertainty, especially considering it will be a cover song done release is expected to take a lot of this band was to put on concerts and their various commitments. differently to any other existing people by surprise. create original music. Their very However, he said that those versions you may have heard, with This year has been less than first project – their own rendition worries melted away as they did its two most notable covers being kind to many of us, particularly of Ranidu Lankage’s “Hinahenne particularly well from the inception by Band Aid in 1984 and more independent artistes, those who Mung” – proved to be a success, all the way up until March, when recently in 2014 by some of the perform live and depend on social and he shared that they wish to be the world shut down. biggest British and Irish pop acts at gatherings to stay afloat, and it is known for this kind of work. previously known each other The act defines themselves the time. encouraging to see artistry live and Shane John - production and Nathan shared that all despite having commitments as a funk soul and RnB act, and if For audiences around the prosper in the hands of those who arrangement the members of the band had in different groups, and even you give their first project a listen, island, this will no doubt be an care deeply. Infinix enters Sri Lanka with Hot 9 Play Infinix, a premium online-driven aesthetically pleasing alternative. the world who they really are. Infinix is 8.9 mm thickness, the phone can easily smartphone brand designed for today’s Launched in 2013 and targeting the committed to providing the most cutting- be carried anywhere. Another impressive young generation, has unveiled its young generations, Infinix Mobile is a edge technologies, bold, and stylish designs, feature is the 6.82” HD+ cinematic display newest smartphone model: Hot 9 Play. premium online-driven smartphone brand. keeping consumers on trend and up to date. for a fully immersive experience with all The model is sleek, stylish, and targets With “The Future is Now” as the brand’s Hot 9 Play is the phone of the new sorts of mobile viewing. The view ratio the mid-market segment seeking a essence, Infinix aims to allow consumers generation: It is sleek, engaging, and of the screen is 20.5:9, close to the Imax high-performance yet affordable and to stand out in the crowd and to show efficient. With a super slim exterior at only movie ratio. Virtual tea inspiration courtesy of Dilmah School of Tea BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE Dilmah School of Tea, which has is an incredible story behind your form of expression, a mood suitable been recognised for reimagining everyday cup of tea. for different personalities – it is a The Dilmah School of Tea will tea and sharing inspiration with He said this series is conducted love language. be offering virtual tea inspiration via hospitality professionals since in the hopes of reigniting the spirit Tea and coffee are at present their webinar for tea lovers around 2009, has decided to conduct Sri Lankan had with regard to compatible beverages and are the world on 26 November 2020 these webinars for all tea lovers to tea, especially considering that 50 consumed often. In this regard he from 3 p.m. to 3.20 present tea with the years ago, to be a tea taster meant said: “There is a time for drinking p.m. (IST). If you love, authenticity, something special. However, as coffee and there is a time for have ever wondered and sincerity of a tea of late, if you are to say you are a drinking tea.” where tea gets its taste grower. tea taster, it is treated as if you said Dilhan spoke of whom he or how to brew the Dilmah’s School you have become a musician, both hopes would tune into the webinar, perfect cup of tea, this of Tea is a World honourable professions that are now sharing that this knowledge is really one’s for you. Association of Chefs’ looked at through a different lens. for everyone. Tea is an affordable The first in a Societies (WACS)- Due to the commodification beverage enjoyed by a majority, 12-part series of recognised culinary of tea, it has created a disregard he said, adding they have no 20-minute virtual education institution. surrounding the industry, Dilhan commercial objective here but to sessions, Dilmah Tea The school offers a tea explained, adding that, however, it simply share their passion for tea will present to you the programme that seeks is an industry where people such and hope anyone would tune in and story behind your cup to inspire passion in tea as themselves, tea growers, are take away something beyond the of tea. Dilhan, Dilmah through knowledge of extremely passionate about their traditional experience – one to be CEO and younger son Dilmah CEO Dilhan Fernando the artisanal aspects of craft. Dilhan shared that there is adventurous about their tea drinking. of Founder Merrill tea amongst hospitality artistry, respect, and passion in If you listen carefully, you may J. Fernando, will talk tea – know professionals and consumers. The knowing your craft and loving what just find out the answer to who really what “fresh tea” really means, where emphasis is on respecting tea while you do, and they hope to create crafts your tea, and a chance to turn tea gets its taste from, what are its exploring the versatility of this awareness about that. your ordinary everyday cuppa into a varieties, and finally learn the truth natural herb in tea gastronomy, food They hope to share how the magical experience. behind some of the most common pairing, and tea mixology. process is grounded in nature and the the consumer and learning to make Tea has become extremely Tune in on 26 November 2020 myths in tea, like why size is a myth Dilhan shared that in any herb complexities that come with it being the correct cup of tea allows you to relevant in the 21st Century, he said, from 3 p.m. to 3.20 p.m. (IST) for a when it comes to tea. or beverage, it is important to know so closely connected with nature. get its maximum potential out of it, adding that this practice of sugar and teatime that stirs passion and inspires Speaking to The Morning its pronouns to better appreciate He said this knowledge can truly extract its flavour, and its natural milk with your tea is now a concept magic beyond a cup of tea! Register Brunch, Dilhan shared that the what you are consuming, as there enhance the enjoyment of tea by antioxidant properties. of the past. Preparing tea can be a free online on https://bit.ly/2V1KeaF. the morning 5 Wednesday, November 25, 2020 sports Autumn Nations Cup now on Bio-bubbles are like luxury prisons Football world shocked by Ngcongca death The Autumn Nations Cup rugby competition is now being South Africa cricketers are to move from one biosecure bubble to The football world mourned the tragic death of South held. It is being held from 13 November-6 December, in place another this summer. They play against England, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, African World Cup hero Anele Ngcongca on Monday of the usual Autumn Internationals series typically held in and Australia. Their fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has said: “It can be (23). The former international defender was killed in a the same period each year. The reason is that many teams are quite tough. You can’t interact. You’ve basically lost your freedom. It’s car accident on Monday, his Premier Soccer League club avoiding extended travel due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Eight almost like luxury prisons we are in. But we have to remind ourselves AmaZulu confirmed. The 33-year-old was a member of teams are participating – the teams involved in the Six Nations that we are fortunate. People have lost their jobs. People are the South Africa squad at their home World Cup in 2010. Championship (England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and struggling at the moment, so we must be grateful for the opportunity Ngcongca was a passenger in a car which lost control on a highway 50 km north of Wales) plus Georgia and Fiji – divided into two groups of four. we have been given to make some money and to do what we love.” Durban, South Africa. The female driver is in a critical condition in hospital. zThe competition will 2021 SUPER RUGBY feature 10 Super TRANS-TASMAN DRAW* Rugby teams of both Australia and Round One New Zealand in 25 14-15 May 2021 crossover matches Trans-Tasman yy Crusaders vs. Brumbies to create a massive yy Western Force vs. Chiefs global interest yy Melbourne Rebels vs. Blues yy Highlanders vs. Queensland Reds Rugby Australia (RA) and y New Zealand Rugby (NZR) y NSW Waratahs vs. Hurricanes have announced a Trans-Tasman Round Two crossover competition in 2021, to follow their respective domestic rugby thriller 21-22 May 2021 Super Rugby tournaments. yy Chiefs vs. Brumbies The Trans-Tasman tournament will feature an additional 26 games yy Western Force vs. Highlanders over six straight weeks, kicking off yy on Friday, 14 May next year, with Hurricanes vs. Melbourne Rebels a Final on Saturday, 19 June 2021, yy Queensland Reds vs. Crusaders said rugby.com.au. in 2021 yy Blues vs. NSW Waratahs 25 crossover matches Round Three – Super Round The competition will feature all 10 Super Rugby teams with 28-29 May 2021 each Australian team to play each yy Brumbies vs. Blues New Zealand team in 25 crossover matches before the Final. yy Hurricanes vs. Western Force All teams will play two home yy games and two away games as Melbourne Rebels vs. Highlanders well as a “Super Round”, where yy Queensland Reds vs. Chiefs all matches played in Round Three y will be played at the one location, y NSW Waratahs vs. Crusaders over the one weekend. Round Four

Dates and venues to 4-5 June 2021 be announced yy Brumbies vs. Hurricanes Rugby Australia and New Zealand Rugby will announce the yy Crusaders vs. Western Force process to select the location of the yy Super Round in due course. Chiefs vs. Melbourne Rebels The Final will be played yy Queensland Reds vs. Blues between the top two placed teams y on the combined competition table Trans-Tasman competition locked in for 2021 y Highlanders vs. NSW Waratahs with the team who finished first to Round Five host the decider. be simulcast live free-to-air on the Rugby AU and Super Rugby Robinson and his team at New in both countries, but also a chance Kick-off times, dates, and Nine Network. Aotearoa. Zealand Rugby for working so to reimagine the game in our part 11-12 June 2021 venues will be announced in due closely with us. Bring on 2021!” of the world for 2021. The result yy Brumbies vs. Highlanders course. Rugby Australia views Interest is global Clarke said. is an exciting and innovative new Rugby Australia Interim Chief “It will be a really exciting new competition, which will benefit fans, yy Broadcasting New Zealand Rugby says… Blues vs. Western Force Executive Rob Clarke said: “This product for our 2021 broadcast players, broadcasters, and Super yy All 26 matches in the is a truly historic day for rugby partners, Stan and Nine, and I New Zealand Rugby Chief Clubs. Melbourne Rebels vs. Crusaders tournament will be live and on in the southern hemisphere, with know fans right around the world Executive Mark Robinson said: “We all know how special the yy Hurricanes vs. Queensland Reds demand, ad-free, as part of a new the first-ever Australian and New will be glued to their screens and “Super Rugby Trans-Tasman is a rivalry between New Zealand and y add-on sports package which Zealand Super Rugby competition. devices to watch it all. great result for fans on both sides of Australia is when it comes to sport y NSW Waratahs vs. Chiefs will become available on Stan in “This will generate enormous “The Super Round is also a great the Tasman and is testament to the and this tournament will add another Final 2021, added the said rugby.com. excitement across both countries initiative with one lucky city to strength of the relationship between exciting chapter. The banter between au report. with some of the best players in host all 10 teams on one weekend New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Rob Clarke and I has already begun 19 June 2021 A selected match during each the world set to challenge each in a Super Rugby extravaganza. Australia. and I’m sure fans will feel the *draw subject to change week of the tournament will also other after the conclusion of Super “I’d like to thank Mark “It’s been a testing time for rugby same,” Robinson said.

SPORTS WATCH Here comes another Botham! by Dinith Pathi z James 'Jimbo' Botham to continue a remarkable sporting ancestry, but on a different path

Sportsmen and women make Bothams’ commitment it comes to rugby – it’s just about different impressions on different But the trouble was that the striving to reach the top. He’s a people. Some make a lasting Bothams were living quite some cracking kid with a big future.” impression on the general public distance away. He was travelling simply through their sheer talent and from Cumbria to Cardiff, driving Ian is still the usual achievements. 500-mile round trips twice a week. Botham Others make an impression in the He would leave at 5 p.m. on a Grandfather Ian was no stranger history books not only through their Sunday for 7 a.m. Monday training. to digging England out of holes and achievements but also through their “Jim must have been up and chasing lost causes. So it is rather personalities as well as their personal down that M1, A1 100 times,” appropriate that Wales has turned life's antics. Some of those are very Hodges says. “But even when he to a Botham and called him up after savoury and others not much. But was on a £ 5,000 academy contract, six straight defeats before their when history remembers them, it he just wanted to make it.” The match against Georgia last week. James Botham, 22, the grandson of Sir does remember all of them fondly. Ian, is now a Welsh rugby union player dedication and the commitment So what does the grandfather Ian Botham hit a match-winning 149 not out in the third Ashes Test in 1981 who plays for Cardiff Blues as a flanker shown in the earlier generations of think about it all? Lord Botham Records and controversies the Botham family were there for told the BBC: “If I was in Outer As a cricketer, if you have scored the garden,” says the 22-year-old Botham, son of Liam Botham, I was born down here and since all the people to see. Mongolia, I would find some way 5,200 runs and taken 383 wickets, grandson, plucking at a childhood Ian’s son, who himself was no I was a kid, I had the Welsh flag of watching him. “I’ll be absolutely which was once the highest number memory. “He’s got a cigar in one mean sportsman. James Botham painted on the wall in my room. I Cracking kid with delighted when he gets that Wales of Test wickets taken by a bowler hand, a glass of wine in the other has now been picked to play rugby always wanted to play for Wales.” a big future cap. I’ve been on the wagon for in the history of the game, you will with a cricket bat!” for Wales. James was born in And certainly Jim has inherited four weeks and my next drink was certainly be remembered by almost I asked my grandmother: “Was Cardiff in 1998 while father Liam A hat-trick in 20 minutes some of the love for a bit of going to be Christmas Day. I might everyone. he any good at cricket?” She said: played rugby for the Capital’s Richard Hodges, then in charge controversy as well from his famous sneak one on Saturday!” Adding to those records are a few “He was all right at some point!” Club having given up his own of the Cardiff Blues Academy grandfather. “He got a red card for a “Lord” or not, he is still Ian incidents which are better not looked That is high praise from a wife cricket career. but now their senior team’s tip tackle,” explains Hodges. “I had Botham! into too hard, and are discussed more indeed! Let alone cricketers! A Grandfather Ian was a proud Defence Coach, recalls how Liam to go to a disciplinary hearing and in the front pages of the tabloids, glorious understatement from Englishman to the core and the contacted him regarding Jim’s managed to get him off. The first Sorry England! rather than on the newspaper Kath, wife of one of England’s grandson James is now playing entry for the sport. question they asked was about his Next up for Wales will be back pages. Then you are sure to greatest sportsmen. for Wales. But as he told the “He came down during a half- grandfather, so you know you’re on England next Saturday (28). be remembered more. The final That grandfather is Ian Botham, Daily Mail in England: “Everyone term holiday. He was soaking wet, a winner!” Another Botham will be taking the clincher is the answer given when the the cricketer who was later Sir Ian gives me grief about it, saying, so we spoke to him about physical James is certainly a Botham. field in an England match. grandson asks the grandmother about Botham and now Lord Botham, a ‘your granddad couldn’t be more development and nutrition. We “He’s blessed with some God-given But sorry England, he will not be the grandfather. member of the House of Lords. English if he tried!’” James put him into a second-team school ingredients,” says Hodges. “There’s playing for you, but against you! laughs. game and he had a hat-trick in genetics in there, a winning And would it not be the height of That grandfather Enter James Botham He is known to his mates as Jim 20 minutes. There was obviously mentality, athleticism. He doesn’t irony if a Botham sends England “We were all playing cricket in And the grandson is James and to his family as Jimbo. “But something there!” care for anyone or anything when down to a defeat?