PROTECT YOURSELF FROM COVID-19

ACTIVE CASES REPRESENTATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2020 TOTAL CASES IN FILM AND PROSPERITY ACTIONS 42,056 THE LANKAN INDEX DECLINES BEGIN AMID DEATHS RECOVERED PERSPECTIVE IN 2019 PANDEMIC 7,936 »SEE PAGE 5 »SEE PAGE 3 »SEE PAGE 7 THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP 195 33,925 UNTIL 8.30 P.M. ON 29 DECEMBER 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

COVID-19 TOURIST ARRIVALS Oldest female dies Measures to Another Covid-19-related death prevent spread was reported yesterday (29), Massive drop in the Department of Government Information said. of Covid-19 Measures have been put in place at the airports to prevent the spread of Covid-19 when Schoolchildren to tourists arrive in the country, State Minister of Aviation and Export Zones Development be brought in under Indian trawlers D.V. Chanaka said yesterday (29). health guidelines Contd. on page 2 Minister of Education Prof. G.L. z Daily sightings down z Result of protests ILLEGAL TURMERIC IMPORTS Peiris has proposed a programme to allow children in grades one to five from 500 to 10 and surveillance to attend school in sections from 11 Stocks to be January. BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE Speaking to The Morning yesterday depriving the local people of their catch. (29), District Fishermen’s Co-op Society However, this has reduced after the destroyed Sri Lanka’s northern fishermen have reported a Chairman M. Johnson highlighted that the protests we conducted, which forced The President has ordered the destruction ‘Unwanted tension massive decrease in the number of Indian trawlers increased surveillance was a result of a the Government to take action against of stocks of turmeric illegally imported by spotted in the island’s territorial waters amidst protest campaign by northern fishermen. these trawlers, and now we only see unscrupulous businessmen, the President’s over cremation issue’ increased surveillance by the Navy, with daily “Around 500 Indian trawlers about 10 trawlers per day.” Media Division (PMD) said. State Minister Indika Anuruddha sightings dropping from approximately 500 to 10. were laying nets daily on our seas, Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 Herath said extremists want to create unwanted tension in the country by speaking against the cremation of BLESSINGS FOR 2021 bodies of Covid-19 victims. Lotteries Police to raid unauthorised parties Board against Police Media Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana stated that a special police operation was to be launched going online islandwide from yesterday (29) to 31 December to arrest those responsible The National Lotteries Board According to NLB Chairman for violating the quarantine rules. (NLB) has refused to implement Lalith Perera, the COPE a purely online sales system committee had recently as recently proposed by the suggested moving to an online Over 600 pregnant Committee on Public Enterprises selling system, considering the (COPE), as it would make growth of the online lottery ticket women infected approximately 20,000 ticket markets in other countries. Currently, over 600 pregnant sellers and agents redundant. Contd. on page 2 mothers have been infected with the Covid-19 virus, according to ROAD ACCIDENTS obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr. Mayurammana Devolage. 39 persons killed India detects cases of new variant in nine days India has detected at least Clad in white, Buddhist devotees gathered at temples yesterday (29), seeking blessings on the last Poya Day of 2020 for the new year Thirty-nine people have been killed in fatal road six cases of the new strain of PHOTO LALITH PERERA accidents in the country between 20 December coronavirus that was first discovered NEW YEAR GREETINGS and yesterday (29), the Police said. in the UK, The Indian Express NEW COVID-19 VARIANT Contd. on page 2 DIG Ajith Rohana reported. Chinese President ONLINE LEARNING SEE FULL STORIES ON PAGE 2 GMOA NEW CONDO COMMITTEE wishes President notes threat Govt. urged to Public views and Premier within SL Chinese President Xi Jinping has Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, the provide facilities BY MAHEESHA sent New Year greetings to President Chinese Embassy said. MUDUGAMUWA The Samagi Jana Balawegaya concessions to students who invited Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Contd. on page 2 (SJB) yesterday (29) urged are continuing their education z Reform of condominium The Government the Government to provide via the internet. EDUCATION Medical Officers’ proper facilities and Contd. on page 2 laws initiated Association (GMOA) PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYEES BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI has warned that Parents asked to there is a possibility An advisory committee appointed by the of a new variant of Minister of Justice to review the existing the Covid-19 virus GMOA Secretary To wear local apparel apartment ownership and condominium raise concerns emerging within the Dr. Haritha Aluthge management laws has called on the public Parents of schoolchildren from 4 January, before schools country, like in the UK, and therefore urged once a week to send in their proposals for reforms before would be given the opportunity to reopen on 11 January, Minister the public to follow the health guidelines State Minister of Batik, sector employees to report to work 21 February 2021. raise any concerns, especially in of Education Prof. G.L. Peiris issued by the health authorities. Handloom Fabrics, and Local wearing locally produced garments Contd. on page 2 terms of the Covid-19 preventive said yesterday (29). Contd. on page 2 Apparel Products Dayasiri once a week in the year 2021. measures, with the teachers Contd. on page 2 Jayasekara requested public Contd. on page 2 PRINTING DRIVING LICENCES Army takes Over 500 perching birds found dead over from 1 Jan. z Preliminary observations The printing of driving licenses will be Officials during a visit to Menikdiwela Central taken over by the Sri Lanka Army from 1 attribute deaths to poisoning College January, Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) The Puttalam District Office birds dead in the Eluwankulama ACCESS TO NEAREST SCHOOL Commissioner General Sumith Alahakoon said. of the Department of Wildlife area bordering Wilpattu Forest Contd. on page 2 Conservation (DWC) reported the Reserve recently. Pilot project in discovery of over 500 perching Contd. on page 2 GALLE FACE DEVELOPMENT Central Province BY SARAH HANNAN Commences in February Aiming to solve the education gap created by Covid-19 due to travel limitations and BY PAMODI WARAVITA According to Ministry of Ports and the development is scheduled to be the lack of infrastructure to fulfil the right to Shipping Secretary U.D.C. Jayalal, concluded by end-2021. education through alternative methods, the The Galle Face Green Development the Galle Face Green Development The public would still be able to Central Province Department of Education Project is due to begin in February Project plan would be finalised at the enjoy Galle Face Green during these recently implemented a plan to provide students with an estimated cost of less than end of January under the Sri Lanka months, although some areas may be and teachers access to the school closest to the Rs. 300 million budgeted for Ports Authority (SLPA). It is the temporarily closed at different time their homes, to enable continuity of education. the project under the previous implementation of this plan which periods. Contd. on page 2 Government. is set to commence in February, and Contd. on page 2 2 the morning NEWS Wednesday , December 30, 2020

Contd. from page 1

Gampaha District under the “Obata the eventuality of an online lottery level, and then at provincial level,” he Massive drop... Geyak – Ratata Hetak” national housing ticket selling system is inevitable, the To wear... said. The Government utilised the Navy to programme. livelihood of the current sellers must not The request was made in the interest of increase patrolling and surveillance in These houses were opened in be harmed,” Perera said. protecting local garment manufacturers, Sri Lankan waters around Kilinochchi, Godigamuwa West and Diklanda in When asked for confirmation on creating new jobs in the garment sector, GMOA notes... Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Mannar, and the Divulapitiya Divisional Secretariat whether the COPE committee had and halting the annual outflow of foreign GMOA Secretary Dr. Haritha Aluthge Trincomalee. However, this is believed Division. proposed a purely online sales system as exchange for garments, the State Minister said the possibility of a mutation of the to be unsustainable in the long run. This programme is being implemented told to us by the NLB Chairman, COPE said. existing Covid-19 virus and a new viral When contacted, Minister of in 14,022 grama niladhari divisions in Chairman Dr. Charitha Herath said the Accordingly, Jayasekara requested the strain emerging couldn’t be ruled out, as it Fisheries Douglas Devananda told The the country. committee had changed its stance. support of nearly three million public is normal for viruses to change. Morning that the Indian and Sri Lankan “Although I think this was our initial servants for this purpose. “When a virus makes copies of itself, authorities are all set to hold discussions proposal, we later agreed with the NLB it sometimes changes a little bit. These today (30) to find a permanent solution Police to... that current sellers must be protected. changes are called mutations. The to this issue. He emphasised that steps will be taken So we are thinking of moving forward Public views... virus with the new mutation is called a “The joint working group on fisheries to raid parties and gatherings organised with the kind of system proposed by the Speaking to The Morning yesterday variant of the original virus. So there is will conduct a virtual meeting to discuss without permission. NLB.” (29), committee Convener Attorney-at- a possibility for a variant of Covid-19 to the matter and resolve the dispute The DIG further stated that most There are currently 18,000 sellers and Law Senaka De Saram said this is the first emerge within the country. between fishermen of both countries,” of those arrested for violating the 3,000 agents of lottery tickets and NLB time all stakeholders have been called in “What we have to do is follow the Devananda said. quarantine rules have been booked and Chairman Perera said that a majority to contribute towards reforms. health guidelines issued by the health According to the statistics of the fined by the courts since 30 October. of sellers are unable to engage in “After we hear from the public, we will authorities to prevent such viruses,” he Department of Fisheries and Acquatic Another 28 people were arrested in the alternative income-generating activities plump the ideas together and see what added. Resources, the total fish production past 24 hours, he said yesterday. due to reasons such as disabilities. can be done. The process of reformation He also said more than 80% of Covid- in Sri Lanka in 2019 was 505,830 Mt, Considering these factors, Perera will include identified stakeholders such positive patients reported so far in the down from 531,310 Mt in 2017. mentioned that moving forward, a as condominium developers, bankers, country had totally recovered and were Johnson said that trawlers are a source Over 600... balance must be maintained with the purchasers, and government regulators.” discharged from hospitals. of destruction to Sri Lankan seas because He said this during a press conference current system. The 10-member committee has been Dr. Aluthge stated that the country of their capacity to damage wide areas of held on Monday (28). – Pamodi Waravita appointed to review the Apartment has also been able to maintain a low the seafloor. He said: “Pregnant women should be Ownership Law No. 11 of 1973 and Covid-related fatality rate of 0.4%, while “Indian trawlers have left our especially careful with this virus. It is the Condominium Management the Covid-19 fatality rate of most other fishermen with depleted fish stocks and currently reported that more than 600 Authority Law No. 10 of 1973, countries is 2-3%, and in some countries it destroyed the sea bottom, dislodging all mothers have been infected with the Measures to... The Morning learnt. It consists of has exceeded 5%. sediments of corals.” virus. The State Minister expressed these Chairperson President’s Counsel Mechanised trawlers are one of the “Some may get scared to go to the views while speaking at the Mattala Saumya Amarasekara, Convener De prominent reasons for the depletion of clinic because of Covid-19 these days. Rajapaksa International Airport. Saram, President’s Counsel Jagath Army takes... the Indian marine ecosystem, according However, they must go to the clinic. A group of Ukrainian tourists arrived Wickramanayake, Condominium The DMT decided to hand over the to a study conducted by the US Food and “Almost every hospital works towards in Sri Lanka yesterday following the Management Authority (CMA) printing of driving licenses to the Sri Agriculture Organisation of (FAO) in making sure there is no contact between Government’s decision to reopen the Chairman Sarana Karunaratne, former Lanka Army in June 2020, which will be 2006. The United Nations (UN) General Covid-19-infected patients and healthy airport. CMA Chairman Kapila Gamage, and implemented from January onwards. Secretary has stated that 95% of damage persons.” The State Minister assured that tourist Attorneys-at-law Ajitha Edirimanne, Alahakoon pointed out that a South to seamount ecosystems worldwide is arrivals will not impact the process of Jagath Halpandeniya, Shaheem Wazeer, African company has been printing caused by deep-sea bottom trawling. repatriating Sri Lankans. Shiranthi Gunawardane, and Nirodha driving licenses in Sri Lanka for 11 years. Indian trawlers began crossing the India detects... Kalanasooriya. maritime border in the 1980s while The Indian Health Ministry Tuesday De Saram stated that the lack of laws Sri Lanka descended into a destructive said the six patients had recently returned Stocks to... to accommodate mixed development Over 500... civil war between the government and from the UK. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has projects that have residential and office Paddy farmers of the area had the militant Liberation Tigers of Tamil The mutated UK strain was detected in ordered the Director General of Customs complexes together in the same building previously discovered about two dozens Eelam (LTTE). However, the fisheries samples in NIMHANS, Bengaluru, and and the Inspector General of Police is an issue this amendment may address of bird carcasses on the fields and had conflict only heated up following the in CCMB, Hyderabad, as well as one in (IGP) to strictly enforce the law against and that dispute resolution mechanisms alerted wildlife officers of Puttalam. Upon end of the war, when these seas became NIV, Pune. such businessmen. are also ought to be set for the industry. their arrival and further observation, less dangerous and more accessible to The new strain is reportedly 70% He said the local farmers have He also said the amendment may hold they had later discovered over 500 bird fishermen. more infectious than the one that caused successfully expanded the cultivation of all stakeholder parties accountable for carcasses. the Covid-19 pandemic, and was first turmeric and maize. matters pertaining to buildings such as “The birds that have died belong to reported in the UK. safety, adding that there may be annual the Passeridae family, commonly known Schoolchildren... “All these persons have been kept mandatory building checks. as ‘wee kurulla/gela kalu wee kurulla’. It is proposed to bring part of the in single-room isolation in designated 39 persons... “Apartment owners will not make We immediately started to remove the students of the primary classes to school healthcare facilities by respective state Police Media Spokesman DIG Ajith complaints about damages in buildings carcasses from the fields, as scavengers on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, governments. Their close contacts Rohana stated that the total number of if repairs are expensive and this, in time, were already pecking at the dead birds. and the rest on Tuesdays and Thursdays, have also been put under quarantine. accidents during that period was around will put everyone’s lives in danger,” De We also came across a few birds that the Minister said. Comprehensive contact tracing has been 527. Saram said. were alive but lay helpless on the ground The Minister said that this programme initiated for co-travellers, family contacts “During that period, 122 persons were It is learnt that these reforms run unable to take flight,” Puttalam District will make it easier for those students and others. Genome sequencing on seriously injured, 238 were slightly parallel to a reform process initiated by Assistant Director of Wildlife Eranda to be provided with transport facilities, other specimens is going on,” the Health injured, and 130 more were involved in the Ministry of Justice, which has eight Gamage explained. subject to physical distancing. Ministry said. road accidents,” said Ajith Rohana. other similar committees to look into The initial observations that were He also said that as a temporary “The situation is under careful watch possible reforms of other laws. carried out by the wildlife officer had solution, efforts are being made to direct and regular advice is being provided attributed the bird deaths to possible students from schools that cannot be to the states for enhanced surveillance, Govt. urged... poisoning. However, Gamage said that opened in isolated areas, to the schools containment, testing, and dispatch Speaking at a news conference, SJB Pilot project... a few samples of the collected bird that are being opened closest to their of samples to Indian SARS-CoV-2 MP Tissa Attanayake said that not all “Given the challenging situation that carcasses had been sent to the Department homes. Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) students have access to the internet or the education sector in the country has of Government Analyst for examination. Labs,” the Ministry added. can afford the facility. to face, we took a decision to pilot a The rest were buried to eliminate further “Sri Lanka does not have 100% programme to allow children access poisoning taking place of scavengers that ‘Unwanted internet coverage, especially in remote to the nearest school to continue their would eat the dead birds. Wildlife officers Lotteries Board... areas. Spending for internet facilities education. Menikdiwela Central College had instructed farmers to be vigilant tension... Perera stated that from the population has also taken a toll on the parents, as was selected to pilot the programme, and over the next few days, should any of the The State Minister further said that of buyers who are able to buy lotteries, it is an added expense. Therefore, we a total of 160 students, who usually attend predatory animals who consumed the dead he calls on the leaders of all religions to currently only 21% do so. The NLB has urge the Government to provide proper schools in Kandy town, enrolled with birds also show symptoms of poisoning or teach the people the right thing on this proposed that an online lottery selling communication facilities and relief on the school to attend classes last week,” be found dead. issue through their teachings. market should focus on targeting buyers expenses for internet facilities,” he said. Central Province Governor Attorney-at- – Sarah Hannan He was speaking at the opening of outside of that 21% to ensure the current In the meantime, he said the law Lalith U. Gamage told The Morning. two new houses in the Divulapitiya market is not affected. Government can utilise state television The Zonal Education Office Directors Divisional Secretariat Division in the “Although the NLB agrees that networks to educate the children. have been instructed to select one or two Commences... schools from their respective zones, which Jayalal stated that the current would house schoolchildren from grades Government will not be continuing the 1-11. Accordingly, the Central Province previous project plan that was approved will initially provide access to students by the Yahapalana Government in 2019. to 15 schools that will cover the 15 zonal Comparing the costs of the two proposals, Cartoon of the day education offices in January. Based on Jayalal mentioned that the current the success, schoolchildren will then be Government hopes to implement the new allowed to enrol in a school within a 2km project at a significantly lower cost as radius of their homes. it will utilise voluntary labour of the Sri The Central Province Department of Lanka naval officers. Education’s latest statistics reveal that Jayalal further mentioned that the the Central Province has a total of 1,521 project aims to establish a more efficient schools that cater to a total of 544,208 process for the vendors at Galle Face students. Green to conduct business activities, with the aim of ensuring that the vendors do not block the view of the ocean with their Chinese stalls. The green area would be beautified, President... along with the establishment of facilities It said Chinese Prime Minister Li to allow large outdoor functions such Keqiang also delivered best wishes for the as concerts. Importantly, the lack of year 2021 to the Sri Lankan Premier. security at the Galle Face Green would be Chairman Li Zhanshu of the National addressed, where the Ministry hopes to People’s Congress and State Councillor partner with Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) to and Foreign Minister Wang Yi have introduce CCTV cameras and lighting to sent greetings to Speaker Mahinda Yapa the area. Abeywardena and Foreign Minister When questioned about the need for Dinesh Gunawardena, respectively. an environmental impact assessment for the commencement of the project, Jayalal assured The Morning that it would not be Parents asked... needed. Coast Conservation and Coastal “Parents of the students of schools Resource Management Department that will reopen on 11 January have time Additional Director General Gamini from 4 January to raise concerns with the Hewage confirmed that an environmental teachers, plan meetings, and to review impact assessment is only necessary if the whether satisfactory measures have been development affects the beach. put in place,” he said. He said the reopening of schools and health facilities would be observed and Oldest female... reviewed at three levels. Reportedly, the victim, a 117-year-old “The process will be observed by the female from Dodangoda, was the oldest officials at the divisional level, the zonal female in Sri Lanka. 3 the morning Wednesday, December 30, 2020 US stocks close at record highs US stocks closed at record use authorisation in the UK, highs on Monday (28), as according to The Telegraph. investors welcomed a $ 900 The rollout of its vaccine could billion round of fiscal stimulus. begin in the country in the first The index S&P 500 closed at week of 2021. 3,735.36, up by 0.87%, Dow The AstraZeneca CEO Jones industrial average at said in an interview with The 30,403.97, up by 0.68% (204.10 Sunday Times that its vaccine points), and Nasdaq composite could reach 95% efficacy, business at 12,899.42, up 0.74% on a par with vaccines from The bill, which President Pfizer and Moderna. Shares of Donald Trump signed on AstraZeneca jumped as much as Sunday (27), includes $ 600 6% in Monday trades. Prosperity Index stimulus checks, expanded Goldman Sachs upgraded unemployment benefits, and its first-quarter GDP growth more funding for the Paycheck forecast to 5% from 3%, after Protection Programme for small Trump signed the stimulus bill businesses. into law. Goldman said the The House of stimulus checks would help Representatives is set to boost disposable income in vote on Monday night on a 2021. declines in 2019 measure to increase the size of Nikola soared 16%, after The Sri Lanka Prosperity Index security in the aftermath of the Easter the checks to $ 2,000, which JPMorgan said it expected a (SLPI) recorded 0.802 in 2019, Sunday attacks. Trump has advocated in recent “less drama-filled” year for the compared to 0.811 in 2018. The rise in Wellbeing of the days. electric vehicle company in Subindices for “Economy people was chalked up to perceived Senate Minority Leader 2021. and Business Climate” and improvements in quality of Chuck Schumer tweeted on Oil prices edged lower. West “Socioeconomic Infrastructure” education, provisions of health Sunday: “The House will Texas Intermediate crude fell saw declines – of 0.107 and services, and increases in “wealth of pass a bill to give Americans as much as 1.16%, to $ 46.67 0.055, respectively – whereas the people”. $ 2,000 checks. Then I will per barrel. Brent crude, oil’s “Wellbeing of the People” rose With respect to geographic move to pass it in the Senate. international benchmark, fell by 0.134. distribution, the Western Province No Democrats will object. Will 0.76%, to $ 50.90 per barrel, at led with the highest value of Senate Republicans?” intraday lows. The Department of Census and the provincial prosperity index, AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 Gold fell as much as 0.3%, to Statistics (DCS) attributes the decline followed by the Southern and vaccine is on the verge of $ 1,877.50 per ounce. of the Economy and Business Climate Central Provinces, respectively. receiving an emergency- (Business Insider) sub-index to the “spillover effects” The previous year (2018), the North of two key events; the fallout of the Central Province recorded the highest Easter Sunday attacks on tourism and weather conditions in the latter part of Infrastructure sub-index was increase in the provincial prosperity related industries, which increased 2019 that led to high inflation. pinned on reduced usage of public index, followed by Eastern and Alastair Corera unemployment numbers, and adverse The decline in the Socioeconomic transportation, on concerns over Western Provinces. appointed ‘China’s economy Chairman of CDB still months away Alastair Corera has been Sathosa records appointed Chairman of Citizens from a full recovery’ Development Business Finance China has not fully recovered from the shock of (Pvt.) Ltd. (CDB) with effect the coronavirus pandemic, business leaders said in from 31 December 2020. revenue growth a survey by the China Beige Book released Tuesday Corera, who has been an Lanka Sathosa Ltd. efficiencies, streamline Lanka Sathosa Ltd. is a (29). independent Non-Executive has registered a profit of logistics, and ensure state-owned retail network After about a year since Covid-19 first emerged Director at CDB since May around Rs. 100 million product availability despite business in Sri Lanka with in the Chinese city of Wuhan, roughly two-thirds of 2019, will be replacing Ranga for the month of October the challenges brought over 420 outlets islandwide executives polled by the third-party firm said they Abeynayake, who served for 2020. Speaking about this, about by the global and over 4,500 employees. don’t expect sales, profitability and hiring to return to nine years on the Board of CDB former Lanka Sathosa pandemic. Established in 2005 2019 levels, until at least three months from now. and has chaired the Board from Ltd. Chairman Dr. Nushad Perera went on to state under the name Lanka China Beige Book conducted more than 3,300 September 2019. He steps M. Perera noted that that Lanka Sathosa had Sathosa with the aim of interviews between 12 November and 11 December in down on 31 December 2020, the retailer organisation managed to cut down its food security to the mass its latest quarterly business activity survey. as per corporate governance had managed to grow annual losses by around consumer, the retail chain’s The survey’s tepid outlook contrasts with generally directives. CDB’s new Chairman Alastair Corera its revenue during a 60% during 2020. The new vision reflects its optimistic forecasts for China, the only major Corera, a Chartered Financial Securities (Pvt.) Ltd. prior to challenging year while retail store network was perceptions of its current economy in the world expected to grow this year in the Analyst, USA, and a Fellow that. continuing to offer the on track to register an target consumers with wake of the pandemic. of the Chartered Institute of Also joining the CDB Board lowest prices to consumers. annual loss of around lower and lower middle- Government commentary in the last few weeks have Management Accountants, UK, as Non-Executive Director with He stated that this Rs. 779 million in 2020, income households, also signaled concerns about overall economic growth. has been an Executive Director effect from 31 December 2020 was made possible significantly lower than which is a price setter While economists predict China’s gross domestic of Orion Fund Management is Chartered Marketer Samitha by the leadership of the Rs. 1.9 billion loss for the nation. Guided product will likely expand about 2% this year, (Pvt.) Ltd. since 2006 as well. Hemachandra, who has over 20 Lanka Sathosa’s Board recorded in 2019. by its trusted leadership consumers have so far spent less than they did last year He was Country Head of years’ experience in marketing, of Directors and the Lanka Sathosa hopes team, Lanka Sathosa as many remain uncertain about future income. Fitch Ratings Lanka Ltd. for and is the General Manager commitment and efforts to maintain its growth spearheads the sustainable two years (2004-2006), and Marketing of Ceylinco Life and of the extended team who momentum and break even development of the food Credit concerns and trade tensions functioned as General Manager Director of Ceylinco Healthcare worked to boost operating in 2021, noted Perera. industry in Sri Lanka. For the fourth quarter, the China Beige Book found of Forbes ABN-AMRO Services. sharp drops in sales growth for luxury goods, food and apparel compared to the prior quarter. “Firms in these sub-sectors noted narrower margins, Dialog Mobile Postpaid Power Plan Customers as well as weaker sales volumes and hiring growth,” Acorn Aviation facilitates the report said. Total Data Quota is Now Anytime That was in contrast with the better performance of Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka's premier connectivity provider, enhances Sri auto dealers and vendors for furniture and appliances, Lanka's best mobile postpaid plan, Dialog Power Plan, with 100% Anytime indicating that richer households might be boosting Data up to 50GB, going beyond the customary value propositions of Unlimited SkyUp airlines in Sri Lanka Calls & Unlimited SMS. overall consumption by spending on big-ticket items, Acorn Aviation (Pvt.) the Mattala International consists of 11 aircraft which the Beige Book noted. Dialog Postpaid Power Plans are empowering customers with a variety of Ltd. in Sri Lanka, which Airport. is also the youngest fleet Creditors were also more concerned about retail exclusive amenities to meet their growing communication needs. Dialog Power represents Ukranian budget The airline operates a among airlines in Ukraine businesses. While the loan rejection rate held fairly Plan customers are now facilitated with 100% Anytime Data, enabling them to carrier SkyUp Airlines in Boeing 737-900 aircraft and with an average age of steady among most sectors — around 10-20% — that receive up to 50GB Anytime Data on their Power Plan packages at no additional cost. Customers can also experience worry-free entertainment when the country, is set to provide is headquartered in Ukraine 11.5 years. SkyUp Airlines of the retail industry surged to 38% in the fourth activating Unlimited YouTube streaming on their Unlimited Power Plans, at a ground supervision and and commenced operations operate an all-economy quarter, the report said. special rate of just Rs. 100 a month. support services for the in May 2018. Its main hub class cabin and offer tailor- Domestic demand is a key part of Beijing’s plan carrier in Sri Lanka. is the Boryspil International made airfares for passengers for sustainable economic growth in the coming As Sri Lanka’s best mobile postpaid plan, Dialog Power Plan has continued to SkyUp Airlines, which Airport (KBP) located 29 based on their travel needs. years. China has been trying to rely more on its anchor its two main plans; the Unlimited Plans and Standard Plans. The operated the first charter km east of Kyiv, the capital Passengers are able to own consumers for growth, rather than on exports, Unlimited plans start from Rs. 1000 offering Unlimited D2D calls & SMS and 8GB Anytime Data, going up to the Rs. 3300 plan offering Unlimited D2D calls flight to Sri Lanka since of Ukraine. With a vision select the airfare based on especially amid increased tensions with major trading & SMS, 1000 D2ND minutes and 50GB Anytime Data. Additionally, the March on Monday (28), to “make travel available the baggage allowance and partners such as the US. entry-level Rs. 395 Standard Plan offers 1000 D2D minutes, 1000 D2D SMS has plans to operate charter to more people” and to the flexibility of itinerary and 3GB Anytime Data. All prepaid and postpaid mobile customers can flights up to end March 2021. “connect the world with changes they require. China still a bright spot, but outlook seamlessly move from their existing plan to a new Dialog Power Plan of choice Following the lifting of Ukraine”, SkyUp has been SkyUp Airlines is tentative in one single click via the MyDialog App. Additionally, customers who sign-up for the Rs. 3300 Power Plan will get the option to obtain direct access to the restrictions imposed on continuously expanding represented by Acorn In the services sector, the China Beige Book also Dialog Club Vision Red tier loyalty membership where they will receive access international travellers, its route map and currently Aviation (Pvt.) Ltd. in Sri found that fourth-quarter gains were not driven by to a world of exclusive discounts and offers every year on the latest devices, SkyUp Airlines was the operates scheduled and Lanka. Acorn Aviation is consumers, but by industries meeting business needs personalised customer care along with exclusive offers for dining, vacations first airline to bring in charter flights to over 25 a subsidiary of the Acorn such as telecoms, shipping, and financial services. and much more. 182 Ukranian tourists to countries. The airline’s fleet Group. Chain restaurants didn’t see as much growth, while Dialog Mobile Postpaid Power Plans can now be ordered via www.dialog.lk travel saw no growth, and hospitality recorded the with FREE next day delivery to the customers doorstep. Power Plans are also weakest revenues, the report said. available at all Dialog The Beige Book also pointed out that compared with authorised dealers, a surge in exports, China’s imports have stalled since Dialog Experience and an initial recovery from the shock of the first quarter. Service Centres island wide. Existing Dialog The Chinese market remains a bright spot for customers can simply companies worldwide, after the country was able to convert their prepaid or control the outbreak domestically and return to overall postpaid plan to one of growth by the second quarter. the Dialog Power Plan But scattered Covid-19 cases, most recently in the mobile postpaid plans via the MyDialog App or capital city of Beijing in the last two weeks, as well by dialing #678#. For as the virus’ persistent spread overseas, mean the more information, visit pandemic is an uncertainty for Chinese authorities and www.dialog.lk/mobile- businesses. postpaid (CNBC) 4 the morning CORPORATE/SAFETY Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Iconic Developments, an Indian infrastructure developer, recently stated that the construction of its Rajagiriya-based luxury apartment complex “Iconic Iconic takes safety Galaxy” is making headway, with an over-350-member workforce from construction partner Maga Engineering working while adhering to the stringent health and measures as work on safety regulations.

Iconic Developments and Maga have implemented possible precautionary measures to deter any internal or external spreads Iconic Galaxy continues of the global Covid-19 pandemic. within the site. A steaming facility is is for workers to always wear masks are maintained, and control the Every worker must present a provided twice a day as well. There when doing less intensive work, number of people accessing the site public health inspector’s (PHI’s) is no outward movement of workers such as tiling, cutting or grinding, at all times. report from their respective areas to avoid contracting the infection. while those doing more intensive “Creating a safe and clean before entering work, and they Workers are also subjected to work are put into small groups that working space just requires some are provided with all necessary temperature checks and periodical are prohibited from interacting with planning and proper execution. We personal protective equipment hygiene checks, enhanced by other groups. Periodical PCR tests are working around the clock to (PPE) by the company. sanitary measures. This is further are also conducted for the workers ensure that strict monitoring is in “Since safety has always been complemented by the addition of by PHIs during their frequent visits. place to prevent any issues from the most important factor in the site safety measures, which include These separate groups will hampering with any work. We’re construction sector, there is no site entry temperature checks, maintain safe distances from other grateful that we’re able to continue doubt that we, along with Maga training Covid-19 compliant groups and are provided transport to complete this project, while also Engineering, have empowered personnel, hand sanitisers, the to and from the site, maintaining a providing great work opportunities our workers with all the necessary installation of handwashing bubble for workers, under which for the workers during these trying protective gear to be safe and facilities, and frequent cleaning of health risks are controlled and times, with exceptional health and healthy at all times. We take high-use areas such as restrooms exposure to external factors is safety measures in place,” added pride in ensuring a healthy and and eating areas. reduced. Parikh. contamination-free workspace,” All vehicles entering the premises This method reduces the risk Iconic Galaxy is set to deliver commented Iconic Galaxy are also disinfected at the entrance of shutting down the entire site if 272 super-luxury, two, three, four, Managing Director Rohan Parikh. with all employees encouraged to someone tests positive for Covid- and five-bedroom apartments. The 350 workers are broken into follow social distancing. 19. While the exposed group is The apartment complex was also four zones, using four different Furthermore, according to Parikh, quarantined and recovered, the areas recognised in the residential high- hoists. The staff is kept at the site workers face an increased difficulty they worked in will be thoroughly rise development category for Sri with food and accommodation in wearing masks for more labour- sanitised. Supervisors and managers Lanka at the Asia Pacific Property provided along with a saloon facility intensive work. The solution to this always ensure that these standards Awards 2020/21. Temperature checks at the entrance Puritas donates Maliban receives Brand Excellence Award face masks to Maliban Biscuits was the year 2020. In order to better recently awarded the Brand cater to younger generations, Excellence Award in the the company implemented FMCG sector at the Sri Lanka key strategic moves which SL Army Best Brand Awards 2020. included the diversification of Organised by CMO Asia, a its existing product portfolio global network of executives, through a series of re-launches. the virtual event was held on Among the organisation’s 24 November 2020. many accolades, Maliban Maliban was evaluated with Biscuits recently obtained the a judging criteria based on the likes of the Superior Taste firm’s objectives, innovation Award from the International and creativity, strategy, and Taste Institute (ITI) in Brussels clear demonstrable results for in 2019. MEPA cleans up Pasikuda beach In order to keep the Pasikuda beach clean, the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) organised a clean- up programme last week in Pasikuda to remove the solid wastes with the help of various organisations/ institutions such as Sri The Hayleys team, comprising Manura Wickramasinghe, Channa Wijethunga, and Eashan Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Samarasinghe, handing over the masks to Sri Lanka Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva Police, Koralai Pattu Puritas, a wholly wash cycles. manufactured for those Pradeshiya Sabha, and owned subsidiary of The Hayleys team, with an active lifestyle, tourism associations, Haycarb PLC and a comprising Manura especially for those complying with all member of the Hayleys Wickramasinghe, Channa exercising and working necessary precautions Group, donated 5,000 Wijethunga and Eashan out. While it provides the instructed by the Health Oxypura Care masks Samarasinghe, handed same degree of protection Ministry due to the to the Sri Lanka Army over the masks to Sri as the Care mask, it has Covid-19 outbreak. recently. Lanka Army Commander been designed with a MEPA General This is the fifth Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva one-way valve to assist Manager Dr. Terney consignment of personal at the Army Headquarters smooth exhalation and Prradeep Kumara, protection equipment recently. provide comfort during Provincial Assistant (PPE) donated by Puritas “We stand ready to use. Manager Nilantha to the Army, bringing the provide any and all Puritas also has several Piyadasha, Assistant total number of masks required assistance, active carbon-based Manager – North and provided throughout while working with household products, such East T. Shripathy, During the clean-up programme 2020 by the company to the health authorities as “FRESKO”, “Mr. the relevant MEPA 14,000. towards flattening the Fresh”, and “Bin Fresh”, officials, and Koralai The collected while non-degradable crassipes species were with the help of The Oxypura Care curve. We also wish to a 100% biodegradable, Pattu Pradeshiya Sabha waste was sent to materials such as sent to dumping sites. officers and Pasikuda masks donated by Puritas reiterate the importance eco-friendly activated Chairman Shoba Ranjith the dumping site plastics were sent The clean-up turned back to its contain four layers of for all citizens to follow carbon air purifier pack. participated in the clean- in Pasikuda by the to recycling points. programme was healthy state, according protection, including a the directives of the The company purifies up programme. Pradeshiya Sabha, All dead Eichornia successfully completed to MEPA. particulate matter filter health authorities and five million litres of raw and activated carbon prudently follow social water, 9.2 million litres filters. The Sri Lankan- distancing measures, of wastewater, and 18 made product has been including wearing million litres of sewage tested by internationally properly protected face in Sri Lanka every NDB Wealth prepares for 2021 recognised laboratories, masks,” said Haycarb day. Puritas is in the namely Bureau Veritas PLC Managing Director business of purification Financial planner and financial security the future of those Year, our resolve is December 2020, with in Hong Kong and Rajitha Kariyawasan. on a national level advisor NDB Wealth and stability is of depending on you. even stronger, as we the added flexibility Nelson Laboratories in The company also and provides activated said it is preparing for paramount importance, At NDB Wealth, focus on the future to withdraw all of the the US, and has been added the SPORTEC carbon solutions for the dawn of the New and something that we design financial needs and wants of our deposited funds at any proven to have a bacteria mask to its portfolio various applications in Year 2021 with an you should definitely plans considering clients,” commented time without a penalty, filtration efficiency of recently, which was Sri Lanka, such as water interest to emphasise focus on during the your current situation Head of Private Wealth the financial planner more than 99%, a virus symbolically handed over and air purification, and educate consumers coming new year. This and aim to overcome Management Laknada said in a statement. filtration efficiency of to the Army Commander decolourising about the benefits of is an area in life and challenges to ensure de Mel. NDB Wealth is a fully more than 98%, and a as well. SPORTEC applications, and the Money Plus account business that can have your investments Currently, the Money owned subsidiary of recommended use of 14 has been designed and deodorising applications. from NDB Wealth. an immense impact bring you optimal Plus fund yields 6.30% National Development “Planning for on your future and returns. This New per annum as at 17 Bank (NDB). 5 the morning Wednesday , December 30, 2020

PHOTO © NOOM PEERAPONG ON UNSPLASH brunch

REPRESENTATION IN FILM AND THE LANKAN PERSPECTIVE

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE 50% Tamil actors and almost all of them gay characters, and she said it is a grey area Sri Lankan. She has said she is most happy and is in fact a slippery slope. Deepa Mehta’s Funny Boy, featuring a cast of primarily Sri Lankan actors, about having found Brandon Ingram – a “I would never want to tell a story that has been released on Netflix. Although not yet available to Lankan Sri Lankan Burgher who plays the lead really should be told by somebody who’s users, the adaptation of Shyam Selvadurai’s novel of the same name has role of Arjie, the protagonist whose sexual lived that experience. Having said that, it’s awakening is chronicled in the film – a slippery slope conversation because that been subject to some criticism following online petitions from the Tamil and Mehta had stated that Brandon is an means I could never play another straight Diaspora for not having enough Tamil actors in the film. amazingly talented actor who is also openly character if I’m going to hold everyone to The film was originally announced film’s trailer, with many criticising about gay. the letter of this particular law,” she told as Canada’s official selection for Best it not having cast enough Tamil actors in Mehta had further said that talent is NBC News. International Feature Film for the 2021 its leading roles, despite telling the story the most essential element for her during We also reached out to Gehan Cooray, Academy Awards and has since been of Tamil people, which according to the casting, and that “there is no point in the Lankan-born Los Angeles-based rejected from that category due to it not Tamil Diaspora was contributing to the casting someone politically correct who director, actor, and producer whose latest qualifying as an “international film” for erasure of the Tamil identities, even prior can’t act”. film The Billionaire has been officially which there should be sufficient foreign to its release. This conversation of representation submitted to the Oscars, the Golden Globe dialogue. The film has since been submitted Mehta was criticised for not putting of gay actors playing gay characters, and Awards, and the “Best Comedy Feature” under the “Best Feature Film” category. enough effort into casting Sri Lankan of course of Sinhalese actors playing winner at the Burbank International Film Susiran De Silva The casting controversy, however, Tamil actors, and she has addressed these Tamil characters, is not in any way a Festival. He too shared with us his thoughts has been brewing since the release of the accusations stating that the cast made up to new conversation; the importance of on representation in film and the need to representation in film and cinema has cast certain actors in certain roles. been discussed back and forth for years Gehan, referring to his own film now, and while many have their opinions, which features a same-sex couple and an we reached out to a number of Lankan interracial relationship, said that he has filmmakers to share their thoughts on the gone half and half with a number of gay matter and what they believe is the correct characters being played by actually gay casting when it comes to portraying their actors. He said it is always nice to have characters. real-life LGBTI persons portray those While many chose not to comment characters. on a highly politically charged subject, However, he also said that there is those who chose to share their thoughts something to be gained by having straight expressed somewhat similar sentiments of actors play non-straight roles; there is a “it depends”. unique perspective to be had there. Gehan Speaking with Susiran De Silva, who said the main love interest in his film directed one of this year’s most talked- played by a straight man would often say about comedies, Miss Jenis (which was “I was able to convince myself that I was also the final project to be released with Gehan Cooray in love with you” and that whenever he Lankan cinema great the late Jayalath kissed his male co-star, who was Gehan, he Manoratne), he shared with us his opinion would say he enjoyed it. Gehan said that he of the topic of accurate representations. shared this because he believes what makes While he is yet to watch Funny Boy, a good performer is an actor who is very he as a director has always had to address empathetic. this issue of casting. In his very personal Gehan shared that love is love and opinion, he believes it is entirely dependent romance is romance, and having a straight on the character and on the director’s point person play a gay character brings the of view. It should be up to the director to opportunity for them to talk about the gay make that final decision. experience in an organic way. Susiran shared an example where in Ideally, he believes it would be best to Sri Lanka, we have Pooja Umashankar who have one half be played by a person who has taken on the role of the leading lady in really identifies as the character and the numerous Sri Lankan productions. You can other be played by an outsider, just so you see that she is beloved by Lankans and she are able to represent both the inside and has always played Lankan women despite outside perspectives in a balanced way. being an Indian. She is a beloved actress About Funny Boy, Gehan said he here because the director made a choice, wishes to reserve his judgment until he and the audience has come to love the Saranga Disasekara sees it. He has, of course, read the book characters she has portrayed. and had the pleasure of meeting its author, with this kind of backlash where he He said he is speaking strictly about Shaym Selvadurai, at the Galle Literary portrayed a character with darker skin and cinema when he believes that when it Festival once, and so he is looking forward was accused of having done “blackface” comes to films, it is a director’s medium; to seeing it once it has been made available in his portrayal of the role of the character however, when it comes to television in Sri Lanka. “kehel susa” in the television show serials, it is a writer’s medium and the Lansupathiniyo. In playing the role of a writer reigns supreme there. And so in It would seem that coming to character with a darker skin tone than the cinema, if the director believes a certain a definitive conclusion is nearly an actor’s natural tone, he had been accused actor is best suited to actualise their impossibility on this topic. However, the of being racially insensitive. He shared vision, then that is whom they should cast overlaying arch appears to be that art is that he believes that as an actor, his job regardless of what their nationality, race, or transformative and in its many shapes is to embody the lives of others to play a creed is. and forms, it should be allowed some character, not to repeatedly play himself. We spoke to actor Saranga Disasekara liberties – but in doing so, how far one Hollywood actress Kristen Stewart also Funny Boy 2020 film poster who shared a bit of his own experience goes remains a question to be answered. recently spoke out about gay actors playing 6 the morning STYLE Wednesday , December 30, 2020 r HARID launches ‘ESTRUCTURE’ BY VENESSA ANTHONY The silhouettes are structured visit my tailor with my fabric, I and ideally zero waste. yet oversized and showcases the heard breaking news on the radio HARID is a sustainable Harinda Gunawardena essence of the local batik craft. announcing that they’d found brand, so Gunawardena discovered his passion for HARID recently a bunch of new cases in works directly with batik the world of fashion at a launched a new Sri Lanka,” he said, plants in the country. Due collection for the speaking about the to the situation, however, very young age. He was new year, titled challenges he faced Gunawardena told us that always interested in the “Estructura”, a when designing this they too hardly receive any arts and had quite the flair collection based collection during work, which affects their for drawing. Right after he on Sri Lankan the pandemic. He life and income greatly. He completed his Advanced contemporary said after that, it was encouraged people to opt out Level exam, he joined the batik. HARID’s incredibly difficult of fashion and help out these Lanka Institute of Fashion whole concept to source fabric and smaller communities as well Technology (LIFT) to pursue highlights androgynous to move about to get the as the planet by investing in his dreams. He is now the and gender-fluid Harinda Gunawardena clothes tailored. slow fashion. proud founder of his very clothing. Being a part of In exciting news, own fashion label, HARID. In conversation with The the slow fashion movement in Gunawardena revealed that Contemporary batik strap dress Morning Brunch, Gunawardene Sri Lanka, he highlighted the they plan to launch another HARID promotes self- told us that even though Estructure importance of ethically sourcing collection mid-next year, with confidence and being comfortable caters to women, he used the products. Slow fashion is the a focus on menswear as well. with who you are; this is reflected brand’s signature motif to define movement of designing, creating, You can find the in the use of bold colours and its clothing identity. “I used the lip- and buying garments for quality collection at The Design strong, defined silhouettes. The plus-mustache combination print and longevity. It encourages Collective. brand explores sustainability and all over this collection.” slower production schedules, fair creative innovation through fashion @haridsl Contemporary batik dropped shoulder crop HARID’s mission is to wages, lower carbon footprints, top and low front skirt and art with the use of fabrics that push boundaries and encourage are 100% natural, silk-mixed kinds authentic expression through of cotton. fashion. He veers away from his The label was also showcased usual liking towards adding bright, at this year’s Colombo Fashion bold colours to going for a more Week (CFW), with Gunawardena neutral and dull palette. The latest being featured as an emerging collection features a lot of dull designer. For his debut at CFW, yellows and whites; the only pop Gunawardena had incorporated of striking colour customers will the local batik craft as well as see is a splash of bright purple here topstitching, the signature detail of and there. the brand. Gunawardena named The main inspiration behind contemporary structures and the collection, “Blurred Lines”, architecture as his inspiration is the contemporary androgynous behind his latest collection, hence subculture and how it aligns the name “Estructure”. Everything with structured and tailored yet from the colours to the silhouette voluminous silhouettes. The colour of the clothes is based on the palette is very bold and bright but structural architecture, which incorporated with neutral colours Gunawardena is also passionate Contemporary batik dropped shoulder dress as well in order to suit the target about. audience and the inspiration. “When I was on the way to Contemporary batik oversized dress Shoulder detailed shirt Staying fit with Fitcrib 360 Welcome 2021 with The BY VENESSA ANTHONY Kingsbury and Amaya Resorts Fitcrib 360 is a new initiative Preparations are not head over to Amaya for all fitness enthusiasts out on full swing at The Hills in Kandy, Amaya there. Managed by Chamupathi Kingsbury, Colombo as Lake in Dambulla, or Siriwardane and Chandula the hotel dons its party The Langdale or The Liyanage, they offer programmes shoes at the Honey Oliphant in Nuwara based on nutritional fitness. Beach Club and CÉ LA Eliya? Amaya Resorts Siriwardane spoke to The VI. Continuing with and Spas has made Morning Brunch on the concept their seasonal theme of arrangements to behind Fitcrib 360: “Nutritional Chandula Liyanage Chamupathi Siriwardane “Merry and Masked”, ring in the new year fitness is a relatively new concept The Kingsbury is amidst the picturesque in Sri Lanka. In schools, a lot of can cater to anyone, even if they mindful of providing surroundings the resort students do sports but they are come for general fitness.” He responsible and safe chain is blessed with. not in the physical condition to added: “We have two aspects to ways for you to celebrate The majestic Dambulla do these sports, so we wanted to our training – general fitness and New Year’s Eve. Lake; the misty, rolling bridge that gap and provide all outdoor fitness, and the second 2020 is a year that hills of Nuwara Eliya; the physical conditioning and is where we work with specific faced several challenges and the verdant green strength so they can carry on with clients.” in the wake of the mountains of Kandy the sport properly.” They also work closely with Covid-19 pandemic. will play host as scenic Many people are suffering athletes to develop their sport and The life lessons were backdrops for these from chronic diseases such as choices. I think the general public their physical condition which is plenty, the struggles New Year celebrations. diabetes, cancer, and various should be aware of these and required for them to excel in their more so. A year that Scrumptious dinner others; it’s very important to stay work towards a better lifestyle.” sport of choice. encouraged everyone to spreads, fireworks at in good physical condition to He added: “If your body is Fitcrib is currently hosting see beyond the obvious, midnight, the traditional help your body cope with these getting a 35% work out, then physical classes as well as online break new ground, and auspicious ceremony of conditions. Fitcrib 360 offers the remaining 65% needs to be classes. Siriwardane told us that to address challenges as boiling milk, as well as a programmes catered specifically focused on diet. It doesn’t matter they abide by all government opportunities. 2020 is breakfast spread worthy for this clientele so they may go how much you work out or train, regulations, and masks are also a year that stands of a brand new year, on with their life with ease. “This if you’re not maintaining a proper essential during training. They as a testament to the are all on the cards. is what inspired our company. We diet, all that hard work is in also maintain a one-metre resilience of the human That’s not all. Revel in launched in June this year, and vain.” He mentioned that if one distance when coaching, so their spirit. The time has now the merriment and get have been doing well since.” wants to build muscle, and does customers’ safety is promised. come to bid goodbye your competitive spirits He added that one doesn’t not keep to a certain amount of They conduct sessions to the year that was flowing as the resorts’ have to have a disease to be calorie intake, no progress will on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and with a sigh of relief and in-house teams put their physically active. “if you’re a be seen. Fitcrib 360 calculates the Saturdays. The three days are welcome 2021 with best feet forward, with workaholic, and you need to calorie level you have to maintain divided into endurance training hope and open arms, prizes, surprises, and escape the stress, being physically and provides you with a routine on Tuesdays, strength and keeping in mind the much more in store. active helps a lot. It also helps to stick to. They have registered condition on Thursdays, and need for celebrating in a Good music, great avoid contracting illnesses in the dieticians working with them to Saturday is a little break from responsible manner. beverage deals, themed long run.” guarantee results for their clients. the strenuous exercise where If you are in the cocktails, and a free flow He talked about how being Siriwardane gave us a few they do some fun activities and mood for a beach party of fun with your nearest active isn’t a chore, but more tips that you can adopt at home, concentrate on ability. vibe, head over to the and dearest. What better about letting go and having fun. in order to stay fit and healthy: Their personal trainers are Honey Beach Club where way to bid adieu to the “When you join our sessions, you “It is recommended that you walk well equipped with the knowledge DJs Mitchell and Nick old year, and say hello to can engage with many interesting with low to moderate intensity and the experience to craft the will have you dancing VI, where DJ Mark range of music genres. the new one? people and expand your network for 150 minutes a week, or do best workout and meal plans. Get 31st night away. DJ will hold sway, while If a quiet intimate For more details, while staying healthy.” a 75-minute vigorous-intensity in touch with them if you need Mitchell works at one of you let the twinkling evening is what you check out www. Staying fit and healthy isn’t work out a week.” He advised help with gaining muscle, fat loss, the leading radio stations lights of the cityscape prefer, you can head thekingsburyhotel.com just about exercise; a proper diet everyone to get out of their house or simply staying fit and healthy. in Sri Lanka while DJ below remind you of over to Yue Chuan, The and www.amayaresorts. plays a huge role too. Siriwardane and walk around while calculating Nick is well known in the brighter prospects Ocean, The Harbour com or follow them talked about the importance of their steps, and added that 7,000- the event management of the future. With Court, or The King’s on Instagram: www. watching what you eat: “There are 10,000 steps per day would be field. If a sophisticated experience in both Steak Bar. instagram.com/ several illnesses that can happen ideal. Fitcrib360 ambiance is what you Dubai and Sri Lanka, Keen to celebrate thekingsbury/ and due to poor food consumption Clients from all age groups prefer, head over to the DJ Mark is known for away from the hustle and www.instagram.com/ @fitcrib_360 patterns and bad lifestyle can take part at Fitcrib 360. “We rooftop lounge CÉ LA dabbling in a wide bustle of city life? Why amayaresort/. the morning 7 Wednesday, December 30, 2020 Sports

One of the most closely contested events of the nationals, women’s 800 m, held on Sunday (27). Dilshi Kumarasinghe (centre) won the gold in 2:02.80 seconds as Nimali Liyanarachchi (on right - 2:03.20 secs.) and Gayanthika Kumari (2:03.53 secs.) won the second and third spots respectively

98th National Athletics at Sugathadasa The men’s long jump first place, Men’s triple jump Sreshan Dhananjaya of Sri winner yesterday (29), Lanka Army covering a distance Sanjaya Jayasinghe for Action of 7.71 m on Saturday (26) a distance of 16.32 m R.M.S. Pushpakumara finishing as the first in men’s 5,000 m on begins amid Saturday (26) pandemic The country’s leading athletes in both track and field came to the party once again! This was after the unpleasant Covid- 19 hiccups. The 98th Sri Lanka National Athletic Championships were held at the Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo for Sarangi Silva four consecutive days, recorded 6.33 m in women’s long from Saturday (26) jump to win the to yesterday (29) and first place on The shot put national Saturday (26) champion emerges from Sri here are some of the Lanka Army. W.S.M. Fernando champions who were in throwing a distance of 16.12 the limelight this time. m on Saturday (26), the first day of the meet Photos Ishan Wanniarachchi The health guidelines were to be strictly followed on the opening day (26) due to the pandemic

Sri Lanka Army’s Sachini Perera made A.K. Tharanga running in this year’s Nationals a memorable one his victorious 1,000 m event by setting a new national record in where he ousted South Asian R.M.S.J. Ranasinghe women’s pole vault with a jump of 3.55 Asitha Rathnasena Games (SAG ) medallist K. of Sri Lanka Army won m, surpassing Anita Jegadeeshwaran’s winning the men’s 400m Shanmugeshwaran in 30 the men’s javelin for a 2017 record on Sunday (27) hurdles in 52.9 seconds minutes and 42.15 seconds distance of 76.10 m

Amasha de Silva who won the women's 100m with a timing of 11.55 seconds on Monday (28). That was the South Asian Games (SAG) sprinter’s personal best and fourth fastest ever in the country for the event, behind feats of Rumeshika Rathnayake, Damayanthi Women’s 1,500 m champion Darsha, and Susanthika Jayasinghe. It yesterday (29), Gayanthika Himasha Eashan (on right) clocking was also the fastest women’s dash in Abeyrathne who clocked 10.27 seconds to retain ‘the fastest the last two years 4:17.58 seconds men’s sprinter’ tag on Monday (28) Kiwis in box seat Tim Southee became the third New Zealand bowler to take 300 Test victims as the hosts moved into a dominant position against Pakistan on day four in Mount Maunganui yesterday (29) in their first Test. Pakistan on their second essay were 71/3, needing further 302 runs to win the Test with two more days to spare. Scores: New Zealand 431 and 180/5 declared vs. Pakistan 239 and 71/3

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Wanindu Hasaranga, the plus point for the Lankans in an otherwise painful Test, pulls one on his way to his debut Test 50 yesterday (29) AN

Young Indo debutant Shubman Gill (left) being greeted by stand- in skipper Ajinkya Rahane mid-pitch yesterday (29), after their resounding eight-wicket win at MCG

INNINGS’ Sri Lanka 1st innings 396 South Africa 1st innings 621 India is Sri Lanka 2nd innings (overnight 65/2) Dimuth Karunaratne b Ngidi 6 Kusal Perera c de Kock b Nortje 64 back with a Kusal Mendis c van der Dussen b Ngidi 0 Dinesh Chandimal b Mulder 25 DEFEAT Niroshan Dickwella c de Kock b Mulder 10 Woeful Sri Lanka suffer due to an Dasun Shanaka c de Kock b Sipamla 6 vengeance! Wanindu Hasaranga c Bavuma b Sipamla 59 array of injuries to key players Vishwa Fernando run out (Mulder/ Maharaj) 0 India pulled off one of their Australia’s lower-order, Kasun Rajitha c Maharaj b Nortje 0 greatest Test wins, chasing spearheaded by young all- Lahiru Kumara not out 5 down Australia’s fourth-innings rounder Cameron Green, added target of 70 to secure victory by 67 runs in the first session on South Africa’s bowling Dhananjaya de Silva absent hurt 0 Lahiru Kumara. Their main middle- the Lankans with 45 runs more to Extras (nb 4, b 4, lb 2) 10 eight wickets at the Melbourne day four after resuming on attack rattled through Sri order bat Dhananjaya de Silva retired cover the deficit. De Silva didn’t Cricket Grounds yesterday (29). 133-6 to be all out for 200. Lanka to seal an innings and Total (all out in 46.1 overs) 180 injured in the first innings when he come to bat and was declared as Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Karunaratne, 2.6 ov), 2-22 (Mendis,4.5 ov), The tourists responded from India suffered some anxious 45-run win in the first Test at was unbeaten 79 at the crease and was “absent hurt”. 3-85 (Chandimal, 19.5 ov), 4-99 (Dickwella, 23.6 ov), 5-114 (Perera, a horror start to the Border- moments in the tiny chase, Centurion yesterday (29). declared out of the series. It was on their last visit to South 28.4 ov), 6-142 (Shanaka, 35.5 ov), 7-148 (Fernando, 36.6 ov), 8-179 Gavaskar series, reminded falling to 19/2, but rookie Debutante Wanindu Hasaranga was Africa in 2019 that the Lankans won (Hasaranga, 45.2 ov), 9-180 (Rajitha, 46.1 ov), 10-180 (De Silva, The Guardian, when they were opener Shubman Gill (35 After a mammoth first-innings total a key plus point for the Lankans as he their record first-ever Test series win 46.1 ov). skittled for a record-low of 36 not out) and stand-in skipper of 621, including 199 for Faf du Plessis, got four wickets for 171 with his leg there, by 2-0, after grabbing victory Bowling: Lungi Ngidi 10-2-38-2 (1nb), Anrich Nortje 10.1-1-47-2 in Adelaide 10 days ago. Ajinkya Rahane (27 not out) the Proteas looked set for victory at the breaks before scoring 59 runs in 53 from the jaws of defeat in the now- (1nb), Wiaan Mulder 12-1-39-2 (1nb), Lutho Sipamla 5-0-24-2 Even without their regular guided them home in the 16th start of day four yesterday (29), and deliveries yesterday, hammering 12 famous Durban Test. (1nb), Keshav Maharaj 6-3-20-0, Aiden Markram 3-2-6-0. Captain Virat Kohli, India over. an emphatic bowling performance saw fours and a six too. They won it by a mere one wicket Result: South Africa won by an innings and 45 runs levelled the series at one-all to Led superbly by Rahane, who them bowl the tourists out for 180 in Starting the day on 65/2 yesterday, on the back of a brilliant 153 not Series: South Africa leads two-match series 1-0 become the first touring side made a courageous 112 in the their second innings. Sri Lanka were searching for another out by Kusal Perera. Perera at that Player of the Match: Faf du Plessis (South Africa) to win consecutive Boxing first innings, India controlled The loss for the Lankans was mainly 160 runs to make the hosts bat again, time shared the highest successful World Test Championship Points: South Africa 60, Sri Lanka 0 Day Tests in Melbourne since the contest from day one when caused by the injuries to their main but all four of the main Protea bowlers 10th-wicket partnership of 78 runs Next Test: From 3 January 2021 at Johannesburg England in 1982 and 1986, The they rolled Australia for 195. strike bowlers, Kasun Rajitha and shared two wickets apiece to ouster with Vishwa Fernando. Guardian remembered.

a World War. But with the rescheduling of the their shutters for good. SPORTS Olympics for next year, it has now brought about a clash of time periods with other athletic events Local sports WATCH which, in turn, is causing unending headaches The local sports scene was certainly not for administrators and the athletes. immune from the disruptions because of the by Dinith Pathi Another massive casualty of the pandemic pandemic. None of the school sport activities was the Wimbledon tennis championships. were held, in any sport. And with school sports “The Championships”, as they are called, had activities a major attraction of the calendar in The year 2020 has been a strange one for to be cancelled as it was not conducive for it to any given year, this was a massive blow to sports. It has highlighted the good, the bad, Tokyo 2020 was be held during its scheduled time. But since the many a dream of the sports people. and the ugly side of the sports world. All these postponed till 2021 administrators of Wimbledon had the foresight Apart from this obvious drawback with the were highlighted because of the pandemic that due to the Covid-19 to have pandemic insurance, they were able to club and mercantile championships of almost the world had to face during this year. With pandemic. This is cancel the event without much financial pressure. all the sports being cancelled, there was another the first time that the coronavirus still not showing any sign of an Olympics was This very same reason -the financial pressure- unintended and rather dangerous reaction to the abating, it is pertinent to examine as to how postponed for any made the French Open to be rescheduled and pandemic in terms of the local sports as well. sports unfolded this year in the face of this other reason than to be held later in the year within a few weeks disrupting background. the World Wars. of the US Open, as the French Open organisers More misery? There is a saying that every dark cloud has would have faced financial ruin if that tournament With all the mercantile championships being a silver lining. As such, the present pandemic had not been held. But the result of such close cancelled and business being below expectations, also has one. That is the fact that with the proximity to another “slam” meant that some most of the companies that were employing lockdowns in effect and no sports activities of the players got injured and the others simply sportsmen and women on short-term contracts possible anywhere in the world during the did not take part. solely for the purpose of sports, started cancelling months of March and April, it showed the such contracts. general public how much we have come to take Soccer clubs being bankrupt This meant that most of the sports persons for granted the entertainment that we derive In the sport of football, all the leagues and whose sole qualification was the proficiency from sports. championships were completed without any at their given sport, did not have any means It is very certain that the general public will 2020: What a year for sports! fans in the stadiums. With the “match day” of income. As such, most of them had to turn have more of an appreciation for sports going revenue (which has a major impact on any their attention to getting themselves qualified forward, since they had to live without sports rescheduled, or abbreviated to a large extent. the calendar year 2020 ends. But, some might club’s finances) being reduced to zero, this in another field, which might very well end up activities for a considerable length of time. Even This caused widespread disruption as well as eventually end up being for the greater good of had a massive impact on most of the clubs being an unintended good consequence of the the parents would have appreciated the important loss of millions of dollars for the sports industry. the general sports industry as a whole. later in the year. pandemic. role played by sports in the development of Since the sports industry is a big business For example, Barcelona FC, even at the This list is endless. And, with the pandemic their offspring after the recent lack of activity. these days, this also brought home the fact Olympics and the Grand Slams time of writing, is negotiating with its players showing no signs of receding, this trend and that so many of the sports organisations were The biggest casualty of the current disruption to reduce their wage bill and overall costs actions might have to continue well into 2021 Sports industry reorganised on unsustainable business models and had to was the Olympic Games. The Games which were as otherwise they would have to declare as well. Unfortunately, whether we like or not, Having said that, even when the sports be reorganised. due to be held in Tokyo have been postponed bankruptcy in the near future. Some of the sports and its activities might be in for some activities resumed, so many of the events that Therefore, the repercussions of the to 2021. This is the first time that the Olympics smaller clubs in almost all the countries went more misery before there is light at the end of were taken for granted had to be cancelled, coronavirus pandemic will be felt long after has been postponed for any reason other than out of business for this very reason and closed the rainbow.