friday 14 may 2021 Latest Edition Vol: 10/126

SLT Group Revenue Recorded at Rs 24.7B in Q1 2021

Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT) Group released its financial results for the first quarter of 2021, with a remarkable 14.3% year-on-year growth in Profit After Tax (PAT) to Rs 2.1 billion.

page b11 Islandwide Travel Restrictions in Place 20,000 Cops to Monitor

‘Kosgoda Tharaka’ shot dead People Movements By Thameenah Razeek By Sandeep Tissaaratchy

Dharmakeerthi Tharaka The Police Department has deployed Perera Wijesekera, alias 20,000 personnel by 10:00 p.m. yesterday ‘Kosgoda Tharaka,’ an (13), to monitor the movement of people on organised criminal in the the roads and to ensure the travel Southern Province, who was restrictions are obeyed, Police Spokesman in the custody of the Western DIG Ajith Rohana said. Province North Crimes The Police personnel will be monitoring Division, was shot dead while the district borders and the movements of attempting to attack Police in those on the road, to ensure that no one is Mirigama, Police Spokesman, breaking the restrictions. DIG Ajith Rohana said DIG Rohana said if anyone is found to be yesterday (13). breaking the restrictions, that individual will be dealt with according to the law. Story Continued on page 2 The public will not be permitted to leave their homes from today (14) until 17 May due to the travel restrictions imposed Parliament to convene 18, across the island, Rohana said. Speaking at a Media briefing, he went on 19, 20 May – Govt Sources to say there are distinct differences between permitted to travel to the nearest pharmacy Retailers will be permitted to travel to the imposed travel restriction and a curfew. if they are in need of purchasing any these locations and purchase the items By W.K. Prasad Manju Among them was the permission granted to medication. which will be delivered within a specific all pharmacies to remain open during the He added the Peliyagoda Fish Market, time frame. A decision was made at the Party Leaders’ meeting three-day travel restriction period. Manning Market and all economic centres All restaurants and supermarkets will to convene Parliament on 18, 19 and 20 May, while DIG Rohana said the public will be will remain open for wholesale trade. remain closed till 17 May. adhering to health regulations in order to obtain approval for several essential matters, a Government source told Ceylon Today. The source pointed out that although members... Those above Story Continued on page 2 Sajith demands Landslide 60 eligible for end to extra Customs seizes Rs 9B Sinopharm jab alert issued judicial killings The National Building Research worth smuggled fags Organisation (NBRO) yesterday issued a By Nabiya Vaffoor – Minister By Nabiya Vaffoor ‘landslides alert’, for the following By Dilanthi Jayamanne Divisional Secretariats coming under the An illegally imported consignment of more than Extra judicial killings should be brought Kalutara District, due to the current 200 million cigarette sticks, worth over Rs 9 billion to an immediate halt and the Government heavy rains. was seized by the Customs yesterday (13). State Minister of Primary Health Care, should stop behaving in a dictatorial They are the Agalawatta, Walallawita, "The consignment, which was smuggled in 21... Epidemics, and COVID-19 Control, Dr. manner, Opposition Leader Sajith ulathsinhala, Palindanuwara, Ingiriya, Sudarshini Fernandopulle, said the Premadasa said. Mathugama and Dodangoda and the Government had decided to administer the "When a suspect is killed by the Police surrounding areas. Sinopharm jab to those above 60 years of that State becomes a fascist State ruled by It also issued a ‘lesser’ landslides ‘alert age. lawlessness. Politicians and high-level warning’ in respect of the following Dr. Fernandopulle said yesterday (13) racketeers who dealt with the suspect could Divisional Secretariats coming under the the decision was taken during a meeting of escape the law through such killings," Galle and Kalutara Districts. They are, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19. Premadasa stressed. Galle: Niyagama, Elpitiya, Nagoda, The vaccine is to be administered to those He also said it would erode the rule of law Neluwa, Baddegama, Thawalama and above 60 years with no health and trust in law enforcement agencies. Yakkalamulla and the surrounding... complications, she said. “We, as a country, need to strengthen... Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 COVID-19 third wave To identify burial site ‘Home leave’ of Story Continued on page 2 SL patient load higher for COVID-19 dead prisoners on hold Violating health guidelines than India’s – SJB Technical team By Thameenah Razeek By Nabiya Vaffoor conducts research 34 arrested for hosting The Department of Prisons has temporarily suspended ‘home leave’ for The effective reproductive rate of COVID- in Kandy inmates stating there is a potential birthday parties 19 in Sri Lanka is higher than that of health risk when inmates go home, By Naalir Jamaldeen India, the SJB claimed. By Naalir Jamaldeen spend a few days there before returning "The number of patients being reported to prison. Therefore, such leave is A group of 14 persons including the officers of a in Sri Lanka during the third wave is Yatinuwara Pradeshiya Sabha Member, suspended indefinitely and all finance company in Chenkaladi, who were higher than the numbers reported in Waseer Mukthar, yesterday (13) said a arrangements will be made to send them celebrating a birthday party of their Manager, in India. At present, over 2,500 patients are technical team is conducting research in the home on leave once the pandemic has violation of COVID-19 regulations, at the company being reported daily," SJB MP, Dr. Rajitha Kandy District, to identify a suitable place to been mitigated. premises, were arrested by Police. Senaratne said. bury the bodies of COVID-19 victims. Prison Spokesperson (Administration) All of them have been quarantined and legal action Meanwhile, Senaratne said the Medical The technical team visited the Chandana Ekanayake said the has been instituted against the Manager, Eravur Faculty of the University of Washington Kumbukkandura Muslim Burial Ground in Department is implementing a home ... Police said yesterday (13). had predicted that 200 people will die of ... Teldeniya, Zahiradeniya Muslim Burial... Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 President’s Rains to intensify PM’s Eid-ul-Fitr Message By Paneetha Ameresekere Eid-ul-Fitr Message Prime Minister Mahinda He added that the period of The showery condition over South- Rajapaksa extended his wishes fasting helps to understand the Western and North-Western parts of the Extending his wishes to to the Sri Lankan Muslim hunger of others and that the island is likely to enhance during the the Muslim community community who are celebrating Muslim community would help next 24 hours, the Met Department said which celebrates Eid-ul-Fitr Eid-ul-Fitr with Muslims around to create a charitable society. yesterday. at the end of Ramadan the world, ending the fasting Throughout history, the Showers or thundershowers will occur fasting today (14), President period of Ramadan. Muslim community, who have at times in the Sabaragamuwa, Central, Gotabaya Rajapaksa said he In a statement, he said the been disciplined in religiously Western, Southern and North-Western believes the true Muslims month-long Ramadan fasting, as correct teachings, have Provinces. Heavy falls above 100 mm who follow the Holy Quran prescribed in the Quran, the holy interacted harmoniously with can be expected in some places in the would collectively commit book of Islam, conveys a very other races and religions in Sri Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central themselves with added important message to the world, Lankan society, the Premier went Provinces and in Galle and Matara determination to further... both religiously and spiritually. on to note. Districts.

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 A2 friday 14 may 2021 news

Continued from page 1 ‘Kosgoda Tharaka’... Technical team ... 20,000 Cops...... Ground belonging to Akurana Grand Mosque, and A Chief Inspector of Police was also reportedly injured in the Ismathahena Muslim Burial Ground in Dehianga with the incident. guidance of the Jamiyyathul Ulama. Kosgoda Tharaka was a key suspect in several crimes However, DIG Rohana said restaurants and supermarkets can Following a request extended by Mukthar to Provincial committed in Kosgoda, Matara, Moratuwa and Kottawa Police deliver groceries and food to their customers. If they wish to Director of Health Services, Central Province, Dr. Nihal Divisions. The suspect was taken to the Rendapola area in the deliver, they must first receive permission from the Police station Weerasooriya, the Central Province Governor, the Mirigama Police Division for a special operation yesterday and provide the vehicle numbers of those which will be making Commissioner of Central Province, and the Chief Secretary of morning (13) and during the operation an incident had taken the deliveries. Central Province appointed a technical team chaired by the place compelling the Police to use lethal force. In addition, after the travel restriction period is lifted on 17 May, Assistant Chief Secretary of Central Province to identify a The suspect was pronounced dead on admission to the a countrywide lockdown will commence from 11.00 p.m. to 4.00 suitable place to bury the bodies of COVID-19 victims. Mirigama Hospital. DIG Rohana said according to the officials of a.m. until 31 May. The team consists of members of the Central Environmental the Western Province North Crimes Division, they were DIG Rohana urged the public to cooperate with the Police in Authority, Water Supply and Drainage Board, and Central compelled to use lethal force. their efforts to monitor who is travelling on the roads during the Province Health Ministry, Mukthar added. The Chief Inspector who was injured in the incident was travel restriction. He also requested the public to comply with the admitted to the Wathupitiwala Hospital. Meanwhile, DIG Police when they request certain documentation to ensure that Rohana said a special team was appointed under the the individual is permitted to travel. supervision of the Western Province DIG to conduct an investigation into the death of the suspect. A magisterial inquiry and a post-mortem were conducted, SL patient load... after notifying the Attanagalla Magistrate’s Court about the suspect’s death. ...the virus by June and by 1 September the death toll would Kosgoda Tharaka, aged 34, was wanted in connection with be 20,879. seven murders and 21 robberies in various areas. He was a Parliament to... "The spread of the virus cannot be controlled by isolating suspect in several organised criminal activities as well. The ... of the Opposition expressed their objection to this decision, Grama Niladhari Divisions. As many patients are asymptomatic, suspect had led the robbery of a jewellery shop in Matara in based on usefulness to the people and the country of the Draft it takes at least two weeks for an individual to realise that they 2018. During the robbery, a Police Officer was shot dead. Bills, regulations and provisions to be presented, the governing have contracted the virus. Statistics on deaths in the third wave DIG Rohana noted that Magisterial Inquest was conducted party decided to hold parliamentary sessions for three days next show that the individual contracted the virus four weeks ago," he yesterday and the autopsy will be conducted today (14). week. added.Senaratne also claimed that 21,000 PCR test samples The CID is conducting further investigations into the incident. The source said Parliament will meet on 18 and is scheduled to have accumulated at labs over the past few days. take up for debate regulations under the Money Act, two "At this rate, the number of patients and deaths will rise provisions under the Money Act, a provision under the Port and immediately," he said. Senaratne said so on 12 May, at a Media Airport Development Act, eight provisions under the Special briefing held at the Opposition Leader’s Office. Commodities Tax Act, two provisions under the Strategic Development Projects Act and a provision under the Foreign 34 arrested for... Exchange Act. The source also said that tax relief is to be announced for some goods as well as to continue with the tax The arrests were made following a tip-off. relief currently provided for a number of goods for another six The officers were cutting the birthday cake at the time of the months. President’s... raid. It was pointed out by the Government representative that ... strengthen peace and harmony. The suspects were sent to isolation camps by PHIs. providing tax relief by way of exempting Port and Airport In a statement, the President said, “Without doubt the Meanwhile, another group of 20 persons who were celebrating Development taxes on the import of equipment for the appeal to save the humankind from this lethal COVID-19 a birthday party in Koddaimunai in Batticaloa were also manufacture of pharmaceuticals and spare parts including pandemic would be among the wishes of our Muslims. The arrested on 12 May, Police added. machinery and devices while carrying out immense tasks hope as well as the commitment and dedication of the whole especially for the purpose of bringing COVID-19 under control is world is to create a healthy lifestyle free of the prevailing extremely important. He also said that such tax relief is granted to pandemic. The month of Ramadan is a time for the reflection the field of health in this country and that it is considered vital. of this objective. In addition, since there is less of a local harvest and with the The reconciliation revealed by us to the world through objective of controlling the price of vegetables in the market, these building peace and brotherhood among the communities is a ‘Home leave’ of... procedures are due to grant a relief of Rs. 40 per kg which had great example to the entire Muslim world. I believe true been imposed on the import of potatoes. Accordingly, the import Muslims who follow the Holy Quran would collectively commit ...leave scheme for long-serving inmates to return to their tax of Rs. 55 which had been imposed on a kilogram of imported themselves with added determination to further strengthen homes as a privilege of good conduct during their incarceration. potatoes has been reduced to Rs. 15. harmony.” “Prisoners who have completed at least two years of their Further, to provide relief to institutions manufacturing “On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, I offer my best wishes with sentence will have the opportunity to go on home leave of 7 days pharmaceuticals, the Special Commodities Tax which was Rs. 40 the expectation that all those virtuous wishes may come true. for the first time and 10 days and 14 days thereafter, every six on the import of salt has been reduced by Rs. 30, thereby making Although the practice to enjoy the blessings of Allah for a months. This is a process that takes place with the approval of the tax payable on Rs. 10. prosperous life by everyone spending the holy month of the minister in charge of the subject, after obtaining the good The Government representative also said the debate on the Ramadan together regardless of differences in status is a conduct of the prisoner and the other relevant reports,” he said. Colombo Port City Economic Commission is due to be held on 19 religious custom, the social value of it is also highly and 20 and that getting it passed in Parliament will be of utmost praiseworthy. Muslims consider Ramadan to be a great importance to the country’s economy. opportunity for the purification of lives as well as to practise self- control. Children are inspired by the way the Ramadan season is spent by adults,” he said. Rains to intensify... Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places Customs seizes... elsewhere during the evening or night. Temporary localised ... containers, had been brought to the Colombo Port and strong winds and lightning during thundershowers are declared as 'Ceylon Black Tea'. The consignment was exported by PM’s Eid-ul-Fitr... expected. United Arab Emirates to a famed Sri Lankan Tea Company Wind speed can increase up to 40-50 kmph at times in claiming that it was re-exported. The containers were scheduled to On such a date, Prime Minister Rajapaksa said the Nation Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Northern, North- be re-exported to countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, must understand the value of the Muslim community and move Central and North-Western Provinces and in the Hambantota the United States under the name of a popular local tea exporting forward without eroding their trust. District, the Met Department also said. company," Customs Deputy Director (Legal Affairs) and Media This year as well as last year, he noted that Eid-ul-Fitr could Spokesman Sudattha Silva said. not be celebrated festively due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. He also noted that the racketeers have already managed to However, the Prime Minister said he trusted that all religious re-export 12 containers to the said countries and when customs activities would be conducted in accordance with the existing contacted these companies they noted that they didn't engage in health guidelines. The Premier also extended his respect for such re-exports. those who followed health guidelines and did not gather in large Landslide alert... Preliminary investigations revealed that the racketeers might numbers at Mosques, even during the fasting season. have been attempting to sell those cigarettes in the local market. He went on to say, “At a time when the whole world is facing ... areas and for Kalutara: Horana and the surrounding areas. "We suspect that international organised racketeers are behind such a pandemic, I urge you to apply the religious values that ‘People who live in Kalutara, Beruwala, Millaniya, this,” added Silva. Ramadan fasting means for the benefit of all others.” Madurawala and Panadura - all located in the Kalutara District, The cigarette consignment was detected during an inspection The Prime Minister wished everyone a happy and peaceful Eid- should be vigilant of earth slips (cutting failures),’ the NBRO carried out on three containers by a team of officers attached to ul-Fitr with all the blessings of Allah and without fear of disease. warned. (PA) the Customs Compliance and Facilitation Division, Silva said. (TF) Sajith demands end to...

... the security of the administering justice. We our country on human rights, the Opposition Leader. country? Is there no respect country. We need to cannot allow jungle laws to we need to know how to Premadasa stated that SJB for the judiciary? Is that why strengthen the law of the land. reign. We cannot allow fascism protect our country, protect will never allow extrajudicial this Court is being set aside We need to protect the process to be activated in our country," the people and strengthen killings and will strongly stand and a wave of illegal killings is of administering justice. We he alleged. human rights, not violate for Human Rights. being created? The need to protect the rule of "Our country should not them. "Perpetrators should be Government should be held law,” Premadasa said. have a dictatorial government. "How can these killings take punished not only properly responsible for all these He added everyone agrees A democratic government. A place without enforcing the but also severely. But it all has killings," Premadasa said. the country should be a government elected by the law? Are these killings to to happen through the law. In He also requested the civilised society free from people cannot carry out protect an individual or a a legal process. Therefore, I Government to immediately murderers, drug peddlers, extrajudicial killings. Now we group? Should these various clearly request the create a strong legal system in rapists and child abusers and see a wave of such killings. racketeers completely close Government to put a stop to the country and stop it is their policy to severely The rights of the people have their links with the this wave of illegal killings," he extrajudicial killing but to punish all those who commit been lost through this wave of murderers? Is that why these added. enforce the punishment of such offenses. killings. Human rights have extrajudicial killings are being He demanded impartial criminals through a legal "But there is a judicial been violated," lamented carried out in our country? investigations into these extra process process that works. We must Premadasa. Where is the law in this judicial killing. Premadasa made these uphold the rule of law. We He also noted that at a time country? Where is justice? "Also, do you not accept the remarks at the Opposition must protect the process of when the world is challenging Where is fairness?" questioned judicial process in this Leader's Office, yesterday (13).

Those above 60 eligible... Head of the National ordered 13 million doses of proposed the formulation of a which had led to the current disease control and Operations Centre for Sputnik V vaccine as of now, national programme to control crisis in the country. “We prevention. The GMOA Prevention of COVID-19 Silva said. COVID-19 comprising experts made the request from the Secretary said it was likely Outbreak (NOCPCO), Gen. Another 900,000 doses of with the technical knowledge Health Ministry and hopefully that the coronavirus would Shavendra Silva, reassured Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 in disease prevention, would have a favourable remain in the country for the public the coronavirus jab vaccine was due to be community health, outcome,” he said. several years. And having would be administered to all imported by the State epidemiological diseases and He said over the years, Sri watched the struggle the those who need the vaccine. Pharmaceuticals Corporation clinicians. Lanka’s ability in disease Epidemiology Unit was having Speaking to the Media, he (SPC) by the end of June, he GMOA Secretary, Dr. Senal control and prevention had due to lack of proper guidance said arrangements were being said. Fernando, said yesterday (13) received international by the Epidemiology Chief, the made to purchase the required Meanwhile, the Government that this was only till the recognition on many Unit has had to depend on doses of the vaccine brands. Medical Officers’ Association Epidemiology Unit was able to occasions. This too would be a various other quarters to help Also, the Government has (GMOA) said they had overcome its shortcomings, programme focussing on fulfil its duty. NEWS FRIDAY 14 MAY 2021 A3

SL-Israel Solidarity 3,000 Sinopharm Movement Condemns Hostilities in Gaza Jabs Allocated for By Paneetha Ameresekere Sri Lanka-Israel Solidarity Movement (SL-ISM) President Nelson Edirisinghe, in a statement issued yesterday, condemned the current rocket attacks on Israeli civilians by Hamas, launched from Gaza, using Palestinian civilians as Energy Employees human shields. This has led to the deaths of 35 civilians including women, Following a request made by Energy "As energy is an essential service, it is administered to employees engaged in fuel children and the elderly at the time of writing, he said. Minister Udaya Gammanpila from important to provide immunisations to refining and distribution at the Ceylon Edirisinghe in his statement further said that from a historical President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the those working in the sector on a priority Petroleum Corporation, Ceylon Petroleum perspective, the sufferings of Israel are not something new. “But Ministry of Health has allocated 3,000 basis, to ensure the safety of its Storage Terminals Limited and Lanka IOC history has also taught us that through such sufferings and Sinopharm vaccines for those employed in employees," he said. PLC. persecutions Israel has always triumphed,” he said. “As such, the energy sector. These vaccines will soon be (TR) we are certain that Israel will triumph this time too,” he said. Edirisinghe further said that like Israel, terrorism is not something new to Sri Lanka. For nearly 40 years, the island suffered at the hands of Fascist-LTTE terrorism, he said. And, more recently, Sri Lanka suffered at the hands of Islamist terrorists who were responsible for ‘Bloody Easter Sunday,’ the Govt sponsored SL-ISM President said. Vesak celebrations in Jaffna cancelled To manage COVID-19 patient load Symbolic programme however Temporary wards for at Gangaramaya By Sandeep Tissaaratchy 13 hospitals complete

Due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation, the Government By Nipuni Ekanayake These wards had been sponsored Vesak celebrations which was planned to be held in constructed linked to the the surrounding area of the Nagadeepa Rajamaha Viharaya in The construction of Wathupitiwela Base Jaffna will be cancelled, Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious temporary wards linked to Hospital, Minuwangoda and Cultural Affairs said in a statement yesterday (13). 13 hospitals as part of the Base Hospital, Kahawatte However, all social and environmental programmes such as programme to increase Base Hospital, Mirigama helping the less fortunate individuals and schoolchildren which Prez receives Air hospital facilities for the Base Hospital, Dambadeniya takes place on Vesak Day will be conducted as scheduled. treatment of COVID-19 General Hospital, Kosgama Following Health Ministry guidelines, a symbolic programme patients has been completed District Hospital, Pimbura will be held on 24 May at Hunupitiya Sri Gangaramaya. Force built oxygen and the handing over of District Hospital, The Ministry requested that all individuals conduct Vesak these wards to the health Nawagamuwa District celebrations at their homes while following all the COVID-19 sector took place on 12 May. Hospital, and the Panadura health guidelines. As part of this programme, General Hospital. therapy unit a new ward complex was The event had been handed over to the coordinated by SLPP 50 more kits are planned for production Mulleriyawa Hospital and in politicians of the respective addition, several other areas, and the wards were A thermally humidified controlled, high-volume flow temporary wards were built with Party funds and Kalmunai Police oxygen therapy unit, which of warmed oxygen at full handed over to the health financial assistance from the was produced by the Sri humidity to patients with authorities. public. Lanka Air Force, was respiratory distress. bust drug runner officially handed over to After conducting several President Gotabaya tests to ensure its By Naalir Jamaldeen Municipal Council Main Rajapaksa on 12 May at the performance and safety, the and Farook Sihan Road, undercover Police Presidential Secretariat. device was submitted to the Due to current COVID-19 situ officers raided the particular The Aircraft Maintenance National Medicines A suspect, transporting area and arrested the Unit of the Air Force Regulatory Authority. The narcotic pills in an Ace model suspect with the narcotic Engineering Corps developed University of Moratuwa has Italians strongly advised… vehicle, under the guise of pills. The suspect has been this piece of equipment, confirmed its electrical safety collecting scrap metal, had identified as a 25-year-old under the guidance of standards. avoid travelling to SL been arrested by the resident of the Commander of the Air Force, It had earlier been Kalmunai Police. Sainthamaruthu area. The Air Marshal Sudarshana estimated to cost Rs 1.5 – Italian Embassy Police seized several boxes suspect had been Pathirana and the million to manufacture the By Paneetha Ameresekere consisting of more than 590 transporting drugs from supervision of Commanding unit, but has been completed narcotic pills. Kinniya under the guise of Officer Group Captain at a much lower cost of Rs The Italian Embassy in Sri Lanka on Tuesday (11) advised its Following a tip-off received collecting scrap metal. Prasanna Martino. 300,000. At present, 50 kits citizens to avoid travelling to Sri Lanka due to the island’s COVID- by the Ampara District Police inquiries revealed It was developed under are planned for production 19 situation. Intelligence Unit regarding a that the suspect had been instruction of the President and will continue to be ‘Due to the health situation of the country and the difficulty of suspicious vehicle moving selling narcotic pills to to battle the COVID-19 manufactured as required by being able to guarantee medical assistance in case of need, along the Kalmunai schoolchildren. pandemic. the health sector. strongly recommends avoiding travel to Sri Lanka and postponing The unit was designed Minister of Health Pavithra any visit to another date,’ the Embassy on its website said. Italy, in according to a concept put Wanniarachchi, Secretary the first four months of this year, was Sri Lanka’s 15th largest forward by a leader in the (Retired) General Kamal tourism market, sending in a total of 108 tourists, in a period field on innovation, Dr. Gunaratne, Secretary of which has seen only a total of 13,797 tourists from all countries Due to COVID-19 pandemic Bandula Wijay, and with the Health Sanjeewa Munasinghe who had visited the island, in an era where Sri Lanka’s tourism contribution of medical and Commander of the Air industry has been scarred by the COVID-19 Pandemic since professionals Prof. Ranil de Force Air Marshal March of last year (2020). Last year, Italy was Sri Lanka’s 16th Annual Upasampada Silva and Dr. Thilanka Sudarshana Pathirana were largest tourism market with a number of 8,603; a period where Sri Ratnapala. also present at the ceremony. Lanka’s borders were closed for three quarters of the year because postponed The device delivers a (TF) of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

By K.L. Suraweera - Kandy

The two Chief Prelates of the Asgiriya and Malwathu Chapters of the Siam Sect have announced that due to the raging third Army prints 219,082 driving licences wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Buddhist rite of higher ordination of monks (Upasampada) will not be carried out this year. Announcing this decision, Secretary of the Saves Rs 21 M for State Asgiriya Chapter, Ven. Pahamune Sumangala Thera and the Secretary of the Malwathu Chapter, Ven. Medagama By Dilanka Gunathileka had managed to save Rs 21 million for the through it, several irregularities can be Dhammananda Thera, said the rite of ordination will be State. With the Army taking over the rectified. resumed after the country returns to normalcy. The Army, which had undertaken the printing process, they had also managed Furthermore, the introduction of the QR task of printing driving licences from 1 to include a few new features. code is also set to facilitate the law January to 15 April, has printed 219,082 Going forward, the Army will be authorities to process the licence more licences. Due to this exercise, the Army introducing a licence with a QR code and efficiently unlike in the past. Due to COVID-19 spread Labour Dept Combatting fast-spreading COVID-19 variant Delaying ratification of new GM Establishing strict health Railway TU limits visitors guidelines paramount Collective cry foul The Department of Labour numbers and book a date has taken steps to limit the and time. The telephone Establishing strict health – Hakeem By Upatissa Perera number of clients visiting its numbers and e-mail guidelines and regulations to stop Head Office and provincial/ addresses of those offices the fast-spreading COVID-19 who are suffering from political The Railway Trade Union Collective has charged that district offices in the wake of are available on the virus was highlighted in a turmoil, injustice, embargos, the actions of the subject Minister, who had the COVID-19 outbreak. Department's website. statement released yesterday (13) poverty and famine amidst the intentionally delayed the appointment of a new GM to Those who visit the Head Written complaints or by SLMC Leader, MP Rauff pandemic, in their prayers, and the Railway Department is not only an affront, but Office in Narahenpita to inquiries regarding any Hakeem, who commemorated the said that they pray for a better challenges the authority of the President and the avail the benefits of the matter relating to labour end of the holy month of and brighter future for the entire Cabinet. Employees Provident Fund laws may be referred to the Ramadan. world. They alleged that though a suitable officer had been (EPF) can visit the official Labour Office of the area “We are duty-bound more than “Unlike in the past year, 2020, selected through an interview process, the Minister website of the Department of where the institution in ever before to strictly follow health the morphing strains of the fast- concerned had failed to ratify that appointment for Labour and book a date and which someone worked or regulations, amidst closure of spreading coronavirus is irking over eight months, which had destabilised the day-to- time. works is located. Relevant schools, universities, commercial our communities more virulently day functions of the Department. The Department also telephone numbers and sites, affecting lives and this year. We are drawn to seek The Collective, submitting a letter to President announced that clients addresses are also available livelihoods of our people,” Hakeem God’s protection and mercy even Gotabaya Rajapaksa, has urged him to seek views visiting provincial and on the Department of Labour said. more fervently today for relief for from the Minister of Transport over the perceived delay district offices should call website. He added that the SLMC keeps our communities and for return to in the ratification of the appointment of a new GM to the relevant telephone (BGS) the global Muslim community, normalcy,” he said. (ST) the Railway Department. A4 FRIDAY 14 MAY 2021 NEWS 55 COVID-19 cases Microplastics in detected in North By Naalir Jamaldeen Kalpitiya, Mannar Meanwhile, 6 persons who had been admitted to the – PDHS Provincial Director of District General Hospital, Health Services (PDHS) in Kilinochchi tested positive to who had been admitted to Northern Province, Dr. A. COVID-19, while 6 persons the General Hospital, Kayts seawater Ketheeswaran, said another who had been admitted to and one person who had 55 individuals have tested the District General been admitted to the Base Study to be conducted – Dr Jasinghe positive to COVID-19. Hospital, Vavuniya and one Hospital, Tellippalai have He said these COVID-19 person who had been tested COVID-19 positive,” cases were detected when admitted to Regional the PDHS said. the test samples of 1,018 Hospital, Poovarasankulam He said 7 persons who persons were subjected to tested positive as well. were self-quarantining in the laboratory testing at the He said 35 persons Chavakachcheri MOH Teaching Hospital Jaffna including 19 persons who Division have tested positive and University of Jaffna. had been admitted to several and two of them are Dr. Ketheeswaran said 35 hospitals in the district and employees of the COVID-19 patients in the 14 persons from several Thenmaratchi Divisional Jaffna District, 7 patients in MOH areas have tested Secretariat in Mullaitivu District, 6 positive to COVID-19. Chavakachcheri MOH area. patients in Kilinochchi Dr. Ketheeswaran added A Police Officer and an District, and 7 patients have that 6 persons who had been officer of the Survey been detected in the admitted to the isolation Department in the Velanai Vavuniya District. ward of Jaffna Hospital have MOH area, one person from He said a patient who was also tested positive. Karaveddy MOH area, one being treated at the OPD of “Seven persons who had person attached to the By Thameenah Razeek in Glasgow later this year. appreciated the support Puthukudiyiruppu Base been admitted to Base Public Market, four persons This is the largest conference provided by the British Hospital tested positive to Hospital in Point Pedro, 2 tested positive from Nallur As plastic and polythene on environmental protection in Government for the conservation COVID-19. When the persons who had been and Uduvil MOH areas, two waste dumped by India into the the world and this year’s theme of the environment in Sri workers of admitted to the Base from each and one vendor sea enters the Kalpitiya and is Climate Change, Hulton Lanka. He also requested Puthukudiyiruppu Garment Hospital, Chavakachcheri, 2 attached to the Public Mannar seas, research will be said. support for the conservation of Factory were subjected to persons who had been Market, Nelliyadi have tested conducted on the microplastics The High Commissioner said the country’s endemic PCR tests, 6 persons tested admitted to Divisional positive to COVID-19, Dr. contained in the seawater in the British Government will mangrove ecosystem. COVID-19 positive. Hospital, Kopay, 1 person Ketheeswaran added. these areas, Secretary to the also provide assistance in The High Commissioner said Ministry of Environment, Dr. research on microplastics the UK Government will support Anil Jasinghe said. contained in seawater. Dr. the construction of a mangrove These concerns were raised Jasinghe said at the COP26 research laboratory in at the virtual meeting held with conference, they hope to raise Sumudugama, Anavilundawa, British High Commissioner to concerns regarding the nitrogen Puttalam, and the establishment Sri Lanka, Sarah Hulton. The levels in the soil of Sri Lanka as of a mangrove park in the area Army Chief monitors discussion focused on the UN well. to attract tourists and Climate Change Conference of Minister of Environment, mangrove educators as well as vaccination drive in Colombo the Parties (COP26) to be held Mahinda Amaraweera, researchers. General Shavendra Silva, Head of the National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO), Chief Assault and murder CPSL, LSSP seek of Defence Staff, and Commander of the Army, of 17-year-old monitored the progress of strong COVID-19 the vaccination drive in Colombo and visited the Four suspects prevention prog Army Seva Vanitha Unit- managed vaccination centre remanded By Sandeep Tissaaratchy at the MOH office in Pitakotte last Wednesday By Anurada - Arachchikattuwa The need for the Government to formulate a strong morning (12). COVID-19 prevention programme to regain the The Army Seva Vanitha Acting Chilaw Magistrate Nuwan Jayaweera support and trust of the people was highlighted by Unit, chaired by Sujeewa ordered four suspects who were arrested and the Communist Party of Sri Lanka (CPSL) and Lanka Nelson, which was also medical staff, considering it centres and shared a few produced before him on charges of the assault Sama Samaja Party (LSSP), following a discussion instrumental in supporting as a national obligation. words with health staff and and murder of a 17-year-old student to be held with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on 11 May. the operational aspect of the Several other Army-managed service personnel working remanded till 18 May. A list of recommendations was made by the two Army-improvised new vaccination centres are there. He also spoke to some The suspects were arrested by Chilaw Police parties due to the spike in COVID-19 cases in the Intermediate Care Centre in operational in Colombo. civilians awaiting on 11 May before being produced in Court. country. The need to establish an executive Seeduwa, volunteered to run Accompanied by a few inoculation and inquired Among those arrested were a father of a friend of committee dedicated to stop the spread of COVID-19 this vaccination centre in Senior Officers, he visited about health guidelines and the deceased, his brother and two relatives. in the country, including better education of the Moratuwa with Army several other vaccination precautions taken by them. public to be more health cautious was highlighted by the CPSL. In addition, the need to provide face masks and other equipment to high-risk groups, while simultaneously providing welfare relief in the form of Proscribing chemical fertiliser food and essentials to groups that have suffered economic hardship as a result of lockdowns was also mentioned. The need to vaccinate at least 65 per cent to 70 per President’s move commendable – GMOA cent of the population, for the country to stand a chance in combatting the virus, was reiterated by the President of the Government we still struggle to get to the intend to support this endeavour the farmers? LSSP and CPSL. Medical Officers' Association bottom of various diseases that of the President to the best of our Prof. P.I. Yapa – The use of (GMOA), Dr. Anuruddha afflict our people. Diabetes is one ability. This is a most chemical fertiliser had proved to Padeniya, said the decision taken of the main illnesses that is meritorious deed on the part of be a bane to farmers since its by President Gotabaya affecting the youths of this the President." introduction here. The use of this Rajapaksa to proscribe the use of country and two year ago 124 Prof. Ananda S. Kulasuriya – fertiliser in my view is nothing Fuel transport by chemical fertiliser in favour of children were newly registered as After the 1966 Green Revolution, but a crime. Having imported carbonic fertiliser is a noteworthy diabetes patients. The main chemical fertiliser was fertiliser, we tend to destroy our move on the part of the latter. reason for this state of affairs is introduced to this Nation. crops, and this decision to halt train to be doubled He added, "This decision has to the poison present in our soil Various private businessmen the import of chemical fertiliser A policy decision has been taken to increase, by be commended. The real war in and our environment. That is promoted this concept. That is is a need of the hour in my 30 per cent, the transport of fuel by train. our eyes lies here. That is why I believe this endeavour is why the farmers have today humble opinion. The The Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Ltd. because one of the main reasons far more significant on the part taken to the streets charging that introduction of carbonic fertiliser (CPSTL) has paid over Rs 135.7 million to the for the destruction or the damage of the President than saving us sans urea they cannot carry out has to be undertaken Railway Department for the transportation of fuel that is being caused to a from the scourge of terrorism. cultivations. This mindset that systematically. I think this during the first four months of this year. community in a country, is to That is why we urged the cultivations cannot be decision to use carbonic fertiliser Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila has also tamper with that country’s food President to reverse the decision maintained without chemical will be a challenge to farmers, drawn attention to the high cost of fuel culture. There is data available taken to import chemical fertiliser has lasted for over six but I feel in the long-term it will distribution by bowsers, pollution and traffic to prove this fact. Due to the fertiliser in favour of carbonic decades now. But, what has been be to the advantage of the congestion. Accordingly, a policy decision was tampering with our food culture fertiliser. We, as the GMOA, its true benefit to the people or farmers. taken to increase the fuel transport which stood at 30 per cent to 60 per cent. Due to the increase in the use of trains, for fuel distribution, to 38 per cent, the Railway Department has been paid over Rs 135 million as Housing for low-income transport charges. Also, the Ceylon Petroleum and middle-class families Corporation and the CPSTL have saved close to Rs WB to support SL 68.3 million in the first four months. (BGS & TR) PM tells NHDA to tourism industry revival Protecting yourself pay special attention By Anurada from COVID-19 Herath zone concept as well such as Sigiriya and Prime Minister income and middle- as the introduction of Yala would be further Mahinda Rajapaksa class people as well Minister of Tourism, a new mobile developed as part of Don’t depend on has instructed the as ongoing projects. Prasanna Ranatunga, application. the sustainable National Housing The Prime Minister said the World Bank These details had tourism zone concept. Development has also instructed (WB) had promised its come to light during Kanda had noted vaccines alone Authority (NHDA) to the relevant officials assistance to revive talks held via video that the efforts made By Anuradha – Dr. Bandara pay special attention to take necessary the country’s tourism conferencing between by the Ministry of Herath to providing housing steps to complete industry, which had WB Sri Lankan Tourism to resuscitate to low-income and these projects in a crumbled in the face Representative Chiyo Sri Lanka’s tourism General Secretary of the All Ceylon Medical middle-class prompt manner. of the COVID-19 Kanda and Ranatunga sector in the face of Officers’ Union, Dr. Jayantha Bandara, urged the families. Meanwhile, Premier pandemic. on 7 May. the COVID-19 public not to solely depend on the vaccination The Prime Minister gave Rajapaksa instructed to He added that the The Minister added pandemic had been process, if they are to successfully overcome falling these instructions during a expedite the legal process WB had also promised that already his praiseworthy and he victim to COVID-19, but to adhere to health discussion with NHDA for the proposed housing to revive several Ministry was in the had assured guidelines as well on a 24/7 basis. officials at Temple Trees on projects in Bambalapitiya related industries in process of drafting a Ranatunga of He said regulations such as wearing facemasks, 11 May. and Narahenpita and to the field of tourism, as national tourism assistance from the maintaining social distancing, constant hand Premier Rajapaksa has inform the relevant part of the sector policy and WB for its future washing and avoiding unnecessary travel should be focused on the proposed contractors and implement sustainable tourism stressed that areas tasks. followed day in, day out, irrespective of whether jabs housing projects for low- those projects. (BGS) had been received or not. focus friday 14 may 2021 A5 Cessation of Chemical Fertiliser Imports

By Prof.Jeevika testing are better ways to Weerahewa and handle this issue. The Dr.Devesh Roy unbearable subsidy payment on treasury should be the The recent agriculture obvious reason which is a valid policies proposed by the concern. Elimination, if not at Government can best be least lowering of the subsidy described as a bogie in a large would have been the first step and speeding “ban wagon”. in dis-incentivizing chemical In a bid to control and fertiliser application. The cash command the agri-food sector, grant scheme introduced particularly as post-COVID allowing farmers to choose what response, a surfeit of bans have they want is a much better ruled the policy choices in Sri alternative compared to a ban Lanka. Notwithstanding the on imports. This is the standard high import share of food in Sri prescription of the targeting Lankan plates, the ban wagon principle in economics. Looking started with the imposition of a London while talking Tokyo or range of restrictions on food throwing baby with the imports (using taxes, licenses, bathwater are things that ban temporary suspensions, and on chemical fertiliser imports restrictions under open terms) imply. after the first wave of COVID- Some of the synthetic compounds in chemical fertilisers like Nitrates are the main pollutants in rivers and lakes Economies do face different 19. The items under import problems that need policy restrictions covered a long list sectors to the comparatively and malnutrition can be interventions in face of market comprising inter alia turmeric, inefficient domestic counterpart expected and needs rigorous failure. Solution to market green gram, black gram and of the protected sector and As Romer (1992) showed the real assessment through research. failure is not in obliterating cowpea. Talking of sneaky ways away from the exportable Why an import ban on markets, it is in getting the in political economy, when a sector. There is no free lunch cost of protection is not in inorganic fertilisers was incentives right. Self-reliance is consignment of imported and efficiency losses impose proposed? The primary reason a dangerous game in COVID as unrefined coconut oil was costs and welfare losses. These reduction in imports but in the given is the association between our friendly neighbour in the detected with aflatoxins a few are all connected. The import CKDu incidences and heavy current crisis epitomizes. Let’s weeks ago, the Government restrictions imposed to have disappearance of some commodities metals found in chemical get better trade, better imposed an import ban on palm more foreign exchange ends up fertilisers. At the first place, production, not lesser trade and oil. As the ban wagon rolled having less of it as exports fall altogether. Unless the health and scientific evidence on the causal lesser production. free, it recently reached the out of favour. As Romer (1992) environmental benefits are large factors of CKDu is to be About the authors: station “the political economy showed the real cost of generated before a policy action Devesh Roy, an Indian central” viz. the ban on protection is not in reduction in enough to outdo the real costs of is taken. If it is scientifically national, joined the CGIAR chemical fertilisers and imports but in the proven, imposition of Research Program on pesticides. disappearance of some trade restrictions, policies are not regulations on appropriate Agriculture for Nutrition and Economists have long strived commodities altogether. Unless minimum residue limits for Health (A4NH) in October to impart knowledge on the the health and environmental well assessed fertilisers and proper 2017 as a Senior Research costs of mercantilism, the benefits are large enough to implementation of the same Fellow. He holds a PhD in political class has worn and outdo the real costs of trade of phosphorous fertilisers. With with comparatively low-quality would have been a more economics from the University continued to wear the COVID restrictions, policies are not the import ban, with full imported organic fertilisers if appropriate policy than a ban. of Maryland at College Park masks all the way on their eyes well assessed. compliance, chemical fertiliser proper standards are not It is also claimed that farmers and a Masters degree from and over their ears. What really Import Ban markets, particularly nitrogen maintained the effects of which do not take safety precautions Delhi School of Economics. separates the economists from and potassium, would would be compounded by when agro-chemicals are Jeevika Weerahewa is the the rest is the realisation of the Coming specifically to the disappear and a market for farmers’ lower production and applied. Rather than using a Senior Professor of flaw in imports are bad and unexampled case of complete organic fertilisers (treated as smaller incomes. How much is ban, steps could have been Agricultural Economics exports are good logic. The ban on imports of chemical substitutes however imperfect) the production discount with a made to incentivize farmers to attached to the Department effects of import bans are fertilisers, there is a nucleus of should emerge. move to organic fertilisers is a adopt safety practices including of Agricultural Economics simple to understand for factors that deserve attention in Leaving aside the inherent question that needed address in excess usage. The problem and and Business Management, everyone. Import bans reduce relation to the domestic lower yield potential of organic before heading to the ‘political solutions are not in sync at all. Faculty of Agriculture, the overall availability and lead fertiliser market and its over inorganic fertilisers, the economy central’ station. As Another reason given is the over University of Peradeniya. She to higher domestic prices with horizontally and vertically country should be ready for organic fertilisers are only application of chemical obtained her B.Sc. and M.Phil demand for substitutes going related markets. Sri Lanka does lower level of productivity and imperfect substitutes to fertilisers by the farmers. degrees from the University of up and of complements coming not produce nitrogen and production for all crops chemical fertiliser, adverse Building awareness, imposition Peradeniya and PhD from the down. Over time resources potassium fertilisers. It inclusive of rice and tea. The effects on earnings, food on quotas, provision of University of Guleph, move away from efficient produces only a small fraction situation will only be aggravated security, vulnerability, poverty recommendations based on soil Canada. Advantageous Traditional Agriculture

By Lakshman I. sustainable food production is by local farming practices Keerthisinghe the need of the hour. through thousands of years. Traditional agriculture is High productivity, biodiversity “Agriculture is not crop getting increased attention conservation, low energy inputs production as popular belief worldwide in context of and climate change mitigation holds - it's the production of food sustainable food production in are some of the salient features and fiber from the world's land changing climate. The present of the traditional agriculture and waters. Without agriculture article advocates traditional systems Traditional practices it is not possible to have a city, agriculture as a climate-smart like agroforestry, intercropping, stock market, banks, university, approach for the sustainable crop rotation, cover cropping, church or army. Agriculture is food production. traditional organic composting the foundation of civilization Climate change is one of the and integrated crop-animal and any stable economy” most debated issues of the farming have potentials for Allan Savory- Zimbabwean twenty-first century in the enhancing crop productivity scientist. socio-ecological and economic and mitigating climate change. Much controversy has arisen perspectives. Anthropogenic Indigenous farmers and local recently with President activities are largely people perceive climate change Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s responsible for mounting in their own ways and prepare admirable decision to return to environmental problems such for it through various traditional agricultural as climate change, adaptation practices methods by banning import of environmental pollution and In conclusion, farmers due to toxic agrochemicals in manure natural resource degradation hard work and low profit and pesticides. Our farmers including soil degradation and shifted from traditional appear to favour the toxic biodiversity loss. Now climate agriculture towards the modern chemicals in agriculture in change is a reality and the methods using toxic manure order to increase harvests evidences can be traced and pesticides. Modern conveniently, thereby forgetting through the global warming, agriculture, using toxic that Sri Lanka was once called glacier melting, sea level rising, materials however, enhanced the ‘Granary of the East’ with ocean acidification, food productivity but with the our ancient farmers reaping precipitation variability and acceleration of several vast harvests using age old extreme weather events environmental problems such as traditional methods of farming. Average global temperature is climate change, food un-safety, At the risk of chronic kidney expected to increase through biodiversity loss, soil diseases (CKD) hospitalising, 0.5–8.6 °F by the end of the degradation and environmental resulting in suffering and twenty-first century. This pollution. Traditional deaths of many of our people Organic Fertiliser increased temperature would agricultural practices are they seem only to seek large affect agricultural production usually restricted to small harvests and increase their It is known that Sri Lanka our ability to survive and thrive production several folds had significantly. Agriculture is farmers. In Sri Lanka earnings. Although as some has a rich agricultural history harmoniously alongside nature caused huge environmental among the highly sensitive traditionally farmed vegetables economists suggest it may be dating back more than 2500 Notably, sustainable food cost including climate change. systems influenced by change grow well in drought-prone advisable to address this years. For centuries, paddy production is one of the major It jeopardized the ecological in weather and climate. In areas. It is time that as the problem in stages by replacing cultivation in the island nation challenges of the twenty-first integrity of agro-ecosystems by recent years, climate change President has very correctly toxic manure with organic was not just an economic century in the era of global intensive use of fossil fuels, impacts have become the advocated, Sri Lanka returns to manure, if it were to place an activity but a way of life that environmental problems such natural resources, greatest threats to global food non-toxic agriculture, resulting unbearable burden on the shaped the society, culture, as climate change, increasing agrochemicals and machinery. security Climate change results in health and prosperity for our economy, It is seen that the religion and economy. The population and natural Moreover, it threatened the a decline in food production and people, saving of expenses involved in sustainable and organic resource degradation including age-old traditional agricultural consequently rising food prices health services and subsidies agricultural practices of both soil degradation and practices. Agriculture is one of Traditional agricultural The writer is an Attorney- to chemical fertilizer could the near past and the ancient biodiversity loss. Climate the largest sectors that sustain practices have regained the at-Law with LLB, LLM, MPhil. offset the losses caused by poor people of Sri Lanka, exemplify change is among the greatest livelihood to maximum number increased attention worldwide (Colombo)-keerthisinghel@ harvests which could be the interconnectedness of threats to agricultural systems. of people and contribute to as climate-smart approach. yahoo.co.uk balanced by imports until nature and human life. Green Revolution through climate change. Therefore, a Traditional agriculture is the traditional farming improves,. Furthermore, it demonstrates multiplied agricultural climate-smart approach to outcome of experiences provided A6 friday 14 MAY 2021 Editorial

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The Problem with ‘Space Junk’ Industrial Planning Fragments of China’s biggest rocket landed in the Indian Ocean on 9 May, just west of Maldives. Most of the components were destroyed upon re-entry into the atmosphere, ending suspense over where the debris would hit. Did Not Deliver the The Long March rocket was the second deployment of the 5B variant since its maiden flight in May 2020. Last year, pieces from the first Long March 5B fell on Ivory Coast, damaging several buildings. But no injuries were reported. COVID Vaccines The Chinese rocket’s launch had some anxious moments as its debris circled around the world By Deirdre Nansen elsewhere to judge safety and with many major cities flagged as in the red zone McCloskey, Alberto effectiveness. where the remnants of the rocket could fall. Mingardi The point is that detailed “Spacefaring nations must minimise the risks to industrial planning almost people and property on Earth of re-entries of space As COVID-19 vaccines are never works. Most of its alleged objects and maximise transparency regarding rolled out, only some parts of the triumphs were in fact failures, those operations,” NASA Administrator Bill world can breathe a sigh of relief. such as the Anglo-French Nelson, a former senator and astronaut said in a In most of the world, scarce or Concorde supersonic airplane. statement after the re-entry. non-existent doses recall the The claim that bureaucrats in The problem of space junk is not a recent product shortages in communist national capitals are good at phenomenon although it has intensified during Eastern Europe in the 1980s. If picking winners is strange. But the last twenty years with the launch of many we allocated food in the statist, in 1936, John Maynard Keynes space missions and increasing number of non-commercial way that the claimed that the government countries joining the space race. Space started to vaccines are being distributed, (advised, of course, by Keynes be polluted since Humankind’s maiden foray into we would all lose a good deal of himself) is ‘in a position to the cosmos in 1957 when Sputnik 1 was launched. weight. calculate the marginal efficiency The event heralded the start of the Space Age as Yet, some regard the successful of capital-goods [that is, we began to explore ever further away from Earth, development of the vaccines as profitability] on long views and a feat that has been repeated in more than 4,700 evidence that, “government again Administration and Centres for on the basis of the general launches around the globe. works.” Once upon a time, in the Disease Control and Prevention social advantage.’ Mazzucato Accordingly, ‘Space Junk’ includes stages from list of supposed triumphs of have been instructed to be The point is that agrees, recommending that rockets that launch satellites into orbit and the active government, the United cautious in approving new detailed government ‘drives’ the satellites themselves once they expire. But it also States built transcontinental drugs. But four years earlier, in economy by giving includes smaller bits and pieces lost to space railroads, the Grand Coulee 1957, the American industrial ‘directionality’ to innovation. including paint chips that flake away from the Dam, interstate highways, and microbiologist Maurice We are not persuaded. The outsides of devices, nuts and bolts, garbage bags the space programme. Now, we Hilleman had developed a planning almost new advocates of State-led and tools used by astronauts on space missions. get a vaccine whose formula was vaccine against the H2N2 never works. industrial policy like to claim The quantity of space junk has increased inferred by the biotechnology firm influenza then devastating the internet as a triumph, for sharply in recent decades following both the 2009 Moderna in Massachusetts Hong Kong and persuaded Most of its example. But the internet, like satellite collision and China’s 2007 destruction of literally the week after Chinese Merck to make it in just four alleged triumphs most advances, was a bundle of Fengyun-1C weather satellite during an anti- researchers released the genetic months. technologies and innovations satellite missile tests. Similarly on 27 March 2019, sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 This time, the federal were in fact developed by trial and error over India said it also successfully completed an anti- virus that causes COVID-19. government helped by acting as failures, such as years. The commercial internet satellite missile test, creating a new cloud of at Active-government enthusiasts a big bank to finance COVID- we have used since the 1990s least 400 debris. see this achievement as a case of 19 vaccines, but didn’t choose the Anglo-French has little to do with its supposed However, India’s missile is thought to have successful ‘industrial planning’, a winners in the fashion of Concorde State-backed forerunner, which targeted a low-altitude satellite unlike China’s promising-sounding phrase that industrial planning. Instead, was a military-networking high-altitude test in 2007, which means most of has recently attracted a broad Operation Warp Speed supersonic protocol. Yes, the US the debris is expected to re-enter the atmosphere spectrum of adherents, ranging promised to buy good vaccines, airplane. The government provided some over time. from US Senator Marco Rubio on and paid up front for money. But it didn’t provide Even without new launches, space junk in low the right to the radical Keynesian guaranteed supplies. South claim that ‘directionality,’ unless one orbit is so abundant that it is likely multiply over economist Mariana Mazzucato on Korea does the same, bureaucrats in believes that America waged the the centuries as orbiting fragments collide. But the left. subsidizing trial-and-error Cold War in order to create more junk will accumulate in space as we have But the COVID-19 vaccines are research and development, but national capitals Amazon and Google. grown increasingly reliant on satellites for a triumph not of ‘statism’ and relying on profit-making firms are good at Instead, private firms’ trial communication, navigation, weather forecasting planning but of ‘innovism’ – a to do it. and error, or ‘innovism,’ is key. and much more. private-sector-led, trial-and-error Federal procurement during picking winners The MIT economist Jeffrey E. The launch of commercial space flight is also a search for good things for which World War II was similar, with is strange Harris has chronicled previous cause for concern but there hasn’t been a major consumers are willing to pay. The the government dumping attempts to develop vaccines for incident so far except for mishaps during launch old, misleading word for this is money into small innovative HIV, which never materialized, and most have relied on one-stage designs, such ‘capitalism,’ but that implies that firms such as the American General (and later President) and Ebola, which came very as Elon Musk’s Space-X programme, that do not riches come from piling stuff up, Austin Car Company or big Dwight D. Eisenhower called late. But the trials and errors in jettison pieces as they escape the atmosphere. rather than from creating new ones such as General Motors. the weird-looking roofless four- using mRNA technology, at One of the worst space flight disasters to pose a things. That’s what the Contrary to the myth of the US wheel-drive car “one of three Moderna for example, prepared serious risk to the inhabitants below is when pharmaceutical industry, wartime production miracle, as decisive weapons” of the war. the scientific community to Skylab crashed to Earth in July 1979. While large properly blamed in the US for the economic historian develop COVID-19 vaccines. chunks of the space station did fall into the ocean, buying political influence that Alexander Field has shown, Winners or Losers Industrial policy and State some parts littered Western Australia. prevents Americans from getting haste was inefficient from the In the current world war direction had little to do with it. Fortunately, no one was injured. drugs from Canada, did in this point of view of an imagined against COVID-19, Moderna, Deirdre Nansen McCloskey, The Skylab disaster may have been unavoidable case. And while the private sector perfection. But haste was Pfizer/BioNTech, Oxford- Professor Emerita of Economics due to the technology of the time and NASA’s did its innovative job, the US necessary to win the war. The AstraZeneca, and Johnson & and History at the University of constraints to get launch the then emerging government dragged its feet from result was worth it. Operation Johnson have developed the key Illinois at Chicago, is the shuttle programme to try and get the aging space the back of the wagon, although Warp Speed was, too. weapons so far. Among the co-author (with Alberto station to upper orbit. However, 40 years of some Trump administration During WWII, the US losers are Merck and Sanofi, Mingardi) of The Myth of the advancements in aerospace technology cannot policies relieved pharmaceutical government didn’t usually pre- although Sanofi is now Entrepreneurial State (The excuse space programmes from doing a sloppy job. firms from the conservatism of pick industrial winners. When collaborating with Pfizer. American Institute for Economic As outer space does not have terrestrial borders federal regulations, albeit it did, it attracted the attention It’s hard to say whether the Research, 2020). and the fact that falling space junk, no matter who temporarily. of then-Senator Harry S. Chinese COVID-19 vaccines or Alberto Mingardi, Associate they belong to, are hazardous to everyone should Operation Truman’s hearings on corrupt Russia’s Sputnik V are winners Professor of the History of prompt international space agencies to coordinate procurement. Mainly, the or losers, because China and Political Thought at IULM with each other in multiple levels to prevent Warp Speed government had private Russia did pre-select supposed University in Milan, is Director- something truly tragic from happening. companies compete, yielding winners, in line with industrial General of the Istituto Bruno Since the 1961 thalidomide winners such as the Willys- planning, and then released too Leoni, a think tank in Milan. disaster, the US Food and Drug Ford collaboration on the Jeep. little data for regulators (www.project-syndicate.org) column friday 14 may 2021 A7

Lost Generations of the UNP Forgetting the Premadasa Legacy By Prof. Rajiva who had criticised two UNP became Leader of the UNP. His Wijesinha Presidents. This may not first move was to change the however have been only party constitution so that he in The death of Premadasa because of Ranil’s endemic effect became leader for life. brought Ranil to the forefront vindictiveness, for he might The new provision was that a of the UNP, that and the have been worried about the new leader would be chosen overwhelming grief of fact that Chanaka was very only if the incumbent resigned Premadasa’s right hand man, close to Gamini Dissanayake. or died. And this absurd Sirisena Cooray. Prime provision was not resisted for Minister Wijetunge who took Stand by his there was no one left in the over as Acting President asked commitment party to challenge him. Gamini Cooray to succeed him, which Wijesekera had died in the made sense for Wijetunge was The UNP lost the Election bomb that killed Premadasa, a cipher and realised he narrowly, after the SLMC’s and his successor had made it needed something of the Ashraff made it clear that he clear that he would take on the Premadasa appeal if he was to would stand by his post only till the Election. He continue in power. But commitment to the SLFP. Ranil was replaced by Gamini Cooray, who saw his political vacated the Prime Minister’s Athukorale, who had been on D B Wijetunge S Cooray Ranil Wickremesinghe career as bound up with that house and Chandrika very bad terms with Gamini of Premadasa, turned down for Doing Bloody Well. position of General Secretary of thought the party needed, the Kumaratunga was sworn in as Dissanayake. the offer and suggested that he the UNP. Cooray said he would return to the fold of Gamini Prime Minister. But then, to Other forceful figures in the ask the most senior UNP Obvious blunders think about it, but when Dissanayake. Though the latter Ranil’s chagrin, the UNP, the other DUNF Chief Minister remaining. This was Amongst his obvious Chanaka Amaratunga saw him was now Chief Minister of the parliamentary group elected Minister G M Premachandra Ranil, who had been Leader of blunders though were soon afterwards, thinking that Central Province, his heart had Gamini Dissanayake as its and one of Premadasa’s the House and had stuck with manoeuver with regard to the he would be rallying support, not been in the DUNF as Leader, and also as the UNP principal allies in Colombo, Premadasa when Lalith Southern Provincial Council he found him relaxing at home. Lalith’s had been, and with his Presidential candidate, Weerasinghe Mallimaarachchi, Athulathmudali and Gamini where efforts to bring over a His point was that he had great enemy gone he had every Wijetunge having sensibly who had also support Gamini Dissanayake tried to impeach member so as to nullify a entered politics at Premadasa’s intention of getting back to the withdrawn. against Ranil, also died in the him. Ranil was accordingly narrow opposition majority led request and, if more committed UNP. Even that however was Gamini Dissanayake explosion, as did the leader of sworn in by Wijetunge. to dissolution and another politicians had no interest in not enough to rouse Ranil to revitalised the UNP in the brief the SLMP, Ossie Cooray’s grief was palpable Election which the opposition continuing with Premadasa’s action, though his sister made period he was its leader, and Abeygunasekara who had at the funeral, and the more won conclusively. And he work, he saw no reason to clear the family’s anger about the country was flooded with become one of Chandrika striking in that the rest of the destroyed the imaginative continue. Wijetunge, dressing it up in his propaganda and colourful Kumaratunga’s most effective UNP leadership seemed in university reforms begun by terms of the need to resist his posters when the Election critics. So for the next few triumphalist mood. Hema Arjuna Aluwihare when he On cue betrayal of Premadasa. campaign began. He also years Ranil had no opposition Premadasa made a speech in sacked him from the position of As if on cue Ranil declared But Wijetunge had his way decided that he wanted a novel at all in the party, and could which she seemed to proclaim Chairman of the University that the problem was a matter and Gamini Dissanayake was approach, and asked Chanaka do whatever he liked. that she was the most suitable Grants Commission, to satisfy for the President and Cooray to back in the UNP when he had a Amaratunga – left out of In fact he did nothing. Had person to succeed her one of his confidantes who was resolve, making it clear that he General Election in August Parliament though he had been Gamini Dissanayake been husband, and Wijetunge angry that Aluwihare refused would not help. And then the 1994, six months early on the SLMC National List leader of the opposition he himself seemed more to pervert the system of Premadasa family, having been because he did not dare to go since Chandrika Kumaratunga would have kept Chandrika impressed with his own university admissions to admit conclusively sidelined by first for the Presidential too was aware of his friendship Kumaratunga on her toes. She unexpected elevation to a a protege. Wijetunge, responded to an Election which was due that with Gamini – to draft his might then have achieved powerful position he could Cooray found all this difficult appeal from him to denigrate November. And meanwhile he manifesto. something for she was an never have achieved on his to take, and it became clear Cooray who had not taken their had conclusively alienated the But when Ranil’s fortunes energetic operator when she own than the loss of his that he felt Wijetunge was side earlier. Cooray had minorities, so that the Sri seemed on the decline, the had problems, as she had patron. betraying the man who had obviously been sensible in not Lanka Muslim Congress went Tigers stepped in again. A few shown in achieving Ranil was not so vulgar, but made him. Matters came to a taking Hema Premadasa’s into an alliance with the SLFP weeks before the Election ascendancy in the SLFP, over the next few months he head when the Lake House pretensions seriously, for the while the TULF made it clear Gamini Dissanayake was driving her brother Anura to forgot Premadasa completely, newspapers published an claim was that he had betrayed they preferred that party now assassinated. Ranil then seek shelter in the UNP after and fell in with Wijetunge’s article by Chanaka Premadasa which was an to the UNP. expected to be nominated to she had cut him down to size. very different perspectives. Amaratunga, whose Liberal absurd idea. Those two parties, which had the position, but a last ditch But with Ranil remaining These were racist and passive, Party had signed an alliance Cooray accordingly resigned worked together with the effort by those opposed to him passive, she did not take the involving even the claim that with the UNP just before but then, instead of appointing Liberal Party and the Sri Lanka in the party, led by Gamini country forward. the Sinhalese were like a tree Premadasa’s death, declaring a prominent member of the Mahajana Pakshaya which Dissanayake’s brother-in-law Ranil took the opportunity to on which the minorities that his work was being party, Wijetunge gave the Chandrika Kumaratunga had Wickrama Weerasooriya, led to get married, something that depended like vines. The undone. Wijetunge decided position to Gamini Wijesekera founded but soon abandoned, Gamini’s widow Srima taking had long been urged on him to strategy Premadasa had so then to assert himself and who had left the UNP earlier tried to persuade Chanaka to his place. That however was round out his image. And after successfully adopted, of demanded the resignation of along with Rukman move with them, but he relied probably a good thing as far as that little was heard of him for winning hearts and minds in the Lake House Chairman, Senanayake. They had on Premadasa’s commitment Ranil’s future went, for he the next five years, or rather the Tamil areas Government Sunil Rodrigo, who had been a gravitated back to the party which both Cooray and would have had no hope of for the next seven years. controlled, the East and also Premadasa confidante, and after Premadasa became Wijesekera said they would winning. And the compromise Though he stood for the Vavuniya which had been had indeed set up two garment President, and obviously uphold, to have him on the was that, whereas had she won Presidency in the Election grossly neglected previously, factories near Vavuniya when Wijetunge felt safer with UNP National List. But when she would have become the Chandrika Kumaratunga was forgotten, and the UNP Premadasa had wanted someone who had no allegiance the list had been prepared, leader of the party, he would called prematurely in 1999, he returned to being the party of investment in the area. to any of the others in the Ranil brought JR Jayewardene take over if she lost. lost conclusively, and it the elite, who decided that When that was achieved, party. in to object to Chanaka on the seemed the UNP would be in Wijetunge was wonderful, with no fallout, he asked And then he started to work grounds that Wijetunge should Lost badly the doldrums for the next few declaring that his initials stood Cooray to resign from the towards what he evidently not give a place to someone She lost very badly and Ranil years too. Computers and Medical Science The recent news on BBC that can substitute for Cloning may proceed to the and CNN on the hacking of The Way It Is humans and replicate human human world but is still held the American Colonial actions.” It has its advantages back for ethical reasons. Pipeline that carries various viruses. by doing repetitive jobs that I was shocked and liquid fuels from Western USA As of now we have a new are injurious to humans. disturbed when I read Kazuo to cities such as New York and more dangerous breed of However, they are now Ishiguro’s imagined novel and Atlanta, set me hackers named hackers for invading offices and homes Never let me go. It started off pondering on the question of ransom. This is an entirely resembling human beings like a happy school story with whether science has gone too new nasty phenomenon to me and, God forbid, with boys and girls in a British far for mankind’s good. To who had heard of computer emotions, senses and boarding school playing sort this out, the best is to hacking but not for earning thinking ability. tennis and even starting start with definitions of the money from it. These stealers To conservative me, robots romances. But the novel soon new branches of science that are dubbed ransom ware are another potential danger came to explain they were cause the worry expressed in hackers. They seize control of notwithstanding their clones and were developed my title. a victim’s computer systems benefits. Kazuo Ishiguro and nurtured to donate their “Computer science is the or data by installing illicit features a robot maid servant organs to human beings (sure study of computers and software and release the in his latest novel Klara and rich and powerful) so they computing as well as their stolen assets on payment of the Sun. I read critiques that lived healthy while the clones theoretical and practical amount demanded. The said she was near human and die early as his/her organs applications. Computer article I read specifically kind to the handicapped child are systematically culled. science applies the principles mentioned the Russians and who chose to buy her. More This evil practice could very of mathematics, engineering, Chinese being well known. We cannot be said as I have not well happen in the near and logic to a plethora of know of the former’s activities got my hands on the book. I future. functions including algorithm during the presidential am sure it will be stunning. The older of us sit back and formulation, software and election when Trump was Many films have dealt with wonder what next? hardware development and pitted against Hillary Clinton. robots both good and evil, I end with a quote: artificial intelligence.” That There sure are Americans and such as ‘Robot Cop’ and the “Is civilisation progress? The last is frightening with its Europeans too. How about ‘Blade Runner’. challenge, I think, is clear. The possibilities. Indians who dominate Silicon Medical science has final answer will be given not Reasons for fear Valley? advanced to replicating by our amassing knowledge or The Colonial Pipeline that animals and humans. Thus by the discoveries of our You may well ask: why the carries liquid fuels across the cloning is another frightening science or by the speed of our fear with all the advantages United States was hacked on off shoot of medical science aircraft, but by the effect of our computers offer? Consider Friday 7 May and data stolen. that was believed to be for the civilized activities as a whole Robots with artificial skin that are able to feel surfaces what some computer nuts are A ransom has been demanded benefit of humans, when DNA have upon the quality of our doing – hacking into others’ but we do not know the discussion in this article. It is integrates computer science probably could be altered. planets’ life – the life of plants computers and either getting amount. Sure must be an advancement now rapidly and engineering and designs Remember the first cloned and animals as that of men.” to know stuff input in those or astronomical! developing. “Robotics is an machines that can assist creature – Dolly the sheep? I – Charles Lindbergh. maliciously introducing Robotics is another area for interdisciplinary field that humans, and now machines believe she died recently. Kumari A8 FRIDAY 14 MAY 2021 WORLD AFFAIRS US and NATO Withdrawal from Afghanistan

By Giancarlo Elia Valori President Trump’s previous counterproductive for the United Administration signed a peace States to remain in Afghanistan any On 14 April the US announced they agreement with the Taliban in longer. Even after the troop would withdraw all their troops Afghanistan in February 2020, setting withdrawal, there will be insecurity in stationed in Afghanistan from 1 May to 1 May 2021 as the deadline for NATO Afghanistan. That being the case, 11 September 2021. On the same day, to begin withdrawing from that however, the United States will still NATO said they would coordinate with country. The Washington Post reported find ways and means to support the the White House military to initiate the that after the current US Government Afghan regime and the armed forces of withdrawal. issued the withdrawal statement, the the Kabul Government. The year 2021 marks the 20th Taliban immediately said that if the The Washington Post has also anniversary of the outbreak of war in United States violated the peace reported statements by a Pentagon Afghanistan, a conflict that has agreement and did not withdraw its official who has stressed that actually been going on since the Soviet troops in Afghanistan, the situation Afghanistan is a landlocked country: invasion of that unfortunate country would get worse and one of the parties consequently, once US and NATO on 24 December 1979. to the agreement would take forces withdraw, one of the biggest What are the plans of NATO and the responsibility for it. challenges will be how to effectively US? How will the situation in This year is the twentieth since the monitor and combat extremist Afghanistan change in the future? United States started the war in organisations and resist threats to US Regarding the US announcement of Afghanistan after the terrorist attacks security: at that distance it will be even the deadline for troop withdrawal, of 11 September 2001. The war in more difficult without sea landings. Donald Trump reduced the number of US troops drastically to below 5,000 far below Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has Afghanistan is the United States’ the peak of over 110,000 in 2011 According to Reuters, the CIA said the Afghan Government respects longest overseas war, and has killed predicts that the possibility of a further the US Government’s decision to over 2,300 US soldiers and wounded both Parties’ members of the US US-Afghan peace deal is little and has withdraw its troops by the agreed date. some 20,000 people, at a cost of over 1 Congress have differing views on the warned that once the United States According to the Associated Press, trillion US dollars. consequences of withdrawal. and its allies withdraw, it will be there were 2,500 US troops in According to the newspaper, difficult to stop the Taliban. Afghanistan before 1 May far below the Hundred thousand Afghan Republicans and some Democrats This year is the The Afghan Government forces peak of over 110,000 in 2011. civilian casualties believe that the troop withdrawal will twentieth since the currently control Kabul and other large According to the websites of encourage the Taliban insurgency, cities, but the Taliban are present in the Financial Times and the Deutsche Although the United States and its while others believe it is necessary to United States started more than half of the country’s Welle, some ten thousand soldiers allies attacked the Taliban put an end to this indefinite war. the war in Afghanistan territory and rural areas. In the future, from the 36 NATO Member States and and al-Qaeda, the situation in But what considerations can be after the terrorist the possibility of a Taliban counter- other US allies are currently stationed Afghanistan has been turbulent for a made for the US and NATO withdrawal offensive cannot be ruled out. in Afghanistan, including as many as long time, with over a hundred from Afghanistan? attacks of 11 September Great Britain’s The Guardian has 895 Italian soldiers, as well as 1,300 thousand Afghan civilian casualties in It is well known that the purpose of 2001. The war in commented that the years of war have Germans, 750 Brits, 619 Romanians, the fighting. the United States in taking the war to generally made Afghans feel a strong 600 Turks, etc. According to The New York Times, Afghanistan was a very heavy measure Afghanistan is the sense of insecurity and the withdrawal of retaliation against al-Qaeda, which United States’ longest of troops will not bring much comfort had organised the terrorist attacks of to the local population. According to 11 September and against the Taliban overseas war, and has the London-based newspaper, for the regime that protected the top leaders of killed over 2,300 US United States this is yet another war that terrorist organisation. soldiers and wounded that cannot be won. Although al-Qaeda has not been According to experts, there are two destroyed, it is unlikely to create some 20,000 people, at extreme possibilities in the future similar problems. The United States a cost of over 1 trillion situation in Afghanistan. The excellent has achieved its strategic goals and is situation is the one in which the less no longer involved in East Asia’s US dollars extremist wing of the Taliban mediates tactics and strategy. so that, once the United States The interests of NATO (considering withdraws, the Taliban can gradually its individual Member States) in move from being an extremist Afghanistan are fewer than those of organisation to being an internal the United States. As a military administrative one and then negotiate alliance with the United States, the Somalia’s al-Shabaab and ISIS is with the legitimate Government achievement of US strategic goals spreading globally and it is therefore supported by the United Nations: this means that NATO’s equal strategic meaningless to concentrate forces in would mean a long-term peace after goals have also been achieved. Hence, Afghanistan, with a steady expansion forty-two years of war. rather than continuing to run the risk of its military cycle. At the same time, Under extremely unfavourable of confronting the Taliban however, the White House has stated circumstances, instead, the Afghan and al-Qaeda after US military that after withdrawal, diplomatic and Government forces would overestimate withdrawals, NATO is more willing to counter-terrorism mechanisms will be their military strength and intend to remove the “political burden” as soon reorganised in Afghanistan to face continue the war alone against their as possible. security challenges. Hence, from the traditional opponents, at which point US perspective, there is currently a peace negotiations between the two Terms of the withdrawal greater terrorist threat sides would break down. While announcing the terms of the than al-Qaeda and the Taliban. This would mean falling again into a withdrawal, the White House has The prospects for advancing the prolonged civil war and into eternal stated that the threat of extremist Indo-Pacific regional strategy to oppose war. organisations such as China also means that it would be (www.moderndiplomacy.eu) Escalation of violence in Jerusalem By Claudio Ciani anything but an intentional, albeit Ambassador to the US, was credited surreptitious attempt to leave the with formulating the agreement. According to some analysts, a door wide open to Jewish prayer on The plan stipulates that “the status clause of the Emirates-Bahrain and the Temple Mount, thereby radically quo of the Temple Mount/Haram Israel agreements opens the door to changing the status quo”. al-Sharif should remain unaffected”, the prayers of Jews in the sacred The same statement was repeated but the next sentence also says that place in the agreement with Bahrain. “people of all faiths can pray on the On the afternoon of 10 May the Palestinians have long been Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif”. Al-Qassem brigade in Gaza gave an concerned about possible attempts to The clause caused controversy and ultimatum to the Israeli occupiers to partition the holy mosque, as prompted David Friedman, US leave the Al-Aqsa complex and happened with the Ibrahimi mosque Ambassador to Israel, to retrace his release the prisoners. An hour later, [Tomb of the Patriarchs for Jews] in steps during his press meeting on missiles were fired from Gaza Hebron. January 28, 2020. “There is nothing towards Jerusalem. An anti-tank A Temple Movement has developed in the plan that would impose any missile was fired at an Israeli army over the years, consisting largely of alteration of the status quo that is jeep near the Gaza border. “far-right nationalist religious Jews not subject to agreement of all the Subsequently, other volleys of seeking to change the status quo” parties”, he said. missiles were fired by other reports TJ. Some ask for prayer for Friedman’s quick retraction of the resistance groups at targets near the Jews inside the sacred complex, sentence contained in Trump’s plan Gaza. while others aim to build the Third attests that Dermer probably Israel has killed 20 Palestinians in Gaza and injured hundreds in Jerusalem as ten- The Israeli military cancelled the sions in Al-Aqsa flare up Temple on the ruins of the Dome of inserted it and that Kushner did not start of a large-scale maneuver it had the Rock which, according to understand it. The fact that it was planned to carry out over the next 30 Israeli non-Governmental this may no longer be the case. Messianic prophecies, would Friedman who retracted and not the days. That move was seen as a organisation, the claims contained in According to the joint statement announce the coming of the Messiah. White House also means that the preparation for an all-out attack on the UAE, Bahrain and Israel (known between the US, Israel and the Over the years, the Israeli NGO Ir language of Trump’s plan is still Hezbollah in Lebanon. Yesterday as the ‘Abraham Accords’) mark a UAE issued on 13 August 2020, by Amim has published numerous official and decisive when it comes Hezbollah announced a general ‘radical change in the status quo and US President Donald Trump: “As set reports of this once marginal group, down to it. mobilisation of its forces to deter a have far-reaching and potentially forth in the Vision for Peace, all but which is now part of a dominant The normalization agreements potential surprise attack. Israeli explosive consequences ‘. The Muslims who come in peace may visit political and religious trend and come after the Israeli authorities troops are now on alert for potential violence that is taking place these and pray at the Al Aqsa Mosque, and enjoys close ties with the Israeli installed loudspeakers on the east escalation within Israel and Gaza. days depends on those agreements. Jerusalem’s other holy sites should authorities. and west sides of the Al-Aqsa After four elections, Israel still does According to the status remain open for peaceful worshippers These activists believe that allowing complex without the permission of not have a new Government. Prime quo established in 1967, only of all faiths”. Jews to pray as a whole and divide the Waqf (Islamic institution). Minister Netanyahu is on trial for Muslims are allowed to pray on But Israel defines Al-Aqsa as a the sacred site between Muslims and The sacred complex is administered corruption. A broader war that can al-Haram al-Sharif [the Noble Shrine ‘mosque structure’, as in the Jews is a step towards sovereignty, to by the Islamic Waqf based in Jordan. turn into a victory could help him in Arabic, i.e. the Temple Mount], statement, clarifies TJ’s report: “… one day achieve their ultimate goal, According to the status quo, Israel is avoid judgment and get votes in the Temple Mount, according to the according to Israel (and apparently to the construction of the temple. only responsible for security outside next election. According to Jewish Jews, also known as the Al mosque the United States), anything on the A more brazen statement was the gates. In his report, TJ notes that tradition, the ancient Jewish temple complex Al-Aqsa. Non-Muslims can Mount that is not the structure of the included in the ‘deal of the century’, the agreement does not mention the was located exactly where the visit the site, but not pray. Benjamin mosque is defined as ‘one of the plan for the Middle East unveiled Waqf and its autonomous role. Al-Aqsa mosque is now located. The Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Jerusalem’s other holy sites’, and in late January 2020 by Trump and Meanwhile, Israel has killed 20 Zionist movement aspires to rebuild Minister, confirmed this status open to prayer by all–including Netanyahu in the White House. Palestinians in Gaza and injured the third temple, but in order to do so quo in a formal statement in 2015. Jews”, says the statement. Jared Kushner, Trump’s senior hundreds in Jerusalem as tensions they must first remove the mosque. However, a clause included in the “Consequently, this choice of adviser and son-in-law, was the most in Al-Aqsa flare up. According to an investigation recent agreements between Israel terminology is neither random nor a prominent person working on the by Terrestrial Jerusalem (TJ) an and the Gulf states indicates that misstep, and cannot seen as proposal, while Ron Dermer, Israel’s (www.moderndiplomacy.eu) asia friday 14 may 2021 A9

Against WHO advice Indian States Turn to Anti-Parasitic Drug to Fight COVID-19 At least two Indian States have said recommended this” Uttarakhand’s fearing the economic fallout and has they plan to dose their populations with Chief Secretary Om Prakash told left it to State Governments, which the anti-parasitic drug Ivermectin to Reuters. “We are waiting for supplies to experts say have acted too late. protect against severe COVID-19 come in. Once they do we will distribute Uttarakhand State currently has infections as their hospitals are overrun this drug.” coronavirus-related social restrictions, with patients in critical condition. Uttarakhand State in March and including curbs on interstate travel. The move by the coastal State of Goa April played host to the Kumbh Mela, a Goa, which is also ruled by Modi’s and northern State of Uttarakhand, weeks-long Hindu gathering that BJP, remains open to tourists and only come despite the World Health attracted millions of devotees from imposed an extended 15-day lockdown Organisation (WHO) and others across the country. Images of the this week, despite data showing more warning against such measures. gathering showed scant evidence of any than one in three patients were testing “The current evidence on the use of mask wearing or social distancing as positive for COVID-19 since mid-April. Ivermectin to treat COVID-19 patients throngs of people congregated for a holy The State is reporting the highest is inconclusive,” WHO said in a dip in the river Ganges. positivity rates in the country. statement in late March. “Until more The State, ruled by Indian Prime Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane data is available, WHO recommends Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya said an expert panel based in Europe that the drug only be used within Janata Party, has since early April seen had found the drug Ivermectin reduced clinical trials.” its COVID-19 cases surge from under the time to recovery and risk of death, Merck, a manufacturer of the drug, 300 a day to above 7,000 a day and the but regulators such as WHO and the has also said available data does not death toll has also risen sharply. U.S. Food and Drug Administration say support using the drug as a COVID-19 Modi and other political leaders in there is little evidence of this. treatment. India have faced sharp criticism for The state-run Indian Council of “We do not have enough data to failing to stop big religious and political Medical Research recommends doctors A health worker rests as he sits next to his ambulance carrying a dead body of a support its use,” said Anita Mathew, an victim who died due to the COVID-1), at a crematorium in New Delhi, India, 10 May gatherings in many States, despite could use the drug for mild COVID-19 infectious diseases expert in Mumbai. 2021(Caption) evidence from mid-February onward patients, but warns this is based on The State of Goa, a major tourist that India’s case count was rising. “low certainty of evidence”. haven, said earlier this week it plans to Uttarakhand announced plans on except for pregnant and lactating Despite India’s overwhelming surge Rane did not respond to a Reuters give Ivermectin to all those older than Wednesday (12) to distribute the tablets women. in cases, Modi has shied away from request for comment. 18, while the Himalayan State of to any person over the age of two, “An expert medical panel has imposing a nationwide lockdown (Reuters)

To drive down Uyghur birth rates Tokyo, Japan China using coercive policies in Slow inoculation drive Vaccine chief blames Xinjiang – Australian think tank drug approval system Coercive policies in China’s far western region of Xinjiang have led to a sharp decline in birth rates for Uyghurs Japan’s COVID-19 vaccine and other minorities, which could add chief has blamed a rigid drug to evidence of genocide, an Australian approval system for a slow think tank said in a report released on inoculation campaign that is Wednesday (12). relying on only one approved The Australian Strategic Policy shot, as a fourth wave of Institute (ASPI) report, citing official infections raises worries amid Chinese data, said that there has been preparations for the Summer an “unprecedented and precipitous Olympics. drop in official birth-rates in Xinjiang Taro Kono, the Minister in since 2017,” when China began a charge of vaccines, took campaign to control birth rates in the responsibility for the public region. frustration with the vaccine Xinjiang’s birth rate dropped by distributed system but also said nearly half from 2017 to 2019, and the approval process was a counties where the population was People mingle in the old town of Kashgar, Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region, China, disadvantage in an emergency. predominately Uyghur or another 22 March 2017. (Reuters) “Even though we are in a minority group saw much sharper State of crisis, we’re still using declines than other counties, the and provides compelling evidence that Britain and Canada have described the same rules to approve Japan’s vaccination programme Government-funded institute said in Chinese Government policies in China’s policies in Xinjiang as genocide. vaccines that we do under chief Taro Kono (Reuters) the report. Xinjiang may constitute an act of According to the 1948 UN Genocide normal times,” Kono said in a China maintains that changes in genocide,” it said. Convention, there would need to be TBS television interview birth rates are linked to improved health The ASPI report said birth rates in proof of intent by Beijing to destroy an broadcast on Wednesday (12). From early in the crisis, the and economic policy and it strongly counties with a 90 per cent or greater ethnic population in part to meet that “In the wake of this corona Government has said it would rejects accusations of genocide. indigenous population declined by an determination. situation, the administration not skip regulatory steps to ASPI “fabricates data and distorts average of 56.5 per cent from 2017 to Rights groups, researchers, former needs to change.” ensure the safety and efficacy of facts,” Hua Chunying, China’s Foreign 2018, far more than other regions in residents and some western The government aims to vaccines. That means domestic Ministry spokeswoman, told a daily Xinjiang and China during the same lawmakers say Xinjiang authorities inoculate most of its 36 million clinical trials and reviews taking news briefing in Beijing on Thursday period. have arbitrarily detained around a people over the age of 65 by the several months to complete. (13). Fines, internment, or the threat of million Uyghurs and other primarily end of July. The Olympics, Some other countries have Xinjiang’s Uyghur population grew internment, were among the methods Muslim minorities in a network of postponed last year as the virus introduced emergency faster than that of the Han between used by authorities to discourage camps since 2016. was spreading around the approvals to deploy vaccines 2010 and 2018, and Xinjiang’s birth births, it said. Beijing initially denied the camps world, are due to begin on 23 faster. control policies do not target any single There have been growing calls among existed but has since said they are July. Japan approved the vaccine ethnic minority group, she said. some western States for an investigation vocational training centres designed to To reach that vaccination developed by Pfizer Inc and The ASPI analysis is based on Chinese into whether Beijing’s actions in combat religious extremism, and that target, the Government hopes to BioNTech SE, in mid-February, Government data, including regional Xinjiang amount to genocide. all people in the centres have deliver about one million shots two months later than in the population figures released in March. The United States government and “graduated”. a day, about three times faster United States. “Our analysis builds on previous work parliaments in countries including (Reuters) than the current pace. (Reuters)

Seoul, South Korea Taipei, Taiwan Fishermen sue Power resumes after outage, TSMC hit by brief dip Tech powerhouse Taiwan blackouts, which left hundreds resumed power early in the trapped in elevators across Japanese Govt evening on Thursday (13) Taiwan. following several hours of “Power plants were running phased blackouts islandwide, normally. This was not a over Fukushima a problem that briefly impacted problem with the plants. The major semiconductor firm cause of the incident was the TSMC. power grid,” she said. water - Yonhap Around four million homes “This highlights the were affected on the island of importance of the balance of 24 million people after an Taiwan’s regional power supply South Korean fisheries associations filed a lawsuit against outage at a coal- and gas-fired and highlights the importance the Japanese Government at a local court on Thursday (13), power plant that was of risk management of the seeking compensation for the planned release of contaminated connected to a failure of the grid.” water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, the Yonhap electricity grid. In a text message just before news agency reported. The world’s biggest contract the power failed around 3 p.m. The National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives of Jeju chipmaker, Taiwan A woman uses her phone while experiencing a blackout due to an out- (0700 GMT), the Government Island and a shipowners’ association told a news conference Semiconductor Manufacturing age at a power plant, in Taipei, Taiwan, 13 May 2021. (Reuters) said its grid did not have outside the Jeju District Court they were demanding about 10 Co Ltd, said some of its sufficient electricity capacity million won (USD 8,800) per day from the Japanese facilities suffered a “brief power semiconductor firms all have electricity provider Taipower after the outage at the power Government and Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, dip”, but power had been large operations, told Reuters said, with supplies having plant in the southern port city Yonhap said. restored. there was no impact on the been affected from early of Kaohsiung. Japan’s Government said in April it would release more Officials at three major operations of the major afternoon. Several cities reported than one million tonnes of treated water from the Fukushima science parks in Hsinchu, chipmakers. Speaking to reporters at the blackouts, as a top official site in stages starting in about two years. Tainan and Taichung, where Normal power was restored presidential office, President appealed for calm. (Reuters) TSMC and other at 8 p.m. (1200GMT), Tsai Ing-wen apologised for the (Reuters) A10 FRIDAY 14 MAY 2021 WORLD

Christchurch, New Zealand Israel Deploys PM sets out plans to re-connect with Troops Along Gaza post-pandemic world New Zealand Prime of five million isolated from Minister Jacinda Ardern said the rest of the world. on Thursday (13) her With majority of its Government will explore essential workers now being as Rocket Fire, more travel "bubbles" and vaccinated and inoculation lead trade delegations later for the wider population this year to re-connect with a starting in July, the post-pandemic world after Government is preparing a more than a year of border plan for how it would reopen. closures. Ardern said New Zealand Air Strikes Escalate Tough lockdowns and its started rebuilding contact by geographical location has opening quarantine-free Israel prepared ground helped New Zealand travel with neighbouring troops along the Gaza border eliminate the novel Australia and the South on Thursday (13) and Hamas coronavirus within its Pacific's Cook Islands, and is launched rocket barrages at borders, but left the country considering more such travel Israel as international calls bubble options. mounted for an end to the "Niue is the natural next region's fiercest hostilities in addition. Beyond that we are years. relatively open-minded, and I One rocket fired from the do anticipate there will be Palestinian enclave crashed other countries we can into a building near Israel's explore opportunities with," commercial capital of Tel Aviv, Ardern said in her pre- injuring five Israelis, Police budget speech in Auckland. said. Sirens blared in cities More than 70,000 people across southern Israel, landed in New Zealand from sending thousands running Australia since the travel for shelters. bubble opened last month, In renewed air strikes on and over 57,000 have Thursday, Israel destroyed a travelled the other way, six-storey residential building Ardern said. in the heart of Gaza City. One She, however, noted that man was killed by an Israeli vaccine roll out in New missile fired east of Khan Zealand is incomplete and Younis in southern Gaza, the number of countries it medics said. could safely open up to is A wave of violence between also limited. Jewish Israelis and the Israeli security force members patrol during a night-time curfew following violence in the Arab-Jewish town Ardern said she will lead a country's Arab minority also of Lod, Israel, 12 May 2021. (Reuters) trade and promotional spread in several Israeli cities, delegation to Australia in with attacks on synagogues said he hoped fighting "will be stance over the Israel-Gaza after Israel urged occupants to early July, and will also look New Zealand Prime Minister and Arab-Jewish fighting in closing down sooner than violence. evacuate in advance of its air Jacinda Ardern participates in to lead delegations into the streets. later". A British minister urged A Palestinian source said strikes, and another structure a televised debate with Europe, the United States, At least 72 people have been Israel and Hamas to "take a truce efforts by Egypt, Qatar was heavily damaged. National leader Judith Collins China and the wider Asia- killed in Gaza since violence step back" from the escalation. and the United Nations had Many in Israel also holed up at TVNZ in Auckland, New Pacific. escalated on Monday (10), Israeli Prime Minister made no progress to end the in shelters as waves of rockets Zealand (Reuters) (Reuters) medics said, further straining Benjamin Netanyahu has violence. hit its heartland, some blown hospitals already under heavy vowed to "continue acting to U.S. Secretary of State out of the sky by Iron Dome pressure during the COVID- strike at the military Antony Blinken phoned interceptors. 19 pandemic. Seven people capabilities of Hamas" and Palestinian President The fatalities in Israel have been killed in Israel, its other Gaza groups. Hamas is Mahmoud Abbas and said include a soldier killed while New York, United States military said. regarded as a terrorist group Washington "was exerting patrolling the Gaza border and Israel has prepared combat by the United States and efforts with all relevant parties five six civilians, including two troops along the Gaza border Israel. to reach calm," the official children and an Indian and was in "various stages of On Wednesday (12), Israeli Palestinian news agency worker, medical authorities preparing ground operations", forces killed a senior Hamas WAFA said. Abbas is a Hamas said. a military spokesman said, a commander and bombed rival whose authority is Gaza's Health Ministry said move that would recall similar several buildings, including limited to the Israeli-occupied 17 of the people killed in the incursions during Israel-Gaza high-rises and a bank, which West Bank. enclave were children and six wars in 2014 and 2008-2009. Israel said was linked to the The fighting has also were women. The Israeli "The Chief of Staff is faction's activities. touched off strife within Israel, military said on Thursday that inspecting those preparations Hamas signalled defiance, where some in the Arab some 400 of 1,600 rockets and providing guidance," with its leader, Ismail minority mounted violent pro- fired by Gaza factions had Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Haniyeh, saying: "The Palestinian protests. fallen short, potentially Conricus said. confrontation with the enemy Attacks by Jews on Arabs causing some Palestinian Health authorities in Gaza is open-ended." passing by in ethnically mixed civilian casualties. said they were investigating Israel launched its offensive areas worsened overnight. The conflict has led to the the deaths of several people after Hamas fired rockets at One person was in critical freezing of talks by overnight who they said may Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in condition after being shot by Netanyahu's opponents on have inhaled poisonous gas. retaliation for Israeli Police Arabs in the Arab-Jewish forming a governing coalition Samples were being examined clashes with Palestinians near town of Lod, where authorities to unseat him after Israel's and they had yet to draw any al-Aqsa mosque in East imposed a curfew, Police said. inconclusive 23 March Suspect in Times final conclusions, they said. Jerusalem during the Muslim Over 150 arrests were made election. Although the latest Amid fears the violence fasting month of Ramadan. overnight in Lod and Arab problems in Jerusalem were could spiral further out of Turkey, whose hosting of towns in northern Israel, the immediate trigger for Square shootings control, Washington planned Hamas leaders in Istanbul in Police said. In Gaza, two hostilities, Palestinians are to send an envoy, Hady Amr, recent years has contributed multi-storey residential frustrated by setbacks to their for talks with Israel and to a falling out with Israel, buildings and a tower housing aspirations for an independent arrested in Florida Palestinians. called on Muslim countries to Media outlets, including one State in recent years. U.S. President Joe Biden show a united and clear linked to Hamas, collapsed (Reuters) The man wanted in the weekend shooting of three bystanders, including a 4-year-old girl, in New York’s Times Square was arrested near Jacksonville, Florida, on Wednesday (12) after an intensive manhunt, New York police officials said. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia "While there is no joy today, there is justice," New York Take a seat! Police Commissioner Dermot Shea told a briefing, adding he had promised the girl's father the shooter would be found. The gunfire, in which police said the victims did not appear Coalition says to be the intended targets, erupted late on Saturday afternoon in one of the most-visited tourist destinations in the country it intercepted and with an always heavy police presence. All the victims are expected to make full recoveries. Police said they mounted an intensive investigation, which Houthi was still ongoing. "You can only imagine: It's daytime, shooting, Times Square, thousands of hours of video cameras to be reviewed, witnesses to be interviewed," said NYPD Chief missile, drone Of Detectives James Essig. "And here we are four days later, with an apprehension." The suspect, Farrakhan Muhammad, attack targets 31, was taken into custody without incident by U.S. Marshals Service officers at a McDonald's parking lot in Starke with a Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group on woman believed to be his girlfriend who was driving their car, Thursday (13) said its forces had launched Essig said. Detectives determined that Muhammad was 12 ballistic missiles and drones towards a heading south and was spotted on a video camera in site belonging to the Saudi State oil Fayetteville, North Carolina, he said. company Saudi Aramco, Najran airport A faithful arrives for the weekly general audience held by Pope Francis, while the (Reuters) and other targets in Najran, in southern coronavirus restrictions are eased at the Vatican. (Reuters) Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi forces in Yemen said it had intercepted and destroyed eight drones and three London, United Kingdom ballistic missiles fired towards Saudi Arabia, without specifying where. Thursday is the Muslim holiday of Eid New Royal Mail stamps feature al-Fitr, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. The Houthi group regularly fires drones different looks of Prince Philip and missiles into Saudi Arabia. The coalition says it intercepts most of them. Britain's Royal Mail invited orders photographs of the royal, officially married to Queen Elizabeth for The Saudi-led military coalition on Thursday (13) for four new known as the Duke of Edinburgh, more than seven decades and stood intervened in Yemen in 2015, backing stamps in memory of Prince Philip, over the years. The images show beside her throughout her 69-year Government forces fighting the Houthis. the late husband of Queen Philip at different ages wearing a reign. A miniature sheet of the A screen in Piccadilly Circus displays Aramco did not immediately respond to Elizabeth, who died last month. The suit, sporting a bowler hat, and stamps has been priced at 5.76 images of Britain's Prince Philip, husband of a request for comment. stamps, which will be available from dressed in naval uniform. Philip, Pounds (USD 8.10). Queen Elizabeth, who died at the age of 99, (Reuters) 24 June, feature black and white who died on 9 April aged 99, was (Reuters) in London, Britain (Reuters) FRIDAY 14 MAY 2021 B11 SLT Group Revenue Recorded at Rs 24.7B in Q1 2021 Net Profit improved by 14%

Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT) Group released its financial results for the first quarter of Email: [email protected] 2021, with a remarkable 14.3% year-on-year growth in Profit After Tax (PAT) to Rs 2.1 billion. The Group revenue went up to Thursday Markets Rs 24.7 billion for the period with a 11.4% year-on-year growth, strongly underpinned by the growth in revenues of FTTH, 4G Bullish run LTE, mobile broadband services, PEOTV services and carrier continues at CSE domestic services. International voice revenue reflected a Rohan Fernando Lalith Seneviratne Kiththi Perera Chandika Vitharena - Group Chairman-SLT - Group CEO-SLT - CEO-SLT - Acting CEO-Mobitel By Mario Andree de-growth while international revenues from global transit and of the company went up to Rs 1.4 milestone in SLT Group’s legacy. towards work-from-home and The bullish run, at the Colombo Stock Exchange, global data soared compared to billion, reflecting a 16.2% year- The strategic journey of the SLT study-from-home arrangements. continued for the third consecutive day on Thursday the same period last year. on-year growth. Group towards digital Further, SLT in collaboration (13) as the benchmark index gained on a relatively lower The EBITDA (Earnings Before The mobile arm of the SLT transformation has proven with Cisco and Millennium turnover despite continued foreign exits from the Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Group, Mobitel (Pvt) Ltd too imperative with the present I.T.E.S.P. (Pvt) Ltd launched its Bourse ahead of a country-wide lockdown. Amortisation) of the Group improved revenue for the quarter pandemic situation which has new managed SD-WAN services The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI), which improved to Rs 9.7 billion, a by 8.1% year-on-year to Rs 11.6 also demonstrated the critical to accelerate digitisation of started the day at 7,161.77 points gained 66.46 points 13.6% year-on-year growth, billion. The PAT of Mobitel soared role technology plays in everyday enterprise and government (0.93 per cent) to close at 7,228.23 points, while the lifting the EBITDA margin up to during the period to Rs 1.5 billion life. The Group remains resilient customers in Sri Lanka. In more liquid S&P SL20 index, which started the day at 39.4% from 38.6% in the same which is a 65.4% year-on-year amidst the challenges posed by addition, SLT-MOBITEL 2,850.43 points gained 19.09 points (0.67 per cent) to period last year. The surge in growth resulting from the the Covid-19 pandemic owing to extended the PEO TV Go services close at 2,869.52 points. The day’s turnover neared Rs revenue largely contributed to increased revenue and the our robust business execution to our mobile customers too to 1.28 billion, much lower than the Rs 1.59 billion the EBITDA growth. The growing effective cost management coupled with our attractive enjoy their favourite TV recorded during the Market’s previous day’s trading. capital expenditure in order to measures. product portfolio.” programmes.” Shares of 251 listed companies were traded during align with the global The Group paid a total amount SLT Chief Executive Officer, Mobitel Acting Chief Executive the day of which 113 were winners comfortably ahead of technological trends pushed the of Rs. 3.7 billion as direct and Kiththi Perera stated: “We are Officer, Chandika Vitharana 49 losers. More than 61.4 million shares changed Depreciation and Amortisation of indirect taxes including levies to successfully progressing with our added: “As the world continues hands during the 13,446 trades that took place. the Group up to Rs 6.3 billion, a the Government in the first accelerated fibre expansion to go through a challenging era Foreigners exited the CSE on Thursday (13) for the 18.0% year-on-year increase. quarter of 2021. programme with an aim to due to the ongoing pandemic, twelfth consecutive session. The net foreign outflow The Operating Profit of the SLT Group Chairman, Rohan provide ultra-speed Fibre-to-the- SLT-MOBITEL which provides during the day amounted to Rs 36 million as foreigners Group stood at Rs 3.4 billion, Fernando announced: “I am Home (FTTH) connections across an indispensable and critical sold shares worth Rs 131 million as against purchases reflecting a 6.3% year-on-year extremely proud of my the country. This year is pivotal service under the prevailing worth Rs 95 million. The top ten winners during the day growth resulting from the management team and my staff to SLT since in mid-2021, SLT, conditions was able to create were: SMD Leasing, Citizens Development Business increase in Group EBITDA which for delivering yet another solid together with its mobile arm value to all its stakeholders. As Finance, Citizens Development Business Finance (non- was partly offset by the elevated quarter. Our business continued Mobitel, aims at expanding and the National Mobile Service voting), Chevron Lubricants Lanka, Nestle, Kalani Depreciation and Amortisation to accelerate in the first quarter upgrading the present 4G Provider, Mobitel, the mobile Valley Plantations, Autodrome, Malwatte Plantations, for the period. Interest expenses with a double-digit growth in network in view of providing an arm of the SLT Group is Bansei Resorts amd Balangoda Plantations. and finance cost charged to the revenues and profits and with a enhanced broadband experience aggressively expanding the Top ten losers were: Blue Diamonds (non-voting), Profit or Loss Statement robust operating cash flow. and also to launch a pre- network to rural areas to ensure Associated Motor Finance Company, Serendib Hotels, increased to Rs 0.8 billion for the Consolidation of our Group Sales commercial 5G service using 3.5 no one is left behind in these Sinhaputhra Finance (P), Cargo Boat, Elpitiya period under review while the and Marketing under the SLT- GHz. In addition, SLT plans to difficult and challenging times. Plantations, Eastern Merchants, Mackwood Energy, FOREX losses declined to Rs 0.3 MOBITEL unified branding invest in expanding its global Many initiatives were carried out Asiri Surgical and HNB Assurance billion. The Profit Before Tax contributed immensely in network including the upcoming during this period to make (PBT) rose to Rs 2.8 billion, up by achieving the success we report SEA-ME-WE 06 submarine cable Broadband accessible to all. 9.3% over the same period last in the first quarter. While system to connect to the world at Affordable bundle device offers to year. uncertainty related to Covid-19 the speed of Terra Bits per help increase smartphone ‘Curfew’ Panic Dogs The growth in EBITDA coupled remains, we will stay focused on second. The domestic and global penetration, attractive with the effective collection driving growth, building on network expansions will be application-based data plans, Treasuries strategies of the Group almost favourable market trends, complimented by multiple digital mobile and home broadband By Paneetha Ameresekere tripled the Operating Cash Flow improving operational initiatives in our efforts to plans to facilitate work-from- of the Group to Rs. 12.2 billion performance and delivering value continually improve customer home and learn-from-home Panic selling of Treasuries in the secondary market for the period under review. for all our stakeholders.” experience and service levels.” conditions are a few of the continued for the second consecutive market day to Further, the Group managed to SLT Group Chief Executive SLT Chief Operating Officer, initiatives devised to make yesterday led by the three-day ‘curfew’ which came into reduce the Long-Term Officer, Lalith Seneviratne Priyantha Fernandez Broadband affordable and effect from 11 p.m. yesterday, in the Government’s bid to Borrowings to Rs 44.9 billion as remarked: commented: accessible to all segments of the arrest the COVID-19 terror, market sources told this at the reporting date. “Our first quarter financial “During this Covid-19 society according to their needs. reporter. Consequently GoSL’s money printing borrowing The holding company of the performance represents a pandemic situation, SLT has While making broadband available cost (MPBCs) sharply increased by 6.46 per cent (Rs Group recorded an impressive promising start to the year 2021. provided an uninterrupted to all, SLT-MOBITEL is committed 1,296.77 million) to Rs 21,370.11 million yesterday. 13.5% increase in revenue over We commenced the year 2021 service to the nation and offered to providing uninterrupted In the interbank foreign exchange (FX) market, the the same period last year with the brand unification of innovative yet affordable data connectivity to the nation during Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) deflated the sell rate of reaching Rs 14.2 billion. The PAT SLT-MOBITEL which is another packages to facilitate the shift these turbulent times.” the administered market ‘spot’ after 12 market days to Rs 200.25 to the US dollar yesterday, sources told this reporter, though no trades were executed. Consequently, the ‘spot’ in two way quotes was trading at Rs 199.75/200.25 to the dollar at 4 p.m. yesterday, they Oil drops on said. “However, chances are that trades will be executed Prime Residencies IPO at the Rs 200 level in the new week beginning Monday India’s COVID-19 (17),” they said, adding that exporters were first wanting to test the waters, before wanting to sell dollars at the oversubscribed on opening day crisis, pipeline higher rate of Rs 200.25 as was quoted yesterday. The market exchange rate (MER) has depreciated by Following the debut of Prime Lands Residencies’ resumption between Rs 12.25-11.75 (6.53-6.23 per cent) in two way Initial Public Offering (IPO) on Tuesday (11), the Oil prices fell more than 2% on quotes in the calendar year to yesterday and year on year company’s oversubscription forecasts proved to be Thursday as India’s coronavirus by between Rs 11.65-12.05 (6.19-6.40 per cent) , thereby true as the initial 100 million shares were crisis deepened and a key US causing cost-push inflationary pressure as Sri Lanka is purchased in record time. The Board of Directors pipeline resumed operations, halting an import dependent economy. Yesterday saw a liquidity have decided to exercise the option to issue upto a a rally that had lifted crude to an appreciation of Rs 4,822.48 million (US$ 24.16 million) maximum of a further 87.5 million shares as set eight-week high after the IEA and during trading, led by the settlement/s of transactions out in the Prospectus. In line with this the Issue OPEC forecast a rebound in global pertaining to CBSL’s swaps with the market and/or closed at 4.30 p.m. on 12 May 2021. demand later in the year. GoSL’s dollar sales to and/or swaps with CBSL. These investors stand a dual benefit from the Brent crude was down $1.65, or Transactions between GoSL and CBSL are foreign growth of both the real estate market, and the 2.3%, at $67.67 a barrel by 0948 reserves neutral. Conversions are based on CBSL’s share market, which has also seen highly positive GMT, after rising 1% on Wednesday. administered ‘spot’ rate on Tuesday which was Rs199.58 growth forecasts over the turn of the year – having West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was to the US dollar. CBSL’s face value money printing secured returns after investing in a reputed, down $1.66 cents, or 2.5%, to $64.42 (FVMP) assets decreased by Rs 6,926.48 million (0.79 per reliable company such as Prime Lands given the current pandemic situation. This speaks a barrel, having risen 1.2% in the cent) to Rs 874,216.17 million yesterday, partially Residencies. well of the organization and its impression in the previous session. mitigating demand-pull inflationary pressure. GoSL’s Much to the benefit of the investors, Prime financial market and further booms the share If those losses are sustained, both FVMP debt has been over Rs 0.5trillion for a record 128 Lands Residencies had offered the IPO at a 40% market with a positive outcome. We commend and contracts would mark their biggest consecutive market days to yesterday. Consequently net discount allowing investors to reap a significant thank our investors for making a wise investment daily drops in percentage terms since excess liquidity decreased by 1.59 per cent (Rs 2,104 capital gain. The company also stated that with Prime Lands Residencies. I want to say that early April. million) to Rs130,563 million yesterday. MPBCs are investors will be eligible to avail themselves of a we recognise the importance of meeting In a bearish signal for oil demand, prorated to the weighted average yields fetched in significant dividend payout of 40% from the profits shareholder expectations, and delivering long- a variant of the coronavirus has secondary market trading of Treasury (T) Bills and T ending of the financial year 31 March 2021 of Rs term shareholder value, which is fundamental for swept through the countryside in Bonds. On 31 December 2020, due to less rigid controls, 975M profits after taxes within a few months of a listed company and furthermore we believe that India, the world’s third-biggest the MER then, which was one week’s forwards, was the listing. together with investing public, we can continue to importer of crude. trading at Rs 187.50/188.50 to the dollar in two way Prime Group is not new to the equity market or Shape the Nation’s Horizon.” Medical professionals have not quotes as at 4 p.m., while a year ago, the MER which was to the share market. The company’s 39% stake in Prime is a well-respected brand name in Sri been able to say when new infections the ‘spot’ due to ‘no controls’ was trading at Rs 188.10/20 HNB finance and the 88% stake in Prime Finance Lanka and Prime Group is the first and only Sri will plateau and other countries are to the dollar in two way quotes. CBSL deals in ‘spot.’ ‘Spot’ are already well known in the stock market. Prior Lankan real estate group to secure an issuer alarmed over the transmissibility of trades are settled after two market days from the date of to the IPO, the company was under sole rating of (SL)A- from ICRA Lanka. Prime Lands the variant that is now spreading trading. CBSL is the steward of GoSL debt and also of its ownership. Residencies Limited was created in 2016 by worldwide. “Concerns are growing foreign reserves. CBSL, in its daily ‘open market Commenting on this landmark achievement for amalgamating Prime Homes International (Pvt.), that the untamed spread of the operations’ statements, doesn’t specify the reasons Prime Group, Chairman Premalal Brahmanage Prime Homes (Pvt.) Ltd and Living Homes (Pvt) Ltd coronavirus in India and in behind the daily changes to market liquidity.. said, “Today is a day that means many things to to focus on envisioning, creating and selling Southeast Asia will dent oil demand,” Investments in T Bills and T Bonds are considered us at Prime Group. The oversubscription tells us affordable luxury housing projects in the main PVM analysts said in a note. riskless, because, in the event GoSL is unable to honour that the public’s interest for our shares far cities around the country, under the brand name “Its impact, however, is expected to such debt, CBSL is mandated to print demand pull exceeds the available supply. We have achieved ‘Prime Residencies’ together with high end and be relatively brief and the second half inflationary money (money printing) and repay such excellence in the eyes of the public as they have ultra-luxury Condominiums such as The Grand of the year will see the healthy revival creditors. Money printing exclusive rights are with CBSL. recognised our solid financial performance. The Ward Place-Colombo 7 located in the heart of of oil demand growth.” over subscription is a tremendous achievement Colombo. (Reuters) B12 CEYLON FT Friday 14 MAY 2021 News India’s Prized Investment grade Status Hanging by a Thread

India’s devastating COVID-19 crisis contract 24% in the first quarter and CHASTENING is making investors question more Moody’s said this week it expects growth If a cut does come, it wouldn’t be the than ever whether after years of debt to settle at around 6% longer term. first time India has lost investment grade accumulation and patchy progress on “We do see the risk that it status. It was first stripped in 1991 just a reforms, a country touted as a future (a downgrade) can definitely happen,” year after getting its initial S&P rating as economic superpower still deserves its said UBS’s head of emerging market a balance of payments crisis hit. ‘investment grade’ status. strategy Manik Narain. “It seems more A repeat now though would be a A spate of downgrades last year had a question of when rather than if”. chastening moment for its nationalist already left India’s investment grade leader Narendra Modi who rallies credit ratings hanging by a thread and ANOTHER BRIC TO FALL? supporters on promises to advance India the severity of the current virus wave is Neither India’s finance ministry nor on the world stage and compete with the making the main agencies, S&P, its Central Bank responded to requests likes of China. Moody’s and Fitch agitated again. to discuss the risk of a downgrade but, While it has built up a healthy stock of All three firms have either cut - or as Brazil and South Africa have currency reserves, its huge population of warned they could cut - the country’s experienced, becoming a ‘fallen angel’ - 1.4 billion means it still has the lowest growth forecasts in recent weeks and as a demotion to junk is known in prosperity level of any investment grade that government debt as a share of rating agency parlance - can set off a country when measured by GDP per GDP will jump to a record 90% this wave of problems. capita of $2,164. China’s figure is nearly year. It automatically excludes government $13,000. In that respect though, the world’s or corporate bonds from certain high- Subhash Chandra Garg, India’s former second most populous country has profile investment indexes, which economic affairs secretary, acknowledges long been an anomaly. means conservative funds - active the government’s double-digit deficit and The median debt level for countries managers as well as passive “trackers” overall debt position are “bad”, but he Fitch has in the BBB bracket - India is - sell out, aggravating the situation. doesn’t think the ratings firms will cut BBB- - and on a downgrade warning grade,” said NN Investment Partners’ at the moment. M&G’s Eldar Vakhitov India’s Government debt is not yet in again. with both Fitch and Moody’s - is head of Asian Debt, Joep Huntjens, says his firm’s models have been most of those indexes, so the big issue will “A debt-to-GDP ratio of 90% is certainly currently around 55% and only 70% who thinks the country’s economy will flagging a downgrade, while UBS be the roughly $40 billion to $45 billion a matter of great concern and these even for those languishing at the bounce back quickly. “But we do think points out India will soon have the worth of investment grade corporate debt things cannot go on,” Garg said. “But the lowest depths of ‘junk’ grade. there is at least a 50/50 chance that at third highest debt level among big that is also likely to get cut. fundamental view about India is that it is With COVID-19 pushing up debt least one rating agency downgrades, emerging markets after junk-rated NN’s Huntjens thinks around 90% of not a basket case, it is a strong economy.” almost everywhere and the ratings probably next year”. Brazil and Argentina. Indian IG corporates would be hit and “In the end the debt levels need to come firms signalling they will wait for this With calls growing for another UBS analysts also estimate India while giants like Reliance might be down and that can only happen if growth latest wave to ease before any national lockdown to tackle the new needs to grow at least 10% a year for spared, India’s 7.4% share of JP remains strong,” NN’s Huntjens added. judgements, investors who buy rating- virus surge, plenty of others are wary public debt to stabilise and come down. Morgan’s Asia Investment Grade “And it can’t just be based on sensitive assets like bonds are making too. It hasn’t got anywhere near that since Corporates Index means there would (government) stimulus because then the their own calls. JPMorgan says rating agencies are 1988, World Bank data shows. Last be plenty of selling. debt just rises even higher.” (Reuters) “We still see India as investment making “a leap of faith” by holding fire year’s full lockdown saw the economy

To bolster local chip industry S Korea announces bigger tax breaks, loans

South Korea on Thursday statement on Thursday, adding that no announced bigger tax breaks plus one final decision has been made. trillion won (US$883 million) in loans The government will increase tax for the local chip industry as it breaks to six per cent from the current navigates a challenging operating three per cent or lower for capital environment amid a global chip expenditures between second half of shortage. 2021 to 2024 for large corporations Many countries are working to conducting “key strategic technology” bolster local chip supply chains as the including semiconductors, the severe shortage affects production in intensifies around the world, it is clear ministry said in a statement. industries such as autos, and in that we also need to increase our The government will also offer about March US President Joe Biden flagged competitiveness in the semiconductor one trillion won in long-term loans for plans to invest US$50 billion in industry,” South Korean President increasing 8-inch wafer chip contract semiconductor manufacturing and Moon Jae-in said earlier this week. manufacturing capacity and research. Current investments at home include investment for materials and Some 153 chip companies, including Samsung’s planned third chip plant in packaging. global No.1 and 2 memory chip makers Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, which began Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Asia shares alarmed Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix site preparation last year and is expected Motor, the ministry and industry already have plans to invest a to be completed in 2022, a Pyeongtaek associations also agreed to join efforts by U.S. inflation scare, combined 510 trillion won or more city official said. to respond to the shortage of auto between this year and 2030, according SK Hynix is considering acquiring chips on Thursday, the Presidential to the Korea Semiconductor Industry additional 8-inch chip contract office said in its statement without count on calm Fed Association. manufacturing capacity, the Ministry providing any details. “As semiconductor competition of Trade, Industry and Energy said in a (Reuters) Asian shares slipped to seven- Clarida saying stimulus would still week lows on Thursday after a be needed for “some time”. shocking rise in US inflation “It likely would take a very strong bludgeoned Wall Street and sent May jobs report, with sizable bond yields surging on worries the upward revisions to March and Federal Reserve might have to move especially April, to get the Fed to Tesla’s Musk halts use of bitcoin early on tightening. start a discussion about tapering at “Higher inflation is a definite its June meeting,” said JPMorgan negative for equities, given the economist Michael S. Hanson. for car purchases likely rates response,” said “We continue to expect the Fed to Deutsche Bank macro strategist begin scaling back its pace of asset Tesla Inc. will no longer accept bitcoin puzzles, an energy-intensive process that Musk reiterated he remained a strong Alan Ruskin. purchases early next year.” for car purchases, Chief Executive Elon currently often relies on electricity believer in cryptocurrencies. “The more nominal GDP gains are BLACK MARK FOR Musk said on Wednesday, citing long- generated with fossil fuels, particularly “We are also looking at other dominated by higher inflation, brewing environmental concerns for a coal. At current rates, such bitcoin cryptocurrencies that use <1 per cent=”” especially wage inflation, the more BITCOIN swift reversal in the company’s position ‘mining’ devours about the same amount of=”” bitcoin=”” s=”” energy=”” the possible squeeze on profit on the cryptocurrency. of energy annually as the Netherlands transaction=”” he=”” tweeted=”” on=”” margins. It plays to a more choppy, Investors reacted by pricing in an Bitcoin fell more than 10 per cent after did in 2019, the latest available data wednesday=”” p=””> less bullish equity bias.” 80% chance of a Fed rate hike as Musk tweeted his decision to suspend its from the University of Cambridge and Just a day earlier, Musk had polled MSCI’s broadest index of Asia- early as December next year. use, less than two months after Tesla the International Energy Agency shows. Twitter users on whether Tesla should Pacific shares outside Japan Yields on 10-year Treasuries began accepting the world’s biggest Analysts said Musk’s about-face was accept dogecoin, a currency he has (MIAPJ0000PUS) lost 0.9%, though steadied at 1.68%, having climbed 7 digital currency for payment. Other inevitable. helped turn from a joke into a valuable trade was thinned by holidays in a basis points overnight in the biggest cryptocurrencies, including ethereum, “The environmental impact from commodity. He announced on Sunday number of countries. daily rise in two months. The yield also fell before regaining some ground in mining bitcoins was one of the biggest that his commercial rocket company Japan’s Nikkei (.N225) fell 2.0% curve also steepened markedly to Asia trade. The use of bitcoin to buy risks for the entire crypto market,” said SpaceX will accept dogecoin as payment and touched its lowest since early reflect the risk of rising inflation. Tesla’s electric vehicles had highlighted a Edward Moya, a senior market analyst at to launch a lunar mission next year--just January, while Chinese blue That was a shot in the arm for the dichotomy between Musk’s reputation as currency trading firm OANDA. hours after he sent the cryptocurrency chips (.CSI300) lost 0.9%. dollar, which had been buckling an environmentalist and the use of his Meltem Demirors, chief strategy officer spiraling downward when he called it a Asian markets were already on under the weight of rapidly popularity and stature as one of the at digital asset manager CoinShares “a hustle” during a guest-host spot on the backfoot this week amid expanding US budget and trade world’s richest people to back Group, said Tesla was unlikely to have the “Saturday Night Live” comedy sketch inflation worries and a tech sell-off deficits. The euro retreated to cryptocurrencies. sold many, if any, cars using bitcoin and TV show. on Wall Street, and nerves were $1.2078 , leaving behind a 10-week Some Tesla investors, along with the backflip generated positive publicity CHINA DOMINANCE further jangled on Wednesday peak at $1.2180. environmentalists, have been while simplifying payment processes. when Taiwan stocks (. The dollar stood at 109.66 yen, increasingly critical about the way “Elon was getting a lot of questions and The dominance of Chinese bitcoin TWII) tumbled on fears the island having hit a five-week top of 109.78 bitcoin is “mined” using vast amounts of criticisms and this statement allows him miners and lack of motivation to swap could face a partial lockdown amid and well off this week’s low of electricity generated with fossil fuels. to appease critics while still keeping cheap fossil fuels for more expensive an outbreak of the virus. 108.34. The dollar index hovered at Musk said on Wednesday he backed bitcoin on his balance sheet,” Demirors renewables could mean there are few Nasdaq futures were trying to 90.737 , up from a 10-week trough that concern, especially the use of “coal, said. quick fixes to the cryptocurrency’s rally with a gain of 0.4%, while S&P of 89.979. which has the worst emissions of any Mark Humphery-Jenner, an associate emissions problem. 500 futures added 0.3%. But In cryptocurrencies , Bitcoin fuel.” professor of finance at the University of Chinese miners account for about 70 EUROSTOXX 50 futures were still steadied after sliding more than “Cryptocurrency is a good idea on New South Wales, said he was more percent of bitcoin production, data from catching up with overnight falls 10% when Elon Musk tweeted that many levels and we believe it has a concerned about Tesla management’s the University of Cambridge’s Center for and lost 0.7%, while FTSE futures Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) has suspended promising future, but this cannot come “very hasty and precipitous” decision- Alternative Finance shows. They tend to shed 0.5%. the use of bitcoin to purchase its at great cost to the environment,” he making. use renewable energy--mostly Wall Street was blindsided when vehicles. tweeted. Tesla shares fell 1.25 per cent Musk did not say in his Twitter hydropower--during the rainy summer data showed US consumer prices The rise in yields and the dollar after hours. comments whether any vehicles had months, but fossil fuels--primarily coal-- jumped by the most in nearly 12 pressured gold, which was left at Tesla revealed in February it had been purchased with bitcoin and Tesla for the rest of the year. years in April as booming demand $1,818 an ounce and off a multiple- bought $1.5 billion of bitcoin, before did not immediately respond to a request Officials in Beijing are conducting a amid a reopening economy met top around $1,845. accepting it as payment for cars in for comment. check on data centers involved in supply constraints at home and Oil prices backed away from two- March, driving a roughly 20 per cent CRYPTOCURRENCY cryptocurrency mining to better abroad. read more month highs, hit after US crude surge in the cryptocurrency. understand their impact on energy The jump was largely due to exports plunged and the Tesla would retain its bitcoin holdings SUPPORT consumption, sources told Reuters last outsized increases in airfares, used International Energy Agency (IEA) with the plan to use the cryptocurrency month. In theory, blockchain analysis cars and lodging costs, which were said demand was already as soon as mining transitions to more Some bitcoin proponents note that the firms say, it is possible to track the all driven by the pandemic and outstripping supply. sustainable energy sources, Musk said. existing financial system - with its source of bitcoin, raising the possibility likely transitory. Brent was off 68 cents at $68.64 Bitcoin is created when high-powered millions of employees and computers in that a premium could be charged for Fed officials were quick to play a barrel, while US crude lost 68 computers compete against other air-conditioned offices--uses large green bitcoin. down the impact of one month’s cents to $65.40. machines to solve complex mathematical amounts of energy too. (Reuters) numbers, with vice chair Richard (Reuters) TOURISM FRIDAY 14 MAY 2021 CEYLON FT B13 Travel Demand is Back - Is Tourism Ready? By Melissa Rodrigues businesses have also been forced to adapt to shorter-term cost and When travel will recover is no longer revenue planning. Referring to a question of consumer demand, but aviation specifically, Gavin notes, “By when restrictions will be lifted. In the this time in a ‘normal year, airlines US, vaccination is progressing at a would typically be planning trips for swift pace, with most States fully the summer of next year. But with the reopened for business and hotel situation still uncertain, weekly and bookings exceeding 2019 values. In monthly network planning has been Europe however, tourism is still established to proactively manage anxiously awaiting when local cost and revenue, and respond to Governments will end travel bans and changes with agility.” fully reopen destinations. Reducing inventory during periods As uncertainty prevails, it is vital for of low demand can also help keep all sectors within tourism to share costs down. In terms of future information and collaborate on the revenue, Gavin also notes that road to recovery. In this article, we businesses need to be mindful of catch up with Aviation and Tourism deferred business. “Many airlines, expert, Gavin Eccles to explore the and I am sure hotels too, have given current status of consumer demand customers the option to reschedule and the driving factors. He also shares bookings to a later date. When how all tourism sectors from hotels to destinations reopen, we will likely see airlines should collaborate for a more an avalanche of consumers rushing to agile response to changing restrictions reclaim bookings at virtually the same and a stronger recovery in the upturn. time. Hotels and airlines must be When Travel will Resume ready to manage this possibility.” - No Longer a Question of But When will Travel Reopen on a Global Scale? Consumer Demand September 2020). This is supported such as health and safety concerns, However, Gavin notes the In February 2021, swift vaccination by vaccine rollout, which indicates tighter consumer budgets, and flight responsibility to connect and While the industry can only and partial reopenings in the US and that 81% of people will be more likely capacity are no longer expected to be collaborate more closely with the speculate, Gavin believes that UK triggered a boom in travel to travel once vaccinated. However, a barrier to travel when borders wider tourism industry does not rest digitalisation will better ensure confidence, reflected in both flight and 84% of travellers will not travel if it reopen. solely on hotels. “Airlines, tour compliance with health measures and hotel bookings. According to involves quarantine at the How can Tourism Capture Pent- operators, and national tourism ultimately determine when travel will Guestcentric’s hotel CRS data, destination. Up Travel Demand? boards also need to be aligned with reopen on a global scale. “Within published in the March 2021 edition What is Influencing Consumer With pent-up demand on the the status of overseas destinations. It aviation, there is a big push for of The Hotelier PULSE Report, US Confidence to Travel? horizon, it is essential for all facets of costs too much to keep aircraft on the digitalisation to ensure travellers bookings in February 2021 rose to Although travel confidence spiked tourism, from hotels to tour operators ground. This means if passengers have either tested negative for the 95% of those over the same period in following the UK’s roadmap to reopen and commercial airlines to keep an book flights to overseas destinations, virus or have been vaccinated,” he 2019. Meanwhile, UK hotel bookings the economy, announced in February open line of communication and and don’t cancel before the flight date, says. rose to 76% of those over the same 2021, travel confidence soared, it has coordinate efforts. Businesses will the airline will fly. But if the departure He maintains the two-fold period in 2019. since declined. also have to uphold competitiveness point is open to travel, while the approach to digital documentation is In April 2021, the US appears to be Highlighting the key factors in order to capitalise on the destination is heavily restricted, it’s essential at this stage, given that a all but fully reopened. Vaccination is influencing consumer confidence demand. “How hotels or airlines unlikely many hotels will be open to large percentage of people are still progressing at a steady pace, and during this time, Gavin Eccles, capture the returning demand will receive guests,” he says. not eligible for vaccination. “But public gatherings such as Spring Consultant & Professor of Aviation & depend on what businesses do to «We also need better cohesion ultimately, this documentation will break have returned with a Tourism said, “Although demand was remain competitive, as well as the between tourism boards across need to be digital in order to mitigate vengeance. Guestcentric’s market booming, the wave of optimism was level of communication and various destinations,” he the risk of human error, similar to trends analysis also shows that soon followed by a number of negative coordination across the wider tourism continues. “We›ve seen some tourism pre-clearance and using QR codes.” between March and April 2021, hotel signals that significantly impacted industry,” says Gavin. boards, such as Cyprus, be extremely Conclusion bookings in the US reached and consumer confidence. From UK Below are two key factors the proactive by targeting UK tourists to exceeded 2019 levels. Government alterations to the tourism industry will need for a visit, but, at this point, the UK is still Based on the signals in the market, However, ongoing vaccination roadmap, sensationalist media stronger recovery in the upturn: not open to travel,” he added. we know that pent-up demand is hurdles and restrictions in Europe coverage, and the recall of the 1. More Collaboration Across the 2. More Flexibility in Current Cost growing faster by the day and and the UK mean that bookings are AstraZeneca vaccine across various Tourism Industry and Future Revenue Management revenge travel is on the horizon. The still lagging significantly below 2019 destinations in Europe.” We live in an era where anything Predicting future revenues under US market is a good prediction of levels. Only now are hotel bookings “Even the BBC had to rephrase a can change at any time. Therefore, the the current circumstances is near what’s to come. Whether it’s beginning to overtake those over the headline which boldly announced “No tourism industry needs to be agile impossible. Therefore, all businesses minimising current operational costs same period in 2020. However, Travel this Summer!”, because the enough to react quickly and capitalise from hotels to airlines need to be alert or optimising direct sales channels, bookings hit rock-bottom over this Government had never agreed this on the upturn. “Airlines are ready to and flexible about how they manage hotels and the wider tourism period last year, therefore the would be the case. But despite the go when Governments give the green future revenues and costs. Gavin industry can and should take action industry in Europe is still recovering correction, some damage had been light. If consumers feel confident to notes, “In the aviation sector, some now to strengthen their position and slowly. done. This doesn’t mean consumers travel, they will travel, and airlines expect prices to increase in the effectively capture the pent-up And yet, market signals also don’t want to travel. Rather, they are will have the supply to meet this upturn, while others expect demand. indicate that consumers are eager to understandably skeptical about demand. Hotels (and vice-versa) need reductions to stimulate the demand. But with the global travel climate travel again, yet reluctant to book booking trips abroad with so much to be aware of these developments But if the demand is there, would still so uncertain, it is still critical trips due to rapid changes and uncertainty,” He continued. and act accordingly,” says Gavin. hotels or airlines really want to that the industry continues to share restrictions. In March 2021, The Despite wavering restrictions and In anticipation of increased discount?” information and coordinate efforts for International Air Transport fluctuating consumer confidence, international travel when the world Successful recovery will largely a stronger recovery. Remember, Association (IATA) announced results overall hotel bookings net of reopens, Gavin emphasizes that depend on how hotels, airlines, and tourism needs to be agile enough to from its latest poll of recent travellers, cancelations in March 2021 more hotels need to be in tune with airline other areas of tourism can adjust react quickly and capitalise on the revealing growing confidence in a than doubled bookings over the same capacity as destinations operating costs to uncertain and upturn, which is likely to strike fast return to air travel, frustration with period in 2020, according to the reopen. “Airlines have effectively varying levels of market demand. and hard. current travel restrictions, and market data published in the latest planned to ensure an agile response, Businesses can also collaborate to Melissa Rodrigues is the Senior acceptance of a travel app to manage Edition of The Hotelier PULSE Report. and can easily re-station aircraft to effectively manage operational costs - Content & Communications health credentials for travel. Hoteliers surveyed in March 2021 destinations that have reopened,” he for example, through partnerships Manager at Guestcentric Systems - According to the survey responses, also seem increasingly confident in says. “Therefore, it is crucial that between hotels and restaurants that a leading provider of cloud-based 57% expect to travel within a few significant pent-up consumer demand hotels are positioned and open to create cost synergies like shared solutions to help Hotels promote months of “COVID-19 once local governments lift the travel receive the rush of incoming housekeeping services or food outlets. their brand & drive direct bookings. containment” (up from 49% in bans. Previously dominant issues travellers.” During these uncertain times, (HospitalityNet) Vaccine Tourism a Boon for the Ailing Travel Industry By Felicity Bradstock beat the line at home, to ensure they are In addition, the Romanian government is protected from the virus. offering tourists free vaccinations at Romania’s A year of uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 Now New York is jumping on board the famous Bran Castle, known for being the home restrictions has hit the tourism industry hard, tourist vaccine bandwagon, going further than of Dracula, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday with flight cancellations and airline the Southern States by offering visitors to the through May. Visitors will be given the Pfizer- bankruptcies becoming commonplace. city the one shot Johnson and Johnson BioNTech jab without an appointment, should However, with the proposal of vaccine vaccine, which will be available at some of New they so wish, also gaining free entry to the passports and vaccine tourism being discussed York’s most popular sites. castle. Currently this is only available to worldwide, could this be what the travel On 6 May, the City Of New York twitter Romanians, but it opens up potential industry needed to bring it back to life? announced “Welcome to New York, your possibilities for major tourist sites around the In recent weeks, the number of visitors vaccine is waiting for you! We›ll administer the world to attract visitors back. travelling to US States such as Texas, Johnson & Johnson vaccine at iconic sites Many countries are now discussing the The news of increased travel, thanks to the Louisiana and Arizona has soared since the across our city. With State authorisation, we possibility of a vaccine passport, a document offering of vaccines around the world comes as announcement that non-residents can legally can get vaccines to tourists and make sure proving you’ve had one of the approved good news for both the travel industry as well receive a COVID-19 vaccine. These were the they have a built in souvenir to bring home vaccines, as being a prerequisite for as the oil and gas industry whose demand first American States to announce the move to with them. Let’s get it done!” in an attempt to international travel, meaning schemes like levels were hit hard by the steep drop in travel allow tourists to get the vaccine. attract tourists back to the city after a year of these could become increasingly popular. in 2020. The demand for jet fuel and related Since around March, wealthy Latin lockdowns and restrictions. The number of tourists crossing international products is likely to increase hand-in-hand Americans, particularly from Mexico, due to its However, the US is not the only country to borders is expected to rise in the summer with travel demand, giving hope to both proximity to the Southern US States, have offer this product to tourists. In April, the following optimistic vaccination efforts across industries. been travelling to cities across Texas in search Maldives announced it would soon be offering several countries. Last week, the European It seems that the combination of vaccine of the vaccine, to beat the waiting time in their vaccinations to tourists upon arrival as part of Union announced plans to open its borders to passports and the ability to access the vaccine home countries. a three-pronged initiative, which aims vaccinated tourists in the summer months. early by visiting other countries or tourist sites USA Today spoke of shuttle buses taking to revitalise the small archipelago’s tourism The President of the European Commission, could mean a sharp rise in travel over the tourists directly from the airport to vaccination industry. The country’s ‘3V’ strategy aims to Ursula von der Leyen, stated, “We propose to coming months, with a positive knock-on effect sites. Many are willing to take the two trips encourage the idea of ‘visit, vaccinate, and welcome again vaccinated visitors and those across several other industries. needed for both shots of the vaccine in order to vacation’. from countries with a good health situation.” (Oilprice.com) B14 CEYLON FT FRIDAY 14 MAY 2021 NEWS APHNH Calls for Intensive Care Training for Nurses in the Private Sector In view of World Nursing Day, The nurses and strengthening the sector health services, the importance of specialised training. Such formal recognised qualifications provided, Association of Private Hospitals and at large,” commented APHNH critical care nurses has been training programmes have not yet the Association plans to cater to the Nursing Homes (APHNH) announced Secretary Dr. Sunil Ratnapriya. recognised locally and globally. In been made available to the private need for intensive care training. their commitment to initiating and The ratio of nurses to the line with the theme for World sector nursing staff. Therefore, “We’re very grateful for the expanding training programmes and population in Sri Lanka stood at Nursing Day this year, ‘A vision for APHNH is taking the initiative to contribution of our healthcare intensive care training courses for approximately two nurses per 1,000 future healthcare,’ APHNH called for introduce this training for private workers in their efforts against the nurses in the private sector. Sri Lankans in 2018, far below the the introduction of critical care sector nurses,” continued Dr. pandemic. We can’t take the risk they “As cases rise again in the country, global average of 3.81 nurses per training programmes in the private Ratnapriya. face lightly - nurses formed the we are very thankful for the nurses 1,000 population (World Health health sector. To this end, APHNH is in the biggest healthcare worker group to be working tirelessly to keep us safe. Organization, 2018). According to “Particularly, the need for Critical process of collaborating with the infected with COVID-19, according to The strain on them is immense, APHNH, expanding nursing Care Nurses in the country is National Apprentice and Industrial the International Council of Nurses. especially given the country’s programmes with all necessary especially acute. Critical Care Training Authority (NAITA) and other We will keep looking for ways to shortage of nurses and paramedical haste could help fill this shortage. Nurses provide direct and industry stakeholders to establish a protect and support our private sector staff. In the near future, we can ease Due to the rising cases of COVID- individualized nursing care to Nurses’ Training Institute. Among medical staff,” concluded Dr. their burden by training more 19 and the subsequent pressure on patients and require extensive several courses and internationally Ratnapriya.

WSO2 Announces To launch cyber security solutions Seqrite partners with Ezoref Technologies Free Engineering Seqrite, a specialist government provider of enterprise establishments from the cyber security products scale and sophistication of Training Programme and solutions, has cyber-attacks. Through partnered with Ezoref our partnership with WSO2 has designed a six-month building a platform to give back to the Technologies, a wholly Ezoref Technologies, we training programme in Linux Systems community with the knowledge they owned subsidiary of are well prepared and Administration and DevOps have garnered over the years,” said South Asian Technologies excited to launch our Engineering. WSO2 founder and CEO Dr. Sanjiva (Pvt) Ltd, the distributor solutions for Sri Lankan Through this project, WSO2 aims to Weerawarana. of ICT Technologies, to businesses.” expand access to educational “Our aim is to foster sustainable launch world class cyber Ezoref Technologies materials, broaden the scope for career growth and provide career security solutions in Sri CEO/Director Chetiya growth, and develop the skills opportunities to professionals in the IT Lanka. Wijeratne said, “We are necessary to solve upcoming IT industry.” The partnership enables Seqrite Head of Global Sales Kuldeep Raina (left) and Ezoref delighted to partner with a challenges. The initiative, which is part The course will be delivered online strategic alignment for Technologies CEO/Director Chetiya Wijeratne (right) leading cybersecurity of WSO2's corporate social and will consist of over 50 hours of Seqrite and Ezoref brand like Seqrite. which responsibility (CSR) efforts and is online classes. Students are required Technologies to deliver solutions in endpoint, Sales Kuldeep Raina said, has been providing headed by the company's Digital to invest an additional 200-plus hours the best-in-class network, mobility and “With the evolving threat superior cybersecurity Operations team, will be offered free of in practical work to further their protection against the data protection space that landscape, Seqrite has solutions and joining charge to over 100 participants. knowledge. Attendees will be given a most complex and are backed by AI, Cloud always remained at the hands with them will help This programme is ideal for new monthly stipend to cover any sophisticated cyber and patented technologies forefront of developing us cement a leading professional Linux systems expenses they may incur in order to threats to businesses in like Anti-Ransomware and world class cyber security position in the Sri Lankan administrators and DevOps engineers, participate in the course. Sri Lanka. Signatureless detection. solutions to protect market, pushing us to as well as senior undergraduate Interested, participants must Seqrite offers a host of Seqrite Head of Global enterprises and grow in our journey.” students. The programme will equip submit their applications along with a participants with the key skills and 300-word explanation on why they technical know-how to kick start a want to apply and why they want to career. This training material consists work in Linux systems administration of courses with ample instructional and DevOps engineering. Information content as well as hands-on exercises about prior exposure to the subject Litro Gas Lanka brings Pipe Borne LPG to SL and projects designed to hone skills. matter needs to be included in the The courses in this programme will self-introduction. Furthermore, As a measure of installed by Ceylon Gas & help participants develop skill sets in a shortlisted candidates will be given a up-scaling the LPG Water Co, precursor of variety of technologies. Linux-based challenge to be availability in Sri Lanka, Litro Gas Lanka. “As an organisation we strive to completed via an online platform in Litro Gas Lanka will be Today, as the energy continuously upskill our employees. order to determine the final course introducing pipe borne industry dynamics These very same employees are participants. LPG supply to change with consumer households and demand, the Company consumers in Sri Lanka, remains firmly committed giving them access to to infusing change and world class energy transformation needed to solutions, Litro Gas meet changing Tokyo Cement partners Lanka said. requirements. “We are In the global energy taking the concept of LPG landscape, LPG is supply beyond that of Environment Ministry considered the safest and bringing a cylinder home the most environmentally and stocking it in your To plant 200,000 Trees on Mahaweli Riverbanks sound choice suitable for kitchen. This will take the a variety of functions – LPG availability to the from household next level by giving our requirements to solution, said Litro Gas convenient way of delivery customers safe & easy industrial consumption, Lanka Limited & Litro LPG to your home or work accessibility to the energy LPG is increasingly Gas Terminal Lanka place. The LPG provided they need on demand.” emerging as the world’s (Private) Limited, will be measured in litres, “In keeping with the preferred clean and green Chairman/CEO Anil in keeping with global development goals for the energy. Koswatte. standards.” energy sector outlined in Although in house LPG “Litro Gas Lanka Backed by a unique The President’s ‘Vistas of cylinders have been used believes in delivering legacy that goes back 150 Prosperity & Splendour’ in Sri Lanka for a innovative and safe LPG years, Litro Gas Lanka economic vision, we considerable period of solutions to our possesses a heritage that believe that the Litro Gas time, the safest and the customers. Introducing is rich with industry Lanka LPG Pipeline most modern option that the pipe borne LPG is a firsts; a part of that Project would add value is operational worldwide step towards ensuring the legacy was the network of to customer proposition is pipe borne LPG that highest safety protocols gas pipes that delivered and enhance energy provides a safe and an in LPG supply – while gas to households as far efficiency for all,” easy accessible LPG also ensuring an easy and back as a century ago, Koswatte added. Tokyo Cement Group stepped under the full patronage of Tokyo forward to fulfil its National duty by Cement Group while the Ministry will signing a far-reaching MoU with the overlook and coordinate on-ground Ministry of Environment. Through this activities. As part of the plan, the two memorandum of understanding, Tokyo Cement Forest Tree Nurseries ‘Let’s go home…to a home of our own’ Tokyo Cement Group will fully sponsor situated in Trincomalee and a programme by the Ministry to plant Mahiyangana will contribute the 200,000 Kumbuk and Bamboo trees in required number of Kumbuk saplings DFCC Bank launches Home Loan campaign the Mahaweli River basin, with the each year during the project. The objective of conserving this invaluable Ministry will garner the support of The culmination of to drive across a message 20 years, any individual plus interest is a fixed natural gift of national significance. provincial State institutions and the personal growth for any that enables individuals to with a minimum monthly sum) or equal monthly The programme ‘Ivura rakina Sri Lanka Army for the tree planting individual is having one’s understand that there is income of Rs.30,000 and instalment payment Pawura’ was symbolically kicked off operation. The project partners also own home. While it is a no better feeling than above is eligible to apply (where capital is paid back recently at the Ministry of Environment undertake to protect and look after huge indication of going home, and if that for a DFCC Home Loan. in equal installments with under the auspices of Mahinda the plants that will eventually form accomplishment, it is home is your very own, the The maximum loan interest on a reducing Amaraweera, Minister of Environment an intrinsic part of the water certainly a challenge to feeling is priceless. Bank is amount will be determined balance). and S. R. Gnanam, Managing Director catchment areas of the Mahaweli purchase a home through promoting this new Home by DFCC Bank upon Interested customers are of Tokyo Cement Company (Lanka) River. savings alone. DFCC Bank Loan campaign extensively consideration of the encouraged to apply for a PLC, in conjunction with the National Tokyo Cement in this long-term has recognised this on social media and other repayment capacity and DFCC Home Loan by Tree Planting Programme ‘Husma dena engagement looks forward to getting societal need and in digital media platforms. the Forced Sale Value visiting any of the 139 Thuru’. The national programme is the support of local farming response, the Bank for Regardless of whether (FSV) of the property. In branches spread across directly linked with the Government’s communities and schoolchildren in Everyone has launched a one’s goal is to build, the case of a construction the country or by applying manifesto to increase the forest cover the respective areas to become new Home Loan campaign purchase or renovate a of a home, DFCC Bank online through the DFCC by planting two million trees, with a patrons of the trees that are planted. to fulfil the dream of home or apartment, DFCC allows a maximum Bank website. As an added focus on sustainably managing By engaging the local community having a home of their Home Loans can make borrowing upto 75% of the convenience, DFCC Bank sensitive river reservations. groups the Company envisions own. that goal a reality. With value of the Bill of also offers a Home Loan at The 3-year project aims to plant creating a forest belt comprising Launched under the hassle-free credit Quantity (BOQ). your doorstep service Kumbuk and Bamboo saplings native flower and fruit-bearing trees creative line, ‘Let’s go approvals in three working Customers can also choose where a representative sourced from regional plant nurseries that benefits our farming culture and home…to a home of our days and the lowest between either an equated from the Bank will visit a on the banks of Mahaweli River along will boost the natural biodiversity in own with a DFCC Home interest rates coupled with monthly installment location mentioned by the its scenic path of 335 kilometres, each climate zone. Loan’, this campaign seeks a repayment period up to payment (where capital customer. sports friday 14 may 2021 A15 Archer set for County Championship return

Jofra Archer will continue his September 2018 in a seam attack return to fitness by playing for also featuring Ollie Robinson and Sussex against Kent in the the returning George Garton. Ian County Championship this week. Salisbury, the club’s head coach Archer’s last first-team for Championship and List A appearance was the fifth T20I cricket, said: “Any team in world between England and India in cricket would be excited to name US Pre-Olympics Ahmedabad on 20 March. He had Jof in their squad for a game. surgery on his hand at the end of Everybody is aware of his talents.” the same month, following a Salisbury had stressed the need bizarre injury involving a fish to “look at the bigger picture” tank, and has been managing an following Sussex’s heavy defeat to elbow problem which led him to Northamptonshire last week, Camp Cancelled withdraw from the whole of the saying: “Are we going to force him IPL before its postponement. to come back when he’s actually The United States’ track and field athletes’ safety’, according to a calling on them to step down from Archer got through 29.2 overs England’s player? Say he gets an team has cancelled its pre-Olympics statement from the Chiba competing. for Sussex’s second XI against injury and he can’t play in the training camp in Japan out of administration. The IOC, organisers in Japan and Surrey last week, though did not Test matches this summer - I concerns for safety amid the COVID- There was no immediate comment the government have repeatedly vowed bowl in the second innings, and it wouldn’t be very popular.” 19 pandemic, local authorities from USA Track and Field. to hold the Games as scheduled until is understood that his Sussex do not have a announced on Wednesday, raising “It is a shame they have decided to 8 Aug., despite rampant criticism. involvement in the Championship Championship fixture on 20 May, more questions about the holding of cancel, but I believe they made the The New York Times newspaper fixture this week remained meaning this is likely to be the Games. best decision possible in the current featured an opinion piece on Tuesday unclear on Wednesday morning. Archer’s final chance to prove his The team was set to train in Chiba, situation,” Chiba Governor Toshihito titled, “A sports event shouldn’t be a However, he has since been fitness before England’s first Test the prefecture neighbouring Tokyo, Kumagai said in the statement. superspreader”, adding to the calls for named in a 13-man squad, and of the summer, against New leading up to the summer Games, but Criticism has also been levelled at cancellation. looks set to play his first first- Zealand at Lord’s on 2 June. cancelled ‘out of concerns for their athletes, with some social media users (Reuters) class match for Sussex since (ESPN) Japanese towns Chelsea’s Champions drop plans to host Olympic athletes League push hit by loss Dozens of Japanese towns have abandoned plans to host Olympic athletes due to concerns they will overburden already stretched medical resources amid a fourth wave of coronavirus Chelsea slipped up in their push for a infections, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Thursday. Champions League spot when they lost Forty out of more than 500 towns registered to welcome 1-0 at home to Arsenal in the Premier international competitors had decided not to accept athletes for League on Wednesday with Emile Smith training camps and cultural exchanges before the global sporting Rowe’s first-half goal settling the London showpiece, the newspaper reported citing a Government source. derby after a defensive mix-up by the The reluctance of some towns to host visiting athletes, normally hosts. a source of pride for communities outside the host city, is the The visitors capitalised on a wayward latest sign of deep unease in Japan over the scheduling of the back pass by Chelsea’s Jorginho to Games in the middle of a pandemic. Other regions scheduled to goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga who host athletes have also been hard hit. scrambled back to palm it off the line. The Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai said the prefecture would ball fell to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang not guarantee hospital beds for the athletes as they should not be who cut it back for Smith Rowe to score in given preferential treatment. the 16th minute. “Chiba prefecture is not thinking about securing scarce Chelsea, who play Leicester City in the hospital beds for athletes and people involved in the Olympic FA Cup final on Saturday and Manchester Games in a way that would prohibit our residents from using City in the Champions League final on 29 them,” Kumagai told reporters. May, dominated possession but largely Shiro Hasegawa, an official at Okuizumo Town, said it was no failed to break down Arsenal’s defensive longer possible to host India’s hockey team for pre-Games lines. training as planned before the pandemic struck. Kai Havertz spurned a glorious chance “There’s limited time and cost issues, and it is impossible to to put Chelsea ahead in the 11th minute have exchange activities between residents and athletes,” he told when the German dispossessed Arsenal Reuters. defender Pablo Mari, ran through on goal, Overseas athletes also will not participate in a test event for the but fired over when he looked certain to the bar as well with a volley on the Ham United who have three matches Olympics BMX freestyle cycling, the Yomiuri newspaper said on score. follow up. left and seven ahead of Liverpool with Thursday. The Blues turned up the tempo as the The rare defeat under coach Thomas four. Some municipalities have expressed concern about how final whistle approached and almost drew Tuchel - his third in his 26th game in Arsenal edged up to eighth spot but Japan’s medical system would cope if the Games turned into a level in the 90th minute when Kurt all competitions - left Chelsea in the last have played more matches than Everton superspreader event, concerns shared by the country’s top Zouma’s header was tipped onto the of the Premier League’s four Champions and Tottenham Hotspur, who are also medical adviser. crossbar by Bernd Leno only for former League qualifying spots with two games pushing for a Europa League spot. (Reuters) Gunner Olivier Giroud, on as a sub, to hit to play. They are six points clear of West (Reuters) Milan move closer to Champions League return

A hat-trick from Ante Rebic helped AC wins in what was expected to be a difficult «Two weeks ago, everyone said we were half Milan thrash struggling Torino 7-0 in Serie A match with Torino fighting for survival down dead and out of the (top four) race, but now on Wednesday to move a step closer to the other end of the table. we have destiny in our hands,» Pioli told Sky securing a return to the Champions League Milan are level on 75 points with Atalanta, Sport Italia. next season. who also won on Wednesday, in second, with «By playing like this we have a better chance Milan have not played in Europe’s premier the pair due to meet on the final day. Torino of achieving our goals and reaching the competition since 2014, but a comprehensive are four points above the relegation zone and Champions League. Until you cross the finish victory in Turin kept them third in the have a game in hand on their rivals for the line, you can’t give up anything. We have done standings, three points clear of Juventus in drop. so much that we have to hold on for a week.» fifth with two games to play. Milan came into their second match in The rout was the first time Milan scored six Full back Theo Hernandez scored early on Turin in four days having beaten Juventus or more goals in a Serie A away game since with a thunderous strike, before Franck 3-0 at the weekend with the pressure on after May 2001 against Inter Milan, and they have Kessie’s penalty gave Milan a two-goal lead at Napoli leapfrogged Stefano Pioli’s side into now won 15 away league games this season, the interval. third with a 5-1 thrashing of Udinese on equalling the best tally in a single Italian top- After the break, the floodgates opened as Tuesday. flight campaign. Brahim Diaz scored a fine goal, before Rebic With Juve and Atalanta winning on Milan host Cagliari on Sunday, before a helped himself to his first in the 67th minute. Wednesday, there was no room for final-day showdown with Atalanta the Two more followed from the Croatian manoeuvre, but after Hernandez superbly following weekend. forward to give Milan the most comfortable of broke the deadlock, Milan never looked back. (Reuters) A16 Friday 14 MAY 2021 Sports

Qualification for Tokyo Olympics SLA Request Diamond League Slots for top Athletes By Anjana Kaluarachchi higher than the National Championship - would have given him Sri Lanka Athletics (SLA) have 240 additional points if he won, which requested Diamond League slots for will give him 1,419 points. To achieve several top National Athletes who are 1,419 in a college meet Ushan will on the verge of Tokyo Olympic have to clear more than 2.60m, while qualification, said SLA President Maj. the world record in the event stands at Gen Palitha Fernando. 2.45m, which emphasizes the Accordingly, SLA had requested slots importance of better competitions. for the Doha Diamond League to be Also, in competitions such as the held on 28 May for several athletes, Diamond League, an athlete gets which includes 400m runner Kalinga additional placing score. Finishing in Kumarage, Javelin Throwers 12th place gives 60 points, while Sumedha Ranasinghe and finishing 8th will give 125. Nadeeka Lakmali, 800m runners Dilshi Kumarasinghe, Nimali Sri Lanka’s chances Liyanarachchi and 400m runner Among Sri Lankan athletes, 3000m Nadeesha Ramanayaka. steeplechase runner Nilani “They have informed us Rathnayaka is already within the it’s very difficult since qualification quota of 45 for the slots have already Olympics, as she is in 39th position. been filled, but will As Ceylon Today reported, the trio of keep our request in female 800m runners - Dilshi, the waiting list. I Gayanthika and Nimali – have a good believe we have chance of making it to the qualification a strong quota as all three of them are within chance of 30 points of the last qualified athlete, getting two Dilshi which they can easily achieve with one slots (Kalinga good performance at the National Kumarage Championship or better ranked and Dilshi competition. 400m runner Nadeesha Ramanayaka is in 64th position in the Kalinga Road to Olympic list with 1,147 points Ushan Thiwanka, with a gap of 30 points separating her who leaped 2.30m postponed, and from the qualification slot, and she recently and is SLA has requested will have to run sub 53 seconds to Greshan ranked joint 3rd in Doha Diamond League catch up. the world, has to leap slots for two athletes - Ushan Nadeeka Lakmali who has a Kumarasinghe) 2.33m to earn direct triple jumper Greshan personal best of 60.64m which she set who have good qualification, or has to Dhananjaya (who is in in some events. Then they introduced 8 years ago, is in the Road to Tokyo seasonal best times in achieve the same height of Olympic targeted a world ranking system, which takes list despite recent modest their respective events,” 2.30m or around that mark training in Qatar) and into consideration the five best performances. She is ranked 58th with said Fernando. at higher ranked long jumper Sarangi Silva. performances of an athlete during the 1,038 points whereas the last qualified Of the above- competitions, which will Dhananjaya is ranked qualification period, and ranked them athlete has 1,107 points – a gap of 69 mentioned athletes, give him additional 59th in the Road to according to the average of these five points. Nadeeka will need several good Dilshi Kumarasinghe and placing score and earn Tokyo list with 1,133 best performances. performances to catch up. Nimali Liyanarachchi have a realistic more points to make the points, while the last When calculating points, one Javelin Thrower Sumedha chance of making it to the Olympics, cut from the world ranked qualified performance has two parts. An athlete Ranasinghe is in 38th position in the as the duo are ranked 57th and ranking quota. athlete has 1,189 gets points for their result in the world ranking list with 1,126 points, 66th with a gap of around 30 points “We feel he will achieve points, a gap of 56 competition, as well as points for their while the athlete who is last in the for the last Olympic qualification 2.33m. If not, we have points. Sarangi Silva is position in the competition. This qualified list has 1,150 points, a gap of slot, and can catch up with one good requested one Diamond League not in the ranking list as placing score varies from competition 24 points. He can catch up if he finds performance. Third placed 800m slot from any edition in the she does not have five good to competition based on competition his 2016 form when he threw 83.03m. runner Gayanthika Abeyrathne is European circuit for him. Also, performances during the rank categorized by World Athletics. Meanwhile, neither 100m runners 61st in the list. as a last resort, we have the qualification period. For example, clearing 2.30m in the Himasha Eashan (men), Amasha de Even though Kalinga Kumarage option of getting him down to Qualification process in high jump during a college event in Silva (women) nor 400m runner has a season best of 45.99 Sri Lanka to compete in the USA, Ushan collected 1,179 points Kalinga Kumarage are in the world seconds, he is nowhere near the last stage of the National short plus 15 points for 1st place, which ranking list, though SLA is optimistic direct qualification quota or by points. Championship which will be gave him a performance score of 1,194 and has included their events in In order to qualify direct for held just before the Olympic World Athletics introduced new points. If he cleared the same height at stage one of the National the Olympics he has to clock 44.90 deadline of 29 June. But it will qualification system ahead of the any National Championship, it would Championship as Olympic targeted seconds, or by points he has to run include several complexities, 2019 World Championship which is have given him plus 100 points for events. Their only chance of direct about 3 or 4 more sub 46 seconds like quarantine period or bio Sarangi Silva applicable for global events from there 1st place instead 15, which will give qualification will be running their races, that too in higher ranked bubble,” said Fernando. onwards. They also made direct him a performance score of 1279. The events in a spectacular time, which competitions. Fernando also said the Qatar qualification standards tougher – e.g. same performance at a Diamond is a distant dream based on their Meanwhile, US based high jumper National Championship has been Bronze medal level of Olympic Games League meet - which is categorized current season performances.

National Athletics Championship 2021 SLA targets completion Yupun Breaks Fearless cricket and winning South Asian culture in focus – KJP of all events by 29 June Record Sri Lanka’s new ODI skipper Kusal Janith understand their weakness they can go to Stage 1 on 22, 23 May with 9 events Perera (KJP) who is a naturally aggressive coaches and work on that and get top order batsman, said he is expected to better, which is something Perera is By Anjana Kaluarachchi achieved so far. Women’s bring the same sort of leadership style to focusing on. 100m direct qualification mark the National team, and backs his team to Perera also said that he expects a better Along with increasing stands at 11.15 seconds, a play fearless cricket. Perera said this in a fielding unit from the team, as the team is a restrictions to battle COVID-19 time only achieved previously virtual media conference held yesterday young one. Kusal Perera (30) has played in the country, Sri Lanka by Susanthika Jayasinghe. ahead of the Bangladesh tour. 101 ODIs for Sri Lanka since he first came Athletics (SLA) is facing a fresh 400m direct qualification mark Earlier, Selectors decided to focus on a to the team in 2013. He has led Colts CC, challenge to conduct the is 44.90 seconds or better, a young team and dropped several seniors, Provincial teams and LPL Team Kandy National Athletics time which only Sugath including skipper Dimuth Tuskers before this. “I have helped several Championship 2021, which is Thilakarathne ran 23 years Karunarathne, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh captains during matches, and I’m confident vital especially for athletes who ago in 1998. Chandimal, Thisara Perera and Suranga that I’m someone who can read a situation are close to Olympic 800m (women), 400m Lakmal from the ODI side, focusing on the better,” said Perera. qualification. (women), Javelin Throw (men/ 2023 World Cup which led them to appoint Meanwhile, Perera expects his new SLA has the option of women) has SL athletes in the Perera as skipper and Kusal Mendis as his deputy Kusal Mendis, who was dropped postponing the competition Road to Tokyo next on the deputy. from Sri Lanka team, to make a comeback with qualification deadline World ranking list, while Perera said captaincy is not something he with added responsibility. being 29 June, but that would 3000m steeplechase runner expected, as he has been called and given “I think the break was good for Kusal further disrupt the already Nilani Rathnayaka has already the responsibility of leading a young side. Mendis, and the new responsibility will disrupted preparation due to achieved qualification “I want to create a winning culture in the change his approach. He is someone who COVID-19. standards. team. It’s not easy and will not happen can play long inning,” said Perera. In the latest development, Meanwhile, men’s long overnight. But we should play fearless Perera is expected to keep wicket and bat SLA has decided to conduct the jump too has no athlete in cricket and I want to give the players among the top three, while opener Avishka National Championship in either world ranking slot or confidence to back their ability in the Fernando who missed out from the several stages under strict near Olympic direct middle,” said Perera. Bangladesh tour due to fitness failure, will Italy Based Sri Lankan sprinter health guidelines by adopting a qualification standard of Yupun Abeykoon broke his own He further said that being professional be included for the England tour once he DREAM protocol, where the 8.22m, but SLA seems 100m South Asian record by clock- cricketers, players should understand their passed the next fitness test, as he is an first stages selected will be optimistic about someone ing 10.15 seconds at Meeting di strength and weaknesses and be honest important member of the new set up. Olympic targeted events, and performing better, as there Savona 2021 Held in Italy yesterday about themselves. If players can (AK) will be held on May 22 and 23. are a couple of jumpers who Accordingly, SLA has have leapt more than 8m in included the 100m event (men/ the event, with Janaka women), 400m (men/ Prasad Wimalasiri having a women), 800m (women), personal best of 8.14m and Javelin Throw (men/women) Amila Jayasiri 8.15m. and Men’s long jump in the SLA stated all these SL slips further in ranking first stage, though athletes who competition plans are compete in the 100m (men/ scheduled based on the Sri Lanka Cricket team went further down India remained the number 1 Test boost in their performances in upcoming women) and 400m (men) present COVID-19 health the ranking following the ICC Test Team team while New Zealand are placed 2nd, matches to move ahead in the list. events are nowhere near the guidelines in the country, and Rankings annual update. with one rating point below team India. West Sri Lanka’s current ranking in all 3 Olympic qualification mark. if by any chance the present As per the ICC’s annual ranking update, Indies gained the most, by moving up 2 formats: 100m Olympic direct lockdown continued, SLA will Sri Lanka ranks 8th in the list of Test teams spots, passing Sri Lanka and South Africa. Tests – 8th qualification mark is 10.05 have to change their decision with 78 rating points, just below South With this update, Sri Lanka ranks 8 or lower ODIs – 9th seconds, a time none of the along with updated health Africa who have 80 rating points. in all formats of the game; requiring a major T20Is – 8th South Asian Athletes have protocols.

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