wednesday 30 june 2021 Latest Edition Vol: 10/143 Price : Rs 30.00 In Sports Nimesh Fernando Tall Lad reaching Third party COVID vaccine drive goes awry Greater Heights in Basketball 100 Dehiattakandiya Fairfirst Insurance is a relatively new entrant to the mercantile garment workers sporting community, but the talented sportsmen and women... hospitalised A15

By Methmalie Dissanayake

A controversy has arisen after nearly 100 employees At Cardiology Unit of Kurunegala General Hospital at a garment factory in Dehiattakandiya were hospitalised when they started showing severe reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine following a immunisation programme carried out by a third party. Story Continued on page 2 Operation Theatres Used as More AstraZeneca doses due soon Storeroom and Restroom By Dilanthi Jayamanne Two Consultant Repeated requests to 3,000 patients Sri Lanka is to receive more Surgeons without complete construction of affected over six years, doses of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine within work for six years the theatres fall on deaf ears some have died the next few days, Deputy Director General (DDG) of By A Special for a number of years, number of patients have Health Services Dr. Hemantha Correspondent Ceylon Today learns. been greatly Herath said, yesterday (29). The theatres are being inconvenienced. He said the country was to The two main used as a restroom for Sources revealed that receive 264,000 AztraZeneca operation theatres ICU nurses, it was some 400 patients, who vaccines under the COVAX attached to the further learnt. are recommended by the facility of the World Health Kurunegala General The two operation Cardiology Unit to Organisation (WHO). He noted Hospital’s Cardiology theatres in the five-storey undergo heart surgeries that in accordance with the recommendations made Unit, are currently being Cardiology Unit that was annually, have been by the National Immunisation Technical Advisory... used as a storeroom and opened in 2009, were inconvenienced due to a restroom, as the supposed to have the non-functioning of construction work of the completed work by 2015. the operation theatres Story Continued on page 2 theatres had been stalled As a result a large there. Ban on travellers from ME countries PCR reports provided by some inaccurate By Thameenah Razeek

Explaining why travellers with a recent 14-day travel history to the Middle East are being barred from entering the country, Cabinet Spokesman Story Continued on page 2 Keheliya Rambukwella stated doubts have arisen regarding the accuracy of the PCR reports provided by some passengers who arrive from these countries. Violation of bio-secure Foreigners in Camo at Ven. Seelaratana With effect from 1 July, travellers from Saudi bubble in England Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar,... Tissamaharama tank Thera wants clergy Story Continued on page 2 Govt hoping Chinese Military on SLC Board SLC will take Leader of the Janasetha Peramuna, Basil entering Parliament not involved in Ven. Battaramulle Seelaratana Thera, appropriate action has requested the Sri Lanka Cricket Final decision lies with clean-up project Board to amend the Constitution of Sri By Thameenah Razeek Lanka Cricket (SLC) to accommodate at By Thameenah Razeek least two members of the clergy on the Govt, SLPP – Keheliya Board. By Thameenah Razeek The Government is hopeful that Sri An investigation revealed the Chinese In a letter to the Sri Lanka Cricket, Lanka Cricket would take appropriate military is not involved in the removal of silt Ven. Seelaratana Thera said the action against the three players, Kusal from the Tissamaharama tank in situation of Sri Lanka Cricket was The Government, or the SLPP, has yet to take a Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella and Danushka Hambantota, Cabinet Spokesperson “pathetic” and claimed that the recent final decision on whether SLPP National Organiser Gunathilaka, who violated the Sri Lanka Keheliya Rambukwella said yesterday (29). developments in the United Kingdom Basil Rajapaksa would be given a seat in cricket squad’s bio-secure COVID-19 Rambukwella made these remarks at the Parliament, Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya bubble in England, Cabinet Spokesman... weekly Cabinet Media briefing at... Story Continued on page 2 Rambukwella said yesterday (29). He stated the decision on Basil entering Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Parliament is one that should be made internally... Duminda’s pardon Story Continued on page 2 #Metoo campaign President Businessman arrested Only formal complaints will followed all rules By Thameenah Razeek for illegal import of ghee Justifying the Presidential pardon By Nabiya Vaffoor be probed – Rambukwella given to former MP Duminda Silva, Cabinet Spokesman Kehleiya By Thameenah Razeek A local businessman was harassments in Sri Lankan investigation based on social Rambukwella stated the President had arrested yesterday (29) for newsrooms. media reports because no followed all applicable rules to the letter, attempting to clear a Until a formal complaint is Cabinet Spokesman and steps could be taken without a when granting the pardon. consignment of 1,500 kg of filed, the Media Ministry has Minister of Mass Media formal complaint. When asked about the Government's imported ghee from the decided not to make any Keheliya Rambukwella said He stated that if such response to concerns voiced by a Customs, declaring it as... inquiry into the alleged sexual his Ministry will not launch an incidents occur in... number of organisations about Silva's...

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 A2 Wednesday 30 June 2021 News

X-Press Pearl disaster Indian Navy Ship Conducts Underwater Survey By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan 25 June is under the Southern Naval container ship ‘X-Press Pearl,’ report help with the ongoing monitoring cover clean-up costs. We continue to Command. Apart from a helicopter that caretaker salvors continue to activities. make machinery available for At the request of the Sri Lankan and Bofors 40 mm gun, the ship is observe a grey sheen emanating from Representatives of International shoreline clean-ups, but remain Government, the Indian Navy’s also equipped with four survey motor the wreck, however, it has lessened Tanker Owners Pollution Federation limited by the current COVID-19 hydrographic survey ship INS boats, two small boats. over the last week (25 June). They (ITOPF) and Oil Spill Response are lockdown in deploying manpower. Sarvekshak is conducting an extensive The survey is being progressed with remain onsite on 24-hour watch to monitoring updates from the scene A seafarer injured during the underwater survey around the MV survey boats and integral helo for deal with any possible debris and and are ready to deploy in case of any vessel’s evacuation was discharged X-Press Pearl, which sank on 2 June. aerial recce in coordination with the report any kind of spill. reported spill. from hospital and joined the fellow A large number of submerged objects National Aquatic Resources Research A specialised salvor’s tug has arrived Ashore, discussions are underway to crewmembers at a local hotel. from the ship were detected. and Development Agency (NARA) and from Malaysia to take over the provide an initial payment of funds to Meanwhile, select crew continue to The hydrographic survey ship of the Hydrographic Office, Sri Lanka Navy. caretaker duties and drones have been help compensate those affected by the assist Sri Lankan Police with the Indian Navy that reached Colombo on X-Press Feeders, operators of the flown in and will be deployed onsite to fire and resulting pollution and help investigation into the incident.

Continued from page 1 President...... pardon, he said that if the previous administration of the United Operation Theatres... States could pardon mercenaries, there was no reason why Sri Lanka cannot pardon more prisoners. Although two consultant surgeons ventilators and heart lung machines as would intervene to get the two operation He went on to say the President had not broken any laws and had have been appointed to the Kurunegala well. theatres completed, it could be a boon to granted the pardon in conformity with the law. Cardiology Unit, they had not been able Repeated requests to past and present heart patients of the Kurunegala, to perform surgery due to the work on Governments, both written and verbal, Puttalam, Kegalla and Anuradhapura the two theatres being incomplete. since 2016, had not yielded any results. Districts, who are waiting to get their Although the CECB had submitted an Due to this situation some 3,000 surgeries done. estimate of Rs 40 million to the Ministry patients who had been directed to the Dr. Aruna Kapuruge, when contacted, of Health to complete the work, approval Kurunegala Hospital for heart surgeries said though two specialist doctors, with Seelaratana... has not yet been granted to carry out the had been left in the lurch and scores overseas training, had been assigned to work. others had even died during this period. the Cardiology Unit of this hospital ... “deterioration in discipline.” The total cost to complete the work on It is also said that most of the previously, they had not been able to He reiterated that his intention to contest the election of the Sri Lanka the two operation theatres, the eight-bed specialist doctors who have been perform their duties due to the many Cricket Board was to “halt corruption and ensure discipline.” surgical ICU and the two surgical wards, assigned to this Hospital are continuing shortcomings. He added the clergy should be appointed to the Board in an honorary along with all the required equipment to provide their services to the hospitals He added that the equipment needed capacity, “for the betterment of the SLC,” noting that the decision would be about Rs 400 million. This in Colombo and Karapitiya. for each theatres alone would cost a “would be a blessing to SLC and the nation.” (TF) includes essential equipment such as Sources said that if the Government sum of Rs 250 million.

More AstraZeneca... Businessman...... Committee, the Pfizer and Moderna Responding to questions, he said the country Moderna vaccine under the WHO’s COVAX ... deepam oil. Customs Deputy Director (Legal) vaccines too would be administered to those would receive the vaccines in instalments facility. and Media spokesman Sudatta Silva said the who received the first jab of AstraZeneca commencing with 26,000 doses which are Currently AstraZeneca, Sinopharm and market price of the ghee was Rs 2,842,500 and COVISHIELD. scheduled to arrive on 6 July 2021. More of the Sputnik V vaccines were being used to thus, the Government would have lost a staggering Sri Lanka is to receive another 200,000 doses vaccines doses would reach Sri Lanka on 12, 19 vaccinate the population. Also the country has Rs 1,320,000 as revenue on Custom’s duty had it of the Pfizer Vaccine during the month of July, and 26 of July 2021, he said. administered both doses of one of these three passed through Customs without being detected. General Manager of State Pharmaceutical The SPC General Manager added that Sri vaccines to 939,472 of its population by The 20-foot container was brought into the Corporation (SPC), Dinusha Dassanayake said. Lanka was also to receive 1 million doses of the Monday (28). country by a local vendor in Colombo 13 on 18 June on a ship that set sail from the Kattupalli Port in India for a businessman in Singapore. “The local vendor declared the contents as 120 kg of oats, 2,500 kg of incense powder and 1,600 cans Final decision... Chinese Military... of (deepam) oil to be used to light pooja lamps. The value of the whole consignment was Rs 3,941,334 .. and he is not prepared to respond to any Media reports or ... Department of Government presence at the worksite were false. and the local businessman had paid Rs 2,428,252 rumours that have been circulated regarding on the matter, Information. There were concerns When questioned if locals are as import tax to Customs,” added de Silva. When asked if Rajapaksa intends to accept a ministerial raised by the Opposition and several permitted to wear such clothes and The container was inspected at the RCT container portfolio, Rambukwella stated that many discussions are other groups regarding the presence perform their tasks, he answered yard at Orugodawatta yesterday by Customs taking place in this connection and that a proper decision is of foreign nationals wearing clothing that if it's a registered agency, such officers, he said. During investigations, Customs yet to be reached. similar to the Chinese military as a security agency, they have a list officers found 100 cans of finely packed ghee Furthermore, he stated that there is a mechanism for uniform at the said worksite. of garments which can be worn. He weighing 1,500 kg. offering or accepting a ministerial portfolio and that any He said the CID and Sri Lanka said that the clothing was similar to Further investigations are being carried out by future nominations will have to follow the same approach. Army launched an investigation into those worn by private security the Information and Communication Technology Therefore, he stated that once everything has been fully the incident which found that the agencies in China and not the Division of the Customs. Following completion of clarified and approved, an official statement will be issued in allegations of Chinese military Chinese military. the investigation, the goods will be confiscated and response to all the queries raised. the suspects will be fined or will face legal action. In response to a question from the Media whether the Cabinet will be reshuffled, he stated that the President has the authority to do that and no minister may comment on it. PCR reports... Govt hoping...... Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman airlines, but not all, carried COVID- would not be permitted to disembark 19 passengers. ... Keheliya Rambukwella said. Only formal... in Sri Lanka, according to the Civil He added that concerns have been Speaking at the weekly Cabinet Media briefing at Aviation Authority. raised regarding the validity of these Department of Government Information yesterday ... newsrooms, complaints must be filled at the Police or When asked why the Government PCR reports. (29), he added that the Sri Lanka Cricket is an Media Ministry. took this decision, Rambukwella said “We have temporarily halted independent institution and that the Government He claimed that conducting an investigation into any media there were more than 100 of COVID- flights while investigating the larger will never interfere with its decisions. institution without a formal complaint will be viewed as 19 positive cases in passenger planes picture of what happened. Since However, the Government is keeping a close eye interference of media freedom. that landed within 48 hours and had we’ve already brought in roughly on the Sri Lanka Cricket’s decisions and actions Sri Lankan female journalists' #MeToo campaign on social PCR reports claiming they had not 200,000 people, there should be regarding these three controversial players and to media has gained a wide attention both locally and contracted COVID-19. some room for investigation. We see if they are made without any bias. internationally in past two weeks. He stated that the legitimacy of the discovered that the number of Rambukwella stated that the officers of SLC have However, Rambukwella during the Cabinet Media briefing certification provided by the affected people is rapidly been given sufficient authority to take action last week said that the Ministry will contact the female regulatory authorities in the increasing,” he said, adding that this against players who have committed misconduct, journalists who posted stories about alleged sexual aforementioned nations is under is a serious concern and the and it is up to them to take suitable decisions harassment in their newsrooms on social media. question and that only some of those Government should investigate. against the trio in order to avoid a repeat.

100 Dehiattakandiya... Ceylon Today learns that this persons who had been vaccinated were the vaccine had been administrated controversial vaccination programme hospitalised on Monday (28) while to pregnant workers of the factory had been organised without the several others were hospitalised without following the health knowledge of the local MOH. yesterday (29). guidelines. When Ceylon Today contacted He further said the Health Ministry However, Deputy Director General of Dehiattakandiya MOH Dr. Chanith was informed immediately about the Health Services, Dr. Hemantha Herath Peduruarachchi, he confirmed that incident and there would be an inquiry said they had not been informed about neither he nor his office were aware of as to how a large number of persons suchan incident so far. this vaccination drive that had taken started to show complications following State Minister of COVID Disease place and that they were not involved the controversial vaccination Control, Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle in it, in any way. programme. also said she had not received any Dr. Peduruarachchi said nearly 90 It is reported to Ceylon Today that information regarding the matter. News Wednesday 30 jUne 2021 A3 169 COVID-19 X-Press Pearl fiasco cases in Batticaloa Only 40% of Plastics By Naalir Jamaldeen

A total of 169 persons have tested positive to COVID-19 on 28 June in Washed Ashore – Amaraweera Batticaloa District, Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Nagalingam By Thameenah Razeek only 40 per cent of the plastic seldom die in this manner during the meeting at the Ministry. This meeting Mayooran said. washed ashore, and the rest may monsoon season, and that a majority was organised to assess how the He said 34 persons from Batticaloa Only 40 per cent of the plastics on have been consumed by fire, be in of these carcasses are deposited on CEA’s work has progressed so far. Medical Officer of Health (MOH) board the MV X-Press Pearl freighter the stomachs of sea creatures, or the West Coast, which is close to The Minister also directed the CEA Division, 18 persons from washed ashore, and no one knows have floated to other regions due to where the ship caught fire. to begin gathering annual data on Kaluwanchikudy, 3 persons from what happened to the rest of the sea waves, Amaraweera said. “Two big plastic and polythene polythene and plastic imports, as Valaichchenai, 37 persons from plastic stocks, Environment Minister Amaraweera remarked that manufacturing companies have well as the release of polythene and Kattankudy, 2 persons from Mahinda Amaraweera said. considering the amount of dolphin placed orders for the plastics plastics into the environment, as Oddamavadi, 15 persons from Koralai He claimed that a considerable and turtle carcasses washing ashore supplied to our country. For three soon as possible. Pattu Central, 3 persons from amount of plastics from the vessel currently, it is clear that they are the months, the ship has brought the While saying that the country Chenkaladi, 25 persons from Eravur, 8 had washed up on Sri Lankan coasts outcome of the fire on board the required quantity for those should be made aware of the falsity persons from Vakarai, 5 from and that almost all of it had been vessel. The MV X-Press Pearl disaster companies. In our country, there are of an international organisation’s Vavunativu, 2 persons from Vellavely, placed in 44 freight containers in the was recognised by the United roughly ten such plastic and claim that Sri Lanka was the fifth and 16 persons from Arayampathy were Wattala area. The Minister added Nations (UN) as an instance where polythene producing enterprises. largest polythene and plastic polluter reported. A Police Officer is among the that the containers held 1,034 the largest amount of plastic was One can imagine the amount of of seas, he ordered that a systematic patients, he added. tonnes of plastic, according to the dumped into the ocean at one given plastic these corporations bring into programme be developed to inform Dr. Mayooran said one COVID-19 Central Environmental Authority time. the country,” he said. investors interested in alternatives to death was reported on 28 May in (CEA). Recalling his time as the Minister Amaraweera shared these views plastic and polythene products that Batticaloa District. As per the information he received, of Fisheries, he said sea creatures during a recent progress review are currently proposed to be banned.

To help Asela Sampath’s children study Sajith grants schol and laptop

By Nabiya Vaffoor of the Opposition Leader, a laptop was given to Asela Sampath’s son, Opposition Leader Sajith while his daughter received a Premadasa granted a scholarship scholarship for her higher education. and equipment for online education Premadasa, at this occasion, to the son and daughter of consumer praised Asela Sampath and rights activist Asela Sampath, requested his children to continue recently. their educational activities Under the ‘Sathkaraya’ programme successfully.

To ensure prolonged utility of SLCG Suraksha India gifts machinery parts worth Rs 120M The Indian Government gifted 650 machinery parts worth Rs 120 million to augment the maintenance capability of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) Ship Suraksha, which was presented by India in 2017. The machinery parts of the final consignment were formally presented by the Deputy High Commissioner of India Vinod Jacob, yesterday (29). The spares would ensure prolonged utility of the SLCG Suraksha, which is the only offshore patrol vessel of the SLCG. In addition, the spares will facilitate expeditious repairs, improved seagoing capability, and increased overall life cycle of the ship. During the recently concluded High Level Meeting on 22 June between the Indian Coast Guard and Sri Lanka Coast Guard the assurance of India’s fullest cooperation in the field of maritime security and capacity-building was reiterated. (ST)

Heroin worth Rs 11M seized in Mattakkuliya By Treshan Fernando

The Divisional Crime Detective Bureau of Colombo North has arrested a 27-year-old suspect who was in possession of heroin worth Rs 11 million, Police Spokesman SDIG Ajith Rohana said. The suspect was arrested in an operation conducted in Mattakkuliya on 28 June. SDIG Rohana added that Police recovered 1.71 kg of heroin from the suspect. Police also confiscated Rs 289,000 from the suspect, which are the proceeds of narcotic-related activities, SDIG Rohana said. Police also seized a motor vehicle, which SDIG Rohana said was used to transport drugs. In addition, the Special Task Force found 1,100 stamps with synthetic drugs in an operation in Horana. The total value of the drugs seized by Police on 28 June would amount to around Rs 12 million, SDIG Rohana added. He also said Police are continuing their anti-narcotic operations.

Three arrested over murder of exorcist By Sandeep Tissaaratchy The Nawagamuwa Police, which found a body of a man floating in the Kelani River, have uncovered that the victim was known to be an exorcist residing temporarily in Hanwella, Police Spokesman, SDIG Ajith Rohana said. He said in an investigation conducted by the Divisional Crime Detective Bureau (DCDB) in Nugegoda showed the murder occurred due to extramarital affairs. The DCDB has arrested three suspects, including the partner of the exorcist. The main suspect was identified as a 49-year-old who was having an illicit affair with the victim’s partner, DIG Rohana said. SDIG Rohana added that the DCDB recovered a hammer and a motorbike used to commit the crime. All three suspects were produced before the Homagama Magistrate yesterday (29). Further investigations are underway, SDIG Rohana said. A4 wednesday 30 june 2021 news

Sword Quarantine Guidelines brandishing gang runs for Travellers Amended amok in house By Dilanthi Jayamanne PCR tests, the DGHS said all travellers who were quarantine hotel, Safe and Secure Certified Level 12 years and above should undergo PCR tests on 1 Hotel, for 14 days. Director General of Health Services, Dr. Asela arrival from a private sector laboratory approved Foreign national Resident Coordinator of the in Mullaitivu Gunawardana, issued further amended by the Health Ministry or a State sector UN, foreign national Heads of international guidelines for ‘quarantine measures for travellers laboratory. Also, children below 12 years of age organisations with permanent offices in Sri Lanka Victim of sword attack arriving from overseas during the COVID-19 would be exempted from this test on arrival, if and having organised diplomatic status, and their pandemic,’ cancelling those which were issued on they are continued to be quarantined at a accompanying parents, spouses and children hospitalised, vehicles 12 and 13 April 2021, which introduced quarantine hotel, centre or a Safe and Secure should undergo mandatory quarantine for 14 torched, gang on the run mandatory home quarantine for officials Certified Level 1 Hotel. However, if the on-arrival days at a residence arranged by the respective currently residing in Sri Lanka and were PCR test of a traveller accompanying the child organisation, agency in Sri Lanka, or a Safe and undertaking important State visits or official concerned tests positive to COVID-19, the child Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel. He said the By Naalir Jamaldeen visits for government purposes under the too would be subjected to a PCR test respective diplomatic mission, organisation, bio-secure bubble. subsequently. agency with permanent offices in Sri Lanka An unidentified gang that broke into a The DGHS updated guidelines calling for a pre- Dr. Gunawardana said travellers arriving from should sanction approval in writing from area house in the Kallapadu North area in the departure negative COVID-19 test report. It was overseas including Sri Lankans (seafarers/sea Medical Officer of Health (MOH) mentioning that Mullaitivu Police Division on the night of mandatory for all travellers arriving in Sri Lanka marshals arriving to go home), dual citizens, the residence is suitable for mandatory 27 June had attacked a person with sword to carry a negative COVID-19 test report in tourists, foreign nationals who include resident quarantine. causing injuries English language. He said for Sri Lankans the visa holders were to be mandatorily quarantined Dr. Gunawardana said fully-vaccinated Sri The gang also damaged the vehicles test had to be either a PCR test done within 96 at a quarantine hotel, centre or a Safe and Secure Lankans or dual citizens who have residences, parked in the courtyard of the house. A hours prior to embarkation or a Rapid Antigen Certified Level 1 Hotel for 14 days. homes in Sri Lanka to undergo mandatory vehicle which was set on fire by the Test (RAT) done within 48 hours of embarkation. Introducing further amendments, foreign quarantine were permitted home quarantine only gangsters was gutted, the Mullaitivu Police Those holding foreign passports and dual national staff members of diplomatic missions or if they departed from abroad two weeks after said on Monday (28). citizens should carry a negative report of a PCR United Nations organisations, UN specialised completion of the recommended doses of vaccine. The person injured in the sword attack test done within 96 hours before embarkation. agencies, international organisations with The DGHS said, however, as there were positive is being treated at the District General Dr. Gunawardana said travellers who have permanent offices in Sri Lanka (Except the cases reported amongst fully-vaccinated persons Hospital, Mullaitivu and no suspects were received the recommended doses of the foreign national Resident Coordinator of the in Sri Lanka and in other countries, it was arrested by Police so far. The Mullaitivu coronavirus vaccine should carry the original United Nations, foreign national Heads of UN important to minimise COVID-19 or its variants Police are conducting further inquiries vaccination certificate or card with a certified specialised agencies and foreign national Heads entering the country. Therefore, if this group regarding this attack. copy of English language translation if the of international organisations) holding completed the two weeks of post-vaccination document is not in English or if the relevant data diplomatic, UN, Official passports and their period during the institutional quarantine period is not indicated in English. accompanying parents, spouses, and children in Sri Lanka, they are “not eligible” for home Issuing instructions for on-arrival COVID-19 should be mandatorily quarantined at a quarantine for the remaining quarantine period. Devananda Sugar importing calls upon Indian aid to halt due to for fisher folk sufficient stock Impacted by the MV – Wakkumbura X-Press Pearl cargo By W. K. Prasad Manju ship disaster

By Naalir Jamaldeen State Minister of Development of Minor Crops including Sugarcane, Maize, Cashew, Pepper, Cinnamon, Cloves, Betel Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda Related Industries and Export Promotion, Janaka Wakkumbura said he has extended a request to the told Ceylon Today that the Government has decided to Indian Government asking their support ‘Matrimonial Causes Act temporarily suspend permits to import sugar and that the to improve the living conditions of Sri Ministry of Trade will import sugar in the future and is intending Lankan fishermen who have been to sell sugar at Rs 99 a kilo. impacted by the MV X-Press Pearl cargo will have wider scope’ State Minister Wakkumbura pointed out that only a part of the ship disaster. Minister Devananda made tax relief granted on importing a kilo of sugar at Rs 49.75 had these requests of Indian High By Faadhila Thassim been received by the people and as there are stocks of sugar Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Balgay of irretrievable breakdown of marriage. sufficient for another six months, the Government decided to during a meeting. During the meeting He added that the proposed Act suspend issuing permits to import sugar temporarily. Devananda brought to the attention of The proposed Matrimonial Causes Act contains several recommendations He said that the tax relief granted for sugar is being received by Indian High Commissioner Balgay of was handed over to the Minister of previously made but had not been the people as of now, and if that concession had not been issues and the challenges the local Justice, Ali Sabry by the Advisory implemented. This Act will repeal granted, the price of a kilo of sugar in the market would be about fishermen were facing after the X-Press Committee to the Ministry of Justice Chapter 42 of the Civil Procedure Code Rs 150. He also said that once the present Government came into Pearl cargo ship disaster as well as the appointed to review and reform family and certain provisions of the Marriage power, it succeeded in increasing the production capacity of breakout of COVID-19 pandemic. law and is headed by Attorney-at-law Registration Ordinance 1907 he said brown sugar by 75 per cent and that within this year the country Devananda brought to the attention of the Kushan D Alwis PC. adding that these Ancient laws have to will be capable of producing white sugar required for domestic Indian High Commissioner, of livelihood Alwis stated the Act seeks to update be amended as they have been done so consumption. challenges of local fishermen and told him the law with relation to divorce adding even in Britian. He pointed out that the annual consumption of white sugar in that they were looking for the timely that currently there are only three The report of the twelve-member the country is about six hundred thousand metric tonnes and assistance and support from the Indian grounds for divorce which are malicious committee was also handed over to brown sugar consumption was about one hundred thousand Government to address those challenges. desertion, incurable impotence at the Sabry together with views in relation to metric tons. He who recalled to the Indian High time of marriage and adultery which is a the law relating to domestic violence He mentioned that the capacity of brown sugar production is Commissioner the occasions where Indian fault-based approach but that by this and the proposed recognition of foreign expected to increase further and that Sri Lanka will gradually Government appeared to help the Sri Act, there will be a wider approach that divorce, annulment and separation Act. reduce importing white sugar. Lankans when they were facing various Wakkumbura further said that increasing the capacity of challenges also expressed confidence that producing white sugar locally will help save foreign exchange and their assistance would reach the by getting down the sugar required with the intervention of the fishermen too. Devananda added that Government, consumers will be able to afford a reasonable price. Indian High Commissioner who listed his Speaking further he said that this will be carried out by the request had promised him that he will give Three in one Ministry of Trade under the guidance of subject Minister a favourable solution after discussing with Dr. Bandula Gunawardena. the External Affairs Officers of India. family die of COVID The Health Ministry is to initiate a unfortunate incidents and prevent their special probe into the deaths of three recurrence. Reports into the deaths of HRCSL apprised of Govt’s failure members of the same family who had the father, mother and son have been been infected with COVID-19. called for by the Central Provincial Health Minister, Pavithra Director of Health Services and Regional Wanniarachchi called for an Director Health Services. Siripala to streamline online education investigation into the deaths of family Rajapaksa (71) Chandra Rajapaksa (68) residing in Iluktenna, Murutalawa in the and their son Dhammika Rajapaksa (39) By Mahesh Wijesuriya- that the country’s educational by General Secretary Joseph Peradeniya Yatinuwara Electorate. succumbed to the viral infection on 2, 17 Anuradhapura authorities had failed to Stalin submitted the complaint Accordingly, Director General Health and 23 June 2021 respectively. The streamline online education to while the Secretary to the Services, Dr. Asela Gunawardana, said father had a garage near the Peradeniya President of the Labour Trade 4.3 million students in this Ministry of Education Prof. Kapila steps will be taken to conduct an inquiry University for several years. Reports said Union, S. Priyantha Fernando country in the wake of the Perera, NCP Ministry of Education into the incident. that his son too had worked in the same yesterday submitted a complaint indefinite closure of schools due and the NCP Education Wanniarachchi noted that health garage. to the Human Rights Commission to the spread of the COVID-19 Department had been named as services should pay attention to such (DJ) of Sri Lanka(HRCSL) charging pandemic. Fernando supported respondents in the complaint.

Lankans leaving for foreign Night life, entertainment, employment to be given COVID Shot religious places still closed President has realised the importance of it – NOCPCO Police to prosecute rule breakers

By Naalir foreign employment, migrate for making a call from By Chamara situation, will be arrested the spread of the third wave Jamaldeen predominantly to employment as the the respective Agency. Amarasuriya and duly prosecuted, Police of the COVID-19 pandemic. Middle Eastern President has realised The said Media Spokesman DIG Rohana added Police were The Sri Lanka countries. The the importance of it. vaccination Those who patronise Ajith Rohana said on keeping close tabs on Bureau of Foreign National Operations Those who are going programme is to places such as casinos, Monday. whether such places were Employment (SLBFE) Centre for the abroad for commence from next nightclubs, betting centres, He said that each of the reopened in the Western has announced that Prevention of COVID- employment through week and more restaurants, swimming aforesaid places have still Province and warned those the Government has 19 has granted registered foreign information can be pools, religious places of not been permitted to who violate the health decided to vaccinate permission to employment agencies obtained contacting worship, libraries, reopen despite the relaxing guidelines will be promptly the Sri Lankans who vaccinate the Sri must get registered the SLBFE over the museums, hotels and rest of the travel restrictions, nabbed and then dealt with are migrating for Lankans who are to with the SLBFE hotline number1989. houses, during the present which were imposed to curb according to the law. Wednesday 30 JUNE 2021 A5 A6 WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE 2021 EDITORIAL

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Discipline Key to Success Something is rotten in the state of Denmark-Hamlet Sir Donald George Bradman (‘The Don’)-1908-2001, an Australian and acknowledged as the greatest batsman of all time, having the world’s highest test batting average at 99.94 from 6,996 runs scored in 52 tests and the captain The Death of the Australian Test side from 1936-1948, was, apart from his batting, also known for his discipline. It’s said that he insisted that his players be in bed by 9 p.m. complemented by the fact that their room lights had to be off by that time. It’s said that Sid Barnes, another great Australian batsman who played under of Free Speech in Bradman, once returned to his hotel after 9 p.m. by being out on the binge. Bradman, being aware of it, caught him on his return like a pickpocket and upbraided Barnes, who was far from being sober. Unfortunately, for Bradman and for cricket, the Second World War (1939-45) saw to it that he lost six years of his cricket due to the war. Nonetheless, in the seven test Hong Kong series he captained Australia from 1936-1938 and again from 1946 to 1948, he won six of those series for By IAN BURUMA Australia, while drawing the other. The 1939-40 Ashes Test series against England was abandoned due to the The Hong Kong newspaper war. Apple Daily has been forced to Reverting back to the local cricket scene and discipline, close. On the day it was this newspaper, in yesterday’s (Tuesday, 29 July) edition shuttered, people queued to buy carried as its lead story, an article titled, ‘Mendis, one last copy; a million were Dickwella, Danushka Suspended.’ This article was printed. The paper was doomed supported by a top strapline which read: ‘Following bio since last year, when China’s bubble breach’ and a bottom strapline: ‘Must take strict Communist government action against the three cricketers – Namal.’ imposed a harsh National The news-item in question to quote excerpts stated, Security Law on Hong Kong. Its “Vice-captain Kusal Mendis, wicket keeper batsman offices were raided by the police. Niroshan Dickwella and opener Danushka Gunathilaka Its journalists were threatened were suspended from all forms of cricket and ‘flown back with violence. Its assets were to Sri Lanka with immediate effect’, after the trio were frozen. Salaries could no longer found breaching the team’s bio-secure bubble in Durham be paid. Senior editors and a on Sunday night. The team, already in the spotlight after chief columnist were arrested. being whitewashed by England in the three-match T20 The paper’s alleged crime was series, found themselves in further trouble after a video “collusion with foreign powers,” and pictures of Mendis and Dickwella, casually roaming or as the former Chief Executive around in a marketplace emerged on social media of Hong Kong, C.Y. Leung, (Gunathilaka was not seen in the video, but the three are crassly put it, “collusion with believed to have stepped out together). scum from foreign countries.” ‘The decision to recall the players was taken by the Its real crime was its highly Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) based on critical coverage of the the Manager’s Report on the matter,’ read an SLC Communist Party of China, of the superiority of Western among mainland Chinese). Vice President Mike Pence statement. ‘The three players will be suspended from all the Hong Kong government and Christian civilisation over what Since Li was rumoured to have during Trump’s presidency, he forms of cricket until completion of the inquiry.’ of corrupt local tycoons and he sees as the tyrannical nature been adopted by Zhou Enlai went to see the Democratic Early indications from SLC are that the Board is politicians ever since Jimmy Lai of Chinese civilisation. This after his own father was killed – Speaker of the House Nancy viewing the breach as a serious offence and will likely founded the paper in 1995. opinion is not uncommon a claim Li has denied – calling Pelosi, too. And his tabloid, with impose severe penalties. Gunathilaka, in particular, has a Lai himself has already been among Christian Chinese his parentage into question was its peculiar blend of scandal, history of poor behaviour, having been suspended for an in prison for almost a year, political activists, but it tends to an especially stinging affront. gossip, and serious political indifferent attitude towards training in 2017 and violating charged with fraud, collusion find more backing from the far The government denounced Lai reporting, was Hong Kong’s curfew in the middle of a Test in 2018. with foreign countries and right in the West than from as a “traitor,” a “black hand,” a indispensable voice of free The players had supposedly returned to their rooms taking part in unlawful liberals. “rotten apple,” and so on, and speech. around midnight and are not believed to have jeopardised demonstrations. He could in Lai is what might be described viewed his support of Now that voice has been the bio-secure bubble of the others in the touring theory be locked up for life. as a rough diamond. After democratic politicians and silenced and Lai is in prison contingent. Neither Lai, nor his paper, fit fleeing China in 1959 at the age activists in Hong Kong, and his with others who tried to protect Meanwhile, Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa on his the high-minded ideal of of 12, in less than 30 years he efforts to keep the memory of the right of Hong Kong’s citizens official twitter said SLC officials must take strict action progressive activism. Apple worked his way up from being a 1989 alive, as dangerously to speak and write freely, to be against the three cricketers who violated COVID rules in Daily is partly a sensationalist child labourer in a garment subversive. ruled by law and to vote for their the UK. ‘Opportunity and time can be invested into tabloid full of stories about the factory to become a textile It was in fact unusual for a own autonomous government. youngsters to represent the country, in an attempt to sexual transgressions of movie magnate whose jeans brand, Hong Kong tycoon to defy the Their politics are diverse: revive #Srilanka cricket. However, playing with a lack of stars and other local celebrities, Giordano, sold well all over Communist government and Martin Lee is a venerable intent and poor discipline should not be tolerated. @ salacious gossip and general China and elsewhere in Asia. He promote democracy. Most barrister and moderate liberal OfficialSLC must take strict action against players who muckraking. In most liberal became a very rich man. businessmen keep quiet or do democrat, Joshua Wong is a violate these rules!’ the Sports Minister tweeted. democracies, such publications Everything changed radically their best to please and placate young leftist firebrand, and Lai Gunathilaka (30) has been in the national side since are usually seen as the for Lai after the savage the government in Beijing. Local is a red-baiting, Trump- 2015. Mendis (27) and Dickwella (28) too have been unfortunate price to be paid for crackdown on the pro- businesses stopped advertising admiring conservative representing the national side in various forms of the the right to free speech. The democracy demonstrations in in Lai’s publications, and pro- Christian. Yet, they stand game like Gunathilaka for several years. British tabloid press, for China in 1989. He had China newspapers in Hong Kong together. When freedom is SLC, since the halcyon days of Kumar Sangakkara example, is hardly progressive, supported the student published cartoons of Lai as a under siege, people cannot and Mahela Jayawardena has been in the doldrums, high-minded, or principled. protesters occupying monstrous beast wrapped in the afford the narcissism of small reflected by the ‘whitewash drubbing’ it suffered under But Apple Daily was principled Tiananmen Square and sent American flag. differences that is tearing apart the hands of England in the ‘T-20’ series concluded a in its way. True, the paper’s tone them free T-shirts. When the Lai faced physical danger as liberal politics in countries few days ago in England, as described before. was populist and not always Chinese authorities sent in well. His house in Hong Kong where people think democracy Part of the problem may be discipline. If there is no civil. People from mainland troops to crush the protests, was firebombed. He was can be taken for granted. discipline at the top in particular, then the whole team China arriving in Hong Kong to killing thousands, Lai became a threatened with machetes, and Ian Buruma is the author of suffers, but if there is discipline at the top, then the share in its riches were once vocal opponent of the he was under constant numerous books, including whole team gains, as shown by Bradman’s example. compared to ‘locusts’. But Apple Communist regime. He sold his surveillance and followed Murder in Amsterdam: The SLC has done the right thing by suspending these Daily also offered some of Asia’s garment business, which was wherever he went. Death of Theo Van Gogh and players for breach of discipline. However good a player sharpest political reporting and threatened with closure in Yet he never gave up. Lai the Limits of Tolerance, Year may be, the future of SLC cannot be sacrificed due to was often the only publication in China anyway and started a turned up every year to Zero: A History of 1945, A such a player’s or players’ indiscipline. Hong Kong that regularly magazine called Next, and then commemorate the Tiananmen Tokyo Romance: A Memoir If SLC turns the searchlight inwards, it may possibly exposed and analysed financial Apple Daily. “Information to me Square Massacre. He marched and most recently, The see that the reason behind SLC’s dismal performances or political wrongdoing. is freedom,” he said. in pro-democracy Churchill Complex: The in the past few years may not necessarily be due to Lai is a fascinating and Lai wrote articles calling Li demonstrations. He visited Curse of Being Special, From lack of talent, but due to tolerating indiscipline at the complicated figure. An avowed Peng, who carried out the Britain and the United States to Winston and FDR to Trump top. admirer of Donald Trump and a savage crackdown in 1989, an elicit support for maintaining and Brexit. devout Catholic convert, he “idiot” and “the son of a turtle Hong Kong’s freedoms. Although (Courtesy-www.project- holds rather strident views on egg” (a particularly nasty insult he was ridiculed for meeting US syndicate.org) COLUMN Wednesday 30 june 2021 A7 Amending the PTA By Lakshman I. Keerthisinghe Government is studying existing legislation to propose necessary “Terrorism is a psychological amendments, and will also draw on warfare. Terrorists try to manipulate international best practices adopted us and change our behaviour by by other jurisdictions. The creating fear, uncertainty, and Government rejects the claim that division in society.” the PTA has been systematically used – Patrick J. Kennedy for arbitrary arrests and the (US Politician) detention of Muslim or other minority groups in Sri Lanka. “Terrorism has no nationality or It is observed that the 20th religion” Amendment was enacted in full – Vladimir Putin compliance with the procedure set (Russian PM) out in the Constitution with a two thirds majority of the Members of The Foreign Ministry expressed its Parliament voting in its favour…., a regrets on the adoption of a number of in-built safeguards resolution on Sri Lanka in the relating to transparency and judicial European Parliament on 10 June review aimed at preventing the 2021 stating that the resolution passage of bills that are inconsistent entitled ‘The Situation in Sri Lanka, with the Constitution, including its in particular the arrests under the Fundamental Rights chapter, have Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA)’, been adhered to. contains factual inaccuracies, and Sri Lanka’s labour rights are in does not take cognizance of the compliance with ILO standards. The multifaceted progress made by Sri EU GSP + concessions have Lanka in reconciliation and contributed significantly towards this development. It was further stated process, thus benefiting the Sri that the Ministry wishes to state that Lankan economy, as well as the EU provisions of the Prevention of market. Similarly, the fishery sector Terrorism Act have been invoked to is a notable growth sector which has address heinous acts of terrorism Sri Lanka has one of the oldest and vibrant benefited from EU GSP + committed on its people. In this parliamentary democracies in Asia concessions. context reference was made to the Sri Lanka, as one of the oldest Easter Sunday terrorist attacks of Mission in Brussels; and with the EU parliamentary democracies in Asia, 2019 resulting in a significant loss of delegation and EU Ambassadors in has a longstanding vibrant life, including those of several EU Colombo by senior interlocutors of The Government has, in accordance with its democracy. The country’s robust nationals. the Government. foreign policy is based on the Foreign Minister Dinesh As part of this process, Sri Lanka constitutional mandate and international principles of neutrality, non- Gunawardena briefed Chargé has a constructive engagement with obligations, taken steps to protect the rights of all alignment and friendship. d’affaires of the Delegation of the the European Commission on the In conclusion, as the Ministry European Union (EU), in Colombo review of its EU GSP + compliance its citizens. Specific provision in terms of Article pointed out Sri Lanka should be Thorsten Bargfrede, as well as with the 27 core International 12 (1) of Sri Lanka's Constitution ensures that all supported in safeguarding the rights Colombo-based EU Ambassadors Conventions. Towards this end, the of its people, while taking cognizance and Chargé d’affaires from France, Third Cycle of Review of the EU GSP persons are equal before the law and are equally of demonstrated progress on the Italy, Romania, Germany and the + Monitoring Process for 2020-2021 ground. The Government of Sri Netherlands, on the Government’s is ongoing. entitled to protection by law Lanka looks forward to continuing its position, at a meeting convened at Sri Lanka apprised the EU on partnership with the EU on a broad the Foreign Ministry on Monday 14 progress with regard to its wide range The Government has, in before the law and are equally range of issues, and reassures the June 2021. of cooperation at the annual EU-Sri accordance with its constitutional entitled to protection by law. EU of its continued commitment to It was also stated that it is Lanka Joint Commission, the 23rd mandate and international Article 12 (2) of the Constitution engage proactively and productively important to underscore the Session of which was convened in obligations, taken steps to protect prohibits discrimination based on on areas of mutual interest. It is Government maintains a regular, January 2021. Further updates are the rights of all its citizens. The race, religion, language, caste, sex, important that the EU is not misled vibrant and cordial dialogue with the provided through the relevant Government has, in accordance with political opinion, place of birth or any by various interested groups such as EU covering all aspects of bilateral Working Groups and Committees its constitutional mandate and such grounds. the diaspora supportive of the former relations. The engagement is functioning under the purview of the international obligations, taken steps The Government is in the process LTTE at these difficult times. sustained through the close and Joint Commission. to protect the rights of all its citizens. of revisiting provisions of the PTA, in cordial dialogue maintained with the The Ministry submitted the Specific provision in terms of Article keeping with its commitments, as (The writer is an Attorney-at-Law European Commission, the Council following observations correcting 12 (1) of Sri Lanka's Constitution has been communicated to the EU. with LLB, LLM, MPhil. (Colombo)- and the Parliament by the Sri Lanka certain errors. ensures that all persons are equal Towards this endeavour, the [email protected]) UHI Challenges Colombo By Thushara Dissanayake general discomfort, respiratory difficulties, heat cramps, heat A few decades ago, many who lived in exhaustion, and non-fatal heat stroke. remote areas of the country might have Therefore, those who are sensitive to viewed Colombo City as a haven for not heat and have to engage in outdoor only its physical development, but also activities have a higher chance of getting business, education and employment affected. opportunities on offer. Even the LTTE used scenes of Colombo to brainwash Mitigation measures their members during the war, as there Trees, wetlands, and water bodies play had was a disparity between the North an important role in controlling the heat and Colombo. However, Colombo’s island effect. Green infrastructure like beauty has tarnished with time due to parks, rain gardens, green roofs, and the many growing issues. likes also contribute significantly to The city was a hot spot for terrorist mitigate the effect. Unfortunately, what attacks especially during the war and we can experience is a rapid decrease in any hope of peace was once again lost such natural green areas especially with the attack that happened two years wetlands due to development activities back. Ever-increasing traffic congestion, even though in 2018 Colombo was air pollution, frequent urban flooding, declared as an international wetland city road closures due to protests, and by Ramsar. According to the experts, epidemics like dengue and COVID-19 Colombo wetlands are shrinking at a has made Colombo lose its attraction: combined effect of global warming and other greenhouse gases is a well-known than that is measured in a general horrible rate of 1.2 per cent or 57 acres These are problems faced by nearly all the urban heat island effect (UHI). UHI phenomenon that needs not to discuss climatic station. The governing factor for per annum. Colombo residents. We hope that many occurs when a city experiences higher herein. On the contrary, the heat island such differences would be the uneven Thus, UHI effect in Colombo will more of these issues can be solved to a temperatures than nearby suburban effect, which appeals equally important distribution of heat-absorbing or less affect the quality of life of its satisfactory level by the ongoing and areas. attention, is not widely discussed infrastructure, human activities that dwellers and those who commute for proposed infrastructure development An Australia-based engineering despite its severe consequences. generate heat, and the absence of work, education, business, and other projects. This article is about the hydrologist Brian Gunter has studied Substantiating the above findings natural landscapes that possess the necessities. The low-income population implications of the emerging adverse the temperature variation in Colombo Climate Risk Country Profile Report cooling ability. living in the city who cannot afford to get island heat phenomena. and the results show for the period 2020 by the World Bank Group and the air-conditioners and those who are 1940-2015 the average temperature has Asian Development Bank on Sri Lanka The consequences exposed to the outer environment will be Urban heat island effect gone up by almost 1.5 degrees of states that Colombo temperature may When cities become heat islands, the most vulnerable. Therefore, the issue of Those who have been staying in Celsius. It is shocking that according to have gone up by 1.6 Celsius due to the need for air conditioning to cool buildings UHI effect in Colombo will not merely be Colombo for few decades would have the current trend temperature will UHI effect and likely to damage the goes up increasing the energy demand an environmental issue but a socio- experienced that the city is getting hotter further increase in the future. Global productivity of the service sector during peak hours while increasing the economic issue as well. and hotter. In fact, it is due to the warming caused by carbon dioxide and economy. According to the report, the cost of energy. According to my As mentioned the UHI effect is partly damage will take place directly knowledge, the future electricity demand contributed by global warming, a impacting labour productivity and of the country is forecasted based on the scenario we alone cannot control. through extra costs for necessary unmet demand together with the However, we can manage contributing adaptation. projected population increase. Therefore, factors for the UHI effect where the first the extra energy requirement owing to and foremost is the nurturing of the The causes the UHI effect also has to be taken into existing green environment in Colombo. There are many causes for the heat account by the planners of the energy Other than that, only a few pragmatic island effect and mainly it is due to a sector for calculating the future demand. options are available to mitigate the large number of buildings and roads As the urban population in Colombo is situation. Developing green roofs that have used concrete, asphalt, steel, around 750,000 this kind of hidden covered with plants, using lighter- and other heat absorbent materials. electricity demand will be significant. In coloured material for the outer sides of Waste energy from air conditioners, the meantime, NASA has found that UHI buildings, shading building surfaces vehicles, industries, air pollution, and increases rainfall rates around cities by with vegetation, and transforming every the absence of vegetation also contribute 48-116 per cent. Colombo already suffers possible space to green spaces are some a lot to the UHI effect. Not only daytime from urban flooding during intense rains of the activities that can be done to temperatures but also night-time resulting in increased traffic congestion modify the physical environment. In temperatures are also high when there and a further increase in local rainfall addition, the use of energy-efficient is a UHI effect. Different parts of the city may aggravate the situation. manufacturing technologies, vehicles, may experience different temperatures Higher daytime temperatures caused and equipment will also be helpful. creating many intra-urban heat islands by heat can cause heat-related deaths (Thushara Dissanayake is a and temperatures could be much higher and heat-related illnesses such as chartered Civil Engineer) A8 WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE 2021 FOCUSNews

BMVY AMI X-PressT KUMAR Pearl probe counter China’s aggression against LifelineIsland states. Global offered trade and While the committeegravity of geo-politics and communication are impacted by geo-economics have witnessed a shift SL to Join Race China’s military advancement in the from TransatlanticCabinet to Indo-Pacific, toSouth tourist China Sea. The coalition of Quad has gained in currency. The Quad with maritime exercises, Quad is a Quadrilateral Security QUAD sectorsurveillance in workersthe South China Sea, Dialogueappointed of India, Japan, the United and support for its allies will change States, and Australia with the to Zero Campaign By Tthehameenah geopolitics R ofazeek Asia, it will therefore potential of becoming a mutual become Asia’s NATO. 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The Duecompete to the with lack the of clarityUS in termsof of GDP. that thecounter detainee China’s and aggression family and build baseddiscussion on circumstances of a ‘Free surrounding and Open Indo- the cyber and space-oriented, and China’s groupingAn example of the of arbitraryfour countries is governmentThe COVID-19 regulations pandemic and and China’s members,better particularly economic and when defence laws ties with adjustmentsPacific’ is to something be made. The beyond committee a simple growingThe Sri cyber Lankan and Collective space power Against can be applicationbased on liberal of the democraticlaw includes values, the decrees,influence the publicover World when Health suchthe as theUnited Prevention States. China’sof Terrorism financial submittedmotto. proposals India, Japan, for amending and Australia the said counteredTorture (SLCAT) by Quad, has Asia’s written NATO. to the participationand they have of theannounced Police in a the military attemptingOrganization to fulfil have their challenged basic United Act (PTA)support and for the the ICCPR South Act Asian are act, andcan itstart has torecommended lead the pack that in the Sri QuadIGP, expressing members aregrave technologically concern violationcoalition of as health like-minded regulations. nations. They The needs,State’s such hold as overbuying global provisions, institutions, used.countries, the Belt and Road Lankainfrastructural National Aquaculture projects, Development while the soundregarding and the superior. actions of the Police quotedQuad themembers birthday are party against of the are butbeing the subjected vaccine diplomacy to ill-treatment cooperation “Weinitiative, draw your and attention the growing to the influence AuthorityUnited Act States No. 53 too, of 1998should be beamended, in any duringThe United the pandemic States, along and with its Mayorgrowing of Kurunegala power and repeated and the by theamong Police, the asQuad evidenced members by resultedthe in fact thatof China bail isin the the norm, Indian not ocean the threats as wellway as more the Fisheries supportive and of Aquatic dynamics in allies,highlighted is now the challenging reports of China several on funeralprovocation of the ofmother China of and Ven. changing videoincreasing footage, successthey said. of the Quad and exceptionIndia’s and national in keeping security. with Withthe the Resourcespushing Act ahead No. 2 ofthe 1996, vision which of was worldincidents forums of custodial by taking violations, a stronger Iththekandepower dynamics Saddhatissa of the world, Thera, the “Weevolving have receivedinterest in disturbing expanding Quad spiritmilitary and intent alliance of the of law the urge Quad, you India amendedavailability. concurrently The Quad by the should Act No. zero 22 ofin stancesuch as against arbitrary China’s arrest human and rights wherecoalition health will guidelines become the were NATO of reportsto become of the thePolice Asian not NATO. accepting to givecan Police counter bail thewhere growing it is aggression 2006.on Meanwhile, building a thepowerful Dangerous territorial Animals violationdetention, in custodial Xinjiang anddeaths, democratic and violated.East due to China’s aggressive politics complaints of women experiencing availableof China and andnot objectbecome to abail regional Ordinanceconference should component be changed and in organise protestshoot-outs in Hong with Kong. suspects The thatsupport have by thatThey is reminded disrupting the the IGP liberal that the violenceIndia’s at home, View which on Quad wherehegemon. the offence is bailable and accordancewith ASEAN with current countries conditions, on issues of theresulted United in Statesdeaths. and its allies for Policeinternational and other order, government values and the compoundsIndia is the a peace-loving violations country with the exceptions stipulated in the Bail accordinglocal significance.to the subcommittee The Quad on criminalneeds littoralOver states20 organisations in Nine-Dash have line, authoritiesUnited State’s require hegemony. the cooperation The future experiencedfriendly ties by women.”but after the military Act doMasquerading not apply,” the letter NATO said. law reformsan aggressive of the Ministry approach of inJustice’s the region, Taiwan,signed the Thailand, petition and sent Bhutan to the IGPare ofof the the public Quad to lies ensure in evolving that the aggression Therestandoff have in been Galwan instances Valley, where India’s Theyand requested Conclusion the Police to specialand unit. it needs a military capacity likelyyesterday to increase (29). in coming years that coronavirusof China, it doesis taking not spread,a hard stance arrestsinterest were in made the Quad prior hasto a increased adhere to the Constitution and As buildinga result, Cabinetthat can authorised counter China’s the willParticularly intensify the during Cold aWar pandemic, II between however,against theeven United during States emergencies, in world completerapidly. investigation, India has now such taken as the bold relevantThe laws South and China ensure Sea that is adverselythe Ministerefforts of Justice’sin the South proposal China to Seatake and the thewhen two. the China’s rights ofrace citizens against are the andforums, even whenbut due citizens to the breakunderlying the thatstep of Yasiru of being Kuruwitage a proud member Mathew, of the law isaffected not implemented by China’s innaval an power, the requiredIndo-Pacific procedures region to alter. Dangerous Unitedrestricted States due and to health resultant reasons law,ideological their fundamental differences, rights China will unmindfulQuadrilateral of the Securityrepercussions Dialogue. This arbitraryQuad or recent discriminatory coalition exercises manner. Animals Ordinance(www.moderndiplomacy.eu) No. 38 of 1921. COVID-19 Centralised Communication Hub Supporting the national effort in the monitoring and managing of the fight against COVID-19, Bank of patient’s vitals until the patient is Ceylon, Dialog Axiata PLC and fully recovered or admitted to a Wavenet International (Pvt) Ltd have hospital. The system will help partnered to establish the national eliminate manual processes, while 1390 COVID-19 Integrated Home- also providing a safe and efficient based Care Solution, a consolidated digital mechanism for all health hub combining a digital platform and officials to better serve patients. The an outreach centre to better manage initial pilot project commenced in the home-based care of PCR positive early June in the Kalutara District asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and has, to date, registered over 800 patients, for the first time in Sri patients in the system. The project Lanka. This project was initiated by will commence rollout to the rest of the Ministry of Health (MOH), guided the Western Province from 10 July by Dr. Asela Gunawardena - Director and thereafter will be made available General of Health Services, in islandwide. collaboration with the Government The 1390 trilingual service is free of Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) charge for all Sri Lankans, and it can under the directive of the President be accessed by dialling 1390 from any and the Minister of Health. network. In light of the significant number of Commenting on the initiative, Hon. COVID-19 positive patients being Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Minister of Left to Right: Deputy Director Medical Services Dr. Lal Panapitiya, Additional Secretary, Public Health Services Dr. Lakshmi identified, the fully-fledged integrated Somathunga, President, GMOA Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya, Additional Secretary, (Medical Services) Dr. Sunil De Alwis, Director Health said, “We are pleased to home-based care solution will help General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunewardena – Minister of Health Pavithra Devi Wanniarachchi, State Minister of Production, initiate the national 1390 COVID-19 reduce the burden on the hospital Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Channa Jayasumana, Chairman, Bank of Ceylon – Kanchana Ratwatte, Group Chief Integrated Home-based Care Solution healthcare system and support Executive, Dialog Axiata PLC Supun Weerasinghe, CEO, Wavenet International (Pvt) Ltd Suren Pinto to further supplement the country’s COVID-19 patients presenting mild or efforts in eradicating COVID-19. We no symptoms with a practical and management system that caters to the doctors at district level, will be Services. Regional MOH are immensely grateful to the Bank of hassle-free recovery process. The requirements mandated by the facilitated by the GMOA in departments will initially assess Ceylon for facilitating the call centre, objective of the 1390 home-based care Ministry of Health (MOH) & collaboration with the Ministry of COVID-19 PCR positive patients, to Dialog Axiata for providing the solution is to provide maximum Government Medical Officers' Health. Clinical expertise is provided decide on the suitability of patients necessary connectivity comfort to asymptomatic patients, Association (GMOA). The Patient by the association of specialists in for either home care or treatment at infrastructure, Wavenet International enabling them to be isolated at home Management System is developed and family medicine, University academics a medical facility. On assessment, for extending the patient while also being remotely monitored sponsored by Wavenet. The call centre and specialists in different other the information of the patient management system and the GMOA by a qualified doctor. facility, along with the agents medical specialities such as internal designated for home isolation will be for deploying doctors and The integrated call centre solution, specially trained by the MOH, is medicine, emergency medicine, shared with the BOC-managed call coordinating this project. The manned by Bank of Ceylon, is a sponsored by the Bank of Ceylon for paediatrics, and obstetrics. The entire centre for coordination with the combined strengths of these parties combination of the toll-free, trilingual its duration, while Dialog will provide programme is administered, patient and relevant health services. and the efforts of this initiative will 1390 hotline powered by Dialog, that the telecom service free of charge. facilitated and governed by the MOH Based on the patient’s district, a substantially facilitate the progress provides connectivity between doctors Coordination of the entire project, under the guidance of Secretary doctor will be assigned, who will be of the country’s long-term plans for and patients, along with a patient including training and deployment of Health and Director General Health responsible for the daily remote pandemic control.” ASIA WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE 2021 A9

New Delhi, India Hong Kong bans all Twitter boss in Police incoming flights case over Kashmir map Police have registered a case against Twitter India boss after the website from UK over allegedly showed an incorrect map of the country. The map, which has now been COVID concerns removed, did not include Jammu and Hong Kong is to ban all flights Kashmir, and Ladakh from the UK to curb the spread as part of India in the of the Delta variant of COVID. ‘Tweep Life’ section of The UK is to be classified as an Twitter on Sunday ‘extremely high-risk’ country, (27). the highest rating Hong Kong This is the second Tensions have flared up between the Federal Government and has for pandemic travel. case against Twitter Twitter over India’s new IT laws (BBC) The ban will come into effect officials in less than a on 1 July and affect all incoming month. It comes amid increasing website Wire for sharing the video with passenger flights from Britain. tensions between the Government and the ‘intent to a riot, promoting enmity It also comes amid political Twitter over India’s controversial new IT and criminal conspiracy’. tensions between China and the laws. On Monday (28), a senior executive West over a crackdown on Kashmir is a contentious issue - both at Twitter India quit as the company’s dissent in Hong Kong. India and Pakistan claim the region in interim resident grievance officer. The ban means people who’d full, but control only parts of it. Twitter Dharmendra Chatur’s was one of recently spent more than two is yet to comment on the latest case, three positions that social media hours in Britain wouldn’t be which has been filed in Bulandshahr firms are required to fill under India’s allowed to board flights to Hong District in the northern State of Uttar new IT laws. The rules, known as the Kong from any airport. Pradesh. Information Technology (Intermediary The city’s authorities said the The case was filed after a member of Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics decision was based on the Hindu nationalist Bajrang Dal group Code) Rules, were announced in ‘recent rebound’ of the pandemic complained, according to reports. February and became effective in May. in the UK and the ‘widespread Twitter India chief Manish Maheshwari They require social media firms to Delta variant virus strain’ in the has been accused of ‘promoting enmity, appoint three full-time executives - all country. Throughout the pandemic, Hong Kong has managed to keep cases low (BBC) hatred or ill-will between classes’. Indian residents - who will be There are around 8 daily non- Last week, Police in Uttar Pradesh empowered to remove content when stop flights from the UK to Hong to keep infections numbers low Hong Kong already bars flights summoned Maheshwari for questioning requested by law enforcement and Kong, all flying out of London. throughout the entire pandemic. from several other countries over in connection with a video shared on judicial bodies. Flights outbound from Hong Officials said the city recently rising cases of the Delta strain, Twitter. A Court has since granted In addition, they would have to track Kong to the UK are not affected recorded a growing number of including Indonesia, India, Maheshwari protection from arrest but the originator of a particular message by the upcoming ban. Delta variant cases in people Nepal, Pakistan and the the case is still on. if asked by a Court or the Government. Despite high vaccination rates, arriving from the UK, who like all Philippines. The clip, which is now part of the Platforms like Twitter, Facebook and the UK is currently seeing incoming travellers have to The new ban comes amid rising investigation, showed a 72-year-old Whatsapp were given three months in Europe’s highest number of daily quarantine. tensions over Hong Kong’s recent Muslim man being violently assaulted February to comply with these rules. new cases by far. Most of the According to news agency pressure on opposition Media by a group of men. The victim claimed Compliance is essential for these new infections are linked to the Reuters, parents in Hong Kong and dissenting voices under a he was forced to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’ (a companies to maintain their status as Delta variant, first detected in with children who are studying controversial national security form of greeting that has become a ‘intermediaries’. This protects them India. in the UK have reacted with law. rallying cry for Hindu nationalists) but from criminal prosecution in case any Hong Kong however confirmed shock that they would now be The UK Government said it the Police denied any religious angle. content posted by their users violates its first local Delta variant only stranded abroad. “restricts the rights and They said the attackers were unhappy Indian laws. last week, ending a 16-day The 1 July flight ban is the freedoms of the people of Hong about an amulet the Muslim man had Critics say the new laws are aimed streak of zero local cases. second time Hong Kong has Kong and constitutes a clear and sold them. Six people were arrested in at curbing freedom of expression in The city has had some of the stopped arrivals from Britain serious breach of the Sino- connection with the assault. The Police India, but the Government denies strictest border curbs in the after a ban from December 2020 British Joint Declaration”. also charged some journalists and this. world since 2020, which helped until May of this year. (BBC) politicians, along with Twitter and news (BBC)

Bangkok, Thailand Google takes down maps targeting hundreds of activists Google took down two Google Maps documents on Monday (28), that had listed the names and addresses of hundreds of Thai activists who were accused by royalists of opposing the monarchy, the technology company said. Thai royalist activist Songklod ‘Pukem’ Chuenchoopol told Reuters he and a team of 80 volunteers had created the maps and planned to report everyone named on them to police on accusations of insulting the monarchy. A spokesperson for Alphabet’s Google said by email punishable by up to 15 years in online. The Government did not ‘the issue is now fixed’, and prison. immediately respond to noted: “We have clear policies Neither map could be comment on the removal of the about what’s acceptable for accessed when Reuters tried to Google Maps or the content user generated My Maps open them late on Monday. they contained. content. We remove user Songklod said that he and the Songklod, 54, a retired army generated maps that violate our team of volunteers sought to captain and prominent right- policies.” highlight those they accused of wing activist, said he A version of one of the maps breaking that law. considered the operation seen by Reuters included the ‘When each of us sees targeting opponents of the names and addresses of nearly something offensive posted on monarchy a ‘massive success’ 500 people, many of them social media, we put it on the despite the removal of the students, together with their map,’ he said. Describing it as a maps. photos in university or high ‘psychological’ warfare The royalist activist said the school uniforms. It had received operation, Songklod said the content in them had come from over 350,000 views. aim was to dissuade people public research. The faces of those named had from online criticism of the Human rights groups and been covered by black squares monarchy. critics of the establishment said with the number 112, in Youth-led protests that began the maps included the private reference to the article under last year brought data and addresses of the country’s criminal code unprecedented criticism of the hundreds of people and could which makes insulting or monarchy and calls for its put them at risk of violence. defaming the monarchy reform both on the streets and (Reuters)

Taipei, Taiwan Japanese official calling Taiwan a ‘country’ is a serious violation – Foreign Ministry China’s Foreign Ministry serious violation. Japan’s was necessary to ‘wake up’ said on Tuesday (29), that Deputy Defence Minister on to Beijing’s pressure on the recent characterisation Monday warned of a Taiwan and protect the of Taiwan as a ‘country’ by growing threat posed by island ‘as a democratic a senior Japanese official Chinese and Russian country’. was erroneous and a collaboration and said it (Reuters) a10 wednesday 30 june 2021 world

Geneva, Switzerland UN Human Rights Chief calls for reparations over racism The United Nations Human millions of Africans for Rights Council has urged slavery. global action including The findings conclude that reparations to ‘make in order to achieve racial amends’ for racism against justice countries should people of African descent. "make amends for centuries Its new report also urges of violence and educational reform and discrimination... including apologies to address through formal discrimination. acknowledgment and The findings cite concerns apologies, truth-telling in about 60 countries processes, and reparations A bus carries displaced people from Tigray in May - more than two million have left (BBC) including the UK, Belgium, in various forms". France, Canada, Brazil and It praises Black Lives Rebel forces in Ethiopia's Colombia. Matter and says the group northern Tigray region have The study began after the should ‘receive funding, retaken its capital, Mekelle, murder of George Floyd, an public recognition and sparking street celebrations Ethiopia’s Tigray unarmed black man, in U.S. support’. and forcing officials to flee. Police custody in 2020. Bachelet, a former Residents reported scenes The findings say protests President of Chile, said of joy, with fireworks and over the Minnesota man's reparations must not only be thousands waving flags. Conflict: Street death and the conviction of a financial in nature, but The Government, which white policeman were a include other ‘guarantees’ to took Mekelle in November ‘seminal point in the fight prevent future injustices. after rebels rejected political against racism’. She said: "States must reforms and captured army Celebrations as In a statement on Monday show stronger political will to bases, has now called a (28), UN High Commissioner accelerate action for racial ‘humanitarian ceasefire’ in for Human Rights Michelle justice, redress and equality the region. Bachelet called ‘on all States through specific, time-bound The fighting has left to stop denying - and start commitments to achieve thousands dead and has Rebels Seize Capital dismantling - racism’ and to results. pushed 350,000 towards "listen to the voices of people "This will involve famine. More than two for farmers to get help during of African descent". reimagining policing, and million people have been the planting season and for The UN's report is based on reforming the criminal displaced. the return of internally discussions with more than justice system, which have There had been recent displaced people. UN 300 experts and people of consistently produced reports of renewed fighting Secretary-General António African descent and seeks to discriminatory outcomes for between fighters of the Tigray Guterres said he had spoken push nations to take actions people of African descent." People's Liberation Front with Prime Minister Abiy to end racial injustices. Bachelet welcomed a (TPLF) and Government Ahmed, and was ‘hopeful’ It found that Police use of ‘promising initiative’ by U.S. Forces outside Mekelle. that a ceasefire would take racial profiling and excessive President Joe Biden to But a rapid offensive on place. force was systemic in much address racial inequity, Monday (28), led to the "It is essential that civilians of North America, Europe which involves attempting to unexpected recapture of the are protected, humanitarian and Latin America. level the playing field by city by the rebels, in what aid reach the people in need The report said racism was treating racial groups may be a possible turning and a political solution is the biggest problem in differently based on point in the bitter conflict. found," he said in a countries associated with the perceived need. A statement released by statement. former trade of many (BBC) what was termed the The UK, the U.S. and Government of the National Ireland have called for an State of Tigray praised a emergency UN Security ‘stunning victory’, saying takes." One Government music on the streets. Council public meeting. Mekelle was ‘now under the official confirmed to Agence Everybody has their flags out Ethiopia's Government complete control of the Tigray France-Presse (AFP) that the and music is playing." launched an offensive against Defence Forces’. rebels had retaken Mekelle. The UN children's agency, the rebels last November. The It calls on the people and The official said the Interim UNICEF, said Ethiopian TPLF had fallen out with the rebel forces ‘to stay vigilant, Government had decided to Government troops had Prime Minister over political relentless and on constant leave after rebels closed in entered its offices in Mekelle changes to the country's alert until Tigray is fully free ‘on every side’, adding: on Monday and destroyed ethnically based federal of all invading forces’. "Everybody has left. The last satellite equipment. "We are system and had taken over Rebel spokesperson ones left in the afternoon... not, and should never be, a military bases in Tigray. Getachew Reda suggested The region doesn't have a target," it said. Ethiopia was aided by there was little appetite for a government." Ethiopia's Government has troops from neighbouring truce, telling CNN: "Our Residents told the BBC yet to comment on any Eritrea, and their current objectives are degrading the they were celebrating the withdrawal, and said that it status in Tigray remains enemy's fighting federal troops' departure. was calling a military unclear. capabilities... We will not One witness was quoted by ceasefire for humanitarian All sides have been accused stop until Tigray has been AFP as saying: "Everybody is reasons. of carrying out mass killings cleared of any and all enemy out of their house. Everybody It pointed to the need for and human rights violations. Michelle Bachelet launched the report after George Floyd’s killing forces. We will do whatever it is excited and they have aid workers to gain access, (BBC) in the U.S. (BBC)

Athens, Greece Mexico's Supreme Court has Mexico City, Mexico decriminalised the private recreational use of cannabis by adults, calling the current Picasso painting prohibition unconstitutional. Top Court In an 8-3 decision, the Court ruled that adults would be able to apply for permits to cultivate and consume their own decriminalises found years cannabis. Smoking in public and in front of children is banned. recreational The ruling does not mention the commercialisation of after gallery heist cannabis. The decision came after a legalisation bill stalled in use of cannabis A painting by Pablo Congress. Picasso that was stolen ‘Today is a historic day for nine years ago during a liberties,’ Supreme Court heist at a Greek gallery has President Arturo Zaldívar said. been recovered. But some groups said the On Monday (28), Police ruling was unlikely to result in in Athens said Picasso's major immediate changes. Woman's Head had been Mexico United Against Crime, found along with a 1905 a non-governmental painting of a windmill by organisation, said the decision Dutch artist Piet ‘does not decriminalise the Mondrian. activities necessary to carry out Both were taken, along consumption’ such as with a third artwork, possession and transportation. during an elaborate 2012 Mexico's Lower House heist at the Athens approved a bill legalising the National Gallery. recreational use of cannabis in The artworks were Greek Police say the two stolen paintings (pictured) are now in March, but it still needs final stripped from their frames their possession (BBC) approval by the Senate. in the early morning raid The legislation would let which only took minutes to was reported that Greek country's resistance to users with a permit carry up to carry out. Police still believed the Nazi Germany. 28g and grow as many as eight The Reuters news artwork was in the A second Mondrian plants at home for personal agency, citing an country. The Picasso painting was left at the use. At present, it is illegal to anonymous police official, painting, a portrait of a scene during the heist carry more than five grams. reported that a Greek man woman in his signature after thieves dropped it Supporters of legalisation has been arrested after the cubist style, was given to while making their escape. hope it could reduce some of art was found hidden at a the National Gallery by the Officials are expected to the violence related to illegal gorge on the outskirts of artist himself back in hold a Press conference drugs trade, which claims the the city. 1949. He said the gift, about the art recovery on lives of thousands of people in Monday's announcement painted a decade earlier, Tuesday (29). the country every year. The ruling means adults will be able to apply for permits to cultivate and came just months after it was in recognition of the (BBC) (BBC) consume their own cannabis (BBC) WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE 2021 A11 Local Listed Companies Cleared to Sell Dollar Shares and Bonds No. 2 of 2021 to make the currency into the country and necessary provisions for the increasing its participation, At least two Sri Lankan implementation of the said reducing the pressure on the Sri companies have already expressed proposal and to submit that order Lankan rupee and making an interest in listing the proposed to the Parliament for approval. alternative instead of Sri Lankan multi currency board to be set up Foreign Exchange Order No. 2 of companies going to foreign stock in the Colombo Stock Exchange 2021 does not permit to be debited markets for collecting foreign shortly, Colombo Stock Exchange to the Business Foreign Currency exchange funds. (CSE) Chairman Dumith Account by the issuance of CSE, Chairman said that the Tuesday Markets Fernando, told Ceylon FT. debentures or initial shares issued listing of companies engaged in The CSE has recently submitted in foreign currency or the payment business activities in the export a proposal to list out the foreign of dividends or the payments and IT sectors would enable them currency denominated shares received by distributing of foreign to raise their capital in foreign Bullish run issued by the Sri Lankan listed currency. currency. Therefore, the proposed companies on the CSE with the The Monetary Board of the Multi-Currency Board would be a aim of increasing the ability of Central Bank of Sri Lanka has significant boost for local ends at CSE local companies to raise foreign recommended the implementation companies with foreign ambitions. funds in Sri Lanka. of the proposal submitted by the In 2019, the CSE’s Multi- Dumith Fernando Shares crash The Cabinet of Ministers CSE considering the factors such Currency Board concept was yesterday approved the proposal order under Section 7 (1) of the as increasing the interest of foreign initiated targeting foreign tabled by the Prime Minister as the Foreign Exchange Act No. 12 of investors in Sri Lankan listed companies, mainly Maldivian Minister of Finance to issue an 2017 amending the present Order companies, attracting foreign firms. Despite opening the week on a bullish note on Monday (28), the Colombo Stock Exchange retreated on Tuesday (29) as the benchmark index posted losses on a modest turnover with continued foreign exits from For the Responsive Covid-19 the Bourse. Access Engineering Plc The benchmark All Share Price Index Vaccines for Recovery Project (ASPI), which started the day at 7,877.84 points, peaked to 7,954.28 points during the Begins Construction of early hours before crashing to settle at Govt seeks US$ 7,856.64 points, losing 21.20 points (0.27 per cent) compared to the previous days a Flyover in Colombo close. LOLC Holdings, Nestle Lanka, John Keells Holdings, Carson Cumberbatch and 150M from ADB Browns Investments dragged the ASPI down, while LOLC Development Finance, Dialog The Government of Sri Lanka will bear US Dollars Finance, SEMB Leasing Commercial Lanka has planned to obtain a 11.85 million thereof. Development Company and Cargills tried to loan of US Dollars 150 million The loan is planned to be pull it up. from the Asian Development used for a number of related The more liquid S&P SL20, which started Bank for implementing the activities, including cost of the day 3,037.78 points, slightly gained to Responsive COVID-19 vaccination, installation of 3,039.15 points during the early hours Vaccines for Recovery Project. vaccine-related monitoring before crashing to 2,998.76 points before It is expected to obtain US systems, providing of recovering to close the index at 3,002.96 Dollars 84 million from the refrigerated transport Access Engineering PLC (AEL), Sri Tata Housing. The road network points, losing 34.82 points (1.15 per cent) Asia Pacific Vaccine Access facilities, and strengthening Lanka’s pioneer in the flyover through the Slave Island area plays compared to the previous day’s close. Facility and the remaining US the clinical waste construction in Sri Lanka was a vital role in connecting the The day’s turnover neared Rs 2.3 billion, Dollars 66 million from the management. awarded construction of a flyover southern part of the Colombo City higher than the Rs 1.57 billion recorded Standard Local Allocation of Accordingly, the Cabinet of connecting Baladaksha Mawatha with the economic hub of Colombo during the Market’s previous day’s trading. the Ordinary Capital Ministers approved the and the Chittampalam A. Gardiner (Fort and Pettah areas) and is highly Shares of 264 listed companies were Resources Fund of the Asian proposal tabled by Prime Mawatha going over the railway congested during peak hours serving traded during the day of which 142 were Development Bank. Minister who is the Minister of track and Beira Lake in Slave Island. the traffic inwards and outwards. losers comfortably ahead of 46 winners. The total cost of the project Finance to proceed with Slave Island is a very busy Further, the Coastal Line, one of More than 60.6 million shares changed is US Dollars 161.85 million further steps to obtain the commercial area with many the major railway lines of Sri Lanka hands during the 23,27 6trades that took and the Government of Sri loan. Government offices, restaurants, Railways, runs through Slave Island place. Foreigners continued to exit the CSE hospitals, corporate offices, area with two level crossings on on Tuesday (29). The net foreign outflow cinemas, religious places, and Justice Akbar Mawatha (nearby during the day amounted to Rs 12 million as residencies. Further, the Slave Kompanna Veediya Railway station) foreigners sold shares worth Rs 28 million as Island area has become the centre of and Uttarananda Mawatha. Due to against purchases worth Rs 16 million. Fitch Ratings Commentary real-estate development projects in the rail traffic, the number of gate The top ten winners during the day were: Colombo with many recent iconic closures is more than 100 per day; SMB Leasing, LOLC Development Finance, development projects, namely; estimated loss of time is more than 3 Dialog Finance, Commercial Development Corporate Ratings Colombo Waterfront Integrated hours per day per level crossing. Company, Multi Finance, CM Holdings, Resort, ITC Colombo One, Shangri The Road Development Authority Beruwala Resorts, Muller and Phipps, Kelsey La, Destiny Mall and Residency and (RDA), has identified that traffic Homes and Sigiriya Village Hotels. Face Pressure from Top ten losers were: SMB Leasing (non- voting), Anilana Hotels, Nation Lanka Financial Subsidiaries’ Finance, People’s Insurance, York Arcade, Samson International, Autodrome, Citrus Leisure, Lake House Printers and Ceylon Faster Growth Guardian. Weak Operating Environment Exacerbates Impact on Corporate Parents’ Leverage

Sri Lankan FVMP Debt Over rated corporates Rs 0.5Trillion with financial- service (FS) subsidiaries for 157 Days face a rise in Fitch-adjusted debt and Government of Sri Lanka’s (GoSL’s) face potential value money printing (FVMP) debt fell by 17.54 rating pressure due to the from the parent. per cent (Rs 206,732.12 million) to Rs subsidiaries’ medium-term We (Fitch) assumed around 971,963.36 million yesterday, thereby partially asset growth in the current 10 per cnet average annual mitigating demand-pull inflationary pressure weak operating environment, asset growth for the FS as well. Fitch Ratings says. subsidiaries of Singer (Sri GoSL’s FVMP debt has been over Rs 0.5 Fitch’s corporate rating Lanka) PLC (AA(lka)/Stable), trillion for a record 157 consecutive market criteria deconsolidates the Abans PLC (AA(lka)/Stable) days to yesterday due to lack of revenue. FS subsidiary from the and Dialog Axiata PLC GoSL’s MP borrowing costs (MPBCs) fell by parent in calculating the (AAA(lka)/Stable). Singer 34.79 per cent (Rs 12, 108.97 million) to Rs parent’s credit metrics. would potentially be the 22, 699.93 million yesterday. However, for FS operations most affected if its FS Liquidity decreased by Rs 217,534.12 that are considered strategic subsidiary, Singer Finance million (US$1,088.38 million) led by the to the corporate parent, we (Lanka) PLC’s (SFP: A+(lka)/ settlement/s of GoSL’s foreign debt servicing assume a hypothetical Stable) asset growth commitments and/or CBSL’s swaps with the capital infusion from the materially exceeds our market and/or CBSL’s US dollar sales to and/ parent into the FS subsidiary expectations in light of its or swaps with GoSL during yesterday’s when calculating the large asset base compared trading. GoSL has to settle a maturing US$ parent’s Fitch-adjusted with the parent’s operating one billion sovereign bond due on 27 July, leverage. scale. 2021. Net excess liquidity increased by 10.27 The capital infusion’s size Abans’ balance sheet is per cent (Rs 10, 802 million) to Rs 116,007 is based on our assessment already stretched on account million at the end of yesterday’s trading. of the subsidiary’s self- of a real-estate project and Transactions between GoSL and CBSL are sustaining capital structure, any increased burden from foreign reserves neutral. Conversions are considering its asset-quality the FS subsidiary, Abans based on CBSL’s administered ‘spot’ on Friday and funding risks, and its Finance PLC (AFP: A(lka)/ which was Rs 199.87 to the US dollar. reported debt/tangible Rating Watch Evolving), The current administered selling price of the equity ratio. Therefore, faster could pressure the parent’s dollar in the benchmark ‘spot’ interbank asset growth in FS rating. However, Abans’ market set by the CBSL/GoSL at Rs 203 to the subsidiaries than our leverage should ease if its dollar, however, saw no trades being executed expectations, or subsidiaries’ plan to sell AFP materialises. for the 41st consecutive market day to capital buffers eroding faster We (Fitch) do not foresee yesterday, due to sellers wanting a higher price due to higher operating or rating pressure on Dialog of Rs 250 for their dollars, market sources told credit costs amid a weak from its FS subsidiary, Dialog this reporter. operating environment, Finance PLC (DFP: AA(lka)/ could increase the implied Stable), due to the parent’s capital infusion required high rating headroom. B12 Ceylon FT wednesday 30 june 2021 Corporate SriLankan Upgraded to ‘Diamond’ Standard by APEX and SimpliFlying

SriLankan Airlines, the national flag comprehensive hygiene precautions to Leader stated. He further added, carrier of Sri Lanka, has been ensure that our passengers can travel “Reaching the ‘hospital grade’ awarded the ‘Diamond’ standard by in a safe and healthy environment Diamond level demonstrates the APEX Health Safety (Airline during the pandemic. The SriLankan’s commitment to Passengers Experience Association) precautionary measures taken by advancing in every way possible powered by SimpliFlying for the SriLankan Airlines during these forward during the COVID-19 airline’s efforts in ensuring the uncertain times make us proud to pandemic.” highest standards of cleanliness and receive the highest status in the APEX Furthermore, the Airlines’ medical sanitisation across its operations. Health Safety audit.” centre prioritised addressing the Having previously being awarded the “Since the start of the pandemic, needs related to the COVID-19 ‘Platinum’ standard in January 2021 SriLankan Airlines has been pandemic by proactively engaging the airline was recognised for the committed to the safety and wellbeing with local health authorities. extra safety measures and of all its employees and passengers. SriLankan Airlines achieved a comprehensive hygiene precautions Our team is dedicated to being the milestone with its vaccination drive taken, since the onset of the global safest airline in the region by adopting inoculating more than 90 per cent of pandemic. advanced bio safety measures at all its flight crew, supporting the path SriLankan Airlines is the first airline customer touch points and reassuring towards global travel recovery. in South Asia to receive the ‘Diamond’ our passengers that safety is a priority “Sri Lankan has become the most accreditation, the highest possible when travelling with us,” said Vipula improved airline in the APEX Health rating attainable based on the Gunatilleka CEO of SriLankan Safety audit powered by SimpliFlying. evaluation of a 58-point checklist. The Airlines. Since their first audit in January this Airline achieved the ‘Diamond’ SriLankan Airlines undertook year, the airline has managed to standard with numerous criteria been several medical collaborations to refine their health safety strategy with reviewed related to the health safety of further advance bio safety across its new measures and Sri Lankan’s passengers being the focal point of the business by working closely with the success is a solid example of how an journey including a touch-free check- Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, airline should build trust among in process and implementation of the Government Medical Officers’ passengers during the COVID-19 physical distancing. Association (GMOA), and the Ministry pandemic,” said SimpliFlying CEO In addition, all SriLankan aircraft of Health to make sure safety Shashank Nigam. are disinfected before every flight and guidelines recommended by the World The airline offers passengers equipped with the most advanced Health Organization (WHO) are neighbour-free seating which High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) followed. provides customers with generous air filtration systems onboard. The “SriLankan Airlines’ advancement legroom and more space to relax cabin air is refreshed every two to in the ratings came by the airline’s during the flight. Also, it benefits three minutes throughout the flight. arrival, to ensure the HEPA filters are audit committee. incredible investment in nearly a concerned travellers by enabling This requires keeping the Auxiliary up and running to their maximum Chairman, SriLankan Airlines dozen recommended new health passengers to block seats around Power Unit (APU) turned on before capacity and this was a commended Ashok Pathirage stated “We continue safety steps for the enhanced safety of them, providing an effective solution boarding until disembarkation on measure by the APEX SimpliFlying to diligently implement their passengers,” APEX CEO Dr. Joe for social distancing onboard.

SampathCards Announces More Timely Offers From Union Assurance

Continuing to offer greater assistance A cashback of 10% is also on offer on vertical, made between 5 and 30 June Paperless and Affordable to cardholders during the current utility bill payments made online using 2021. Cardholders can utilize this offer global health and financial crisis, Sampath Mastercard and Visa Credit by using the promo codes of SBFJN SampathCards rolled out a host of Cards via partner websites, partner and SBMJN on PickMe Food and Protection with ‘Clicklife’ additional benefits and privileges to mobile apps, Sampath Payeasy.lk and PickMe Market, respectively. Sampath Mastercard / Visa Credit and the Sampath Automated Bill Taking the recent travel restrictions Consumers can now buy Debit Cardholders as well as Sampath Settlement (SABS) facility. This is into account and to extending their protection online with a state-of- Bank American Express Credit Card applicable to payments made to Ceylon support for the cardholder to overcome the-art buying experience. members on a wide range of essential Electricity Board, Lanka Electricity the hardship in this challenging Clicklife by Union Assurance is a expenses. Company (Pvt) Ltd, National Water situation, SampathCards had digital life insurance product SampathCards is extending its Supply & Drainage Board, Bharti Airtel implemented several relief measures which can be purchased less support to cardholders to meet their Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Dialog Axiata PLC, towards their customers. than five minutes, and is 100% medical expenses. Cardholders can Dialog Broadband Networks (Pvt) Ltd, SampathCards extended the payment paperless, making it the easiest convert transactions made at any local Dialog Television (Pvt) Ltd, Hutchison due dates to 30 June 2021 for cards and most affordable way to buy hospital and COVID-19 Intermediate Telecommunications Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, with due dates falling between 19th insurance. The product offers up interventions to simplify the Care Centre around the island into 6 Lanka Bell Ltd and SLT Mobitel (Fixed May and 28 June 2021. To ease the to Rs. 4M protection starting process of buying protection. and 12 months 0% Interest Extended & Mobile). Cardholders can receive financial burden, SampathCards will from Rs. 23/- per day. Clicklife reinforces our core Settlement Plans. This is applicable for cash backs of up to Rs. 500/- on be refunding any interest charge With the COVID-19 pandemic philosophy and commitment to transactions of over Rs. 25,000 made applicable payments made between 28 applicable for the billing period if the impacting lives and protect the Sri Lankan Dream using Sampath Mastercard and Visa May and 30 June 2021. total outstanding balance is settled in circumstances, the need for with digitally enabled solutions Credit Cards as well as Sampath Bank Cardholders can save more when full by 30 June 2021. Furthermore, protecting loved ones has grown that are suited to the times. In American Express® Credit Cards from purchasing medicines online on www. upon settlement of the total exponentially world over. our customer-centric journey, now until 31 December 2021. mymed.lk and www.quickmed.lk using outstanding balance or the minimum Despite the increase in need, the first thing we wanted to Transactions exceeding Rs. 15,000 their Sampath Mastercard / Visa due payment by 30 June, the bank will challenges have emerged with address is the need of the hour – made at any Educational Institution by Credit Cards and Sampath Debit refund late payments charges restrictions on mobility, and providing a paperless solution Sampath Mastercard and Visa Credit Cards. SampathCards is offering applicable for the period and all these face-to-face interactions making that can be purchased from Cardholders as well as Sampath Bank savings of 15% on the total bill for all refunds will be appear in the next card it difficult for consumers to anywhere in Sri Lanka. We are American Express Credit Sampath Mastercard / Visa Credit statement. obtain the protection solutions happy to be the first in industry Cardmembers can convert those Cardholders and 10% for all Sampath These latest benefits and privileges they need. With Clicklife, to offer customers this simple transactions into six months 0% Debit Cardholders on purchases made are yet another reflection of consumers do not need to meet and effective solution.” Interest Extended Settlement Plans. on www.mymed.lk from 1 to 15 June SampathCards’ steadfast commitment an agent, fill up lengthy forms, While the pandemic continues Eligibility extends up to a maximum of 2021 and 1 to 15 July 2021. On www. to delivering greater value to its or provide medical documents - to surge through many parts of 3 transactions per Cardholder till 30 quickmed.lk, a discount of 15% is on cardholders. Offering them its support a novel concept for Sri Lanka Sri Lanka accompanied by September 2021. offer for payments made with Sampath during these trying times, where the idea of buying uncertainty, protection is one of SampathCards is offering Sampath Mastercard / Visa Credit Cards and SampathCards has continued to roll insurance online is a relatively the best ways to prepare and Mastercard and Visa Credit 12% on those paid with Sampath Debit out a series of relief measures since the new concept. provide for the future of loved Cardholders cashbacks of 5%, up to Cards between 16 and 30 June 2021. onset of this pandemic. This has Commenting on the advances ones. With affordability at its Rs. 500 per transaction, and free SampathCards is also offering included extensions on payment dates, made by Union Assurance, Jude core, the product pricing starts at doorstep delivery when purchasing discounts of Rs. 500 on orders of over interest and late payment charge Gomes, Chief Executive Officer Rs.23/- per day and offers groceries and other essentials from Rs. 2,000 on PickMe Food and PickMe waivers, reductions in minimum due stated, “We are disrupting life Rs. 2M in the event of a demise, Keells on www.keellssuper.com and Market for all Sampath Credit and payments and interest rates as well as insurance as we know it by Rs. 3M in the event of death due the Keells app. This is applicable to all Debit Cardholders. This is applicable a wide range of additional discounts eliminating legacy systems, to COVID-19, and Rs. 4M in the bills over Rs. 2,500 till 30 June 2021. to a maximum of 2 orders on each and benefits. paperwork, and physical event of an accidental death.

WindForce Accredited CDB’s technology enabled Kurunegala by IESL to Train Branch to redefine service levels Aligned with the Company’s enablers including a customised 25th anniversary celebrations, digital transaction area. The Graduate Engineers Citizens Development Business branch will redefine and reshape Finance PLC (CDB) began its the way financial transactions WindForce Ltd., the pioneers of This training will allow graduate next chapter of service excellence are performed augmented by the renewable energy in both Sri Lanka engineers to equip themselves with in Kurunegala with the ground full expanse of CDB’s wide and other countries across the globe, experience in an industrial breaking ceremony of its newest portfolio of products and has just been approved by the environment and provide the set of state-of-the-art branch. Located services. Another significant Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka practical skills and knowledge in the heart of Kurunegala city, feature is the state-of-the-art (IESL) as a training organisation for considered essential for future the branch is an integral facet of training and development graduate engineers for corporate employment. Selected graduate CDB’s all-encompassing objective facilities within the branch, membership in electrical engineering. engineers shall be placed in the to embrace sustainability which will also be used by As corporate training is an essential organization as permanent embedded business strategy that regional branches to fulfil CDB’s part of the local curriculum to qualify employees, seconded employees or intertwines a digitally driven eco- training plans in its continued as a chartered engineer, as stated by employed on contract /casual basis. system reflective of emerging quest to build an extraordinary the IESL Professional Review Rules, Having just attained the largest IPO business requirements. team. WindForce Ltd., as an approved on the Colombo Stock Exchange in 10 The tech enabled Kurunegala Attending the ground-breaking organization, will be selecting up to years, WindForce has become a name Branch therefore, once complete ceremony were CDB Chairman, four graduate engineers at a time for to reckon with in the local industry in 18 months, will not simply Managing Director & CEO, Board a period of three years for them to and is now opening its doors to push the bar upwards in of Directors, managers and team acquire training under their graduate engineers with opportunities experiential service levels, but members of the Kurunegala Architectural illustration of the proposed guidance. for qualified training. will also incorporate digital Branch. Kurunegala Branch Column/ Economy Wednesday 30 June 2021 CEYLON FT B13

By Mahika Ming highlighted the role of China in China towards the second goal – 12 achieving targets to reduce carbon The People’s Republic of China (PRC) dioxide emissions and carbon is a committed member of the Paris neutrality. This power station is the Agreement which the United States world’s second largest after China’s exited in 2020. So far the USA is the China Develops Whilst Three Gorges Dam. The dam is only country to leave the 200 plus constructed on the Jinsha River on the strong gathering committed to protect upper regions of the mighty Yangtze the globe against climate change. In River in south China. As per Chinese April 2021, the PRC commenced engineers this project has a capacity of operation of its cloud platform for Protecting Its Waters 16 million KW and has a capacity to heavy duty data and artificial generate more than 62 billion KW intelligence (AI) activity in ocean hours per year creating the world’s science. It acts as a massive largest energy corridor along with information store as it integrates a other power stations in the same wider coverage range, open and shared region. As per estimates the oceanographic data. This platform also hydropower generated will reduce the includes an oceanographic data consumption of coal by 19.68 million portal, an interactive analytics tonnes and reduce carbon dioxide platform for large quantities of data emissions by 51.6 million tonnes per and an AI platform. At present approx. year. To meet the 2060 goals, the PRC 353 sets of ship based survey data is expects to double hydropower available on the platform. It includes production to meet 760 million KW 59 sets of observation data, 6 sets of target. This new dam is supposed to be remote sensing satellite data, 10 sets the smartest in the world since it used of reanalysis data, internationally technology such as AI even during the shared data, and 500 sets of construction process. Technology will integrated software for ocean and also be used to recycle water atmospheric sciences (Ref. Institute of throughout the entire construction Oenology, Chinese Academy of process. It will reduce costs and Sciences). Above technological pollution of the rivers/ lakes since developments helps China to manage waste water volume is less. The water its waters in a more efficient and a from this reservoir is expected to safer manner. As a result, China benefit the Tibet autonomous Region as joined many developed countries who well. own deep water gas fields. The PRC’s first self-operated 1.5 km deepwater Giant Panda in Water gas field named ‘Deep Sea No. 1’, The Government of PRC prohibited commenced operations last week as fishing in the mighty Yangtze River for per the China National Offshore Oil more than a decade in an attempt to Corporation (CNOOC). It operates 150 help its vanishing river beings to km off Hainan in South China and make a comeback and to increase its strengthens Chinas capacity to drill numbers. As a result residents in oil/ gas in extremely deep water which Hubei Province in Central China has is much deeper than China’s previous started to witness endangered capacity of 300 M. Yangtze finless porpoises in some China being the world’s most sections of the Hanjiang River. The populated nation managed to develop Self operated deep sea gas well developed by China Hanjiang is a major tributary of the this mega machine which does not Yangtze River.The Yangtze finless need humans to operate it for decades. Chinese engineers expect a service life very heavy equipment & ensures history. The new ship will be taken porpoise is referred by many as the It will help to extract natural resources of approx. 150 years and it has an oil smooth sailing. ‘Sun Yat back to the Xisha island for new ‘giant panda in water’since it’s not stretching about 50 km from east to storage capacity of approx. 20,000 Sen University’ has a maximum trial research work in 2021 (Ref. Chinese common and is indeed a well- west located about 1.5 km under the metric tonnes. During the last five speed of 16 knots. Its economical sources). protected animal in China (Ref. sea. Western oil companies gave up years the PRC discovered inshore gas of cruising range of 15,000 nautical Hydropower in South Chinese sources). Pearls came building this in 2011, but Chinese more than 400 million tonnes of oil miles can facilitate 60-day expeditions towards the Pearl and people were engineers managed to complete the equivalent (Ref. Chinese sources). with a crew of 100. Some analysts see China experiencing marine disasters, plastic project. The output from this field is Oceanographic Research it as a large mobile laboratory at sea. It coated beaches and its impact on the expected to supply approx. 3 billion has a 760 Sq. M stationary laboratory President Xi Jinping last week environment etc. There was much cubic metres of natural gas annually to The PRC’s largest oceanographic its quarterdeck has the space for more congratulated the commencement of discussion and assumption on how parts of mainland, Hainan and Hong research & related training ship was than 10 mobile container laboratories. the operation of generating power at and why beach boys made money but Kong. Average oil fields built on ships delivered last week in Shanghai. ‘Sun It has taken Chinese engineers about the Baihetan hydropower station in not many appreciated the services has to make maintenance trips to dock Yat Sen University ‘named as an 20 months to complete it. The Sun Yat south-western China. The President rendered by the Sri Lankan armed once every two to three years but this honour to the institute which Sen University is based in Guangzhou. described the effort as one of the forces (especially the Navy) to restore machine with a 100,000 metric tonnes developed it, the ship has a Since 1920s it has been conducting world’s most technically challenging the coast line and the beaches etc. semi-submersible energy station can displacement of 6,880 tonnes. It is marine scientific research and has the tasks. This project will transfer power Should we not learn from the PRC on operate for approx. thirty years in the approx. 114 M long and approx. 19.5M honour of completing the research on from the west to the east. The Chinese how to continue development drives deep sea with no maintenance needs wide. According to engineers the huge examining of the Xisha Islands which leader being a committed Head of whilst protecting our natural due to its unique construction design. displacement allows the ship to carry was the first in known Chinese State of the Paris Agreement resources?

World Bank report on hidden debt warns Lions Club of Colombo to conduct a webinar series on South Asia Must Reform Debt-Accumulating State-Owned Banks, Enterprises ‘Money Matters’ With the intention of providing a glimpse on becoming South Asia’s heavy reliance on State- COVID-19 pandemic and strive to avert total losses in the SOE sector. successful entrepreneurs and self-sufficient individuals, the owned commercial banks, State-owned future financial crises, they should clearly Distressed public agents at the sub- Lions Club of Colombo District 306A1 will be conducting a enterprises, public-private partnerships separate the social and commercial national level also inflict substantial costs series of webinars on the topic ‘Financial Literacy and Capacity and other national and sub-national objectives of these enterprises in order to on the real economy and local business. Development’ starting from July 2021. Themed ‘Money Matters’, public entities conceals its vulnerability to reduce inefficiencies, while maintaining When a subnational government is hit by a the webinar series is the first phase of the financial literacy and accumulating unsustainable levels of debt, socially beneficial investments.” contingent liability shock, local capacity development project, and the second phase will target according to a new World Bank Governments often promise SOEs investments suffer for several years. For selected candidates from 50 low-income families in the Kosgolle report, Hidden Debt: Solutions to Avert the subsidies to run programmes such as example, local investments in the Indian village of the Matale District in Sri Lanka. Next Financial Crisis in South advancing access to electricity to States fall significantly in the year of a Held via Zoom, the first series of webinars will host an Asia, released Yesterday (29). underserved populations and small contingent liability shock, continue to esteemed panel of national and international speakers and South Asia is more exposed to the risk of enterprises. SOCBs are asked to run decline in the year after, and remain professionals in the banking and finance industry including B. ‘hidden debt’ from State-owned Government programmes to promote significantly below the trend for three L. J. Saliya Balasooriya, Director Regional Development commercial banks (SOCBs), State-owned financial inclusion or lend to under-served years after the event. Department of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Thilak enterprises (SOEs) and public-private or riskier small and medium enterprises, These downside risks of leveraging Piyadigama, CEO, SANASA Development Bank (SDB), Ricardo partnerships (PPPs) because of its greater often without compensation for losses that public capital can be mitigated and the Estrada representing Frankfurt School of Finance and reliance on them compared to other private markets avoid. They are also asked upside benefits enhanced through four key Management, Germany as the Course Director, Certified Expert regions. But the report offers key areas for to stimulate economies during downturns avenues for reform: in Financial inclusion Policy, Robin Newnham, Head of Policy policy actions and concrete reforms that or financially support large PPPs that have Purpose: Clearly defining the purpose of Analysis, Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) and Lion can help governments leverage public concentrated risks. These hidden SOCBs, SOEs and PPPs by spelling out Mahendra Amarasuriya, Ex-Chairman of Commercial Bank of capital more responsibly through these mandates are based on requests that are their social versus commercial mandates. Ceylon and Past International President of Lions Clubs types of entities to advance economic often made ad hoc and without Incentives: Structuring institutions, International. development. consideration of risks or costs. rules, and contracts in a way that creates The project aims to enhance the financial literacy of “The COVID-19 pandemic has “In episodes of systemic shock–such as proper incentives to perform in a manner participants, equip them with necessary skills and knowledge to highlighted South Asia’s rising levels of the global financial crisis or the COVID-19 consistent with the defined purpose. be self-sufficient and seek possibilities of increasing financial public debt. The region is more exposed to pandemic–when many banks experience Importantly, the nature and extent of income of low-income families while contributing towards the risk of hidden debt because it relies distress simultaneously, private banks operational costs for SOCBs, SOEs, and eradicating the poverty at all levels. heavily on the governments’ involvement in deleverage and curtail lending, while State- PPPs–which often exceed market costs— The webinar series will focus on seven critical areas including markets to aid economic development, said owned commercial banks receive capital need to be determined and linked to the economy, budgeting, savings and planning, debt management, Hartwig Schafer, World Bank Vice and debt support from the State to government’s budgetary and debt shopping around (access to product and services information), President for South Asia. “But the crisis continue or increase lending,” said Martin management frameworks up front so that consumer rights protection and security. At the end of the demonstrates the critical importance of the Melecky, World Bank Lead Economist and central governments can enforce greater webinar series, participants will be familiar with using different judicious use of debt-financed public author of the report. “But this short-term financial discipline–including through types of financial services and basic macroeconomic concepts. commitments and debt transparency to stabilising function comes at the cost of hard budget constraints. They will be able to make effective financial decisions based on build back better, more sustainably, and crowding out other social spending as Transparency: Ensuring debt regular and irregular budget flows, actively use bank accounts more equitably.” public funds get spent on bank transparency and data collection so that and payment methods, analyse bank statements, manage risks Hidden Debt studies the trade-offs recapitalisation and significant credit both central and subnational governments and make appropriate decisions, choose a financial product to between addressing development misallocation–away from successful firms can understand how SOCBs, SOEs, and invest (e.g. Deposit, securities, and pension funds) or choose challenges directly through State presence and especially small and medium PPPs shape the fiscal space and contribute which financial products to borrow, and more. in the markets and the risk of enterprises–making for an unequal to overall public debt–including direct Commenting on this timely initiative, Lion Asitha accumulating high levels of debt due to recovery.” obligations and explicit and implicit Pinnaduwa, Project Chairman, Past Leo District President and economic inefficiencies of off-balance sheet The report estimates that a systemic guarantees. Economic transparency is Lions Club of Colombo (Host) President 2021/22 said, operations. It focuses on SOBCs, SOEs macro-financial crisis can trigger PPP also needed, starting with public “Financial literacy and financial inclusion are essential aspects and PPPs and their contingent liabilities – failures that would cost South Asian disclosure of the purpose of SOCBs, that make way for financial stability. Understanding these obligations incurred by Governments off countries more than four per cent of SOEs, and PPPs, the theory of change areas will allow any individual to succeed in any given their balance sheets that have triggers for revenues, and the potential costs from behind their operations, and robust business scenario and achieve expected outcomes by taking payment. Over time, part of the debt is distressed SOEs have been even more monitoring and evaluation frameworks well-informed decisions. Sri Lanka’s low financial literacy revealed as it hits the Central Government overwhelming. In Pakistan, the total to demonstrate their developmental which currently sits at 35% is one major reason for the uphill budget and debt stock, but a large part liabilities of chronic loss-making SOEs impact. challenges we face as a country today. It is in this background remains hidden under the radar of existing have been eight to 12 per cent of GDP in Accountability: Engaging financial we have shouldered the responsibility to enhance finance financial disclosure standards. recent years, several times more than the markets, industry associations, the Media literacy of communities and contribute towards creating a “The efficiency of South Asian State- country’s public spending on education in and civil society in demanding more equitable economy.” owned banks and other State-owned FY19-20. In Sri Lanka, liabilities of loss- the accountability of government for This long-term project is an attempt to familiarise the enterprises is well below the international making SOEs have been around four to leveraging public capital responsibility in participants on financial literacy and financial inclusion in the benchmark,” said Hans Timmer, World five per cent of GDP. In every country its off-balance sheet operations so it backdrop of Sri Lanka’s financial literacy which is wobbling on Bank Chief Economist for South Asia. “As studied, the top 10 loss-making SOEs cannot use them for political self-interest 35% according to a global financial literacy survey, conducted Governments rebuild from the shock of the account for more than 80 per cent of the or side deals. by the Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services. B14 Ceylon FT wednesday 30 june 2021 news

182nd Annual General Meeting ICTA survey to accelerate Tech Vish Govindasamy Startup Ecosystem The Information and Communication Technology Elected As New Ceylon Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), the apex Government body for technology startup Chamber Chairman development in the country has been the catalyst in driving the startup ecosystem forward during the past decade. In its efforts to create a favorable environment for Panelistsstanding from Left to Right: SachindraSamararatne - startups and contribute Director Startup Ecosystem Development, ICTA, Tamasha Fernando - towards a startup- Senior Manager Start-up Ecosystem Development, ICTA, Anura De friendlyGovernment, ICTA in Alwis - Chief Digital Economy Officer, ICTA, Mahinda B. Herath - Chief Executive Officer, ICTA, Aruna Perera – Director Corporate collaboration with Finance and Valuation Consulting, PwC Sri Lanka, TishanSubasinghe PricewaterhouseCoopers Sri - Member, Presidential Commission on the Simplification of Existing Lanka (PwC) recently Laws and Regulations launcheda survey study to Chairman -Vish Govindasamy Vice Chairperson -Duminda Deputy Vice Chairperson- accelerate tech startup Director, Cemex Software (Pvt) capital funds, legal firms and Hulangamuwa Krishan Balendra ecosystem ‘Towards a Startup Ltd and Jayomi Lokuliyana – professional bodies) were The Ceylon Chamber of Friendly Government’ –a CEO, ZMessenger (Pvt) Ltd. interviewed to validate startup Commerce elected Vish respected, long-standing and Colombo Stock Exchange. comprehensive report which The significance of the study impediments. The Govindasamy as its Chairman highly influential Chamber, let Duminda Hulangamuwa, focuses on the impediments is that while showcasing a recommendations were further during the Chamber’s 182nd me take a moment to Senior Partner and Head of Tax facedbystartups and enablers deep dive assessment of the developed into a remedial Annual General Meeting on acknowledge our outgoing at Ernst & Young and Krishan in Sri Lanka. The study also impediments faced by the action plan whilst considering Tuesday (29). Govindasamy Chairman Dr. Hans Balendra, Chairman of John recommends respective startups, it has also the international case studies succeeds Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya. Under his Keells Holdings PLC were remedial action plan to recommended a remedial which brings suggestions to Wijayasuriya who completed stewardship we have steered appointed as Vice Chairperson overcome such impediments. action plan which derived after accelerate the startup growth his 2-Year Term as Chairman through a very difficult period and Deputy Vice Chairperson The surveyreportwas analysing case studiesof the in Sri Lanka. We at PwC Sri at the culmination of the for the country and the private respectively. launched at a Press other countries in similar Lanka are proud to be a part of Annual General Meeting. sector which underwent the Further to the office bearers Conference held on 29June nature. The proposed remedial this initiative which is an Speaking at the occasion he twin black swan events of the above, Ms. Shiromal Cooray, with the participation of Eng. action plan has further been indeed requirement in the said, “I am honoured and Easter Sunday incidents in Chairperson & Managing Mahinda B. Herath - Chief localized to support local country at present,” privileged for the trust you’ve April 2019 and the Covid-19 Director, Jetwing Travels and Executive Officer, ICTA, Anura startups and make sure that said Aruna Perera, Director - placed in me as Chairman of Crisis which began in 2020. I Chairperson, Jetwing Hotels, De Alwis - Chief Digital these startups receive the due Corporate Finance and the Ceylon Chamber of have witnessed and Asoka Pieris, Managing Economy Officer, ICTA, Tishan support from the government Valuation Consulting, PwC Sri Commerce. I look forward to experienced the high level of Director of Cargills Food Subasinghe – Member, entities. Lanka working with the Board, attention and care you have Company Ltd and Director of Presidential Commission on Commenting during the The report brings to light 29 Committee, and Secretariat at given the Chamber and under Cargills (Ceylon) PLC and the Simplification of Existing launch of the report, impediments from 12 the Chamber, members and your leadership, the Chamber Manjula de Silva, Secretary Laws and Regulations, Aruna Sachindra Samararatne- categories faced by startups affiliated associations of the has progressed to new higher General and CEO of The Perera, Director - Corporate Director Startup Ecosystem including issues relating to Chamber to support and heights,.” Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Finance and Valuation Development, ICTA said, foreign exchange, barriers to advance the causes of the Vish Govindasamy serves in were re-elected to the Board of Consulting, PwC Sri Lanka, “Startups are critical for the foreign investors, intellectual private sector while adopting a the capacity of Managing the Ceylon Chamber. Mangala Karunaratne - CEO, economic growth of the property, taxation, nation first approach. The Director of Sunshine Holdings Sarath Ganegoda - Group Calcey Technologies, Ruchira country given the potential to immigration, r and d, Chamber is called upon to be PLC, a diversified conglomerate Executive Director, Shukla –South Asia Regional spur innovation and creativity. government support for cross the clarion voice of the listed in the Colombo Stock Hayleys PLC, Amal Cabraal – Lead for Disruptive Technology The report gives boarder activities, data privacy private sector – a voice which Exchange, Sri Lanka. Prior to Chairman, Lion Brewery Investments, International comprehensive set of and cyber security, digital is non-partisan, and which this, he was the CEO of Ceylon PLC and Chairman, Finance Corporation (IFC), information on the key areas payments, debt financing, is raised solely in the interest Watawala Plantations, where Ceylon Beverage Holdings PLC World Bank Group and that need to be focused as the telecommunication of Sri Lanka. I intend to he was instrumental in turning and Bingumal Sachindra Samararatne- government to accelerate the regulations, digitalisation of continue the approach for this the company around and Thewerathanthri – CEO, Director Startup Ecosystem startups, alongside long-term administrative tasks and great institution. leading it to become the Standard Chartered Bank PLC Development, ICTA solutions for the upbringing of suggests 44 actions to resolve As I assume the highest capitalised regional were elected as three new The survey provides a the startup ecosystem. Going these impediments by working Chairmanship of this plantation company in the members to the Board. broader view of the current beyond this initiative, we will together with Government tech startup ecosystem, continue to work together with authorities, who are in charge focuses on the impediments Government institutions to of respective sectors. which need to be addressed create an environment As the catalyst in driving and possible solutions that conducive for the tech startups the ICT sector including the can be implemented together in Sri Lanka.” tech startup ecosystem BOC, Dialog and Wavenet Partner in with the Government “We are thankful for ICTA forward, ICTA pioneers in all authorities. The survey also for initiating this timely report ICT related projects Landmark COVID-19 Relief Initiative presents a collaborative that provides a broader implemented by the approach where the spectrum of avenues to government and is in the Centralised communication hub to support COVID-19-patients launched Government authorities can accelerate the tech startups in process of supporting the work closely with the startup Sri Lanka with the extensive growth of the tech industry. ecosystem for the betterment support of the government With its vision to make Sri of startups. being received. During the Lanka a digitally inclusive The report complied with the primary research phase, PwC country, ICTA strives to guidance and support of a five- surveyed over 110 startups on empower tech startups via member steering committee operational issues faced, several initiatives such as comprising of key stakeholders growth inhibitors, funding and StartupSL, Alternative Credit in the startup ecosystem capital impediments and Evaluation Framework for chaired by Mano Sekaram– market accessibility. In Tech Companies, CEO, 99X, ICTA Deputy addition, PwC conducted focus Spiralation,etc. ICTA expects Chairman, Chairman of group discussions to to support the startup Minister of Health Pavithra Devi Wanniarachchi with the team Steering Committee, including understand the issues faced ecosystem development in the Mangala Karunaratne- CEO, by the startups working in key long run via creating a Supporting the national hotline powered by Dialog, Based on the patient’s district, Calcey Technologies, Chalinda specific sectors. conducive environment for the effort in the fight against that provides connectivity a doctor will be assigned, who Abeykoon – CEO, Lankan Simultaneously, over 25 tech startups to thrive with COVID-19, Bank of Ceylon, between doctors and patients, will be responsible for the Angel Network, Dhanika ecosystem stakeholders the aim to see new globally the No. 1 bank in Sri Lanka, along with a patient daily remote monitoring and Perera – CEO, Bhasha Lanka (including private incubators, scalable tech businesses Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s management system that managing of the patient’s (Pvt) Ltd, Wellington Perera – educational institutes, venture emerging in Sri Lanka. premier connectivity provider, caters to the requirements vitals until the patient is fully and Wavenet International mandated by the Ministry of recovered or admitted to a (Pvt) Ltd have partnered to Health (MOH) & Government hospital. The system will help establish the national 1390 Medical Officers’ Association eliminate manual processes, COVID-19 Integrated Home- (GMOA). The Patient while also providing a safe and based Care Solution, a Management System is efficient digital mechanism for Virtusa Appoints Santosh consolidated hub combining a developed and sponsored by all health officials to better digital platform and an Wavenet. The call centre serve patients. The initial pilot outreach centre to better facility, along with the agents project commenced in early Thomas as Chief Executive Officer manage the home-based care specially trained by the MOH, June in the Kalutara District Virtusa Corporation, a culture of innovation and of PCR positive asymptomatic is sponsored by the Bank of and has, to date, registered global provider of digital distinguishing itself as a global or mildly symptomatic Ceylon for its duration, while over 800 patients in the strategy, digital engineering leader in helping customers patients, for the first time in Dialog will provide the telecom system. The project will and IT services and solutions tackle their unique digital Sri Lanka. This project was service free of charge. commence rollout to the rest that help clients change and transformation challenges. initiated by the Ministry of Coordination of the entire of the Western Province from disrupt markets through Virtusa has a great brand Health (MOH), guided by Dr. project, including training and 10th July and thereafter will innovation engineering, today reputation, an impressive Asela Gunawardena - Director deployment of doctors at be made available islandwide. announced the appointment roster of strategic partners, General of Health Services, in district level, will be facilitated The 1390 trilingual service of Santosh Thomas as its new and is well positioned for collaboration with the by the GMOA in collaboration is free of charge for all Sri Chief Executive Officer (CEO). sustained growth.” Government Medical Officers’ with the Ministry of Health. Lankans, and it can be Virtusa’s Board of Directors “When I founded Virtusa 25 Association (GMOA) under the Clinical expertise is provided accessed by dialling 1390 appointed Santosh as years ago I had a vision to directive of His Excellency the by the association of from any network. successor to the company’s build a global powerhouse in President and Hon Minister of specialists in family medicine, Commenting on the founder, Kris Canekeratne, digital engineering services. Health. University academics and initiative, Hon. Pavithra who announced his transition And we did just that,” said Kris Santosh Thomas In light of the significant specialists in different other Wanniarachchi, Minister of from the business in May Canekeratne. “I leave with the number of COVID-19 positive medical specialities such as Health said, “We are pleased 2021. Santosh joins Virtusa recognized as an employer of confidence that the company patients being identified, the internal medicine, emergency to initiate the national 1390 during a time of significant choice. and its leadership team have fully-fledged integrated home- medicine, paediatrics, and COVID-19 Integrated Home- growth and follows the recent “On behalf of the entire never been stronger and its based care solution will help obstetrics. The entire based Care Solution to further appointment of Sander company and the Board of opportunities have never been reduce the burden on the programme is administered, supplement the country’s van‘tNoordende to the Directors, I would like to thank greater. I welcome Santosh hospital healthcare system facilitated and governed by efforts in eradicating COVID- position of Chairman of the Kris for his more than two Thomas to the CEO role and and support COVID-19 the MOH under the guidance 19. We are immensely grateful Board of Directors. decades of leadership,” said wish him the best in his efforts patients presenting mild or no of Secretary Health and to the Bank of Ceylon for Santosh brings more than Sander van‘tNoordende. “I to lead Virtusa through its symptoms with a practical Director General Health facilitating the call centre, 20 years of leadership and would also like to welcome next phase of growth.” and hassle-free recovery Services. Dialog Axiata for providing the industry experience to Santosh who brings a stellar Also announced today, process. The objective of the Regional MOH departments necessary connectivity Virtusa. Most recently track record of client service, Denise Warren has joined 1390 home-based care will initially assess COVID-19 infrastructure, Wavenet Santosh served as President leadership, and proven Virtusa’s Board of Directors solution is to provide PCR positive patients, to International for extending the of Global Growth Markets at success. Santosh has the and has been appointed maximum comfort to decide on the suitability of patient management system Cognizant where he managed vision and experience to take Chairperson of its Audit asymptomatic patients, patients for either home care and the GMOA for deploying a business with revenues over Virtusa’s deep heritage in Committee. Ms. Warren enabling them to be isolated or treatment at a medical doctors and coordinating this $4 billion and built multiple digital engineering to new recently retired from her at home while also being facility. On assessment, the project. The combined billion-dollar businesses in levels of growth.” position as Chief Operating remotely monitored by a information of the patient strengths of these parties and Europe and Asia Pacific in “I am deeply honored to join Officer (COO) of WakeMed qualified doctor. designated for home isolation the efforts of this initiative will Banking, CommTech and Virtusa at this exciting time for Health & Hospitals, and serves The integrated call centre will be shared with the BOC- substantially facilitate the Products & Resources. In his our employees, clients and on the boards of Brookdale solution, manned by Bank of managed call centre for progress of the country’s long- new role, Santosh will help partners,” said Santosh Senior Living, Computer Ceylon, is a combination of coordination with the patient term plans for pandemic Virtusa drive growth in key Thomas. “I have admired Kris Programs & Systems Inc., and the toll-free, trilingual 1390 and relevant health services. control.” markets and continue to be and Virtusa for fostering a Rockroom Insurance Group. sports wednesday 30 june 2021 A15 Chat with Milo Champions Nimesh Fernando Tall Lad reaching Greater Heights in Basketball

Nimesh receiving Milo Colours for Basketball in 2014 Nimesh with his parents and brother

2017 and continued to play the sport he loved. As mentioned He joined earlier, his performance in the Fairfirst three years with Fairfirst Insurance gave him the Insurance in 2017 opportunity to shine further. Nimesh was soon in the and continued to National team and participated play the sport he at the 2019 South Asian Games and won a Bronze medal for loved. As mentioned 3x3. Then in 2020 and 2021 he travelled with the National team earlier, his for FIBA qualifiers. performance in the “One thing that sports have taught me is discipline. From three years with my school days my coach (Rex), Fairfirst Insurance taught us something more than Basketball. He was a strict gave him the disciplinarian, and that is one of the most important elements opportunity to shine for a sports personality. It definitely moulded me to By Vimukthi Adithya further. Nimesh was Sri Lanka Basketball become a better person, and Federation conducted a 3x3 soon in the National having played sports became an Fairfirst Insurance is a tournament, and our under-15 added advantage when moving relatively new entrant to the team won 3rd place. Next year, team and into the corporate sector.” mercantile sporting community, in the All-Island Basketball participated at the Nimesh touched on how sports but the talented sportsmen and Championship we became ‘B’ added value to his personality. women have performed Division under-17 champions. 2019 South Asian According to Nimesh, his exceptionally well in that short Prior to this my school did not Games and won a father was his main supporter. span. One such sport the men win any major basketball Udaya never missed a match Nimesh with his SAF Bronze medal from Fairfirst have excelled in is championship for the past 30 Bronze medal for his son played, and he would Basketball. They became the odd years. I was the captain of come home and talk about the champions of the Division ‘A’ the team and was adjudged the 3x3. Then in 2020 game, giving valuable advice to their children to do what they 3x3 in 2017, and went on to best defense player of the and 2021 he his son on how things could be love. My advice to the young win the mercantile super tournament,” commented improved. Nimesh was lucky, ones who are planning to get league. In 2018 they became Nimesh, on his first couple of travelled with the as his parents never engaged in a sport like the Knockout beating years as a basketball player. National team for pressurised him to do basketball is to never try and Commercial Credit by 65 points Yes, they became the under- something he did not like. They play fancy basketball; stick to to 57, and ended as runners- 17 ‘B’ Division champions in FIBA qualifiers understood that the younger the basics. Follow it and it will up of the super league. 2013 and there is nothing to be son's talent was in sports and bring you more success. Always The team had a 21-year-old amazed about it, but the same gave him the necessary freedom be committed and dedicated to player who was 6’2” tall who boys beat much older kids to though they could not overcome to engage in it. Nimesh focused what you do.” Nimesh did not was the pick of the team, win the under-19 a strong Indian team, the boys on his game and kept on forget to advice parents and the scoring the most points in the championship, too. This speaks gained a lot of experience. improving day by day, and also kids on the importance of finals to be judged the most Nimesh Fernando volumes of the supremacy the Coming back to the island, absorbing advice given by his sports. valuable player of the knockout De La Salle boys had and also Nimesh was awarded Milo coaches and his father. No matter what obstacles you tournament. Once again in But his time with cricket was showed the dedication and hard Colours for Basketball in 2014. Nimesh did not have that have to face, keeping yourself fit 2019 in the 3x3 tournament, cut short for a handful of years, work of their coach, veteran Nimesh soon reached greater added pressure where his and active is important for a the lads from Fairfirst were the as the kid found a special liking journalist Rex Clementine. The heights. The teenager went on parents kept nagging him to sportsman, and to every one of runners-up. for another sport - maybe boys continued their good form to represent the Sri Lanka concentrate on his books. “For us. COVID-19 and lockdown The performances of accidentally. the following next year, and Schools basketball team in a child, sports is a definite yes, did not have an impact on the Mahabaduge Nimesh Fernando In 2009, an under-14 once again clinched the ‘B’ 2015. He also used his and what it adds to someone is way Nimesh used to practice. helped him to gain recognition basketball tournament Division championship. experience to perfection and lifelong. You learn leadership He did his basic training while and play for the National team. conducted by Nestle Milo was His impressive performance helped his school win 3rd place traits; how to win and lose; and at home, and the boy wants Born on 5 August 1997 to held at the De La Salle College helped him to book a ticket to at the 2015 All-Island how to rise up by overcoming everyone to understand the Udaya Fernando and Jessica premises, Nimesh went to India to participate in the 2014 Basketball Championship challenges. Parents need to importance of having a small Dias, Nimesh is the younger watch the match since his South Asian Basketball (Under-19). Once again this understand the importance of home gym, which could be used brother of Nisal Fernando. The friend was playing and he Association Under-18 was another milestone for his their children’s evening in crisis situations. kid attended De La Salle immediately found an interest championship, which was college, as this was the first all- playtime. It is not just a bunch The 24-year-old is now College, Colombo from grade in the sport. In 2010, at the age played as qualifying matches island trophy they had won. He of kids playing in a team employed at DFCC Bank and one, and because of love he had of 13, the teenager decided that for the 2014 FIBA Under-18 also continued being a member together. That playing together plays for the Colombo for his alma mater, he ended the most suitable sport for him Asian Basketball of the Sri Lanka Schools team. in a team teaches many things Basketball Club. Apart from his his career in the same school. was Basketball. Maybe his Championship. For the first School days were over, and that you can carry forward to basketball guru, Rex, and all Just like any other kid, Nimesh height and reach played a time in six years the Lankan the boy decided to make make your life successful. his other coaches, he wanted to decided to follow the norm and pivotal role in his decision. teenagers beat the lads from basketball a part of his life. He Rather than forcing things on thank his current coach Ajith fall in love with the bat and ball. “In 2012, for the first time the Bangladesh 126-36. Even joined Fairfirst Insurance in kids, parents should encourage Fernando. A16 Wednesday 30 JUNE 2021 Sports

Sri Lanka tour of England (First ODI) Morgan and Co. Too Good for Wounded Sri Lanka Register a comfortable 5 wicket win to go up 1-0 Joe Root’s brilliant cameo helped England register a comfortable 5 wicket win over wounded Sri Lanka Sri Lanka in the first ODI at the Riverside Ground, Chester-le- P. Nissanka c Ali b Woakes 05 Street yesterday. M.D.K.J. Perera (c) c Billings b Willey 73 Chasing an easy target of 186 runs, England’s top K.I.C. Asalanka c Root b Willey 00 order with the likes of Eoin Morgan and Sam M.D. Shanaka c Bairstow b Woakes 01 Billings, were given a mini scare by the Sri Lankan P.W.H. De Silva c Livingstone b Woakes 54 bowlers who struck with quick wickets, before Joe P.A.D. A. Dhananjaya c Root b Woakes 02 Root and M. Ali stood firm to take their team over the R.T.M. Wanigamuni lbw Ali 01 line. C. Karunaratne Not out 19 The visiting side who already showed some top- K.B.U. Fernando c Ali b Willey 02 class bowling throughout the T20 series, continued P.V.D. Chameera run out (Billings) 07 their momentum into the first ODI with P. Jayawickrama run out (Billings) 04 Dushmantha Chameera and Binura Fernando Extras 1nb, 7w, 9lb 17 leading from the front to pick up a few important Total All Out, 42.3 Overs 185 wickets. Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Pathum Nissanka, 4.4 Opening the batting for England Jonny Bairstow ov), 2-24 (Charith Asalanka, 5.5 ov), 3-46 (43) and Liam Livingstone (9) made a fierce start, (Dasun Shanaka, 8.1 ov), 4-145 (Wanindu smashing the ball all over the park to add 54-run Hasaranga, 28.4 ov), 5-149 (Dhananjaya partnership for the first wicket in quick time, before Lakshan, 30.3 ov), 6-152 (Ramesh Mendis, Chamika Karunarathne got the breakthrough when 31.5 ov), 7-152 (Kusal Perera, 32.2 ov), he sent Livingstone back to the pavilion in the fifth 8-160 (Binura Fernando, 36.1 ov), 9-170 over, which was followed by in-form Bairstow’s (Dushmantha Chameera, 40.2 ov), 10-185 wicket off Binura Fernando in the very next over, to (Praveen Jayawickrama, 42.3 ov) put some pressure on the hosts. Bowling: Chris Woakes 4-18, David Willey Sri Lanka continuing to bowl tight lines and length 3-44 were rewarded when England’s skipper was caught behind off Dushmantha Chameera’s brilliant bowling, followed by Sam Billings wicket in the 11th Joe Root waves to the crowd after winning the match over, to give a glimmer of hope of a comeback. England But a couple of dropped catches and misfielding and another six, and only three players had played J.M. Bairstow b Fernando 43 helped Joe Root and Moeen Ali to find the gaps and more than 20 ODIs. From the playing eleven, only Livingstone c Chameera b Karunaratne 09 score runs easily to achieve the target in 34.5 overs. Perera had an ODI century, and clearly, the onus J.E. Root Not out 79 Indian cricket The duo added 91 runs for the fifth wicket with Joe was on him to drive the side forward once they were E.J.G. Morgan (c) c Perera b Chameera 06 Root top scoring with an unbeaten 79 runs off 89 put in. To put things in perspective, Eoin Morgan S.W. Billings c De Silva b Chameera 03 deliveries including 4 boundaries. has played more ODIs (244) than the whole of the Sri M.M. Ali b Chameera 28 team arrives Chameera was the pick of the bowlers with 3-50. Lankan side (198). S.M. Curran Not out 09 The National Team of India arrived in Sri Earlier, Kusal Perera and Wanindu Hasaranga The visitors lost three wickets inside the Extras 2nb, 5w, 5lb 12 Lanka last evening for a 3-Match ODI and struck half-centuries, but Sri Lanka folded for 185 in powerplay, but the Sri Lanka captain scored at a Total 34.5 Overs, 5 wkts 189 3-Match T20I series. 42.2 overs after they were put in to bat first. Chris strike rate of more than 200. With the scoreboard Fall of wickets: 1-54 (Liam Livingstone, 4.5 All matches will be played at the RPICS, Woakes returned impressive figures of 10-5-18-4 to reading 47 for 3 in 10 overs, Hasaranga adopted a ov), 2-59 (Jonny Bairstow, 5.6 ov), 3-74 (Eoin Colombo. ensure Sri Lanka wasn’t able to get a big score, cautious approach, while Perera kept things Morgan, 9.5 ov), 4-80 (Sam Billings, 11.5 ov), Fixtures (July) especially after Perera and Hasaranga collaborated running. Hasaranga took 12 deliveries to get off the 5-171 (Moeen Ali, 31.5 ov) to put on 99 for the fourth wicket. mark and was on 10 off 30 balls at one stage. Perera, Bowling: Dushmantha Chameera 3-50, 13 - 1st ODI 21 - 1st T20I Sri Lanka had three debutants and were short on meanwhile, got to his half-century off 46 balls to Binura Fernando 1-50 16 - 2nd ODI 23 - 2nd T20I ODI experience. One player had played only one ODI help the side recover somewhat. 18 - 3rd ODI 25 - 3rd T20I

Medhani qualifies for World Relay team runs fastest Junior Championship Young Sprinter Medhani Jayamanne qualified for the World Junior time in 19 years Championship clocking a personal best of 24.08 seconds in the 200m women’s final, Sri Lanka women’s second relay event of her in which she finished 2nd at the 60th Inter 4x100m relay quartet ran career, Medhani had to State Athletics Championship held in the fastest time by a SL contend with a slow baton Patiala, India yesterday. team in 19 years, but change which delayed her Medhani, 19, from Lumbini College, was unfortunately finished take off, yet she did not give only given the opportunity to run in the second behind the Indian much away against India’s 200m because she was part of the women’s National team - who are Asian Games Silver relay team. To top that, she had to rush among the top 20 in the medalist Dutee Chand, as back after running the anchor leg of the world - in 44.55 seconds at they clocked 44.55 relay to run the 200m final, which had a the 60th Inter State seconds, Sri Lanka’s fastest gap of a mere 1 hour and 30 minutes. Championship in India. The time since 2002. Competing in her first overseas race was run in searing The relay team got the competition, Medhani beat World Junior heat. opportunity to participate Gold medalist Hima Das, and it almost In the final, Sri Lanka only due to an invitation looked like she won the race, but the photo decided to make one extended by the Athletics finish revealed P.D. Anjani had pipped her change to the team and Federation of India, who at the post and won the race in 24.01 shuffled the running order. also gave an assurance they seconds. They brought in senior will fully fund the team, as Trained under Umanga Surendra former athlete Lakshika Sugandhi the Sports Ministry refused SAG Gold medalist turned coach Medhani in place of Safiya Yamic, to fund them. Jayamanne had an uphill struggle to get and shuffled the lap order Meanwhile, Kalinga where she is. Despite being the niece of to get the best out of the Kumarage who won Gold in Olympic Silver medalist Susanthika team, with the experienced the 400m, finished second Jayasinghe, she had little or no help from Sugandhi, who is the in the 200m with a time of her in recent years. fastest of the quartet, 21.13 seconds, while Nilani She lives in the Torrington Sports Hostel 4x100m Relay (Safiya Yamic, Medhani Jayamanne, Lakshika running the first lap - Sugandhi, Amasha de Silva, Shelinda Jansen Rathnayaka finished third at the moment, since she is an orphan. which is her usual position in the 3000m steeple chase She is getting help from her school’s Old - Amasha de Silva running in 10:12.02 seconds. Pupils Association and kind hearted Sri the second leg, and running the third. Youngest responsibility of running Sumedha Ranasinghe Lankans, and was given accommodation by Shelinda Jansen who is of all Medhani Jayamanne the last leg. finished third in the Javelin supporters realizing her potential at an good at taking bends, was entrusted the Running in only the with a throw of 77.28m. early stage. Medhani Jayamanne

France knocked out of Euro 2020 Barty turns on style in opening win Switzerland’s Yann Sommer saved France striker Women’s top seed Ash Barty angles, to great effect as she Kylian Mbappe’s penalty to cleared a tricky opening started and finished the match secure a 5-4 shootout win Wimbledon hurdle as she beat in dominant fashion. over the world champions Carla Suarez Navarro 6-1 6-7(1) But Suarez Navarro provided following a thrilling 3-3 draw 6-1 on Tuesday in a first-round flashes of her signature single- after extra time on Monday, match tailor-made for tennis handed backhand to help her to reach the Euro 2020 purists. push Barty to a deciding set quarter-finals, where they The Australian, sporting a after the Australian wavered will meet Spain. 1970s-inspired outfit paying when serving for the match at On a memorable evening homage to compatriot Evonne 5-4. for Swiss football, the Goolagong’s trailblazing first Suarez Navarro’s lack of so-called Nati repeatedly beat Switzerland players celebrate after the match Wimbledon title 50 years ago, matches - her French Open first- the odds, coming from 3-1 Petersburg. France, who had from Haris Seferovic’s played beautifully for two sets in round defeat was her only other down with two goals in the started with an unusual header. her first grasscourt match for appearance this year - caught final five minutes to force three-man defence and Benzema then headed two years. up with her in the end as Barty extra time and eventually lacked any real bite up front home from near the goal-line But Spaniard Suarez Navarro, raced away to victory. penalties. in the first half, looked to be two minutes later to take his who in April announced she had Ashleigh Barty reacts during her But the former world number It was Switzerland’s first heading for victory when tournament tally to four as been given the all-clear following first round match six, who will end her career at knockout stage victory at a Karim Benzema struck twice France grabbed control of the treatment for Hodgkin the Tokyo Olympics, received a tournament since 1938, and in two minutes early in the game only minutes after the lymphoma, a type of cancer, game’s ultimate stylist would standing ovation as she the first time they have made second half. Swiss missed a 55th minute played a full part in an have approved of the eye- departed the Centre Court for the last eight since the 1954 He latched on to Mbappe’s penalty and the chance to go absorbing spectacle under the catching rallies constructed by the last time with Barty leading World Cup which they through ball in the 57th 2-0 up when Hugo Lloris Centre Court’s sliding roof. Barty and her spirited opponent. the applause for the popular hosted. They will next face minute to cancel out saved Ricardo Rodriguez’s Wimbledon king Roger Federer Barty used her all-court game, 32-year-old Spaniard. Spain on Friday in St Switzerland’s first-half lead spot kick. (Reuters) was scheduled next and the full of all manner of spins and (Reuters)

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