„„ www.themorning.lk „„ Late City VOL 01 | NO 28 | Rs. 30.00 { WEDNESDAY } WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2021 ‘SKILLS ’ LAUNCHED BY PREZ AND PM WE STILL AREN’T READY TO SAY GOODBYE ‘TRADITIONAL NEW SIZE-BASED AND NEW CESS ON TO TIGER! TERRORISM’ CERAMIC TILES »SEE PAGE 2 »SEE PAGE 6 »SEE PAGE 7 »SEE PAGE 14 Black Sunday not India and Japan against report: Cardinal z Warns of Black Flag protest from 21 April 2021

BY PAMODI WARAVITA AND NILANTHA MADURAWALA The Archbishop of , Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith said yesterday (2) that the to develop WCT planned “Black Sunday” protest on Sunday (7), where devotees have been asked to come in z 35-year BOT agreement z Only JVP unions to oppose black to the sermons, is not being held against the report by the Presidential Commission of BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE of the Colombo Port. to nominate investors. Inquiry (PCoI) into the Easter Sunday attacks. The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the development of The Terminal will be developed However, the exact “We thank the commission members who the West Container Terminal (WCT) of the Colombo Port as a on a 35-year Build, Operate, shareholding between the three investigated various aspects of these attacks over public-private partnership between companies nominated and Transfer (BOT) basis and parties is yet to be announced. a one-and-a-half-year period. The Archdiocese by the Indian and Japanese Governments and the Sri Lanka the BOT plan approved by the It is widely expected that an of Colombo cannot comment yet on the report, Ports Authority (SLPA). Cabinet-appointed negotiation 85% share will go to the foreign despite many views being expressed on it from The decision came on Monday tripartite agreement with India committee has been forwarded companies, with 15% remaining various quarters.” (1), exactly a month after and Japan to jointly develop the to both the High Commission of with the SLPA. Contd. on page 2 PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE Colombo pulled out of the 2019 East Container Terminal (ECT) India and the Embassy of Japan Contd. on page 2 FLYING HIGH Probe on vaccination Businessmen become farmers to cut trees data entry gaps BY PAMODI WARAVITA this deforestation took place after Approximately 20 acres businessmen misinterpreted and z Entering vaccine name a must: Epid. Unit of forest land close to the exploited President Gotabaya BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI Dahaiyagala Sanctuary, Rajapaksa’s statements made at to know which vaccine to administer belonging to the Department the “Gama Samaga Pilisandara Following an incident where the details for the second dose. The vaccination of Forest Conservation (DFC), (Discussion with the Village)” of vaccination had not been recorded card has dedicated spaces to enter the is alleged to have been cleared programme held on 30 January properly at a Covid-19 vaccination centre, information because it is imperative by businessmen acting under that land should be released to health authorities promised to look into that this information is entered. We the guise of being traditional traditional farmers for cultivation the matter of the necessary data not will inform the relevant centres to farmers, The Morning learnt. purposes. being entered in the vaccination cards of look into the matter,” Ministry of Wildlife officials claimed that Contd. on page 2 members of the public being vaccinated. Health Epidemiology Unit Consultant “In a case where Sri Lanka receives Epidemiologist Dr. Deepa Gamage said, other types of vaccines, having the addressing the media yesterday (2). name of the first vaccine is essential Contd. on page 2 No vaccine priority for teachers zUnions threaten action after new term on 15th BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI Health Epidemiology Unit Consultant Despite the ongoing GCE Ordinary Epidemiologist Dr. Deepa Gamage Level (O/L) examination for the year said that school teachers have not been 2020, and the new school term scheduled identified as a priority group. to commence on 15 March, school teachers “Under the existing health have not been included in the priority list recommendations, teachers have not for vaccinating against Covid-19. been identified as a priority group. But Responding to a question raised teachers living in areas where people The (SLAF) celebrated its 70th anniversary yesterday (2) at the SLAF at a press conference regarding the are being vaccinated can receive the base in Katunayake prioritisation of teachers in light of the vaccination.” PHOTO LALITH PERERA upcoming school term, Ministry of Contd. on page 2 Rishad’s March for Decapitated missing persons reforestation on Women’s Day in limbo body brought BY PAMODI WARAVITA BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE The families of 100 missing persons will A programme to reforest part of the Wilpattu commence a protest march in Mullaitivu on Forest at a cost of Rs. 1 billion, following the Court from Hanwella 8 March to mark International Women’s Day, of Appeal ruling that ordered former Minister BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE The Morning learnt. and incumbent MP to pay for the perpetrator leaving the bag Speaking to us yesterday (2), an organiser engaging in deforestation for resettlement activities, The decapitated body of a behind. of the march said that the protest is being held is yet to get off the ground, The Morning learnt. woman found in a suitcase at Unverified sources said that on International Women’s Day in recognition Contd. on page 2 Dam Street had been transported the suspect was a 50-year-old, of the women – mothers and wives – who to Colombo from Hanwella in a married Sub-Inspector (SI) have continued their struggle to search for Hanwella-Pettah (143) bus, The attached to the Buttala Police the disappeared. COVID-19 CASES Morning learnt. Station and that the murder had Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary ACTIVE CASES TOTAL CASES Speaking to The Morning, been committed in Room 106 (Retd.) Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage Police Media Spokesman Deputy of a hotel in Hanwella. When had said last week that President Gotabaya 3,654 Inspector General of Police the Police had gone to his house Rajapaksa would be reaching out to the 83,552 (DIG) Ajith Rohana said that to make the arrest, he had fled, families of the disappeared for the first time DEATHS RECOVERED SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED closed circuit television (CCTV) according to reports. in a bid to find a solution to their problems. 476 79,422 UP UNTIL 9.45 P.M. ON 02 MARCH 2021 footage had been obtained of Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 42 „„ www.themorning.lk { NEWS } Wednesday, March 3, 2021 US, EU impose sanctions on Russia ‘Skills Sri Lanka’ over Navalny’s poisoning The US and the European Union the Kremlin’s actions against Navalny, Convention. The Kremlin has denied (EU) announced co-ordinated sanctions interference into the US election, the any involvement in the attack. on Russia Tuesday for the poisoning Solar Winds hack, and reported bounties Upon his return to Russia in January, of Russian Opposition Leader Alexei offered to Taliban-linked groups to Navalny was arrested and sentenced Navalny and his arrest and detention target US forces in Afghanistan. to more than two years in jail. He has launched by that followed. The officials said these actions in been transferred to a penal colony just Senior US administration officials response to the Navalny poisoning are several days earlier. told reporters during a briefing call the beginning of the administration’s “The United States has consistently ahead of the public release of the actions against Russia as President characterised the legal offensive against measures that the US is adopting the Biden’s review of specific actions by Navalny as politically motivated, an new sanctions, export restrictions, and Moscow continues. The US response assessment shared by our G7 partners, President, PM visa restrictions on Russia following to those other three issues are coming and the European Commission of The “Skills Sri Lanka” programme an intelligence community assessment “sooner rather than later”, one senior human rights,” a senior administration initiated by the State Ministry of on the poisoning of Navalny that administration official said. official said. “We reiterate our call for Skills Development, Vocational determined with “high confidence” “Today is the first such response, the Russian Government to immediately Education, Research, and Innovation, that officers with Russia’s FSB used and there will be more to come,” the and unconditionally release Navalny.” was launched by the President and a nerve agent to poison him. official said. The EU has also issued its own the Prime Minister (PM) yesterday (2). The US is sanctioning seven senior At the same time the officials insisted restriction measures against Moscow Speaking at the ceremony held at the members of the Russian Government as the US wants to work with Russia on Tuesday, sanctioning four top BMICH, PM said it well as 14 entities that are involved in where possible, including on Iran and government officials, including Head was the responsibility of the Government the chemical and biological industrial North Korea. “The United States is of Russia’s National Guard Viktor to secure the lives of youngsters regardless base in Russia, officials said. neither seeking to reset our relations Zolotov and Prosecutor General Igor of the exams they may fail. The officials did not disclose names with Russia nor are we seeking to Krasnov as well as Chairman of “We will take measures to empower of those sanctioned, but said some of escalate,” the first official said. Russia’s investigative committee and our youths with skills that are up to the them have been previously sanctioned Toxicology tests conducted in director of penitentiary service. international standards to successfully face by the EU and mentioned by Navalny’s Germany, France, and Sweden and by The EU took action against Russia the world,” he said. supporters. the Organisation for the Prohibition of in October of last year for poisoning State Minister The sanctions were the first to target Chemical Weapons found that Navalny Navalny, restricting travel and presented the first copy of the Skills Sri Moscow since Joe Biden became was poisoned with a novel form of the freezing the assets of six Russians State Minister Seetha Arambepola presenting the first copy of the Skills Sri Lanka newspaper to President Gotabaya Lanka newspaper to President yesterday (2) President and opened a comprehensive Novichok nerve agent in violation of and designating one entity. Rajapaksa. review of US-Russia policy, including the international Chemical Weapons (NBC News) Contd. from page 1

and the ECT in the same Cabinet approval According to Edirisinghe, the Department has Meanwhile, the Parents Collective for the school term begins on 15 March. India and... process. selected five districts in which to implement Deceased and Disappeared claimed in a press “We don’t know how the prioritisation The shareholding could be split this The WCT is among one of the three Terminals this programme and is awaiting the Rs. 1 billion conference held yesterday that the United is being done. Various people with power way to allow India and Japan to match the at the Colombo Port along with the South in funds to come through. Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) including members of pradeshiya sabhas shareholding that China has in the nearby Container Terminal (SCT) and the ECT. Each “Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Mannar, Ampara, was not giving due attention to the deceased are influencing the vaccination process and Colombo International Container Terminals Terminal is 1,200 metres in length and possesses and Polonnaruwa are the districts where we and disappeared as a result of the actions of manipulating it. Maybe the health authorities (CICT), where China’s state-owned China facilities to accommodate three berths each. plan to embark on a reforestation campaign. the Liberation Tigers of (LTTE) have no say because the entire process is Merchant Port Holdings (CMPH) enjoys an Bare lands belonging to the Department of during the war. politicised. The Minister of Education himself 85% stake. While the ECT is already built Forest Conservation (DFC) would be used “The UNHRC is corrupt. The Sri Lankan said that school teachers should be prioritised. and developed, the West Container Terminal Black Sunday... under this reforestation campaign,” he added. authorities have not properly shown the LTTE’s We will definitely take action against this would need to be developed by India once it “A separate statement on the report would In its judgment, the Court of Appeal had true nature to the Council. We call upon all once schools re-open.” acquires it, in much the same way that CICT be made after a thorough study of it,” Cardinal issued an order in the nature of a writ of countries to reject the resolution that will be The CTSU handed over a complaint to the was developed by CMPH. Ranjith said. mandamus to the Conservator General of the moved against our country,” said Secretary to Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka on As expected, the Indian Government has A copy of the final report was handed DFC to take action to implement a tree planting the organisation H.K.D. Chandrasoma. 1 March claiming that the lives of teachers, nominated India’s Adani Ports and Special over to the Cardinal by the Director General programme in accordance with the provisions According to Amnesty International, although principals, school staff members, students, and Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ Consortium) Legal Affairs of the Presidential Secretariat of the Forest Conservation Ordinance in any Sri Lanka has one of the world’s highest their family members have been put in danger for the project, along with its local representative Hariguptha Rohanadheera on Monday (1) area equivalent to the reserve forest area used number of enforced disappearances, with by not vaccinating them against Covid-19. John Keells Holdings PLC. However, no after he had demanded a copy of it for nearly for the resettlement of internally displaced 60,000-100,000 disappearances since 1980, Responding to a question raised by The investor has been named by the Japanese a month. persons (IDPs). This was in favour of a petition the authorities have failed to both protect and Morning regarding vaccination, Ministry Government yet. At the time of going to press, However, the Cardinal did comment on filed by environmental groups. provide justice to families of the disappeared. of Education Secretary Prof. Kapila Perera the Japanese Embassy had not responded to the recommendations allegedly made by the The Court of Appeal found Bathiudeen said that school teachers would be vaccinated a query made by The Morning in this regard. report calling for the ban of the Bodu Bala liable for illegal forest clearing in the Wilpattu as more stocks of the vaccine arrive in the The Cabinet appointed negotiation committee Sena (BBS) organisation. Forest, a Ramsar Wetland, and ordered him to Businessmen... country. presented their recommendations based on the “Such recommendations are diverting the pay for reforestation, estimated at more than Accordingly, Ministry of Wildlife and Forest “We were informed yesterday that teachers discussions held with the two parties and the path to finding the true masterminds behind Rs. 1 billion. Conservation Secretary Bandula Harischandra would be vaccinated as new stocks of vaccines Cabinet thereby approved the proposal put the attacks,” said Cardinal Ranjith. Bathiudeen has filed a special leave to appeal told The Morning yesterday (2) that a discussion arrive in the country.” forward by the Ports Minister. Previously on 1 March, Siam Sect Asgiriya petition in the SC seeking an order to set aside with the President has been requested by the Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has decided Meanwhile, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna Chapter Supreme Sangha Council Secretary the said judgment of the Court of Appeal. officers through the Ministry. to vaccinate everyone over 30 years of age, (JVP) opposed the move concerning the WCT. Dr. Medagama Dhammananda Thero expressed “We have already sent a written request to The Morning learnt from Deputy Director Speaking to The Morning, JVP Politburo similar sentiments to The Morning, saying the Presidential Secretariat in this regard,” General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Member and the Chairman of the National that focusing on the recommendations in the Decapitated body... said Harischandra. Herath. Trade Union Centre, K.D. Lal Kantha said that report is a distraction to providing true justice “The suspect who brought the suitcase to Speaking to The Morning yesterday, officials A total of 1 million Covishield vaccines the Party and unions would take action against to the victims. that location has been caught in a nearby of the DFC said that about 20 acres of forest have been received by Sri Lanka so far from this decision. “We hope to have a discussion The report was tabled in Parliament last CCTV camera. It showed the suspect, wearing land adjacent to the Dahaiyagala Sanctuary the Serum Institute of India, and the country with the parties opposed to the WCT decision week, following which copies were given a mask, dragging the suitcase along the road have been illegally cleared by businessmen. awaits a batch of 264,000 vaccines from the and to take joint action against this.“ to the Mahanayakes (Chief Prelates) of the before placing it on the roadside and leaving.” They added that despite legal action being COVAX Facility provided by the Global According to Lal Kantha, they totally disagree MalwattaMalwatte and Asgiri Chapters of the The victim is a woman believed to be between taken against deforestation, it still continues. Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation. Sri with privatising and selling Government and Siam Sect and the Archdiocese of Colombo 17-20 years of age. However, Department of Wildlife Lanka began its vaccination drive in the last public assets, which he claimed has become on 1 March. The body is presently at the Police Mortuary Conservation (DWC) officials told The Morning week of January. a policy of the current Government. It was also revealed that if there is no in Colombo, while the postmortem examination that attempts to clear the forest cover inside the “We say that we are capable of developing transparent process to deliver true justice for is set to take place. Dahaiyagala Sanctuary have been successfully this Port on our own and also paying off the the victims of the Easter Sunday terror attacks The body of the unidentified woman was curbed for the time being. Probe on... loans which we obtained from other countries,” by the second anniversary of the Easter Sunday found inside a suitcase abandoned near Dam According to DWC officials, the sanctuary The vaccination card includes dedicated he further claimed. bombings on 21 April, the Archdiocese of Street in Colombo on 1 March. holds both state and private lands which were spaces to enter the details of the vaccinated Speaking to us, the National Organiser of Colombo would be initiating a “black flag” The general public is requested to relay any traditionally owned by farmers. However, no individual, the date of vaccination, the name the Parliamentarian protest. information on the incident or the persons new areas can be cleared inside the sanctuary of the vaccine, the place of vaccination, the said that the Party will be As such, the Archdiocese of Colombo has involved, to the following telephone numbers: for farming or any other activities, they added. batch number of the vaccine, and the next date giving their decision on the WCT following requested Catholic households to prominently 0718 591 557, to contact the Officer-In-Charge Furthermore, Socialist Youth Union (SYU) to be vaccinated. a committee meeting which was scheduled to display a black flag in their houses and homes of the Dam Street Police, and 0112 433 333 to National Organiser Eranga Gunasekera told The Dr. Gamage was responding to a concern be held yesterday (2). from 21 April onwards if there are no such contact the Police Emergency Response Unit. Morning that they have learnt through visits raised by the media that the name of the vaccine The Sri Lankan Government changed its positive developments. to the area that businessmen are engaged in administered and the next vaccination date has plan to offer a 49% stake in the ECT of the In a statement issued to the press today, deforestation as an investment. not been entered at a vaccination centre near Colombo Port to India, specifically the Adani Cardinal Ranjith said that the Criminal March for... “There’s a clear difference between the the . Group, reneging on a tripartite agreement Investigations Department (CID), the Terrorism The Presidential Commission of Inquiry deforestation done by businessmen and that She said that the Epidemiology Unit signed with India and Japan in 2019. The Indian Investigation Division (TID), and the State (PCoI) appointed earlier this year to probe the which is carried out by traditional farmers. conducted inspections of some of the centres Government has not taken kindly to this about Intelligence Service (SIS) have neglected their findings made by various previously instituted Traditional farmers would clear a maximum to monitor whether the due process is being turn by the Sri Lankan Government, and has duties in the investigations into the terrorists commissions and committees of inquiry into area of two acres. That is not the case here,” followed and that it was observed that the said so in no uncertain terms that it wants the behind the Easter Sunday attacks. alleged human rights and humanitarian law said Gunasekera. necessary information was being entered. latter to abide by the agreement. “We are suspicious about the gravity of violations in connection with the three-decade Gunasekera further alleged that approximately “Some centres write in this information and The decision to backtrack on the agreement the investigations conducted by these law war, has also been tasked with arriving at an 1,000 acres of land inside the sanctuary have some centres have come up with a system to was due to intense and vocal opposition from enforcement agencies. We also want to be clear accurate figure for the number of persons who been cleared. enter this data through a seal. Medical Officers trade unions both within and outside the that we do not see any explicit action being went missing or disappeared during the war. The Morning reported on 1 March that of Health have used various methods to enter Colombo Port, especially by those unions taken by these law enforcement institutions However, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) members of the All-Island Wildlife Guard these details.” who had supported the Government during both to arrest the masterminds behind the attacks,” Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage Officers’ Union were unhappy with the Also addressing the media yesterday, Medical the Presidential and general elections. These said Cardinal Ranjith. told The Morning in January that the numbers President’s “Gama Samaga Pilisandara” Research Institute Consultant Immunologist trade unions called off the planned work to rule As such, since there is no clear evidence on of missing persons that have been published programmes, claiming that it often leads to Dr. Dhanushka Dassanayake said that the campaigns and further protests following the justice being meted out to the victims of the so far have been exaggerated. misinterpretation and in turn, dire consequences second dose administered should be of the approval by the Cabinet for 100% ownership terror attacks, the churches in the Archdiocese Meanwhile, Families of the Disappeared for forest areas. same vaccine. of the ECT to remain with the SLPA. of Colombo would be engaging in protests organisation President Brito Fernando told Global Forest Watch records that Sri Lanka “Most vaccines we have today have been However, the handing over of the WCT for in the coming weeks, seeking true justice, The Morning yesterday that since the change lost 10.3 kilo/hectares (kha) of natural forest developed targeting the spike protein, a protein a joint development to India and Japan was beginning with Black Sunday. of Government in November 2019, the Rs. cover in 2019. in the Coronavirus. We can think that the same agreed upon by the trade unions excluding Moreover, Cardinal Ranjith has also 6,000 monthly relief to families holding a immunity can be developed through a second those affiliated to the JVP in a letter sent to the stated that he would be seeking international “Certificate of Absence” for their relatives dose of a different vaccine but this is all just President. In the letter written to the President intervention into the matter in the future if a has been withheld. No vaccine... theory. The recommendation is that the second on 29 January, the unions had assured that more transparent process is not carried out. According to Fernando, the Rs. 6,000 was However, addressing the media in dose should be of the same vaccine.” they would withdraw from all union action allocated to families of the disappeared in the Anuradhapura, Minister of Education Prof. As of now, the Oxford AstraZeneca Covishield if six conditions were met. These included 2019 Budget reading, and as of December 2019, G.L. Pieris said on 8 February that the Covid-19 vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of the handing over of the already completed Rishad’s... 153 families with a “Certificate of Absence” vaccine is expected to be given to all school India has received clearance from the National section of the ECT to the SLPA, completing Speaking to The Morning, Forest Department had been paid the allowance, amounting to a teachers by the first week of March. Discussions Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) the construction work of the Terminal with Deputy Conservator Nishantha Edirisinghe said total of Rs. 11 million. had been held with the Covid-19 Vaccine for emergency use. Three other vaccines, SLPA funds, completing the construction that the Department is ready to implement a “Our request has been forwarded by the Committee Chairman and Senior Advisor to namely India’s Bharat Biotech vaccine, Russia’s within three years, and acquiring control of the reforestation programme but is awaiting the Ministry of Justice to its Legal Department the President Lalith Weerathunga to prioritise Gamaleya Institute’s Sputnik V, and China’s South Asia Gateway Terminal (SAGT) after Supreme Court (SC) decision. in January this year. However, since then, school teachers in the public vaccination drive. Sinopharm, are under NMRA review. the already-existing agreement expires in 2029. “This is due to the appeal petition filed by the Ministry has not communicated with us When inquired by The Morning, Ceylon Sri Lanka has received a total of 1 million If fulfilled, the unions agreed to support the Bathiudeen in the SC, seeking an order to set regarding this matter,” said Fernando. Teachers Services Union (CTSU) General Covishield vaccines so far from the Serum Government for the development mechanisms aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal Fernando urged that the relief be given to Secretary Mahinda Jayasinghe said yesterday Institute of India and the country awaits a of the WCT, to get Cabinet approval to take dated 16 November 2020 in connection with needy families of the disappeared, who live (2) that the vaccine prioritisation is not batch of 264,000 vaccines from the COVAX complete ownership of the ECT under the the deforestation of the Northern Sanctuary of in poverty, amidst the pain of searching for systematic and that if school teachers are not Facility to be provided by the Global Alliance SLPA, and to get approval for both the WCT the Wilpattu National Park.” their loved ones. vaccinated, action would be taken once the for Vaccines and Immunisation. Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 Page 3 4 „„ www.themorning.lk { EDITORIAL/OPINION } Wednesday, March 3, 2021 Intelligence BY RUKI FERNANDO Justice for Easter and education On 28 February, during the On Monday (1) commenced the GCE Ordinary mass, the Parish Priest of the St. Joseph’s Church, Ratmalana, attacks, Navaly Church Level examination at 4,513 centres. The examination will be held over 10 days. A total of announced that all Catholics in the Colombo Archdiocese (Western 622,351 private candidates and school students are Province) are requested to wear sitting for the exam this year, with an overwhelming black when going to church the bombing, and others majority of them being school candidates. following Sunday, 7 March, to The importance of Sri Lanka’s prevailing demand justice for the Easter in 1995, there was no other armed education system going beyond the traditional Sunday bombings on 21 April group that could carry out aerial exam-centric, marks-based approach has been 2019. He emphasised that this is bombing. The then Catholic Bishop stressed many a time, but to no avail. Sri Lanka not a political action, but a call for of Jaffna is reported to have said that has unfortunately missed the most important part, justice. Since then, I have heard the “displaced had sought shelter in that textbook-based education is not sufficient to from other Catholics and through the church and temples, based on create better people. Amidst countless hardships, the media that next Sunday – 7 instructions given by the Ministry Sri Lankan parents strive to give their children March – is to be a “Black Sunday”. of Defence”. The same media report the best possible education, with the hope that a It is nearly two years since the indicated that the said Bishop had proper education is what is needed to make their Easter bombings killed about 115 in written to then President Chandrika children, the country’s next generation, get ahead the St. Sebastian’s Church (Catholic) Bandaranaike Kumaratunga the in Katuwapitiya, about 50 in the day after the attack, describing the in life by prospering. St. Anthony’s Church (Catholic) in tragedy, and appealing to her to The rest of the world, however, has taken many a Kochchikade, about 30 in the Zion “kindly instruct your forces to desist progressive step to instil good values in the minds Church in Batticaloa, and about 66 from bombing, strafing, artillery of children, in addition to traditional education. more at other locations including three rocket attacks on civilian targets such The recent incident where a popular music big tourist hotels. Those responsible as kovils, churches, schools, and personality goaded an Opposition MP on social have often been identified by their hospitals”. media for the latter allegedly not having what the ethnicity (Muslim) and religion There is a community monument former thought were “satisfactory” educational (Islam). However, the masterminds built at the Navaly Church some qualifications emphasises this situation, and raises as well as high-level politicians and years ago. Last year, during the the question as to the role traditional education government officials who could 25th-year remembrance, the names of should have in one’s life. Perhaps it is time to have prevented the attacks are yet some of the victims were displayed. address the social norms that are based on the to be determined, though suspicions Compensation has been limited to Rs. notion that traditional education is the only thing have been cast on several persons, 15,000 for a dead family member that that makes a person intellectual, and the only way including then President Maithripala some victims’ families had received. Sirisena, then Prime Minister Ranil I have not heard of government one can succeed in life. Wickremesinghe, and then Chief of support to rebuild the bombed church, In ancient times, Sri Lanka had an education Police Pujith Jayasundara. a Hindu kovil, and other buildings. system that gave priority to learning from The most prominent advocate The 25th-year commemorative event experiences, nature, and mentors, whereas the for justice in relation to the Easter did not receive national television or current education system is rather built on the bombings has been the Catholic media coverage, and the Police and concept of memorising what was taught in school Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Army had tried to intimidate and for years, and parroting it at an examination that Cardinal Ranjith. His efforts would obstruct the commemoration. There lasts a couple of hours. have contributed to the previous have been no high-profile PCoIs and Education is important, but so is intelligence. United National Front (UNF)-led Navaly Church no parliamentary committee. No An education system that produces mechanical Government taking quick measures arrests. No commitments by presidents people without intelligence and denies intelligent towards investigations and reparations. million per dead person. Additionally, Many journalists have been and political leaders to ensure justice. people opportunities to contribute, owing to its A multiparty parliamentary Rs. 20 million each had been allocated killed and subjected to enforced The Northern Tamil clergy’s calls overt emphasis on formal rote learning and requisite committee was set up a month after to rebuild the two Catholic churches disappearances, but there is for justice had not received the kind only one case where charges paper qualifications, produces nothing more than the attacks, and a report was submitted and Rs. 5 million for the Zion Church of mainstream media coverage that and published six months after the in Batticaloa. have been filed against the the Cardinal’s calls for justice had a largely mediocre and uninventive population. attacks. In September 2019, Sirisena In addition to the Government’s accused. There has not been a received. The world, especially Sri Lanka, has seen many had set up a Presidential Commission efforts, there has been a programme single conviction. The end of examples of educated people taking insensitive of Inquiry (PCoI) to look into the of reparations led by the Catholic the war did not end enforced Lack of truth and justice decisions, and intelligent people taking decisions attacks. Two interim reports and a Church. During a visit to the disappearances, killings, and in SL and the need for that are not in step with utilitarian mores. final report had been handed over to Katuwapitiya Church and in massacres in Sri Lanka and international options The Nazi doctors, practicing their peculiar and present President Gotabaya Rajapaksa discussions with those affected impunity for them Families of tens of thousands of Sri heinous brand of torture and eugenics under the in December 2019, March 2020, and those supporting them, I learnt Lankans killed and disappeared have guise of non-consensual medical experimentation, and February 2021, respectively, that the Catholic Church’s efforts this is significant progress within not known the truth of what happened were also scientists who possessed a high level but they have not been published. included medical support for the two years, by dismal Sri Lankan to their family members or received of education – but the very education system that Separately, police investigations had injured, dedicated psychological standards of acknowledgment, justice. Amongst those killed and shaped them had blinded them, and they did not led to hundreds of arrests; some of support teams for each family, memorials, compensation, and other disappeared without truth and justice have what it took to empathise with others from those arrested have been released and scholarships for children, religious forms of reparations and justice for are Fr. Francis Joseph (disappeared different backgrounds. some are still in detention, though services, etc. Monuments for the serious crimes and rights violations after surrendering to the Army in This is what is wrong. Even though religion, I have not seen reports of formal victims of the Easter Sunday attacks committed decades ago. 2009 in Vattuvahal in the Mullaitivu charges being filed against anyone. had been built within a few months District), Fr. Jim Brown (disappeared life skills, and social studies are included in Sri Within a few months, the then UNF- in the two affected Catholic churches Navaly Church bombing in after signing in at a Navy checkpoint Lanka’s education system, the primary objective led Government had paid more than and elaborate arrangements were Jaffna, 1995 in 2006 in Allaipiddy in the Jaffna of learning these subjects is passing examinations, Rs. 262 million in compensation for announced by the Archdiocese of Attacks and killings in churches District), Fr. Chandra Fernando (killed and this is what deters children from making those the dead and the injured, with Rs. 1 Colombo to commemorate the first were common during the war. One in 1988 in Batticaloa), Fr. Michael subjects a part of their lives after the examinations year of the bombings. These were of the most horrific incidents is Rodrigo (killed in 1987 in Buttala in are over. With some exceptions, Sinhalese supported by the Government. The the bombing of the Navaly Church the Monaragala District), Fr. Mary Is Sri Lanka’s education system outdated? There and Tamils, including Catholics, commemorative events had to be (Catholic) and its surrounding in the Bastian (killed in 1985 in Vankalei in is no one answer to this question. The issue here have been selective in their restricted due to Covid-19 but were Jaffna diocese (Northern Province) in the Mannar District), and Sister Mary is not necessarily Sri Lanka failing to reform its search for justice for wartime nationally televised, including in 1995, where about 147 were reported Agneta (killed in 1983 in Lunugala in existing traditional education system. In fact, in and post-war crimes. They state television stations and received to have been killed. However, those the Badulla District). There are many the past few decades, education authorities have have been divided in seeking wide media coverage. Many political responsible have not been referred others. tried to implement a number of reforms in a bid international involvement leaders, including the present to as terrorists and no references The context, background, to make sure that Sri Lanka’s education system is for justice. I recall that about President, Prime Minister Mahinda have been made to their ethnicity or and extent of wartime a decade ago... Cardinal Rajapaksa, and the Leader of the religion. All the people in Navaly in step with international standards, even though abuses, post-war abuses, and Ranjith opposed international Opposition , have that I met categorically stated that the some – such as giving tablet computers to Advanced the Easter attacks are not involvement, saying that “such repeatedly committed to ensuring bombing had been done by the Sri comparable, but the grief of Level students to strengthen IT education – never efforts are an insult on the justice for the Easter bombings. Lanka Air Force. This was reinforced truly materialised. survivors, victims’ families, intelligence of the people of Sri These are important affirmations of by the issuance of death certificates and affected communities and The bigger issue is Sri Lanka failing to get rid of Lanka”. But on 11 February 2021, the respect for survivors and victims’ by the Government stating the cause their aspirations for justice are the adverse elements of the traditional education the Cardinal said that he is ready families, although justice has not of death as “death due to injuries often similar. Privileging some system, such as its exam-centricity. to go to an international court been served yet. While inadequate, caused by aerial bombardment”. Back survivors, victims’ families, Due to rapidly growing technological and affected communities advancements and diminishing eco-friendly over others in terms of justice practices, the world is at a decisive juncture where (including acknowledgment, it has to decide whether to pursue technology- compensation, memorials, based solutions for the future of the human race, investigations, prosecutions, or return to the old ways that were mostly driven and convictions) can increase by humanity and a love for nature. Therefore, it trauma and further polarise is high time the world chooses intelligence over communities education, or a combination of both, as the world’s Nearly 40 years afterwards, there future depends on it. has been no justice in Sri Lanka for At the end of the day, it is the intellectual people, wartime massacres and crimes, except driven by both education and intelligence, that in a few cases where Liberation will take the responsibility of propelling the world Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres forward, and teach their successors to transcend have been convicted. In a rare case, a traditional learning methods. single soldier was convicted in 2015 Acclaimed Irish Poet Oscar Wilde once said: for the massacre of civilians in 2000 “Education is an admirable thing, but it is well in Mirusuvil, but he was pardoned to remember from time to time that nothing that last year by the present President. is worth knowing can be taught.” Whether our Many journalists have been killed and education system is imparting knowledge worth subjected to enforced disappearances, knowing has long been up for debate, and it may but there is only one case where charges have been filed against the explain Sri Lanka’s economic, developmental, accused. There has not been a single and sociocultural position in the world. conviction. The end of the war did not end enforced disappearances, killings, and No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. massacres in Sri Lanka and impunity Fax - 011 2 673 441 for them. Protests for clean water in General - 011 5 200 900 Rathupaswala in 2013 and workers Sales & Marketing - 076 1 367 612 rights in Katunayake in 2011 (both Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367 620 in the Western Province) and another E-mail - [email protected] protest by fisher folk in Chilaw in Investigations Desk - 077 7 714 078 2012 led to the killing of protesters by Website - www.themorning.lk the Army and the Police, and there has been no justice. Contd. on page 6 Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 Page 5 46 „„ www.themorning.lk { INTERVIEW/NEWS } Wednesday, March 3, 2021

EASTER ATTACKS PCOI REPORT ‘SL knows not difference If Maithri imprisoned, masterminds must between traditional hang publicly: SLFP If former President is to be imprisoned for his and new terrorism’ failure to prevent the Easter attacks, z Chair of the other Easter attacks report speaks on what his committee aimed to achieve the real masterminds of the bombings should be sent to the gallows BY PAMODI WARAVITA Easter Sunday, the narrative was publicly, the Sri Lanka Freedom The report by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) investigating extreme. This report doesn’t use the Party (SLFP) stated yesterday (2). the Easter Sunday attacks was tabled in Parliament last week and terms Islamic terrorism or extremism In a statement, the SLFP said President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed a Ministerial Committee to look because we can’t find modern former President Sirisena was the into the PCoI report. This Ministerial Committee has also been tasked solutions there. That’s why we put the only Sri Lankan President who did with studying the report on the Easter Sunday attacks and its aftermath term “new terrorism”. We also spoke not kill any journalist or opponent produced by the then Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee (SOC) to moderate Muslims because they during his tenure. on National Security. Similar to the PCoI, the SOC looked into the Easter volunteered information to us. They “He did not make anyone disappear Sunday attacks and put forth recommendations spanning 14 sectors were not forcefully brought before a or set fire to any organisation. He regarding national security and “new terrorism”. The Chair of the SOC commission for an investigation. also did not retaliate against anyone and former Member of Parliament (MP) Malith Jayathilake is an academic The PCoI report has also said that who ridiculed the President,” the Former President Maithripala Sirisena with a background in political science. The Morning spoke to Jayathilake (Galagodaaththe) Gnanasara Thera SLFP said. earlier this week on the differences between the two reports. must be held responsible for inciting They also stated that Sirisena was disregarding the big guns that had The following are excerpts of the racial tensions. However, the report the one who liberated the SLFP aided and abetted Muslim extremists interview. does not look at the discrimination from thugs, drug dealers, rapists, to carry out the attack. that the Muslim community faced racketeers, and terrorists, and Jayasekara stated that it was not Why was the SOC tasked with and faces and how that could lead to appointed scholars such as Prof. a question of trying to protect the compiling this Easter Sunday extremism. Why is that so? Vishwa Warnapala, Prof. Rohana former President, but that concrete report? The fundamental solution is not Lakshman Piyadasa, and Dr. Suren evidence has not been provided in the In that Parliament, they introduced there. Gnanasara Thera’s approach Raghavan to leadership posts. report to accuse him. the oversight committee system. The might be questionable. But we are SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri He further accused the Government current Government has removed also talking about how to combat Jayasekara also charged that the of using the Easter attacks report as it again. In many modern countries, extremism. India has the best report is a politically influenced a scapegoat to accuse those that they oversight committees are there. There de-radicalisation programme and our document because it does not provide do not want to be associated with. were 16 such committees in the old recommendations are based on that concrete information on who is “We support the Government but Government, and all of the ministries model. responsible for the attacks. we will not agree to everything they were divided into them. One committee “There is no analysis on the say. We will take a stand where it is At the outset, was that of the Sectoral Oversight Have you had any communication incident. Information such as needed,” he concluded. this report Committee on National Security and from the Ministerial Committee perpetrators, political influencers, and Meanwhile, the Samagi Jana I was selected as the Chairman for it. appointed to look into both reports? other persons involved in the incident Balawegaya (SJB) said yesterday disagrees The Ministry of Defence, Ministry of No communication from the have not been included in the report. that the Government should hand with the Law and Order, and the Ministry of Committee so far. There is not even a mention of why over the investigation into the Easter Prison Reforms was monitored by us. such an attack was carried out,” he Sunday attacks to either a domestic concept We initiated this report on 14 May, Do you think the attention given to said. or an international independent of “One approximately one month after the the PCoI report will be maintained? He further stated that the report investigative team. Easter Sunday attacks in 2019. Yes. The media can drag this issue had purposely been written to SJB General Secretary MP Country, At the time, just after the attacks for maybe two or even three weeks. accuse former President Maithripala said the One Law”. occurred, the environment was very Then the Opposition will go down Sirisena. Government has failed to conduct different. Back then, society was and the media will push this back to “There have been bomb attacks a proper probe into the attacks That concept focused on the special laws governing the news belt and then it will die a in Sri Lanka earlier, such as the on its own and it appears that the is quite an the Muslim society. Two years have natural death. But since the President bombings in the Dalada Maligawa, Government was hiding something. passed since then. Do you remember SOC Chair and former MP Malith Jayathilake has also considered it, I am glad. But Central Bank, and Sri Maha “The people say that this is not the extreme one. how madrasas, burqas, and the Muslim recommendations are almost the same Bodhi. But none of those instances real report but a version amended We cannot Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA) It is important that Sri Lanka takes a – how did two committees get the were used as a ploy to accuse by someone in the Government. The were talked about back then? During new point of view. same idea at the same time? This was the Government and its leaders,” Commission of Inquiry should have implement it that period, since they couldn't find the first one. Did it influence the other? Jayasekara further said. looked into the persons responsible here because those responsible for the attacks, the Whom did you consult for He also pointed out that for the attacks instead of focusing media and society focused on these this report? How do you define extremism in Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera was more on the failure of the officials,” there are a things. First was the burqa, second was We have all these committee this report? falsely accused in the report, while he said. number of the madrasas, and third was foreigners members. To complete the legal I think that’s in this chapter about who came to do sermons in the process and to get the quorum, establishing religious schools. We special laws madrasas. We spoke about 14 sectors sometimes it was difficult to get even can't ban Wahhabism – that’s a already in this report. three ministers. We had 25 committee global problem and a Sri Lankan law Contd. from page 4 meetings for this. There was no won't stop that. Pakistan faces the What is the main finding of staff to write this report even – the most problems due to Wahhabism this report? Chairman had to write this. these days. There is no value to the Immediately At the outset, this report disagrees Back then, after all the negativity statement “ban Wahhabism”. There Justice for Easter... in the with the concept of “One Country, following Easter Sunday towards the is no depth to such a statement or Many of those killed in these were communities and their aspirations for One Law”. That concept is quite an Muslim committee, there was a big recommendation. Catholics. Neither has there been justice are often similar. Privileging aftermath extreme one. We cannot implement group of moderate, Colombo-educated A better way to do it is to combat justice for the 2012 Welikada Prison some survivors, victims’ families, of Easter it here because there are a number of Muslims who reached out to me. They the problem of madrasas. Our massacre or the 2020 Mahara Prison and affected communities over special laws already – for example the invited me and talked to me. These recommendation is that madrasas massacre or the killings during the 2014 others in terms of justice (including Sunday, the and the moderate Muslims believe that the should not function at all – and if riots against Muslims in Aluthgama. acknowledgment, compensation, narrative was law in Jaffna. This report would have solution is to live peacefully with the it needs to function, then only for Many victims’ families and activists memorials, investigations, prosecutions, been popularised if I had put that Sinhalese and they’ve faced death children above the age of 16. Many have demanded access to the reports and convictions) can increase trauma extreme. This there. Instead of that, I introduced threats for that belief too. They are children who suffer due to the MMDA of Commissions of Inquiry they had and further polarise communities. report doesn’t this new term called “new terrorism”. educated and knowledgeable. are gathered at madrasas. That’s why given testimonies to and co-operated With some exceptions, Sinhalese and Sri Lanka is a country that has We are all Sinhalese in this our recommendation is to educate with, and the Cardinal is the latest to Tamils, including Catholics, have been use the terms fought traditional terrorism and won. committee and we don't understand every child from the age of five – to join this line, demanding a copy of selective in their search for justice for Islamic But Sri Lanka does not know the the actual problem here. We may be enter the school system like in the the report of the PCoI into the Easter wartime and post-war crimes. They have difference between traditional and able to debate the legal problems but English Government back then. Eleven bombings. After a month, as this is been divided in seeking international terrorism or new terrorism. In this committee the real information and the deep- years of compulsory school education being written, the President’s Media involvement for justice. I recall that extremism report, we described the difference rooted big problems were made clear and after O/Ls (Ordinary Levels), if Division (PMD) reported that he had about a decade ago, at a time when the between traditional terrorism and to me by those moderate Muslims they wish, they can go to a madrasa been handed over the report, but it is yet Catholic Bishop of Mannar and the because we new terrorism. After 1990, terrorism after hours and days of discussions to be a religious teacher. That is how to be published for survivors, victims’ Tamil Catholic clergy and others were can’t find has changed. As described in this which went for almost seven or eight extremism can be minimised. There families, and other citizens to see. demanding international involvement report, new terrorism has five main months. I took personal responsibility are also Muslim-only international The Cardinal is also reported to have in seeking justice for tens of thousands modern characteristics: no borders, no for this committee report. This is a schools in urban areas. Terrorists who rejected another committee to study the of killings, disappearances, and other solutions clear political ideology, no clear sensitive problem. died on Easter Sunday all went to Commission report, just a few weeks crimes during and after the war, organisational structure or leader, national schools, so our argument sort after there was widespread criticism Cardinal Ranjith opposed international there. That’s there are no clear demands which can What are the main differences you of falls there. But the richest ones go to and scepticism about the appointment involvement, saying that “such efforts why we put be met at a negotiation table, and the see in the SOC report and Muslim-only international schools and of a PCoI to assess the findings are an insult on the intelligence of terrorism is motivated by a religious the recently released report that is very harmful too. They don't and recommendations of preceding the people of Sri Lanka”. But on 11 the term “new ideology and is usually carried out by by the PCoI? even know Sinhala. commissions and committees. February 2021, the Cardinal said that he terrorism” individuals or small groups. I presented this in February 2020 to New terrorism, extremism, and The failure of domestic laws, is ready to go to an international court Only I have spoken about this Parliament. I asked why this was not new media are integrally connected. institutions, mechanisms, and processes and seek the support of international difference in this report. Prabhakaran implemented. But in the President’s As soon as racial tensions occurred to ensure justice, have led to survivors, organisations to seek justice for the had borders, new terrorism does not. Independence Day speech he asked back then, the former President victims’ families, and other concerned Easter bombings, if there is no justice Prabhakaran had a clear political goal for both reports. The President has (Maithripala Sirisena) would parties to seek international justice. domestically. The Cardinal’s call of Tamil Eelam, Zaharan and his team given due recognition to this. But the bring representatives down and Earlier this year, 12 years after came weeks after a renewed call for didn't have one. Prabhakaran had a media and people demand the PCoI’s lockdown or go to the TRCSL the killing of Editor and Journalist international justice for wartime crimes huge organisational structure – military report. I won't be rushed to comment (Telecommunications Regulatory Lasantha Wickrematunge, and no signs by Tamil political parties, civil groups, wing, international wing, recruitment on the other report. Commission of Sri Lanka). At of justice in Sri Lanka, his daughter and the Tamil clergy including the wing – and this doesn't have these. But for example, they have asked the Christchurch Call to Action filed a complaint with the United Catholic Bishop of Trincomalee. Prabhakaran also had negotiations with for political parties with religious Conference held in France on 15 Nations (UN). A few years earlier, she Less than two years after the Easter the government – he had the capacity names to be banned. In our report, we May, they recognised that new media had filed cases in the US. The latest to bombings, the Cardinal is recognising to present his problems and ask for suggested a time frame for already also has certain responsibilities be frustrated by the lack of domestic the limits, failures, and challenges of solutions. But what would Zahran existing political parties who have to combat new terrorism. The justice is the Cardinal, who told the seeking justice in Sri Lanka and the have requested at a negotiation table? religious names to change their name. Government has responsibilities. media that he will consider seeking importance of international options and He doesn't have anything to bring to But the new report also has this and New media companies have a non- justice from an international court and support, which Tamil bishops and clergy the negotiation table. Most often, they there is an overlap that I see. They binding agreement. Governments and seek the assistance of international had realised a long time ago. Justice is won't have a leader either. did an investigation; we looked at companies must work together for organisations if there is no justice in Sri central to the Christian faith and I hope Also important to note in new the Muslim community and wrote this. Our recommendations on new Lanka for the Easter bombings. that at least now, Sinhalese and Tamil terrorism is that leaders are recommendations. We can even say media are based on this. Catholics can support each others’ quests comfortable with dying – they don’t that they studied this report to some Past divisions and future for justice. Next Sunday, 7 March, could care about their lives. The pioneers extent. For that committee, they The SOC functioned prior to the opportunities for a united be a beginning. communicate with God – they go even summoned people who gave Easter Sunday attacks as well. Why front for justice (The author is a Catholic human to God first. Then followers are one-sentence comments for small was no such report about potential The context, background, and rights activist and a Member of motivated through that. That’s newspaper articles. They may have threats formulated then? extent of wartime abuses, post-war the Justice, Peace, and Integrity another characteristic of new not summoned me because they kept This report was a response to the abuses, and the Easter attacks are not of Creation Commission of the terrorism. New terrorism is usually this report as a basic document. social demand at the time, after the comparable, but the grief of survivors, Conference of [Catholic] Major done by a small group or individuals. Immediately in the aftermath of attacks. victims’ families, and affected Religious Superiors) 47 Wednesday, March 3, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

COPAbusiness sub-committee to investigate vehicle New size-based cess registration irregularities Committee on Public by Sri Lanka Customs, and the The COPA Chairman on ceramic tiles Accounts (COPA) Chairman legal changes that can be seen inquired as to why the HS z z Prof. Tissa Vitarana has in the identification of vehicles Code introduced by Sri Lanka A cess of Rs. 490 per square Cess is to 'promote taken steps to appoint a for special purposes by the Customs for imported vehicles metre of tile finalised competition in the market' special sub-committee to Department of Motor Traffic. is not used in the same way for investigate the loss of revenue The committee emphasised the registration of the relevant BY KAREN HAPUARACHCHI to the Government through that due to the Department of vehicle by the DMT. The Ministry of Finance and the registration of vehicles Motor Traffic’s (DMT) non- The COPA Committee local ceramic importers have imported for special purposes compliance with the HS Code also noted the lack of a reached an agreement to such as dual-purpose vehicles. issued by Sri Lanka Customs computerised comparison implement a size-based cess This took place at the COPA when registering vehicles, the system between the Sri Lanka of Rs. 490 per square metre meeting held in Parliament Government would lose a large Customs and the DMT. The of tile, following a number of recently. This meeting was amount of revenue, as these Committee emphasised that discussions with the relevant convened to review the vehicles are being registered the Ministry of Finance, Sri authorities, The Morning Auditor General's reports for under another form. Lanka Customs, and the Business learns. 2017-2018, and the current COPA also focused on the DMT should work together Speaking to The Morning performance of Customs. recommendation made by the to expedite the installation of Business, Tiles and Sanitaryware Accordingly, State Minister committee appointed to resolve this system to avoid further Importers Association President Ministry of Finance officals and local ceramic importers in dicsussions at the Ministry of Finance was this issue at its meeting held on irregularities. Kamil Hussain reported that appointed as Sub-Committee 20 September 2019, to obtain a The COPA also drew both he and Ministry of Finance to half the market demand, local production of tiles is likely association is looking forward Chairman, while State Ministers certificate from the Department attention to the use of Treasury S.R. Attygalle have come are prominent shoes that the to be completed in the span of two to working with the Ministry of Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle of Import and Export Control fingerprint machines by Sri to an amicable solution to facilitate association plans to fill once again. years. Local manufacturer Mackson Finance. and , when importing such vehicles. Lanka Customs officers to a healthy level of imports while Moreover, the need to strike Tiles Lanka is reported to have “We will meet very soon. We and MPs Ashok Abeysinghe, The importance of enacting enter and exit the service. at the same time nurturing local a balance between locally ordered new machinery to increase want to ensure that imports are Dr. , and this committee report into Customs officials pointed manufacturers and decreasing manufactured products and its production capacity in early open again. Over 100,000 people Weerasumana Weerasinghe law and the importance of out that there are certain foreign exchange outflow. imported tiles and sanitaryware February 2021. The problem in the depend on this industry, and so we were appointed as other amending the relevant laws sections in Customs where Hussain, commenting on the products where consumers have tile industry was said to involve the are very worried for these workers. members. for Sri Lanka Customs and such a machine could not be discussions which took place, a range of choices against which inability to increase production at a Or else, the workers, consumers, The Committee drew the DMT to implement the practically implemented, to stated: “We actually spoke about to evaluate their purchase, is also rapid rate. It was reported that this and owners will all suffer,” Hussain attention to the use of the committee’s recommendations which the COPA directed that the industry issues that I’ve essential for a healthy market rather was due to the machinery being stated. Special Purpose Vehicle were also discussed at this these sections be sent to the mentioned before, and also about than a monopolistic or duopolistic complicated to operate, the time Sri Lanka’s tiles and bathware Identification Codes (HS Code) meeting. Committee separately. helping local manufacturers.” market. “There’s no problem taken for local workers to master manufacturing capacity is currently Furthermore, both parties agreed between local manufacturers and the latest technology, as well as limited to three local large-scale tile on a square metre-based (size- importers at all, but we also feel the time taken for it to arrive to manufacturers and seven bathware based) cess standardised to 15% that we need to strike a balance the country from Italy, which is manufacturers with a current Public Finance which amounts to a total charge of where importers challenge local estimated to take five to six months. combined annual production Rs. 490 per square metre per tile. manufacturers, so as to encourage As local manufacturers only cater capacity of 17 million square The cess was reportedly them to reach their full potential by to 50% of the local demand, the metres of tiles and approximately Committee urges new a measure taken to promote giving them healthy competition,” current capacity has to be doubled. 700,000 bathware pieces. competition in the market, Hussain revealed. Thus, one manufacturer increasing Further plans to increase tile increase tax revenue, prevent A slight increase in the duty its capacity may not increase the local production capacities by strategy by CBSL unethical importer activities, and levied was the solution to achieving overall capacity drastically. another 3.5 million square metres re-establish the importers’ tiles and the aforementioned aims whilst “As importers, we provide this year will result in a total local The Committee on Public sanitaryware market. increasing revenue for the choices; local manufacturers’ production output of 20.5 million Finance informed officials Additionally, the latest cess Government. It was also done so choices are not as vibrant as ours. square metres by mid-2021. at the Central Bank of Sri that was to be implemented was as to give local manufacturers a That is because the manufacturer Being a key contributor to the Lanka (CBSL) that it should estimated at more than 46% of the chance to increase its capacity along flexibility is not as efficient as that local economy and government come up with an innovative previous duty levied. with promoting the Government’s of imports. Today’s architects and revenue, these large-scale local strategic plan for the betterment Also, Hussain reported the main “Vision of Prosperity”. designers want to build something manufacturers have invested over of the general public and the reason the association suggested It was also highlighted that the aesthetically pleasing,” Hussain Rs. 35 billion throughout the years, country. The Committee also that the Ministry base the cess association is currently anticipating added. He went on to mention paying over Rs. 5.5 billion in recommended to the CBSL on size rather than value was to a response and confirmation from that retailers of imported product government taxes per year. officials to not act like the state State Ministers , Vidura Wickramanayake, avoid the complications and fraud Attygalle to the formula the union have run out of sock for a year At present, these manufacturers or commercial banks, which Members of Parliament Prof. and that can take place if the cess was submitted to the Ministry. and that locally manufactured employ over 7,500 Sri Lankans. are pursuing profit and ratings. were present at the Committee on Public Finance calculated on a value basis. Furthermore, it was stated that products are priced higher than The local industry is well equipped Committee on Public Finance “In order to avoid these, we the re-establishment of businesses imported products in the tiles and with the latest manufacturing Chairman Anura Pradharshana Nalin Fernando also pointed Galle Road, Colombo 3. State convinced them to go forward on owned by importers is necessary to sanitaryware market. This was said technology that’s among the best Yapa stated that the Monetary out that the harsh criticism Minister Susil Premajayantha a square metre basis. Thus, this duty regulate the demand in the market to be due to the high energy cost in the world, capable of producing Board should fulfill its levelled at the Government pointed out that the project will be based on size rather than which has contributed to illegal involved in local manufacturing any high-quality tiles and bathware responsibilities properly and over the losses incurred due to had failed at the outset. Sri value because people can develop black market resale activities in along with the fact that 50% of the across a range of different sizes, that maintaining financial the sugar tax revision measures Lanka Insurance Corporation, suspicions on the correct value,” the absence of importers. raw materials need to be imported. designs, surface finishes, and discipline is a fundamental has been a black mark on the Litro Gas, and the Employees Hussain commented. In addition to this, the In addition, the Association variations that are on par with factor for any country. Government and did not benefit Provident Fund have spent The Association President Association President mentioned President also mentioned that both global leaders in the industry. Accordingly, he directed the the consumers as expected. about Rs. 20 billion, of which further highlighted the importance that Attygalle was aware of the local manufactures and imported As the nation’s economy officials of the CBSL to submit The Committee Chairman Rs. 4 billion has been spent of importers within the tiles and aforementioned illegal activities. retailers cater to segments in the struggles to get back on its feet, new development strategies said that the Committee had on settlement payments to a sanitaryware market. He further added that the cess was market where some consumers it is commendable that such to the Committee on Public not yet received the report Malaysian company. The State In addition to this, the pivotal a counter measure taken to regulate prefer local products while others government policy decisions are Finance, especially in order to called by the Public Finance Minister said the hotel, which requirement to cater to the this excess demand in order to prefer imported products. taken to nurture local industries uplift the local entrepreneurs, Committee in this regard and currently has only 16 floors, remaining 50% of the market minimise these activities. He went on to mention that both in a post-Covid economy in this when the Committee met in that the Department of Import would cost at least another Rs. demand, as local manufacturers Moreover, reportedly, the parties are needed for the market journey towards creating a self- Parliament recently. Control should be able to 40 billion to use and could not only hold the capacity to cater Government’s aim to enhance the to operate smoothly and that the sufficient Sri Lanka. These instructions were given submit analytical comments be expected to be successful. when the bank officials said at with data on these gazette The Committee stated the meeting that the CBSL has amendments. that the then management recently managed to maintain The Committee approved of the Sri Lanka Insurance Pakistan to help boost Sri Lanka’s a large savings balance of $ the regulations issued on that Corporation was directly 323 million by 19 February day regarding the issuance responsible for the four 2021 under a scheme to open a of brown sugar licenses and to five-year delay in the local pharmaceutical manufacturing special deposit account in order recommended that a full construction of the Sinolanka Representatives of Pakistan’s knowledge transfer. focused on mutually beneficial increase local pharmaceutical to protect local cash reserves explanation be given on 9 Spa Hotel, causing the pharmaceutical industry recently The meeting was presided over proposals for both nations to manufacturing to 50% of the in the face of the Covid-19 March with the participation surplus cost. The Committee agreed to share industry best by State Minister of Production, leverage on opportunities provided national requirement by 2025, pandemic situation. of all relevant ministries and Chairman pointed out that the practices and technical knowledge Supply and Regulation of to one another. where Sri Lankan pharmaceutical The Committee pointed institutions. Board of Investment should with the Sri Lanka Pharmaceutical Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa State Minister Jayasumana manufacturers will have to out that such deposit schemes The Committee approved have paid attention to this Manufacturers’ Association Jayasumana, accompanied by requested the Pakistani manufacture at least 350-plus introduced by the CBSLshould two Extraordinary Gazette matter and requested that a (SLPMA). State Ministry Secretary Rohitha pharmaceutical manufacturers to pharmaceuticals locally. be publicised, as this savings Notifications regarding the feasibility study on this hotel This took place at a meeting held Uduwawala and Dr. Lakshitha share their experience in developing Sheikh also invited the State special deposit account earns extension of the duration project be submitted soon. between the SLPMA and visiting Rajakaruna. The meeting took Pakistan’s local pharmaceutical Minister and the SLPMA to visit an interest of 2% per annum of two projects under the State Ministers Susil representatives of the Pakistani place on the sidelines of the first manufacturing industry. He also Pakistan to host a road show on the on deposits which is beneficial Strategic Development Act Premajayantha, Vidura Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ state visit by Pakistani Prime invited the PPMA to set up joint opportunities for pharmaceutical to the country as well as Sri No. 14 of 2008 submitted by Wickramanayake, MPs Prof. Association (PPMA), where Minister Imran Khan to Sri Lanka. ventures with local pharmaceutical manufacturing in Sri Lanka, and Lankans abroad. the Ministry of Finance. One Ranjith Bandara, and Nalin Pakistan Pharmaceutical The first-ever bilateral companies to manufacture complex enter into MoUs with prospective State Minister Vidura such project is a 75-room Fernando were present at the Delegation Head Kashif Sajjad meeting between pharmaceutical molecules in Sri Lanka, to benefit Pakistani companies, which will be Wickramanayake and MP city hotel located at No. 116, Committee on Public Finance. Sheikh promised to ensure this manufacturers of the two countries from the Government’s drive to facilitated by the PPMA. Laxapana Batteries PLC seeks to invest Rs. 1.1 b in renewable energy Laxapana Batteries PLC recently proposes raising Rs. 540 million by in the proportion of 12 new ordinary in the nation’s total energy needs. by 14%, over Q3 FY 2019/20 and periods in FY 2019/20. Cumulative announced that it is entering the way of a Rights Issue, and also intends shares for every 13 existing ordinary Despite the challenging economic profit before tax growing by Rs. 29.4 profit before tax of Rs. 100.4 million renewable energy business. Having to lock in long-term debt to benefit shares held at Rs 15 per share. With a environment that began with the onset million. The company recorded a for the nine months ended 31 evaluated prospects in this space, the from the prevailing low-interest rate Rs. 1.1 billion investment to develop of the Covid-19 pandemic, Laxapana revenue of Rs. 206.2 million and December 2020 is a notable year-on- company has stated its intentions to regime. At an Extraordinary General rooftop solar projects, Laxapana is well has delivered a resilient performance Rs 552.7 million in Q3 FY 2020/21 year (YoY) increase of 113% over invest over Rs. 1 billion in generating Meeting held on 10 February 2021, positioned with a sustainable business in the financial year (FY) 2020/21 and nine months ended 31 December Rs. 47.2 million recorded over last renewable energy from rooftop solar the shareholders of Laxapana Batteries model to contribute towards the period. During these uncertain times, 2020, respectively. year’s nine months despite numerous projects. PLC approved the Rights Issue to offer Government’s policy of increasing the the company witnessed growth in Q3 These compare to Rs. 180.4 million challenges encountered in the business To fund the investment, the company 36,000,000 ordinary shares, which is share of renewable energy production FY 2020/21 with a revenue increase and Rs. 506.2 million to corresponding environment. 48 business „„ www.themorning.lk { CORPORATE } Wednesday, March 3, 2021 Sophos to provide Dialog joins with TRC’s 5G PC cybersecurity ‘Gamata Sanniwedanaya’ with Intercept X Sophos, a global leader in Dialog Axiata PLC (Dialog) partnered with the Telecommunications next-generation cybersecurity, Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) to launch the first phase of announced its plans to provide the “Gamata Sanniwedanaya” initiative in Ratnapura. Sophos Intercept X endpoint protection for 5G PCs powered By facilitating the “Gamata Speaking at the occasion, TRCSL by Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ Sanniwedanaya” initiative, the company Director General Oshada Senanayake compute platforms from aims to enable all Sri Lankans to move stated: “Today marks a special Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. forward as one digital society and support day where we launch this ‘Gamata The combination of Sophos the distance-learning and working Sanniwedanaya’ initiative with Dialog Intercept X with Snapdragon From left: TRCSL Competition Division Deputy Director Sriyani Mawellage, Dialog requirements in this new normal. This in the Napawala village in the Ratnapura Axiata PLC Group Chief Executive Supun Weerasinghe, TRCSL Director General Oshada platforms will provide users next- Sophos Chief Technology Officer initiative was deployed by TRCSL with District. Our efforts through this Senanayake, TRCSL Spectrum Management Division Deputy Director Sudath Wakista, generation security through an Joe Levy the pilot programme of implementing initiative is to establish the necessary and Dialog Axiata PLC Group Chief Technology Officer Pradeep De Almeida always on, always connected PC 37 new sites in the Ratnapura District, connectivity infrastructure which is environment. loves predictability, and Sophos where 18 of these sites will be deployed imperative for Sri Lanka to successfully Dialog Axiata PLC Group Chief has become a necessity with the ongoing Snapdragon platforms enable 5G is excited to be a part of securing by Dialog by July 2021. The next phase navigate its journey towards digitisation. Executive Supun Weerasinghe said: “We pandemic, especially with learning and connectivity built on smartphone this next-generation computing of the “Gamata Sanniwedanaya” initiative Along with the Ratnapura project, we are pleased to join hands with TRCSL working requirements. We hope to technology to deliver premium platform.” will focus on expanding 4G coverage to are also aiming to expand coverage to launch the ‘Gamata Sanniwedanaya’ collaborate further with TRCSL in the performance and efficiency to 4G Sophos Intercept X will also deep rural communities in Kurunegala, in 10 districts this year, including initiative as part of our efforts in expanding upcoming months to make this initiative and 5G cellular-connected thin leverage “Connected Standby” Matara, and more districts to achieve Kurunegala, Matara, and Anuradhapura 4G coverage to deep rural communities a success, in line with our shared vision and light fanless laptops. Sophos for continuous communication near 100% population coverage by the with a vision of expanding coverage across the nation and support our of enabling a fully connected and truly Intercept X is designed to protect with a fleet of Snapdragon- end of 2022. to 100% of the country.” subscribers, considering how connectivity empowered Sri Lanka.” advanced computing systems and powered PCs, so that security endpoints, stopping the latest investigations have fewer cybersecurity threats with deep unknowns as data won’t be HNB and Indra learning AI (articifical intelligence) missed due to devices being EFL 3PL receives SLS and anti-ransomware capabilities. offline; use “AI acceleration” Sophos expects Intercept X for through the Qualcomm® AI Traders offer vehicle Snapdragon compute platforms Engine to compile increasingly to be available in the second half AI-dependent software real time leasing solutions 1672:2020 certification of 2021. on device with optimisations Reinforcing compliance of operate from home post the the only logistics company “An always on, always to run faster and more power its state-of-the-art logistics lockdown. Risk assessments that spent the most on PCR connected, interactive computing efficiently; and harness operation, EFL 3PL, a based on vulnerability and and rapid antigen testing. environment that combines the hardware-level root of member of Expolanka PLC, probability considering all As a company that leverages smartphone and PC technology trust to ascertain device and became the first logistics operations at EFL 3PL were on technology-backed delivers unique security cryptographic integrity to create company in Sri Lanka to be conducted and a control plan platforms in its business, capabilities and opportunities,” strong identity bindings. awarded the SLS 1672:2020 was put into place which EFL 3PL relied on artificial said Sophos Chief Technology “Now, in addition to Covid-19 Safety Management consisted of strict workplace intelligence (AI)-driven Officer (CTO) Joe Levy. enabling always on, always Systems certification from guidelines. crowd mask and temperature “Mobile devices historically have connected PC experiences, the Sri Lanka Standards Leveraging on advanced detection systems (to detect experienced far fewer security our 5G-enabled Snapdragon From left: Indra Traders Regional Sales Manager Rasika De Silva, Indra Institute (SLSI) for all its technology, EFL 3PL whether or not a person is incidents than PCs powered compute platforms bring next- Traders General Manager Sajini Silva, and Indra Traders Sales and Marketing fulfillment centres and the implemented its own home- wearing a mask); AI-driven by traditional architectures. It’s generation security innovation Director Hashindra Silva with HNB Retail and SME Banking Deputy Global Freeport. grown digital dashboard and cameras to detect temperature certainly not because they aren’t rooted in our advanced AI and General Manager Sanjay Wijemanne, HNB Personal Financial Services Head Kanchana Karunagama, HNB Leasing Head Niluka Amarasinghe, Speaking on the occasion, mobile application, giving and mask discipline in groups ubiquitous, but rather because 5G connectivity capabilities,” HNB Leasing Assistant Manager Roshan De Silva, and HNB Business EFL 3PL and Global Freeport the management real-time or queues, instantly notifying of their modern architecture said Qualcomm Technologies Development Executive Mahesh Ratnayake Director Sammy Akbar said: insights across all facilities management and teams; and that offers overall predictability Inc. Senior Director of Product “Being proactive has always on the risk level, number of a 3D facility tour and live relative to PCs, enabling Management Miguel Nunes. “By HNB PLC renewed its partnership HNB customers availing been second nature to us. negative and positive cases, view options to facilitate application vendors to design working with Sophos, we are with local automotive giant Indra themselves of the promotion are On this occasion, we took site-wise and total number of external stakeholder visits. high-performance and secure taking on-device security to a new Traders, to offer exclusive leasing entitled to a free life insurance all the necessary precautions PCRs and rapid antigen tests Also, cargo unloading and software. level by enhancing their industry- solutions and benefits for all cover of Rs. 4.5 million. The to keep our staff, clients, carried out, as well as much loading procedures were “Snapdragon compute leading endpoint protection with registered and unregistered vehicles insurance is also anchored to and stakeholders safe, while more advanced real-time data. created and shared with platforms mark a major step AI-accelerated threat detection on and Foton trucks. discounted premiums from HNB ensuring business continuity. In other measures, daily customers to communicate forward because they provide our solutions. We’re excited for The official partnership was General Insurance, and a free Our response was to blend management meetings, to their respective transporters. all the utility and performance of a Sophos to transform computing announced with an agreement which credit card with special discounts technology with process company-sponsored Akbar further added: PC, but with many of the benefits with next-generation enterprise- was signed at the HNB Towers, in and benefits from HNB Leasing. discipline to stay on top of accommodation for staff at “When the going got associated with modern mobile grade security on 5G-powered the presence of Hatton National “This year’s partnership is the situation.” the height of the pandemic, a tough, our team got going. computing devices. Security Snapdragon compute platforms.” Bank (HNB) Retail and SME (Small no different, as together we are EFL 3PL’s Safety First bubble strategy where colour Unprecedented times require and Medium Enterprises) Banking once again offering concessionary Policy identified critical codes are assigned to teams unprecedented action. Among Deputy General Manager Sanjay interest rates, coupled with our operations and personnel, for visual segregations, and many progressive initiatives Wijemanne and Indra Traders Sales excellent after-sales services and restructured work increased testing for Covid-19 taken, this is one more. The SANASA Life and Marketing Director Hashindra through this promotion,” stated arrangements remotely and at on staff and all new recruits team worked extra hard to Silva. The agreement, while offering Indra Traders Sales and Marketing the office premises, while non- were employed. EFL 3PL ensure clients’ supply chains Insurance CEO named customers exciting benefits, will Director Hashindra Silva. operational staff continued to claims that it was most likely were not interrupted.” also offer exclusive incentive Moreover, Indra Traders will be schemes for HNB employees. offering two services free of labour ‘CEO of the Year’ 2021 “We believe that our partnership costs, along with free registration SANASA Life Insurance Chief will undoubtedly create for all commercial vehicles for Skal International Colombo Executive Officer (CEO) Indika accessibility to those looking for customers who avail themselves Kiriwandeniya has been named as brand-new vehicles and great after- of the promotion. Every passenger CEO of the Year 2021 in the Life sales customer servicing,” noted vehicle purchase will be coupled conducts its 67th AGM Insurance Division in Sri Lanka HNB Personal Financial Services with a free entertainment system The 67th Annual General meeting of world’s largest global network of tourism for the year 2021 by the well- Head Kanchana Karunagama. and reverse camera as well. Skal International was held recently at professionals promoting tourism, business, known International Business the Taj Samudra in Colombo. Travel Talk and friendship worldwide since 1934, and the magazine. Asia Managing Director (MD) Dinushka only international group uniting all branches The winner of this award is Chandrasena was elected President, with of the travel and tourism industry with over chosen annually in the midst World Link Travels MD Ahintha Amarasinghe 12,000 members in 99 countries. of tough competition from taking over as Vice President for the year Two new members were inducted during entrepreneurs of various businesses 2021/2022. the luncheon – Taj Asia Ltd. and Taj Safaris from all around the world. In this The Chief Guest at the event was Foreign Ltd. Area Director and Taj Samudra Colombo context, SANASA has been named Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage, General Manager Pankaj Sampat, along this year’s winner, whilst there while the Guest Speaker was Civil Aviation with Taj Samudra Colombo Hotel Manager are many huge life insurance Authority of Sri Lanka Director of Air Kiran Bussari. companies functioning in Sri Transportation and Economic Regulation Two awards of recognition were given to Lanka. In this way, the award is Rayhan Wanniappa. Zahara Mufti and Sega Nagendra for their quite significant for SANASA Life Skal International claims to be the longstanding service on the Ex-Co. Insurance. International Business magazine, based in Dubai, United SANASA Life Insurance Chief Port City donates Arab Emirates (UAE), recognises Executive Officer Indika the awardees considering the Kiriwandeniya business, business leaders and their 1K school bags skills in the field of international at SANASA Brokers in 1997, business and finance, as well as which was then an insurance Port City Colombo recently Berugoda expressed his the progress achieved by those brokerage firm. Since then, he made a donation of 1,000 school appreciation for Port City businesses. In the year 2020, has held various positions by bags valued at nearly Rs. 1 million Colombo’s contributions and SANASA Life Insurance won contributing to the development to schoolchildren of low income acknowledged the company’s two awards awarded by the of SANASA Insurance. Through families in the Monaragala efforts in preparing a world-class International Business magazine, self-motivation and dedication, District who are entering their financial city for Sri Lanka. He From left: Chief Guest Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage, Skal International which included Best Employee he moved forward day by day first year of schooling in 2021. commended Port City Colombo’s Colombo President Dinushka Chandrasena, Skal International Colombo immediate Past President Benefit Provider – 2020 and Best and on 1 January 2011, he was The donation was handed over initiatives to prepare Sri Lanka’s Bernard Wijetunge, and Guest Speaker Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka Director of Air Micro Insurance Company – 2020. appointed the General Manager Transportation and Economic Regulation Rayhan Wanniappa to State Minister of Dhamma next generation to be globally Kiriwandeniya joined as a clerk of SANASA Insurance Co. Schools, Pirivenas, and Bhikkhu competitive, forward thinking, Education , as a and fully equipped to face future contribution to the State Ministry challenges. Port City Colombo Immersed365 launches tech-marketing solutions programme “Dinamu”. pledged to continue its commitment The donation was made at the in supporting the “Dinamu” Intensifying competition and The launch of Immersed365’s Co-Founder Buddhika businesses regardless of their size Port City Colombo premises. programme and continue other the uncertainties brought about operations in Sri Lanka aims Karunasekara had this to say: or the stage of growth they’re in.” Also present at the event were initiatives that benefit the next by Covid-19 has left businesses to address these very gaps in “We are really excited to launch In a bid to further strengthen officials from the State Ministry generation. seeking new ways of attracting the market. Backed by a team Immersed365 in Sri Lanka. We the tech start-up ecosystem in the of Education, Port City Colombo Port City Colombo is a brand- and engaging customers. While of experienced professionals are confident that we will be able island, the team at Immersed365 Executive Project Director Raja new city development built as an technology-based marketing has from marketing, creative, and to make a lasting impression on has introduced marketing Edirisuriya, Port City Colombo extension of the existing Colombo been within the reach of brands event management industries, Sri Lanka’s business landscape solutions geared at supporting tech Assistant Managing Director Central Business District (CBD) with bigger budgets, there is an Immersed365 offers the latest in by developing tailored, customer- start-ups specialising in Internet of Yue Yeqing, Port City Colombo with an initial investment of $ emerging need for a company technology-based marketing – centric solutions that propel Things (IoT), artificial intelligence Sales and Marketing Director 1.4 billion and an expected $ 15 that makes technologies such from virtual tours and augmented businesses forward.” (AI) and cloud-based technology. Yamuna Jayaratne, and Port City billion overall investment when as virtual reality, augmented reality through to interactive Shedding further light on the The company has garnered Colombo Public Relations Head completed. Spanning 269 hectares, reality, and data-driven marketing videos and marketing support. company’s goals, he said: “Our interest internationally, and has Immersed365 Kassapa Senarath. it is a sea reclamation project joined accessible to businesses of all Speaking about the launch mission is to make technology- signed up businesses in Australia Co-Founder Buddhika Karunasekara Following the donation, to the current CBD. shapes and sizes. of the company, Immersed365 based marketing accessible to and the UK. business 49 Wednesday, March 3, 2021 { CORPORATE } „„ www.themorning.lk COVID AWARENESS Pathfinder participates in ‘Briefing on Lifebuoy and Police Xinjiang’ by CPC The virtual conference on expertise and critical supplies “Stories of CPC”, hosted by to places where they are needed the International Department of the most. the Communist Party of China They also called for further conduct drive across WP (CPC) Central Committee promoting a joint global epidemic Lifebuoy recently partnered with helps us deliver this message to even (IDCPC) and the CPC Xinjiang response so that the pandemic is the to conduct more Sri Lankans.” Uyghur Autonomous Regional brought under control as early awareness campaigns across Unilever Sri Lanka Head of Media Committee, was held in Urumqi as possible. The speakers called several parts of the Western and Activation Channa Tennakoon said: recently. on all countries to continue to Province. “Going beyond their law enforcement Over 300 leaders and strengthen co-ordination on Lifebuoy representatives joined duties, members of the Sri Lanka Police persons representing more macroeconomic policies, remain police personnel in engaging with the have been working relentlessly with than 200 political parties steadfast in maintaining the public and reiterating the importance of the Government, the health authorities, and organisations from over stability of the global financial social distancing, wearing facemasks, and other frontline teams to save lives 80 countries were involved market as well as that of washing hands, and using hand sanitisers during this pandemic. We sincerely in an in-depth discussion on industrial and supply chains, frequently, as well as other health and appreciate the service they deliver the theme, “A Better Life for and to take measures to reduce hygiene guidelines. to the nation and owe them a debt of All”. Pathfinder Foundation debts and boost the flow of trade, Covid-19-related educational leaflets gratitude for their sacrifices. Lifebuoy, Executive Director Ameera so that the world economy would from Lifebuoy were distributed to over a brand that is driven by its purpose of Arooz took part and contributed soon recover and grow, which 300,000 people across 108 police areas in improving the health and hygiene of to the discussion in the session will help the agenda of global the province. With schools beginning to people, is well aware of the importance on “Poverty Elimination” at the poverty reduction. reopen, the awareness drive also covered of adhering to health and hygiene conference. The speakers also applauded 885 schools in the region. guidelines during this pandemic. We The participants noted that the CPC for its leadership under Police Force Senior Deputy Inspector are honoured to partner with the Sri Covid-19 has adversely affected which the Chinese people have General Deshabandu Thennakoon said: Lifebuoy Activation Manager Nilantha Fernando (right) handing over a batch of leaflets to Lanka Police on taking this message the world population and has created economic development “We thank Unilever Sri Lanka for Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Thennakoon to more people across the island.We claimed over two million lives. together with long-term social extending their support to our Covid- thank them for giving Unilever Sri They called on all countries to stability, and most recently, 19 awareness drives through their brand that the threat of the pandemic remains. healthcare experts and following health Lanka, a company that takes pride in continue to put the lives, safety, major achievements in Covid Lifebuoy. As more people begin to We continue to conduct public outreach and hygiene guidelines. Partnering with continuing to serve the nation for over and health of the people above response and economic and venture out and schools start reopening, programmes such as this to reiterate the organisations like Unilever that share 82 years, the opportunity to support all else by deploying medical social development. we need to constantly remind ourselves importance of adhering to the advice of our commitment to protecting lives their efforts around this.” FINAP awarded with gold and ‘Most Hutch awarded as sole telecom Innovative and Best’ cloud solution brand to win at SLIM DIGIS 2.0 FINAP, Fintechnology Asia Pacific Hutch has been awarded at the SLIM brand presence within Sri Lanka. Hutch Co-Founder/CEO at Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd., a software solutions DIGIS 2.0 annual awards ceremony This achievement would not have Digibrush Hisham Zulfiqar said: company, won two awards at the for its innovative 360-degree digital been possible without our dedicated “It’s always delightful to work with National ICT Awards, NBQSA – marketing. Hutch team working with our digital clients that think digital-first. This 2020, held on 3 February 2021 at the Hutch clinched the bronze for agency Digibrush, and I congratulate award and recognition is a result of the Bandaranaike Memorial International “Digital Campaigns Excellence them for this milestone win.” intense focus by the team at Hutch and Conference Hall (BMICH). 2019” and was reportedly the sole The winning digital marketing Digibrush on using digital to create FINAP’s champion product ECOru, telco winner at the coveted awards campaign was carried out in parallel positive business impacts that support the core banking and finance solution, ceremony. to the islandwide 4G expansion. revenue growth through effective was crowned the gold award winner of Hutch Chief Executive Officer After the merger with Etisalat, digital communications and providing the “Finance and Accounting Solutions (CEO) Thirukumar Nadarasa said: Hutch extensively leveraged real-time customer service through (Fintech) in Business Services” “We are truly honoured to be the only digital marketing efforts to ensure our digital channels.” category and further, was recognised as telco to be among the winners at SLIM that its message reached a bigger SLIM DIGIS 2.0 was hosted by the “Most Innovative and Best Solution DIGIS 2.0. It is an achievement that audience base and then continued the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing in Cloud Computing”. defined the top quality of our digital the engagement by implementing the (SLIM), the national body for NBQSA recognises the best of campaigns that have elevated Hutch’s latest digital infrastructure. marketing in Sri Lanka. the best within the ICT (information communications technology) products and solutions industry in Sri Lanka. All the recipients of the awards, irrespective From left: Senior Software Engineer Yohan Dushmantha, Project Co-ordinator of the category of the award, have Thewakshi Liyanapathirana, Executive Director/Principal Consultant Roshan Basnayake, Executive Director/CEO Anurudda Wijekoon, Executive Director/ demonstrated the quality, robustness, Principal Consultant Salika Wijewardena, Business Analyst Poornima Senarathna, and international competitiveness of and Tech Lead Deepal Wijerathna their products and solutions. “FINAP, since its inception, has product or solution, we deeply explore being highly parameterised and been entirely driven by our vision to the business needs and the customer scalable, via integrated business deliver simplicity to complex business needs to ensure our architecture is agile, information and analytics tools. problems through innovative ‘financial our technology is state of the art, and All these progressions backed by technology’,” said FINAP Founder our service is unparalleled.” the assurance of the quality, recognise and Advisor to the Board of Directors ECOru is reportedly the most ECOru as one of the best modern-day Kutila Pinto. technologically advanced core banking banking and finance solutions, and play FINAP Chairman Dr. Hilary E. Silva system in the market. ECOru clearly a major role in delivering sustainability said: “Our strategy centres on our sets itself apart from its competitors to the business operations of financial customers. At the design stage of each through open API or open banking, service providers (FSPs). Crysbro recognised for entrepreneurial excellence at Star Awards 2020 Local large-scale poultry producer Crysbro was recently recognised for their entrepreneurial excellence at Star Awards 2020 held at The Grand Kandyan Hotel, with Central Province Governor Lalith U. Gamage attending as the Chief Guest. Organised by the Department of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Promotion under the Ministry of Industries of the Central Province, the annual awards ceremony saw Crysbro’s subsidiaries Farm’s Pride (Pvt.) Ltd. win a star award and Midland Breeders (Pvt.) Ltd. win a Crysbro Group of Companies Group HR and Admin Manager Ranjana Mahindasiri merit award for the “Best Performing receiving the star award for Farm’s Pride Entrepreneurs” in the “Large-scale Manufacturing” category within the Central Province. Held annually, Star Awards is known for its comprehensive assessments of its entrants, which entail a mix of field visits, presentations, and several rounds of thorough interviews. They assess both the performance of the organisation and its operations, as well as its entrepreneurial spirit. Crysbro Group of Companies Group HR and Admin Manager Ranjana Mahindasiri stated: “We are deeply humbled and honoured to receive this national recognition for entrepreneurial Midland Breeders Business Unit Head Prasanna Sampath Withnage receiving the excellence and resilience, especially merit award for Midland Breeders during these unprecedented times. Our primary intention when applying to so that at the end of the day, we provide patronage of our loyal customer base.” awards is to gain a better understanding poultry produce of the highest quality As one of the leading Sri Lankan of industry best practices and continue and safety to our customers. This is large-scale poultry producers, this to elevate industry benchmarks within invaluable intel and winning an award marks the second time the company has our own operations. thereafter is a cherry on top. I would been recognised for its excellence in “The comprehensive assessments like to also highlight that this victory operations. Crysbro was first awarded done by awarding bodies gives an is a clear reflection of the collective a state honour with the “Lak Rakiya opportunity to find where we have to commitment and hard work put in Harasara” award by the Ministry of improve and what we are doing right, by the team at Crysbro as well as the Manpower. 104 business „„ www.themorning.lk { MARKET } Wednesday, March 3, 2021 Unit trust prices­ at 1 Mar. 2021 CSE Price List 2 Mar. 2021 Fund name Unit selling price...... Unit buying price SE­CUR­I­TY VOLUME V.W.A. OPEN HIGH LOW V.W.A. CHANGE SE­CUR­I­TY VOLUME V.W.A. OPEN HIGH LOW V.W.A. CHANGE Astrue Active Income Fund 100.9232...... 100.9232 PREVIOUS TODAY’S (RS.) PREVIOUS TODAY’S (RS.) Astrue Alpha Fund 15.2907...... 14.4423 A.SPEN.HOT.HOLD...... 38,526...... 29.8...... 29.5...... 30.4...... 29...... 29.9...... 0.1 SEYLAN BANK...... 38,938...... 50...... 50.7...... 52.5...... 49.8...... 51.1...... 1.1 Assetline Income Fund 16.8864...... 16.8864 ABANS...... 1,114...... 168.25...... 164.75...... 165.5...... 164.75...... 164.75...... -3.5 SEYLAN BANK [SEYB.X0000].1,105,758...... 42...... 42...... 43...... 41.5...... 42.5...... 0.5 Assetline Income Plus Growth Fund 17.2759...... 16.7999 ACCESS ENG SL...... 303,094...... 24...... 24...... 24...... 23.3...... 23.4...... -0.6 SEYLAN DEVTS...... 56,363...... 16...... 16.5...... 16.5...... 15.8...... 15.9...... -0.1 Senfin Dyanmic Income Fund 10.0262...... 10.0262 ACL...... 274,876...... 39...... 35...... 38.4...... 34...... 36.6...... -2.4 SIERRA CABL...... 73,370...... 6.6...... 6.7...... 6.7...... 6.2...... 6.5...... -0.1 Senfin Growth Fund 9.1500...... 8.8400 ACL PLASTICS...... 1,054...... 246.25...... 246.25...... 248...... 236...... 238...... -8.25 SIGIRIYA VILLAGE...... 200...... 33.1...... 32.2...... 32.2...... 32.2...... 32.2...... -0.9 Senfin Money Market Fund 15.1249...... 15.1249 AGALAWATTE...... 2,230...... 28.8...... 28.5...... 29.8...... 28.4...... 28.4...... -0.4 SINGER FINANCE...... 8,431...... 14.5...... 14.1...... 14.3...... 13.9...... 14...... -0.5 Senfin Shariah Balanced Fund 12.0400...... 11.6900 AHOT PROPERTIES...... 30,794...... 39.5...... 39...... 39...... 39...... 39...... -0.5 SLT...... 473...... 35...... 34.8...... 35.5...... 34.8...... 34.9...... -0.1 Senfin Shariah Income Fund 12.4489...... 12.4489 AITKEN SPENCE...... 90,327...... 61...... 62...... 62.7...... 59...... 61.1...... 0.1 SUNSHINE HOLDING...... 60,681...... 79...... 78.1...... 80.4...... 77.8...... 79.9...... 0.9 Ceybank Century Growth 76.7200...... 73.3600 ALLIANCE...... 1,485...... 51.4...... 52.5...... 52.5...... 50...... 50.5...... -0.9 SWISSTEK...... 30,615...... 115.5...... 116...... 116...... 108.75...... 111.5...... -4 Ceybank Gilt Edge Fund (A Series) 14.5225...... 14.5225 AMANA BANK...... 281,745...... 3.3...... 3.3...... 3.5...... 3.3...... 3.5...... 0.2 TALAWAKELLE...... 16,924...... 40...... 39.9...... 39.9...... 38.2...... 38.3...... -1.7 Ceybank Gilt Edged Fund (B Series) 11.1479...... 11.1479 AMAYA LEISURE...... 8,855...... 19.5...... 19...... 19...... 17.6...... 17.7...... -1.8 TEEJAY LANKA...... 122,413...... 40.9...... 41...... 41.4...... 40...... 40.1...... -0.8 Ceybank High Yield Fund 13.8732...... 13.8732 ASIA ASSET...... 98,275...... 6.5...... 6.3...... 6.3...... 5.7...... 5.9...... -0.6 THREE ACRE FARMS...... 8,775...... 212.5...... 220...... 220...... 211.75...... 219.5...... 7 Ceybank Surakum Fund 12.3929...... 12.3929 ASIRI...... 2...... 27.1...... 27...... 27...... 27...... 27.1...... 0 TOKYO CEMENT...... 52,918...... 72.9...... 73...... 73...... 70.1...... 70.6...... -2.3 Ceybank Unit Trust 25.5500...... 23.9800 ASIRI SURG...... 10,000...... 13.6...... 13.5...... 14.5...... 13.5...... 14.5...... 0.9 TOKYO CEMENT [TKYO.X0000].187,494...... 67...... 67...... 67...... 64...... 64.6...... -2.4 Ceylon Dollar Bond Fund (in $) 0.6977...... 0.6942 BAIRAHA FARMS...... 11,182...... 146.75...... 146...... 146...... 137.25...... 141.25...... -5.5 UNION BANK...... 1,130,361...... 11...... 11.1...... 11.4...... 11...... 11...... 0 Ceylon Financial Sector Fund 7.1400...... 6.8400 BALANGODA...... 92,715...... 13.7...... 13.8...... 14.3...... 13.5...... 13.7...... 0 UNISYST...... 12,585...... 14.9...... 14.9...... 15...... 14.8...... 14.8...... -0.1 Ceylon Income Fund 22.3375...... 22.3375 BUKIT DARAH...... 175...... 335.75...... 321.25...... 338.5...... 318...... 330...... -5.75 UNITED MOTORS...... 156...... 66.5...... 66.1...... 66.3...... 66...... 66.2...... -0.3 CEYLON Index Fund 54.5000...... 52.2900 C M HOLDINGS...... 3,092...... 90...... 85.2...... 85.2...... 83.3...... 83.9...... -6.1 VALLIBEL...... 238,640...... 7.4...... 7.4...... 7.5...... 7.3...... 7.4...... 0 Ceylon IPO Fund 5.4400...... 5.3300 C T HOLDINGS...... 550...... 169...... 165.75...... 165.75...... 165.75...... 165.75...... -3.25 VALLIBEL FINANCE...... 31,596...... 110.25...... 110...... 110...... 103...... 105...... -5.25 Ceylon Money Market Fund 17.4123...... 17.4123 CARGILLS...... 1...... 238.5...... 235...... 235...... 235...... 238.5...... 0 VIDULLANKA...... 37,047...... 5.3...... 5.4...... 5.4...... 5.3...... 5.3...... 0 Ceylon Tourism Fund 3.5700...... 3.4400 CARGO BOAT...... 1,142...... 62.3...... 64.9...... 64.9...... 60.8...... 61...... -1.3 WATAWALA...... 11,865...... 56.9...... 55.1...... 56...... 55.1...... 56...... -0.9 Ceylon Treasury Income Fund 6.1500...... 6.1500 CARSONS...... 61,237...... 275...... 288...... 288...... 274.75...... 274.75...... -0.25 YORK ARCADE...... 12...... 165...... 166...... 166...... 166...... 165...... 0 Comtrust ADL Mudarabah Fund 11.7152...... 11.7152 CDB...... 19,229...... 116...... 108...... 112...... 107...... 111.75...... -4.25 SECOND BOARD Comtrust Equity Fund 18.7200...... 17.8000 CDB [CDB.X0000]...... 9,000...... 78...... 78.5...... 78.5...... 76...... 77.2...... -0.8 ABANS FINANCIAL...... 501...... 25.6...... 26...... 26.3...... 26...... 26.3...... 0.7 Comtrust Money Market Fund 11.9161...... 11.9161 CENTRAL FINANCE...... 56,186...... 91.7...... 90.1...... 91.4...... 88.2...... 89.1...... -2.6 AMBEON CAPITAL...... 10...... 5.5...... 5.2...... 5.2...... 5.2...... 5.5...... 0 First Capital Equity Fund (FCEF) 1,357.6900...... 1,289.8100 CENTRAL IND...... 15,868...... 114.75...... 115...... 115...... 110...... 113...... -1.75 ARPICO...... 268...... 180.5...... 179...... 179...... 179...... 179...... -1.5 First Capital Fixed income Fund 1,859.9800...... 1,859.9300 CEYLON GUARDIAN...... 32,215...... 125...... 125...... 125.5...... 125...... 125.5...... 0.5 ASIA CAPITAL...... 9,010...... 5.7...... 6...... 6...... 5.8...... 5.8...... 0.1 First Capital Gilt Edged Fund 1,498.0400...... 1,498.0400 CEYLON INV...... 20,370...... 65.7...... 65...... 65...... 62...... 63...... -2.7 BROWNS BEACH...... 1,000...... 11.9...... 11.1...... 11.1...... 11.1...... 11.1...... -0.8 First Capital Money Market Fund 1,920.9300...... 1,920.9300 CEYLON TOBACCO...... 66...... 1000.5...... 1,049.75...... 1,049.75...... 1,001.00.....1,000.50...... 0 COMM LEASE & FIN...... 59,359...... 6.5...... 6.2...... 6.6...... 6.2...... 6.5...... 0 First Capital Wealth Fund 1,134.4000...... 1,134.3700 CHEMANEX...... 5,155...... 80...... 84.6...... 85...... 77.7...... 80...... 0 DIALOG FINANCE...... 30...... 59.7...... 57.8...... 57.8...... 57.5...... 59.7...... 0 JB Vantage Money Market Fund 27.7775...... 27.7775 CHEVRON...... 46,540...... 99.8...... 99.8...... 100...... 98.8...... 99.1...... -0.7 DISTILLERIES...... 33,663...... 20.9...... 21.2...... 21.2...... 20...... 20...... -0.9 JB Vantage Short Term Gilt Fund 14.9458...... 14.9458 CIC...... 98,643...... 58.1...... 58...... 58...... 56.5...... 57...... -1.1 FIRST CAPITAL...... 10,104...... 52.1...... 52...... 52...... 51...... 51.4...... -0.7 JB Vantage Value Equity Fund 24.8900...... 23.4000 CIC [CIC.X0000]...... 201,705...... 46.8...... 47...... 47...... 45.5...... 45.8...... -1 GOOD HOPE...... 21...... 1121.9...... 878...... 880...... 877...... 1,121.90...... 0 NAMAL Bank Fund 9.1248...... 8.7676 CITRUS LEISURE...... 3,293...... 8.7...... 9.4...... 9.4...... 9...... 9...... 0.3 KELSEY...... 1,282...... 35.1...... 42...... 42...... 35...... 42...... 6.9 NAMAL Growth Fund 142.8756...... 133.3446 COLD STORES...... 2,329...... 641.75...... 640...... 645...... 640...... 642...... 0.25 LOLC FINANCE...... 1,185,096...... 6.6...... 6.8...... 6.8...... 6.2...... 6.3...... -0.3 NAMAL High Yield Fund 24.8680...... 24.8680 COLOMBO CITY...... 197...... 877.75...... 880...... 880...... 865.25...... 866.75...... -11 MADULSIMA...... 15,744...... 8.3...... 8.5...... 9.3...... 7.9...... 8.8...... 0.5 NAMAL Income Fund 14.1117...... 14.1117 COLOMBO LAND...... 5,000...... 24...... 24.5...... 24.5...... 24...... 24.2...... 0.2 PEOPLE’S MERCH...... XR 1,761...... 8...... 7.8...... 8...... 7.6...... 7.7...... -0.3 National Equity Fund 34.9361...... 32.6813 COMMERCIAL BANK...... 133,727...... 88.3...... 88.3...... 88.3...... 86.5...... 86.8...... -1.5 SHALIMAR...... 20...... 1203.2...... 1,093.75...... 1,093.75...... 1,050.00...... 1,203.20...... 0 NDB Wealth Gilt Edged Fund 18.7687...... 18.7687 COMMERCIAL BANK [COMB.X0000].38,040...... 81.9...... 82...... 82...... 80...... 81...... -0.9 SINGER SRI LANKA...... 13,422...... 56.4...... 56...... 56...... 52...... 54.8...... -1.6 NDB Wealth Growth & Income Fund 46.4600...... 45.0600 CONVENIENCE FOOD...... 752...... 1272...... 1,220.00...... 1,249.00...... 1,215.00.....1,215.75...... -56.25 DIRI SAVI BOARD NDB Wealth Growth Fund 10.6300...... 10.2100 DANKOTUWA PORCEL...... 74,834...... 11.8...... 11.9...... 12...... 11.7...... 11.8...... 0 AGSTAR PLC...... 32,821...... 7.3...... 7.1...... 7.6...... 7.1...... 7.1...... -0.2 NDB Wealth Income Fund 16.1131...... 16.1131 DFCC BANK PLC XC...213,648...... 62.7...... 63.4...... 63.4...... 61.8...... 62.1...... -0.6 ALUMEX PLC...... 28,394...... 21...... 21...... 21...... 20.3...... 20.7...... -0.3 NDB Wealth Income Plus Fund 17.1782...... 17.1782 DIALOG...... 1,492,624...... 12.7...... 12.7...... 12.8...... 12.6...... 12.7...... 0 AMANA LIFE...... 11...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 0 NDB Wealth Islamic Money Plus Fund 16.3842...... 16.3842 DIMO...... 18...... 520.75...... 521...... 521...... 520.25...... 520.75...... 0 AMANA TAKAFUL...... 10...... 7.5...... 7.9...... 7.9...... 7.9...... 7.5...... 0 NDB Wealth Money Fund 20.7253...... 20.7253 DIPPED PRODUCTS...... 2,119,333...... 49...... 49.9...... 49.9...... 45.9...... 46.8...... -2.2 AMBEON HOLDINGS...... 29,485...... 18.5...... 18.8...... 18.8...... 17.4...... 17.50...... -1 NDB Wealth Money Plus Fund 23.6823...... 23.6823 DOCKYARD...... 1,610...... 79.6...... 75.1...... 75.6...... 75.1...... 75.5...... -4.1 AMF CO LTD...... 29...... 300.25...... 310...... 310...... 295...... 300.25...... 0 Premier Growth Fund 7.0200...... 6.6700 DOLPHIN HOTELS...... 4,000...... 23...... 23.1...... 23.1...... 23...... 23...... 0 ASIA SIYAKA...... 378,642...... 2.6...... 2.7...... 2.7...... 2.5...... 2.5...... -0.1 Premier Money Market Fund 18.7703...... 18.7703 DURDANS...... 19...... 100.75...... 101...... 101...... 101...... 100.75...... 0 BERUWALA RESORTS...... 63,513...... 0.9...... 1...... 1...... 0.9...... 0.9...... 0 E B CREASY...... 24,019...... 36.4...... 36.9...... 36.9...... 33.7...... 34.7...... -1.7 BOGALA GRAPHITE...... 4,935...... 24...... 25.4...... 26.2...... 24...... 24.9...... 0.9 Unit holders can contact relevant Fund Managers to obtain Unit Prices for redemptions within EAST WEST...... 50,093...... 11.2...... 11.1...... 11.3...... 11...... 11.2...... 0 BOGAWANTALAWA...... 2,129...... 13.1...... 13.5...... 13.5...... 12...... 12.4...... -0.7 short duration from the date of investment where exit fee is applicable. EASTERN MERCHANT...... 61,927...... 5.8...... 5.5...... 5.7...... 5.4...... 5.5...... -0.3 BPPL HOLDINGS...... 8,161...... 14.1...... 14.1...... 14.1...... 13.8...... 13.9...... -0.2 EXPOLANKA...... 3,133,476...... 47.1...... 47.3...... 47.5...... 45.3...... 46...... -1.1 BROWNS...... 11,450...... 170...... 169...... 173...... 162...... 168...... -2 Ex­change Rates 2 Mar. 2021 LAND...... 78,951...... 13.5...... 13.6...... 14...... 13.4...... 13.5...... 0 BROWNS INVSTMNTS...... 21,152,688...... 5.7...... 5.8...... 5.8...... 5.5...... 5.6...... -0.1 (1) The average rates of the following (2) The approximate exchange rates GESTETNER...... 21...... 108...... 104.75...... 104.75...... 104.75...... 108...... 0 C.W.MACKIE...... 549...... 44.2...... 44.1...... 44.1...... 43...... 43.6...... -0.6 currencies quoted by commercial banks of GULF currencies based on previous GRAIN ELEVATORS...... 55,632...... 125.75...... 126.5...... 126.5...... 124...... 124.5...... -1.25 CEYLON TEA BRKRS...... 6,289...... 3.4...... 3.3...... 3.4...... 3.3...... 3.4...... 0 in Colombo for Telegraphic Transfers day’s market weighted average rate for (TT) at 9.30 a.m. are as follows. the US$ are as follows. HAYCARB...... 359,855...... 99.1...... 100...... 100...... 96...... 97.1...... -2 CFI...... 120...... 70.1...... 70...... 70...... 69.9...... 69.9...... -0.2 CURRENCY BUYING RATE...... SELLING RATE COUNTRY CURRENCY...... INDICATIVE RATE HAYLEYS...... 1,306,121...... 60.6...... 61...... 61...... 57...... 57.7...... -2.9 CITRUS HIKKADUWA...... 36,599...... 5.1...... 5.3...... 5.3...... 5.2...... 5.2...... 0.1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 148.9718 ...... 153.7590 Bahrain Bahrain Dinar ...... 515.9151 HAYLEYS FABRIC...... 137,431...... 15...... 15...... 15...... 14.6...... 14.8...... -0.2 CITRUS WASKADUWA...... 250,720...... 3.4...... 3.3...... 3.3...... 3...... 3.1...... -0.3 CANADIAN DOLLAR 151.2766 ...... 156.7372 Kuwait Kuwait Dinar ...... 642.5928 CHINESE YUAN (RENMINBI) 28.9069 ...... 30.6949 Oman Oman Rial ...... 505.2079 HAYLEYS FIBRE...... 2,228...... 53...... 52.9...... 53...... 52.9...... 53...... 0 COM.CREDIT...... 2,060...... 22.3...... 22.8...... 22.8...... 21.9...... 22.2...... -0.1 EURO 231.1376 ...... 237.8450 Qatar Qatar Riyal ...... 53.4194 HDFC...... 668...... 37.5...... 37...... 37...... 37...... 37...... -0.5 COMMERCIAL DEV...... 2,307...... 113...... 106...... 111.25...... 106...... 106...... -7 JAPANESE YEN 1.8051 ...... 1.8516 Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian Riyal ...... 51.8515 HEMAS HOLDINGS...... 242,727...... 82.6...... 83.3...... 83.3...... 81.6...... 82...... -0.6 DILMAH CEYLON...... 24...... 652...... 679.75...... 679.75...... 652.75...... 652...... 0 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 144.4281...... 148.8476 UAE UAE Dirham ...... 52.9518 STERLING POUND 267.4832 ...... 274.6609 HNB...... 684,549...... 133...... 133...... 133...... 129...... 129.75...... -3.25 E - CHANNELLING...... 29,472...... 5.9...... 6.2...... 6.2...... 5.5...... 5.8...... -0.1 SWISS FRANC 208.9735 ...... 216.6438 HNB ASSURANCE...... 32,613...... 59.2...... 59.2...... 59.2...... 58...... 58...... -1.2 EDEN HOTEL LANKA...... 22,560...... 10.7...... 10.5...... 10.7...... 10.5...... 10.7...... 0 US DOLLAR 192.4900 ...... 197.3200 HNB [HNB.X0000]...... 294,142...... 104...... 105...... 105...... 101...... 101.25...... -2.75 ELPITIYA...... 61,620...... 43.6...... 44...... 45...... 42.1...... 44.7...... 1.1 HORANA...... 1,075...... 22.9...... 21.1...... 21.1...... 21.1...... 21.1...... -1.8 EQUITY TWO PLC...... 100...... 53.2...... 53.5...... 53.5...... 53.5...... 53.5...... 0.3 Market Indicators 2 Mar. 2021 HOTELS CORP...... 1,048...... 12...... 11.5...... 11.5...... 11.5...... 11.5...... -0.5 GALADARI...... 845...... 8.4...... 8.3...... 8.5...... 8.3...... 8.5...... 0.1 HUNTERS...... 30...... 632...... 631.25...... 631.25...... 630...... 632...... 0 GUARDIAN CAPITAL...... 1,027...... 30.7...... 30.3...... 30.3...... 29.7...... 30.2...... -0.5 CSE ALL SHARE PRICE INDEX 7,343.38...... 7,438.13 INDUSTRIAL ASPH...... 2,957,130...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.5...... 0.4...... 0.5...... 0.1 HAPUGASTENNE...... 76...... 16.1...... 16...... 16...... 16...... 16.1...... 0 S&P SL20 2,909.77...... 2,964.30 JANASHAKTHI INS...... 25,301...... 28...... 28...... 28.2...... 27.9...... 28...... 0 HATTON...... 12...... 8.4...... 8.5...... 8.9...... 8.5...... 8.4...... 0 TRI ON ALL SHARE (ASTRI) 9,843.27...... 9,969.59 JKH...... 166,945...... 153.5...... 156...... 158.75...... 153.5...... 154...... 0.5 HNB FINANCE...... 2,807...... 8.5...... 8.3...... 8.5...... 8.2...... 8.4...... -0.1 TRI ON S&P SL20 4,794.69...... 4,881.18 HOTELS...... 5,543...... 4.8...... 5.2...... 5.2...... 5...... 5...... 0.2 HVA FOODS...... 275,742...... 5.1...... 5.3...... 5.3...... 5.2...... 5.3...... 0.2 VALUE OF TURNOVER(Rs.) 1,989,222,660.00...... 1,899,677,060.00 KEGALLE...... 6,020...... 110.25...... 110...... 110...... 104.5...... 106...... -4.25 JETWING SYMPHONY...... 529...... 9.5...... 9.1...... 9.1...... 9.1...... 9.1...... -0.4 DOMESTIC PURCHASES 1,896,960,130.00...... 1,298,593,540.00 KELANI CABLES...... 2,726...... 120...... 125...... 127.5...... 115...... 115.5...... -4.5 JOHN KEELLS...... 273...... 74.2...... 73.5...... 74.1...... 73.5...... 73.5...... -0.7 DOMESTIC SALES 1,198,097,920.00...... 1,245,079,300.00 KELANI TYRES...... 35,402...... 77.5...... 77.6...... 77.6...... 76...... 76.5...... -1 KAHAWATTE...... 23...... 30.5...... 30.9...... 30.9...... 30...... 30.5...... 0 FOREIGN PURCHASES 92,262,448.00...... 601,083,460.00 KELANI VALLEY...... 1,372...... 40...... 40.9...... 40.9...... 38.3...... 39.6...... -0.4 KEELLS FOOD...... 211...... 168...... 171...... 171...... 160.25...... 163.5...... -4.5 KINGSBURY...... 6,496...... 11.5...... 11.9...... 12...... 11.4...... 11.9...... 0.4 KEELLS HOTELS...... 27,137...... 10.5...... 10.4...... 10.6...... 10.4...... 10.5...... 0 FOREIGN SALES 791,124,740.00...... 654,597,700.00 KOTAGALA...... 2,055...... 6.1...... 6.1...... 6.2...... 6.1...... 6.1...... 0 LANKA CERAMIC...... 344...... 130...... 128.25...... 128.25...... 122...... 122...... -8 VOLUME OF TURNOVER(NO.) 66,698,452.00...... 57,858,628.00 L O L C HOLDINGS...... 251,037...... 359.5...... 360...... 360...... 344...... 349.25...... -10.25 LAUGFS POWER...... 500...... 9.4...... 9.3...... 9.3...... 9.3...... 9.3...... -0.1 DOMESTIC 58,598,216.00...... 48,845,608.00 LAKE HOUSE PRIN...... 68...... 121.25...... 132...... 132...... 132...... 121.25...... 0 LAUGFS POWER [LPL-X-0000]...... 6,200...... 7...... 6.5...... 6.9...... 6.3...... 6.8...... -0.2 FOREIGN 5,313,522.00...... 8,054,631.00 LANKA ALUMINIUM...... 146,686...... 17.2...... 17.8...... 17.8...... 16.9...... 17.1...... -0.1 LOTUS HYDRO...... 1,400...... 9.4...... 9.4...... 9.4...... 9.4...... 9.4...... 0 TRADES(NO.) 16,516...... 14,364 LANKA ASHOK...... 10...... 839.25...... 844.75...... 845...... 790...... 839.25...... 0 MAHAWELI REACH...... 1...... 13.9...... 13.8...... 13.8...... 13.8...... 13.9...... 0 DOMESTIC 15,661...... 13,937 LANKA HOSPITALS...... 1,001...... 44.7...... 42.1...... 44.6...... 42...... 42.5...... -2.2 MARAWILA RESORTS...... 95,629...... 1.9...... 1.9...... 1.9...... 1.9...... 1.9...... 0 FOREIGN 855...... 427 LANKA IOC...... 45,408...... 21.5...... 22...... 22...... 20.8...... 21.4...... -0.1 MASKELIYA...... 8,174...... 11.5...... 11.4...... 12.5...... 11.2...... 11.6...... 0.1 CORPORATE DEBT 0...... 0 LANKA TILES...... 33,646...... 200.25...... 205...... 205...... 195...... 196...... -4.25 MILLENNIUM HOUSE...... 2,777...... 6...... 6.1...... 6.1...... 5.9...... 5.9...... -0.1 GOVERNMENT DEBT 0...... 0 LANKA WALLTILE...... 195,035...... 208...... 208...... 210...... 198...... 207.5...... -0.5 NUWARA ELIYA...... 1...... 1001...... 1,020.00...... 1,020.00...... 1,020.00...... 1,001.00...... 0 LISTED COMPANIES (NO.) 283...... 283 LAUGFS GAS...... 4,782...... 22...... 21.3...... 22...... 21.3...... 22...... 0 ON’ALLY...... 741...... 32...... 35...... 35...... 35...... 35...... 3 LAUGFS GAS [LGL.X0000]...... 12,040...... 17.1...... 17.1...... 17.1...... 17...... 17...... -0.1 ORIENT FINANCE...... 2,143...... 15.5...... 15.8...... 16...... 13.7...... 15.5...... 0 TRADED COMPANIES (NO.) 246...... 242 LAXAPANA XR...... 219,354...... 14.4...... 14.4...... 14.6...... 14.4...... 14.5...... 0.1 PALM GARDEN HOTL...... 2...... 27.8...... 26.5...... 26.5...... 26.5...... 27.8...... 0 MARKET PRICE EARNINGS RATIO(PER) 12.8...... 13 LAXAPANA [LITE.R0000] XR.2,786,711...... 0.3...... 0.3...... 0.4...... 0.2...... 0.2...... -0.1 PEGASUS HOTELS...... 10...... 30...... 31...... 31...... 31...... 30...... 0 MARKET PRICE TO BOOK VALUE (PBV) 1.2...... 1.2 LB FINANCE...... 16,509...... 208.75...... 210...... 210...... 200.25...... 202.25...... -6.5 PRIME FINANCE...... 7,388...... 13.6...... 12.9...... 12.9...... 12.9...... 12.9...... -0.7 MARKET DIVIDEND YIELD (DY) 2.5...... 2.4 LEE HEDGES...... 1,851...... 73.8...... 73.9...... 73.9...... 66.6...... 69.8...... -4 RAIGAM SALTERNS...... 30,134...... 5.5...... 5.8...... 5.8...... 5.2...... 5.3...... -0.2 MARKET CAPITALIZATION (Rs.) 3,211,282,219,543.00...... 3,252,716,262,000.00 LION BREWERY...... 99,795...... 550.25...... 560...... 560...... 540...... 540...... -10.25 RAMBODA FALLS...... 100...... 17.1...... 16.5...... 16.5...... 16.5...... 16.5...... -0.6 LMF...... 28,475...... 160.25...... 160.25...... 160.25...... 156.5...... 158.75...... -1.5 RENUKA CAPITAL...... 15,955...... 7.4...... 7.1...... 7.1...... 6.8...... 6.8...... -0.6 1. Overnight Money Market Transactions LVL ENERGY...... 2,312...... 9.9...... 9.5...... 9.7...... 9.5...... 9.5...... -0.4 RENUKA HOTELS...... 1,800...... 70...... 65.1...... 65.1...... 65...... 65...... -5 Call Money Market...... Repo Market MALWATTE [MAL.X0000]...... 1,610...... 8.5...... 8.5...... 8.5...... 8.5...... 8.5...... 0 RICH PIERIS EXP...... 2,538...... 360...... 365...... 365...... 357...... 359...... -1 Weighted Average Rate (%)...... 4.55...... 4.57 MELSTACORP...... 236,785...... 49.6...... 49.9...... 49.9...... 47.5...... 47.8...... -1.8 SATHOSA MOTORS...... 21...... 226.5...... 233.25...... 233.5...... 233.25...... 226.5...... 0 Minimum Rate (%)...... 4.53...... 4.55 Maximum Rate (%)...... 4.55...... 4.68 MERC. SHIPPING...... 8...... 72.3...... 72.3...... 72.3...... 72.3...... 72.3...... 0 SERENDIB ENG.GRP...... 4,480...... 6.2...... 6.1...... 6.3...... 6...... 6.3...... 0.1 Total Gross amount (Rs. million)...... 23,450...... 13,271 MERCHANT BANK...... 32,102...... 7.5...... 7.2...... 7.4...... 7...... 7.3...... -0.2 SERENDIB HOTELS...... 6,500...... 15...... 14.8...... 15...... 14.7...... 14.8...... -0.2 Total Net amount (Rs. million)...... 23,450...... 13,271 MULLERS...... 1...... 1...... 1.1...... 1.1...... 1.1...... 1...... 0 SINGER IND...... 4,098...... 94.9...... 97...... 99.8...... 95...... 99...... 4.1 2. Use of the CBSL Standing Facility NAMUNUKULA...... 115...... 177.5...... 179.5...... 183...... 179...... 179.5...... 2 SINGHE HOSPITALS...... 603,484...... 2.1...... 2.1...... 2.1...... 2...... 2...... -0.1 Standing Deposit Facility (Rs. million) ...... 177,176 NAT. DEV. BANK...... 21,875...... 83...... 83...... 83...... 81.5...... 81.9...... -1.1 SINHAPUTHRA FIN [SFL.P0000]...... 80,758...... 4.6...... 4.6...... 4.6...... 4...... 4...... -0.6 Standing Lending Facility (Rs. million)...... - NATIONS TRUST...... 39,016...... 58...... 58...... 58...... 56.7...... 56.9...... -1.1 SOFTLOGIC...... 18,639...... 12.6...... 12.5...... 12.6...... 12.1...... 12.5...... -0.1 3. CBSL Treasury Bill/Bonds Holdings NAWALOKA...... 21,000...... 5...... 5.1...... 5.1...... 5...... 5...... 0 SOFTLOGIC CAP...... 31,285...... 3.9...... 4...... 4...... 3.7...... 3.7...... -0.2 Face Value (Rs. million)...... 801,801.88 NESTLE...... 398...... 1199.25...... 1,190.00...... 1,190.00...... 1,170.00.....1,173.25...... -26 SOFTLOGIC FIN...... 930...... 10.2...... 10.3...... 10.3...... 10...... 10.1...... -0.1 Book Value (Rs. million)...... 785,444.27 OVERSEAS REALTY...... 188,056...... 15.5...... 15.3...... 15.4...... 14.9...... 15.2...... -0.3 SWADESHI...... 1...... 18324.8...... 16,251.00...... 16,251.00...... 16,251.00....18,324.80...... 0 PAN ASIA...... 128,913...... 17...... 16.8...... 17...... 16.5...... 16.8...... -0.2 SOFTLOGIC LIFE...... 15,544...... 31.4...... 31...... 31.5...... 31...... 31...... -0.4 PANASIAN POWER...... 4,494,778...... 3.5...... 3.6...... 3.6...... 3.4...... 3.5...... 0 TAL LANKA...... 100...... 12.5...... 12.5...... 12.5...... 12.5...... 12.5...... 0 TOP 10 GAINERS PEOPLE’S INS...... 130,891...... 30.8...... 31...... 31.5...... 30.5...... 31...... 0.2 TRANS ASIA...... 400...... 59.5...... 59.5...... 59.6...... 59.5...... 59.6...... 0.1 Company VWA VWA Change Change PEOPLES LEASING...... 166,909...... 12.3...... 12.3...... 12.4...... 12.2...... 12.2...... -0.1 UDAPUSSELLAWA...... 3,134...... 21.9...... 22...... 22.9...... 21...... 22.7...... 0.8 Prev. Close Days Close (Rs.) % INDUSTRIAL ASPH. 0.4 0.5...... 0.1...... 25 PIRAMAL GLASS...... 1,758,644...... 9.9...... 9.9...... 10...... 9.8...... 9.9...... 0 UNION ASSURANCE...... 105...... 301.5...... 317...... 317...... 314...... 314.25...... 12.75 KELSEY 35.1 42...... 6.9...... 19.66 PRINTCARE PLC...... 1,300...... 31.1...... 31...... 31.2...... 31...... 31...... -0.1 VALLIBEL ONE...... 1,349,959...... 56.1...... 57.9...... 57.9...... 52.8...... 53.5...... -2.6 NATION LANKA 0.8 0.9...... 0.1...... 12.5 ON’ALLY 32 35...... 3...... 9.38 R I L PROPERTY...... 153,800...... 6.6...... 6.8...... 6.8...... 6.6...... 6.7...... 0.1 WATCH LIST ASIRI SURG 13.6 14.5...... 0.9...... 6.62 REGNIS...... 3,568...... 98...... 96...... 96...... 94...... 95.1...... -2.9 ANILANA HOTELS...... 70,885...... 1.2...... 1.3...... 1.3...... 1.1...... 1.2...... 0 AMANA BANK 3.3 3.5...... 0.2...... 6.06 RENUKA AGRI...... 618,314...... 3.6...... 3.8...... 3.8...... 3.5...... 3.6...... 0 BIMPUTH FINANCE...... 10,767...... 7.7...... 7.8...... 8...... 7.6...... 7.7...... 0 MADULSIMA 8.3 8.8...... 0.5...... 6.02 SINGER IND. 94.9 99...... 4.1...... 4.32 RENUKA CITY HOT...... 77...... 225...... 236...... 236.25...... 236...... 225...... 0 BLUE DIAMONDS...... 4,583...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.5...... 0.60...... 0 UNION ASSURANCE 301.5 314.25...... 12.75...... 4.23 RENUKA FOODS...... 116,359...... 14...... 13.9...... 13.9...... 13.5...... 13.5...... -0.5 BLUE DIAMONDS [BLUE.X0000].426,712...... 0.3...... 0.3...... 0.4...... 0.2...... 0.3...... 0 KANDY HOTELS 4.8 5...... 0.2...... 4.17 RENUKA FOODS [COCO.X0000]...2,209...... 12.2...... 12...... 12.7...... 12...... 12...... -0.2 CEYLON PRINTERS...... 110...... 52.3...... 52.5...... 52.5...... 45.1...... 51.8...... -0.5 LANKEM DEV...... 44,191...... 3.7...... 3.7...... 3.7...... 3.6...... 3.6...... -0.1 TOP 10 LOSERS RENUKA HOLDINGS...... 14,835...... 15.3...... 15...... 15...... 14.5...... 14.7...... -0.6 MACKWOODS ENERGY...... 37,110...... 2.7...... 2.7...... 2.7...... 2.5...... 2.7...... 0 Company VWA VWA...... Change...... Change RESUS ENERGY...... 5,206...... 24.1...... 24.7...... 25.6...... 24.7...... 25...... 0.9 LAXAPANA 0.3 0.2...... -0.1...... -33.33 MULTI FINANCE...... 11,501...... 7...... 7.2...... 7.2...... 7...... 7...... 0 SINHAPUTHRA FIN 4.6 4...... -0.6...... -13.04 RICHARD PIERIS...... 1,109,853...... 16...... 15.9...... 16.7...... 15.9...... 16.6...... 0.6 NATION LANKA...... 598,596...... 0.8...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0.7...... 0.9...... 0.1 ASIA ASSET 6.5 5.9...... -0.6...... -9.23 ROYAL CERAMIC...... 299,049...... 280.75...... 280...... 280...... 269...... 270.75...... -10 AMAYA LEISURE 19.5 17.7...... -1.8...... -9.23 RADIANT GEMS...... 5,224...... 29.5...... 29.5...... 29.5...... 28...... 29.5...... 0 CITRUS WASKADUWA 3.4 3.1...... -0.3...... -8.82 S M B LEASING...... 11,216...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0 SINHAPUTHRA FIN...... 1...... 8...... 8...... 8...... 8...... 8...... 0 RENUKA CAPITAL 7.4 6.8...... -0.6...... -8.11 S M B LEASING [SEMB.X0000].3,156,650...... 0.3...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.2...... 0.3...... 0 STANDARD CAPITAL...... 13...... 71.4...... 70...... 70...... 69.9...... 71.4...... 0 HORANA 22.9 21.1...... -1.8...... -7.86 RENUKA HOTELS 70 65...... -5...... -7.14 SAMPATH...... 4,020,982...... 156.5...... 156...... 157...... 154...... 154.5...... -2 TESS AGRO...... 23,334...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.7...... 0.5...... 0.5...... 0 C M HOLDINGS 90 83.9...... -6.1...... -6.78 SANASA DEV. BANK...... 17,914...... 58.3...... 59.7...... 59.7...... 57.8...... 58.6...... 0.3 TESS AGRO [TESS.X0000]...... 252...... 0.5...... 0.5...... 0.5...... 0.4...... 0.5...... 0 BROWNS BEACH 11.9 11.1...... -0.8...... -6.72 114 Wednesday, March 3, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

Netflix won over half of 2021 Golden Globe THOUGHT FOR THE DAY television awards Netflix emerged victorious on Sunday (28 February) night after earning over “I now tried a new half of the year’s Golden Globe awards hypothesis: It was in the television categories. The possible that I was streaming giant, which still leads its more in charge of my competition in subscriber counts, won happiness than I was six of 11 Golden Globes for television allowing myself to be.” shows, dominating the drama categories thanks to “The Crown”, and the limited – Michelle Obama series, anthology series, or motion picture made for television category with “The Queen’s Gambit”. By the end of the evening, “The Crown” had earned a total of four awards – one for best television series – drama, while the other three brunch went to actors Emma Corrin, Josh O’Connor, and Gillian Anderson.

From left: Writer, researcher, and activist Amalini De Sayrah; NCEASL Director for Legal and Advocacy Yamini Ravindran; author and researcher in peacebuilding and reconciliation Sarah Kabir; and moderator Savithri Rodrigo at the Cargills International Women’s Day Festival – The Changemakers societies, but also in other individuals’ Cargills Intl. Women’s Day Festival – The Changemakers lives as well. She commented that this change may be insignificant to us, but is a big change in others’ lives. Recalling one of the first legal issues she had to handle, Yamini said: “I was a little six-year-old schoolgirl who was deprived of following her The Peace Prompters religious faith in her school. It was a simple letter that I sent as a lawyer to keep up with the school administration A discussion on peacebuilding and reconciliation that was the solution.” She added that she is thankful that she had the BY VENESSA ANTHONY questions came into her head, she felt privilege to be able to study her religion annoyed at her privilege for not having and follow her traditions without The Cargills International the answers as she was safe in another being punished for it, which not a lot country, without having to experience Women’s Day Festival – The of people during the conflict had the any of the conflict. “I realised that chance to say. Changemakers, presented by there was a way to use that privilege to Table by Taru and Kaleidoscope do something that had an impact, so I I want to create awareness for with Savithri Rodrigo and found my voice and used it to make an women: Amalini De Sayrah partnered by United Nations impact in this country with my book.” De Sayrah stated: “When people Population Fund (UNFPA), Kabir commented that at the time, ask me ‘why do you do the awareness she was quite young, adding that she and advocacy you do’, I tell them it's kicked off on Monday, 1 is still young and idealistic, but she March. The event is set to because these issues really make me didn't take the dangers of making her angry or passionate and I want to make highlight the importance voice heard into account. All that a change. I'm just amplifying it, passing of the full involvement and mattered was making an impact for it on hoping that someone else will equal participation of women From left: Amalini De Sayrah, Yamini Ravindran, Savithri Rodrigo, and Sarah Kabir the betterment of the country. Telling feel the same way, and pick it up in the her story, she explained: “Once I came promoting peace and security. PHOTOS ESHAN DASANAYAKA same way.” back to Sri Lanka, I realised that the She said that for her, it was a insurgencies and rights, but very the focus on women’s achievements, use of certain words is dangerous. For Designed to celebrate women who little has changed when it comes to determination, and commitment to succession of learning about struggles example, the word ‘reconciliation’ various communities face and how are championing change, as well as giving women a bigger voice, a bigger instigate change is rarely spotlighted thought leaders who prompt dialogue still can’t be used without evoking a prolonged these have been – struggles presence when it comes to peace and in the media. In this collaboration through their work, impacts, and dispute.” that have been going on for 20 or 30 security and reconciliation.” with Taru, Cargills, and our partners actions, the festival upholds women’s coming in to support us, we are I am thankful for my privilege: years. “Just wanting to maybe move ability to transform, adapt, and be the She emphasised that women the needle even in terms of just the are central to peace and security augmenting our focus on that singular Yamini Ravindran change, while also stimulating debate, mission of showcasing the important conversation, creating the smallest decisions, even though their roles Ravindran noted that her journey building knowledge, expanding roles women have played and amount of awareness, is my goal,” she as agents of change have largely was quite different because she was networks of champions, and continue to play in this country.” added. advocating gender equality. remained unrecognised. But a very initially involved in corporate and De Sayrah also observed that The first of a series of discussions few women have navigated language I want to make a change commercial law. “I wanted to be women are also facing a lot of was held on Monday at Table by barriers and racial, ethnic, religious, despite the dangers: involved in human rights. I didn't challenges at the ground level. “If Taru with guest speakers, author and cultural demarcations beyond the think about peace and reconciliation, you take digital literacy in Sri Lanka, and researcher in peacebuilding and gender dimensions to facilitate a more Sarah Kabir but fortunately my faith led me to according to Sri Lankan statistics in reconciliation Sarah Kabir; writer, proactive engagement. Speaking on how she was believe in justice and peace so I was 2019, women have only 28% of digital researcher, and activist Amalini introduced to the conflict in Sri able to get in touch with organisations literacy, which is a massive challenge De Sayrah, and National Christian The theme for the evening, “The Lanka during the war, Kabir stated: like NCEASL which was very in today's context and world.” Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka Peace Prompters”, featured women “I joined quite late in the conflict. It much involved in work of social She added that we also have to see (NCEASL) Director for Legal and activists who have been fighting was when I heard the war was over transformation, and freedom of religion how women have always had to fight Advocacy Yamini Ravindran. to advance peace, reconciliation, – I was actually overseas doing my or belief.” harder in everything that they do, and Speaking at the event, Savithri and nationbuilding. Rodrigo added: undergraduate at the time. And then, She added that as much as this fight to have access to resources or Rodrigo commented: “We all know “Kaleidoscope has highlighted all these questions came in my head work is dangerous and has its pressures power. She also noted that women will that women are disproportionately achievers, pioneers, disruptors, peace about who was involved and what had and challenges, it is the kind of change be able to be effective if they are given impacted due to conflict and, builders, and entrepreneurs, placing happened.” that we can bring about as individuals, space at a community level or a higher more than ever, to a war to various the spotlight primarily on women, as She explained that as all those not only in our communities and in our policy level.

with, she said she dropped that more than welcome, she hopes who are making this skill share The urban fishing cat to pursue the smaller feline. to educate some fresh minds series a success, making note of With regard to the urban as well. their financial partner National fishing cat, Ratnayaka said that “There are 270 species of Development Bank (NDB). they are found in nearly all wildlife within the city itself, Aththanayake commented wetlands in Colombo, adding right around us – species most that they hope to increase that these wetlands, at the very people have no idea about. the involvement of youths in least, exhibit a strong presence Many people are quick to rush conservation and are hopeful of the fishing cat. The fishing out of Colombo to see some that Ratnayaka’s passion and cat being quite a large animal wildlife, but they do not know dedication to her craft will – the size of a street dog – she about the wild species right inspire more youth advocates said it is uniquely amazing next door,” she said, also noting for conservation to come out that there is such a population that she hopes more people will of the woodworks and possibly in Colombo. She shared that walk away enlightened about carry forward the protection of the fishing cat is the only what the city has to offer. our wildlife. such large wildlife population WNPS Youth Join “Conserving Urban that dwells in urban areas, Wing Co- Wildlife” via and that in itself is a unique ordinator Pavithra factor to this particular feline. HTTPS://ZOOM. Aththanayake also US/J/92313903936 The fishing cat living right in shared that they are the city of Colombo adds an thankful to extremely unique feature to PHOTO © SANJAYA ADIKARI their sponsors CONSERVING the city. Ratnayaka said that the Colombo city should be As a youth in conservation, proud to house this population Ratnayaka shared with us that of wild animals and that their she had always enjoyed a close conservation is of utmost association with wildlife. “I was importance. Urban Wildlife always drawn to it; I was very With regard to what to BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE wildlife, the ecological value Scientist, and a member of introverted and it was a natural expect from the workshop, she of fishing cats, and interesting the Fishing Cat Conservation projection to associate wildlife, said that while they will attempt “Conserving Urban facts about their lifestyle. Alliance, she has a strong being more comfortable in wild to highlight the importance Wildlife”, conducted by Urban Ratnayaka is a graduate interest in Sri Lankan wildlife, spaces.” of conserving urban wildlife, Fishing Cat Project Founder in wildlife and conservation particularly the ecology She commented that her with reference to the fishing and Primary Investigator Anya management from the and conservation of urban interest in the conservation cats and about their lifestyle, Ratnayaka, in collaboration University of Queensland, mesocarnivores. In 2017, she of urban mesocarnivores, she hopes the workshop would with the Wildlife and Nature Australia and is currently co-founded the non-profit particularly the urban fishing see a widespread audience. Protection Society of Sri Lanka reading for her Master of Small Cat Advocacy and cat, came about when she had “I hope we get to see people (WNPS) and WNPS Youth Philosophy degree at the Research and is currently the opportunity to interact with tuning in who have not worked Wing, will be held via Zoom same university. A Wildlife conducting research on the one that was being cared for in conservation before coming on Sunday, 7 March at 10 a.m. Conservation Network (WCN) world’s only known hyper- by the Department of Wildlife to learn something,” she said, The workshop will highlight the scholar, Global Wildlife urban population of fishing cats Conservation (DWC). Having adding that while all and importance of conserving urban Conservation Associate found in Colombo. pursued the leopard to begin anyone in conservation are Urban Fishing Cat Project Founder and Primary Investigator Anya Ratnayaka 124 brunch „„ www.themorning.lk { FOOD } Wednesday, March 3, 2021

BY VENESSA ANTHONY She added that once she visited La Spicy Sri Lanka, she saw potential in the Lanka Crepe Baguette is Sri Lanka’s first food industry for the tourism sector, authentic French bakery that as many expats were looking for has been in the industry for authentic food; upon this realisation, she started Baguette back in 2016, over five years now. Speaking and it is now thriving in two different to Baguette Founder Nathalie locations. Pujolle on the inception of the Commenting on the journey bakery, she said: “I was born in of Baguette, she exclaimed that it Provence, France. After a long has been an amazing adventure so corporate career in finance in far. “From hiring skilled bakers to Tokyo, I decided to pursue my importing quality ingredients from passion and train in pastry Europe and promoting the French at French culinary school ‘Le way of life like biting into a buttery, Cordon Bleu’ and come to this flaky croissant or a crunchy sourdough Baguette Founder Nathalie Pujolle beautiful island to open an baguette, it has all been very insightful and exciting.” our croissants has been folded over and authentic French bakery.” After close to six years here, she over again to create dozens of thin layers added that she is still learning about of butter and dough. We also make sure Almond croissant and cappuccino Sri Lanka and about herself. Over the our croissants have a nice flaky outer Sri Lankan palate in terms of how spicy The story of Baguette started years, her clients have become her crust that falls off easily. So the messier it is. So, we made a range of café dishes with our various sourdough consultants and her team her family. it gets, the better the croissant!” and baked goods with fillings that are starters, composed of fermented Nathalie also told us that they bound to tantalise your taste buds with flour and water, that make the Authenticity recently launched a new, innovative a kick like the popular spicy chicken sourdough bread rise without using Baguette has established itself as the menu at their Mount Lavinia café croissant,” she said, adding that they commercial yeast full of chemicals. best place in Sri Lanka to get authentic that combines Sri Lankan flavours, incorporated Sri Lankan classics such Sourdough bread offers numerous French croissants made with pure butter incorporating them into dishes as seeni sambol, spicy chicken curry, benefits such as better digestion, from France. They also have a range of from Europe and France. One of and kochchi into the sandwich and crêpe nutrient intake, longer natural artisanal breads and indulgent desserts, their signature items is the croissant menu, after some valued input from preservation, and is bread that’s and are renowned for the authenticity sandwich, which is their typical flaky their customers. been made for thousands of years. of their French flaky croissants and croissant stuffed with a filling of your Baguette specialises in sourdough Touching on their plans for this macaroons. choice from their menu. bread. Nathalie stated that if you ask year, Nathalie revealed that they Describing how they perfect their “We also observed that more than their customers, they will assure you that will open a new outlet operating croissants and the secret behind why half of our customers are Sri Lankan, they have the best bread in Sri Lanka. as a bakery and café around the customers keep coming back for more, and the French food doesn’t cater to the They offer over 10 different varieties third week of March, at No. 31, Nathalie said: “The dough we use for of sourdough breads, made without Queens Road, Colombo 3, and told additional preservatives, sugar, or instant their customers to keep an eye out sourdough. “Everything we offer is for that. made from scratch using only the finest ingredients, from the flour we mix to the Baguette French Bakery bread we shape by hand. We import our at No. 71A, Rosmead flour from a 600-year-old flour mill in Place, Colombo 7, and Germany to give our customers the most Baguette French Bakery & Café at No. 174, Galle authentic experience.” Road, Dehiwala-Mount A French Lavinia (BC Lifestyle building)

@baguettelk delight www.baguette.lk

Le Colombo Sandwich

of this issue, the problem continues to for a cost of Rs. 49.50, an Kenko1st’s items are ideal and safe.” Organic vegetables on display at the Kenko1st Organic store worsen. affordable rate allowing access to organic Naohito also shared that they have a Taking into consideration these foods for anyone anywhere in the island. coconut sugar product which was initially persistent concerns, for the past eight to Kenko1st also has attempted to think almost exclusively an export product, nine years Naohito has been outside the box when it comes however due to the Covid-19 situation, they working on developing to the products in which they have refocused it for the local market. With agricultural practices amongst offer their consumers – some regular sugar having a high Glycemic Index a community of farmers who such products being their (GI) in the range of the hundreds, Naohito have joined his cause, and in organic carrot powder which said that coconut sugar has a GI as low as doing so he has accumulated can be used as baby food, around 35. a supply of fresh organic or for facial packs. Their Naohito also addressed the relative produce where not only are no-sugar yoghurt, unlike the inaccessibility to organic foods in Sri Lanka all the producers certified by mass marketed set yoghurts, particularly due to the fairly high price internationally or nationally truly contains no sugar, point. He said that it is unfortunate that organically certified bodies, however they also offer a this is the case, stating that in Sri Lanka, but they have a personal low-sugar option containing there is a logistics issue which must be relationship with every one 2% sugar in the product. “If addressed, adding that if they are able to of their suppliers. “We know you look at the set yoghurt mass produce, then this price concern will each producer’s faces and in the store, it reads up to 13- not be there. He also said that, not wishing maintain a hands-on approach Kenko1st Organic Founder 14% sugar percentage which to name names, there are profitmaking to production,” he said. Ishikawa Naohito is a conservable amount, entities that are driving up the price when Implementing an ethical but if you are diabetic or it comes to organic products. However, business model, Naohito shared that in the if you are looking to feed young children, things are getting better, he said. Sharing case of small-scale producers, Kenko1st that within the next two to three years, Know what you eat, purchases produce at a fixed premium price he said that they target creating a more throughout the year regardless of market affordable price point for the organic fluctuations, and they also maintain fixed products. A first step has been adopted sales prices as well: “Basically, the price where they provide a subscription model eat with prudence is always the same throughout the year. where a designated pack of produce We aim to share benefits and risks equally will be delivered on a subscription basis among producers, consumers, and ourselves, which allows for a nearly 30% discount, Make some healthy changes with not only for the producers or farmers.” delivery free of charge (free delivery only They have also collaborated with available in Colombo). OrelBuy.lk which provides islandwide Kenko1st Organic https://orelbuy.lk/product/ initiative, he is by no means the owner, as IHzCOOVmCM57I5Whr2l0/ BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE A Kenko1st employee xj2gyFlw0O5NCvQWcRdM/list they are able to keep doing what they set out working at their farm Kenko1st Organic Founder Ishikawa to do because of their collaborators – that Naohito, with his dedicated interest in is, the 60 organic farmers they are currently https://kenko1storganic.appigo.co/ protecting the environment, has attempted to operating with. drastically change how Sri Lankans eat and Naohito shared that in Sri Lanka, how agriculture is pursued in the country. farmers use a large amount of chemical Kenko1st Organic is a social enterprise fertilisers and pesticides, which has that aims to protect the health of consumers, environmental and health impacts, and farmers’ health, the health of the earth, considering how using a large amount of and produce and supply safe food. Naohito pesticides reap only temporary results and commented that despite having founded the the farmers themselves are the first victims The Kento1st team at their farm Kenko1st Organic, Open every day No. 27/12, Rosmead http://kenko1st.org/ 0715 800 800 Kenko1stOrganic @kenko1st_organic Kenko1stO Kenko1st Organic Place, Colombo7 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. brunch 134 Wednesday, March 3, 2021 { COLUMNS/EVENTS } „„ www.themorning.lk self-esteem, or certain beliefs) and may be a link to our more primordial animalistic instincts which are superseded by the The power of cognisant and conscious mind as we develop as people. Just do it Saying “no” at the right time can help cultivate Rainco recently more steadfast habits for claimed the gold award yourself. You will develop in the Fashion Retail healthier boundaries, category at SLIM Digis, Rainco’s engage and immerse the digital marketing yourself in endeavours awards ceremony that truly have purpose organised by the Sri and meaning, and let Lanka Institute of you take control of your Marketing (SLIM). ‘Trendy’ own choices, your own Known primarily for decisions, letting you steer their umbrella products, your vessel on calm or Rainco received the gold umbrella receives stormy seas – albeit, on award for their product your terms. Not having to concept of the “Trendy” gold at SLIM Digis compromise your values, umbrella. or sacrifice your time and Trendy was developed stuck in the same rut unpleasantness in the long energy for things that are with the objective of perpetually because they run. And even help prevent meaningless and short- making the umbrella say “yes” to everything? a lot of faeces from hitting lived. more fashionable and Oh, you know as many the windmill. Sometimes it is in line with the latest as I do. Some people who Yet, it can also nip an important to say trends. With the intention NOperpetuate misery and just issue in the bud before “yes” to challenging of introducing as many crave for company. Their it exacerbates into a situations in life, to seize current and trending lives are eternally in a far bigger catastrophe. opportunities, and take elements as possible, stagnant limbo or in hyper- Saying “no” can help calculated risks in order the Trendy umbrella regression because “yes” prevent dissatisfaction, to explore and grow. was inspired by denim is all they know to say. disappointment, Saying “no” when culture. The fabric “An ounce of prevention Some who keep making disagreements, and you feel intuitively and used for the umbrella is worth a pound of cure.” excuses for never fulfilling demoralisation. instinctively that you itself embodies the – Benjamin Franklin their goals and you hear Learning to say “no” ought to will illustrate denim look and feel. How often have about it consistently. Some depicts not only the clarity, confidence, acuity, Keeping with the idea you ended up in truly who loathe their bosses degrees of self-respect you attributes of leadership, of Trendy, Rainco opted unfavourable situations by and their jobs, complain harness for yourself, but and fearlessness in the for less conventional saying “yes” to the wrong about a lack of recompense the respect you possess for face of pressure and avail forms of marketing things? or remuneration, always someone else as well. you with time to pay communications in Bet you can count whining about their work attention to and focus order to resonate with with the product was Trendy, it became one of the times you agreed to politics but are stuck in Shadow self on your goals, agendas, their product concept. better than expected. the top 20 contributing something you felt in your the same loop for decades. Why, then, do so many dreams, passions, and self. As such, they initiated a Customer interest peaked stock-keeping units. gut wasn’t a good idea Plenty who are in toxic people say “yes” to things Figuring out how and dance challenge called and generated positive There is always a need at the time, but you went relationships who go down that don’t add any meaning when to say “no” is the “Trendy Challenge” feedback regarding the to make products more ahead with anyway. Be it a an abysmal rabbit hole of or real value to their significant, of course. You with Sachini Nipunsala, Trendy umbrella. relevant and the thought work scenario, at a social no return by saying “yes” existence? Why say “yes” must pick your battles a Sri Lankan television Rainco’s largest process, in terms of setting, with family or all the way, only to realise to people who use, abuse, carefully – the ones worth presenter and dancer. target audience consists marketing and the digital friends, or even a personal it’s a little too late to turn gaslight, and exploit you? your while and the ones Many people started primarily of women who execution enabled Rainco circumstance. And I’ll back. Why say “yes” to instances that aren’t. Because in doing dances with the make up 70% of their to create an experience wager that saying “yes” We’ve all wasted time that make you compromise life, knowing to say “no” Trendy umbrella and sales. If you look at the that effectively resonated didn’t render unto you the and trouble by just going your standards, ethics, to something you feel the overall engagement overall performance of with their consumers. results you quite expected? with the proverbial flow beliefs, and values? There is hazardous, toxic, or Far from it, I reckon. and chiding that almighty are instances where it can debased is as integral as How many people grow “yes” at the best and worst be self-confidence issues knowing when to agree complacent and end up of times, ending up in quite or deep insecurities. Or an to facing challenges, a bloody pickle. inherent need to be “liked” tackling hardships, and and to receive approval overcoming obstacles. eMarketingEye marks Another brick in from the masses by “No” will let you find the wall subjugating oneself to the balance in your life by “No.” Can one little general rule of appeal, the not spearheading and 14 years of excellence word be a game-changer? popular thread of thought diving into circumstances The thing that tips the without coming across as and situations beyond eMarketingEye, the scales? Can such a small recalcitrant and rebellious. your control. You will award-winning digital word have such colossal Just agreeing blindly become stronger, resilient, marketing agency and power over determining to everything is also a more driven, motivated, a pioneer in the Asian how a course of events processed condition of the sanguine, and with power region specialising in the will unravel? Can this one flock or herd mentality. over your own life, be hospitality industry, is word be the difference People are terrified of it personal, social, or celebrating 14 years of between standing up being singled out and not professional. excellence. The agency for your own best accepted to be a part of Great events may turn was able to record the most interests and merely the common collective on small hinges. But it successful financial year being just another consciousness. And this just might start with one to date on the year ended brick in the wall? The results in detrimental small word. 31 March 2020. This gave word that makes or consequences for the (Suresh de Silva is the the company renewed breaks you? Perhaps individual or often to frontman and lyricist confidence to successfully even being the catalyst others around them. of Stigmata, a creative navigate the uncertainties of eMarketingEye executive team, led by CEO Rajitha Dahanayake, that can lead to your In analytical psychology, consultant and brand the Covid-19 pandemic. with the recently won awards happiness, growth, the shadow is the entirety strategist by profession, During the past 12 With the latest eMarketingEye Chief overall productivity, and of the unconscious or a self-published author months, the eMarketingEye developments, the company Executive Officer (CEO) solidarity. an unconscious aspect and poet, thespian, team spent countless hours launched a recruitment Rajitha Dahanayake stated: It seems like such a that the conscious ego animal rescuer, streamlining internal drive expanding its “As a digital marketing small thing really. As they does not identify with. podcaster, and fitness processes and laying the digital, social media, and specialist for hospitality say, great events turn on Carl Jung argued that enthusiast) foundation for the future technology teams and is and industry leader in Sri small hinges. the shadow self is the The views and opinions under the “new normal”, now in the final phase of Lanka and the Asian region, Sometimes a unknown dark side of our expressed in this column so that it’s fully prepared to finalising the new additions it is our responsibility straightforward “no” can personality. He claimed are those of the author, provide a rapid response to to its dynamic team of to lead the way by help steer you out of some that there are negative and and do not necessarily any new requirements by digital marketers and constantly innovating pretty nasty situations. positives hidden in one’s reflect those of this its large client base. This technology experts. Another and showing leadership It can help avoid a lot of shadow (be it anxieties, publication. resulted in the company notable achievement was to the whole industry as launching several new getting the eMarketingEye to the best way they can products to further diversify digital team certified navigate these uncharted its portfolio. These include with the Green, Blue, and waters by leveraging “VouchersEye”, Sri Lanka’s Black Belt certifications technology. Despite the first-ever online hotel by the 2020 Google tough circumstances for voucher system and an easy, Digital Guru programme. the local tourism industry customised voucher system The certification was in 2019, the 2019/20 for hotels to sell a range awarded to each individual financial year was our best of vouchers, packages, after multiple rounds of year in terms of revenue and experiences online; workshops and training and performance, and this Proavos Labs receiving the gold and overall silver awards The Proavos Labs team as well as “GiftsEye”, an sessions followed by undoubtedly gave us the Proavos Labs, a Sri Lanka- e-gift certificate system several online examinations belief to face the uncertainty based airline and travel that enables customers to conducted by Google. of the pandemic with great services IT provider offering Avtra Direct wins big at easily purchase an e-gift eMarketingEye capped confidence. complete and new-generation certificate of the hotels for off a successful year by “Over the past 14 years software solutions globally, offerings such as a room, adding to its growing since inception, we have was recently named the gold National ICT Awards 2020 dining, and spa to gift collection of awards by expanded our footprint in winner under tourism and technologies. It offers an all- airlines globally. We are Avtra Direct comprises their loved ones instantly. winning multiple awards the Asia-Pacific region with hospitality in the Consumer in-one solution for airlines, delighted to receive these multiple smart modules such Both solutions have been recently, further cementing clients from Singapore, category at the National ICT encompassing all direct awards as acknowledgment of as various booking engines successfully implemented its standing as the most Thailand, the Maldives, Awards (NBQSA) 2020. channels. our success in transforming for travel agents, an airline for around 50 hotels locally awarded digital marketing Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taking part in this for the first Speaking on the occasion, our industry in a competitive call centre and a head office, and internationally. agency in Sri Lanka with Indonesia, the Middle East, time, the company was also Proavos Labs Chief field.” corporate passengers, REST/ Additionally, the company over 240 awards. These and Australia. With over able to bag the overall silver Technology Officer (CTO) This breakthrough is a SOAP API that comply with launched “RestaurantsEye”, include the “SME Export 1,000 client engagements, award for the “Best Quality Nasly Yoosuf said: “Proavos tribute to the commitment and OpenTravel Alliance Standards an online ordering system Brand of the Year” at 90% of our clients are from Innovative Product”. Labs is fully dedicated tireless efforts of the highly and International Air Transport for restaurants to enter the SLIM Brand Excellence the hospitality industry, This was in recognition of to exceptional customer talented and experienced team Association New Distribution online space by deploying 2020 and three awards at while 70% of the business Avtra Direct, a revolutionary service, intelligent aviation behind Proavos Labs, and its Capability (IATA NDC) a fully fledged e-commerce the prestigious HSMAI is generated from overseas airline direct distribution technological evolution, and global customers that include standards, internet booking store, which is widely Adrian Awards for Digital markets. We manage over platform built using the the delivery of advanced reputed airlines, airports. and engines (IBE), and cross- used by top hotels as their Marketing Campaigns $ 10 million in ad spend latest web, mobile, and cloud software solutions that power partners around the globe. platform mobile apps. online ordering platform for carried out for local and annually on behalf of our restaurants. international clients. clients.” 144 sports „„ www.themorning.lk { SPORTS } Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Woods married Elin Nordegren in 2004. The pair have two children together, daughter Sam and son Charlie. Their union crumbled as a result of Woods at the 1997 US Open, during his first Woods’ infidelity in late 2009, and their divorce year as a professional was finalised a year later

When Tiger Woods arrived in our Woods’ life fell apart, it came to be viewed collective national consciousness Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy inspects Woods’ SUV, Hyundai Genesis GV80, after last week’s (23 February) accident as the caustic residue of the undue pressure somewhere around the second a father had placed on his son. weekend of April 1997, he might as There has not been a more public or more well have brought all his furniture, sordid downfall for a superstar athlete than pets, and preferred window treatments the one put into motion on 27 November with him. This was not going to be a 2009, when Woods backed his Cadillac brief or casual visit. We still aren’t ready Escalade down his driveway in Orlando and A transcendent golfer occupies our head into a fire hydrant and a tree. Three months space like no other athlete, thanks to the later, his 13-and-a-half-minute apology for unadorned intimacy and longevity afforded all his numerous affairs was carried not by the sport. We stand mere feet away only by ESPN but by the major television from golfers on the tee box. We grow old to say goodbye to networks and cable news channels. with them. We play their game, or a lesser, mortal version of it, squeezing in 18 holes Life’s three tidy chapters on Sunday mornings before settling in for Everything he ever did was big and bold, the great champion’s final round. and made for television: the longest drives, the most wins, the highest earnings, the Now hospital patient in LA largest galleries, the swooshiest outfits, Woods is now in his fourth decade in the toothiest smile, the fiercest fist-pumps that role. Now that teenage phenom, later – and later, the grandest, most spectacular a 20-something world conqueror and implosion, and the most unforgettable 30-something cautionary tale, is a 45-year- comeback. old hospital patient in Los Angeles (LA) Woods’ professional life, to this point, whose ability to play competitive golf can be divided into three tidy chapters: again, in the aftermath of Tuesday’s (23 the 12-year span from 1997 to 2008 February) crash, is far down on the list of when he won 14 majors and redefined the pressing concerns: walking again, running outer limits of golf and sports stardom; with his kids, leading a normal life. the lost years of 2009 to roughly 2017; The impulse to wish Woods a speedy and the renaissance that began in 2018, and full recovery comes from the purest of Tiger! culminating with the catharsis of the 2019 places. The impulse to wish him a return Masters victory. to golf, on the other hand, sometimes feels as if it’s less about Woods’ happiness – z When the accident occurred, Woods’ though we can assume it is something he wants – than our own. triumphant third act was just beginning One year more to reach Nicklaus After the comeback win at Augusta in Such is the nature of golf testament to the hold a transcendent golfer central element – from his mixed-race 2019 – which itself followed a decade Woods still has a year to go before he retains over the sport deep into his golden lineage to his tortured self-description in the wilderness of inconsistent golf, reaches Jack Nicklaus’ age when Nicklaus years. as “Cablinasian” to his historic win at countless back and knee injuries, and an won the 1986 Masters, 14 years until he is Augusta National –long before it became image-destroying personal crack-up – the same age as Tom Watson when Watson Impacted generations an essential part of sportspage we came to believe we might be able to darn-near won the British Open in 2009. Woods had a chance to be discourse. enjoy a few more years of Woods as a Arnold Palmer teed it up in the Masters – that guy as long as his His career major championship contender, followed as a competitor, not a ceremonial first-tee body and his impulses encompassed the by another decade or two of nostalgic figure – until he was 75. Yeah, he missed didn’t betray him. transformation of Rachel Uchitel was at the centre of Woods’ presence, and occasional relevance. the cut. But the size of his galleries was a We watched him athletes into brand cheating scandal in 2009 grow from being ambassadors, someone’s son the rise of He is exactly like us Ben Hogan to someone’s social media If he seemed in the first phase like a husband to as a marketing cyborg programmed to conquer his sport someone’s force, and the and in the second like a pitiable shell of a father – he was explosion of man, the glory of the third phase was in the better at some of television money discovery he was neither of those things those roles than across sports. – just a guy trying to raise his kids and be others – and could In 1997, Woods’ a better man. The triumph of Woods was easily imagine first year as a in reigniting his professional life by fixing him as someone’s professional, the purse his personal life – in admitting he had to grandfather. at the US Open was $ 2.6 change, which is easy, and then actually By making it this far, still million. In 2020, it was $ doing it, which is not. his sport’s biggest draw Woods backed his Cadillac 12.5 million. Nicklaus took He once fascinated us because he could nearly a quarter-century Escalade down his driveway in home $ 5.7 million in career do things no one else on the planet could do into his professional Orlando and into a fire hydrant PGA (Professional Golf with a golf club. The human eye is drawn and a tree on 27 November 2009 career, Woods already has Association) Tour earnings. to mastery, and Woods, for a long while, redefined what it means Woods is at $120.9 million. was better at golf than anyone else was at Will Woods be able to do a Ben Hogan? to be a superstar for a wide swath of the anything. Now he fascinates us because we William Ben Hogan Hogan served in the US a chipped rib, and near- public. He may have been a once-in-a- The 2009 sordid downfall have come to understand he is exactly like (1912-1997) was an Army Air Forces from fatal blood clots. generation talent, but his impact cut across Woods also, of course, gave us perhaps us, faults and all. And because, like us, on American professional March 1943 to June 1945. His doctors said he several generations – yours, your parents’, the most vivid example of the downside his best days, he could still bring it. golfer who is generally Driving home to Fort might never walk again, and maybe your kids’. of fame. The cute videos of two-year- considered to be one of Worth after a Monday let alone play golf old Tiger showing off his swing on “The A fourth phase the greatest players in the playoff loss at the 1949 competitively. In a transition Merv Griffin Show”. Those weird quotes Woods was both most relatable and most history of the game. He is Phoenix Open, Hogan and He left the hospital on 1 Much of what we have come to know from his father, Earl, that Tiger would be likable in this third phase, and the hope notable for his profound his wife Valerie survived April 1949, 59 days after about the nature of modern superstardom “bigger than Gandhi”. When Tiger was a was that this renaissance would continue influence on golf swing a head-on collision with a the accident, and returned in sports, we learned first through young superstar, it could all be interpreted for a good, long while – that he might still theory and his legendary Greyhound bus east of Van to Fort Worth by train. Woods. His backstory had race as a as evidence of his manifest destiny. But as be a regular force at the majors for a few ball-striking ability. Horn, Texas. Hogan regained his more years, maybe even equal Nicklaus’ Hogan’s nine pro major On the morning of strength by extensive record of 18 major titles. His latest back championships tie him Wednesday, 2 February, walking and resumed surgery, in January, punctured that hope. with Gary Player for Hogan had reduced his his golf activities in This week’s gruesome crash exploded it. fourth all-time, trailing speed in the limited November 1949. He When his bones heal and his psyche only Jack Nicklaus (18), visibility ground fog. The returned to the PGA Tour allows a return to public life, he probably Tiger Woods (15), and bus was attempting to to start the 1950 season at will enter a fourth phase, the nature of Walter Hagen (11). pass another vehicle on the Los Angeles Open. which is still to be defined. Whatever that He is one of only five a narrow bridge, which Hogan’s watershed ends up looking like for Woods – from players to have won all left no place to avoid the season came three years launching another improbable comeback four majors: Masters crash. later, in 1953 in which to resigning himself to a ceremonial role – Tournament, the Open, the Hogan threw himself he won five of the six we have no choice but to accept it. We’ve US Open, and the PGA across Valerie in order tournaments he entered, had to re-adjust our expectations for him Championship. The other to protect her. He would including three major before, and now we have to again. four are Nicklaus, Woods, have been killed had he championships, a feat But if this is the end of Woods as a Player, and Gene Sarazen. not done so, because the known as the Triple Crown competitive force in his sport, we can During Hogan’s steering column punctured of Golf. It still stands permit ourselves a few moments of prime years of 1938 the driver’s seat of their among the greatest single wistfulness for what was lost. For as much through 1959, he won new Cadillac sedan. seasons in the history of as he has given us, we always counted on 63 professional golf This accident left professional golf. a lot more. For as long as we have been tournaments despite the Hogan, age 36, with a Over 70 years apart, captivated by Tiger Woods, and it’s going interruption of his career double-fracture of the Tiger Woods has a great on a good quarter-century now, we still by World War II and a pelvis, a fractured collar character to get inspiration weren’t ready to say goodbye. near-fatal car accident. bone, a left ankle fracture, from. By Dave Sheinin of The Washington Woods between his parents, Kultida (left) and Earl in 1998 Post, 27 February 2021 sports 154 Wednesday, March 3, 2021 { SPORTS } „„ www.themorning.lk

Jasmine Harrison on her boat FOREIGN NEWS IN BRIEF

 Police make four  Andy Murray plays for arrests over ‘Barcagate his career scandal’

Andy Murray says he feels like he is playing for his career every time he “steps on the court” after earning a first tour-level win since August. The 33-year-old Briton produced a gritty fightback to beat Dutch wildcard Robin Haase Catalan city’s Police have said yesterday at the Rotterdam Open on Monday (1). Former (2) that they have made four arrests after World No. 1 Murray is now ranked 123rd after searching the offices of Spanish football side returning from a serious hip injury which left Barcelona. The identities of those involved have him fearing his career was over. “It’s motivation not yet been confirmed by the Police, who said in some ways but also adds a bit of extra stress,” their investigation is continuing. The police he said. Murray missed last month’s Australian operation was conducted on Monday (1) after an Open after testing positive for the coronavirus investigation into financial issues at Barcelona. and lost on his ATP Tour comeback in Montpellier Those issues are thought to be related to the last week. Jasmine Harrison, “Barcagate” scandal in 2020 when the club denied hiring a firm to attack their own players  Everton can overtake on social media. The club’s presidential elections their rivals take place on Sunday (7) after their previous youngest woman to row President, Josep Maria Bartomeu, announced his resignation in October.  AFL legend Royce Hart in serious accident solo across ocean

Carlo Ancelotti says he wants Everton to z Covers 3,000 miles across the Atlantic, from Africa to Antigua experience the feeling of “touching” the top four after a 1-0 win over Southampton on Monday It took 70 days, three hours, and (1) that sets up a chance to overtake their rivals 48 minutes for Jasmine Harrison to tomorrow, Thursday (4). Richarlison rounded Bravery of Fraser Forster to score the only goal of the game row across the Atlantic Ocean -- a 3,000-mile journey from the Canary 21-year-old The Australian Football League (AFL) against the struggling Saints as Ancelotti’s side community is rallying around Royce Hart after moved level on points with Liverpool and two Islands off the northwest coast of woman the Richmond Tigers’ legend was involved in a points behind fourth-placed West Ham in the Africa to the Caribbean island of serious car accident in Hobart on Sunday (28 English Premier League, with a game in hand. Antigua. If they beat West Bromwich Albion tomorrow, yy Jasmine Harrison, February). Hart is currently in hospital after At 21, Harrison is the youngest he was injured in a head-on collision that also they will move into fourth ahead of Liverpool 21, left La Gomera resulted in two other people being injured. and Chelsea, who play each other later the same woman ever to row solo across an in Tenerife of the The incident occurred on the East Derwent evening. ocean. Her boat is 23 feet long, Canary Islands on 12 Highway, near Risdon Cove, on Hobart’s eastern  Vinicius rescues Real weighs about a tonne, and includes December 2020 shore. The 73-year-old Hart, a two-time Victoria a small cabin and bunker that she Football League (VFL) premiership , was Madrid yy The journey was called reportedly set to undergo surgery on a broken Vinicius Jr. marked his 100th Real Madrid slept in, wrote Peter O’Dowd on 24 the “Talisker Whisky arm. A Tasmania police report said the accident appearance with a late equaliser against Real February on wbur.org. CNN Sports Atlantic Challenge” for occurred at 11.15 a.m. on Sunday. Sociedad in Spanish La Liga, also on Monday (1). carried a special report on Harrison’s sponsorship reasons Madrid dominated the first half with Mariano remarkable journey yesterday (2).  Tennis fans left gutted and Raphael Varane heading off the bar in the “It feels unreal and every different yy She is a swimming over Federer’s latest space of two minutes. Real Sociedad were much teacher improved after the break and Portu scored an emotion you can imagine,” she said. “I She had frightening close calls, including a near-collision with a drilling ship at 4 a.m. She withdrawal excellent header from Nacho Monreal’s cross. can’t describe it properly.” missed her family, her dogs, and cold drinking water. Here Jasmine celebrates reaching the yy She had never rowed in Zinedine Zidane changed his front three after 61 Harrison said her body told her to take Antigua shores on 20 February her life before minutes and one of the replacements – Vinicius the challenge and her mind wouldn’t y – finished from Lucas Vazquez’s cross late on. y Harrison completed the The draw brought to an end Madrid’s five-game move on from the idea until she But two days before she completed the triggerfish, dorado, and pilot fish. race in around 70 days winning run in all competitions and means they completed the journey. She didn’t have journey, a bigger wave sent her flying The experience changed Harrison as (12 December 2020 to missed out on the chance to overtake Barcelona experience rowing but teaching herself into the cabin seat. a person, she said. She anticipates 20 February 2021) into second place. Real Sociedad remain in fifth a new skill made the competition even Harrison hurt her head, lower realising how much she’s changed place. yy She covered 4,800 km more enticing. back, and her elbow – which made it once she’s back home in England. across the Atlantic  Russia closer to Months after entering the race, she difficult to bend her arm to row. The youngest woman to row solo Ocean on her boat re-admittance to realised the boat can go backward. “At that point, I was kind of glad about across an ocean said this title doesn’t She travelled more than 60 miles on the capsize because it made me want to matter to her. She embarked on this yy She reached the Nelsons World Athletics Dockyard in Antigua on Russia is closer to having its suspension from some days, she said, but sometimes actually then finish,” she said, adding: journey because she felt called to it World Athletics (WA) for doping offences lifted bad weather sent her backward or in “I was ready to finish and ready to say and encouraged people of all ages to 20 February 2021 after the sport’s international governing body the wrong direction. Navigating on her goodbye to the ocean.” take on challenges. yy She became the Roger Federer’s agent has confirmed the approved plans for reform. The 31-page plan is iPad or phone, which broke during the During the long 70 days at sea, she “If you’re scared of something youngest woman to 20-time Grand Slam champion will not play described as a “last chance and urgent attempt” race 3,000 miles solo at this month’s Miami Open – the year’s first for change after Russia’s 2015 suspension. A trip, was easy because she was heading said her brain got used to the isolation. when you’re 30, if you’re scared Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Masters number of deadlines for reform have been set straight west, she said. Alone in the middle of the ocean, she of something when you’re three, it across the Atlantic 1,000 (points) event. The Swiss legend hasn’t for the coming year, including targets for wider It wasn’t all smooth sailing: Harrison refocused her mind during moments of doesn’t make any difference. That’s yy The previous record played in more than a year after having two drug testing. WA President Lord Sebastian Coe capsized twice. The first time, a rough panic and overthinking. you as a person,” she said. “I just holder was Katie Spotz operations on his right knee last season. The called it a roadmap to rebuild trust. “This is not wave hit the side of the boat, sending The Atlantic’s marine life kept want everybody to feel you can do 39-year-old will make his competitive return to the end but the beginning of a long journey, with of the US (under 23 tennis at this week’s hard court event in Doha. an incredible amount of work for RusAF (the her overboard until another wave Harrison company. She saw dolphins, something if you feel ready for it. years when completing However, he won’t travel to the US later this Russian Athletics Federation) to do to rebuild flung her back on deck. She said this whales, crabs, squid, birds, and Don’t rely on somebody else telling ocean cross in 2010) month. trust,” said Coe. experience didn’t shake her. different species of fish such as you that.” A bridge too far for Tiger Woods? z Fans hope that they’ve not seen the last of the golfing maestro screws and pins”. The only good made a comeback, again in 2012 he with a combination of screws and pins. Sports news was that Woods was “awake and had to pull out of the final round of the Trauma to the muscle and soft tissue responsive” at Harbor-UCLA hospital WGC-Cadillac Championship with an of the leg required surgical release of watch the next day. injured left Achilles tendon. And later, the covering of the muscles to relieve BY DINITH PATHI he pulled out of the Arnold Palmer pressure due to swelling.” In sex addiction clinic Invitational, again due to back spasms. On American television the next day, But this particular accident brought Woods went on to have four back one medical emergency doctor said Most Sri Lankan sports fans woke back memories of this magnificent surgeries through the next three years. that without that final procedure being up last Wednesday (24 February) to the golfer’s off-field problems in the Following on from that, he was completed quickly, his leg would have shocking news of the terrible car crash second half of his career, which nabbed by the Police while driving had to be amputated. of the golfing superstar Tiger Woods. seemed to have taken away forever his under the influence of alcohol or drugs As the details of the horrific crash chance of beating the 18 “major” titles in South Florida in 2017 and was Fans’ eager hope started seeping in, one phrase seemed of the great Jack Nicklaus. Woods has released later on the same day. But The other question is whether to be repeated by the law-enforcement so far got 15 majors. overcoming all adversity, he made a Woods has aggravated the back officials handling the crash. And that Whilst he has had injury problems roaring comeback from it all. That all problem for which he had his fifth was, he is “lucky to be alive”. even before turned professional, culminated with the comeback triumph surgery and was trying to recover for It also emerged later that since there Woods had a meteoric rise in the that most everybody thought topped the next Masters Tournament in 2021. was no substance abuse involved, first half of his career. Then, off-field all comebacks of recent times when he And as the man himself said, ahead of including alcohol, the Police were not problems seemed to take over his won at Augusta in 2019. a scheduled MRI which was supposed going to take any action. They were life. His marital problems stemming to happen this past week: “There’s not treating this as an accident, albeit a from his associations with women Omens don’t look good much wriggle room left there.” terrible one. other than his wife dominated Now the question is, can he But even if he never plays golf world headlines for a while. Whilst make another comeback to beat all again, the golfing fans have so many Gory details of the accident unfortunately the couple eventually comebacks and prove once and for all memories to choose from during his But later, as more details of the divorced, most pundits had a field day that he is “super human”? The omens, illustrious career. Perhaps if nothing injuries to the best-known golfer in the putting their two cents’ worth, during according to most knowledgeable else, they can remember him from the world emerged, it was clear that the that time. Later he checked into a sex medical people, don’t look good, way they saw him compete on a golf situation was not good at all. He was addiction clinic for rehabilitation and though. course in his last major so far and how described as lucky to have survived had to take time off from golf. He On Woods’ own website, a statement he finished the tournament. He let his Tiger Woods’ historic victory at the 83rd Masters Tournament the frightening crash after sustaining came back to the game in 2010. read as follows: “Mr. Woods suffered closing six holes of the 2020 Masters in April 2019 in Augusta, Georgia, US. There, Woods earned “multiple leg injuries” that included significant orthopedic injuries to his last November say it all: birdie, birdie, his 15th major victory, 11 years after the previous one. Here is Magical comeback in famed Sports Illustrated covering the event with no description comminuted open fractures of his tibia lower right extremity. Comminuted birdie, birdie, birdie, birdie. on the photo. There have only been a few covers in Sports and fibula – where the bone splinters Augusta 2019 (splintered) open fractures affecting There will be so many fans of the Illustrated history without any words on the front, describing into two or more pieces and comes After the 2011 Masters, he opted out both the upper and lower portions game of golf praying that it is not their either the person or event. One such occurrence was when through the skin. of the Players’ Championship, again of the tibia and fibula bones were last memory of him. Perhaps nothing the US Olympic hockey team completed an upset win over the Soviet Union in ‘Miracle on Ice’ at the 1980 Winter Olympics, at He has had a rod inserted in due to injury. He would go on to miss stabilised by inserting a rod into the is impossible for the miracle man after the height of the Cold War between the two nations his tibia, with his foot and ankle several months of golf due to injuries tibia. Additional injuries to the bones all. Certainly, that is the hope from this “stabilised with a combination of and back spasms. But although he of the foot and ankle were stabilised fan too. „„ www.themorning.lk Wednesday, March 3, 2021 Palitha’s ‘Sinhalese revolution’ is 58 now! Yesterday (2) marked 58 years of history for founding Sinhalese live commentaries on radio in Sri Lanka. Legendary Palitha Perera made the initiative for the first time for the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) on 2 March 1963 in an Ananda-Nalanda “Big Match” at the Colombo Oval. This slowly became a usual practice in all international games played in Sri SL Legends leave for Raipur Lanka, helping the game to be introduced The Sri Lanka Legends cricket team left, reportedly in a special charter aircraft, for Raipur, to the villages resulting in a major India to participate in the Road Safety World Series yesterday (2). The six-team event starts on cricketing revolution in the island about Friday (5). SL squad: (Capt.), , , Nuwan three decades later. Kulasekara, Russel Arnold, , , , , Dhammika Prasad, , Malinda Warnapura, Chinthaka Jayasinghe, and PHOTO © SENA VIDANAGAMA Dulanjana Wijesinghe. ( withdrew for personal reasons).

Sri Lanka vs. West Indies sportsT20I records SL overall T20Is 2. – 13 in 10 matches Played 128/Won 59/Lost 65/ Tied 2/ (ave. 23.07) No result 2 3. – 7 in 11 matches (ave. 20.28) Vs. West Indies Played 11/ Won 6/Lost 5 Highest run-getters – WI: 1. Dwayne Bravo – 218 in 11 matches to make Vs. West Indies in (ave. 27.25) West Indies 2. Andre Fletcher – 193 in 5 matches Played 1/Won 1/Lost 0 (ave. 48.25) Highest run-getters – SL: 3. Marlon Samuels – 160 in 6 matches Sri Lanka debut? 1. Tillakaratne Dilshan – 346 in 9 (ave. 32.00) matches (ave. 49.42) Highest -takers – z Shanaka likely to miss ODI series too 2. – 202 in 6 WI: matches (ave. 50.50) BY REVATHA S. SILVA requires Covid-19 quarantine of 1. Dwayne Bravo – 11 in 11 matches The 22-year-old middle-order bat from St. Aloysius’ College 3. – 159 in 5 matches (ave. 23.90) three days for foreigners as well. (ave. 31.80) Galle, Ashen Bandara, is likely to make his Sri Lanka debut 2. Oshane Thomas – 6 in 2 matches tomorrow (4), team sources now in Antigua revealed to *Here is the probable Highest wicket-takers – SL: (ave. 8.66) The Morning Sports yesterday (2). The first of a three-match Sri Lanka playing eleven 1. Ajantha Mendis – 13 in 5 matches 3. Samuel Badree – 5 in 3 matches T20I series between Sri Lanka and West Indies will begin at in tomorrow’s first T20I (ave. 6.30) (ave. 11.80) Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua tomorrow. against West Indies: A brilliant cover position fielder depleted with the absence of their 1. Angelo Mathews (Captain), 2. Bandara, who also bowls leg- Skipper , who is , 3. Pathum break, is to lift Sri Lanka side’s unable to reach Antigua owing to Nissanka, 4. , fielding altogether, the department a visa problem, and pacie Lahiru 5. (wk), 6. the Lankans had not impressed Kumara, who got infected with Ashen Bandara, 7. , with in recent times across all Covid-19 days before the team 8. , 9. Nuwan three formats of the game. departed to the West Indies. Pradeep, 10. , Another possible inclusion Shanaka is yet to receive his visa and 11. in the final eleven tomorrow and is now planning reportedly to *(The final combination could be Pathum Nissanka, an reach West Indies on a different may change according to the uncapped 22-year-old top-order route yet is unlikely to reach there state of the wicket prompting batsman from Isipathana College, even before 14 March, the day the a selection between a spinner (left) and Mahela Jayawardene shared 166 runs for the second Colombo. third ODI of the ongoing series [Lakshan Sandakan] and a pacie wicket, a SL record for any wicket in T20Is, on 7 May 2010 in Bridgetown, Barbados, Sri Lanka will be somewhat is scheduled to be held. Antigua []) in a T20 World Cup match that SL won by 57 runs. It is so far the only T20I SL have played in the WI Ashen Bandara bats against Pakistan during the ICC U-19 World Cup 2018 in New Zealand

LOCAL NEWS IN BRIEF NOT JUST SPORTS

SLT-Mobitel Southern team. He has held preventing his arrest over alleged match- Brief scores: Expolanka Holdings Eliyakanda Hill Climb ends discussions with Malinga, and the latter fixing allegations pertaining to last year’s 183/8 in 25 overs. (Lahiru Lakshitha 26, could be roped in as a mentor for the T20 inaugural (LPL) Tharindu Roshan 57, Hashan Hewawasam World Cup coming up this year. held at Hambantota. 77; Dharshana Hewawasam 2/44, Ishan “I think he (Malinga) had a fantastic Jayawardena 2/20, P.K. Abeygunasekera career. With the World Cup being SSC Open Junior Tennis 2022 2/17) beat John Keells B 127 all out cancelled last year, it has just become a The junior age group events of the in 22 over (Praveen Gunawardena 14, bridge too far for him. But he has had a SSC Open 2021 ranking tennis continued Dharshana Hewawasam 47, Rusiru wonderful career,” Arthur said. Yet, the yesterday (2) at the club clay courts in de Silva 15, Ishane Perera 22; Seniru phenomenal cross-arm slinger is yet to Colombo. Mapatuna 2/27, Madawa Chathuranga announce his T20I retirement. Boys U-16 singles Q/F: Hasal 5/29) by 56 runs. Ahangama beat Anujaya Abeywickrama The SLT-Mobitel Speedup Southern Sachithra’s appeal rejected 6/4, 6/3; Zaidh Zihar beat Harieshwar Entries galore for NSSF Trap Eliyakanda Hill Climb 2021 motorbike The Colombo Magistrate’s Court Parameshwaran 6/4, 7/6 (7/4); Ransath Open Championship and car racing championship concluded yesterday (2) rejected the anticipatory Peiris beat Tilina Dissanayake 6/4, Rock art at the ‘Cave of Swimmers’ in the Gilf Kebir Plateau of the Libyan amid much fanfare on 27 and 28 February bail application by Sachitra Senanayake 6/2; Wenuka kithnula beat Matheesha Desert section of the Sahara on its border with southwest Egypt. They were at the Eliyakanda racing circuit in Matara. Nettasinghe 6/2, 6/2. S/F: Zihar beat discovered in October 1933 by the Hungarian explorer László Almásy and Southern Motor Sports Club (SMSC) Ahangama 6/4, 7/5; Kithnula beat Peiris are estimated to have been created as early as 10,000 years ago when the organised the event for the 25th occasion. 6/2, 6/2. Sahara was greener and wetter This year, 220 competitors participated Boys U-12 Q/F: Jayin de Saram in the hill climb. beat Kenula Ratnayake 6/0, 6/0; Tyee Jaden Gunawardena emerged the fastest Kapilasena beat Methika Wickramasinghe What are sports? biker among 103 racers with a new race 7/5, 6/2; Saha Kapilasena beat Sasen record of 33.63 seconds. Ashan Silva Premarathne 6/0, 6/1; Aahil Kaleel beat Sports are generally physical and un-coerced. made history in the car race, finishing Ajesh Kajan 6/0, 1/6, 10/6. S/F: Saha contests pursued for the goals and Unruly children compelled by in 31.26 seconds for the first time in beat Tyee Kapilasena 3/6, 6/2, 10/6; De Entries have started to come in, in challenges they entail. Sports are their parents or teachers to compete 25 years. Saram beat Kalee 7/6 (9/7), 2/6, 10/5. numbers, for the National Shooting Sports part of every culture, past and in a game of football are not really In the photo (above) is SMSC President Federation of Sri Lanka (NSSFSL) Trap present. But each culture has its engaged in a sport. Neither are Dr. Sanjaya Senarath and SLT Chief Expolanka Holdings clinch Open Championship, which will be held own definition of sports. The most professional athletes, if their only Marketing Officer Prabhath Dahanayake, MCA F Division title at the Clay Target Shooting Club at the useful definitions are those that motivation is their paycheck. handing the winner’s trophy to Ashan Expolanka Holdings bagged their shotgun range at Payagala, Kalutara from clarify the relationship of sports In the real world, as a practical Silva for the car event. very first Mercantile Cricket Association 11-14 March. to play games and contests. matter, motives are frequently (MCA) title, winning the brand-new This will be this year’s second “Play,” wrote the German theorist mixed and often quite impossible Malinga may join Sri Lanka Sanjeev Jaa Challenge Trophy by beating competition of the NSSFSL, led by Carl Diem, “is purposeless activity, to determine. Unambiguous team as mentor! John Keells Group B comfortably by Shirantha Peiris. Mohan Gilbert and for its own sake, the opposite of definition is nonetheless Sri Lanka Cricket Head Coach Mickey In the photos are twin brothers who 56 runs in the final of the third Fairfirst Dinesh Lionel spearhead organisation work”. Humans work because they a prerequisite to practical Arthur said on Monday (1) from Antigua played the U-12 semis yesterday, Saha Insurance-sponsored MCA F Division of the Trap Open 2021. There were 11 have to; they play because they determinations about what is, and that Sri Lanka pace ace Lasith Malinga and Tyee Kapilasena. 25-over League Tournament at MCA competitions altogether lined up for want to. Play is autotelic – that is, is not, an example of play. may receive a mentoring role with the PHOTOS © ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI grounds on Saturday (27 February). the year. it has its own goals. It is voluntary (Source: www.britannica.com)

Afghanistan 1st innings

Abdul Malik b Muzarabani 0 Ibrahim Zadran c Musakanda b Nyauchi 31 Zims in command against Afghanistan Rahmat Shah c Chakabva b Muzarabani 6 Zimbabwe 1st innings Munir Ahmad c Raza b Nyauchi 12 z Afghanistan vs. Zimbabwe first Test, day one in Abu Dhabi Hashmatullah Shahidi b Nyauchi 5 Afghanistan were expected to Prince Masvaure lbw b Hamza 15 Afsar Zazai (wk) c Chakabva b Tiripano 37 do much better, yet from the very Kevin Kasuza b Ahmadzai 0 Asghar Afghan (Capt.) c Chakabva b Muzarabani 13 first ball of the day, they struggled Tarisai Musakanda b Hamza 7 Abdul Wasi c Kasuza b Raza 3 against Zimbabwe in their first Sean Williams (Capt.) 54 Amir Hamza not out 16 Test which began at Abu Dhabi Wesley Madhevere lbw b Hamza 0 Yamin Ahmadzai c Tiripano b Williams 1 yesterday (2). Sikandar Raza c Malik b Hamza 43 Zahir Khan c Williams b Muzarabani 0 Zimbabwe opening bowlers Ryan Burl not out 8 Extras (nb 2, w 1, b 4) 7 Blessing Muzarabani and Victor Extras (lb 5, nb 1) 6 Total (all out in 47 overs) 131 Nyauchi shared seven Total ((for 5 wickets in 39 overs) 133 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Malik, 0.1 ov), 2-8 (Shah, between them after the former Did not bat: Regis Chakabva (wk), Donald 2.2 ov), 3-37 (Ahmad, 9.6 ov), 4-52 (Zadran, struck in the very first ball of the Tiripano, Victor Nyauchi, and Blessing 13.1 ov), 5-69 (Shahidi, 15.3 ov), 6-91 (Afghan, match, sending back Afghan opener Muzarabani 26.5 ov), 7-109 (Zazai, 33.4 ov), 8-122 (Noori, Abdul Malik. Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Kasuza, 0.4 ov), 2-22 43.2 ov), 9-123 (Ahmadzai, 44.5 ov), 10-131 Zims reduced the Afghans to 131 (Musakanda, 9.2 ov), 3-38 (Masvaure, 14.4 (Khan, 46.6 ov) all out before tea and took a two- ov), 4-38 (Madhevere, 14.5 ov), 5-109 (Raza, : Blessing Muzarabani 12-3-48-4, Victor run lead at stumps with Skipper 31.6) Nyauchi 10-1-34-3 (2nb), Donald Tiripano 12-5-24- Sean Williams consolidating their Bowling: Yamin Ahmadzai 9.1-2-20-1, Amir 1 (1w), Ryan Burl 7-1-9-0, Sean Williams 3-2-4-1, innings with a 78-ball 54 after they Blessing Muzarabani became the first Zimbabwe bowler to strike with the first ball in a Test, bowling out debutant Hamza 17-1-61-4, Zahir Khan 9-0-36-0, Abdul Sikandar Raza 3-0-8-1 Abdul Malik of Afghanistan yesterday (2) on the opening day of their first Test at Abu Dhabi had early hiccups losing four for 38. Wasi 3.5-0-11-0 (1nb)

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