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For verified information on the Quarantine Unit COVID-19 TOTAL CASES TOTAL CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 ACTIVE CASES of the following authorities CASES IN Epidemiology Unit Health THE WORLD 27,519,433 Suwasariya 0112 695 112 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 3,131 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS Bureau Service Govt. coronavirus hotline USA 6,486,417 193,586 COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1999 1990 0113071073 897,492 INDIA 4,284,103 72,843 BRAZIL 4,147,794 127,001 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD RUSSIA 1,035,789 17,993 12 2,935 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 19,611,037 PERU 691,575 29,976 THE ABOVE STATISTICS184 ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 8.30 P.M. ON 08 SEPTEMBER 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

STATE MEDIA INSTITUTIONS CATTLE SLAUGHTER WANATHAWILLUWA TREE FELLING PM proposed ban Will be profitable A proposal to ban the butchering of cows in has been approved by the parliamentary within two group of the ruling party. Land belongs A parliamentary group meeting of the governing party was held at the years: Minister parliamentary premises at 11 a.m. BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA last morning (8). State media institutions will be converted Podi Lassi's statement to Cement into profitable entities within the next two years with proper management put in place, Minister of Mass Media Keheliya to be recorded Rambukwella assured. A court order has been issued He told The Morning that at present, on prison authorities to record these institutions were incurring losses a statement from the notorious Corporation mainly due to the bad management underworld figure Janith Madhusanka practices followed during the de Silva, alias “Podi Lassi”. BY SARAH HANNNAN based on further investigations previous Government. Minister Keheliya that are being carried out by us,” Contd. on page 2 Rambukwella PRIVATE BUS OWNERS The land where the alleged deforestation that took the Wanathawilluwa Police told place in Eluwankulama, Wanathawilluwa is found to be The Morning. Money extortion a land owned by the Sri Lanka Cement Corporation, the The individuals had allegedly MOVING FORWARD Wanathawilluwa Police revealed. cleared closer to 100 acres of racket allegations forest over several months, using Some employees of the Sri Lanka “The land that the illegal Wanathawilluwa have been chainsaws. As a result, “palu” Transport Board (SLTB) are being logging had taken place belongs placed under remand custody trees, which were more than 200 accused of taking bribes from to the Cement Corporation. The till 15 September after they years old, as well as “weera” and private buses amounting to Rs. 200 four persons who were arrested were produced at the courts satinwood, which were about 100 million, The Morning learnt. on suspicion of illegal logging on Monday (7). Yesterday (8), years old, had been destroyed. activities in Eluwankulama, another individual was arrested Contd. on page 2 NEW UNP LEADER Announcement on Monday: Ruwan The long-running contest for the leadership of the (UNP) is expected to end by Monday (14), UNP MP told The Morning. SEE FULL STORIES ON PAGE 2 Site of the alleged deforestation

PREMALAL JAYASEKARA OLD TANGALLE PRISON Sworn in amidst protest New detention centre gazetted MPs walk out BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA

in protest The old Tangalle prison complex has been Parliamentarians of the Samagi converted into a detention centre for terrorist Jana Balawegaya (SJB) have suspects, The Morning learnt. Former President was spotted leaving the Sri Lanka walked out of the House during Contd. on page 2 Freedom Party (SLFP) headquarters yesterday (8) after a meeting with yesterday’s (8) sitting. women and youth PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA The walkout was staged in protest against Premalal TEA PLANTATION INDUSTRY OIL TANKER ON FIRE Jayasekara taking oaths as a Member of Parliament (MP). Enhancing cultivation Premalal Jayasekara took oaths as Crew members a MP last afternoon (8) Contd. on page 2 According to State Minister the planting of new tea of Company Estate Reforms, plants and the replanting Premalal Jayasekara, who was objection from the Opposition. by prison officials, arrived at the Tea Estate Crops, Tea of tea plants and the brought to sentenced to death and is imprisoned, The Parliament, chaired by Speaker Parliament Complex at around 11.30 a.m. Factory Modernisation, and enhancement of tea took oaths as a Member of Parliament , convened to attend yesterday’s parliamentary sitting. Tea Export Diversification cultivation by the H’tota Port last afternoon (8) amidst strong at 1 p.m. yesterday. Jayasekara, escorted Contd. on page 2 , special Government. State Minister The Sri Lanka Navy has brought 20 crew attention has been given to Contd. on page 2 Kanaka Herath members of the crude oil tanker MT New LOCAL APPAREL INDUSTRY Diamond to the Hambantota Port, the Navy SJB-UNP ALLIANCE Spokesperson has said. The Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and other Waiting for stakeholders engaged in the disaster management $ 1 per kilo cess to operation have managed to control the fire raging in the crude oil tanker MT New Diamond new UNP again, which was caused by the effects of the adverse weather. leader: SJB be introduced Contd. on page 2 The Samagi Jana In an attempt to discuss measures to but is not durable and does not match the Balawegaya (SJB) are improve local apparel and textile production, tropical climate.” waiting for the United the State Ministry for Batik, Handloom He added that in the coming weeks, the National Party (UNP) Fabrics, and Local Apparel Products will Ministry is looking to restart the local apparel to appoint their leader look at imposing a cess of $ 1 per kilogram and textile production by refurbishing the to enter into talks. of imported clothing and material in the closed down handloom and power-loom SJB National coming weeks, The Morning learnt. industries scattered across the island. SJB National Organiser MP Tissa During a recent meeting held with Sri “We understand that some of the branded Organiser MP said that Lanka Institute of Textile and Apparel clothing will still need to be supplied to the Attanayake their party was still (SLITA) officials, State Minister for Batik, clothing stores that are functioning, with waiting for the UNP leader to be appointed. Handloom Fabrics, and Local Apparel whom we would sign special agreements that State Minister “We are waiting for the leader to be Products Dayasiri Jayasekara noted: PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE would benefit the country in the long run. appointed to begin discussions. How can we “According to the directives of President The aim is to create a larger market share begin talks without them having a leader?” Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the Ministry is looking At present, the market is flooded with for locally produced textiles and apparels at Contd. on page 2 at controlling the imports of finished products substandard clothing material and attire, an affordable rate,” Jayasekara elaborated. and textiles to Sri Lanka from other countries. which can be purchased at a cheap rate Contd. on page 2 2 the morning OPINION/NEWS Wednesday , September 09, 2020

SRI LANKA PERSPECTIVES AUGUST 2020 Rajapaksas chart a new bumpy course BY COL R. HARIHARAN the need to safeguard the Sinhala Government formed by the contrived symbols play an important role in rallying the population formed by minorities? It extremely divisive one. This could be Theravada Buddhist identity and culture. collaboration between President loyal party supporters. A powerful would seem so if we were go by President seen in the way that the electorate voted, As expected, the Rajapaksas Equally important is the accumulation Maithripala Sirisena of the Sri Lanka national party sacrificing it to contest Rajapaksa’s statement delivered at the highlighting the ethnic and religious bounced back to power with of unchallenged power in the hands of the Freedom Party (SLFP) and Ranil under the symbol of an untested new inaugural of the new Parliament. He said: divides in the country”. all guns blazing, with their Sri Rajapaksa family. Apart from President Wickremesinghe, Leader of the party, is an anathema for party workers. “Priority will be given to the concept of In view of this, Perera said “nationalism Lanka Podujana Peramuna and Prime Minister, brother Chamal opposition United National Party (UNP), While the SLFP has suffered such a fate, one country, one law for all the people. As should be balanced by an emphasis on (SLPP) party winning 145 seats, and Mahinda’s son Namal are Cabinet has damaged not only their personal the UNP is likely to do so if it contests a representative of the people, we always equality-based pluralism” for citizens 25 seats more than their own Ministers; in addition, Chamal’s son credibility, but also of their parties which the forthcoming provincial council represent the aspirations of the majority. to share a common space. He advocates forecast. With the SLPP-led Shasheendra is a State Minister. Between had been ruling Sri Lanka for over 70 elections with the symbol of its clone It is only then that the sovereignty of the the need to “ensure there is equal rights, Sri Lanka Nidahas Podujana them, the family controls all key “power” years. which drained its followers during the people can be safeguarded. In accordance equal treatment, and equal protection Permuna’s three minor partners portfolios: Defence, Finance, Agriculture, This is a huge setback for civil society, parliamentary election. Former Deputy of the supreme Constitution of our to all citizens” by evolving a concept and Buddha Sasana among others. which wanted to provide a democratic Leader of the UNP , country, I have pledged to protect the of “inclusive nationalism” in place of chipping in six seats, the SLPP According to an Opposition member, alternative to the Rajapaksa clan and who broke away from the UNP, led the unitary status of the country and to protect an exclusive one, while drafting the now commands two-thirds in all, 421 departments, institutions, and worked hard for its success. To add to (SJB) and the Buddha Sasana during my tenure.” constitution. majority in the 225-member government bodies are under the control their disappointment, both the mainstream managed to win 54 seats to emerge as He added that he had set up “an advisory It will be worth the effort if civil Parliament. of the family. In addition to this, four political parties are emasculated. The the main Opposition party. The SJB is council comprising leading Buddhist societies take up this idea with political elected members of President Rajapaksa’s UNP, which won 106 seats in the last likely to attract the rest of the UNP old monks to seek advice on governance”. parties to ensure Sri Lanka once again Coming in the wake of President elite group of “Viyathmaga loyalists”, election, was wiped off the screen, guard during future elections. The President’s statement sounds does not end up with a constitution Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s victory in the professionals who campaigned for him, securing just one seat in the National List. The (TNA), ominous, if read in the rush to do away skewed by the perceptions of the majority 2019 presidential poll, the results are are state ministers. , It is yet to nominate a member to fill it, as the powerful Tamil political combine, with the 19th Amendment, which had party. And that would be a recipe for only a popular reaffirmation of trust in the other brother, heads the powerful its leadership has not been able to recover is also showing signs of losing steam, increased the accountability of the disaster for Sri Lanka – if the SLPP, in the Rajapaksa “power”, the brothers’ 40-member “Presidential Task Force for from the aftershock of the election. The winning only 10 seats, as against 16 President to Parliament and curbed its moment of triumphalism, forgets the – Gotabaya and Mahinda – project. Continuous Services for (the) Sustenance SLFP is only a little better, becoming in the outgoing Parliament. Six seats some of his powers, and introduce 20th hard-earned lessons of the past, earned Obviously, the public expect them to take of Overall Community Life”. The Task a marginal player of the mainstream, have gone to smaller Tamil parties. The Amendment, whose form and content are with the blood and sweat of thousands the nation through the double whammy Force has a hand in every aspect of which it had dominated earlier. Former Muslim representation in Parliament has not clear. Equally unclear is the face of the of people. of a critical economic situation and the planned activity, including control of President Sirisena realised early that equally declined. new constitution which is being drafted. (The writer, a retired MI specialist negative impact of the global Covid coronavirus pandemic activity, which capitulation was better, even before the In the absence of a strong opposition, Peace activist Jehan Perera, writing on on South Asia and terrorism, served as pandemic on the island nation. It also has been entrusted with the execution of election, and agreed that SLFP candidates the temptation for the Rajapaksas to the subject of drafting a new constitution, the Head of Intelligence of the Indian indicated further consolidation of the development activities of the Government. would contest under the neophyte SLPP’s single-mindedly pursue their own pointed out that the election campaign that Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka Sinhala-Buddhist majority in support of The failure of the much-heralded “Pohottuwa’ (lotus bud) symbol. agenda seems to be coming true. Are led to the election of President Gotabaya 1987-90. E-mail [email protected] the Rajapaksas, who had been stressing Yahapalana (Good Governance) In Sri Lanka party politics, election they planning to ignore one-fourth of Rajapaksa in November 2019 was “an or visit web: https://col.hariharan.info)

Contd. from page 1

have the greatest responsibility to prevent this clothing lines. “The Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation Land belongs... catastrophe by using the power of expression. Announcement... Meanwhile, several importers noted that they (SLRC) was not there to earn profits, but it will Divisional Secretary Chathuraka Jayasinghe This is another opportunity to see if that is the “The issues that arose with several have proof that even the clothing lines that are also be developed into a profitable institution,” on Monday said that they were looking into the case,” Gunawardana concluded. ministers of the UNP contesting for sold with the “made in Sri Lanka” label are in he added. possibility of whether the cleared land was part leadership will be solved through discussions fact produced using imported materials and The institutions include the SLRC, the Sri of the 6,000-acre land that was allocated to the this week,” he stated. accessories, which defeats the purpose of having Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), the Cement Corporation in 1960. PM proposed... When asked about his personal campaign, to promote clothing made in Sri Lanka. Selacine Television Institution, ITN, and the Further investigations carried out by the The proposal has been submitted at Wijewardene stated that many allies of Sri Lanka Foundation Institute. Wanathawilluwa Police had revealed that the the meeting by Prime Minister Mahinda the party, former ministers, and clergy had Strategic plan with a fair policy suspects had cleared the land without a proper Rajapaksa. personally requested him to contest for the Responding to concerns, Jayasekara stated that permit from the land owner or the Divisional The Prime Minister has made a proposal to leadership, and he is hopeful of victory with he was aware of the current market condition MPs walk out... Secretariat and therefore are now further import beef from other countries, instead of their support. and is requesting the assistance of the textile Several of the SJB parliamentarians were remanded, awaiting the court verdict. butchering cows for beef within the country. and apparel importers to find a solution in seen wearing black shawls expressing their Environmental lawyer Jagath Gunawardana, Reportedly, the Premier’s proposal has been ensuring that the industry’s local manufacturer disapproval of the swearing in. explaining the legal status of deforestation in the approved by the parliamentary group. New detention... as well as the import segment are able to thrive Jayasekara, who was sentenced to death, Wanathawilluwa area in the Puttalam District, “It has been gazetted to be converted into a in business, and also in supplying the necessary arrived at the Parliamentary Complex at around said it is first of all compulsory to determine detention centre,” Police Media Spokesperson raw material which will have to be imported to 11.30 a.m. yesterday (8), escorted by prison whether the said land is government land or Podi Lassi’s... SSP Jaliya Senaratne told The Morning. the country to fulfil production needs. officials. private land. Reportedly, the court order has been issued He said that the Terrorism Investigation “Of course there are raw materials such as The Parliament, chaired by Speaker Mahinda “If it is government land, the provisions of over a case of him threatening officials of the Division (TID) would primarily be utilising yarn and certain clothing dyes that will need to Yapa Abeywardena, convened at 1 p.m. the Forest Conservation Ordinance, especially Boossa Prison. the detention centre. be imported at first until we fully establish the yesterday. Article 20, apply. Whether it is government The relevant court order has been issued by “Its main purpose is to detain suspects under local production for such items. In addition to Jayasekara was then sworn in as a MP amidst land, private land, or, as some say, licensed the Galle Magistrate yesterday (8). the Prevention of Terrorism Act,” the Police that, as I mentioned several days ago, we will strong objection from the Opposition. land, the National Environmental Act applies The Magistrate has further ordered prison Media Spokesperson said. also allow importing branded clothing items on equally.” officials to produce the underworld figure a needs basis. At no point will we completely Noting that the list of projects to be approved before the court on 25 September. shut off imports of apparel and textile to the Crew members... under Section 23B of the National Environmental $ 1 per kilo... country. However, the larger market share will A research team from the National Aquatic Act and the ordinance gazetted in the Gazette The first phase of this initiative will see the be dedicated to locally produced apparels,” Resources Research and Development Agency Extraordinary No. 772/22 of 24 June 1993 under Money extortion... refurbishment of the machines that are currently Jayasekara noted. (NARA), the Marine Environment Protection that Act includes instances where such forest All Island Private Bus Owners’ Association available at the closed down small-scale factories. A five-year national plan is to be devised with Authority (MEPA), and the University of lands are being used for non-forest purposes. President Gemunu Wijeratne claimed that In the meantime, any person who used to operate the input of the importers and local manufacturers Ruhuna have reached the site to inspect water There are times when even a project is a project some timekeepers were taking bribes to allow small and medium-scale operations to spin to improve the quality of the apparel and industry samples to determine if any damages were that needs to be approved. buses to run. thread, loom material, create batik designs, products that are in the market. The draft plan caused to the marine environment due to the Prior to the commencement of the project, “They take around Rs. 200 million in knitting lace, etc. is requested to register with is to be prepared in the next few weeks which disastrous situation. an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) bribes each month. Daily, they take Rs. 300- the Ministry through their respective divisional can be used to attract interested investors to The vessel is currently positioned 28 nautical report or a Basic Environmental Analysis Report 500 from our buses.” secretariat. improve the industry in the next years. miles away from the Sangamankanda Point, should be prepared for approval. He said that this was the only way private The Ministry is also looking to provide a – Sarah Hannan according to reports. “Since no such assessments have been done buses were given time to operate. loan scheme for these entrepreneurs to restart Due to the effects of extreme temperature at this time, it is clear that this is a completely “If we don’t pay these bribes we are not their craft, and in addition to that, through the and sparks onboard as well as the gusty illegal act.” allowed to operate accordingly.” vocational training institutes, the Ministry is Sworn in... winds, the fire onboard the vessel, which was He said the procedure to be followed in such He asserted that complaints had been made looking to provide training for anyone interested On 31 July, Premalal Jayasekara, alias “Choka already doused on Sunday (6), had reignited cases is set out in Section 24A of the National in this regard, but to no avail. in starting a local textile and apparel production Malli”, was sentenced to death by the Ratnapura on Monday (7). Environmental Act. Accordingly, the Central “It is a bailable offence, so no action is operation. High Court over a murder committed in 2015. Nine ships, five tugs, and an aircraft belong Environmental Authority (CEA) has the power to ultimately taken and the trend continues. At Moreover, Jayasekara further noted that a However, he managed to secure the second to the Navy, and other disaster management issue an order to stop this activity immediately. a time when Covid has reduced our income knowledge base is to be established to develop position in the preferential mission partners had made their all-out The area may submit a case to the jurisdiction by more than half, we have to pay these the relevant course material to educate the future votes list in the 2020 general election, contesting contribution in this disaster management of the area and seek an injunction restraining it. expenses as well,” Wijeratne said. generation on the local apparel production through the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna operation. Further, two ships of the Sri However, since this area is in the North – Skandha Gunasekara industry, and the Ministry will also look at (SLPP). Lanka Coast Guard and three fast attack Western Province, it is possible to take action assisting the businesses to set up e-commerce Thereby, the Speaker of the Parliament craft (FAC) belonging to the Sri Lanka Navy against it under the North Western Provincial websites to market their products to the instructed the Commissioner General of Prisons are engaged in the mission throughout, for Environmental Charter. Waiting for... international market and improve revenue to bring Jayasekara, who is currently imprisoned, logistics support. “Under Article 51 of the North Western He denied that any official talks had begun. generation. to Parliament on 8 September. Meanwhile, the MI-17 helicopter of the Sri Provincial Environmental Charter, it is possible to “No talks on any level have started with the The State Minister also called the apparel As prison rules and regulations have not Lanka Air Force has splashed a consignment of order an immediate halt to this and, if necessary, United National Party,” he said. import associations and other stakeholders on made provisions regarding an inmate on the 3,000 kg of dry chemical powder over the fire. to enforce it as a court order. Because of this, they – Skandha Gunasekara the import side of the apparel trade for a meeting death row acting as a public representative, the Further, six salvage operation experts as yesterday (8) during which he explained the Commissioner General of Prisons had inquired well as 11 disaster management professionals, present situation that the country is facing due to on the matter from the Ministry of Justice, which directed to the island by the company that is the Covid-19 global pandemic and the necessity in turn made an inquiry from the Attorney acting as the commercial and technical operator Cartoon of the day of having to control the goods that are imported General (AG). of the MT New Diamond, have arrived at the in to the country going forward. Subsequently, the AG informed that Jayasekara sea area where the distressed ship is located “We are all facing financial turmoil given the was not eligible to act as a Member of Parliament to support the disaster management operation. current economic climate. When we look at the under Articles 89 (d) and 91 (1) (a) of the Accordingly, the Sri Lanka Navy and other apparel imports segment, it stands as the top Constitution. disaster managing teams, following expert third among our main imports – that means Sri The writ application was then filed before the advice, are working in full swing to contain Lanka spends a considerable amount of foreign Court of Appeal requesting to grant Jayasekera the blaze that developed again. exchange in bringing down clothing items to permission to attend parliamentary sessions. There is no risk of the fire spreading to the the country which can actually be manufactured The Commissioner General of Prisons, oil storage or of oil leaking from the ship into within Sri Lanka should the local apparel and the Welikada Prison Superintendent, and the the sea as of now, the Navy has said. textile industry be restored. Secretary General of Parliament were cited as “This is not seen as a feasible means to salvage the respondents of this writ application. our dwindling economy and therefore we will On Monday (7), Jayasekara was allowed to Enhancing... have to look at imposing certain limitations and attend parliamentary sittings as per an interim The necessary allocations have also been imposing taxes,” Jayasekara elaborated. order issued by the Court of Appeal on the made accordingly, he noted. Opening the floor to the apparel importers, prison authorities. He said the Government would be allocating Jayasekara invited the stakeholders to weigh Rs. 300,000 per hectare for new plants and in and listened to the suggestions they made. Rs. 350,000 would be allocated per hectare Wholesale retailers voiced out their concerns Will be... for replanting. on immediately imposing such controls over “When it comes to ITN (Independent This would be applicable for both tea the industry as there is an issue with the quality Television Network Ltd.), during the previous smallholders as well as the regional plantation of locally produced products that are currently Government, there have been six chairmen. At companies, the State Minister said, adding that in the market. They pointed out that if there is present, we are applying proper management 73% of the tea that is produced is accounted for material that reaches the required standards, practices and have short-term and long-term the tea smallholders and only 27% is contributed they are more than willing to switch to use plans to make all these institutions profitable,” by the regional plantation companies. the material that is made in Sri Lanka for their he stressed. – Maheesha Mudugamuwa the morning Wednesday, September 09, 2020 3 business Dilmah voted ‘trusted Dialog’s eZ Cash launches and respected’ brand first QR payments for in Australia and NZ microfinance loans Leading tea brand Dilmah eZ Cash, the country’s has been recognised as first and largest mobile one of the most trusted money and payment service brands in Australia by Dialog Axiata PLC, and New Zealand, the has partnered VisionFund company announced Lanka, a socially yesterday (8). Dilmah was responsible microfinance first launched by Founder institution affiliated with Merrill J. Fernando, in World Vision Lanka Australia over 33 years and also a subsidiary of VisionFund International, to ago, shortly followed by From left: VisionFund Lanka CFO Malintha De Silva, Digital Services Mobile Money facilitate customers with a Specialist Arunasiri Gunarathne, Digital Services Mobile Money Senior Manager Padmanath New Zealand. Back home convenient and sustainable Muthukumarana, Dialog Axiata PLC Group Chief Digital Services Officer Renuka Fernando, CEO in Sri Lanka, Dilmah has QR card repayment facility Dinesh Kanagaratnam, IT Project Manager Shalinka Fernando, COO Rizanth Francis, Human been ranked amongst for their microfinance loans. Resource Manager Sevvandi Abeysinghe, Risk and Compliance Manager Priveen Joseph, and VisionFund Lanka Internal Audit Manager Lakshan Fernando the 20 Most Respected A digitally inclusive Entities in Sri Lanka by a solution to sustain available to be collected by launch is opportune as the Group Chief Digital Nielsen Survey for LMD VisionFund Lanka’s client customers from the nearest need for faster, safer, and Services Officer Renuka Business Magazine, and “Dilmah maintains a supported entirely through the pool, this mechanism VisionFund Lanka offices. easier ways of conducting Fernando stated: number one in the food commitment to taste, goodness, pretax profits of Dilmah Tea. It empowers all VisionFund As of 2019, VisionFund financial transactions is “Throughout the years, and beverage category. and purpose, fulfilling is the most sustainable form of Lanka customers to produce Lanka has been serving vital, now more than ever eZ Cash has been at the Founder Merrill J. Fernando’s business, and by maintaining and scan their respective over 30,000 families in – and we are excited to be forefront of providing New Zealanders have voted commitment to quality and commitment to quality, QR cards at the nearest rural areas across the island, able to extend this facility sustainable, innovative Dilmah their “Most Trusted Tea integrity. Consumer trust is handpicked tea, and sharing their eZ Cash retail outlet for a empowering SMEs (small to our clients predominantly solutions to digitise Brand” six years in a row, in connected with authenticity, success with the less fortunate, quick and efficient way to and medium enterprises) living in rural settings. We payments and collections the Reader’s Digest survey, an where products come from, Dilmah not only ensures the access their loan details, with much-needed financial are happy to partner with of our partners and indicator of consumer trust for and just as importantly, how livelihood of the families who providing not only financial support. Dialog on this journey of customers. This inclusive the past 21 years. In Australia, the brands they support are rely on the tea industry, they are accessibility to individuals As a progressive step ours to serve sustainably QR enabled-microfinance Dilmah was voted as one of giving back. This deeper story ensuring a consistent quality for living in rural areas but forward in VisionFund and will continue to explore loan repayment solution the most trusted brands in 2020 of tea is evident in everything tea lovers too,” Dilmah said. also acting as a vital step Lanka’s digitisation journey, innovative solutions to will be one of the many just months after its natural Dilmah does, whether it’s Dilmah was founded just over forward in carrying out VisionFund Lanka Chief provide easily accessible steps taken in our journey infusions were chosen “Product the broad reach of their MJF 33 years ago and is a relatively financial transactions Executive Officer (CEO) financial facilities to the of enabling an efficient, of the Year 2020” in a survey of Charitable Foundation or via young brand in a very old easily, safely, and virtually. Dinesh Kanagaratnam communities we serve.” seamless, and hassle-free over 10,000 Australians. Dilmah Conservation, both industry. Presently, the card is said: “The timing of this Dialog Axiata PLC collection process.” Ideal opens Bosch Service Centre in Colombo The Flemington celebrates 5 years

Ideal First Choice (Pvt.) of developing condos Ltd., a chain of multiband A recent entrant into Campbell. A third property car and light truck service Colombo’s property development project is workshops offering a wide development arena, The currently underway. array of services, recently Flemington recently Founded by Managing inaugurated its international celebrated five years in Director (MD) Shamitha standard diesel pump repair the industry. To date, Ganegoda, The and maintenance Bosch The Flemington has Flemington is a passion Service Centre in Colombo better equipped to serve our successfully completed project which reflects to service branded pumps and customers who hail from any and handed over two his experience in the spare parts. The centre, located The opening ceremony of the new service centre was graced by Ideal part of the country. Partnering projects situated in real estate market in at Panchikawaththa, will Group Chairman Nalin J. Welgama, Ideal Motors Director – Legal and with Ideal First Choice enabled Rajagiriya and 103 Australia, where he lived exclusively service and repair Corporate Affairs Nimisha Welgama, Ideal Motors Director –Automotive us to provide the much-needed for 18 years. Working as Bosch diesel pumps while Chaminda Wanigaratne, and Bosch Sri Lanka Managing Director (MD) customer convenience and a financial controller for catering to the Bosch spare part Swaminathan R., along with other special invitees on top of that, the enhanced a few Australian property needs of the customers. network that already has an well-trained staff are always service offering,” Bosch Sri development firms, The opening ceremony of the islandwide presence, backed dedicated to offer a unique Lanka MD Swaminathan R. Ganegoda developed new service centre was graced by its dealer network. Ideal after-sales service backed shared. a passion for creating by Ideal Group Chairman Nalin First Choice has established 24 by trusted warranties. Our Ideal First Choice is owned modern condominiums J. Welgama, Ideal Motors collection points islandwide customer-centric approach has by Ideal Motors, a fully influenced by Australian Shamitha Ganegoda, Director – Legal and Corporate for Bosch diesel systems for a propelled us to greater heights owned subsidiary of the Ideal concepts that provide Managing Director of The Affairs Nimisha Welgama, hassle free customer service. in the automotive industry and Group. It provides after-sales spacious interiors with Flemington Ideal Motors Director – Now customers can co-ordinate we continue to enhance our services to multi-brand vehicle privacy amidst the investment that is placed Automotive Chaminda with a collection point nearest service offerings backed by owners and is the authorised convenience of city living. with us for a tenant to Wanigaratne, and Bosch Sri to them and complete the years of service excellence that distributor and service provider He then established his secure a home to increase Lanka Managing Director required repairs topped up by a we are proud of.” for Bosch, the world-renowned own company, EliSh their convenience and (MD) Swaminathan R., along six-month warranty. “We partnered with Ideal diesel systems manufacturer. Development Pty. Ltd., quality of life as they with other special invitees. Taking part in the launch First Choice banking on Alongside the new service an innovative property move into the city. Our The newly launched Bosch ceremony, Ideal Group its islandwide presence centre, Ideal First Choice is developer in Melbourne, commitment to our clients Service Centre is an extension Chairman Welgama said: “We and renowned after-sales also introducing Bosch power Australia and Colombo, remains steadfast from of Ideal First Choice’s foray are extremely delighted to services to streamline Bosch tools to the local market. Bosch Sri Lanka. the point they sign with into Bosch diesel systems and serve Bosch diesel pump users service repairs. Now with is a market leader that develops “It is important to me us to the time when we spare parts sales in March with a state-of-the-art service the exclusive Bosch Service innovative high-quality power that The Flemington handover their keys and 2020. It further reinforces the centre that caters to all their Centre and islandwide tools and accessories using the stands for trust and deeds to their home,” said Ideal First Choice workshop needs under one roof. Our collection points, we are best available technologies. integrity. We value the Ganegoda. Emirates returns $ 1.4 b ComBank and PAYable launch Smart to customers in refunds POS-Mini device for cashless payments Emirates revealed this systems (GDS). travel experience. The Commercial Bank of to revolutionise the face of and a diverse range of functions specific transaction information. week that is has returned Emirates Airline The airline has Ceylon (ComBank) together cashless transactions offering that are designed to empower The solution is ideal for over AED 5 billion ($ President Sir Tim Clark introduced a series with PAYable (Pvt.) Ltd. a cost-effective solution to businesses to take their revenue solution providers with large 1.4 billion) in Covid-19- said: “We understand of industry-leading recently announced the launch merchants looking to accept streams to the next level. We fleets of riders – making it related travel refunds to that from our customers’ initiatives to provide of an Android Mini Point of cashless transactions. ComBank are pleased to be able to partner possible for cashless payments date, as per its pledge to standpoint, each pending customers with additional Sale (POS) device to enable is pleased to be able to offer with Commercial Bank on this to be accepted by riders and customers to complete refund request is one too reassurance and merchants anywhere in Sri Lanka these devices and services to our endeavour and look forward monitored centrally in real time. pending refunds. many. We are committed confidence when they to accept card payments. merchants and hope the ability to making cashless payments The commercial dashboard More than 1.4 million to honouring refunds and travel – from bio-safety The Smart POS-Mini is a fully to access the cashless ecosystem accessible to all businesses, tailored by PAYable, is designed refund requests have are trying our utmost to measures at every step functional Android terminal, will help grow their businesses.” everywhere in Sri Lanka.” specifically to meet the needs been completed since clear the massive and of their journey, to free able to process transactions The PAYable solution The Smart POS-Mini has a of corporates that have a March, representing 90% unprecedented backlog Covid-19 medical cover, via magstripe, EMV (Europay, simplifies transactions, making 4.5-inch touch-enabled screen, vast number of branches and of the airline’s backlog. that was caused by the and flexible booking Mastercard, and Visa), and it possible for a transaction to be has up to 64 GB of storage, transactions to monitor. It This includes all requests pandemic. Most cases policies. chip readers. The device is also completed in just three steps. The and supports high-speed swipe allows businesses to oversee received from customers are straightforward, and Emirates currently capable of processing Near solution also includes a trilingual algorithm enabling wallet widely dispersed branches in around the world up until these we will process offers flights to over 80 Field Communication (NFC) user interface that adds to its transactions to be completed real time, allowing efficient the end of June, save for quickly. But there are cities. Customers can transactions and can scan QR versatility; boasts an automatic with ease. The device is able to planning, resource allocation, a few cases which require cases which will take stop over or travel to codes at a high speed. The settlement feature, eliminating process transactions via Visa and and strategising throughout the further manual review. a bit more time for Dubai as the city has sleek and convenient device the need for cumbersome manual MasterCard as well as a host of management of a business. Since the pandemic hit, our customer teams reopened for international also boasts both SIM and Wi-Fi reconciliation; provides the wallet facilities and is Payment Since its inception in 2016, Emirates has invested to manually review business and leisure connectivity and supports a facility to operate instalment Card Industry Data Security PAYable has empowered over additional resources to and complete. We are visitors. For the safety of trilingual user interface. payments; and is capable of Standard (PCIDSS) compliant, 22,000 merchants across Sri ramp up its processing grateful to our customers travellers, visitors, and Speaking on the solution, multi-currency transactions. as it offers end-to-end security, Lanka, effectively making capability. The airline for their patience and the community, Covid-19 ComBank Head of Card Centre Commenting on the PAYable ensuring cardholder information it the single largest mobile also continues to work understanding.” PCR tests are mandatory Thusitha Suraweera explained: solution and the partnership with remains 100% secure. POS service provider in the with industry partners As global travel for all inbound and “The Android POS-Mini device Commercial Bank, PAYable The software provided by country. By eliminating all to facilitate refunds for markets slowly reopen, transit passengers offered by Commercial Bank CEO/Co-Founder Yohan PAYable also includes bank- major cost barriers, PAYable those who have booked Emirates has gradually arriving to Dubai (and will be rolling out across Sri Wijesiriwardane said: “The tailored transactions and has successfully motivated their Emirates flights restarted its passenger the UAE), including Lanka over the next few weeks. Smart POS-Mini represents commercial dashboards that merchants who were excluded through travel agents – operations around the UAE citizens, residents, Strategically positioned to the next iteration of cashless come with tailored reporting from the ability to accept this includes enabling world, always ensuring and tourists, irrespective cater to the micro, small, and payment acceptance for MSMEs. tools and secure access. These cashless payments, to adopt and direct refunds processing that it provides customers of the country they are medium enterprise (MSME) The device is ideal for this tools provide real-time insights champion credit and debit card via global booking with a safe and smooth coming from. industry, these devices are set segment as it offers versatility into transactions, and branch- payment acceptance. the morning 4 Wednesday, September 09, 2020 brunch

Snapshot of Reffai’s “PSA said, sharing an endearing example for Lankan Boys” video where a viewer had come out to their family by sharing their episode on “unconventional relationships” ‘Women are which covered LGBTIQ topics in Sri Lanka. A filmmaker and photographer by profession, Shifani carries out her work through WhiteNoise Media which she Co-Founded, where they slowly elbowed create for brands, and she said that as she tries to do with her work, she makes an effort to make a difference through the company, sharing that she favours female entrepreneurs; when she meets people who are out of spaces’ up-and-comers/start-ups, they like to work together with them, give them A chat with Shifani Reffai and a ‘PSA for Sri Lankan boys’ concessions, collaborate, and better those who are otherwise struggling was in Dehiwala, and I am a girl” to come up. as someone who seemed to be a She said that with her work, middle-aged man appeared in a they always try to question whether Bajaj bike and decided to “talk at it is ethical and focus on how their her” as some Lankan men do. communications can be kinder and She shared that she is unsure of more holistic. Also speaking about why the man approached her, stating the photo series she did with Lankan that it could’ve been a multitude of women celebrating brown skinned- things or none at all, and that the women of all shades and sizes, she video was really just something shared these women’s stories along that came about spontaneously the way to represent what it really as a result of this incident – this is like to be a Sri Lankan woman inescapable reality women face – often dark-skinned and varied in every day. body shape and not so much like Shifani shared that it is the skinny fair-skinned models we something she has spoken about Jaadiyata Moodiya prioritise on billboards. previously as well about the fact that Shifani added that “we can “women are slowly elbowed out of Shifani is a creative About the band, Shifani shared humanise our models, giving spaces”. She said that if she herself mind who has put her that hopefully by the end of this them and therefore our work more was given an alternative, she would skills to the best possible year or early next year, they will personality”, which is why she choose not to frequent these public use, creating socially have some of their original tracks chose to highlight the work of the spaces even though it is her right as conscious content that studio-recorded so that they will be women who modelled for her for BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE a citizen to stand on the pavement available online soon. the series, adding that it is important and to take the bus. Yet, women lends itself to otherwise Since we were talking to one to represent the way women really This week, we reached out to Shifani Reffai, the Co-Founder are made to feel increasingly out of difficult conversations of the Co-Creators of the famous look because as it is now, when of WhiteNoise Media, Co-Creator of Shhh – The Talkshow, place in these spaces. we as Sri Lankans would YouTube talk show “Shhh – The a Lankan woman looks up at an musician, content creator, and the creator and protagonist She shared that she has found rather avoid Talkshow”, we asked Shifani about advertisement, she sees a perceived of the hilarious IGTV video “PSA for Sri Lankan boys” that is IG to be a very effective medium, her involvement in the project “perfect” version of a woman she currently gaining fast traction online. especially during the pandemic content is because she is often and how she got started, to which can never simply be because her where she has been able to express inspired by comedic creators and she said that much like the IG genetics dictate that she will be Shifani is a creative mind who spoke about the inciting incident herself in a spontaneous and casual that there is a lot in our culture that commentary videos, it is about dark-skinned and her body is built a has put her skills to the best possible which inspired her to put the video setting and have a wider reach. we can talk about, reflect upon, and talking about things that we do not certain away. use, creating socially conscious together. Therefore, while she has a YouTube really laugh about. talk about. She said that these are A person of many talents, content that lends itself to otherwise She shared how the pandemic channel, she has opted to post on Speaking of her love for topics many Sri Lankans are waiting Shifani is showing no signs of difficult conversations we as Sri and the resulting lockdown made it IG more regularly due to its casual humour, we must also talk about her eagerly for someone to discuss but slowing down and upon all of Lankans would rather avoid. so that even since the curfew was setting. band together with her partner Riyal as is their nature, they will wait for the many things she is currently The most recent example being lifted, there has not been a lot of She also spoke of the use Riffai called “Jaadiyata Moodiya”, someone else to take the lead. Since involved in, you can also expect to the aforementioned video created by movement in terms of going out. of comedy in creating socially with Shifani on vocals and Riyal on its launch, the talkshow has opened see her next video, which will be her, addressing harassment faced by However, as things are starting conscious content, especially bass – a band created by the duo to up a lot of healthy conversation, she about Muslim aunties, on her IGTV. women – an age-old story to which, to settle down after what felt like content that pertains to women, play original music, lyrics that are sadly, nearly every woman in the forever, she stepped out of her adding that she has felt as though cynical and reflective, and subject SHIFANI REFFAI ON SOCIAL MEDIA island can relate on a spiritual level. house and was waiting for her Uber there is a gap in the sphere for matter that is essentially social Personal/comic content: @dingiribanda While it’s certainly nothing new, on Galle Road in the Dehiwala humorous content that is Sri Lankan commentary on things nearly all Sri Work/fashion photography content: @shifanireffai Shifani’s comedic video felt like a Junction. She said that “I was and is for Lankan women. She said Lankans can relate to in one way or WhiteNoise Media: @whitenoisemedialk fresh take on the narrative, and she suddenly rudely reminded that I the reason why she creates comedic the other.

Oak Ray Flower Drum will Webinar on ‘Women be celebrating their fifth-year anniversary on 11 September 2020. Oak Ray Flower Drum to The property, located in Colombo 3, and Children; the is offering a number of celebratory offers in tribute of this occasion. cutting edge of On 11 September, they are celebrate 5th year anniversary offering a VIP table deal at Rs. 55,000 for 10 pax inclusive of five International Law’ beverage bottles per table, a selection The Asia Pacific Institute of Information of 10 dishes from a variety of Technology (APIIT) Law School, in collaboration specialty items on the menu, and free with the International and Comparative Law Society dessert. (ICLS), will host a webinar on “Women and Being a family establishment, Children; the cutting edge of International Law” on the management will also cater to Saturday, 12 September 2020 from 10 a.m. onwards families by offering an a la carte via Zoom and Facebook Live on APIIT and ICLS. menu with a 25% discount from The webinar will be conducted by former the total bill, and for their takeaway UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against customers, all takeaway Women; former UN Under Secretary General; orders will be 10% off. Special Representative of the Secretary General on Oak Ray Flower Children and Armed Conflict; Sri Lanka Human Drum is also offering a Rights Commission Chairperson (2003-2006); dining offer for couples Constitutional Council, Sri Lanka member (2015- dining in, at Rs. 5,000, 2018); and independent expert which covers five select attached to the UN Human Rights dishes. Commission, Geneva Dr. Radhika A special highlight Coomaraswamy. for the anniversary Chairman Sujeewa packs purchased, one lunch Additionally, patrons can stand The session will touch celebrations is the Palliyaguruge pack will be free. Patrons can a chance to win five hotel stay on the fundamental elements especially prepared also look forward to receiving vouchers on Bed and Breakfast of international law and how anniversary packs which are one of 20 gift vouchers which will be (BB) basis, each to be given to lucky issues pertaining to women available for delivery and will be included in the packs at random. customers who order the maximum and children have impacted its Rs. 400 Nett per packet. These are Furthermore, Oak Ray Flower amount of lunch packets on each substance and procedure. There available from 4-11 September. Drum is giving out 10 dining day. One lucky winner would be will be an analysis of how Each packet will include a variety vouchers worth Rs. 1,500 each to chosen randomly each day. The five these developments have of dishes including a selection of be given to lucky customers who hotel stay vouchers will be awarded pushed existent boundaries either fried rice or noodles, chicken, order the maximum amount of lunch to the five lucky winners at the main and an identification of fish, cuttlefish, omelette, mixed packets on each day. One lucky event on 11 September. Winners the way forward. vegetables, and Flower Drum’s chilli winner would be chosen randomly would be chosen randomly from the Dr. Radhika Coomaraswamy paste. In addition, for every five each day. restaurant’s patrons. 5 the morning sports Wednesday, September 09, 2020 Kenin out, Covid-19 plays spoilsport Tokyo 2020 is now certain! AS at AR ex-co again Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin (pictured) says she was in Tokyo 2020 Co-ordination Commission Chair John Coates Asanga Seneviratne was co-opted as an Asia Rugby (AR) tears after losing the last 16 of the US Open yesterday (8). Kenin, claimed on Monday (7) that the Olympic Games will take Executive Committee member on 7 September. He is to fill the 21, from the US, who was the highest seed left in women’s singles, place next year, with or without Covid-19. The claim by Coates, vacancy created by Indonesia’s Gondo Gambiro early this year. lost 6/3, 6/3 to Belgian Elise Mertens. World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty who is also the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Vice Seneviratne, father of national women’s tennis player Anika said she will not defend her French Open tennis title this year, President, came amidst ongoing uncertainty over the fate of Seneviratne, served as the AR Secretary from 2013 to 2015 and pulling out of the tournament because of Covid-19. Meanwhile, the next year’s Games, which was postponed earlier this year Sri Lanka Rugby President from 2012 to 2017. He is currently Tour de France Race Director Christian Prudhomme and members due to the coronavirus pandemic. “The Games will start on 23 the Vice President of the National Olympic Committee and the of staff from four teams tested positive for Covid-19 yesterday. July next year,” Coates has asserted AFP. Chairperson of the Asia Rugby Competitions Committee too.

In Brief TUESDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER 2020 LOCAL venue, England had to manage without (i) Sri Lanka picked a pool of 23 Buttler who had opted out of the game Bangladesh series, players for the upcoming Test series for personal reasons. A win was to send over the last weekend against England to the top of the International Bangladesh. They are: Dimuth Council (ICC) T20I Team Rankings, Karunaratne (Capt.), Oshada Fernando, having begun the series in second place Lahiru Udara, , Angelo behind Australia. Their three-match Mathews, , , ODI series is to be staged from Friday, Niroshan Dickwella, Minod Bhanuka, 11; Sunday, 13; and Wednesday, 16 , Santhush Gunathilaka, September at Manchester under , Dhananjaya de Silva, lights, starting at 5.30 p.m. local Wanindu Hasaranga, , time. Buttler will return for them. LPL in limbo Lakshan Sandakan, , (i i) The Caribbean Premier League’s z Health guidelines issuance gets further delayed Duvindu Tillakaratne, Suranga Lakmal, (CPL) first semi-finals was to be Lahiru Kumara, , Kasun played yesterday (8) in Tarouba, BY REVATHA S. SILVA Rajitha, and . Out of Trinidad starting at 7.30 p.m. local those, Lahiru Udara is the highest run- time. The unbeaten Trinbago Knight Next month’s Bangladesh series in Sri Lanka and the Lanka getter of the recent domestic first-class Riders under Kieron Pollard were fancied Premier League (LPL) scheduled for a 14 November start with season while Duvindu Tillakaratne is to beat Jamaica Tallawahs under high hopes, marking revival of international cricket in Sri Lanka son of former Sri Lanka stalwart Hashan Rovman Powell, who won only three out after last March’s Covid-19 outbreak, is still “uncertain”, owing to Tillakaratne. Santhush Gunathilaka, of their 10 matches. The second semi-final a delay in the issuance of clear health guidelines, The Morning Minod Bhanuka, Wanindu Hasaranga, and will be played today (9) at the same venue Sports learnt yesterday (8). Kamindu Mendis are newcomers for Tests. between Guyana Amazon Warriors (i i) Tharanga Paranavitana’s and St. Lucia Zouks. Zouks, under Daren “We are still expecting a clear Scheduled events retirement was announced two weeks Sammy, play with a new Head Coach Andy decision from the authorities on in jeopardy! ago, on 27 August. He has disclosed his Flower this time. Guyana is led by Chris the health guidelines and a final Last week, plans to become a professional cricket Green. Both Guyana and St. Lucia won six decision over the number of days (SLC) said they expected a minimum umpire, like Kumar Dharmasena, out of 10 matches this time. The final will the overseas players need to be of seven days of quarantine, either and will probably be fast-tacked to be played tomorrow (10). quarantined here. So far, there is with or without allowing outdoor the international level in the trade due (i i i) England batsman Ian Bell, no clear indication as to what their practices. to his international playing exposure. who played his last international game decision would be. The delay has The reason cited for this was the Delay in Ministry of Health guideline has put the resumption of international cricket Paranavitana, 38, had played 32 Tests in 2015, will retire from professional created uncertainty over both the Bangladeshis’ reluctance to be in Sri in Sri Lanka in limbo scoring 1,792 runs including two hundreds cricket at the end of summer 2020, it Bangladesh (Test) series as well as Lanka for 14 days before the start of authorities on the above was expected as to what their guidelines could and 11 fifties. With 12,522 runs, he is Sri was announced on Saturday (5). “It’s the LPL,” a senior Sri Lanka ex-co the series and being inside the hotel by the end of last week but, as SLC be; only to put two international Lanka’s highest-ever run-getter in first- true when they say you know when the member told The Morning Sports for two full weeks without practising. sources revealed, even yesterday cricket events confirmed so far for class cricket. Paranavitana made his Test time’s right, and unfortunately, my time yesterday. The final decision of the health there was no certainty and clearance the remainder of the year in absolute debut against Pakistan in February 2009 is now,” Bell said in a statement. Bell jeopardy. and was one of the injured players in the is regarded as one of the most elegant 1 March 2009 Lahore terrorist attack on cover drivers in the game. He is playing IPL is played for TV money, not for the Indian public Indian situation causes the Sri Lankan team bus. He played his for Warwickshire in the final round of vigilance in Sri Lanka final game for Sri Lanka in November 2012 the Bob Willis Trophy, which began on With India becoming independence? Highly The IPL’s revenue is so “We are in a dilemma over how against the Kiwis. 6 September. Bell will sign off playing the world’s worst affected doubtful. important to run the sport we are going to proceed with the INTERNATIONAL their final T20 Blast fixture. Bell made his country due to the Covid- “They (BCCI) are today. It’s a damn sin organisation of the two events. The debut in 2004 and played for England for 19 pandemic, the Board taking such a serious risk on the part of the Indian entire sports world is in a flux of (i) England -keeper Jos Buttler the next 11 years, during which he won of Control for Cricket in not mainly because the public. The importance of uncertainty but if we can have a drew his team to a six-wicket win against five Ashes series out of seven. He scored India (BCCI) is gearing Indian people want it. It’s the IPL is being artificially clear guideline at least, then we can Australia on Sunday (6) at Southampton 5,416 runs in ODIs and was England’s up at full throttle to start because they need to get thrust upon them in times proceed with the preparations. This with a 54-ball 77 , which gave leading run-getter in the format this year’s belated Indian the television rights money of absolute calamity,” he (the delay) has led to a deadlock England an unassailable 2-0 lead in their until current Eoin Morgan Premier League (IPL), (for the tournament),” a explained. in our discussions with the foreign T20I series. As the two teams met overtook him in 2018. Bell remains apparently by hook or by retired cricketer who is in “It’s very interesting to boards as well, particularly the last night (8), local time, for the third on the list of England’s highest ODI crook, from 19 September Lokesh Rahul is taking all the know of the current see how the Indian cricket Bangladesh Cricket Board,” the last match of the series at the same run-getters’ list. onwards. precautions at the Lucknow cricket administrative fans are going to receive above source lamented. Covid-19 cases in Airport amidst the pandemic affairs in the region told this year’s IPL,” he added. The local health authorities that India showed a sharp people dying. The Morning Sports “I feel that if another are involved in discussions with SLC increase since July and by Is the Indian public yesterday. camp (a team) in the UAE are apparently not going to take any yesterday (8), it reported craving to watch IPL “They want to have is going to report Covid- risk. Although the country has not over 4.28 million cases cricket action in such some action and get the 19 cases (like the Chennai reported any Covid-19 cases within with 72,775 deaths. For a a nightmare situation, money somehow. If not Super Kings camp), they the society for over three months, single day, in an extremely which is probably the for the money, the game will have to abandon the the local authorities are extremely chaotic situation, it most unfortunate calamity will be really struggling; tournament this year. They cautious about the simmering England led by Eoin Morgan (on left) and Australia, under Aaron Finch, recorded over 90,000 the great country is not only in India but in (BCCI) won’t like to take pandemic situation in neighbouring were fighting for the T20I No. 1 spot last night cases with over 1,000 facing after gaining the entire cricket world. such a dreadful risk.” India, where a million infected cases were reported over the past weeks.

SPORTS WATCH Moms to the fore, like never before! by Dinith Pathi z There were days when female athletes were not expected to return to top-level sport after giving birth to a child first of its kind in North America. is chasing a record-equalling can do so in front of their own In the yesteryear, sports, “Pregnancy is the only 24th Grand Slam in this year’s children is even more special. It especially professional sports, was physiological phenomenon we tournament. is a privilege. All parents like to supposed to be for the young and know of where it will affect every project “a superhero status” to their the very strong. Even then, this system,” says Dr. Mottola, who has Nine moms playing children. And this is a wonderful was disproportionately true when devoted more than two decades this time way to do so whilst hoping that their it came to the female athletes, not of research in the field of prenatal There was a time until recently offspring will also follow in their male ones. It was never expected and postpartum exercises. “We’re on the Women’s Tennis Association footsteps one day. that a female athlete would return, talking about cardiovascular (WTA) pro tour that “playing after giving birth to a child, to changes, respiratory system moms” were a distinct rarity. Now Incredible role models perform at the highest level. This changes, metabolic changes, there are nine of them in this year’s Williams, mother to Olympia, has “sexist attitude” remained in the endocrine changes, muscle changes US Open singles alone. said that she is pleased to be in the professional athletic field for a long – you name it. It affects every The other two survivors in the company of other players who are time. system of the body.” last 16 are Victoria Azarenka in a family situation at the ongoing There might have been an odd and, most surprisingly, Tsvetana US Open. case in yesteryear when female A path-breaking US Open Pironkova. Before this, the 32-year- “I’m so happy that there are so athletes came back at the highest 2020 old Bulgarian Pironkova had not many moms in the event,” she has level after giving birth to a child. But the attitudes of society and the even played a tournament since said. “The plus is that one day your Yet it was mostly assumed that determination of the female athletes Serena Williams reacts as her daughter Alexis Olympia and husband Alexis Ohanian Wimbledon 2017. Therefore, she daughter can say she was there, look on during Serena’s US Open third round victory over Sloan Stevens last giving birth was “the death knell” to succeed even after giving birth Saturday (5) at Flushing Meadows had to use maternity rules to gain whether she remembers or not. We for the career of the professional is now changing the pre-existing direct entry into this year’s US can always have pictures. But other female athlete. thinking about “moms performing US Open. That was even before its participating while top male players Open. than that, it’s just minus – I’m not at the highest level”. This is never men’s top seed Novak Djokovic was were mostly absent. with her, I’m not around her. It’s Pregnancy affects every more so apparent than at this year’s disqualified from the tournament Here it is extremely remarkable Special for both parents hard, because I spend a tremendous system US Open tennis. for the bizarre reason of “hitting” that out of the female participants at and kids amount of time with her.” According to experts, pregnancy This tournament was always a female line judge with a ball on this year’s US Open, there are three These playing moms take special Motherhood has always been affects every system in the female going to be different. Lack of Sunday (6). “supermoms” among those who pride in performing in front of a blessing. It is said that being a body. An expert in this field is Dr. spectators, strict controls due have qualified for the last 16 in the their offspring. The fact that their mother is the hardest job in the Michelle Mottola, whose lab at coronavirus scares, and the ‘Supermoms’ dominating singles draw. children can see their mothers play world. And these moms are just Western University in the US is absence of some of the top athletes Even before the tournament It is even more remarkable that at the highest level will be a special being incredible role models for dedicated to exercising pregnant and for various reasons had been started, it was noticeable that most one of those three “supermoms”, feeling for any child. society. All athletes, be it male or postpartum women. The lab was the disparaging factors in this year’s of the top female players were the third seed Serena Williams, On the other hand, that the parent female, can learn from them.