highlights Lest We Wednesday 19 MAy 2021 Forget The Latest Edition Sacrifices Vol: 10/130 Price : Rs 30.00 Made In Sports page A8 SL needs 4-7 years to be competitive in South Asia – Alagic Country will always come first – PM By Gagani Weerakoon and Methmalie Dissanayake A16 Pledging the country will always come first, Prime Minister yesterday (18) said in Parliament that the victory secured by sacrificing thousands of lives would not be betrayed under any circumstance. 9 Clauses in CPCEC Bill inconsistent with Constitution Story Continued on page 2 There will be Bill Can Be Passed with more PCR labs – Health Minister Simple Majority If Amended By Gagani Weerakoon and Methmalie Dissanayake

Steps will be taken to increase the number of PCR Cabinet nod for amendments Parliament to debate testing laboratories, Health Minister yesterday (18) said in Parliament. proposed by Romesh de Bill today and Story Continued on page 2 Silva PC to the SC tomorrow Udayanga to bring By Gagani Weerakoon and Methmalie Dissanayake in Russian tourists By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan

Former Ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunga, who during the peak of the pandemic brought 700,000 Ukrainian tourists to , under a tourism bio bubble, is now gearing to bring Russian tourists to Sri Lanka very soon. This time he hopes to take them to the East of Sri Lanka, to the Pasikudah area where there are less people. Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 9 24 and 25 May special President inspects SC thwarted passage public holidays of ‘unconstitutional’ By Faadhila Thassim Seeduwa COVID-19 ICC CPCEC Bill – JVP By Treshan Fernando The Ministry of Public Service, Provincial Councils The Intermediate Care Centre and Local Government declared 24 May and 25 May (ICC) for COVID-19 patients in The Government’s attempts to pass a Bill in as two special holidays for public sector workers. Seeduwa was inspected by Parliament, which they knew was President Gotabaya Rajapaksa unconstitutional, has been thwarted by the Story Continued on page 2 yesterday (18). Supreme Court, claimed JVP Leader Anura The Care Centre, which is Kumara Dissanayake. housed in a building offered by the Brandix Company, Story Continued on page 2 SLPP suspends comprises three wards. It has the capacity to treat a total of Erandika Kumari’s 1,200 patients. The care centre National War Heroes is fully equipped with the latest technical appliances, including Commemoration membership a number of facilities to maintain the mental health of 452 Army officers, By Faadhila Thassim the in-house patients.

The Party membership of SLPP Ukuwela Story Continued on page 2 4,289 other ranks Pradeshiya Sabha member K.P.H. Erandika Kumari was suspended due to alleged assault on a State promoted official during a programme organised to provide COVID-19 cases cross relief to those affected by COVID-19. ITAK holds 25,000 mark President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, coinciding with the 12th National War Heroes Commemoration Story Continued on Mulliwaikkal GMOA says Health Day yesterday (18), has promoted a total of 452 page 2 officers of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA)... memorial Ministry did not Israel-Palestine conflict plan ahead Story Continued on page 2 SL Embassy ready in Parliament By Dilanthi Jayamanne By Gagani Weerakoon and Ten arrested for to evacuate expats Methmalie Dissanayake With over 25,000 active In an unprecedented event, a group of COVID-19 cases in treatment By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) MPs facilities, Assistant Secretary commemorating yesterday (18) took an arbitrary of the Government Medical The Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel at Central Tel measure to commemorate those killed in Officers’ Association (GMOA), Aviv, said they are closely monitoring the escalation Mulliwaikkal during the final phase of Dr. Naveen De Zoysa said the LTTE leader By Thameenah Razeek of airstrikes between Israel and Palestine, and if the war in the Parliament complex. Health Ministry should there is a need to evacuate Sri Lankan migrant The event took place in the backdrop of initiate a definite course of Ten persons were detained in Kalkudah, workers, in consultation with the Foreign Ministry the Government imposing isolation action to manage asymptomatic patients Batticaloa yesterday (18), for commemorating the and the Israeli Government, they will do so. orders in the areas of Pudukuduirippu,... in their own homes. leader of the LTTE.

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 9 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 9 A2 Wednesday 19 May 2021 news Continued from page 1 Bill Can Be Passed... There will be... By Gagani Weerakoon and Methmalie the People at a Referendum by virtue of the amendments required to pass the CPCEC Bill with In a response to a question of Illankai Dissanayake provisions of Article 83. just a Simple Majority in Parliament. Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) MP The provisions of Clauses 30 (1), 33 (1), 40 (2), The Government has accepted all the Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, the Multiple Articles of the Port City and 71 (2) (l) of the Bill are inconsistent with Article amendments, proposed by the Supreme Court, to Minister said the funds for the purpose Economic Commission Bill are inconsistent with 14 (1) (h) of the Constitution and could be validly the CPCEC Bill and those amendments will be have been approved by the Cabinet. the Constitution, and it can only be passed with a passed only with the Special Majority provided for presented by Leader of the House Dinesh She also said the capacity of existing Special Majority and a Referendum, the Speaker in Article 84 (2) of the Constitution. Gunawardena tomorrow (20), during the committee laboratories has been increased to informed Parliament yesterday (18). The provisions of clauses 53 (2) (b) read with stage of Parliamentary debate on the Bill, conduct more PCR tests and they are The Speaker received the Supreme Court clause 53 (3) (b) of the Bill are inconsistent with Education Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said yesterday working 24/7 at the moment. determination on the Bill last week and said he Article 76 of the Constitution read with Articles 3 (18). Rasamanickam requested to increase would inform the contents of the determination to and 4 of the Constitution and could be validly Speaking in Parliament, he said, “Now, wrong PCR testing in the Eastern Province as the House on Tuesday (18). The Bill was challenged passed only with the Special Majority provided for information regarding the Supreme Court its testing capacity is low compared to in the Supreme Court in terms of Article 121 (1) of in Article 84 (2) of the Constitution and approved by determination of the Bill, is circulating in the other Provinces. the Constitution. the People at a Referendum by virtue of the country, claiming that the Bill needs a two-thirds The Supreme Court has determined nine Clauses provisions of Article 83. majority and a referendum to be passed. But the need both a Special Majority in Parliament and a However, the said inconsistencies will cease if the Supreme Court clearly said if the proposed Referendum in order to become a law, whereas 17 clauses are amended as mentioned in the amendments are included in the committee stage, Clauses require Special Majority in Parliament. determination of the Supreme Court. there is no need for that. The Government accept Accordingly, provisions of clauses 3(6), 30 (3) The provisions of clauses 60 (c) and clause 60 (f) all the amendments proposed by the SC. With SL Embassy... second proviso, 55(2) and 58 (1) of the Bill are of the Bill is inconsistent with Article 148 of the those amendments included, the Bill could be The airstrikes between the two warring inconsistent with Article 12 (1) of the Constitution Constitution and could be validly passed only with passed with simple majority of the House.” countries erupted last Monday (10). and could be validly passed only with the Special the Special Majority provided for in Article 84 (2). The Supreme Court had pointed out that multiple Speaking to Ceylon Today, Sri Lankan Majority provided for in Article 84 (2) of the The provisions of clause 37 of the Bill is articles of the Colombo Port City Economic Ambassador to Israel, Waruna Wilpatha, Constitution. inconsistent with Article 12 (1) and 14 (1) (g) of the Commission Bill are inconsistent with the urged Sri Lankan migrant workers to “The provisions of clauses 3 (5) proviso, 3 (7), 6 (1) Constitution and could be validly passed only with Constitution, and it can only be passed with a use the two hotlines that would be (b), 30 (3) first proviso, 71 (1), and 74 the Special Majority provided for in Article 84 (2). Special Majority and a referendum. reachable 24/7 and the numbers are: (Interpretation ‘Regulatory Authority’) of the Bill are However, the said inconsistency will cease if a However, the said inconsistencies will cease if the +972 586875764 to contact inconsistent with Article 12 (1) of the Constitution new sub-clause is added to clause 37 of the Bill clauses are amended as mentioned in the Chandratilleke (Attaché) and and could be validly passed only with the Special restraining such authorised person making use of determination of the Supreme Court, the Supreme +972559284399 to contact Indika Majority provided for in Article 84 (2) of the any exemptions or incentives granted under this Court determination said. Senaratne (Labour Welfare Officer) and Constitution. Bill when conducting business outside the area of Meanwhile, the Cabinet approved the proposal to in an emergency situation, they will The provisions of clauses 3 (4), 6 (1) (u), 68 (1) (f) authority of the Colombo Port City to the update the CPCEC Bill with amendments reach the Israeli authorities for help. and 68 (3) are inconsistent with Article 76 read with detriment of similar businesses conducted outside suggested by the Supreme Court, said Cabinet The Ambassador said currently Ben Articles 3 and 4 of the Constitution and could be such area of authority within the territory of Sri Spokesperson yesterday Gurion Airport is shut mainly due to validly passed only with the Special Majority Lanka. (18). COVID-19, however, the second airport provided for in Article 84 (2) of the Constitution and The Supreme Court had determined that the rest He said the Government has agreed with all the located in the south of Israel, in Eilat, is approved by the People at a Referendum by virtue of the clauses of the Bill are not inconsistent with determinations and amendments of the Supreme operational. of the provisions of Article 83. the Constitution. Court with regard to the Bill. “There are over 5,000 Sri Lankans The provisions of Clause 52 (3) read with clauses It is said these inconsistencies will cease if the Therefore, it could be passed in Parliament with a working in Israel, scattered all over 52 (5) and 71 (2) (p) of the Bill are inconsistent with clauses are amended as mentioned in the simple majority, the Minister added. Israel and mostly they are caregivers and Article 148 of the Constitution and could be validly determination of the Supreme Court. The debate on the Colombo Port City Economic nurses. The Government of Israel has passed only with the Special Majority provided for Meanwhile, President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva Commission Bill will take place on the today (19) provided safety and security to all in Article 84 (2) of the Constitution and approved by has already submitted to the Supreme Court, and tomorrow (20). citizens and also there are bomb shelters and safe rooms in new apartments that can be located.” He went on to state that around 10 Israelis and around 250 persons were injured in airstrikes, SLPP suspends... 24 and 25 May... according to Israeli Media. General Secretary of SLPP, be entitled to represent the SLPP A circular specifying that such Heads of State Corporations and There are safe rooms in new buildings, , in a letter in her official capacity until holiday should not hinder the Statutory Boards. but not in old buildings, the Ambassador to Kumari, stated a high level of further notice. provision of essential Government Minister of Public Service, Provincial said, adding that there are public bomb discipline is expected by the The assault took place on 16 services was issued by the Secretary to Councils and Local Government, shelters in major cities. party of its public representatives May and the Pradeshiya Sabha the Ministry, J.J. Rathnasiri to Meanwhile, several of the nurses and and that until a decision is member was arrested by the Secretaries of Ministries and State instructed to declare special holidays caregivers, speaking to Ceylon Today, arrived at following investigations Matale Police and produced Ministries, Provincial Chief for Government offices following the said most of the caregivers cannot leave into the incident, her party before the Matale Magistrate Secretaries, Heads of Departments, decision made by Cabinet to declare 24 their elderly patients and run for safety membership will be suspended. following which she was released District Secretaries, Government and 25 May as special public holidays, and they will remain where they are. He further stated she will not on a Rs 50,000 surety bail. Agents, Divisional Secretaries and to minimise the spread of COVID-19. The Ambassador said the last major conflict between the two countries erupted in 2019, when Palestinians fired over 400 rockets on Israel when one of their commanders was killed and it lasted for a few days. “But the biggest President inspects... airstrikes in recent times was in 2014 It is noteworthy that the facility was constructed project expects to avoid overcrowding at the Care Centre. Medical services at the Care Centre that lasted for 52 days.” within mere 10 days by the Sri Lanka Army in hospitals in order to allow the medical staff to pay will be provided jointly by the Ministry of Health Currently, the international collaboration with the Army Seva Vanitha Unit. their undivided attention towards the patients who and Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps. community is demanding a ceasefire and Disabled war veterans of the Ranaviru Apparel are in critical condition and at a serious stage of the Defence Secretary, General (Retired) Kamal a halt to airstrikes, he added. Factory were able to manufacture 2,000 sets of bed infection. Gunaratne, Health Secretary, Major General He also said there are about 30 Sri sheets within a short period of 24 hours. It is also notable that the Covid-19 patients with Sanjeewa Munasinghe, Health Services Director Lankans in Palestine, living in the Gaza Covid-19 patients who could not be practically non-communicable diseases and are being treated General Dr. Asela Gunawardane and Chief of Strip, and around 3,500 rockets were taken care of at home but who do not show serious long-term will continue to receive their medication Defence Staff and Army Commander General launched from Gaza to Israel, that had symptoms are to be treated at the facility. This and medical consultations during their stay at the Shavendra Silva were also present at the occasion. been intercepted by the missile defence systems.

452 Army officers,... GMOA says... SC thwarted...... Regular and Volunteer Force and a “The Health Ministry however formulates its “We suspect that there is an agreement Country will... record 4,289 other ranks of the SLA, to their action plans only after the public is faced with a between China and the higher-ups of the Sri Making a special statement in respective next rank, on the recommendation crisis. Till then it is merely satisfied in doing what it Lankan Government, which is why the Parliament, to mark the 12th of the Defence Ministry and SLA Commander can on a daily basis. But, if the Ministry had taken Government is so eager to pass this Bill anniversary of the war victory, he said General Shavendra Silva. an example from the situation that cropped up quickly,” Dissanayake went on to say. a decision has been taken to waive off Those include the promotion of 12 when the pandemic hit the United States and the Speaking at a Media briefing held yesterday interest on the property loans obtained Brigadiers to the rank of Major General, 37 United Kingdom like carrying various experiments (18), Dissanayake said the Government has by soldiers injured in the humanitarian Colonels to the rank of Brigadier, 39 in providing healthcare services during the height clearly presented the Colombo Port City operation. Lieutenant Colonels to the rank of Colonel, of the pandemic, it would understand that there is Economic Commission (CPCEC) Bill following The Premier said, “Today is a special 40 Majors to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, very little time to formulate a programme to meet a legal recommendation from experts. He added day. Twelve years have passed since we 62 Captains to the rank of Major, 61 possible crisis situation.” that this shows the Government had wiped out 30 years of terrorism from Lieutenants to the rank of Captain and 201 Dr. Zoysa further alleged, “Health Ministry intentionally tried to trick the Parliament into this country. 12 years ago Sri Lankan Second Lieutenants to the rank of Lieutenant officials do not want to take the risk as this is a new passing an unconstitutional Bill. forces released more than 400,000 (regular force and volunteer force). concept. But home care for PCR positive Dissanayake alleged that the Government hostages who were used by the In the categories of other ranks, a total of asymptomatic patients is something that is had purposely presented this Bill in Parliament terrorists as human shields. We ended 83 warrant officers - 11 to the rank of currently practised in several other countries.” at a time when there was only one day for the era when our people in the North warrant officer - 1,330 staff sergeants to the He said that this could also provide a safe citizens to file a petition against this Bill in and East were displaced as refugees. rank of Warrant Officer - 11,493 sergeants to alternative for pregnant doctors serving on the Supreme Court. Not only that, war victory is a great the rank of Staff Sergeant, 1,095 corporals to frontlines battling the coronavirus. “They could be Despite this, Dissanayake noted that not just victory for Parliament, as during the the rank of Sergeant, 1,168 lance corporals taken out and placed in call centres to respond the JVP, but several organisations filed cases war time, MPs had to attend to the rank of Corporal and 1,120 privates to with medical advice that needs to be followed and in Supreme Court despite the time constraints. Parliament amidst the fear of bombs the rank of Lance Corporal have also been answers to questions that home based PCR positive If not for these groups, Dissanayake said the and assassination attempts. A large promoted. asymptomatic patients may have.” Bill would have been passed in Parliament. number of public representatives from The 12 brigadiers promoted to the rank of He lamented that when test results are positive, He added that the Supreme Court had Duraiappa to Amirthalingam to Major General are Brigadiers G.D. people did their best to avoid having to go to decided that out of the 74 clauses in the Bill, Thambimuttu lost their lives. R. Sooriyabandara, S.P.A.I.M.B. Samarakoon, treatment facilities that are situated in far off 25 were in violation of the Constitution. Ten Premadasa who represented this D.P.U. Gunasekera, K.R.K.K.T. Bandara, places. “Therefore, they submitted wrong telephone clauses need two-thirds majority in Parliament House, Lakshman Kadirgamar, Gamini U.D. Wijesekera, W.H.K.S. Peiris, L.D.S.S. numbers and addresses and some even avoided to be passed and nine require the Bill to be Dissanayake, Lalith Athulathmudali, Liyanage, M.K. Jayawardena, M.G.T.D. answering their phone.” taken for a referendum, Dissanayake said. Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, D.M. Rathnasekara, K.H.K. Kottawattha, Dr. Zoysa said that it was high time the Ministry He said the Supreme Court found the special Dasanayaka and C.V. Gunaratne were W.R.M.M. Rathnayake and W.B.W.M.R.S.P. at least formulate a plan to send patients to laws and privileges granted to the Port City among those assassinated by Aluvihare, respectively. treatment facilities closer to home. were in violation of Article 12(1) of the terrorists.” And the 37 Colonels to Brigadier: Colonels Meanwhile General Committee Member of the Constitution, which states that all persons Speaking further, Rajapaksa said T.C.L. Ganepola, B.L.R. Bamunusinghe, GMOA, Dr. Prasad Kolambage said that a total 981 should be treated equally under the law. that no one, went to war in those days E.M.M. Fernando, A.M.K.G.P.S.K. COVID-19 deaths had been recorded till date. “We Among others, Article 3 and Article 4 of the to commit genocide. Abeysinghe, S.N. Kithulgoda, M.G.W. fear that the number will top 1,000. “We are in a Constitution, which focuses on the sovereignty “Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Wimalasena, T.S. Balasuriya, W.T. crucial situation,” therefore the public should act of the country have also been found to be Rajapaksa, Former Army Commander Karunaratne, A.A.J.S.A.S. Perera, P.C.L. with further responsibility. violated by the CPCEC Bill, Dissanayake went , Former Navy Gunawardhane, E.N. Kurukulasuriya, J.K.R. He said that with the increasing number of on to say. The Supreme Court has stated that if Commander Wasantha Karannagoda, Jayakody, R.P. Munipura, S.P.K. Kurugama, patients even the GMOA was receiving complaints the sovereignty of the country is to be impeded, and Former Air Force Commander A.C.J. Wasage, H.C.L. Galappaththi, B.G.S. and questions from the public and health service then a referendum should be conducted. Roshan Goonetileke never commanded Fernando, D.U.N. Serasinghe, M.A.D.J.D. workers. Since there is no State sponsored The JVP also added that whilst the Supreme their forces to commit genocide but to Gunatilaka, U.S.N.K. Perera, G.G.A. establishment cater to this need, the Union has set Court has decided that the Bill is in violation of save the lives of the innocent people in Gunasekara, K.T.P. de Silva, M.P.N.A. up an information centre with two hotlines. They the Constitution, it does not consider the the North who were used as human Muthumala, D.P.J.C. Jayawardene, are 070 6326 363 and 070 6326 364 and email political and economic impacts of the Bill. shields by terrorists. To protect the K.D.M.L. Samaradiwakara, B.P.G.K. [email protected]. He said this could align Sri Lanka with one war heroes we withdrew from the Baìasooriya, K.H.N.P. Hannadige, M.M. People in quarantine or treatment facilities faced country and place Sri Lanka in the centre of a traitorous UNHRC co-sponsored Salwatura, K.J.N.M.P.K. Nawarathna, with issues can contact the two numbers. Also, the global power struggle. The Port City is being resolution tabled against them,” he P.N.J.S. Fernando, S.B.W.M.N. generous public who wish to make a contribution built for China’s political needs, not for Sri noted. Samaradiwakara, D.M.K. Chakrawarthi, towards State health services could also contact Lanka’s economic needs, he further added. Moreover, the war heroes have now D.C.C.D.R. Waidyasekara, K.A.D.S.K. the Union’s COVID Centre. He said the Union will Dissanayake urged the Government to give become health sector heroes and they Dharmasena, S.I.P. Vidanagamage, V.M.N. act as mediator between the public and Health time for the public to have a discussion on this fight to save the people from the Hettiarachchi and N.D.P. Jayatilaka. Ministry in finding solutions to their issues and Bill, without trying to sail it through COVID-19 pandemic, he said. (PA) informing the Ministry of generous donors. Parliament. News Wednesday 19 MAY 2021 A3

Reluctance to admit community spread More Covishield jabs on the way – Arundika GMOF Raps Govt for SL’s Expected in week or two By Faadhila Thassim vaccines. “The Government is to Current Predicament The Government expects to spend over Rs 400 million receive Oxford-AstraZeneca from the ‘Itukama’ COVID-19 By Faadhila Thassim season increased the number of cases, this project headed by former Sri Lankan Covishield vaccines within the fund for vaccinations,” he would have not taken place if the Ambassador to Russia, Udayanga following week or two, SLPP said, adding that there have The rapid spread of COVID-19 at the Government informed the public that there Weeratunga. MP said. not been any discrepancies in moment is a result of the Government’s was in in fact a community spread, as then “These tourists did not travel around He added that although expenditure and that there is failure to accept that there was a the public would have been more cautious. the country in a travel bubble as there is a current shortage in complete transparency. community spread since the Minuwangoda Bellana further added that one other promised, resulting in the predicament Covishield vaccines to Fernando added that the Cluster, President of the Government reason for the newly identified variants the country is currently in,” he added, administer the second dose to Government is also taking Medical Officers’ Forum (GMOF), Rukshan and the rapid spread of COVID-19 is due stating that the negative outcome of these those who have already necessary steps to increase Bellana said. to the Ukrainian tourists who arrived in tourist arrivals is greater than the income received the first dose, there public awareness on the need He added that although the New Year the country in January, as part of a pilot earned from it. have been favourable to continue adhering to responses from countries to health guidelines even if they the Government’s efforts and have received COVID-19 discussions to obtain the vaccines. 1,968 naval personnel 30 live grenades promoted and advanced 2nd consignment of A total of 1,968 naval personnel including 64 naval officers and found in Vavuniya 1,904 sailors were promoted and advanced to their next higher th ranks and rates on 19 May on the occasion of the 12 Victory By Naalir Jamaldeen the Sputnik V jabs Day (18 May) anniversary of the liberation of the motherland, from brutalities of the LTTE that lasted for nearly 30 years, by a Police found 30 grenades in a pot which had been humanitarian operation. abandoned in a land in Poovarasankulam in Vavuniya here by 25 May Accordingly, a total of 64 officers, that is, 4 officers to the rank yesterday (18). Police said the grenades were fond when the of Captain, 11 officers to the rank of Commander, 27 officers to owner was ploughing his garden in Sengalpadai in the By Dilanthi Jayamanne the rank of Lieutenant Commander, one officer to the rank of Poovarasankulam Police Division. After he brought the Lieutenant and 21 officer cadets as Midshipmen were promoted. matter to the notice of Poovarasankulam Police, a team of Sri Lanka is to receive its second consignment of the Sputnik V Meanwhile, Navy Commander, Vice Admiral Nishantha Police Officers rushed to the scene and found 30 live jabs by 25 May, State Minister of Production, Supply and Ulugetenne, advanced 109 senior sailors to the rate of Master grenades inside the pot. Regulation of Pharmaceuticals, Prof. said. Chief Petty Officer, 218 senior sailors to the rate of Fleet Chief The Police suspect more grenades may be found in the Prof. Jayasumana said that this will comprise 185,000 doses of Petty Officer, 421 senior sailors to the rate of Chief Petty Officer, garden and the STF have been notified. A search operation the vaccine. An official for the State Ministry, fielding questions 844 senior sailors to the rate of Petty Officer, 55 junior sailors to will be conducted in the garden and surrounding areas regarding the next batch of recipients of this particular the Leading Rate, 193 junior sailors to the Able Rate and 64 after obtaining approval from the Vavuniya Magistrate, consignment, said that the decision would have to be taken by junior sailors to the Ordinary Rate, taking the tally of Police added. the State Minister, Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID advancement to 1,904. Control, Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle in collaboration with The Navy Commander graced this momentous occasion, on State Minister Prof. Jayasumana. the recommendation of the Ministry of Defence and approval of The country initially received a 15,000 doses of the vaccine on 4 President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. May 2021 which was according to the State Pharmaceutical (NV) Corporation (SPC) a trial run of the country’s ability to maintain Moonshine the quality and efficacy of the vaccine till it was administered to the public. Of this 14, 699 doses have been administered by 17 May. The breakdown of the vaccination given by the distillery raided Epidemiology Unit shows that 292,457 of the second dose of the Oxford AstraZeneca COVISHIELD vaccine and 424,823 of the Cops in mufti monitoring By Naalir Jamaldeen seized 20 litres of moonshine Sinopharm first dose had been administered by 17 May. and two gas cylinders. Also, 2,435 of the second dose of the Sinopharm jabs had been COVID norms violators An moonshine distillery Kokkaddicholai Police are administered to Chinese Nationals involved in development work which was functioning in the conducting further inquiries. in Sri Lanka by 23 April. By Sandeep after Health Authorities and Munaikkadu forest area, in Tissaaratchy Police conducted special the Kokkaddicholai Police monitoring operations to Division, during the travel Police Officers have been check those travelling on restriction period, was raided deployed in both civil attire roads from 17 May to 18 May. by Police on 17 May and uniforms to conduct Over 11,000 individuals morning, Police said operations to monitor wearing were checked by the Police yesterday (18). of facemasks, maintaining and 141 civilians were taken The raid was conducted on social distancing and other into custody for violating the a tip off received by the COVID-19 regulations, Police NIC number system. DIG Kokkaddicholai Police. A total Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana Rohana said that the suspects of 180 litres of Goda, which said. will produced before the had been in six barrels, were He made these comments Magistrate in the future. destroyed by Police and they

SLAF assist Police & STF to ease vehicle congestion Employing Drones for traffic management Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) which has mastered occurred. the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during Lastly, drones with audio visual capabilities can the recent LTTE war, has now embarked on using be utilized to warn traffic violators ‘then and there.’ its expertise to assist the Sri Lanka Police and the If this is continuously done, the public will be aware Special Task Force to better manage traffic of aerial monitoring and will resort to driving congestion in Colombo, SLAF said on Monday (17). lawfully. This in time will also reduce traffic Drones for traffic management would give the congestion in urban city areas. Police the following advantages: During rush hour Further, drone operations can also be utilized to the use of drones would give an aerial view of the guide ambulances and even VIP transport in urban traffic situation. When properly utilized this aerial areas such as in Colombo. The aerial view provided view would give the Police the opportunity to by drones together with a team of traffic controlling strategically divert excess traffic along alternate police officers on ground would be able to easily routes thus reducing traffic along main guide an ambulance to an emergency location and routes. Also, during rush hour accidents are to the hospital in question through routes with less reported. These accidents aggravate the already traffic saving time and lives in the process. The congested roads causing delays to commuters and same system can be used to guide VIP vehicle drivers. With the use of drones monitoring traffic entourages efficiently without causing too much can be yet again diverted along alternate routes in hassle to civilian commuters on the roads, SLAF said. order to avoid the route where the accident has (PA)

Failing to step up PCR and random RAT testing CMLSSL slams Health Ministry officials

By Dilanthi Jayamanne seeking treatment from the National Hospital Colombo for flu and cough. The College of Medical Laboratory Science Sri He said the number of tests could be increased to Lanka (CMLSSL) accused Health Ministry officials a further 75,000 if State laboratory facilities were to of failing to carry out instructions issued by Health work 24 hours per day. Even the main State-owned Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi ten days earlier, laboratory, the Medical Research Institute (MRI), to further increase the PCR and random RAT which has three laboratories in it, works less than testing to identify COVID-19 patients 24 hours a day, owing to the conduct of a certain CMLSSL President, Ravi Kumudesh, said section of services working in it. yesterday (18) that currently the samples of nasal Kumudesh said the number of tests could also swabs, saliva and aspirations being obtained were be increased by decentralising the process. controlled at 25,000 to coincide with the number of Countrywide base hospitals can be tasked with tests the lab facilities were prepared to perform. He testing the people in their locality, by setting up said this only paved the way for the health service point of care PCR machines. He said in addition to get a wrong picture of the actual number of measures should be taken to utilise field testing for patients that remained in the society, transmitting RAT random testing. The CMLSSL met the Health the infection to others. Minister and her officials while instructions were No move was being made by Health Ministry issued at the time to look into all possible officials to set things straight and expedite the measures to increase PCR tests. However, they testing process to identify patients and their have merely remained as instructions to this day. contacts, and testing to forecast patient numbers. The Minister on Monday (17) too met officials and On a daily basis, there are at least 50,000 patients reiterated the instructions, he said. A4 wednesday 19 may 2021 news

Decisions on COVID-19 Government should control lethargic – Dr. Abeysinghe y nurada erath B A H decisions with regard to the control of COVID-19 here had Former Doctor of the become seriously lethargic be honest about Epidemiology Unit, affiliated and warned that such actions to the Ministry of Health, Dr. will before long imperil the Nihal Abeysinghe says that lives of the masses. the country’s Advisory Board Dr. Abeysinghe alleged that of the Epidemiology Unit had presently there was no one to become defunct and that it take responsibility for the changing strategies cannot be trusted further. curbing of the spread of the He said that taking fatal disease. If the Government wishes to engage in political collaboration, then it must be – Karu J honest about changing the Election law reforms narrow political strategies tabled in Parliament?” too late for the President to that could hinder such a joint queried Jayasuriya. act in this fashion. mechanism, former Speaker He pointed out that how the Speaking further, Public opinion to be and Chairman of the National Government deals with these Jayasuriya opined that Sri Movement for Social Justice issues would weigh heavily Lanka should aim to sought by PSC (NMSJ) said. on whether the Government inoculate every citizen over He made these statements can expect the support of the the age of 10 in this country By Faadhila Thassim public including Political at a press briefing organised Opposition and civil society before 31 December 2021 parties and other by the NMSJ on Monday (17). organisations to defeat the and have a goal to vaccine at Public opinion will be organisations. Jayasuriya added that the deadly pandemic. least 15 million people. sought by the Parliamentary He added that thereby Government’s refusal to heed Jayasuriya also noted that He argued that such a plan Select Committee (PSC) opinions and proposals could the request to not to conduct several leaders of political would be possible if the formed to identify appropriate be produced to the committee the Parliamentary debate on parties, civil organisations Government were to work in reforms for Sri Lanka’s prior to 30 June. the Colombo Port City (CPC) and religious groups have good faith with the rest of the election law and electoral Prof. Peiris further stated Bill “could not be accepted.” expressed their support for world. system until 30 June. that the Committee was given He said that the request the Government’s efforts in Jayasuriya further stated Minister of Education and a total period of 6 months to made by the Opposition to dealing with the pandemic. that it is imperative that member of PSC, Professor identify necessary reforms halt the debate was entirely The President should have Government’s decisions with G.L. Peiris said following the adding that no extension will justified given the extended a hand of friendship regard to the pandemic must first meeting of the committee be sought with this time frame circumstances. to all, in a bid to unite all be implemented with the full held on Monday (17), a as there has to be prompt “Will the Prime Minister’s parties to help deal with the consent of Parliament as decision was made to seek reforms made to the age old recent resolution, based on proposals of the Presidential COVID-19 pandemic, these decisions have national opinion and proposals of the electoral system and laws. the so-called Commission of Inquiry into Jayasuriya went on to say. implications. recommendations and Political Victimisation be He added that it is still not (TF) Govt should compensate RUSL Chancellor donates rain-hit people – Vajira Borella jail to equipment to ‘Methsiri Sevana Immediate action should be number may increase in the taken by the Government to days to come. Tea and other compensate those who were agricultural zones were also shift to Kalutara affected by the heavy rains affected, he said. By Anurada Herath experienced in the past few The victims of this disaster days, UNP Chairman Vajira should be compensated The Borella Prison Complex will be moved Abeywardena said. through the mechanism that to the Millewa area, in the Kalutara District, He added that in the Galle had been implemented by the shortly, sources said. District around 5,000 families previous Government, he Informed sources said the total cost of the have been affected by the said. People who are already endeavour has been tabulated at Rs 30.6 heavy rains in the past few suffering because of the billion and the sum is to be allocated by the days. As time goes on, this COVID-19 pandemic, are now Treasury. number could rise further, facing even more problems The UDA and the Ministries of Housing Abeywardena noted. due to these heavy rains, and Justice will coordinate the construction All Divisional Secretariats Abeywardena stated. of the new Prison Complex in the Kalutara in the Galle District have The people of Matara, District. been affected by these rains Ratnapura, Kegalle, Kalutara, and nearly 10,000 people Colombo and Gampaha have have been seriously impacted, suffered greatly Abeywardena he added. The rains have had said, arguing that the far reaching consequences as Government should act approximately 200 Grama quickly and provide Niladhari Divisions have been compensation to these LSSP, hit by the rains and two people. people in Nagoda have lost Abeywardena claimed that their lives. the failure to do so caused a Communist Party Several businesses in great deal of harm to the Chancellor of the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (RUSL), Ven. Ethalawetunawewe Nagoda and Hiniduma have public and he urged all Gnanathilaka Thera recently donated medical equipment worth over one million been damaged as well, noted slam Israel over rupees to the ‘Methsiri Sevana’ Treatment Unit of the Anuradhapura Teaching districts where the rains had Hospital. Abeywardena. He said that caused destruction to provide These equipment are to be used for the use of COVID-19 patients in the whilst 250 locations have relief to those affected. Gaza violence Anuradhapura District been reported so far, that (TF) Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) and the Communist Party of Sri Lanka, strongly condemning the Israel-Palestine conflict, stated the actions of the State of Israel violate the basic human rights of the Palestinians. To prevent COVID-19 spread in society Bangladeshi HC calls They added the aggression meted out against Palestinians in Jerusalem and the continued on Speaker military bombardment of Gaza has resulted in Health Ministry taking Tareq Md Ariful Islam, High development of the Sri the deaths of scores of Palestinian civilians and Commissioner of Bangladesh Lankan handloom industry injured hundreds more including children. to Sri Lanka, paid a courtesy and the microfinance credit “Israel’s brazen violation of international all possible steps call on Speaker Mahinda issue. humanitarian law and international law has Yapa Abeywardane at the The High Commissioner continued for decades now, aided and abetted By Dilanthi Jayamanne she may have already contacted the Speaker’s residence on also commended the with the full support of imperialist forces, and virus. Monday (17). contribution of many Sri without any meaningful intervention from The Health Ministry was taking Therefore, taking them out of their During the meeting, a Lankans to the Bangladesh international institutions to bring these every possible step to prevent the state of isolation and allowing them number of issues, including economy by holding high level violations to an end or outwardly condemn disease spread in society by tracing to go about in public for the vaccine the coronavirus pandemic positions in a number of them,” they added. the contacts of each corona patient would only result in further disease situation in the two countries, sectors, especially in the Further adding that it is the continuation of that was detected, Deputy Director spread, he said. were discussed. garment industry. efforts of the Israeli occupation to proceed with General (Disaster Management and Explaining a statement made by The Speaker extended his The Speaker said that the the “Judaization” of the city of Jerusalem with Preparedness), Dr. Hemantha Chief Epidemiologist, Dr. Sudath gratitude to the High establishment of the Sri full endorsement of U.S. administrations and Herath said. Samaraweera, who said that any Commissioner for the Lanka-Bangladesh tolerated by the European Union. “These actions Dr. Health, Fielding questions, person with COVID-19 symptoms continued support of Parliamentary Friendship are aiming at the “ethnic cleansing” of Jerusalem yesterday (17) regarding a possible should not get the COVID-jab, as the Bangladesh, which has Association for the 9th and land robbing which are only comparable with community spread, said most of the purpose of the vaccine was lost, Dr. always been a friendly Parliament had been delayed an “apartheid-style” policy against the control and prevention actions that Herath said that these persons country to Sri Lanka. due to the prevailing Palestinian people,” they added. had been conducted by the Health could get the COVID-19 jab after the The High Commissioner pandemic situation and that Israel Defence Forces bombed and destroyed Ministry would have to be reviewed period of quarantine at their said Bangladesh is ready to relations between the two the office complex of international media and changed if there had been a convenience if they have no other provide guidance in several countries would be further organisations in Gaza in violation of accepted community spread. “But we do not complications or they themselves areas such as the strengthened after that. international norms in an attempt to prevent the have any evidence to warrant a had contacted the virus. world receiving information on what is happening change of strategy to any other level He noted that those who have in the region, LSSP and the Communist Party because even at this moment we contacted the virus while in stated. have the situation under control as quarantine should wait for two They thereby demanded an immediate all cases and their contacts are weeks after being cured of the cessation to the bombardment and besieging of detected and measures are taken to infection to receive the coronavirus Govt should heed medical Gaza, an end to the attacks and violations quarantine them at home while vaccine. against Palestinians exercising their rights in and positive cases are taken to ICCs or Meanwhile, the Director of the experts’ advice – Vasu around the Al-Aqsa Mosque site and all other treatment facilities,” he said. Health Promotion Bureau (HPB Dr. By Kumudu Upul holy sites, halting of attacks and intimidation Therefore, epidemiologically there Dinesh Koggalage urged the public Shantha foremost doctors Dr. Nihal against Palestinian residents in East Jerusalem is no necessity to change the course not to get infected in the process of Rajapaksa, attached to the by Israeli authorities and settlers, which is the of action that is currently being clamouring to get the COVID jab. Minister of Water Supply Gampaha Hospital, had latter’s attempts to evict families from the Sheikh taken as there is no change of The large crowds that have been says recently painted a dire picture Jarrah neighbourhood as part of a continued situation, Dr. Herath said. witnessed queuing up for the that the Government would do with regard to the current campaign of ethnic cleansing. He said that the purpose of vaccine disregarding all health well to take the advice state of the pandemic here on The two parties thereby expressed solidarity administering the COVID-19 jab to safety measures, would only result proffered by medical experts, his Facebook account. with the Palestinian people to end the occupation an infected person was lost as it did in the birth of a vaccine cluster. when tackling the third wave The Minister added that Dr. and towards the establishing of an independent nothing to boost his or her He urged the people eligible for the of the COVID-19 pandemic Rajapaksa’s views should be state and the right of return for all Palestinian immunity. Those who are vaccine to go their relevant Grama rather than striving to term heeded by the Government if it refugees according to the relevant UN quarantined most often have been in Niladhari division to obtain the jab. such instructions as being intends to effectively tackle the resolutions. contact with a patient with the “Don’t fall victim to the virus in politically motivated. spread of the illness in the (FT) coronavirus. Also, as a result, he or trying to get it,” he appealed. He said one of the country’s country. column wednesday 19 may 2021 A5 Untold Story The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination By Sugeeswara Senadhira not only Rajiv Gandhi, nine police whipping up sympathy for the officers and six other persons, but assassins while the families of those 30 years ago, on 21 May 1991, also causing grievous injury to more who died in the blast including Velupilai Prabhakaran made a than fifty persons assembled at the policemen, being left out in the cold. cardinal mistake that changed the Election meeting to hear the views of Ragothaman’s statements were political history of India and Sri Rajiv Gandhi. Due to the misinterpreted by a section of the Lanka. The assassination of former assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, there political spectrum in Tamil Nadu Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on that was turmoil in India leading to which tried to claim that the convicts day marked the end of the Nehru- postponement of Parliamentary in the Rajiv case were innocent and Gandhi domination of Indian politics Elections. should be freed immediately. and that incident also was the turning Former Ambassador Golaswamy Ragothaman refuted their version and point that marked the downfall of Parthasarathyi, told me at a meeting said even if the involvement of others Tamil . in Delhi later that, “India will never should be examined and the wider In a strange coincidence the forgive the LTTE, because the conspiracy unveiled, it did not make brilliant Indian police officer who perpetrators of this heinous crime, by the convicts in the case innocent, and uncovered the hand of Liberation assassinating Rajiv, directly interfered that all of them were guilty of being Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the in our sovereign rights and caused part of the deep-rooted conspiracy gruesome murder plot became a disruptive activities in the Indian behind the cold-blooded victim of the COVID-19 pandemic last democratic system.” The method of assassination. week. Chief Investigating Officer in assassination as well Ragothaman, a brave policeman the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case as the terrorist outfits could not be cowed down by threats. Superintendent of Police, K. involved therein He lived in a small flat and never Ragothaman, a brave and fiery officer, remained a mystery for sought security for himself, though he deserved police honours at his quite some time and seemed to be the target of fringe funeral, but sadly the pandemic many interested elements. A recipient of the health protocol would not allow any parties floated false President’s Medal, Ragothaman such grand farewell. news to divert the brought out several books like During the trial, judges praised the investigations. Conspiracy to Kill Rajiv Gandhi in meticulous work of Ragothaman, who English and Rajiv Kolai Vazhakku in Tiger A smiling Rajiv Gandhi: His assassination marked the downfall of handled the case brilliantly, securing Prabhakaran and his monstrous outfit Tamil, Assassination of Mahatma- a conviction for the accused and sympathisers Indira-Rajiv Gandhis, and Third revealing the whole conspiracy behind those who were permitted accused also confirmed the identity of Degree Crime Investigation the assassination. threaten to garland or present persons like Sivarasan, Dhanu, and Management: Crime and the Criminal. On 21 May 1991, Rajiv Gandhi and sleuths shawls to Rajiv Gandhi. Subha. He also produced a documentary 16 others died when a suicide cadre Inquiries began about However, Ragothaman did also titled Human Bomb based on the Rajiv activated a powerful bomb at an In spite of having these persons, while later mention areas of disagreement with Gandhi assassination case. Election rally at Sriperumbudur, no clue to start with forensic experts came up the heads of CBI, including Chennai. Initially, there was no SP Ragothaman with the belt bomb theory, Karthikeyan over the denial of Intelligence reports inkling of conspirators’ identity, continued employed by a female permission to question some ignored modus operandi, or the motive. None unabated into the suicide bomber, judging politicians whose names cropped up had claimed responsibility and there investigation. Piece from the severity of impact during the investigation. Karthikeyan Ragothaman’s book also revealed were no arrests of accomplices which by piece, step by on her, and pieces of and others in the CBI apparently did receipt of prior intelligence reports in most cases is the beginning point of step evidence was collected, the clothing that got stuck to not want questioning of politicians as that were neglected by the sleuths, a the investigation into the crime. Lack culprits were apprehended and the the explosive. The SIT team it would derail the investigation and case similar to that of the 2019 Easter of clues made CBI’s Special main faces of the conspirators, established one of the persons in the give it a political twist which would Sunday attacks by Muslim terrorists Investigation Team (SIT) head D. R. Prabhakaran and his Intelligence list permitted to garland Rajiv as the prevent the SIT from carrying out its in Sri Lanka. Ragothaman said, Karthikeyan to admit that it was a Chief Pottu Amman were unmasked. suicide bomber Dhanu. Later her work. during interrogation, the SIT came ‘blind case’ as there were no clues or Ragothaman later published a book connections with LTTE intelligence The case filed by Ragothaman was across evidence that the Indian accomplices to interrogate and arrive Conspiracy to Kill Rajiv Gandhi: From man – one-eyed Sivarasan - was also backed by documentary and other Intelligence Bureau (IB) had at the truth. CBI Files giving a detailed account of found out. Similarly, the motive for evidence. All over the world, police intercepted large volume of the LTTE Subsequently, Ragothaman was the investigation and he also exposed the assassination was also clearly agencies recognised and applauded wireless messages between Tamil appointed Chief Investigating Officer the persons behind the disinformation established. the work of the Indian SIT. Finally, Nadu and Jaffna. One of the officers of the SIT team, and one of the first campaign and revealed as to how the These were major breakthroughs in the trial court convicted the accused. who was intercepting the coded leads he got was a camera recovered CBI investigation was derailed and the case, established by the tireless Several suspects received death message informed his superior that at the assassination site. Using many of the bureaucrats and political work of the investigation team headed sentence, which was later commuted the LTTE was planning a major Argentine soccer Maradona’s personalities were allowed to go scot by Ragothaman. From there on, the to life term. Few convicts including operation and the urgency for description of his world cup winning free. hunt for the killers began, ending in Nalini and Murugan are still jailed in decoding the message be on priority. goal, Ragothaman later described it as Ragothaman and his team found arrests and the suicide of Sivarasan. Tamil Nadu. The decoding expert was based in ‘the hand of God’ in a blind case as out that a photographer named Hari Ragothaman organised and presented The conviction of culprits did not Delhi and the request from Chennai the camera had survived the RDX Babu had used the camera, which an iron-clad case in the court which end Ragothaman’s troubles. He had to office was not taken on priority and all blast and thousands of pellets. was found at the murder site. When could not be challenged by the deal with fringe elements and groups the intercepted messages were kept in The gruesome assassination was the colour roll was developed, the SIT defence. which indirectly supported LTTE and the file which was opened only after meticulously planned and flawlessly team got the first set of photos till the The SIT preferred to gather evidence its separatist tendencies. These the assassination of Rajiv in May executed by hardcore cadres of LTTE. time of the assassination. and confront the accused with the groups backed by politicians such as 1991. The messages were decoded It was an unique and first of its kind Ragothaman pieced together evidence. Ultimately, the accused Vaiko, Ramdoss and Seeman and it was clear from the messages murder plan wherein a human bomb, information from the rough list of revealed their involvement and also launched a massive campaign against that the LTTE was planning for the that too a woman, was used, killing persons in the exclusive area, and outlined the conspiracy. Some of the the CBI with political motives, assassination of Rajiv. The Need for Oxygen Therapy By Lakshman I. Keerthisinghe fitted to ones that are using patients with respiratory cylinders. These are Colombo South complications. Maintenance Unit of “An adult human can last 40 Teaching Hospital in Kalubowila, the Air Force Engineering Corps days without food, a week without the Teldeniya Base Hospital, manufactured the unit under any sleep, three days without General Hospital Kalutara, guidance of Air Force Commander water, but only five minutes Puttalam Base Hospital, Chilaw Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana without air. Yet nothing is more Base Hospital, Teaching Hospital and supervision of Group Captain taken for granted than the air we Kurunegala, Minuwangoda Base Prasanna Martino. After inspecting breathe. However, not just any air Hospital, Mulleriyawa Base limitations, safety features and will do - it must be exquisitely Hospital, Karawanella Base performance standards, unit was designed to meet our needs. Too Hospital, and the Nawalapitiya Base presented to National Medicines little oxygen in the atmosphere will Hospital. The firm had also Regulatory Authority (NMRA) of Sri kill us, as will too much” suggested that Covid-19 patients Lanka and University of Moratuwa – Hugh Ross-Canadian Scientist be kept in hospitals within 200 has confirmed compliance with kilometres of Colombo so that there Electrical Safety Standards. As the severity of the COVID are no undue delays in distributing Although it was earlier estimated pandemic rises in Sri Lanka, need the gas. that a cost of Rs 1.5 million would for standby oxygen supplies to treat In the meantime it is heartening be spent to manufacture the unit, it affected patients has been stressed to note as media reported recently was completed at a lower cost of by health authorities after the Heated Humidified Oxygen Rs 300,000. At present, 50 kits are observing the ordeal our neighbour Therapy Unit manufactured by the planned for production and will India is going through due to the Sri Lanka Air Force for the benefit continue to be manufactured as inability to provide sufficient of the patients with respiratory required by the health sector. The supplies to patients in various difficulties was officially handed functionality of the device was locations in that vast country. Yet nothing is more taken for granted than the air we breathe over to President Gotabaya demonstrated to the President In this connection, Sri Lanka has Rajapaksa at the Presidential during a recent meeting. ordered more oxygen cylinders as oxygen and 400 cylinders were 80 tons, the Minister confirmed. Secretariat. In order to face the In conclusion, WHO in the number of COVID patients expected by the end of that week, Ceylon Oxygen, a unit of Linde AG imminent shortage of ventilators in partnership with the Department of admitted to hospitals began to rise Several hospitals in Sri Lanka have is the top supplier of medical the country in the face of the COVID Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT), in a third wave, Health Minister piped oxygen from a liquefied gas oxygen. Another firm Industrial 19 global pandemic, the Heated Australia donated over 800,000 Pavithra Wanniarachchi said “Sri tank. Ceylon Oxygen one of the two Gases also produces the gas. There Humidified Oxygen Therapy Unit USD worth of essential items to Lanka’s hospital system currently oxygen producers in Sri Lanka has are also oxygen concentrators in the was innovated with the contribution control COVID-19; These included has 24,000 medical oxygen suggested installing tanks in major market that can produce gas from of Professor Ranil De Silva, Dr. high-flow oxygen systems among cylinders and 4,000 jumbo hospitals, a report said. It was air, which can be plugged into a Thilanka Ratnapala and a team of many other items, Sri Lanka is cylinders.” The Minister said the revealed that the country has the wall socket and connected to medical experts as per the hence being equipped to meet the problem is not oxygen but cylinders capacity to produce four times the ventilators for individual patients. instructions of President Gotabaya expected oxygen demand at this to store oxygen to distribute required amount of oxygen Ceylon Oxygen had written to the Rajapaksa and as a concept of severe pandemic stage with able throughout the country. Parliament in-country at the moment while Director General of Health Services Vidya Jyothi Dr. Bandula Vijay. Presidential guidance.. was recently informed by the required amount of oxygen in suggesting that 10 large liquefied The device is capable of delivering The writer is an Attorney-at-Law Minister that 7,000 more jumbo hospitals is 25 tons but Sri Lanka gas tanks imported for hospitals temperature-controlled oxygen with with LLB, LLM, MPhil. (Colombo)- cylinders have been ordered to store has the capacity to increase it up to that already have such facilities be full humidity at high capacity to [email protected] A6 wednesday 19 may 2021 Editorial

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12 Years On, Since Vanquishing LTTE

Today marks the 12th anniversary of vanquishing the LTTE on 19 May 2009. The long drawn-out war against the Tamil terrorists was won solely owing to the unyielding courage of then President and present Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, the clever planning by his brother then Defence Secretary and current President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the valiant efforts of military officers of the calibre of today’s Defence Secretary, General Kamal Gunaratne. What prompted then President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was also following a policy of negotiations with the LTTE as a means of ending the war, to revert to war against them was the massacre of Kebithigollewa where a bus packed with villagers had been attacked. Then President Mahinda Rajapaksa rushed to the scene of the tragedy and witnessed for himself the carnage caused and was determined to put an end to the savage war and from that moment on, there was no turning back. Joe Biden: In the Making The occasion for the commencement was hostilities was the Mavil Aru incident where a vital anicut had been blocked by the LTTE terrorists denying water to the people of the area. Initially the Eastern Province was cleared flushing of Strong China Policy out the terrorists from their last remaining hideout at Thoppigala. The war thereafter shifted to the North Dr. Rajkumar Singh In the context, taking a and was fought with military precision as the saying tough stand, he outrightly goes until the final victory at Nandikadal in which the Very recently, on 28 April rejected China’s territorial so-called ‘LTTE Supremo’ who wreaked havoc for well- 2021, Joe Biden, the new and maritime claims in the nigh three decades met his Waterloo. President of America, addressed South China Sea that violates All efforts by both local and foreign agents to throw a for the first time the joint international law, and wet towel on the Commander-in- Chief of the Armed sessions of the Congress, and pledged to back Southeast Forces Mahinda Rajapaksa were of no avail and the most of the time he focused on Asian Nations on territorial war went on without interruption. taming an Asian country who disputes. Almost after a It is of significance that Ceylon Today’s precursors possessed the second largest month of his oath-taking, the Weekend Standard and thereafter Sunday Standard economy in the world after the American President held his encouraged the war effort from the very beginning, by US and soon likely to be in a first telephonic with the its defence correspondent setting out the military position to pose a serious Chinese Leader on 21 campaigns of rulers of the country to free it from South challenge to the democratic February 2021 and raised all Indian Tamil invaders the first of them being Sena and system of the world, of which these issues and the two Guttaka who ruled for 22 years, 22 years after the America is an undisputed Administrations also held demise of Devanampiya Tissa, in the article serialised leader. high-level talks on 19 March in the Weekend Standard between 25 March 2006, The 46th President of the 2021 in Anchorage, Alaska, and 29 April 2006 under the title ‘Saga of War and United States of America in which both sides levelled Peace’. appears restless while making a several charges against each It describes the military campaigns led by great policy to face the challenges other, resulting in hardening kings Dutugemunu, Walagamba, Dhatusena and posed by the People’s Republic of attitude in coming days. Vijayabahu I to free the country from Tamil rule. In the of China in past some years. On third and final instalment of the article quoting C.W. various occasions, after taking Policy in days to Nicholas in ‘A Concise History of Ceylon’ it is over the chair of the Head of the come mentioned: “An opportune time for a determined effort Executive of a country that also to expel the Cholas from Lanka presented itself and happens to be a superpower of The present US Vijayabahu took it. His operational plan provided for the world since the close of the Administration realised that the delivery of a two-pronged converging attack. Second World War in 1945 till the previous regime totally One column (the western one) advanced the date, and does not want any China’s growing power with its foreign policy, his first task misjudged Xi Jinping’s Kurunegala and Anuradhapura districts with other country to be its parallel policy of National Security was to correct the odds done intentions and Anuradhapura and Mantai as the objectives while the or coming in a position to defy Strategy (NSS). Both in the year in the previous regime, when aggressiveness, and other column (the eastern one) moved up the east American supremacy in areas of 2010 and 2015, he attempted to Donald Trump was the therefore, the new approach coast road swinging north-westward to capture US command at regional and develop Beijing into a strategic President of the United became a mix of promises to Polonnaruwa. global levels. partner that would not pose a States, and the country faced cooperate in areas of mutual The western column successively reduced the Chola Even without resting for 100 threat to the US-led Pacific many new experiments to concern like climate change, forts at Nuvarakele (near Hettipola), Batalagoda, days in office and enjoying the Security Structure. promote his personal likes but taking Beijing seriously Venaruva (near Kurunegala), Menikdena, Dambulla, fruits of his crushing success In contrast to this position, and dislikes. At large, to save and more directly in (near Maho), Nikaveratiya and Mahamadagalla (near after a tough Presidential when Donald Trump came to global democracy and US technology and military Polpithigama) and then captured Anuradhapura and Election, he moved on a power in January 2017, his leadership in the world, he competition in space and pushed to the great seaport Mahatittha campaign at national and team made it very clear that revived and strengthened the cyberspace. Like the earlier (Mantai). The eastern column captured Sankamam international stage to let China approach of the previous transatlantic alliance regime, the present one is of (west of Tirukkovi land other places in the Eastern down in global regional politics government about China had between the US and Europe anti-China orientation in Province and turned inwards to the Mahaweli Ganga. of the world. The new failed miserably and therefore, and recommitted the US to letter and spirit while Vijayabahu went first to Mahiyangana, and having Administration in the country is adopted a Hobbesian outlook, the NATO alliance and chalking out its China policy, set up camp there, made his final dispositions for the equally emphatic on domestic where States are competing for collective security. but in a more systematic and capture of Polonnaruwa. When he had made progress and foreign policy fronts and is advantage against each other. Apart from this, to counter expanded way, through towards the town and established a suitable position of the opinion that for more Adoption of this new/revised the challenge posed by multilateralism at regional for assault in its neighbourhood, he ordered the attack options in external relations, a approach by the Trump Russia and China, jointly and and global levels together to be launched. strong domestic economy along Administration meant clearly a separately, he reiterated with democratic countries The Cholas defeated in the ensuing battle which was with social stability is needed, policy departure from the two America’s commitment to the and by reviving/ fought outside the town, took refuge inside the fortress but on China he described his decades US policy, but Paris Climate Agreement, strengthening old alliances in which was at once invested by Vijayabahu’s forces. policy as “extreme competition” especially of Obama’s, whom with special emphasis on different zones of the world in The siege went on for one and a half months and the with Beijing and also persuaded President Trump succeeded. As international cooperation to the face of countering a Vijayabahu captured the town by storm. Congress to pass trillions of Trump upset a general set US combat COVID-19 as well as power, once very weak in The Cholas at Polonnaruwa fought desperately but dollars in new spending to unite policy of the country, his regime US defences against foreign- comparison, but today an hopelessly, for they knew that no help could be America’s allies in the Asia 2017-2021 became famous for sponsored cyberattacks and undisputed regional giant, expected from their homeland and that their retreat to Pacific region, but at the same its unpredictability and cyber espionage. Even in ready to become a threat to the coast was already cut off. To them it was a choice time announced spending on reneging of prior international respect of US policy toward world peace and security, in between surrendering early and trusting to the Sinhala investments necessary for the commitments, upending China, he introduced a sharp particular. In the present king’s mercy or of prolonging the struggle, suffering economy to compete with China diplomatic conventions, shift and focused on circumstances, China should great casualties and bringing down upon themselves and concluded that US survival embracing political and gathering to counter Beijing’s not be taken lightly, and a the wrath of the conqueror. It is a tribute to their as a democracy depends on how economic brinkmanship with coercive diplomacy in the flawless policy with strict courage and their loyalty to their king that they fought competition with China plays most adversaries, and straining region and beyond and away implementation and on till they were vanquished. out. relations with traditional allies. from economic competition as cooperation of all concerned Vijayabahu now marched to Anuradhapura and Background of the In other words, his ‘America earlier counted the issues of can meet the challenge posed entered the capital of his forefathers in triumph in First’ policy pursued nationalist fundamental difference- by Beijing in the years to 1070. Chola rule over Lanka had lasted seventy-seven policy foreign policy objectives and China’s military build-up, its come. years.” prioritised bilateral relations territorial ambitions and About the author: This article was published with a map showing the In the calculation of many, over multinational agreements. human rights, and found Dr. Rajkumar Singh, marching of Vijayabahu’s armies from Mahanagakula gone are the days, especially He often used economic Beijing guilty for being deep Professor and Head in the South to Polonnaruwa named Jananathapura before 2001, when the US pressure to advance its foreign authoritarian, stealing over Department of Political by the Cholas, Anuradhapura and finally pushing focused prominently on policy goals and triggered a one million manufacturing Science. Dean, Faculty of them to the sea from Manthai (Mannar). integrating China into the large-scale trade war with jobs from America, and Social Sciences, Bhupendra Weekend Standard and Sunday Standard also international community and China. breaking international trade Narayan Mandal published a large number of other articles, written by America’s apprehension of Joe Biden’s policy regulations, and firmly University, the same writer, describing the military campaigns of emergence of Beijing as a supported the US stand on Madhepura-852113, Bihar, our rulers fighting the western invaders such as the significant global economic orientations Hong Kong, Taiwan, as well India. Portuguese, to inspire those fighting the war against power led President Obama to as criticised China for human Email: the LTTE. turn to the policy ‘pivot to Asia’ As Joe Biden has laid equal rights violations against the rajkumarsinghpg@gmail. in 2011, designed to counter emphasis on domestic and Uyghurs. com focus wednesday 19 may 2021 A7

Colombo Port City The Destructive Myth of the Constructive Truth By Dr. C. G. Ilangakoon voters made the brutal blunder of domain, governed by the rules of the believing in the palpable lies of UNP associated Specific Regulatory The fundamental objective of the and SLFP leaderships and removed Authority of the central government, is writer of the present text is not to Motherland-saved leader Mahinda not a sole property of the CPCEC. declare that the Colombo Port City Rajapaksa from power. What Therefore it is a blended competence of Economic Commission (CPCEC) Bill is happened? Instead of communal inter-dependence, designed to be a document of jurisprudential terrorism, the God-prostituting ISIS executed in concurrence-Section 03, perfection. In truth, no legal terrorism of racist Zaharan was Subsection 05, Page 04. Further, the instrument in the world or their brought back to Sri Lanka and bill structures no section, in textualised normative contexts destroyed the lives of innocent people. whatsoever form, to restrict the powers culminate themselves in to the Hence, the Chinese colony slogan will and functions, vested in the Regulatory perfection of judicial ethicality. Even have no discernible impact on the Authority instituted by the government the Charter of the United Nations minds of the absolute majority. The of Sri Lanka. Hence, no law, written in consists of many ethically debatable Chinese colony is not a property of the relation to the area of the Colombo issues, particularly, of double “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor” - Port City, would contradict norms and standards. The other best example is the agenda of President Gotabaya rules of the mainland, in the void of the Statute, which instituted the UN Rajapaksa. the concurrence and consent of the Human Right Council. No legal norm, government-instituted Regulatory structured by greed-filled, hatred over- Right Regulation of Authority, within the ambit of the flowing and delusion-girded human- Geo-politics powers of which, the said rules are beings can ever be perfect. The only nestled - Section 03, Subsection 07, acceptable peak, such norms can As we all know very well, we Sri Page 05. There shall be a Master Plan reach is the near-perfection boundary, Lankans always had with India, not of Action for the CPCEC. All zoning which cannot be connoted as only sweet and harmonious Construction of Colombo Port City and other physical development perfection. Thus, the CPCEC Bill relationships, but also bitter agonies. activities within the area of the cannot and does not comprise an This state of affairs runs back to the Rajapaksa regime. Colombo Port Authority shall be done exception to the above mentioned era of Great Heladiva Ruler, King Who Presented the Bill? on the basis of it. The design and the “Near Perfection Boundary” rule. Ravana, and 5000 years later: The The loud ‘Chinese approval of this Master Plan have been If rightly focused, it can be deemed mother of all evil was born, when the If the Colombo Port City is a Chinese subjected to the concurrence of the to be expedient that some of the territory of Tamil Nadu was used to Colony shout’, is being Colony, its Bill of Administration President of Sri Lanka, or if it has been textualised properties of the Bill can be perch LTTE bases and train terrorist should have been presented by the assigned to a Minister, the proposed to be amended. Ex: (1) cadres to destabilise Sri Lanka. The vehemently yelled by Chinese President to ‘Quanguo Renmin concurrence of such Minister has to be Schedule 2, Sections 52 & 53, punishment for the heinous crime certain Motherland- Daibiao Dahui’ – (The National People's sought - Section 04, Sub Section 01, Enactments from or under which descended down right from God Congress of China) and it would have Page 05. The bill envisages no exemptions or incentives may be Himself, along with the execution of damaging and been embodied in the bill text itself. competence for the Commission to granted, Page 74 of the bill, (2) brutal explosion of the conspiring- politically-lopsided Yet, there was no such bill-based amend the Master Plan. In the case of Schedule 3, Section 73, Enactments head of the powerful politician of certified textual assertion by the the need for any such modification, it which shall have no application within international politics in to scattered psychologies, to gain Chinese President that : “I hereby has to be in consultation with the the area of authority of the Colombo and bleeding shreds. Extremely sad, promulgate the Colombo Port City developer of the Colombo Port City and Port City, Page 75 of the bill. Hence, a but, true. Hence, the regulation of undeserved Commission Bill of the People's most importantly, to be in empirical perceivable degree of practical space South-Asian geo-political relationships advantages, Republic of China, including concurrence of the President of Sri for the commission of omission and with the extreme presence of the Schedules I,2 and 3, regulating the Lanka or of the specific Minister augmentation of the bill is empirically Indian factor is a sine qua non and the compromising the Method for the Selection of the Chief appointed by the President on the available. But now, is the allegation of best state-of-the-art and the insightful Executive of the Colombo Port subject. This shall be more so, when Chinese colony a constructive truth or strategy, to produce the relationship economic prosperity City(CPC) Special Administrative the proposed revisions are inseparably a destructive myth? equilibrium is, the pragmatic and misbalancing the Region, Method for the Formation of its associated with the best interest of the amalgamation of a Super Power from Legislative Council and Its Voting advancement of the national economy, Best Defenders of the domain in to the unmistaken regional geo-political Procedures, National Laws to be with the national and defense interest Territorial Integrity management of diplomacy. In such a equilibrium of Sri Applied in the CPC Special and with the ensuring of the clarity demanding confusion, “China Administrative Region, and designs of enhancement of the business, carried The Chinese colony charge is being represents the best Sri Lankan option” Lanka the regional flag and regional emblem on in and from the operative area of leveled against the Rajapaksa regime. is an open secret. Therefore, the of the CPC Special Administrative the Colombo Port Authority-Section It is such a shameless effort of certain agreement of China to be the profit- Region”. 04, Sub Section 02, Page 05 of the bill. psychologies of politics, which do not producing partner of the economic experts are not allowed to manifest On the contrary, the Colombo Port It is also prescribed that the remember or it is rather truer to say, development of Sri Lanka, in the act of themselves pragmatically by those, City Economic Commission(CPCEC) Commission is obliged to submit an have intentionally forgotten the the construction of Colombo Port City, who are professionally not qualified. bill was presented by the Prime annual progress report to the devastation, the people of Sri Lanka comes to us as bliss, blessed by the The majority speakers substantiate Minister of Sri Lanka to the Parliament President of Sri Lanka. In it, the had to undergo, by reason of the war, Cosmic Divine. It orchestrates not only their arguments only with video- of Sri Lanka. The bill writes: progress on the implementation of the waged by the LTTE communal racists. the hub of prosperity, but also clipped scattered politicized “Presented by the Prime Minister and Master Plan must be articulated to the One of them said, “Any ox or buffalo revitalises the weakened, lopsided and utterances, with no empirical reference Minister of Finance, Minister of precision- . Section 04, Sub Section can wage a war”. The war had been geopoliticised disadvantage in to a to the textualised normative contents Buddhasasana, Religious & Cultural 04, Page 05. Besides, the Sri Lankan degraded in to a beggar’s wound, to revolutionised strategy of balanced of the bill. This is a very pathetic Affairs and Minister of Urban President has also been empowered by create an easy space for purchasing military interests. strategy, which has pushed and Development & Housing on 08th of the bill, to issue the all required war planes and ammunition, for pressed Sri Lanka down, to the April, 2021 (Published in the Gazette general and special directions in which, the people had to pay. The Jurisprudential Illiteracy defeating path to walk from pillar to on 24 March 2021)” – CPCEC Bill, writing to the Commission, if they are terrorist Velupillai Prabakaran had The loud ‘Chinese Colony shout’, is post with no purpose and direction. Page 01. Thus, the textual inception of so required in the national interest or been artificially puffed up in to an being vehemently yelled by certain The vision is good, yet, the mission is the bill itself rejects the “Chinese in the interest of the advancement of unconquerable hero. Sri Lanka had Motherland-damaging and politically- failing. The final result is zero. It is very Colony Fabrication”. Hence, the the national economy- Section 04, Sub been divided in to two territories, of lopsided psychologies, to gain unfortunate that even after 72 years branding of the bill as the statutory Section 05, and Page 06. The execution which, northern and eastern parts undeserved advantages, compromising from 1948, those who were elected to foundation of a Chinese colony is a of the development work, inclusive of were controlled by LTTE terrorists. the economic prosperity and govern Sri Lanka, have successfully politicized deception. Thus, in view of the construction and condominium Thus, it was thanks to the political and misbalancing the regional geo-political failed, in this management sine qua the above, thanking and conforming to parcels, along with the other activities military leadership of Rajapaksa equilibrium of Sri Lanka. Most of them non. Therefore, the majority Port City the space, granted by Ceylon Today, it and services, to be carried out in regime, coupled with the right are jurisprudentially illiterate and few dialogue of self-declared experts have was wished to take the Master Plan of compliance with the Master Plan and management of the international factor of those, who are good practitioners of been able to produce only a useless the bill, bury the destructive myth of development control regulations shall by the then Minister of Economic the legal profession, have their own cocktail of the debate, which has ‘Chinese Colony’ and reveal the be possible, only with the Development Basil Rajapaksa, the hidden personal agendas, destroyed all the beauty of its constructive truth of the ‘Colombo Port subordination of such process to the LTTE terrorism was crushed, peace incompatible with the investment understanding, the depth of clarity City’. normative context of the directions, as established and Sri Lanka was united imperatives and development interest and the possibility of growth. The Bill & CPCEC may be issued by the President of Sri under the Lion’s Flag. of the land. The performers of such In such a concatenation of confusing Lanka or if the subject is assigned to It is against such a leadership, the anecdotalism overtly declare one thing, circumstances, it was deemed truly Master Plan any Minister by such Minister – Part 2 Chinese colony allegation is being while covertly anticipating something expedient to exploit couple of statutory : Objectives & Powers, Duties & charged. The absolute majority of the else. properties of the ‘Colombo Port City The bill empowers the CPCEC to Functions of the Commission, Section voters of Sri Lanka are well aware of Besides, the Government seems to Commission Bill’ and structure a exercise and perform its duties and 06, Sub Section (k), Page 09 + 10 of the the fact that the Rajapaksa politics be devoid of empirical theoreticians, realm of right knowledge, to functions. In the discharge of such bill. never betray the Motherland. It only who are jurisprudentially qualified to intelligently and jurisprudentially statutory functions, the concurrence of (Dr. C. G. Ilangakoon is a Lawyer admires it, protects it, saves and scientifically analyze the “Chinese counter and bury the ‘Chinese Colony the pertinent Regulatory Authority has specialised in International develops it. There was a time, when the Colony Accusation” or such qualified Allegation’, being dashed against the been made a must. The regulation Treaty Law)

The Tall Target – Attempted assassination of President-elect Lincoln

Anthony Mann (“Winchester John Kennedy (Dick Powell) is a him and murdered on the train sympathiser unmarried sister ’73/”Reign of Terror”) brilliantly New York City sergeant who before he could deliver Kennedy’s Ginny (Paula Raymond) and their directs this first-class low-budget guarded Lincoln briefly once when train ticket. black slave-maid Rachel (Ruby black-and-white noir thriller that’s he campaigned in New York and Also aboard are a suspicious Dee); and there are also a number based on a true story: the has grown fond of the man and pompous Col. Caleb Jeffers of passengers who talk openly attempted assassination of when he had gotten wind of a plot (Adolphe Menjou), a Northern about their hatred for Lincoln. President-elect Abraham Lincoln. to assassinate Lincoln during the militia officer who is traveling to There are a number of incidents It’s taken from a story by George Baltimore speech, writes the War Baltimore to lead his troops in a between the beleaguered conductor Worthing Yates and Geoffrey Department and reports it to the procession, who lied about not Homer Crowley (Will Geer) and Homes; Yates and Art Cohn turn in Superintendent of the NYC Police, having a gun; a threatening Kennedy, as the earnest ex-cop on the intelligent and action-packed Straub (Tom Powers). stranger (Leif Erickson) who steals his own tries his best to keep out of screenplay. But his superiors not only ignore Kennedy’s identity, train ticket, trouble and avert the tragedy. It’s set in 1861 during a time of him but discredit him. In anger overcoat and gun; Mrs. Charlotte The understated performances by unrest over the issue of slavery and Kennedy quits and boards the Night Alsop (Florence Bates), a chatty the ensemble cast is nicely the anticipated Southern secession Flyer Express bound for Baltimore abolitionist novelist; a West Point achieved; Mann’s strong direction from the Union. and Washington as a private graduate named Lance Beaufort keeps things taut, fast-paced, very There is more than one assassin citizen, sans official backing, to (Marshall Thompson) who is well-detailed and nail-biting; and aboard a train from New York to thwart the plot. Once on board, the returning to his home state of one also gets a good feel for that Washington D.C. that will stopover expected trouble ensues as Georgia to resign his commission unstable time period in American in Baltimore, where Abe Lincoln will Kennedy’s best-friend colleague, and join the Confederate army and history. make a pre-inauguration speech. Inspector Tim Reilly, is mistaken for is traveling with his Southern (JK) A8 Wednesday 19 MAY 2021 Focus

Sri Lanka’s war victory, 12 years on… Lest We Forget The Sacrifices Made By Shaminda Wattegedara

The present day night sky over the Fearless leadership carved relentless Gaza strip harkens to Sri Lanka’s most recent memory. The Israeli forces have begun an offensive against the Hamas Organisation. The international media path to success continues to show the lamentations of the Palestinians considering their current plight. On one such occasion a Troops marched on to building which had housed the Those who international Media outlet Al-Jazeera was bombed, proving to all and sundry cannot remember the gravity of the situation. Before free motherland from terror launching the missile attack, the the past are Israeli forces had warned the condemned to occupants to evacuate the building. It LTTE defeated was later announced that the building repeat it had belonged to the Hamas. This is further proof of the gravity of the – George Santayana casualties of war. despite International meddling Sri Lankan society is currently in the grips of a different kind of struggle; controlling the spread of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The health authorities and the Tri-Forces terror group to all and sundry. including the Police are engaged in this However, on 18 May 2009 the guns ongoing struggle. were silenced for good. Before that However, 12 years ago the Security historic day the heroic operation that Forces were involved in a struggle to was initiated by the security forces to free this nation from the scourge of free innocents from the grasp of LTTE terrorism. The war claimed lives terrorist will be written on the pages of of innocent civilians for three decades history in gold. before it was brought to an end successfully. The events of the raging Against all odds conflict became news of the day in that The Leader of the LTTE was finally time. confined to his bunker; unable to However, this dark chapter in Sri Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is having a discussion with foreign delegates escape either from the sea, land or Lanka’s modern history is forgotten by through the air as he waited hopelessly most; intentionally or otherwise. They around 15,000 farmers was blocked of Sampur. The areas in that Province for the support of western forces to aid had even forgotten that terrorism had on the orders of the LTTE and this was such as Wakarai, Batticaloa and his escape. Several western been wiped out from the face of this the second such incident in the fourth Trincomalee which had been under representatives whose motive was to land and peace ushered 12 years ago. Eelam war waged by the terror group. LTTE control were freed at last. save the LTTE fighters went to meet Some had even conveniently forgotten This incident took place only six days Afterwards the Security Forces were in Colombo in 1993. Ex-President the then President immediately. The that people had lived in constant fear after the explosion at Kebethigollawa. able to regain control of Thoppigala on Chandrika Bandaranaike lost an eye former President did not meet the for their lives during the 30-year civil The former President who had studied 25 April. Among other nerve centres during a blast in Town Hall, Colombo envoys at the palatial President’s war. Hence the acts of terror the two incidents closely launched the including places of worship here that in 1999. The LTTE also took the lives House in the cozy confines of Colombo committed by the LTTE using child operation to reopen the Mawilaru were blasted to smithereens by the of prominent leaders such as Lalith but among the trees and shrubs at far soldiers as a shield against legally anicut. LTTE were the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Athulathmudali, Gamini Dissanayake, away Embilipitya. If not for the elected regimes here cannot be The anicut was freed from the grasp Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the massacre of Laxman Kadirgamar, Ranjan conclusive remarks the former forgotten in a jiffy. of the terrorists on 8 August. Five Buddhist Monks at Aranthalawa, Wijeratne, etc. President made on that day before the previous Governments had held peace explosion at the Dehiwela Railway There is proof that several powerful envoys, this country would still be in a Two events that changed talks with the LTTE to end the Station, bomb blast at Maradana, countries in the West had backed the struggle to free itself from the hands of everything hostilities. But, those talks were CBSL bomb blast, Telecom blast, LTTE financially on the sly. They had terrorists. Had the former President scuttled by the terrorists themselves World Trade Centre blast, Katunayake supplied the latest weapons to the given into their demands, this country It would be pertinent to recall here through their unjust and Airport attack etc. Tigers. The suicide cadre who claimed would have no doubt turned into a the tragedy that took place in unreasonable demands. Even Sri Lankan Presidents were the life of ex-Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi pitiful state like that of Iraq and Kebethigollawa area on 15 June, 15 After the success at Mawilaru, the targeted by the terror group. The and the blast that took place at Afghanistan years ago. A claymore bomb took the Security Forces had proceeded to the former President R. Premadasa was Meenabakkam Airport proved the There has been charges directed at lives of 68 innocents on that ill-fated Eastern Province and regained control assassinated during a May Day parade barbaric nature and brutality of this the then Government concerning day while another 40 managed to human rights. However, the present survive the blast albeit sustaining generation is not aware of the supreme serious injuries. The Media at the time sacrifices made by the tri-forces and reported that then President Mahinda Police to free this nation from the Rajapaksa had visited the blast site scourge of terrorism. A child who had ignoring concerns by the Security been born on the day the LTTE was Forces for his own safety. He told the vanquished would only be 12 years old people that day that his administration today. Hence it is not unfair for that will not let a repeat of the attack. This child to be unaware of what this remark by the President no doubt country went through during the would have rattled and ranked the height of the war. Today’s social media LTTE which by the time had been sites were not in vogue during the time known as world’s most barbaric terror of the hostilities. Hence it is the duty of group; if not the most ruthless. the people here to address this The Mawilaru anicut which had situation separately for the sake of supplied water for cultivations of future generations here. ASIA/NEWS WEDNESDAY 19 MAY 2021 A9 India’s COVID Tally Passes 25M; Cyclone Complicates Efforts in Modi’s State India total COVID-19 caseload Gujarat State, said 81 hospitals Monday the situation was turning to surged past 25 million on Tuesday designated for coronavirus patients “God’s mercy” and hurtling towards (18) as a powerful cyclone complicated had faced disruption to power a “third wave”. the health crisis in one of the States supplies, along with 16 other “If this is the state of affairs of five where the disease is spreading most hospitals, and 19 oxygen refilling districts, one can guess where we are quickly. plants. leading people of this state to, i.e. (a) COVID-19 tests were administered “Power supply has been restored to third wave of the pandemic,” the to 200,000 people evacuated from 29 COVID hospitals, 12 other state’s Allahabad High Court said. coastal districts of the western State hospitals, and six oxygen units, and Chandrakant Lahariya, a public of Gujarat before the cyclone struck work to restore supply is going on at policy and health systems expert, late on Monday (17) and efforts were a war footing at other places,” she said in the Hindustan Times being made to try to limit any spread said in a statement. newspaper that India’s vaccine policy of infections. In neighbouring Maharashtra urgently needed a reset. “Masks have been arranged for State, which was sideswiped by the “For six weeks now, India’s people shifted to shelter homes,” said cyclone on Monday, 1,000 vaccination drive has been Sandip Sagale, a top official in coronavirus deaths were reported struggling. How long must one wait Ahmedabad, the main city in Gujarat. overnight - the worst toll nationwide. before acknowledging that what was “Efforts are also made to maintain The infection rate in Maharashtra planned is not working? social distancing.” has soared 15 per cent in the last “Part of the problem seems to be India’s total tally of coronavirus two weeks, Government data the fact that there is political cases rose past the 25 million mark showed. decision-making in the areas that with 263,533 new infections over the The pace of vaccination in are purely technical. The political past 24 hours, while deaths from Maharashtra has fallen 30 per cent leadership should give a free hand to COVID-19 rose by a record 4,329. since peaking in early April, technical experts to decide and Only the United States has had according to data from the implement new strategies.” Healthcare workers a nd relatives carry a woman from an ambulance for treatment at a more cases, or a worse single day COVID-19 care facility, amidst the spread of COVID-19 in Mumbai, India (Reuters) Government’s Co-WIN portal. India, the world’s largest vaccine death toll, when it lost 5,444 people Since 1 April, 269 doctors have maker, halted exports a month ago on 12 February. But whereas the 25.23 million, while the death toll is generators to keep power running and died of COVID-19, 78 of them in the after donating or selling more than epidemic peaked months ago in the at 278,719, according to Health additional oxygen supplies. mostly rural State of Bihar, 66 million doses, and Government United States, there is no certainty Ministry data. But Aayush Oak, a top official in according to data released by the sources told Reuters it was unlikely that India’s infections have. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Amreli, the district hardest hit by the Indian Medical Association. to resume major exports of vaccines Though the official count shows new home State of Gujarat had suffered a cyclone, said preparations had paid “The surge has been very until at least October to prioritise infections subsiding, there are fears 30 per cent increase in infections off. devastating,” Jayesh Lele, secretary domestic needs. that the new, highly infectious since 2 May, while the total number of “We had already shifted COVID general of the IMA, told Reuters. India was one of the countries B.1.617 variant, first found in India, vaccinations administered in the patients from areas closer to the coast In the northern state of Uttar likely to benefit from U.S. President is running out of control and many State last week was just 1.1 million - to hospitals in other places three days Pradesh, home to more people than Joe Biden announcement on Monday cases, particularly in rural areas, are half the total of a month earlier. back and did not need to shift a single Brazil, rural areas have been that his administration would send going unreported due to lack of The storm complicated efforts to patient more. There is no disruption severely hit, as healthcare systems at least 20 million more COVID-19 testing. tackle the coronavirus in the State as of oxygen supply to any hospital,” Oak have struggled to cope. vaccine doses abroad by the end of India’s total caseload since the virus vaccinations were suspended for two said. Incensed by scarce testing and June. first struck over a year ago, stands at days, while hospitals awaited back-up Sunaina Tomar, energy secretary in tracing, a state court remarked on (Reuters)

Yangon, Myanmar Hong Kong, China

As tensions rise Hong Kong’s More than 800 killed by Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau Operations at Taiwan said the suspension in security forces operations meant requests for assistance from Hong representative of ce suspended Kong people in Taiwan since coup – Activists Hong Kong Government’s would be handled through More than 800 people have been State as the army battles local suspended on Tuesday (18) hotlines and via a Hong killed by Myanmar’s security militias. operations at its Kong Government website. forces since a wave of protests Thousands of residents in the representative office in Beijing sees Taiwan as broke out across the country after hill town in northwest Myanmar Taiwan in a sign of part of “one China” and has the military seized power in a were hiding in jungles, villages escalating diplomatic never renounced the use of coup in February, an activist and valleys on Monday after tension between the global force to bring group said. fleeing an assault by the military, financial hub and the under its control. Myanmar has been in turmoil witnesses said. democratically ruled island China has proposed that since the army ousted Nobel Peace Martial law was declared in that Beijing claims. Taiwan be brought under laureate Aung San Suu Kyi’s Mindat last week before the army Tension between Hong Chinese rule under a elected government and detained launched its assault, using Kong’s Beijing-backed similar “one country two her and officials of her National artillery and helicopters against a Government and Taiwan systems” arrangement it League for Democracy party. newly formed Chinland Defence have risen since pro- offered to Hong Kong when The military has responded to Force. The militia, armed mainly democracy protests it returned to Chinese rule protests by pro-democracy with hunting rifles, said it had erupted in Hong Kong in in 1997. supporters in cities and towns pulled back to spare civilians from 2019 and China responded All of Taiwan’s main with lethal force, while there has being caught in the crossfire. by imposing a sweeping A Hong Kon g flag is flown behind a pair of surveillance cameras political parties have been an upsurge in fighting Several residents reached by national security law in the outside the Central Government Offices in Hong Kong, China rejected the idea. (Reuters) between the army and ethnic Reuters said food was in short city that prompted many Hong Kong has long rebels in border areas and newly supply and estimated as many as activists to leave, some for the decision, it also looking to escape to served as an important formed militia forces. 5,000 to 8,000 people had fled the Taiwan. regretted it. Taiwan. trade and investment As of Monday (17), 802 people town. Roads were blocked and the A Hong Kong Government “We express deep regret Last year, Taiwan conduit between Taiwan had been killed in the junta’s presence of troops in the streets representative did not at today’s unilateral officials in Hong Kong were and China, which have no crackdown on its opponents, was preventing their return. provide an explanation for decision by the Hong Kong told their visas would not diplomatic relations. according to the activist group the “Almost everyone left the city,” the decision to halt Government,” Taiwan’s be renewed unless they The security law in Hong Assistance Association for said a volunteer fighter who said operations at the Hong Mainland Affairs Council signed a document Kong punishes what China Political Prisoners (AAPP). she was in a jungle. “Most of them Kong Economic, Trade and said in a statement. supporting Beijing’s claim broadly defines as “This is the number verified by are in hiding.” Cultural Office, adding Taiwan has criticised the to Taiwan under its “one subversion, secession, AAPP, the actual number of The United States and Britain only that the decision was security law that Beijing China” policy, a person terrorism and collusion fatalities is likely much higher,” have called on the army to avoid not related to the recent imposed in Hong Kong and with direct knowledge of with foreign forces with up the group said in its daily briefing. civilian casualties and a shadow rise in coronavirus cases in opened an office in Taipei the matter told Reuters. to life in prison. It detailed six additional National Unity Government Taiwan. to help people who may Taiwan’s Mainland Critics of the law fear it fatalities including in towns in formed by loyalists of Suu Kyi “The suspension is not want to leave. Affairs Council said this will crush the wide-ranging Chin State and in districts of the appealed for international help. related to the pandemic In August last year, month there were only freedoms promised when it main cities of Mandalay and A UN General Assembly vote on situation in Taiwan. We do China intercepted a boat eight Taiwanese staff returned to Chinese rule. Yangon. Tuesday (18) on a draft resolution not have anything further carrying 12 people from members left at its de facto Supporters say it has Reuters could not independently calling “for an immediate to add,” the representative Hong Kong, who had all consulate in Hong Kong, restored the stability that verify the casualties and a military suspension of the direct and said in a statement. faced charges related to the and that all their visas is essential for its economic spokesman did not answer a indirect supply, sale or transfer of Taiwan’s Government anti-government protests, were due to expire this success. phone call seeking comment. all weapons and munitions” to said that while it respected and were apparently year. (Reuters) The junta has previously Myanmar has been postponed, disputed the number of civilians diplomats said. that have died and said dozens of It was not immediately known CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 members of the security forces when a vote would be had also been killed during the rescheduled. Some diplomats said Beijing, China protests. it had been delayed in a bid to win The activist group said 4,120 more support. TenChina will arrested... tread carefully Udayanga to... people were currently being The draft resolution calls on the inThe relaxing 30-year-long its birth war policie againsts LTTE terrorismGovt came toto an relaxSpeaking birth to Ceylon Today aboutpolicy the new tourism but project, detained, including 20 who had Myanmar military to end a State forend fear 12 years of harming ago, on social 18 May. Weeratunga said 275 Russians will be coming to Sri Lanka on been sentenced to death. of emergency, stop all violence stability,Police Spokesperson even as the latest DIG Ajith Rohana said people were the first flight and he does not think it’s a risk to bring tourists Some of the most intense against peaceful protesters and censusbarred from highlights commemorating the any memberswary of the LTTE of socialunder a bio-bubble. risks “In my Ukrainian – travelSources bubble there fighting since the 1 February coup respect the will of the people as urgencyterrorist organisation.to address th Thee 10 suspectsdecline were without arrested having by the first controversialweren’t any coronavirus “one-child infected cases.families I brought could inexpan 7,000d and has emerged in recent days in expressed in the results of country’sKalkudah dPoliceeclining for planningbirth an eventaccumulated to mourn ththee death of policy”only two in per the cent late contracted 1970s the virusfaster, compared adding to to those poverty in Sri Mindat, about 100 km (60 miles) November’s election. trendsLTTE Leader and a geingVelupillai Prabhakaran.household They were wealth apprehended of G7 butLanka relaxed where r estrictionseven in an open in marketand over employment 10 were detected pressures, to from the Indian border in Chin (Reuters) population,by the Kalkudah policy Police sources around 11:30nations. a.m. yesterday on a tip- 2016be COVID-19 to allow cases.all couples This shows to thatthe the sources tourists said I arranged. to saidoff and. were detained for planning andTop leading leaders the are prohibited working havebring two to Sri children Lanka didas itnot spread the“ Ifvirus,” we free he upsaid policy, adding ceremony.Expectations The suspects for birth will be interrogatedout a broader further plan by to the cope triedbecause to rebalance of his group, its coronavirus willpeople not inspread the countryside and he is sure policyKalkudah reforms Police are and rising actions will bewith taken demographic against him under raboutapidly-ageing it. He claimed population. that tourism hascould seen be a more nosedive willing now to and afterthe Prevention the 2020 ofcensus Terrorism last Act (PTA).challenges, the sources The“if we change, don’t bring however, tourists faile byd August give 2021, birth it wouldthan those be in the week showed China’s said, including more toSeptember halt declining winter births. in 2022 and thencities, we will and lose there many could of those be population grew at its effective ways to encourage touristsThe sources coming said here.” they other problems,” said a slowest in the last decade childbearing by easing expectDespite Beijing a virus to clusterencourag evolvinge throughpolicy source just one who person declined who since the 1950s as births financial burdens on moreis infected childbearing by the virus, under Weeratunga to said, be identified there are dueissues, to th bute dITAKeclined and ageingholds... couples, rather than simply thehe iscurrent talking polic only yabout the ‘Russiansensitivity tourism’. of the matter. accelerated...Mullaitivu. and Mulliyawalai Policeremoving areas birthsince curbs.Monday framework,“The virus before can spread fully from one personThe sourcesand those are Indian involved (17)A fertilitynight. MP rate Shanakiyan of 1.3 RasamanikkamRaising had the postedretirement the liftingtourists, birth who restrictions came here was not myin arrangementpolicy discussions and I did bu nott childrenpictures ofper the woman commemorative in eventage, on which his social Beijing media has said obringver the them. next I am3-5 speaking years. only aboutnot Ukrainethe final and decision Russia.- 2020,accounts. on parAccording with ageing to the pictures,will apart be done from gradually, will RussianRemoving have birth not spread the virus minaking Sri Lanka process. and I take societiesRasamanikkam, like Japan MPs an M.A.d Sumanthiran,help slow Selvam a decline in the rresponsibilityestrictions could that ithave will not happen Thein the State future Council too,” added Italy,Adaikalanathan, underscores Dharmalingam the risk Siddharthan,workforce and Govindan eventually unintendedWeeratunga. consequences: He also disputed thatInformation hotel staff will Office not be did forced not forKanakarathnam, China: the world’ Thavarasas Kalairasan,ease pressures Sivagnam on Shritharan the ato limited work when impact the onindustry city has hit irockmmediately bottom. Ir espondhave reserved to second-biggestand Charles Nirmalanathan economy participatedunder-funded in the event. pensio n dwellers,five hotels w forho the are Russians reluctant and let’sReuters’ talk about request the staff for of those mayThe already MPs were be indressed in black andsystem, had lit they candles said. around a tofive have hotels more and children let’s check du oute if theycomment would like. to meet tourists ipiecerreversible of red andpopulation yellow cloth. China introduced a tocoming high costs,to Sri Lankawhile ruraor not,l he challenged. (Reuters) A10 WEDNESDAY 19 MAY 2021 WORLD

Washington, United States Hamas-Israel Supreme Court jumps into culture Fighting Abates as wars with abortion, Truce Calls Mount gun cases Cross-border fighting between Israel and Hamas appeared to abate slightly early on Tuesday (18), with no fatalities logged in Gaza for the first time since hostilities erupted on 10 May, and fewer long-range Palestinian rocket attacks. But a call by U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday (17) in support of a ceasefire appeared to go unheeded. Israel said it would press on, for now, with an offensive to destroy the capabilities of the The U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, U.S. 17 May 2021. armed factions Hamas and (Reuters) Islamic Jihad and rocket attacks continued. The Supreme Court has weakening Roe v. Wade likely The United States and other placed itself back on the would be viewed as political world powers have been frontlines of the U.S. culture by many Americans, helping pushing for an end to the wars by taking up major Democratic candidates draw fiercest escalation in the cases on abortion and guns, votes from political conflict in years, in which Smoke rises following an Israeli air strike on a building, amid a flare-up of Israeli-Palestinian fighting, in with rights cherished by moderates and suburban Gaza City, 18 May 2021. (Reuters) Gaza officials say 212 millions of Americans - and women, Clark added. Palestinians, including 61 Haifa in northern Israel, Hamas began its rocket said of the call with Israeli potentially the future of the "Taking something away children and 36 women, have protest organiser Raja Zaatar assault last Monday after Prime Minister Benjamin nation’s top judicial body from people is more angering been killed. told Reuters the strike had weeks of tensions over a court Netanyahu on Monday. itself - on the line. than giving them something There was no immediate closed 90 per cent of case to evict several The Israeli military's chief And to add to the drama, they've been asking for," word of Israeli casualties on businesses in Arab Palestinian families in East spokesman, Brigadier-General rulings in the two cases are Clark said. Tuesday. Ten people have neighbourhoods. Jerusalem, and in retaliation Hidai Zilberman, said it was expected to come next year in A Reuters/Ipsos poll of been killed in Israel, including Ra’afat al-Saman, a business for Israeli Police clashes with continuing to operate in Gaza the run-up to mid-term U.S. voters last year found two children, in previous owner in East Jerusalem's Palestinians near the city's in accordance with a target elections in a politically that 76 per cent of Palestinian rocket or missile Salahaddin Street, named Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam's list for the coming 24 hours. polarised United States that Democrats and 61 per cent of attacks. after the Muslim conqueror third-holiest site, during the "The IDF (Israel Defence will decide if President Joe independents, compared to In signs of a possible spread who seized Jerusalem from Muslim holy month of Forces) is not talking about a Biden's fellow Democrats 40 per cent of Republicans, of the violence, the Israeli the Crusaders in 1187, said Ramadan. ceasefire. We're focussed on maintain control over both agreed that "abortion should military said its troops shot he supported the strike. Yuval Steinitz, an Israeli the firing," he told Army chambers of Congress. be legal in most cases." John dead a Palestinian who tried to The road is just a few Cabinet Minister from Radio. Gaza residents The conservative-majority Malcolm, a legal scholar at attack them with a gun and minutes walk from Al-Aqsa Netanyahu's right-wing Likud counted at least 60 Israeli court on Monday (17) agreed the Heritage Foundation improvised explosives in the mosque, the third holiest site party, deplored the strike as strikes between midnight and to hear Mississippi’s bid to conservative think tank, said occupied West Bank and that in Islam, which lies in the "another blow to the delicate 10 a.m. (0700 GMT), a similar revive a Republican-backed rulings in the cases are it downed an unmanned aerial heart of the walled Old City fabric of relations and intensity to previous nights. State Law that bans abortion bound to prod not just vehicle (UAV) near the border on the historic compound cooperation between Jews But Gaza health officials said after 15 weeks of pregnancy, liberals but conservatives as with Jordan on Tuesday. known to Jews as Temple and Arabs" in an Army Radio they had no reports of a case that could undercut well. General strikes were held Mount and to Muslims as the interview. fatalities. Past tallies have the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling "Pro-life conservatives - Tuesday in East Jerusalem, Noble Sanctuary. The Gaza fighting, triggered been held up by difficulties in that legalised the procedure and there are a lot of them Arab towns within Israel and "I think that people are by Palestinian anger over reaching bodies buried under nationwide. out there - are going to be in the Israeli-occupied West more aware now. They close Israeli actions in Jerusalem, collapsed buildings or The justices on 26 April galvanized to say, 'Hooray, Bank, with posts on social their businesses, they go to has triggered often violent bunkers. In Israel, overnight agreed to take up a challenge Roe v. Wade is being chipped media bearing a Palestinian Al-Aqsa and to the streets, Jewish-Arab unrest within sirens indicated Palestinian backed by the National Rifle away at, and we need to elect flag and urging solidarity "from there are now more activities Israel. rocket salvoes were focussed Association to New York pro-life legislators," Malcolm the sea to the river". during a strike. In the past, Biden said Israel had the on border communities rather State’s restrictions on people added. Palestinian businesses people would go on strike and right to defend itself against than cities in the interior - carrying concealed handguns The gun and abortion across East Jerusalem were sit at home. I think that indiscriminate rocket attacks despite a threat by Hamas on in public, a case that could rulings could have shuttered, including in the people are now more aware of but encouraged it to make Monday to renew longer- further damage firearms consequences for the court walled Old City, and in the the concept of a strike,” he every effort to protect range attacks on Tel Aviv. control efforts nationally. itself. Biden on 9 April mixed Jewish-Arab port city of said. civilians, the White House (Reuters) The two cases will be formed a bipartisan argued and decided during commission to make the Court's next term, which recommendations on runs from October to June potential changes to the 2022. Court including expanding London, United Kingdom The term could be a the number of Justices Tax the Rich! blockbuster, with other beyond the current nine, a possible cases challenging goal of some liberals eager to Indian variant not voting restrictions enacted by end its conservative majority, Republican-led States or ending lifetime affecting vaccinated following former President appointments for Justices. Donald Trump's false claims The commission is due to older people of a stolen election and meet for the first time on affirmative action policies Wednesday (19). – Health Minister used by universities to Carrie Severino, resident of increase admissions of Black the Judicial Crisis Network Early indications are and Hispanic students. conservative legal group, said that vaccines are Wins for conservatives in liberal activists are trying to protecting the elderly the gun and abortion cases intimidate the court by against the variant of may actually help Democrats pushing for new seats to be concern first found in in the 2022 elections by added. India and most of the angering and motivating "The court cares more people hospitalised with liberal voters, according to about the Constitution than COVID-19 after some experts. toeing the liberal line," contracting it have not "I think the most likely Severino added. been vaccinated, Britain's outcome is that the Supreme Liberal activists remain Health Minister said on Court will make conservative enraged that Trump was able Monday (17). decisions in these cases, to make three appointments Matt Hancock said favoured by the political to the High Court, including Matt Hancock (Reuters) there were 2,323 right, and that will create filling one vacancy after confirmed cases of the "This shows the new activism and enthusiasm on Senate Republicans blocked B.1.617.2 variant, and in variant is not tending to the left, which could affect consideration of a nominee the north-west town of penetrate into older turnout," said Emory put forward by Democratic Bolton, the majority of vaccinated, groups, and University political science former President Barack the 19 who had been it underlines again the professor Tom Clark, a Obama in 2016. The Court hospitalised had not been importance of getting the Members of the Patriotic Millionaires hold a federal tax filing day protest out- specialist in Supreme Court now has a 6-3 conservative vaccinated even though jab," Hancock told side the apartment of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, to demand he pay his fair decision-making. majority. they were eligible. Parliament. (Reuters) share of taxes, in New York City, United States. A ruling overturning or (Reuters)

Berlin, Germany Final suspect detained in Green Vault jewel heist

German Police on Monday (17) were arrested last year, it said, adding alarm sounded, but the thieves evening detained a man on suspicion of that Police were still looking for the escaped. involvement in a 2019 jewel heist at a stolen items. The stolen jewels, including museum housing one of Europe's Abdul Majed R. was arrested in an diamonds and rubies, were worth up to greatest collections of treasures, the apartment in Berlin's southern district 1 billion Euros (USD 1.22 billion), Bild Dresden public prosecutor's office said. of Neukoelln and was taken to Dresden newspaper reported at the time, The 22 year-old man, identified as on Monday. Police seized a mobile without giving a source. Abdul Majed R. under reporting rules, phone and clothes as part of the The collection was brought together is the fifth and final suspect accused of search. in the 18th century by Augustus the stealing at least three sets of early 18th Security camera footage showed two Strong, Elector of Saxony and later century jewellery from Dresden's men breaking into the museum King of Poland, who commissioned ever Gruenes Gewoelbe or Green Vault through a grilled window in the early more brilliant jewellery as part of his A general view of Green Vault city palace, unique historic museum that Museum, the prosecutor's office said on hours of 25 November 2019. Officers rivalry with France's King Louis XIV. contains the largest collection of treasures in Europe after a robbery in Tuesday (18). The other four suspects were on the scene five minutes after the (Reuters) Dresden, Germany, 25 November 2019. (Reuters) wednesday 19 may 2021 b11

First Quarter Trade Deficit Widens by 11% to $2.1B

By Paneetha Ameresekere machinery and equipment Victoria, Kotmale, Randenigala, export levels, it said. Overall, imports up 19.7 per cent to Rantembe and Upper-Kotmale to merchandise exports in the 1Q Sri Lanka’s trade deficit in the $685.1 million and food and ‘run dry,’ thereby increasing the of the year grew by 12 per cent first quarter (1Q) of the year beverage imports up 18.5 per country’s dependency on diesel YoY to $2,982 million and accelerated by 11.12 per cent cent to $505.3 million, generated electricity to meet the imports by 12 per cent to $5,041 (US$206 million) year on year respectively. island’s power needs. million in the review period. (YoY) to $2,059 million; thereby The thrust to fossil fuel However, overall merchandise ‘Despite the continuation of causing depreciative pressure on imports was given by the import export earnings in March 2021 the import restriction measures, the rupee, Central Bank of Sri of refined fuel led by diesel, increased by 66.7 per cent to $ expenditure on merchandise Lanka (CBSL) data released which imports increased by 16 1,094 million, from low earnings imports increased significantly yesterday showed. per cent YoY to $753.5million from merchandise export in in March 2021 to $1,926 million Tuesday Markets The top four import drivers due to the failure of the rains. March 2020 ($ 656 million) which was the highest monthly responsible for the widening of This made Sri Lanka to depend during the first wave of the import value since March 2018, the trade deficit in the review on the costlier diesel driven COVID-19 pandemic, CBSL said. CBSL said. ‘Increase in import ‘Spot’ Down period were fossil fuel imports electricity generation to meet its Further export earnings in expenditure was attributable to up by three per cent YoY to power needs as the drought March 2021 compared to the combined impact of both $977.2 million, fabric imports up impacted the Mahaweli hydro- February 2021 also raised export higher import volumes and Rs 12.25-11.75 14.2 per cent to $710 million, electric reservoirs comprising earnings towards pre-pandemic prices,’ it added. By Paneetha Ameresekere

In the interbank foreign exchange market, the administered ‘spot’ in two way quotes was quoted unchanged at Rs199.75/200.25 to the Singer Group FY US dollar at 4 p.m. for the third consecutive WB Funding to market day to yesterday, with, ipso facto, no trades done, market sources told this reporter. 2020/21 PAT Rs 2.61B Yesterday was the 14th consecutive market day that no trades were executed in the Digitise GoSL Revenue up 23% to Rs 67.41B interbank foreign exchange market due to importers believing that there is room for the administered ‘spot’ to ‘further’ strengthen in The Information and and by enhancing the value, they said. Communication Technology capacity of the GoSLcloud The market exchange rate (MER) has Agency (ICTA),with support infrastructure (LGC 2.0) to depreciated by between Rs12.25-11.75 (6.53- from the World Bank’s (WB) support more services. 6.23per cent) in two way quotes in the calendar Contingency Emergency A disaster recovery site will year to yesterday and year on year by between Response Component (CERC), also be established for LGC Rs12.05-12.45 (6.42-6.63 per cent) , thereby is planning to bring services 2.0 so that critical data is not causing cost-push inflationary pressure as Sri online to 10 selected lost in times of exogenous Lanka is an import dependent economy. divisional secretariats, shocks, including natural Chairman Mohan Pandithage & Co-Chairman CEO Mahesh Wijewardene Yesterday saw a liquidity appreciation of Rs 1, through piloting the ‘form. disasters such as flooding Dhammika Perera 758 million (US$8.81 million) led by the gov.lk’ initiative , a cloud- and cyclones, it said. settlement/s of transactions pertaining to based Software-as-a-Service ‘But in order to reap the Showcasing its Group has been with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s (CBSL’s) swaps with (SAAS) platform, the WB said benefits of digital dominant market quick to respondto sustainability of its the market and/or Government of Sri Lanka’s on Monday (17May). technologies, the country now leadership and brand an unprecedented future (GoSL’s) dollar sales to and/or swaps with The platform will leverage needs to ensure that access equity, the Singer demand for digital cashflowssecured a CBSL. Transactions between GoSL and CBSL existing infrastructure such to high-speed and affordable Group announced a adoption by multi-notch rating are foreign reserves neutral. Conversions are as the Government of Sri Internet is available to all post-tax-profit of expanding its range upgrade in Fitch based on CBSL’s administered ‘spot’ rate on Lanka’s (GoSL’s) Cloud (LGC citizens including in remote Rs2.61 billion for the of digital devices Ratings. Accordingly, Thursday which was Rs 199.50 to the US dollar. 2.0), GoSL’s cloud computing areas of the country and FY 2020/21 from including laptops, the Group’s credit Consequently net excess liquidity increased by infrastructure, and the Lanka across income groups and Rs427.27 million tablets and smart rating was upgraded 1.54 per cent to Rs 116,143 million yesterday. Government Network, GoSL’s gender,’ the WB emphasised. achieved in the phones which were to AA (lka) from CBSL’s face value money printing (FVMP) private network which It also needs to ensure that previous year. The amply made available BBB+ (lka) and the remained unchanged at Rs 874,016.17 million connects 860 GoSL offices the right policies, laws and Group also reported to the consumers by outlook was rated as yesterday. GoSL’s FVMP debt has been over Rs countrywide. regulatory frameworks are in a profit-before-tax of leveraging on the stable. 0.5 trillion for a record 130 consecutive market The proposed solution will place to protect the security, Rs 3.82 billion, a six- island-wide branch Commenting on the days to yesterday due to lack of revenue. offer the public and data and rights of all fold increase, network. The Group’s Group’s performance, GoSL’s MP borrowing costs (MPBCs) sharply businesses the capability to especially the vulnerable, it compared to Consumer Durables, Mahesh decreased for the second consecutive market fill and submit relevant added. 2020/21. Home Appliances Wijewardene, Group day to yesterday, this time by 0.86 per cent (Rs information and documents These developments come Singer Group’s and Agro product Chief Executive 179.94 million) to Rs 20,666.89 million due to digitally without having to in the backdrop that in early revenue increased by portfolio also Officer said, “Despite investor preference for the low returns, riskless visit GoSL offices, the WB 2020, when the COVID-19 23% to Rs67.41 witnessed a steady the disruptions and Treasury (T) Bonds and T Bills in secondary said. These pilot services will lockdown began, Sri Lanka’s billion, reflecting a growth especially unprecedented market trading rather than lend to the private range from civil registrations food supply chain was strong growth across during the second uncertainty sector, the engine of growth, due to sustained (births/deaths) and small significantly disrupted key product half of the financial presented by the uncertainty. business registrations to leaving farmers and categories across all year with the gradual COVID-19 pandemic, MPBCs are prorated to the weighted average allowing farmers to process consumers to face the channels. Top line opening up of the the tenacity and yields fetched in secondary market trading of Police permits for adverse effects of the growth coupled with country. The Group’s enterprising spirit of Treasury (T)-Bills and T-Bonds. On 31 transporting crops. pandemic, the WB further continuousfocus on e-commerce platform Team Singer December 2020 due to less rigid controls, the Once the system is said. driving operational also performed propelled the MER then, which was one week’s forwards, was successfully piloted in Wholesale and retail excellence, exceedingly well organisation to trading at Rs187.50/188.50 to the dollar in two selected divisional secretariat markets were closed and digitalisation and during the year, in achieveexcellent way quotes as at 4 p.m., while a year ago, the (DS) offices, the platform can traders were encouraged to efficient working line with financial results. MER which was the ‘spot’ due to ‘no controls’ be scaled to other deliver food items directly to capital management theexponential As we move was trading at Rs.187.70/80 to the dollar in two Government organisations, doorsteps following strict resulted in the growth inonline forward, we are way quotes. CBSL deals in ‘spot.’ ‘Spot’ trades reducing travel and building health guidelines. Group’s operating platforms. excited about are settled after two market days from the date efficiency in service delivery However, to sell and deliver profit increasing by During the year actioning the of trading. including in areas outside of food items and agricultural 31% to Rs5.38 billion under review the strategic initiatives Chrissworld begins trading at urban centers and products, small traders were during the year. company was which were crafted contributing to Sri Lanka’s required to register at the The Group’s successful in with lot of immediate premium to IPO price green recovery. (DSs), local-level financial position augmenting its deliberation and The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) empower CERC will also build administrative units which also strengthened product offering and looking forward for Board debutant Chrissworld (CWL) started resilience in public service serve as the primary citizen during the year, successfully the rolling out of trading yesterday at a 128% premium to the IPO delivery by enabling GoSL delivery points. driven by a upliftedthe after- Group’s rebranding price of Rs 7.5. The share continued to rise in officials to work remotely, the But GoSL office closures consistent growth in sales exercise which is value and hit a high of Rs 20.90. The share WB said. significantly affected this asset base and a servicestandards expected to evolve us ended the day’s trading at Rs 17.10. (IG) This will be done through process. Meanwhile, there considerable decline whilst being able to into a future-fit the implementation of a was no means to submit and in borrowings. improve the speed to brand with a solid GoSL-wide email and process permit requests As Sri Lanka’s market. foundation in trust, Bullish run continues collaboration solution and electronically, the WB further leading consumer The Group’s robust partnership and video conferencing facilities said. (PA) durables retailer, the performance together stability.” for 5th day at CSE By Mario Andree

The bullish run continued at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) for the fifth consecutive GSMA calls on governments to license 6 ghz to power 5g day as the benchmark index gained on Tuesday (18) on a modest turnover with some foreign 5G’s economic potential at risk as countries diverge on critical 6 GHz spectrum entry from the Colombo Bourse. The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI), The global future of 5G is at available for 5G, but rather will be essential to fostering the massive, • Make at least 6425-7125 MHz which started the day at 7,350.14 points risk if Governments fail to align offered to Wi-Fi and other long-term investments in this available for licensed 5G; gained 5 points (1.69 per cent) to close at on licensing 6 GHz spectrum, the unlicensed technologies. critical infrastructure.” • Ensure backhaul services are 7,355.14 points its, highest since 21 April. The GSMA' or Global System for The 6 GHz band is essential not The World Radiocommunication protected; and more liquid S&P SL20 index, which started the Mobile Communications, said only for mobile network operators Conference in 2023 will provide • Depending on countries’ needs, day at 2,941.07 points gained 14.97 points yesterday.. to provide enhanced affordable the opportunity to harmonise the incumbent use and fibre (0.51 per cent) to close at 2,941.07 points. The full speed and capabilities connectivity for greater social 6 GHz band across large parts of footprint, the bottom half of The day’s turnover neared Rs 2.66 billion, of 5G depend on the 6 GHz mid- inclusion, but also to deliver the the planet and help develop the the 6 GHz range at 5925-6425 lower than the Rs 2.73 billion recorded during band spectrum. Yet Governments data speeds and capacity needed ecosystem. MHz could be opened on a the Market’s previous day’s trading. are already diverging: China will for smart cities, transport, and 5G is accelerating the digital license-exempt basis with Shares of 253 listed companies were traded use the entire 1200 MHz in the 6 factories. It is estimated that 5G transformation of all industries technology neutral rules. during the day of which 87 were winners GHz band for 5G. Europe has networks need 2 GHz of mid-band and sectors, unleashing new The GSMA represents the comfortably ahead of 77 losers. split the band, with the upper spectrum over the next decade to waves of innovation that will interests of mobile operators More than 139.8 million shares changed part considered for 5G, but a new deliver on its full potential. benefit billions. This technology is worldwide, uniting more than 750 hands during the 22,057 trades that took 500 MHz tranche available for “5G has the potential to boost crucial for the environment and operators with almost 400 place. Wi-Fi. Africa and parts of the the world’s GDP by $2.2 trillion,” climate goals as connectivity companies in the broader mobile Foreigners entered the CSE on Tuesday (18) Middle East are taking a similar said John Giusti, Chief replaces carbon. In order to reach ecosystem, including handset and after 13 days of exits. The net foreign inflow approach. Regulatory Officer for the GSMA. all users, however, industries will device makers, software during the day amounted to Rs 187 million as At the other extreme, the US “But there is a clear threat to this require the extra capacity that the companies, equipment providers foreigners purchased shares worth Rs 108 and much of Latin America have growth if sufficient 6 GHz 6 GHz band offers. and internet companies, as well million as against sales worth Rs 78 million. declared that none of this spectrum is not made available Therefore, GSMA calls on as organisations in adjacent valuable resource will be made for 5G. Clarity and certainty are governments to: industry sectors. B12 CEYLON FT WEDNESDAY 19 MAY 2021 NEWS Dipped Products Achieves President to inaugurate SLIF 2021 Highest Turnover of Rs 46.39B Gotabaya Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka will inaugurate the Sri Lanka Dipped Products PLC (DPL), a global which demonstrated extraordinary supported by operating efficiencies Investment Forum (SLIF) leader in protective handwear and a agility in navigating the complexities across manufacturing operations and 2021. subsidiary of Hayleys PLC, delivered stemming from the COVID-19 increased contributions from high-value The President, in inviting phenomenal growth in an pandemic. The Sector delivered a products. The Sector’s efforts to drive global investors to participate extraordinarily challenging year to revenue growth of 70 per cent to operational excellence through programs in “Sri Lanka’s Growth achieve the Company’s highest turnover Rs.30.41 billion supported by increased such as TPM, Lean and Six Sigma Decade”, stated that “Sri and profit-before-tax in the financial capacity utilisation driven by relentless continue to deliver results through Lanka is looking to unleash a year ending 31 March 2021. The DPL focus on process efficiencies and sustained improvements in efficiencies decade of growth to rapidly Group’s turnover increased by 52 per productivity coupled with capacity and productivity. Dipped Products increase its GDP, taking cent to Rs.46.39 billion while profit expansion and acquisition of new (Thailand) Limited and ICOGUANTI, the advantage of its inherent President Gotabaya Rajapaksa before tax increased to Rs.7.19 billion customers. As prevalent conditions led marketing arm based in Italy, also strengths and global supply during the year. to disruptions in supply chains, DPL delivered strong growth supported by chain shifts. Our strategic spanning a wide spectrum of Commenting on the performance, leveraged on the strength of its increased customer penetration. location combined with our industry sectors and Dipped Products and Hayleys PLC relationships with local farmers through Managing Director of DPL, Mr. Ng Soon business-friendly policies will corporate entities. Chairman, Mohan Pandithage said, the DPL Firstlight program to secure Huat attributed the Sector’s superior be an accelerator for this The International Finance “DPL’s performance attests to its continued access to raw materials, performance to relentless efforts by the fast-paced growth. The Sri Corporation (IFC), a member resilience and adaptability to rapidly thereby ensuring consistent value DPL team to ensure continuity of Lankan Government is pro of the World Bank Group, changing dynamics, particularly in an injection across the rural economy. The operations despite the many challenges development. We proactively Boston Consulting Group unprecedented year such as 2020/21 Plantation sector also performed that prevailed. “Our employees rallied support businesses, as is (BCG), Port City Sri Lanka which led to dramatic shifts in how commendably. together in delivering the Group’s evident from our progressive and HSBC will bolster the organisations operate”. Meanwhile, the Hand Protection sector strategy, which enabled us to effectively policies, policy consistency, first of its kind International The performance of the year is driven delivered a significant growth in PBT cater to the increase in demand for and fiscal incentives. The Forum in the capacities of primarily by the Hand Protection sector during the year, as margins improved gloves during the year”. upcoming Port City will Knowledge Partner, Strategic create an even more Partner, Flagship Project conducive environment for Partner and Banking Partner Foreign Direct Investments respectively. Microsoft, into Sri Lanka. We are Technology Partner to SLIF focused on making Sri 2021 will power the virtual Lanka a hub for global collaboration platform Piramal Glass Com Bank helps business activities across enabling Plenary Sessions, diverse sectors, and we are Virtual Forum and excited to invite global Exhibition rooms and One on FY 2020/21 companies to establish their One Corporate Sessions with VTA grads find presence in Sri Lanka to participation from across the PAT up 181 make the most of this Globe. opportunity.” SLIF 2021 is also SLIF 2021 is billed to be supported by Asia Securities per cent to gainful employment the region’s first and largest (Platinum Sponsor), Shangri- Virtual Investor Forum and La (Hospitality Partner), will be held from 7to 9 June SLASSCOM (IT-BPM- Sector Rs 1.1B 2021. The three-day virtual Partner), FairFirst Insurance event, jointly organized by (Insurance Partner), Dialog Piramal Glass Ceylon PLC reported the Board of Investment, The (Communication Partner), its annual results as at 31March 2021, Ceylon Chamber of Citibank and CAL (Gold with a turnover of Rs 8,532 million Commerce and the Colombo Sponsors), NSB Fund and PAT of 1,096 million as against Stock Exchange will Management, CT CLSA and Rs. 7,531million and Rs 389 million in showcase Sri Lanka’s FDI NDB Investment Bank (Silver the previous year, reflecting a y-o-y and Capital Market Sponsors) and Melstacorp growth of 13 per cent in revenue and a opportunities to investors and Softlogic Stockbrokers y-o-y growth of 181 per cent in PAT. from across the globe (Bronze Sponsors). The domestic sales during the year grew by 13.4 per cent from Rs. 5,240 million to 5,944 million and the Export market grew by 13 per cent from Rs. 2,291million in F20to Rs. 2,588 million in F21. CEAT Kelani donates During the quarter (Q4) under review, revenue of Rs. 2,571 million was achieved as compared toRs.1,699 HFNO equipment to million in the corresponding period in the previous year, reflecting a growth Karapitiya Hospital of 51 per cent. The company reported a profit after tax of Rs.401 million for the quarter as compared to Rs.59 million in the corresponding quarter in the previous year. The company achieved a domestic sales growth of 40 per cent to Rs. 1,767 million as against Rs. 1,258 million in the similar period Students at VTA training programmes in the previous year. In the export segment, the sales grew by82 per cent The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has Construction, Sripalie Construction, from Rs. 441 million in the previous helped 210 school leavers find lucrative and Access Engineering with an entry year to Rs.804 Million during the employment after completing level salary of Rs 50,000 upwards. quarter under review. Vocational Training Authority (VTA) Officials of the VTA and the CSR Unit of The gross margin for the quarter training programmes and obtaining Commercial Bank met with the increased from 16 per cent to 24 per National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) management of these companies on cent as compared tothe similar period certifications. many occasions and requested them to Donation to Karapitiya Hospital of the previous year. For the full year The Bank has been a part of the persuade the new recruits to continue ended 31 March 2021, the company VTA’s initiative to train students who their pursuit of NVQ Levels four, five, CEAT Kelani Holdings recently donated two High Flow Nasal achieved a gross profit margin of 22 drop out of school after Grade 10 to and six and ultimately earn the Oxygen (HFNO) delivery systems to the Karapitiya Teaching per cent. with skills necessary to thrive in the seventh and last certification which Hospital in Galle, the largest tertiary care centre in Sri Lanka’s The earnings per share stands at country’s construction industry since isa Civil Engineering Degree offered at Southern Province. Rs.1.15 in F’21 as against Rs. 0.41 in VTA first launched a specialised the University of Vocational The donation was in response to a request from Dr F’20.The Board of Directors has intervention titled ‘120 Days Training’ Technology, Ratmalana. Krishantha Jayasekara and Dr Crysantha Perera to CEAT proposed a dividend of Rs.0.58 per in 2015 to address the skills gap in the Commenting on its role in VTA’s Kelani Chairman Chanaka De Silva. Costing Rs 2.7 million, share, which is 50 per cent of FY21 construction sector. training initiative, Commercial Bank the HFNO equipment meets an urgent need to supplement the PAT. The programme entailed providing Managing Director S. Renganathan non-invasive ventilator facilities for patients with severe Sanjay Jain, ED and COO, said: “The students with theoretical and hands-on said: “We recognise that the country’s hypoxic respiratory failure. High Flow Nasal Oxygen delivery Company continues to make in roads training in the fields of masonry, labour force is one of the most systemsare used to bridge patients being weaned from invasive in new international markets and has carpentry, and plumbing. Trainees that important factors in development, ventilation. successfully completed multiple successfully complete their 120-day irrespective of the sector. A skilled CEAT Kelani Holdings has made a series of donations of product launches. The strategy to course are awarded the NVQ Level 3 workforce is critically important to the equipment and consumables to key state institutions at the innovate in new product design and certificate. The syllabus also includes construction industry and by forefront of the effort to combat COVID-19 over the past one development, with increased global English language training specific to supporting VTA’s programme we hope year. Among the beneficiary institutions were the National footprint has helped the Company the construction industry, which would to contribute to the sector’s Institute of Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, Sri effectively mitigate demand enable students to be eligible for foreign development while helping build Jayewardenepura General Hospital and its Postgraduate fluctuations in its existing markets employment. young Sri Lankans find rewarding Medical Training Centre, Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, due to the pandemic situation.” Commercial Bank supported the careers.” the Badulla General Hospital and the Sri Lanka Police.CEAT Piramal Glass Private Limited, the initiative between 2015 and 2020 by He noted that most of the students Kelani also contributed Rs 2 million towards the cost of controlling shareholder of the funding the resource personnel who belonging to the first batch that construction of a new 106-bed Army Hospital at Pallakele in Company, entered into a Share Sale conducted motivational training at completed VTA’s 120 Day Training Kandy, and donated 1,000 boxes of essential protective and Purchase Agreement dated the these programmes and printing and programme are now NVQ Level 5 materials to the Sri Lanka Police and tyre dealers islandwide. 10December 2020 for the sale of its providing training material pertaining certified professionals who pursued In the picture, CEAT Kelani Managing Director Mr Ravi entire shareholding in the Company to to the course. their training while at work. “It is Dadlani (second from right) presents the HFNO delivery PGP Glass Private Limited (the “Share Further, in collaboration with the heartening to note that if one is equipment to Dr Krishantha Jayasekara in the presence of Transaction”).Accordingly, the Share VTA the Bank also helped find enthusiastic in this field, he or she (from left) Dr Harshanie Ubeysekara - Deputy Director, Dr Transaction was executed on the employment opportunities for these can become a qualified and Nishani Ubeysekara - Deputy Director, Dr Crysantha Perera Colombo Stock Exchange on the students at reputed companies experienced Civil Engineer at the age and Chief Matron Mrs Ranjanie Madugoda of the Karapitiya 30March 2021 at a price per share of including Maga Engineering, Nawaloka of 23,” Renganathan added. Teaching Hospital. Rs. 11.60/-.PGP Glass Private Limited thereafter made a mandatory offer to the remaining shareholders of the Company as required under and in terms of theCompany Takeovers and Mergers Code, 1995(the “Code”) by its Offer Document dated the 31 March JAT Holdings launches ‘WHITE By 2021at the same price, which was subsequently revised upwards to Rs. 11.86/- on the 20 April 2021. The said mandatory offer has since been JAT’, A Superior Emulsion Paint completed as per the provisions of the Code. Adding yet another ground-breaking product ‘colouring the world in white’, allowing the Holdings’ effort to formulate a superior PGP Glass Private Limited (formerly to its portfolio, the launch of WHITE by JAT world to witness the beauty of whiteness. emulsion paint which provides a great finish, known as “Pristine Glass Private has reaffirmed JAT Holdings as an innovative WHITE by JAT resembles purity, cleanliness film-like smoothness, larger area coverage, best Limited”) is a private limited company organisation in Sri Lanka, which always seeks and elegance, all of which are qualities that opacity and whiteness when compared with incorporated under the laws of the to provide best quality products to its modern consumers seek to instil in their homes offerings from its competitors in the market. Republic of India. customers. and work environment. Regardless of the emulsion’s prized qualities, The WHITE by JAT range of brilliant white The launch of this range of brilliant white the product is priced at a significantly low emulsion paint was aspired by the vision emulsion paints is the culmination of JAT price, making it affordable for everyone. Insight Wednesday 19 MAY 2021 CEYLON FT B13 Are We Getting the Colombo Port City Financial Centre Right?

By H. Dabarera and KD Vimanga has ultimately failed in winning over the confidence of the public and Background investors due to the arbitration proceedings dragging on for too long The Colombo Port City Commission (as long as three years in certain Bill is to be debated in Parliament this instances). In the world of finance, week. Over the last few weeks, Sri time is money as money never sleeps. Lankans have contemplated if the So special emphasis must be placed proposed Colombo Port City is the on maximising efficiency within the messiah that will rescue the country’s arbitration process. Additionally, economy or whether it is another constant political instability in the Trojan Horse that will throw firewood country and the failure of the judiciary into the already smoldering regional to uphold rule of law has also acted as geopolitical furnace. hindrances to propel Sri Lanka as a The Port City as a model has the global hub for International potential to be a driver of growth. For Arbitration. that, it must be governed well within a It is therefore evident that if the Port globally accepted, transparent and City is to become like Singapore or accountable regulatory framework. Hong Kong as an International The project can bring in much needed Arbitration Centre it needs to foreign investment and kick start introduce sound principles that are growth especially at a time when the attracting investors to bypass financial regulatory system is and other entities within the Port City able to win over the confidence of the state of public finance is weak with a established financial centres will take addressed, if the Port City is to be shall be resolved by way of arbitration. business community. looming risk of default of debt. significant effort. The operated as a productive financial Further, all agreements made by every Legal Neutrality, Jurisdic- The major part of the investment for comparative advantage Sri Lanka centre. authorised person with the the Colombo Port City has already offers must be unique to attract the A second serious drawback of the Commission should have a provision tional Independence been made, hence there’s no option global investor. drafted Bill is the lack of an accepted on mandatory reference to arbitration other than making use of it and The Island’s geographic proximity to global recognised governing framework for any dispute that arises within the It is also important for the making it work. However, it must be the sub-continent and the present such as English Law. If we are going to Port City. The International Arbitration International Arbitration Centre at the done in a manner that does not geopolitical landscape of securing benchmark ourselves with established Centre shall be the sole authority to Colombo Port City to establish legal compromise the best interests of Sri friends and off-shore assets by the financial centres such as Singapore hear all such disputes within the Port neutrality in the eyes of International Lanka and our regional partners. regional super powers makes a and Dubai, the said financial centre City. Stakeholders. Legal neutrality is of The proposed Bill aspires to have a compelling case for many to develop must be framed around English However, with regard to disputes utmost importance for a Financial financial centre within the proposed the Colombo Port City as a regional Common Law. The rationale for this that authorised persons within Port Centre as impartiality is key to attract “special economic zone” in the likes of hub to manage money from the heavy stems from the fact that, English City can face over business activities investors and reputed financial financial centres such as Singapore, rollers in the region. Common Law underpins the legal carried out with other entities from all institutions. Hence, ‘trust’ in resolving London and New York. Then it is However, becoming such a magnet systems of the world’s four top over the world, they will have the disputes impartially and transparently crucial that such a centre maintains a for investment can only be done by international financial centres— discretion to resort to any form of has be a deal maker for the Colombo separate legal and regulatory building bridges with our regional London, Hong Kong and Singapore. conflict resolution; litigation or any Ports City to become a success, framework that is unhindered by the partners. But the question is, is that This is further exemplified by how the form of Alternative Dispute Resolution especially as it will be competing with delays and loopholes in the local court simply enough? One might argue yes, Dubai Financial Centre functions as (ADR) mechanism in any jurisdiction financial centres in the region of the system and is established in as Sri Lanka’s economy is only a an independent jurisdiction governed of the world. Hence, the reputation of likes of Dubai and Singapore who enjoy accordance with international norms shade above 80 billion USD. However, by an English Common Law our International Arbitration Centre reputational synergies due to the merits and practices. If implemented the question arises if the global framework which is distinct from the will matter immensely. Especially if we of maintaining neutrality and efficiency. correctly, a financial centre can open financial elite such as HSBC, rest of the UAE. Such a framework will are to ensure that these disputes can This makes a serious case for the up opportunities in investment Deutsche Bank, Citi Bank, Bank of bring in operational and cross even be heard within the Port City in Colombo Port City to be an banking, insurance, off-shore financial China, IOB, JP Morgan etc, will enter jurisdictional mobility. This is because the form of ADR. This will bring in independent jurisdiction within an services, hedge funds, institutional Colombo Port City to do business. the global financial sector already much needed business to the English Common Law framework. investors, clearing houses, etc. A Is providing tax concessions simply functions on an English Common Law arbitration centre while reducing the An International Arbitration Centre financial centre combined with going to entice these reputed banks? dominated platform. Moving to cost to the investors within the Port manned by local expertise may not international living standards and Observing the behaviour of these complaint jurisdiction with the same City as other centres such as London, deliver the credibility investors seek financing options can also be banks simply illustrates that a vast legal norms is the standard best New York, Singapore, Hong Kong, from a virgin financial zone that has to attractive for tech startups especially majority of them make big investment practice. Dubai, etc, will be a costlier option compete with established facilities those aspiring to operate in the South decisions such as opening onshore In fact, Sri Lanka ranks poorly in the than Colombo. that operate with a proven track Asian region. This creates operations by assessing a whole range World Bank’s Doing Business International Arbitration Centres in record on efficiency, transparency and opportunities for ambitious Sri of factors including the regulatory Indicator (99 out of 190 countries), Singapore and Hong Kong have gained infrastructure. Hence, the Lankans to apply for jobs here instead environment, especially in the case of due to the country’s fledgling legal worldwide recognition as leading International Arbitration Centre can of going overseas. emerging markets. system related issues and has fallen arbitration hubs. They have made a be opened to accommodate foreign However, this is a process that is So, is the proposed financial behind regional peers such as Nepal significant contribution to the professionals with a proven track in protracted over a longer period of time regulatory arrangement sufficient? At and India. economic growth of these countries arbitration. The addition of such and is dependent on the confidence present the Act vests power onto the So to attract the global banking elite and helped them attract international provisions to the existing Bill can and trust that the project invokes for proposed commission to regulate and such a framework is preferable and business, trade and FDIs. Thus, if make the International Arbitration investors. The key to building trust monitor and steer banking operations will not only open the core financial strategically utilised, an international Centre at the Colombo Port City and confidence is dependent on two within the area of the Colombo Port sectors such as banking, securities arbitration centre can be attractive and marketable to become main factors. One, having a sound City with the concurrence of the and derivatives, but also related complementary to the growth of an alternative Financial Centre for the financial regulatory system. Two, identified national bodies such as the sectors such as insurance, shipping, international business within the South Asian region. having global recognition and Minister of Finance and the Monetary international trade, commodities and country. However, in order to ensure Further, the inclusion of English acceptance for the governing law. As a Board. Therefore, the Bill lacks a logistics. such results, it is essential that the Common Law which the international matter of fact, most financial centres regulatory framework that conforms to Legal framework for International Arbitration Centre has in financial markets are very well versed resort to a framework based on international best practices set out by place a proper set of rules and in, can bring in significant benefits English Common Law. institutions such as the Basel settlement of disputes principles to ensure swift resolution of when functioning as a financial centre. Challenges Committee on Banking Supervision disputes and ease through If this fundamental issue is not and the Financial Action Task Force For the resolution of disputes the predictability and consistency to the addressed the Colombo Port City will The comparative advantage Sri (FATF). This is done in order to Commission is expected to business community. yet again be a case of missing the bus. Lanka has compared to regional facilitate such capital flows due to the establish an “International The current International The authors are part of the policy financial centre’s such as Dubai, serious concerns on Money Commercial Dispute Resolution Arbitration Centre in Sri Lanka, analysis unit of the Advocata Institute, Mauritius, Singapore, Hong Kong, etc. Laundering. So, it is vital that this Centre.” Any dispute that arises within despite being based upon the a free-market think tank. Their views is its strategic location, hence, issue of a lack of a supervised the Port City between the Commission UNCITRAL model law of Arbitration, are their own.

Ingiriya fraternity and the COVID episode By Prof. Samitha Hettige Ingiriya had such people. One was Dehiwela. He had been transferred to Johnson the tuk-tuk driver. On his Ingiriya for quarantine. Those who The third wave of COVID-19 is first day at work his blood sugar was criticise Sri Lanka on human rights affecting everyone and all governments tested and he was asked note the issues should be made aware about including ours are doing its best to value. It was 504 which was too high the high quality of health services protect its citizens as best they could. according medical staff. Johnson had provided to people such as Cyril at Health personnel, armed forces, forgotten the number in a minute and Ingiriya. One can imagine the fate of police and Grama Niladari Officers are the Motor Mechanic nearby advised such a person if it was in another on the frontlines of this effort. The him to forget the Bajaj and think like developed country at this time of support given by Consultants/ a Peugot 504. Thereafter, whenever history. He in fact is having a very Doctors Chandrasiri Lokubalasuriya, his blood sugar was checked, he pleasant time in quarantine though Sujeewa Karunathilaka, Nimalka would mention that it was 504 on the not a member of parliament with Ariyaratne and Kaise Menik and her first day. Then there was Priyantha restricted movements due to judicial staff at the Ingiriya hospital during the who is a very friendly and a helpful instructions. period will be remembered with much soul. He owned a few luxury busses. gratitude. It was a pleasure to learn from him Golden hearts Sri Lanka is a developing country first hand about Rosas, Journeys, Suranga Suwaris was in Ingiriya to with a welfare system of governance. and Vikings etc. Everyone missed him be quarantined. Thanks to his Boy The critiques of it should remember The Ruwanpura Expressway when he completed 10 days and left. Scout training at school Suranga had that the government is indeed Those who complete the 10 days are the capacity and the heart to adjust spending so much to protect those event for everyone who was watched glued to the TV news while expressing either dropped at home in an quickly to the setup and help every affected. Only a person admitted to a the evening news at the Ingiriya their opinions during the few seconds it Ambulance or can go in private inmate in many little ways. It was he hospital will realise the value of a bed. hospital that day especially because took for the commercial breaks to finish. vehicles. When another was asked if who looked after Cyril in a very caring A bag of dry rations worth Rs 10,000 is the construction was inaugurated via Those who praised the government were he has a vehicle to go home after manner till the day he left. It is quite given free to every household under video link marking the first in the called “Gota Patiya” and those who quarantine, he said yes. All got the certain that most will never forget their quarantine. Until the 17th all who history of road construction in Sri didn’t were nicknamed “Vipakse shock only when they learned his stay at Ingiriya for the rest of their tested positive for COVID-19 were Lanka. PM Rajapaksa according to pusmba” (term developed with the mode of transport was a Crane. Till lives. being quarantined for a minimum of analysts will be remembered for opposition’s latest move to help fight then none knew he was a Crane Grama Niladhari Priyadarshani, PHI 10 days at various facilities. One such centuries for ending the 30-year war COVID-19). The person who makes a operator. His fellow inmate the Chamara, Devaka, Himali, Gowri, is the Ingiriya hospital. Through and beginning the transportation living selling fried rice in Kaduwela Bowser driver offered him a ride in Kishokumar, Dulshan, Thilan and experience it can be stated that one is revolution with expressways. would always defend the government the 40 footer Bowser which he drives Thushari will also be remembered for comparatively lucky if quarantined at quoting the high quality food served in but both were asked to take the their support and encouragement Ingiriya which is a small town near Gota Patiya Ingiriya. The fisherman and the boat Ambulance as the vehicle was too during the episode. Citizens should Horana. Ingiriya came under the At Ingiriya there were 20 individuals builder from Maggona would spread long for the short task. not be in the negative-failed state spotlight when PM Mahinda from all shades and colours of the social “Vipakse pusmba” to counter him. mentality. Sri Lanka can do wonders Rajapaksa initiated the construction spectrum in a decent ward constructed Homeless in Karagampitiya as a State if the existing system is of the Ruwanpura expressway there a during the British period. When the day The Peugot 504 Cyril is a 75-year homeless person properly maintained with a positive few days ago. It was a memorable came to a close everyone’s eyes were Humans generally forget that with no family from Karagampitiya, approach by the people. A14 Wednesday 19 MAy 2021 sports wednesday 19 may 2021 A15

By Vimukthi Adithya

We are in an era where parents Chat with Milo Champions think their children should only excel in studies. They believe a child could have a successful, stable life only if they go up the education ladder. Sports are ignored: seen as a time-wasting element which hinders the Hasitha Boyagoda academics of their child, but they forget how sports can add to a personality, the valuable lessons an evening of sports teaches the kids. A couple of doctor-parents recognized the value of sports and encouraged their son to find – a unique Trinitian balance in the field, which ultimately led to the stories you will read today. How do you define a perfect all- rounder? A child who balances Island rank in A/L’s, Record at U-19 World Cup sports and studies? Yes, but how about a child who clinched a district rank for Advanced Levels, university education and and a few months later went on Cricket. At the University of to establish a world record in Colombo with two exams a cricket? And if that teenager semester, ‘Boya’ missed a few went on to play cricket at matches. There was a time when international level while studying doing his Advanced Levels, he at a state university? Not many only came to school no more would do it eh? One name that than thrice a year and never had comes to mind would be Kumar the time to sit for school term Sangakkara, but this story is of tests. Six under-19 tours in that someone who considers period meant that he was Sangakkara as his role model. travelling. University life is Let’s refresh our memories a different. Hasitha went on a few bit by taking it to 23 January Emerging Team tours, but also 2018. Sri Lanka after two losses missed a few because of the were out of the championship at exams. This decorated the under-19 World Cup, and personality has not abandoned was facing Kenya in the quarter- his passion, Cricket. finals of the Plate Championship. Hasitha winning Milo colours for Cricket Hasitha with his Parents and siblings Even through a lock down it is The Lions scored a mammoth important to keep yourself active 419 runs, which also made them an island rank for advanced value to his life. and fit as a sportsman. Hasitha the fourth team to score over 400 level, something many would Once again, in 2018 that he who has his home gym kept runs in Youth ODI’s. This total dream of achieving. The boy was was able to make his List ‘A’ and himself active during the difficult was powered by a lanky right going places with his all-round T20 debut playing in the SLC phase by engaging in running hander who went on to score a performance and with an ability super four Provincial limited over and also used the Trinity College stunning 191 runs opening the to balance both. tournament and the SLC T20 grounds to do his individual innings. Hasitha made sure to carry league, where later the same year training. It was Hasitha Boyagoda, a boy forward his achievements into he made his first class debut This decorated, 22 year old from the hill country, a student the next year (2018) too. Few playing for NCC and scored a who is studying as a 3rd year of Trinity College. The boy was on months after getting to know that half ton on debut. What's more, student at the faculty of a comeback trail. He was out for he clinched a district ranking in the same year he got University Management and Finance at the a duck in their first match his Advanced levels, the teenager entrance to the University of University of Colombo, who is against Ireland and then was made sure to create another Colombo. also following CIMA while playing dropped for the next two matches record, and this time it was at “The support that I received domestic cricket for NCC, against Afghanistan and international level, a stunning from my parents was immense. I wanted to thank his parents and Pakistan, which Sri Lanka lost. 191, the highest ever individual am here right now as a family, NCC, University of When Hasitha got out edging to score in Under-19 World Cup successful human being because Colombo, his Manager and Hirani off the bowling of Were, and Youth ODI’s. of them. They never forced me to everyone from his teachers to the Lankans still had six overs For any Trinitian, the ultimate do anything. Since my Parents friends who helped him to remaining, and Hasitha could dream before leaving college is were both Doctors’ they wanted manage easily have crossed 225 runs and winning the Ryde Gold medal, me to follow their footsteps and both be the first cricketer in Youth the highest honour awarded for a do Science for my Advanced studies ODI’s to register a double Schoolboy Cricketer of the year 2018 Trinitian for being the best Levels, but cricket was one of my and century. To date this innings is all round student. Few priorities. I wanted to engage in it cricket. the highest ever in Youth ODI best batsman, which saw him notable recipients and also do my studies. So, the cricket. It was a comeback getting an opportunity to of this option available for me was to do innings from Boya under represent the college under-13 commerce for my Advanced pressure, but he made that ‘B’ team. When he moved to Levels, as it would better help me added pressure his strength, grade 7 his impressive balance out both motivation, and went on to score performances saw him getting rather than me another century in the Plate the opportunity to play for the ‘A’ doing science. finals - 116 off 124 balls. Sri team. In his final year at the prestigious When I had to Lanka became Plate Champions under-13 level, the coaches who award were T. B. make and Hasitha’s World Cup saw a glimpse of a future leader Werapitiya (1934) former DIG campaign was a mixed bag: two decided to hand over the and Minister of Internal centuries, two ducks, and kept captaincy to Hasitha. From there security, Lakshman out of the team for two matches. on not only an impressive Winning the man of the match Kadirgamar (1949), former Hasitha is also the only Sri cricketer but also a great leader award in the 2018 U-19 World Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cup for his record breaking 191 Lankan to score two centuries in was born. Kumar Sangakkara (1996), that difficult Youth World Cups. Hasitha captained the under- encounter. In 2016 we became former national cricket captain. decision my Doctors Sanjaya and Supipi 15, 17 and 19 teams. What's the all-island champions, and Hasitha made sure he fell into parents supported me and Boyagoda were blessed with a more impressive about this when I captained the team in that elite list after obtaining the provided their advice and I was baby boy in Peradeniya on 21 young boy was that he played in 2018, Trinity were runners-up.” Gold medal in 2018. allowed to make my own December 1998. The duo decided the first X1 team for five years. Hasitha remembered his turning The same year ‘Boya’ became decision. They could have asked to name him Hasitha and While playing at under-15 level, point and his performances in the third Trinitian after me to stop playing cricket and do wouldn’t have expected their kid he played with much older boys the big matches. Kaushalya Weeraratne (2000) science, but they stood by my to be the perfect child every at under-19 level, and yes, we When Hasitha did his O/Ls in and Niroshan Dickwella (2012) to decision and supported me. My parent dreamt of. Hasitha’s are talking about playing for a 2015, he obtained 9 ‘A’ Passes. win the Observer-Mobitel advice to the parents is not to childhood was never a dull one team like Trinity. In 2018 he was Indeed, a pretty impressive Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year pressurize the kids in anything, since he was the elder brother to made the captain of the first X1 achievement for someone who title. He was also the best let them enjoy their school life. If sister Sajini and brother Anuja. team. Earlier, he had captained had been engaged with a sport batsman. Next it was all about undue pressure is exerted then it He was enrolled at Trinity College the under-15 and 19 teams of for a long time. The same year he clinching awards in the next few will be a mental burden for the and throughout his schooling the Central Province. obtained Trinity Colours too. awards ceremonies. In the SLT kids which will ultimately affect career Hasitha Rajeendra “The turning point in my 2017 and 2018 were special SILK awards ceremony Hasitha the performance. Parents should Bandara Boyagoda remained cricketing career was the first years for this humble kid; he became the outstanding sports always send their kids to engage loyal to his alma mater, creating year I played for the Under-17 made sure to make it his own. personality of the year. In the in sports because eventually a few records of his own and bid team. I became the best all- Hasitha played for the Under-19 Dialog 4G awards ceremony sports will also affect in a positive farewell to his school with an rounder at all-island level after team from 2016, and in 2017 he Hasitha won the award for the way for studies. Playing cricket unmatched legacy. scoring over 500 runs and was made the vice-captain of the Most Promising player, and also helped my studies, such as time When Doctor Sanjaya saw that picking up over 20 wickets. This team that toured Australia. The another award for the Limited management, planning things his elder son Hasitha possessed performance was a morale same year he scored his highest overs fastest 100. out. All came into play because I a special love for the bat and the booster and helped me to be one individual score of 138 against “I was a shy kid back then and was involved in two things. Kids ball he decided to enroll his kid step ahead. In the 2016 big Royal. Few months after the was not that outgoing, but my should always plan out what at Bernard Perera and Harold match against St. Anthony’s, I Australian tour he did his involvement in a sport helped me they need and understand the Ranasinghe’s Cricket Academy at won the best batsman award. In Advanced Levels and obtained 4 to socialize better and brought importance of both.” Hasitha the age of seven. As a kid Hasitha the 2017 big match I was ‘A’ passes, which made him me the company of different touched on the support given by decided to give his full adjudged man of the match, second in the District and 62nd crowds. Mentally and physically, his parents and did not forget to concentration to cricket, so the while in 2018 my performance all-island. Hasitha then went on I was going through some provide his advice to other kid did not have any time to won me the best batsman and to win his Trinity Cricket Lion problems, and whenever I failed parents and kids. think about other sports. At the man of the match awards. I the same year. it was Sports that helped me to Hasitha's domestic career Trinity, the selections for the scored a century in the 2018 One Once again, the same year he be stronger. Doing Sports helped which spans from 2018 has only under-13 teams were made Day encounter too, which saw received Milo Colours for Cricket. me to develop myself physically, 11 first class matches, 16 List ‘A’ based on how well you perform at me once again winning the best At school, once again he became mentally, and socially, which matches, and 25 T20’s, a bit low the Inter House cricket batsman and man of the match the sportsman of the year and developed my personality to a when compared to some of the Hasitha tournament. Hasitha was in awards. In 2017 I was the man of the cricketer of the year. Vice- greater level.” Hasitha domestic players. This is because playing for grade five and was adjudged the the match in the one-day captain of a national team and commented on how sports added Hasitha has to balance his Trinity A16 WEDNESDAY 19 MAY 2021 SPORTS SL needs 4-7 years to be competitive in South Asia - Alagic By Mustaq Sydeen

Head coach and the Technical Director of the Sri National Lanka men’s National football team Amir Alagic believes the Island nation will take more time to be a top contestant in Championship the South Asian region. He disclosed this during a Virtual Media Briefing conducted by Stage 01 on 21st FFSL yesterday. Commenting on the current Following new health state of football in Sri Lanka, Amir Alagic guidelines where the country Bosnian born tactician said: goes in to virtual lockdown Schedule “My understanding as a League will be better in July,” the relevant authorities need to the highest international level. from 21st from 11.00 p.m., Technical Director, to be top he further added. look at the basic minus points Compare our Sri Lankan team Sri Lanka Athletics (SLA) has • 07.15 a.m. 3000m competitor in South Asia Sri The Sri Lanka National team in our system, and what we to any other top class decided to hold Stage one of Steeplechase Final (Women) Lanka needs at least 4-7 will play their first match need to do to qualify for a international team: the the National Athletics • 07.45 a.m. 800m Final years. Sri Lanka is a very under Amir Alagic on 5 June World Cup someday. difference in speed, passing Championship on the 21st (Women) specific country for football. against Lebanon, followed by The biggest problem in the and agility is there for everyone instead of 22nd and 23rd as • 08.00 a.m. 400m Heats We are now totally in a the Korea Republic clash on 9 country’s football to see. scheduled earlier. (Men) learning (not developing June. infrastructure currently is the The inability to produce a Since several SL Athletes • 08.00 a.m. Javelin Throw phase). Development will come “We will be playing teams state of our domestic leagues. good number of footballers are on the verge of qualifying Final (Women) may be next year or in two who are far ahead of us on There is also a lot to be done by having the quality to change for the Olympics based on • 08.15 a.m. 100m Final years-time, but definitely for FIFA rankings. Korea Republic relevant authorities to work the course of a match in the new World Athletics (Women) 2026 World Cup whether I has got many star players in more on the grassroot level and international arena is also rankings, the Championship • 08.30 a.m. 100m Final (Men) stay here or not, I want to their line-up. We will have to to cultivate a new generation what has hurt the National has become the most • 09.00 a.m. Long Jump Final leave a legacy and lay the focus more on defense when that could put Sri Lanka in the team most. important competition of the (Men) foundation, which is heavily we play against such teams. upper echelons of Asian All necessary solutions need year for Athletes, as it gives a • 10.00 a.m. Javelin Throw missing in Sri Lanka football.” Our main goal is to play as a football. Development at the to be solved for this one bonus placing score of 100 Final (Men) “The major issue I’m facing team and put up a good show,” grassroots level is undoubtedly problem – How do we get our points for 1st place, which • 10.00 a.m. 100m Final is the fitness level of our said Skipper Sujan Perera. the most important initiative National team to do better? becomes vital when (Women) players. As stated, the Super Ceylon Today learns Sri and bringing in good coaches Until that happens, we will calculating their world • 10.15 a.m. 100m Final (Men) League has just started, but Lanka are still far behind the for younger players will also be stuck in a state of limbo; a ranking positions. • 10.15 a.m. 400m Final it’s not the league and level ultimate dream of qualifying play an imperative role in paralysis. Sri Lanka Football 3000m Steeplechase (Women) that we need for the National for a FIFA World Cup, and further popularizing the sport. is sick and it needs to take runner Nilani Rathnayaka is • 10.30 a.m. 400m Final (Men) team. We are very happy that doing it this time seems like a Also, our players don’t play hard steps to fight the root already in the qualification we have our own league and long shot. So, before rushing in foreign leagues or at the cause of its problems. The quota in 34th place while 45 definitely hope the Super into premature celebrations, highest level, and thus falter at clock is ticking. athletes will be selected for considering their recent the Olympics. Returning form. Meanwhile, Javelin another good time at the Thrower Sumedha National will be vital for her Ranasinghe and 400m to further secure her runner Nadeesha position, as ranking is going Ramanayaka too are within ‘Sandpapergate’ returns to haunt Australia to change drastically with touching distance of several competitions qualifying, and a good Three years after the infamous ball- back to the bowler and the bowler not happening worldwide in May performance will be vital for tampering scandal plunged Australian knowing about it? Please.” and June targeting the them. SLA is also trying to cricket into crisis, ‘Sandpapergate’ has CA conducted an investigation into the Olympic Games deadline, send top athletes for overseas reared its head again following a incident in 2018 and banned Bancroft which is 29 June. competitions targeting suggestion that responsibility for the affair for nine months, while former captain At the Nationals all eyes further points, and they have might run deeper than the three players Steve Smith and vice-captain David will be on the Women’s already requested Diamond punished for it. Warner were suspended for a year. 800m, as all three runners - League slots for them. SLA Cameron Bancroft, who was banned for Warner, who was cast as the ringleader Dilshi Kumarasinghe, also stated they are trying to scuffing the ball with a piece of sandpaper in CA’s report, has never spoken publicly Gayanthika Abeyrathne and send a team to participate at during the third Test against South Africa in any detail about his role, but his Nimali Liyanarachchi - have the Kazakhstan Open, which in Cape Town in March 2018, lit the fuse what was going on at Newlands has found agent James Erskine said the three an opportunity to secure an is of similar category to the last week with a cryptic comment in a fertile ground in the Australian media. punished players had been ‘treated Olympic slot. Dilshi is ranked National Championship, with newspaper interview. Former Test captain Michael Clarke was despicably’. 66th, Gayanthika 61st and a bonus of 100 placing points “Obviously what I did benefits bowlers incredulous at the thought that the “The report that was done, they didn’t Nimali 57 where the top 48 up for grabs to the winner. and the awareness around that, probably, Australian bowlers would not have known interview all the players. The whole thing will be selected for the Competition will be is self-explanatory,” the batsman told the that the ball was being tampered with. was so badly handled, it was a joke,” he Olympics. The gap between conducted strictly adhering Guardian. “If you are playing sport at the highest told The Age newspaper. Nimali and the last qualified to the DREAM Protocol, Cricket Australia (CA) have issued a level you know your tools that good it’s not “But eventually the whole truth, and athletes is just 17 points, where only athletes and request to Bancroft for any ‘new’ funny,” he said on the Sky Sports Radio nothing but the truth, will come out and while Gayanthika has 25 and coaches will be allowed at the information he might have, but the idea show he hosts. I know the whole truth.” Dilshi has 32 points to cover, venue . that other players would have been aware “Can you imagine that ball being thrown (Reuters) which is a possibility (AK)

Shakib, Mustafizur join Mathivanan, Bandula, Nishantha Bangladesh team bubble after quarantine withdraw from SLC election Shakib Al Hasan and Three main candidates contesting the Mustafizur Rahman have Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) election started training with the scheduled for 20 May 202, have Bangladesh squad after announced their withdrawal from the transferring from hotel election in a letter to the SLC Election quarantine to the team’s bio- Committee. The candidates are K. bubble for the Sri Lanka Mathivanan (President), Bandula series, according to the BCB. Warnapura (Vice President) and Both players left quarantine Nishantha Ranatunga (Secretary). The on Monday night, 11 days trio have withdrawn from the contest to after they arrived in Dhaka show dissent towards a backdated following the IPL’s gazette. K. Mathivanan Bandula Warnapura Nishantha Ranatunga deferment. It will be a one-horse race for the Initially they were current SLC President Shammi Silva and the Minister of Sports, guided by His sadly misplaced. A very serious lapse by supposed to be in his camp, who are expected to regain Excellency Mahinda Rajapakse as the way of delayed submission of annual Shakib Al Hasan quarantine for 14 days, in control of Sri Lanka’s richest sports body President of our country. All three of us accounts and not having obtained the accordance with the for another two years when the poll is have been involved in one way or another Auditor General’s approval as required by directive by the country’s health authorities for travelers from held on Thursday (20) virtually. in the past administration of this the Constitution, has been disregarded India, which is currently suffering a massive second wave of “It was with a sense of optimism, prestigious Sports Organization and we by the authorities; a major cause of COVID-19 infections. enthusiasm and expectation that the felt the need to revive it to its former glory concern in the upholding of trust and The BCB’s Chief Executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury said that three of us, Messrs K. Mathivanan, in its performance and administrative impartiality. Their misdeeds have been there was no ‘special considerations’ being made for the two, Bandula Warnapura and Nishantha ability,” the media release further stated. highlighted even by the Parliamentary given that they will remain in a bio-bubble all through the Sri Ranatunga decided to contest for the “Sri Lanka Cricket now languishes at Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Lanka series, which begins on 23 May. Training for the series posts of Hony. President, Hony. Vice the bottom of the ICC Rankings in all which has castigated its performance as began today. President and Hony. Secretary three formats of the game, not least due being unworthy of a proper “The directive that they must practice while staying in a bio- respectively, at the forthcoming Sri Lanka to the maladministration and chicanery administration. It has been spoken of and bubble environment still stands. They are practicing while Cricket Election of Office Bearers to be of its incumbent office bearers. The SLC admitted that the bane of Sri Lanka within the bio-bubble. This is not a special consideration. They held on 20 May 2021” they said in a Finances and Administration are in cricket politics has been its overwhelming have shifted from their hotel quarantine to the team’s bio- media release. disarray, with dishonest officials even overload of stakeholder votes, resulting in bubble,” Chowdhury said, adding that the pair had tested “This sense of optimism was fuelled by being unable to prevent its TV Revenue vote buying and other acts of omission negative three times before joining the bubble. the prevalent situation where an funds being diverted to foreign bank which does not cater to a level playing The IPL sent the two players to Dhaka on a chartered flight, esteemed organization like Sri Lanka accounts. Ultimately, the Players have field for anyone coming forward with a since air travel between the two countries has been suspended Cricket had degenerated into what it is had to forego large portions of their will to change the system. This system, since 14 April. A hard lockdown was enforced in Bangladesh today, since the heady days of our World contractual income due to these which many in authority have vowed to since that day, following a spike in COVID-19 cases from mid- Cup victory in 1996 and subsequently shortcomings in the administration. change is in fact further encouraged by March. With India also experiencing a severe second wave, the the status of our position in ICC Several attempts on our part to highlight not taking effective measured to curb it”. border between the two countries was also shut from late April. Rankings with our achievements of these shortcomings have been summarily “We therefore feel that our attempts will Land borders were reopened earlier this month, with those becoming the World Cup Runners-Up in brushed aside by the various committees come to naught, and in these unfortunate crossing over into Bangladesh needing to undergo institutional 2011, World T20 Runners-Up in 2012 appointed (supposedly on trust) to circumstances, we are reluctantly quarantine for 14 days. and Champions in 2014 during the discharge their duties impartially, but compelled to withdraw from the said (Agencies) tenure of as that impartiality and trust have been Election”, the release concluded.

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