www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2020

For verified information on the Quarantine Unit COVID-19 TOTAL CASES ACTIVE CASES TOTAL CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 of the following authorities Epidemiology Unit CASES IN 0112 695 112 THE WORLD 68,805,952 Health Suwasariya Govt. coronavirus hotline PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 30,072 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS 0113071073 Bureau Service USA 15,609,610 293,739 1999 If showing symptoms COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1990 0117 966 366 1,567,975 INDIA 9,756,610 141,668 BRAZIL 6,675,915 178,184 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD 21,800 RUSSIA 2,541,199 44,718 144 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 8,128 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 47,739,845 FRANCE 2,309,621 56,352 THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 9.45 P.M. ON 9 DECEMBER 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU NEW COVID-19 DETECTIONS POWER SECTOR MAHARA PRISON DEATHS TOTAL CASES Experts committee to conduct postmortems The Wattala Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday 26,181*Stats updated as at 6.45 p.m. on 9 December Regulator is (8) ordered the five-member experts committee COVID-19 to conduct postmortem examinations on the 11 inmates who died in the Mahara Prison riot and Guidelines for submit the report to the court. festive season issued Contd. on page 2 Health Services Director General needed: Dullas MANNAR TRANSIT HOUSING PROJECT Dr. Asela Gunawardena yesterday (9) BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA speech, he clearly stated that only issued a 10-point guideline regarding the acts would be amended. To be completed health safety during the festive season, Power Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said a regulator is On 1 January, the President’s urging the public to restrict travel and required for the electricity sector and the letter sent by Secretary had written to the avoid large gatherings to prevent the President’s Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundara has been sent Treasury Secretary instructing by Sept. 2021 spread of Covid-19. without his knowledge. to shut down the Public Utilities The transit housing project at Mannar Madu Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), Church is projected to be completed by September The Minister told the media that Act will be amended in line with the in line with next year’s budget 2021 at an expected cost of Rs. 290 million, the Indian Immune barrier the Public Utilities Commission Act proposals submitted to Parliament proposals. Power Minister Dullas High Commission in Colombo said yesterday (9). from vaccine ‘far off’ and the Ceylon Electricity Board by the Prime Minister. In the budget Contd. on page 2 Alahapperuma Contd. on page 2 A World Health Organisation RECOMMENCING TOURISM INDUSTRY (WHO) official said on Tuesday (8) that only public health measures, not Prosperity above all vaccines, can prevent a new surge of Covid-19 cases as the first vaccines No date yet are being administered in Britain. z New committee z A hotel in Travel restrictions to reassess safety each city as a in Mahaiyawa protocol quarantine centre The Kandy Municipal Commissioner A date to recommence tourism a travel bubble as advised by the said that a decision has been taken in Sri Lanka would be decided health authorities. to impose travel restrictions in the as soon as the Health Ministry Accordingly, a joint committee is Mahaiyawa area in the Kandy District. gives clearance, Tourism Minister expected to finalise the guidelines Prasanna Ranatunga said. to be followed when the country SEE FULL STORIES ON PAGE 2 He told the media that the sector reopens for foreign tourists. would be revived by implementing Contd. on page 2 UNCLAIMED COVID-19 BODIES HAMBANTOTA PORT AG directs $ 300 m Chinese cremation The Ministry of Health has been advised factory to be set up by the Attorney General (AG) to cremate Sri Lanka announced on Tuesday country, a $ 300 million tyre factory the unclaimed bodies of Covid-19 victims. (8) the first large-scale Chinese near a strategic deep-sea port. This directive was issued following advice investment in manufacturing in the Contd. on page 2 sought by the Ministry of Health in this regard, AG’s Co-ordinating Officer State Counsel PCOI ON EASTER SUNDAY ATTACKS Nishara Jayaratne noted. A press conference on the President’s mandate “Vision of Prosperity” was held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute Contd. on page 2 yesterday (9) with the participation of Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila and State Minister of Education Reforms, Open Universities, and Distance Learning Promotion Susil Premajayantha Must find force that INDIA ASSURES ASSISTANCE PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE Repatriating SIYAMBALANDUWA SOLAR PARK steered it: Dayasiri Cabinet approves State Minister of Batik, Handloom, attacks and the group of people that and Local Apparel Products Dayasiri wanted to oust former President Lankans from Jayasekara said investigations must Maithripala Sirisena in order to procurement process be carried out into possible links appoint a new president. South India The Cabinet of Ministers Board (CEB) – the licensee between the Easter Sunday terror Contd. on page 2 India will extend its fullest co-operation has given its nod to the of transmission – to implement to repatriate Sri Lankans stranded in South proposal tabled by the the Siyambalanduwa solar WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL WOMEN 2020 India due to travel restrictions, according to Minister of Power to initiate power project through private Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay. the procurement procedure sector investments. RANMINITENNA TELE-CINEMA PARK Contd. on page 2 by the Ceylon Electricity Contd. on page 2 SL-born Shemara EC to assume TREASURY BOND SCAM Govt. decides among top 30 Sabry assures justice to renovate Australian firm Macquarie Group CEO and duties today Justice Minister Ali Sabry of Sri Lanka with regard to The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a Managing Director Shemara Wikramanayake was The newly appointed members of the said that the Attorney General the extradition request against proposal submitted by the Prime Minister for ranked 29th in Forbes’ list of The World’s Most Election Commission of Sri Lanka (EC) are of Singapore has sought former Central Bank Governor the allocation of funds from the General Treasury Powerful Women 2020. Shemara due to assume duties today (10). certain clarifications from the Arjuna Mahendran. to perform essential renovation activities for Contd. on page 2 Wikramanayake Contd. on page 2 Attorney General’s Department Contd. on page 2 the rehabilitation of the Ranminitenna National Tele-Cinema Park. NEXT YEAR’S P’MENT SESSION Contd. on page 2 Over 1,700 Navy Date set for 5 Jan. ERADICATING WASTE AND CORRUPTION The Committee on Parliamentary Business personnel promoted has decided to hold the first sitting of Core responsibility of Govt. Navy Commander Vice Admiral naval personnel, of varying rank, to Parliament for the year 2021 on 5 January, Nishantha Ulugetenne on Tuesday the subsequent level of command. Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika A country can combat corruption Gotabaya Rajapaksa. intolerance for corruption by the (8) issued promotions to 1,729 Contd. on page 2 Dasanayake said. the best when the citizens have the In his statement to mark citizenry is one of the best antidotes Contd. on page 2 feel and the inclination to resist this International Anti-Corruption Day for it. BASIL INSTRUCTS OFFICIALS heinous practice, said President yesterday (9), the President said Contd. on page 2 INMATES TO BE RELEASED Manning Market opening on Monday Won’t be scrutinised: Prisons CG Presidential Task Force for Economic Revival and BY SARAH HANNAN under scrutiny once they are released, as investigations have revealed that they are be released under general amnesty,” Poverty Alleviation Chairman Basil Rajapaksa has they would be pardoned by the President, drug addicts and are not to be categorised Department of Prisons Commissioner instructed the relevant officials to take measures to The Department of Prisons stated that The Morning learnt. as drug dealers. Already we have started General (CG) Thushara Upuldeniya told have the new Manning Market in Peliyagoda opened the inmates who will be released under “At the moment, we are listing the to process their release papers, and if they The Morning. by next Monday (14). general amnesty for drug use will not be drug users who are in prison. Further can fulfil their bail terms, they would Contd. on page 2 Basil Rajapaksa Contd. on page 2 2 the morning NEWS Thursday , December 10, 2020 Contd. from page 1

Joe Biden administration in the US, that the proposed project with “We will not rest until the last person Earlier, the reopening of the airports Testifying further, he said: Regulator... which was suffering a “punishing” transmission infrastructure should be who is responsible for this is brought was scheduled for 1 August. However, “Following the Easter attacks, In a letter dated 1 December 2020 pandemic, WHO Health Emergencies implemented as a single procurement before the courts,” he said. it has been further delayed until all Sri we planned to bring forth a set of addressed to Treasury Secretary S.R. Programme Executive Director Mike of a 100 MW single power plant and On the extradition request, he Lankans are repatriated. principles called ‘one country, one Attygalle, Dr. Jayasundara has stated: Ryan said. Under President Donald transmission facilities in order to obtain said Singapore’s Attorney General’s The Government was planning to law’ but this could not be done due “I am advised to instruct you to take Trump, top donor the US announced a minimum power consume charge Chambers has sought certain reopen the Bandaranaike International to the pressure from the Muslim necessary procedural steps to close the its withdrawal from the body. for the generation and transmission clarifications from the Sri Lankan Airport (BIA) in Colombo and the ministers in the previous Government.” Public Utilities Commission.” The WHO is also still waiting to of a unit of electricity according to side and that the process is ongoing. Mattala International Airport (MIA) Responding to another question, the He also noted that the instructions visit China to study the origins of the the various capacity opportunities that “The Singapore Attorney General in Hambantota for operations from 1 State Minister pointed out that a leader are being issued in line with next coronavirus. “We are planning and could be implemented, the Government has sought certain clarifications from August to boost the country’s tourism of a terrorist group is unlikely to carry year’s budget proposals concerning hope to be on the ground as soon as Information Department further said. our Attorney General’s Department industry following the Covid-19 out a suicide attack and that there should the PUCSL and the Ceylon Electricity possible,” WHO Director General regarding whether in the kind of offence pandemic. be a motivation for a terrorist leader Board (CEB). Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. we have charged here, the indicted – Maheesha Mudugamuwa to do so. “As tariff and connected regulatory Repatriating... falls within the first schedule of the It is doubtful as to whether Zahran work is within the Government’s The Indian envoy made this assurance extradition treaty between us and them. orchestrated the attacks by himself or if purview, certain provisions in the Travel... on Tuesday (8) at a meeting with “That is ongoing. The Attorney General $ 300 m... there was another force that made use of PUCSL Act could be incorporated in He said the decision was taken Minister of Foreign Affairs Dinesh will continue to make representations,” The factory will be adjacent to the him, he added. “What I’m saying is that the Consumer Affairs Authority and following the identification of 28 Gunawardena and Minister of Fisheries he added. Hambantota Port, which was leased to there was a force that handled Zahran. the CEB Act when the PUCSL Act is Covid-19-infected persons. Douglas Devananda, which was held a Chinese company in 2017 after Sri He is also a victim of this attack.” replaced in due course,” the letter said. Municipal Commissioner Amila to discuss matters of mutual interest Lanka failed to service the $ 1.4 billion Back then, former President Sirisena The PUCSL is an independent multi- Nawarathna said that Mahaiyawa to the two nations. Experts... debt from Beijing used to build it. was acclaimed for his massive efforts sector regulatory agency established by is an area where a large number of The discussion focused on fisheries When the legal action pertaining to Sri Lanka’s Cabinet approved the in the crackdown on narcotic drugs. an Act of Parliament to oversee utilities people who provide services to the issues in the Palk Strait, as well as the recent unrest at the Mahara Prison setting up of the tyre plant under However, in the wake of the Easter which were state monopolies. It was city of Kandy are living and that potential post-Covid-19 co-operation. was taken up on Tuesday, the Attorney legislation that allows generous tax attacks he could not run for president also acting on consumer complaints similarly, travel restrictions had also The officials agreed to work out General’s (AG) Department had concessions, Minister of Mass Media again, the State Minister said, raising and safety. been imposed in the Bogambara area solutions to the fisheries matters through requested the magistrate to permit the Keheliya Rambukwella told reporters concerns about a group of people who Meanwhile, the PUCSL members previously to commence the quarantine established bilateral mechanisms, postmortems of the deceased inmates to in Colombo. wanted to oust Sirisena to appoint a have also decided to step down from process. including the Ministerial-level India-Sri be carried out under a multidisciplinary He said Shandong Haohua Tire new president. The interrelatedness their portfolios. This would prevent the public from Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries. committee, as per a request made by Co. Ltd. will export at least 80% of between this and the Easter attacks The reason for the decision is yet to coming into contact with the infected This bilateral working group was the legal counsel of the aggravated production, with the option of selling must be probed, he added. be announced. within the Kandy Municipal Council scheduled to hold its fourth meeting party for a fair autopsy. the rest on the local market. Jayasekara went on to question as limits, he said. in January, but this was postponed State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne had The announcement came just to how foreign intelligence services due to the pandemic. At Tuesday’s appeared before the court on behalf weeks after Prime Minister Mahinda managed to warn about an impending Guidelines... meeting, it was decided that the meeting of the AG’s Department, following Rajapaksa unveiled the country’s 2021 attack that even local intelligence units The guidelines recommend that Govt. decides... would be convened virtually as soon a request made by Deputy Inspector Budget, banking on a huge Chinese did not know about. “This means, people purchase items from the nearest The Government said the Mahinda as possible, while assurances were General (DIG) Ajith Rohana for the real estate development in Colombo foreign intelligence agencies had available store, and that families send a Rajapaksa National Tele-Cinema Park given that standard procedure would assistance of a State Counsel to proceed to attract more investment and revive been active in our country without single member on shopping excursions, in Ranminitenna has been established be followed in dealing with all mid-sea with the case. the island’s economy. our knowledge.” as opposed to travelling together. in order to earmark a renaissance in encounters. Among the 11 inmates who died in The Colombo Port City – a $ 1.4 After 2015, foreign influences were Events with a large number of guests the local cinema and tele creations Both sides expressed satisfaction at the riot, eight had tested positive for billion land reclamation project which responsible for the regime changes and are discouraged, while gatherings are sector. It provides studios and shooting ongoing bilateral co-operation measures, coronavirus posthumously. However, started in 2014 – has doubled the size appointment of new presidents in the recommended to be restricted to strictly background facilities as well as including development assistance and their final rites were delayed as the of Sri Lanka’s current financial district. country, he stressed further. family members. The public is also accommodation and other facilities joint action against the pandemic. postmortems were not concluded. Western nations, as well as regional The State Minister pointed out that urged to continue following social on a concessionary basis to the artists The two ministers also thanked India for DIG Rohana recently stated that a power India, have long been concerned the former President, former Prime distancing guidelines and to wear in the field. its assistance in constructing the Jaffna court order is required for a postmortem about Chinese influence in Sri Lanka Minister, former IGP, and former facemasks whenever out of the house. It said that 13 local films, 18 Cultural Centre, which is expected examination to be carried out on these through projects under its gargantuan Defence Secretary are all victims of teledramas, and eight songs for to become functional soon through deceased inmates and that the court Belt and Road Initiative. this attack, noting that the force that advertisements were completed here collaborative efforts. order will depend on the ongoing steered the attack must be investigated. Immune... since the year 2010. In addition, it said inquiry into the riot incident. “Vaccines are a great tool, they will that since this park was not properly SL-born... be very helpful, but the effect of the maintained over the past four years, EC to... Wikramanayake, who was born in the Manning... vaccine in providing some kind of most of the physical resources have Its new members, including the To be... UK, and spent her childhood there and Speaking at a meeting of the Task immune barrier is still far off,” said deteriorated. Chairperson, have been appointed The Memorandum of Understanding in Sri Lanka, immigrated to Australia Force held on 7 December, Rajapaksa WHO Spokeswoman Dr. Margaret Therefore, it was identified that by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, (MoU) for the construction of the when she was 13. said the closure of the fish market and Harris in response to a question at a prompt action should be taken to carry as per Articles 41A and 103 (1) of project was signed in August 2020 She assumed her current role at the Manning Market in Peliyagoda has Geneva briefing about whether the out essential renovations of the tele- the Constitution. Accordingly, Nimal and Deputy High Commissioner of Macquarie Group in December 2018, made a direct negative impact on the vaccines would come in time to prevent cinema park. As such, the Cabinet G. Punchihewa has been named the India Vinod K. Jacob recently inspected after initially joining Macquarie Capital economy as well as the livelihoods of a third wave of cases in Europe. of Ministers approved the proposal new Chairman of the EC. In addition, the progress of the project during a in 1987 and being promoted as Head of both farmers and fishermen. “The things that must be done to submitted by Prime Minister Mahinda M.M. Mohamed, S.B. Diwaratne, K.P.P. two-day visit to Mannar and Jaffna Macquarie Asset Management in 2008. He also instructed to expedite the prevent an increase, an uptick, a surge, Rajapaksa as the Minister of Buddha Pathirana, and Jeevan Thyagarajah have from 7-8 December. The mother of two sons, reopening of the fish market in line or whatever you want to call it are the Sasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs been named its members. Issuing a He inspected the progress of the Wikramanayake, has been open about with guidelines issued by the health public health measures,” she added. for allocating funds from the General press release, Commissioner General of construction of 144 transit houses for how her husband, a former investment authorities to prevent the spread of A 90-year-old grandmother became Treasury during the years 2021 and Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake stated pilgrims at the Mannar Madu Church banker, helped enable her career growth Covid-19. the world’s first person to receive a 2022 for the purpose. that the aforementioned members of and also the upgrading work of the by staying at home. Rajapaksa had also instructed to fully tested Covid-19 shot on Tuesday, the Commission will take office today. historic Thiruketheeswaram Temple. Topping Forbes’ list were German recruit retired public health inspectors as Britain began mass vaccinating At the Thiruketheeswaram Temple, Chancellor Angela Markel, Christine (PHI) in the event the current PHI its people in a global drive that AG directs... the Government of India completed Lagarde, and Kamala Harris, capacity at the Peliyagoda Urban poses one of the biggest logistical Further, the AG’s Co-ordinating Date set... the restoration of the maha mandapam respectively, followed by Ursula Von Council was not adequate to observe challenges in peacetime history. Officer noted that Director General However, the Committee has decided (largest area used for conducting Der Leyen, Melinda Gates, Mary Barra, the implementation of health guidelines However, the WHO does not foresee of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Asela to meet again later to discuss the matters religious activities) and other works Nancy Pelosi, Ana Patricia Botin, at the fish market. mandatory vaccinations being Gunawardena has been informed that to be debated in the first sitting of at a total cost of more than Rs. 320 Abigail Johnson, and Gail Boudreaux. New facilities are to be added to the introduced around the world to stem the bodies can be cremated as per Parliament next year. million. Oprah Winfrey was ranked at number fish market to ensure its hygiene, and the spread of the coronavirus, officials quarantine regulations. The Committee on Parliamentary On 7 December, Deputy High 20, Jacinda Arden at 32, Sheikh Hasina the Task Force said the rehabilitation of said on Monday (7). AG Dappula de Livera advised Business convened on Tuesday (8), Commissioner Jacob also called on at 39, Queen Elizabeth II at 46, Rihanna the market is being done after a decade. Information campaigns and making to cremate the bodies of 19 Covid- chaired by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Bishop of Mannar Dr. Emmanuel at 69, and Beyonce Knowles at 72 on vaccines available to priority groups 19 victims that remain unclaimed Abeywardena. Fernando and exchanged views on the the list. such as hospital workers and the by relatives due to various reasons, It was also decided at the meeting potential for development co-operation Core... elderly would be more effective, following which the Colombo to increase the number of members of in the Mannar region. “This is the reason for placing a the WHO said, as the global Municipal Council (CMC) was advised the Government Finance Committee, The following day, the Deputy Over 1,700... high emphasis on empowering the death toll has topped 1.5 million, to cremate the 19 unclaimed bodies. Dasanayake said. High Commissioner participated in The promotions were made to citizens to fight corruption in the policy according to Reuters calculations. Accordingly, the number of members the opening ceremony of the 100 MW coincide with the Sri Lanka Navy’s statement of the Government, ‘Vistas of Britain begins its vaccine programme of the Committee will increase from wind power project at Thambapawani 70th anniversary yesterday (9). Prosperity and Splendour’. I consider this week and others are likely to follow Cabinet... 18 to 21, with one member from the in Mannar. Anniversary celebrations included a it to be a core responsibility of my soon, so authorities are seeking to Approval was also granted to ruling party and two members from This project, the first of its kind series of events at every naval command Government to eradicate waste and reassure people of vaccines’ safety construct the power line from the Opposition. in Mannar, was declared open by base, with prominence given to naval corruption.” and efficacy in order to get a critical Medagama to Ampara by the CEB Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa traditions and religious events, under The President further stated that mass to take them in the face of what under the aforementioned project. and involved the participation of the directives of the Navy Commander. corruption is the greatest obstacle to experts say are conspiracy theories The Government Information Won’t be... Indian executives and workers in Along with these celebrations, the development, adding that it prevents entering the mainstream. Department said the necessary Upuldeniya stated that there are the implementing agencies, the High Navy’s capital ships will be anchored institutions from achieving their “I don’t think we envisage any steps including the feasibility study, bail conditions in the rule book that Commission said. off Galle Face Green from 9 to 13 maximum potential and eventually countries creating a mandate for securing the lands and environmental might have to be amended, based December. retards the growth of a country, be it vaccinations,” WHO Director evaluations, have been taken to on the judgment of the magistrates. This year’s commemoration is being in the social or the economic domain. of Immunisation, Vaccines, and implement the Siyambalanduwa solar For instance, some cannot fulfil the No date... held under the themes “Know your “This is prominently seen during Biologicals Dr. Kate O’Brien told a power plant. bail terms and are unable to go home The joint committee will discuss Navy” and “This is your Navy”. times of crises, where lacunae in news conference, adding that there The assistance of the Asian because they cannot find the bail monies its proposals with President Gotabaya Commencing the religious segment oversight mechanisms might allow may be some situations where it is Development Bank (ADB) was to pay or they cannot find a person that Rajapaksa and the National Operations of the 70th anniversary celebrations, space for undue exploitations.” highly recommended for people to be also received to conduct an analysis is employed by the State to sign their Centre for Prevention of Covid-19 the “Kanchuka Puja” and “Flag The President added that citizens of vaccinated, such as for staff in hospitals. on the procedure that needs to be papers. For these inmates, terms will Outbreak (NOCPCO) Task Force and Blessing” ceremonies were held at Sri Lanka have vouched their strong The WHO was still waiting to followed in order to develop the plant. be negotiated and based on the court’s formulate the necessary guidelines, the the Ruwanwelisaya and sacred Jaya support and shown the desire to have an start discussions with the incoming It has been proved by the analysis ruling, their papers are to be prepared. Minister said. Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura on 12 efficient country which is corruption- The release of minor offenders after It is reported that the proposed travel and 13 November. free when they endorsed his victory with settling bail or their penalty fees will bubble to reopen Sri Lanka for foreign a resounding majority. “I wish to invite Cartoon of the day be processed through the courts, and tourists has received the green light our citizens to play a more participatory the list is to be sent to the President from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Must find... and proactive role in the Government’s for authorisation and for pardoning. According to the draft proposal, at Testifying before the Presidential administrative machinery, to be more least one hotel will be turned into a Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing knowledgeable about your rights quarantine centre in each city open the carnage, the State Minister noted of obtaining Government services Sabry assures... for tourists, to be prepared to face any that regime changes and appointment of efficiently, and resist being subjected He stated this in Parliament yesterday eventuality. Presidents in the country were directed to demands of any form of bribery.” (9) in response to a question pertaining Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Tourism by foreign influences since 2015. He requested the country’s citizens to to the present progress of the inquiry Development Authority (SLTDA) In response to a question raised be more vigilant on the obligations that and the judicial proceedings pertaining said that the reopening of the airport by the PCoI Chairman with regard the Government has towards them, and to the Central Bank bond issue and the for international travellers is set to be to the Yahapalana Government’s perform their duty by prompt reporting current status of the extradition request further delayed due to the appointment stance on national security and the of any incident of corruption or bribery against Mahendran. of a new committee to review the decision to abolish the Prevention to the law enforcement or investigative The Minister said he followed the due Airport Opening Protocol again. of Terrorism Act (PTA), he said authorities. process, wrote to the Attorney General, “A detailed Airport Opening Protocol the former President and his party Eradicating this menace from our and sought a clarification as to the has been developed in the last several in the coalition government were of country will be easier when citizens present status. “The Attorney General months and presented to the Minister the view that national security must play a conscious role in the preventive had carefully prepared a document and of Health. Another committee has been be prioritised. However, the internal mechanism, the President pointed out. submitted to me about the background, appointed on Monday (7) to again conflicts induced by other affiliated “Together, let us free this country instructions to the CID (Criminal review the protocol, which we are made parties in the former administration of the culture of corruption and make Investigation Department), and to understand, will further delay the had weakened the national security to it a worthy home for our generations proceedings in the Magistrate’s Court. airport opening,” the SLTDA stated. a certain extent, he added. to come.” the morning 3 Thursday, December 10, 2020 business GoSL in denial about debt reality, needs IMF: Citi Sri Lanka’s debt is on an multilateral and bilateral lending, next year. Any shortfalls in rollovers five years across the curve. We also unsustainable path though let alone commercial funding, in the and Chinese financing, and reserves assess a scenario in which Sri Lanka the Government of Sri Lanka absence of an IMF policy reform would fall more sharply.” does not engage with the IMF due to (GoSL) is in denial, and an backstop.” However, it noted that a debt policy differences with the fund. In International Monetary Fund It said it expects Sri Lanka’s restructuring may not happen until this case, a successful restructuring (IMF) programme is essential foreign reserves to fall to 2022. would be difficult and exit yields to avoid a debt disaster, Citi “uncomfortable levels” after the July “The Government’s willingness to would be significantly higher than Research noted earlier this 2021 repayment is settled but that pay is high, and we do not expect an the 10-11% one would see in other week. the Government “may still muddle” aggressive principal reduction. We countries with an IMF programme,” through next year. expect the Government will pay the it said. It also advises international In its report titled “Sri Lanka “We estimate gross FX reserves of July 2021 settlement and possibly investors to stay away from Sri Economics and Strategy View”, $ 5.86 billion in October is enough the January 22 settlement (though the Lankan bonds. Citi noted that it cannot see a to cover about 55% of total external latter is less certain).” “We remain cautious on Sri Lanka credible strategy for achieving financing requirements. Capital and Citi presented two scenarios based bonds as the road to restructuring debt sustainability and (external) import controls help slow the pace on whether the Government turns to is long. We do not recommend repayment capacity. of reserve decline and the rupee does the IMF or not. getting involved in Sri Lanka “While officials continue to not look grossly misaligned. If we “In our base case we assume bonds given the Government’s mention their willingness to pay, assume short-term debt and official Sri Lanka’s Government will be lack of a debt repayment strategy we cannot see a credible strategy attract FDI and other portfolio equity amid a pro-growth 2021 Budget. loans are rolled over, and China lends compelled to engage with the IMF to and the uncertainties around the for achieving debt sustainability inflows. The ability of financial We expect net FDI will finance an additional $ 800 million to Sri execute the restructuring. We expect Government’s willingness to engage and (external) repayment capacity repression to contain domestic about 40% of the current account Lanka in 2021, reserves should fall a coupon haircut of around 52% to with the IMF. Our NPV (Net Present beyond talking up their growth borrowing costs is limited by rising deficit in 2021 FY, and the rest will to $ 3.7 billion by the end of 2021, stabilise the debt at current levels, Value) analysis suggests further prospects and expecting this to debt ratios, still expected to grow not be wholly covered by official giving them room to muddle through with maturity extensions three to downside.” Sanjaya Mohottala SL’s largest cement plant assumes duties as to open in June 2021 Cement manufacturing facility Lanwa from labour-intensive to tech-oriented, 21st BOI Chairman Sanstha Cement Corporation (Pvt.) Ltd., aligning local industry with global trends. Confirming the exclusive Further to support there which he said set the pace which is slated to be the largest in Sri Lanka Lanwa Sanstha Cement will have a storage story on The Morning and thrust sectors, sector- for the organisation in and one of the largest in the South Asian capacity the equivalent of three cargo Business on 1 December specific tax incentives for delivering the objectives region, is scheduled for commissioning in ships and a 2.4 km covered conveyor belt titled “BOI DG Sanjaya investment, in the budget set out by the country's new June 2021, Lanwa Sanstha Cement announced for transportation of raw materials from Mohottala to be promoted for the year 2021 were leadership. yesterday (9). port to plant with increased efficiency, to Chairman”, Sanjaya outlined and a simplified tax Prior to joining BOI, The facility, which is spread across 63 acres, minimal wastage, and minimal pollution. Mohottala assumed duties structure and a consistent Mohottala was Managing is in the Mirijjawila Export Processing Zone, All these features are new to Sri Lanka today as the 21st Chairman investment climate was Director and Partner at Hambantota and is a Board of Investment and are only available at a handful of such of the Board of Investment guaranteed from the Boston Consulting Group (BOI) venture. facilities regionally, according to Lanwa Sri Lanka (BOI). Government,” the BOI said with experience in the Indo- The investment for Phase 1 of the project Sanstha Cement. Mohottala previously in a press release yesterday Pacific, the EU, and the was $ 70 million and the production capacity Lanwa Sanstha Cement said the facility served as Director General (9). US. A Fulbright Scholar, of the same is estimated to be 2.4 million Factory nearing completion is expected to meet the requirements of of the BOI from March Whilst thanking the he received his MBA metric tonnes (MT) per annum. In the second the market. The plant is the first of its kind in all major construction projects locally 2020. BOI team for the support from the UCLA Anderson phase, a further investment of $ 10 million Sri Lanka, utilising cutting-edge European including Port City and expressways “Under his guidance, BOI extended to him and School of Management, and will be infused to the project whereby the technology to yield optimum outcomes while once commissioned, manufacturing the developed a new road map investors especially during holds a BSc. in Electronics production capacity will expand by another being environmentally conscious through entire gamut of blended cement products defining the FDI (foreign the onset of Covid-19, and Telecommunication 1.2 million MT. All mixing will be carried out continuous monitoring.” including Ordinary Portland Cement direct investment) strategy Mohottala invited all Engineering (with with the latest German-made Gebr. Pfeiffer Lokuwithana also heads the Onyx Group (OPC), Portland Slag Cement (PSC), and for Sri Lanka, introducing stakeholders of the BOI to distinction) from the machinery, while many of the other equipment in the UAE, Marriot Al Jadaf Hotel in Portland Limestone Cement (PLC). prioritised sectors and join in making an “effective University of Moratuwa used throughout the production process have Dubai, Marangoni Industrial Tyres Lanka Lanwa Sanstha Cement (Pvt.) Ltd. sub-sectors, to transform contribution” towards the Sri Lanka. He is also a been customised by Siemens. Packaging (Pvt.) Ltd., and Rigid Tyre Corporation is a sister company of Ceylon Steel the economic landscape economic upliftment of Management Accountant is done using FLSmidth technology for (Pvt.) Ltd. in Horana, of which Phase 1 is Corporation Ltd., which manufactures a of the country in line the country. Mohottala (CIMA – UK) and has improved efficiency and minimal wastage. due for completion in January 2021. host of products including QT bars, hot- with the aspirations of the expressed his gratitude a Postgraduate Diploma Lanwa Sanstha Cement Chairman Nandana The manufacturing facility features a dipped galvanised pipes (GI pipes), box President, as articulated to outgoing Chairman in Marketing from the Lokuwithana said: “This facility will serve to fully automated Stacker Reclaimer Yard bars, round tubes, wire nails, MS rods, in his manifesto ‘Vistas of Susantha Ratnayake for his Chartered Institute of benefit the construction industry tremendously and two Bridge Type Ship Unloaders, a purlins, and meshes under the “Lanwa” Prosperity and Splendour’. leadership and guidance Marketing (CIM – UK). by delivering products of premium quality to breakthrough in cargo handling, shifting brand. Uber shifts Angel Fund shortlists five from weekly local startups for investment payments to Angel Fund, the first of its kind in those founders who did not gain funding on-demand Sri Lanka, has shortlisted its five early- this quarter, we found several who would stage startups for potential investment be investable with some tweaks to their following an intense application and business models and plans.” payments selection process from September to These startups will be featured at November 2020, which initially attracted the LAN-hosted Angel Roundup, an The world’s largest ride hailing app, Uber, 80 applications. exclusive virtual event to be held in yesterday (9) announced the launch of an The five startups are Blockchain- mid-December for the network’s angel on-demand cash-out feature for couriers as-a-Service platform Niftron, cloud- investors. The event is partnered with Sri and drivers across moto, tuks, and cars to based IoT-enabled visitor management Lanka’s largest private sector retail bank help eligible drivers cash out their earnings system Traccular, cloud-based patient Hatton National Bank PLC, a long-term any day of the week, once they’ve earned a and prescription management platform strategic partner for LAN. minimum amount of Rs. 100. Medica, streetwear clothing line The Rs. 100 million Angel Fund has Speaking about the initiative, Uber South Soulboner Clothing, and all-natural body plans to eventually invest in six to 10 Asia Head of Driver, Supply, and City care and spa products brand Ophir. high potential startups in total, gearing Operations Pavan Vaish said: “Drivers Angel Fund, launched earlier this year them up to scale domestically, and and couriers drive our business, and we by the Lankan Angel Network (LAN), even internationally. It is managed by have always said there is no Uber without was established with the support of LAN’s fund management team, which them. To help them in these challenging ecosystem development partner Ford continues to identify and evaluate times, we’ve rolled-out an ‘on-demand Foundation to catalyse the growth of Sri opportunities for investment across cash-out feature’ which allows them the Lanka’s startup ecosystem. Comprising the island, including in traditionally flexibility to cash out on any day of the 100 angel investors, including many Angel Fund’s Investment Committee underserved regions. The fund is week, instead of waiting for their weekly high-profile entrepreneurs and corporate dedicated to investing in, and mentoring cash-outs. Drivers and couriers on the Uber leaders, who represent more than a dozen Securities Chairman Dumith Fernando Shiluka Goonewardene. and supporting, early-stage startups platform have always gone the extra mile sectors with proven competencies in and Martin & George Chairman and Angel Fund IC member Dumith across multiple sectors; from making for our customers, and we will continue to over 20 functional domains, Angel Fund Senior Consultant Dumindra Ratnayaka. Fernando stated: “The investment investments at the early stages, to even acknowledge their hard work by making is also distinct in that it features 20% of The IC also comprises Hatch Works approval process for the Angel Fund helping startups identify sources for driving/delivering with Uber a more its investment from members based out Co-Founder Nathan Sivagananathan; was quite robust with seasoned experts future funding. rewarding experience for them.” of Canada, Dubai, Hongkong, Qatar, the former CIMB Sri Lanka CEO Anarkali from varied backgrounds participating The Angel Fund also periodically Uber said the new feature is aimed at UK, and the US. Moonesinghe; Calcey Technologies in the Investment Committee. We evaluates early-stage startups. Held helping the financial stability and wellbeing The process was guided by the fund’s Founder/CEO Mangala Karunaratne; and were encouraged by the quality of the every three months, these evaluation of drivers and couriers, enabling them to high-profile Investment Committee nCinga Founder/CEO Imal Kalutotage. shortlisted startups that were presented cycles are announced by the Fund via cash out their earnings whenever needed, (IC) consisting of Angel Fund members Joining them as Independent IC Member to us. We set a high bar for investment the Lankan Angel Network pages on subject to a nominal fee per transaction. Colombo Stock Exchange and Asia is KPMG Deal Advisory Principal selection this time. And even among Facebook and LinkedIn. the morning 4 Thursday, December 10, 2020 brunch GOODLIFE X ACCELERATOR DEMO DAY 2020 Innovation and creative sustainability in focus The spirit of innovative and creative sustainability was brought alive at Sri Lanka’s unique international accelerator programme’s finale event “Demo Day”, the entrepreneur development programme designed and implemented by GoodLife X (GLX), and initiated by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale INSPIRED Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Sector Development Programme in Sri Lanka. PERFORMANCES 2020 GLX Demo Day marked the end of its second cohort, designed to support local high- impact initiatives and start-ups with EVEN AMIDST A the opportunity to access world-class Participants at GLX Accelerator Demo Day 2020 knowledge, intensive training and worked with the 10 companies of addition, all founders had to take mentoring, hands-on support, and the 2020 cohort for GLX. Working crucial HR(human resources)/ investment opportunities, along with together to define their strategy and leadership decisions, where we PANDEMIC funding. trajectory was a treat. I believe all together reflected on different The Demo Day set the stage the founders have a great vision, scenarios for the next steps. Besides The Dancers’ Guild of Sri Lanka’s performance for the 10 founders of the 2020 and it was great to be part of their the mentoring, I had the impression at the LPL virtual opening ceremony Cohort to showcase their products journey and help them realise their that the founders benefitted most and services, and pitch for the goals,” said GLX Accelerator from the regular learning sessions BY NAVEED ROZAIS opportunity to receive investment Programme Manager Sanchitha and the clear focus of GLX and support from partners in Sri Silva. Accelerator.” If anything can prove Lanka, Germany, and other parts of The event was launched Mentors Peter Borchers and that Covid-19 can never Europe, in effectively taking their successfully via Facebook and Sebastian Fittko further stated: permanently dampen business towards global markets. YouTube channels, and was “What fascinated us was the pure our spirit it would be the The Demo Day was held streamed across 20 local and energy of the founders and the drive fact that the 2020 Lanka virtually, in adapting to the new international partner platforms, to build something purposeful. All Premier League (LPL) normal, and took place on 2 providing a wider coverage across our mentees were driven by purpose December. Calcey Technologies opened last week despite multiple arenas. The 10 companies with really great products! None Founder/Chief Executive Officer that participated in the sustainability- of our mentoring sessions ended being postponed from its (CEO) and GoodLife X Director driven GLX Accelerator programme on time because of all the ideas initially planned dates in Mangala Karunaratne, welcoming are BusSeat, Good Folks, Local and energy in the virtual room! We August. the cohorts of 2020, stated: “Firstly, Forecast, Mindful Travels, are looking forward to their future The 2020 LPL Opening I’d like to say congratulations to the Moonshadow Naturals, Olai, Owita journey and how they are going to Ceremony was held virtually 2020 cohort, and good luck with Organics, RAW, Sebastco, and impact the lives of people in Sri and was produced by Showtown all your pitches today. Secondly, Wawamu. Lanka further on.” Entertainment. A highlight of great work, team GoodLife; the Voicing their views about the “One of the key takeaways the opening ceremony was the dancers could wear. work you have been doing is really programme, the founders all drew for me was that in every difficult inspired performances put on by Wickramasinghe explained that important. If you can help build a attention to the immense support situation – and the Covid pandemic Chandana Wickramasinghe and the performance was shot against few more Dilmah-type companies in received from the four mentors: for sure is a very difficult situation the Dancers’ Guild of Sri Lanka. a blue setting so that it could Sri Lanka, I think we can truly say Jan Ehlers, Martin Kupp, Peter – also lies a lot of opportunities. The nature of this virtual dance easily be edited, which meant we have begun the transition from Borchers, and Sebastian Fittko, Overall, I had the feeling that the performance showed that despite that absolutely nothing blue a commodity supplier to a value- who are professional consultants programme came at the exact the pandemic and its crippling could be used in the costumes for added supplier.” from ESCP in both Paris and right time for the projects and the effect on artists, there is still the production. Each founder, selected on the Berlin. ESCP is a state-recognised very special situation with online potential for performance to shine The shooting of the merits of innovative sustainability university that counts among meetings and sessions seemed even in this new normal, in which performance went on for over 36 of their start-up, was taken through the most prestigious and leading to even accelerate the learning we temporarily find ourselves. hours, Wickramasinghe noted, a 12-week business development business schools in Germany. process,” said Martin Kupp. The Dancers’ Guild of with dancers needing different programme that provided strategic ESCP Berlin Executive Director At the conclusion of the Sri Lanka is one of our most cameras and angles specifically training, planning and international Education, Career Development, event, GLX Programme Director renowned dance troupes, formally for maximum impact. Rehearsals mentoring, and hands-on support and Company Relations Jan Ehlers Randhula de Silva stated: “GLX is founded by Managing Director were limited to a few weeks and in the form of student groups from opened his speech stating: “After set to solve meaningful problems and Dance Choreographer carried out in strict accordance the master’s programme at ESCP in the successful launch of the GLX in Asia through innovative and Chandana Wickramasinghe in Chandana Wickramasinghe with health and safety Berlin (the GoodLife Accelerator’s Accelerator 2019 onsite in Colombo, sustainable approaches in the 1999. Wickramasinghe’s own soundtrack for the performance regulations. implementing partner). The I was not sure if this year’s 100% sectors that need it most. It is an expertise in dance began at the was created by one of the On working mid-pandemic, collaboration between these young virtual round could have the same honour to be facilitating the work of age of six under the tutelage young team from Showtown Wickramasinghe shared that it entrepreneurs and their mentors strong effect on start-ups; I was changemakers of tomorrow, who are of Vajira Chitrasena. He was Entertainment, who created a was a struggle, but could have opens the doors to fresh thinking, proven wrong! set to do nothing but good for our then trained and given Ves by dynamic track to capture the been much worse. “We must knowledge, and collaborative “As all start-ups are in an early society and economy. The journey Kulasiri Budawatta and was power and energy of Sri Lankan really thank His Excellency problem-solving. stage, it was crucial for the founders has only just begun; miles to go and Budawatta’s first student, before dance.” President Gotabaya Rajapaksa “It was a great pleasure to have to find focus and set priorities. In much more to co-create!” joining the Sama Ballet troupe. Speaking on the LPL and the current Government Wickramasinghe also trained at Opening Ceremony itself, because they arranged a special the Visva-Bharati Santiniketan Wickramasinghe commended loan for artists. All my dancers also winning the company the University before formally Showtown Entertainment for received this money, and without title of Best High Rise Condo founding the Dancers’ Guild. the outstanding job done in it, many artists, especially the PropertyGuru Architectural Design (Asia). Wing The Dancers’ Guild conceptualising, developing, younger artists, would have been Tai Asia was named Best Lifestyle specialises in traditional, fusion, and producing the ceremony. lost.” Developer (Asia), overcoming folk, and oriental ballet for both Wickramasinghe added that this Wickramasinghe shared that seven companies from around the concludes 15th region. Sri Lankan and foreign audiences ceremony was doubly important there was almost no work for and has performed in over 76 at a time we need to “show the troupe during the pandemic, The PropertyGuru Asia countries. In 2013, the group our culture and who we are”. there were no private events or Property Awards were established edition of Asia in Thailand in 2005 to distinguish performed in Kazakhstan and Wickramasinghe further shared: tours, and even in the case of the Belarus Bolshoi Theatre to “This series is watched by both weddings, there were numerous the top properties and development commemorate the visit of then Sri Lankans and foreigners and is restrictions on the kinds of firms in Southeast Asia. The awards Sri Lanka President Mahinda the best time to show that we are Property Awards programme has since expanded to dances that could take place. In Rajapaksa. The troupe is also a cultured and peaceful country. a normal world, now would be honour the finest properties and called to represent Sri Lanka at It’s time to show our talent and the time Wickramasinghe would PropertyGuru, a leading development firms in mainland overseas promotion campaigns promote our culture. It’s also be preparing for Independence Southeast Asian property China, Hong Kong, and Macau; co-ordinated by the Sri Lankan good for our tourism industry. We Day celebrations when he technology company, marked the Australia; South Asia (India, Sri embassies. The troupe was also need to really build our tourism sends members of his troupe to conclusion of its 15th Asia Property Lanka, and the Maldives); and invited by Indian billionaire industry next year and it is a good perform at Sri Lankan diplomatic Awards with a virtual gala event Japan (Greater Niseko), celebrating Mukesh Ambani to perform at his message to bring people here missions across the world. and awards ceremony. The grand 15 years of rewarding excellence in daughter Isha’s wedding in 2018. through dance and cricket.” Wickramasinghe is currently finale of this year’s edition of the real estate in 2020. Wickramasinghe shared that Working on a performance working on an upcoming long-running real estate awards PropertyGuru Group Chief the Dancers’ Guild performance of this nature during a pandemic production for 2021, a historical programme was the first to be held Executive Officer (CEO) Hari V. at the 2020 LPL Opening came with its problems, ballet in collaboration with virtually, via special broadcast. Krishnan said: “The PropertyGuru Ceremony was carefully curated Wickramasinghe shared, Indian and Sri Lankan artists The finale saw developers Asia Property Awards started 15 to showcase the best of Sri explaining that the performance and dancers. The production is and projects recognised from 14 years ago with an aim to, among Lankan dance, combining the has to be filmed in a very specific supported by the Indo-Sri Lanka property markets in Southeast Asia, others, create what’s next and Kandyan dance style, low-country setting so that it could be edited Foundation in collaboration the Chinese territories (mainland celebrate success; a programme dance style, with elements of into the final event, and that with the High Commission of China, Hong Kong, Macau), that provides a respected, trusted fusion dance. “All that I learned this required a great deal of India, and is set to feature many Australia, India, and Japan, with Bagging three regional platform to showcase achievements from my gurus came to my consideration in terms of colour legendary Sri Lankan artists and regional titles elevating them above Developer awards, Singapore and innovations of developers mind when I created this. The and the kind of ornamentation dancers. their peers as the “best in Asia”. emerged the most awarded country across the Asia Pacific. Around 87 companies, at this year’s award ceremony. “It is truly gratifying to see the representing distinguished country GuocoLand was among the programme not only persist with winners of the PropertyGuru ceremony’s biggest victors, engaging, immersive, interactive Asia Property Awards series this winning Best Developer (Asia), ways to broadcast the achievements year, competed for 35 accolades, the highest accolade of the night, of developers in these extraordinary including the never-before- as well as the top regional titles times, but also expand into exciting presented Regional Developer of Best Mixed Use Development new markets outside Southeast titles of Best Mixed Use Developer (Asia) and Best Condo Asia, in its 15th year. Moreover, we (Asia), Best Industrial Developer Development (Asia) for its Guoco are proud that the awards continue (Asia), Best Lifestyle Developer Midtown and Wallich Residence to inform Asian residents of more (Asia), Best Sustainable Developer projects, respectively. choices of high-quality real estate, (Asia), Best Commercial Developer Aurum Land (Pvt.) Ltd. was living up to our promise that (Asia), and Best Breakthrough named Best Boutique Developer everyone should have a place to Developer (Asia). (Asia), with The Hyde project call home.” the morning 5 Thursday, December 10, 2020 sports England tour confirmed Ronaldo prevails More than a defeat for The England Test tour of Sri Lanka, A top-billing game, featuring Lionel Messi and Man United which was postponed during March Cristiano Ronaldo, and the fans had their share of Manchester United players slumped 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, is moments when Juventus met Barcelona on Tuesday to the turf at full time in Germany now rescheduled to take place during (8) night. Juventus won 3-0 to top the Champions on Tuesday (8) in acknowledgement January 2021, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) League Group “G” as it now progresses to the last of what their latest pedestrian first- announced yesterday (9). The England 16 alongside second-placed Barcelona. Not a night half display had cost them. The 3-2 team is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka on 3 January via a chartered flight and for Messi to remember but the Argentine was the outright playmaker through the latter loss at RB Leipzig means United will not be one of the 16 teams in the draw is scheduled to land in the Mattala Airport. stages of the game. Ronaldo, determined as ever, nonchalantly bagged two from the spot. for the knockout stages of the Champions League. South Africa tour shifted to Sri Lanka? z Final decision to be taken today By Revatha S. Silva on the cards, perhaps because the Gauteng area, where their team will be based, has fewer Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is exploring active coronavirus cases than the Western the possibility of having the South Cape, where England are. But a second wave Africa versus Sri Lanka two-match of infections is expected to rise in Gauteng in Test series, scheduled in South January. SLC is set to make a firm decision Africa later this month, in Sri Lanka. next week.”

The series, now scheduled to take place in Cost on CSA coffers South Africa from 26 December, came under Cricbuzz has also elaborated on the a cloud after England suddenly cancelled their repercussions the local boards face on the tour of South Africa midway and returned financial front due to the cancellation of home, due to the fear of the spread of Covid- high-profile tours. 19, earlier this week. SLC said yesterday (9) “Each game scheduled in South Africa that that having the series in Sri Lanka is an option isn’t played is believed to cost CSA more under consideration. than $ 665,000 (Rs. 123.4 million) in lost “We are exploring every possibility to go broadcast revenue,” it estimated. ahead with the series either there or here. But “So it could already be $ 1.9 million out we haven’t decided as of yet. We are only of the pocket with more bad news to come. engaging in discussions with the (Cricket But (CSA CEO Kugandrie) Govender told South Africa – CSA) board and we might meet Cricbuzz that CSA hadn’t sacrificed income. up tomorrow (today) to make the final call,” “Since the ODI series (against England) is SLC Chief Executive Ashley de Silva told the being postponed and not cancelled, CSA Morning Sports yesterday. won’t be losing money as much, as monies will be deferred to later in the FTP (Future Sri Lanka reconsiders Tours Programme) cycle. So over the four- Meanwhile, popular website Cricbuzz year period, it will even out. (The) ECB and also speculated yesterday that “Sri Lanka, CSA are sharing this responsibility.” South Africa Test Australia, and Pakistan (are to travel to South series might be Africa)… in the coming weeks and months, shifted to Sri Lanka Debt of over Rs. 12 billion but they will surely reconsider in the wake due to Covid-19 fears “Before the pandemic hit, the South of the problems England’s visit exposed”. African Cricketers’ Association projected Cricbuzz further explained that “a that CSA could be $ 65.9 million (Rs. 12.2 concerned SLC resolved on Sunday (6) billion) in debt by the end of the 2022 rights night to discuss on Monday (7) the wisdom tour). We will take a call only tomorrow England might object to tour SL team playing there if the Sri Lankans have cycle,” Cricbuzz noted. of the Sri Lankans playing two Tests in South (today).” “The (England) board was meeting as news been in South Africa. If England doesn't tour, “Covid-19 can only have an adverse effect Africa, at Centurion and the Wanderers When queried further if the series can be broke that England were leaving South Africa SLC will lose significant broadcast revenue,” on that equation. Testing South Africa’s starting on 26 December”. held in Sri Lanka on a later date, de Silva early. They are due in Sri Lanka in January, explained Cricbuzz. squad and support staff during England’s De Silva further explained last night: “We answered, saying: “We haven’t decided yet. and the SLC will know that the ECB (England It added: “Even so, it is understood that SLC tour alone has probably cost close on $ 8,000 have not yet finalised (on the South African We are just engaging in discussions.” and Wales Cricket Board) could object to their has decided the tour to South Africa remains (Rs. 1.4 million),” it further mentioned.

Into the Past with Thilak

When Sir Donald Bradman led Australia into the field, the background for memorable cricket was ideal. In sunshine, a crowd as big as the ground could hold covered, and Wally Hammond driving at boundary edge with colour. No one at Lord’s Lord’s on his way to 240 against that morning could have failed to be without Sir Don Bradman’s Australia in the second Test, on 24 June 1938 response to a sense of occasion, stated J.M. Kilburn in his famous 1975 book Overthrows. Describing in his graphic style, Kilburn has written about the June 1938 second Test match at Lord’s, London, England between touring Australia and England. “Occasion sharpened the significance of routine. The five-minute bell and appearance of the umpires brought an obedient settling of spectators in their places, with a belated scurry Wally Hammond (left) and Sir to vantage point visible here and there. The Don Bradman going out for the Australians flooded out to the field, scattering toss in the firstT est of the series as soon as they had escaped from the pavilion Days remembered at Trent Bridge, Nottingham gate. (Charlie) Barnett and (Leonard or Len) Hutton, walking briskly to open the England z How J.M. Kilburn described Wally England vs. Australia second Test at Lord’s on 24-28 June 1938 innings, were given acknowledgement, reflecting appreciation for their partnership Hammond’s 240 at Lord’s Scores: Hassett 56; Hedley Verity 4/103, Ken Farnes of 219 in the Trent Bridge Test. In cathedral England 494 (Wally Hammond 240, Eddie 3/135) and (target 315) 204/6 (Don Bradman hush Ernie McCormick began his run-up to the beauty of its physical attributes. the right person in the right place at the right Paynter 99, Les Ames 83; Bill O’Reilly 4/93, 102 n.o., Lindsay Hassett 42; Bill Edrich 2/27, deliver the first ball.” “Hammond’s walk was the most handsome time… On 30,000 watchers, sitting or standing, Ernie McCormick 4/101) and 242/8 dec. Hedley Verity 2/29) (Denis Compton 76 n.o., Eddie Paynter 43 n.o.; Result: Match drawn in all cricket; smooth in the evenness of stride, comfortable or crushed, the effect of Hammond Wally Hammond’s walk Ernie McCormick 3/72, Stan McCabe 2/58) Series: Four-match series drawn 1-1 (third precise in balance. It was a flow of movement at the crease was soothing.” Australia 422 (Bill Brown 206 n.o., Lindsay Test abandoned due to rain) Within half an hour, he had taken three linking stillness to stillness. It was as much By lunch time the character of the day had wickets, including Hutton’s and Barnett’s. as any feature of athletics; poetry in motion,” been. Hammond had scored 70. The whole “At 20/2, (Wally) Hammond came on to bat. describes Kilburn. glory of Hammond’s was its ease. He scored 70 more runs between lunch and the divisions of the day. The first 70 was It was a regal walk to the wicket. It was made tea, and another 70 between tea and the close. characterised by invigorating freshness of the at normal pace, without the hurry of anxiety or Seventy before lunch Fifties that suited afternoon and Kilburn observed that forward strokes were morning; the afternoon 70 had a leisurely air the deliberation of tactical devices. It focused “In his walk from pavilion to pitch, he stirred evening the basis of Hammonds’ innings that day. The suggesting warmth in sunshine; evening was the attention of every man, woman, and child the heart and dimmed the eye with pride in a Afternoon and evening of this Hammond drive was its glory. “The three 70s that made calm. Not one of the 30,000-crowd at Lord’s in the Lord’s by strength of its assurance and magic moment. It was an assurance of being day were more an innings harmony repeated. up Hammond’s 210 not out corresponded would have gone home without satisfaction.”