„„ www.themorning.lk „„ Late City VOL 01 | NO 22 | Rs. 30.00 { TUESDAY } TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2021 BLACK-OUT OF THE WEST INDIES SERIES?

DEEP-DIVING INTO WAKE UP AND ‘THE OFFICE ON MISSING CONCEPTUAL SMELL THE PERSONS DIDN’T ACHIEVE PHOTOGRAPHY DEBT: HARSHA ANYTHING SUBSTANTIAL’ »SEE PAGE 16 »SEE PAGE 7 »SEE PAGE 6 »SEE PAGE 11 Easter report to No resolution Parliament today? z Presented to Cabinet yesterday

BY PAMODI WARAVITA be tabled in Parliament today the terrorist attacks that from Sri Lanka The report by the by the Leader of the House, occurred on Easter Sunday Presidential Commission of depending on the agenda of in 2019, where 270 lives were z UNHRC 46th z Home-grown resolution z Foreign Minister’s Inquiry (PCoI) appointed to the House. taken and 500 were injured. investigate the Easter Sunday Rambukwella added that Accordingly, the Commission Session commences plan abandoned address tomorrow attacks of 21 April 2019, the report was tabled at the recorded evidence from BY PAMODI WARAVITA Although the Government initially considered will probably be tabled in meeting of the Cabinet of 457 persons over 214 days Sri Lanka would not be presenting a home-grown resolution at the 46th Session co-sponsoring a resolution with the Core Group Parliament today (23), The Ministers held yesterday to compile the six-volume of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) which began yesterday (22), of Countries for Sri Lanka (The UK, Canada, Morning learnt. (22). report. despite flirting with the idea for a couple of weeks, The Morning learnt. Germany, Montenegro, and North Macedonia), Speaking to The Morning, Former President The final report was handed High-level sources at the Foreign Ministry On 16 February, Co-Cabinet Spokesperson it was later learnt by The Morning that the Cabinet Spokesperson Maithripala Sirisena over to President Rajapaksa told The Morning yesterday that Sri Lanka had Dr. Ramesh Pathirana told us that indications expectations of the Core Group were not met Keheliya Rambukwella said appointed the PCoI in on 1 February. decided against submitting its own resolution are pointing at a home-grown resolution from by the Government’s negotiations. that the report will “likely” September 2019, to probe Contd. on page 2 at this year’s Session in Geneva, Switzerland. the Government to be submitted at the Session. Contd. on page 2 PAKISTAN PM HERE TODAY Khan talks ‘Rosy Madam’s Crackdown to include list’ under fire after exposé by ministers z People use z Mayoress z Epidemiology z Community The Morning BY PAMODI WARAVITA connections prohibits Unit denies physicians decry Visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Imran to get abuse of inoculation prioritisation BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE Kataragama Devalaya Complex, Khan would be hosted at the Temple Trees vaccinated her name ‘ad hoc’ mess Following an exposé by The the Civil Defence Force (CDF)/ today (23) by his local counterpart Premier Morning concerning various Civil Security Force (CSF) is Mahinda Rajapaksa for a meeting where 10 BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI lists and prior registrations, the vaccination centre at illegal activities and malpractices taking action at the highest level. ministers are also expected to be present, The With vaccination against with a so-called “Rosy the Colombo Public Library taking place around the Contd. on page 2 Morning learnt. Covid-19 in the public Madam’s list” coming in were told that the vaccines Contd. on page 2 phase, individuals have been for particular criticism. would be administered only influencing health workers at It was alleged through for those in “Rosy Madam’s Colombo Mayoress vaccination centres to have social media yesterday list”, a reference to Colombo Website to Rosy Senanayake the vaccine administered to (22) that those who went Mayoress Rosy Senanayake. them disregarding priority to vaccinate themselves at Contd. on page 2 pre-book NEW KELANI BRIDGE EXTENSION 500K new prison visits Residents protest vaccines here BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI The Department of Prisons has launched alternate route on Thursday a central pre-booking website for persons visiting inmates to book their visits in advance The Serum Institute of India (SII) has to all prisons in the country. confirmed the delivery of a consignment of Contd. on page 2 500,000 doses of the Oxford–AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine to Sri Lanka on Thursday (25) night, according to Acting Minister of Wimal to fight Health Prof. Channa Jayasumana. Cola with Nelli Contd. on page 2 A local company STF deforestation named Ma Product (Pvt.) Ltd. launched a unit within a week beverage by the name of BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE “Nelli Cola” yesterday A special investigation unit of the Police (22), under the Special Task Force (STF) tasked with assisting Pothuarawa residents disagree with the alternative plan where the patronage of Minister proposed highway would go through the Pothuarawa community Wildlife and Forest Conservation Officers to take of Small and Medium PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA immediate action against deforestation will be Business and Enterprise established within a week, The Morning learnt. Development, BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE the New Kelani Bridge (NKB) Speaking to The Morning, Police Media Industries, and Supply Residents at Pothuarawa are extension to the Athurugiriya Spokesman Deputy Inspector General of Police Chain Management protesting against one of the Elevated Highway, The Morning (DIG) Ajith Rohana said that the unit will be Minister Wimal Wimal Weerawansa. two alternative routes proposed learnt. set up at the Public Security Ministry premises. Weerawansa Contd. on page 2 concerning the construction of Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 COVID-19 CASES RPC finances under GoSL scrutiny ACTIVE CASES TOTAL CASES BY PAMODI WARAVITA Morning learnt. model of plantations,” said RPCs were given total The Government has Speaking to The Morning, Hewavitharana. control of the management begun monitoring and Ministry of Plantations The privatisation structure. However, the State 80,517 scrutinising the financial Secretary Ravindra initiative in the tea sector reserved a “golden share” performance of Regional Hewavitharana said that the commenced in 1992 where stake through the Treasury DEATHS RECOVERED Plantation Companies Government began carrying state-run estates were Department, and it is this (RPCs) to enact policy out this monitoring from 16 handed over to the RPCs “golden share” that has 4,957 450 75,110 decisions to ensure the February. and was extended to rubber enabled it to engage in this SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 10.00 P.M. ON 22 FEBRUARY 2021 expected productivity of “This review is done and coconut plantations. monitoring. the RPCs are reached, The to evaluate the business During this process, the Contd. on page 2 42 „„ www.themorning.lk { NEWS } Tuesday, February 23, 2021 The six-member committee appointed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to study the report of the Presidential Easter report committee can’t interfere Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the Easter Sunday attacks will not interfere with nor add recommendations: PMD the prosecution and trial of the accused, nor add new In a press release the PMD said that The responsibility entrusted with the Attorney General’s Department, security attacks had a devastating impact on cessation of religious extremism and recommendations to the report. certain groups with vested interests Parliamentary Committee appointed by forces, and State Intelligence Service the national security and stability, associated terrorist violence, hate speech “Prosecution and trial of the accused are trying to socialise misconceptions the President is to study in depth the and implementing recommendations the economy, religious harmony, and aiming at different ethnic communities, as per the recommendations of the PCoI about the role of the Parliamentary contents of the report of the PCoI on the as stipulated by the PCoI to avert the social fabric of the country and that the and foreign funding for such groups.” on Easter Sunday attacks will take Committee, adding that the six members Easter Sunday attacks, report on how recurrence of a national catastrophe background to these events also opens The PCoI has identified what each place in accordance with the standard were selected considering factors such action should be taken to prevent such of such magnitude is the prime the door to external interference that is state institution and authority should judicial procedures. The Parliamentary as their political maturity, experience, a tragedy from happening again, and responsibility of the said committee. detrimental to the country’s sovereignty do and the level of priority to be given Committee is not expected to and high level of knowledge in various ensure the long-lasting peace, security, These recommendations cannot be and stability. to each task to achieve these broad intervene in the said process. Adding fields. The committee is headed by and stability in Sri Lanka, according successfully implemented by any entity “In order to ensure peace and security objectives. If the existing administrative recommendations to the Commission Minister Chamal Rajapaksa and to the PMD. single-handedly.” The PCoI into the as well as economic prosperity within machinery is not adequate to follow of Inquiry report is also not within the includes Ministers Johnston Fernando, “Identifying the overall process Easter Sunday attacks was appointed the territory of the State of Sri Lanka, the recommended course of action, scope of the committee,” the President’s Udaya Gammanpila, Dr. Ramesh including the measures that need to be in 2019 by the previous Government. all avenues leading to the recurrence of necessary amendments need to be made Media Division (PMD) announced Pathirana, Prasanna Ranatunga, and taken by various agencies and authorities The PMD added that the Government such extremist violence must entirely in the administrative mechanism, the yesterday (22). Rohitha Abeygunawardene. such as the Parliament, judiciary, is of the view that the Easter Sunday be closed. This requires a complete PMD further said. Contd. from page 1

to vaccinate anyone who has tried to use her Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health said that According to him, 150 residents live around moved by the “Core Group of Countries No resolution... name to influence the vaccination programme it expects to complete the Covid-19 vaccination the Pothuarawa area. for Sri Lanka”. Pakistan is also the Chair When contacted regarding the matter and not to bypass the Government’s priority drive for the majority of the population in the “I don’t understand the reason why the of the Organisation of Islamic Countries yesterday, Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya list for any reason. Western Province by the Sinhala and Tamil Government would want to drag Pothuarawa (OIC), whose support Sri Lanka would be Rambukwella directed us to the Foreign Speaking to The Morning yesterday, New Year. people to the road,” said the VP. seeking at the Session. Moreover, earlier in Ministry. All attempts to contact Foreign Deputy Director General of Health Services Sri Lanka is expecting to receive its However, speaking to The Morning, RDA the month, Khan tweeted applauding Mahinda Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Foreign Dr. Hemantha Herath confirmed that health GAVI COVAX Facility vaccines for 20% Chairman Chaminda Athuluwage said that Rajapaksa’s assurance in Parliament that Ministry Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath workers are being influenced to vaccinate of the country’s population by the end of the residents of Pothuarawa have started this the burial of victims of Covid-19 would be Colombage proved futile. outside of the provided priority lists. He February. It was reported yesterday that a protest without confirming facts and based on allowed. However, Co-Cabinet Spokesman The 46th UNHRC Regular Session, held requested the public and individuals to refrain consignment of 500,000 Oxford-AstraZeneca a figment of their imagination. Udaya Gammanpila later said that Rajapaksa virtually this year due to travel restrictions from imposing such pressure on health workers. Covidshield vaccines from the Serum Institute “We are still discussing the proposed routes. had only expressed his personal opinion on imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, would “It has come to our attention that certain of India, ordered by the State Pharmaceutical According to the plans, we wanted to go ahead the matter. proceed until 23 March, where Sri Lanka’s individuals have influenced and demanded Corporation, would be delivered by 25 with the route through the Thalangama Wetland issues of accountability with regard to the that they be vaccinated outside of the priority February. where we see it as economically viable and final stages of the war in 2009 would be lists. We request the public not to impose such less damaging. But the final decision has Website to... discussed. The Core Group for Sri Lanka pressure on health workers administering the not been made yet due to the protests. They A set date and time for the visit can be is expected to submit a resolution after the vaccine and ask them to be patient till their STF deforestation... assume that the RDA would take the highly booked in advance by visiting www.visit. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights turn comes to be vaccinated.” It will be set up as a rapid action committee residential area of Pothuarawa as the alternative prison.gov.lk, for visitations to be made Michelle Bachelet raised serious concerns Dr. Herath said that the Police have not on deforestation and the unit would be divided route which we still haven’t decided on,” convenient during the Covid-19 pandemic. regarding Sri Lanka’s human rights situation been involved in dealing with such situations into two sections, where one would be handled Athuluwage further said. Visitors are, however, still able to visit prisons in her report earlier this year. as that might create tense situations within by the Minister of Public Security Rear Admiral Earlier this month, the proposed construction without registering through the website. Foreign Minister Gunawardena will vaccination centres. He said that those who are (Retd.) Dr. Sarath Weerasekera, and the other of the NKB extension to the Athurugiriya Speaking to The Morning yesterday (22), address the “high-level” segment of the between the ages of 30 and 59 from identified section would be under the Inspector General Elevated Highway was put on hold on the State Ministry for Prison Reforms and Prisoners session tomorrow (24). On 25 February, High high-risk areas have been notified by their of Police (IGP) and headed by DIG Rohana. instructions of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Rehabilitation Media Secretary Madhawa Commissioner Bachelet’s report on Sri Lanka relevant Medical Officers of Health (MOH) to “Both sections would deploy police officers to ensure it is constructed without harming Weerasinghe said that the website that was is scheduled to be discussed. Bachelet’s report come to the relevant centres and receive their as staff members,” he added. the Thalangama Wetland. launched this week was initiated as a part of also raised concerns over more recent incidents vaccination within a period of three days. He The main responsibility of this unit is to “We have been instructed by President the project launched in the Angunakolapelessa of alleged human rights violations, including emphasised that clear instructions have been take strict action against those who destroy Gotabaya Rajapaksa to come up with a plan Prison on 15 December 2020, as a step to the mandatory cremation policy adopted by given to healthcare workers not to vaccinate forests and harm the environment. to ensure that if construction occurs through digitise prison activities following Covid-19. the Government. The Government responded anyone outside the provided priority lists. According to Rohana, the STF patrolling the Thalangama Wetland, it would be done Virtual calls between inmates and their family to the report by citing inaccuracies in the Releasing a statement to the press yesterday, would also take place in certain areas where with minimum environmental impact,” Central members were also facilitated under this. report and charging that it went beyond her the College of Community Physicians noted they have information about deforestation. Environmental Authority (CEA) Chairman “The website was launched for the public given mandate. that the vaccine prioritisation of the Ministry “If there is any information regarding Siripala Amarasinghe told The Morning on this week, after a trial period that started on Earlier this month, both the Human Rights of Health has deviated from the original plan. deforestation, the public can report it to the 11 February. 15 December 2020, in Angunakolapelessa. Watch (HRW) organisation and Amnesty “The decision of the Ministry of Health to 1997 hotline,” he further said. Accordingly, discussions are taking place Visitors are still able to pay their visitations International Sri Lanka called for an end to initiate vaccination targeting individuals of 30 With the increasing deforestation and between the Ministry of Environment, RDA, without making the pre-booking, but State what it called Sri Lanka’s impunity with regard to 60 years was implemented in a few selected environmental destruction taking place across the Urban Development Authority (UDA), and Minister Lohan Ratwatte is hoping to develop to alleged human rights violations. communities and this is a clear deviation from the country, Ministry of Defence Secretary the CEA to formulate such a plan. the visitations to fully function through online the scientifically agreed prioritisation stated in (Retd.) General Kamal Gunaratne recently registration.” the National Vaccine Deployment Plan. This shared his remarks with the media, indicating When inquired as to whether this would not Easter report... strategy is neither an evidence-based practice, that the matter was taken up for discussion RPC finances... be disadvantageous for those of the public Since then, there has been intense speculation nor a public health decision considering the during a recent meeting of the Defence Council. A golden share is a nominal share which that cannot access the internet, Weerasinghe as to the contents of the report, which have wider public health and economic outcomes.” “We are looking at implementing a task force is able to outvote all other shares in certain said that the website is mobile phone friendly, been further fuelled by the delay in presenting The College requested the Government with the assistance of the Police, the Army, and specified circumstances, often held by a which allows anyone with access to the internet the report to Parliament. to urgently implement “the scientifically the Air Force to monitor the situation. While government organisation in a government through a smartphone to book their visit to Meanwhile, the six-member Ministerial recommended vaccine priority list rather than measures are in place to arrest the culprits, company undergoing the process of the prison. Committee, appointed by President Gotabaya taking ad hoc decisions on the vaccination the clearing of vast areas continue to take privatisation and transformation into a stock The pre-booking system gives priority to Rajapaksa to study the reports given to him by policy”. place. We have received leads that some state company. those who register for their visitations as the PCoI appointed to investigate the Easter Responding to questions posed by The officials have also been aiding these entities The monitoring is being carried out by the it allocates a set time to meet the inmates. Sunday bombings, and the Sectoral Oversight Morning yesterday, Ministry of Health to carry out such exercises.” Ministry of Plantations along with the State Weerasinghe said that this will make the Committee on National Security, met for the Epidemiology Unit Consultant Epidemiologist Gunaratne also added that when police, Ministry of Company Estate Reforms, Tea and visitations efficient as the inmate would already first time yesterday. Dr. Deepa Gamage said that the current STF, or army personnel visit the sites of Rubber Estates-Related Crops Cultivation and be informed of the visitation beforehand and A statement released yesterday by the vaccination plan is not ad hoc and that it areas that are subjected to deforestation, Factories Modernisation, and Tea and Rubber would be ready for it. Presidential Media Division (PMD) said that is a plan by the Ministry of Health. “The the labourers operating the machinery had Export Promotion. Weerasinghe also said that the pre-booking the Committee would be studying the contents vaccination programme in practice is not ad permits in hand to carry out these activities. “We would be reviving this process, which will conveniently collect the information of of the report in depth and is entrusted with the hoc at all. It is the Ministry’s plan and we are He noted that the President and the Prime was not conducted for the past eight years, the visitors and who they are visiting, which task of reporting on how action should be taken implementing it.” Minister have been notified about such as we have understood that some plantations would strengthen the security of the prison to prevent the recurrence of such a tragedy. Meanwhile, The Morning learnt from incidents, as these deforestation incidents are even facing a negative net worth,” said system as it would allow this database to be Ministry of Health sources that the initially have been taking place in the middle of Hewavitharana. accessed during investigations. The collection announced priority list of vaccinating reserves and thick forests. This monitoring is in addition to the of data will be more efficient than the existing Crackdown... individuals above the age of 60 after Commenting on the matter to The Morning, performance-evaluative study conducted by manual data collection methods, he added. Speaking to The Morning, CDF/CSF Director vaccinating frontline workers was subject Minister for Wildlife and Forest Conservation the Ministry of Plantation Industries, the Sri The electronic-visit website and software General Rear Admiral U.I. Serasinghe said that to change. C.B. Rathnayake said: “These deforestation Lanka Tea Board (SLTB), and a private audit has been designed by and is controlled by the they have identified the officers involved “As the Ministry submitted the application and land-grabbing rackets did not commence firm, which is reviewing the social welfare of Prisons Information Technology Unit. The in these malpractices, and are interrogating for the Global Alliance for Vaccines and recently. These have been long-standing the labourers in the plantation sector and aims State Ministry hopes to use the technology them. According to Serasinghe, the CDF/CSF Immunisations (GAVI) COVAX Facility, a issues, and there are several entities at work to help the RPCs maximise the utilisation of to minimise problems within prisons, as well would be able to make an official statement comment was added to the application stating in destroying nature and encroaching into their resources. as to solve and minimise problems faced by regarding these officers soon. that the order of priority may change according forest land.” inmates and their families. “I will take the highest possible action to the prevailing pandemic situation.” against this. I definitely believe that this is Sources further said that a decision was Khan talks... something to be addressed and corrected. made to vaccinate those between the ages Residents... Pakistani Premier Khan would be arriving 500K new... We would not shy away from punishing the of 30 and 59 due to the high transmission Speaking to The Morning yesterday (22), the at the Bandaranaike International Airport The consignment has been ordered by Sri officers who try to destroy the image of the rate among individuals of this age group as Vice President (VP) of a group called “Save (BIA) in Katunayake at 4.15 p.m. today, where Lanka’s State Pharmaceuticals Corporation CDF/CSF,” said Serasinghe. studies have shown that the vaccination is Pothuarawa Community”, who wished to he would be welcomed by Prime Minister (SPC), Jayasumana told the media yesterday The CDF/CSF is not a corrupt place and able to control the transmission of the virus remain anonymous, said that the Pothuarawa Mahinda Rajapaksa, along with a gun salute. (22). 90% of the officers are clean, he further added. to a certain degree. residents disagree with the alternative plan Later in the evening, Rajapaksa would be The SPC has signed the order with SII for 10 The Morning carried out an undercover Meanwhile, National Operations Centre where the proposed highway would go through holding a meeting with Khan at the Temple million doses of the vaccine. This agreement investigation regarding the hotbed of criminal for the Prevention of the Covid-19 Outbreak the Pothuarawa community. Trees, followed by a joint media statement had been approved by the Attorney General activity at the Kataragama place of worship (NOCPCO) Head General Shavendra Silva The NKB-Athurugiriya Elevated Highway between the two counterparts, and finally last week. where organised gangs with links to the area’s said yesterday that 175,694 frontline workers Project is being constructed under two phases. a dinner. Prime Minister’s Media Secretary Oxford-AstraZeneca’s Covishield is local government political leadership are and 100,262 persons in high-risk areas in the The construction of Phase One from Kelaniya Rohan Weliwita told The Morning yesterday being manufactured by Pune-based Serum operating in broad daylight, fleecing pilgrims Western Province have been vaccinated against through Dematagoda to Rajagiriya has already (22) that eight Cabinet Ministers and two State Institute. The SII has collaborated with Oxford and tourists, extorting vendors, and carrying Covid-19 so far. begun while Phase Two would follow one Ministers are also expected to be present at University and pharmaceutical company out a racket involving the trafficking and sale A total of 22,515 from the Colombo District, of the two proposed routes to Athurugiriya the occasion. AstraZeneca to make the vaccine. of narcotic drugs. 2,594 from the Colombo Municipal Council – either through the highly residential area The Sunday Morning also reported last week Sri Lanka began vaccinating healthcare During the investigation, a CDF/CSF officer area, 59,350 from the Gampaha District, of Pothuarawa or through the Thalangama that according to Weliwita, approximately workers and frontline security forces personnel took The Morning’s investigation team to the and 5,782 from the Kalutara District were Wetland. six agreements are scheduled to be signed on 29 January after Sri Lanka received a stock Kataragama Devalaya without any vehicle vaccinated. “The Road Development Authority’s (RDA) during the visit. of 500,000 AstraZeneca Covishield vaccines pass, for a payment of Rs. 500. Kolonnawa, Gothatuwa, Moratuwa, proposed elevated highway across the protected Tomorrow (24), Khan is scheduled to meet from the Government of India. Sri Lanka According to Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha Egodauyana, Hanwella, and Pita Kotte were Thalangama Wetland and the Averihena Tank President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and attend both still awaits vaccines from the World Health (PS) Chairman Chanaka Amil Rangana, considered high-risk areas in the Colombo has been heavily criticised by the residents a business and investment forum, and a sports Organisation (WHO) COVAX Facility for vehicle passes issued to devotees can only District due to more patients being reported and environment groups claiming that it is diplomacy initiative. 20% of its population. be obtained at the Kiri Vehera, the Ruhunu from these areas. Attanagalla, Biyagama, a nationally and internationally recognised Earlier in the month, there was confusion Maha Kataragama Devalaya, the Kataragama Divulapitiya, Dompe, Gampaha, Ja Ela, Katana, biodiversity hotspot included in the Ramsar over whether Khan would be making a speech PS, and the Kataragama Police. Kelaniya, Mahara, Mirigama, Minuwangoda, Convention. We don’t agree with that,” said at the Parliament. However, The Morning Wimal to... Negombo, Ragama, Seeduwa, and Wattala the organisation’s VP. learnt from sources at the Pakistani High Nelli Cola has natural ingredients and is are high-risk areas in the Gampaha District He claimed that these groups only opposed Commission that although a speech was aimed at fighting the popularity of Cola drinks ‘Rosy Madam’s... and Agalawatta, Bandaragama, Mathugama, that route to save the front view of the houses, requested by the Government of Sri Lanka, among children and the youth, Weerawansa However, upon inquiry, The Morning learnt Panadura, Horana, Beruwala, and Kalutara and not the wetland. it was never confirmed. said at the launch, which took place in from Senanayake’s Media Secretary Tharaka were identified as high-risk areas in the “Now the RDA has come up with an Khan’s visit coincides with the United Panadura. Weerasooriya that the Mayoress had visited this Kalutara District. The Manning Market and alternative plan where the proposed highway Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) He expressed optimism that the product particular vaccination centre following these the Peliyagoda Fish Market are also to be would be built through the Pothuarawa 46th Session which began yesterday, where could one day be developed as an export reports and instructed the health workers not given priority in the vaccination drive. community,” the VP added. a resolution on Sri Lanka is reported to be product. 43 Tuesday, February 23, 2021 { NEWS } „„ www.themorning.lk ISIS COLLABORATORS AND PRO-LTTE ELEMENTS ON US SOIL O/L results in June Govt. talks to US z Training of O/L exam staff completed The results of the General Certificate of candidates are expected to face the Exam Education Ordinary Level (O/L) examination, and 542 co-ordinating centres have been which is scheduled to be held from 1 to 10 set up.” March, are expected to be released by June, Similarly, two special centres have been Justice Department Minister of Education Prof. G.L. Peiris said. set up in each district for Covid-19 infected Sri Lanka has discussed with the US The Minister said this while participating candidates. Department of Justice the charges in a media conference held in Colombo Special arrangements have been made for against the accused in Easter Sunday yesterday (22). the Colombo District, where such centres bombings and actions of pro-LTTE The Minister said: “Our main objective may not be sufficient. organisations on US soil, according to the is to not waste the precious youth of the Necessary arrangements have already been Foreign Ministry. country’s children. We are ready to face all made to ensure the health of the children in the challenges that come in the midst of the consultation with the principals, public health In a press release, the Ministry said that Sri Covid-19 pandemic so that we can continue inspectors, and regional health officers, the Lanka’s Ambassador to the US Ravinatha our education. A total of over 600,000 Minister said. Aryasinha had a virtual discussion with candidates from all over the country will Meanwhile, the Department of Department of Justice (DoJ) Deputy Chief of appear for the examination, which will be Examinations said that the training of the Staff and Counsellor for International Affairs held from 1 to 10 March and will be held at examination staff for the examination has Dan Stigall, and senior officials of the DoJ, on 4,513 centres. been completed. 17 February. “A total of Commissioner General of Examinations “The call was to follow-up on the charges Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the US Ravinatha Aryasinha had a virtual discussion with DoJ Deputy Chief over 400,000 Sanath Pujitha said that all arrangements have filed last month by the US District Court in Los of Staff and Counsellor for International Affairs Dan Stigall and senior officials school been made to commence the said examination Angeles against three Sri Lankans for ‘Conspiring candidates from 1 March. to Provide Material Support to ISIS’ in the Easter press release stated. operating in the US, who contrary to US laws, and over Meanwhile, Pujitha further said that the Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka in April 2019. All The Ambassador had also called for closer were glorifying terrorism and martyrdom, while 190,000 candidates who sit for the said examination three are currently in Sri Lanka’s custody,” the monitoring of the pro-LTTE organisations propagating hate speech and disinformation. private have been given the opportunity to resolve any issues in the examination tickets taken through the website of the Department of Special Audit Report on HEC to COPA today Examinations. “Students do not need to visit the The Special Audit Report on the COPA meeting held in Parliament research experience in the human- past year, while the average number Department to rectify their names, subject, human-elephant conflict would on 9 December 2020, that Sri Lanka elephant conflict. of human deaths per year due to the or medium in a particular ticket. Instead, be presented to the Parliamentary has become the country with the The Committee revealed that the human-elephant conflict is 85. they can go to the Department’s website and Committee on Public Accounts highest number of elephant deaths number of elephants killed in Sri Accordingly, the recommendations make that change. The principals can make (COPA) today (23), the Government due to the human-elephant conflict. Lanka due to the human-elephant made on the reduction of the human- Minister of Education changes to the examination tickets of said. These facts were presented by Dr. conflict averages 272 per year, and elephant conflict will be considered Prof. G.L. Peiris school candidates,” he said. It was previously revealed, at the Prithiviraj Fernando, a scholar with that 407 elephants have died in the at the COPA meeting. Over 12,000 519 Covid-19 cases institutions inspected by on Sunday; 122 health authorities from Colombo Police Media Spokesman Deputy z 28 reported from prisons Inspector General of Police Ajith Rohana yesterday cluster yesterday (22) said that over 12,000 Government and non- Governmental institutions A total of 519 Covid-19 the prisons cluster yesterday were inspected for the patients were reported within (22), the Government said. adherence of quarantine Sri Lanka on 21 February, with Among them were 10 male rules and regulations, 122 from Colombo and 64 from inmates and 10 male suspects. and it was found that Gampaha. In the Gampaha This brought the total of Covid- 1,400 institutions had Police Media District, 21 patients were 19 patients from the prisons Spokesman DIG not followed these Ajith Rohana reported from Kadawatha, and cluster to 4,775. instructions. 20 from Negombo. In Colombo, The highest number of patients He said that action the highest number of patients was reported from the Welikada would be taken against the institutions, and that was reported from Fort, with 14. Prison, with 907. There were the administrators or owners of these institutions Meanwhile, a total of 28 also 11 deaths reported from would be fined. patients have been reported from the prisons cluster. He also instructed the owners of these institutions to ensure that facilities such as hand washing and sanitising were made available in All ethnic groups ‘Plant a Hope’ inaugurated the premises, and to ensure that all employees wear face masks. It was further revealed that eight persons were arrested yesterday due to should co-operate despite not wearing face masks, and for violating social at President’s House distancing regulations. The “Plant a Hope” national tree planting programme This special programme took place to celebrate World differences: Sabry was inaugurated at the President’s house yesterday (22), Thinking Day in remembrance of the birthday of both Justice Minister culture makes references where President Gotabaya Rajapaksa planted a Red Lord Baden-Powell and Olave Baden-Powell, President Suspect arrested M.U.M. Ali Sabry PC to a Sri Lankan Muslim Sandalwood sapling. Rajapaksa said. said that it is important subculture. We need in Kuruwita for that all ethnic groups to have confidence in 130 anti-narcotic live together as Sri ourselves, and must have Intelligence units Lankans, despite cultural mutual understanding. unlicensed guns differences. We need to have ops islandwide The Kuruwita Police has arrested a suspect Addressing a function confidence in each in the Boraluwa area who was in possession of in Colombo, the Minister other. If that happens, within 24 hours to investigate two unlicensed locally-manufactured firearms. said that although they Justice Minister then this country can Around 130 anti-narcotic operations have The 55-year-old arrestee, a resident of the belong to different ethnic M.U.M. Ali Sabry PC establish and promote been conducted islandwide by the Police Kuruwita area, was also found to have 32 groups, they are all human the peace, unity, and during a period of 24 hours, said Police Media police misconduct litres of illicit alcohol in his possession at beings and Sri Lankans. brotherhood that we Spokesman Deputy Inspector General of the time of the arrest. The Minister further said: “We hope for. There are several Police Ajith Rohana yesterday (22). Accordingly, he was to be produced can move from diversity to unity, extremists in every section of The Wadduwa Police arrested a 32-year-old A decision has been taken Accordingly, following an before the Ratnapura Magistrate’s Court where we can identify ourselves society, but we cannot live the in Pinhena, Panadura in possession of five to deploy intelligence units to in-depth analysis, the law will be yesterday (22). as Sri Lankans. The Sri Lankan way they want.” grams of heroin, following which the suspect seek information regarding enforced against those who have was produced before the Magistrate’s Court. anonymous complaints made false complaints against The Police were able to obtain a detention received by the National Police police officers. order of seven days for the suspect. Commission (NPC) concerning Meanwhile, he said that Shop owner arrested for selling In addition, one suspect was arrested in incidents of misconduct on the investigations have been Mattakkuliya by the Colombo North Crime part of police officers, the NPC hampered by the non-recording Detection Bureau for also being in possession said. of certain nominal complaints books meant for donation of five grams of heroin. In the same area, Its Chairman, Inspector received by the NPC against two suspects were arrested with five grams General of Police (IGP) (Retd.) police officers. He therefore Following a complaint made by a by the Negombo MC, said Police Media symbol which were available for sale. of heroin and two kilos of cannabis. Chandra Fernando said that stressed that if a complaint is member of the Negombo Municipal Spokesman Deputy Inspector General The shop owner was arrested for Further, in the Minuwangoda area, 25 instructions have been given lodged, it should include data Council (MC), the Police arrested a of Police Ajith Rohana. the misappropriation of government suspects were arrested in connection over to the IGP in this regard. so that it can be investigated. shop owner in possession of books that It was revealed after the raid, there were property, and was produced before the the brewing of illicit alcohol. were distributed to low-income families 298 books bearing the Negombo MC Negombo Magistrate’s Court. Navy releases 78 Scuba Divers’ Association requests sea turtle hatchlings to the ocean to lift prohibition on night diving A total of 78 sea turtle hatchlings nursed at the conservation unit at The Sri Lanka Scuba Divers’ said that it is impossible for them to an income of Rs. 20,000 per kilo of sea resources due to the large number of Panama, which was managed under the Association requested the Minister of engage in the industry due to the laws urchins and around Rs. 8,000 per kilo of Indian trawlers fishing in Sri Lankan Navy’s turtle conservation project, were Fisheries to take necessary steps to lift imposed on them. lobsters, and that due to the laws imposed, waters. released to the ocean on 21 February. the prohibitions imposed on night divers. A special discussion was held on they will lose their income. The representatives had however The Navy is implementing a turtle It has been pointed out that sea urchins, 21 February with the Minister of Former Fisheries Minister P. Harrison pointed out that despite the imposition conservation project with the prime lobsters, and ducks are usually found only Fisheries Douglas Devananda, and the in an Extraordinary Gazette Notification of such laws, the illegal fishing activities objective of conserving endangered sea at night and that night diving is required representatives of the Association, at the dated 22 March 2019, prohibited night carried out by Indian divers could not turtles to help protect the biodiversity in order to catch them. Fisheries Ministry. diving, saying that it was done to prevent be stopped, and that it only resulted in of the marine ecosystem. The representatives of the Association It was pointed out that the divers earn the large-scale destruction of marine the loss of income of Sri Lankan divers. 4 „„ www.themorning.lk { EDITORIAL/OPINION } Tuesday, February 23, 2021

political prisoners spent long years in prisons because of their support for the One big Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and democracy movement. It was for the first time that a democratic form of government was elected in 2015. However, despite the step, a few the impact of militarism election of representatives, the actual control of governance as well as the BY BASIL FERNANDO economy was mostly in the hands of the military itself. It was a difficult more ahead The recent coup in Myanmar has compromise for the newly elected created an interest once again democratic Government. However, Learning from the past, and not repeating to look into the impact of the due to the long period of military rule the mistakes of the past, is perhaps the best military rule in Myanmar, which and the complete destruction of all the method to make the future a success. The began with the 1962 coup and infrastructure of democracy, the process Easter Sunday attacks in April 2019 did not continued up to 2011. of democratisation was naturally to be a leave Sri Lanka with just dead bodies and slow one. And it had to be done within unbearable pain; it also left some lessons, Burma (now Myanmar) was a British a framework where the military was which, if learned properly, would help Sri colony and the style of the British still controlling most aspects of life. administration had also been introduced Despite a not-very-spectacular Lanka avert such tragedies in the future. to that country. Around the same time performance by the first democratic The Presidential Commission of Inquiry as India and Sri Lanka, Myanmar also Myanmar’s citizens did not take the recent coup lightly Government, the people re-elected (PCoI) appointed to look into the Easter Sunday gained its independence. the NLD with a larger mandate in attacks, at the beginning of this month, handed Prior to independence, a leadership be the means by which representatives often fled to other unclaimed areas November 2020, where the party won over its final report to President Gotabaya emerged from among the freedom were to be selected to govern the like forests. They cleared land and 83% of the votes. That showed how Rajapaksa, after recording statements from fighters of Myanmar who were country, was discontinued. Instead, began to cultivate. However, when the much frustration there was among the more than 400 persons. The PCoI on the preparing themselves to be the the Leader of the military with those harvesting time came, military officers people about the manner in which the Easter Sunday attacks was the most discussed new rulers of the country. The who he chose personally to hold senior would come to grab what they had military had destroyed their country. acknowledged Leader among them was positions, ruled over the country. produced and thereby, there was an However, the military perceived commission last year, and the issuance of the General Aung San. However, Aung It was the system of the increase of poverty and even instances such a massive victory with such PCoI report was expected to allow the people, San and those close colleagues of his administration of justice which was of starvation. an overwhelming mandate, of the especially those affected by the attacks, to who were tipped to be the Cabinet of established during the colonial period In short, Myanmar became a place representatives of the people, as a threat have a sense of closure. Ministers after independence were all that was completely replaced. By a virtually controlled entirely by the to the continuity of military control The long-awaited PCoI report, however, was assassinated when they were having a gradual process, the independence military, where neither personal over all affairs of Myanmar because not made available to the public. Instead, last meeting. of the judiciary was discarded and freedoms, nor even the right to personal with such an overwhelming mandate, week the President appointed a six-member Thus, at the beginning of the the defence of the military regime properties were respected or protected. it was possible for the NLD to pass independence in Myanmar, there was a became the main target assigned to Also, in Myanmar, there had been stronger legislation to strengthen the Ministerial Committee to study the contents vacuum of leadership. After a few years the judiciary. The complete executive long-protracted armed struggles led by democratic institutions and also to of the reports issued by the PCoI as well of independence, the first coup was control of the judiciary happened minority groups. The military approach strengthen the national economy. The as the Sectoral Oversight Committee on attempted and lasted for a short time. over a period of time and the tradition to these conflicts was not to seek very fact of the national resources National Security. The new committee, headed Thereafter, there was a brief period of of the independence of judiciary political solutions to these problems but being reclaimed from the military itself by Chamal Rajapaksa, includes Johnston democratic government, which was established in the earlier period was to engage in military confrontations. would have brought new resources Fernando, Udaya Gammanpila, Dr. Ramesh overthrown by way of a coup led by discarded. Various types of theories Thus, there were protracted periods of which would have benefited the nation Pathirana, Prasanna Ranatunga, and Rohitha General Ne Win in 1962. were developed in order to justify this armed conflicts throughout the period as a whole. What was the impact of the long change. This went on to such an extent of military rule. The military used these The coup was meant to counteract Abeygunawardena. years of military rule in Myanmar? that even after the end of the direct situations of armed struggles in order this process of democratisation and The PCoI report was meant to bring solutions First of all, the entire system of military rule in 2011, the courts would to justify its own arbitrary powers, not the re-strengthening of the national – namely recommendations to deal with governance was changed gradually read judgements which were dictated only to control the minorities but also capacity to control its own resources religious extremism and to penalise the culprits by replacing all the norms of liberal to them by the executive. There are to control the entire population. and also to protect the rights of the of the Easter Sunday attacks – for the public. democracy and the rule of law. The instances where the judges, before Under the military, gradually people. However, it has now become a new issue and law under the military rule was any of reading such judgements, apologised Myanmar became a mafia state. In Sri Lanka, the process of attacking a new topic of discussion. the orders issued by the Leader of the to the litigants, stating that they are The large-scale production of illegal democratic institutions and the rule Even though the Government said that the Military General Ne Win. merely handing down the judgement drugs such as heroin and other things of law did take place, without there The whole structure of public that was given to them from above. became industries controlled by the being a military coup. The 1972 and PCoI report would be discussed at a special institutions was changed and the The policing system was changed military. Every kind of illegal activity 1978 Constitutions introduced the Cabinet meeting, this meeting never took administration was gradually handed completely by displacing all the was allowed for those who had the idea of a semi-dictatorship. The 1978 place. However, in a belatedly encouraging over to be entirely controlled by the rules that were introduced earlier in patronage of the military leaders. Constitution virtually gave all power to development, we learnt that it was presented military. During the colonial period, order to protect personal freedoms During the military regime, a single person by creating the position to the Cabinet at its regular weekly meeting the Burmese had developed a very by preventing illegal arrests and gradually Myanmar came under severe of executive presidency. last (22) evening, even as this editorial was sophisticated civil service structure. detentions. The period of military international condemnations and there Major consequences of change being written. Within this structure, very able leaders rule was a period where large were the impositions of sanctions. from 1978 up to now have affected emerged. After the coup, many of numbers of persons were arrested and Virtually, Myanmar became a bankrupt the Sri Lankan society to a great It is true that decisions pertaining to the Easter them left or were forced to leave imprisoned over long periods of time state with which other countries did extent the same way that military rule Sunday attacks are serious ones and therefore, Burma. Many of them held quite senior for engagement in any activities of not want to engage in normal business had affected Myanmar. In the same need to be made with the utmost consideration. positions in international organisations trying to promote democracy and the transactions. manner, particularly the acquisition However, the necessity to appoint a committee as well as in the administrations of rule of law. Such activities were seen Burmese currency became highly of national properties for private use, before it was even discussed at the Cabinet of some other countries. Among such able as subversive activities and for which worthless and devaluations of currency has become a major threat to the Sri Ministers raises concerns, and begs the question leaders was U. Thant, who became it was possible to imprison persons for took place constantly. This affected Lankan economy. The mismanagement as to whether the unadulterated contents and the Secretary General of the United indefinite periods of time. both the internal trade as well as the of the economy has made Sri Lanka Nations (UN). Among the civil servants The marked feature of the military living conditions of the people and also one of the most indebted nations. In the recommendations of these reports would ever were also many Indians who had period was the acquisition of public the international trade. area of the protection of civil liberties be publicised. On top of it, it is unclear as to on migrated to Burma and got assimilated property for private purposes by the The result of all these was that also, there have been heavy losses and what grounds the aforementioned members, all into the Burmese society. The military military leaders. Myanmar is a country under the military regime, Myanmar the constitutional protection of rights representatives of the incumbent Government, regime expelled most of them out of with much natural resources and became one of the most corrupt states have been undermined severely by were selected to this new committee. Burma. these resources were plundered by the in the world. With the enlargement the use of various types of draconian However, the Secretary to the committee has The result was that the entire military for their use. of corruption which spread into national security laws. The use of stressed that the recommendations of these administration was conducted through This process, which started with everything, there was the large-scale enforced disappearances which has reports would be implemented properly. The the military officers chosen by General General Ne Win himself acquiring fleeing of people to other countries happened several times after 1978 also Ne Win. Unlike in the time of Colonial enormous wealth by utilising what such as Thailand, where they often undermined the criminal justice process President’s Media Division also said yesterday rule, there was no legal order that was formally the national resources remained as illegal migrants working in altogether. The arrest, detention, that the new committee will not interfere when the military was bound to follow. for his personal gain, was followed by virtually semi-slave conditions. torture, and killings followed by the taking action against the suspects of the Easter This meant that the rule of law was his closest colleagues doing the same. It was all this that led to a constant disposal of bodies is what is meant Sunday attacks and that it does not intend to completely replaced. As a scholar has Then it spread into even the rank and struggle by the people against the by enforced disappearances. This has add new recommendations to the PCoI report. put it, “the rule of law was replaced by file among the military. military, which climaxed in an uprising happened on a large scale in Sri Lanka It was reported that several powerful figures the un-rule of law”. This meant that There was a period when there in 1988. With that began the demand during this period. of the former United National Front (UNF)-led all the guarantees of fairness that were was large-scale fleeing away from for rapid transfer to democracy. In one aspect, that is regarding extra- inbuilt into the rule of law philosophy Myanmar, particularly among the However, that too was a protracted judicial killings by various means such Government are implicated in the report issued were discarded and in its place, the peasants because their lands began struggle. Aung San Suu Kyi, the as enforced disappearances, the Sri by the PCoI, and that a number of proposals, rules of preserving the military regime to be acquired by interested military present Leader of the National League Lankan experience is much worse than of which the majority aim at introducing were installed. officers in different areas. As a result Democracy (NLD), was kept under in Myanmar. Their imprisonments were restrictions to stifle radicalisation including The electoral system, which was to of such forced acquisitions, the people house arrest for a long period and many more than in Sri Lanka, but killings in Madrasas’, are included in the report of the after arrest were much less. Sectoral Oversight Committee on National In Sri Lanka, after the election Security. In a context where Sri Lanka has, on of the new President and the Government, there have been more many occasions, witnessed incidents where the and more military being brought recommendations of government-appointed directly into the running of public committees went unheard, it would not be wrong affairs. This will aggregate the already to state that further delaying the publicising desperate situation created since the of the PCoI report is likely to raise concerns enactment of the 1978 Constitution. If among the public about the legal action that this process of militarisation continues is yet to be taken against those responsible for and if the basic concept of semi- the Easter Sunday attacks. dictatorship as introduced through the 1972 and 1978 Constitutions are not The Easter Sunday attacks affected the general replaced, Sri Lanka will also acquire public the most, and the public is not being the same problems as experienced unreasonable in expecting the contents and the by the people of Myanmar. Further, recommendations of the PCoI report. Now that Myanmar had acquired the reputation the Government has taken a big step towards of being a pariah state in the the publicisation of the report with its Cabinet international community from the meeting, one would hope that it continues down economic point of view as well as political relationships. If Sri Lanka this path of tabling it in Parliament. This is the continues in its present path, it also only way the Government could ensure that the cannot avoid falling into the same issue that was most instrumental in bringing trap. it to power is served the justice it deserves. Both in Myanmar and Sri Lanka, the State is dysfunctional and the State is incapable of carrying out the normal No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. functions of governance. In Myanmar, Fax - 011 2 673 441 people are desperately intervening to General - 011 5 200 900 restore democracy, and the military Sales & Marketing - 076 1 367 612 coup is an attempt to counteract and Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367 620 stop the process of restoring functional E-mail - [email protected] governance that is responsible to the Investigations Desk - 077 7 714 078 people. Website - www.themorning.lk (The writer is the Director of Policy and Programmes of the Asian Human Rights Commission) 45 Tuesday, February 23, 2021 { SPOTLIGHT } „„ www.themorning.lk affects the entire country. He also said that even though deforestation was always an issue, after the revocation of the Circular Number 5/2001 (thereby affording powers to District and Divisional Secretariats concerning taking decisions regarding Other State Forests), it has increased drastically. He added that the primary victims of these activities are those living in the villages where deforestation takes place, adding that it directly affects their water sources for drinking The President and agricultural purposes, as well recently said in the as the overall micro-climate in the respective areas. Karuwalagaswewa Laws and policies area that wild According to environmentalists, elephants should be there is a need to update, and at driven to the Wilpattu the same time ensure the proper implementation of laws and policies National Park. But if in place to protect the environment including wildlife resources. this is implemented, Dabare, while adding that it can further increase he appreciates the President’s promises concerning protecting the the incidence of the environment, stressed that what human-elephant 0.1% of the global total. As of 2000, needs to be done is implementing 60% of Sri Lanka was natural forest the existing laws and regulations conflict cover, including 3.93 mha of natural and achieving tangible results, Biodiversity Conservation and forests, 5.01 kha of plantation areas with a focus on preventing the Research Circle of Sri Lanka and 2.64 mha of non-forest areas. As environmental destruction taking (BCRCSL) Convener The green of 2010, the top 10 regions represent place today. He also said that the least Supun Lahiru Prakash 22% of the entire tree cover, while the authorities can do is properly Anuradhapura had the most tree cover declare the borders of the forest at 319 kha compared to an average reserves and other forms of protected The officers of the DWC and the of 3.53 mha. Other areas include areas, to prevent deforestation. DFC have enough expertise to Monaragala (306 kha), Ratnapura The environmentalists The enact the legislations and there is (260 kha), Kurunegala (247 kha) and Morning spoke to, Dabare and no need to consult the line Ministry Ampara (173 kha).” Prakash, identified two major threats in this regard, not to mention that it apocalypse Meanwhile, Biodiversity to Sri Lanka’s natural resources is time consuming too. The crimes Conservation and Research Circle due to recent policy/legal issues, done against the natural resources of Sri Lanka (BCRCSL) Convener i.e. the revocation of the Circular including forests and wildlife should Supun Lahiru Prakash told The No. 5/2001, and instructions issued be addressed immediately whether Morning that increasing human- by the State Ministry of Wildlife the suspects are public or private, and elephant conflicts are also a direct Protection regarding Adoption of it is useless to take action after the result of environmental destruction, Safety Measures, including the destruction takes place. If the officers in Sri Lanka especially deforestation, among other Construction of Electrical Fences, have to wait until the line Ministry BY SUMUDU CHAMARA reasons. Trenches, Reforestation, and Forest gives instructions, the damage to The world-famous Cree Indian proverb “only when the last tree has died, Speaking of a recent development Resource Development regarding the natural resources that could take and the last river poisoned, and the last fish caught, will we realise we regarding relocating wild elephants the process of filing case by public place may not be able to be corrected. cannot eat money” is inarguably one of the most heart-rending quotes in the North-Western Province, he institutions tasked with protecting the Giving instructions for officers’ of about the importance of the environment, which also gives the world a pointed out that addressing matters of environment. both the Departments who are based timeless message, i.e. the existence of the human race depends on the environmental destruction are more Both of them opined that the island-wide (The Department of environment of which it is a part. beneficial and sensible than addressing revocation of the Circular No. 5/2001 Zoological Gardens was also included While climate change caused solutions have been provided by the the outcomes of these issues. is detrimental to the environment, in this Circular) to take legal action is by environmental destruction, and authorities. He added that almost 60% of adding that the Circular that was not practical, as destruction is taking pollution have been identified as In addition to the Somawathiya area, wild elephants in the North-Western brought to replace it, vests powers in place today at an alarming rate.” the major challenges the world lands rights activists told The Morning Province live outside the areas District and Divisional Secretariats When contacted by The Morning will have to face in the coming few that thousands of acres of lands in protected by the DWC, and that the to take certain crucial decisions in this regard, State Minister for said decades, scientists predict that it will Monaragala, Anuradhapura, Badulla, DWC had, in the past six decades, regarding forests coming under their Ministry Wimalawera Dissanayake also exacerbate a number of issues, Kantale, Kandakadu, Hambantota, attempted to drive wild elephants purview. said that this decision was taken due including the living conditions on Bibile, Ampara, Matale, and Ratmale into DWC-protected areas and set up The Circular No. 5/2001, which to certain issues which arose when earth, and even cause the human race are facing the risk of deforestation, electric fences to prevent them from had brought residual forests under the the aforementioned institutions filed to become extinct if not addressed due to the plans to give these lands to exiting them. purview of the Department of Forest cases against various parties, which immediately. multinational companies for various Conservation (DFC) in order to see have sometimes been unfair to certain Sri Lanka, as a country gifted with agricultural activities, especially maize Deforestation on the rise to it that these areas remain safe from parties, and that filing cases would an abundance of natural resources, is cultivation. environmental destruction, caused be considered on a case by case basis facing more environmental issues, and Dabare stressed that the CEJ controversy among environmental henceforth. He also stressed that the the Governments that come from time has filed cases to stop a number of Updating and activists. Irrespective of the opposition main objective of these instructions to time propose various programmes. activities harming the environment, expressed by environmental activists was to make the process of filing cases Former President Maithripala and that over 50 areas throughout implementing existing and various other parties, Circular more systematic, by ensuring that all Sirisena said that one of his objectives the island are affected due to laws/policies crucial No. 5/2001 was revoked in November the relevant facts are considered when concerning the environment was aforementioned activities that destroy 2020, by issuing the Circular No. filing cases. to increase the forest cover, while the environment. MWFC/1/2020, which gave powers Even though The Morning attempted the incumbent President Gotabaya He added that even though many DWC/DFC required to manage Other State Forests (OSFs) to contact the Minister of Environment Rajapaksa also recently emphasised pay attention to environmental to seek Ministerial back to the District Secretaries Mahinda Amaraweera, and the the importance of protecting the issues that they can see, the marine and the Divisional Secretaries. Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe, natural resources Sri Lanka has. environmental sites do not receive instructions before Environmental activists also point out to get more information regarding Sri The Ministry of Public adequate attention. He added that Sri filing cases that following this decision, Circular Lanka’s existing environmental policy Administration also recently Lanka’s seas are filled with garbage No. MWFC/1/2020 has been used to and whether the Ministry is planning introduced the hotline 1997, for and that this situation has to be arbitrarily acquire lands using policy- to amend and/or update it to deal the public to report incidents of addressed immediately. Circular 5/2001 based powers, without using it to with newer issues, none of them were deforestation. The Morning attempted to perform lawful land acquisitions and reachable. While the topic of environmental contact the Department of Wildlife revocation allows to protect forest areas. According to the 2012 National Red destruction, even in Sri Lankan Conservation (DWC) Director major environmental While Dabare claimed that the List statistics, Sri Lanka is home to context, is a vast topic, The Morning General to query as to whether any extent of these forest areas which 240 birds, 211 reptiles, 748 evaluated attempted to shed some light on a investigations have been launched to destruction: are at risk may be as high as 500,000 vertebrates, 1,492 invertebrates, 336 few pressing matters that affect Sri find out whether the aforementioned Environmentalists ha, Prakash added that this situation pteridophytes, 3,154 flowering plants, Lanka’s natural resources, especially activities, including deforestation, has caused a severe increase in 253 land snail species, and 245 species deforestation, which environmentalists have affected wildlife resources; deforestation. Sri Lanka’s existing of butterflies. A large number of them claim is the most pressing issue at however, he was not reachable. However, he added that this method environmental policy, according to have been classified as threatened, and present. is a completely ineffective one as Dabare, is decades old and should the recent developments concerning Dwindling forest cover it resolves neither the incidence of be updated to deal with present-day protecting the environment shows Deforestation According to the Global Forest the human-elephant conflict, nor the issues. that the local authorities’ efforts, According to the environmentalists Watch (GFW), an online platform environmental destruction that causes Meanwhile, Prakash opined that although admirable, needs to be further The Morning spoke to, deforestation providing near real-time data for it. He also said that keeping wild even though the existing policies strengthened. is currently the leading threat to Sri monitoring forests, in 2010 Sri Lanka elephants in their home ranges could and laws are adequate to deal with In addition to deforestation, which Lanka’s natural resources, and it is had 3.53 million hectares (mha) of be used as an effective method to the current environmental issues, was the focus of this article as the worsening rapidly. natural forest, extending to over 54% address the human-elephant conflict. those policies not being implemented major environmental issue, Sri The Centre for Environmental of the land area. He added: “A national action plan properly is a pressing issue. He Lanka is currently facing a myriad Justice (CEJ) said that environmental The GFW said that from 2002 to prepared by a committee appointed also told The Morning that in some of other forms of issues, including destruction is not an issue limited to 2019, Sri Lanka had lost 9.91 kilo (k) by the President put forward the same instances, authorities do not have environmental pollution, the extinction certain parts of the country, and that ha of humid primary forest, making recommendation; however, even after adequate power to deal with these of endemic animals and plants, the loss every day, various environmental up 5.7% of its total tree cover loss two months, no steps have been taken issues. of biodiversity, and the lack of eco- issues arise in almost all parts of the in the same time period, and that the to put it into action.” The second policy issue that arose friendliness in development projects, country. total area of humid primary forest in Speaking of a statement made recently, according to Prakash, is the as well. Even though the authorities CEJ Chairman Attorney-at-Law Sri Lanka had decreased by 1.7% in by the President recently, he said: Circular issued by the State Ministry as well as environmental activists are Ravindranath Dabare, told The this time period. From 2001 to 2019, “The President recently said in the of Wildlife Protection, Adoption continuing their efforts to protect the Morning that of the perpetuating Sri Lanka had lost 177 kha of tree Karuwalagaswewa area that wild of Safety Measures, including the environment, the number and severity environmental issues, deforestation cover, equivalent to a 4.5% decrease elephants should be driven to the Construction of Electrical Fences of environmental issues keeps rising by private parties is on an upward in the tree cover since 2000, and 46.6 Wilpattu National Park. But if this is and Trenches and Reforestation and every day, and calls for newer and trajectory. metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) implemented, it can further increase Forest Resource Development to the more effective methods to deal with He added that in addition to the emissions, according to the GFW. the incidence of the human-elephant DWC, the DFC and the Department of them. large-scale deforestation taking The GFW added: “In Sri Lanka, conflict, because when taking such Zoological Gardens, regarding taking Geographically speaking, Sri Lanka place in various areas of the country from 2001 to 2019, 30% of tree an action, most of the time, it is only legal actions against State institutions. is a small country, albeit being rich including Wilpattu, Sinharaja, cover loss occurred in areas where females and elephant calves that can Prakash added: “We strongly in natural resources. Environmental Yakkure, Dahaiyagala, and Milagiriya, the dominant drivers of loss resulted be driven to a restricted area, while believe that the Circular No. conservation projects should, around 3,000 acres of State-owned in deforestation, and among the top grown male elephants try to remain SMWLFC/DEV/1/W/ADMIN dated therefore, focus on both addressing lands in the Somawathiya area are seven regions that were responsible where they are.” 6 January 2021, entitled “Procedures the destruction that has already been now facing the risk of deforestation, for 53% of all tree cover loss between Prakash added that Sri Lanka’s to be followed in taking legal action caused and protecting the natural and the Government allowing such 2001 and 2019 were Anuradhapura environmental destruction cannot against public institutions” leads to resources that remain unharmed. incidents to take place is questionable. (28.7 kha), Kurunegala (14.5 kha), be underestimated merely because discourage the authorised officers Most importantly, the Sri Lankan He added that a huge soil excavation Monaragala (14 kha), Vavuniya (11.6 it takes place not in one place of the Fauna and Flora Protection Government has a responsibility racket is taking place in the Madampe kha) and Kegalle (8.82 kha). From but in various areas, adding that (Amendment) Act, No. 22 of 2009 to ensure that the change of area, emphasising that despite protests 2001 to 2012, Sri Lanka gained 26.4 deforestation, regardless of the size of and the Forest (Amendment) Act, Governments does not affect by various parties, no concrete kha of tree cover equal to more than the area directly affected, ultimately No. 65 of 2009 to take legal actions. Sri Lanka’s environment policies. 46 „„ www.themorning.lk { INTERVIEW/INSIGHT } Tuesday, February 23, 2021

saved the country, and that it is a cause in favour of the Tamil Tigers. They no longer talk about the killings and disappearances that took place in the ‘The Office on Missing South in ‘89. A Presidential Commission of Inquiry has been appointed to inquire into the Persons didn’t achieve recommendations made by past commissions and they have been tasked to quantify missing persons. Do you think this is useful? This Presidential Commission of Inquiry does not directly say that they want to shut down the anything substantial’ OMP or the Reparations Commission. They simply say that they will go on to implement the recommendations that are suitable for the z Activist Brito Fernando calls Chairperson a ‘pawn’ country. This commission is a delaying strategy BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI to hold off the United Nations by showing them that there is a commitment in the country to The 43rd regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) began implement these recommendations, to say that yesterday (22) and the issue of missing persons from the final stage of the war is a major focal there is commitment despite the withdrawal of point of the resolution that the Core Group will present on Sri Lanka. The Morning spoke to the co-sponsorship. We do not have any faith in Families of the Disappeared President Brito Fernando on Sri Lanka’s commitment towards this commission. delivering justice for the families of missing persons and the Office on Missing Persons (OMP). Do you think that an international mechanism Following are excerpts from the interview: absence were eligible for it. In October 2019, should be implemented with regards to Sri the Government decided to give this allowance Lanka to address the issue of the disappeared Has the OMP delivered the truth that the to families with death certificates with a cause at the UNHRC session? families of the disappeared were seeking? of death that gave out the meaning of the The attitude of the Government is a lot We got the OMP 30 years after the 1989 disappearance. worse than it was before 2015. The diaspora violence, as the previous Government agreed to Though this was approved, no one with a involvement in this matter has become stronger establish the OMP, a reparations commission, certificate of death was paid the allowance. which has resulted in a strong report by the UN and ensure non-recurrence and compensation. Rs. 11 million was paid to 153 families with High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Even former President Maithripala Sirisena did certificates of absence. They were not paid on Bachelet. not have the political will to do it. He took a year a monthly basis, but were paid the due amount What they say is that local mechanisms have to sign the Office on Missing Persons Act after for past months at once. With the change of failed. Even Tamil civil society organisations it was passed in Parliament. We had to march on Government, the paying of these allowances to had disagreements with us regarding this matter, the streets reminding the President that the key to death certificate holders did not take place. because we stood by local mechanisms. We implement these policies are in his hands. did that for practical reasons since international The commissioners appointed had a will and Are you happy with the way the OMP is We are still saying what inquiries involved complicated and long an interest in the OMP, as some of them had functioning under the current Government? Mahinda Rajapaksa and Vasudeva procedures that required wide agreement of the experience in the human rights field and one OMP Chairperson Saliya Peiris PC left in Nanayakkara said back then, international community and the Veto powers. member was a victim herself. But, they did not order to contest for the presidency of the Bar we ask for truth, justice, compensation, We are not against the fight for an international put in the effort that we expected. The OMP Association of Sri Lanka. Since his resignation, and non-recurrence. They have dropped inquiry. We support it. But there is the practical did not make the necessary intervention to former Chairperson of the Presidential it now, because fingers have been pointed problem of it not getting past the Security gather the needed information. Though they had Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing into at them for the same crimes Council, and that is why we think it is important the interest, there were no investigations into political victimisations (Retd.) Justice Upali Families of the to push local mechanisms. We wanted to incidents that led to what we wanted; the “truth” Abeyratne took this place. find solutions by way of strengthening local Disappeared President did not come to light. Abeyratne does not have a good track record mechanisms. Though certain steps to this effect The mandate of the OMP was not to take any and has been criticised by journalists such as Brito Fernando were taken in the past five years, it was too slow legal action but to investigate, and reveal the Victor Ivan. He also manipulated the mandate of and did not win the faith of those who sought truth of what happened to these individuals who the PCoI for political victimisation by taking up Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, current solutions. went missing. But the OMP said that they could cases of private entities and politicians when the Cabinet Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara, and Dr. So even if the OMP was disbanded, there not form a tracing unit to investigate the cases PCoI was established to look into the political Wickramabahu Karunaratne of the Nava Sama won’t be a lot of opposition from the side of the as they did not have the sufficient funds and that victimisation of government servants. It is clear Samaja Party. families of missing persons, because the OMP personnel with the required skills and knowledge that Abeyratne is a pawn of the Government who We sent Mahinda Rajapakse and Vasudewa didn’t achieve anything substantial. But we are did not opt to join for the salaries that were is ready to put the Government’s agenda into Nanayakkara to Geneva as civil organisation trying very hard to save the OMP and prevent it offered. action. representatives to lobby against disappearances. from being shut down, because it was a result of When such a person is appointed as the They requested that this disappearance and a lot of struggle. Haven’t there been any positive achievements Chairperson of the OMP, we have little hope for murder of youth be stopped even through means of the OMP? the OMP anymore. The OMP is the permanent of cutting down economic aid given to Sri Lanka What do you expect for the OMP from the There were good things. We celebrated office we got for truth-seeking after 30 years. We at that time. Following the commission appointed UNHRC sessions? the International Day of the Disappeared will not let it go no matter what the Government by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike We hope that truth seeking, reparations, on 30 August 2018 as an official function does. We could not get any of the families down Kumaratunge in 1994, the families of the compensation and non-recurrence will be under the OMP, a government institution. for protest in the past months because of the disappeared in the South did not pursue truth- ensured. A settlement with the core group is This event took place in 2019 as well, but in pandemic. seeking. more likely than a strong resolution against 2020, the commemoration went low profile, The current commissioners will end their time As the war went on and allegations were made the government. But there is no hope for the as it was only a discussion with about five in office this month. The new appointments will against the current PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, who OMP, as we cannot expect fair commissioners or six civil society organisations, and did not be made according to the President’s wishes. was President during the war, for disappearances to be appointed to the OMP, as appointments see the participation of any families of the Since President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is not and atrocities committed in the North, he too are made by the President and not independent disappeared. interested in the issue of disappearances, we dropped the case of the disappeared. In 2020 he bodies. Because of the UNHRC session, certain This was a reversal of the progress that was don’t think he will continue the OMP. But we made a statement that the OMP is clearly a body District Secretaries have been requested to made. The OMP travelled the country speaking will not let the OMP be shut down. set up to punish war heroes. send statistics of those who haven’t received to families of the disappeared and asked them The UNF-led Government brought in an act compensation to the reparations commission. what was needed. A suggestion made by some of Do you think the current Government’s declaring disappearances as a crime, which we What we think best is to go for a local us was for a Rs. 6,000 interim monthly allowance approach to the issue of disappearances did not have before. Mahinda Rajapaksa voted mechanism to at least conduct truth seeking. be given to these families until a compensation and missing persons is different to the against this too as well as against the reparations If that happens, certain families might opt to package was given to these families through the one prior to 2015? commission. We are still saying what Mahinda forgive. Some might request for justice. But Reparations Commission. The OMP did include The current Government’s approach to Rajapaksa and Vasudeva Nanayakkara said back that is their choice and we cannot ask them this in their interim report. Rs. 500 million was disappearances has not changed at all from the then, we ask for truth, justice, compensation, and not to request for justice and a mechanism allocated from the 2019 April Budget for this stance they held when the current regime was in non-recurrence. should be designed to deliver this justice. monthly allowance. power before 2015; organisation for the parents They have dropped it now, because fingers If the Government does not agree with the The OMP intervened in this with great and the family members of the disappeared. have been pointed at them for the same crimes. recommendations, the international community interest. The OMP intervened and requested Till 1994, there were campaigns against the The narrative of the Government has always will go for sanctions whether we like it or not that those with death certificates also be given disappearances that took place during the 1988 been, and still is, that the issue of the disappeared and that is harmful for the country and the people this allowance as only those with certificates of and 1989 insurrection, and were led by current is one that is brought against the war heroes that from the lower strata will suffer. Corporal punishment and child protection laws BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY that “The Convention asserts the status degree of pain or discomfort, however the use of such force he will illegally cause punished with fine and be ordered to pay Corporal punishment normalises of the child as an individual person and light. Most involves hitting (smacking, injury, fear, or annoyance to the person compensation of an amount determined violence, disregards, and undermines holder of human rights. The child is not a slapping, spanking) with the hand or with to whom the force is used, is said to use by court to the person in respect of whom the integrity, autonomy, and dignity of possession of parents, nor of the State, nor an implement – a whip, stick, belt, shoe, criminal force to that other”. the offence was committed for the injuries children, and inflicts trauma in them, simply an object of concern”. wooden spoon, etc. But it can also involve, Illustration (i) under the same Section, caused to such person.” which in turn is reflected in unhealthy and Article 28(2) of the UNCRC on for example, kicking, shaking or throwing, illustrates capital punishment as follows: Further, the Penal Code (Amendment) disruptive behaviour as adults, the Supreme the child’s right to education states: scratching, pinching, biting, pulling “A, a schoolmaster, in the reasonable Act, No. 16 of 2006 added the following Court (SC) noted. “States Parties shall take all appropriate hair, or boxing ears, forcing to stay in exercise of his discretion as master, flogs B, Explanation for the above Section: “injuries The SC noted thus in the case measures to ensure that school discipline uncomfortable positions, burning, scalding, one of his scholars. A does not use criminal include psychological or mental trauma.” “H.W. Karunapala and Others v. is administered in a manner consistent or forced ingestion (for example, washing force to B, because, although A intends to In addition to the act of the infliction of J.P.K. Siriwardhana and Others (SC/ with the child’s human dignity and in mouths out with soap, or forcing to cause fear and annoyance to B, he does not harm upon a child, according to Justice FR/97/2017)”, where the judgement was conformity with the present Convention.” swallow hot spices). Corporal punishment use force illegally.” As Justice Thurairaja Thurairaja PC, a secondary aspect of the penned by Justice S. Thurairaja PC and was Article 28, as noted by Justice Thurairaja is invariably degrading. In addition, there PC notes, even though the above Provision offence is that of negligence. Section 308A joined by Justice Sisira J. de Abrew and PC, while recognising the need for children are other non-physical forms of punishment and Illustration have not yet been repealed, includes negligence that causes suffering Justice Murdu N.B. Fernando PC. to, where necessary, face disciplinary that are also cruel and degrading and thus the current approach considers such to be to the minor. In this instance, within the The SC, in its judgement, explained actions in schools, however allows for no incompatible with the Convention. These archaic. context of school, negligence, as per Justice corporal punishment and the origin of child exception to deviate from the standard include, for example, punishment which The Penal Code (Amendment) Act, No. Thurairaja PC, includes teachers and protection laws. imposed by the Convention in avoiding any belittles, humiliates, denigrates, scapegoats, 22 of 1995, inserted a Section operative as principals, being aware of the occurrence form of physical or mental violence. threatens, scares, or ridicules.” Section 308A of the Principle Enactment as of corporal punishment, continuously Applicable legal regime This position is further supported by It is therefore, Justice Thurairaja PC follows: “(1) Whoever, having the custody, undermining the pain of the child who UNCRC Article 19 of the Treaty, which states: points out, not a point of contention that charge or care of any person under 18 years brings the matter up to their attention, and “States Parties shall take all appropriate the UNCRC stands strictly against corporal of age, wilfully assaults, ill-treats, neglects, providing no medical assistance despite Sri Lanka signed the United Nations legislative, administrative, social and punishment and that the UNCRC cannot be or abandons such person or causes or communicating the pain. Convention on the Rights of the Child educational measures to protect the child interpreted as being supportive of corporal procures such person to be assaulted, The concept of “in loco parentis” which (UNCRC) in January 1990, and ratified from all forms of physical or mental punishment of any form. ill-treated, neglected, or abandoned in a essentially stands to mean “in the place of it in July 1991. The Government also violence, injury or abuse, neglect or manner likely to cause him suffering or parents”, as Justice Thurairaj PC explains, formulated the Children’s Charter in 1992. negligent treatment, maltreatment or Penal Code and amendments injury to health (including injury to, or imposes an obligation upon teachers to In 2006, the Committee on the Rights of exploitation, including sexual abuse, while The Penal Code, No. 2 of 1883 (Principle loss of sight, or hearing, or limb or organ address a child’s injuries and to provide the Child, during its 42nd Session, issued in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s), Enactment) in discussing criminal force of the body, or any mental derangement), assistance and care, as otherwise, it the “General Comment Number Eight”, or any other person who has the care of the has stated in Section 341 that any person commits the offence of cruelty to children; constitutes a failure of their duty. It means, which focused on the right of the child child.” who intentionally uses force on any person (2) Whoever commits the offence of cruelty as noted by Justice Thurairaja PC, the to protection from corporal punishment, Paragraph 11 of General Comment without the consent of the other person, “in to children shall on conviction be punished best interest of the child, as opposed to and other cruel or degrading forms of No. 8 describes corporal punishment order for the committing of any offence, or with imprisonment of either description the convenience and best interest of the punishment. The General Comment No. 8 as: “Any punishment in which physical intending illegally by the use of such force for a term not less than two years and teachers. to the UNCRC in Paragraph 47 recognises force is used and intended to cause some to cause, or knowing it to be likely that by not exceeding 10 years and may also be Contd. on page 9 47 Tuesday, February 23, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

ASPIbusiness in double- digit year-to-date Wake up and smell return territory z For 25 consecutive market days over five weeks the debt: Harsha The All Share Price Index return over the same period, z Reserves down from $ 5.7 z Accuses Govt. of falsely z Claims no hope (ASPI), the primary index of and at present indicates YTD the Colombo Stock Exchange return of 14.85%. The ASPI b to $ 4.3 b in January reassuring public without IMF support (CSE) that tracks the price and S&P SL 20 closed trading movements of all shares listed today on 7,597.51 and 3,029.79 Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dr. Harsha de Silva said yesterday (22) month. Further, with the current debts “We should not veil these problems on the exchange, has remained respectively. that the Government has $ 6 billion of international debt to settle and that paid, we are in possession of only about but rather take straightforward action in double digit year-to-date The ASPI recorded its highest it is in denial, thinking that it can be easily paid. $ 4.3 billion. I can responsibly say that to solve them,” he said. (YTD) return territory for 25 YTD growth of 30.08% on 27 we will not be able to pay the current He further stated that the Government consecutive market days, over January, while the S&P SL “The Government owes about $ 2020, Sri Lanka's foreign reserves were debt at this rate,” Dr. de Silva said. will also have to pay the debt taken a period of five weeks since 20 Index recorded its highest 6 billion to the World Bank, Asian at $ 5.7 billion, but it decreased to $ 4.8 He accused the Government of falsely by private banks which were used for 15 of January 2021, according YTD growth of 33.21% on 29 Development Bank (ADB), China, billion by the end of January. reassuring the public and requested currency swaps. to CSE. January. and India,” he said. “We can see that the Government has the Government not to use denial as “There is a debt of about $ 1 billion YTD return indicates the The stock market has attracted It was revealed that as of 31 December spent over $ 900 million during one a strategy. used for currency swaps,” he said. quantity of profit (or loss) a record-breaking level of trading realised by an investment activity and interest during the since the first trading day of a first two months of 2021. The calendar year. YTD calculations daily average turnover figure, are frequently used by investors which averages the total turnover Vinod Hirdaramani appointed to Sampath Board to measure the performance of figure recorded over a particular Veteran industrialist Vinod member of the Hirdaramani owns 38 facilities across Sri University, US, and attended a stock market. year over the number of market Kishore Hirdaramani has Group’s Board of Directors Lanka, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Harrow School in the UK. At the end of trading on 22 days, is presently at Rs. 8.3 been appointed as the Non- since 1993, he oversees the and Ethiopia. Sampath Bank PLC’s February, the ASPI recorded billion, 6.3 times more than the Executive, Independent functions of its knit facilities He is a member of Board of Directors 12.15% YTD return. The strong Rs. 1.3 billion recorded at the Director to the Sampath in Sri Lanka and Vietnam the Young Presidents’ comprises a team of performance of the ASPI in same point in 2020 in terms of Bank PLC Board, with effect and is involved in the group’s Organisation and has served experienced professionals 2021 has also frequently placed the number of market days. from 16 February 2021. investments in the renewable as the past Chapter Chair for from across diverse sectors it among the best performing The total turnover of Rs. 275 Hirdaramani brings with energy sector as well. He also its Sri Lanka Chapter. An and disciplines and is primary indices in the world. billion recorded so far this year him extensive management serves as a director at several alumnus of Harvard Business further strengthened with The S&P SL 20 Index, which is already higher than the full- experience in the apparel subsidiary companies of the School, he holds a Bachelor Hirdaramani coming on includes the 20 largest and year figures recorded in 2012, Vinod Hirdaramani and energy sectors. A Hirdaramani Group, which of Arts from Northwestern board. most liquid stocks, has also 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, indicated double-digit YTD and 2019. Aus Govt. to send Trade Finance and Investments amalgamates into Commercial Credit and Finance PLC 4,200 VMS units Trade Finance and Investments PLC acquired majority control of which is also exposed to Officer (COO) Rajiv Casie Chitty said: (TFI), a well-established financial service TFI. Further to the request the same business line, the “The amalgamation is in keeping with provider in Sri Lanka for over 35 years, made by the CBSL, the amalgamated company is Commercial Credit and Finance PLC’s to Sri Lanka has been amalgamated into one of Sri Boards of Directors of both expected to have market progressive stance in order to serve our Lanka’s pioneering finance companies, companies resolved to the leadership in the two and customer base better in fulfilling their BY ZAHIDA RIZVI Commercial Credit and Finance PLC amalgamation in line with three-wheeler lending dream for a brighter future. This will The Australian Government will (CCF). the consolidation plan. segment in the country. enable us to penetrate into trade finance provide 4,200 Vessel Monitoring The amalgamation, which came The amalgamation would The amalgamated entity and investments, current geographical System (VMS) units free of charge into effect from 31 December 2020, result in a combined asset will have a branch network locations covered by its branch network, to Sri Lanka in April. was subject to the shareholders of base of approximately Rs. of 126 locations, enabling and gain leverage on its strengths, while Speaking at a press briefing both companies approving the said 90 billion with a strong Commercial Credit COO it to expand and fill in the introducing Commercial Credit and at the Fisheries Ministry, State amalgamation at Extraordinary General asset base with enhanced Rajiv Casie Chitty network gaps within the Finance’s broader product portfolio in Minister of Ornamental Fish, Meetings (EGMs) held on 9 November core capital ratios, which CCF network and reach these locations, thereby strengthening Inland Fish and Prawn Farming, 2020. provide CCF with a strong base for out to its customer base more efficiently the asset base for the betterment of all Fishery Harbour Development, The amalgamation was driven by future growth. with its range of products and high service stakeholders of both entities.” Multi-Day Fishing, and Fish the financial sector consolidation plan Furthermore, with the inclusion of TFI’s standards. K Seeds Investments (Pvt.) Ltd. acted Exports Kanchana Wijesekara initiated by the Central Bank of Sri two-wheeler and three-wheeler-dominant Commenting on the milestone, as the advisor to the amalgamation said: “The Australian Government Lanka (CBSL) in 2014, where CCF loan portfolio into the CCF portfolio, Commercial Credit Chief Operating process. called for an international tender which will be open up next week to send the VMS units to Sri Lanka by April. HNB Group achieves Rs. 13.7 b PAT in 2020 “Navy Coast Guard and the Fisheries Department will work State Minister of Ornamental Fish, Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB) line the bank focused on cost optimisation together to fix the 4,200 vessel Inland Fish and Prawn Farming, demonstrated focus on sustainable opportunities. This enabled them to record monitoring system (VMS) units,” Fishery Harbour Development, business performance as it posted Rs a drop of Rs 1.6 billion in total operating Multi-Day Fishing, and Fish Exports he added. Kanchana Wijesekara 13.7 billion in Group Profit After Tax expenses compared to the previous year. The Fisheries Ministry has (PAT) during 2020, a year laden with Accordingly, the Cost to Income ratio developed a system to track unprecedented circumstances and improved to 39.3% despite the drop in smaller one-day vessels with from the inland fishing resources challenges. Bank level Profit After Taxes operating income. GPS facilities which eliminates in 2021, since the import export amounted to Rs 11.5 billion. Profit Before Tax (PBT) amounted the requirement for fishermen gap is about Rs. 5 billion, Commenting on the performance, HNB to Rs. 15.1 billion while the PAT of Rs. to submit departure or arrival reflecting on the imports being Chairman Dinesh Weerakkody stated: 11.5 billion was 18.3% YoY lower than forms, since submissions can be stable but the exports having “2020 has been a year unlike any other in that reported in 2019. done online. reduced last year. recent memory as the Covid-19 pandemic The bank’s asset base expanded by Rs. “We have developed this Sri Lanka had Rs. 53 billion transformed the socioeconomic landscape 167 billion to Rs. 1.3 trillion while the system for online departures for revenue from fish exports in 2019 dramatically, elevating uncertainty and loan book recorded a moderate growth of fishermen, carried out 10,000 but in 2020 it had come down to risks at every level, both locally and 5.5%. The CASA ratio improved to 40% online departures in the last two Rs. 39 billion. This represents globally. We proved our ability to adjust from 35% recorded a year ago, as CASA months, and equipped the navy about a Rs. 14 billion drop in rapidly as we leveraged technology and HNB Chairman Dinesh Weerakkody HNB MD/CEO Jonathan Alles deposits grew by 35% to Rs. 384 billion. coast guard to the system as well exports. In 2019 the country’s fish adapted to the new normal, sharing the The funding side of the balance sheet was so they can be reached in a case of imports stood at Rs. 37 billion, but responsibility to stay safe as well as keep year coupled with low interest rates eased A facility of over Rs. 11.5 billion to an also bolstered by the $ 60 million long urgency,” Wijesekara said. it had only come down to Rs. 35 our communities safe and empowered.” pressure on interest costs to a certain SOE which was classified as NPA in 2019 term loan from PROPARCO, the French Sri Lanka’s 1,200 units billion in 2020. HNB Managing Director (MD)/ extent. However, Net Interest Income of was regularised during the last quarter of Development Agency. This borrowing equipped in high sea vessels were According to the Ministry CEO Jonathan Alles, commenting the bank dropped by 9% YoY to Rs. 44.7 2020. This together with the bank’s efforts will be utilised to fund SME growth in dismantled due to services not of Fisheries, European Union on the performance, stated: “In the billion. Net fee income declined more on improving asset quality enabled HNB 2021. Despite the substantial moratoria maintained throughout the years (EU) has instructed Sri Lanka wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, we steeply by 16% YoY to Rs. 7.5 billion to record a marked improvement in its granted, the liquidity levels remained by the service providers. to go forward and take further re-prioritised our focus to ensure that as import restrictions, depressed demand NPA ratio, to 4.3% from 5.9% reported strong with LAR at 39.6% and LCR at Fisheries Ministry in line with steps legally on the Fisheries we navigate the uncertainties and risks in export markets, lower card spends, at end of 2019, despite the stressed 290.3% against the regulatory requirement budget allocation to develop Department Act. effectively to safeguard the interests of and particularly during the first wave market conditions. Nevertheless, the of 20% and 90% respectively. HNB is also marine and inland resources, “In order to strictly enforce the all our stakeholders. Health and safety, of Covid, the slow-down in economic bank made prudent provisions taking into among the best capitalised banks with anticipates to utilise the Act, there is a need to suspend business sustainability, and supporting activity as well the directions imposed consideration factors such as elevated risks Tier I and Total Capital Adequacy Ratios government’s allocation of Rs. some licenses and identify the customers in need were at the core.” by CBSL to waive off certain fees until in certain sectors and the deterioration in of 14.73% and 17.98% respectively, well 390 million for free stockings fisherman who are illegally The accommodative monetary policy September 2020, collectively impacted economic conditions. Furthermore, the above the statutory requirement. of fish fingerlings and mini fishing,” Wijesekara said. adopted by the CBSL to drive economic this channel of income. bank recognised substantial impairment Insurance and Investment Banking hatcheries. Sri Lanka’s fish exports to growth saw AWPLR dropping sharply by Lower swap costs and volumes along charges on account of its investments in led contributions from subsidiaries as Additionally, construction of the European market were over 400bps during the year. Nevertheless, with exchange rate movements during dollar denominated government securities the HNB Group made PBT of Rs 17.6 the Fishing Harbour commenced averted after the Government the demand for credit did not pick up as the year lead to an improvement of Rs. due to the sovereign downgrade by billion. Total Group assets rose by 14.5% in Gandara with an investment of made a pledge to comply with anticipated due to prevailing uncertainty. 2.2 billion in net trading gains compared rating agencies. These factors resulted YoY to Rs 1.4 trillion. The bank declared Rs. 9 billion and two anchorages international industrial regulations As a result, the bank’s interest income to 2019. The bank also recorded a capital in provisions increasing by 58% to Rs. a final dividend of Rs. 8.00 per share in Mawella and Rakawa. and other standards in 2016. In declined by 10% YoY to Rs. 103.9 billion. gain of Rs. 1.1 billion through disposal 15.3 billion for the year ended December consisting of a cash dividend of Rs. Measures have been taken to addition, the compliance rate has The outstanding growth of approx. Rs. of government securities during the final 2020. 4.50 and a scrip dividend of Rs. 3.50 substitute most of the imports been around 97%. 99 billion in CASA deposits during the quarter of 2020. Given the negative impact on the top per share. 48 business „„ www.themorning.lk { ECONOMY } Tuesday, February 23, 2021 Releasing a report titled “Economy at a glance for 2020”, ICRA Lanka stated that it estimates Sri Lanka’s GDP growth rate in 2020 to be -4%, adding that their estimates indicate industry, services, and agricultural sectors to have contracted by 7.3%, 1.7%, and 1.3%, respectively. ICRA Lanka’s previous quarterly GDP growth rates projections indicated Q2 to be -17.5% and Q3 to be -6.1%, of which Q2 data is quite close and well within the margin of error to the official data released shortly after ICRA Lanka’s release. As for Q3 data, official data falls outside the margin of error of ICRA Lanka’s predicted value, a likely result of a significant structural change in the economy due to the Covid-19 crisis. Furthermore, the economy seemed to have coped with the second wave considerably well. Hence, ICRA Lanka revised up its earlier projection (optimistic ICRA projects GDP to case) for Q4 from -11% to -4.1%. In light of this, the 2020 GDP growth rate is estimated to be -4%, a stark improvement against earlier expectation of -8.2% (optimistic case). In addition, GDP estimates indicate industry, services, contract 4% in 2020 and agriculture sectors to have contracted by 7.3%, 1.7%, and and commercial crops. banks benefited from reduction Corporate sector 1.3%, respectively. Better-than-expected performance in operational costs as a result of The hydropower sector displayed of exports, together with import partial deployment of workforce, a healthy financial profile during Interest rates controls, contributed to a limited branch operations, 2020, which is characterised by The Central Bank of Sri Lanka noteworthy improvement in trade permanent closure of certain robust profitability, moderate (CBSL) cut policy rates in end- deficit. However, after a critical branches, and frozen recruitments. capital structure, and more than January amidst a gloomy global industrial zone in the Western Banks maintained a comfortable adequate coverage metrics. The growth outlook. Call and repo rates Province became the epicentre level of capital and liquidity while profit margins of mini-hydropower responded by moving down by of Sri Lanka’s second wave of the credit grew in double digits in producers received a boost with the about 50 bps, but the effect was infections, several industrial the first three quarters. Government’s approvals on the new felt much less in the T-bills market. plants were shut down to contain Non-performing assets (NPAs) tariff structure for expired power By mid-March, the Covid crisis the spread, leading to notable a slid marginally. By 15 October purchase agreements (PPAs) that took centre stage and the CBSL reduction in export volumes. In 2020, under the Saubhagya were under the avoided cost tariff implemented a series of rate cuts, 2020, trade deficit is expected to Renaissance Facility, around Rs. system. further bringing short-term rates improve significantly to 7.1% of 178 billion loans were approved. In addition, this step helped lower to unprecedented levels. the GDP. Reduction in trade deficit There was a slight uptick in NPAs to recover outstanding trade The move hoped to facilitate credit has also contributed to a noteworthy in Q2, but in Q3, due to the impact receivables from these older PPAs expansion to the Covid-19 hit improvement in current account of moratorium, construction and at favourable tariff rates. With high economy. balance, which is expected to be retail were among the most affected rainfall in Q3, power generation In Q3, more actions followed, around -1.1% of the GDP. sectors, which the banks had by the mini-hydropower producers which included a 200 bps reduction Pandemic worries and interest was widened by over 63%. blow on market sentiment in early substantial exposure to. rose, further helping in revenue. in the Statutory Reserve Ratio rate cuts caused the capital to flow The rupee value of foreign Q4, but the prospects of viable But the longer payment cycles of (SRR). The excess liquidity out of Treasury and equity markets, debt recorded a marginal decline. vaccines helped to turn it around. NBFIs the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) overwhelmed the treasury market especially during March. ICRA Domestic debt, which was increased Essential sectors and utilities The year 2020 marks a forced mini-hydro producers to and brought T-bill yields down Lanka’s estimates show around $ by nearly 25%, was mainly financed such as pharma, healthcare, power, considerably weak performance for run with increased working capital sharply, resulting in the steepest 800 million outflows on net basis using T-bills. ICRA Lanka estimates energy, and telecom had the least NBFIs. Annualised ROA declined intensity. drop in yields for the year. CBSL’s for 2020. Despite bullish local show total outstanding government impact on their valuations. Export- to -2.31% for Q3. The NBFI The private health sector faced a balance sheet expanded following investor sentiment in Colombo debt increasing by 12% to Rs. 14.6 oriented sectors such as textile sector recorded five consecutive challenging year in 2020 due to the the outbreak of the pandemic, Stock Exchange (CSE), foreign trillion during the 2020. Total public and manufacturing had moderate quarters of negative credit growth pandemic. This was exacerbated and by end-December, Treasury investors continued to exit. debt is expected to have reached impact, but plantations, which from Q3 2019, which has resulted by the already saturated market holdings were boosted to a The exchange rate remained 97.4% of the GDP in 2020. comprised mostly tea exporters, in a substantial decline in total and industry regulations. The rising whopping Rs. 700 billion. broadly stable during Q1, but once had a fairly good run during the Q2 assets. Consequently, there was a wage cost was also contributing to Markets flushed with liquidity the Covid crisis overwhelmed the Price and wages due to the rise in global tea prices. significant improvement in capital cost escalations. Price increases by forced the overnight rates towards economy, the rupee depreciated In Q2, unemployment fell to Due to restrictions in mobility and adequacy level (i.e. core capital to private healthcare service providers the lower bound of the policy sharply close to Rs. 200 against 5.4% from 5.7%. This faster social distancing, sectors such as risk weighted assets) in Q2 and Q3. helped to mitigate the impact to a corridor throughout Q3 and Q4. the US dollar. The import controls recovery in the labour market was construction, real estate, leisure, As of March 2020, a large certain degree. Banks channelled the excess and intervention by the Central somewhat unanticipated, especially and services were also moderately number of small and medium-sized The tea sector remained resilient funds to repo the market, which Bank brought the situation under amid the dormant leisure sector. affected. Import-dependent sectors finance companies were operating in 2H. Buoyant prices due to resulted in a marked drop in call control, but in December, the rupee Wage growth continued to remain such as trading and motor vehicles below the minimum core capital limited global supply improved market volumes while boosting displayed some volatility and weak throughout the 2H, with the as well as financial sector equities requirement stipulated by the the profitability of the plantation repo volumes to pre-crisis levels pressure to depreciate. exception of September, where the such as banks, finance and leasing, CBSL, and all these entities were companies. During the first six during the June-September period. During 2020, Sri Lanka lost one- economy made a slight recovery and investment funds were the undergoing capital enhancement months, Sri Lanka’s tea production Despite the massive liquidity fourth of its reserves. In addition, before being hit by the second wave. hardest hit. Palm oil companies initiatives. This vulnerability played was down from last year, although surplus following Covid-19 relief for 2020, over $ 6 billion foreign Purchasing power of consumers reported a deep dent in their share a significant role in weakening the production for the first nine months measures by CBSL, the T-bill yields currency obligations were pending, also remained weak as seen by values in 1H 2020. resilience of the NBFIs. The asset of 2020 was sharply down. The tea displayed some pressure to rise in including $ 1 billion ISB in October. proxy indicators such as outstanding In Q3, nearly all GICS sectors quality continued to deteriorate as brokering business also recorded Q3 and Q4, leaving the primary The Sri Lanka Development credit card balances which show made gains. Shipping, logistics, and seen from the high level of NPAs moderate financial performance in auctions partially filled due to yield Bonds (SLDB) auctions, Fed nearly a 4.8% decline this year up to tyre industry shares saw the largest (i.e. gross non-performing advances 2020. caps imposed by CBSL. Sri Lanka’s repo facility, and SAARC (South November. gains for the quarter. In addition, to total advances). The construction sector sovereign rating downgrades by Asian Association for Regional Tax cuts announced in November construction-related stocks such Though the moratorium helped to experienced a slowdown in the international rating agencies also Co-operation) swap facility were 2019 contributed to decline in non- as cement and glass also gained. moderate the NPAs in Q3, waning overall order books and faced intensified the pressure for yields used to bolster reserves. A weaker food inflation in early 2020 before Increasing economic activities asset quality caused the credit cost operating profit margin pressure to rise. dollar, subdued imports, modest the Covid-19 outbreak, as a result of fuelled buying interest for energy, to rise. With the release of capital in Q2 before starting to recover in export volumes, and recovery downward adjustment of prices of utilities, retail, and consumer buffers, the liquidity levels (i.e. Q3. A brief period of exchange rate External sector of remittances helped to ease services-related items (telco, health, product shares. In Q4, all GICS regulatory liquid assets to total volatility in April caused a strain With exports, remittances, and pressure off the rupee and keep the airfare, internet, etc.). Even though sectors recorded gains, except bank assets) showed a marginal increase. on profitability. The construction tourist receipts falling to historical intervention at a lower level. Under inflation remained around 4% since and real estate shares. Transport Some of the loss-making licensed contractors have faced pressure on lows, the rupee was facing immense these circumstances, the CBSL May, food inflation continued to be sector shares recorded exceptional finance companies (LFCs) have the operating profit margin in Q3 downward pressure during the was able to be a net buyer of forex around upper single digits due to performance. been forced to shut down or adhere due to delays in trade receivables first half of the year. The CBSL amounting to over $ 280 million. supply shocks. Non-food inflation to the consolidation plan set out by from the Government. introduced import controls in March In addition, the CBSL sold down was mild, and was under 1% for Financial sector the CBSL, where they are obligated However, after the Government to curb forex outflows. In May, about $ 234 million gold reserves August and September months. The financial sector was among to merge with profitable LFCs. has made arrangements for local exports started to recover and by amidst favourable gold prices to the most affected in 2020. Credit The biggest hit to revenues of banks to fund the contractors’ trade June bounced back closer to the boost reserves in June. Equities demand plummeted at the onset the NBFIs came as a result of the payables from the Government, pre-crisis level driven by decent As per ICRA Lanka estimates, The Colombo Stock Exchange of the pandemic and remained import ban on new vehicles set by the liquidity pressure was eased performance of tea and apparel total revenue and grants of the (CSE) operated with bearish subdued for two quarters. CBSL’s the Government. But on the other somewhat. Gearing levels and exports. government plummeted by sentiment throughout the first two Covid response included a slew hand, this has led to an increase in working capital levels were seen The country achieved a trade nearly 28% in 2020. Tax revenue months of 2020 as coronavirus fears of measures to facilitate credit to lending to the secondary vehicle increasing among the ICRA Lanka surplus in June amidst subdued alone went down by over 30%. loomed across East Asia. With the revive the economy and ensure market. The rise in the value of rated construction entities. During import growth. Worker remittances Total expenditure records only first local patient being reported in adequate liquidity in the financial existing motor vehicles had a early 2020, the Government had also made a recovery in May and a marginal increase as the surge March, the CSE immediately went system. These actions include positive effect on the collateral decided to procure the electrical June, surpassing the pre-crisis in recurrent expenditure was into freefall. The trading at the CSE policy rate cuts, releasing capital position of these companies. cable requirements for CEB from level. Throughout Q3, monthly counterbalanced by dramatic was suspended several times during and liquidity buffers, relaxing However, its effect has been local cable manufacturers. exports remained at around $ 1 reduction in capital expenditure. March due to intraday crashes. To administrative and supervisory curtailed by the repossession ban set This has helped local cable billion led by the apparel sector Consequently, the fiscal deficit prevent further collapse, market compliance requirements, and out by the CBSL. Funding profiles manufacturers to improve their operations were suspended for the implementing a debt moratorium. of Sri Lanka’s finance companies profitability levels. In consumer entire month of April. In subsequent have been largely characterised by durables, though affected during months, the market made a modest Banks limited diversity, with fixed deposits Q2, volumes improved due to recovery as investors started buying Compared to non-bank financial dominating the funding profile. pent-up demand following the undervalued stocks. institutions (NBFIs), the banking It was earlier expected that the lockdown and demonstrated The economic recovery in Q3 sector was much resilient due to deposit base of finance companies better-than-expected resilience. turned bourse bullish and the record its solid capital buffers. Return would erode amidst the pandemic. The export sector, especially performance of All Share Price on assets (ROA) were low. The Nevertheless, depositors opted to for perishable products such Index (ASPI) lifted it back to the net interest margin (NIM) of the maintain their cash with the finance as horticulture, tissue culture, pre-crisis level fuelled by the quest banking sector deteriorated to companies as the opportunity cost and vegetables, has suffered for higher yield in the low interest around 4% in Q3 on account of of withdrawals far outweigh the from lower revenue growth. rate environment. Heavy buying interest rate cuts, debt moratorium, low interest rate on bank deposits. However, export oriented interest was seen among the retail and lower credit growth. Import Recoveries of the trishaw and manufacturing items such as investors. Nevertheless, throughout restrictions shaved off some of the services sector were considerably gloves, purifications, protective the year, foreigners were on the sell- income due to unutilised credit better than anticipated, while clothes, etc. had a robust cash side despite attractive valuations. lines for imports and reduction tourism-related lending continued to flow and performed exceptionally The second wave of infections had a in fee-based income. However, experience delays in recoveries. well in 2020. business 49 Tuesday, February 23, 2021 { CORPORATE/ADVERTORIAL } „„ www.themorning.lk CLC donates Covid DFCC conducts QR safety kits to three- promotional event wheeler operators DFCC stated it recently participated in the “Rata Purama Quick Sri Lankan financial Response (QR)” promotional event held in Galle by the Central services provider Commercial Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). The decision by DFCC to maintain Leasing and Finance PLC a presence at this event comes after the recent success of (CLC) stated it has initiated DFCC’s promotional campaign held at the Narahenpita a Covid safety donation Economic Centre with the goal of promoting QR payments, campaign for three-wheeler under the CBSL’s “Rata Purama QR” initiative. operators throughout the Due to the fact that this event’s and participants, and conducted country. This donation is objective was to promote the numerous successful cashless considered an industry national interest of bringing Sri transactions. This was further initiative. Lanka into a cashless future, MP driven by the presence of displayed CLC stated it has come Chandima Weerakkody, CBSL products from Narangoda Group, forward to distribute Governor Prof. W.D. Lakshman, a prominent dealer for LAUGFS separators and safety kits for and CBSL Director Payments Gas, and Hemara Rich Look, a its three-wheeler lessees via Commercial Leasing and Finance’s distribution of Covid-19 safety Dharmasiri Kumaratunge graced leading clothing store in Galle. islandwide CLC customer kits to three-wheeler operators the occasion as Chief Guests. Additionally, DFCC was also points, with the participation Representatives present from able to build increased awareness of CLC’s 68 branches, and the Covid-19 virus when in whilst being helpful, needed to DFCC were Vice President (Cards) and usage of the DFCC Pay App MP Chandima Weerakkody making a purchase using the DFCC Pay App supported by the relevant operation. be accompanied by additional Denver Lewis and Southern that enables QR code transactions health authorities and police “We wanted to safeguard safety measures. Realising Regional Manager Pradeep Alwis. – numerous vendors and customers payment method via the DFCC onboarded, and subsequently officers in the respective both the drivers and their this need, CLC partnered DFCC stated that its stall caught were able to gain insight into the Pay App. As a result, new QR promoted QR payments to their regions. passengers in an industry- with the Government the attention of many invitees convenience of using a QR-based merchants from the area were customers. The separators distributed first initiative that not only Medical Officers’ Association were designed for this protected both parties, (GMOA) and further Caltex launches campaign using a high- but also ensured that the expanded the level of People’s Bank promotes quality durable material that drivers continued with their assistance by distributing a is washable. The separators profession without any Covid-19 safety kit, which promotional event act as a barrier between the hindrance. This initiative is included a mask, sanitiser, Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC has launched passenger and the driver, a collective effort of our 68 and a booklet to note details the second phase of the “Caltex Havoline Thegi LankaQR facility in Galle isolating the two parties and customer points and other of passengers, along with each Engima” mega promotion from February-April As part of the third stage Elpitiya to raise awareness and less costly for people by preventing infection during government authorities. As a separator. 2021 to reward its consumers. of the LankaQR promotional about the LankaQR payment enabling payments via their a ride. socially responsible corporate, The separators and safety Despite the economic adversities during this programme launched by system. mobile phones. Commenting on this we are keen to extend our kits were then distributed at time, Caltex has decided to lead this promotion the Central Bank, People's The Central Bank introduced People’s Bank Galle industry-first initiative, support for Covid-19 safety an official event held at the to appreciate consumer loyalty. Bank stated it conducted a the LankaQR payment system Regional Manager M.M.A CLC Manager – Marketing initiatives, and we look National Institute of Medical The “Caltex Havoline Thegi Engima Season promotional programme in with the intention of making Rizmi and staff members were Communications Prasad forward to expanding this Sciences, Katukurunda, 2” consumer promotion will seek to reward all Galle, Ambalangoda, and cashless transactions easier present at this programme. Perera stated: “Three-wheeler to other social segments as adhering to GMOA guidance consumers who purchase Havoline motorcycle operators faced several well.” and health guidelines. During oil products. By purchasing the oils, consumers challenges this year, and During the first wave of the second wave of the will not only be helping to protect their vehicles, Techwire Lanka awarded many were struggling to make Covid-19, CLC distributed pandemic in the country, CLC but will also be a candidate for a prize. ends meet. They experienced more than 8,000 separators to stated it distributed more than Consumers who purchase Havoline super 4T a huge drop in hires, and also three-wheeler operators across 2,000 separators and safety SAE20W40, Havoline Super 4T SAE20W50, at NBQSA 2020 faced the risk of contracting the country. The separators, kits. Havoline Super 4T SAE10W30, or Havoline Supermatic SAE10W30, specially designed for scooters, will be eligible to participate in Classic Travel awarded at SLIM the promotion. All purchases of 4T oil promotional packs Brand Excellence Awards 2020 will possibly be rewarded with instant mobile reloads covering all mobile networks in the Classic Travel, the IATA- The awarding process country. accredited subsidiary of evaluated numerous financial The promotion will be run islandwide, Expolanka Holdings PLC, and operational areas, rewarding reloads valued at a total of Rs. 15 stated it won a Restart including the company’s million during the two-month period. With Resilience Award under the response to mitigate the simple mechanics, the promotion will reward service sector large category impact of the pandemic a win for most consumers. at the Sri Lanka Institute of on its internal and external Consumers need to SMS the code given on The Techwire team with their awards at the National Best Quality Software Awards 2020 marketing (SLIM) Brand stakeholders, how it the scratch card that will be on the promotional Excellence Awards 2020. minimised the impact of packs. In addition to the mobile reloads, the Techwire Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. and construction categories, standardised innovations. The The Restart Resilience operating efficiencies across promotion will also award two smartphones on stated it was recognised at respectively. possibilities are boundless, Award was awarded to the organisation, its revised a daily basis, three gold sovereigns weekly, with the National Best Quality For those three products and these praises will further recognise the efforts of Classic Travel CEO Shiham process and strategy, and a total of 17 winners being awarded every week. Software Awards (NBQSA) and services, Techwire Lanka drive Techwire to redefine organisations that withstood Imamudeen and Head of performance during the Winners will be announced weekly on the 2020, winning three awards has also been nominated by the technologies used for all and overcame the challenges Marketing Zafrana Nafees crisis, as well as its business receiving the Restart Caltex Sri Lanka Facebook page. The winners at the event. the British Computer Society households in Sri Lanka.” resulting from the pandemic. Resilience Award at the SLIM continuity plan for future will further receive a call from the Chevron Techwire Lanka was (BCS) to represent Sri Lanka Techwire Lanka Pvt. Ltd, “We are delighted and Brand Excellence Awards 2020 crises. Winners were chosen call centre informing them about the collection awarded the gold award at the Asia Pacific ICT which was established in honoured to have been across four categories: of prizes. for its software product, Alliance Awards (APICTA), 2015 by a team of young recognised by SLIM for our offer an uninterrupted service consumer goods, service Commenting on the commencement of the Techwire Cloud Scada, under which will be held in Malaysia IT specialists, specialises in enduring spirit and our pursuit to its customers. As we come sector, consumer goods SME, promotion, Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC the categories of industrial this year. building modern tools for of excellence in superior back bolder and stronger in and service sector SME. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer resources and energy utilities. Techwire Lanka CEO Pahan industrial corporations around customer experiences. the new normal, we will Classic Travel also won (CEO) Muhammad Najam Shamsuddin said: Apart from this award, the Rodrigo stated: “We are truly the world. While being deeply affected continue to invest our efforts the gold award for “Brand “We know that it has been a tough time for all “PROMIS” software and proud to have won the awards The NBQSA provides by the many implications of in maintaining consistently of the Year” in the B2B our consumers. The past few months have not “EAGLE VIEW” system – this is a true verification of recognition to the the Covid-19 pandemic in good customer services category at the SLIM Brand been the best for anyone. We are focused on were awarded the bronze the commitment, hard work, achievement of individuals Sri Lanka, which brought through an enhanced travel Excellence Awards 2018, and addressing their concerns through Chevron’s award under the industry and passion that is obvious and organisations in Sri Lanka the global travel industry service portfolio,” stated was awarded as a “Great Place cutting-edge product formulation, lubricant- supply chain logistics, and within the Techwire team that have developed high- to a deafening halt, Classic Classic Travel CEO Shiham to Work” for five consecutive related expertise, and innovative technologies.” industrial manufacturing towards creating unruly but quality ICT products. nevertheless strove hard to Imamudeen. years.

Contd. from page 6

in the classroom has been developed through The Circular expressly recognises society are integral attributes that must into the attitudes and daily practices of Sri Corporal such chastisement, it is to be deemed a that a cause of action may arise over the be instilled from a young age. However, Lankan citizens,” Justice Thurairaja PC punishment... useless process. The Circular in Paragraph infringement of Fundamental Rights in in civilised society, these goals are to be explained. 2.2.1 lists the negative outcomes of the terms of Article 11 (freedom from torture accomplished using alternative forms of Corporal punishment as a method of Education Ministry Circulars practice of corporal punishment revealed or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or discipline which do not inflict physical or discipline, though ineffective, is used by Circular No. 12/2016 issued by the through various studies. punishment) of the Constitution. Further, it is mental harm.” adults, according to Justice Thurairaja PC, Ministry of Education on 29 April, 2016, Section 2.3.2 offers demonstrations of stated that a course of action may arise over The archaic attitude towards the for the simple reason that physical violence which was enforced with effect from 2 May alternative non-violent methods of discipline the offence of cruelty to children in terms of punishment of children of “spare the rod and is more likely to bring instant compliance; 2016, superseding the provisions of the in place of corporal punishment (physical Section 3 of the Penal Code (Amendment) spoil the child“, prevails strongly in the Sri however, this method of correction teaches Circular No. 17/2005 on securing discipline violence), particular those in Subsections ii to Act, No. 22 of 1995 and Section 308A of the Lankan culture, Justice Thurairaja PC noted, children to fear violence and normalises within the school, is the current Circular iv, given the nature of the error. Penal Code. quoting the colloquial saying: “The child violence as opposed to bringing any sense with regard to corporal punishment within If it is advised by the Attorney General raised without beating and the curry made of understanding of the wrong committed or schools. This follows much of the same Legal and disciplinary action that legal action can be taken in that regard, without stirring is useless.” of the true societal value of discipline, as the material available in the previous Circular Adults, Justice Thurairaja PC observed, are having considered the facts submitted at the This view, Justice Thurairaja PC impugned behaviour is avoided in the future with the addition of provisions on the protected by law from similar incidents, as investigation, a case can be instituted against elaborated, did not essentially originate from not due to the understanding of the wrong Disciplinary Board of a school. it would amount to the criminal use of force, the relevant offenders. Finally, if it is proved Sri Lankan culture. committed, but due to the trauma of violence. The Circular recognises that the duties and assault, and other crimes against the person. at the disciplinary inquiries conducted by “In Sri Lanka, there is ample evidence in The General Comment No. 8 to the nature of responsibility borne by the teachers Therefore, children as minors and vulnerable the authorities of the Ministry of Education relation to laws introduced by Kings in order UNCRC recognises that the defence of comes from the concept of “in loco parentis”, members of society, when hit, injured, and over the imposition of corporal punishment, to promote a non-violent, benevolent society “lawful” or “reasonable” chastisement or where, as educators, teachers hold a primary traumatised in the name of discipline or disciplinary actions can be taken in terms of that raises and nurtures children. In reference correction has formed part of the English and fundamental responsibility in ensuring punishment, must not be left defenceless the Establishments Code. to the historical record, the Chulawamsa, common law for centuries, as has a “right of the safety of children, a responsibility and unheard when faced with such violence, it says that during the Anuradhapura and correction” in the French law. However, at pertaining to which, as the Ministry of Justice Thurairaja PC pointed out, noting Corporal punishment and Polonnaruwa eras, Sri Lanka had two Kings such time, the same defence was available to Education has expressly clarified, corporal further that normalising violence is discipline: A cultural perspective who introduced legislation explicitly stating justify the chastisement of wives, slaves and punishment is against. unacceptable, as this leaves voiceless minor The rejection of corporal punishment, that there should be no physical punishment servants, which clearly demonstrates that this The Circular further states that groups victims, vulnerable in the face of mental and Justice Thurairaja PC emphasises, does on both adults and children. Therefore, the Sri defence is long outdated. such as medical officers, psychologists, physical violence and trauma. not mean the rejection of the concept of Lankan culture was such that it had a negative The irony therefore, Justice Thurairaja and humanitarians have explicated corporal Section 2.4 of the Circular notes the discipline. Recognising the importance of view on corporal punishment,” he stated. PC mused, is in that these Western nations punishment as a form of chastisement that repercussions of such and possible legal discipline in this regard, he further explained: It was with the advent of colonialism, recognised the detrimental nature of causes physical pain. They have further redress against teachers who punish students, “It must be understood that the healthy Justice Thurairaja PC observed, that corporal corporal punishment and have abolished stated that it would negatively affect the even when it is done so with the objective development of a child depends on parents punishment established itself as a practice in such practices well before Sri Lankan learning process of students, and that in turn of maintaining discipline. Therefore, even and adults providing the necessary guidance, Sri Lanka. culture started to recognise the necessity of their tendency to show antisocial acts would when used as a method of disciplinary action, in line with the child’s evolving capacities “Corporal punishment was a prevalent reforming societal attitudes towards corporal increase, which could thereby result in severe it may lead to legal action, thereby holding in order to assist their growth towards method of punishment used during the punishment; whereas, Sri Lanka is still dearly distress. those administering such, liable for violations responsible life in society. An individual’s colonial era of occupation, brought into holding on to this outdated and disproven Therefore, since there is minimum of and non-adherence to the guidelines in the understanding of discipline, respect for rules, practice from public school practices from practice from the Western world – that of evidence to confirm that student behaviour Circular. and a healthy attitude towards a non-violent their respective countries, thereby trickling corporal punishment. 104 business „„ www.themorning.lk { MARKET } Tuesday, February 23, 2021 Unit trust prices­ at 19 Feb. 2021 22 Feb. 2021 Fund name Unit selling price...... Unit buying price CSE Price List V.W.A. V.W.A. CHANGE V.W.A. V.W.A. CHANGE Astrue Active Income Fund 100.7352...... 100.7352 SE­CUR­I­TY VOLUME PREVIOUS OPEN HIGH LOW TODAY’S (RS.) SE­CUR­I­TY VOLUME PREVIOUS OPEN HIGH LOW TODAY’S (RS.) Astrue Alpha Fund 16.1962...... 15.2756 A.SPEN.HOT.HOLD...... 52...... 31...... 31...... 31...... 31...... 31...... 0 SINGER FINANCE...... 25,104...... 15.1...... 15.5...... 15.8...... 14.5...... 14.8...... -0.3 Assetline Income Fund 16.8554...... 16.8554 Assetline Income Plus Growth Fund 17.6019...... 17.1151 ABANS...... 428...... 178...... 183.75...... 188.75...... 172...... 173.75...... -4.25 SLT...... 11,150...... 36.2...... 36.2...... 36.2...... 35...... 35.1...... -1.1 Senfin Dyanmic Income Fund 10.0069...... 10.0064 ACCESS ENG SL...... 844,806...... 25.2...... 25.7...... 25.7...... 24.6...... 25...... -0.2 SUNSHINE HOLDING...... 79,178...... 79.5...... 79.2...... 80...... 78.9...... 79.4...... -0.1 Senfin Growth Fund 9.4900...... 9.1700 ACL...... 261,851...... 84.9...... 85.9...... 85.9...... 81.5...... 81.8...... -3.1 SWISSTEK...... 16,921...... 122.75...... 125...... 125...... 118...... 118.75...... -4 Senfin Money Market Fund 15.0991...... 15.0991 ACL PLASTICS...... 620...... 275.25...... 275.25...... 275.25...... 273.75...... 273.75...... -1.5 TALAWAKELLE...... 43,220...... 43...... 43.1...... 43.1...... 38...... 40.1...... -2.9 Senfin Shariah Balanced Fund 12.3000...... 11.9600 ACME...... 92,258...... 5.7...... 6.2...... 6.2...... 5.8...... 6...... 0.3 TANGERINE...... 100...... 41...... 40.1...... 40.1...... 40.1...... 40.1...... -0.9 Senfin Shariah Income Fund 12.4376...... 12.4376 CAL Balanced Fund 12.0919...... 12.0919 AGALAWATTE...... 693,083...... 28.6...... 30...... 32.9...... 28.7...... 29...... 0.4 TEEJAY LANKA...... 282,081...... 44...... 44.8...... 44.8...... 41...... 42.5...... -1.5 CAL Corporate Debt & Gilt Trading Fund 21.3566...... 21.3566 AHOT PROPERTIES...... 8,699...... 45.4...... 40.3...... 40.3...... 40.1...... 40.2...... -5.2 THREE ACRE FARMS...... 9,238...... 228...... 223.75...... 230...... 215...... 216.25...... -11.75 CAL Corporate Treasury Fund 18.3147...... 18.3147 AITKEN SPENCE...... 732,569...... 62.4...... 62.5...... 62.5...... 59.5...... 60...... -2.4 TOKYO CEMENT...... 271,354...... 74...... 74.8...... 74.8...... 72.5...... 73.1...... -0.9 CAL Gilt Fund 7.1818...... 7.1818 ALLIANCE...... 17,151...... 54.4...... 51.1...... 51.1...... 50.5...... 50.6...... -3.8 TOKYO CEMENT [TKYO.X0000]...... 628,096...... 67.5...... 68...... 68.9...... 65.5...... 66.3...... -1.2 CAL Gilt Money Market Fund 4.3481...... 4.3481 AMANA BANK...... 113,109...... 3.5...... 3.5...... 3.5...... 3.4...... 3.4...... -0.1 UNION BANK...... 89,347...... 11.9...... 12...... 12...... 11.2...... 11.3...... -0.6 CAL Gilt Trading Fund 50.2494...... 50.2494 CAL High Yield Fund 24.5281...... 24.5281 AMAYA LEISURE...... 5,286...... 20.5...... 20.9...... 20.9...... 18.8...... 19...... -1.5 UNION CHEMICALS...... 89...... 772...... 721...... 721...... 715...... 772...... 0 CAL Income Fund 20.6997...... 20.6997 ASIA ASSET...... 8,524...... 6.9...... 7...... 7...... 6.8...... 6.9...... 0 UNISYST...... 9,072...... 15.5...... 15.2...... 15.2...... 14.8...... 14.9...... -0.6 CAL Investment Grade Fund 19.9396...... 19.9396 ASIRI...... 700...... 26.5...... 26.5...... 26.7...... 26.4...... 26.4...... -0.1 UNITED MOTORS...... 1,110...... 69.7...... 69...... 69...... 66.3...... 69...... -0.7 CAL Medium Risk Debt Fund 15.7090...... 15.7090 ASIRI SURG...... 5,319...... 14.4...... 14.8...... 14.9...... 14.6...... 14.7...... 0.3 VALLIBEL...... 1,848,587...... 7.6...... 7.6...... 7.7...... 7.4...... 7.5...... -0.1 CAL Quant Equity Fund 21.0254...... 21.4322 AUTODROME...... 1,842...... 78...... 74.1...... 76.2...... 74...... 75...... -3 VALLIBEL FINANCE...... 35,742...... 121...... 115.25...... 124.75...... 115.25...... 116.5...... -4.5 Ceybank Century Growth 79.2000...... 75.7200 BAIRAHA FARMS...... 117,376...... 145...... 144...... 148...... 142...... 144...... -1 VIDULLANKA...... 88,554...... 5.3...... 5.3...... 5.5...... 5.3...... 5.3...... 0 Ceybank Gilt Edge Fund (A Series) 14.5057...... 14.5057 Ceybank Gilt Edged Fund (B Series) 11.0817...... 11.0817 BALANGODA...... 2,550...... 14.5...... 14.8...... 14.8...... 13.6...... 13.6...... -0.9 WATAWALA...... 29,260...... 59.3...... 57.1...... 57.2...... 56...... 56.1...... -3.2 Ceybank High Yield Fund 13.8478...... 13.8478 BUKIT DARAH...... 432...... 330...... 330...... 330...... 319...... 323...... -7 YORK ARCADE...... 302...... 172...... 195...... 197.5...... 171...... 171.25...... -0.75 Ceybank Surakum Fund 12.3845...... 12.3845 C M HOLDINGS...... 4,219...... 95...... 98...... 98...... 86...... 86.2...... -8.8 SECOND BOARD Ceybank Unit Trust 27.1100...... 25.4400 C T HOLDINGS...... 67,301...... 172.5...... 172.5...... 172.5...... 170...... 170...... -2.5 ABANS FINANCIAL...... 100...... 26.5...... 26.4...... 26.4...... 26.4...... 26.4...... -0.1 Ceylon Dollar Bond Fund (in $) 0.6828...... 0.6794 CARGILLS...... 3,156...... 233.5...... 232.25...... 234...... 231...... 234...... 0.5 AMBEON CAPITAL...... 87,327...... 5.5...... 5.7...... 5.7...... 5.4...... 5.5...... 0 Ceylon Financial Sector Fund 7.4100...... 7.1000 Ceylon Income Fund 22.2875...... 22.2875 CARGO BOAT...... 542...... 65...... 65...... 69.8...... 61.4...... 64.9...... -0.1 ASIA CAPITAL...... 5,994...... 6...... 6...... 6...... 5.7...... 5.8...... -0.2 CEYLON Index Fund 56.2400...... 53.9600 CARSONS...... 1,121...... 286...... 281...... 282...... 280.5...... 280.5...... -5.5 BROWNS BEACH...... 3,571...... 12.1...... 12.7...... 12.7...... 11.6...... 12...... -0.1 Ceylon IPO Fund 5.5000...... 5.3900 CDB...... 1,049...... 116.5...... 116.5...... 116.5...... 116.5...... 116.5...... 0 COMM LEASE & FIN...... 92,297...... 7.4...... 7...... 7.5...... 6.8...... 6.9...... -0.5 Ceylon Money Market Fund 17.3752...... 17.3752 CDB [CDB.X0000]...... 12,659...... 78.8...... 76.3...... 80...... 76.3...... 79.8...... 1 DIALOG FINANCE...... 325...... 56.3...... 56...... 56...... 56...... 56...... -0.3 Ceylon Tourism Fund 3.7700...... 3.6200 CENTRAL FINANCE...... 21,855...... 96.1...... 98.8...... 98.8...... 93...... 94.9...... -1.2 DISTILLERIES...... 22,669...... 21.2...... 21.1...... 21.1...... 20.5...... 20.7...... -0.5 Ceylon Treasury Income Fund 6.1600...... 6.1600 Comtrust ADL Mudarabah Fund 11.7042...... 11.7042 CENTRAL IND...... 38,300...... 123.5...... 121.25...... 124.75...... 117.75...... 118.5...... -5 FIRST CAPITAL...... 12,928...... 53.8...... 54...... 54...... 52.8...... 53.8...... 0 Comtrust Equity Fund 19.7100...... 18.7500 CEYLINCO INS...... 16...... 1878...... 1,880.50...... 1,880.50...... 1,878.00...... 1,878.00...... 0 KELSEY...... 740...... 42.6...... 42.5...... 42.9...... 42.5...... 42.8...... 0.2 Comtrust Money Market Fund 11.8977...... 11.8977 CEYLINCO INS. [CINS.X0000]...... 3...... 1099.75...... 1,075.00...... 1,075.00...... 1,075.00...... 1,099.75...... 0 KOTMALE HOLDINGS...... 20...... 216.5...... 215.5...... 215.5...... 215.5...... 216.5...... 0 First Capital Equity Fund (FCEF) 1,409.4500...... 1,338.9800 CEYLON GUARDIAN...... 5,267...... 134.5...... 126.75...... 127...... 126.5...... 126.75...... -7.75 LOLC DEV FINANCE...... 1...... 82.7...... 87.9...... 87.9...... 87.9...... 82.7...... 0 First Capital Fixed income Fund 1,855.9800...... 1,855.9300 CEYLON INV...... 26,366...... 69.4...... 70...... 71.5...... 65...... 66.8...... -2.6 LOLC FINANCE...... 308,856...... 7.6...... 7.2...... 7.5...... 6.9...... 6.9...... -0.7 First Capital Gilt Edged Fund 1,496.7200...... 1,496.7200 First Capital Money Market Fund 1,916.9300...... 1,916.9300 CEYLON TOBACCO...... 176...... 1070...... 1,070.00...... 1,070.00...... 1,056.00...... 1,066.75...... -3.25 MADULSIMA...... 1,935...... 9...... 8.7...... 9.5...... 8.7...... 9.1...... 0.1 First Capital Wealth Fund 1,132.6500...... 1,132.6200 CHEMANEX...... 1,059...... 86.1...... 86...... 86...... 82...... 84.8...... -1.3 ODEL PLC...... 1,053...... 19.9...... 19.1...... 19.5...... 19.1...... 19.4...... -0.5 JB Vantage Money Market Fund 27.7220...... 27.7220 CHEVRON...... 17,587...... 104...... 104...... 105...... 103...... 103...... -1 PEOPLE’S MERCH...... XR 12,921...... 8.2...... 8.2...... 8.5...... 8...... 8.1...... -0.1 JB Vantage Short Term Gilt Fund 14.9285...... 14.9285 CIC...... 1,475,473...... 63.3...... 62.1...... 62.7...... 59.5...... 60...... -3.3 SERENDIB LAND...... 10...... 3000...... 2,999.75...... 3,050.00...... 2,550.00...... 3,000.00...... 0 JB Vantage Value Equity Fund 23.6300...... 24.1100 CIC [CIC.X0000]...... 1,299,068...... 50.5...... 50...... 51...... 49.1...... 49.7...... -0.8 SINGER SRI LANKA...... 47,378...... 55...... 54.5...... 54.5...... 50...... 53.1...... -1.9 NAMAL Bank Fund 9.3790...... 9.0112 NAMAL Growth Fund 147.0322...... 137.2282 CITRUS LEISURE...... 2,537...... 9.7...... 9.8...... 9.8...... 9...... 9.2...... -0.5 DIRI SAVI BOARD NAMAL High Yield Fund 24.8290...... 24.8290 COLD STORES...... 40...... 662.5...... 657...... 657...... 653...... 662.5...... 0 AGSTAR PLC...... 80,093...... 7.4...... 6.9...... 7.4...... 6.9...... 7.3...... -0.1 NAMAL Income Fund 14.1789...... 14.1789 COLOMBO CITY...... 40...... 902...... 900...... 915...... 900...... 902...... 0 ALUMEX PLC...... 153,059...... 23...... 22.9...... 23...... 21.4...... 21.8...... -1.2 National Equity Fund 35.9113...... 33.5997 COLOMBO LAND...... 4,611...... 27...... 25.6...... 26...... 25...... 25.2...... -1.8 AMANA LIFE...... 5,100...... 9.5...... 9...... 9...... 9...... 9...... -0.5 NDB Wealth Gilt Edged Fund 18.7489...... 18.7489 COMMERCIAL BANK...... 1,204,403...... 90...... 91...... 91...... 88.1...... 89...... -1 AMANA TAKAFUL...... 78,105...... 8...... 8...... 8.5...... 7.9...... 8.4...... 0.4 NDB Wealth Growth & Income Fund 47.2000...... 45.7200 NDB Wealth Growth Fund 10.8800...... 10.4300 COMMERCIAL BANK [COMB.X0000].....67,902...... 77.7...... 78.5...... 78.8...... 78...... 78.6...... 0.9 AMBEON HOLDINGS...... 58,052...... 19.6...... 18.7...... 18.7...... 18...... 18.1...... -1.5 NDB Wealth Income Fund 16.0818...... 16.0818 CONVENIENCE FOOD...... 74...... 1298...... 1,271.00...... 1,271.00...... 1,270.25...... 1,298.00...... 0 ARPICO INSURANCE...... 198...... 22.5...... 23.4...... 23.4...... 23...... 23...... 0.5 NDB Wealth Income Plus Fund 17.1541...... 17.1541 DANKOTUWA PORCEL...... 110,406...... 12.5...... 12.4...... 12.4...... 12...... 12.1...... -0.4 ASIA SIYAKA...... 332,593...... 2.8...... 2.8...... 2.8...... 2.7...... 2.7...... -0.1 NDB Wealth Islamic Money Plus Fund 16.3616...... 16.3616 DFCC BANK PLC...... 89,974...... 64.6...... 63...... 65.6...... 63...... 63.4...... -1.2 BANSEI RESORTS...... 75...... 8...... 8...... 8...... 8...... 8...... 0 NDB Wealth Money Fund 20.6965...... 20.6965 DIALOG...... 2,056,810...... 12.4...... 12.6...... 13.1...... 12.6...... 12.9...... 0.5 BERUWALA RESORTS...... 2,516...... 0.8...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0.1 NDB Wealth Money Plus Fund 23.6452...... 23.6452 DIMO...... 180...... 540...... 540...... 540...... 530...... 530...... -10 BOGALA GRAPHITE...... 11,839...... 24.7...... 24.8...... 24.8...... 21.1...... 23...... -1.7 Premier Growth Fund 7.0100...... 6.6700 Premier Money Market Fund 18.7308...... 18.7308 DIPPED PRODUCTS...... 2,728,937...... 60.1...... 58...... 59.5...... 55.1...... 55.8...... -4.3 BOGAWANTALAWA...... 43,924...... 12.8...... 12.8...... 14.1...... 12.7...... 12.7...... -0.1 Unit holders can contact relevant Fund Managers to obtain Unit Prices for redemptions within DOCKYARD...... 56,859...... 79.9...... 80...... 80...... 78...... 79.8...... -0.1 BPPL HOLDINGS...... 207,750...... 14.3...... 14...... 14.4...... 14...... 14.1...... -0.2 short duration from the date of investment where exit fee is applicable DURDANS...... 217...... 102...... 102.25...... 102.25...... 100...... 100.75...... -1.25 BROWNS...... 150,994...... 202.25...... 180.25...... 201.5...... 177...... 182.25...... -20 E B CREASY...... 14,814...... 40.3...... 40.9...... 41.9...... 39...... 40.1...... -0.2 BROWNS INVSTMNTS...... 87,439,616...... 6.1...... 6.3...... 6.4...... 5.7...... 5.8...... -0.3 Ex­change Rates 22 Feb. 2021 EAST WEST...... 33,581...... 11.8...... 11.6...... 11.6...... 11.6...... 11.6...... -0.2 C.W.MACKIE...... 10,687...... 45.4...... 45.3...... 47.5...... 45.2...... 45.5...... 0.1 (1) The average rates of the following (2) The approximate exchange rates EASTERN MERCHANT...... 12,190...... 6...... 5.7...... 5.7...... 5.6...... 5.6...... -0.4 CEYLON TEA BRKRS...... 8,007...... 3.4...... 3.4...... 3.4...... 3.4...... 3.4...... 0 currencies quoted by commercial banks of GULF currencies based on previous in Colombo for Telegraphic Transfers day’s market weighted average rate for EXPOLANKA...... 4,889,223...... 47.1...... 45...... 47...... 44...... 44.3...... -2.8 CFI...... 2,251...... 91.4...... 77.6...... 89...... 77.6...... 88.9...... -2.5 (TT) at 9.30 a.m. are as follows. the US$ are as follows. FORT LAND...... 2,562...... 14.6...... 14.2...... 14.9...... 14.2...... 14.6...... 0 CIT...... 499...... 142.25...... 114.25...... 114.25...... 112.25...... 113...... -29.25 CURRENCY BUYING RATE...... SELLING RATE COUNTRY CURRENCY...... INDICATIVE RATE GRAIN ELEVATORS...... 43,453...... 135.75...... 137...... 139...... 133...... 133.5...... -2.25 CITRUS HIKKADUWA...... 4,029...... 5.5...... 5.6...... 5.6...... 5.3...... 5.4...... -0.1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 151.4733...... 156.3421 Bahrain Bahrain Dinar...... 516.7790 HAYCARB...... 926,774...... 116...... 119.75...... 119.75...... 105...... 106.5...... -9.5 CITRUS WASKADUWA...... 252,731...... 3.4...... 3.6...... 3.6...... 3.3...... 3.4...... 0 CANADIAN DOLLAR 152.044...... 157.5834 KuwaitKuwait Dinar...... 644.0945 CHINESE YUAN (RENMINBI) 28.9893...... 30.7830 Oman Oman Rial...... 506.0539 HAYLEYS...... 961,304...... 70.1...... 70...... 70...... 65.7...... 66...... -4.1 COM.CREDIT...... 25,739...... 23...... 23.2...... 23.5...... 22.7...... 22.8...... -0.2 EURO 233.6952...... 239.8236 Qatar Qatar Riyal...... 53.4978 HAYLEYS FABRIC...... 1,736,958...... 16.1...... 16.2...... 16.2...... 15.5...... 15.5...... -0.6 COMMERCIAL DEV...... 806...... 127...... 128...... 128...... 114...... 114...... -13 JAPANESE YEN 1.8253...... 1.8750 Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian Riyal...... 51.9383 HAYLEYS FIBRE...... 11,237...... 60...... 60...... 60...... 55...... 55.1...... -4.9 E - CHANNELLING...... 8,564...... 6.2...... 6.1...... 6.1...... 6...... 6...... -0.2 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 144.9567...... 149.5965 UAE UAE Dirham...... 53.0405 STERLING POUND 270.8410...... 277.3659 HDFC...... 1,581...... 39.9...... 39.9...... 40...... 38.5...... 38.7...... -1.2 EDEN HOTEL LANKA...... 63,174...... 10.8...... 11.5...... 11.5...... 10.5...... 10.5...... -0.3 SWISS FRANC 213.1781...... 221.1172 HEMAS HOLDINGS...... 110,301...... 85.6...... 87...... 87.9...... 84.1...... 85...... -0.6 ELPITIYA...... 53,182...... 44.8...... 45.9...... 46...... 44...... 44.4...... -0.4 US DOLLAR 193.1300...... 197.5300 HNB...... 50,754...... 137.75...... 140...... 140...... 135...... 135.75...... -2 FORTRESS RESORTS...... 3,150...... 11.6...... 11.4...... 11.6...... 10.7...... 10.7...... -0.9 HNB ASSURANCE...... 264,622...... 58.7...... 59...... 59.9...... 58.6...... 59...... 0.3 GALADARI...... 3,040...... 8.8...... 8.8...... 8.8...... 8.5...... 8.7...... -0.1 Market Indicators 22 Feb. 2021 HNB [HNB.X0000]...... 219,385...... 105...... 110...... 110...... 107...... 107.25...... 2.25 GUARDIAN CAPITAL...... 2,306...... 31.9...... 30.6...... 30.7...... 30...... 30.4...... -1.5 HOTELS CORP...... 40...... 12...... 12...... 12...... 12...... 12...... 0 HAPUGASTENNE...... 300...... 17.2...... 16.1...... 16.1...... 16.1...... 16.1...... -1.1 CSE ALL SHARE PRICE INDEX 7,597.51...... 7,797.94 HUNTERS...... 198...... 686.75...... 666...... 666...... 630.5...... 642...... -44.75 HARISCHANDRA...... 27...... 3504.75...... 3,200.00...... 3,207.00...... 3,200.00...... 3,504.75...... 0 S&P SL20 3,029.79...... 3,098.12 INDUSTRIAL ASPH...... 2,255,129...... 0.5...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.4...... 0.5...... 0 HATTON...... 1,289...... 8.6...... 8.5...... 9...... 8.5...... 8.5...... -0.1 JANASHAKTHI INS...... 61,504...... 29...... 29...... 29...... 28.5...... 28.5...... -0.5 HNB FINANCE...... 2,652...... 8.6...... 8.7...... 8.7...... 8.5...... 8.5...... -0.1 TRI ON ALL SHARE (ASTRI) 10,183.21...... 10,451.85 JKH...... 93,449...... 160...... 159...... 159...... 155...... 156...... -4 HNB FINANCE [HNBF-X-0000]...... 11...... 7.5...... 7...... 7.5...... 7...... 7.5...... 0 TRI ON S&P SL20 4,978.18...... 5,090.46 KANDY HOTELS...... 1,395...... 4.9...... 5.2...... 5.2...... 4.9...... 5.2...... 0.3 HVA FOODS...... 52,747...... 5.7...... 5.6...... 5.6...... 5.5...... 5.5...... -0.2 VALUE OF TURNOVER(Rs.) 2,348,692,220.00...... 3,488,940,540.00 KEGALLE...... 5,238...... 125...... 123.5...... 123.5...... 115.25...... 115.5...... -9.5 JETWING SYMPHONY...... 2,432...... 9.4...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 9.3...... 9.3...... -0.1 DOMESTIC PURCHASES 2,268,627,460.00...... 3,444,047,870.00 KELANI CABLES...... 203...... 127.75...... 128...... 128...... 125...... 125...... -2.75 JOHN KEELLS...... 12,024...... 76...... 79.9...... 79.9...... 72...... 72.6...... -3.4 KELANI TYRES...... 61,490...... 80.5...... 84...... 84...... 80...... 80...... -0.5 KAHAWATTE...... 200...... 31.3...... 31.3...... 31.5...... 31.3...... 31.5...... 0.2 DOMESTIC SALES 2,310,965,500.00...... 3,159,721,470.00 KELANI VALLEY...... 8,687...... 41.1...... 41.5...... 41.5...... 39...... 41...... -0.1 KEELLS FOOD...... 11,144...... 155.5...... 137...... 155...... 136.5...... 147...... -8.5 FOREIGN PURCHASES 80,064,944.00...... 44,892,880.00 KINGSBURY...... 36,815...... 12...... 12.1...... 12.1...... 11.2...... 11.3...... -0.7 KEELLS HOTELS...... 28,975...... 11...... 11...... 11...... 10.6...... 10.6...... -0.4 FOREIGN SALES 37,726,836.00...... 329,219,072.00 KOTAGALA...... 93,280...... 6.1...... 6.2...... 6.3...... 5.9...... 6...... -0.1 LANKA CERAMIC...... 2,064...... 132...... 133...... 133...... 129.75...... 130...... -2 VOLUME OF TURNOVER(NO.) 130,355,104.00...... 199,501,824.00 L O L C HOLDINGS...... 491,398...... 407.25...... 405...... 405...... 373...... 376.75...... -30.5 LANKEM CEYLON...... 254...... 30.5...... 30.6...... 31...... 30.6...... 31...... 0.5 LANKA ALUMINIUM...... 176,032...... 19.1...... 19...... 19...... 17.9...... 18.1...... -1 LAUGFS POWER...... 1,100...... 10...... 10.1...... 10.1...... 9.6...... 9.6...... -0.4 DOMESTIC 128,964,648.00...... 196,581,280.00 LANKA HOSPITALS...... 1,859...... 46.2...... 45.9...... 45.9...... 45...... 45.1...... -1.1 LAUGFS POWER [LPL-X-0000]...... 742...... 6.8...... 6.8...... 6.8...... 6.7...... 6.7...... -0.1 FOREIGN 1,390,460.00...... 2,920,536.00 LANKA IOC...... 60,928...... 22...... 22...... 22...... 20.9...... 21.3...... -0.7 LOTUS HYDRO...... 2,138...... 9.5...... 10...... 10...... 9.5...... 9.6...... 0.1 TRADES(NO.) 23,559...... 23,945 LANKA TILES...... 99,620...... 234.25...... 236...... 236...... 220.5...... 226.5...... -7.75 MARAWILA RESORTS...... 26,701...... 1.9...... 1.9...... 1.9...... 1.9...... 1.9...... 0 DOMESTIC 23,207...... 23,630 LANKA VENTURES...... 100...... 51.4...... 51.2...... 51.4...... 51.2...... 51.2...... -0.2 MASKELIYA...... 18,770...... 11.4...... 11.4...... 12.1...... 11.4...... 11.9...... 0.5 LANKA WALLTILE...... 95,496...... 234.5...... 235...... 235...... 220.25...... 224...... -10.5 MILLENNIUM HOUSE...... 27,101...... 5.9...... 5.9...... 6.2...... 5.9...... 6...... 0.1 FOREIGN 352...... 315 LAUGFS GAS...... 27,645...... 24...... 23...... 23...... 22...... 22.4...... -1.6 NUWARA ELIYA...... 10...... 1171.5...... 1,101.00...... 1,101.00...... 1,101.00...... 1,171.50...... 0 CORPORATE DEBT 0...... 0 LAUGFS GAS [LGL.X0000]...... 1,432...... 19.1...... 19...... 19...... 18.1...... 18.1...... -1 ON’ALLY...... 955...... 33.1...... 32.5...... 36.5...... 32.5...... 36.5...... 3.4 GOVERNMENT DEBT 0...... 0 LAXAPANA XR...... 32,804...... 14.2...... 14.5...... 14.5...... 14.1...... 14.1...... -0.1 ORIENT FINANCE...... 51,534...... 15.5...... 15...... 15...... 14.5...... 14.5...... -1 LISTED COMPANIES (NO.) 283...... 283 LB FINANCE...... 8,157...... 219.75...... 220...... 220...... 212.25...... 213.75...... -6 PALM GARDEN HOTL...... 2...... 30.7...... 29...... 29...... 29...... 30.7...... 0 LEE HEDGES...... 116...... 75...... 70...... 74.9...... 70...... 70...... -5 PEGASUS HOTELS...... 202...... 31...... 31...... 32.5...... 30.5...... 31.2...... 0.2 TRADED COMPANIES (NO.) 254...... 260 LION BREWERY...... 50...... 570...... 565.25...... 565.25...... 565...... 570...... 0 PRIME FINANCE...... 950...... 13...... 13...... 13.1...... 13...... 13...... 0 MARKET PRICE EARNINGS RATIO(PER) 13.4...... 13.7 LMF...... 25,920...... 169.25...... 173...... 173...... 163...... 163.25...... -6 RAIGAM SALTERNS...... 24,601...... 5.7...... 5.7...... 5.7...... 5.6...... 5.6...... -0.1 MARKET PRICE TO BOOK VALUE (PBV) 1.2...... 1.3 LVL ENERGY...... 9,589...... 9.9...... 9.9...... 9.9...... 9.6...... 9.6...... -0.3 RENUKA CAPITAL...... 37,201...... 7.5...... 7.6...... 7.7...... 6.7...... 7.1...... -0.4 MARKET DIVIDEND YIELD (DY) 2.4...... 2.3 MALWATTE...... 110...... 14...... 12.5...... 12.9...... 12.5...... 12.9...... -1.1 RICH PIERIS EXP...... 1,336...... 401.5...... 393...... 393...... 373.5...... 374.25...... -27.25 MARKET CAPITALIZATION (Rs.) 3,322,654,572,511.00...... 3,410,309,837,550.00 MALWATTE [MAL.X0000]...... 31,003...... 8.8...... 9...... 9...... 8.4...... 8.8...... 0 ROYAL PALMS...... 6,100...... 15...... 15.5...... 15.5...... 15.5...... 15.5...... 0.5 MELSTACORP...... 347,775...... 50.3...... 50.5...... 50.5...... 49...... 49.9...... -0.4 SATHOSA MOTORS...... 15...... 230.5...... 230.5...... 230.5...... 227...... 230.5...... 0 1. Overnight Money Market Transactions MERC. SHIPPING...... 300...... 76.9...... 75.1...... 75.1...... 75.1...... 75.1...... -1.8 SERENDIB ENG.GRP...... 2,259...... 6.9...... 6.8...... 6.8...... 6.4...... 6.4...... -0.5 MERCHANT BANK...... 141,511...... 7.3...... 7.5...... 7.5...... 7...... 7...... -0.3 SERENDIB HOTELS...... 294...... 15.5...... 15.6...... 15.6...... 15.5...... 15.5...... 0 Call Money Market...... Repo Market MULLERS...... 17,611...... 1.1...... 1.2...... 1.2...... 1.1...... 1.1...... 0 SERENDIB HOTELS [SHOT.X0000]...... 101...... 9.4...... 9.7...... 9.7...... 9.2...... 9.2...... -0.2 Weighted Average Rate (%) 4.55 4.56 NAMUNUKULA...... 63...... 180...... 180.5...... 181.75...... 180.5...... 180...... 0 SINGER IND...... 4,793...... 98.7...... 96...... 96...... 92...... 92...... -6.7 Minimum Rate (%) 4.54 4.54 NAT. DEV. BANK...... 31,539...... 89...... 89.2...... 89.2...... 86.5...... 86.8...... -2.2 SINGHE HOSPITALS...... 585,582...... 2.1...... 2.1...... 2.2...... 2...... 2...... -0.1 Maximum Rate (%) 4.55 4.80 NATIONS TRUST...... 31,308...... 59...... 59...... 60...... 58.2...... 58.6...... -0.4 SINHAPUTHRA FIN [SFL.P0000]...... 100...... 4.6...... 4.6...... 4.6...... 4.6...... 4.6...... 0 Total Gross amount (Rs. million) 11,850 9,047 Total Net amount (Rs. million) 11,850 8,868 NAWALOKA...... 12,832...... 5.3...... 5.3...... 5.3...... 5.2...... 5.2...... -0.1 SOFTLOGIC...... 8,285...... 13.4...... 13.5...... 13.5...... 12.9...... 13...... -0.4 2. Use of the CBSL Standing Facility NESTLE...... 553...... 1199.5...... 1,200.00...... 1,200.00...... 1,186.00...... 1,187.75...... -11.75 SOFTLOGIC CAP...... 37,197...... 4...... 4...... 4...... 3.8...... 3.8...... -0.2 OVERSEAS REALTY...... 167,244...... 16...... 16...... 16.3...... 15.7...... 15.8...... -0.2 SOFTLOGIC FIN...... 100...... 10.7...... 10.5...... 10.5...... 10.5...... 10.5...... -0.2 Standing Deposit Facility (Rs. million) 168,624 PAN ASIA...... 380,860...... 18.1...... 18.5...... 18.5...... 17.8...... 18...... -0.1 SOFTLOGIC LIFE...... 163,323...... 33.1...... 33...... 33...... 32.1...... 32.5...... -0.6 Standing Lending Facility (Rs. million) - PANASIAN POWER...... 1,052,907...... 3.5...... 3.6...... 3.6...... 3.5...... 3.5...... 0 TAL LANKA...... 400...... 12.5...... 13.9...... 13.9...... 13...... 13...... 0.5 3. CBSL Treasury Bill/Bonds Holdings PEOPLE’S INS...... 239,071...... 31.8...... 31.7...... 32...... 30...... 30.8...... -1 TRANS ASIA...... 60...... 59.5...... 57.5...... 57.5...... 57.1...... 59.5...... 0 Face Value (Rs. million)...... 784,269.88 PEOPLES LEASING...... 173,801...... 12.3...... 12.5...... 12.5...... 12.1...... 12.2...... -0.1 UDAPUSSELLAWA...... 5,621...... 22.6...... 22.6...... 23.7...... 22...... 23...... 0.4 Book Value (Rs. million)...... 769,030.27 PIRAMAL GLASS...... 1,292,618...... 10...... 10...... 10...... 9.7...... 9.8...... -0.2 UNION ASSURANCE...... 1,092...... 315...... 315...... 315...... 307.25...... 314.5...... -0.5 PRINTCARE PLC...... 511...... 29.1...... 30.6...... 30.6...... 30.5...... 30.6...... 1.5 VALLIBEL ONE...... 873,048...... 62...... 63...... 64.8...... 57.3...... 58...... -4 TOP 10 GAINERS R I L PROPERTY...... 373,970...... 6.9...... 7...... 7.1...... 6.8...... 6.8...... -0.1 WATCH LIST Company VWA VWA Change Change REGNIS...... 33,383...... 103...... 104...... 104...... 100...... 100...... -3 Prev. Close Days Close (Rs.) % RENUKA AGRI...... 418,626...... 3.9...... 3.9...... 4.1...... 3.9...... 3.9...... 0 ANILANA HOTELS...... 1,529,719...... 1.2...... 1.2...... 1.3...... 1.2...... 1.2...... 0 S M B LEASING 0.3 0.4...... 0.1...... 33.33 BIMPUTH FINANCE...... 615...... 7.8...... 8.1...... 8.3...... 8...... 8...... 0.2 BLUE DIAMONDS 0.5 0.6...... 0.1...... 20 RENUKA FOODS...... 1,531...... 14.7...... 14.7...... 14.7...... 14.5...... 14.5...... -0.2 BERUWALA RESORTS 0.8 0.9...... 0.1...... 12.5 RENUKA FOODS [COCO.X0000]...... 300...... 12.5...... 12.4...... 12.4...... 12.4...... 12.4...... -0.1 BLUE DIAMONDS...... 76,377...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.1 ON’ALLY 33.1 36.5...... 3.4...... 10.27 RENUKA HOLDINGS...... 127,237...... 16.2...... 16.6...... 16.6...... 15.5...... 15.8...... -0.4 BLUE DIAMONDS [BLUE.X0000]...... 77,641...... 0.3...... 0.3...... 0.3...... 0.2...... 0.3...... 0 CEYLON PRINTERS 49 52.3...... 3.3...... 6.73 KANDY HOTELS 4.9 5.2...... 0.3...... 6.12 RENUKA HOLDINGS [RHL.X0000]...... 4,442...... 12.8...... 12.5...... 12.5...... 12.3...... 12.4...... -0.4 CEYLON PRINTERS...... 260...... 49...... 52.1...... 53...... 52...... 52.3...... 3.3 ACME 5.7 6...... 0.3...... 5.26 RESUS ENERGY...... 93...... 24.6...... 25...... 25...... 25...... 24.6...... 0 HUNAS FALLS...... 100...... 144...... 150...... 150...... 150...... 150...... 6 PRINTCARE PLC 29.1 30.6...... 1.5...... 5.15 AMANA TAKAFUL 8 8.4...... 0.4...... 5 RICHARD PIERIS...... 713,616...... 17.8...... 18...... 18...... 16.5...... 17...... -0.8 LANKEM DEV...... 184,329...... 3.9...... 3.9...... 4...... 3.6...... 3.8...... -0.1 MASKELIYA 11.4 11.9...... 0.5...... 4.39 ROYAL CERAMIC...... 306,657...... 324.25...... 328...... 328...... 310...... 313.75...... -10.5 MACKWOODS ENERGY...... 28,311...... 2.8...... 2.8...... 2.8...... 2.7...... 2.7...... -0.1 TOP 10 LOSERS S M B LEASING...... 167,031...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.7...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0 MULTI FINANCE...... 1,520...... 7.4...... 7.4...... 7.4...... 7...... 7...... -0.4 S M B LEASING [SEMB.X0000]...... 907,722...... 0.3...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.3...... 0.4...... 0.1 NATION LANKA...... 39,105...... 0.9...... 0.9...... 0.9...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0 Company VWA VWA...... Change...... Change SAMPATH...... 230,109...... 159.5...... 160...... 162...... 158...... 158.25...... -1.25 CIT 142.25 113...... -29.25...... -20.56 PARAGON...... 1,820...... 53...... 56.9...... 61...... 53...... 53...... 0 TESS AGRO 0.5 0.4...... -0.1...... -20 SANASA DEV. BANK...... 86,125...... 58.7...... 59.9...... 59.9...... 56.9...... 57.2...... -1.5 RADIANT GEMS...... 20...... 27.1...... 28...... 28...... 28...... 27.1...... 0 AHOT PROPERTIES 45.4 40.2...... -5.2...... -11.45 SEYLAN BANK...... 84,168...... 51...... 50.5...... 51.6...... 49.7...... 50.4...... -0.6 COMMERCIAL DEV. 127 114...... -13...... -10.24 SINHAPUTHRA FIN...... 10,000...... 7.5...... 7.8...... 7.8...... 7.8...... 7.8...... 0.3 BROWNS 202.25 182.25...... -20...... -9.89 SEYLAN BANK [SEYB.X0000]...... 45,032...... 40.6...... 40.9...... 41.8...... 40.2...... 40.9...... 0.3 C M HOLDINGS 95 86.2...... -8.8...... -9.26 STANDARD CAPITAL...... 1...... 73...... 73...... 73...... 73...... 73...... 0 LOLC FINANCE 7.6 6.9...... -0.7...... -9.21 SEYLAN DEVTS...... 30,665...... 15.8...... 15.8...... 15.9...... 15.5...... 15.5...... -0.3 HAYCARB 116 106.5...... -9.5...... -8.19 SIERRA CABL...... 527,599...... 6.9...... 6.9...... 6.9...... 6.3...... 6.4...... -0.5 TESS AGRO...... 178,217...... 0.6...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0 HAYLEYS FIBRE 60 55.1...... -4.9...... -8.17 TESS AGRO [TESS.X0000]...... 50,100...... 0.5...... 0.5...... 0.5...... 0.4...... 0.4...... -0.1 MALWATTE 14 12.9...... -1.1...... -7.86 SIGIRIYA VILLAGE...... 331...... 34.5...... 34.4...... 34.4...... 33.5...... 33.5...... -1 114 Tuesday, February 23, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk Jim Carrey quits his THOUGHT FOR THE DAY political cartoons Jim Carrey is calling it quits on his political cartoons, a passion project that made “It’s no use going back to waves during former President Donald yesterday, because I was Trump’s administration. Carrey wrote on a different person then.” Twitter on Saturday (21) that he’s stopping – Lewis Carroll the cartoons, often dark caricatures of Trump and his supporters, to “reclaim a little neurological bandwidth”. The Dumb and Dumber actor took a parting shot at his usual target, referring to Trump as “Orange Julius Caesar” ruling “his Empire of Lies”.

BY NAVEED ROZAIS love conceptualised photography, so my ÄÄ You had a team of 38 biggest learning is that it’s always fun people working with you. brunchRaffealla Fernando is one working on the calendar. What was that like? What of Sri Lanka’s best known I go all out with my calendar; we were all the different roles conceptual photographers on the work a lot on the concepts, we start that had to be fulfilled to almost one year ahead, so we have a lot international stage. An award- of time to properly develop the concepts. make this calendar happen? winning photographer, each year I’ve already started on the concepts It was our biggest team ever this Fernando throws herself into and casting for 2022. Working with year, playing many roles. We had conceptualising her favourite celebrities is not the same as working makeup stylists, hair stylists, nail artists, passion project – the Raffealla with models – you have to respect the fact our celebrities, the designers, stylists, Fernando Celebrity Calendar they have their own image to maintain assistants, post directors and post- (RFCC). and what you do cannot affect their image production artists, video crews and video and what their fans think of them. You assistants, colour graders, editors, art 16 February saw Fernando launch directors, and a lot more. We had about MAF to release the 2021 edition of the RFCC at The have to think carefully about the outfits, the poses, the makeup, and all that. eight or nine people working in each Kingsbury Colombo graced by many Sri department. All these job roles were Lankan celebrities. I love working with celebrities and models when we’re doing a concept involved in our shoots. I think that mostly One World, The Morning Brunch spoke with shoot. You can get the celebrities to act in Sri Lanka we don’t see all of these job Fernando about the 2021 RFCC and to roles in most of our shoots, but to keep learn more about Fernando and her craft. it out for you and they get into character while shooting. It’s a very different the cycle going, we need everyone to One experience from fashion. work together to make it a success, which ÄÄ Tell us about the 2021 was one reason why we had a larger team RFCC. What was the concept this year despite Covid-19 restrictions. Community behind it? Apart from the crew, I would also We wanted to keep the common really like to speak about the event BY VENESSA ANTHONY concept of “glamourous” throughout ÄÄ Back to the RFCC; you’ve team who worked on the launch of the the calendar. Glamour was a key point. calendar, the team from Wide Vision and The Moratuwa Arts Forum (MAF) been shooting it for nine I didn’t have any is all set to release their latest song One We featured 13 celebrities in this years. How different is it Soo Chai. We had a very interesting and year’s calendar – Shanudrie Priyasad, photographers talented creative director to plan out the World, One Community. The song speaks Raween Kanishka, Madhavee Watsala from the other work you about living a healthy and good life do, and what would you capturing the style I event. We did something different and Anthony, Shalani Tharaka, Nadeesha changed the exhibition space. The colour amidst these difficult times that we are all Hemamali, Samanalee Fonseka, Niranjani say your biggest learning like – something a bit theme was white and he put his heart and facing, and promotes healthy coexistence. Shanmugaraja, Saranga Disasekara, has been from the whole dark that has a story soul and so much work into it. They did The song will be launched live on their Dinakshie Priyasad, Sachini Nipunsala, experience? a lot of work for the event to make it a Facebook page tomorrow (24). Randhir Witana, Sachini Ayendra, and It’s a very different experience and that was well success, and I definitely need to mention Speaking to The Morning Brunch, Sangeetha Weeraratna. from my other photoshoots. With my them because the event is a part of the MAF Secretary Anuradha Mack explained For this year’s calendar, we didn’t other work, I work for a client or a conceptualised. I’ve calendar. that the song was initially supposed to do a specific shoot for January. We had brand or an agency, so I have things always liked art with be launched at an event, but with the all the celebrities on one page with their limited. You can’t really go crazy with ÄÄ A calendar for 2021 pandemic still ongoing, they decided to masks on, dedicated to 2020 and 2021 concepts because you have to find a a story that was a bit inevitably sparks go ahead with releasing it online. She and our new normal of wearing masks, way to follow and work for others. The dark. So I decided to discussions about plans added that they are hopeful they will and bringing that out in a conceptualised calendar is something I do for myself, for 2021. What have you be able to relaunch it in person soon. and fun way. and I get to go crazy with my concepts. try it out They plan to launch their YouTube page planned for yourself simultaneously with the song. The overall inspiration behind this Like I said before, I love dark art and I and Raffealla Fernando calendar is very different from our other Mack stated that the lyrics, music, work. We put a lot of thought into it. We photography? and melody for this song was arranged made our mood boards and style boards, Last year, I had a lot of plans for and directed by Priya, while the music and this year we decided to share our style myself and my teams; plans for foreign was performed by MAF member Udara board with the guests of our launch event. tours and international projects and a Fernando, who also overlooked the audio The inspiration was different for each and lot of other things, but sadly, Covid-19 recording. The visuals were handled by every celebrity and photoshoot. We did a Deep- happened. For this year, I thought my Viranjan Perera. lot of research into our celebrities, looking biggest plan would be just going with Speaking about the challenges they at if they could carry off the concept. It the flow. The calendar was an annual faced while recording the song, she said: was a lot of work and development. thing that we really had to do. Up until “The song took a year to make.” She I styled all 12 shoots, but we worked Christmas, we were at a stage where detailed that since the song has 52 artists with a very interesting and talented team diving into we were thinking “let’s not do the participating in it, it took a long while to of designers who all did a fabulous job calendar”, but the celebrities and the co-ordinate voice recordings, which they with each photoshoot. I had in-depth team involved all wanted to do it. After faced many problems in doing. She also discussions with them once I developed nine years, it would simply have been a added that during the lockdown, they had the concepts and gave them some rough shame not to. many programmes planned, but could not conceptual For this year though, we’ve planned implement them due to the pandemic. ideas about the designs they had to do and they did some fabulous work. and thought, but we’ve not made any Speaking of the inspiration behind big plans because we don’t know what the song, she said: “We were all stuck at ÄÄ You’ve been a might come our way, but there will home during these lockdowns, which is photographer for over 12 be a lot of interesting projects in the where we got the idea for the song. We photography future for us in both photography and years. How did you get thought the best thing we could do was into it? designing. I’m hoping to launch my own get together with a few people and work RTW (ready-to-wear) line. I’ve already on a project after the lockdowns let up.” I started out as a designer. I’m a been doing luxury and exclusive wear, fashion graduate, but I’ve always been They eventually came to realise that the and I’d planned to launch the RTW pandemic spread because of our neglected very interested in photography and art, collection last year, but it had to be even when I was schooling. I schooled responsibility, so that is the message that postponed because of Covid-19. they hope to spread. at St. Bridget’s Convent and was in the I’ve got some interesting Photography Society. We were usually She further added: “We want to photography projects happening spread the message to the world that we asked to cover school events, but that was currently and I also have a cinema never my thing. I used to take portraits of need to think as one, in order to breathe project on the way, which is very more freely. Once we achieve this, the my friends and they would tell me how exciting, and, by God’s grace, if things amazing my portraits were, and getting world will become a healthier place to get better, I have some international live in.” such compliments was like an energy projects in the works that I’m very boost. At the time, I had no idea about The participating singers for this song much looking forward to. included many well-known names in lighting. I would use CDs and pieces of My personal plans for myself mirrors to manually get the light right. the Sri Lankan music industry including include me and my loved ones just Sunil and Piyal Perera of “The Gypsies”; When I was working as a designer, being healthy and safe from Covid-19, I didn’t have any photographers Sureshni Wanigasuriya; Priya Peiris; and, of course, we hope and pray the Lincolne De Silva of “Pink N’ Purple” capturing the style I like – something vaccine works. a bit dark that has a story and that was fame; Chandral Fonseka of “Kings”; Dr. well conceptualised. I’ve always liked Manella Joseph; Sureni De Mel; Chandanie art with a story that was a bit dark. So I Silva; Kumar Fernando; Lankika Perera decided to try it out. This is now my 14th of “Golden Chimes”; Nalin, Shermila, year as a designer and my 12th year as a and Sahani Fernando of “Nalin and The photographer. Star Combination”; Devin and Lucille I’ve always had this mad passion for Pereira; Anuradha Mack; Lucky Deva of art and photography. I used to study art “Spirit”; Rajiv Sebastian of “Rajiv and the and sculpture, and I was always working Clan”; Shenya Napthalie; Lakmal Peiris; on different solo projects. I had my first Sarath Goonewardena; Hemaka Fernando; solo exhibition at 14, and I’ve won lots Rolinson Ferdinando; Melantha Perera of local and international awards as well. of “Mirage” fame; Sumangi Jayaweera; I had my first painting displayed in the Eranjan and Viranjan Perera; Lilanthi Japanese Art Gallery at 15. Jayaratne; Sachith Peiris; Ruth De Silva; As a photographer, one of my biggest Raffealla Tilak Perera; Nihal Fernando; Pradeep moments was winning Best Fashion Fernando; Sarana Gunaratne; Lakruwani Photographer of the Year at the Fifth Fernando; Brian Coorey; Erinton Perera; International Achievers Award 2017 in Fernando Shiraz Sudar; Pimal Fernando; Ramani London. It was the first time ever that an Soysa; Sahan and Vindhya Fernando; Asian had won the award, and I won out Geethaka and Stephanie Fonseka; Malathi of 310 other photographers. Another big on her Perera; Pathum Goonewardene; Frankie moment was being ranked the eighth best Jerome; Sherantha Perera; Roshelle photographer of the world at the BEFFTA Goonewardene; and Nipun Tharumal. Awards UK. I competed with 150 other 2021 The song had artists from abroad photographers. I was also a finalist at the contributing to it as well, and Mack noted New York Fashion awards, and just being that without their support the song would nominated was a big deal for me. celebrity not have been possible. Mack hopes that this song will calendar influence the world to change their thinking patterns and live as one community by spreading love and positivity. 124 brunch „„ www.themorning.lk { ARTS/EVENTS } Tuesday, February 23, 2021 Art is more accessible: CHARITHA LAY Speaking to The Morning Brunch, figurative artist Charitha Lay told us that she Kala Pola 2021 had been interested in art since her childhood, and has had the opportunity to exhibit in other countries outside Sri Lanka as well. Talking about Online edition the concept behind the artwork she displayed at Kala Pola this BY VENESSA ANTHONY through the site and inquire. year, she added: “We live with Further, she added that this people and see a lot of faces Kala Pola 2021 – the 28th edition of Sri Lanka’s annual year, they have also organised around us. These faces can art fair, presented by the George Keyt Foundation in four fringe events that will express a lot of things in life so association with John Keells Group and John Keells showcase various panel I wanted to portray that with Foundation (JKF), is taking place online this year, in discussions and workshops for my style.” lieu of the pandemic. The fair, which started on 21 collectors, kids, artists, and art She also explained that her lovers as a whole. style of figurative art is a lot February, will continue till 21 March 2021. Nathaniel explained that more interesting to paint than even though the Sri Lankan if she were to do a realistic Art Gallery was readily portrait of a person. “I prefer available, there were many abstract painting because we all enhancements made to the site want to see something different to host an event of this nature from the reality we live in.” for the first time. Talking She opined that the online about the challenges they show was not a bad move, as faced while organising this she had already sold a few of Flower maidens by Charitha Lay the paintings she had put down event online, she said: “One of everyone has good eyesight, the biggest difficulties faced the website, thus making art more accessible to collectors muscle control, and the ability was to get artists to move to a all over the country. to observe and appreciate a digital platform. JKF staff and subject. He said that many are volunteers supported the artists Kala Pola caters to the going into art as a profession to upload their work while demand of original art: to cater to the growing demand creating a digital presence.” of the public to purchase For the organisers – the JAYANTHA SILVA original art for their domestic George Keyt Foundation and Having won many awards and corporate locations, which the John Keells Group – the for his art, even as a child, is why Kala Pola is such an primary aim was to build and Jayantha Silva could easily important event for artists and develop sustainable livelihoods be labelled a prodigy. In one collectors alike. for Sri Lankan artists. “Beyond particular competition in the immediate sales during the 1969, he won the first, second, Online exhibitions are event, it has enabled them to and fourth prizes. He so easier for the artist: build a steady clientele, and impressed the judge Mudliyar SEEVALI ILLANGASINGHE thereby sustainable market Amarasekara (one of the most famous Sri Lankan artists), that In conversation with opportunities, over time,” Tharushi Yashodha, who stated Nathaniel. The event he offered Jayantha a one-year scholarship at his art school. represented her grandfather The girl with the pot also facilitates learning and Unfortunately, as a child, Seevali Illangasinghe, a veteran by Seevali Illangasinghe interaction among artists. Jayantha felt that one did not artist that has exhibited at Kala Belly dancer by Charitha Lay Over the years, it has also painting many landscapes of need to learn art formally, and Pola many times before, she his memories from the village Kala Pola was initiated to Speaking to Projects and become a reputed means of did not take the scholarship – a said: “He has participated in he grew up in – Siwalakulama, nurture, value, and sustain the Communications Manager popularising the appreciation decision he now regrets. Kala Pola from its inception Anuradhapura. “Some of his art and livelihoods of aspiring, for John Keells Foundation and patronising of visual art by Jayantha’s style is one of in 1993, and has seen it grow paintings are a fond throwback as well as established, artists Yashara Nathaniel on the fair, the general public. realism as opposed to abstract from a small festival of around to his childhood, while also around Sri Lanka, providing she said: “Kala Pola is Sri We at The Morning art. He described himself as 35 artists to the large scale portraying the traditional them an opportunity to earn Lanka’s annual open air art Brunch spoke to a few artists a perfectionist who strives festival it is today.” culture of Sri Lanka.” their keep for their tireless fair showcasing and promoting showcasing at the fair on their for excellence. He explained Talking about how the Illangasinghe mostly efforts. One may see a wide visual art. Since its launch in concepts for this year and that he draws inspiration for festival was made to move works with oil paints for his variety of styles, ranging from 1993, it has provided unique thoughts on the fair. his art by actively looking at online this year, she said: work, as Yashodha noted contemporary to classical to opportunities for painters the environment everywhere “Everything is in one location that he found it to be very abstract. and sculptors to showcase he goes, and also through his on the website, which makes it appealing to his audience, Over the years, the and market their creations to photographic memory, which easier for everyone to access it, which is also what most of his event has fostered a sense of a growing and appreciative enables him to see something so we see it as a good thing.” paintings displayed this year learning, and helped artists audience each year.” and store it in his mind, and She added that they feel that are done with. network with other artists, Unlike previous years, recall it many months or years the online exhibition makes it collectors, and art enthusiasts this year’s Kala Pola is a later. easier for the artist to upload The event will be held until alike, while also providing a month-long event. It gives Talking about his art, he their work as well. 21 March. You can find rare experience for both the the audience plenty of time to added: “I also have the ability to She also went on to the art on their website: artist and buyer. browse the site and pick out see a finished work, where one describe the concept behind https://www.srilankanartgallery. Kala Pola has served as work that they would like to could see only a blank canvas. the paintings Illangasinghe com/kalapola a launch pad for many local purchase. Kala Pola is also My forte is painting the human displayed at this year’s Kala artists to gain recognition not limited to buyers residing figure. Even as a child, I loved Pola as village-based: “He and propel their work into in or visiting Sri Lanka, a to paint figures and nudes, at a likes to pour his memories and the international arena. This welcome side effect of it being time when children did not have experiences from his childhood year, it was taken online due online. Nathaniel explained the access to see such images.” days until now into his to restrictions arising from the that any buyer, collector or Jayantha feels that paintings.” She added that he Covid pandemic. art enthusiast could browse Chic by Jayantha Silva anyone can be a good artist, as has a particular liking towards SPIKE SRI LANKA’S the end, we didn’t for two reasons,” Praveen explained. “First, the online space was monthly rendezvous is already crowded with too many webinars. We didn’t want to become just another online meet-up. Second, we realised that the spirit of SPIKE Sri back up and running Lanka has always been to meet SPIKE Sri Lanka’s meet-ups have always attracted entrepreneurs and start-up folk, people in person and to engage gaining a loyal following over the last five years. and interact. It’s not even about BY NAVEED ROZAIS Arteculate Asia Founder Enosh and idea-sharing night where Praveen for more details on the tech start-ups and entrepreneurs the talks, that’s just an enabler. their monthly meet-ups with the Product Management Nayanaka When we bring in these people Monthly tech entrepreneur SPIKE Sri Lanka story and what get an opportunity to pitch to first one being held in January Vidanarachchi and Rhoda for the talks, the real value is that and start-up meet-up SPIKE Sri to expect from this latest meet- investors and a curious audience, with Patta History Executive Founder and CEO Eyas Fazul. it is an opportunity for others to Lanka is back up and running up. and everyone has a chance to Director Geeshan Bandara and Vidanarachchi will discuss network. We have some regulars following a hiatus due to the Praveen shared that SPIKE meet and network in casual Deegenics Founder and Chief the journey of Healthnet, Sri who come to catch up with their Covid-19 pandemic. With their Sri Lanka was started back in surroundings. Executive Officer (CEO) Shohan Lanka’s first pharma assistant, other regular startup folk in first session since the pandemic 2015 by Sam De Silva, with “It’s very informal. People Kulasuriya. a chat-based pharmaceutical an informal place without any taking place last month, their the initial team including can walk in and listen to start- Kulasuriya spoke about his assistant app that allows obligation.” second session, “Journeying longstanding host and Strive. up stories and people sharing experiences founding the female- customers to enter and order This social, interactive spirit through Product Life Cycles”, is lk Founder Gayantha De Zoysa, their learnings as entrepreneurs,” driven (literally) cab company medical prescriptions using a is what has allowed SPIKE Sri to take place today (23) at 6 p.m. and has gone on to become the Praveen shared. “This meet-up Pink Drives, explaining how it conversational chat-based app Lanka to become the community at the Barefoot Garden Café. longest-standing meet-up in the has the laid-back vibe of being came about and the challenges interface. it has. Praveen shared that last The Morning Brunch spoke Sri Lankan start-up ecosystem able to walk into Barefoot, have he has faced as a man owning a Fazul will speak about Rhodha, month’s meet-up was announced to SPIKE Sri Lanka Co-Host and in the form of a regular pitching a beverage, and listen to founders talking about their experiences. business operated by women for Sri Lanka’s first electric bike that with 24 hours’ notice and still There is a really good following women. Bandara spoke about has been designed and made in Sri saw a turnout of about 50 people, because this concept is something his experience founding Patta Lanka, and upgraded throughout illustrating the power of informal you don’t get elsewhere in History, a YouTube channel that the lockdown, Fazul will talk about networking. Colombo – where you can narrates and digitises Sri Lankan what goes on behind the scene at “When you interact with just walk in as you are, grab history in a relatable way for the Rhoda camp and showcase a people, new possibilities just a beverage, and listen to like- a modern audience, explaining model bike as well. happen by that interaction,” minded folks.” how Patta History depicts Speaking on resuming meet- Praveen said, adding: SPIKE Sri Lanka’s meet- stories without taking sides ups after taking almost a year’s “Networking and interacting has ups have always attracted and how they have approached break because of the pandemic, bigger, better benefits, which is entrepreneurs and start-up folk, monetisation and business Praveen shared that the decision part of why it works within the gaining a loyal following over models. to suspend meet-ups was an start-up community.” the last five years. Taking a Today’s SPIKE Sri Lanka active one after looking at the SPIKE Sri Lanka’s break in 2020 because of the meetup features two start- core values of SPIKE Sri Lanka. rendezvous for February takes pandemic, just after celebrating up personalities who have “We were constantly place today (23) at 6 p.m. at the their fifth anniversary, SPIKE broken boundaries in Sri contemplating whether to take Barefoot Garden Café. Entrance Sri Lanka has only just resumed Lanka – Healthnet Head of SPIKE Sri Lanka online, but in is free and you can go as you are. brunch 134 Tuesday, February 23, 2021 { COLUMNS/EVENTS } „„ www.themorning.lk very rude and in v-e-r-y bad taste. So I abandoned the idea. Our immediate neighbours – D.S. and Krishnie Madanayake – at No. 93 had, and still have, a stunningly beautiful old colonial, maha gedara-styled house with its pillared and spacious front verandah, profusions of CHAPTER flowers, clipped lawns, shady trees, banks of ferns, and a paved driveway – 7 our dream location and très, très convenient+++. Apparently, the building housing our studio had once been their old stables. The Madanayakes were a very accommodating couple. “Mrs. Mada” (as we fondly referred to her) gave us permission to shoot in her house and garden whenever we wanted to, even when they were Bonsoir records in the French Embassy garden with Shelton, Chintha, and Komi overseas. We only had to inform the domestics and walk in. Such was their generosity. We’ve shot BONSOIR ‘SHOOTS’ WITH innumerable programmes in all parts of this house. Respecting their privacy, we only never ventured into the bedrooms and toilets! FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS To this house we have invited and interviewed numerous personalities – Sir Lester James DOWN ROSMEAD PLACE Peries, Sriyani Amarasena, Ven. Paravahera Chandaratana Traditional costumes of the Strasbourg region THE Thera (Chief Sanghanayake of France), Prasanna Vithanage, Joe Abeywickrema, Nita Fernando, etc. I remember the well-known francophone, francophile writer Piyasiri Vijeyesekere, on the DIARIES Madanayake lawn one evening, waxing eloquent about the pleasure he got in translating French books into The French Embassy at Sinhala. The best-known one among Rosmead Place was “home” them is probably Marcel Pagnol’s La for 15 glorious years until the Femme du Boulanger. studio moved to Barnes Place Although we loved to, we Sketch of a walauwa from my original book couldn’t hop into a UTA or Air in 2000, the year I quit Bonsoir. of Alsace on the Franco-German around the garden arm in arm, It was the only foreign mission France plane and take off to France every time we wanted to do those border). We picnicked on the lawn, feigning (regional) dance steps in in Colombo at that time to Sirimavo Bandaranaike “special programmes”. So we had with sauerkraut (pickled cabbage, a close-up shots, and then sitting under house such a television studio. they were friends of the family; to improvise, make do, and make regional specialty), sausages, cheese, a Bonsoir umbrella to eat the real and During those early years, we true, I had, as a wailing, pamper- believe. and a bottle of Riesling wine (straw- the fake food. were unhappy being confined to less, one-week-old infant, pee-ed When Mrs. Mada’s bougainvilleas coloured water in this case). I know for a fact that Mrs. Mada “performing” in front a grey or in her older daughter Sunethra’s were once in bloom – in a thundering always has, and still does, refuse black curtain and under three lights. arms in the early 60s; true, her riot of colour – Yasmin timed well “The Bonsoir Diaries” by Kumar de Silva is a cocktail requests from innumerable teledrama of chapters, bursting at their seams with pithy and film producers and production We wanted to shoot outdoors with younger daughter Chandrika is and did a very believable programme asides, a trail of faux-pas, and tit-bits from behind- its endless possibilities, and thus Francophone; and true her son of touring the south of France on the-scenes, marinated with anecdotes and drizzled houses to use her house and garden made friends with our friendly and Anura was my father’s student at bicycles. We had to be content with with nostalgia, revealing everything you never saw for filming. consenting neighbours. Royal College. close-angle shots and not reveal the on your favourite television show…from the ‘80s We were always the favoured Our celebrity neighbours, the But I couldn’t just pop in and Rosmead Place setting. through the ‘90s into 2000. ones, and for years on end… Bandaranaikes, lived down the ask the world’s first woman Prime For yet another of her (The views and opinions road at No. 65. Their lovely old Minister: “Bonjour Madame B. programmes on Alsace, Yasmin had Credibility peaked with Yasmin expressed in this column are those house – Tintagel – had lots of May we shoot in your garden s’il us both dressed up as Alsatians (NOT in her peasant skirt and shawl, and of the author, and do not necessarily filmable corners and spaces. True vous plait?” That would have been the dogs, please…but the people I, in a hat and waistcoat, prancing reflect those of this publication)

Whilst the Covid-19 pandemic was a hurdle WNPS enlists Canadian partners uncrossable by many, and Chokolaate celebrates 50 one just barely jumped over for others, a few businesses for environmental webinars and small and medium webinars facilitated enterprises (SMEs) managed to weather it through, and even thrive. Chokolaate, the youth magazine, stated it was among those few, and is celebrating the achievement of facilitating 50 webinars on its online platforms. Chokolaate’s webinars were started in May 2020, when the lockdown forced people to stay at home, and boredom was beginning to rise. The first webinar was born of the need to empower its audience to WNPS Vice President Tami Flamer-Caldera, Canadian High Commissioner David McKinnon, and WNPS deal with the lockdown, and President Sriyan De Silva Wijeyeratne the subsequent decline of The Wildlife and Nature supported and provided Sri Lanka. Our country is their mental health. Named Protection Society (WNPS) the tools and knowledge presently under siege and “Weathering Storms”, and the High Commission they need to advance has seen more destruction the first webinar delved of Canada to Sri Lanka and environmental issues. With in a year than possibly in into coping with the “new the Maldives announced this view, world-renowned a decade. Bringing back normal”. their collaboration on Canadian artist and activist a balance requires a lot of With the praise and upcoming environmental Benjamin Von Wong will education and appreciation recognition garnered from webinars. These joint virtual participate in WNPS’ Youth for nature and conservation. this project, Chokolaate discussions will feature Workshop on 3 March 2021, Exposing global best decided to expand into more Canadian, Sri Lankan, and which will focus on the practices and success stories webinars tackling topics Maldivian environmental intersection between art and and collaborating is the relevant and timely to the experts and activists, and environmental activism. best way forward, and these youth. will facilitate exchanges of Furthermore, experts initiatives will certainly Over the next few best practices between the from Ocean Wise, a globally help.” months, it branched into Sri Lankan, Canadian, and recognised Canadian ocean Canadian High topics such as the future of Maldivian environmental conservation organisation, Commissioner David fashion, tourism, food and which was “Real Talk”, conservation communities. will be featured in WNPS’ McKinnon highlighted: beverage, music, and even a monthly series holding On 22 February 2021, monthly lecture series on “Protecting the environment sustainable futures. While discussions on difficult and WNPS and the High 18 March 2021. Held every is critical for our people, focusing on the impact of taboo topics in the country. Commission of Canada third Thursday of the month, our planet, and our Covid-19 was the initial Recently, in partnership will be presenting a joint the “Monthly Lectures” economies. We all face goal, with the expansion of with the Informatics edition of WNPS’ “Marine are among WNPS’ most the challenge of building its audience, the platform a big step into the digital on its platform, from Institute of Technology, Chat” dedicated to marine popular activities which give a more resilient future expanded into other sphere once lockdown was musicians to chefs to a second series “Designer plastic pollution, featuring prominent environmental for the next generation, segments such as cyber- imposed, but we feel this cricketers, and has partnered Diaries” was also launched, panellists from Sri Lanka, experts centre stage to where they do not have to bullying, creativity, writing, did us good, as we were with many organisations, and took place during the Canada, and the Maldives. share their knowledge on a choose between clean air or early childhood education, able to venture into more including Universal College months of January and The “Marine Chats” are range of issues with the Sri clean water and good jobs. and much more. Within areas where we could Lanka (UCL), Chartered February 2021. monthly discussions Lankan public. Through our partnership the first couple of months, provide quality content Institute of Management The platform’s 50th presented by WNPS, Speaking about with WNPS, we are pleased the magazine reached an and discussions to our Accountants (CIMA), webinar, titled “Going showcasing some of the partnership, WNPS to facilitate an international audience of more than readers and followers, thus Informatics Institute of Live with Chokolaate” Sri Lanka’s best marine President Sriyan de Silva exchange of knowledge 45,000 through its Zoom expanding our total reach. Technology (IIT), Milo Sri centred around the digital scientists. Wijeyeratne said: “The and best practices to enrich and Facebook platforms. We thank our partners who Lanka, Deakin University, event space itself, and the WNPS and the High WNPS is thankful to the Sri Lankan, Maldivian, Chokolaate Founder/ took a leap of faith with us Seekers Research, and “webinar on webinars” Commission of Canada High Commissioner and and Canadian thinking on Managing Editor Michelle in this initiative.” During CCC Foundation. During discussed online event also share the perspective the broader Canadian environmental conservation Gunesekera said: the course of 50 webinars, the latter half of 2020, etiquette, pros and cons, and that young people are key community for their support and contribute to the “Chokolaate was forced Chokolaate has hosted Chokolaate started another the future of online events to protecting the planet towards improving the discussion on sustainable to reinvent itself and take many notable personalities webinar series, the first of post Covid. and therefore must be conservation efforts in economic development.” 144 sports „„ www.themorning.lk { SPORTS } Tuesday, February 23, 2021 REVISITING RAVI RATNAYEKE That gritty, bearded Lankan

Prolific all- rounder of SL’s first decade in Tests, all-rounder of 1980s Ravi Ratnayeke now lives in Australia

BY REVATHA S. SILVA AND VERNON TISSERA IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA Ravi Ratnayeke – facts If you are around 50 years old and follow cricket, the name Ravi yy Full name: Joseph Ravindran Career landmarks: Ratnayeke ought to be on your Ratnayeke mind. Ratnayeke was one of the yy Debuted in Sri Lanka’s second main fast bowlers and a tremendous yy Born: 2 May 1960 Test, and the first away from all-rounder of the Sri Lanka team in yy Parents: Father Yasa Ratnayeke, home, in Karachi in March 1982. the decade of 1980. an upcountry planter once Saleem Malik made his Pakistan He first played for Sri Lanka at the working for George Steuart debut in the same match age of 21 in 1982 in the country’s third Company, played cricket Test and retired in 1990 at a time when yy Played in the historic Chepauk for St. Joseph’s College, Test in September 1982, the first the country was on the threshold of a Colombo and Dimbula Cricket cricketing resurgence – they were to against India, and opened batting Club. His mother is Lakshmi with Bandula Warnapura in the become world champions in mere six Somasundaram years from his departure. second innings. He also opened The formative days of Sri Lanka’s Test yy Siblings: Ravi is the eldest of bowling in the same match too, with Ashantha de Mel Batting in the famous 1984 Lord’s Test as England Capt. David Gower takes an evasive cricket under Bandula Warnapura, the three children. He has a younger action 1982 Rebel Tour, the days under Duleep brother and a sister yy Played in the first-ever Asia Cup, Mendis, and the period of transition with yy Schools: Trinity College, Kandy held in Sharjah sponsored by Arjuna Ranatunga at the helm – this was and St. Anthony’s College, Rothman’s, in April 1984. Sri the 80s of Sri Lanka’s cricket, and Ravi Katugastota Lanka were the runners-up in a saw them all! league-format tournament Soon after retirement, Ratnayeke went yy Playing role: Right-arm fast- to play domestic cricket in Australia and medium bowler and left-handed yy Played in the historic 1984 later settled down there. Now residing in batsman. He opened bowling for Lord’s Test, famed greatly for Rowville in the outskirts of Melbourne in Sri Lanka while he batted both Sidath Wettimuny’s 190 the State of Victoria, Ratnayeke spoke to as a middle-order and an opening yy In ODIs, Ratnayeke featured The Morning Sports on the early days of batsman in the January-February 1985 his career, his most memorable moments yy Clubs: Nondescripts Cricket Club Benson and Hedges (B&H) Tri in international cricket, his life in Australia, (NCC), Colombo; Preston CC Series and the subsequent B&H his observations on today’s cricketing and Moorabbin CC in Melbourne, World Championship of Cricket, sphere, and much more. Australia held in Australia Following are excerpts of the interview: yy SL career span: From 1982-90, yy Played in the CCC Test match How are you spending your time over eight years when he played in against Pakistan in March 1986, during this time of the pandemic? 22 Test and 78 ODI matches where Sri Lanka recorded their second Test victory. He took I need to work and I’m fortunate to do Career highlights: Ratnayeke bowls in the first Asia Cup, against Pakistan in Sharjah, in April 1984 as umpire so during this difficult time, as my firm 5/37 in the second innings Swaroop Kishen looks on (global packaging company, Amcor PLC) yy Took 8/83 against Pakistan at yy Featured in the Rest of the is considered an essential service here in Sialkot in a Test in October 1985 World squad that played against Australia. which stood as SL’s record for Marylebone Cricket Club best bowling in an innings for 13 (MCC) in August 1987 in a Test How did things go after your years at Lord’s, which marked the international retirement in 1990? yy Scored 93 runs against India in a MCC’s bi-centenary I started playing professional cricket Test as an opening bat, partnering yy Played in the fourth for Preston CC, Melbourne for six, seven Sidath Wettimuny for 159 runs years. Old Peterite Rohan Paulpillai and International Cricket Council the Malinga-like slinger Sanath Sirimanne yy Captained Sri Lanka in an ODI in (ICC) World Cup held in India were my teammates. Then injuries started 1988 and Pakistan in 1987 to bother me. Yet, I continued for another yy Ravi is considered one of the yy Played in the 1988 Wills Asia four, five years with Moorabbin CC, also leading fast bowlers and a reliable Cup, which Sri Lanka lost to here in Melbourne, but more as an amateur. all-rounder in the country’s first India by six wickets in the final Then I was into a little bit of coaching, decade of Test cricket in Dhaka but I didn’t enjoy it that much. My two boys too started playing cricket. It was Career stats: yy Played in the October 1989 more time visiting the surgeon rather than MRF World Series (Nehru Cup) yy Scored 807 runs at an going for practices. Then I started playing Test – held in India with six countries average of 25.21 with five fifties golf as a past-time. Now I follow cricket, featuring. Pakistan won the Cup in 22 matches. His highest score particularly of Sri Lanka and Australia. I Taking 8/83 against Pakistan at Sialkot in October 1985 is 93. Took 56 wickets at 35.21 yy Played a pivotal role in Sri regularly visit Sri Lanka, mainly to see my including four five-wicket hauls. Lanka’s remarkable Test tour of parents. I continue to have close contacts The best is 8/83 Australia in December 1989 with Sidath (Wettimuny), Amal (Silva), and Ranjan (Madugalle), as well as Arjuna yy ODI – Scored 824 runs at 14.98 yy Makes his last appearance for (Ranatunga) and Aravinda (de Silva). in 78 matches. Highest is 50 runs. Sri Lanka, against Australia in Took 85 wickets at 33.71 with the the Austral-Asia Cup in Sharjah What are some of your memories of best figures being 4/23 in May 1990 schooldays? First, I was at the boarding school at St. Anthony’s (Katugastota). During the last under then-Test skipper Bandula Sri Lanka were 187/3 at point early in the six years, I was at Trinity (in Kandy). I got Warnapura a major setback in our last day of the Test). I (he scored 75 runs noticed at the Under-19 level. At 18 years, I country’s cricket? in the second innings) shared a solid stand joined the NCC when Ranjit Fernando was I would say both yes and no. Yes, with Asoka de Silva (124 for the seventh its Captain. The seniors there were Tony because we lost our most experienced wicket with Silva making 50 runs). Opatha, the late Sridharan Jeganathan, players who could have been more Later I came to know that at some Featuring in the Rest of the World squad (Ratnayeke standing third from left) in 1987 and Jeryl Woutersz; and I was with the competitive in the following years. In point of the match, the Australians had against MCC youngsters like Ranjan Madugalle and that way, it was detrimental to Sri Lanka’s been convinced that they were going Yohan Goonasekere. cricket. It’s also no, because the tour gave to lose that Test. They said they were Where were you when Sri Lanka that our bowlers could defend. Now our an opportunity to young and talented saved the moment they took my wicket. won the World Cup six years later batting has become shockingly bad. It Some say you would have been players. Ranjan, Arjuna, myself, Ashantha Ian Healy took a great catch behind the under Arjuna? is not a reasonable batting unit. As of included in the inaugural Test (de Mel), Roger (Wijesuriya) – we were wicket diving onto his leg side (off Greg Did not have a better moment, with late, it was only Mathews whom we against England in 1982. Your pushed up to become more positive after Campbell), which he has said was one of more than a few beers at one of my totally depended on. thoughts? that tour and the subsequent ban that tour his best catches. friends’ place here in Australia! I still I took a five-for in the practice match party suffered. In the first Test in the same series (at remember. It was one of the biggest What is your opinion on the before that Test, playing for the Board Brisbane), there was a phenomenal total parties. Arjuna, Aravinda, Roshan Australian structure? President’s XI. I think we went to the What are the most memorable of over 400 runs (418 with Aravinda de (Mahanama), Asanka (Gurusinha) – Cricket is their number one sport. Test with the right strategy: Spin was the moments in your career? Silva scoring 167) made by us when most of them were my teammates. It’s a huge thing here. It has a long option. You don’t plan to beat England Obviously, the first is taking eight everyone thought the match would be history and a lot of expectations. The depending on pace. wickets against Pakistan at Sialkot. over in under three days. I scored a fifty. How do you view Sri Lanka’s board is wealthy and the players are Secondly, my last Test played in Hobart (Ravi made 56 runs and shared a record cricket now? very well looked after. There is a lot of Was Sri Lanka’s ‘rebel’ tour to the in 1989. Actually, we should have won 144 runs for the seventh wicket with de Sri Lanka’s cricket has evolved a lot focus and great infrastructure. There is Apartheid South Africa in 1982 that Test. (Chasing a massive 522 to win, Silva and the match ended in a draw). since our time. They have got more a solid first-class structure. After state professional. They get the benefit of level, it is down to individual players a lot of coaching. to develop. We always have fabulous players, but what is disappointing is that some And the Sri Lankan situation in of our players don’t appreciate the comparison? opportunity they have been given. They Our junior system is really good, but the don’t commit themselves. Sangakkara, problem is at the management level. Sri Mahela, Thilan, and Malinga – such Lanka’s Cricket Board is like a prehistoric players trained hard and produced animal. It does not have an administrative results. But as of late, some of our practice that a modern cricketing country players have not been managed requires. It should change now. It is properly. politicised a lot and is a great drawback. In our days, players of other countries The quantum of money they have must were professionals, but we were be spent on the development of the game, amateurs. We became better gradually. not for selfish reasons. During Arjuna, Sanath, and Mahela’s This article first appeared in The Ratnayeke (left) with the SL team in the 1985 B&H World Championship in Australia days, we had good batsmen who could Morning on 30 April 2020. Last have put a lot of runs on the board so updated on 22 February 2021 sports 154 Tuesday, February 23, 2021 { SPORTS } „„ www.themorning.lk Kiwis brush

Dynamic Cricket Academy, who emerged champions of the inaugural Moralians Challenge Trophy U-15 Inter Academy Cricket Tournament at Moratuwa on Sunday (21), with chief guests of the finals Nishan Madhushka and Ajantha Mendis (standing fifth and sixth from left respectively) aside Kangaroos INAUGURAL MORALIANS CHALLENGE TROPHY U-15 INTER ACADEMY CRICKET z New Zealand vs. Australia first T20I report, a well-deserved result Dynamic Cricket Pant returns to India’s T20Is Academy are champions Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has been BY ISHANI UPATHARITHA recalled to India’s T20I squad for the upcoming ceremony on Sunday. five-match series against England in Ahmedabad. Dynamic Cricket Academy Scores of the final: Bhuvneshwar Kumar has also earned a recall to the emerged champions of the Dynamic Cricket Academy side for the first time since 2019, while Thangarasu inaugural Moralians Challenge 162 in 30 overs (Sandew Gamage Natarajan, who was part of the squad in Australia, has Trophy Under-15 Inter Academy 26 n.o., Charya Paranavithana been retained. Also included is Varun Chakravarthy, Cricket Tournament that ended at 26, Dehemi Nirmal 20, Charuka who was initially going to debut in Australia but Moratu Vidyalaya, Moratuwa on Ekanayaka 20; Kaveesha Perera missed out due to a shoulder injury. Sunday (21). 4/32, Sahan Deshaka 2/7) The 19-man squad, captained by Virat Kohli, Sixteen teams participated, Sachin Cricket Academy 142/8 features three uncapped players, Suryakumar Yadav, being pooled in four groups in in 30 overs (Ryan Dissanayake 62, Ishan Kishan, and Rahul Tewatia. Yadav and Kishan the first round. The tournament was Suwahas Yapa 23; Sithum Vihanga both impressed in the Indian Premier League last conducted by Moralians Cricket 4/25, Charuka Ekanayake 3/27) year, with Kishan’s call-up coming on the same Wing affiliated to the Moratu Result: Dynamic Cricket day he smashed 173 for Jharkhand in the Vijay Vidyalaya Old Boys’ Association. Academy won by 20 runs Hazare Trophy. Eight teams advanced to the Jasprit Bumrah is the biggest name missing from quarter-finals. They were: Sachin SPECIAL AWARDS the squad, with the seamer being rested after the Cricket Academy, Dynamic y ongoing Test series Cricket Academy, Lucky Rogers y Player of the tournament The first match in Ahmedabad will take place Cricket Academy, Champ Cricket - Isuru Nidarshana on 12 March. Academy, Moralians Cricket (Moralians CA) School, Asoka Silva Cricket yy Best batsman of the India T20I squad: Academy, RS Cricket Academy, tournament - Dineth and Nalinda Dissanayake Cricket Sithumina (Moralians CA) Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma (Vice Academy. yy Best bowler of the Captain), Lokesh Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Sachin Cricket Academy, tournament - Bomitha Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Dynamic Cricket Academy, Lucky Perera (Asoka Silva CA) Pant (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Yuzvendra Chahal, Rogers Cricket Academy, and yy Man of the match in final Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, Washington Moralians Cricket School advanced - Sithum Vihanga Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Thangarasu Natarajan, to the semi-finals. (Dynamic CA) Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Navdeep Sachin Cricket Academy and Saini, and Shardul Thakur Dynamic Cricket Academy entered yy Best batsman in the final the final and Dynamic beat Sachin - Ryan Dissanayake Cricket Academy by 20 runs in (Sachin CA) the final. yy Best bowler in the final - Mitchell Santner, all the while plundering the bowlers. Former Sri Lanka player Ajantha Kaveesha Perera Conway was unfortunate not to bring up his maiden Mendis, who is an old boy of (Sachin CA) T20I century – the innings ended with him stranded Moratu Vidyalaya, and Nishan yy Best fielder in the final on 99 not out – but his belligerence gave New Madhushka, Sri Lanka youth cap, - Charuka Ekanayake Zealand a firm foundation. Their bowlers ensured who is also an old boy of Moratu, (Dynamic CA) they capitalised, as Australia started their chase participated in the event’s awards poorly and never really recovered. Southee and Boult took two wickets apiece in the first five overs, with Southee having Australia captain Aaron Finch caught in the very first over of the innings. Boult then had Josh Philippe top-edging one for another easy catch. The explosive Matthew Wade was muted in this innings, scoring a run-a-ball 12 before falling to Boult in his next over, before Southee, in his third Devon Conway on his way to a blistering 59-ball unbeaten 99 yesterday (22) against Australia in their over, had Glenn Maxwell edging one to slip for 1. first T20I in Christchurch Australia were 19/4, and in all sorts of trouble. Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis then helped A fine Devon Conway knock and an all-round performance from the New Zealand bowlers Australia recover briefly, putting on a steady 37 in a helped the hosts beat Australia comfortably in the first T20I in Christchurch yesterday (22). little over four overs, with Stoinis playing a defensive New Zealand recovered from 19/3 to set Australia a over, New Zealand were in trouble at 19/3. 11-ball knock of 8. Unfortunately for Australia, he target of 185, thanks to Conway hammering a 59-ball That New Zealand recovered from such a state couldn’t make the most of the foundation, pushing a 99 not out. Thereafter, their bowlers dismantled the was a credit to Conway and Glenn Phillips. The return catch to Sodhi. Halfway through the innings, Australian top order to set them on their way to an duo put on a 74-run stand, and while they were a tad Australia had lost half their side and still needed a easy victory, with Ish Sodhi then returning 4/28 to watchful at the start of their association, they didn’t daunting 122 more runs to win. run through the lower order. miss an opportunity to score big. Conway whipped They still showed some fight, with Marsh taking The result gave New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the a six off his pads for his first boundary, and ensured the attack to the New Zealand bowlers. He scored a five-match series. there was a boundary almost every over thereafter. 33-ball 45, hammering five fours and two sixes en Australia had opted to bowl, and it seemed the Phillips got into the act soon enough as well, route, but when he was dismissed by Kyle Jamieson, correct decision after their bowlers made an explosive picking Adam Zampa for sixes in the 11th over, and with Santner taking a sharp catch at backward point, start. Martin Guptill’s woes in the middle continued their partnership took New Zealand’s total to the 90s. the sting was taken out of the visitors. In the next over, as his thick edge off Daniel Sams flew to point, and Phillips then fell to Marcus Stoinis, a slower ball Sodhi had Sams and Ashton Agar dismissed within he had to walk back for nought. Jhye Richardson proving his undoing, but that didn’t stop Conway, three balls, and he added the scalp of Richardson to sent in a yorker a couple of overs later, which took who brought up his half-century off just 36 balls the list in his next over. out Tim Seifert’s off stump, and when captain Kane later that over. He couldn’t be dislodged, putting on Australia were eventually bowled out in 17.3 overs, Williamson became Sams’ second wicket in the next 47 with Jimmy Neesham and then 44 not out with and New Zealand had a well-deserved 1-0 series lead.

Interception

BY MALINDA SENEVIRATNE Humility is good, says Madugalle

Ranjan Madugalle has lived long, reflected Saying “I was wrong” or “I am sorry” will not catch that was anticipated. When you see this, much, and gathered enough knowledge to say a always change things, but in the very least it revert to your natural stroke.” lot about many things. He is by choice reticent will tell anyone interested that the “wrongdoer” Maybe “AN” was talking about some other outside his work-domain. His words of advice, is honest and is likely to do things differently in batsman. No matter. If the particular batsman was however brief, are applicable to those engaged future. You can’t expect change from those who too arrogant to study what was wrong, he would in other sports as well. Indeed, it is relevant to act Mister/Miss Perfection. continue to be caught in the covers. Ranjan (or non-sports persons too. He probably could say You can blame the pitch. You can blame the whoever) had a good coach. Even if Ranjan a lot more. Maybe he will one day. For now, umpires. You can rant and rave about DRS. You (or whoever) didn’t, realising that there was we have to make do with what’s come our way. can complain about bio bubbles. You can put it something wrong is the first step to correction. I have, in this space, written about some down to one thing or another. The bottom line is Of course it’s not just about a simple technical pertinent observation that Ranjan has made. that if you’ve failed to deliver, at some level you flaw. Sometimes errors cost matches. Batsmen This is the last one drawn from a brief piece have to take responsibility. It could be about a err. So do bowlers and keepers. Coaches make of advice offered to young cricketers. string of low scores (in cricket), a long run without mistakes. Selectors too. There are mistakes made In the course of the relevant speech, he scoring (football or hockey), or continuous error- by people in all sports. There are mistakes made said the following: “Never take a step back. ridden performances in any sport. If you don’t by leaders. Generals err, and so do corporate Don’t ever think you are only half as good want to see there’s something that you are doing heads. just because you are born in a certain part of wrong, you can never correct yourself. “If you are wrong, have the graciousness to this world. Fight if you think you are right. If Ranjan might remember a lesson taught by take a step back and accept it,” Ranjan said. He you are wrong, have the graciousness to take one of his earliest coaches, the late Col. F.C. De probably has. The rewards that have come his a step back and accept it.” ‘If you are wrong, have the graciousness to take a step back and accept it,’ says Ranjan Madugalle. Saram. According to A.N. Perera, the then Master- way must owe in some manner to this quality I’ve commented on the main elements, save Here he is pictured with former West Indies Captain Clive Lloyd in-Charge of cricket at his school, the coach had that he has cultivated. the last. So let’s talk of being wrong and having noticed that Ranjan was driving uppishly into the Ranjan used a nice word in that line, and as I the grace to acknowledge error. and appreciated. the sum total of human knowledge is but a speck covers. Maybe it was in matches or at practice, conclude my comments on Ranjan’s advice, by Humility is a rare virtue. This is in a way It’s all about ego, isn’t it? The gut feeling of dust compared with all that is out there to be I can’t remember now. way of saying thank you, it would be apt to say quite surprising since so much can be gained seems to be that saying “I am wrong” amounts known. We are all bound to err. Indeed if anyone This is what the Colonel is supposed to have that he has by and large exemplified it. by acknowledging a mistake. People are more to an admission of weakness. Put another way, looks back at his or her life, he/she can easily said: “You like that shot don’t you? You could Grace. ready to forgive than is generally believed. people tend to think that such admission would point out a dozen moments where judgment was make a small adjustment when you drive and (The writer can be reached at Arrogance is not celebrated, humility is. be seen as a weakness. clouded due to one or more reasons. Wisdom then you’ll beat the fielder by a few yards. After [email protected] and Crudeness is not applauded, grace is noticed There is no one who knows everything. Even can and does come but it could arrive too late. a while the fielder would be moved to take the www.malindawords.blogspot.com) „„ www.themorning.lk Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Master Blaster is back! Sri Lanka “original” Master Blaster Sanath Jayasuriya confirmed his participation in the Road Safety World Series in India, played among former cricketing legends. Yesterday (22) Jayasuriya was seen having net practice, probably after over six years, in his preparation for the event. Five Woods to return in April? teams, Australia, India, Sri Lanka, Tiger Woods hopes to play in the Masters at Augusta National in April after South Africa, and West Indies, will undergoing a fifth back surgery. The 45-year-old American had a microdiscectomy play four games in this series to relieve a pressurised disc fragment in January. Woods recovered from from 2 to 5 March in spinal fusion surgery in 2017 to win a 15th major at the 2019 Masters, but his Raipur, India. participation in this year’s event – beginning on 8 April – is in the balance. Vaassports resigns from all SLC posts SLC media release on Vaas’ resignation Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wishes to inform that former zSLC President refuses to meet legendary bowler Sri Lanka cricketer and Consultant Bowling Coach of Sri Lanka bowling coach for the West Indies as he had received a new contract in an English Sri Lanka Cricket, Chaminda series Chaminda Vaas resigned from his post county. Vaas today (yesterday, 22) in the eleventh hour of their departure to West This situation will only jeopardise Sri Lanka’s announced his resignation from Indies yesterday (22). performance in the West Indies in a challenging his post effective 26 March Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) soon issued a media and long tour. 2021, and also informed that release (see box) saying the legendary world At the same time it is recalled that Vaas was he will not be available to tour champion fast bowler tendered his resignation involved in a similar pay dispute in the Lanka West Indies as a member of the owing to a pay dispute on the tour. Vaas has Premier League (LPL) last year which ended support staff. been working as the fast bowling instructor of up in him resigning as a coach of one of the Vaas’ resignation comes In a sad sequence of events legendary bowler Chaminda Vaas the SLC High Performance Centre. franchises. hours before the team was resigned from both SLC and his temporary assignment with the Sri Lanka team touring the West Indies The Morning Sports learnt that Vaas had It is saddening that a legend and one of the scheduled to depart for West requested an increase in his per diem for the greatest servants of Sri Lanka’s cricket has Indies, which is scheduled for as a cricketer who has excelled the administration’s refusal tour from $ 150 to $ 300. But both the Cricket been entangled in this type of dispute over and tonight (last night). for his country. His years of to accede to an unjustifiable Committee headed by Aravinda de Silva, and over. One of the chief orchestrators of many a It is particularly yeoman service have been demand for an increased $ SLC have initially not given any clear answer, remarkable win in Sri Lanka cricket history, disheartening to note that in appreciated and rewarded over remuneration, in spite of being even hours before the limited-over squad’s but allegedly Silva has not received Vaas in his Vaas took 355 Test and 400 ODI wickets while an economic climate such as the years both in status and a contracted employee of departure to the West Indies, last afternoon. room, to the anguish of the former player. scoring over 3,000 and 2,000 Test and ODI the one facing the entire globe in kind. Sri Lanka Cricket already De Silva had asked Vaas to meet SLC to solve Angered for being cold shouldered, Vaas runs respectively. right now, Mr. Vaas has made In such circumstances, it is receiving remuneration the issue but then SLC had asked him to sort it has tendered his resignation from both his The situation also indicates the decision- this sudden and irresponsible extremely disheartening that a that is in keeping with his out with the Cricket Committee. temporary West Indies assignment as well as his making confusion with regard to Sri Lanka’s move on the eve of the team’s legend such as Chaminda Vaas experience, qualifications, Later SLC has agreed to give an increment permanent job in the High Performance Centre. cricket at the moment as both Cricket Committee departure, based on personal has resorted to holding the and expertise, in addition to to his monthly salary from Rs. 550,000 to Vaas was appointed to the West Indies series and SLC have no clarity apparently on the monetary gain. administration, the cricketers, which he would have been 750,000 but had not paid heed to his request only as the national team bowling coach after responsibilities on major areas. The management of SLC, and indeed the game at ransom, entitled to the usual $ per for an increase of his on-tour per diem. former coach David Sekar resigned suddenly Perhaps SLC may be offering bigger amounts and indeed the entire nation, by handing in his resignation diems offered to all members Interestingly, Vaas had been accompanied to from his post last week (19). But it was reported to overseas coaches and apply a strict stance for hold Mr. Vaas in high esteem at the eleventh hour, citing of a travelling squad. meet SLC President Shammi Silva last afternoon, that Sekar had left his job some weeks before the locals, however important such ones may be. Black-out of the West Indies cricket series West Indies series? Scheduled SL starting time of matches BY REVATHA S. SILVA yy The venue of the series is Antigua, There will be a possible black- which is nine-and-half hours behind out of television live coverage Sri Lanka time of the long cricket series to be yy Sri Lanka will play three T20Is, played across all three formats three ODIs, and two Tests in Antigua in the West Indies starting on from 3 March to 2 April 3 March with the T20Is, The Morning Sports learnt yy The first T20I match will begin on yesterday (22). Wednesday, 3 March at 6 p.m. in The London-based Pitch Antigua. It will be at 3.30 a.m. on International reportedly has Thursday, 4 March here in Sri Lanka broadcasting rights of West Indies yy The time situation will apply to the Cricket (WIC), which became WIC’s other two T20Is as well, to be played exclusive commercial consultant on 5 and 7 March and sponsorship sales agency in ON THIS DAY September 2015 on a multi-year deal. yy The first two ODIs will be day Yet it was learnt yesterday, after games, to be played on 10 and 12 1938 – Joe Louis knocked out Nathan Mann in 23 contacting possible local bidders March. They will start at 7 p.m. Sri three rounds for the heavyweight boxing title for the series, that there is no local Lanka time on the same day and can FEBRUARY There will be no live coverage of the West Indies series in Sri Lanka? channel that is ready to telecast the go on until possibly 2 a.m. the next 1947 – Birth of Geoff Cope, England off-spinner series here in Sri Lanka. day (1977-78) The Sri Lanka Rupavahini Indies end also suggested there is a the poor appeal of prospective Asian yy The third ODI will be a day-nighter Corporation (SLRC) indicated they likelihood of no live coverage of the bidders for the series is poor standard and will start at 11 p.m. in Sri Lanka 1958 – Five-time world driving champion Juan Fangio kidnapped were having discussions with the series in the Asian region. the Sri Lanka team is showing at the same night. But it can go on till 6 by Cuban rebels “relevant parties” and they have “not The company Pitch has not started present which has caused a drop a.m. the following day morning yet confirmed” and “the decision is its negotiations with the Asian in their popularity and television 1961 – Death of Wilf Ferguson, West Indies leg-spinner pending” whether they are able to relaying broadcasters yet, it is learnt. audience appeal. yy The two Tests are scheduled to start provide live coverage of the series. The series will anyway be aired by The Sri Lanka ODI and T20I at 7.30 p.m. Sri Lanka time each day 1985 – Indiana basketball coach Bobby Knight threw a chair Another private television channel three different TV channels in three squad is to tour West Indies today, going on till possibly 2.30 a.m. the during a game (see photo) that is also considered a possible different regions, but Asia. ESPN Tuesday (23) while their Test squad following day telecaster of the series indicated they Caribbean will telecast the series is reportedly taking wings to the yy Sri Lanka will play three T20Is on 3, 1986 – Nelli Fiere-Cooman ran world record 60-metre indoor were also not keen on having live in the Caribbean islands – including Caribbean islands on 5 March. (7.00 seconds) coverage in the island. the host island Antigua and Barbuda The above scenarios indicate that 5, and 7 March in Coolidge Cricket The series involves three T20I – while BT Sports will telecast the there is likelihood that the local Ground, three ODIs on 10, 12, and 14 March at Sir Vivian Richards 1990 – New Zealand’s Ian Smith scored 173 versus India in 136 matches, three ODIs, and two Tests series in the UK and Ireland, and cricket fans have a blackout of live balls, a world record for the no. 9 batsman respectively, to be played from 3 ESPN+ in North America. television coverage of the one-month- Stadium, and two Tests, from 21-25 March to 2 April. Sri Lanka’s limited- The major glitch in Asian live long West Indies series. They may March and 29 March-2 April at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua 1992 – Andy Flower scored 115 on ODI debut, Zimbabwe versus over squad is leaving for the West coverage of the series is the time have to depend on YouTube live Sri Lanka Indies today (23). difference (see box). coverage which WIC is likely to make and Barbuda Reports emerging from the West And the other major hindrance for available free of charge worldwide.

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