www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020 For verified information on the Quarantine Unit COVID-19 TOTAL CASES TOTAL CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 ACTIVE CASES of the following authorities CASES IN Epidemiology Unit Health THE WORLD 9,422,847 Suwasariya 0112 695 112 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 2,001 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS Bureau Service Govt. coronavirus hotline USA 2,438,732 123,744 COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1999 1990 0113071073 481,441 BRAZIL 1,152,066 52,788 RUSSIA 606,881 8,513 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD 11 1,562 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 INDIA 471,841 14,894 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 5,092,693 UK 306,862 43,081 THE ABOVE STATISTICS428 ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 10.00 P.M. ON 24 JUNE 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU Final donation GRANTING MORE POWERS TO PHIS Minister seeks more time z PHIs seek more powers z AG’s opinion to under Quarantine Act be sought

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA to the Parliament, Wanniararchchi has said. The Health Ministry is to seek the Attorney General’s (AG) “After amending the Quarantine opinion over the granting of more powers to Public Health Act only could the necessary powers Inspectors (PHIs) under the Quarantine Act, The Morning learnt. be given to the PHIs,” the Minister told the PHIs at yesterday’s meeting. At a meeting held between the and that could only be done after The PHIUSL last week said that a PHI Union of Sri Lanka (PHIUSL) seeking the opinion of the AG, decision whether to quit from Covid- and Health Minister Pavithra Health Ministry Media Spokesman 19-related duties would be taken this Wanniarachchi yesterday (24), the Viraj Abeysinghe told The Morning. week after postponing the trade union Acting Ambassador of China to Sri Lanka Hu Wei handed over the final batch of masks and test kits being donated to the Sri Lankan Minister has informed the PHIs After receiving the AG’s opinion, (TU) action which was scheduled Government to curb the spread of Covid-19 to Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi at the Health Ministry yesterday (24) that a sudden decision to give more the necessary amendments should last week. PHOTO LALITH PERERA powers to them couldn’t be made be submitted to the Cabinet and Contd. on page 2

FOLLOWING HEALTH GUIDELINES SHORTAGE OF MAIZE CONSTITUTIONAL COUNCIL MEETS Govt. not heeding Rs. 20 m loss requests: Farmers President’s nominees Farmers’ associations charge that per day to SLTB their demands are falling on deaf to CB approved ears with regard to a solution to the The Sri Lanka Transport Board had to follow all health guidelines and maize shortage. (SLTB) is incurring a loss of Rs. as a result, the number of passengers in BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA two nominees to the Monetary Nature’s Beauty Creations Ltd. 20 million per day by following the each bus had to be cut down to half to Board of the Central Bank (CB). and Multichemi International Ltd. Covid-19-related guidelines issued maintain social distance and therefore, The Constitutional Council Accordingly, the nominations Chairman Samantha Kumarasinghe GENERAL ELECTION 2020 by the health authorities, according to the usual income earned by the board (CC) yesterday (24) approved of former Central Bank Deputy have been approved by the CC. SLTB Chairman Kingsley Ranawaka. on a usual day had reduced drastically. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Governor Ranee Jayamaha and Contd. on page 2 New unit for He told The Morning that the board Contd. on page 2 poll complaints 15 dengue cases PCR TESTS The Election Commission (EC) Youth must support SL conducts over has established a National Election from Biyagama Complaints Centre to receive grievances concerning the polls. z Dengue eradication programme 100,000 tests The panel will receive complaints at construction sites today change: RW Sri Lanka has carried out over on promotions or demotions of any United National Party meeting with youth activists 100,000 PCR tests thus far, said Minister party, group, or candidate or any BY SARAH HANNAN (UNP) Leader Ranil at Sirikotha on Tuesday (23). of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi. action causing hindrance to the Wickremesinghe urged Wickremesinghe stressed that Meanwhile, Sri Lanka reported 40 new infections conduct of a free and fair election The National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) the youth to support the the youth of the country have of the Covid-19 virus on 24 June. The Ministry during the election period. reported that for the month of June, the highest party in its mission to demanded a new political culture confirmed that all the new cases are returnees number of cases reported from a single area is revitalise the country. be introduced to the country from overseas. recorded from Biyagama, with a total of 15 cases. Wickremesinghe through the involvement of new Contd. on page 2 SL TOURISM TO LAUNCH Contd. on page 2 made these participants in politics. comments during a Contd. on page 2 NEW PCR TESTING LAB OPENED Visit Sri Lanka BUS FARE HIKE CHAMPIKA’S ACCIDENT CASE Capacity to travel app Private bus Sri Lanka Tourism is to launch AG to file indictments the comprehensive travel app conduct 500 “Visit Sri Lanka” in collaboration owners to SC Attorney General (AG) which the AG will be threatening injuries to its with the United Nations Bus associations will go before the Supreme Dappula de Livera has filing separately, pertain to rider. Development Programme (UNDP). Court (SC) to increase bus fares if the semi-luxury decided to file indictments the alleged hit and run in Deputy Solicitor General tests daily The travel app is currently under service is not disbanded, The Morning learnt. on former Minister Patali 2016, where a vehicle in Dileepa Peiris conveyed the A new PCR testing laboratory with a capacity development, the Sri Lanka Tourism Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association Champika Ranawaka and which former Megapolis AG’s decision to Colombo of 500 tests per day has been established at the Board (SLTB) said. (LPBOA) President Gemunu Wijeratne told former Welikada Headquarter and Western Province Additional Magistrate Colombo East Base Hospital in Mulleriyawa The Morning that they will seek judicial help Inspector (HQI) Sudath Development Minister Kanchana Neranjani Silva with emergency funding from the Asian if the semi-luxury bus service is not done Asmadala, The Morning Champika Ranawaka was when the case was taken up Development Bank (ADB), according to the RISHAD BATHIUDEEN CASE away with. learnt. travelling, collided with a yesterday (24). Health Ministry. Writ decision Contd. on page 2 These indictments, motorcycle, causing life- Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 on 31 July GANTRY CRANES ORDERED FOR JCT The decision on the writ application against former Awaiting Cabinet Minister Rishad Bathiudeen over the construction of houses in the Marichchikattu approval for unloading Forest Reserve MCC AGREEMENT near Wilpattu The gantry cranes ordered from the cranes had been ordered under the Meanwhile, speaking to The has been China for the Jaya Container Terminal previous Government for the JCT-5 Morning, All Ceylon Port General Final report handed over set to be (JCT) are yet to be unloaded at the and since the terminal was not yet Workers’ Union (ACPGWU) General delivered East Container Terminal (ECT) as ready for operations, the authority was Secretary Chandarsiri Mahagamage The expert committee, handed over its final report to the on 31 the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) planning to unload the cranes at the said the SLPA did not need Cabinet which was appointed by the Prime Minister yesterday (24), July. is awaiting Cabinet approval, The ECT. “There is no Cabinet approval approval to unload the cranes at the Cabinet of Ministers to review the Prime Minister’s Office has Morning learnt. to unload the cranes to the ECT and ECT and that the Chairman himself the Millennium Challenge stated. SEE FULL STORIES SLPA Chairman General (Rtd.) therefore, the SLPA is waiting for has the necessary powers to do so. Corporation (MCC) agreement, Contd. on page 2 ON PAGE 2 Daya Ratnayake told The Morning approval from the Cabinet,” he noted. Contd. on page 2 2 the morning NEWS Thursday, June 25, 2020

Sri Lanka’s stressed external liquidity position is set to remain a weakness for the country’s credit profile, says Fitch Ratings. Policymakers may be able to offer more SL’s external strains set clarity about their economic agenda once elections are held on 5 August, but hurdles to accessing additional external financing support to persist beyond polls will persist. We estimate the government stress, reflected in a narrowing We highlighted Sri Lanka’s debt-to-GDP ratio will be elevated of funding options and weaker external financing challenges when at around 94% in 2020, above the refinancing capacity, threatening Sri we downgraded the sovereign’s “B” rating median of 66%, and will Lanka’s ability to meet external debt rating to “B-” from “B”, with a rise further in 2021. The ratio of debt repayments, as a potential negative Negative Outlook, in April 2020. to fiscal revenue, at close to 900%, rating sensitivity in April when we The country’s external liquidity ratio is also far above the “B” median of downgraded the sovereign rating. (defined by Fitch as liquid external 350%. We believe the Government The Government remains in assets as a percentage of liquid will be able to finance its maturing negotiations with bilateral and external liabilities), at around 60% external debt in 2020 through loan multilateral lenders to secure in 2019, is among the lowest in its disbursements from bilateral and financing support. On 17 June, it rating category. multilateral agencies, apart from the also announced that it was seeking International reserves amounted sovereign bond obligation that is due, proposals from domestic and foreign to $ 6.5 billion at end-May after which we assume will be met out banks to raise a $ 500 million facility. falling by around $ 716 million over of reserves. Our projections do not External funding strains could the month. This level of coverage assume access to international capital ease, at least in the near term, if the is low relative to sovereign external (IMF) in 2020, either as part of challenging. Sri Lanka’s recent three- of GDP on account of declining markets or IMF support in 2020, but authorities secure substantial support debt that is due the rest of this year. emergency support during the year Extended Fund Facility with revenues, higher than an earlier do incorporate an expectation that beyond the rollover of existing debt External debt service amounts to coronavirus pandemic or as part of a the IMF expired in early-June after forecast of 7.5% during the time of Sri Lanka will regain market access incorporated in our assumptions. around $ 3.8 billion from June to regular programme. Greater clarity going off track last year when a new our April review. We continue to in 2021 when external financing (The above article originally December 2020, including a $ 1.0 on the Government’s medium- government introduced tax cuts that forecast a wider budget deficit, at conditions improve. appeared as a post on the Fitch billion international sovereign bond term economic policies after the were contrary to the programme’s 9.3%, due to our forecast that GDP Sri Lanka’s debt servicing Wire credit market commentary payment due in October. elections are held could facilitate revenue-based consolidation strategy. will contract by 1.3%. Sri Lanka’s obligations over 2021-2025 are page. The original article can be Sri Lanka has yet to receive such financing, but agreeing on The Ministry of Finance forecast growth prospects will depend in part substantial, amounting to an average accessed at www.fitchratings.com. external financing from the policies to place public finances in a recent report that the budget on the evolution of the pandemic in of $ 4.3 billion per year. We cited a All opinions expressed are those of International Monetary Fund on a consolidation path will be deficit in 2020 would hit 8.5% Sri Lanka and globally. further increase in external funding Fitch Ratings)

Contd. from page 1

Mahinda Samarasinghe, and TNA Sri Lanka has confirmed 11 deaths The Additional Magistrate necessary recommendations to the “Even at a recent meeting with Minister... Leader and former MP R. Sampanthan. due to Covid-19. subsequently ordered the Deputy Government. government officials, we pointed out The demands made by the PHIs Solicitor General to communicate The Government had decided to the need to resolve this shortage as it were to include the gazette of health the progress of investigations when the suspend the implementation of the will affect various sectors including guidelines issued by health authorities Rs. 20 m... Youth must... case is taken up again on 2 December. previous Government’s decision the poultry industry. The Government under the Quarantine Act and to vest the Furthermore, the number of He added that despite the UNP having on signing the agreement until the initially decided to import 80,000 MT PHIs with powers under the act to take passengers using public transport achieved much during their tenure committee reached its conclusions. of maize but then decided not to,” action against those who violate the act. was also still at a very low level. in government from 2015, the 2019 15 dengue... The committee comprises former he said. The PHIs last month also warned TU “All buses are in operation but people presidential election showed that the NDCU Director Dr. Anura Transport Ministry Secretary D.S. He said the Government is planning actions on several demands including have not yet started using public youth had lost faith in the system. They Jayasekara, speaking to The Morning, Jayaweera, Nihal Jayawardena PC, on importing alternative crops. giving more powers to them, but transport like before,” he stressed. had chosen to support the candidate said: “Looking at the daily reports that and civil activist Nalaka Jayaweera. “The Government hopes to import they withdrew the TU action after a “In some areas, there are only who was not part of the political system. are at hand, I can confirm that this is the The four-member committee had wheat as an alternative. However, we discussion held with Ministry officials. very few passengers but the The UNP has listened to the demands highest number of cases reported from handed over its preliminary report don’t think this would fix the problem PHIUSL Treasurer D.Y.S.R.R. buses are in operation,” he added. of the public and decided to put one single area. The overall number to the President in February. Prime as wheat cannot fulfil the same needs Mudalige stressed that it was difficult Following the suspension of operations forward a candidate list made up of of cases reported across the country Minister Rajapaksa had tabled the as maize, particularly with regard to to take some legal actions under the in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic new individuals. The nomination for the first three weeks of the month interim report of the committee to animal feed,” he added. Quarantine Act against those who in the country, the SLTB has recorded list of the UNP now consists of amount to 1,056, with the highest the Cabinet. Karunaratne said that thus far, the violate Covid-19 guidelines due to a loss of Rs. 76 million per day. experienced politicians and first- number of cases for June reported from The Cabinet had decided not to sign Government had failed to provide a the lack of powers given to them. Public transport resumed operations this time candidates, with many of the the Kandy RDHS (Regional Director the MCC agreement in its present form proper solution. However, PHIs warned that they would month, including the Western Province, new candidates being professionals. of Health Services) amounting to 239.” based on the recommendations of the – Skandha Gunasekara quit election-related Covid-19 activities under strict health guidelines. This Wickremesinghe further stated that When asked about the eradication committee. unless the Government meets their included carrying only a limited number this election would not be focused programmes that are carried out, Dr. The committee of experts, in its demands. of passengers per trip; all passengers had on the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Jayasekara noted that starting from interim report, concluded that the MCC New unit... Meanwhile, when asked whether to wear face masks and distance had (SLPP), but instead on the issues today (25), a three-day eradication agreement contains clauses that are not The complaints regarding the the election process will be affected to be maintained between passengers. facing the public and the solution programme will be carried out at in agreement with the Constitution of violation of election laws can be if the PHIs decided to quit election – Maheesha Mudugamuwa that would be put forth by the UNP. construction sites. Sri Lanka and are detrimental to the forwarded to the telephone/fax/ duties, Election Commission Chairman He urged the public to examine these Construction sites have been sovereignty of the country. Viber/WhatsApp numbers and Mahinda Deshapriya told The policies and vote for the party, and then identified as potential dengue mosquito The Government said it decided to the following e-mail address or Morning that there will be no such SL conducts... select the best candidates from the party. breeding grounds by the NDCU. not to sign the agreement, taking Facebook page of the National Election issue and everything will be sorted Twenty-nine of the new cases He said that the UNP had decided to Apart from that, the RDHS, with the into consideration several facts Complaints Centre. by the time the elections are held. had arrived from India as part of adopt this approach for the election assistance of the respective Medical concerning the MCC deal such as he list of telephone/fax numbers In the meantime, all attempts made by the crew of a ship anchored in because it was what the public had Officer of Health (MOH), carries out its obscure manner, inclusion of of the National Election Complaints The Morning to contact the PHIUSL, the island and the remaining 11 demanded from the politicians. fumigating processes in areas where clauses that are against the country’s Centre established at district levels following the meeting held with cases were returnees from the US. The UNP Leader went on to state that dengue cases are reported. Constitution and are detrimental to its are as follows: Minister Wanniarachchi last evening, They had all been subjected to the party’s progress would not end with sovereignty, inclusion of clauses that were futile. PCR tests at the Bandaranaike the election, but that the youth would can adversely affect national security Election office Telephone Fax International Airport (BIA) itself. be given the opportunity to lead the Private bus... and national, economic, social, and Colombo 011-2369134/6 011-2369135 Gampaha 033-3146083 033-2234240 The number of imported positive party down a new path. “We have been calling for some cultural affairs, and concerns that Kalutara 034-2227550 034-2227554 President’s... coronavirus cases has spiked to Wickremesinghe urged the youth to time now, asking them to discontinue sprung up regarding the island Kandy 081-2225394 081-2225394 The CC met yesterday at 6 p.m. 740. The cases include 313 Sri support not only the revitalisation of the semi-luxury bus service, but the nation’s sovereignty, independence, Matale 066-2233616 066-2233616 and deliberated the nominees for Lankans and 37 foreign nationals. the party, but to also support the party Government seems to be dragging its and national security. Nuwara Eliya 052-3123516 052-2222872 Galle 091-3134885 091-2229770 the Monetary Board as well as other No new community infections have in revitalising the country feet. If this continues, we will have no Matara 041-2235600 041-2222234 matters on the agenda, including the been reported in the country since choice but to go to the Supreme Court Hambantota 047-2256474 047-2256473 letter sent by Ahimsa Wickrematunge 30 April. and ask for an order to increase the bus Awaiting... Jaffna 021-2222628 021-2222628 – daughter of slain journalist Lasantha It must be noted that there Capacity to... fares of the normal service,” he said. “This is a political drama staged Kilinochchi 021-3900151 021-2284051 Wickrematunge, till around 7.15 p.m., have been no new cases reported The total cost of the laboratory He added that this was a matter of by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Vavuniya 024-2223100 024-2223100 Mannar 023-2223820 023-2223821 sources revealed. from the Sri Lanka Navy, the is Rs. 250 million which has been fundamental rights being infringed. (SLPP)-affiliated unions to promote Mullaitivu 021-2290033 021-2290037 Thereafter the committee had largest Covid-19 cluster in the provided by the ADB on a request “We have gone before the Human their political leaders,” he alleged, Batticaloa 065-3133481 065-2229880 engaged in informal discussions country, for the past five days. made by Health Minister Pavithra Rights Commission as we believe our stating that the cranes that had been Ampara 063-2224982 063-2224982 for roughly about an hour before A total of 901 Covid-19-positive Wanniarachchi. fundamental rights are being violated. ordered from China for JCT-5 were Trincomalee 026-2222352 026-2222352 Kurunegala 037-3144807 037-2221549 adjourning the meeting. cases were detected among Sri Lanka The laboratory is equipped with If the semi-luxury service isn’t halted, the G20 cranes, which are smaller than Puttalam 032-2265335 032-2265543 CC members present at the meeting Navy personnel and only 111 Navy the latest technology, including the next step would be to go before what the ECT needed. “The ECT needs Anuradhapura 025-3133521 025-2224105 were Prime Minister Mahinda men are currently under medical automated sample extractors. the Supreme Court to find recourse,” G25 cranes but now the authorities Polonnaruwa 027-3128800 027-2057530 Rajapaksa, Javed Yusuf, Nagananthan care, as 790 of them have completely The laboratory is capable of he said. are going to install G20 cranes at the Badulla 055-2229526 055-2225222 Selvakumaran, former UNP MP recovered from the disease and completing the testing of 96 Wijeratne pointed out that the only ECT,” he added. Monaragala 055-3131033 055-2276245 Ratnapura 045-2223074 045-2223074 Thalatha Athukorale, and former JVP been discharged from the hospital. samples within two hours and difference between ordinary buses and “When installing smaller cranes, the Kegalle 035-4913449 035-2050244 MP Bimal Rathnayake, with former The total count of recoveries in Sri issuing a report within four hours. the semi-luxury service is the price, ECT would incur losses when it comes Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya Lanka currently stands at 1,562. The laboratory is also equipped and that the unofficial difference of to operations in the future,” he alleged. chairing the meeting. The Epidemiology Unit’s tally with PCR machines, consumables, the latter limiting passengers to the – Maheesha Mudugamuwa Absentees were former Opposition states that 428 active cases are pharmacological refrigerators and number of seats is not operational. Writ decision... Leader Sajith Premadasa, former MP currently under medical care. freezers, generators, reagents, and “They charge one-and-a-half times the The two-judge bench of the Court dedicated utilities such as water supply, normal fare but there is no difference Visit... of Appeal (CA), consisting of Justices electricity, and telecommunication. in their service. This is an injustice for Sri Lanka Tourism reached out to Janak de Silva and Nissanka Bandula Cartoon of the day According to the Ministry, the new the normal bus service operators and UNDP Sri Lanka to gain technical Karunaratne, heard the petition filed laboratory is the first of its kind in Sri conductors, as well as the passengers,” and management assistance for by the Centre for Environmental Lanka with all the latest technology he added. the Sri Lankan tourism sector in Justice (CEJ) yesterday (24). and in addition to the PCR tests, it – Skandha Gunasekara its post-Covid-19 recovery efforts. The Central Environmental Authority has facilities to conduct tests for non- In addition to the travel app, SLTB Wildlife Department Director, communicable diseases and cancers. said work was underway with former Minister Bathiudeen, and – Maheesha Mudugamuwa Final report... UNDP Sri Lanka to develop a several others had been named The report was handed over to “Resilient Road Map” for the tourism as the respondents in the petition. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa by sector, facilitate immediate donor The CEJ had lodged the petition in AG to... Committee Chairman Prof. Lalithasiri co-ordination and procurement 2015, stating that reforestation and The officers of the Colombo Crime Gunaruwan at Temple Trees last support, and co-host a roundtable illegal resettlement at the Wilpattu Division (CCD), presenting the evening.The report is expected to be discussion with partners on the road National Park have caused massive submissions to the court, stated that handed over to President Gotabaya map and the way forward. environmental destruction, and investigations into the incident had Rajapaksa today (25), while the Prime sought an order of writ of certiorari concluded and that the reports had Minister will also table the final report and mandamus to remove illegal been directed to the AG’s Department at the next Cabinet meeting. Govt. not... resettlements in a forest reserve area. for advice. The committee was appointed with All Island Farmers Federation The hearing of the petition was set to be Accordingly, the Deputy Solicitor effect from 1 January, based on a (AIFF) National Organiser Namal concluded in August 2019. However, it General informed the court that the Cabinet decision taken on 18 December Karunaratne told The Morning that was postponed as CA Judge Mahinda AG would file indictments on the duo last year, to conduct a comprehensive they called on the Government to Samayawardhena declined to deliver individually. study on the agreement and make intervene and find a solution. its verdict. the morning 3 Thursday, June 25, 2020 business Sri Lanka to be repositioned as safe post-Covid destination Following Sri Lanka’s successful containment of Covid-19, Sri Lanka co-ordination and procurement support, National Tourist Guides Lecturers organised by Cinnamon Hotels, Advocata Tourism has been collaboratively exploring avenues of repositioning Sri and co-host a roundtable discussion with (SLINTGL), and many universities and Institute, and the Sri Lanka Association Lanka as the world’s number one destination with an excellent healthcare partners on the road map and way forward. regional organisations. of Professional Conference, Exhibition system, by introducing extensive health and safety protocols to ensure a Understanding the importance of With the decision to reopen all and Event Organisers (SLAPCEO). A “safe and secure” traveller experience. working together to create a resilient international airports in August 2020, bilateral meeting was also held with the tourism industry in the country, Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Tourism informed the same to Indian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, to look Through an extensive consultative all sectors to achieve a “safe and secure” Tourism, together with the Minister of key markets. These included exclusive at new avenues of partnership to invite process with all stakeholders within destination of choice for travellers,” Sri Tourism, has been in close contact with interviews with Aljazeera TV and tourists from India who are interested in the tourism sector, a comprehensive Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli all stakeholders including departments, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, a leading Russian the Ravana Yathra and Buddhist tourism operational guideline with health protocols Fernando stated. provincial and local authorities, and newspaper, and a feature at the upcoming options offered by Sri Lanka Tourism. has now been made available as of June Building on the existing relationship tourism associations in order to streamline Trip.Com tourism promotion event in Working closely with the Ministry 2020, Sri Lanka Tourism said. Several with the United Nations Development the procedures that have been put in place. Shanghai, China and the Virtual Sri Lanka of Defence, Sri Lanka Tourism said relief measures have been given to the Programme (UNDP), Sri Lanka Tourism This included meeting with The Hotels Tourism Conclave in India. it is looking to strengthen the Police tourism industry stakeholders. The Covid- reached out to UNDP Sri Lanka to extend Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), the Through strategic partnerships and Tourist cadre stationed across the 19 health certification scheme for the technical and management assistance to Sri Lanka Association for Inbound Tour networks, Sri Lanka Tourism has also country to further ensure the safety and accommodation sector will be certified the Sri Lankan tourism sector in its post- Operators (SLAITO), the Association for been given free coverage for a month security of all travellers. In this light, by the MOH and going forward by an Covid-19 recovery efforts. Accordingly, Small and Medium Enterprises in Tourism through a partnership with BBC Global a comprehensive survey has also been independent audit firm. work is underway with UNDP Sri Lanka (ASMET), the National Tourist Drivers’ News. In this “new normal”, Sri Lanka carried out to understand the readiness “Sri Lanka Tourism looks to create and to develop a Resilient Road Map for the Association (NTDA), the Chauffeur Tourism has also been invited to share of tourist entities and employees in strengthen a resilient tourism industry by tourism sector, a comprehensive travel app Tourist Guides Lecturers’ Association insights and strategic direction for the welcoming tourists back to our island working together with stakeholders across named “Visit Sri Lanka”, immediate donor (CTGLA), the Sri Lanka Institute of tourism sector through virtual webinars nation. Uber launches affordable, DFCC Bank takes NTB launches personalised ‘Rentals’ service AGM and EGM to Rs. 7 b ‘Nations Uber yesterday (24) launched its latest product offering – “Uber Rentals” – a Diriya’ fund 24/7 on-demand service which allows shareholders virtually Nations Trust Bank PLC is formulated to offer financial riders to book a car and its driver for (NTB) yesterday (24) support to businesses in local several hours with the liberty to make announced the launch of a Rs. manufacturing, fisheries, multiple stops along a journey, just as 7 billion internally generated value-added agriculture, tea, they would with their own car. fund dedicated to extend processed food, beverages, The new service aims to provide riders financial support to key spices, coconut, and coconut- a personalised experience with greater industries affected by Covid- based products, as well as flexibility and convenience as they 19. manufacturers of chemical restart their daily routines after a lengthy With the “Nations Diriya” products, minerals, and lockdown, Uber said. The service will be support fund, the bank will essential oils. The facilities available across two product categories, reach out to exporters under will also be available to IT Zip Rentals, starting at an affordable “Nations Apanayana Diriya” and BPO (business process price point of Rs. 499 for a one-hour/10- and to local manufacturers outsourcing) companies that km package, and Premier Rentals, under “Nations Vyapara provide much-needed foreign starting at Rs. 549 for a one-hour/10-km Diriya”. The facilities are exchange flow into Sri Lanka. package. Riders will have the option of designed to support corporates “As a leading bank in Sri selecting from multiple hourly packages and small and medium-sized Lanka, we have an important that can be booked up to a maximum of DFCC Bank hosted its 64th and EGM facilitated shareholders service commercial bank. Our enterprises (SMEs) by offering role to play in supporting 12 hours. Annual General Meeting (AGM) to interact with the proceedings strong foundation, stability, attractive credit facilities at economic revival and uplifting The service allows riders to do more and Extraordinary General and vote remotely online, and the expertise of the senior competitive rates. Through businesses. We believe that it by the hour, providing great value in Meeting (EGM) on 24 June which delivered instant results management have aided us to this initiative, NTB will help is our responsibility to support several situations, including when riders 2020, seamlessly on a virtual with secure access and tracked work towards technological rebuild a range of industries the nation to overcome the need to run several errands or want to platform aligned to the bank’s delivery whilst maintaining transformation whilst developing engaged in direct or indirect economic impediments that attend a business appointment and get goal of becoming the most complete confidentiality. deeper relationships with all export-oriented business and the pandemic brought upon us. back without having to book multiple customer-centric and digitally Expressing his views, stakeholders. We believe that for businesses engaged in Given that it was completely trips. enabled bank by 2025. DFCC Bank CEO Lakshman DFCC has also adjusted well local manufacturing, NTB unexpected, no individual or Commenting on the new service, The AGM and EGM were Silva stated: “We are proud to the ‘new normal’ in banking, will help uplift the economy business had time to adjust to Uber India and South Asia Head hosted at the DFCC Bank to be the only bank that has gaining trust and confidence at large by providing much- the challenges that came their of Cities and Operations Director Head Office Auditorium with transformed seamlessly from from all our stakeholders because needed financial support. way,” stated NTB Director/ Prabhjeet Singh said: “As millions shareholders connecting virtually being a development bank of our undeterred services and The Nations Diriya platform CEO Priyantha Talwatte. start moving again, many of our riders through Zoom. The virtual AGM to now functioning as a full- constant evolution.” will have new use cases and different needs from Uber, one of which will be keeping their Uber with them for a longer duration of the day. Uber Rentals HNB Assurance goes live on Oracle Cloud SampathCards caters to such a need by allowing users to book their Uber for multiple hours HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA), one Standard (IFRS) 17. products, HNBA can now attract more offers 0% with flexible and affordable packages of Sri Lanka’s leading life insurers, has Sharing his views, HNBA and HNB customers and expand its services and also gives them the option to make gone live on Oracle Cloud Enterprise General Insurance Ltd. (HNBGI) throughout Sri Lanka. The new cloud multiple stops on their journey. All Resource Planning (ERP) to simplify Managing Director/CEO Deepthi solution has enabled the insurance interest-extended rides will conform to health guidelines and streamline its business processes, Lokuarachchi stated: “The company provider to reduce IT complexity and and provide the highest possible safety to increase visibility into its financial was able to streamline its processes increase employee productivity by settlement plans standards. For our drivers, this offers operations, and to support its mission and increase efficiencies in its process automating finance operations and Sampath Bank’s SampathCards announced them yet another opportunity to earn on to deliver better customer experiences thanks to Oracle and the solutions improving decision making through yesterday (24) that it is offering 0% interest- the platform.” to its policyholders. The project was offered and as a result, we now have advanced data analysis. extended settlement plans on a wide range of Using Uber Rentals is as easy as implemented within a short span of better visibility of our risk exposure and “We are delighted to support HNBA essential expenses. booking any other Uber trip. Riders only seven weeks. greater transparency in our business – in this chapter of their growth as Sampath Mastercard, Visa Credit Cardholders, need to update their Uber app to the HNBA moved from an on-premise both very important matrices for our they look to transform the insurance and Sampath Bank American Express Credit latest version if they are not able to see ERP system to the cloud solution to success.” industry in Sri Lanka,” said Oracle Cardmembers can now avail three months 0% “Uber Rentals”. streamline its processes with new Lokuarachchi further commented, Head of Applications – Sri Lanka and interest-extended settlement plans on payments technology to offer faster, efficient stating: “Oracle Cloud ERP will not the Maldives Nalin Sikurajapathy. of Rs. 2,500 or more made to the Ceylon solutions to the market. With Oracle only help us comply with regulatory “Modern cloud offerings are changing Electricity Board (CEB), the Lanka Electricity Cloud ERP, the life insurance provider requirements but will also enable us to how businesses operate by providing Company (LECO), and the National Water is now able to serve its customers merge our disparate business processes. easy access to such technologies like Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) until 30 swiftly and efficiently at a lower cost, This will improve operational artificial intelligence (AI), machine June 2020. The payments need to be made via which gives opportunity to grow the efficiency, speed up our market learning, chatbots, process automation, the partner website, the Sampath Automated insurance product portfolio. This will penetration, and allow us to offer new, and more.” Bill Settlement (SABS) facility, PayEasy.lk, the also help the company in complying customised solutions to our customers.” MillenniumIT ESP, a Platinum Sampath WePay mobile application, or directly with regulatory requirements such With Oracle Cloud ERP as the core member of the Oracle PartnerNetwork, at the partner location using Sampath Credit as International Financial Reporting application across its life insurance implemented the project for HNBA. Cards. Any payment of Rs. 15,000 and above made to any educational institution, locally or internationally, until 30 June can be converted into a three-month 0% interest-extended HNB sees sharp rise in cardless settlement plan. Six-month 0% interest-extended settlement plans are on offer on credit card transactions of Rs. 25,000 and above at any transactions during curfew local insurance company until 31 July 2020. HNB PLC reported a 70% increase in to withdraw funds from an HNB ATM Sanjay Wijemanne said. Cardholders getting their vehicles serviced the use of its cardless cash withdrawal without a card or account with the bank. Having noticed the increased volume at Associated Motorways (Pvt.) Ltd., Dimo facility “Cash to Mobile” during the “The sudden spike in digital cash of transactions via the “Cash to Mobile” Autolab, and Toyota Lanka can avail themselves peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. payments indicates that Sri Lankans facility during the peak of the pandemic, of a three-month 0% interest-extended settlement Through the period of January to May are increasingly embracing alternative HNB waived off the handling fee for plan on vehicle service bills over Rs. 15,000 until 2020, the bank witnessed an average transactional formats and finding the period of April through May. 31 August 2020. (month-to-month) increase of 60% in creative uses for these kinds of services. The facility allows HNB account On healthcare, SampathCards is offering “Cash to Mobile” transactions. The Especially at a time when social holders to transfer up to Rs. 40,000 three, six, and 12-month 0% interest-extended facility saw a significant 127% increase distancing measures are rigorously per transaction to a mobile through settlement plans on payments of Rs. 25,000 and in unique users’ interactions in March practised, services like cardless cash the bank’s mobile banking portal. The above at over 20 healthcare partners around the 2020, as Lankans from across the withdrawals were becoming a popular receiver can then use the PIN which island until 31 December 2020. Furthermore, country not only completed essential method for completing day-to-day will be sent via SMS to withdraw cash Sampath Mastercard and Visa cardholders can transactions but also transferred funds to transactions,” HNB Deputy General from any of the 617 HNB ATMs across enjoy up to 20% off on their total bill and many their loved ones, who used the facility Manager – Retail and SME Banking the country. more discounts at mymed.lk. 4 the morning brunch Thursday, June 25, 2020 Captain also explained that there is a real need for animal rights organisations to step in and get involved with sterilising strays because even though the Government puts in a lot of money to sterilise strays under the Rabies Justice for Control Programme, there are gaps that still create a population problem, like how the Rabies Control Programme only provides for the sterilisation of female dogs, despite the fact sterilising male dogs will noticeably reduce the incidence of dog bites and the fact Animals that male dogs that haven’t been sterilised can still reproduce and cause increases in the population regardless. So far for 2020, Justice for Justice for Animals has hosted Animals has been able to organise pop-up clinics across the island, approximately 1,600 sterilisations including in Dodangoda, Kalpitiya, for both male and female cats Sri Lanka Chilaw, Puttalam, Anuradhapura, and dogs, with their target for Thanthirimale, and most recently the year being to carry out 3,000 Tashiya Captain on the initiative to Gothatuwa. All Justice for Animal sterilisations. At their most recent clinics take place based on when pop-up clinic in Gothatuwa on 21 reduce stray cat and dog populations enough funding could be acquired June, Justice for Animals carried to do so. out 92 sterilisations. ending the suffering of innocent Once an area has been defined animals born homeless without and Justice for Animals is able to shelter, medical care, or food. organise a pop-up clinic, the Justice Captain explained the for Animals group visits the area importance of needing to spay and with the locals, watching strays and neuter pets and strays not just for taking them back to the clinic for the sake of the animals, but also sterilisation. for the sake of The locals who the carers. To this collaborate with Justice BY NAVEED ROZAIS The Morning Brunch reached end, Justice for for Animals in this out to Justice for Animals Treasurer Animals pop-up regard are people who Justice for Animals Sri Lanka Tashiya Captain to learn more about spay and neuter know the area well is a non-profit group that the spay and neuter project that clinics do their best and also know which looks to provide a platform the group is currently leading. The to sterilise as many strays are located spay and neuter project is headed strays as possible where. This is done very for all animal welfare groups by Captain, who works with the and individuals to unite in the area of their carefully so that after the veterinary team Vets For Future to visit, and also sterilisation, the strays to create a more just and organise spay and neuter pop-up encourage those can be returned to the compassionate world for clinics around the island where who need support exact same spot and animals. the team spays and neuters stray in getting their pets into territories in which The patron of Justice for cats and dogs as well as pets of sterilised to come they’re comfortable Animals is Sri Bodhiraja Foundation those who are otherwise unable to in. Tashiya Captain so that they have the President Ven. Omalpe Sobitha arrange for their pets to be spayed or The pop-up fullest chance of smooth Thera, with Renuka Nagodavitha neutered. clinics work with locals in a certain recovery. Spaying and neutering are and Tashiya Captain serving as joint Justice for Animals advocates area, with the Justice for Animals surgical procedures, after all, and secretaries. Justice for Animals is for sterilisation and vaccination team linking with specific animal- any stray who is sterilised should an organisation entirely funded by campaigns to reduce stray cat and loving locals who look out for and be given the best possible chance of donations of well-wishers. dog populations as a means of look after the strays in their area. complete recovery.

BY NAVEED ROZAIS Cyaniq Global is ASK one of Colombo’s leading marketing, From content creation communications, and a doctor content creation firms, servicing 10 of the top 20 Q Is it safe to go out corporates listed in the to online supermarket to restaurants? If Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). so, what precautions Cyaniq Global made waves Cyaniq Global on reacting to customer needs in a crisis should we take? when they announced a new In Sri Lanka, we don’t have arm of operations during the A community spread yet, hence with pandemic, the service Kada proper precautions, it is relatively Malu, a digitally run grocery safe to now go out and eat. However, store set up and operated by when you do go, make sure that Covid-19 Cyaniq Global that dealt with safety measures are in place. More delivering essential items specifically, staff and the servers should and groceries to customers’ be wearing face masks and seating should doorsteps in the midst of curfew. follow social distancing requirements. The Morning Brunch spoke To protect yourself from catching to Cyaniq Global Creative Covid-19 while dining out, the Centers Director Shehani Alles to learn for Disease Control and Prevention more about the story behind (CDC) recommends the following tips: Kada Malu, and what they’ve Don’t go out if you’re sick got planned next. Wear a face covering at the restaurant at all times, except when eating. This Starting Kada Malu includes indoor and outdoor dining areas Alles explained that Kada Stay six feet or more away from Malu was very much a response others who don’t live with you. to the pandemic. “Cyaniq Global system and infrastructure virtually Remember to follow this social distancing is all about support. Through overnight, Alles explained that What comes next? Based on the lessons and rule when entering, exiting, using our expertise in content creation, one major challenge was limited connections made through Kada hallways, and hanging out in a waiting we build systems to support movement and not being able to Malu, the Cyaniq Global team area physically go out and get things has decided to diversify from Don’t use self-service food and done. In overcoming this, the Kada Malu into a new venture, drink options. Avoid drinking machines, Cyaniq Global team understood Green Bean Express. water fountains, buffets, salad bars, the power of social media and Green Bean Express is salsa bars, and other common areas – online connectivity, and through a retail platform focused on anywhere people are likely to gather close working digitally and using introducing Sri Lankan-based together, and anywhere another customer established relationships, the SMEs to the global marketplace, or employee is likely to have touched team were able to form the base Shehani empowering them and helping something Alles of what would become the Kada them grow through supply chain Limit the use of shared utensils, Malu infrastructure, linking with completion at the retail end. buttons, and touch screens vendors and independent taxi Currently, Green Bean Express If paying by credit card, bring your owners to create a functional can be found on PickMe Food own pen to sign the check delivery service in a matter of and the UberEats apps. Before using toilet areas, make sure businesses and people grow (small and medium enterprises) days. Green Bean Express will the restroom has soap and paper towels, in their ventures. During or other businesses that had The shift from creative to focus on being the retail end of or hand sanitiser made with at least 60% the height of the lockdown, inventory to sell but no channels logistics that had to take place the supply chain, creating new alcohol. Always wash your hands after we found ourselves unable to sell it through, Cyaniq Global with Kada Malu was one that connections with SMEs that using the restroom and when you reach to do that, with everyone’s decided to create a support came with a lot of work, Alles supply great locally sourced home from the restaurant. focus being redirected system for those with good shared. Even though Cyaniq products, empowering them by towards being safe and produce, as unfortunately, Global had an understanding of ANSWERED BY offering services such as product making it through that wholesale livelihoods were logistics, in theory, through their development, marketing, and Dr. Dineshani Hettiarachchi time. Being who we are, being challenged by the work with several logistics firms, branding, which ties back into MBBS, MSc Regenerative we finally decided to use pandemic. At the end of the applying this theory into practice Medicine, MCGP, SEDA (UK). Cyaniq Global’s core strengths our knowledge in social day, it was all about supporting was an entirely different ball Dr. Hettiarachchi is a family and expertise. Cyaniq Global physician and a lecturer at media and digital marketing communities. game; though there were bumps the Department of Anatomy will also be introducing a system to set up an easily accessible and lessons learned at the start, and Human Genetics Unit, of investing and funding in Faculty of Medicine at the essential delivery service Setting up a delivery the Cyaniq Global team pulled these SMEs, building strategic University of Colombo. as sort of an emergency together, making failures stepping Email Dr. Hettiarachchi on business overnight partnerships that enable these response.” stones and improving every step [email protected] if you have any more Commenting on the process vendors to scale and grow. questions you’d like answered here. Partnering with SMEs of setting up the Kada Malu of the way. the morning 5 Thursday, June 25, 2020 sports Asia Cup and ICC meeting No Bangladesh Tests in July Sri Lanka trains while others The Asia Cup T20 cricket tournament, shifted from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) yesterday (24) announced still struggle Pakistan to Sri Lanka to be held in September, can be that the Bangladesh Cricket Board has informed The Sri Lanka national team’s second residential staged in Sri Lanka as planned, said Pakistan Cricket them that “a conducive environment has still training camp is currently being held at the Board (PCB) CEO Wasim Khan yesterday (24). If Sri not arrived for their players to take part in an Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. As many of Lanka fails, the UAE can be the next option, he has international cricket series, purely due to the lack of the cricketing nations in the region are struggling added. Meanwhile an International Cricket Council preparation for its players, caused by the Covid-19 to come out of the pandemic, Sri Lanka has almost (ICC) virtual board meeting will be held today (25) to pandemic”. Therefore, their three-match Test series slated for July in Sri Lanka completed its initial training for the entire national discuss the nomination process for its next Chairman. is postponed. It will be deferred to a mutually planned later date, SLC added. squad. What a great achievement!

Who smoked 50-odd cigarettes inside the dressing room? z Mahindananda pinpoints 24 shady areas in the 2011 The most precious jewel in the Indo The Aluthgamage allegations World Cup final the toss (because of the dew factor during the second cricketing crown innings and because India is good at chasing), and was z Did the alleged fixing spill the decision eventually changed by someone the other Talking on the issue at hand, an expert told The Dhoni’s role in the film allegedly died by suicide at his way around? over from team selection in Morning Sports yesterday (24) that nobody, not even Mumbai home last week): “Four runs to win. Eleven  Why was the toss of the coin before the match done the actual match? the Sri Lankan sport establishment or the Government, balls remaining. What a moment this is. History in the twice? can undermine the most precious gem in the Indian making… The nation on their feet, as is the crowd at  cricketing crown, the 2011 World Cup. How could they the Whankede Stadium. The prayers begin... People are Who was smoking over 50 cigarettes when Sri Lanka z Are the captain and some of was batting? the players involved or not? stomach that their most cherished victory had been fixed? on edge. Mahendra Singh Dhoni on strike. (Kulasekara The following are the final lines uttered by Ravi bowls and Dhoni strikes that famous six over mid-on.)  Who was the senior player who avoided congratulating Mahela Jayawardene upon his return to the pavilion after z Will the impregnable role Shastri in the 2016 Neeraj Pandey biopic “M.S. Dhoni: Dhoni finishes off in style. A magnificent strike... India making his century? The Untold Story” (Sushant Singh Rajput, who played lifts the World Cup after 28 years.” models of the game be  When India batted, were some of the Lankan senior bowlers forced by someone on the field to bowl, exposed as traitors? Aluthgamage addressing the media yesterday disregarding their refusal? appointed officers, DIG T.G. Samaranayake the investigation within three months.” at Nawalapitiya in Kandy z  Why did the seniors of the side evidently argue during Will India interfere and Inspector Supun Withanage, of the Aluthgamage’s 24 allegations are likely to be on the following the crucial stages of the Indian reply? Special Investigative Unit (on sports-related “Sanga is a legend of both my points: with the investigation on a  Why was the clear natural flow of the match changed corruption) attached to the Sri Lanka Police world and the outside world”:  state level? Dullas Alahapperuma Were there any unusual guests meeting leading officials immediately after the 20th or 25th over of the Indian and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. of the Sri Lanka team at the team hotel before the final innings? The Unit is headed by Senior DIG Jagath “I so far don’t have any proof on any match? z  Who was the leading official in the player dressing room, Former Sports Minister’s Fonseka. The above Unit has been formed such match-fixing (of the 2011 World Cup  mission is over Why were the final 11 changed by the National Selection who was fully engrossed in telephone conversations under the Parliamentary Act No. 24 of 2019 final). I found out that the ICC has not Committee comprising Aravinda De Silva (Head), Ranjith throughout the entire final? on alleviating wrongdoing relating to sports. started any investigation on that,” told Fernando, Amal Silva, and Shabir Asgarally z Will the authorities try to dig DIG Samaranayake and Inspector Sports Minister Dullas Alahapperuma to a  Do the changes and rotation of Sri Lankan bowlers during  Why did Chaminda Vaas, who was flown in from Colombo the Indian innings imply the will to restrict the batsmen deep and unravel the truth? Withanage met Aluthgamage yesterday private TV channel yesterday. to Mumbai a day before the final not included in the and take their wickets or otherwise? at Nawalapitiya and received the latter’s “(Kumar) Sangakkara is a legend in team?  report on the allegation. both my world and the outside world too. Was there an unusual connection between the changes z Last chance to clean up the  Why were four surprise and eleventh-hour changes of bowlers and moves taken by then Sri Lanka Captain once holy sport Aluthgamage said: “As to why I decided And I have a presumption that there was made quite unusually in the finals? Kumar Sangakkara and the simultaneous betting patterns to make this allegation now is the charge no such thing (as match-fixing). But this  Were there four changes made at the breakfast table on of the bookies of the game? made by ICC Anti-corruption Unit Head (allegation made by Aluthgamage) is a z Will the ‘greatest mystery’ in Saturday, 2 April 2011, the very day of the match final?  Why did skipper Sangakkara and Chief of Selectors de Alex Marshall on 23 December 2018, saying serious one. He (Aluthgamage) may have  How could some last-minute surprise inclusions such as Silva resign from their posts immediately after the final? cricket of our time remain a that Sri Lanka is the most corrupt country some information on such fixing with him. Suraj Randiv and Chamara Kapugedera be made in the  Are any further evidences sought from a very senior player further mystery? of the world of Test cricket. Therefore, investigating that is our duty as Sri Lanka playing 11? who played in the final and is that player convinced that “I have mentioned 24 facts that are the Sports Ministry,” he added.  Was there a team decision to bat second if Sri Lanka won the match was fixed? BY REVATHA S. SILVA suspicious which caused Sri Lanka to lose the (World Cup 2011) tournament. Some “Still can’t say anything about the ahindananda Aluthgamage, players had expressed their views even after duration”: K.A.D.S. Ruwanchandra told The Morning Sports. to inquire from certain officials about that who was the Sri Lanka I have said that players are not involved in The investigative officers will first make “I can’t say how long the investigation is period and look into certain situations of Sports Minister during these allegations. All parties, please assist a report on these allegations and then that going to take place because we still don’t the time (2011 World Cup). Some players 2011, yesterday (24) this investigation. Don’t do politics with report will be sent to the Attorney General have any understanding about the depth too might have to be called for the inquiry handed over his six-page this. Don’t target this to the (forthcoming (AG). We will then take legal action after and the environment of these allegations,” depending on the contents of the allegation. Mreport, which also consisted eight additional general) election. I request both the President seeking the AG’s advice, Sports Ministry he added. But it will be a confidential inquiry,” documents, to the hands of the specially and Sports Minister to give us a report on Secretary K.A.D.S. Ruwanchandra yesterday “The investigative officials may have he noted. 6 the morning education Thursday, June 25, 2020 The Government-imposed quarantine and the challenges therewith affected the overall continuity of curriculum-driven education amongst many state and Alethea utilises new era private education institutions in Sri Lanka. Despite the challenges of the situation, Alethea School and Alethea International School, were digital teaching methods already equipped to continue the teaching and learning few months. The students were process, as the organisation able to interact with the teachers for explanations and clarification. With had already anchored on a the introduction of virtual study technology-driven new era groups on MS Teams, our academic education framework since staff were able to complete syllabus 2019. requirements,” added Perera. In order to enable online learning, The school’s commitment the school arranged special towards technology-driven new age discounts and plans for equipment education and the management’s and data service for the staff and ability to foresee the much- students. As such, the school required new age educational joined with Softlogic for laptops methodologies were discussed and and tabs that are age appropriate commended at several educational to be purchased on instalment panel discussions. Alethea Group basis and special discounts. The of Schools Managing Director/ staff members who did not own Co-ordinating Principal Anitra laptops were granted laptops by Perera was a panelist at “Redefining the school authorities. In terms of Classroom”, organised by data services, Alethea arranged Chokolaate. Alethea International Alethea Group of Schools Managing special-rate routers from Dialog for School Principal Buddhika Pathiraja Director/Co-ordinating Principal the staff and dedicated personnel to was a panelist at “Will the way our Anitra Perera help students and parents activate kids learn change after Covid?” the Teams package as well as hosted by Igniter Space and detailed and contained web links deliver routers to the staff and ReadMe. Anitra Perera’s futuristic to images, videos, extra reading students during curfew to their educational vision was one of the material, worked out examples, and doorsteps. key ideas for her to be awarded a a detailed note by the teacher. This As such, the school is carrying spot at Cosmopolitan Sri Lanka’s enabled the students to cope with out its activities at the moment “35 under 35”, which rooted for her self-study or study with limited or virtually for all grades from Pre- for “changing the education game” zero supervision of the teacher. Grade to Grade 13 including the while “striking a balance with tech” Alethea School premises “Concurrent to the home study Skills Centre and the Learning (https://cosmomag.lk/35under35/ packs designed by the teachers, Resource Centre, with a transparent anitra-perera/). this straining era, while enabling to maintain relevant educational students through Zoom to have the school, which was already code of conduct communicated to “As a school management our students to stay safe and secure goals and milestones for the face-to-face lessons. on board with the digital school students, parents, and teachers. The that has well understood the from the ongoing quarantine students who are preparing for During the initial phase between concept, shifted the entire teaching school conducts routine training for ideology that education and protocols of the pandemic,” stated the May/June 2020 Cambridge 13 March and 8 April, the school learning mechanism to online the teachers, as they are key ignitors learning is a pursuit that should Perera, chronicling the school’s and Pearson Edexcel exam series. utilised a worksheet-based home mode. We used Microsoft Office of the teaching process. not be abandoned no matter how mechanism to face education With the implementation of strict study structure. Unfortunately, due 365 as our teaching learning The school plans to extend excruciating the circumstances challenges amidst Covid-19 lockdown measures, all exam- to the Covid-19 situation getting platform as of early-May and its technologically advanced are, and as vanguards of new With the Government’s calling oriented students were coached by progressively worse, worksheets enabled more hands-on studying teaching methodologies for the age education, Alethea took key to close down schools, the their respective subject teachers were not physically handed over experience for the students with initial academic semesters of solution measures that were management of Alethea took through study packs sent via email. to the school for marking. As a virtual classroom. Each student the 2020/2021 school year, and multiphase, as per the escalation the initiative to implement a Students completed their past the schools were not reopened as and teacher was provided a free the school is looking forward to level of the continued pandemic methodically planned educational papers and feedback was given per the original notification by Microsoft Office 365 account conducting an online and offline situation. Thus, in retrospect I mechanism that equipped all by the teacher via email, through the Government on 20 April, the free of charge. We also partnered hybrid module of a teaching can ensure that our well-planned teachers to plan ahead and which the corrected papers along Alethea management introduced with H-One Technologies which learning approach. The applications home-based study programme corroborate towards keeping the with commentary were sent. Many the second phase of the home trained our staff and will continue for the new school year admissions ensures flexible learning during entire student body engaged, and teachers sought to reach out to their study plan. The lessons were well to train them throughout the next are currently being processed. Singer Fashion STEMUp leads the journey, Academy introduces empowering tech-savvy society Established in 2016 as a knowledge on the real-world not-for-profit organiSation, usage of AI to university STEMUp Educational students and schoolchildren. e-learning platform Foundation aims to empower This project was initiated after students to pursue higher having identified the lack Towering 60 years of conveniently pay for these The students taking the education and careers in IT of exposure in rural areas to service excellence in the courses on the Singer Certificate in Fashion (information technology), disruptive technologies such field of fashion, Singer Business School website Designing will only need to science, technology, as machine learning and AI. Fashion Academy over using credit or debit cards, be physically present for the engineering, and mathematics “Machine learning is widely the years has bestowed a or they can contact the practical module. (STEM). STEMUp has so used in most of the industries world of opportunities for hotline 0766 177 177 and Unlike typical classroom far empowered thousands of including manufacturing, individuals to turn their request for the bank details learning, e-learning students with its unique and retail, healthcare, financial passion into a profession if they prefer to make provides the opportunity innovative portfolio of courses services, science, travel, through its range of a bank transaction. The to access the study content and islandwide training and utilities. It is imperative innovative courses. Having participants can also pay a number of times, sessions. It boasts more STEMUp wins Best Community Enablement Programme of the Year and that students understand the integrated its learning the course fees by reaching until the learners can than thousand volunteers Best Community Empowerment Programme at SLT Zero One Awards implications of machine structure to suit the new out to any Singer showroom thoroughly absorb it, while across the island whose 2020 for CoderDojo Sri Lanka learning, which is expected normal, Singer Fashion located islandwide. also attending to their soul ambition is engraved pocket-sized device which is to be used more and more Academy recently launched ‘’E-learning has family commitments and in supporting the youth to widely used in the educational in the future. They are the the Singer E-learning revolutionised the world of household chores. Learners navigate the digital space. structure of European future leaders and they need platform to continue with learning, providing much can learn at their own In addition to IT and STEM countries, providing the to be well equipped with new providing uninterrupted more personalisation, pace while planning their subjects, the foundation also opportunity to learn computer technologies, so that they can knowledge solutions. comfort, and more schedule and taking breaks provides learning sources in programming in a unique meet the future demands in The online courses opportunities to learn. when needed. E-learning is disruptive technologies such way. terms of technology and come provided through Singer As such, it has become a admired around the world to as AI (artificial intelligence), “It is important to mention up with innovations to be on E-learning platform are benchmark in education be cost-effective and time- machine learning, and many the commitment of our par with the rest of the world,” designed by way of video at present. E-learning is saving as well, as students more. volunteers. Our strength is STEMUp conducting a said STEMUp Educational tutorials where users can accessible for everyone who do not need to travel for STEMUp was recognised our well-established team CoderDojo session at a village in Foundation Director Indika easily log in and have possesses a smartphone or lectures. It is also accessible at the recent SLT Zero of volunteers and they have Anuradhapura Dalugama. access to the uploaded a PC (personal computer) by everyone who wishes to One Awards 2020 for its identified the necessity In its continued efforts videos and documents any and an internet connection, pursue a career of their own commitment to empower of bestowing what they to upscale education, time from the comfort of all of which are commonly while being independent. the youth with IT education. have learnt to the younger STEMUp is conducting their homes. E-learning found at every household at The Singer Fashion One of its most popular generation as well. Computer virtual Advanced Level (A/L) is now welcomed around present. Singer E-learning Academy offers over 20 programmes, CoderDojo programming, IoT (Internet classes with the collaboration the world and is proven is a welcoming initiative to different courses including Sri Lanka, won the “Best of Things), and machine of Sri Lanka Telecom PLC to be highly productive, tackle the obstacles faced three diploma programmes, Community Enablement learning education was not covering all subject areas. convenient, accessible, in learning, and to continue eight certificate Programme of the Year” available for rural villages a This initiative has been affordable, and most of an uninterrupted education. programmes, and 11 short award and also emerged as the few years ago and STEMUp highly commended since its all, the safest during this It is pleasing to see that courses. The Academy winner of “Best Community pioneered in taking disruptive inception two months ago STEMUp conducting a training pandemic period. more than 100 students also offers a new fashion Empowerment Programme” technologies to the rural session for its volunteers and was initiated with the The Certificate in Basic have already enrolled in our designing programme with in the information sector parts of the island. We were aim of providing support for Scientific Dressmaking, courses within this short a degree pathway at an category. Its coding determined that we needed are conducted by industry students who face adversities Certificate in Saree Blouse, stint which commenced affordable price. Singer supportive programme, to help at the grassroots level experts, professionals from in learning due to the Covid- and Sewing Crafts for Kids in late April 2020,’’ Fashion Academy became Micro:bit Sri Lanka, which is deprived of resources universities and community 19 outbreak. are the courses currently commented Singer Business the first and only institute in became the first runner-up for IT education, and over centres. Currently, STEMUp In addition to these key available for which those School Head Koshitha Sri Lanka to receive course of the ‘’Best Community thousands of volunteers joined volunteers are conducting a programmes, STEMUp interested can enrol online, Peramunugamage. validation status from Empowerment Programme” hands with us. We aspire to series of virtual Dojo sessions is conducting multiple and the academy is working What is unique about the Chartered Society of in the government institutes bring the latest technology that provide knowledge projects islandwide with on expanding this platform these courses is that the Designers (CSD) in the UK. and NGOs sector category. to Sri Lanka, bridge the about IoT, arduino, machine its local and international to other available courses Singer Fashion Academy The academy constantly Micro:bit Sri Lanka is a STEM skill gap, and build learning, scratch, and many partners such as Sri Lanka as well. The students who ensures that a mentor is updates its courses to suit key initiative powered by a generation of innovators, more. Online Dojos were Telecom, Commercial Bank, successfully complete these assigned for each student, the changing trends and STEMUp with the support problem solvers, and rational conducted during the Covid- Colombo AI Academy, courses are eligible for the so that they can constantly continues to come up of Micro:bitFoundation in thinkers,’’ commented 19 outbreak to help kids MillenniumIT ESP, Raspberry diploma courses offered by be in touch with the mentor with innovative learning the UK to promote coding STEMUp Educational to continue their learning PI Foundation, Micro:bit the academy. for further clarifications and solutions to empower among the Sri Lankan youth. Foundation Founder Prabhath journey. Educational Foundation, and Singer Fashion Academy guidance. students to reach global Micro:bitSri Lanka has Mannapperuma. STEMUp also conducted CoderDojo Foundation. encourages both adults and In addition, the standards. already conducted more than CoderDojo Sri Lanka is a machine learning The STEMUp.lk website youths to enrol in these Fashion Academy has More details on the 500 sessions across the island a coding club for the youth project in partnership provides valuable learning online courses offered also introduced online courses and course modules through a pool of over 1,000 which provides a learning with MillenniumIT ESP resources for IoT, machine at affordable prices and classes for the theory can be obtained from their volunteers from professional space and also enables called “Machine Learning learning, and computer invest their valuable time modules in the Certificate website: http://online. organisations and universities meeting likeminded people. It for Kids” or ‘“Poddanta programming and it is in a productive manner. in Fashion Designing singerbusinessschool.com and it also includes a library is the Sri Lankan network of Machine Learning”. It constantly updated with Customers are provided which are conducted live or by sending an email to where students can borrow CoderDojo, an international was a knowledge sharing details about upcoming with a few options to through Microsoft Teams. [email protected]. Micro:bit devices along with open source social education programme aimed at programmes and online a user guide. Micro:bit is a movement. CoderDojoclubs providing hands-on training sessions.