„„ www.themorning.lk „„ Late City VOL 01 | NO 27 | Rs. 30.00 { TUESDAY } TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021 VACCINATION: SL VS. REST OF THE WORLD

TAPPING INTO GST REMOVED HAS SUMATHIPALA THE BROADER FROM INLAND ‘PATCHED UP’ WITH SPECTRUM REVENUE COFFERS SHAMMI SILVA? »SEE PAGE 5 »SEE PAGE 5 »SEE PAGE 11 »SEE PAGE 7 »SEE PAGE 16 An island for COLD BLOODED Covid burials z Mainland burial ruled z Implementation within 48 hours out: Gen. Silva after finalising guidelines BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE Outbreak (NOCPCO) Head Gen. Gen. Silva stated the Government The Government is set to allocate an island for the burial Shavendra Silva told The Morning is currently finalising the health of Covid-19 victims, following the issuance of the gazette yesterday (1). guidelines. “After finalising the notification permitting burial last Thursday (25). A meeting took place with the health guidelines, we will be able “We will be doing the burials We are making arrangements to do Director General of Health Services to implement the decision within 48 on an island. It will definitely not that,” National Operations Centre (DGHS) Dr. Asela Gunawardena hours of the finalisation,” he said. A dead body was found in a bag placed in Dam Street yesterday afternoon, after pedestrians alerted the Police regarding the bag. Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said that a Magisterial Inquest is to be in the main part of the country. for the Prevention of the Covid-19 yesterday regarding the issue. Contd. on page 2 be conducted on the body, followed by a post-mortem and further investigations. Pictured are police officers near the bag O/L teachers PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE complain to Asgiri Mahanayake slams Victimisation PCoI report Easter Commission report HRCSL about BY PAMODI WARAVITA concerns stating that Buddhism forgetting that the true criminals in contempt of Court? Following the receipt of was being unfairly persecuted are yet to be punished,” said z Lawyers group requests CJ to determine non-vaccination the report of the Presidential in the report instead of meting Siam Sect Asgiriya Chapter z No immediate benefit Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) out true justice to the victims Supreme Sangha Council BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI determine whether the final act of being in contempt of probing the Easter Sunday of the bombings. Secretary Dr. Medagama A group of Attorneys-at- recommendations of the the Supreme Court (SC), and in vaccination: terrorist attacks, the Asgiri “People have now shifted all Dhammananda Thera. Law (AALs) have written to Presidential Commission to take necessary action if Health authorities Chapter of the Siam Sect raised of the blame onto Buddhists, Contd. on page 2 Chief Justice (CJ) Jayantha of Inquiry on Political deemed so. Jayasuriya PC, requesting to Victimisation constitutes an Contd. on page 2 BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI AND MIHI PERERA The Ceylon Teachers’ Services Union (CTSU) handed over a complaint to the Rs. 1,000 wage passed Lankan fishers Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) yesterday (01) stating that the lives of teachers, principals, and other staff members despite RPC outcry in Myanmar involved in GCE O/L Examination duty have z Planters’ initiate withdrawal from been placed at risk by not vaccinating them in Court against Covid-19. Collective Agreements As the GCE O/L Exam began yesterday, BY PAMODI WARAVITA the CTSU claimed that the requests made by The 12 Sri Lankan fishermen detained in them and the Department of Examinations BY PAMODI WARAVITA opposition from the regional Myanmar amidst the ongoing political crisis Commissioner General Sanath Pujitha, to The Wages Board, convened plantation companies (RPCs) in the country have been produced before a vaccinate the 46,000 individuals on Exam to provide Rs. 1,000 as a representatives who were court of law, The Morning learnt. duty, have been ignored. minimum daily wage for present. Speaking to The Morning yesterday (1), Sri Contd. on page 2 plantation workers, has Minister of Labour Nimal Lankan Ambassador to Myanmar Prof. Nalin passed its final decision Siripala de Silva, in a de Silva said that the 12 fishermen who were on the matter statement released yesterday, detained last month have now been produced COVID-19 CASES yesterday said that this was approved before a court of law. (1) despite amidst the opposition of “They have been remanded again, but are ACTIVE CASES TOTAL CASES the representatives from the in good health,” added Prof. de Silva. Planters’ Association (PA). Official sources at the Ministry of Foreign He further said that the Affairs (MFA) told The Morning that 12 83,242 relevant Gazette Sri Lankan fishermen in two vessels were notification arrested on 11 and 12 February. However, DEATHS RECOVERED would be issued the charges pertaining to their detention are soon by Labour not confirmed as of yet. 3,344 476 79,422 Commissioner Contd. on page 2 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU General Prabath THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 9.00 P.M. ON 01 MARCH 2021 Chandrakeerthi. RAILWAY E-TICKETING Contd. on page 2 FATAL BEATING OF CHILD Station masters GoSL to exorcise exorcists oppose 100% BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE would lose their life. Many in Sri Lanka not take place in the future.” automation In the wake of a child being beaten seek help from witch doctors, self- The Police on 28 February arrested to death during an exorcism ritual, the proclaimed sorcerers and exorcists for a self-proclaimed exorcist after the BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE Government is set to take stern action to help with various problems. This is not death of a nine-year-old girl who had Railway station masters are opposing the dispel and fight superstition, including the way we should act when we have been beaten as part of a exorcism proposed complete automation of the ticketing exorcisms, The Morning learnt. problems. We need a society that is ritual. Mohamed Rinath Fathima system, claiming it is not accessible to the whole Speaking to The Morning, Ministry wise enough to make decisions without Rizka, a resident of Kanduboda, was range of passengers who use trains as public of Buddhasasana, Religious and resorting to superstition.” allegedly possessed by a demonic transport, The Morning learnt. Cultural Affairs Secretary Prof. Prof. Gunawardana will be having a spirit. The girl's parents had taken “For short distances, we cannot issue the Kapila Gunawardana said that the special discussion with the Director of her to a woman in Meegahawatte e-ticket, so for that we would prefer to use the Government would take serious action the Department of Muslim Religious who performs exorcism rituals, just traditional ticket system. Such a hybrid system in this regard in future. and Cultural Affairs regarding this outside Colombo, where neighbours is used even with the banking sector, where “I consider exorcist rituals as a serious incident. had responded to the cries of the child different options are offered to customers based problem in this country, especially when “We will try to take a decision so but not in time to save her. on their knowledge and social status”. it comes to a level where a person that these kinds of incidents would Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 42 „„ www.themorning.lk { NEWS } Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Don’t make requests 20,000 tourism to cut corners to get vaccines: Health Ministry Deputy Director-General “If someone comes with a President Upul Rohana said of Public Health Services Dr. request to get 250 people if a politician tries to get the front-liners to be Hemantha Herath yesterday vaccinated from a centre vaccine for his associates, (1) requested various groups where we have made plans the people who voted for and individuals not to make to vaccinate 1,000 people, we them won’t receive it. “Such requests to cut corners to get have to stop the vaccination. influence was reported in the the Covid-19 vaccine. Don’t make requests for CMC area. If there are such He said various parties have vaccines out of the procedure,” attempts of obstructions, vaccinated made requests trying to get the he said. then we will have to take a BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE for the front-liners who are currently vaccines so far. During the course vaccines out of the procedure. Meanwhile, the PHI Union’s decision,” he said. A total of 20,000 front-liners from the tourism sector are working with tourists. “This will be of last week, it was reported that set to be vaccinated within the next couple of days, The administered to the staff of level Sri Lanka averaged about 23,106 Morning learnt. one hotels, tourist vehicle drivers, doses administered each day. Govt. institutions’ malpractices Speaking to The Morning requested 50,000 vaccines for tour operators and guides.” According to the Epidemiology yesterday (1), Secretary to the the first stage of the vaccination With the vaccination process, Unit of the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Tourism S. Hettiarachchi program and 20,000 doses for the tourists feel safe to travel Sri Lanka, there have been 83,242 infections report set for Parliament said that there are around 250,000 current requirement.” Hettiarachchi added. and 471 Coronavirus related deaths The Cabinet has yesterday approved to government institutions from 2015-2018, individuals involved in the tourism According to Hettiarachchi, Sri Lanka has administered at reported in the country since the table the Presidential Commission report during the next parliamentary session, industry. “However, we have 20,000 doses have been allocated least 441,976 doses of Covid-19 pandemic began. on alleged malpractices that took place at sources said.

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lives of these staff members, as well as exam the centre operated by this woman. She has The proposal for increasing the minimum Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna politicians and An island... candidates and their families, at risk. been treating people for various issues they wage of plantation workers to Rs. 1,000 supporters, and former MP Duminda Silva, The Government, on 25 February, released However, when contacted by The Morning, had for about three months,” the DIG said. was declared at the 2021 Budget reading in have faced political injustice; that the Attorney a notification permitting burial at designated Pujitha said that he has no knowledge of the The police had recorded six statements in December 2020 by Prime Minister Mahinda General’s Department and the SC are connected cemeteries under the supervision of health complaint made by the CTSU to the HRCSL respect of the death as at yesterday. Rajapaksa as the Minister of Finance. The to such; and that therefore, the SC has been authorities and in accordance with the yesterday. Ministry of Labour convened a Wages Board recommended to reconsider the decision on directions issued by the DGHS. Jayasinghe further said that though Minister to bring a resolution to the matter, as the RPCs Silva. This, the Attorneys note, is in contempt In March last year, the Government imposed of Education Prof. G.L. Peiris stated that Station masters... and the trade unions representing the workers of Court, and has resulted in the miscarriage regulations that said that the bodies of Covid- teachers would receive priority in the “That sector continues to employ traditional could not reach one. The Wages Board which of the fundamentals of natural justice. 19 victims could only be cremated. The rules vaccination rollout, no such action has been methods,” said Sri Lanka Station Masters’ met on 8 February approved the proposal by The request elaborates that if a respondent banned burial, saying that the virus could taken yet. Union (SLSMU) President Sumedha Somaratne the trade unions, to which a two week period is dissatisfied by such a Court decision, they spread by contaminating groundwater. When inquired by The Morning on 28 speaking to The Morning yesterday (01). was given for any party to raise objections. could make a personal request (as a request But Muslim groups insisted that the February regarding the request, Deputy Director According to Somaratne, the transport sector The representatives of the RPCs had failed to to reconsider a SC decision on a criminal Government’s decision had no scientific basis General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha too should adopt the latest techniques, while attend the meeting held on 19 February. case cannot be made by a third party) that the and wanted the ban lifted as cremating a body Herath said that vaccinating those on rxam duty having space for traditional methods. decision be reconsidered by a larger panel/ went against their Islamic faith. immediately provides no special protection, as Somaratne further said that the traditional bench of Judges, and that there is a specific Muslim Parliamentarians urged Pakistani it requires a period of about four weeks after ticket should be printed within Sri Lanka. Asgiri timeframe within which such a request can Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was visiting vaccination in order for sufficient protection “We have issues with the tickets which are Mahanayake... be filed. the country, to take up the issue with the Sri to develop. printed outside of the country,” said Somaratne. Meanwhile, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna- Lankan political leaders. “The first dose of the vaccine takes at According to him, the station masters had an Dr. Dhammananda Thero added that led Jathika Jana Balawegaya Leader and MP In response to the policy change, Khan least a period of four weeks from the date of issue with the train tickets that were printed focusing on the recommendations in the Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who has also thanked his Sri Lankan counterparts by vaccination to become effective. Our country’s in Japan. report is a distraction that is preventing true been implicated in the said report as being tweeting: “I thank the Sri Lankan leadership vaccination drive began in early February, so “The surface of that ticket was too shiny, and justice being meted out to the victims. among the alleged “political victimisers”, said and welcome the Sri Lankan Government’s when the exam started yesterday, there was our old date press machine was not supporting He also commented on the report’s last week that they will be taking legal action official notification allowing the burial option no time for sufficient protection to develop. it.” recommendations that called for the criminal against the PCoI report this week. However, for those who died of Covid-19.” Vaccination does not give the vaccinated any Somaratne further claimed that the station prosecution of Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General the date for this has not been finalised yet. The World Health Organisation (WHO) immediate special protection.” masters were experiencing difficulties when Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara The Gazette mandates the Commission guidance on the proper disposal of Covid-19 However, Dr. Herath said that vaccinating using these tickets, and that the Government Thero for his alleged role in inciting racial/ to inquire into and obtain information on deceased permits both burial and cremation, all teachers is important and ideal. should ask for their views before printing ethnic and religious tensions in Aluthgama alleged political victimisation; specifically and Sri Lanka was one of the few countries Responding to this, Jayasinghe said that the tickets outside of the country. and Beruwala in 2014. whether there has been any malpractice that had a mandatory cremation policy in place. requests to vaccinate the staff on exam duty “Why can’t we print this ticket through a “Gnanasara Thero merely exposed the or irregularity, or non-compliance with or International groups including the were made in advance, and that authorities local company?” he queried. Islamist extremism prevailing in the country disregard of the proper prudence, norms, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the should have paid attention to prioritising Meanwhile, the SLSMU also raised their and challenged it. He did not murder anyone guidelines, procedures, and best practices European Union (EU), Amnesty International, this staff, as the decision to schedule the concerns regarding the lack of a proper or hide swords everywhere,” claimed Dr. applicable in relation to the administration and the United Nations (UN) had also sent exam to commence yesterday, had been made communication system. Dhammananda Thero. of the Commission to Investigate Allegations repeated requests to Colombo to reconsider beforehand. “We don’t have a proper communication The report of the PCoI appointed to probe of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), and the its decision. “Pujitha made a request to vaccinate staff system where we would be able to communicate the 21 April 2019 attacks was handed over Financial Crimes Investigations Division “The imposition of cremation as the only on Exam duty on 17 February. This exam with our staff.” to the Mahanayakes (Chief Prelates) of the (FCID) and the Special Investigations Unit option for handling the bodies that were was not sudden, it was pre-planned; the risk Somaratne added that station masters tend Malwatta/Malwatte and Asgiri Chapters of (SIU) of the Police; whether they had been confirmed or suspected of Covid-19 amounts should have been identified beforehand, and to communicate using their mobile phones the Siam Sect yesterday (1). influenced or obstructed or prevented in any to a human rights violation. There has been the vaccinations should have been administered and landlines when there is a fault in the Meanwhile, a copy of the report was also manner, resulting in loss, damage, injury or no established medical or scientific evidence to them in prior.” railway system. handed over to the Archbishop of Colombo detriment, either direct or imputed, to any in Sri Lanka or other countries that burial of Meanwhile, when inquired about the ongoing “We also don’t have a way to communicate Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith yesterday, following person or persons (including public officers, dead bodies leads to increased risk of spreading examination, the CTSU also alleged that with passengers when there is a fault in the a request made earlier last month by the employees of public corporations, members of communicable diseases such as Covid-19,” teachers have faced issues in accessing the railway,” he noted. Archbishop’s House for an unedited copy. the armed forces and Police service); whether said UN experts, in a statement in January. provided transport, and that sufficient safety Speaking to The Morning, Railways General “Cardinal Ranjith received the original copy any officer entrusted with the conduct of The change in the Government’s long- equipment and sanitising facilities have not Manager M.J.D. Fernando also agreed with of the report from Hariguptha Rohanadheera investigations by them have acted under undue standing policy came one day after the been provided to exam centres. the SLSMU and said that a combined system at the Presidential Secretariat,” sources at influence by third parties, including by the Anti- departure of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran “Though it was said that special transportation is needed. the Archbishop’s House confirmed to The Corruption Unit, and whether any person had Khan, who was on a two-day state visit to facilities have been arranged, teachers have “A 100% e-ticket system will not be an Morning. committed any act of political victimisation, Sri Lanka. The Morning exclusively reported had to use three-wheelers. Only six litres of option for now since our elder generation The Morning also learnt that the All-Ceylon misuse or abuse of power, corruption, or any that Khan received “positive” responses from hand sanitiser have been provided for exam would take time to adapt to this new system,” Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) has also requested fraudulent act in relation to the functions of both President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime centres with about 150-200 students and this said Fernando. a copy of the report from the President. the said Anti Corruption Unit, the CIABOC, Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa when he had was not sufficient. Instead of surgical gloves, When queried about printing train tickets The report was tabled in Parliament last week. the FCID and the SIU or in relation to the raised the issue of allowing the bodies of some centres have been given reusable cloth overseas, he said: “Previously we printed Former President Maithripala Sirisena appointed administration of any law or the administration Muslim Covid-19 victims to be buried. gloves, and only one face shield has been our tickets from the Netherlands, and then the PCoI in September 2019 to probe the of justice. The decision also comes during the 46th provided to each centre.” from Japan, since we haven’t had any other terrorist attacks that occurred on Easter Sunday The Commission comprised retired SC Regular Session of the UN Human Rights However, Pujitha denied the claim that option. We need 60 million train tickets per 2019. The Commission consisted of Supreme Judge, Justice (J.) Upali Abeyrathne (Chairman Council (UNHRC), where the Permanent sufficient sanitising facilities have not been year, and we have received 30 million from Court Judge Justice Janak de Silva, Court of of the Commission), retired Court of Appeal Missions of the UK, Canada, Germany, provided. Japan already.” Appeal Judge Justice Nishshanka Bandula Judge, Daya Chandrasiri Jayathilaka J., and Montenegro, and North Macedonia – countries “Sufficient sanitising liquid and soap have However, according to Fernando, the Sri Karunaratne, High Court Judges (Retd.) Nihal retired Inspector General of Police Chandra that form the Core Group of Countries for Sri been provided to all exam centres. Face shields Lanka Railways Department has made a Sunil Rajapaksha and A.L. Bandula Kumara Fernando. Lanka – is submitting a resolution on Sri Lanka. have been provided for those on duty in the request from the Ministry of Industries and Atapattu, former Secretary to the Ministry of It is understood that the Government of special Exam centres for candidates with Commerce to print train tickets locally, where Justice R. Adhikari, and the Secretary to the Sri Lanka is counting on the support of the Covid-19.” they hope to have a report in this regard, within Commission Buwaneka Herath. Lankan fishers... Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) The GCE O/L examination that began six months. The Morning reported yesterday that countries, which includes Pakistan, in defeating yesterday will go on until 11 March in 4,513 “I don’t think that we have to show the Prof. de Silva has made a formal request for this resolution. On 23 February, OIC Secretary centres for 622,352 candidates. A total of samples to the station masters or to any other diplomatic intervention to secure the release General Yousef Al Othaimeen raised the issue 750 “Sisu Seriya” buses have been deployed party. We are printing our tickets from our Victimisation... of the fishermen in Myanmar. of mandatory cremation of Covid-19 victims in to provide transport for staff and candidates only available option, and we don’t have any The letter addressed to the CJ yesterday Speaking to The Morning on 28 February, Sri Lanka in his speech made to the UNHRC during the entire Examination period. Also, alternatives,” he further added. (01) also requested the CJ to investigate as MFA Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Session. Therefore, the change in policy may 38 Covid-19 positive candidates are reported Regarding a proper internal communication to whether the PCoI recommendations have Colombage said that the MFA is working have been towards securing OIC support, to have sat for their exam yesterday, whereas system, Fernando said that it is already under caused damage to the court system and the on negotiating the release of the fishermen. even though there has been no such official the exam has reported no absentees. a pilot project and would be established within rights of citizens. However, he said that it is proving difficult attribution by the Government a few months, but that this would not include The request stated that the PCoI on political as the military Government is in power, and passenger communication. vengeance established under the Extraordinary the country is in turmoil. GoSL to... Gazette Number 2157/44 issued on 09 January Last month, the Marine Police arrested five O/L teachers... According to area residents, the shaman at 2020 does not provide the Commission any persons who were suspected to have engaged The complaint also said that the lives of 4.3 the place where exorcisms were performed Rs. 1,000 wage... power to make recommendations on courts in electro-fishing along the Ayeyarwady Coast. million students and their families have been had assaulted the child, demanding that the De Silva added that this was a victory, or court decisions, and that the Commission’s It could not be confirmed that the Sri Lankan jeopardised by not vaccinating the teachers, demon which had allegedly possessed the child, considering that the preceding Governments recommendations have therefore caused fishermen were detained for the same offence. principals, and other school staff members. leave the child’s body. The female exorcist had failed to provide a minimum wage for contempt of court, miscarriage of justice, and A power grab by the Myanmar military and Speaking to The Morning, CTSU General had allegedly struck the girl repeatedly with the workers. disgraced the autonomy of the SC, its good the detention of the country’s civilian leadership Secretary Mahinda Jayasinghe said that a cane, claiming that it was a way to drive out However, speaking to The Morning, PA name, and the faith placed in it by the public. plunged Myanmar into chaos in early February, numerous requests made to Director General the demon that had possessed the child. The Spokesman Dr. Roshan Rajadurai said that The request has been filed by AALs Achala leading to widespread global condemnation. of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Asela child had collapsed after the severe beating she the decision taken yesterday would lead to Seneviratne, Senaka Perera, Thambiah For three weeks since then, huge crowds have Gunawardena to vaccinate the staff performing had received and was found dead on admission disastrous consequences for the sector. Jeyaratnarajah, and Namal Rajapaksha. taken to the streets across the country, calling exam duties had led to no action. to the hospital. “We are disappointed in this outcome. The Attorneys further noted that the for State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi’s “We had to lodge a complaint at the HRCSL The mother of the deceased child and the We have already sent letters of repudiation Commission appointed by the President has release and the restoration of civilian rule. At because we did not receive any responses for female shaman who is said to have conducted stating our withdrawal from the Collective been given the power to inquire into alleged the United Nations (UN) Special Session on the requests made. Pujitha made a request on the ritual were taken into Police custody and Agreements to the trade unions and the Labour cases of political victimisation that had the military coup, the Myanmar UN Envoy 17 February, and the CTSU made a request on were remanded till 12 March by the Mahara Commissioner General,” added Dr. Rajadurai. taken place between 08 January 2015 and 19 Kyaw Moe Tun appealed to the international 23 February to Dr. Gunawardena, to vaccinate Magistrate’s Court yesterday, according to A quorum of two trade union representatives, November 2019, and to provide a final report. community to actively oppose the coup. He the staff performing exam duties.” Police Media Spokesman, Deputy Inspector two representatives from the employers side, However, the Attorneys state that the was seen at the Session giving a three-finger The CTSU said that not vaccinating the staff General of Police Ajith Rohana. and two from the Government are needed to recommendations of the report submitted to salute to the protestors in his home country, on exam duty against Covid-19 has placed the “We have received more information about reach a decision at the Wages Board. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa mention that who are currently denouncing the coup. 43 Tuesday, March 2, 2021 { NEWS } „„ www.themorning.lk Adhere to health guidelines despite Zero absentees at vaccination: Police Police Spokesman DIG Ajith not provide complete protection Rohana yesterday (1) stated that against the virus. the people should adhere to health Meanwhile, a total of 24,631 O/Levels, 38 Covid guidelines, despite receiving the police personnel engaged in the Covishield vaccine. health sector have been vaccinated He stated that all individuals so far, Police Spokesman DIG should strictly wear face masks, Ajith Rohana said. He said the adhere to health guidelines, and vaccination drive kicked off sanitise their hands on a regular by vaccinating the staff at the positive students sit basis. police hospitals at Colombo and It was further revealed that the Kundasale. first dose of the vaccine does Another five Covid-19 z Ceylon Teachers’ Union complains teachers summoned for trivial tasks deaths were reported yesterday, increasing the total number of BY MIHI PERERA Covid deaths in the country to All the candidates who qualified for the GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) 476, the Government Information Examination, which commenced yesterday (1), were present at the Department said. examination centres, according to the Commissioner General of On Sunday, a total of 56 Covid Examinations Sanath Poojitha. patients were reported from the The Commissioner of Examinations Police Spokesman Deputy Inspector Thalangama area, out of the district also stated that 38 students had attended General (DIG) Ajith Rohana said that total of 112 in Colombo, with 352 special examination centres for children the Police are vigilant of sound pollution islandwide cases reported. infected with the Covid-19 virus. in areas where the O/L exams are being In Gampaha District, 57 patients The examination will be held over held. He stated that every year the Police were reported, while the highest the next 10 days. receive complaints of sound pollution number was reported from He further said that all health during exam hours, and urged the public Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana Katunayake, with 14. instructions were followed at the to co-operate with educational authorities examination centres, including and reduce noise pollution in school temperature checks, regular areas. Over 4,500 forest acres handwashing, mandatory wearing of Meanwhile, the Ceylon Teachers’ face masks, and social distancing. Union (CTU) said yesterday that teachers The GCE O/L Examination is being held currently, in adherence to health guidelines A special service to transport staff should not be summoned for trivial and destroyed with Govt. on duty and students sitting for the unnecessary tasks at examination halls spread,” the Union said. of the CTU stated. O/L Examination 2020 to respective due to the threat of Covid-19. It stated that they have received They stated that they had made a examination centres has been launched “We have received complaints that complaints of teachers roaming request to the Commissioner General backing: Youth group by the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB). teachers have been called for O/L exam unnecessarily in exam halls after being of Examination as well to prevent such The Socialist Youth Union was destroyed by Minister Accordingly, 750 buses deployed under duty for trivial and unnecessary tasks. summoned for trivial tasks. gatherings of teachers and other external (SYU) yesterday (1) presented the S.M. Chandrasena in Ratmale the “Sisu Seriya” Programme will be in We shouldn’t forget that the exam was “Therefore, we should limit parties in exam halls. extent of allegedly deforested areas Dahaiyagala,” Wishwanath said. operation during the entire examination postponed from December to March unnecessary gatherings of teachers in This year’s GCE O/L Examination under the present Government, He also pointed out that several period. because of the danger of Covid-19 schools for exam duty,” a representative commenced at 4,513 centres yesterday. including 4,562 acres of forest in areas in Dahaiyagala, Ratmale Galolayaya. were deforested yesterday night Deadline extended Shall secure everyone’s Committee member Sanjaya as well. rights regardless of gender, Wishwanath stated that mass “A further 700 acres in for renewal of destruction of forests and wetlands Muthurajawala, 20 acres in sexuality, race: Prez had taken place with the present Rajapeella, eight acres in Elephant firearms licenses Government’s blessing and the help Pass, 10 acres in Yakkure, 21 acres of close friends of the Government. in Karuwalagaswewa, and 10 acres The grace period given to renew licenses He stated that two acres of in Thanamalwila Kodagoda has issued to all firearms has been extended till Ramsar wetland in Anawilundawa, been destroyed by the present 31 May 2021, the Defence Ministry said 10 acres in Wanathawilluwa, government,” he concluded. yesterday (1). and 4,562 in Galolayaya were The Government has faced The grace period earlier, given due to destroyed. numerous allegations from the Covid-19 restrictions, ended on Sunday “Further, 1,500 acres of forest opposition, environmentalists, (28 February). was destroyed by a friend of a and the clergy that it has politician in Wilpattu under the enabled deforestation, despite Appeal Court to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday guise of cultivating aloe vera. being elected on a mandate of (1) said that he is determined to secure Another 150 acres of forest environmental protection. consider Shani bail everyone’s right to live life with dignity regardless of age, gender, sexuality, race, application on 17th physical appearance, and beliefs. Six provincial directors “As the president of Sri Lanka, I am The Court of Appeal yesterday (1) said determined to secure everybody’s right Air show today for that it will consider the petitions filed by to live life with dignity regardless of age, of National Police former Criminal Investigation Department gender, sexuality, race, physical appearance, (CID) Director Shani Abeysekara and and beliefs,” the President said, while Commission resign 70th anniversary former CID Sub Inspector (SI) Sugath acknowledging Zero Discrimination Day. Mendis seeking bail, on March 17. Provincial directors of six Chairman of the NPC. of Air Force provinces of the National Police Responding to these claims, Commission (NPC) have resigned National Police Commission An Air Force Parade and an also extended its support to the Resume development projects with effect from yesterday (1), the Chairman former IGP Chandra air show would be held today air show, which is scheduled NPC Spokesperson said. Fernando says that the provincial (2) to coincide with the 70th to be held till 5 March at the Accordingly, provincial directors have resigned not for Anniversary of the Air Force, Galle Face Green, Colombo. abandoned by Yahapalanaya: PM directors of the NPC Southern, the stated reason, but due to their according to the Commander The show is scheduled Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa informed the Prime Minister that a number Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, own inefficiency. of the Air Force Air to begin today under yesterday (1) instructed officials to resume of development projects have been abandoned North Western, and Western Provincial directors who are Marshal Sudharshana the patronage of a number of urban development projects during the last five years of the previous Provinces (Gampaha and senior administrative officers have Pathirana. President Gotabaya that were abandoned during the previous Government. Kalutara) have resigned from been working in their positions The Indian Air Force has Rajapaksa. “Yahapalana” Government’s tenure. The Prime Minister also instructed the their posts. since 2012. The NPC Spokesman He instructed the officials of the Ministry Government to restart a number of projects They had claimed that they stated that replacements will be of Finance and the Ministry of Urban that have been abandoned by the resigned due to issues with the made in the near future. Development and Housing to resume construction companies under the a number of such urban development previous Government. projects from yesterday. Special attention was also paid During a discussion held at the Ministry to urban development, waste of Finance on the project issues of the conservation, waste disposal, and 12 road accident Ministry of Urban Development and community sanitation. The Prime Housing, the Prime Minister reviewed Minister said that in addition to the progress of development the revenue earned by the deaths on Sunday projects that were to be Urban Development A total of 12 deaths have been same day, while four individuals implemented under the Authority for all reported from road accidents on succumbed to injuries sustained Ministry of Urban projects, the Sunday (28 February), stated Police from previous accidents. Development and General Treasury Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana The Police Spokesman stated Housing and should also send Prime yesterday (1). that people should prevent reckless are currently Minister the necessary Eight out of the 12 deaths that and drunk driving in order to underway. Mahinda financial occurred on Sunday were due to reduce the daily road accidents A group Rajapaksa allocations. accidents that took place on the and deaths. KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM PHOTOS of officials Trump doesn’t rule out 2024 run but rules out new party In his first public appearance even decide to beat them for a any evidence. unusual for a former US Loyal Trump supporters had since leaving office, former US third time.” Biden got 81 million votes in president who only left office gathered at the conference in President Donald Trump did not Trump was implying that he the election and a clear majority quite recently. Trump charged the past few days. They shouted rule out the possibility that he actually won the November of the electorate. More than 74 that Biden had “the most “USA, USA,” “We love you”, might run again in 2024, dpa election against Democrat Joe million Americans voted for disastrous first month of a and “You won” at Trump’s news said. Biden. Trump. president in modern history,” and speech at the close of the CPAC Speaking at the Conservative The ex-President, who moved Trump also rejected calls for accused him again of wanting conference. Political Action Conference to his Mar-a-Lago resort in the founding of a new political to turn the US into a “socialist Critics of the former (CPAC) conference in Orlando, Florida after leaving the White party. “We have the Republican country,” a familiar Republican president from within the Florida on Sunday (28 February), House on 20 January, continues Party,” he asserted, adding that rallying cry. party stayed away from the the Republican did not expressly to repeat his untruthful claims the party would be unified and Trump remains very popular Conservative conference this declare that he would be running about a “stolen election”, and stronger than ever before. with the Republican party and year. again in the next US presidential steadfastly refuses to admit his He dismissed reports about the his base. In an informal poll of The annual event normally election. defeat. possible founding of a Trump CPAC participants, 95% were takes place in Washington, but But hinting at a possible He claims to have been robbed party as “fake news”. in favour of continuing Trump’s was moved to Orlando this fresh run in 2024, the one-term of victory by massive electoral Trump sharply criticised policies. 70% would like Trump year due to looser Covid-19 former President said: “I may fraud, but has never presented Biden’s policies, which is to run again in 2024. restrictions in Florida. 4 „„ www.themorning.lk { EDITORIAL/OPINION } Tuesday, March 2, 2021

When BY SARITHA IRUGALBANDARA

“He made another profile,” I protectors remember telling my friend over the phone, adding: “I’m so tired.” A few weeks prior, I had begun receiving messages from an become unknown person on Instagram. If you’re a woman with a public online presence, this is nothing new, and predators incessant messaging from men is both annoyingly and disturbingly The main duty of the Police is to serve and commonplace. Generally, I, like protect the public, and the powers vested with most women, ignore, delete, and the Police to arrest and detain suspects are block, and go about the day. I did the same this time around. intended to be used to fulfill that duty. With the A few hours later, there was another recent incident of a law student being allegedly profile. I would block and delete, but brutally assaulted by Police officers attached new profiles would sprout in their place, to the Peliyagoda Police Station, came to light with the messages ranging from hellos, deal with complaints of cyber crime, the sorry state of the relationship between the to declarations of love, to choice words survivors are often re-victimised. law enforcement authorities and the public. about my body and what he would do Can the new As a first step in what WIN is hopeful to it. would be the right direction, introducing Even though investigations in this connection The final straw was when he created these new offences and penalties are still in progress, Sri Lanka has a history of three profiles in under an hour. I was will transform the approach to GBV, incidents of Police torture. exhausted. Ignoring had not worked. particularly in resisting against the Blocking was futile. Confrontation only cyber laws culture of stigma and shame associated Incidents of Police torture, both within and outside Police stations, is not at all a new issue seemed to harden his resolve to try and with cyber sexual violence. contact me. iProbono in Sri Lanka Director AAL to Sri Lanka, and human rights activists have, “There’s nothing we can do; contact Aritha Wickramasinghe maintains that on many occasions, raised concerns about such the Criminal Investigations Department protect victims? the introduction of these offences into incidents and sought the assistance of the courts. (CID) Cyber Crime Unit,” said the Sri the letter of the law would bring in Incidents involving Gerald Mervin Perera, who Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness safety mechanisms have marginally CID Cyber Crime Unit – 0112326979 much needed clarity in this area, and Team (SLCERT), which is “the single improved over the last few years due that their suggestions were based on was murdered before giving evidence in court SLCERT – 0112691692 against Police officers who had tortured him, and trusted source of advice about the latest to growing pressure from advocacy buttressing survivors’ access to justice. threats and vulnerabilities affecting groups, women and girls remain largely Women In Need – 0775676555 “There are no specific laws which Roshen Chanaka, who died after being shot by computer systems and networks”, unprotected. address issues of harassment in general. the Police during a protest in Katunayake, are according to their official website. The In the last two weeks, a popular involvement of non-governmental Laws that address sexual violence among the most infamous incidents of Police breadth of their “incident handling”, I Sri Lankan artist found herself on the organisations with years of experience are very specific in that they pertain torture Sri Lanka has witnessed. was told, was to deal with hacking. receiving end of widespread sexual in advocating for justice for cyber to contexts such as rape and forms Needless to say, such incidents of torture have A stoic voice at the Cyber Crime harassment over a video that was not violence gave me reason to approach of sexual abuse which require a form Unit at the CID told me that all they even of her. After a tearful interview in this with a little more optimism than of physical presence. As such, they irrevocably tarnished the name of the Police could do was block the email address which she expressed her frustration at usual. are very inadequate in their ability to force, despite only a handful of officers being connected to the account. Instead of what was transpiring, the public was still Six new cyber-related offences address cyber sexual violence, revenge responsible. reassurance, I was curtly told to submit divided; some empathised, while some are proposed: harassment, bullying, porn, even voyeurism,” he adds, hoping In light of the rise in custodial deaths, last a form detailing “the problem”. I was insisted that this was a publicity stunt. voyeurism, non-consensual intimate that the introduction of new, specific year, the Human Rights Commission of Sri never actually given confirmation that As someone monitoring and reporting detail sharing (revenge porn), stalking, offences with detailed examples and even the blocking of the email had been incidences of such violence, I can and doxxing (the act of publicly illustrations will push law enforcement Lanka (HRCSL) wrote to the Inspector General done. Further legal action would require confirm that she is only one out of the revealing, without consent, private, to recognise and take expedient action. of Police (IGP) stressing that the occurrence a visit to the local Police station, I was many whose images were disseminated personal, identifying information about In the long-term, the hope is that this of custodial deaths would create a serious told, before the officer hung up on the and shared due to a “leak”; she just an individual or organisation, usually enhanced clarity will translate into problematic situation about the country’s rule other end. happens to be the only one with a public through the internet, and usually with subverting the stigma and victim- of law. Also in the letter, the HRCSL revealed Setting aside that blocking an email presence. In fact, women need not malice aforethought and for malicious blaming that impede access to and the a disturbing fact, i.e. between June and 21 was as ineffective as trying to empty even have an online presence to endure purposes). granting of justice for survivors. the ocean using a bucket, there are still violence; there are plenty of photos “The proposed Laws cover an October 2020, eight incidents of custodial two profiles that are sequestered to my taken without consent, with identities array of situations that haven’t been Tackling issues at their root deaths had been reported in Sri Lanka. message requests; by now I had learnt and contact details revealed on public previously governed, and we are While legal reform may provide some Incidents of Police torture are not just a human that blocking would mean new profiles. groups, and these women often have no advocating for Laws to keep pace answers to the ever-growing concern rights issue; they also amount to violating the A cultural problem knowledge if and when they are faced with developing issues so that victims of safety for women and girls online, I country’s supreme law, the Constitution, which, with a barrage of harassing and abusive have recourse to justice, and that these am personally not entirely convinced Sri Lanka is not a safe space for messages. protections extend to cyberspace,” says that new laws adequately address what in its Article 11, says that no person should be women, and that extends to our I wonder if the man who created over Women in Need (WIN) organisation is intrinsically a cultural and structural subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman, or internet. Online violence, after all, is 15 profiles to harass me also found me Legal and Project Manager Attorney-at- issue. That is not to discredit the work degrading treatment or punishment. an extension of that which takes place through one of these pages. I wonder, Law (AAL) Mariam Wadood. and considerations of organisations According to psychology, at times, a person offline. The culture of shame and guilt during every work day, pouring over She highlights the interlinked barriers such as WIN and iProbono that would subjecting another person to torture gets a associated with sexuality, especially that page after page of images of women of the lack of Police action geared inform these new Amendments. My feeling of superiority and authority, and when of women and anyone else who is not a being used and shared without their towards protecting victims and a lack of grievances with the legal system, in heterosexual man, also subdues victims consent, for purposes they did not laws governing technology-facilitated how it deals with violence against it comes to the matter of Police torture, what into silence when violence occurs. consent to, whether I will ever come violence. Wadood points out how in her women and girls could span a thesis of it actually shows is not powerfulness, but A sitting President made international across my own images. own work at WIN, the observation is its own. powerlessness. Why do certain Police officers headlines for threatening to whip, with that even when external organisations In a society that routinely engages a stingray tail, those who “desecrated New measures for offer legal and psychological support in the misogynistic mental gymnastics feel the need to subject another person to taking action torture? It is due to certain Police officers the culture” because a woman’s for victims, this does not necessarily required to suppress women’s agency undergarment was thrown on stage at The newly proposed reforms to the translate to effective redress. “At the while simultaneously insisting that any lacking the skills and knowledge to achieve a concert. I wondered then whether the Penal Code promise to bring about end of the day, it is the law enforcement violence – especially sexual violence – what they want without resorting to violence, response would be the same if it was a positive change in the form of legal who need to take action. When there’s was invited and provoked, are new laws and in some cases, because they are sadistic. man’s underwear. redress for survivors of cyber violence no criminal sanctions, the Police have going to make much of a difference in All it takes to hurt and instill fear in another The status quo has always been and exploitation. The Committee led no way of forging forward.” the way of bridging the justice gap? person, in order to get them to do something, one that suppresses women’s sex and by the Ministry of Youth and Sports So what does this mean for victim- Grassrooted Trust organisation is a sadistic mind capable of doing that. It sexuality, where even the allusion of and consisting of several partner centricity? “The legal system of Programme Manager and Coalition of sexuality will be enough for the victim organisations is in the process of Sri Lanka – from the laws, to law Feminists for Social Change (COFEM) does not take any skills. If the Police feel the to be blamed, or in the least be met with reforming and introducing Amendments enforcement, to the Judiciary – are Advocacy Consultant Sharanya need to use violence when they come across a veiled accusations of somehow inviting to the Penal Code, including six new not sensitive to victims, to women, Sekaram believes that while legal challenging situation, what would be the point violation. offences related to cyber violence. to people’s privacy,” says Wadood. reform is not wholly unwelcome, the of the Department of Police conducting in-depth The ease of access to the internet and Truthfully, I am staunchly suspicious She points to how at the hands of issue is with the non-implementation training for Police officers, spending taxpayers’ social media has created a new modality of the merits of punitive justice, and law enforcement unequipped with of current laws. It does little in the way for sexuality and gender-based violence. this only grows stronger every passing the sensitivity training, technical of remedying the culture of shame and hard-earned money? Incidents of Police torture While community standards and related day in this Police State. However, the knowledge, and infrastructure to stigma around cyber sexual violence, emphasise the need to include tactful ways of and the demonisation of the internet as dealing with tense situations and also anger some new evil, instead of understanding management in the training programmes for this form of violence as an extension of the Police force. If such subjects are taught the existing evil of normalised sexual already, well, it raises the alarming question violence against women, girls, and gender minorities. that the Police resort to violence despite having “Most of the existing laws can be been trained to refrain from violence. used. The problem is that they are not In Sri Lanka, the relationship between the used at all. Insisting on implementing Police and the public is not what it is supposed to the existing ones properly and letting be. The Police, instead of serving and protecting that inform what new laws are needed is a better approach,” she says, and I the public, can be seen playing God, while am inclined to agree. While the specific the public, despite being more powerful in a offences created would, on paper, democratic State, remain under the impression provide more concrete grounds for legal that they are inferior to the Police. recourse for victims, does it remedy the This situation has in turn resulted in the public deeper structural issues of a maladapted fearing the Police due to the mere reason that law enforcement institution? A good case for this would be how the the Police are the Police, and this fear weakens local Police handle cases of domestic the public’s power and access to justice. This abuse. Even though the Prevention of cycle will continue until the day each party Domestic Violence Act, No 34 has been understands what their role is, and the Police in force since 2005, women making especially, understand that they are meant to be formal reports under its provisions do not receive much in the way of justice the protectors of citizens, not their predators. or support from the law enforcement. According to the Women’s Wellbeing No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. Survey - 2019, one in five Sri Lankan Fax - 011 2 673 441 women have experienced intimate General - 011 5 200 900 partner violence, and 37.3% of women Sales & Marketing - 076 1 367 612 sought formal support from the Police, Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367 620 but the proportion of women satisfied E-mail - [email protected] by the support they received was Investigations Desk - 077 7 714 078 comparatively low compared to other Website - www.themorning.lk formal support systems, including health care services and even religious leaders. Contd. on page 5 45 Tuesday, March 2, 2021 { SPOTLIGHT } „„ www.themorning.lk

A nurse administering the announced that the Ministry of Health drive is not based on anyone’s ethnicity Covid-19 vaccine is planning to vaccinate 14 million or profession, and that those registered PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE people out of the total population as voters in a grama niladhari division and that the Cabinet of Ministers had and are over the age of 30 are eligible granted approval to purchase a total under the second stage. of 13.5 million doses of the Oxford- “There were issues in the past few AstraZeneca vaccine from India and days when administering the Covid-19 the UK. As per this decision, the vaccine in several areas, including the Government is to purchase 10 million Western Province, due to the instructions doses at a cost of $ 52.5 million from regarding the vaccination drive being India’s Serum Institute as a direct unclear and certain people such as procurement, and 3.5 doses million politicians and public officials trying to from the AstraZeneca institute in exert undue influence to get their family Britain after the State Pharmaceuticals members or acquaintances outside the Corporation (SPC) entered into an priority list vaccinated. There were also agreement with the said institute. incidents where PHIs were pressurised In addition, the Cabinet had decided and threatened by certain parties, and the to sign the standardised indemnification public was also inconvenienced. agreement submitted by the Covax “Also, having different instructions mechanism in order to expedite the for various groups of healthcare vaccination under the Covax Facility. workers administering the vaccination drive caused issues. While some What is the Covax Facility? had been instructed to vaccinate As the global Covid-19 pandemic people above the age of 60, some had worsened, a pressing need to effectively been instructed to vaccinate people and efficiently carry out Covid-19 between the ages of 30 and 60. Due management efforts arose. As part of to these issues, on 26 February, those these efforts, a global public-private- administering the vaccination in the philanthropic collaboration, named Gampaha District withdrew from Access to Covid-19 Tools (ACT), duties and informed health authorities was created in order to accelerate in the Western Province as well as the the development, manufacture, and Director General of Health Services. VACCINATION fair distribution of Covid-19 tests, As a result, the Health Minister issued treatments, and vaccines. Covax is the specific guidelines in writing with vaccine pillar of the ACT initiative. regard to the priority list.” Currently, 190 countries have joined He added that issuing different the Covax Facility. According to instructions for different groups of the WHO, all South Asian countries healthcare workers is likely to cause including Sri Lanka have partnered issues as there is no uniformity in the with this initiative. vaccination drive. According to the Covax interim “The Covid-19 vaccination is a new distribution forecast as of 3 February, vaccine which is still in its clinical test Sri Lanka has been allocated an stage. Therefore, some people may indicative distribution of more than have complications. In the event certain SL VS. REST 1.6 million doses of the Oxford- people experience complications due AstraZeneca vaccine from the Serum to the vaccine, it would be difficult Institute in India. The indicative to gather data and information from distribution doses specify the around the country, if the vaccine contracted number of doses for Q1 and has been administered on groups Q2 supply, with 35-40% available in of different ages. This would have OF THE WORLD Q1 and 60-65% available in Q2. created a hugely problematic situation. BY SUMUDU CHAMARA reported that Bhutanese authorities However, with the Minister of Health Following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic last year, in less than were waiting until the country receives Vaccination: issuing proper guidelines, for the time 12 months, researchers from around the world developed several vaccines Covid-19 vaccines for all citizens A collective effort being, we do not expect any more to protect people from the virus that has already caused over 2.5 million eligible to be vaccinated, and were also Even though the first stage of the issues. However, if certain parties try deaths. It is observed that the entire world has now reached a juncture where planning to look into the potential side vaccination drive was carried out to change this process again in order to collective Covid-19 management efforts are of utmost importance. effects of the Covid-19 vaccine after flawlessly, the second stage, which fulfill their needs, issues may arise.” evaluating the situation in the country. intended to vaccinate the public, came Balasuriya emphasised that when The focus of all such vaccines is to highest number of Covid-19 cases after The Guardian reported that Pakistan under fire due to several reasons. vaccinating the public, the latter group enhance people’s immune systems, the US. According to Al Jazeera, India has decided to allow private companies First of all, the website introduced too has a huge responsibility to assist thereby making sure people do not has vaccinated more than 12 million to import Covid-19 vaccines and has by the State Ministry of Primary healthcare workers, adding that those get severe complications even if they frontline healthcare workers under the exempted the vaccines from price caps Healthcare, Epidemics, and Covid who were vaccinated due to their happen to contract the virus. initial stage of their vaccination drive, in a divisive move that health experts Disease Control for the public to register eligibility requesting the vaccine for A large number of countries have and has now started vaccinating the fear will create vast inequalities in to receive the Covid-19 vaccine has their relatives or family members who commenced Covid-19 vaccination country’s elderly population as well access. As of mid-last month, Pakistan not been functioning for several weeks. are ineligible sets a bad precedent. programmes, and to continue it as a as those with health conditions. India had only been able to secure the vaccine Those who access the website can see He also stressed that all citizens have collective endeavour, countries and has identified people over the ages of manufactured by China’s Sinopharm. a message about the website’s purpose, the same rights as per the Constitution global health organisations have come 60 and 45 with medical conditions as Foreign media also reported that saying “this website is currently being and that the public should understand forward to support countries in need eligible to be vaccinated. Pakistan was expecting 17 million updated and will be available shortly”, that depending on the eligibility of support. Foreign media also reported vaccines from the World Health which is unacceptable at a time when criteria, which is applicable to all Similar to Sri Lanka’s Covid-19 that the vaccine is given for free at Organisation (WHO)-supported Covax the second stage of the vaccination drive citizens, some of their family members vaccination drive, many countries government hospitals and is also sold initiative and that the country had only has already begun. may get vaccinated while some may, have prioritised those who were at over 10,000 private hospitals at vaccinated over 30,000 healthcare Secondly and most importantly, for the time being, not. He noted that identified as groups at high risk of a fixed rate of Indian Rs. 250. The workers as of last month. Moreover, the health authorities’ “priority list” – when carrying out a vaccination drive People too contracting the virus, due to the Indian Government has announced the people of Pakistan had on some which the health authorities said was according to a certain set of guidelines, aggressiveness of the virus as well that it would allow people to choose occasions refused to be vaccinated out for the purpose of prioritising those all parties should express their support. have a as factors such as the availability of their vaccination centres. of fear of negative health impacts of the who need to be vaccinated before Balasuriya further noted that due to adequate doses and affordability. Nepal also commenced its Chinese vaccine, it was further reported. others – also came under fire due to the complicated situation regarding responsibility vaccination drive on 27 January Bangladesh began its Covid-19 multiple allegations that certain parties the above-mentioned issues, some Global Covid-19 and, like Sri Lanka, gave priority vaccination programme early last outside the priority list had attempted also level allegations against PHIs and in vaccine vaccination drive to frontline healthcare workers month, with the aim of vaccinating to get vaccinated. some have even told the media that According to statistics, currently the initially. Reuters reported that Nepal 3.5 million people in the first month, The Morning earlier reported PHIs oppressed them. He stressed that drive: PHIs global seven-day moving average of was planning to cover 72% of its Reuters said, adding that the country an incident where certain parties there is no oppression and that PHIs administered doses of vaccination is 30 million population. Last month, was planning to inoculate 80% of its had allegedly tried to influence are required to act in accordance with about 4.8 million per day. Nepal approved the emergency use of population of around 170 million. healthcare workers to get the Covid-19 the guidelines they have received. He Govt. to get CNN reported that among the a Covid-19 vaccine developed by an vaccination, claiming to be in the list of further emphasised that health workers top 10 countries/territories that had affiliate of China’s Sinopharm. The SL’s Covid-19 vaccine drive a prominent Colombo-based politician, working at the grassroots level are 13.5 million administered the most number of country received one million doses of The first stage of the much- despite not being in the priority list the ones who are subjected to undue doses of Covid-19 vaccines per the Covid-19 vaccine from India in anticipated Covid-19 vaccination in the first place. Health authorities influence more than others, noting that vaccines 100 persons are Gibraltar, Israel, January and is also expected to receive drive in Sri Lanka commenced on 29 had also confirmed that there were due to minor issues, all the good work Seychelles, the United Arab Emirates vaccines from China. January, a day after Sri Lanka received reports of certain parties attempting to done by PHIs have been devalued. (UAE), the Falkland Islands, the XinhuaNet, quoting the President a stock of half a million doses of the influence healthcare workers. The Covid-19 vaccination drive is Cayman Islands, the UK, Guernsey, of the Maldives, reported that the Oxford-AstraZeneca (also known as To look into the status quo of the expected to bring about a huge change Jersey, and Bermuda. Maldives was planning to vaccinate “Covishield”) vaccine from India. second stage of the vaccination drive, to Sri Lankans’ lives; however, that Meanwhile, Great powers such its citizens within six months. The The first stage of the drive gave The Morning spoke to the Public change would not be possible through as the US, Mainland China, India, Maldives started its vaccination priority to frontline healthcare workers Health Inspectors’ Union of Sri Lanka vaccination alone, as the vaccination in Germany, Russia, and Canada had programme on 1 February, giving as well as selected members of the (PHIU), who are directly involved in itself cannot guarantee that we would administered a relatively lesser priority to frontline healthcare workers defence and police forces who work the vaccination drive along with other be safe from Covid-19. It is of utmost number of doses. However, over and vulnerable groups. The country closely with Covid-19 management healthcare workers. importance that everyone, vaccinated a period of 73 days, the US had received 100,000 doses of the Oxford- efforts. The second stage of the drive The PHIU said that even though there or not, keep in mind that the vaccine administered a total of 72,806,180 AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured by commenced on 15 February and is were a few hiccups in the administration can make us immune to Covid-19 only doses, while China had administered India’s Serum Institute. currently in progress, giving priority to of the Covid-19 vaccination due to to a certain extent. 40,520,000 doses within 72 days. Meanwhile, Bhutan received the public, especially those who deal unclear guidelines, with the Minister Adhering to Covid-19 health Statistics showed that Sri Lanka 150,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine with a larger number of persons and of Health issuing specific guidelines in regulations is still necessary. At has administered two doses per 100 from India in January. However, as of are at high risk of contracting Covid- writing, the vaccination drive is now in the same time, adapting to a new persons and 441,976 doses over a last week, Bhutan had not administered 19, such as the elderly population. step with the standard guidelines. lifestyle, particularly through period of 27 days. the vaccine, as the country has adopted Under the Government’s plans to PHIU Secretary Mahesh Balasuriya, healthier eating habits and physical Looking at the situation in the South a wait-and-watch policy, The Straits continue and expand the vaccination speaking of the much-talked-about activity that help strengthen the Asian region, India has recorded the Times reported. Foreign media also drive, the Government last week priority list, said that the vaccination immune system, is also important.

Contd. from page 4

When women choose to report, the themselves, the blaming and shaming is But would this be adequate to alleviate the even in circumstances where someone has Can the... process is also one that re-victimises and bound to be heightened. absence of clear institutional direction, the access to the necessary knowledge of the The problem in the process re-traumatises. As Wadood puts it: “Women “The system itself is not supportive towards lack of clear cross-institution communication, avenues of justice available, the system is still in general are subject to lots of pressures victims. Police officers not trained to be leading to the bottleneck that takes place at relentlessly anti-victim. The stories are numerous of the law when approaching the Police, not just for sensitive, the process is de-humanising and the Cyber Crime Unit of the CID, and the As such, my one wish is that these laws enforcement treating such violence as a civil cyber violence. There is a lot of victim- long, you’re asked extremely painful personal legal backlog due to a snail-paced judicial would validate forms of cyber violence as dispute; women are told to make peace, and blaming, there’s a question of ‘what did you details, and the assumption is that you’re mechanism that has made justice become legitimate forms of violence, and as such to “sort it out” between the husband and wife. do to provoke this?’. It’s a lot to unpack with not telling the truth,” added Sekaram, an all a costly process, both psychologically and compel the local Police to act as the first point If offline violence, understood normatively as that attitude.” too familiar experience for many of us who financially? of response. Whether this would happen is yet violence, is treated this way, what guarantees Cyber sexual violence is still not fully have ever spoken about experiences of sexual While I am yet again skeptical of how new to be seen and it is still too premature to make are there that the new laws would ensure that understood as a matter of consent, power, violence. As such, another intended effect laws would effectively translate to alleviating conclusions, but as with any change, it is a the Police, who are even less equipped to and a legitimate form of violence. Because of the new laws is to build and buttress the the structural issues which persist, I am also waiting game. counter online violence, would treat it with it is conceived of as a consequence of capacity of the local Police to act as the first cautiously optimistic. If the anecdote at the (The author is a Social Media Analyst at more seriousness? women abusing the internet and victimising response to cyber violence. beginning of this is any evidence, it is that the Hashtag Generation) 46 „„ www.themorning.lk { INTERVIEW/INSIGHT } Tuesday, March 2, 2021

or suffering to the victim. It is a what consent means. A lot of men and behavioural and verbal form of abuse, women do not understand the word and it usually takes place in prolonged consent. Children are learning about periods. The victim may feel a high relationships through pornography, and ‘Men must take sense of insecurity and depression. The a lot of pornographic content is violent, victim may also be emotionally drained, but they are playing out certain fantasies. abused, and harassed. Screaming at your For a young child who hasn’t been partner, using bad language as a form taught consent or decent relationships, of insult, and threatening to harm your seeing this as a normalisation of sexual responsibility partner are forms of emotional abuse. and gender-based behaviour influences Financial abuse is when one has control how they treat their partner. The lack of over financial resources by blocking education perpetuates violence against accounts and denying access to the women. money. Is there a difference between domestic for GBV’ Who can cause this violence? violence and gender based violence?

Aritha: Some women who took part Or is it the same? When an individual experiences z Three Attorneys-at-Law discuss in the survey thought that they deserved Aritha: They are not the same. The violence as a child, they tend to do the that treatment, and they did not think contexts are different. GBV can happen same as adults. This is generational it was a form of abuse. They did not anywhere. It can happen on the bus, or violence. However, this is not only Gender-Based Violence think that there was something wrong. at the beach. Domestic violence happens because of violence. When children are The patriarchal system is very strong, in a private space within a private influenced by social opinions, they tend BY ZEENATH ZAKIR, ANJALEE UDAWATTE, AND to objectify women and the LGBQT SHALOME THASON and women are a part of it. It will take a relationship. It is not necessarily at community, and turn into adults who while to dismantle this notion, but it is a home, but it happens between intimate cause violence “Law is Light”, organised by struggle that women must lead together partners. Attorney-at-Law the Pro Bono committee of the with men. Swasthika Arulingam Law Students’ Association of Sri Swasthika: When an individual There is a stigma attached to Lanka, is a series of trilingual legal experiences violence as a child, they reporting your spouse for any discussions to educate the general tend to do the same as adults. This is violence inflicted. What advice would form of violence, and 50% were denied public which features Attorneys-at- called generational violence. However, you give these people? jobs. Lawyers working with iProBono Law in Sri Lanka. this is not only because of violence. Aritha: As a lawyer, I would say exposed that LGBT people were The first in this series was a discussion When children are influenced by social that you should report it, but we need subjected to forced anal and vaginal on Gender-Based Violence with three opinions, they tend to objectify women to understand that the circumstances examinations by judicial medical panellists. One was Aritha Wickramasinghe, and the LGBQT community, and turn of every person are very different. We officers. the Attorney-at-Law and Equality Director into adults who cause violence. also need some very sympathetic police, at iProBono. He leads the organisation’s because there are instances where What is the legal framework in place LGBT access to justice work, has been a What do you think of bullying? Is women who went to complain have to tackle this issue? pioneering activist in the field of diversity bullying part of GBV? been sent back. Wasana: First, you need to file a and inclusion and has spearheaded For a long time, men have denied Aritha: Bullying and harassment are The Police have pushed partners in complaint at the nearest police office. a number of initiatives and pro bono their role as a perpetrator of this part of GBV. When someone is being abusive relationships to mediation to If you are not close to one you can call projects promoting diversity, equality, violence and they are increasingly bullied, they feel threatened for their solve their issues, as opposed to taking the hotline 119. Or you can call the and human rights – specifically LGBT being called out now. Looking at emotional and physical wellbeing. When any form of legal action. Any form of Police Head Office via 0112 421111 to rights – internationally. the statistics, if 95% of women the bully is of an opposite gender, it does domestic violence is a criminal matter. get the nearest police station to make a The other two panellists were experience sexual harassment in come under GBV. The fact that it happened between complaint. There is a special number for public transport, then there has to be Attorney-at-Law Wasana Kannangara, a majority of men who are responsible intimate partners doesn’t reduce its domestic violence, which is 1938. a Legal Officer of Child Protection for this type of violence happening How do men face sexual violence? criminality. Force, and Attorney-at-Law Swasthika Attorney-at-Law Aritha: We see sexual violence We live in a digital world today. Can Arulingam, a former project manager at committed by women on men, more Can you speak on the violence you elaborate on sexual violence that Aritha Wickramasinghe the legal aid commission for the North often where there is a power play, where faced by the LGBTIQ community in happens on the Internet? and East Programme Support Unit. the female is in a position of power, Sri Lanka? Aritha: We are working together with or has responsibility of the male child. Aritha: There was a survey done by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the What is gender based violence (GBV) the workplace and any public place. Most of the sexual violence experience EQUAL GROUND in all 25 districts Ministry of Justice on combating cyber and what are the types of GBV? Who Violence can take place on a physical, by men have been committed by other of the country about three years ago bullying, and we are making reforms can cause GBV and where can it sexual and mental level. The general men. Many male victims don’t come and it showed that 70% of the LGBT to the Criminal Laws to criminalise happen? advice given to girls is “Don’t go out in out and talk about it due to the stigma community had experienced some cyberbullying, revenge porn, and cyber Aritha: The term GBV is gender- the night, it is not safe”, but we fail to attached to it. We are made to think that harassment. This has become a problem neutral; it means actions of physical and recognise that women face violence at it is feminine to admit that a horrendous due to the proliferation of smartphones. emotional violence against someone. home from their family members and crime has been committed against us. We see the school playground There is overwhelming violence against intimate partners. This is not discussed There is a lot of shame and we are bullying taking place on social media women. A recent government survey in the open. Further, women don’t report told to man up. These toxic values of like naming and shaming individuals, reveals that one-fifth of women are violence that happens at work due to the masculinity mean that when we become calling them by insulting words or victims of physical and sexual violence. fear of losing the job. In my view, GBV victims, we don’t tend to speak up and sending violent or shaming messages. A UNFPA report stated that 95% of is most probable to happen in private then unfortunately, we become the We see a lot of sexual cyber harassment women who use public transport are spaces. perpetrators of sexual violence. going on. There are actually organised victims of sexual harassment. Aritha: Violence can be physical, Swasthika: We see men bullying men gangs of school boys, unfortunately who For a long time, men have denied emotional and financial. This revolves by insulting their masculinity. This is a run very sophisticated rings, sharing their role as a perpetrator of this violence around the level of control a person can form of violence which boys face. We naked images of school girls. and they are increasingly being called have over another. don’t see any man complaining about Back then we shared stickers of out now. Looking at the statistics, if 95% Wasana: If a touch can cause you to the violence committed by women, due superheroes. Now they trade pictures of women experience sexual harassment feel threatened for life, it can amount to the cultural stigma it is embedded of school girls by inducing them into in public transport, then there has to be a to physical violence. It is all about around. There is an assumption that rape a relationship and threatening them majority of men who are responsible for exerting power over an individual; this can be done only by a man and this is If a touch can cause you to to send nude pictures. This becomes this type of violence happening. can happen within a married couple, reflected in our laws even today. Hence, feel threatened for life, a cycle of sexual violence and lead to We have to take responsibility as and even out of marriage, where a men don’t come forward. it can amount to physical violence. revenge porn where they publish those a gender and there needs to be more man forces a woman to have sexual It is all about exerting power over an unauthorised photos unless the girl does accountability. There isn’t enough intercourse. Women have the right to individual; this can happen within a sexual favour. Unfortunately, we have How do you suggest we combat this a married couple, and even out accountability. If you take rape as an have protected sex. If a person denies issue and encourage men to speak up? of marriage, where a man forces a given children smart phones without example, only one person was convicted this right, it can amount to sexual Aritha: Education in school. We all woman to have sexual intercourse educating them about the consequences. of rape in Sri Lanka last year, and this is violence. know, most of us did not receive any Attorney-at-Law The writers are members of the Pro in light of about 6,000 reported cases. Emotional violence is a series of form of sexual education in school, or Wasana Kannangara Bono Committee of the Law Students’ Swasthika: GBV can happen at events causing psychological harm relationship education. We are not taught Association of Sri Lanka.

BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY to allow the freedom of political debate Attitudes that shun media ethics and legal necessary in a democratic society and to obligations appear to unfortunately influence the Sri Lankan media influenced afford “the public one of the best means of conduct of many Sri Lankan media institutions, discovering and forming an opinion of the be they State-owned or private, the Supreme ideas and attitudes of political leaders.” In Court (SC) observed. Ceylan v. Turkey, the ECHR held that “the Media institutions, the SC noted, must curate by unethical attitudes: SC limits of permissible criticism are wider with their programmes to include all views and cater respect for the rights and freedoms of others, or According to Aluwihare PC J., the judgements provide an excuse for censoring the opinions regard to the Government than in relation to to all citizens equally, without manipulating the for meeting the just requirements of the general of the SC constitute a body of jurisprudence that of another. The nature of the expression being a private citizen or even a politician”. leverage they have over public opinion, adding welfare of a democratic society. has evolved over the years in recognising that the political is certainly not a criterion recognised The permissible grounds for restricting that a skewed discussion focusing only on the The danger of suppressing dissent, Aluwihare right to comment on public issues and criticise in the Constitution to limit the freedom of criticism of the Government were emphasised positive aspects of a topic cannot be a successful PC J. noted, was emphasised in Gunawardena public officials and public institutions is essential expression. An expression that is well within in Joseph Perera v. AG and Others, where discussion which can advance democratic values. and Another v. Pathirana, Officer-In-Charge for the exercise of civil and political freedoms so the parameters of the law as set out in Article 15, Suppiah Sharvananda CJ held: “…criticism Media institutions should certainly be given (OIC), Police Station, Elpitiya, and Others (S.C. valued by democratic society (Wijeratne v. Vijitha does not lose its legitimacy for being political or of the Government, however unpalatable discretion to curate their programmes, but such Application 519/95). Stating that dissent, or Perera, Sub-Inspector of Police, Polonnaruwa for being unpalatable to those who listen to it. If it be, cannot be restricted or penalised discretion must be exercised within the objectives disagreement manifested by conduct or action, and Others and Dissanayake v. University of every speech which points out the shortcomings unless it is intended or has a tendency to and parameters set out in the law, the SC further is a cornerstone of the Constitution, which Sri Jayewardenepura and Others and Sunila of an incumbent Government or politicians undermine the security of the State or public noted. should not only be tolerated but encouraged by Abeysekera v. Ariya Rubasinghe, Competent were to be interpreted as being a political order or to incite the commission of an The SC pointed out thus in the recent cases the Executive as obligated expressly by Article Authority and Others, and Peiris v. Attorney speech and censored, no legitimate criticism offence. Debate on public issues should be of U.N.S.P. Kurukulasuriya v. Sri Lanka 4(d) of the Constitution as per which all organs General [AG]). which could promote better governance uninhibited, robust and wide open and that Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) and Others of the Government should respect, secure and In Deshapriya and Another v. Municipal would ever be made”. may well include vehement, caustic and (SC/FR/556/2008) and J.K.W. Jayasekara v. advance the fundamental rights declared and Council, Nuwara Eliya, and Others, Fernando In Fernando v. The Sri Lanka Broadcasting sometimes unpleasantly sharp attacks on the SLRC and Others (SC/FR/557/2008), where the recognised by the Constitution, Mark Damien PC J. (joined by Ranjith N.M. Dheeraratne J. Corporation and Others, Fernando J. (joined Government. Such debate is not calculated judgement was penned by President’s Counsel Hugh Fernando PC J. (joined by Asoka S. and S.W.B. Wadugodapitiya PC J.) held that, by Dheeraratne J. and Wijetunga J.) held and does not bring the Government into (PC) and Justice (J), Buwaneka Aluwihare and Wijetunga J. and Sivaramalingam Ananda “The right to support or to criticise Governments that “…the media asserts, and does not hatred and contempt.” was joined by Priyantha Jayawardena PC J. and Coomaraswamy J.) cited the dictum of Robert and political parties, policies and programmes is hesitate to exercise, the right to criticise In Mallawarachchi v. Seneviratne, OIC, L.T.B. Dehideniya J. Houghwout Jackson J. in the United States SC fundamental to the democratic way of life; … public institutions and persons holding public Police Station, Kollupitiya, and Others, In the aforementioned cases, amongst case of West Virginia State Board of Education v. and democracy requires not merely that dissent office; while, of course, such criticism must K.M.M.B. Kulatunga J. (joined by Fernando other aspects, the SC dealt with the issue of Barnette (joined in the majority by Chief Justice be tolerated, but that it be encouraged.” while be deplored when it is without justification, J. and Dheeraratne J.) “A true statement, made the infringement of Article 14(1)(a) of the {CJ} Harlan Fiske Stone, Hugo Lafayette Black in Amaratunga v. Sirimal and Others (the Jana the right to make and publish legitimate in the public interest or in the protection of a Constitution on the freedom of speech and J., William O. Douglas J., William Francis/Frank Ghosha case), Fernando J. (joined by Dheeraratne criticism is too deeply ingrained to be denied.” lawful interest, would be clearly in the exercise expression including publication. Murphy J. and Wiley Blount Rutledge Junior. J. and Pathmanathan Ramanathan J.) held that, The media is not restrained from publicising of the freedom of speech although ex facie (on The exercise of this fundamental right is as J.): “Those who begin the coercive elimination “Criticism of the Government, and of political or broadcasting criticism provided that such the face of it) defamatory. Such statements may per Article 15(2) of the Constitution, subject to of dissent soon find themselves exterminating parties and policies, is per se, a permissible criticism is legitimate, and the objective of be made by way of criticism of those holding restrictions that may be prescribed by law in the dissenters. Compulsory unification of opinion exercise of the freedom of speech and expression the criticism is not for one to obtain an undue or seeking public office, particularly where interests of racial and religious harmony or in achieves only the unanimity of the graveyard. under Article 14(1)(a).” advantage to the disadvantage of another, relevant to such office.” relation to Parliamentary privilege, contempt of It seems trite but necessary to say that the First Aluwihare PC J. explained: “All political Aluwihare PC J. explained. Therefore, truth, Aluwihare PC J. noted, is a court, defamation or incitement to an offence. Amendment (Congress shall make no law speeches should not be shunned and censored. A The European Court of Human Rights defence for defamation and even if the statement Further, Article 15(7) of the Constitution stipulates abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press) speech that promotes or pays excessive homage to (ECHR) in Lingens v. Austria stated that while in question was defamatory, and that therefore, that restrictions may be prescribed by law in the was designed to avoid these ends by avoiding a particular political party or politician in a partial the press should respect the entitlement to unless the falsity of the statement is proven interests of national security, public order and these beginnings.” and an imbalanced manner may be distasteful to a the protection of reputation which extends to or at the very least contested, the SC cannot the protection of public health or morality, or The SC also dealt with the issue of making section of the society. The need to observe ethical all persons, the limits of acceptable criticism presumptively bar a citizen from exercising his for the purpose of securing due recognition and a political speech. and responsible conduct should not however were wider regarding politicians in order rights, on the ground of defamation. 7 Tuesday, March 2, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

Milinda Moragoda suggests business relocation of Ministries GST removed from outside Western Province Pathfinder Foundation Founder Milinda Moragoda has proposed that the Government develop a Inland Revenue coffers medium-term plan to relocate some of its ministries outside the this particular tax directly. Western Province. z Finance Ministry to handle collection directly Accordingly, one of the many concerns Moragoda noted that in the UK, BY KAREN HAPUARACHCHI raised by the Association involved as part of a post-Covid strategy, whether this amendment is going to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson The Ministry of Finance has revoked the Inland Revenue Department’s be similar to the UNP tax authority and his Chancellor Rishi Sunak (IRD) authority to collect the Goods and Services Tax (GST) that was measure in 2002, as the changes made are planning to shift several announced in the 2021 Budget, and plans to collect these monies itself, resulted in many difficulties for the IRD London-based departments, The Morning Business learns. and taxpayers. including Ministers offices as Speaking to The Morning Business, prepared by the Ministry of Finance was Another concern that the Association well as parts of the Treasury, Inland Revenue Services Association not announced to the IRD, nor had the reported included the complicated tax to Northern England and the Secretary H.L. Udayasiri reported that IRD been informed of any reasons for system that this amendment is going Midlands. He added that they the Ministry of Finance has prepared its preparation. to cause. are planning to relocate 25% of a proposal in this regard, indicating “They haven’t even given us a meeting “Our problem is the tax administration the civil service jobs based in Pathfinder Foundation Founder the removal of the IRD’s authority to to discuss terms or ask them if we can is currently done by Customs, London to the regions within the Milinda Moragoda collect the GST. continue to give the tax to them after Immigration, and Excise departments. next ten years. Similarly, in several “They have proposed that the GST collecting it, rather than them collecting All taxes are handled by these other countries, including the US, for rural areas and cut down on from liquor, telecommunications, it instead,” Udayasiri commented. departments. When this taxation is thinking has been moving along road congestion. He further said cigarettes, vehicles, and casinos will Secretary Udayasiri highlighted that removed from us, the Sri Lankan tax the same lines even before Covid. that Sri Lanka’s fast-improving be handled separately. Thus, the Finance this tax that was removed from the system becomes complicated. Thus, He stated that Sri Lanka, in road network, coupled with Act is going to be amended, for all the IRD is the largest contributor to the tax taxpayers will undergo confusion and contrast, appears to be headed the fact that most people have goods and services I mentioned before, revenues collected. difficulties, and tax collectors will also in the opposite direction with become accustomed to working to have a single, specific tax. This will He went on to mention that the undergo difficulties.” successive governments remotely, makes this the ideal time be collected by a unit under the Ministry particular proposal was acknowledged Secretary Udayasiri also stated that constructing or leasing expensive to consider new ways of thinking of Finance. We don’t know which unit; by the Association after the 2021 Budget the President and the Prime Minister government buildings in Colombo and organising our society. however, it will be removed from the was investigated and it was found that would be informed about this in writing. to accommodate the ever- As a first step, he suggested that Inland Revenue Department,” Udayasiri the particular GST revenue was removed Another issue is the purchase of a new expanding State sector, noting the Government should develop a revealed. from the estimate given to the IRD. system from Singapore, introduced to that the Sri Lankan Government 10-year plan to determine which He also clearly highlighted that On the other hand, a spokesperson the Tax Department to update the IRD alone employs approximately ministries should be relocated there are going to be amendments to from the Ministry of Finance confirmed system in 2016. This system was stated 1.5 million people and is by far and the locations they should be the Inland Revenue Department Act the preparation of this proposal and to be fully automated, and cost Rs. 5 the country’s largest employer. moved to, and furthermore, that and the Finance Act from the Ministry revealed that it will be presented to billion. Thus, a question raised by the He argued that some of the when the Government considers of Finance’s end for this removal to Cabinet soon. Also, they further Association was why the Ministry of Government’s Ministries could leasing or constructing new take place. suggested that the cause for the removal Finance would propose this amendment be moved outside the Western buildings, that priority should In addition to this, it was reported that of authority would be because the after investing such a large sum of money Province, and that these entities be given to locating these facilities this proposal for the removal of the GST Ministry of Finance prefers to collect to improve the IRD administration. could act as economic catalysts outside the Western Province. Tea manufacturers run under capacity AstraZeneca Following a scarcity of raw sells its stake materials for green tea leaves, 90% of Sri Lankan tea manufacturers are reported to be operating under in Moderna capacity in a fiercely competitive AstraZeneca PLC has sold its 7.7% stake in market, The Morning Business Moderna Inc. for more than $ 1 billion after the learns. US biotechnology company’s shares soared on Speaking to The Morning the back of its coronavirus vaccine breakthrough, Business, Sri Lanka Tea Factory The Times reported. Owners’ Association (SLTFOA) The report added that it was not clear over Immediate Past Chairman Harith what period British-based AstraZeneca sold its Ranasinghe revealed that there holding in Moderna. has been an increase in the great AstraZeneca and Moderna did not immediately scarcity of raw materials in the tea respond to requests for comment. manufacturing market. AstraZeneca is retaining partnership with “For the last 10 years, there Moderna on other disease treatments and has been an excess demand (for could sell its AstraZeneca/Oxford University tea) and scarce tea suppliers. The Covid-19 vaccine on a commercial basis in productivity of our suppliers is the future, if the virus becomes endemic, the also decreasing. Many suppliers report added. have also left the market or shifted Moderna, whose vaccine is cleared for to other markets,” Ranasinghe emergency use against Covid-19 in the US, said revealed. last week that it was expecting sales of $ 18.4 The Association also revealed billion from its coronavirus vaccine this year. that this scarcity has influenced (Reuters) tea manufacturers to purchase raw materials for green tea leaves, which also contain faulty green leaves known as refused tea or tea wastage that are excluded from the manufacturing process. leaves. In addition to this, it was revealed that more than 18% of the In addition, the cause for the Therefore, as a measure taken “We remove more than 10%, also added that low-quality – or daily limited supply of raw materials damage of the raw materials lies by tea manufacturers to preserve which is refused tea or tea waste. refused – tea consists of a hard that the tea manufacturers receive is where intermediate parties pack and obtain as many raw materials When the leaf standard is poor, the texture accompanied by a shade damaged during transportation, as green tea leaves incorrectly, as possible, tea manufacturers waste is more. We are selling in of brown. there is a limited number of persons resulting in damaging the tender encourage tea pluckers to pluck Colombo Auctions. We apply the “We are operating on a price involved in the process. high-quality raw materials. The tender leaves and maintain the International Standard Organisation share basis given by the Tea “There are three ways of getting Association also highlighted that the process regularly, along with asking (ISO) standard to maintain a certain Commissioner, and we have to raw materials. First is to directly rules that are given to intermediate tea suppliers to supply good-quality level of quality and abide by other abide by it. We are receiving the obtain from the smallholders, parties are not followed carefully, raw materials. regulations. Therefore, we cannot raw materials, and manufacturing second is for smallholders to deliver resulting in this cause as another The Association lastly added that manufacture low-quality leaves,” and selling the products. We share them to you, and the last is for a contributor to the scarcity in the the authorities should encourage he commented. our profits – 32% to us and 68% third-party intermediary to deliver market. replanting tea as it would increase the Ranasinghe further revealed that to suppliers. Out of the 32%, the supplies from smallholder farmers to Moreover, raw materials will supply capacity and that smallholder the wastage is below 5% when total wastage to tea manufacturers manufacturers. These intermediaries no longer remain fresh if they are farmers (tea pluckers) should be tea manufacturers receive good- is 28%,” Ranasinghe explained. are the people who have done the not delivered to tea manufacturers trained well and supported to increase quality raw materials for green tea Furthermore, the Association most harm,” Ranasinghe alleged. within three hours. productivity and thereby supply. Business confidence bounces back in January 2021 Reversing the downward trend witnessed Managers’ Index (PMI) remained in expansion activities. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka “The Board, having noted the reduction demand recovery, and import restrictions can be in recent months, the LMD-Nielsen Business territory in January 2021. New business (CBSL) continues infusing ample liquidity in overall market lending rates during 2020, considered major factors favouring an easing of Confidence Index (BCI) shot up by 39 points activity in the PMI increased in January 2021, into the banking system via increased CBSL stressed the need for a continued downward policy rates at the upcoming meeting, it added. to 122 in January 2021, according to a recent particularly with the improvements observed in holdings (money printing), which also supports adjustment in lending rates to boost economic “Yields in the secondary market witnessed report released by First Capital Research. financial services, transportation, and wholesale fiscal shortage. CBSL holdings rose to Rs. growth in the absence of demand-driven an increase, with moderate market activity Accordingly, the BCI index spiked a notable and retail trade sub-sectors. 809.9 billion on 26 February 2021, from Rs. inflationary pressures, particularly considering from participants followed by a wait-and-see 12 points above the average for the last 12 Commenting on the credit growth and 738.4 billion as at 31 December 2020,” the the significant levels of excess liquidity approach amidst looming uncertainty. The months, with the Covid vaccine rollout giving structural recovery, the report added that private report added. prevailing in the domestic money market,” last two Bond auctions and five Bill auctions some form of relief to prevent the spread of sector credit increased by Rs. 25.7 billion in They noted that in line with their expectations, the report added further. were undersubscribed by a considerable Covid-19. January 2021, recording its sixth consecutive at the previous policy meeting held in January Further, First Capital Research estimates amount, reflecting the lack of clarity among Meanwhile, the Index of Industrial Production month of growth, indicating a revival in gross 2021, CBSL maintained its monetary policy that Sri Lanka’s GDP would recover to 3.2% market participants with the current economic (IIP) for December 2020 increased to 110.7, loan disbursements. stance, after considering the macroeconomic in 2021, from its estimate of the steepest conditions. We consider a rate cut would be from 106.9 in November 2020, while Sri “Growth reflects that both businesses conditions and forecasted developments on contraction in history of -5.8% in 2020. Lack required to sustain the secondary market rate Lanka’s Manufacturing and Service Purchasing and individuals are speeding up economic domestic and global fronts. of demand for credit, slowness in consumer at lower levels,” the report concluded. 48 business „„ www.themorning.lk { CORPORATE } Tuesday, March 2, 2021 MARKING 80 YEARS OF BILATERAL TIES BETWEEN INDIA AND SRI LANKA Capitol TwinPeaks Pathfinder, Vivekananda forges ahead Capitol TwinPeaks, the the scheduled requirements - Intl. to publish joint volume 50-storey twin-tower mixed which we now see the project residential development under reaping the benefits of. 2022 marks the 80th anniversary of the appointment of the Sanken Group, continues Speaking with Capitol the First Representative of then Ceylon to India. In 1942, construction for delivery in Towers (a subsidiary of the government of Ceylon had appointed late Sir D.B. 2021, amidst several hardships Capitol Developers), Jayatilaka as its First Representative to India with residence faced by Sri Lanka’s real Managing Director - Rohana in New Delhi. estate and property industry. Wannigama, stated: “The With a view to celebrate this comprising scholarly articles written With the announcement Sanken name is synonymous important landmark event of by well-known scholars from India by Ceylon Chamber of with timely delivery and high- bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka. The publication is Commerce (CCC) - Import quality construction that rivals and Sri Lanka, the Pathfinder intended to provide historical as Section, Chairman, Delano international projects. Due to Foundation and Vivekananda well as contemporary perspectives Dias that the import strategic forward-thinking International Foundation have on the bilateral relations between restrictions on non-essential and necessary planning, the decided to commemorate the the two countries and strategies to items that were expected to be Capitol Towers (a subsidiary of project forges ahead, working Pathfinder Foundation Founder Milinda Moragoda and Vivekananda occasion in a befitting manner. further develop those relations. It Capitol Developers) Managing International Foundation (former) Director Ajit Doval on the occasion of lifted or see some relaxation Director Rohana Wannigama towards apartment handover signing the MOI on 3 March 2014 With this in view, both institutions is expected the publication will be in 2021, will remain the same, starting from end June 2021.” will publish a joint volume released in 2022. major property developments With both contractor around Sri Lanka continue to (Sanken Construction) face significant challenges in and developer (Capitol completing projects due to Developers) being members DPL opens freight shortages of raw materials of Sri Lanka’s premier for construction. construction giant Sanken However, Capitol Group and Singapore’s P&T forwarding office TwinPeaks continues to work as its architectural design strategically, beating the odds partner, Capitol TwinPeaks at every turn. Having achieved is set to stand as a landmark in Colombo Fort major construction milestones amidst landmarks. of the development, prior Concluding, Wannigama Strategically located in the centre of to the initial nation-wide stated: “The project offers an the commercial capital at 75 1/1, 1st lockdown, the project elite lifestyle, at the heart of Floor, Hemas Building, Bristol Street, continues to circumvent Colombo 2, with international Colombo 1, the new office offers a From left: SLINTEC COO Heminda Jayaweera and Multilac Care the current shortages and quality standards being met. gamut of freight forwarding services Director/ CEO Mizha Mizver Ismail restrictions faced by a large Capitol TwinPeaks handover We are mindful of the timing including sea, air and multimodal freight proportion of the industry. starting end June 2021 and how it affects return on solutions, multi country consolidation, This is largely due to Sanken’s investment, given the times enter-port transshipment and custom Multilac Care & SLINTEC deep roots stemming from the continuation and success of we continue to face. We aim brokerage facilities, backed by the latest Japanese Mitsui group, which the TwinPeaks project, as the to expedite the remaining technology to ensure best-in-class air/ launch NOVID Antiviral inculcated strategic planning Sanken Group pre-ordered construction work in order sea freight solutions coupled with end- to deliberately ensure the raw materials much ahead of to meet this need.” to-end solutions that are tailor made to and Antibacterial Spray suit unique customer needs. Multilac Care, together antiviral and antibacterial A member of the David Pieris Group with the Sri Lanka Institute of spray is the outcome of ASUS launches its first-ever of Companies, D P Logistics provides Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) our collaboration and it has a full range of logistics and supply recently launched Sri Lanka’s proved to be highly effective chain management solutions, including first ever antiviral and against the coronavirus with exclusive store in Sri Lanka transportation, 3rd party logistics antibacterial Spray. the anti-viral technology used ASUS Sri Lanka – the including warehouse management and David Pieris Group of Companies Group The new NOVID antiviral in its manufacturing process.” Chairman and Managing Director renowned multinational freight forwarding. Rohana Dissanayake and D P Logistics and antibacterial spray claims SLINTEC Chief of technology enterprise – has Customers also have access to a (Pvt.) Ltd. Director Mavali Weerasinghe to be the first of its kind to Research and Innovation launched its maiden exclusive variety of supply chain solutions such cut the ribbon to open DPL’s new freight be launched in Sri Lanka that Dr. Azeez Mubarak said: store in the heart of Colombo; as door-to-door services, handling of office in Colombo Fort kills 99% of coronavirus. A “Innovation has always been the very first in the country. outer gauge and overweight cargo, major highlight, it is said, is a key factor in economic The store is located in Unity comprehensive all-liability insurance office demonstrates our company’s that a single application can growth of successful Plaza and hosts an extensive covers for cargo and goods, guaranteed continuous effort and development last a longer period when nations. But to translate range of electronics, computer cargo clearance within three days of to support our business growth in the compared to traditional research results to economic hardware and peripherals arrival and expert advice on tariffs and local freight and logistics market,” he disinfectants. returns, active collaboration including the ASUS ZenBook classifications from this new office. further emphasised. Surfaces sprayed with between R&D institutes and series, VivoBook series, DPL’s new presence in close proximity Well experienced in the complexities NOVID antiviral and industry is a must. And gaming series, and products to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Sri of freight management, collaboration antibacterial spray have NOVID, the result of a for commercial, enterprise and Lanka Customs, Import and Export with a comprehensive foreign agent been tested to reveal that fruitful partnership between corporate customers as well. Control Department, Department of network enables the company to provide the coating can kill 99% of SLINTEC and Multilac care, The store was inaugurated Inland Revenue as well as to all key multi-modal transportation solutions harmful microbes including is a prime example in this on February 23 by ASUS banks, airlines and shipping offices from and to any part of the world. coronavirus. According to the regard.” Sri Lanka Country Sales ensures a quick and efficient service; DPL offers the clearing of containers, manufacturers, it has been To get the maximum Manager Ishkey Irshard and personal, workstation and for its products, especially ultimate convenience to customers. break-bulk as well as liquid cargo direct tested and certified by the benefit from the spray and Unity Systems Solutions gaming solutions – especially among this demographic, “D P Logistic nurtures a longstanding or through bonded arrangements. It is Virology Research Services for easy application, the Director/Proprietor Wasantha among millenials and Gen Z. is what prompted the need commitment to the industry and we one of the few companies in the country Labs in London, UK. users need to ensure that Dinuwan, where ASUS’ latest And it is humbling to be the for an exclusive store in the are continuously reviewing our value offering fully integrated logistics Sharing thoughts on the surface is clean and range of products were also one-stop-shop for a brand of country – the first of many proposition to ensure that we offer and transport solutions with its own the NOVID antiviral and dry, and shake well before showcased. this calibre,” stated Dinuwan more to come. We are elated competitive end-to-end solutions to fuel resources and assets. antibacterial spray, Multilac spraying, rolling or wiping “We’re absolutely thrilled at the launch. by this significant milestone our customers’ business ambitions,” The company boasts over two decades Care Director/ CEO Mizha the spray on any required to host the first-ever exclusive Commenting on the and are eager to better serve noted D P Logistics General Manager of experience in the industry backed by Mizver Ismail said: “We surface. The users are also store for one of the most reason behind the launch, and support our Sri Lankan Indika de Silva. warehousing facilities covering 3PL have been working with advised to follow necessary sought-after brands in the Irshard noted: “ASUS Sri consumers as we continue “With our investment in this new and 4PL, a fleet of over 140 vehicles SLINTEC to develop health guidelines as the country. ASUS Sri Lanka Lanka has established itself to amplify our reach with freight office, we are proud to provide (the largest fleet owned by a logistics an effective solution in NOVID spray alone will is witnessing an increasing as a brand for youth. And more store launches across quick and convenient facilities for company in Sri Lanka) and over 450 proactively fighting the not assure 100% protection demand for its range of the skyrocketing demand the island.” customers. The opening of the new employees. coronaVirus. NOVID from Covid-19. Ninewells launches Covid-19 MAS to make ‘Ocean Strainer’ treatment facility at Jetwing Beach tech available via open source Ninewells Hospital has teamed up with Jetwing Inspired by the success enable other corporates, Hotels to offer an exclusive of its pilot “Ocean NGOs, institutions, and innovative service for Strainer” floating trash clubs, societies, and even Covid-19 patients. Under this trap project initiated in the individuals, to be a part of new partnership, Ninewells Dehiwala canal last year, the solution to a problem Hospital has appropriated MAS Holdings announced that is very much caused the Jetwing Beach Hotel recently that they would by human behaviour. in Negombo as a treatment make the “Ocean Strainer” As a first phase of this facility for Covid-19 patients. technology openly journey, we have a group The entire Jetwing facility has available to interested of companies, including become a dedicated, state-of- parties, in order to replicate Coca-Cola Beverages Sri the-art care centre, with the and scale up the solution. Lanka Limited, Heineken support and guidance of the The pilot project Lanka Limited, Hemas Health Ministry. Luxury facilities at Jetwing Beach, Negombo initiated by MAS included Holdings PLC, and As a facility dedicated installing the “Ocean Unilever Sri Lanka, who to helping the government Facilities include spacious has been professionally Strainer” trash trap in the have expressed interest deal with the daily uptick of rooms, a private balcony and retained for the express purpose Dehiwala canal in August in expanding this project, Covid-19 patients, this new beautiful seaside views. In of attending to complicated 2020. This initial trash trap and we are very excited to facility will serve a variety addition to this, you receive cases on a visiting basis. A was designed by MAS have found like minded of functions. It will primarily the finest healthcare during standby ambulance is always engineers, incorporating parties who want to accommodate patients who your stay, delivered by highly on-site for the safe transfer The team behind the ‘Ocean Strainer’ pilot. From left: Sharika Senanayake, Uvini technical advice from Athukorala, Dhanujie Jayapala, Sid Amalean, and Madhu Hewakapuge of the MAS extend this project to other have recently tested positive trained professionals in a way of emergency patients to the Marine Environment Sustainable Business team locations.” either via PCR or Rapid that is personalised, attentive Ninewells Hospital Colombo, Protection Authority The pilot project Antigen Test. and professional.” if and when needed. At the (MEPA) on customising Board Member Sarinda parties reach out to us to are interested in replicating initiated by MAS was Speaking about this novel The facility is also supported Intensive Care Unit (ICU) the design to suit local Unamboowe stated: “We find out how they can get this model to address the carried out with the support partnership, Ninewells by countless features specially located at Ninewells Hospital marine environment were really encouraged involved in this project. marine plastic issue at its of the Marine Environment Hospital Chief Operating installed for the purpose at Colombo; two beds have been conditions. The trash trap by the interest this pilot That’s when we realised source.” Protection Authority Officer/Medical Director hand. This includes a High dedicated to accommodate and acts as a floating barrier, generated, and the impact that this is not a journey MAS Holdings (MEPA), the Western Dr. Vibash Wijeratne noted: Dependency Unit (HDU) manage Covid-19 patients. trapping plastic waste that we created with just that we have to undertake Sustainable Business Provincial Council, the Sri “This exclusive facility gives equipped with patient These emergency facilities are before it can reach the one ‘Ocean Strainer’ trash alone. Collaboration is the Head Sid Amalean added: Lanka Land Reclamation patients a range of options monitors, ECG machines made available in the event a ocean. trap. In five months, we key to creating scalable, “As a company, we really and Development which combines the best of and transport ventilators in guest-patient develops further Commenting on the collected over 30,000 impactful change and that believe in the power of Corporation (SLLRDC), both worlds. Patients have Negombo. Additionally, the complications and the services company’s decision, MAS kilogrammes of waste just is why we are sharing open innovation and the Dehiwala-Mount the option of a comfortable, services of the Consultant of consultant intensivists, Kreeda Chief Executive from the Dehiwala canal, the technology we have collaboration in problem Lavinia Municipality and luxury experience, at one of the Physician at the District physicians and anaesthetists Officer and MAS Apparel and had many interested developed with others who solving. We want to the Environmental Police. island’s finest beachside hotels. General Hospital, Negombo are needed. business 49 Tuesday, March 2, 2021 { CORPORATE } „„ www.themorning.lk WEBXPAY partners Watawala Plantations joins with CHORDS to drive hands with Peradeniya Uni online learning WEBXPAY recently announced a to ensure that students don’t get left strategic partnership with CHORDS behind.” by Semi Circle (Pvt.) Ltd., to WEBXPAY’s partnership with introduce “WEBXPAY Prime by CHORDS by Semi Circle is a highly to support agri research CHORDS” to facilitate online strategic one because the upcoming learning on an agile digitalised edutainment and entertainment entity Watawala Plantations PLC (CSE: WATA) platform for students and teachers. with exclusive IT infrastructure has recently donated a sap flow meter with six The outbreak of Covid-19 has revolutionised online education in sensor units to the Department of Crop given rise to a sharp demand the country by providing the very Science of the University of Peradeniya. for online educational tools and first product of that kind called The contribution, which highlights WATA’s technology platforms that can ensure “primetuition.lk”, the largest and ongoing efforts to develop the local a smooth interface for both students the first online learning platform agriculture sector and further agriculture and teachers. Technology is clearly of the country. Founded by Sri education among Sri Lankan students, was the way forward for the future, even Lankan mathematician Dayan worth over Rs. 1.4 million. The unit donated is in a post-Covid world. The alliance Kiriwaththuduwa and managed the only sap flow meter available within the between WEBXPAY and CHORDS by him and Susain Fernando, local university system. by Semi Circle will empower CHORDS has been operating The sap flow meter unit was handed over business in the education sector by Operational Math Solutions, a to University of Peradeniya Vice Chancellor minimising documentation efforts to subsidiary, which conducted the Prof. Upul Dissanayake and University of go online. largest teacher workshop across Peradeniya Department of Crop Science Prof. CHORDS Chief Executive Officer the country, combining all major S.P. Nissanka by Watawala Plantations Director (CEO) Dayan Kiriwaththuduwa Sri Lankan universities for the Sri Vish Govindasamy and Watawala Plantations and said: “We are proud to partner with Lanka Olympiad Mathematics Watawala Dairy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Watawala Plantations Director Vish Govindasamy and Watawala Plantations and Watawala Dairy CEO WEBXPAY to launch WebXPay Foundation. CHORDS is also the Binesh Pananwala. The complete unit comprises Binesh Pananwala donating the sap flow meter units to University of Peradeniya Vice Chancellor Prof. Upul Prime by CHORDS to offer benefits only authorised Zoom reseller Dissanayake and University of Peradeniya Department of Crop Science Prof. S.P. Nissanka sap flow sensors, data logger, interface software, for tutors including an online partner to Sri Lanka, partnered and an internal battery that can be charged with an teaching platform, online payment with Genese Solution (United external solar panel. both small woody stems and roots and large crops Following the donation, University of gateway with 13 payment options, Kingdom) and behind 37-plus The sap flow meter is a self-contained, including tea, rubber, and oil palm. As the only Peradeniya Crop Science Department Head flat fee structure, and hassle-free more online learning platforms standalone instrument for measuring sap flow or instrument that can measure zero flow and reverse Dr. Mujith Ariyarathne conducted a full documentation. The pandemic has while introducing the hybrid transpiration in plants. Utilising the Heat Ratio sap flow rates, the sap flow meter is the most demonstration of the sap flow meter unit in the created an opportunity for service tuition concept with teleportation. Method (HRM) principle, the sap flow meter powerful and flexible instrument for the direct presence of university officials, lecturers, students, providers like CHORDS and even The company has a student base of can measure high, low, and reverse flow rates in measurement of plant water use. and the representatives of Watawala Plantations. WEBXPAY to support online learning 32,000-plus and growing. SAT brings Veritas Medihelp Hospitals inaugurates Technologies to Sri Lanka South Asian Technologies (Pvt.) Ltd. of business-critical applications, and branch in Homagama (SAT), the trusted partner for best-of- provides enterprises with the insights breed information and communications they need to comply with evolving data Medihelp Hospitals recently ultrasound scanning, digital trained professionals, is a technology (ICT) products, has brought regulations. inaugurated its 13th branch in X-ray, and in-house pharmacy. testament to that, providing in Veritas Technologies to the Sri Lankan Commenting on the expansion of its the heart of Homagama. Special Commenting on the reliable healthcare services in a market. A global leader in enterprise portfolio, South Asian Technologies introductory offers – including inauguration of the new branch, modern hospital setting.” data management, this top-tier product Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sanjaya 50% discounts on laboratory Executive Director Chandika Drawing from the services is marketed by its subsidiary Ezoref Padmaperuma said: “With tests, specialist consultation Wijesiriwardana stated: “We are of over 250 highly experienced Technologies, a leading distributor for the increasing necessity with no hospital fees, and delighted to announce the latest specialist consultants from next-generation cybersecurity software in for digitalisation in free blood sugar tests – can addition to our Medihelp branch leading hospitals across the Sri Lanka. the workspace now be availed at the Homagama network – the Homagama country, the range of specialties Veritas Technologies is a global leader more than ever, branch up to 31 March 2021. branch. Our expansion efforts include but are not limited to in enterprise data management. An organisations need The modern healthcare are always directed towards endocrinology and diabetology, estimated 50,000 enterprises or more, proven solutions facility in Homagama is covering under-served markets gynaecology and obstetrics, including 90% of the Fortune 500, rely to help secure their equipped to provide all out- to provide quality, affordable oncology, ENT, cardiology, on Veritas to abstract IT complexity businesses.” patient services under one healthcare to a larger number of general surgery, neurology, and simplify data management. The roof, some of which include Sri Lankans. Our new facility, orthopaedics, paediatrics, company’s Enterprise Data Services specialist consultations, equipped with cutting-edge gastroenterology, urology, South Asian Platform automates the protection laboratory services, health technology, state-of-the-art dermatology and cosmetic care, The new Homagama branch of Technologies Medihelp Hospitals and orchestrates the recovery of data CEO Sanjaya check-ups, OPD/ETU facilities, equipment, and skilled and nephrology, and ophthalmology. ubiquitously, ensures 24/7 availability Padmaperuma Aitken Spence recognised Allianz Lanka supports District at Luxury Lifestyle Awards General Hospital Negombo Aitken Spence Hotels’ overseas resorts applicants in 400 categories. Allianz Insurance Lanka – Heritance Aarah in the Maldives and Aitken Spence Hotels’ latest all-villa Ltd. (Allianz Lanka), one of Desert Nights Camp in Oman – were property Heritance Aarah introduces the Sri Lanka’s leading insurance recently honoured among the best global novel premium all-inclusive offering to providers, extended its support luxury brands at the Luxury Lifestyle the market. The resort curates a distinct to the District General Hospital Awards 2021. variety of experiences, popularly the of Negombo with a donation of The accolades were bestowed in dine-around restaurants and bars serving air conditioning equipment to the the categories of “Best All-Inclusive an elegant assortment from traditional hospital’s blood bank. Resort” and “Best Luxury Hotel” for Heritance cuisine to premium organic The District General Hospital Heritance Aarah and Desert Nights wines. Amply endorsed by the award, the – Negombo is one of the key Camp, respectively, shortlisted resort defines perfection to those seeking healthcare facilities in the and selected from among 10,000 a luxury experience. Negombo region, serving as the primary healthcare centre for Allianz Insurance Lanka Ltd. CEO Gany Subramaniam, unveiling a plaque at the District General Hospital – Negombo patients in Negombo and the in the presence of representatives from the hospital and Allianz Insurance Lanka Ltd. neighbouring suburbs. It also caters to the Bandaranayake the quality of their service. Chief Marketing Officer Hospital – Negombo Director International Airport (BIA) and Strengthening the capacity of the (CMO) Mangala Bandara, Dr. Nirmala Loganathan, the Katunayake Free Trade Zone blood bank, the equipment is set Allianz Lanka Assistant District General Hospital (FTZ). to help the facility deliver greater General Manager – Market – Negombo Consultant The air conditioning units levels of care and support to its Management Samantha Transfusion Physician Dr. have been installed in the patients and donors. Gunawardena, and several Asha De Alwis, and former hospital’s blood bank, which Allianz Lanka Chief other representatives from District General Hospital – serves over 200 patients and Executive Officer (CEO) Gany Allianz Insurance Lanka Ltd. Negombo Blood Bank Medical Bileeta’s Entution ERP solution 150 blood donors every week. Subramaniam dedicated the National Blood Transfusion Officer-In-Charge Dr. Nimesh Air conditioning is essential to machines to the hospital in Service Director Dr. Luxshman Pathirane were also present at powers Enviro Water Systems helping blood banks maintain the presence of Allianz Lanka Edirisinghe, District General this occasion. With Bileeta’s Entution their business processes, important criteria for ERP (enterprise resource enhance decision-making, selecting the Entution excited to have partnered with planning) solution having and support Enviro’s quest ERP solution was our HUTCH partners Spotify Spotify, which is bringing garnered a reputation in for operational excellence need for a powerful, its global audio streaming being a solution ideally in customer fulfilment. proven solution that HUTCH has teamed international music, of over Both prepaid and postpaid services to Sri Lanka. With suited for trading, “Due to the current comprehensively supports up with Spotify to bring 70 million tracks. HUTCH customers can our island-wide 4G coverage manufacturing, and pandemic and the need service and project a personalised listening This HUTCH-Spotify subscribe to Spotify Premium, and optimised data, HUTCH project companies that for clean bacteria-free management while still experience to Sri Lankan partnership will offer Sri a subscription service is delighted to offer its need to reduce complexity, water, there has been a being easy to use.” mobile subscribers. Lankans Spotify’s music that allows users to enjoy customers convenient access increase agility, and serve huge and varied demand Bileeta (Pvt.) Ltd. Spotify will offer Sri catalogue at a monthly uninterrupted music. HUTCH to Spotify by paying through their customers better, for our high-tech water Director/Chief Technology Lankans a stellar listening subscription rate from Rs. General Manager Marketing their connection with no need leading water management and wastewater systems. Officer (CTO) Sanka experience for local and 579 (exclusive of taxes). Hamdhy Hassen said: “We are for a credit or debit card.” company Enviro Water But every customer has Weerasinghe stated: “Our Systems recently selected their unique requirements, solution is built to give the solution to manage placing enormous enhanced scalability and their key operations across challenges on our flexibility and covers CLC Islamic Finance wins at IFFSA and SLIBFI Awards the country. operations,” said Enviro every requirement of CLC Islamic Finance, the award in the same category at won these prestigious awards Shari’ah Supervisory Board, The company, which Water Systems Managing all the departments of Islamic Banking Division the Sri Lankan Islamic Banking and be recognised as one of the my fellow colleagues, and specialises in the design Director (MD) Surath Enviro Water Systems that (IBD) of Commercial Leasing and Finance Industry (SLIBFI) best performing Islamic leasing customers and stakeholders for and supply of water and Senevirathne. demonstrate our flexibility & Finance PLC., has clinched Awards, held recently. providers both in Sri Lanka supporting us in achieving this wastewater treatment, Speaking of their to cater to the business the Silver award for “Leasing Commenting on the accolades, and South Asia. I would like to global recognition. Winning recently rolled out decision to deploy the software requirements of Company of the Year” at the Head of Islamic Business extend my sincere gratitude to awards of this nature further the ERP solution, to solution, Senevirathne companies from diverse Islamic Finance Forum of South Division Ilsam Awfer said: “It Director/CEO of CLC Krishan inspires us to scale up our improve visibility into stated: “The single, most industries.” Asia (IFFSA) Awards, and bronze is indeed a great honour to have Thilakaratne, Members of the services to the next level.” 104 business „„ www.themorning.lk { MARKET } Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Unit trust prices­ at 25 Feb. 2021 CSE Price List 1 Mar. 2021 Fund name Unit selling price...... Unit buying price V.W.A. V.W.A. CHANGE V.W.A. V.W.A. CHANGE Astrue Active Income Fund 100.8269...... 100.8269 SE­CUR­I­TY VOLUME PREVIOUS OPEN HIGH LOW TODAY’S (RS.) SE­CUR­I­TY VOLUME PREVIOUS OPEN HIGH LOW TODAY’S (RS.) Astrue Alpha Fund 15.0167...... 14.1444 Assetline Income Fund 16.8713...... 16.8713 A.SPEN.HOT.HOLD...... 18,670...... 29.7...... 31...... 31...... 29.5...... 29.8...... 0.1 SEYLAN DEVTS...... 4,332...... 15.9...... 15.9...... 16.5...... 15.9...... 16...... 0.1 Assetline Income Plus Growth Fund 17.0036...... 16.5362 ABANS...... 23,592...... 166.25...... 168...... 170...... 167...... 168.25...... 2 SIERRA CABL...... 313,754...... 6.6...... 6.6...... 6.8...... 6.5...... 6.6...... 0 Senfin Dyanmic Income Fund 10.0170...... 10.0170 ACCESS ENG SL...... 102,544...... 24.1...... 24.9...... 24.9...... 23.8...... 24...... -0.1 SIGIRIYA VILLAGE...... 40...... 33.1...... 32.2...... 32.2...... 32.2...... 33.1...... 0 Senfin Growth Fund 9.1100...... 8.8100 ACL PLASTICS...... 2,056...... 249.75...... 250.5...... 255...... 246...... 246.25...... -3.5 SINGER FINANCE...... 356...... 14...... 14.9...... 14.9...... 14.3...... 14.5...... 0.5 Senfin Money Market Fund 15.1120...... 15.1120 Senfin Shariah Balanced Fund 11.9100...... 11.5600 ACME...... 8,117...... 6...... 6...... 6...... 6...... 6...... 0 SLT...... 470...... 34.8...... 35.7...... 35.8...... 34.9...... 35...... 0.2 Senfin Shariah Income Fund 12.4433...... 12.4433 AGALAWATTE...... 9,670...... 30.2...... 31...... 31.5...... 28.5...... 28.8...... -1.4 SUNSHINE HOLDING...... 69,065...... 78.2...... 78.8...... 79.9...... 78...... 79...... 0.8 CAL Balanced Fund 12.1000...... 12.1000 AHOT PROPERTIES...... 1,587...... 39...... 39...... 39.5...... 39...... 39.5...... 0.5 SWISSTEK...... 13,353...... 111...... 117.75...... 120...... 112...... 115.5...... 4.5 CAL Corporate Debt & Gilt Trading Fund 21.3566...... 21.3566 AITKEN SPENCE...... 44,546...... 61...... 61.5...... 61.5...... 60...... 61...... 0 TALAWAKELLE...... 5,008...... 40.6...... 42.5...... 42.5...... 38.7...... 40...... -0.6 CAL Corporate Treasury Fund 18.3244...... 18.3244 CAL Gilt Fund 7.1862...... 7.1862 ALLIANCE...... 4,750...... 50...... 50...... 52...... 50...... 51.4...... 1.4 TANGERINE...... 40...... 40...... 40.5...... 40.5...... 40.5...... 40...... 0 CAL Gilt Money Market Fund 4.3481...... 4.3481 AMANA BANK...... 258,601...... 3.4...... 3.5...... 3.5...... 3.3...... 3.3...... -0.1 TEA SMALLHOLDER...... 100...... 38.7...... 36.3...... 38.2...... 36.3...... 37.3...... -1.4 CAL Gilt Trading Fund 50.2494...... 50.2494 AMAYA LEISURE...... 10...... 19.5...... 19.9...... 19.9...... 19.9...... 19.5...... 0 TEEJAY LANKA...... 17,810...... 40.6...... 41.7...... 41.8...... 40.5...... 40.9...... 0.3 CAL High Yield Fund 24.5532...... 24.5532 ASIA ASSET...... 4,191...... 6.5...... 6.9...... 6.9...... 6.3...... 6.5...... 0 THREE ACRE FARMS...... 13,954...... 213.75...... 214.25...... 223.5...... 211...... 212.5...... -1.25 CAL Income Fund 20.7214...... 20.7214 CAL Investment Grade Fund 19.9593...... 19.9593 ASIRI...... 12,055...... 27.5...... 27.5...... 28.5...... 27...... 27.1...... -0.4 TOKYO CEMENT...... 60,567...... 73.2...... 74...... 74.5...... 72.5...... 72.9...... -0.3 CAL Medium Risk Debt Fund 15.7090...... 15.7090 ASIRI SURG...... 11,011...... 14...... 14.6...... 14.6...... 13.5...... 13.6...... -0.4 TOKYO CEMENT [TKYO.X0000].283,771...... 66.2...... 66.3...... 68.5...... 66.3...... 67...... 0.8 CAL Quant Equity Fund 19.9477...... 20.2877 AUTODROME...... 4,188...... 75...... 73.6...... 75...... 72.5...... 73...... -2 UNION BANK...... 119,508...... 11.4...... 11.6...... 11.6...... 11...... 11...... -0.4 Ceybank Century Growth 75.3200...... 73.0100 BAIRAHA FARMS...... 3,625...... 139.5...... 145...... 147.5...... 145...... 146.75...... 7.25 UNISYST...... 32,484...... 15...... 15...... 15...... 14.8...... 14.9...... -0.1 Ceybank Gilt Edge Fund (A Series) 14.5141...... 14.5141 Ceybank Gilt Edged Fund (B Series) 11.1164...... 11.1164 BALANGODA...... 11,501...... 13.4...... 14...... 14.5...... 13.7...... 13.7...... 0.3 UNITED MOTORS...... 3...... 66.5...... 66.5...... 66.5...... 66.3...... 66.5...... 0 Ceybank High Yield Fund 13.8604...... 13.8604 BUKIT DARAH...... 380...... 327.75...... 327.75...... 339...... 327.75...... 335.75...... 8 VALLIBEL...... 255,497...... 7.4...... 7.5...... 7.5...... 7.3...... 7.4...... 0 Ceybank Surakum Fund 12.3880...... 12.3880 C M HOLDINGS...... 925...... 90...... 90...... 90...... 90...... 90...... 0 VALLIBEL FINANCE...... 21,662...... 114...... 119...... 119...... 109...... 110.25...... -3.75 Ceybank Unit Trust 25.4100...... 23.8500 C T HOLDINGS...... 3,214...... 169...... 173...... 173...... 169...... 169...... 0 VIDULLANKA...... 49,257...... 5.2...... 5.4...... 5.4...... 5.3...... 5.3...... 0.1 Ceylon Dollar Bond Fund (in $) 0.6963...... 0.6928 Ceylon Financial Sector Fund 6.9800...... 6.7000 CARGILLS...... 97...... 238.5...... 239...... 239...... 235.5...... 238.5...... 0 WATAWALA...... 16,894...... 55.5...... 55.1...... 57...... 55...... 56.9...... 1.4 Ceylon Income Fund 22.3119...... 22.3119 CARGO BOAT...... 41...... 62.3...... 62.3...... 64.6...... 62.3...... 62.3...... 0 YORK ARCADE...... 170...... 164.75...... 167.25...... 170...... 165...... 165...... 0.25 CEYLON Index Fund 53.2300...... 51.0800 CARSONS...... 1,167...... 264.75...... 275...... 275...... 274.75...... 275...... 10.25 SECOND BOARD Ceylon IPO Fund 5.4600...... 5.3500 CDB [CDB.X0000]...... 15...... 78...... 76.5...... 78.5...... 76.5...... 78...... 0 AMBEON CAPITAL...... 15,500...... 5.4...... 5.6...... 5.6...... 5.2...... 5.5...... 0.1 Ceylon Money Market Fund 17.3934...... 17.3934 Ceylon Tourism Fund 3.5500...... 3.4200 CENTRAL FINANCE...... 18,284...... 90.3...... 93.3...... 93.4...... 91...... 91.7...... 1.4 ARPICO...... 1,169...... 199...... 190.5...... 198.75...... 180...... 180.5...... -18.5 Ceylon Treasury Income Fund 6.1500...... 6.1500 CENTRAL IND...... 26,583...... 116.75...... 118...... 123.25...... 114...... 114.75...... -2 ASIA CAPITAL...... 4,970...... 5.4...... 5.9...... 6.1...... 5.5...... 5.7...... 0.3 Comtrust ADL Mudarabah Fund 11.7095...... 11.7095 CEYLINCO INS...... 1...... 2000...... 2,000.00...... 2,000.00...... 2,000.00.....2,000.00...... 0 COMM LEASE & FIN...... 6,503...... 6.7...... 6.8...... 6.9...... 6.4...... 6.5...... -0.2 Comtrust Equity Fund 18.4500...... 17.5400 CEYLON GUARDIAN...... 21,022...... 125.25...... 129.5...... 129.5...... 125...... 125...... -0.25 DISTILLERIES...... 36,519...... 21.1...... 21...... 21.3...... 20...... 20.9...... -0.2 Comtrust Money Market Fund 11.9071...... 11.9071 First Capital Equity Fund (FCEF) 1,342.5900...... 1,275.4600 CEYLON INV...... 22,897...... 67.9...... 69...... 69...... 65...... 65.7...... -2.2 FIRST CAPITAL...... 3,947...... 51.8...... 53.9...... 53.9...... 51.5...... 52.1...... 0.3 First Capital Fixed income Fund 1,857.6400...... 1,857.5900 CEYLON TOBACCO...... 32,582...... 1050...... 1,050.00...... 1,050.00...... 999.25.....1,000.50...... -49.5 GOOD HOPE...... 59...... 1121.9...... 875.75...... 880...... 875.75...... 1,121.90...... 0 First Capital Gilt Edged Fund 1,497.3700...... 1,497.3700 CHEMANEX...... 1,502...... 78.8...... 79...... 84.9...... 79...... 80...... 1.2 KOTMALE HOLDINGS...... 24...... 216.5...... 201.5...... 239.75...... 201.5...... 216.5...... 0 First Capital Money Market Fund 1,918.9300...... 1,918.9300 CHEVRON...... 135,351...... 101.5...... 100...... 102.25...... 99.5...... 99.8...... -1.7 LOLC FINANCE...... 271,715...... 6.8...... 6.9...... 7...... 6.6...... 6.6...... -0.2 First Capital Wealth Fund 1,133.4600...... 1,133.4300 Guardian Acuity Equity Fund 18.2918...... 17.9572 CIC...... 98,500...... 59...... 60...... 60...... 58...... 58.1...... -0.9 MADULSIMA...... 749...... 8.2...... 8.7...... 8.7...... 8.3...... 8.3...... 0.1 Guardian Acuity Money Market Fund 20.3607...... 20.3607 CIC [CIC.X0000]...... 98,517...... 48...... 48.5...... 48.5...... 46.5...... 46.8...... -1.2 ODEL PLC...... 100...... 19...... 20...... 20...... 20...... 20...... 1 JB Vantage Money Market Fund 27.7499...... 27.7499 CITRUS LEISURE...... 29,169...... 8.6...... 8.6...... 8.8...... 8.6...... 8.7...... 0.1 PEOPLE’S MERCH...... XR 80...... 8...... 8.1...... 8.1...... 8.1...... 8...... 0 JB Vantage Short Term Gilt Fund 14.9371...... 14.9371 COLD STORES...... 1,231...... 647.75...... 647.75...... 648.75...... 639...... 641.75...... -6 SERENDIB LAND...... 56...... 3000...... 3,090.00...... 3,750.00...... 3,000.00...... 3,000.00...... 0 JB Vantage Value Equity Fund 24.4400...... 22.9700 NAMAL Bank Fund 8.9837...... 8.6324 COLOMBO LAND...... 55...... 24...... 25...... 25...... 25...... 24...... 0 SINGER SRI LANKA...... 116,396...... 52.1...... 53.00...... 60.00...... 53.00...... 56.40...... 4.3 NAMAL Growth Fund 140.9746...... 131.6078 COMMERCIAL BANK...... 559,179...... 88.8...... 88.8...... 90.5...... 88...... 88.3...... -0.5 DIRI SAVI BOARD NAMAL High Yield Fund 24.8483...... 24.8483 COMMERCIAL BANK [COMB.X0000].66,254...... 81.4...... 82.5...... 82.5...... 81.5...... 81.9...... 0.5 AGSTAR PLC...... 815...... 7.3...... 7.3...... 7.3...... 7.2...... 7.3...... 0 NAMAL Income Fund 14.1419...... 14.1419 CONVENIENCE FOOD...... 1,119...... 1225...... 1,205.00...... 1,300.00...... 1,205.00.....1,272.00...... 47 ALUMEX PLC...... 36,659...... 21.5...... 21.5...... 21.7...... 20.7...... 21...... -0.5 National Equity Fund 34.5488...... 32.3305 NDB Wealth Gilt Edged Fund 18.7588...... 18.7588 DANKOTUWA PORCEL...... 18,089...... 12...... 12.1...... 12.1...... 11.8...... 11.8...... -0.2 AMANA TAKAFUL...... 16,209...... 7.8...... 7.8...... 8.1...... 7.3...... 7.5...... -0.3 NDB Wealth Growth & Income Fund 45.8200...... 44.3900 DFCC BANK PLC...... 6,837...... 62.7...... 62.7...... 63.5...... 62.5...... 62.7...... 0 AMBEON HOLDINGS...... 5,500...... 18.3...... 18.9...... 18.9...... 18...... 18.50...... 0.2 NDB Wealth Growth Fund 10.5200...... 10.1000 DIALOG...... 262,541...... 12.7...... 12.7...... 12.8...... 12.6...... 12.7...... 0 AMF CO LTD...... 10...... 300.25...... 318.75...... 318.75...... 310...... 300.25...... 0 NDB Wealth Income Fund 16.0966...... 16.0966 DIMO...... 357...... 530...... 537.25...... 537.25...... 520...... 520.75...... -9.25 ARPICO INSURANCE...... 25,365...... 21.5...... 21.5...... 22.5...... 20.7...... 20.7...... -0.8 NDB Wealth Income Plus Fund 17.1658...... 17.1658 NDB Wealth Islamic Money Plus Fund 16.3730...... 16.3730 DIPPED PRODUCTS...... 1,753,048...... 50.3...... 50.3...... 51.9...... 48.7...... 49...... -1.3 ASIA SIYAKA...... 9,826...... 2.7...... 2.60...... 2.70...... 2.60...... 2.60...... -0.1 NDB Wealth Money Fund 20.7108...... 20.7108 DOCKYARD...... 472...... 81.5...... 81.5...... 81.5...... 79.6...... 79.6...... -1.9 BERUWALA RESORTS...... 98,170...... 0.9...... 0.8...... 1...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0 NDB Wealth Money Plus Fund 23.6637...... 23.6637 DOLPHIN HOTELS...... 1,724...... 23...... 24.8...... 24.8...... 23...... 23...... 0 BOGALA GRAPHITE...... 16,185...... 24.4...... 24.80...... 24.80...... 24...... 24.00...... -0.4 Softlogic Equity Fund 119.1758...... 113.2909 E B CREASY...... 25,425...... 37.3...... 38.4...... 38.5...... 36...... 36.4...... -0.9 Softlogic Money Market Fund 104.8911...... 104.8911 BOGAWANTALAWA...... 500...... 13.1...... 13.1...... 13.1...... 13.1...... 13.1...... 0 EAST WEST...... 43,251...... 11.3...... 11.1...... 11.4...... 10.9...... 11.2...... -0.1 BPPL HOLDINGS...... 3,427...... 14.1...... 14.6...... 14.6...... 14.1...... 14.1...... 0 Unit holders can contact relevant Fund Managers to obtain Unit Prices for redemptions within EASTERN MERCHANT...... 45,961...... 5.8...... 5.8...... 6.5...... 5.4...... 5.8...... 0 BROWNS...... 14,859...... 176...... 179.5...... 182...... 169...... 170...... -6 short duration from the date of investment where exit fee is applicable. EXPOLANKA...... 6,740,893...... 46.5...... 48...... 48.6...... 46.5...... 47.1...... 0.6 BROWNS INVSTMNTS...... 23,258,905...... 5.8...... 5.9...... 6.1...... 5.6...... 5.7...... -0.1 FORT LAND...... 127,074...... 13.8...... 14...... 14...... 13.5...... 13.5...... -0.3 C T LAND...... 26...... 29...... 29.00...... 29.00...... 28.50...... 29.00...... 0 Ex­change Rates 1 Mar. 2021 GESTETNER...... 1...... 108...... 104.75...... 104.75...... 104.75...... 108...... 0 (1) The average rates of the following (2) The approximate exchange rates C.W.MACKIE...... 1,144...... 45.5...... 44.5...... 47.2...... 44...... 44.2...... -1.3 currencies quoted by commercial banks of GULF currencies based on previous GRAIN ELEVATORS...... 102,646...... 127.75...... 130...... 130...... 124...... 125.75...... -2 CEYLON TEA BRKRS...... 1,647...... 3.3...... 3.4...... 3.4...... 3.3...... 3.4...... 0.1 in Colombo for Telegraphic Transfers day’s market weighted average rate for HAYCARB...... 442,645...... 102.75...... 104.25...... 104.25...... 98.5...... 99.1...... -3.65 (TT) at 9.30 a.m. are as follows. the US$ are as follows. CFI...... 3,208...... 74.9...... 74.6...... 79.9...... 70...... 70.1...... -4.8 HAYLEYS...... 583,558...... 62...... 61.8...... 63.1...... 60.1...... 60.6...... -1.4 CITRUS HIKKADUWA...... 5,051...... 5.2...... 5.2...... 5.2...... 5.1...... 5.1...... -0.1 CURRENCY BUYING RATE...... SELLING RATE COUNTRY CURRENCY...... INDICATIVE RATE HAYLEYS FABRIC...... 712,234...... 15.2...... 15.5...... 15.6...... 14.9...... 15...... -0.2 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 148.8905...... 153.6761 Bahrain Bahrain Dinar ...... 514.6284 CITRUS WASKADUWA...... 3,205...... 3.4...... 3.4...... 3.4...... 3.4...... 3.4...... 0 CANADIAN DOLLA 150.1051...... 156.1098 Kuwait Kuwait Dinar ...... 640.6515 HAYLEYS FIBRE...... 8,186...... 53.2...... 53.5...... 55...... 52...... 53...... -0.2 COM.CREDIT...... 1,091...... 22.1...... 22.3...... 22.3...... 22.3...... 22.3...... 0.2 CHINESE YUAN (RENMINBI) 28.8448...... 30.6909 Oman Oman Rial ...... 503.9479 HDFC...... 8,998...... 38.9...... 38.5...... 38.5...... 37.5...... 37.5...... -1.4 EURO 231.8880...... 238.6626 Qatar Qatar Riyal...... 53.2752 COMMERCIAL DEV...... 11...... 113...... 117...... 117...... 114...... 113...... 0 JAPANESE YEN 1.8032...... 1.8521 Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian Riyal...... 51.7221 HEMAS HOLDINGS...... 37,437...... 81...... 83.3...... 83.3...... 82...... 82.6...... 1.6 DILMAH CEYLON...... 25...... 652...... 679.75...... 680...... 679.75...... 652...... 0 UAE UAE Dirham ...... 52.8198 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 144.0906...... 148.6113 HNB...... 32,180...... 133.75...... 134.5...... 136...... 132...... 133...... -0.75 E - CHANNELLING...... 2,511...... 5.8...... 5.9...... 6.2...... 5.9...... 5.9...... 0.1 STERLING POUND 269.5677...... 276.0850 HNB ASSURANCE...... 371...... 58.9...... 60...... 60.7...... 58.8...... 59.2...... 0.3 SWISS FRANC 210.0228...... 217.9383 EDEN HOTEL LANKA...... 2,993...... 10.5...... 10.8...... 10.8...... 10.5...... 10.7...... 0.2 HNB [HNB.X0000]...... 256,562...... 104...... 106...... 107...... 103.75...... 104...... 0 US DOLLAR 192.0100...... 197.0500 ELPITIYA...... 18,361...... 44...... 44.9...... 45.4...... 43.6...... 43.6...... -0.4 HOTELS CORP...... 258...... 12...... 12...... 12...... 11.9...... 12...... 0 EQUITY TWO PLC...... 830...... 59.9...... 53.7...... 54.1...... 53.1...... 53.2...... -6.7 HUNTERS...... 2...... 632...... 635...... 635...... 635...... 632...... 0 GALADARI...... 3,987...... 8.7...... 8.7...... 8.7...... 8.4...... 8.4...... -0.3 Market Indicators 1 Mar. 2021 INDUSTRIAL ASPH...... 4,928,526...... 0.4...... 0.5...... 0.5...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0 GUARDIAN CAPITAL...... 29...... 30.7...... 32.4...... 32.4...... 30.4...... 30.7...... 0 CSE ALL SHARE PRICE INDEX 7,438.13...... 7,476.34 JANASHAKTHI INS...... 4,192...... 28.5...... 28.5...... 28.5...... 28...... 28...... -0.5 HATTON...... 1,909...... 8.9...... 8.4...... 8.4...... 8.4...... 8.4...... -0.5 S&P SL20 2,964.30...... 2,966.63 JKH...... 4,252,282...... 152.25...... 155...... 155...... 152.25...... 153.5...... 1.25 HNB FINANCE...... 5,239...... 8.2...... 8.2...... 8.6...... 8.2...... 8.5...... 0.3 KANDY HOTELS...... 1...... 4.8...... 5.2...... 5.2...... 5.2...... 4.8...... 0 TRI ON ALL SHARE (ASTRI) 9,969.59...... 10,020.80 HVA FOODS...... 24,675...... 5.4...... 5.5...... 5.5...... 5.1...... 5.1...... -0.3 KEGALLE...... 6,254...... 114.25...... 115...... 115...... 110...... 110.25...... -4 TRI ON S&P SL20 4,881.18...... 4,885.01 JOHN KEELLS...... 50...... 74.2...... 74...... 74...... 74...... 74.2...... 0 VALUE OF TURNOVER(Rs.) 1,899,677,060.00...... 3,006,492,160.00 KELANI CABLES...... 153...... 125...... 120...... 125...... 120...... 120...... -5 KELANI TYRES...... 37,052...... 78.9...... 79.1...... 80...... 77...... 77.5...... -1.4 KAHAWATTE...... 419...... 31.4...... 28.6...... 30.9...... 28.6...... 30.5...... -0.9 DOMESTIC PURCHASES 1,298,593,540.00...... 2,905,094,910.00 KELANI VALLEY...... 4,102...... 40...... 40...... 41...... 38.8...... 40...... 0 KEELLS FOOD...... 59,242...... 156...... 158...... 171...... 157.25...... 168...... 12 DOMESTIC SALES 1,245,079,300.00...... 2,151,753,220.00 KINGSBURY...... 25,377...... 11.8...... 11.9...... 12...... 11.5...... 11.5...... -0.3 KEELLS HOTELS...... 61,386...... 10.4...... 10.6...... 10.6...... 10.4...... 10.5...... 0.1 FOREIGN PURCHASES 601,083,460.00...... 101,397,168.00 KOTAGALA...... 10,275...... 6...... 6.1...... 6.4...... 6.1...... 6.1...... 0.1 LANKA CERAMIC...... 100...... 121.5...... 130...... 130...... 130...... 130...... 8.5 FOREIGN SALES 654,597,700.00...... 854,738,880.00 L O L C HOLDINGS...... 83,401...... 365...... 367...... 375.25...... 356.25...... 359.5...... -5.5 LAUGFS POWER...... 2,795...... 9.3...... 9.4...... 9.5...... 9.4...... 9.4...... 0.1 VOLUME OF TURNOVER(NO.) 57,858,628.00...... 100,956,872.00 LAKE HOUSE PRIN...... 201...... 160...... 121...... 167...... 121...... 121.25...... -38.75 LIGHTHOUSE HOTEL...... 1,440...... 30.7...... 29.9...... 29.9...... 29.8...... 29.8...... -0.9 DOMESTIC 48,845,608.00...... 91,486,984.00 LANKA ALUMINIUM...... 169,793...... 16.7...... 17.5...... 18.9...... 17.1...... 17.2...... 0.5 LOTUS HYDRO...... 1,021...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 9.6...... 9.4...... 9.4...... -0.1 FOREIGN 8,054,631.00...... 5,760,791.00 LANKA ASHOK...... 3...... 839.25...... 819...... 820...... 800...... 839.25...... 0 MAHAWELI COCONUT...... 50...... 27...... 26.2...... 26.2...... 26.2...... 27...... 0 TRADES(NO.) 14,364...... 18,270 LANKA HOSPITALS...... 640...... 44...... 43...... 44.7...... 43...... 44.7...... 0.7 MAHAWELI REACH...... 503...... 12.7...... 13.9...... 14...... 13.9...... 13.9...... 1.2 MARAWILA RESORTS...... 16,050...... 1.9...... 2...... 2...... 1.9...... 1.9...... 0 DOMESTIC 13,937...... 17,768 LANKA IOC...... 198,843...... 20.6...... 20.6...... 22...... 20.6...... 21.5...... 0.9 MILLENNIUM HOUSE...... 4,353...... 6...... 6...... 6.1...... 6...... 6...... 0 FOREIGN 427...... 502 LANKA TILES...... 42,997...... 207...... 207...... 210...... 200...... 200.25...... -6.75 ON’ALLY...... 25...... 32...... 32.00...... 32.00...... 32.00...... 32.00...... 0 CORPORATE DEBT 0...... 0 LANKA WALLTILE...... 86,407...... 204.5...... 207...... 210...... 204...... 208...... 3.5 LAUGFS GAS...... 24,128...... 22.1...... 22.5...... 22.5...... 22...... 22...... -0.1 ORIENT FINANCE...... 127...... 14.9...... 15.8...... 15.8...... 13.7...... 15.5...... 0.6 GOVERNMENT DEBT 0...... 0 LAUGFS GAS [LGL.X0000]...... 2,665...... 18...... 17.8...... 17.8...... 17...... 17.1...... -0.9 PEGASUS HOTELS...... 28...... 30...... 30.9...... 31...... 30.9...... 30...... 0 LISTED COMPANIES (NO.) 283...... 283 LAXAPANA XR...... 46,658...... 14.4...... 14.6...... 14.7...... 14.4...... 14.4...... 0 PRIME FINANCE...... 18,300...... 13.3...... 13.3...... 13.6...... 13.3...... 13.6...... 0.3 TRADED COMPANIES (NO.) 242...... 260 LAXAPANA [LITE.R0000] XR.958,389...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.5...... 0.3...... 0.3...... -0.1 RAIGAM SALTERNS...... 27,826...... 5.2...... 5.4...... 5.8...... 5.4...... 5.5...... 0.3 MARKET PRICE EARNINGS RATIO(PER) 13...... 13.2 LB FINANCE...... 4,970...... 206.25...... 210...... 210...... 207.25...... 208.75...... 2.5 RENUKA CAPITAL...... 2,500...... 7.2...... 7.2...... 7.4...... 7.1...... 7.4...... 0.2 MARKET PRICE TO BOOK VALUE (PBV) 1.2...... 1.2 LEE HEDGES...... 128...... 66.9...... 73.9...... 73.9...... 73.5...... 73.8...... 6.9 RENUKA HOTELS...... 19,771...... 70...... 70...... 70...... 70...... 70...... 0 MARKET DIVIDEND YIELD (DY) 2.4...... 2.4 LMF...... 34,665...... 161...... 163.5...... 165.5...... 159...... 160.25...... -0.75 RICH PIERIS EXP...... 3,570...... 357.5...... 360.25...... 369...... 357...... 360...... 2.5 MARKET CAPITALIZATION (Rs.) 3,252,716,262,000.00...... 3,269,427,205,151.00 LVL ENERGY...... 200,505...... 9.6...... 9.9...... 10...... 9.4...... 9.9...... 0.3 ROYAL PALMS...... 10,101...... 15.4...... 14.5...... 16.4...... 14.5...... 14.6...... -0.8 MALWATTE [MAL.X0000]...... 4,913...... 8.8...... 8.9...... 8.9...... 8.5...... 8.5...... -0.3 SATHOSA MOTORS...... 102...... 227...... 233.5...... 233.5...... 220.5...... 226.5...... -0.5 1. Overnight Money Market Transactions MELSTACORP...... 345,557...... 50.1...... 51...... 51...... 49.5...... 49.6...... -0.5 SERENDIB ENG.GRP...... 12,682...... 6.3...... 6.7...... 6.7...... 6.2...... 6.2...... -0.1 Call Money Market...... Repo Market MERCHANT BANK...... 13,000...... 7.5...... 7.5...... 7.5...... 7.5...... 7.5...... 0 SERENDIB HOTELS...... 27,500...... 15.2...... 15.5...... 16...... 15...... 15...... -0.2 Weighted Average Rate (%)...... 4.55...... 4.60 MULLERS...... 115,602...... 1...... 1.1...... 1.1...... 1...... 1...... 0 SERENDIB HOTELS [SHOT.X0000]...... 488...... 8.9...... 9.6...... 9.6...... 9.6...... 9.6...... 0.7 Minimum Rate (%)...... 4.52...... 4.55 NAMUNUKULA...... 91...... 177.5...... 184...... 184...... 184...... 177.5...... 0 SINGER IND...... 866...... 94.3...... 93.6...... 96...... 93.6...... 94.9...... 0.6 Maximum Rate (%)...... 4.60...... 4.68 Total Gross amount (Rs. million)...... 33,250...... 6,539 NAT. DEV. BANK...... 700,831...... 82.9...... 83...... 84...... 82...... 83...... 0.1 SINGHE HOSPITALS...... 164,109...... 2.1...... 2.1...... 2.2...... 2...... 2.1...... 0 Total Net amount (Rs. million)...... 33,250...... 5,789 NATIONS TRUST...... 57,760...... 58...... 59.9...... 59.9...... 57.5...... 58...... 0 SINHAPUTHRA FIN [SFL.P0000]...... 450...... 4.1...... 4.3...... 4.6...... 4.3...... 4.6...... 0.5 2. Use of the CBSL Standing Facility NATIONS TRUST [NTB-X-0000]...... 148...... 73...... 67.9...... 75...... 67.9...... 70.7...... -2.3 SOFTLOGIC...... 5,511...... 12.6...... 12.7...... 12.7...... 12.5...... 12.6...... 0 Standing Deposit Facility (Rs. million)...... 179,861 NESTLE...... 323...... 1198.75...... 1,199.75...... 1,199.75...... 1,195.00.....1,199.25...... 0.5 SOFTLOGIC CAP...... 30,051...... 3.9...... 3.9...... 3.9...... 3.8...... 3.9...... 0 Standing Lending Facility (Rs. million)...... - OVERSEAS REALTY...... 138,647...... 15.8...... 15.8...... 15.8...... 15.4...... 15.5...... -0.3 SOFTLOGIC FIN...... 1,730...... 10.2...... 10.3...... 10.3...... 10.2...... 10.2...... 0 3. CBSL Treasury Bill/Bonds Holdings PAN ASIA...... 94,137...... 17.2...... 17...... 17.5...... 16.8...... 17...... -0.2 SWADESHI...... 1...... 18324.8...... 16,000.00...... 16,000.00...... 16,000.00....18,324.80...... 0 PANASIAN POWER...... 393,125...... 3.6...... 3.6...... 3.6...... 3.4...... 3.5...... -0.1 Face Value (Rs. million)...... 801,801.88 SOFTLOGIC LIFE...... 4,051...... 30.8...... 32.4...... 32.4...... 30.7...... 31.4...... 0.6 Book Value (Rs. million)...... 785,367.93 PEOPLE’S INS...... 36,437...... 31...... 31.3...... 31.5...... 30.5...... 30.8...... -0.2 TAL LANKA...... 2,380...... 13...... 13...... 13...... 12.5...... 12.5...... -0.5 PEOPLES LEASING...... 334,870...... 12.3...... 12.3...... 12.4...... 12.2...... 12.3...... 0 TRANS ASIA...... 90...... 59.5...... 64.4...... 64.4...... 58.1...... 59.5...... 0 PIRAMAL GLASS...... 1,517,917...... 9.9...... 9.7...... 10...... 9.7...... 9.9...... 0 UDAPUSSELLAWA...... 4,707...... 22.4...... 23...... 23...... 20.8...... 21.9...... -0.5 TOP 10 GAINERS PRINTCARE PLC...... 162...... 29.4...... 30.4...... 32.9...... 30.4...... 31.1...... 1.7 UNION ASSURANCE...... 300...... 305...... 315...... 315...... 300.25...... 301.5...... -3.5 Company VWA VWA Change Change R I L PROPERTY...... 251,363...... 6.7...... 6.9...... 6.9...... 6.6...... 6.6...... -0.1 Prev. Close Days Close (Rs.) % VALLIBEL ONE...... 628,629...... 57.6...... 57.7...... 59...... 56...... 56.1...... -1.5 SINHAPUTHRA FIN 4.1 4.6...... 0.5...... 12.2 REGNIS...... 9,045...... 95...... 99.9...... 100...... 94...... 98...... 3 WATCH LIST SINHAPUTHRA FIN 7.2 8...... 0.8...... 11.11 RENUKA AGRI...... 192,335...... 3.7...... 3.7...... 3.8...... 3.6...... 3.6...... -0.1 ANILANA HOTELS...... 4,612...... 1.2...... 1.3...... 1.3...... 1.2...... 1.2...... 0 LEE HEDGES 66.90 73.80...... 6.9...... 10.31 MAHAWELI REACH 12.7 13.9...... 1.2...... 9.45 RENUKA CITY HOT...... 32...... 225...... 234.75...... 235.5...... 234.75...... 225...... 0 BIMPUTH FINANCE...... 1,060...... 8.3...... 8.3...... 8.3...... 7.7...... 7.7...... -0.6 SINGER SRI LANKA 52.1 56.4...... 4.3...... 8.25 RENUKA FOODS...... 26,911...... 14...... 14.4...... 14.4...... 13.8...... 14...... 0 BLUE DIAMONDS...... 34...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0 SERENDIB HOTELS 8.9 9.6...... 0.7...... 7.87 RENUKA FOODS [COCO.X0000]...1,217...... 12.1...... 12.6...... 13.3...... 12...... 12.2...... 0.1 KEELLS FOOD 156 168...... 12...... 7.69 BLUE DIAMONDS [BLUE.X0000].242,591...... 0.3...... 0.30...... 0.30...... 0.30...... 0.30...... 0 LANKA CERAMIC 121.5 130...... 8.5...... 7 RENUKA HOLDINGS...... 66,508...... 15.2...... 15.4...... 15.5...... 14.4...... 15.3...... 0.1 LANKEM DEV...... 30,506...... 3.7...... 3.80...... 4.00...... 3.6...... 3.70...... 0 PRINTCARE PLC 29.4 31.1...... 1.7...... 5.78 RENUKA HOLDINGS [RHL.X0000].9,998...... 12.4...... 12.4...... 12.5...... 12.2...... 12.5...... 0.1 RAIGAM SALTERNS 5.2 5.5...... 0.3...... 5.77 MACKWOODS ENERGY...... 14,501...... 2.9...... 2.8...... 2.9...... 2.7...... 2.7...... -0.2 RESUS ENERGY...... 3...... 24.1...... 25.7...... 25.7...... 25.7...... 24.1...... 0 MULTI FINANCE...... 70...... 7...... 7.2...... 7.2...... 7.2...... 7...... 0 TOP 10 LOSERS RICHARD PIERIS...... 807,564...... 16.3...... 16...... 16.9...... 16...... 16...... -0.3 NATION LANKA...... 272,043...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0.9...... 0.8...... 0.8...... 0 Company VWA VWA...... Change...... Change ROYAL CERAMIC...... 146,722...... 285.5...... 295...... 295...... 280...... 280.75...... -4.75 LAXAPANA 0.4 0.3...... -0.1...... -25 OFFICE EQUIPMENT...... 10...... 71.2...... 70...... 70...... 70...... 71.2...... 0 LAKE HOUSE PRIN. 160 121.25...... -38.75...... -24.22 S M B LEASING...... 186,210...... 0.6...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0 PARAGON...... 1,200...... 49.8...... 52.5...... 52.5...... 52...... 52...... 2.2 TESS AGRO 0.6 0.5...... -0.1...... -16.67 S M B LEASING [SEMB.X0000].484,440...... 0.3...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.3...... 0.3...... 0 EQUITY TWO PLC 59.9 53.2...... -6.7...... -11.19 RADIANT GEMS...... 2,054...... 29.4...... 29.5...... 29.6...... 29.5...... 29.5...... 0.1 ARPICO 199 180.5...... -18.5...... -9.3 SAMPATH...... 232,565...... 155.75...... 159...... 159...... 156...... 156.5...... 0.75 SINHAPUTHRA FIN...... 90,110...... 7.2...... 8...... 8.2...... 8...... 8...... 0.8 BIMPUTH FI NANCE 8.3 7.7...... -0.6...... -7.23 SANASA DEV. BANK...... 11,337...... 58...... 59.5...... 59.5...... 58.1...... 58.3...... 0.3 MACKWOODS ENERGY 2.9 2.7...... -0.2...... -6.9 STANDARD CAPITAL...... 222...... 73...... 68.5...... 74.5...... 68.2...... 71.4...... -1.6 CFI 74.9 70.1...... -4.8...... -6.41 SEYLAN BANK...... 41,305...... 49.6...... 50.4...... 51...... 50...... 50...... 0.4 TESS AGRO...... 29,672...... 0.6...... 0.7...... 0.7...... 0.5...... 0.5...... -0.1 HATTON 8.9 8.4...... -0.5...... -5.62 HVA FOODS 5.4 5.1...... -0.3...... -5.56 SEYLAN BANK [SEYB.X0000]..499,155...... 40.8...... 41.7...... 42.5...... 41.3...... 42...... 1.2 TESS AGRO [TESS.X0000]...... 66,000...... 0.5...... 0.5...... 0.5...... 0.5...... 0.5...... 0 114 Tuesday, March 2, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

I bet it looks like I care a THOUGHT FOR THE DAY lot. I do!: Rosamund Pike Rosamund Pike took home the award for best performance by an actress in a motion picture, comedy, or musical during Sunday “Nature has given us all the night’s Golden Globes for I Care a Lot. The pieces required to achieve actress beat out Maria Bakalova (Borat exceptional wellness and Subsequent Moviefilm), Kate Hudson (Music), health, but has left it to us to Michelle Pfeiffer (French Exit), and Anya Taylor-Joy put these pieces together.” (Emma). After being announced the winner, Pike – Diane McLaren could be seen visibly excited, quick to give a nod to her film’s title: “I bet it looks like I care a lot. I do!”

BY NAVEED ROZAIS the perspective of the end customer – to do. They tend to think of the short how they will interact with the brand term and only in a local context, 2021 has seen Sri Lanka’s online and use this perspective to but if you think big and think brunchunderstanding of technology and create brand awareness and engage global, there’s a much larger startup the online world bloom beyond with the customer. You need to ask ecosystem that entrepreneurs can get imagination. We must have seen at questions like how you’re going to into. least five years of digital progress get them to sign up for a newsletter crammed into one. or download a mobile app, how ÄÄ CreativeHub frequently Businesses faced huge you’re going to get customers to read rebrands companies challenges last year, losing physical more and more about the bag. to have more impact access to customers over about There are other marketing in the online space. three months. Digital marketing strategies that can also be used to Why is rebranding transformed from simply another control the journey from initial engagement to making a purchase, important and how does form of marketing to a saving CreativeHub go about it? grace. In this new landscape, ICT especially digitally, with applications With rebranding, some of the (information and communications like augmented reality, where companies we work with in terms of technology) services and digital customers can see projections of digital strategy have been around for strategy company CreativeHub has products through an app. You more than 50 years, and when you become a major player in helping can also create a virtual shopping look at those brands, they give out a businesses meet their goals and experience through virtual reality, traditional look and feel that doesn’t reach customers digitally. where customers can virtually walk quite appeal to the youthful crowd The Morning Brunch spoke through a showroom. This was a and the international market. Through to CreativeHub Chief Executive strategy we used with United Motors rebranding, we can take these brands Officer (CEO) Irosha de Silva when they had a lack of people global, and for that approach, the on how both entrepreneurs and visiting their showroom, brand needs to have that international established businesses can make the as a means of taking the look and feel. most of their online presence and showroom to the customer. When we look at rebranding, we engage with customers digitally. The broader aspects of digital marketing are often look at how to position the brand in a ÄÄ Tell us a bit about not realised, but more and modern way at an international level CreativeHub and what more business, not just and build up marketing strategies on they do. locally, but worldwide, top of that to hold people’s attention. are looking at digital People’s attention spans online are Simply put, CreativeHub is a Tapping into getting less and less by the day. marketing broadly. total end-to-end digital consultant. Brands need to keep up with that We’re like a marriage between a ÄÄ What short time span and impress. This is software company and a data-driven advice would why it’s important to speak about the management agency. We also work you give to “why” of a brand. More and more with augmented reality and virtual the broader entrepreneurs brands are moving from profit- reality as well. driven mentalities to purpose-driven What we do is look at starting to market mentalities, to focus on why they companies from a branding exist as a brand and what values are standpoint, and support with their important to them. designing websites, developing spectrum products Many companies in Sri Lanka apps, and enterprise resource digitally? know what they do, but not why planning. We also do data- Irosha de Silva of CreativeHub on embracing I would they do it, and when rebranding, it’s driven digital marketing, creating tell them important to include that missing solutions that can deliver results the power of digital marketing they need aspect. like e-commerce conversions. to think We’ve been working with big. Sri Lanka is a small market, and ÄÄ What are your thoughts several brands, both internationally Google the brand, how their website whatever service or product you are on digital marketing and has been boosted like never before. and locally, including Hayleys, communicates the products or marketing, you need to think global. the pandemic? Screen times have increased, and David Pieris Group of Companies, services they’re selling, and what the Sri Lanka can be a pilot market, but more and more businesses are Our business has grown five Laugfs Holdings, and Expolanka purpose of the brand is. After that you need to think global, and digital looking at getting on or building times over mid-pandemic because Holdings. comes the social media aspect. marketing allows you to get your e-commerce platforms. The digital businesses are looking into going With social media and platforms message and product out to the whole ÄÄ Why do you think side of technology has benefitted digital like never before. They’re like Facebook, Instagram, and world. it is important for quite a lot with the Covid-19 thinking about completely changing LinkedIn (which, by the way, is very This global thinking is something situation. their strategy towards a completely businesses to focus on popular in Sri Lanka), brands need to that people in Sri Lanka don’t tend digital marketing? Looking at digital marketing, think about how they’re going to get online approach or a mixed approach. More and more businesses are pre-pandemic, the only focus target audiences engaged – how to The eyes of decision-makers have on digital marketing was related shifted from running on traditional going digital now, especially with get their attention on these platforms Covid-19. Our digital interaction to social media platforms like and keep it through the user’s whole models for the longest time to taking Instagram and Facebook, but this is Global thinking is something that a digital approach because the need journey up until the point they decide people in Sri Lanka don’t tend to really not the case; digital marketing to purchase that product or service. has been created. has a big spectrum to it. The do. They tend to think of the short Before Covid-19, we were Understanding the importance term and only in a local context, Many companies in approach that CreativeHub takes to of this user journey is crucial in digitally far behind the rest of the digital marketing is quite holistic. but if you think big and think world, but now, since a lot of people Sri Lanka know what they do, digital marketing. Take a handbag global, there’s a much larger start- but not why they do it, and when Take a brand, for instance, brand, for example, when you start are thinking about it, the momentum the first thing you need to look at up ecosystem that entrepreneurs can is there and there is a lot of potential rebranding, it’s important to the brand, no one knows about it, so get into include that missing aspect is how good their digital presence when building a digital marketing for impact for companies who are is, what people see when they strategy, it’s important to think about into providing digital services. Developing actor training through combative art forms BY VENESSA ANTHONY Actor training was to train UVPA performers. “The theatre performance will introduced as part of “on-the- Six to 10 performers, be presented to the public in Sri Lanka is a centre for job training” and actors were including UVPA alumni and a national theatre. Given the cultural diversion and a hub trained through self-learning undergraduates from both public interest in Sri Lankan for intercultural discourses and observation of acting genders, will work closely traditional combative arts and with a long-running history. practices executed by their with the research team and the research team’s experience, Prof. Saumya Liyanage, predecessors. Because Sri combative master artists to and the creativity on creating together with the University Lankan theatre practice was develop a series of training mass theatre production, this of the Visual and Performing not developing as a cultural sessions with the selected theatre performance would be Arts (UVPA), put together industry accumulating capital actors, allowing them to an economically successful the project “AHEAD” and attracting investors, the undergo rigorous training project.” He explained that (Accelerating Higher modern theatre tradition under invited combat artists. the videos of the whole Education Expansion and malfunctioned without a “The research team project will be edited into two Development) in order to proper actor training system. and combative artists will one-hour documentaries, one develop an actor training Hence, he explained, this choreograph a theatrical on traditional combative arts research focuses on developing performance and the and the other on the practice methodology through Sri Prof. Saumya Liyanage Students of the Angampora form Lankan combative art forms. an actor training system based performers will go on rigorous sessions and the final theatre Many Sri Lankan dance Lankan theatre, both Tamil- on Sri Lankan combative form of angampora goes back physical fighting is carried practice sessions on both production. forms and traditional dance speaking and Sinhala, actor art forms and trying to fill to 200 years before Christ. out either with or without the artistic performances “Since there is no drama practices have been training methodologies the gap in the actor training Arabs, Persians, and Chinese weapons.” However, he added and combative arts. Combat significant literature on heavily influenced by the have been a least focus area methodology which can be who were “responsible for that having understood the artists will come to UVPA traditional combative arts and Asian corporeal arts traditions where actors were not trained utilised to train and discipline sea-borne traffic of Ceylon” scope of angampora tradition to train the performers while actor training in Sri Lanka, ranging from martial arts, within an accepted training actors for the contemporary have appreciated these martial currently existing in Sri Lanka the research team will use the two documentaries will kathakali dance drama, methodology. Unlike the theatre, pedagogy, and film arts. As research indicates, and their various branches the documentations to further have a lasting effect on Sri traditional folk theatre, and cinema industry in India or industry. the oldest combative art form of practices and gurukulas broaden the understanding Lankan culture and academia. many other arts and crafts. elsewhere, modern theatre was As this research project in Ceylon can now only be (teacher disciple tradition), this of the combative arts of the The book publication, which Sri Lankan modern theatre in not flourishing as a rich and focuses on the Sri Lankan seen in some of the remaining research work mainly focuses performances,” Prof. Liyanage comes out after the theatre particular has a direct link to commercially viable cultural combative art form named sculptures, frescoes, and on the physical combative commented. production, will be the first the Indian Subcontinent, and industry. “angampora”, the underlying lingual expressions to date. movements and wrestling Prof. Liyanage noted of its nature in Sri Lanka. theatre practices developed Prof. Liyanage assumptions behind bodily Explaining the meaning techniques. that there has been no such This book will definitely in the modern era in early commented: “The need of training and execution of of a traditional Sri Lankan The second stage project which combines affect positively to enhance 1940s and 1950s had a strong developing a training system physical movement are martial art, Prof. Liyanage of the research, Prof. the Sri Lankan traditional the existing actor training connection to the Persian and for actors or establishing a similar to what other forms said: “‘Angam’ (angé) means Liyanage explained, is about combative arts and modern pedagogy at universities and Tamil theatre in South India. scientific methodology to train of corporeal arts are being the ‘body’ and ‘pora’ means implementing the basic art production. The outcome other institutions in Sri Lanka However, in the actors was a hidden agenda for trained and embodied. The ‘combat’. In this angampora principles the research team from this project will have and beyond,” Prof. Liyanage development of modern Sri the Sri Lankan theatre.” Sri Lankan combative arts tradition of martial art, obtains from field research a strong impact on society. noted. 124 brunch „„ www.themorning.lk { ARTS/EVENTS } Tuesday, March 2, 2021

BY NAVEED ROZAIS ÄÄ What’s exciting you most about it? Q is one of those artists that exudes I think the fact that it’s quite personality. From her trademark curls to I feel the best music videos different makes me excited for her sensual voice, Q is unforgettable. Q’s provide a holistic experience everyone to see it. I feel the best talent goes far beyond just her voice. She for the viewer. With “Took music videos provide a holistic is a marketing assistant, model, journalist, it to the River”, I've tried to experience for the viewer. With researcher for The Arka Initiative, and a combine the best of music, Took it to the River, I’ve tried to combine the best of music, co-owner of a bed and breakfast. fashion, cinematography, choreography, and art fashion, cinematography, direction to produce choreography, and art direction something that's quite to produce something that’s unique and out of the box quite unique and out of the box. It’ll be out on YouTube on 12 March.

ÄÄ What’s the video ÄÄ Is Took It to the concept like? River part of your LIFE, Back in November 2020, I approached my brother, Rehan upcoming EP or a Mudannayake (an accomplished standalone piece? film director, writer, and actor), It’s the lead single off my about directing a video for this debut EP, Hysteria. song. I really wanted to play with LOVE, juxtaposing elements since the ÄÄ Tell us about your entire song deals with duality and balance, so it translated into the EP Hysteria. Is it your and everything locations we chose, the costumes I first release? wore, etc. Yes, it is my first release. in between I was fortunate to work with a Hysteria is basically a time range of talented artists who made capsule for the experiences I’ve up the crew, each one bringing had over the past few years: Q on her debut EP Hysteria their expertise and A-game to the Navigating my way through table. We shot the video over an things like independence, 18-hour stretch and across four empowerment, hook-ups, and locations. It was stressful and self-doubt. Performing musically hectic, but I could not be happier It’s a very introspective since 2017, this March with how it turned out. EP that I initially wrote for sees Q launch her first- myself but subsequently turned ever EP. Titled Hysteria, into a sort of tribute to women, the EP is a retrospective ÄÄ Is it like your other especially brown women, who of Q’s journey over the last few music and music don’t really see themselves years and will also see the release videos? represented in mainstream of her first music video, Took it to Yes and no. This is actually media. We’re more complex the River. the first music video I’ve ever and nuanced than we are given The Morning Brunch caught done and I love that I’ve gone all credit for and I really wanted up with Q for a quick chat on out for my first one. Music wise, this to be the focal point of the Took it to the River and Hysteria I’ve always been interested in EP. for a bit of insight into what it’s R&B (rhythm and blues), and this all about. song (which I would put in the Q’s first-ever music video

alternative R&B category) is just “Took it to the River” will be released on 12 March on YouTube. ÄÄ Tell us about Took it another branch of it. to the River as a song. What’s it about? What inspired it? In 2017, I was scrolling through Soundcloud searching for some beats to write to and I came across one that was so simple but very smooth and sensual. I instantly felt like I could write to it and that’s how Took it to the River came to be. I try to be as honest as possible when it comes to writing songs and at the time I was sorting through the maze of emotions that comes with being in a “friends with benefits” situation. This song deals with duality – how do you assert control when you feel like you’re losing it? How do you maintain boundaries when you’re feeling vulnerable? With the help of Dinuka Jayasooriya, its producer, Took it to the River has turned into something I’m so proud of.

BY VENESSA ANTHONY understand what record collecting entails before they embark on it as a hobby,” The Vinyl Cafe is a passion project and Musafer noted. hobby store by Tareeq Musafer, who is the He added that they will be having a Founder and patron of the DJ Academy workshop for little kids called “Musical THE VINYL CAFE Minds”, to help develop their knowledge, of Sri Lanka and author of the book Learn workshops for Millennials or those who also educates his audience about at these all the interesting details about vinyl playing to be a DJ, published in 2008. weren't born into the vinyl era. People like workshops, but everyone who attended has and mixing music on vinyl like DJs do skills, and understanding of music. The Musafer started out DJing in the early that can actually touch and feel the different expressed how much fun it is to learn about on a turntable. “A turntable is the workshop will be conducted on 6 80s and music was always a big part of his characteristics of a vinyl record. They will these facts. record player. I also give one- March from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at life. He started out small, like every DJ; understand the sound differences between Using his experience as a DJ, he also on-one instructions on how the Vinyl Cafe. The kids will playing at school gigs and friends’ parties. different records, even though they may gives his audience some insight into what it to use it, with information get to experience DJing on a In the late 80s, he moved to Australia, be the same song.” He added that there are was like mixing and DJing using vinyls. The on the needs, and how the vinyl and at the same time where he got the bulk of his experience many technical aspects to a vinyl, which he workshop covers everything from learning sound comes out so they learn the culture behind it. and exposure in the mobile, club, and event circuits. Upon his return to Sri Lanka in the late 90s, he dabbled in many businesses ventures in the entertainment and leisure sectors. Speaking to The Morning Brunch on how Vinyl Cafe started out, he said: “I have an extensive collection of vinyls due to my career as a DJ. Back in the 80s we used to only play out of vinyls, so as a DJ, you had to have a lot.” He went on to add that it was the lockdown that inspired him to create the Vinyl Cafe. “I had a lot of time on my hands, so I used that time to put all my vinyls into order. Then I thought to myself, ‘why not put it in a place where people can come and look at them?’ That is the story of the Vinyl Cafe.” Although the place is called a “cafe”, Musafer explained that they do not serve food, but somewhere down the line, when things get better, turning it into a real cafe could become a possibility. For now, it's just a great place to go chill, hang out, listen to some great tunes, and unwind. Anyone with a passion for vinyls can meet like-minded people at the workshops Musafer holds for this purpose. Explaining what the workshops he holds entail, he said: “I conduct these brunch 134 Tuesday, March 2, 2021 { COLUMNS/EVENTS } „„ www.themorning.lk The house is called “Amazing Grace”. Upatissa was the owner of the once-famous Spanish Hacienda in Kollupitiya, next to Methodist College, at No. 238, Galle Road. His house at Rosmead Place is Spanish-styled with CHAPTER Spanish architecture. The balcony has a Spanish air about it 8 with its beautiful white William Shakespeare wrought iron furniture, thorns in the process. Never and that’s where we did mind getting scratched… our special programme on the disentangling that blooming Barcelona Olympics in 1992. “cape” from the thorns and I remember Yasmin running was torture! Rajapakse once planning one I managed this somehow. of her theatre programmes. But the worst was to follow. It dealt with various aspects With those famous lines of French theatre and in it memorised the whole morning was also to be a sequence and just about to be delivered, from Shakespeare’s Romeo et I fondly look heavenwards, at Juliette…the balcony scene to Juliette up on the balcony… be precise! We wanted to be only to be hit in the eyes by daring. She was to be Juliette the blinding sun. This was and moi, I was to be Romeo – trauma. It was then that I the Bonsoir version!!! realised that we had not done HUTCH debuts Celebrated poet and a reconnaissance (checking writer Anne Ranasinghe, our out the location). Too late, the friendly neighbour, had a recording had to go on. affordable Study curved balcony on her upper I don’t want to think floor, at the bottom of which of how many “takes” poor was a profusion of shrubs and Chintha had to take, but I from Home plans a few trees – all part of her know that he took…and A painting of the balcony scene of William Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ HUTCH, provider introduced a 30-day Work, well-maintained and verdant he took…and he took. For of mobile broadband Study, Zoom data plan, garden. It seemed to be the some inexplicable reason, we services, stated it which comes with 20GB ideal location, and nearby too. wanted to film it in the correct has introduced more Anytime data quota for Rs. Prior permission obtained, sequence. We also had only affordable Study from 551, which is available for we trotted off to Verona (alias one camera, so there was Home plans. both prepaid and postpaid the Ranasinghe residence Chintha running upstairs and Claiming to be the go- users. down Rosmead Place) one downstairs (no…not in his ‘ROMEO ET bright and sunny morning. to telecom operator when Apart from the access nightgown) and downstairs it comes to affordable to the same apps as in the Yasmin ventured into her and upstairs. data plans, HUTCH stated Study from Home plans, pink, frilly, lacy, collared, and At the end of it all, poor continues to listen to additional benefits of this long-sleeved nightdress and Juliette was a hair-dishevelled customers’ pain points plan include unlimited perched herself atop on the wreck and poor Romeo a and curate solutions to access to YouTube. balcony looking very Juliette- sweaty, panting spectacle. suit the increasing needs Commenting on the JULIETTE’ ish. I think I wore a black Star-crossed lovers? to access online classes new Study from Home data trouser and white frilly shirt Anything but! and lectures. plans, HUTCH Marketing with a large trailing black and I was alarmed at what the in a thorny balcony scene! burgundy bed sheet pinned to To this end, HUTCH General Manager Hamdhy final result would be. my shoulder like a cape. has introduced two Study Hassen said: “The newly Yasmin and Chintha, That was certainly NOT from Home plans at price launched plans will help THE however, did wonders with my day. There was a dusky points of Rs. 29 and Rs. students to study SMART Juliette up on the balcony, the editing and the “Bonsoir 69. The Study from Home from the comfort of home. looking very ethereal with the Theatre Special” was telecast buddy plan priced at Rs. The study from home sun behind her like a halo and the following Monday. No 29 comes with 2GB data buddy plans are intended practising those famous lines: one ever realised what the and is valid for two days, to support online classes DIARIES “Romeo, Romeo…for where “making of” of that was like. while the Rs. 69 buddy and lectures with fit to art thou Romeo? Deny thy Only we did. Vive William plan comes with 7GB pocket prices designed, so father and refuse thy name...” Shakespeare!!! data and is valid for seven that parents will no longer Our neighbours’, the Anne Ranasinghe at No. I had to run through the days. need to worry when leaving Madanayakes, house 82 and Ramya de Livera bushes, arrive at the bottom Both plans provide the students with a smart “The Bonsoir Diaries” by Kumar de Silva access to essential apps device.” and garden at No. 93, Perera at No. 77 towards of the balcony, look up at Juliette, and say my lines. is a cocktail of chapters, bursting at their for study purposes such as All these plans can be seams with pithy asides, a trail of faux Rosmead Place were Wijerama Mawatha. What no one realised Zoom, Microsoft Teams, activated by reloading the our permanent outdoor pas, and tit-bits from behind the scenes, Towards Kynsey Road, was that I had to run through marinated with anecdotes and drizzled Google Meet, and Google respective prices, dialing set. But there were also at No. 112A were Erin and a succession of prickly with nostalgia, revealing everything you Classroom, plus web the USSD code *131#, or times when we ventured Upatissa Attygalle and their bougainvilleas, getting never saw on your favourite television browsing. via the HUTCH Self Care beyond our immediate (then) little daughter Ruveka show…from the ‘80s through the ‘90s my arms scratched, and into 2000. HUTCH had already app. neighbours. There were who attended Ladies’ College. the bedsheet caught in the Ocean Lanka holds Service Awards to honour staff loyalty

VIASL President S.K. Gamage (fourth from left) and members at the press conference VIASL seeks solutions to issues facing vehicle importers The Vehicle Importers’ as government permit holders have poor quality and there have been Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) opened letters of credit prior to the instances where they have not been has requested a meeting with import ban, and should be provided allowed to be run in their respective President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to with the opportunity to import manufacturing countries. The repair discuss the challenges facing the these vehicles. Since all circulars costs of a locally assembled vehicle industry due to the ongoing ban on regarding clearing imported is extremely high while their after- the importation of motor vehicles. vehicles from Sri Lankan ports were market value is far less compared to The import ban, which has been in published on a retrospective basis, a high-quality Japanese/European force since March 2020, has gravely there are several permit holders as vehicle. This entire process will impacted vehicle importers and all well as importers who are struggling only benefit the low-quality car related industries. to import the vehicles they have manufacturers, whose products will Vehicle importers as well ordered and confirmed legally haunt generations of Sri Lankans. as related service providers are through a valid letter of credit, The VIASL therefore presently facing severe difficulties VIASL stated. requests a meeting with the maintaining their business premises Local manufacturing and President to discuss the creation and paying off bank loans, rent, assembling has been mooted as a of a reasonable survival plan Ocean Lanka Managing Director Dr. Austin Au and the senior management team with a 25-year honouree and salaries of their employees. solution to the foreign exchange that would enable them to meet Currently there are a large number issue, but VIASL believes it’s not their financial commitments and Ocean Lanka, which Managing Director Dr. values communication, and is considered as one of importers in the country who the solution, as the process does employee remuneration overheads. claims to be Sri Lanka’s Austin Au described the transparency, respect, of the most important are without a single vehicle in not add any value to the country’s As a responsible association largest weft knitted honourees as “pioneers” and trust – while employee recognition their showrooms, struggling to economy and is merely designed that is aware of the difficulties fabric manufacturer, whose contributions embracing a growth events, along with survive and to pay their employees. for tax evasion and higher profit the Government is facing due stated it honoured a large have made Ocean Lanka mindset. This is our the “Sewa Abhiman If the ban is to continue further, margins for a few companies. The to this Covid-19 situation, they cohort of its staff at the the foremost textile DNA, and the long years Loyalty Awards”. they will be forced to close down local assembling companies mainly are making this public request Ocean Lanka Service manufacturer in the of service are ample The company stated their business and make all their import an almost finished product to the Government for the first Awards, where cash region. proof of those core it remains committed employees redundant. VIASL and add minimal value to it. time. As veterans in this industry prizes were presented to “For the past 25 values being vibrantly to the professional calculates that around 100,000 VIASL further noted that the with years of knowledge and 12 employees who have years, the company has lived, every day,” Dr. development of staff and direct and indirect employees will ultimate victim in this process is experience, VIASL wishes to served for 25 years, and thrived on the passion, Au said. the allocation of various have to be made redundant, while the general public who is forced to present the various proposals 27 staff members who perseverance, and The Ocean Lanka incentives and employee also placing the 350,000-400,000 purchase low-quality products that they have prepared that would have served for 20 years. dedication of our staff. Service Awards was part engagement activities to dependents of these employees in lack adequate safety and emission allow importers to survive while Addressing the We continue to shape of the company’s 25th further motivate them to dire straits. standards at an inflated price. Most controlling the outflow of foreign staff, Ocean Lanka an environment that anniversary celebrations, deliver their best. Some vehicle importers as well of these products are of extremely currency. 144 sports „„ www.themorning.lk { SPORTS } Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Sobers asked me to ‘hit that out of the ground’: Karnain In that series against the rest of the team had Sobers told me before that New Zealand in 1984, only three or four helmets. match: “Karnain, I know I was picked only as the Those helmets had only a you like to hit the ball. If 12th man. The Test series plastic visor. (It was) only you are hitting, hit it out of had been over by then. when we went to Australia the ground.” No one has Those days, they used the same year that we got given me such confidence to tell us only before the helmets with a mesh. earlier. Others have only toss that we are going told me, “stay there, don’t to play. When we were The ‘Velona Sixer’ do this, don’t do that”, etc. warming up in Moratuwa Stirling was bowling a But he was asking me to (before the second ODI), bouncer at me. By then he hit that out of the ground. our Coach Sir Sobers was considered faster than That was like a (Vitamin) came near me and even Richard Hadlee. I B12 injection for me. said: “Karnain, you are was batting at the pavilion playing.” I didn’t believe end. I hooked it. The ball After the victory it. Then he confirmed that went over the pavilion and We celebrated our both myself and Aravinda ended up in the Velona victory that evening (on (de Silva) are going to Factory after going over the day of the Moratuwa play that match. Galle Road. match) at Galle Face Later, I got out caught Hotel. There, Jeff Crowe On helmets by Cairns at extra cover came and told me that I went in to bat after off Martin Crowe. When I Stirling was upset for Arjuna returned to the came back to the pavilion, that six. Later on, after pavilion. He had been hit Sir Sobers hugged me and many years, Jeff Crowe on his lips. His helmet lifted me. He said: “I like had told me on a couple didn’t have a visor. The that shot maaan. A brilliant of occasions that the entire Sri Lanka team had shot. I loved it.” Those particular shot would one or two helmets those words I still remember. have gone into Sterling’s days. We used to share mind so much so that his those. Arjuna had one Sobers’ advice international career never which he had got from Those days, we were picked up thereafter, as it England. Then Duleep not bothered (about) who was expected. In cricket and Roy had their own was bowling at us. We just such things happen helmets. Other than those, wanted to play our shots. unfortunately.

close to the turf to dry it quickly. Soon Karnain’s feat was world’s began the match, not as a usual 45-over first five-wicket haul on affair but as one with 40 overs per side. ODI debut This happened to be an important game on many counts. Other than Karnain, this There are 4,275 One-Day was the first international match of the Internationals (ODIs) that have been 18-year-old Aravinda de Silva. The third played so far, between 1971 to date, debutant was right-arm fast bowler from yet there are only 14 instances where New Zealand, Derek Stirling. a bowler has taken five wickets or more on his ODI debut Sri Lanka makes 157/8 1. Uvais Karnain in 1984 for Sri Inserted to bat under overcast conditions, Lanka, vs. New Zealand in Sri Sri Lanka were reduced to 69/5. Aravinda Lanka (5/26) faced 23 balls for only eight runs before he was clean-bowled by Hadlee as the fifth 2. Tony Dodemaide in 1988 for man to get out. The 20-year-old Arjuna Australia, vs. Sri Lanka in Australia came in, got one from Cairns, top-edged (5/21) Uvais Karnain hooking that famous six off Derek Stirling of New Zealand over the Galle Road into the Velona Factory premises on the other side of the road. After it onto his lips, and left to the pavilion Karnain returned to the pavilion, Sri Lanka Coach Garry Sobers hugged Karnain and lifted him saying in his usual Caribbean accent: ‘It was a brilliant shot maaan, I injured. He was wearing a helmet, yet 3. Allan Donald in 1991 for South loved it’ Africa, vs. India in India (5/29) PHOTO S. SHIVARAJ without a visor. That was the moment when debutant 4. Charitha Buddhika in 2001 for Sri Karnain, 21 then, had to come in. He Lanka, vs. Zimbabwe in UAE (5/67) A DREAM DEBUT AT MORATUWA AGAINST THE MIGHTY KIWIS joined Ravi Ratnayeke in the middle. But Ratnayeke ran himself out for 12 when 5. Austin Codrington in 2003 for the total was 81. Canada, vs. Bangladesh in South Karnain rose to the occasion. He Africa (5/27) whacked a quick-fire 24-ball 28, inclusive of three fours and a six in his nearly 6. Fidel Edwards in 2003 for West 40-minute stay at the crease. When he Indies, vs. Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe got out, Sri Lanka were 110/7. Arjuna (6/22) returned to the middle and saw them Karnain’s 1984 7. Brian Vitori in 2011 for Zimbabwe, to a respectable 157/8 in their 40 overs (3.92 per an over). The injured Ranatunga vs. Bangladesh in Zimbabwe (5/30) eventually top-scored with an unbeaten 8. Taskin Ahmed in 2014 for 60-ball 50. Bangladesh, vs. India in Bangladesh That ‘Velona Sixer’ (5/28) The highlight of the Lankan innings 9. Craig Young in 2014 for Ireland, ‘Velona Sixer’ was the massive “sixer” hoisted by vs. Scotland in Ireland (5/46) our man Uvais Karnain, which sailed z Six went over Galle z He also took z Set an z Sri Lanka beat z Coach Garry over the Moratuwa Stadium pavilion 10. Mustafizur Rahman in 2015 for and ended up at the Velona Factory Bangladesh, vs. India in Bangladesh Road to the Velona five wickets unbeatable powerful New Sobers is on the other side of the adjacent Galle (5/50) Factory compound on debut world record Zealanders ecstatic Road. Stirling was the bowler. They say Stirling couldn’t bear the brunt of 11. Kagiso Rabada in 2015 for that six, so to say. Being one who was South Africa, vs. Bangladesh in BY REVATHA S. SILVA Corwes and crows faster than even Sir Hadlee at the time, Bangladesh (6/16) Rewind to 1984 in Moratuwa. Here is a defining moment of a forgotten The Kiwis, led by Geoff Howarth, his international career didn’t flourish 12. Dasun Shanaka in 2016 for Sri hero, Shaul Hameed Uvais Karnain. A dream debut, a six out of the park, a featured John Wright, Bruce Edgar, Lance as expected. Lanka, vs. Ireland in Ireland (5/46) world record, and a memorable victory. Cairns, the famous After Karnain returned Born on 11 August 1962 in Colombo, on AstroTurf for the first time in that Crowe brothers – to the pavilion, Sri Lanka 13. Jake Ball in 2016 for England, vs. Uvais Karnain had already represented tournament. Martin and Jeff Crowe – Coach Garry Sobers Bangladesh in Bangladesh (5/51) Sri Lanka in hockey. Having captained Yet, continuing his cricket more Jeremy Coney, Richard hugged lanky Karnain his school Isipathana College, Colombo seriously, Karnain played for Colts Hadlee, Ian Smith, Ewen and lifted him shouting 14. Jan Frylinck in 2019 for Namibia, in both hockey and cricket in 1980 and Club and NCC (Nondescript Cricket Chatfield, and Derek in his usual Caribbean vs. Oman in Namibia (5/13) 1981, the 21-year-old is now named in Club) post his school career. Stirling. accent: “It was a brilliant the Sri Lanka squad for the New Zealand In Moratuwa, on Saturday, 31 March The Sri Lankan team shot maaan, I loved it.” As the sun set that day in the nearby tour of Sri Lanka. Three Tests and three 1984, Sri Lanka were to meet the Kiwis included Duleep Mendis, True to form, Sobers Indian Ocean, the parties began at the ODIs (One-day Internationals). in the second ODI of a three-match Sidath Wettimuny, had always asked the coastal Moratuwa, one of the most cricket- series. Sri Lanka had already lost the Brendon Kuruppu, Lankans to “whack it mad localities in the whole island which Debut in Moratuwa three-match Test series 2-0 and the Ranjan Madugalle, hard” whenever they is also famed for its fun and frolic, music, His school cricket Coach was Mike tourists were leading the ODIs 1-0 after Arjuna Ranatunga, batted, no matter who the and arts. Sri Lanka has beaten a strong Chanmugam. But as a 19-year-old, winning the first one by 104 runs at Aravinda de Silva, Ravi bowler was, instilling in cricketing nation featuring world-famous Karnain had represented Sri Lanka SSC (Sinhalese Sports Club). Our hero Ratnayeke, Vinothen them the real Caribbean legends in their ranks. New Zealand lost at the Asia Cup hockey in Pakistan Karnain is to make his international John, Guy de Alwis, and Uvais Karnain is one of the junior attitude. the match by 41 runs. Karnain’s final in 1981. Pakistan were hockey world cricket debut. A world record was in Somachandra (D.S.) de national cricket selectors now The Kiwis could never figures read 8-1-26-5 (an econ of 3.35). champions then. Sri Lanka played the making. Silva. settle in, in their reply. He was the obvious choice for the Man Sri Lanka was then a fighting bunch What was a formidable batting unit, was of the Match. of cricketers under Coach Sir Garfield in total disarray soon, as “the quickest Sobers. They were always considered of the local lot” Vinothen John sent His career continued very hard to be beaten at home, especially back opener Wright for three runs, just But on 1 April, the Kiwis prevailed in the ODIs. before tea. The right-arm medium pacer over the hosts in the decisive third ODI As if to ascertain that fact, the Karnain took over from there. It was at P. Sara, winning it by 86 runs. They minuscule Moratuwa Stadium or Soysa demolition time for the Lankans. clinched the series 2-1. Park was packed that day to the full with Karnain made four international the happy-go-lucky Moratuwa fans. The quintessential Man tours for Sri Lanka thereafter. He went Cheerleader Percy was doing his usual of the Match to Australia for the Benson & Hedges rounds with his national flag in his hands. New Zealand are to lose their next World Series, twice to Sharjah, and And whenever one of the Crowe brothers three wickets against Karnain. He sent another tour to Zimbabwe. came near the boundary line, the crowd back Edgar (ct. De Alwis 12), Howarth He played 19 ODIs between 1984 shouted “kaak, kaak”, prompting younger (b. 12), and Cairns (b. 5) for a total of and 1990 taking 16 wickets at 31.56. Martin Crowe to react waving both his 39. Then there was a stoppage for rain. He scored 229 runs with the bat at arms emulating the crow, to the utter joy After the resumption, Karnain removed 19.08 with the highest score being 41 of the spectators. Jeff Crowe (lbw 9) and the great Martin not out. He did not play any Tests. And Crowe (ct. De Alwis 9). never came again a moment that was Three debutantes The Kiwis’ run chase was in disarray as jubilant as that Moratuwa ODI in Karnain in the Sri Lanka squad for the Rothmans Asia Cup at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE in April 1984. Back The overnight rains had delayed the losing seven for 76. They were eventually 1984, where he rocked the whole cricket row, from left: Jayantha Amerasinghe, Ishak Sahabdeen, Uvais Karnain, Vinothen John, and Ravi Ratnayeke. Front start of the match. Then Sri Lanka Cricket bowled out in 34 overs for 116. Hadlee and world with an astonishing international row, from left: Ranjan Madugalle, Somachandra de Silva, Duleep Mendis (Captain), and Maj. Gen. Bertram Heyn Board President Gamini Dissanayake had Stirling made 13 runs each, the innings’ debut that made Sir Sobers say, “I love (Manager) called for an Air Force helicopter to hover top score. it maan”. sports 154 Tuesday, March 2, 2021 { SPORTS } „„ www.themorning.lk Mithali Raj: Epitome of Women’s Cricket

West Indies players (from left) Kraigg Brathwaite, Nkrumah Bonner, and Rahkeem Cornwall celebrate their recent 2-0 Test win over Bangladesh WINDIES ‘BEST VS. BEST’ TEST WARM-UP Hetmyer, Da Silva, Chase named in So cute! The girl in this 1980s photo had an ambition to be a good dancer. But she ended up a cricketer.

Background Mithali has epitomised the ideal Asian model Mithali Dorai Raj, born in 1982 in Rajasthan, of a women’s cricketer. 26-man shortlist India to a Tamil family, has now become the face of women’s cricket of this region. Analysis Guyana batsman Shimron Hetmyer, Trinidad and Tobago wicketkeeper-batsman against each other. We expect (the players) to We know Margaret Court, The emphasis the camera Joshua Da Silva, and Barbados pacer Chemar Holder were among 26 players be very competitive and put forward a case for Chris Evart, Steffi Graf, angle gives to the reflection on named by the Cricket West Indies (CWI) selection panel for a four-day practice themselves. It is a chance to raise their stock Sharapova, and Serena et the mirror. Obviously the little girl match, named “Best vs. Best”, in preparation for the upcoming Test series against and show what they can do.” al formed an independent is not looking at the camera. The Sri Lanka, West Indies media said on Sunday (28 February). In particular, Harper suggested it was an identity to women’s tennis lighting and the fancy colours of opportunity for the players involved in the West that is detached from the the dress, the wall, and the flowers The match will be held at the Coolidge our preparation for the Test series against Sri Indies’ 2-0 Test series win over Bangladesh men’s game. on her hair give this a magical Cricket Ground (CCG) in Antigua from 8-11 Lanka,” CWI lead of selection panel Roger to hang on to their spots. But around two decades touch. A real photo out of a Indian March and gives an opportunity for players Harper has told CWI media. “The Test series win in Bangladesh was a after its emergence, women’s family album, and further, the not involved in the limited-overs series to “It gives the players who performed well real joy to watch,” said Harper. “The results cricket is still struggling to get image on the mirror gives a duality remain sharp and push for places. in the last West Indies championship an were brilliant, but it was the passion, the out of the shadow of its men’s to the subject, Mithali, her present, “The ‘Best vs. Best’ game is firstly a part of opportunity to showcase their skills, playing application, and the determination, as well version. Mithali Raj, 36 now, and –why not– her future... as the team spirit that were exactly what we completed two decades of her international The full teams: wanted to see. career this year where she was tipped as the Photographer “It was most encouraging to see everyone greatest batswoman of the world! Unknown. Squad A: pulling together and working hard for each Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Shamarh Brooks, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da other and enjoying each other’s success. I What the photo reveals An afterword Silva, Derval Green, Keon Harding, Shimron Hetmyer, Kavem Hodge, Paul Palmer think the team performed much better than Once a very lazy girl, Mithali bid adieu to Upon receiving the Padma Shri, the third- Jr, Veerasammy Permaul, Kieran Powell, Preston McSween, and Jayden Seales many people thought they were capable of her Bharat Natyam dream to aspire a cricketing highest state award of India in 2015, she said: doing,” Harper has stressed. career at the age of eight following her elder “... the award came as a pleasant surprise. Squad B: Kraigg Brathwaite, who captained the West brother’s footsteps. Yet, she could never have When I started there was no awareness for Roston Chase (Captain), Sunil Ambris, Nkrumah Bonner, Jermaine Blackwood, Indies in Bangladesh, will lead Squad A, while achieved so many accolades if not for the women’s cricket. But today, people would John Campbell, Jahmar Hamilton, Chemar Holder, Imran Khan, Marquino Mindley, Roston Chase heads Squad B in the “Best vs. continuous backing she got from her parents. want to follow it.” Shayne Moseley, Raymon Reifer, Nial Smith, and Jomel Warrican Best” matches.

Interception

BY MALINDA SENEVIRATNE A note on ‘The Expert Fan’ z Quentin Israel, one of the highly respected It’s easier being a fan, for one can be absolutely unfair rugby coaches in the latter half of the last Naturally, it isn’t easy for them to be objective Century, used to write a weekly column on the in comment. They are anguished by loss and sport, back in the mid 1980s. He knew rugby, their reactions are marked less by reason than of this there can be no doubt. Writing a preview by emotion. of sorts just before the Bradby Shield encounter of 1988, he predicted a close encounter. It’s easier being a fan Royal, led by Lasitha “Bonsa” Gunaratne, There’s nothing wrong in that. However, apart was unbeaten that year. That team, virtually from the rare “student-fan” like Kadalai or Agale a constellation in terms of star-quality, had (that’s the late Sampath Agalawatta who skippered an exceptional place-kicker-cum-full-back, Royal to win all trophies on offer in 1984 and Shantha Fernando. Shantha would frequently who would not just accurately predict outcome, join the line and put the finishing touches to but explain the “why” of his views), fans are not exquisite moves by the backs. He broke the experts. They do scream for the heads of players, record for the most number of tries scored in a captains, selectors, and coaches, and sometimes season, held until then by “Pathanian” Gamini the calls are not entirely unjustified. However, Senanayake. Shantha was considered “key”. sobriety is not their strongest suit. Every sport needs fans. They have to have The Kadalai their say. However, it might not be prudent for Israel did not question his talent, but in that captains, players, selectors, administrators, and preview suggested that Shantha was susceptible coaches to have too much attention to the noise to erring on the high ball. Naturally, respecting they make. his wisdom, some Royalists who read his Such personnel have tasks. They have mandates. column were worried. Kanishka Goonewardena, They are required to exercise reason. They are a young old boy who watched almost all the required to retire emotion when deliberating on matches that season with me, mentioned the options. They are human and they can err. Fans above comment. can be unforgiving and this doesn’t make their I didn’t have a counter comment from any jobs any easier. That, however, is part of the story. expert, but I told Kanishka that “Kadalai”, This is about ‘fans’. They come in many forms and are endowed with varying degrees of knowledge of the particular game. Here is Sri Lanka cricket’s That’s a price they are sometimes required to pay. the inimitable gram seller who had become a super-fan Percy Abeysekera cheering the national team in the 1980s, as others enjoy his utterances It’s easier being a fan, for one can be absolutely permanent feature of the school over several unfair. At no cost whatsoever. Let’s remember decades, had predicted an easy win for Royal. another fan, but a well-informed one. cannot be faulted, for he hadn’t predicted a against Royal wresting back the shield after this when we venture to judge, shall we? “If Kadalai said so, that’s all that matters,” Trinity win. Kadalai’s conviction could have three consecutive losses. (The author is the Director, Hector Kanishka’s response was on these lines. This is about fans been informed by outcome preferences, but This is not about Quentin and/or Kadalai. This Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Kadalai was a fan. He was a keen student Shantha may have had a weak spot, but that then again there were occasions when he had is about “fans”. They come in many forms and Training Institute and the views expressed of all sports, having watched matches and wasn’t evident in either of the encounters with been quite pessimistic of Royal’s chances, are endowed with varying degrees of knowledge here are his own. He can be reached engaged in countless conversations with players Trinity that year. Royal won the first leg 24-0 especially in rugby and cricket. Bonsa’s year of the particular game. They are, by definition, at [email protected] or www. and coaches over the years. So he wasn’t just and the second leg 13-0. To be fair, Quentin was an exception, and few would have wagered emotionally invested in teams and players. malindawords.blogspot.com) „„ www.themorning.lk Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Djokovic on par with Federer Novak Djokovic equalled Roger Federer’s all-time record for most weeks as Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) World No. 1 yesterday (1), holding the top spot for the 310th week. Djokovic’s ninth Australian Open title last month guaranteed that he would surpass Federer’s record on 8 March. Having reached another milestone in his illustrious career, Djokovic had said he would look to adjust his calendar Woods moved by colleagues’ solidarity and make overhauling Federer and Tiger Woods expressed his gratitude after seeing several male and female Rafa Nadal’s joint-record of 20 golfers show their support on Sunday (28 February). Former world No. 1 Rory Grand Slam titles his McIlroy was among those who wore red and black – the colours Woods is sports top priority. known for wearing in the final rounds of tournaments.

No permanent adversaries. Shammi Silva (left) and Thilanga Sumathipala Has Sumathipala ‘patched up’ differences with Shammi Silva? BY REVATHA S. SILVA aligning more closely with the Kangadaran Nomination lists shared too to the courts. In a twist to the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) election coming up on 20 May, the Thilanga Mathivanan camp, which is contesting the It is also understood that Sumathipala “One interested party is trying to build Sumathipala faction has allegedly patched up its differences with the incumbent Silvas in the forthcoming SLC AGM. Your has allegedly included his ally, a member up certain issues conspicuously with the Shammi Silva camp, an SLC source revealed to The Morning Sports on Sunday (28 enemy’s enemy becomes your friend. of the SLC affiliate Singhalese Sports Club intention of giving the judiciary a picture February). “(But now) it emerges that Mr. Sumathipala (SSC), as one of the nominees for the post that the present SLC is incompetent. A commonly known secret in the Manoeuvring to mislead the is more or less working together with Mr. of Vice President in the next AGM. “They do it in the hope of disturbing cricket circles was that the current SLC courts! Silva. The move is considered in the cricket the possibility of having elections,” he Executive Committee, headed by President “There is also a possibility that there circles as one aimed at stopping present added, referring to the 15 March Appeal Shammi Silva, was at loggerheads with the Both Silva as well as one of his Vice won’t be an election anyway. There could SLC Vice President Jayantha Dharmadasa Court hearing of a petition filed by a group Sumathipalas, following developments in Presidents, Ravin Wickramaratne, were then be last-minute legal issues cropping up to from being re-elected to the position. of individuals, including former SLC the Cricket Board after the last SLC annual considered close confidantes of Sumathipala. stop the AGM from being held,” said the But our source added that another party administrators. general meeting (AGM) held in February But, as we reported on 15 January in our above source, who is also a close ally of is, in the meantime, attempting to stop the Our efforts to contact Sumathipala in this 2019. sports pages, the Sumathipala camp was the Silva camp. SLC election from being held by moving regard failed last week. ‘New Director’ to get Negotiations underway, not $ 30,000 per month! finalised yet: SLRC z While local ‘middlemen’ continue to z Live telecast of West Indies cricket series in Sri Lanka

line their pockets smartly BY REVATHA S. SILVA The new director, not a film the successful negotiation with this Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) director but an overseas director new director get a percentage of it? sources told The Morning Sports yesterday (1) to handle a popular game in the It is up to the authorities to look that they were still having negotiations with country, will receive $ 30,000 a into the issue here. One thing Cricket West Indies (CWI) on the possibility month (Rs. 58 lakhs) for his new job. is, is a “foreigner” essential to of having live TV coverage in Sri Lanka of the Why such a big amount, one direct this “movie”, so to say? all-format cricket series between Sri Lanka and asked. He is a “white” you fool, Don’t you have a fairer director West Indies starting tomorrow (3). not a dark-skinned local – that was who can be found locally and “We are still having negotiations with the the answer. Fair enough! can do the same job? Next, if these West Indies cricket board (CWI). But there is Why are white skins imported “middlemen” continue to fleece the no confirmation as yet. Either Star or Sony is from overseas so expensive? And, money this popular game generates, likely to telecast the series in this region. We will the proposed stratospheric those authorities who appointed are still trying to have it and waiting for the pay will entirely go to this those individuals West Indies board to respond to our request,” “imported director”? Or will a to high positions an SLRC source said yesterday. sizable commission of it go to a have to be “middleman” who struck the deal? answerable to Having reservations Anyway this new director will the public one Yet SLRC is having reservations on the live have to work for only 100 days per day. telecasting of the series mainly due to the major year; meaning about three months These time difference (nine and half hours) between per year (an income of more than “middlemen” Sri Lanka and the venues of the series, Antigua $ 90,000 per year / $ 30,000x3 = always tend to and Barbuda in the Caribbean Islands. $ 90,000) and $ 1,000 per every hide behind “The T20 series will be hard for us to generate working day (nearly Rs. 200,000 “glorified” any revenue because the matches will start here per day). façades and at three a.m. We have some hope only on the Likewise, his duration for the continue two ODIs that will start around 7.30 p.m. Sri job will be three years, meaning to do their Lanka time,” the above source further explained. The massive time difference is likely to create a live-coverage blackout of the West Indies series, but (100x3) 300 days. That means 300 own, usual Other than SLRC, the Independence Television negotiations are still underway to air the series starting tomorrow (3) working days altogether for three businesses – Network (ITN) is also trying to air the series years – around 10 months altogether. and they tend and awaiting response from CWI with regard to deal on Sunday (28 February) with Star Sports 7 March in Coolidge Cricket Ground, three Therefore the total amount this to harp on about the the finalisation of a broadcaster for the Indian India to air the Sri Lanka-West Indies month- ODIs on 10, 12, and 14 March at Sir Vivian foreign director will get for his three- services they did to the country region, the source added. long series in this region. Richards Stadium, and two Tests, from 21-25 year contract could be $ 300,000 (Rs. in the past. Now their intention This means that any local channel – in the March and 29 March-2 April at Sir Vivian 58.3 million). is not to uplift the game, but Star India has got rights? current situation, either SLRC or ITN – will Richards Stadium in Antigua. And we repeat the same to line their own pockets, that Yet, reliable sources based in India who are have to negotiate with Star Sports to have local The T20I series starts at 6 p.m. Antigua time. interesting question. Is all this too at a time this popular privy to the transaction told The Morning Sports terrestrial rights of the series. The first two ODIs will be day games and the money going to this director? Or game is apparently having yesterday that Pitch International, the London- third one will be a day-nighter. Both Tests will will the “middlemen” who made its swansong in this country. based commercial consultant and sponsorship Month-long action be day matches. sales agency of CWI, has allegedly struck a Sri Lanka will play three T20Is on 3, 5, and

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