Actor Rajput monday 15 june 2020 Latest Edition found dead Vol: 09/166 Price : Rs 30.00 at home Actor Sushant Singh In Sports Rajput was found dead in his house in September IPL in Mumbai’s Bandra, his SL viable option: representative and Mumbai Police said on Gavaskar Sunday. Batting great Sunil Gavaskar said The actor was found dead at the Indian Premier League could be his sixth floor apartment in... staged in Sri Lanka in September with Australia’s chances of hosting the Twenty20 World Cup in October page A2 looking bright. A16 PCoI on Easter Sunday carnage 43 Islamist groups operating in SL – Ven. Gnanasara Thera

By Hansi Nanayakkara Evidence was obtained by a panel, appointed by the former Bodu Bala Sena General President, through an Election propaganda on Secretary, Venerable Extraordinary Gazette Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Notification, on 21 September Thera, on Saturday (13), 2019, comprising Appeal Court giving evidence before the Judges Janaka de Silva and Presidential Commission of Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne, Inquiry probing last year’s Retired Appeal Court Judge Nihal vehicles banned – Police Easter Sunday attacks, Sunil Rajapaksa, Retired High By J.T. De Silva found displayed illegally on a bus, three- said as of now there Court Judge Atapattu Liyanage wheeler or sprayed on some other vehicle or if are 43 Islamist Bandula Kumara Atapattu and Acting Inspector General of Police C.D. stickers have been pasted, legal action will be organisations retired Ministry Secretary W.M.M. Wickremaratne said a special operation was taken against those responsible, based not operating Adhikari. launched yesterday (14), in all Police areas in only on the Election Law but on the Motor within Sri Gnanasara Thera submitted the country, to remove illegal election Vehicles Act as well. Lanka. several photographs depicting propaganda material affixed on vehicles, Under the Parliament Election Act No: 01, Rauff Hakeem’s brother-in-law, a including buses and three-wheelers. 1981 (Amended), subject to a few exceptional person working at the Sri Lankan Police are removing such illegal election circumstances, hand leaflets, display sheets, Embassy in Qatar and Chairman paraphernalia at road barriers, by mobile advertisements, pictures, notifications, a of the Sri Lanka Muslim Council police patrols. If a photograph of a candidate, photograph of a candidate, a mark or sign, a S.M. Ameen, posing with an a number, a poster, an advertisement, a flag or banner are prohibited from such international Muslim leader who picture or a sign that promotes a party is display. allegedly bears extremist views.

Story Continued on page 2

Top Monk urges Govt Testing the Waters Rs 7.9M hospital theft to eradicate violence ‘Hero’ PC

By K.L. Suraweera (Kandy) killed in crash By Chamara Amarasuriya, M.C. The Government should Perera and Prasath Saman concentrate on eradicating the waves of violence and Apprentice Police underworld activities in the Constable Sithum country, Ven. Dr.Medagama Dulitha Yomal Dhammananda Thera said Alahapperuma yesterday. (93666), who gave He said there is a rapid chase to and increase in the number of arrested the main violent abductions, murders, suspect in the theft shootings and various criminal of more than Rs 7.9 activities in the country and the Government should million from the take immediate action to eradicate this violence and National Hospital maintain peace. Colombo, has succumbed to Story Continued on page 2 injuries received in a road accident. PC Alahapperuma along with one of his colleagues were admitted to the Phased-out reopening National Hospital Colombo, subsequent to a road accident that of Universities took place on 11 June near the Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandiraya at from today A mock election took place yesterday (14) at the Menerigama Primary School in the Handapangoda, Thunmulla on Havelock Road, Kalutara District (Pic by Akila Jayawardana) Bambalapitiya. J.T. De Silva Story Continued on page 2 Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Professor Sampath Amaratunga, said PCoI on Political Revenge that universities will reopen Zoos, national 413 arrested on from today (15) in several phases, with Medical Faculties Threatened commencing the Final MBBS parks reopen drug charges examinations today. By Nabiya Vaffoor to reveal MR’s Final year examinations at By Thameenah Razeek all universities and other During special raids conducted by the Police faculties will begin on 22 June, scheduled to be All zoological gardens and national in the Western Province, 413 suspects were transactions completed by 15 August. parks in the country will be reopened arrested on 408 different drug charges. today (15) to the public according to – Petitioner Story Continued on page 2 health guidelines issued by the Ministry Story Continued on page 2 of Health. Sgt Bandara said he would The Government last week announced jail husband and brother Ex-SriLankan official’s death that the zoological gardens and national parks had planned to open on 1 August Govt should crack By Pahan Wijesekera for the benefit of incoming tourists. Police probe Minister of Environment and Wildlife down on leasing Malini Kumari, a Management Resources, S.M. Chandrasena however Assistant at the Employees Trust Fund said that the procedure from entering... mafia – Sajith Board, giving evidence before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry, ‘suicide’ pistol Samagi Jana Balawegaya investigating incidents of political Leader Sajith Premadasa revenge, said Sergeant R.S. Bandara, of By M.C. Perera (Colombo) said the Government the Police Special Investigations Unit, should take immediate threatened to imprison her husband and action against the leasing brother if she did not reveal details of Three Police teams have begun investigations mafia and provide former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s specifically into the pistol used by former SriLankan immediate leasing relief to bank accounts, financial transactions Airlines official Rajeewa Prakash Jayaweera (64) to the public. and property purchased newly, etc. commit suicide, Police Spokesperson SP Jaliya Paying his last respects to “My husband worked as a Presidential Senaratne said. Sunil Jayawardene,... Security Officer to...

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 A2 monday 15 june 2020 news

By Lakmal K. Baduge while at Pigeon Island should bring their own personal diving gear while The National Wildlife Park ‘Pigeon Pigeon Island reopens for tourists the use of equipment for hire has been Island’ which was closed for three prohibited. The Officer-in-Charge of months due to the Coronavirus Boat trips down to 50 a day the park said that arrangements have pandemic will be reopened today (15) The Pigeon Island will be reopened conditions, the Officer-in-Charge of bringing tourists to the island will be already been made to issue tickets for tourists, the Wildlife Conservation in compliance with health methods the Park Upali Kumaratunga said, restricted to 50 per day. In addition, while maintaining social distancing by Department said. provided and under certain adding that the number of boat trips tourists who wish to engage in diving visitors.

Continued from page 1 Police probe... Govt should... The firearm in question is a was under his body. According Police had found a letter mention from whom he 0.22 pistol,commonly used for to the post-mortem written in English, apparently purchased it, Police added. ... who was the “I know the pain of gunsports and does not require examination, conducted on the penned by the deceased, to his SP Senaratne added that an Chairman of the losing your father. a permit, he added. instructions of Colombo Chief brother, a few hours before his in-depth investigation is National Three- One of On 12 June, the deceased’s Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne, it death, in which he had claimed underway on the instructions Wheeler Federation Jayawardene’s body was found under a tree was revealed that the cause of that he had purchased the of Cinnamon Garden Police (NTWF) killed during children is reading near the Independence Square death was a gunshot to the firearm for Rs 151,500. Acting OIC Aloka Bandara a clash with a group for a degree at the in Colombo, and the firearm head. However, the letter didn’t Senanayake. of seizers attached to University, while the a private leasing other two are going company in to school. Since I Mirihana, know the pain of the Premadasa said that loss of your father, I Actor Rajput... the Government will do the best for should take immediate these children,” he added. ... Bandra (West). While the message for his fans: “It pains Sushant Singh Rajput’s speechless...I remember action regarding the tragic Premadasa made a financial Police have confirmed that he us to share that Sushant Singh death comes days after his watching incident that occurred to donation for the educational has died by suicide, no ‘note’ Rajput is no longer with us. We former manager DishaSalian #SushantSinghRajput in Jayawardene and his family activities of Jayawardene’s was found from his residence. request his fans to keep him in reportedly died by suicide. Chhichhore and telling my unlawfully. children. (TR) “Sushant Singh Rajput has their thoughts and celebrate Rajput had tweeted his shock friend Sajid, its producer how committed suicide, Mumbai his life, and his work like they at the news on social media. much I’d enjoyed the film and Police is investigating,” DCP have done so far. We request Expressing shock at his wish I’d been a part of it. Such Pranay Ashok, spokesperson, media to help us maintain death, Akshay Kumar a talented actor...may God give Mumbai Police said. privacy at this moment of tweeted, “Honestly this news strength to his family.” 413 arrested... Sushant’s team shared a grief.” has left me shocked and (www.hindustantimes.com) The raids were conducted Among the suspects, 170 between 6:00 a.m. on 13 were arrested with heroin, June and 5:00 a.m. 88 with cannabis, and 14 yesterday (14). Along with with methamphetamine Zoos, national... the 413 suspects, 70 grams (ice). In addition, 102 of heroin, 1.458 kilograms of persons were arrested for ... the people to the park to exit will were temporarily closed down on 14 Hikkaduwa national parks will be open cannabis, 984 bottles of illicit the possession of illicit undergo a time period change, according March owing to the spread of COVID-19. from 22 June. Entrance tickets to these liquor, 34 narcotic pills, 31 alcohol, 18 for the to the health guidelines issued by the The Department of Wildlife Conservation national parks can be obtained by visiting grams of Mawa and 37 possession of Goda, and 19 ministry of health to protect them from has introduced a timing procedure https://dwc.lankagate.gov.lk and https:// barrels of Goda were seized. with other narcotics. any COVID-19 danger. controlling national parks. Visitors will dwc.lankagate.gov.lk/ePermit He added that the number of vehicles now be allowed entrance to national parks Department Head Chandana entering the zoo as well as their including Ruhunu (Yala), Vilpaththuwa, Suriyabandara yesterday said they have passengers will be reduced 50 per cent Udawalawa, Minneriya, Kauwdulla, advised all the drivers and tour guides to and that the decision to re-open the PareviIsland and Hortan Plains on 15 strictly adhere to the guidelines that the Phased-out... zoological gardens and national parks was June, today. Health Ministry has introduced as well as Vice Chancellors of each health regulations. taken to sustain tourism and assist the Bundala, Horagolla, Lunugamwehera, the guidelines the department introduced university will Universities have been economy,” he noted. Galoya, Kumana, Angamadilla, Galway's in order to provide health-safe services progressively announce instructed to inform Zoological Gardens and National Parks Land, Maduruoya, Lahugala and during this pandemic. the dates on which students regarding the students will be ability to attend as much as summoned for final year possible from home during examinations, according these periods. A statement to their relevant faculties. says that until further Threatened to... The number of students notice, hostel facilities will who will be allowed to sit be restricted to one room for ... the former President regarding the former President ASP. Sergeant Bandara arrived voice tape containing several the written examinations one student and students Mahinda Rajapaksa. My brother and the Police Sergeant had and said, “This is the person phone calls,which were made to and practical should leave university served as a driver to the spoken to her in a threatening who obtained salaries without the witness’ husband, in relation examinations as well as premises (including President. I was deployed and manner and intimidated her doing any work at the to the investigation conducted allocation of seating will libraries) by 7.00 p.m. every worked at the President’s House during questioning. President’s House in Kandy for a by this Police Sergeant, and be decided based upon day until further notice. in Kandy. I was assigned the She made these declarations, period of 3 years.” After the ASP subsequently the Chairman of task of finding out information in when the petition, with told the Sergeant to obtain a the Commission, Justice Upali relation to the President’s complaints, submitted to the statement from me, a file was Abeyratne ordered that Sergeant security. Presidential Commission, thrown on to the table saying, R. S. Bandara, officer of the “Once the Government of stating that she was subject to “Here are all the activities Special Police Investigation Unit, Good Governance was elected, I political revenge during the engaged in with Mahinda be issued, making him a ‘Hero’ PC... arrived back at my previous government of good governance Rajapaksa. Answer correctly to respondent. place of work and reported for and Court cases were filed what is mentioned here. I have A panel of lawyers including The motorbike driven by who was driving while drunk duty. Then, I was subject to against her and she was already decided to give you a Chaminda Atukorale and the PC was knocked down by and caused the accident, has various harassments. A Deputy imprisoned was taken up for death sentence or life VajiraRanasinghe represented a Defender driven by a been taken into custody by Manager at my work place asked hearing last Friday (12). imprisonment,” the Police the witness Malini Kumari. 24-year-old student of the Sri the Bambalapitiya Police and me to find him a job in a bank When she was summoned to Sergeant had said, Malini Retired Supreme Court Judge Lanka Law College. was remanded until today through my husband and former the Police Special Investigation Kumari revealed. Upali Abeyratne serves as the According to Police, the (15) after being produced President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Unit to obtain statements, a She said she was informed on Chairman of the Presidential driver of the Defender was before the Hulftsdorp Since I was unable to fulfil those woman officer had asked her the phone that a case will be Commission of Inquiries inebriated at the time of the Magistrate. things, they took revenge on questions regarding her job and filed against her regarding the investigating political revenge. accident. Police said the accident me,” she told the Commission. noted them down and while investigations that were being the former Appeal Court Judge The accident had taken happened when the Law She added that during the era referring to some other papers, conducted and she was given Chandra Jayatilleke and former place around 11 p.m. College student had gone to of the Government of Good she had typed out a statement the telephone number of an Inspector General of Police Police said PC drop off a friend who had Governance, a complaint was and without even letting her official of the Attorney General’s Chandra Fernando are the other Alahapperuma and his attended a party at his place. lodged against her, and she was read it obtained her signature to Department and told to keep members of this Commission. colleague were on their way The funeral of the deceased summoned to the Police Special it, she toldthe Commission. money ready and how to obtain Obtaining of further evidence back to the Police Hospital at Police Officer is due to be Investigation Unit and they “When I was referred to the bail. Arrangements were made in relation to this petition was Maradana, subsequent to held with Police honours. inquired into information Police Unit, I was taken to an at the Commission to listen to a postponed to 25 June. completing their duties. Investigations into this The two injured in the accident are being carried accident, both members of out under the instructions the State Intelligence Service, and guidance of Officer-In- were admitted to the Charge of the Bambalapitiya 43 Islamist... Emergency Unit of the Police, Chief Inspector Anil National Hospital and PC Jayantha. The Ven Thera revealed that there are four brother-in-law of former Minister Rauff inquired further from the Thera whether he Alahapperuma, who was in a Sithum Dulitha had joined main factions in this country having Hakeem, a former member of the Central could name the persons who came to meet critical condition, passed the Police Department two extremist Islamist views and that they are Provincial Council named Naimullah him. away around 5.00 a.m. years ago and was resident categorised as Thablik Jamath Ideology, Inamullah, who is working at present in the Gnanasara Thera said that even now there yesterday. at No. 213, Ginidamana, Wahabism, Salafi Ideology and Jama the Sri Lankan Embassy in Qatar and Chairman are threats to the lives of those persons who He was a 22-year-old Welikanda, Polonnaruwa Islam or Ihwan Muslim. of the Sri Lanka Muslim Council S.M. came to see him on that day and he made resident of Polonnaruwa and and was unmarried and the Gnanasara Thera also pointed out that Ameen. A photograph taken on this occasion arrangements to secretly hand over their had been recruited recently only child in the family. through Ihwan Muslim Ideology, which is the was handed over to the Commission by the names to the Commission. to the Sri Lanka Police and With his demise, all most formidable among all of them, the Gnanasara Thera. The Thera also revealed that teachings of deployed as an apprentice to youngsters, youth and beginning of recruiting persons similar to He then declared that subsequent to that the formidable extremist leader from Egypt, the State Intelligence Service. elderly people of the Zaharan commenced and was built up to meeting, the person named Inamullah had Yusuf Al Kardhari are included in Islam text The Acting Inspector Nelumwewa village have becoming an armed organisation. He also created, within this country, an organisation books of Grades 9, 12 and 13. General of Police had been been shocked and they are explained that their ideology was to commit which gives advice to the King and is in He added said that, at the same time, these informed to specially expressing their sympathy suicide while killing which they believe is the operation in Arabic countries named are included on page numbers 43, 63, 109 commend and award gifts to by putting up strings of biggest sacrifice one can make on behalf of ‘Champions Council’ and after establishing and 123 of the Islamic Teachers’ Guide for three officers, including white flags throughout the Islam. this organisation, he had met former Grade 13. Alahapperuma,for their village. The Ven Thera pointed out that Ihawan President Maithripala Sirisena as well. He It was also revealed that Gnanasara Thera efficiency and bravery in Villagers said with sadness Muslim Ideology is similar to that being handed over to the Commission a had systematically informed, in, on many taking into custody the that, Sithum Dulitha was a followed by terrorist organisations such as photograph taken on this occasion as well. occasions, former President Maithripala doctor who was involved in talented young man who ISIS and Al Qaeda and that leaders of the The Thera told the Commission that Sirisena, former Inspector General of Police the theft, while on duty as actively came to the forefront Ulama Council in this country also follow it. similarly, an organisation named National Pujith Jayasundera as well as former apprentice Police Constables in every religious, national as The ‘Kithabuth Thowheed’ book, which Front for Good Governance (NFGG) had Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa deployed in the State well as public social event contains Wahabism, which has been worked hard towards establishing good regarding these extremist activities. Intelligence Service. conducted in the prohibited in about 20 countries, including governance in 2015 and that it was through The Monk said that accordingly, he had The Law College student, Ginidamana village. South Asia, Europe, Russia and others is this that the path to terrorist attacks was informed former IGP Pujith Jayasundera on now being sold in this country and the book opened up so soon. four occasions and former President which contains extremist teachings of The Commission questioned Gnanasara Maithripala Sirisena on five instances, in ‘Thaqviyathuleemath’ is being sold at the Thera as to when, during which period, he writing regarding extremist teachings and Grand Mosque in this country as well, had received information for the first time in activities. Gnanasara Thera told the Commission. connection with Muslim extremism. Gnanasara Thera said that from 2012 until Top Monk... A group which follows this Islamic In reply, the Thera said that four Muslim the Easter Sunday attacks, no government “Violence is not accepted murders, robberies and Ideology, that is in operation,centred on a Youth Groups had visited him at the Bodu focused any attention on information he by anyone, under any various types of other strong extremist ideologist leader named Bala Sena office at the Sambuddhathva revealed regarding extremist activities and circumstance. In the criminal activities. ‘Yusuf Al Kardhari’ of Egypt, has set up a Jayanthi building at Thunmulla in November teachings. recent past, drug Therefore, the President, teaching centre named ‘Jamiya Nalimiya’ 2012 and said, “Hamuduruwane before long He further said that the then Defence traffickers behaved in a Prime Minister and located in Beruwala, the Monk revealed. problems will arise in the country due to this Secretary, current President, Gotabaya very violent manner. We relevant authorities should Yusuf Al Kardhari the leader who has Wahabism. We cannot talk about this. About Rajapaksa only summoned a group, can see that the same pay immediate attention to extremist views had met three persons of this seven or eight of us have been killed and including him to the Defence Ministry and situation has arisen again address this situation,” he country on 28 April 2013 and they were the disappeared up to now.” The Commission inquired into this. and there is an increase in urged. news monday 15 june 2020 A3 SL lacks laws to check – LKI foreign workers Supporting national cause By Paneetha migrants due to the absence of a transfer of skills and training of Therefore, the influx of Ameresekere central data collection system, local workers. However, Sri Chinese workers and other said LKI. Lanka should look to maximise migrant workers have helped to Defence Secy thanks Sri Lanka’s 2008 National While there are few reported these advantages by fill this major gap in the labour Labour Migration Policy is cases of Chinese workers strengthening domestic laws, market, it added. ex-servicemen orientated towards outward overstaying their visa or not setting over arching policies and While the number of Chinese migration-focussing on possessing valid work permits, guidelines, and improving workers in Sri Lanka has Defence Secretary, Major General (Retired) Kamal protecting and empowering Sri available data from Government interagency coordination to increased over time, there are Gunaratne thanked ex-servicemen for having come forward Lankans working abroad, but investigations indicates that monitor, tackle and evaluate currently about 7,500 workers, to support the national cause even after retirement from not on inward migration, the illegal workers in Sri Lanka come apparent challenges, said LKI. accounting for 0.1 per cent of the service. Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute mostly from neighbouring The National Human total labour force. Chinese He said so while addressing ex-servicemen of the (LKI) in a recent publication countries like India and Pakistan Resources Development Council projects recruit substantial Anuradhapura Branch of the Ranaviru Balamuluwa which dated 22 May and released on 13 and only a small (single digit) conducts research on inward numbers of local workers, met at the Ministry, on 11 June. June said. percentage from China, it added. migration and helps to regulate although the figures tend to vary The members have contributed Rs 291,000 to the There is no clear policy Meanwhile, some Chinese the inflow of migrant labour by stage of the project. ‘ITUKAMA’ COVID-19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund. document that regulates inward companies in Sri Lanka based on market demand. For instance, the now A contribution of Rs 100,000 has been made to the migration of workers to Sri employing Chinese labour have However, they lack the requisite completed and operational donation by the wife of a disabled soldier who died recently, Lanka, including identifying initiated programmes to transfer resources and authority to act on Hambantota Port employs about Corporal A. Bandula, Jeewani Priyangika Fernando. priority industries and requiring know-how and best practices, policies. 900 workers, of whom less than “I am really impressed and proud of your worthy donation,” foreign investment companies to these are ad hoc initiatives Meanwhile, the Chamber of 4 per cent are Chinese. On the said Founder President of the Balamuluwa and its incumbent train and upskill local workers, it rather than mandated by law. Construction Industry of Sri other hand, the Port City Patron Gunaratne. said. Nonetheless, Chinese Lanka said that the country Colombo, which is still being Chief Organiser of the Branch, Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Sri Lanka lacks a database on manpower has helped to ease needs 400,000 workers to meet constructed, has roughly 1,637 Namal Thilakaratne said that the members of the Branch inbound migration and has labour shortages in key the shortfall in the construction workers, of whom about 22 per volunteered to contribute to the Fund as assistance to the limited ability to monitor illegal industries and resulted in the sector, said LKI. cent are Chinese, said LKI. security forces members’ efforts to control the pandemic.

€8 M grant to develop trade, accreditation

By Paneetha Ameresekere Those include national quality certification processes. infrastructure development process, EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the The Sri Lanka Accreditation Board conformity to International Organisation Maldives, Denis Chaibi, speaking at an (SLAB) which functions under the Higher for Standardization (ISO) standards, in event marking this, which took place at Education Ministry, supported by part of particular of various accreditation bodies the Information Department, Colombo an € 8 million grant from the European both in the public and private sector on 9 June said, “If there is one of many Union (EU) to develop trade, launched an domains, website support, development common points between Sri Lanka and interactive website embedded with a and the maintenance of SLAB’s online Europe, it is that we each take food search engine for a database of Zoom platform. seriously. And food safety even more accredited conformity assessment Meanwhile, the EU said that the seriously! Europeans want to import Sri services on 9 June (Tuesday), the EU aggregation of the range of services in Lankan food products that are good and Puna Wewa then said. one database streamlines the matching safe. And they also want to export to Sri This database includes more than 150 of conformity assessment-related Lanka European products that are good accredited conformity assessment demand and supply. This high standard, and safe. For that, we need to do testing services delivered by more than 120 user-friendly and conversion-optimised and have good accredited labs conformity assessment bodies (CABs) website launched on 9 June not only internationally recognised to perform covering 12 sectors, the EU said. facilitates access to pertinent data, but them, in Sri Lanka and in the EU. For SLAB Director Chandrika Thilakaratne also serves as an online training platform this, I congratulate SLAB which is taking told this reporter on 12 June (Friday) for continued education for standards these vital steps to ease the process of that the EU supports SLAB in several bodies, accredited bodies, CABs, accreditation, as accreditation is of ways to attain the United Nations’ (UN’s) regulatory agencies and for customer paramount importance to Sri Lanka in sustainable development goals (SDGs). education on relevant accreditation and trading with the EU.”

CBSL buys US$ from market after three-month lapse Puna Wewa Now By Paneetha Ameresekere

Rehabilitated tank in Badulla The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) on a net basis bought US$ Makes Yala bright for farmers 61.50 million from the market last month (May) to strengthen the country’s foreign reserves, CBSL data By Paneetha Ameresekere coming paddy harvesting season, released on Friday (12 June) showed. which is usually dry and humid. In contrast, in the previous two Funded by the European Union This led to a loss of income and months, that is, in March and April, (EU) and implemented by World many farmers had to resort to CBSL spent a total of US$ 272.40 January 2019 on account of Sri Vision (WV) an NGO, a dilapidated labour work to make ends meet. million from the country’s foreign Lanka’s foreign debt servicing tank in Badulla was rehabilitated With the guidance and support of reserves to prevent the rupee from commitments. and made ready to provide irrigated WV, who were able to provide depreciative pressure. It subsequently picked up to US$ water for paddy and badairingu engineering advice and resources Prior to last month, the last time 7,621.90 million in March 2019, after cultivation for the forthcoming Yala to the farmers, the families were CBSL bought foreign currency on a the Government sold sovereign bonds season, the EU said recently (28 able to renovate and return the net basis from the market was three totalling US$ 2.4 billion that month. May). tank to its full capacity. months ago in February. CBSL CBSL is the steward of the country’s WV, with the support of the EU, The tank now holds enough bought US$ 7 million from the market foreign reserves and of its debt. renovated Puna Wewa, an old water from the last rains, that is, on a net basis to strengthen Sri water tank which provides water to the North-East Monsoonal rains to Lanka’s foreign reserves in February farming families of Kuruvithenna provide the farmers the ability to 2020. in Rideemaliyadda, Badulla, it farm their lands in the driest Meanwhile, the country’s foreign said. months of the year. reserves fell to a 15-month low last This tank was left unrenovated The irrigated fields provided work month on account of the country’s for decades, reducing its capacity for the 20 families in Kuruvithenna foreign debt servicing commitments. and hampering farming activities, for whom the second harvest (Yala) The island’s foreign reserves, last the EU added. Puna Wewa was is a welcome relief. month over April declined by US$ 715 built by a farmer decades ago to Premadasa, the lead farmer who 92 million (9.93 per cent) to US$ collect and store rainwater to approached WV on behalf of the 6,493.60 million; with a sharper cultivate paddy and corn (corn cob farming families, now looks over decline, that is a fall to US$ 6,432.10 or badairungu) in the 45 acres of green fields with a sense of relief million averted, due to CBSL’s surrounding land. However, over and security. purchase of US$ 61.50 million from the years, the steady accumulation The families work hard to the market last month. of mud and dirt caused the tank to maintain their fields each day but A figure lower than US$ 6,493.60 decay. The farming families did not never forget to take a moment to million last took place in February have the resources to renovate it. gather near the tank and enjoy the 2019, when the country’s foreign So, they were unable to farm in view of the life giving water, the EU reserves declined to US$ 6,005.50 the Yala season, that is, the in conclusion said. million; from US$ 6,141.65 million in

Action will be taken against illegal leasing companies – Dolawatte

By Ranmini Gunasekara because we gave these relief measures only to three-wheeler owners for political benefits. The Government will take immediate These relief measures were given to all leased action against vehicle leasing companies that vehicles.” do not abide by the law, Prime Minister’s He further added that it was vital that Media Spokesman (Legal), Attorney-at-Law leasing companies translate all agreements Premanath C. Dolawatte said on Friday (12). originally in English so that potential He was speaking at a Sri Lanka Freedom customers would be able to read and People’s Alliance Media conference. comprehend its contents before signing. “As a Government, we would like to “There are so many changes that need to express our condolences to the family of the be done once the new Parliament convenes victims of this recent incident. We will take to regulate these finance companies. I heard all necessary actions against the that some companies even tell customers to perpetrators. Former Parliamentarian Sajith sign blank papers. This has now become a Premadasa is claiming that this was merely leasing mafia.” A4 monday 15 june 2020 opinion/Appreciation The Way It Is George Floyd made a martyr – justified or not?

It is not surprising that people are Rosa Parks (1913-2005), a asking what on earth is happening committed member of the civil rights to the world, to the people in most movement, refused to give her seat countries. Isn’t it enough that in the coloured section of a bus to a thousands were killed and many white person who had no seat in the more became direly ill due to a A most prominent front section reserved for whites. virulent bit of protein covered by a fighter for civil That was in 1955 in Montgomery, layer of fat? The illness, the deaths, Alabama. the spread of coronavirus (COVID- rights was Martin A most prominent fighter for civil 19) still continues and it has been rights was Martin Luther King Jr. such a devastating drain on medical Luther King Jr. (1929-68) from Atlanta, Georgia, and nursing personnel, hospital who led the March to Washington amenities and of course on the (1929-68) from and delivered his famous-for-all- economies of all countries. We in Sri Atlanta, Georgia, time “I have a dream” speech on the Lanka are so very thankful to steps of the Lincoln Memorial on 28 President Rajapaksa, Dr. Anil who led the March August 1963. Jasinghe, doctors, nurses and Discrimination exists even today. health workers, the Army to Washington and It was a wonder of wonders that Commander, his men and other delivered his Barack Obama won the presidency armed forces and the Police. They in 2008 against McCain and served are the ones who took great famous-for-all- two terms. He was of course only precautions and quietly locked down half black, his mother being White many parts of the country, all time “I have a American. But Trump had the contributed to keep infection indecent audacity to ask for his contained. We pray it won’t dream” speech on birth certificate, hinting he was not deteriorate to social contagion. the steps of the an American citizen. There is talk of a second wave and We’ve seen famous sports people, all that. We live in hope; while New Lincoln Memorial singers, writers too from the Black Zealand is celebrating: the first and American community. Paul Robeson only country to beat the virus and on 28 August is one, Michael Jordan – basketball keep it at bay. George Floyd (BBC) 1963 player, who contributed a million to masses rallied round and who is who sadistically pressed his knee on a fund started in Floyd’s name. Youth uprising now elevated to martyr status is no Floyd’s neck. The Police in the US Oprah Winfrey is a world famous TV The next pandemic was the hero nor martyr; no really decent are well known for their brutality presenter and now Michelle Obama uprising of young persons mostly, human being either. He was jailed and being against Blacks. That is real call for demanding the lifting of is very well known and appreciated. coloured, white and mixed, who rose for breaking into shops and stealing because much of the crime is discriminating rules like segregating All over the world, including our up spontaneously and ferociously and was not a regular worker, but a committed by Black Americans and the blacks from the whites from country there are protests and calls after George Floyd was mercilessly bouncer or chucker-out in night other coloured people like everywhere – buses, parks, shops, for justice and fair play: here by killed by White Police brutality in clubs. He was caught paying for immigrants from South America. schools, even hospitals was the civil minority races, in Hong Kong the United States of America. It what he bought with a counterfeit rights movement in the 20th against Chinese supremacy; India – started, this wave of protesting dollar bill, and the Police were Honourable civil century. Of course, President Abe Hindus vs. Muslims. humans who soon turned to violence informed on that fateful day. Not rights fighters Lincoln (16th President, 1861-68) Worse was the COVID-19 virus. and looting, in all States across the such a crime, but he was no saint. was the one who got slavery banned But as in all clouds there is a silver US and spread down south and Undoubtedly, his even being There have been most honourable and gave some degree of human lining: the earth recovered a little across oceans to the UK and manhandled by the Police was black persons who fought against rights to previous slaves who were from the effects of pollution and Australia mostly. wrong, but we don’t really know white supremacy and forcibly freed from Southern cotton global warming due to lockdowns. George Floyd in death, whom what inflamed that Police Officer discrimination. They say the first fields and other areas. Quiet little Kumari

Dr. Chris Uragoda A Medical Luminary and Erudite Scholar Dr. Chris Uragoda was a medical which lasted for 30 years. We were the medical camp. When requested, Dr. in 2017 ‘Little known wonders of Sri luminary, a distinguished literati, guest of the Sri Lankan Army. The Uragoda and Dr. Walter Gooneratne, Lanka’ and his last book published in an erudite scholar and above all highlights of our visit was the who runs a medical clinic in 2018 was ‘A history of Sri Lankan an unassuming gentleman par Dambakola Patuna sea beach, where Thimbirigasyaya volunteered to make Elephants.’ The books ‘Medical In 1959, Dr. Uragoda excellence. He was blessed with an the sacred Bo-tree was brought to Sri the journey. The nearby Army camp Professionals in Sri Lanka’ and the unparalleled richness of precious Lanka; our visit to the Kadurugoda in Thoppigala appreciated our efforts, ‘Elephant Kraals’ are with the was selected to human qualities. Temple with the 60 Buddhist stupas by taking all of us to Maduru Oya printers. specialise in My close association with Dr. of different sizes, built for the 60 National Park. We visited the ancient In 1959, Dr. Uragoda was selected Uragoda goes back to the early arhats; our boat trip in the open sea anicut built by the earlier Sri to specialise in respiratory diseases in respiratory diseases 1990’s, when the General Committee to arrive at the Nagadeepa Temple Lankan kings, preserved and not the U.K. On his return from London in in the U.K. On his of the Wildlife & Nature Protection visited by Lord Buddha. In Jaffna, it destroyed by development, where 1962, he was transferred, as Society (WNPS) which was established was the 22nd day in September and water flows out from the Maduru Oya. physician to the Chest Clinic in return from London in 1894, asked him to compile the it was Dr. Uragoda's birthday We Kandy. He worked in Kandy for eleven in 1962, he was history of the Society, as its centenary celebrated the day, with the The many books years. He was elected as President of year was close at hand. The history of commanding officer of the Jaffna he authored the Kandy Society of Medicine transferred, as the Society he compiled and Army camp Brigadier Roshan de Silva 1971/1972. Dr. Uragoda was physician to the Chest published in 1994 was a and his assistant Colonel Indika Dr. Uragoda's book "Wildlife transferred in 1973, as physician-in- comprehensive and unique Karunanayake joining us. The Delft Conservation in Sri Lanka" has on charge of the Central Chest Clinic in Clinic in Kandy. He publication, titled ‘Wildlife Island, with the numerous wild its cover, a picture of Baker's Fall Colombo. worked in Kandy for Conservation in Sri Lanka’. During ponies was done on a consequent drawn by Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando. the centenary year celebration of the visit. He desired to visit this place again. His Awards eleven years. He was Society in 1994, a copy of his book Our visit to Thoppigala, was The Conservator of Forest and I, as Dr. Uragoda has won many awards elected as President of was presented to Ranil during the height of the separatist the President of the WNPS are in his lifetime. The Royal Asiatic Wickremesinghe, then Prime Minister, war. The village of Thoppigala, close members of the same Government's Society, established in 1845 he had the Kandy Society of who was the Chief Guest at the to Batticaloa was devastated by LTTE Fauna and Flora Advisory Committee. the distinction of being elected, as Medicine 1971/1972. Society's wildlife photographic artillery. Their house roofs stood He permitted me the use of the Forest President. He was presented with the exhibition at the National Art Gallery shattered. It was suggested to have a Department Circuit Bungalow at Sir S.C. Obeyesekere award donated Dr. Uragoda was Colombo. A copy was also presented Pattipola. Next day at the peep of by Lady Hilda Obesekere wife of Sir transferred in 1973, to J.R. Jayewardene, the former drawn, Dr. Uragoda and the rest of us Paul E. Pieris Deraniyagala, He President of Sri Lanka, at the formal hiked to Horton Place. The Worlds continues his medical research, which as physician-in-charge sit-down dinner, held at Galle Face End and the Baker's Falls were was recognised by the conferment of of the Central Chest Hotel. Dr. Uragoda and the magnificent. On our return we the Guinness Award of the rest of us hiked to stopped at Farr-Inn for refreshments. Commonwealth Science Council. He Clinic in Colombo Jungle journeys, camping The colonial famous Farr-Inn was a was the President of the Sri Lanka and wild life trips Horton Place. The hunting lodge of Sir Thomas Baker Medial Association and he was the Worlds End and the and Governor Horton. It was a moonlit joint-editor of the Ceylon Medical was Padma Rambukpotha from In the centenary year, Dr. Uragoda night and we returned to Horton Journal for 20 years. In 1985 he Badulla. They have four children. and family joined the many tours I Baker’s Falls were Plains, to see and hear, the calls of the joined the Faculty of Occupational Dianthie, Lalith who is a doctor, organised, as the General Secretary of magnificent. On our Sambhur. It was a memorable Medicine of the Royal College of Neluka, who is married to a doctor the WNPS viz the world heritage sites occasion. Physicians of London - so far the and the youngest son Dishana who is of the, Sinharaja Rain Forest and the return we stopped at Dr. Uragoda’s reprint of the only Sri Lankan to service this employed in Australia. Horton Plains, the destruction done to ‘History of Medicine in Sri Lanka’, prestigious faculty. In 1994, he was Dr. Chris Uragoda, the medical the environment by the prawn farms Farr-Inn for was presented to Mahinda conferred the degree of Doctor of luminary with a healing touch and an in Puttalam, the study of sea-birds refreshments. The Rajapaksa, the President of Sri Lanka Science (Honoris Causa) of the eminent medical professional is in Chilaw, the turtle hatchery in 2014, at the BMICH. Dr. Uragoda's University of Colombo. Dr. Uragoda legendary. He was a repository of project in Rekawa, to watch the colonial famous Farr- presidential address to the council of received the Rev. Peter Pillai Award, knowledge and wisdom and a migrant Flamingos in Hambantota. Inn was a hunting the Royal Asiatic Society in 1990 the Sarvodaya Award and the gentleman par excellence in his The Society prints bi-annually a prompted the book "Traditions of Sri President’s Award of the Natural manners and speech. He carried a scientific journal, published since lodge of Sir Thomas Lanka" printed in 2000 and reprinted Resources, Energy and Science notch in society; not only by what he 1936, the ‘LORIS’. Dr. Uragoda was Baker and Governor in 2008. He wrote his memoirs Authority of Sri Lanka. achieved, but also by the noble and the editor of the LORIS in 2012. Dr. outlining the changes that happened righteous way he lived. He spurned Uragoda and I shared many common Horton. It was a during a life time, titled “Sri Lanka His Life ostentation, vanity and showmanship interests viz wildlife, books and travel moonlit night and we Then and Now". It was published in Dr. Uragoda was born on the 22 and lived and led by precept and to places of interest. His many 2008. In 2009 his book on ‘Traditional September 1928 at his ancestral example. His integrity and graceful journeys to the wilds with his returned to Horton Appliances and Practices’ was home ‘Sandfield’ in Hikkaduwa. His life, and what he published, has been family, are narrated in his books Plains, to see and published. His three books ‘Authors of father was a reputed surveyor and a beacon light to many. He was 91 ‘Jungle journeys in Sri Lanka’ and Books in Sri Lanka’ book one from one of his two brothers, was a years old and on the 28 March 2020, ‘Camping and jungle trips’. We have hear, the calls of the 1796 to 1948, book two from 1949 to medical professional and the other he finished his earthly pilgrimage. His done many journeys together viz visits Sambhur. It was a 1975 and book three from 1976 to a lawyer. Dr. Uragoda studied at name and services should be to the National Parks of Wilpattu, Uda 1990. The books carry short Richmond College and Mahinda remembered by us. The fragrance of Walawe and the Ruhuna (Yala). Our memorable occasion biographies of the authors, which College Galle and later at Ananda his memory remains fresh, to all who visit to Jaffna was during the provide an insight to their College Colombo. He entered the had the privilege to know him. separatist war against the LTTE, background. Dr. Uragoda also wrote medical profession in 1953; His wife RAVI DERANIYAGALA column monday 15 june 2020 A5 A True Patriot will never Harm Minorities By Mass L. Usuf There was an amusing poster in the conspiracists. They should not be to fire by craftily intervening to give narcissistic personality disorders. social media recently with a picture of given any recognition. They are prominence to the hypocrites from “When you look at them, their “The concealed malignancy of police brutality and two onlookers. minorities.’ Basically, denying the among the laymen. By doing so physical appearance attracts you hypocrisy is more harmful than open One of them asks, “where did this minorities their bond to the opportunistically exploit to their and when they speak, you carefully hostility.” (Ayatollah Agha Pooya). happen?” The other person said, “In motherland. favour and fame the reverence given listen to them. In fact, they are like Today, we live in a society where Sri Lanka”. The questioner replied, If that is the limit of the to the saffron robe. The paragons propped up hollow trunks of wood hypocrisy is seen in abundance. In “Then don’t talk about it, you will be understanding of these dumb heads who are expected to refrain from (unable to stand on their own).” fact, two-facedness is common in considered unpatriotic”. This gives us about plurality and diversity in a 21st speaking lies, falsehood and (Quran, Chapter 63 Verse 4). many fields, be it party politics, a sense of perceived ‘patriotism’. century globalised setting, they may fabricated information very religious persuasion, social All stand up with respect and that need to change the words in the commonly violate this precept Not Acceptance but interaction, inter-ethnic relations, innate sense of sanctity, when the national anthem. unchallenged by anyone. These Respect family relationship and so on. No one national flag flutters, as if It is interesting to analyse the monks continue to lie knowing well would admit his/her hypocrisy choreographed to the tune of the display of blatant hypocrisy by such that you know that they are lying. Sankaralingam, Abdullah and because it has, some way or the other, accompanying national anthem. We people in relation to the National flag. The media and the general public Joseph are not pleading from these attained the status of an accepted do experience a strange feeling when We have seen them standing up for respect the saffron robe. The police extremists and ethno-racist ‘new normal’. The admittance of the singing along. Sometimes even goose the national anthem and bowing to because of this respect, hardly apply nationalists to accept them. They are ‘new normal’ per se proves the extent bumps. Such sensations are the national flag with much respect. the rule of law to the monks. demanding that they be respected as to which even the society itself has stimulated by the flow of inner However, when these extremists are Of course, most of the people human beings, respected as equal condescended. If necrophilism or spirituality that lay deep within us. in the act of violence, they belonging to the Sinhala community citizens, respected as those belonging cannibalism for whatever reason This affection reminds us of our hypocritically carry an altered or are severely embarrassed by the to this soil and to be respected as disgusts us, hypocrisy too should be natural link to the belly of the soil in distorted national flag. The Orange behaviour of these monks. They equal to any true patriot of this soil. disgusting to us. Hypocrisy, which we were born – Mother Lanka. stripe depicting the Tamil ethnicity know there is nothing in their hearts The following lines picked from an undoubtedly, is a spiritual and moral Just like the umbilical cord and the Green stripe showing the except to cause trouble. They are article, ‘Buddhism and the race abomination and a disturbing mental connecting the mother to her infant. Moor ethnicity is brazenly removed. like hallow timber, which is useless question’, explains: condition that threatens society. Through the medium of the national These stupids ignorantly and by itself, and has to be propped up “Buddhism from the first When it is said to them: anthem, we express this attachment unashamedly retain the saffron against other things. This is very proclaimed the oneness of mankind "Do not make mischief (corruption, by eulogising that sentiment of border of the flag. This saffron border evident because you see them and denied that birth in a particular conflict) on the earth, “they say: "We reverence and closeness. has been aesthetically designed to showing up from hibernation given race or caste was or should be an only want to make peace (reforms)." depict Buddhism. Not only that it the slightest chance. Unfortunately, obstacle towards anyone developing (Quran, Chapter 2 Verse 11). Change the National also has another purpose and, that is, these monks very unkindly and his potentialities as a man or It is said that the term hypocrite Anthem to symbolise ‘unity among the people’ callously also, dishonour by their ill- as a spiritual being. Such refers to a person whose inward of a plural Sri Lanka. Imagine the mannered conduct, the deep respect obsessions, which are the reality differs from his outward For a moment reflect on the extent of confusion and barefacedness and reverence that is due to some of accumulated products of acquired appearance; One who is two-faced or following words in the anthem, eka of these right-wing extremists when the most respected venerable erroneous beliefs, are among the a double-dealer. Hypocrites do not mawakuge daru kela bewina (as they chose to alter the Sri Lankan monks. intoxicants (avijjasava) of the mind use logic or rational reasoning to children of one mother). The extreme national flag. One may wonder if these ill- and have to be got rid of by a process achieve their personal goals or profits; right wingers ‘patriotically’ utter these behaved monks are mentally of self-analysis and conscious instead, they unjustly oppose words with unbounded passion. Compulsive Liars diseased and, therefore, deserve our elimination. (G. P. Malalasekera and whichever is of benefit to them. A Despite this, given an opportunity, Buddha’s teachings on ethics and kindness, care and concern. K. N. Jayatilleke.) hypocrite says something with his they would not hesitate to cause conduct especially, of the monks are Charles Ford, a professor of If you claim to be a true patriot, tongue that he does not believe in his mayhem in the society. Abusive of a very high standard. To uphold psychiatry at the University of then respect the words in the national heart. allegations and accusations are such teachings and disseminate it to Alabama Birmingham and author of anthem and, also, do not distort the relentlessly hurled at the Tamil the layman is the responsibility of Lies! Lies!! Lies!!! says, when it national flag. Accept both of these Vulgarised Patriotism Sankaralingam, the Muslim Abdullah the clergy. The majority of the clergy comes to compulsive liars, "words honestly and with sincerity before This column will briefly examine the and the Christian Joseph. Hate sincerely engaged in this dharmic seem to flow out of their mouths making the grand claim of being a prevalence of hypocrisy in the statements are not censured but cause and have earned the respect without them thinking about it." patriotic. Let us all unite to focus in vulgarised adaptation of ‘patriotism’ tolerated, for example; ‘They do not and esteemed of the people. Robert Reich, M.D., psychiatrist and directing our combined energy and in Sri Lanka. A style, definition and belong here. They need to be kept in There is however, another bunch expert in psychopathology, says efforts towards taking care of Mother interpretation concocted fluidly to suit their places. They are invasionists, of few robed monks who are compulsive lying is associated with a Lanka. the agendas of our far-right politicians terrorists, fundamentalists, completely different from the range of diagnoses, such as The writer can be contacted at: and the notoriously deviant monks. separatists and dangerous respected venerables. They add fuel antisocial, borderline and [email protected] Hitchcock gives us delightful shivers By R.S.Karunaratne know what to do on such occasions. Lateral He exploits most of our phobias Most of us know Alfred Hitchcock such as fear of heights, fear of as a maker of suspense thrillers, but thinking falling and fear of hurtling down a he was also a meticulous director road in a car. He seems to tell us, whose expertise extended even to “That’s what we do to naughty little the preparation of the musical score. boys and girls.” While Hitchcock was directing Today, filmmakers make ‘Frenzy’, he hired the well-known mysteries by withholding composer Ron Goodwin to prepare information, but Hitchcock does the musical score. When Goodwin quite the opposite. He creates called on the director, he found suspense by giving us information. Hitchcock sitting in his Buddha-like By doing so he keeps his audience pose. On a nearby table, he kept his on the edge of their seats. What is hatbox. strange is that even his suspense Hitchcock opened it suddenly and thrillers are not devoid of humour. pulled out his head! Before Goodwin Directors usually do not appear in could ask any question, Hitchcock their own films. However, Hitchcock asked him, “What do you think of makes his appearance in some of that?” Goodwin never knew that his films. Some viewers always Hitchcock was a practical joker. wanted to see him. In the 1950s What he pulled out of the box was a and ‘60’s, there was a television perfect latex replica of his own head. series of Hitchcock films. This Sometimes people wondered why he increased his fame as a director. He did such acts. He was only satisfying used to tell his sponsors jokingly, his lifelong curiosity about how cane he found that suspense could “As you can see, crime does not pay people reacted in extraordinary produce a surprise ending. even on television.” situations. After seeing some of his films, I got Element of suspense Effect on audience the impression that he was a tough He introduced the element of What Hitchcock said about his guy who had no qualms of doing suspense into all his films own film ‘Psycho’ will have a anything. When I probed into his life successfully. In ‘Rear Window’ Grace profound effect on filmmakers. He and work I was proved wrong. He Kelly was looking for some clues in said, “My main satisfaction is that was a bit eccentric happily married Raymond Burr’s apartment. She was the film had an effect on the man. When he was directing ‘The caught by the murderer, but the audience, and I consider that very Pleasure Garden,’ a murder police swooped on them and arrested important. I don’t care about the melodrama, in 1925, he hired a her for burglary. subject matter; I don’t care about young English film editor named Hitchcock became a filmmaker the acting; but I do care about the Alma Reville. They got married in the quite by chance. After his father’s pieces of films and the photography following year. Their marriage lasted death, Hitchcock left St. Ignatius’ and and the sound-track and all the 53 years and they had a daughter followed a course in mechanical technical ingredients that made the Patricia. Alma continued to write the drawing. Thereafter he became a audience scream. I feel it’s screenplays for many of his later technical clerk at Henley’s, an tremendously satisfying for us to be films. electrical cable company. Then he able to use the cinematic art to After his birth in London on 13 took a course in drawing and achieve something of a mass August 1899, Hitchcock received a sketching which improved his artistic emotion. And with ‘Psycho’ we most strict religious upbringing. William talents. From there he moved into the definitely achieved this. It wasn’t a Hitchcock, his father, was a company’s advertising department. It message that stirred the audience, greengrocer and his mother was was during that time he came to know nor was it a great performance or Emma Whelan Hitchcock. He that an American movie company was their enjoyment of the novel. They attended St. Ignatius’, a Jesuit opening a studio in London. By were aroused by pure film.” secondary school in London which drawing up a portfolio of designs for Joan Fontaine, won the Oscar for Best day his father sent his five-year-old Hitchcock directed more than 50 was well-known for corporal silent films he got a job as a writer Picture of 1940. Although he was son to the police station with a note. films in a career spanning six punishment meted out to errant and illustrator. This paved the way for nominated as Best Director for The child did not know what was in decades. He died peacefully in his students. The punishment was his film career. ‘Rebecca’, ‘Lifeboat’, ‘Spellbound’, ‘Rear the note. When he handed it over to sleep in Bel Air, Calfornia. He was caning with a rubber cane. The After a few years he directed the first Window’ and ‘Psycho’, he never won an the police, he was put into a cell and survived by his wife Alma Reville aka students had the option of selecting British sound film ‘Blackmail’ in 1929. Oscar. However, he won the Life locked up. After five minutes the jailor Lady Hitchcock. She died in 1982. the time of punishment. Hitchcock Thereafter he directed a few other films Achievement Award from the American opened the cell door and allowed the Today we remember Alfred noticed that there was suspense such as ‘The thirty-nine Steps, ‘The film Institute in 1978. child to go home with a severe Hitchcock as the ‘Master of throughout the day if he postponed Secret Agent’, ‘Sabotage’ and ‘The Lady warning, “That’s what we do to Suspense’ for employing a kind of the time of punishment. As a result, Vanishes.’ Hitchcock was introduced to Locked up naughty little boys.” psychological suspense in his films he was the last to be caned. When he Hollywood by David O. Selznick. His film Hitchcock got the first taste of Even most of his films lock us up producing a distinct viewer received only a light tap with the ‘Rebecca’ starring Laurence Olivier and suspense when he was a child. One for several minutes and we do not experience. A6 monday 15 june 2020 editorial

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TNA’s Positive Approach The Asian Americans’ dilemma The Tamil National Alliance’s (TNA) former Jaffna District Parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran expressed his views in a positive manner towards extending the TNA’s support to the Government led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Sumanthiran, who held a press conference at his In a racially divided US residence in Jaffna a few days ago, had mentioned that if the Government led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was prepared to bring out a new Constitution fulfilling By P.K.Balachandran China there. The US the political aspirations of Tamils in the North and East, Immigration and Nationality the TNA would extend its support to the Government to Tou Thao, an Asian American Act of 1965, scrapped the old gain two-thirds majority in Parliament. police officer, nonchalantly immigration system The TNA, apart from being instrumental in watched his White colleague completely. establishing the previous regime, played an effective Derek Chauvin killing a Black The 1965 Act replaced the old role in safeguarding even the parliamentary system, man George Floyd by crushing quota system established in the when it was challenged. his neck with his knee for 1920s based on racial and However, despite adopting a positive approach almost nine minutes in full national traits favouring towards safeguarding the previous regime, former public view. The expressionless Europeans over others, with a President Maithripala Sirisena and former Prime face of Tou Thao, of South East system that gave preference to Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had hardly done Asian origin, was a graphic immigrants with specific, anything towards drafting a new Constitution to illustration of the way Asian in-demand skills in the United address the political aspirations of Tamils in the North Americans look at racism in the States. Indians benefited from and East and addressing post-war humanitarian US, especially its application to the new criteria immensely. issues. the Afro-American community. They migrated in large Therefore, in the backdrop of a new Tamil coalition Pictures and video footage numbers. Today, a record 20 led by former Northern Provincial Council Chief from city after city in the US million Asian Americans trace Minister C.V. Wigneswaran flexing its muscles to showed Blacks, along with a their roots to more than 20 contest the forthcoming General Election, the TNA has large number of Whites, pointed out. Asian Americans were the countries in Asia. More than 11 come forward to adopt a positive approach towards the demonstrating against the When an affirmative action in target of the immigration million of them will be able to regime of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, with regard to killing of Floyd, racism, and favor of Blacks threatens to restriction law of 1917 which vote in the coming election, working out its new strategies to face the forthcoming police brutality against the affect their prospects, the Asian led to an “Asiatic barred zone” making up nearly 5% of the Parliamentary Polls. Blacks. But Asian Americans, Americans would oppose that and mass deportation. Some eligible voters in the US. As far as the present political situation in the who are 20 million in the US, measure. Ramirez points out 1700 Indians were deported The condition of the Asian Northern and Eastern Provinces is concerned, the TNA were conspicuously missing in that in a court case in 2014, and 1400 left the US Americans, especially Indian is unlikely to have a ‘cakewalk’ in the two provinces, as the footage. the Asian American plaintiffs voluntarily. Americans, has vastly it had done in the past. “I’m tired of the Asian argued that the Harvard The 14th amendment passed improved now. In prosperity The Tamil People’s Alliance (TPA), which is the new community being quiet or University admission criteria in 1868, shortly after the Civil and influence they are next coalition led by former Northern Chief Minister C.V. missing from action when it’s discriminated against them. War, extended citizenship to only to the Whites though they Wigneswaran, is expected to pose a big challenge to the time to side with our Black The case was filed with the anyone born in the US, still have way to go in so far as TNA at the forthcoming General Election in the North brothers and sisters,” Maius assistance of a White including children of Indians leadership positions are and East. Bianca Bermejo, an Asian supremacist. and other immigrants. But in concerned. The TPA, already fielding its candidates for the American activist told Rachel In the case of Indian actual fact, only White New Stereotyping forthcoming General Election in the North and East, Ramirez of vox.com. “White Americans, an aversion for the immigrants could become has embarked on a warpath, criticising the TNA. people use Asians as pawns Blacks could be partially citizens. To circumvent this, But still there are racial The TPA leader C.V. Wigneswaran as well as several while some get to enjoy the explained by the Hindu caste some Indian Americans used a obstacles. To overcome a subtle candidates of the new alliance fielded to contest the privileges of the White system. system, which is partly based pseudo-scientific race theory to Colour bar, Indo-American General Election are the former Parliamentarians and And whenever we’re attacked, on skin Colour. Called the claim “Whiteness”. Fair politicians Bobby Jindal and Provincial Councillors of the TNA and had left the we use the sympathy of being “Varna” (colour) system, the skinned North Indians wanted Nikki Haley (nee Randhawa) political outfit in the past few years, criticising its people of Colour. But when it’s hierarchical caste system to be classified as “White” as wanted to be known as hierarchy. time to defend other people of presumes that the upper castes they were supposedly “Aryan/ “Whites” like Baga Singh Therefore, in the backdrop of being faced with new Colour, we are missing,” are fair and the lower castes Caucasian”. But this loophole Thind did in 1923. Their bid challenges in the North and East, the TNA has come Bermejo observed. are dark. As per this system, was closed in 1923 by the raised eyebrows. According to forward to have a positive approach towards the regime Dr.Devaki Jain, the Indian power and privileges are a judiciary in the United States New York Times, Asian- of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and its intentions economist and a member of the prerogative of the fair upper vs. Bhaga Singh Thind case. Americans are the least likely were reflected very well at the press briefing of M.A. erstwhile South Commission castes. The court ruled that while to be promoted to managerial Sumanthiran in Jaffna a few days ago. wrote in The Citizen in a similar A survey conducted by the Indians may be Caucasian, and executive ranks in In reality, as far as the North and East situation is vein: “A shocking aspect of Pew Research Center in 2012 they were not White. Following American companies. concerned, it is clear that with the defeat of extremism, what is happening is the revealed that only one fifth of the judgment, the government “White men and women are a non-confrontational approach would only pave the silence of other non-Whites Asian Americans said they had took away the right to twice as likely as Asians to way for an amicable settlement for the issues the North especially the Asians, Chinese personally been treated naturalisation from Indian hold executive positions. And and East are confronted with. and Indians. They too, less unfairly in the past year Americans, and even revoked while white women are At this juncture, it is even important to remember visibly, discriminate or have a because of racism. Only one the citizenship of those who breaking through the glass how the Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP) leader sense of distaste and distance tenth said that they were called had been already naturalised. ceiling, Asian women are not. and the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, from the African origin.” by an offensive name. Just 13 The ruling impacted the lives of Asian Americans are the Douglas Devananda, despite facing severe threats to his Asian Americans, an per cent of Asian Americans many Indian Americans. They forgotten minority in the life, stood up steadily and boldly in adopting a positive upwardly mobile community said that race was a major were shut out of “Whites-Only” conversation about the glass approach towards addressing the humanitarian issues and one of the most successful issue while 48 per cent said it schools, swimming pools, and ceiling. Asian Americans also of the people in the North and East, even when the in the US, like to portray was a “minor problem” and 35 barbershops. White American fall behind in earnings. Northern and Eastern Provinces were in the grip of the themselves as a “model per cent said it was not a women who had married College-educated, U.S.-born LTTE. minority”. Among the many problem. Overall, more than 80 Indian men lost their Asian men earn 8 percent less If the EPDP leader Douglas Devananda had not taken things this description means per cent Asian Americans said citizenship, becoming stateless than White men,” the NYT the bold step, risking even his own life three decades is that they will do what the their group got along either in their own country. Congress piece said. Harvard University ago to re-establish the political activities as well as to White majority expects them to “very” or “pretty well” with the went a step further in 1924 by had said that Asian address the humanitarian issues in the North and East, do but without considering Whites. passing the Immigration Act, Americans are technically the state of the people in the North and East would have themselves to be equal to the which instituted race-based sound but they are not gone from bad to worse, allowing the LTTE to tighten its Whites and without resisting Bitter Past criteria for immigration and “leadership material.” grip further. White racism even when it is The Asian Americans forget entirely banned the But many Asian Americans So, after nearly three decades now, the TNA has applied to them. For the Asian or are not aware that they too immigration of Indians. Many are now destroying this image. realised the importance of adopting the positive Americans, the US is the had faced discrimination and Indians had to return to India. There are three Senators of approach with the regime of President Gotabaya promised land, a land of violence in the past. According Asian American descent. Three Rajapaksa, stating that it would support if remedial opportunity. In their view, to the website intechopen.com, Geo-Political Factor Asian American women have measures were found through a new Constitution, to pocketing a racial slur or an the early 1900s saw the rise of However, in the 1960s there been elected to the Senate address the political aspirations of people in the North unfair denial of an opportunity the “Asiatic Exclusion League” was a see change due to geo- representing California, Hawaii and East. is a small price to pay. On top and the American Federation of political reasons. The US was and Illinois. There are Asian Therefore, now the ball is in the Government’s court, of this, they share with the Labour which lobbied for laws eager to cultivate Asians to Americans in the House of to respond to the TNA, to ensure the new Parliament to Whites, the latter’s stereotyped excluding Asian Americans gather support for the Representatives too. Bobby be established in the future will be an opening to unflattering image of the from housing, education, and country’s move to expand and Jindal was Governor of strengthen peace and reconciliation in the island. Blacks, as Dr.Devaki Jain, labour. Considered the “new strengthen its influence in Asia Louisiana and Nikki Haley was formerly of Delhi University, menace” by White legislators, to counter the Soviet Union and Governor of South Carolina. column monday 15 june 2020 A7 Using the Police to Destabilise the Country FSP’s Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean By Shivanthi of this massacres and the subjected to some of the most Ranasinghe recent condemnation of the gross and depraved acts of Police over the handling of the bullying. The first such victim Last week, three notable protesters is significant. It is was recorded in 1975. To incidents took place back to not so just because the two escape sexual assault, a 22- back. Though not related, incidents took place with just year-old undergraduate these three incidents in its a day apart of one another. It jumped out of the second floor own way hold relevance to is because nefarious elements of a building and was each other. The first incident are at work again to permanently paralysed. She was the Frontline Socialist destabilise the country and committed suicide in 2002. Party (FSP) taking to streets to the Police are once again The latest victim of ragging protest over the death of a man being tagged. There is a was Pasindu. He was hit by a half way across the world. The concentrated effort to tractor tyre that was thrown day after, families of the 774 discredit the Police. This at him from a height. He lost policemen and officers who exercise did not start with the his balance and crash landed were massacred by the LTTE FSP protests, but their efforts on his head, sustaining severe commemorated their 30th gained some traction only skull and brain injuries. Once death anniversary. The after these protests. The FSP’s an active sportsman and following day, Pasindu motive for the protests is the brilliant student, he is now Hirushan returned home after key to understand this unable to stand on his own, 98 days in hospital partially project. speak coherently and even recovered from the skull and Did FSP protest the write. brain injuries sustained when Did FSP protest the a ‘ragging’ party goes horribly 21 April massacre? wrong - yet again. protesters, water cannons and 2nd Incident – Police surrender despite the Police Pasindu ragging? tear gas canisters were used station holding enough arms Their protest was for the First Incident - FSP along with the baton. Pictures Massacre memorial and ammunition to fight for death of a man in America, Yet, no one has protested, protest of protesters and the Police The day after the fracas with two more days. As a two weeks after the incident. demanded justice or reforms grappling with each other, the FSP, the families of 774 disciplined officer, ASP Boteju The fact that there was also for Pasindu or any of the other The fact that the FSP’s blood drenched protesters and Policemen who were was unable to ignore the direct an officer with Asian roots, victims. In this context, for protests come two weeks after barricades were common massacred by the LTTE in order. who stood resolutely with his FSP to protest over Floyd the incident occurred indicates images that filled the evening 1990 held a commemoration Exactly as the Government back to the manslaughter, indicates a different agenda. that this was a carefully news. for their loved ones. This 11 was warned, the LTTE took has raised the question This was revealed by the press planned event rather than one Perhaps the worst incident June marks 30 years since the these officers and men to the whether this Police brutality conference called by the Inter that erupted on the heat of that happened was when the then incumbent Government Vinayagapuram and is based on racism or bad University Students’ emotion. They did not protest disabled war veterans, headed by President Trincomalee jungles, where Police training. Either way, Federation (IUSF) Convener at the “Protesters’ Park”, including retired Policemen, Ranasinghe Premadasa they were blindfolded, the need for Police reforms Lahiru Weerasekara. adjacent to the Presidential were violently repulsed. In a ordered the Police of the restrained by tying their hands cannot be denied. The big He outlines that in the Secretariat, but along the busy truly tragic turn of events, one Eastern Province to surrender to the back, forced to prostrate question is ‘why is US Police coming weeks, the people will roads in front of the US tear gas canister damaged the to the LTTE. Of the 774 on the ground and shot. The brutality that relevant for us begin to feel the effects of Embassy. The Police asked eye of a soldier whose other Policemen who surrendered, imprudence of that to take to the streets?’ Last COVID-19 owing to the them to disperse. They refused eye was already impaired due 324 were Sinhala and Government is that along with year, nearly 300 were killed in contracted economy. He and this quickly turned into a to injuries sustained during Muslims, the others were their security advisors they the Easter Sunday massacres predicts that people will lose heated argument. Finally, the the war. It was absolutely Tamils. patiently waited for the due to Police and political their jobs and face many Police literally bundled and heart rending when the water The Police complied, but terrorists to grant a safe failures. Yet no one protested. social issues. Almost carted them off to Courts. pressure detached artificial they warned the top brass that passage out of the Province to Failure, however, is not the salivating at the prospect of The Police action was limbs from its wearers. the terrorists would torture the surrendered Police. same as brutality. Therefore, people suffering, he promises condemned by almost all There was one incident that and kill them. The assertions Discrediting country the anchor of this protest was that the socialist group would quarters, including from day that disclosed the outlook of ASP Ivan Boteju will about Police brutality. This defy the law and take to the within the Government. Namal of the riot Police. Shortly reverberate through the and Police objective is not to be confused streets. It is clear from this Rajapaksa tweeted that before unleashing the water annals of history. As the OIC of with commiserating or seeking statement that they are “violent acts” should not be cannon, a Policeman rushed the Kalmunai Police station he It is unfortunate that those justice for the dead man. If planning to clash more with allowed to destroy the services over to the protesters’ side and was extremely conscientious of who were quick to condemn FSP is so bothered about the Police. They will defy the rendered by the Police to the removed a severely disabled the lives of his men he was the Police action over the George Floyd’s death, then Police into provocation and Nation. This reaction by the veteran out of the way. This holding in his hands. Boteju recent protests failed to salute before asking the US to reform any such will be blown out of public needs a closer look. incident highlighted that the and his men retaliated fighting these men and officers who and respect life, they must proportion as Police brutality. In the past few years, the Police are often simply against the LTTE for three senselessly lost their lives in reform their political Thus, the FSP’s protest was Police did not meet protesters following orders from their hours causing heavy losses to such a brutal fashion because associations in the not for George Floyd, but to without donning their riot gear political masters. Obviously, the enemy whilst repeatedly of the callousness of a universities. capitalise on his death to first and protesters were the violent measures taken requesting for air and artillery Government thirty years ago. 3rd Incident - establish the Police as a aggressively prevented from against the disabled veterans support. Their grieving families and the brutal force. Once the Police is entering the Fort. A were deeply troubling to these To the slaughter Police were alone at the 30th Pasindu returns thus discredited, more monstrosity of a riot Police Policemen. However, as a death anniversary mayhem can follow. This is truck was a menacing semi- disciplined force committed to The Government denied commemoration. Some of the home their plan of action to gain permanent presence in Fort, upholding law and order, the Boteju and his men that Policemen were no more than Bullying in universities is a political ground. Sri Lanka parked there even when a Police must do as the legit arm support. Instead, the IGP 20-21 years of age when they serious issue in Sri Lanka. better be aware. protest was not in progress. directs them. contacted ASP Boteju and were killed that day. Freshmen, especially in the ranasingheshivanthi@ Without much aggression from personally ordered him to The 30th death anniversary Arts faculty, are often gmail.com Tamil Violence Spillover to West

By Sugeeswara Senadhira swords or Kaththi (sharp knives) over. These kids don’t even know why emerged in places such as Toronto, they’re fighting,” a Tamil sports Even a decade after the ending of London, Paris and Oslo. instructor told author Pierrat. “He said violent acts of Tamil terrorists in Sri he tries to keep his students off the Lanka, most surprisingly, violence by Jerome Pierrat streets and away from gang violence. expatriate Tamil elements in Europe French author Jerome Pierrat, who The gang members are young men, and North America continue published the best-selling book on usually in their early twenties, who unabated. The governments of many French criminal gangs, titled come from destitute backgrounds and European countries and Canada and live in the banlieues - Paris’ notorious the United States, now seems to be suburbs, where working-class families, repenting the day they had given (Mafias, Gangs and Cartels – mostly immigrants and minorities, live political asylum to so-called Tamil International criminality in France) in an atmosphere of neglect. Largely refugees, as they find it very difficult researched on Tamil gangs. “Tamil uninterested in politics, they follow the to contain the Tamil Mafia gangs mafia worked hand-in-glove with the rivalries of their elder brothers. The operating in those countries. These Tamil Tigers in their campaign to extort brawls are motivated by personal gangs resort to intimidation, money from unwilling Tamil citizens in vendettas, often ignited by petty online blackmail and unleash violence on LTTE sympathisers protest in Canada (Outlook India) France and the mafia gangs kept a provocation and fuelled by an unending innocent Tamils’ operations and percentage and passed on the ransom spiral of vengeance,” Pierrat revealed in commercial activities in those bickering often spilling over into real- dimensions of violent conflict and collection to Tamil Tigers,” Pierrat told his book. countries. According to French Media, life bloodshed. the parallels and links between this columnist in 2008 in Paris.“These such acts of violence have become violence in the Diaspora and the gangs use various arm-twisting to third Fear of retaliation commonplace over the past few years Tamil gangs in Paris homeland entered into a new degree methods to instill fear into those The Tamil community in Paris bears in La Chapelle, known as “Little According to Police sources in Paris, chapter with the emergence of Tamils in France who are unwilling to the brunt of the violence. Shopkeepers Jaffna” in Paris as well as an area in at least 10 different Tamil gangs Tamil street gangs in London, pay money to the LTTE. Their methods are often forced to call one gang to the neighbourhood of Gare du Nord, operate in the city. While the group Toronto and Paris. Tamil street are effective and petrified Tamils, in protect them against another. Some the central railway station in the called Viluthus is known as the most gangs became part of a wider fear of their lives or the lives and limbs gangs are also used to carry out attacks French capital, where a large number ruthless group, other Tamil gangs culture of fear within the Tamil of their kith and kin in LTTE controlled over unpaid debts, within a community of Tamil migrants have set up shops include Eelam Boys, Cyber, community and possibly areas in Sri Lanka, simply pay up,” the that is often reluctant to file official and restaurants. Brawls frequently Mukkalas, Red Kosty, Sathanai, reinforced the fundraising in the author said. Pierrat, who has a complaints for fear of attracting break out among groups of young Mukkapola, Minnale, Viluthu and Diaspora until 2009. During that doctorate from the University of unwanted Police attention. Most men from the Tamil community. Due Vennila. time, the rivalling gangs have Sorbonne, has used contacts ranging shopkeepers in Little Jaffna claimed to gang wars between Tamil youths, The French Police find it difficult to been cast as pro- and anti-LTTE, from underworld figures, hardcore they did not know anything about the several persons were severely injured get information or evidence against the latter having affiliations with LTTE terrorists, potential suicide gangs. Others confided to me that they due to sword attacks and knife these gangs as they confine their other militant organisations such bombers, and Police and intelligence could not talk for fear of retaliation. attacks in recent months. Mutilated criminal activities to the people of the as EROS, TELO, PLOTE, EPRLF personnel in his fact-finding drive. “My Lawrence Valin, a young filmmaker teenagers were found in pools of Tamil community, who were reluctant and EPDP. The militant gangs methodology is to get information, of Tamil origin, said, “When I was blood. Many attacks had taken place to give any information to Police due enjoyed the respect arisen out of follow the leads, make personal location scouting with my crew in Little in broad daylight. In September 2019, to fear of violent reprisals from the fear of the Tamil community. After contacts with mafia gangs and finally Jaffna, some guys started threatening the Police arrested three teenagers gang members. Police also failed to the end of the war, the young men cross-check and double-check before us. They wanted to know what we were suspected of having attacked a Sri infiltrate into the Tamil gangs. “This suddenly found that they were no arriving at the written version,” Pierrat up to. I don’t use the real names of the Lankan man in the Swiss city of community remains largely longer respected by the people, explained during a discussion with this gangs. These guys are super Lausanne. The man was found in a impenetrable for us, quite like the because the fear element had columnist. dangerous. They can kill you for pool of blood, with two fingers severed Chinese community,” the Police vanished overnight. In the A research paper published by the nothing.” and his right hand dangling from his Officer told the Media. “But we have a Diaspora, the gang has been a International Studies Department of All these cases on violent attacks on arm. On 5 March 2018, a man having lot of officers of Chinese origin, way for some young Tamil men to Gothenburg University in Sweden Tamils by the gangs were later dropped lunch at a Tamil restaurant at Gare whereas we barely have any Tamils on strive for respect, riches and revealed that after the end of the because the Police could not get any du Nord was attacked by a group the force,” an officer said. The gang heroism. conflict in 2009, the Tamil youths got evidence. Tamil victims refused to give wielding machetes. He survived, but activity among Tamil Diaspora is an This resulted in emergence of into the racketeering business for evidence against the gangs because of was scalped during the assault. offshoot of the Tamil terrorist outfits Aawa gangs in the Northern themselves. Smaller groups soon fear of reprisals. In many European Dozens of Facebook profile photos operated abroad under the LTTE Province in Sri Lanka and in emerged to compete with the remnants cities, Tamil gangs continue their show Tamil teenagers posing with Intelligence Chief Pottu Amman for addition young Tamil street gangs of former terrorist groups for protection business of intimidation and blades and swords. They taunt each fundraising, arms purchasing and known for their brutality, money. blackmail, while the Police have other in the comments, with online money laundering. The global including the use of Samurai “Today, a new generation has taken become helpless spectators. A8 monday 15 june 2020 Column Memory Oxford Union Officers – Lakshman Kadirgamar

Chandrika Kumaratunga Lakshman Kadirgamar Neelan Tiruchelvam Nanda Godage Saku Kadirgamar

By Prof.RajivaWijesinha They would not have found it so easy from Sri Lanka, and my father Jayewardene was determined to stop flaccid after she won the Election of then to refuse to talk, instead suggested I serve some. I had looked me getting the post, since I had been 2004. Writing about Lakshman Kadirgamar launching upon violent attacks which forward to serving it to my friends, who the only person of his class to kick him And it was also clear that she no in the context of the Swiss judiciary they thought the Sri Lankan had also learned to relish it, so I replied in the teeth (which was in Noel’s longer worked productively with ruling that the LTTE is not a criminal government was incapable of resisting. that it had not yet been cut. inimitable style of speaking) and so he Kadirgamar. She had been forced to group, one begins to understand how As it happened, the Rajapaksa That was not a promising beginning, changed the BMICH Act to ensure the appoint Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime that country has managed to profit government did manage to respond but Lakshman obviously forgave me. appointment was not made. Minister against her will and, though I from criminality so extensively over the militarily, but Sri Lanka then became When he ceased to be Foreign Minister So being appointed now to the would have liked Kadi in the role, I years. Obviously it means nothing to prey to vicious allegations which would after the UNP won the parliamentary Council was like coming home, and – realised that would have been difficult them that the LTTE killed so many not have been possible had Lakshman Election of December 2001 (following given I suppose what I had been doing for Mahinda represented a strand of political leaders over the years, both Kadirgamar been prominent in the defection of several SLFP about curriculum reform at tertiary thinking that had to be promoted if the those in government and Tamils who government. parliamentarians ranging from G L level to make courses more practical - I Tigers were to be resisted. Kadi too, opposed their terrorism. I have written thus far about his Peiris and S B Dissanayake to Mahinda was mandated to revitalise the though disappointed I think, accepted Lakshman Kadirgamar was unique in political contribution, because it was of Wijesekera and Bandula courses, and did so with clear the position and began to work well fitting into both these categories. He immense significance to this country, Gunewardane), he asked me to join the differentiation between the Certificate with Mahinda. was also by far the most important of and fully justifies characterising him as Council of Management of the and Diploma and Post-Graduate Chandrika could not accept that, for their victims in this century. During the the best Foreign Minister we had. And I Bandaranaike Centre for International Diploma courses. But even more her world was governed by resentment nineties they changed the face of not also wrote of what might have been, Studies, which he had been asked to exciting were the international when she could not get her way, and just Sri Lankan but also Indian politics because I myself got involved in this chair. contacts Kadi developed, promoting she turned against Kadi. So we found by eliminating Rajiv Gandhi and area of work after his death, and have I had met him on and off in the joint programmes with leading think that his initiatives were being blocked, President Premadasa and the next had time and time again to regret the preceding years after he came back to tanks in India and China and the and we could no longer move forward at generation of UNP leaders, Lalith absence of skills such as he evinced in Sri Lanka, and knew his daughter United States. the pace that had been achieved in the Athulathmudali and Gamini his dealings with the world as well as Ajitha well. It was also through my membership of first two years. Dissanayake (thus enthroning Ranil with his fellow politicians. But I was surprised that Kadirgamar the Council that I became close friends I was sad about this but Dayan had Wickremesinghe, who became their But I knew him better in other had selected me, and the more so when with Dayan Jayatilleka. We would meet high hopes that things would be better most effective weapon in the effort to contexts. His family knew mine, and I found out who else was on the Board. usually in Lakshman Kadirgamar’s soon. When I once said something dismember Sri Lanka). indeed his eldest brother Sam lived official residence at Wijerama Mawata, about how I hoped Chandrika would In the late eighties, they got rid of the down the road from us. We knew his Revitalise sitting outside on the verandah until we move on the educational reforms we principal Tamil political leadership, children, and his daughter Saku His Secretary had told me that he were called in to the Conference Room. needed to expedite, he told me firmly from all backgrounds, Amirthalingam became a good friend, accompanying wanted to revitalise the Centre, which That was generally later than scheduled, that she was now history. And sure and Sri Sabaratnam and Sam us when I took my sister on her first had become moribund over the years but Dayan and I were usually on time, enough, soon afterwards the Court Tambimuttu, and they turned the TULF visit to the continent in December since Mrs Bandaranaike had and – having known him only vaguely ruled that her term would end in 2005, into their poodles by killing Neelan 1977. And I had met Lakshman too in continued as the Chair of the Council before, in connection first with his in effect depriving her of a year in office Tiruchelvam a decade later. But despite Oxford, in 1973 when my parents even when her capabilities were in sterling work after the July 1983 riots which she lost entirely through her own all this they were on the defensive a few stayed in the rooms opposite mine decline. He had therefore handpicked when he spearheaded the analysis put carelessness. years later, not least because even the during the summer vacation. people he thought leaders in their out by the Committee for Rational European Union (pace the Swiss and He lived in Oxford then while fields, of whom I remember most Development – I came to admire his Killed Erik Solheim) had characterised them practising law in London, his wife being vividly Dayan Jayatilleka and Nanda incisive mind and the clear But the LTTE killed Kadirgamar that as terrorists. And this had happened, I think the daughter of an academic. Godage and Profs Savithri Gunasekara understanding, which he shared with August, before the Election and the as Erik Solheim is quoted as critically This was just before he moved to and Amal Jayawardena. Kadirgamar, of how best to deal with the Rajapaksa Presidency to which he claiming, because of Lakshman Geneva, to work first for the ILO and Those were the most stimulating and Tiger threat. could have contributed so much. I was Kadirgamar. then for the World Intellectual Property interesting board meetings I have devastated, but I also realised that Organization. But I knew of him too as attended. Kadirgamar was full of ideas, Forthright others were not entirely unhappy. Strongest weapon having been President of the Oxford being determined as he put it to He was also forthright in his Sakufor instance responded to my It was with good reason then that the Union, to the Standing Committee of restore the Centre to the level of its approach, and began to understand angst by telling me that he knew what Tigers killed Kadirgamar, for he was the which I was elected at the end of that early days when it had been the much before I did how hopeless he was letting himself in for. strongest weapon Sri Lanka had to term. cutting edge of Sri Lankan engagement Chandrika Kumaratunga was in I began to understand then the gulf oppose them. If he had lived, Mahinda The strongest memory of his visit to with the world. Indeed I had been on government. While he like I had between my old elite friends and what Rajapaksa would probably have made my rooms does not however reflect well the verge of joining it, in 1981, after I admired the manner in which she dealt the country at large felt. It was a him Prime Minister, and that would on me, in terms of the affection and had resigned from Peradeniya single-handed with the bullying of the shattering moment, but when I wonder have made it impossible for the Tigers admiration I was to feel for him later. University and been selected to the UNP government, and its obeisance to if my own commitment to this country to claim they were the sole My mother had brought some love position of its Director of Studies. But the Tigers after the Cease Fire is excessive, I think of Kadi – and am representatives of the Tamil people. cake, which was what I missed most as Noel Tittawella told me, J R Agreement was signed, we found her proud to be on his side.

What's in a name? U.S. towns see racism in streets, schools and more By Nellie Peyton unarmed black man at the hands of a white Police Officer - will likely Protests over racial inequality have speed the process, said Brooks. spurred a new reckoning over Although some states have laws Confederate monuments and against removing monuments, symbols, with calls for US schools, changing street or school names is streets and counties to be renamed easier, she said. and statues felled. In Virginia, a student-led petition The debate over Confederate to change the name and mascot of monuments was thrust into the Lee-Davis High School, named after spotlight three years ago, when white Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis, nationalists and neo-Nazis gathered garnered over 15,000 signatures in in Charlottesville, Virginia to defend less than a week. Its sports teams two statues of Confederate generals are called "the Confederates." that the city had decided to take "I've been watching the Black Lives down. Matter movement grow... and I kept Hundreds of US towns have on being reminded of my school and monuments to figures such as Robert the name and how embarrassing E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, who and racist it is," said Sophie Lynn, led the pro-slavery Confederate army the 16-year-old who started the in the 1861-1865 Civil War. petition. Advocates for removal say they "This is not the first time this has represent institutionalized racism and been brought up, but I thought we white supremacy, while defenders say might as well try it again," she said. they are a part of Southern heritage The Hanover County school board and caution against erasing all voted against a name change when it history. was raised in 2018, and has not yet But even more common than the responded to the new petition. statues are buildings and boulevards Protests over racial inequality have named after the former Southern gone global since the death on 25 heroes, many of which exist in places May of George Floyd in Minneapolis. where the population is now majority People visit a monument of Confederate general Robert E. Lee after Virginia Governor Ralph Northam ordered its removal, after Outrage over monuments followed, black. widespread civil unrest following the death in Minneapolis Police custody of George Floyd, in Richmond, Virginia, US (Reuters) with protesters pulling down a "Forcing children to go to a school statue of a slave trader in the named after someone who fought to Montgomery, Alabama. the connection," she told the Thomson schools, 80 counties and cities, and English city of Bristol and setting dehumanise them... is wrong," said "Now that people are beginning to Reuters Foundation. nine state holidays. alight a statue of Belgian colonialist Lecia Brooks, a spokeswoman for the understand what is meant by SPLC documented nearly 1,800 Some have already been taken King Leopold II in Antwerp. Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), systemic racism and white public symbols of the Confederacy in down and the protests - sparked by a civil rights organisation in supremacy, they're beginning to make a 2019 report, including 103 the death of George Floyd, an (Thomson Reuters Foundation) World monday 15 june 2020 A9

Atlanta, United States Sydney, Australia Police arrest two after Protesters burn Cpt Cook statue defaced down Wendy's after police shooting

Police Officers stand guard around the statue of British explorer Captain James Cook in Sydney, 12 June 2020. (Reuters)

Australian Police said they arrested demanding that the legacies of some two women after a statute of British of the architects of Europe's empire explorer James Cook, captain of the building be revisited and their statues first Western ship to reach the east be torn down. coast of Australia, was defaced early From Cecil Rhodes in England to on Sunday (14) in Sydney. Christopher Columbus in the United New South Wales Police were States and King Leopold II in Belgium, alerted to graffiti on Cook's statue in statues of empire builders have been Hyde Park in the central district of under attack in recent weeks around Australia's largest city just after 4 the world, sometimes from the a.m. on Saturday (13) before the two descendants of those they once women in their late 20s were arrested. colonised. The women were found with a bag Cook's statute was promptly containing a number of spray-paint cleaned by Sydney council workers on cans, the Police said in a statement. Sunday morning, a Police A Wendy’s burns following a rally against racial inequality and the Police shooting to death of Rayshard Brooks, in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. 13 June 2020. (Reuters) They were refused bail and will be spokeswoman said. charged with the destroying and Police in the neighbouring State of Protesters shut down a major The Atlanta officer fired after Police TASER in his hand. damaging property, it said. Victoria are also investigating the highway in Atlanta on Saturday (13) Friday's incident was identified by the A second videotape from the Anti-racism protesters, who have weekend defacing of the statues of two and burned down a Wendy's Police Department as Garrett Rolfe, restaurant's cameras shows Brooks taken to the streets following the former Australian Prime Ministers at restaurant where a black man was who joined the department in October turning as he runs and possibly death of African American George a Ballarat park. shot dead by Police as he tried to 2013. The officer placed on aiming the TASER at the pursuing Floyd in Police custody, are (Reuters) escape arrest, an incident likely to fuel administrative duty is Devin Bronsan, officers before one of them fires his more nationwide tensions over race who was hired in September 2018. gun and Brooks falls to the ground. and Police tactics. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said Brooks ran the length of about six The restaurant was in flames for she had accepted the prompt cars when he turned back toward an more than 45 minutes before fire resignation of Police Chief Shields. officer and pointed what he had in his London, United Kingdom crews arrived to extinguish the blaze, "I do not believe that this was a hand at the Policeman, Vic Reynolds, protected by a line of Police Officers, justified use of deadly force and have director of the GBI, told a Press local television showed. By that time called for the immediate termination of conference. Johnson condemns ‘thuggery’ the building was reduced to charred the officer," Bottoms said at an "At that point, the Atlanta officer rubble next to a gas station. afternoon news conference. reaches down and retrieves his After far-right activists clash Other demonstrators marched onto Brooks was the father of a young weapon from his holster, discharges it, Interstate-75, stopping traffic, before daughter who was celebrating her strikes Brooks there on the parking lot with BLM protestors Police used a line of squad cars to hold birthday on Saturday, his lawyers and he goes down," Reynolds said. them back. said. Lawyers representing the family of The city's Police Chief, Erika Near the scene of the shooting, Brooks told reporters that Atlanta Shields, resigned earlier on Saturday street protests began on Saturday, Police had no right to use deadly force over the shooting on Friday (12) night with more than 100 people calling for even if he had fired the TASER, a non- of 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks, the officers to be charged criminally in lethal weapon, in their direction. which was captured on video. the case. "You can't shoot somebody unless The Police Department has fired the they are pointing a gun at you," officer who allegedly shot and killed Parking Lot Attorney Chris Stewart said. Brooks, Police Spokesman Carlos Friday's shooting came after Police Fulton County District Attorney Paul Campos said late on Saturday. were called to the Wendy's over Howard, Jr., said in an emailed Another officer involved in the incident reports that Brooks had fallen asleep statement that his office "has already was put on administrative leave. Both in the drive-thru line. Officers launched an intense, independent of the officers were white. attempted to take him into custody investigation of the incident" while it Brooks' death followed weeks of after he failed a field sobriety test, awaits the findings of the Georgia demonstrations in major cities across according to the Georgia Bureau of Bureau of Investigation. the United States sparked by the Investigation. Bottoms said Shields, appointed death of George Floyd, an African A bystander's video showed Brooks Police Chief in December 2016, would American who died on 25 May after a struggling with two officers on the be replaced by Deputy Chief Rodney Minneapolis Police Officer knelt on his ground outside the Wendy's before Bryant, who will serve as interim chief. neck for nearly nine minutes while breaking free and running across the detaining him. parking lot with what appears to be a (Reuters)

Counter-protesters stand under Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square ahead of a Black Lives Matter protest, in London, 13 June 2020. (Reuters)

Ottawa, Canada British Prime Minister Boris the anti-racism protesters, and Johnson condemned "racist some tried to use metal crash thuggery" after far-right protesters barriers to break through Police Trans Mountain pipeline shut clashed in London on Saturday (13) lines. with anti-racist demonstrators and The Metropolitan Police said they Police trying to keep the two sides arrested more than 100 people for apart. offences including violent disorder following oil spill Fights broke out between groups and assault on Police, and that six outside Waterloo station, with officers had suffered minor injuries. The Canadian Government-owned spilled is not available, but the spill pipeline in Washington State, fireworks thrown before Police The ambulance service said it had Trans Mountain pipeline has been has been contained and cleanup is according to its website. cordoned off areas. On a nearby treated 15 people. shut down since early Saturday underway, the company said. The Transportation Safety Board bridge, stones were lobbed at Police. "It is clear that far-right groups (13) following an oil spill at a pump While there is no threat to the of Canada (TSB) said in a separate Sporadic skirmishes continued in are causing violence and disorder in station in British Columbia, the community, the pipeline remains statement it had deployed an parts of the city centre. central London, I urge people to pipeline company said. shut and an investigation into the investigator to the spill site to "Racist thuggery has no place on stay away," Mayor Sadiq Khan said The pipeline crew are responding cause of the spill is ongoing, Trans gather more information. our streets," Johnson said on on Twitter. to a release at its Sumas Pump Mountain said. The Canadian Government Twitter. "Anyone attacking our In a brief respite to the animosity Station in Abbotsford, British The pipeline company delivers bought the Trans Mountain Police will be met with the full force after the clashes near Waterloo, Columbia, after an alarm was about 300,000 barrels of crude oil pipeline from Kinder Morgan of the law." pictures showed a man identified by received early in the morning, and refined products every day Canada in 2018, as it faced Earlier in the day, small bands of the crowd as a far-right protester Trans Mountain Corp said in a through 1,150 kilometres of regulatory and legal hurdles to protesters jostled and tossed bottles being carried to safety by a Black statement. pipeline in Alberta and British expansion. and cans in Trafalgar Square. Far- Lives Matter (BLM) protester. The estimated volume of oil Columbia, and 111 kilometres of (Reuters) right groups shouted racial slurs at (Reuters)

Maiduguri, Nigeria Militants kill 20 soldiers, 40 civilians in Borno Islamic militants killed at least 20 three residents told Reuters that civilians were injured in the to residents, in the local Hausa answer calls for comment on the soldiers and more than 40 civilians militants armed with heavy crossfire, overwhelming the local language, warning them not to work attacks. U.N. officials could not and injured hundreds in twin weaponry including rocket hospital and forcing some of the with the military, white Christian immediately be reached for attacks in northeast Nigeria's Borno launchers arrived in Monguno, a injured to lay outside the facility westerners or other "non-believers". comment. State on Saturday (13), residents hub for international non- awaiting help. Militants also entered Nganzai at Boko Haram and its offshoot, and a civilian task force fighter said. governmental organisations, at The sources said the militants also about the same time on Saturday, Islamic State West Africa Province The attacks, in the Monguno and roughly 11 a.m. local time. They set fire to the local Police Station and according to two residents and one (ISWAP), have killed thousands and Nganzai local Government areas, overran Government forces, taking burned down the United Nations' Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) displaced millions in northeastern came just days after militants killed some casualties but killing at least humanitarian hub in the area, fighter. They arrived on motorcycles Nigeria. ISWAP claimed the two at least 69 people in a raid on a 20 soldiers and roaming the area for although a UN spokesperson said and in pickup trucks and killed more Saturday attacks, and the Gubio village in a third area, Gubio. three hours. the facility sustained only light than 40 residents, the sources said. attack. Two humanitarian workers and The sources said hundreds of damage. Fighters distributed letters A military spokesman did not (Reuters) A10 monday 15 june 2020 Asia Beijing logs record 36 COVID-19 cases… Linked to market cluster

Beijing on Sunday (14) compound for Xinfadi workers. with people who had been to and for it to be completely reported a record 36 new cases Almost everyone had either Xinfadi since 30 May will be disinfected, Beijing News of COVID-19 in China’s worked or shopped inside the required to report to their work said. capital, all linked to a major market. or residential units and be At least 10 cities, including food wholesale market, raising One of the people is a tested for the new coronavirus Harbin and Dalian, have concerns about the spike in a 56-year-old employee with a that causes the disease, Beijing urged residents not to travel country that had sharply Beijing airport bus company, News said. to Beijing and to report to reduced its infections. who had shopped at the Anyone working in the authorities if they have done The city has ordered testing market on 3 June and market or living nearby must so recently. of anyone linked to the Xinfadi developed symptoms two days also be tested, the report said. Authorities shut down the market, after the district later. The city-backed Beijing In addition, Beijing health Xinfadi market before dawn containing the market put News reported the man had authority spokesman Gao on Saturday after seven itself on a “wartime” footing not worked at the airport for Xiaojun told the news people who had recently been and Beijing banned tourism months and had no contact conference anyone in the city to the market were found to and sports events amid fears with travellers. with a fever will be given have the virus in the A police officer wearing a face mask is seen outside an entrance of the of a new wave of the pandemic Xinfadi wholesale market, which has been closed for business after Long queues for coronavirus nucleic-acid and serology tests preceding two days. in the country where it arose new coronavirus infections were detected, in Beijing, China, 13 June tests appeared outside a for the coronavirus, a blood test More than 1,500 tonnes of last year. 2020. (Reuters) hospital near the market on and a CT scan. seafood, 18,000 tonnes of “Beijing has entered an Sunday, pictures in the State- Medical facilities are not vegetables and 20,000 tonnes extraordinary period,” city and the rest of the 43 cases the southwest of Beijing, city run People’s Daily showed. allowed to turn away patients of fruit are traded at the spokesman Xu Hejian told a reported over the past three health authority data showed. City officials decided on with fever symptoms, Gao said. market daily, according to its news conference on Sunday. days have been linked to the Of the 36 newly infected Saturday (13) that anyone who City officials ordered samples website. The new cases for Saturday market in Fengtai district in people, 12 live in a residential had been to or had contact to be taken from the market (Reuters)

Seoul, South Korea Warrior Pose U.S. Embassy displays BLM banner In support of anti-racism protests

Members of the Bangladesh Police wear protective masks as they join a yoga session to boost their immune systems as the coronavirus outbreak continues, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. (Reuters)

A huge BLM banner is seen at the US Embassy in Seoul, 14 June 2020 (Reuters) Kathmandu, Nepal

The US Embassy in Seoul draped a Saturday (13), along with the picture of huge Black Lives Matter (BLM) banner the banner in black and white. Parliament approves new map on its mission building and tweeted a US Ambassador to South Korea picture of it in support of an anti- Harry Harris retweeted the message, As land row with India escalates racism campaign across America. adding “USA is a free and diverse “The US Embassy stands in nation... from that diversity we gain solidarity with fellow Americans our strength.” The lower house of Nepal’s grieving and peacefully protesting to No comment was immediately Parliament on Saturday (13) demand positive change. Our available from the embassy on Sunday approved a new map of the country, #BlackLivesMatter banner shows our (14).The embassy also made some including areas disputed with India, support for the fight against racial waves last year when it displayed a the Speaker of the national injustice and Police brutality as we rainbow banner in support of the legislature said.The move signals a strive to be a more inclusive & just LGBTQ community. hardening of Nepal’s position over a society,” the embassy tweeted on (Reuters) decades-long border row that has strained ties between the South Asian neighbours. India’s Foreign Ministry rejected Nepal’s new map, arguing that the addition of Indian territory is not based on historical fact or evidence. “It is also violative of our current understanding to hold talks on People light candles as they celebrate after the Parliament approved a new map of outstanding boundary issues,” the country, including areas disputed with India, in Kathmandu, 13 June 2020. Foreign Ministry spokesman Anurag (Reuters) Srivastava said in a statement. Nepal published its revised map in said the new map was approved by dozens of people painted the new May after India inaugurated an 80 258 out of 275 members of map on a street and lit candles on it km (50 miles) road connecting its Parliament, exceeding the required in celebration of Saturday’s decision. northern Uttarakhand State with two-thirds majority. There were no Standing outside Parliament after Lipulekh on the border with Tibet votes against.The map must also be the vote, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma that passes through the land Nepal passed by the National Assembly, the Oli held out the prospect of talks says belongs to it.The map shows a Parliament’s upper chamber, and with India to resolve the dispute. sliver of land on the northwest tip of approved by President Bidhya Devi “It is a good thing that there is Nepal as the Nepali territory. Bhandari before it becomes a part of unity,” Oli told reporters. “Now there Agni Prasad Sapkota, Speaker of the constitution. will be talks with India.” Nepal’s House of Representatives, In the capital city Kathmandu, (Reuters)

A VietJet Air passenger plane is seen on grass field after skidding at the Tan Son Nhat Airport, in Ho Chi Minh City. (Reuters/Stringer)

Hanoi, Vietnam New Delhi, India Beijing, China VietJet plane skids off Delhi to use 500 railway Nineteen dead in gas-tanker runway in Ho Chi Minh City coaches as hospital facilities accident in Zhejiang A tanker truck Saturday (13) To fight coronavirus explosion in afternoon, an earlier No injuries reported India’s Federal Government said, on Sunday 14 it will provide New southeast China report said. The Delhi’s city authorities with 500 railway coaches that will be killed 19 and injured blast sent flames A VietJet Air passenger plane “The airplane, passengers and crew equipped to care for coronavirus patients, after a surge in the 172, the State-run and a cloud of skidded off a runway as it landed at are all safe,” VietJet said in the number of cases led to a shortage of hospital beds. People’s Daily said smoke high into the Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh statement, without saying how many The coaches will increase Delhi’s capacity by 8,000 beds, Home on Sunday (14).The sky, State-Media City on Sunday (14), but no one was were onboard. Minister Amit Shah said on Twitter after a meeting with the capital’s tanker carrying pictures showed.The injured, the company said. Local Media reports said the airport Chief Minister.The Government will also ramp up testing in the city, liquefied petroleum cause of the accident VietJet said the aircraft, which was was briefly closed on Sunday due to especially in containment zones, conduct a door-to-door health gas exploded at a is under arriving from the tourism island of Phu the incident, adding that the plane survey of residents and provide sufficient supplies of oxygen highway exit in investigation, Media Quoc, skidded off the runway due to involved is an Airbus A321neo. cylinders and ventilators, he said. Taizhou in Zhejiang said. heavy rain and a tailwind. (Reuters) (Reuters) Province on (Reuters) monDAY 15 june 2020 Ceylon FT b11 CBSL launches liquidity support scheme for finance companies Rs 20B allocated under Deposit Insurance and Liquidity Support Fund; sector consolidation likely By Ishara Gamage running of the sector’s operations during the pandemic The Central Bank of Sri Lanka period. on Friday (12) launched Rs 20 According to CBSL’s annual Email: [email protected] billion worth liquidity support report for 2019, “The LFCs’ and scheme for Sri Lanka’s cash- SLCs’ sector performance strapped non-banking sector. deteriorated during the year, The CBSL also plans to with negative credit growth, UGC seeking ADB launch its non-banking sector declining profitability and consolation mission before the increase in NPLs. The slowdown end of this year to reduce the in the sector was mainly due to grant to upgrade IT number of companies in the subdued economic activity, sector to at least 20-25 from the prevailing political uncertainty, at State Universities current level of 46, comprising lack of investor confidence and 42 finance companies and four security concerns created by Only five State Universities possess leasing companies. the Easter Sunday attacks. 50% of required facilities “We have already allocated Rs Total assets of the sector stood 20 billion from our Deposit at Rs. 1,432.7 billion by end- By Rajiesh Seetharam Insurance and Liquidity December 2019, representing Support Fund to launch this 7.6 per cent of Sri Lanka’s Only five State universities have scheme,” a top central banker include their existing financial “Some smaller companies’ financial system. at least 50 per cent of the required told Ceylon Today. state, and applications must be recovery rates have come down “The sector as a whole IT infrastructure, according to the According to CBSL, any submitted within three months by 70-80 per cent and they are remained stable, with capital University Grants Commission licensed finance companies to CBSL,” the official said. facing severe liquidity issues. maintained at healthy levels (UGC) Chairman, Prof. Sampath (LFC) or specialised leasing The non-banking sector has Therefore, the immediate future along with adequate liquidity Amaratunga, who is working on companies (SLC) that wish to been facing several operational of the sector is a little buffers well above the acquiring a grant from the Asian apply for the above scheme can and liquidity issues, mainly due uncertain, but the CBSL’s regulatory minimum levels. Development Bank (ADB) to bring submit their applications within to COVID-19-related loan intervention in the sector with Deposits dominated the funding these facilities up to standard. the next three months. The recovery issues and this newly-launched liquidity mix, as increased assets were Speaking at a webinar on Digital CBSL will charge an annual implementation of the support scheme will be a mainly funded through Education organised by the Prof. Sampath interest rate around 10 per cent moratorium/CBSL refinancing definite positive factor,” he said. deposits, while borrowings of Federation of Information Amaratunga for the facility, based on the scheme. The CBSL had already the sector largely declined Technology Sri Lanka (FITIS), Prof. Amaratunga existing bank rate applicable to Speaking to Ceylon FT, a top imposed several restrictions on compared to the previous year. explained, “I am working with the ADB to get a huge the non-banking sector. finance company head said that sector loan/leasing The Central Bank continued to grant to upgrade the IT infrastructure in State “Non-bank institutions will there has been a drop of at least disbursements, while also take prudential measures to Universities, which is very vital in enhancing the need to display a solid plan to 30-60 per cent in loan and relaxing several regulatory maintain the stability of the quality of education while also providing greater fulfil future liquidity leasing recoveries for the sector barriers such as postponement sector with much consideration learning opportunities and flexibility to students.” requirements if they wish to during the last two to three of minimum capital on reviving LFCs with He mentioned that despite having the technology, obtain the facility. It also months. requirements for smoother supervisory concerns.” digital learning wasn’t used widely before the COVID- 19 crisis. “Reports indicate that in State universities of Sri Lanka, on the second week of March, only 28 digital learning sessions were held with 194 student participants. But that number increased to 8,500 sessions with 354,000 participants by the last week of FHA condemns murder May. With digital education, we can find solutions to several issues prevailing in the education sector, and hope issues like ragging will come down,” he of Three-Wheeler Assn. Chairman elaborated. “Currently, there are 125,000 students in State The Finance Houses Chanmil Investment (Pvt) Ltd is environment in which the borrowings due to COVID-19 Universities, of which around 75,000 are from families Association of Sri Lanka (FHA), by no means associated with deposit-taking and lending pandemic and the financial below the poverty line. Thus, even if the students are stated that in its capacity as the the 41 regulated and licensed companies operated. This had difficulties that accompanied able to buy a laptop, they find it difficult to purchase apex association of 41 Finance Institutions registered given way for many fraudulent the global crisis. data. Thus, we are in discussion with President registered licensed Finance under the Central Bank of Sri and unethical practices; In complying with debt Rajapaksa, as well as Internet Service Providers to companies of Sri Lanka, it Lanka, and also not attached to adopted by certain institutions moratorium regulations, come up with an option for low-cost data for education deeply condemns the alleged the FHA Sri Lanka. that ‘claimed’ to be Finance licensed finance companies purposes. At the same time, we are also in discussions murder of the late Sunil “As such, FHA denounces the Institutions.” have offered debt relief to with the President for manufacturing low-cost Jayawardena, the Chairman of actions of the said fraudulent FHA further clarified that the approximately 500,000 computers in Sri Lanka.” the Lanka Self-Employed organisation and the uncalled 41 licensed finance companies customers across Sri Lanka, ACCA Regional Head, Rehan Uddin stated that Professional’s Three-Wheeler for tragedy that accompanied attached to FHA have already the FHA stated. Under such before the COVID-19 crisis, only 3 per cent of ACCA Association, which took place their actions. offered debt moratoriums as context, FHA reiterates its students used digital learning, but now almost 100 on Wednesday (10) evening. “FHA comprises 41 licensed stipulated by the Government of condemnation of the per cent are using it. With the use of Digital The FHA stated, “The murder finance companies across Sri Sri Lanka, in line with Circular perturbing actions by the Education, ACCA students can interact with students of late Sunil Jayawardena is an Lanka, with a long-standing No. 04 and 05 of 2020 issued by said unregulated and from different parts of the world for a better learning example of unethical and history in the industry, and was the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, unlicensed lending experience, opined Uddin. He further mentioned that unruly practices adopted by formed with the aim of instructing to provide relief organisation, which has the future would see blended education, with both fraudulent organisations, and addressing the emerging measures and assist the general resulted in the loss of an classroom and digital education. the alleged finance institution problems in the unregulated public on their financial invaluable human life.

Verité Research Head discusses economic recovery SL Dollar Bond yields too high for international borrowing Money printing acceptable in short term, but country needs to build credibility

By Rajiesh Seetharam 10 per cent this year, and on top of like highways and stadiums, where proposed the Government offer that monetary expansion is difficult. labour and materials would be investment relief to companies that Sri Lanka’s dollar bond yields are However, as long as the Government imported, may give returns in the long invest in COVID-resistant sectors. He too high; thus borrowing from can maintain Balance of Payments, a term. However, our current focus also stressed the need for digitalising International Financial Markets stable exchange rate and low should be more on short-term returns education, agriculture and the public currently appears very unfavourable, inflation, it can expand the Central of large multiples, rather than long- sector to achieve long-term economic according to a leading economist. Bank’s Balance Sheet by printing term ones, which would contract recovery. Speaking at a webinar organised by money, also known as Quantitative Government financing in the short In the medium-term, he proposes the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on Easing,” he said. term.“ incentivising debt capital through tax Friday (12), Verite Research Executive “It is similar to the world’s ecological De Mel suggested increasing taxes exemptions, to encourage more Director, Dr. Nishan de Mel observed balance, where the temperature on products with low social value to business activity and lead the path to that monetary expansion through should be maintained at a certain increase Government revenue, while economic recovery. money printing is alright in the short level while other elements, like excluding private hospitals from term, as long as various economic oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc., taxes. “Even before COVID-19, the factors are balanced; however, Sri also need to be maintained in the Government reduced taxes, like Lanka should build its long-term right balance. Similarly, printing income tax and corporate income tax, credibility to borrow at lower rates. Dr. Nishan de Mel money should be a short-term amounting to 3 per cent of GDP. The When questioned regarding recent strategy while balancing various Government should identify products CURRENCY media reports of the Government bond yields were around 15 per cent, economic factors, and it shouldn’t with low elasticity and low social RATES utilising foreign exchange reserves of which is a very high rate to pay.” exceed a limit. There should also be value, like cigarettes. US$ 1 billion to service external debts, “While it would be a better choice to an exit strategy for printing money,” “There was a policy in the 2019 Nishan de Mel explained that reserves borrow from the local markets due to explained de Mel. Budget on increasing taxes on are sufficient, governments generally prevailing low rates, the Government While appreciating the USD B 182.64 S 187.64 cigarettes. If that policy was properly ...... utilise them for external debt can also look for swap facilities. In the Government’s economic recovery implemented, the Government could repayment, while the reduced long-term, however, Sri Lanka needs measures, de Mel cautioned that have earned revenue of Rs 20 billion GBP B 228.66 S 236.81 reserves would be refilled by to work on building credibility to get taxes may increase in the future. “All in 2020 so far. On the other hand, the ...... borrowing from International better credit ratings and borrow at financing the Government provides is Government can reduce or stop Financial Markets. lower rates,” noted de Mel. the people’s money. It is not based on taxing private healthcare hospitals, EUR B 205.21 S 212.99 However, he claimed that in the Speaking of the recent criticism by current taxes, but on future taxes. So as they have enormous positive ...... current scenario, borrowing from certain Media regarding the Central the more finances, loans, etc., that impacts and a high social value,” JPY B 1.6935 S 1.7739 International Financial Markets is Bank’s printing of money despite even the Government provides today mean stated de Mel...... inadvisable. “Currently, it is not a advanced economies resorting to the that taxes will up in the future. There Ceylon Chamber of Commerce AUD B 123.21 S 129.45 good environment for Sri Lanka to same in recent times, de Mel noted is no free money; we are borrowing Chief Economist, Shiran Fernando ...... expand borrowing on international this was acceptable in the short term, against the future,” he explained. suggested that the country host a financial markets, as yields for Sri as long as economic indicators are De Mel insisted on utilising capital ‘Winter 2020/21 visit Sri Lanka 12.06.2020 Lankan dollar bonds are very high. balanced properly. expenditure for projects that give campaign’ for tourism recovery. As a Central Bank of Sri Lanka Recently, 10-year Sri Lankan dollar “We will run a fiscal deficit of over returns in the short term. “Projects long-term measure, Fernando B12 Ceylon FT monday 15 june 2020 news AstraZeneca to supply IMSL calls for entries Europe with 400M to Asian Management doses of COVID vaccine Games 2020 The Institute of Management of Sri teams after reviewing applications for consists of a Management Simulation Lanka (IMSL) announced that it is now Sri Lankan representation at AMG in which each team runs a company, open to applications of teams for Sri 2020, to be held from 31 July to 29 with the objective of getting the Lankan representation at the Asian August 2020. The champion team in highest company share price on the Management Games (AMG) 2020, the final round will receive a trip to simulated stock exchange. hosted by the Asian Association of Macau and join young managers from The ideal team must be Sri Lankans Management Organisations (AAMO). other AAMO countries for a study visit from universities, higher educational AMG is currently organised by the in November 2020. institutions, or business organisations Macau Management Association, and All teams will be allocated into with a mix of professionals, graduates has successfully served as a platform groups by draw. Each team in each or postgraduate degree holders that for young managers in the region to round will be assigned a company for have specialised in the fields of learn from each other during the past managing its operations and making Finance, Marketing, Manufacturing, two decades. strategic decisions for a period of five and Human Resource Management. The AMG competition will be financial quarters. The team that has Each team must consist of five consucted online in either English or achieved the best investment members. Interested candidates can Chinese. IMSL will be selecting two performance will be the winner. AMG apply before 30 June 2020.

AstraZeneca Plc has signed a allows other countries to join it contract with European under the same conditions, a SLASSCOM TechKids online coding governments to supply the region source from the Italian Health with its potential vaccine against Ministry said. the coronavirus, the British China, Brazil, Japan and Russia drugmaker’s latest deal to pledge have also expressed interest, he competition concludes succesfully its drug to help combat the said. pandemic. The British Medicines and The Sri Lanka Association of The contract is for up to 400 Healthcare products Regulatory Software and Service Companies million doses of the vaccine, Agency (MHRA) has approved the (SLASSCOM) TechKids Online Coding developed by the University of start of Phase III trials of the Competition concluded successfully, Oxford, the company said on vaccine after studies showed with the participation of over 90 Saturday, adding that it was sufficient efficacy and safety, children from all over Sri Lanka. looking to expand manufacturing Soriot said. Within a period of 10 days, of the vaccine, which it said it At a meeting of EU Health participants were required to code and would provide for no profit during Ministers on Friday, IVA agreed to create a game, animation or interactive the pandemic. merge its activities with those of story using the Scratch programming Deliveries will start by the end of the EU Commission, Germany’s language. By the time the competition 2020. Health Ministry said. reached the deadline, there were a The deal is the first contract The deal is the latest by total of 30 entries (15 games, eight From left: Best Story Award winner, Nishitha Wikramasinghe, Best Game Award signed by Europe’s Inclusive AstraZeneca to promise to supply animations, and seven interactive winner, Lithuli Payagala, and Best Animation Award winner, Mueena Shahmy Vaccines Alliance (IVA), a group its vaccine to governments who stories), creatively explaining how they formed by France, Germany, Italy have scrambled to agree advance would fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The ‘Best Animation’ award went to vouchers and certificates, all the and the Netherlands to secure purchases of promising The level of research, detail and eigth-grader Mueena Shahmy from Al participants will receive certificates of vaccine doses for all member coronavirus immunisation thought put into each of the Iman Schools. Mueena’s animation participation. SLASSCOM TechKids states as soon as possible. treatments. programmes was clearly visible in each talks through the different symptoms expressed their appreciation for the “This will ensure that hundreds It has agreed manufacturing beautifully crafted code. Every game, of COVID-19, the safety measures amazing effort and creative talent of millions of people in Europe will deals globally to meet its target of animation and story was evaluated by such as washing hands, social displayed by all participants. have access to this vaccine, of producing 2 billion doses of the an expert panel consisting of distancing, using sanitisers, and Supported by the Royal Norwegian course if it works and we will vaccine, including with two Bill experienced software engineers from wearing face masks. A noteworthy Embassy of Sri Lanka, SLASSCOM know that by the end of summer,” Gates-backed ventures and a US$ the industry. The panel evaluated each feature of this animation was TechKids is committed to facilitate the company’s chief executive, 1.2 billion agreement with the US entry on various criteria, such as use Mueena’s self-recorded voice coding education for all children Pascal Soriot told journalists. He Government. of different Scratch elements, narrative, which perfectly synced-up regardless of geographical said he has “good hope” that it will The deal will add a further 100 programming constructs, and with her animation frames. boundaries, ethnicities and socio- work, based on initial data. million doses to the 2 billion emphasis on creativity, empathy and The ‘Best Story’ award was won by economic backgrounds. Through this The alliance “will work together already committed by the group, national unity. Nishitha Wikramasinghe from initiative, TechKids has reached with the European Commission AstraZeneca said. Sixth-grader Lithuli Mehansa Thurstan College. Nishitha’s story nearly 1,500 students through and other countries in Europe to There are no approved vaccines Payagala of Musaeus College bagged was themed on the timely topic of classroom-style coding workshops in ensure everybody across Europe or treatments for COVID-19, the the ‘Best Game’ award. She had national unity and diversity. The schools and SLASSCOM member is supplied with the vaccine,” he highly contagious respiratory already won two international coding characters chosen from different companies, weekly online coding said. illness caused by the novel competitions last year and runs her communities and the carefully crafted workshops and through its newly “We have a very self-sufficient coronavirus. own YouTube channel (Coding Girl) dialogues gave a strong message that launched online learning platform. supply chain for Europe” with “Many countries in the world that features coding videos on various we Sri Lankans are a single nation The weekly online coding manufacturers lined up in the have already secured vaccines, topics such as game development, and can fight and defeat the workshops attracted an average of 65 Netherlands, Germany, Italy and Europe has not yet. The rapid programming concepts and physical pandemic as a single nation. students from 18 different schools Italy, among others, he said. coordinated action of a group of computing using BBC Micro:bit. Nishitha’s story is an eye-opener to with one in three students being girls. The vaccines are for all EU member states will create added Lithuli’s required users to reach a many of us and a great lesson of As TechKids continues to grow, more member states. The four nations value for all EU citizens in this safety unit under the Sri Lanka flag, national unity portrayed through students are expected to benefit from that agreed the deal will pay for crisis,” Italian Health Minister while protecting yourself using creative coding. the initiative and participate in the the total amount, which has not Roberto Speranza said. sanitisers, masks and collecting food. While winners will receive their gift next coding competition. been disclosed, and the scheme (Reuters) Hong Kong’s rich prepare for worst-case scenario

One Hong Kong businessman national security legislation. For now, moved US$ 10 million to Singapore most of her wealthy customers are and plans to transfer more. Another is more interested setting up an escape eyeing London property, worried that route than leaving right away. prices in Hong Kong are too high. “They see this as a backup plan,” Well-to-do families across the city are Chau said. opening offshore bank accounts and Kerry Goh, CEO of multi-family applying for alternative passports. office Kamet Capital in Singapore, said While it doesn’t add up to an exodus his clients have shifted from asking just yet, Hong Kong’s rich are generic questions about moving out of increasingly hedging their bets as the Hong Kong to making detailed financial hub suffers its worst inquiries about everything from economic and political crises since at schools to visas and bank accounts. least 1997. “What’s happened in Hong Kong has Many high-net-worth investors are really sped up the timing of 2047,” either reducing their Hong Kong Goh said, referring to the expiration exposure or taking steps to ensure date of China’s 50-year pledge to they can withdraw assets at a preserve Hong Kong’s autonomy after moment’s notice, underscoring the the handover from Britain. “As Hong challenge for Chief Executive, Carrie Kong’s troubles shoot up, the benefits Lam as she tries to maintain the city’s of Singapore have become more self- status as magnet for Asian wealth. explanatory.” Rich individuals are major players in Other more far-flung locales are also Hong Kong’s equity and real-estate attracting increased interest from markets as well as big buyers of investors in Hong Kong. Puerto Rico’s Chinese corporate bonds issued in the Standard International Bank, a city. so-called International Financial Private bankers say their clients should be moving my money out.’ in the city-state this year and has second time he will have left Hong Entity that expanded its footprint in accelerated contingency planning That process is likely to continue.” been selling his Hong Kong properties. Kong during a period of political Asia last year, has seen its deposits efforts after China announced last To be sure, there’s little evidence so He has no concrete plans to emigrate turmoil. Sam grew up in the city, but more than triple since December month it would impose controversial far of widespread capital flight. yet, but is considering his options. He moved to Brisbane when he was 12 2019, according to general manager national security laws on Hong Kong. Hong Kong bank deposits increased and his family have passports from after his parents were spooked by Maria Diaz. “Turbulence in Hong Kong The legislation threatens to erode the to a record in April and the city’s the US, Canada, Australia and China’s crackdown on protesters in has changed the landscape,” she said. former British colony’s judicial currency has continued to trade at the France. Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in 1989. Dennis, a 34-year-old executive at a independence, provoke sanctions from strong end of its permitted band Cheng, who was born in Hong Kong, He came back to Hong Kong 20 years Hong Kong-based consulting firm the US and revive street protests that against the dollar. Hong Kong’s said he worries about China’s ago for his career, but now sees no founded by his parents, said his battered the tourism and retail wealthiest billionaires have publicly tightening grip on the city and the upside to staying. family and many of their friends have industries even before the coronavirus endorsed the proposed security laws prospect for more unrest. Like several “Things are looking bad and started moving cash out of the city. outbreak plunged the economy into its and expressed confidence in the city’s of the people quoted in this story, he deteriorating,” he said. “We may as He’s looking to buy more properties in deepest recession on record. future. asked not to reveal his full name well pack our bags and move to the UK, where he spent almost a “What we’re basically seeing is a bit In private, however, many Hong because of the political sensitivity of Australia so that the kids can have a decade attending boarding school and like a slow-moving train wreck,” said Kong entrepreneurs and high-earning the subject. better environment growing up.” university. Richard Harris, chief executive of Port professionals are sounding a more Sam, a senior investment banker in Margaret Chau, a Hong Kong-based “I could buy a much bigger flat in Shelter Investment Management in pessimistic note. Hong Kong, has decided to leave the immigration program director for London, so why not?” he said. “I’m Hong Kong. “People who haven’t Cheng, the businessman who moved city. The 43-year-old is emigrating to Goldmax Immigration Consulting Co., just trying to protect my money moved their money out may be US$ 10 million to Singapore, also Australia with his wife and two young said inquiries at her firm have jumped against any uncertainty. tempted to think: ‘Well, maybe I secured his permanent resident status boys in about three months, the about five-fold after news of the (Bloomberg) tourism monDAY 15 june 2020 Ceylon FT b13

Italy has reopened its borders to most European countries but not everyone has returned the gesture Which countries are open for summer travel? By Monica Buchanan squashed last month when Cabos is scheduled to open in Pitrelli YuthasakSupasorn, the either late-June or July. governor of the Tourism Business is hindered by a Many of the world’s greatest Authority of Thailand, said joint agreement between travel destinations are tourists may return in the Mexico and the U.S. that reopening to international fourth quarter of the year “at restricts nonessential travel travellers this summer. the earliest.” until 22 June. The country But, not all openings are Opening 1 July, the has also been named one of created equal. A handful of Maldives is allowing travellers seven coronavirus countries are letting in in without new visa “international hot spots” — a everyone, while others are requirements and fees. list that also includes the inviting only a select few. So where can you explore in United States. Here is a definitive guide to Asia? Private jets and yachts the countries that are now are already welcome in the The Middle East welcoming travellers — or Maldives, and commercial From Israel to Qatar, much have indicated they will before airlines are scheduled to of the Middle East is not open August. resume from 1 July. After for travel yet. Do consider: announcing testing and visa A trip to Dubai may be • We are excluding protocols, the country appears possible in the latter half of countries that require a to be backing off those the summer. It’s reported to 14-day quarantine upon requirements for now. be opening sometime between entering; we assume Turkey has indicated it will July to September. even those staying at be welcoming tourists in July, the poshest of places as has the Caucasus nation of Africa want to occasionally Georgia (though who exactly Popular African tourist leave their rooms. Opening 1 July, the Maldives is allowing travellers in without new visa requirements and fees can enter Georgia is unclear). destinations, such as Morocco • Importantly, this is a list could come as early as 1 July, more lax approach to contain Sri Lanka is preparing to and South Africa, have not of where you can go, not but nothing official has been coronavirus infections. reopen its borders to all announced plans to loosen whether you can ease announced. Spain is scheduled to reopen nationalities on 1 August, if border restrictions yet. back into your home Note: Some islands, its borders to the EU and individuals can produce proof After widespread reports country. Americans who including St. Lucia and Schengen Area nations in of medical insurance, plan to that South Africa wouldn’t have always dreamed of Bermuda, are requiring July. The Schengen Area is a stay at least five nights, and open until 2021, the country’s seeing the Maldives can negative Covid-19 tests within Sri Lanka is group of 26 European can show a negative Covid-19 tourism officials clarified this likely do so only if 48 to 72 hours before countries that includes non- test taken less than 72 hours week that this was a ‘worst- they’ve got the vacation departure. preparing to EU countries like Switzerland, before departure. Travellers to case scenario’ and that it time for a 14-day Europe reopen its Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland the “teardrop island” will also hopes to welcome travellers by quarantine upon and the U.K. undergo a second test upon September. returning home. After a patchwork of internal borders to all A few considerations: arrival. Last week, the Seychelles • Nearly all countries have border announcements in • Until 30 June, travellers French Polynesia opened to tourists who arrive special requirements to May, the EU announced nationalities on to Greece arriving from on a private jet, chartered enter; some are noted. Wednesday that non- 1 August, if areas of high infection French Polynesia flight or yacht. Plans to • We will update this list Europeans would be allowed rates (regardless of announced tourists from all resume commercial flights are as new information is to enter from 1 July . individuals can nationality) must take a countries can arrive from 15 set for July. made public. The travel ban will be lifted produce proof Covid-19 test on arrival, July. Tunisia is opening land, air The Caribbean “gradually and partially,” said stay overnight at a The country, which includes and sea borders to residents European Commission Vice of medical designated hotel and Tahiti, Mo’orea and Bora Bora, from Algeria and select Some of the Caribbean’s President JosepBorrell. It is undergo quarantine is requiring travellers to have European nations, including most famous islands are expected travellers from low- insurance, plan (seven days for negative either a negative Covid-19 test Germany and the UK, from already open, including risk countries will be allowed to stay at least tests and 14 for positive (administered 72 hours before June 27. Antigua, the U.S. Virgin to visit first; Americans aren’t results). Thereafter, departure) or an ‘immunity Tanzania unconditionally Islands and St. Lucia. expected to make the first cut. five nights, and passengers are subject certificate’ that proves you’ve welcomed tourists from all Next up? On June 15, Italy and Bulgaria have to random testing. recovered from a previous nations in May, one of the Jamaica opens to all already reopened their borders can show a • Certain parts of infection. Travellers may be earliest countries to do so. The international travellers, while to residents of most European negative southern Italy, including retested during their stay. country has been criticised for the Bahamas welcomes yachts countries. Austria, Croatia, Puglia and Sardinia, North America a lack of transparency and private flights; everyone Cyprus, Hungary, Covid-19 test require travellers to regarding infection rates, as else can join from July 1. Montenegro, Portugal, send health and Travel to the U.S. is well as statements by Bermuda is opening its Slovenia and Slovakia have taken less than registration forms before prohibited for some President John Magufuli that borders to travellers who also loosened regulations, 72 hours before arriving. nationalities; all others may the coronavirus could be comply with these measures albeit to a more restricted list • Travellers who are be subject to state-mandated cured by drinking ginger and on 1 July. Also on the first day of countries. departure. allowed into Iceland can quarantines, such as Hawaii’s lemonade. He also said the of July, Aruba welcomes Italy has reopened its Travellers to avoid a 14-day 14-day quarantine virus had been removed from residents of Canada, Europe borders to most European quarantine by testing requirement that was Tanzania ‘by the powers of and other Caribbean islands countries but not everyone the ‘teardrop negative for Covid-19 extended this week to July 31. God’ despite evidence to the (excluding the Dominican has returned the gesture. island’ will also upon arrival at Keflavik Canada has two-week contrary. Republic and Haiti); Next week, the continent will International Airport. quarantine requirements too. South America Americans can join on July take a giant leap forward in undergo a The border between the U.S. 10. reopening for summer travel. Asia and Canada is closed to Much of South America — Puerto Rico’s borders open On 15 June, Germany is second test Asia is largely closed to nonessential travel until June including Bolivia, Brazil, Chile on 15 July. Travellers to Turks lifting a travel ban to 31 upon arrival foreign holidaymakers for the 21, though it’s reported some and Peru — remains off limits and Caicos will need to wait a European countries, Greece to time being. Japan, Vietnam Americans are entering via a to international travellers for little longer; it opens 22 July. 29 countries (including and Singapore have not “loophole” that allows the time being. Other islands are more Australia) and the Netherlands announced dates when they travellers to transit through Colombia banned all commitment-phobic. Keith to 12 EU countries. Iceland, will open, though the Canada in order to drive to passenger flights until at least Mitchell, the Prime Minister of Belgium and Switzerland are Indonesian island of Bali is Alaska. 31 August. Argentina has a Grenada, posted on Facebook opening their borders to all EU of restrictions among the said to be reopening in Mexico is opening state by similar flight ban through 1 that the country is considering and Schengen Area travellers, Nordic countries of Norway, October. state, and Quintana Roo — September, though there is 30 June as a ‘possible date for and France has indicated it Denmark and Finland. The Rumours that Thailand was home to Cancun, Playa del talk of bringing this date reopening.’ The French isle of will follow suit. countries are excluding opening to international Carmen, Cozumel and Tulum forward to July Saint Martin indicated visitors The date also marks easing Sweden, which has taken a travellers on 1 July were — opened this week. Los CNBC B14 Ceylon FT monday 15 june 2020 Advertorial CIMA to discuss Impairment of Assets HNB named Best and Events After Reporting Date Sub-custodian Bank in Sri Lanka HNB PLC announced it was Jonathan Alles. Since presented the award for Best commencing operations in June Sub-custodian Bank in Sri 2016, HNB rapidly expanded its Lanka at the recently-concluded capabilities in order to provide Rohana Mrs. Perera Wijebandara Sanjeewa Anthony Global Finance Awards 2020. custody, trustee and escrow The award marked the second services in addition to fund The Member Partner, Hiranthi consecutive year in which the accounting, and margin trading Development Sub- Fonseka will outline the bank was declared country products for a variety of committee of The standards and the new winners in a category which, customers including a total of 22 Chartered Institute of ways of implementing prior to 2018, had been Unit Trust funds. In short order, Management what they prescribe, dominated by multinational the bank has grown to become Accountants (CIMA) in while Dialog Axiata banks. the market leader in Trustee Sri Lanka is scheduled Group Financial “As one of Sri Lanka’s largest Services to Asset Backed to bring together a panel Controller, Rohana and most trusted financial Securities and Debenture issues of elite finance leaders to Wijebandara, Abans institutions, HNB is honoured to in addition to maintaining a discuss the pressing Group Chief Financial have received such a prestigious dominant position in Custody topics of Impairment of Officer, Chandrika international accolade; especially Services for local Fund Managers, Assets (LKAS 36) and Perera and Jetwing given that our operations were High Networth Individuals and Events After the Hotels Limited Executive first launched only four years Insurance companies. Reporting Date (LKAS Director, Sanjeewa prior, said HNB Head of Custody Over recent years, there has 10) on Tuesday, 16 June Anthony will bring in and Trustee Services, Tyrone been a marked increase in the 2020 at 5.30pm via practical insights from Hannan. “HNB’s emergence as Jonathan Alles MD & CEO Tyrone Hannan demand for custodian services Zoom. their respective industry Sri Lanka’s leading provider in expert sources, and entry our significant and continuous worldwide due to the added Ernst and Young perspectives. sub-custodian banking for the information from among Sri investments in technologies that complexity in compliance and second year running stands as a Lanka’s most respected banks, optimised efficiency and service reporting requirements. The testament to our ability to deliver to select the institutions that capabilities. The success we stricter regulatory rules have cost-effective, rapid, and reliable reliably provide the best services. have achieved in this regard is a compelled financial institutions service that takes full “As the first home-grown testament to outstanding efforts to approach custody banks to competitive advantage of our private sector commercial bank and ability of our team and their take care of accounting, back local expertise, partnerships and to engage in Custodian banking ability to harmonise office and middle office activities. knowledge.” services in Sri Lanka, HNB relationships with extensive local The resulting increase in the size Germany In presenting the country ability to capture leadership in knowledge and cutting edge of assets under custody for the award to HNB, Global Finance’s this space has been driven by technological capabilities in world’s largest custodians has editorial board considered the strength of our global and order to deliver unparalleled driven top-line growth by earmarks 500M market research, input from local relationships, as well as service,” stated HNB MD/CEO, boosting fee-based revenues. euros to boost training Fairfirst Insurance wins Fairfax BERLIN, 14 June (Reuters) - Germany plans to make 500 million euros ($563 million) available to firms to prevent a collapse in company training and apprenticeships due to the coronavirus crisis, a President’s Innovation Award document seen by Reuters on Sunday showed. Chancellor Angela Merkel's government has Fairfirst Insurance announced Fairfirst stated it has always already agreed two stimulus packages, totalling 880 it has become the proud recipient taken an empathy-based billion euros to mitigate the impact of a lockdown to of the prestigious ‘Fairfax approach to developing solutions contain the pandemic as Europe's biggest economy Presidents’ Innovation Award’. for customer needs, combined braces for its worst recession since World War Two. This award is special for Sri with a design-led thinking "We must prevent the COVID-19 crisis from Lanka since Fairfax operates out culture that reinforces failing – turning into a crisis for the professional future of of more than 18 countries across quickly and cheaply – thereby young people and for securing skilled workers," said five continents, through some of learning quicker. This formula an outline of the plan, due to be approved by Merkel's the largest insurance entities in has resulted in numerous local cabinet on Wednesday. the world such as Odyssey Group, and global industry-first The programme includes a training bonus of up to North Bridge, Allied World, Crum innovations that have brought 3,000 euros for small and mid-sized companies that & Forster, Brit Insurance and convenience and peace of mind to have been hit hard by the crisis. Aid will also be Zenith National. For Fairfirst to millions of people. available to firms that avoid putting apprentices on a win this is an achievement as this This recognition is the latest in short-time work scheme or if they take on trainees annual award recognises the most a series of recent wins for from insolvent firms. innovative company in the Fairfax Fairfirst Insurance which (Reuters) Group’s global network. includes being ranked the ‘Best Speaking about the company’s Online Insurance Company in Sri passion for innovation, Fairfirst Lanka’ by Global Banking & From Right: Dr. Sanjeev Jha, MD/CEO of Fairfirst Insurance, Sri Lanka insurance MD/CEO, Dr. Sanjeev and Prem Watsa, Chairman/CEO of Fairfax Group Finance Review 2020 and ‘Most Jha stated, “I believe that while we Innovative Brand in the Service may never be the biggest insurer and for the beautiful community known as Click2Claim (C2C). Sector’ at the SLIM Brand in the world, we surely can be the we live in.” Through C2C, Fairfirst has Excellence Awards 2019. The Canada’s Trans best. This win is a glittering Fairfirst won this global award, become the fastest claim settler recognitions are a testament to validation of Team Fairfirst’s for their world-class innovation in the country by assessing and Fairfirst’s drive to continuously belief, passion and constant on instant claims settlements settling motor claims in as quick innovate and provide world-class Mountain pipeline desire to #GiveItATry, and to done via their revolutionary as five minutes from the time of services to Sri Lankans around shut after British always improve, for you, for me virtual assessment technology an accident. the country. Columbia oil spill Durdans Eyecare Unit installs latest technology The DIMO Medical Engineering possible health outcomes,” he team stated that it successfully said. completed installation of a world- Elaborating on the special The Canadian Government-owned Trans Mountain class ZEISS OPMI Lumera 700 features of the microscope, he said pipeline has been shut down since early Saturday, surgical microscope at Durdans that it had features such as following an oil spill at a pump station in British Hospital Colombo to further integrated recording, Keratoscope Columbia, the pipeline company said. strengthen facilities at the eyecare attachment and an integrated The pipeline crew are responding to a release at its unit of the hospital. monitor that are presently Sumas Pump Station in Abbotsford, British Columbia, ZEISS OPMI Lumera 700 is a unavailable in other competitive after an alarm was received early in the morning, surgical microscope used to surgical microscopes in the Trans Mountain Corp said https://bit.ly/2YLLm43 in enhance the capabilities of an country. With the Stereo Coaxial a statement. ophthalmology department. It is Illumination (SCI) for constant The estimated volume of oil spilled is not available, specially manufactured to use in brilliance and brightness, every but the spill has been contained and cleanup is cataract and retinal surgeries and detail of the patient’s eye is visible The ZEISS OPMI Lumera 700 surgical microscope underway, the company said. enables clearer visualization and to the doctor. The RESIGHT® While there is no threat to the community, the thereby delivers excellent clinical quality basic configuration with technological solutions to Sri fundus viewing system seamlessly pipeline remains shut and an investigation into the outcomes. With this latest surgical extensive options providing Lanka and is proud to connect integrates into the OPMI Lumera cause of the spill is ongoing, Trans Mountain said. microscope, medical practitioners doctors with a versatile system and Durdans Hospital with the latest 700 and provides an unparalleled The pipeline company delivers about 300,000 can experience superb clarity and an optimized toolkit. medical engineering technologies depth of field and edge-to-edge barrels of crude oil and refined products every day gain critical insights during DIMO Executive Director, Wijith to uplift the quality of treatments clarity. An integrated Keratoscope through 1,150 kilometres of pipeline in Alberta and procedures, enabling them to Pushpawela stated, "Now Sri provided to all Sri Lankans." visualizes corneal astigmatism British Columbia, and 111 kilometres of pipeline in make well-informed decisions. Lanka can experience outstanding Discussing the landmark without the need to interrupt the Washington state, according to its website. Surgical microscopes need to treatments with one of the most achievement, Durdans Hospital procedure and attach an The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) constantly evolve to keep abreast advanced ophthalmic technologies Director – Medical Services, Dr. accessory. With cables and said in a separate statement it had deployed an of innovations in surgical in the world at Durdans Hospital, Harsha Baranage stated that the optional functions being investigator to the spill site to gather more techniques, better meet patient Colombo. In the field of medical ophthalmology centre of excellence integrated into the system and information. expectations and lower the costs of engineering, the technology at Durdans Hospital is constantly perfect interaction of RESIGHT The Canadian Government bought the Trans running an operating theatre. The constantly evolves and it is working to push the frontiers of fundus viewing systems, Mountain pipeline from Kinder Morgan Canada in ZEISS OPMI Lumera 700, with its imperative to introduce latest precision-based care. “We invest in Invertertube® E and an integrated 2018, as it faced regulatory and legal hurdles to customised integration, provides technologies to the healthcare the best technology to help the video camera, it provides expansion. the best solution for these sector. DIMO is always in the world-renowned surgeons working convenience and accuracy in (Reuters) concerns. It combines a high- forefront of bringing world-class at our centre achieve the best surgeries. sports monday 15 june 2020 A15

Djokovic’s Balkans charity tennis tournament Planned Montenegro leg cancelled Novak Djokovic’s Balkans brainchild as having made charity tennis tournament Belgrade into the temporary suffered an embarrassing ‘capital’ of world tennis. setback on Saturday when The Adria Tour, which the planned Montenegro leg features world number one of a four-nation tour was Djokovic, as well as third- cancelled over coronavirus ranked Dominic Thiem, protocol rules. number seven Alexander However, that blow didn’t Zverev and Grigor Dimitrov, deter fans from hailing the the world 19, got underway 33-year-old, 17-time Grand on Saturday. Slam title winner’s (Agencies)

Manchester United fans attend a friendly against Tottenham in Shanghai in July 2019 Messi caps Barcelona win as La Liga returns Novak Djokovic

Lionel Messi returned teams scheduled to each play Mallorca, who sit 18th in La Braithwaite to bang in on the without a beard and with a their remaining 11 matches of Liga, were never going to offer half-volley, his first goal for EPL’s goal and two assists as the season in less than six the sternest of tests, but this the club. Barcelona resumed their La weeks. was a useful outing for both Both teams eased off in the Liga title challenge on Messi will be crucial to Barcelona’s fitness and second period and there were international Saturday with a thumping 4-0 Barcelona’s hopes of holding morale. smiles on the Barcelona victory over Real Mallorca. off Madrid, but their captain, Before matches were players’ faces when a pitch After three months away who turns 33 this month, may suspended in Spain because invader ran on in the 52nd appeal faces because of the coronavirus have to pace himself, of coronavirus on 12 March, minute wearing an Argentina pandemic, Barca exploded especially after an injury- Barca had regained top spot, shirt. He posed for a picture into the lead with just 64 interrupted season. but only after being with Alba before being coronavirus test seconds played when Arturo Clean shaven, and without convincingly beaten by escorted away. Vidal headed in and Martin any sign of the thigh problem Madrid the week before. Alba added a third after When the 100 day-wait as the wealthiest league in Braithwaite struck a second that prevented him from This performance suggests finishing off Messi’s clipped for English Premier world football. The from a Messi headed assist. training earlier this month, time away might have done ball over the top, and then League (EPL) football Premier League’s overseas Jordi Alba latched onto a Messi played 90 minutes and them good and it remains to Messi grabbed a goal himself. comes to an end on television rights deals for Messi pass to add a third but looked like he had never been be seen now how Madrid Suarez fooled his marker by Wednesday, the anticipa- the 2019-2022 three-sea- not before play was briefly away. respond. Madrid’s next four letting the ball run across his tion will be felt as keenly son cycle hit a record £4.2 stopped by a pitch invader, Suarez back matches all come after their body and Messi weaved inside in Mumbai and Beijing as billion ($5.3 billion), and who was able to run on, title rivals have played first. where he could unleash with in Manchester and another £2 billion deal has despite the match being His goal was set up by Luis Barcelona were in front his right foot. Birmingham. already been struck for closed to fans. Suarez and the sight of the after just over a minute as Mallorca’s defeat, combined The global reach of the Scandinavian rights Messi then scored a fourth Uruguayan coming off the Frenkie de Jong did well to with losses for Leganes and English top-flight has between 2022 and 2028. in injury time for his 25th goal bench would have been recover the ball from a loose Celta Vigo, made it the perfect helped secure its position (Agencies) of the season. welcome for coach Setien too. touch before Alba sent a deep day for Espanyol, who made “I’m happy because starting Suarez has not played since cross to the arriving Vidal, up ground on their relegation like this is an enormous boost undergoing knee surgery in who headed in. rivals by beating Alaves. for what’s to come,” said January and was able to Mallorca were under Chinese striker Wu Lei, who Barcelona coach Quique recover during the relentless pressure as tested positive for coronavirus Setien. suspension. He could play an Braithwaite and Messi both in March, scored on his first Victory extends Barca’s important part in the run-in. went close to adding a second. game back to seal a 2-0 advantage at the top of La Asked what pleased him Mallorca’s Takefusa Kubo, on victory and put Espanyol Liga to five points over Real most, Setien said: “The loan from Real Madrid, forced within three points of safety. Madrid, who can reduce the satisfaction of seeing Luis a good save out of Marc-Andre They are now level on points gap back to two when they again on the field. You have to ter Stegen on the break. with Leganes, who lost 2-1 at restart at home to Eibar on admire the performance he But Barca scored a second home to Real Valladolid, and Sunday. gave in those 35 minutes that before half-time as an Alba three behind Celta, who La Liga’s first match back he played. Starting like this is cross span up and both De conceded in the 91st minute came on Thursday between very important for him and for Jong and then Messi for a 1-0 defeat by Villarreal. Sevilla and Real Betis, with the team as well.” feathered headers across for (Agencies) Manchester United fans attend a friendly against Tottenham in Shanghai in July 2019 Mertens sends Napoli to Bayern within one win Italian Cup final of Bundesliga title Dries Mertens fired Napoli Leon Goretzka said he was in five league games with four in all competitions to to the Italian Cup final on ‘overjoyed’ after his late minutes remaining to seal re-establish their seven-point Saturday after netting the goal winner in Bayern Munich’s Bayern’s 10th straight league lead over Borussia Dortmund which gave his side a 2-1 2-1 home victory over win. at the top of the table with aggregate semi-final win over Borussia Moenchengladbach “Turning such a late goal three matches left. Inter Milan and made him the on Saturday moved his side to into a victory that will allow Victory at relegation- club’s all-time top scorer. within just one win of an us to win the title on Tuesday threatened Werder Bremen on Napoli will face Juventus in eighth straight Bundesliga makes me overjoyed,” said the Tuesday will confirm Bayern Wednesday’s final in Rome title. Teenage striker Joshua 25-year-old. as German champions in thanks to Belgium forward Zirkee put Bayern ahead, but Even without the suspended Hansi Flick’s first season in Mertens, who slotted home his Benjamin Pavard’s own goal Robert Lewandowski and charge. 122nd goal for Napoli four leveled for Gladbach, before Thomas Mueller, Bayern “We want to win there and minutes before half-time to Goretzka netted his third goal earned their 13th straight win bring this thing home,” added make the score 1-1 on the Goretzka. night and give them overall Second-placed Dortmund victory after a 1-0 first-leg win had earlier trimmed Bayern’s at the San Siro in February. lead to four points when Christian Eriksen had Erling Braut Haaland’s late levelled the tie for Inter header grabbed a dramatic Dries Mertens slots home his 122nd Napoli goal to become the club’s straight from a corner in the all-time top goalscorer 1-0 win at Fortuna second minute and the away Duesseldorf. side continued to dominate seven clear of Diego celebration of Merten’s goal Having inspired Bayern’s the first half, but Mertens Maradona, who scored 115 and after the match. fight back from 1-0 down to a ended a lightning counter- goals in all competitions and Mertens moved to Napoli 4-2 win at Bayer Leverkusen attack to put the hosts won two Serie A titles and the from PSV Eindhoven in 2013 with a goal and an assist last through at the Stadio San UEFA Cup over his seven and has become so settled in Saturday, Goretzka was again Paolo. tumultuous years in southern Naples that fans have immense in Bayern’s midfield. “We wanted the final at all Italy. nicknamed him ‘Ciro’, a “We’ve seen that he can not costs and we achieved that. Although there were no fans hugely common Neapolitan only create assists but also Now we need to recuperate in the stands at the San Paolo, name. Sporting Director score goals,” said Bayern and be ready for the final in a public broadcaster RAI Christian Giuntoli said pre- captain and goalkeeper few days,” said Lorenzo reported that a small number match that both club and Manuel Neuer. Insigne, who set up Merten’s of Napoli supporters that had player want to extend his “We can also ground out winner. gathered outside the San contract, which is set to expire Leon Goretzka sealed Saturday’s 2-1 win over Borussia wins, now the title is getting a Mertens, 33, overtakes Paolo set off fireworks at the end of the month. Moenchengladbach which leaves Bayern Munich within one more bit closer.” Marek Hamsik and moves throughout half-time in (Agencies) victory of an eighth straight Bundesliga title. (Agencies) A16 monday 15 june 2020 sports Men’s National Football team La Liga takes legal action against Ransilu appointed pitch invader La Liga have said they will Sevilla’s victory over Real launch criminal proceedings Betis. against the pitch invader who Fewer than 300 people are Fitness Trainer ran on during Barcelona’s allowed into stadiums and match against Real Mallorca games are closed to the on Saturday, which was public. supposed to be behind closed “La Liga will file criminal doors. actions against the invader In the 52nd minute of who entered the pitch without Barca’s 4-0 win at Son Moix, permission and broke the a man wearing an Argentina protocols established in shirt with Lionel Messi’s current health legislation and name on the back entered the disobeyed the orders of pitch and posed for a picture private security personnel,” a on his phone near Jordi Alba. statement from the league He was not wearing either a said. “His actions constitute a mask or gloves and was crime.” chased before being caught It added: “La Liga wants to and escorted away by express its absolute security. condemnation of this type of La Liga has imposed a strict conduct that jeopardises the medical protocol for matches, health of others and the which resumed in the top integrity of the competition.” flight on Thursday with (Agencies)

(L-R) Amir Doksanaltic (Goalkeeper Coach), Ransilu Jayathilakae (Fitness Trainer), Amir Alargic (Head Coach), Mahinda Galagedara (Assistant Coach)

By Mustaq Sydeen many rugby teams as well, 2019 when they emerged appointment as the Fitness and is a well experienced overall men’s champions at Trainer for the men’s team is on Sri Lanka’s ace powerlifter trainer.” the Qualifying Event for the a temporary basis. We are Ransilu Jayathilake has been Representing Sri Lanka at World Powerlifting expecting to bring down Fitness appointed Fitness Trainer of international Powerlifting Championship held in Gold and Conditioning Trainer from the Men’s National Football events, Ransilu has brought Coast, Australia, where in the abroad. team, President of Football numerous honours for his Men’s Open event Ransilu Meanwhile, FFSL, has also Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) motherland. The most notable bagged two Gold medals and brought down Amir President Anura de Silva said was when Ransilu bagged established two Sri Lanka Doksanaltic as the Goalkeeper on Sunday. Gold Medals at the records in the process. Coach for the men’s team, while Commenting on Ransilu‘s Commonwealth Games in FFSL hopes to appoint a Head Coach Amir Alargic will appointment the President 2015, 2017 and 2019. He also foreigner as Fitness and be assisted by FA Cup winning said: “The appointment of became Asian Champion in Conditioning Trainer and coach Mahinda Galgedara. experienced Ransilu the 120KG category at the Ransilu is expected to carry on “Hopefully, with all these Jayathilake as the Fitness Asian Powerlifting classic as the Fitness Trainer until new appointments we will Trainer for the men’s team is competition in 2017. such time. However, Ransilu meet with success in the near on a temporary basis. He has Sri Lanka’s powerlifting himself is a qualified Fitness future,” stated the FFSL A pitch invader ran on during Barcelona’s victory over Real been the Fitness Trainer for team also created history in Trainer. “Ransilu’s President. Mallorca on Saturday

September IPL in SL viable Should esports seek to be Olympic event IESF President option: Gavaskar Marinescu ‘conflicted’ Vlad Marinescu, who became ‘should esports be in the Games?’ President of the International Esports “That was made clear by the IOC Federation (IESF) last month, is President Thomas Bach during an IOC ‘conflicted’ over the question of Session. whether esports should strive to “The question is ‘how do we work become an Olympic event. together between the traditional Sport In a seminar organised by the Federations and esports to make sure International Academy of Sport that the grassroots kids who are Science and Technology, Marinescu – playing do have a benefit, do have a who is also Media and Marketing dream and can realise that?’” Manager for the International Judo Esports has already featured as a Federation – responded to the issue of medal event in the 2019 Southeast whether esports should have an Asian Games and will feature as a Olympic goal. medal sport at the 2021 Asian Indoor “On the question of whether esports and Martial Arts Games in Bangkok should be a discipline in the Olympic and Pattaya in Thailand. Games – I am left and right about it,” It was a demonstration sport at the he said. Jakarta-Palembang 2018 Asian “Part of me says esports is able to be Games, although it has not made the a part of the Games, and the other part programme for the 2022 version in of me thinks that it would need its own Hangzhou, China. forum, maybe in association with the Marinescu told insidethegames: International Olympic Committee “Regarding whether esports should be (IOC), to develop a pure ‘Electronic in the Olympics – I’m conflicted Games’. because there are two sides of me, and “There are benefits and positives. I can’t make that decision for the IOC. “But the only ones who can decide “The world is evolving every day. are the IOC and I think that, at the “The big question I think isn’t if Batting great Sunil Gavaskar World T20 is postponed,” the Lanka that month could be a moment, they have the matter under esports should be in the Olympics. It is said the Indian Premier League former India captain told local viable option, Gavaskar said. discussion to understand from their about what method, or in what regard. could be staged in Sri Lanka in television channel Aaj Tak. “In September, you can’t have side the positives and negatives about “Should it be as a demonstration September with Australia’s “But after the announcement (of the IPL in India due to monsoon,” esports. sport? Should it be in its own event?” chances of hosting the Twenty20 opening the stadiums for fans by said Gavaskar. “I think the question here isn’t yet (Agencies) World Cup in October looking Australian Prime Minister Scott “But maybe (it can be held) in Sri bright. Morrison), the IPL in October looks Lanka from early September with The Twenty20 international difficult.” teams playing each other once showpiece is scheduled to take Indian cricket chiefs are instead of double-headers. Maybe place from 18 October to 19 desperately trying to salvage the you can think of that,” said November, but had been under cash-rich IPL this year, even if it Gavaskar. threat because of the coronavirus means taking it overseas or playing The United Arab Emirates and pandemic. in empty stands. Sri Lankan Cricket Boards have However, Australia’s decision to IPL Chairman Brijesh Patel said already shown interest in hosting allow crowds of up to 10,000 in the league could be moved out of the tournament this year. sports stadiums from June has India if the virus threat does not The world’s wealthiest Twenty20 breathed life into the staging of the ease in the next two months. tournament has twice been held tournament, with the International The league has earmarked a outside India in years that it Cricket Council set to make a possible September-October clashed with national elections. decision next month. window for the event. South Africa hosted the second “If the ICC believes that the With the monsoon expected to IPL in 2009, and the first half of World T20 can happen, then bring heavy rains to India in the 2014 season took place in the having the IPL looks difficult September, staging a shortened UAE. because it could only be held if the version of the competition in Sri (Agencies)

The International Basketball FIBA Esports Open 2020 identified by the FIBA Central Federation (FIBA) has Board as important and announced the launch of its consistent with the strategic first ever international esports FIBA excited to start its esports journey objective to enlarge the FIBA competition. family. The FIBA Esports Open is in the exhibition e-basketball Each team will consist of streamed live on FIBA’s Open 2020, a pilot project of “In these challenging times, scheduled to run from 19 to 21 tournament include Argentina, seven players, with five Facebook, exhibition games between we feel encouraged by the June as part of a pilot project Australia, Austria, Brazil, virtually on court and two Twitch and YouTube channels national teams in collaboration enthusiasm of some of our in which basketball’s global Cyprus, Indonesia, Italy, reserves. with English language with NBA 2K,” said Frank National Federations who are governing body joins the Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Games will be played commentary. Leenders, FIBA Media and already active in this space and esports movement alongside its New Zealand, the Philippines, remotely on NBA 2K using the “FIBA is extremely proud and Marketing Services Director have been our charter partners national Member Federations. Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Pro-AM mode. excited to start its esports General. during the last few months.” National teams participating Switzerland and Ukraine. All matches played will be journey with the FIBA Esports “The esports initiative was (Agencies)

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