Sunday 22 November 2020 Latest Edition Vol: 10/01 Price : Rs 70.00 Inside story Surviving the Trauma of a Pandemic In a recent survey conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) it revealed that COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted or halted critical mental health services in 93% of countries worldwide while the demand for mental health is increasing. A4

Rs 1.2B Fertiliser Fraud Celebration of Maveerar Day in Jaffna Petition seeking Five Officials Court approval dismissed Suspended By Kamal Weeraratne Jaffna High Court Judge Premasankar, on 20 November, accepted the objections raised by Senior Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardena Lab reports on and dismissed a writ petition seeking approval to stage the Maveerar commemoration events at 16 locations within the Jaffna Peninsula on 26 and 27 November. imported Story Continued on page 2

fertiliser forged Easter Sunday PCoI Security not By W.K. Prasad Manju that this type of fraudulent activity had been going on for a long time by forging laboratory assured until real Agriculture Minister Mahindananda reports on imported fertiliser. Aluthgamage on 20 November said five officials Complaints have been made against these of the Ministry and the Fertiliser Corporation officials to the Criminal Investigations architects revealed would be suspended for their alleged Department and legal action would be taken involvement in a Rs 1.2 billion fraud involving against them accordingly, he added. – Fmr SDIG fertiliser that had taken place during the tenure He further said that he had received reports of the former United National Front (UNF)-led about malpractices which took place while By Buddhika Samaraweera Government. importing and distributing fertiliser during the Aluthgamage noted that it has been revealed tenure of the UNF-led Government. Former Senior DIG of the CID, Ravi Seneviratne, said the security of the country could not be assured until information on the real architects behind the National Thowheed Jama’ath (NTJ) and its leader Traffic accident Three Presidents create history Zaharan Hashim was revealed. He was testifying, on 20 November, fatalities exceed before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Easter Sunday COVID-19 deaths bombings. By Gagani Weerakoon and Story Continued on page 2 Methmalie Dissanayake

Minister said in Parliament, on 20 November, at least eight to President nominates 14 nine persons die on a daily basis in traffic accidents, according to the Police. Justices to Appeals Court In response to a question raised by the Podujana Peramuna Parliamentarian List sent to Parliamentary Council Shantha Bandara, he said, 3,151 deaths and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has referred names of 14 2,889 deaths have occurred due to traffic nominees to the Parliamentary Council, to be appointed as accidents in 2018 and 2019, respectively. justices of the Court of Appeal. “The Police say that high speed, drunk driving, turning while on the road are Story Continued on page 2 identified as the main reasons for deaths in traffic accidents.” Story Continued on page 2

For the first time in the Sri Lankan also present in the House. Parliament’s history, three Presidents were In addition, former President and current No self-quarantine seen sitting in the front row of the MP was also in the Parliament on 19 November. President House to participate in the debate. for Lankans Gotabaya Rajapaksa visited Parliament Premier held the post during the second reading debate and with of the President on two previous occasions arriving in the UK him, former President and incumbent from 2005 to 2015, while Sirisena held the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was post from 2015 to 2019. Travellers from Sri Lanka will no longer be required to self-isolate on arrival in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the British High Commission said in a statement. Accordingly, decisions on exempted countries are informed by a number of factors, Honorary including the latest epidemiological assessments. Doctorate for The UK reviews the list of exempted countries on a regular basis. Border measures could be reintroduced should the Jagath epidemiological situation deteriorate. “Lifting this restriction will ease travel from Gunawardana Sri Lanka to parts of the UK, whilst managing the risk of further infections. This is Senior particularly great news for prospective environmentalist students wishing to benefit from the UK’s Jagath world class university system,” British High Gunawardana was Commissioner in stated. awarded an Canada-UK Media Freedom Award Honorary Doctorate (PhD) from the University of Sri Dr. Ranga Jayewardenepura. Based on the CBSL canteen approval of the University Senate Kalansooriya and the Council, the award was staffer tests positive conferred on 20 November 2020 by A canteen staffer at the Central Bank of Sri among the top five Senior Professor Sudantha Liyanage, Lanka, who resides in Gampaha, has tested Vice Chancellor, University of Sri positive for COVID-19. Jayewardenepura, in the presence of Following the test results, which were shortlisted K.G. Britto, Registrar, Prof. Laleen released Thursday (19), several senior officials Dr. Ranga Kalansooriya, one of Sri Lanka’s Karunanayake, Dean Faculty of including Governor Deshamanya Prof. W.D. pioneers in promoting the safety of journalists, Applied Sciences and Prof. Hiran Lakshman are following self-quarantine Media freedom and the freedom of expression, Amarasekera, Professor in protocols. was among those shortlisted for the Canada- Department of Forestry and However, the Central Bank assured that the United Kingdom (UK) Media Freedom Award, Environmental Science and Director, day-to-day activities would continue without the British High Commission in Sri Lanka said Digital Media and Communication of any hindrance as many staffers were able to on 20 November. University of Sri Jayewardenepura. carry out their duties from home. (PA) Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 A2 sunday 22 November 2020 news High Posts Committee reviews Digital Solution to qualifications via Webex combat COVID-19 By Eunice Ruth view the details of visitors. The Committee on High Posts of the 2015, through Webex technology. The Wijeweera as the Secretary to the This app can be used by both Parliament met under the patronage of Committee then approved the Ministry of Mass Media received the The Government has introduced a smartphone users and those with the Speaker of the Parliament Mahinda appointment of Kananathan. approval of the Committee. digital solution to combat COVID- basic mobile phones and while Yapa Abeywardena on 19 November. In addition, the appointments of Leader of the House and Minister 19, which was implemented by the smartphones will have the facility to For the first time in the history of Secretaries to six Ministries also , Chief Information and Communication scan the code to access Parliament, the Committee used video received the approval of the Government Whip and Minister Technology Agency (ICTA). information, others need to use the technology to discuss the Committee. , Ministers Chamal The Strategic Communications short message service version qualifications of a Sri Lankan living Accordingly, Wasantha Perera as the Rajapaksa, , Specialist of the ICTA, T.M.G. for the update, he added. abroad. Secretary to the Ministry of Power, , Keheliya Chandrasekara said “Every organisation is The confab was held with Veluppillai K.D.P. Olga as the Secretary to the Rambukwella, , that ‘stay safe’ is a required to register their Kananathan as Sri Lanka’s newly Ministry of Energy, R.W.R. Pemasiri as Vidura Wickremanayake, Ramesh web based solution organisation separately in appointed Ambassador to Kenya. The the Secretary to the Ministry of Pathirana and Parliamentarians Anura which is implemented the ‘stay safe’ website by Committee looked into the Highways, N.B.M. Ranatunga as the Priyadharshana Yapa, , under the direction of visiting http://www. qualifications of Kananathan who Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, and Field Marshal the President and all staysafe.gov.lk/, to previously served as the Sri Lanka’s S. Hettiarachchi as the Secretary to were present at the the heads of generate a Quick Ambassador to Uganda from 2013 to the Ministry of Tourism and Jagath P. Committee meeting. (GW and MD) Government Response (QR) code and organisations, to the generated QR should manage the citizen be displayed at the movements digitally in entrance of the the wake of the COVID- organisation for check- 19 pandemic. This stay in updates and one at safe solution provides a the exit for checking- 11,276 workers from 14 countries solution to both key out updates. Also, if there are factors of the new normal life sub-branches and departments in such as protecting the public while the organisation, it is good to have a also assisting with the contact separate QR code for each,” said repatriated so far - Nimal Siripala tracing of infected patients, he Chandrasekara. added. Meanwhile, he said that all public BY Gagani Weerakoon and said that according to the data from Bureau dies due to COVID-19 within Chandrasekara said that the new transport services, places of Methmalie Dissanayake the Bureau of Foreign Employment the registration validity period, the facility would be beneficial to the worship, Government offices and and the Department of Immigration Bureau will intervene to obtain health authorities, commercial and private businesses can use this app Minister of Labour Nimal Siripala de and Emigration, there were 816,433 compensation for the dependents. At State sector establishments and and the data of the visitors will be Silva told Parliament on 19 November Sri Lankan migrant workers as at 13 present, 68 patients registered with help the public with the do’s and stored on a secure Government that 11,276 workers from 14 countries November. the Bureau have died of COVID-19. don’ts when it comes to dealing cloud which can only be accessed have been repatriated as at 13 He said that all possible steps have Also, the dependents of six persons with COVID-19. by the relevant Government November following travel restrictions been taken by the Ministry to who died due to COVID-19 have He said that this app will notify authorities. imposed due to the COVID-19 repatriate these workers in a gradual requested compensation despite their the organisation immediately if any A customer care service was outbreak. process under the guidance of the registration validity period having visitor is infected with COVID-19 launched to listen to public queries Responding to an Oral Question COVID-19 Task Force and the Ministry expired. One of them was given and that a separate officer in each regarding the app via the numbers: raised by the of Foreign Affairs. Rs 300,000 via the Employees organisation should be assigned 0704872213, 0779572173, Parliamentarian , he If a worker who is registered with the Provident Fund, he said. with the clearance permission to 0712611921 and 0757480811.

Continued from page 1 President nominees.... Dr. Ranga Kalansooriya... On 16 November, Canada’s Minister freedom around the world. the Asia Regional Advisor for The 14 names include; Judges W.M.N.P. Iddawela and Sampath of Foreign Affairs, François-Philippe Among the top five shortlisted, out of International Media Support, on policy Menaka Wijesundara, D.N. Mendis. Champagne and the UK’s First over 60 global nominations, was the advocacy, research and capacity Samarakoon, M. Prasantha de Silva, In addition, the President has also Secretary of State and Secretary of Belarusian Association of Journalists building in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, M.T.M Lafeer, C. Pradeep recommended confirming acting IGP State for Foreign, Commonwealth and (Belarus), Centro de Investigacion y Pakistan, the Philippines and Keethisinghe, Sampath B. Abeykoon, C.D. Wickremaratne in the post. Development Affairs, Dominic Raab Capacitacion Propuesta Civica Indonesia. The Belarusian Association M.S.K.B. Wijerathna, R.Gurusinghe, The Parliamentary Council which is announced the winner of the (Mexico), SKeyes Centre for Media and of Journalists, was jointly announced G.A.D. Ganepola, K.K.A.V. scheduled to meet on Monday (23) at inaugural Canada-UK Media Freedom Cultural Freedom (Lebanon), Dr. as the winner during this year’s Global Swarnadhipathi, M. Corea, 4.00pm will take these two matters Award to recognise journalists, Kalansooriya (Sri Lanka) and Mary Conference for Media Freedom, held Prabhaharan Kumararatnam, into discussion. individuals and organisations that Ajith Goch (South Sudan). virtually on 16 November and hosted actively promote and protect media Dr. Kalansooriya currently serves as by Canada and Botswana.

Honorary Doctorate... Traffic accident fatalities... Bandara said, the number of He asked the Minister as to said, training is given to drivers who deaths due to traffic accidents whether there is a possibility for the caused minor traffic violations at the exceeds, the number of deaths Government to give training to all time. We can consider your proposal presently, due to COVID-19 and the drivers and monitor the driving regarding monitoring driving during the period of the war. training institutions. Rajapaksa training institutions, he added.

Petition seeking... The writ petition had been that efforts were being made to Provincial Councils cannot forwarded by a group of parents stage commemorative events to intervene in such issues as and relatives of deceased Liberation honour the fallen cadres of the allegedly claimed by Sumanthiran. Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) LTTE, which has already been He said the High Court does not cadres, while a group of lawyers led proscribed in 38 countries, have the powers vested with it to by MP including Sri Lanka since 1983. issue a writ order as sought by the President’s Counsel M.A. He said if official approval is petitioners. Sumanthiran had made granted to stage such events Dharmawardena added the submissions on behalf of the anywhere across the country, it unjust demands of the petitioners Vice Chancellor Liyanage said that environmental law and an petitioners. In addition to would be a direct violation of the clearly violate the provisions even though the 46th convocation environmental educator, Dharmawardena, the Attorney Articles of the Constitution and contained in Sections of the ceremony was not held as planned, Gunawardana has contributed General’s Department was also urged the Jaffna High Court not to Prevention of Terrorism Act and the due to the prevailing COVID-19 immensely to the conservation of the represented by Senior Deputy be a party to such unlawful International Covenant on Civil and situation in the country, the council of flora and fauna in Sri Lanka by Solicitor General Haripriya actions. Political Rights Act and explained the University of Sri Jayewardenepura providing legal expertise and Jayasundara, Senior State Counsel Dharmawardena further said all that the High Court should issue has decided that the effective date of facilitating national conservation Fathima Shaheeda Mohamed responsibility concerning the an order to invalidate the petitions. his honorary doctorate will be 2 efforts. As a passionate ornithologist Barrie and State Counsel Tharsika country’s territorial integrity and Taking the submissions into November 2020. he is interested in bird-watching and Thirukumaranathan. sovereignty lies with the Central consideration, Justice As a veteran on domestic observation sketching. Dharmawardena told the Court Government and observed that Premasankar rejected the petitions.

Security not assured... He also said investigations had suicide bombers. When Zaharan was doctor. However, he said he did not The Commission also asked him if bombing, they should go to that revealed the group, including not there, they have said they want to know whether a statement was the CID received any information that place. According to investigations, it Zaharan, had initially planned to become fighters, but in other recorded from him or not. the NTJ had received financial or is a Church in Colombo. Another man launch a suicide attack this year. countries. But because Zaharan is an Meanwhile, Chairman of the other assistance from the Islamic was preparing to take the failed Chairman of the Commission asked aggressive person, they have told that commission informed the witness State (IS) organization. In reply bombers to another safe place. That the witness at what time the group, they were willing to become suicide that according to the testimony of Seneviratne said that no information person has now been arrested,” he including Zaharan, had planned to attackers when Zaharan was there,” Zaharan’s wife, Abdul Cader Fatima has been revealed that such explained. carry out the terrorist attack Seneviratne said. Hadiya, who had previously testified assistance was received. Seneviratne was testifying further according to investigations carried He added Zaharan and his wife had before the Commission, they “About 42 bank accounts belonging on the suspect who was preparing to out by the CID. also gone to see a doctor in 2019 with (Zaharan and Hadiya) had not seen a to this group were found. They all take failed bombers to another safe In response, he noted that although the hope of having another child. The doctor with the intention of having a belong to Sri Lankans. According to place and that part of is evidence was Zaharan had been active since 2014, Zaharan- led group had first planned child. The Chairman also announced the information in those accounts, not open for media. the first attempt to do something with to launch an attack in 2020. that another investigations unit had the money had been provided by the However, it was earlier revealed a team was in 2018. However, he said However, in the first week of April informed the Commission that a date Ibrahim brothers (Mohamed Ibrahim before the Commission that Abdul that Zaharan had informed Mohamed 2019, Zaharan had said that an had been set for Zaharan and his Insaf Ahmed who carried out the Latif Jameel Mohamed, who failed to Ibrahim Sadiq Abdul Haq, a resident attack should be launched. Others group to launch the attack on 27 suicide bombing at Cinnamon Grand carry out the suicide bombing at the of Mawanella, at least to damage a had opposed it and as a , there March, 2019. Hotel in Colombo and Mohamed Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo, had Buddha statue as the attempt to do have been reports of a rift between Giving further evidence, Ibrahim Ilham Ahmed who carried come to the Tropical Inn lodge in something with a team was not them too, he said and added Zaharan Seneviratne said that facts about the out the suicide bombing at Shangri- Dehiwala after the failed attempt and successful. Seneviratne said, in and others had not even decided on persons above Zaharan should be La hotel in Colombo), he said. had later visited a Church in the December 2018, Sadiq and some the date of the attack until 18 April, revealed. He said that all the He also revealed details of a plan Dehiwala area. He had also visited a others may have damaged the 2019. members of Zaharan’s group had devised by the bombers to act in an mosque in the Wellawatte area and Buddha statues in the Mawanella When asked if the CID was able to been arrested and that the security of event of any bomber failing to carry Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) area following Zaharan’s instructions. identify the doctor to whom Zaharan the country could not be guaranteed out the attack on Easter Sunday. cameras had recorded him trying to “Members of the NTJ have been told and his wife had gone, the witness until information on those above “A safe place had been designated contact someone over the phone for a at meetings to become fighters or said that CID had identified the Zaharan was revealed. and if anyone fails to carry out the long time. news sunday 22 november 2020 A3 We Seek Investments, Not Loans The newly appointed the initiatives. Some segments of – President tells new Chinese Envoy Ambassador of the People’s society criticised this cooperation. Republic of China to Sri Lanka Qi Their argument was that these and education are high priority development endeavours. Zhenhong presented his projects would not bear fruits. But sectors. The livelihood of around He said that he aims to further credentials to President Gotabaya the truth is the opposite. Projects 30 per cent of the population enhance the long-standing Rajapaksa at the President’s started with the assistance of depends on agriculture. Achieving friendship between the two House on 19 November. China have high income the kind of rural development that countries and to strengthen During the discussion, President generation and employment China has reached over the past development and strategic Rajapaksa expressed his creation potential. My expectation two or three decades and to cooperation. “After assuming satisfaction over the long-standing is to see the completion of these improve the living standards of the office, you united the people of Sri friendship with mutual benefits projects before the end of my rural population is one of my Lanka. You guided the country on that exists between Sri Lanka and tenure,” President Rajapaksa said. prime objectives. We seek your the path of economic growth while China. The President stated that Sri assistance in this regard,” the improving the living standards of “China extended its support Lanka has made it a priority to President told the new the people. We witnessed how the towards Sri Lanka's infrastructure attract investments instead of Ambassador. Government and the people of Sri development, especially after going for more foreign loans in its In response, Zhenhong said that Lanka stood together in the face of winning the war against development drive. “There are vast his Government is ready to make the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. separatism. The Colombo Port investment opportunities available the maximum possible Zhenhong also said that China City, the Hambantota Port and the in our country. The agricultural contribution to the success of Sri wishes to see Sri Lanka emerge as Southern Expressway are some of sector, communication technology Lanka's economic and social a prosperous nation. UNICEF SL Foreign Minister recommends establishing UCB assures lifting import ban By Faadhila Thassim And to address HR issues on a

The United Nations Children’s Fund credible domestic process (UNICEF) Sri Lanka recommends the establishment of a Universal Child By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan Benefit (UCB) to reduce poverty and vulnerability faced by families and On the concerns raised by the Colombo- children in Sri Lanka. based Heads of Missions representing the A new UNICEF report outlines options European Union (EU) and its Member States for providing all children with a monthly over the banning of EU imports to Sri Lanka, benefit at a relatively low cost. Minister of Foreign Affairs Dinesh Among the findings, the report states, Gunawardena said, import restrictions are while Sri Lanka has progressed with under review and through the Sustainable improving the lives of its children over Development Goals, Sri Lanka will address decades, there are still large disparities issues related to reconciliation through a on how children are faring depending on credible domestic process. where they live and their family Ambassadors of Italy, Germany,The conditions. Netherlands, France, Romania and the EU significant reduction in remittances and A key recommendation of the report Delegation based in Colombo, met tourism revenues induced by the COVID-19 titled ‘Investing in the future: A UCB For Gunawardena at the Foreign Ministry on 18 global pandemic. Sri Lanka's Children produced with the November, to discuss recent developments, The EU Ambassadors reaffirmed their support of the European Union is the including those related to the COVID-19 desire to continue to further strengthen introduction of a UCB of Rs 2,500 per pandemic where they had raised concerns on bilateral relations with Sri Lanka with a child per month, only for young children several issues. special focus on further advancing trade, (zero to five or zero to 10 years of age) at The EU, held a series of high-level meetings investment and tourism sector cooperation. the outset, and to then grow the scheme and highlighted that Sri Lanka enjoys The Ambassadors highlighted, Sri Lanka’s over time by not removing any children competitive, predominantly duty- and quota- exports to the EU market worth Euro 2.3 until they reach their 18th birthday. free access to the EU market, based on the billion, continued to grow and benefit from continued implementation of 27 international the EU Generalised Scheme/System of conventions on human rights, labour, Preferences Plus, which allows duty free environment, climate change and good access for over 6,000 export product governance. categories. They stated, not least due to these Gunawardena appreciated the assistance Now it is unilateral trade preferences, the EU is the provided by the EU countries to Sri Lanka for second biggest export market for Sri Lanka economic and social recovery from the worldwide, with a positive trade balance of COVID-19 pandemic, including the continued Tourism more than Euro one billion EUR assistance for several development projects, (approximately Rs 220 billion) in 2018 and particularly in the education, skills 2019. development, agriculture, and dairy Promotion They underlined that trade cannot be a one- development and water supply sectors and way street in terms of the trade partnership with investments in the private sector. Authority between the EU and Sri Lanka. The Ambassadors appreciated the cordial, Gunawardena explained the challenges Sri open and continued dialogue between the EU By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan Lanka was facing on its economy and the Member States and Sri Lanka on a number of foreign currency reserves due to the issues of shared interests. Several Sri Lanka Tourism stakeholders say the new proposal by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Mahinda Rajapaksa in the 2021 Budget, to re-organise the four existing institutions of the tourism sector by bring them under the new Tourism Promotion Authority, was not discussed with them. President of Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators Mahen Kariyawasam stated that this reconstruction of Sri Lanka Tourism has been proposed without consulting the tourism stakeholders, mainly the SLAITO and Hotels Association of Sri Lanka or the other stakeholders in tourism. However, Director General Sri Lanka Tourism Kirmalee Fernando said, that the industry consultation, in preparing the new Act to merge three or four institutions would be sought, but the Act has not even been drafted. She further said, requests for the proposal would be first sought from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority employees and thereafter, it will reach the industry, the university and any of interested stakeholders for their input and will then be drafted. “It’s a long process,” she explained. Kariyawasam said, “This is a very important Act for our industry at this crucial moment in time and we regret that we have not been consulted. The need of the hour is to open Sri Lanka for tourism conforming to the health guidelines.” “Our opinion is these changes should not be done without consulting the stakeholder as we also contribute by way of Tourism Development Levy to the promotional fund,” he noted. According to the budget proposal, the unique tourism projects, with investment of over USD 10 million will be offered concessions, up to a maximum of 10 years under the Strategic Development Law. Fernando further emphasised that the current structure with four Institutions, The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) and The Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM), has resulted in inefficiency with overlap of functions and lack of a coordinated effort in managing Tourism in Sri Lanka. A4 sunday 22 november 2020 focus Surviving the Trauma of a Pandemic COVID-19 has disrupted or halted critical mental health services in 93% of countries By Methmalie Dissanayake give our primary attention to the topics and news related to COVID-19 In a recent survey conducted by the on TV, radio, newspapers, even on World Health Organization (WHO) it social media platforms. When a revealed that COVID-19 pandemic person does this for some time, then has disrupted or halted critical that person begins to think that life mental health services in 93% of has been halted halfway. There is no countries worldwide while the hope. There is nothing new to do. The We can identify demand for mental health is only remaining feeling is uncertainty increasing. in this kind of situation. two categories of “WHO has previously highlighted people whose the chronic underfunding of mental Economic ramifications health: prior to the pandemic, Dr. Ranasinghe further said that mental depression there could be withdrawal cope,” he said. countries were spending less than two economic impact of COVID-19 should from daily routine and avoidance of Maintaining a new, different per cent of their national health be taken into consideration as well. conditions could medication. On account of this, behaviour for a little while is not that budgets on mental health, and “Economic situation during a be affected by sudden deaths could occur, difficult for most people. Many struggling to meet their populations’ pandemic causes mental distress. In Dr. Abeysinghe pointed out. scholars who study this subject agree needs. these days, many have lost their jobs the current “Recently, I witnessed two incidents. with the fact that creating a human “And the pandemic is increasing the and others are worrying about job In one incident a women was so habit is a complex process that must demand for mental health services. security. Businesses are in a crisis. situation. First scared to even hear the word ‘COVID- go through a number of steps. The Bereavement, isolation, loss of income Self-employment jobs have hit rock category is those 19.’ After having seen one of her situation is complicated when people and fear are triggering mental health bottom. People cannot earn money neighbours who had tested positive have to face a pandemic like COVID- conditions or exacerbating existing from informal jobs now. Due to these who directly for COVID-19 being taken to hospital, 19. When it continues to threaten our ones. Many people may be facing factors, people could be victims of deal with the she refuses to come outside her house physical and mental health, as well as increased levels of alcohol and drug mental health problems.” thereafter. In another incident a our economic situation, it makes it use, insomnia, and anxiety. Women are the most affected virus; the female Police officer had come across difficult to see an end, this makes the Meanwhile, COVID-19 itself can lead persons due to this pandemic followed of a person who was not wearing a situation more and more complex. to neurological and mental lockdowns. patients and facemask. She got fever the following However, we have to understand complications, such as delirium, Since schools, day cares and frontline day and she was so scared that she that there are scientifically proven agitation, and stroke. People with pre- Montessori are closed, parents have had contacted COVID-19 from that guidelines which could make us safe existing mental, neurological or to make greater effort to balance workers. person. Although her PCR test result during this critical time. Personal substance use disorders are more children’s work and their jobs and Patients are was negative she refused to believe habits such as washing hands vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection, other responsibilities. In Sri Lanka, that. She kept saying that she could frequently, maintaining social they may stand a higher risk of severe mothers have to bear the brunt in this feared that they have got another kind of deadly virus distance, wearing face masks outcomes and even death.” type of situation. On the other hand, will be from that person.” properly, cancelling non-essential Situation in Sri Lanka it is women who earn income from Someone can say that the above travel plans and staying at home as engaging in informal jobs. Many stay- condemned by incidents are two isolated ones. But much as we can protect us and our “Recently, a study published by the home-mothers engage in self- the truth is this kind of mentality is loved ones from COVID-19. Oxford University stated that one in employment as well. Now their income the society and developing systematically throughout “A part of the responsibility of five COVID-19 survivors is at an methods have collapsed. Some women the country. Behaviour like these can gaining support of the public to curb a increased risk of psychiatric disorders have to endure unplanned and their families arise from health workers who pandemic lies with the rulers of the within three months of being ‘unwanted’ pregnancies during will be ashamed. associate and frequently encounter country. The rulers have to establish diagnosed. The study also highlighted lockdown periods as well. COVID-19 patients, as well as from a mechanism to explain the steps they that patients with existing psychiatric Furthermore, women who are So, even after those who listen to news which take to fight the pandemic in a way disorders might be more likely to get victims of domestic violence are now getting cured, related to COVID-19 from home on that is understandable to the public, COVID-19. So, it is extremely stuck with their abuser under the the radio and television as well, he simplify the logical basis of those important that we pay our attention same roof, both day and night. They these patients explained. actions and assist in maintaining jobs about the mental health in the cannot reach out for help from others Pandemic fatigue and daily lives. Also, it is important to society,” Senior Consultant like during normal times. These may not come identify marginalised, less privileged Psychiatrist at National Institute of things lead to extra mental stress on out into society “There is another mental condition and people who are in a high risk to Mental Health (NIMH) Dr. Pushpa them. which could be developed in people’s catch the pandemic and take Ranasinghe said. Men also suffer. In Sri Lanka’s as before. They minds during a pandemic like this. It necessary actions to protect them. Not Unlike the COVID-19 situation in conservative society, men have to bear might try to hide is referred to as ‘Pandemic Fatigue,’” only that, the rulers also establish a early months this year, the outbreak the financial burden of a family. In Dr. Prasad Weerasinghe said. mechanism to assist the people who these days is much more severe. many families, men are the sole bread from society. According to Dr. Weerasinghe, the cannot get access to clean water, who Many patients and deaths have been winners. They have other WHO recognises this condition as a have difficulties in accessing hand reported within a short period. This responsibilities such as looking after This would affect natural reaction of people when they sanitisers and face masks etc. These situation followed by lock down old parents and younger siblings too. their mentality have to continuously face something will help them to gain the support of imposed in several areas could affect As their income is curtailed since the which makes their lives extremely the public.” mental health of people, she noted. COVID-19 outbreak, their mental difficult with no sign of a proper At the same time, the other part of “We can identify two categories of health faces a grave risk as well. solution. the responsibility, of course lies with people whose mental conditions could Has enough been done? and civic level, is silent about mental “People might feel that there is no us, the citizenry. If we keep focusing be affected by the current situation. health is in itself a sign of the so- need to follow health guidelines on our well-being and those close to First category is those who directly Writing to a weekly newspaper, called ‘development’ of our country’s anymore because they are desperate us, we could reduce the risk of deal with the virus; the patients and former President of Sri Lanka College social, economic and political and fed up, to that extent. They are so engaging in risky behaviour. Also, if frontline workers. Patients are feared of Psychiatrists Senior Consultant systems,” he lamented. fed-up with being confined to their we can continue following these new that they will be condemned by the Psychiatrist Dr. Ranil Abeysinghe said There is a distinct possibility that homes most of the time in the year. health guideline and personal habits, society and their families will be that although many countries in the one’s love to live may deteriorate due Then they begin to wonder if it is okay we will soon be able to live in the new ashamed. So, even after getting cured, world have paid special attention on to the severe mental setbacks and whether they live or die. They simply normal world without much effort. these patients may not come out into many levels with regards to mental breakdowns caused as a result of do not care anymore. As a result of society as before. They might try to health of their citizens, the same pandemics like COVID-19. Also, this, they do not wear masks; nor Be not afraid to reach out hide from society. This would affect cannot be said of Sri Lanka. people could become more prone to follow the social distance or other for help! their mentality.” “The fact that almost everyone in the physical ailments that already guidelines because they feel they have our country, at political, bureaucratic exist, especially due to severe had enough. These are signs of COVID-19 affects our society as a More going round the pandemic fatigue,” he pointed out. whole. Therefore, we can protect bend Symptoms of ‘epidemic fatigue’ ourselves from the virus only if the include being discouraged to follow people of society are safe and sound. Frontline workers do not have health guidelines properly, losing the We have to take care of our enough facilities. On the other hand, interest to know about the pandemic neighbours, if your neighbour is when the number of patients is anymore, self-doubt, loneliness and tested positive for COVID-19 or placed increasing rapidly their workload hopelessness. Before we talk about in quarantine, do not hesitate to help becomes heavier. They also worry how we can save our lives from this them. It is not difficult to provide about their children and families. new plague, it would be important to essential goods, food without making They are exhausted at the moment find out why this is happening. a direct contact with them, and attention should be paid to “Let us have a glimpse of our lives Dr. Ranasinghe adviced. protect their mental stability as well. before 2020, the way we lived our lives Also, if you feel that you need to talk In the previous time, no suicides before COVID-19 hit us. It was very to someone you can dial 1926, the due to COVID-19 fears were reported. different. We went on trips. We did not helpline of the NIMH. The well trained But this time several such deaths have any obstacle to meet our friends staff at the other end of the telephone were reported. Therefore, it is clear and loved ones. We attended parties, line will listen to you and help you to that mental conditions of the people festivals, weddings and funerals ease your stress. You can text 1926 are challenged. amidst many people. There was no from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. as well. “Following COVID-19 outbreak and need for special medical advice, there “We introduced this text feature to lockdowns, people are discouraged to was no need to wear face masks or our helpline because we identified meet people and go outside. Their wash our hands so frequently except some people; especially the youth are social life has been completely barred when eating or drinking or using the hesitant to speak. Now they can text and they had to stay indoors all the toilet. When travelling with a large us and get necessary assistance,” she time. Their entertainment activities crowd on public transportation, the added. are limited. These things could lead to only thing that bothered us was the Consultant Psychiatrists have extreme stress in people.” safety of our wallets and getting off at established another helpline 071-2 For many months of this year, the the right place. We were not even 578 578 for COVID-19 frontline main focus of our lives has been interested in keeping a distance from workers. Any frontline worker who COVID-19. When we go outside or each other. So it is not surprising that needs to talk to somebody regarding talk to somebody, what we do is once that lifestyle is turned upside their worries can call the above discussing about the pandemic. We down, most people find it difficult to number from 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. focus Sunday 22 November 2020 A5 Drones for ‘Safe-Policing’ of Isolated Regions Begs the question of invasion of personal privacy By Thameenah Razeek restriction required. drone? Let alone, if I heard an order. More When asked, announcement claiming to be the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or than 100 whether the Police?” Meanwhile, there are Drones are often seen as a State people were Government had increasing concerns that many parties snooping device that can cause a huge arrested for stepping any other option to are taking advantage of the pandemic threat to a State by breaching its out of their homes in the monitor the isolated areas to impose harsher surveillance privacy. But since the beginning of the lockdown areas. without spending at least Rs measures that may persist well beyond COVID-19 second wave the UAV or Two million for the drone operation, the end of the pandemic. Drones attained a new role. ‘No breach of privacy’ Rambukwella replied that spending Another concern was that anyone Even though many parties and assured money on worthy operations will never could send a drone over to an isolated individuals started criticising the use of be a waste. Reiterating the Government region claiming it was one of the drones drones, since it could harm the privacy Air Force Spokesman Group will ensure the privacy of people, he employed by Police. Regarding this, of human life, this new technology Dushantha Wijesinghe said, it had noted that the money was invested for Senior DIG of Western Province, combines in a way to help authorities deployed three teams for this purpose the welfare of the people. Deshabandu Tennakoon stated any monitor the maintenance of social and six to 10 drones will be used, on But depending on your industry, drone that is equipped with any data distancing amongst people, which is the request of the Police. He said, the using drones for commercial purposes capturing sensors which means most important to control other drones will monitor the main routes can be a great idea with loads of cameras, that could potentially pose a essential aspects during the fight and areas in an isolated area to see if benefits – but like with any new safety or security threat shall not be against this disease. any gatherings are ongoing, or strategy or approach, you will need to flown without prior authorisation from When the Sri Lanka Police initiated playgrounds are being used, or if there carefully weigh up the pros and cons the local Police-in-Charge of that area. an operation to use drones to monitor are any movements on roads or any caretaker of a country it is our duty to before you decide if it’s the right move Prior authorisation from the local the movement of people in areas shops being kept open. “We will strictly study what measures other countries for you. Police is not required if the operator has declared as isolated due to a vast ensure that no breach of privacy is are employing under similar Speaking in this regard, DIG Rohana obtained written approval from the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in caused on private residences of circumstances, in order to mitigate the said that drones can enhance airport within that region or the recent weeks, many started finding people,” the Air Force Spokesman said. same issue that is occurring in our situational awareness while helping to aircraft is operated under the fault with it. Fielding a question on the decision country,” he explained. enforce lock-downs during the supervision of an authorised person These drones will be flown over areas taken by the Government, whether it He gave an assurance that it’s solely pandemic. He said, all these drones are from the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri under lockdown in the Western does not pose a threat to individuals, for creating a safe environment they operated directly by relevant Lanka (CAASL). Province, including several areas as it is an invasion of their privacy, would be using this high-tech drone authorities. “So, we will identify any suspicious within the capital Colombo. Police Cabinet Spokesperson Keheliya technology, Rambukwella as a pioneer drone flying in the sky without the Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana said Rambukwella observed that there are to initiate drone operations to be used Could create an unhealthy approval of CAASL or SLAF. We are the assistance of Sri Lanka Air Force pros and cons to the use of such in isolated areas said, they can assure precedent one hundred per cent sure that no one (SLAF) had been sought for this technology in a country. He added, the that any data breach will not happen will take unwanted advantages from operation and they would use high tech world is moving so swiftly as the drones will only concentrate on It should also be mentioned that the operation we have executed,” he drones to monitor any illegal activities technologically, Sri Lanka will need to people roaming in areas of isolation. drones are not marked in any way to assured adding that they have taken within the isolated areas. synchronise with them to mitigate and However, various parties raised their distinguish them from similar drones all the precautions to ensure that the The sole purpose behind this decision overcome issues. “This does not mean concerns over Legal limitations, safety, being used for other purposes. As one safety is there and no other drone will being, people in isolated areas, moving that we have to use all the technology and expense as the initial outlay can be asked, “Like, if I spotted one, how be flying in the sky without the around in defiance of the isolation that other countries use, but as very high depending on the type would I even identify it as a Police permission of the Security Forces. A6 sunday 22 November 2020 Focus

When The Polluter Has To Pay CoA’s landmark ruling orders Concern raised over cost of replanting Kallaru Forest reforestation, climate conditions

By Faadhila Thassim and cultivation or any other purpose, Eunice Ruth erection of any building whether How will the replanting programme be conducted permanent or temporary or and what will happen to those already settled? Years of legal battles and occupation of such building and environmental concerns against the constructing any road has been Attorney-at-Law appearing on the houses built in the reserve for a destruction of over 3,000 hectares of prohibited. behalf of CEJ, Ravindranath long period of time and the the Wilpattu Forest Complex for Thereby the release of reserved Dabare stated that while according Government should arrive at a human habitancy was brought into forests could only be carried out if to the CoA decision, the settlement decision as to what needs to be limelight over the past week when the there had been an order made by the of IDPs is illegal, the responsibility done with these families” he added. Court of Appeal (CoA) sought to Minister in terms of Section 4(2) of the is vested on the Director General of The reforestation or the impose the burden of reforestation on Forest Conservation Ordinance Department of Forest Conservation replanting programme imposed on the destructors. declaring that the land in dispute is (DFC) to act accordingly and take Bathiudeen by the CoA is due to no longer reserved forest. However, no relevant measures to remove the carried out in an area that is of Background such order declaring that the land in families from the reserve area. equal span of that of the The Forest Complex adjoining question is longer a reserved land has Withanage noted that a list of devastated reserve and following Wilpattu National Park, Northern been made. those settled in this area has to be the completion of the replanting in Sanctuary of Wilpattu National Park, Thereby the rule of law in its drafted adding that although it was the designated area. The specific Maraichukkaddi/Karadikkuli Reserve fundamental meaning requires that drafted prior to the hearing of the area is to be named as a reserved Forest (Kallaru forest) standing west all acts must be according to law. Writ, there were certain differences forest under the purview of the of Wilpattu blocks II and IV and the Where land has been declared as and therefore the list was not Department of Forest forest area in Madu, Periyamadu and reserved forest in terms of the Forest produced and that in the event the Conservation. Mannar area which is part of the Conservation Ordinance, no person is list was produced before the Court, While the CEJ has been Madu Road Sanctuary and Madu entitled to act contrary to law and the hearing would have been commended for the win in this case Road Reserved Forest were cleared carry out activities such as clearing of MP prolonged and thereby there needs that has been of grave importance since 2011 to settle over 1,500 forest, construction of houses and Justice Silva noted that while there to be an initial draft of the list of for the protection of the families of Internally Displaced roads within this area. is no doubt there is a need to settle those settled in the area. environment, Withanage stated that Persons (IDPs) during the civil war. down all IDPs who were displaced due Dabare added that 50 per cent this would be a good precedent Site visits carried out by the CoA decision to the war in Sri Lanka as far as residing in this area have separate against any illegal forest clearing. Environmental Foundation LTD (EFL) The CoA took up a Writ application possible in the areas where they were houses apart from what has been There are, however, still a number in 2016 confirmed extensive clearing filed by the Centre of Environmental residing, this is subject to other provided to them by the clearings of forests that are gradually being with demarcated boundaries of the Justice (CEJ) and ruled that the overriding concerns and above all the and almost all fifty per cent of the cleared and similar concerns and reserves, containing completed and settling of families in areas declared respect for the rule of law which is the houses built in the reserves has legal actions could be initiated semi completed housing schemes, as reserved forests under the Forest basis of our Constitution. been shut over the past and that against such perpetrators in the makeshift roads and other Conservation Ordinance as illegal and It was also noted that the this has been proved with future that would enable the infrastructure developments in contravention to the provisions of contention of the Respondents is that sufficient evidence during the protection of forests in Sri Lankan including electrical transmission lines the Ordinance. the land forming the subject matter hearing of the petition. while ensuring that wildlife habitats stretching into the Vilanthikulam The writ filed by the CEJ named has been used for re-settlement in “There are only a few residing in are not destroyed. Forest Reserve. nine respondents, including the terms of decisions made by the Such clearing and destruction of Conservator General of the Presidential Task Force for the Forest Complex resulted in Department of Forest Conservation Resettlement, Development and with the former Secretary of the which Bathiudeen has a period of one concerns raised by several and MP Rishad Bathiudeen. Security (Northern Province) and the Ministry of Environment and month since notified, to make the environmentalists and Civil Society CoA Justice, Janak De Silva in his Committee appointed by the Task Sustainable Energy, Director General payment thereby there were Organisations of the damage done to decision noted that the Respondents Force to make recommendations to of Forest Conservation and his statements made that the the ecosystem and the destruction of state that the Lessons Learnt and resolve land related issues in Muslim officers, arrived at a decision to approximated cost amounts to Rs the wildlife habitat stating that in Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) Villages Displaced in 1990 adding release several such lands designated 200,000 per acre while the total could settling of families, a huge number of had recommended in its Report that that there was however no for the resettlement of IDP while the amount to over Rs 500 Million. concerns had to be taken into the Government take steps to resettle documentary evidence to substantiate Conservator General of Forest, K.G. However, the Executive Director of consideration. IDPs and that the Government should such claim. Ariyadasa signed the document the CEJ, Hemantha Withanage stated Legal concerns access all possible sources of The CoA thereby ordered MP Rishad containing the decision. that such old estimations could not assistance from institutions and Bathiudeen to bear the cost of The Conservator General of the be used for the replanting programme The forest areas forming the subject individuals both national and carrying out a reforestation Forest Department, was thereby adding that the Forest Conservation matter of the issue were declared as international. The Respondents state programme for the irreparable directed by the CoA to calculate the Department is yet to hold discussions reserved forests under Section 3 of that in taking the initiative of damage caused to the Wilpattu forest cost of replanting and inform on the approximates. the Forest Conservation Ordinance resettling IDPs in the Northern complex by applying the Polluters Pay Bathiudeen the details of the account He added that in the present it and according to the provisions of Province they were fulfilling their Principle. to which the said sum should be paid would cost over Rs 800,000 to Rs 1 Section 7 of the Forest Conservation obligations both under domestic and Bathiudeen following a meeting held by him within two months of the date million to plant in an acre in the dry Ordinance (as amended by Act No. 65 international law. of the judgment following zone while planting in a dry area like of 2009) several types of activity in a Kallaru, where there is no rain for reserved forest including fresh over nine months, could cost clearing, clearing or double this sum. breaking up any land for focus sunday 22 november 2020 A7 ECT At a Crossroads Cabinet Memo says Adani ideal

By Sulochana Ramiah Company. India loses over USD We need international Mohan 300 million per annum to partners Colombo on T/S. In the backdrop that the The dubiousness is that, he Shippers’ Academy Colombo CEO awarding of the East Container said, when Modi's expectation is Rohan Maskorale, on awarding the ECT Terminal (ECT) of the Colombo to make Adani's Vizhinjam the to international consortiums, noted that Port to India and Japan, being container T/S hub of South business of ports and shipping is a speculated to have taken place, Asia, how can Adani be awarded A top retired global business and not domestic. He curiosity is building further, as the ECT?. said it secures business through the need to hand over the ECT He questioned why SLPA has SLPA official, partnership and ensures competition to India and Japan has been suddenly become complacent in and transparency and through any put in black and white, in the having three cranes in ECT that who did not controlled monopoly, with more Cabinet Memorandum, dated were purchased for JCT-4. business and more confidence by being 22 October 2020, by the “They should be immediately want to be with global partnerships. Ministry of Ports and Shipping. shifted out and replaced with named, decried Also, former Chairman of Ceylon Already, around eight small 26a cranes. Why is SLPA Shipping Corporation Sashi ships have called at the ECT underrating ECT when Colombo the proposal of Dhanatunge noted that Sri Lanka has and the port workers are happy was planned to be the Hub of lost too much time and now it is a with the progress and giving it South Asia,” he asked. handing over matter of saving the transshipment to India has been questioned by Against all these odds, the the ECT to business from India for survival. many quarters. Ministry of Ports and Shipping “At inception we would have had a Under the Memorandum of has noted that the SLPA has Adani. As a chance of creating a competition and Cooperation (MoC) for the successfully expanded the making a choice. But that edge and development of the Colombo capacity of the Port of Colombo globally- opportunity is lost now due to wasting South Port, it has been decided (PoC) towards the south side, at too much valuable time,” he added. to award the ECT to India and a cost of USD 400 million by affirmed “That time wasted by the Sri Lankan Japan on a joint venture, with constructing new breakwaters practice, SLPA authorities in taking a decision, enabled Sri Lanka Ports Authority and creating space for three India to stabilise its port development (SLPA) on a 35-year lease for new container terminals each did plan in plans and accomplish some of those USD 500 million. having quay lengths between successfully. In the process, Sri Lanka The ECT is already half 1,200 metres to 1,350 metres 2014 to build/ lost the opportunity of attracting feeders constructed spending around served by 20-metre deep water operate ECT from Bangladesh, which records one of USD 75 million for the navigational channel and a the highest economic growths in the construction of the Quay Wall of 285-hectare and 18-metre deep and the WCT in region, if not the world. 600 metre and another USD 30 harbour basin. The ECT in the “Because of the lack of foresight of the million for three small cranes south harbour planned to have collaboration authorities, none of them saw the that were brought for Jaya a 1,320-metre length quay all at importance of supporting and Container Terminal (JCT) but 18 to 20-metre depth in a total with a couple developing other maritime support currently used as it is in the area of 70ha. of the world’s services to make those operations ECT. The MoC for ECT with India efficient, environment friendly and What is left to build is another and Japan was decided by the leading economical in line with other successful 600 metre quay wall with Cabinet on 28 May 2019. hub ports like Singapore and Fujairah. cranes for the ECT. The MoC provides for the shipping lines To become a Maritime, Bunkering & SLPA officials suggest that, formation of a terminal and a terminal Logistic Hub like Singapore, there with the lease money obtained operation (TOC) jointly held should be other services that Sri Lanka from the ECT, they could build with 49% by Japan and Indian operator should be offering to ship owners and the West Container Terminal Shareholders and 51% by the ship operators.” (WCT) which can service three Government of Sri Lanka under Out of the above, non-supply of mega ships as it has a 1,200 the SLPA. In terms of the MoC bunkers to the ships at competitive metre draft. the TOC was to develop the ECT prices is one of the major drawbacks to Also, that the SAGT will be based on a Japanese loan to the growth of Maritime sector in Sri handed over to the GoSL in SLPA guaranteed by the GosL. Lanka to its fullest potential, he noted. another seven years, and SLPA can do back to back operations SLPA’s foreign debts Japanese cargo. It will also add and with ECT there is an SLPA is suffering from a further competitions with CICT advantage once the SAGT is foreign debt of USD 327.8 and SAGT jointly operated by released to SLPA. million largely denominated in JKH and thus SLPA can earn The Cabinet Memorandum on Japanese Yen raised in the past high income through lease rent the development of the Colombo several years and the annual and divided. South Port in Sri Lanka entails debt service by the SLPA is Considering the series of earmarked around 19% of its income. Also, infrastructure development, developments, thus, the CICT the foreign debt represents nine including quay wall and yard, and South Asia Gateway Japanese Yen loans of Rs getting a valuation report from Terminals (SAGT) has been seen 14,227mn and Asian Government Chief Valuer, that to make commendable Development Bank loan of Rs amount should be recovered progress. It's only the JCT that 45,254mn while the domestic from the investor, the memo is handled by the SLPA and that borrowings by the SLPA is Rs stated. too is progressing well despite 11bn which means the annual Also, the SLPA could use part there being a major manpower debt service by SLPA accounts of it for equity share and the shortage experienced during the for 24.8% of local earnings. rental value upfront for period last couple of weeks, due to the Citing that the Hambantota of 35 years could also be corona virus contracted by Port was leased to China recovered upfront. The SLPA many of the SLPA workers. Merchant Holding on a 99-year could use such proceeds to But, the handing over the lease, on the promise that lease retire SLPA loans to ECT has come under major proceeds will be used to retire Government, or State banks criticism from both, local foreign loans raised by the SLPA and the royalty could be maritime experts and the port from EXIM bank of China. The collected annually as in the trade unions, claiming that it is lease proceeds of USD 974 mn case of CICT that is offered to time that the Government does having been taken by the China on a 99-year lease, it is not sell national assets to government treasury but no anticipated. outsiders. Also some top retirement of debt has taken However the Memo suggests officials at the SLPA have place instead, the SLPA loans that the committee questioned about the new have been transferred to the recommendations are that after Indian partner, Adani Group, General treasury. completion of JCT -V civil work coming into the picture to The Memo further explains component, to transfer the develop the ECT, which was not that in this background, the machinery stored in the ECT expected. GoSL has informed Japan and premises to JCT-V: the ECT Adani will rob the India that it will honour the terminal should be MoC signed by the former commissioned as soon as business Government only on condition possible so that the ECT that the SLPA will not be terminal can be operated, A top retired SLPA official, agreeable to borrow further or formulate a regulatory who did not want to be named, provide guarantees but will framework to regulate both decried the proposal of handing support foreign direct public terminals and maintain over the ECT to Adani. investment in the ECT while the State-owned deep draft port As a globally-affirmed maintaining 51% equity share terminal. The composition of practice, SLPA did plan in 2014 in the TOC of ECT by the SLPA terminal operation company, to build/operate ECT and the and any changes to the share the terms and conditions of the WCT in collaboration with a structure should be notified to development framework are yet couple of the world’s leading GoSL. to be discussed among shipping lines and a terminal Adani Ports and Logistics investment partners. operator. He further noted that Group is one of the largest The SLPA noted that the when building, leasing out or integrated infrastructure Committee has still not met. partnering to operate container conglomerates in India. It also states that the terminal terminals, SLPA/SL adopted It’s similar to how the Sri operators should make the fundamental of not Lankan Government owns the commitment to SLPA in the engaging competitors in SLPA and the SLPA has handed manner that they will make the transshipment and logistics over the terminals to SAGT and full payment of SLPA costs for business especially anyone who CICT, Adani group is only the construction of the existing ECT operates in the neighbourhood. terminal operator appointed by terminal, make annual land He pointed at the Indian Prime the Government of India and lease payment, make royalty Minister Modi and his budget the Government does not run payment for annually allocation for the Sagarmala terminals. Only Government- throughout, along with project that is US$ 140 billion owned Port Trusts in India minimum guaranteed (ICDs, road-rail network, new operate terminals locally but throughout, more than the ports, port modernisation, etc.), have handed over many rates given by the highest of the fosters Adani's Vizhinjam port terminals to private operators two private container terminals at the southern tip of Kerala like Adani, Port of Singapore operated in theSLPA, make one which has a depth of 20 metres Authority, APM terminals time upfront payment, make with 10metre TEUs costing owned by Maersk, etc. The landing and charges for of USD 1 billion. memo observed that the the locally handled imports and He also recalled that in 2017, presence of a new investor with exports and finally guarantee a former Union Minister T.R. the support of India in the maximum share of feeder Baalu had said that through Colombo port will improve its vessels connected with ULCC Sagarmala, India should work business outlook and value vessels handled at ECT to SLPA towards handling the entire T/S through transshipment operated container Terminal business in the Indian Shipping activities drawing Indian and (JACT). A8 sunday 22 november 2020 Editorial Editorial sunday 22 november 2020 A9

By Kamal Mahendra Weeraratne

A landmark judgment by the Court of Appeal on Thursday (19), became the hot topic of this week. That was none other than the Landmark Judgment verdict which acquitted Lalith Weeratunga, former Secretary The Court also Ceylon Newspapers (Pvt) Ltd. to President Mahinda observed that “no No: 101, Rosmead Place, Colombo 07. Rajapaksa and Anusha Palpita dishonest inten- Editorial Tel: 0117566522, 0117566526, 0117566527 former Director-General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Fax: 0117566545 tion could be Commission (TRC) from the Marketing Manager: 0117566550, 0117566551 charges in the controversial Sil attributed to Circulation Manager: 0117566580, 0117566581 Victory for Public Service Cloth case. Palpita either. E-mail : [email protected] Weeratunga and Palpita were the so-called Sil Cloth (white Amani Pilapitiya, while analyses the steps taken by Palpita in Corporation such as the TRC.” found guilty on three counts by cloth) case, the Court of Appeal Weeratunga was represented by regard to the request for funds made Justice Wickremasinghe also When one holisti- the Colombo High Court earlier on Thursday (19), acquitted President’s Counsels Faisz by Weeratunga, one does not see pointed out that it was a collective cally analyses the for using Rs 600 million of TRC former Director General of the Musthapha, Shavindra anything clandestine. He put up a decision of the Board to appropriate funds to distribute Sil Cloth Telecommunications Regulatory Fernando and Faiszer Board paper dated 30 October 2014 this money for this project and that it steps taken by Release during the run-up to the 2015 Commission (TRC), Anusha Musthapha, and Attorneys-at- giving an introduction and a rationale was not the individual decision of Palpita in regard Presidential Election. Palpita and former TRC Law Faisza Marker, Shantha for the grant. He suggested a donation Palpita or Weeratunga. “On 15 On 17 September 2017, Chairman and former Secretary Jayawardhana and Keerthi of Rs 600 million for this purpose in December 2014, the decision to give to the request for Prisoners Colombo High Court Judge to the President, Lalith Thilakaratne. Deputy Solicitor light of the previous engagements of formal approval to the oral approval funds made by Gihan Kulatunga found them Although the FCID Weeratunga, and set aside the General Thusith Mudalige and the Corporation in such activities. He and the transmission of money was guilty and imposed a sentence requested to conviction and sentences thus State Counsel Chathuri also stated that the funds could be taken by all these four Members Weeratunga, one or Find of 3 years rigorous imposed in connection with the Wijesuriya appeared for the AG. sourced from the budgetary allocation present (out of five with the quorum does not see any- imprisonment, a fine of Rs 2 remand the defen- charges of criminal Justice Wickremasinghe’s for CSR of the TRC. The steps taken by being three). It must be taken that they million each and a dants after serv- misappropriation, conspiracy, judgment, which Justice Palpita do not partake of the were all aware of the facts and thing clandestine Alternative compensation of Rs 50 million and aiding and abetment. Abeyratne concurred with, characteristics of dishonesty.” circumstances of the request and with each. ing them indict- The appellants in the appeal observed that the question that It was finally noted that “such this knowledge, ratified all these steps. The verdict of the Court of ments, President’s case (CA 413 – 414/2017) were arises in the case was whether appropriations as was done in this There was nothing done in secrecy and Weeratunga was denied a fair trial is Accommodation Appeal stated that the above Palpita and Weeratunga, while the grant or appropriation case for a charitable objective of the prosecution witnesses as well as well founded.” High Court verdict given by Counsel Kalinga the respondent was the facilitated from the TRC for the providing Sil Cloth cannot be classified the evidence given from the witness It was further noted regarding the A crisis is brewing inside Sri Lanka’s overcrowded Judge Kulatunga was not fair Indatissa request- Attorney General (AG). distribution of Sil Cloth could as misappropriations when donations box and the dock statement all manner in which the case was prison system. Once the second COVID-19 wave and reasonable. Previously, the first accused expose the accused, who for charitable causes and establish the inescapable inferences of transferred, that the procedure ed the Judge to began sweeping across the country, particularly in Drama at Temple Palpita and the second accused sourced the funds to criminal disbursements have continued to be the absence of dishonest intention. followed was in violation of the the Western Province, one of the biggest concerns in release them on Weeratunga were indicted in prosecution and sanctions authorised by the Board as permissible When the money allotted thus became practices followed in the High Court the minds of health authorities was how this would Trees the High Court (HC 8026/2015) because Weeratunga wrote to activities. No Chairman of a the authorised activity of the and that there is no minute or journal affect the prison system. They reasoned that if one bail considering by the Attorney General over Palpita requesting funds for the corporation and a Director in the Corporation, this Court finds that only entry assigning this case from Court inmate were to contract the fast-spreading The sole reason behind their good conduct alleged criminal said project and the latter position of Palpita and Weeratunga Palpita and Weeratunga have been Number Three to Court Number Six. coronavirus, it would spread like wildfire setting up the Financial Crimes misappropriation, conspiracy, directed the transfer of the would ever characterise the cherry picked and selectively “The circumstances in which the throughout the system, mostly because the prison Investigation Division (FCID) by as public officials and aiding and abetment, funds. apportionment of funds for providing prosecuted. The facts clearly show that presiding High Court Judge came to system in Sri Lanka is filled to capacity, and the ‘Good-Governance’ in the past and under the Penal Code. “Could these two items of needy devotees with clothes as these two accused should not have hear the case created a serious doubt therefore, maintaining health guidelines such as Government was to imprison or The incident connected to the evidence alone constitute a criminally dishonest. I have to observe been chased after in the way they were on the impartiality and validity of the social distancing was not possible. give death sentence to those appreciations they indictments was that between manifestation of a dishonest that if directors of companies or pursued. In this backdrop, the proceedings adopted in the case.” The first case from within the prison system was who were named by the Anti- 30 October 2014 and 5 January intention to misappropriate,” corporate entities are to be visited with authorised donation became a lawful Finally, Justice Wickremasinghe reported in July. Following this, the authorities corruption Unit at Temple receive for their 2015, Rs 600 million in funds Justice Wickremasinghe prosecutions and sanctions under the activity of the TRC and Palpita and held that “the prosecution has failed to took steps to stop visitors from seeing inmates with Trees. The case against service which the belonging to the TRC had been queried, noting that “one Penal Code for making validly Weeratunga could not be said to have establish the ingredients of the immediate effect. Over 500 persons at the Welikada Weeratunga and Palpita was transferred through the alleged cannot take items of evidence had reminded the Chief Accountant” authorised donations, no one would intended a wrongful gain or a wrongful offences laid in the indictment. There Prison and its hospital were subjected to PCR tests, one of such cases. Judge accepted dishonest misappropriation by piecemeal and hold that the by way of a post pasted on the voucher ever wish to serve as a director of a loss because if at all a donation was a is no dishonest intention with which and authorities also quarantined those at a prison Filing of the case had been Palpita to an account in the mens rea (fault element) and that at least a part payment of Rs 200 company or for that matter as a voluntary disbursement which cannot both accused appellants have acted. in Polonnaruwa as the infected inmate was lodged handled by Deputy Solicitor name of Weeratunga (in his actus reus (physical element of million had to be made in the first Director of a corporate body such as be classified as wrongful. In such a They were not actuated by mens rea or there before being transferred to the Welikada main General Thusith Mudalige. official capacity) for a Sil Cloth the misappropriation or quarter of 2015.” the TRC. If directors or a corporation situation, since the appropriation of actus reus. There has been a bona fide prison. Accordingly, the Attorney was serving at Kuliyapitiya (white cloth) distribution conversion of moveable property “There is un-contradicted evidence are going to be in peril of a prospective the money was authorised, it cannot exercise of their powers and duties. When the second wave hit the prisons, General’s Department served Court had been appointed to programme which was part of a to one’s use) have been that Weeratunga had at all times the prosecution for a business, judgment become a misappropriation. Thus, Neither accused was enriched. Whilst coronavirus infected detainees who were treated at indictments at the Colombo the Court No. 3. special national project established she further noted intention to ensure that the TRC was or a bona fide engagement in a there is not only an absence of the the Board authorised a transaction the Welikada Prison Hospital were referred to either High Court on 28 August 2015. But as he could not be initiative undertaken by the that “evidence has to be Then in a miracle recouped. He attempted to ensure that consistent practice of CSR for which mens rea but also a lack of the actus which is protected by law and CSR, it the Kandakadu or Gallella Treatment Centres. Following that, Weeratunga and appointed to the Court No. 3 then President Mahinda holistically looked at in order to there was no wrongful loss to the TRC. there is a separate budgetary reus necessary to constitute the is a travesty of justice that only two Women inmates infected with the COVID-19 were Palpita were produced before based on seniority, Judge Rajapaksa and undertaken as ascertain the mens rea.” move, two cases: His conduct was consistent with an allocation, is to entail prosecution and offence of criminal misappropriation. Members of the TRC had to endure the admitted to the Welikanda Treatment Centre. Up to the Court after naming them as Kulatunga was appointed to per a directive by the latter to Justice Wickremasinghe 413/17 and attempt to ensure that there was no humiliation, no recognised public There are no unlawful means that traumatic experience of a selective now, all COVID-19-infected prisoners are being defendants. Court No. 6. Weeratunga due to requests further observed that particular 414/17 against wrongful gain to anyone, leave alone servant or anyone distinguished in a have been employed and an act done prosecution at a prolonged trial, held at the Welikada Prison Hospital, Pallansena Drama at the Court Then in a miracle move two from Monks that those who evidence adduced, “Clearly the fact that not a dime ever went to profession such as law or accountancy in accordance with the consensus of causing a senior public servant of long and Bogambara Prisons. The Department of Prisons cases: 413/17 and 414/17 observed Sil had to be furnished shows that Weeratunga was not Weeratunga and him. In my view, it would be a figment would ever like to run the risk of an the Board and the provisions of the years of meritorious public service, has decided to admit the inmates who are sent for This so called ‘Sil Cloth case’ against Weeratunga and Palpita with cloths. Both accused the initiator or originator of the of the widest imagination to ever appointment on a Board of a TRC Act cannot be considered to be a humiliation and anguish. Palpita, who quarantine to the vacant Welikada Prison Hospital. was taken up for the first time were transferred to the Court pleaded not guilty to the Sil Cloth project” and that Palpita were suggest that Weeratunga entertained a dishonest act, and would not justify only followed the request of his Commissioner General of Prisons, Thushara before Colombo High Court No. 6. indictments. The High Court “neither is there evidence to transferred to the dishonest intention. His conduct is the conclusion of the offence of Chairman for assistance, also Upuldeniya told the Media, that some of the remand Judge Kusala Sarojani After that, the case hearing found the accused guilty of the show that he had anything to anything but dishonest.” criminal misappropriation.” underwent the infamy of a long drawn prisoners have been sent to the Boossa Prison for Weerawardena. Although the was started before Judge charges. Both accused were do with the choice of the Court No. 6 Justice Wickremasinghe: “The There was also no concert or out trial. I cannot reach any other quarantine. FCID requested to remand the Kulatunga from January 2017. then sentenced to one-and-a- project.” keenness displayed to source the complicity between Palpita and conclusion except that of the When the number of coronavirus cases in prisons defendants after serving them Although the defendants half years of rigourous It was noted by the Court that funds for a social cause and the Weeratunga, Justice Wickremasinghe innocence of the two accused started surging, a group of inmates at the indictments, President’s opposed it and made a request imprisonment (RI) and a fine of at the time the project was prosecuting an agenda to confer a alacrity to pay back the money that are held. appellants fully vindicated on oral and Bogambara Prison staged a protest demanding PCR Counsel Kalinga Indatissa to the Chief Justice, it was Rs 1 million each (if the fine was initiated on 20 March 2014 wrongful benefit or gain to another) vital to a finding of the absence of a Also, Palpita and Weeratunga had documentary evidence. ” tests to be conducted on them. They feared of requested the Judge to release dismissed. defaulted, six months of RI), (Weeratunga wrote to Palpita and of “a culpable omission to take dishonest intention have gone nothing to do with the distribution of Justice Abeyratne also wrote a contracting the virus in the overcrowded prison. them on bail considering their Judge Kulatunga who was in while Palpita and Weeratunga requesting funds for the project cognisance of “certain testimony, unnoticed by the High Court Judge Sil Cloth itself, the Court noted. separate but concurring opinion However, prison authorities dismissed their fears as good conduct as State Officials a firm stance regarding the were each given another one- on 30 October 2014 by which because the High Court Judge had and the social spirit shown as a public Justice The Court therefore held that there reaching the same verdict. being unfounded as the prisoners were already in the past and appreciations objections of the defendants’ and-a-half years of RI and a fine time no Presidential Poll was arrived “at the erroneous finding that servant is manifestly clear. How can a Wickremasinghe was neither the mens rea of dishonest Victory to public service subjected to PCRs. they receive for their service party, delivered the verdict on 7 of Rs 1 million (if the fine was declared), the Presidential the decision to distribute the Sil Cloth man who sticks to his last that the intention nor the actus reus of Last week, another group of prisoners, this time which the Judge accepted. September 2017 and defaulted, six months of RI). Election held on 8 January was taken by the President after money obtained from the TRC must be added that “it would misappropriation. Former Secretary to the President, at the Welikada Prison, staged a protest on the announced the defendants were Further, both were ordered to 2015 had not been in sight and consulting Weeratunga.” a loan be characterised as dishonest? appear that the “I hold that the prosecution did not LalithWeeratunga, who was acquitted prison roof demanding that bail should be expedited Transfer of the Judge guilty of the offences. pay Rs 50 million each as had in fact been initiated long Justice Wickremasinghe opined, The vital ingredient of dishonesty in establish its case beyond a reasonable and ordered to be released from the for remand prisoners. Again, their fear was being in However, Judge It was following this, compensation to the TRC (if before the said Poll was called. “This appears to be a vital misdirection the charge has received a manifestly High Court Judge doubt and conclude that there is gross controversial Sil Cloth case, by the contact with COVID-19 positive inmates. Weerawardena was transferred Weeratunga and Palpita defaulted, two years of RI). Justice Wickremasinghe on the part of the High Court Judge.” wrong interpretation and I am of the misdirection on the part of the High Court of Appeal, described the verdict In another development, the Business Committee to the High Court after a decided to appeal against this The Court of Appeal Bench added that “it would appear It was noted that following a firm view that having regard to the law has not properly Court Judge both in fact and law as historic for the country’s State of Parliament decided not to allow parliamentarians few days. High Court Judge judgment by petitioning the comprised Justices K.K. that the High Court Judge has discussion with the President and by a as well, there is a mis-appreciation of appreciated nor which amounts to a non-direction, and sector and public service. currently jailed in the Welikada and Magazine Nishanka Karunathilake was Court of Appeal. Wickremasinghe and Devika not properly appreciated nor way of a minute, Weeratunga had the facts on the part of the High Court assessed the eviden- in the circumstances, I conclude that Speaking to the Media soon after the Prisons to attend Parliament sessions as COVID-19 appointed to fill the post Judgment Abeyratne. Palpita was assessed the evidentiary value” informed the Chief Accountant of the Judge. the conviction and sentence of both announcement of the verdict, he said it is spreading in the prison complex. according to the seniority. represented by Attorneys-at- of certain items of evidence Presidential Secretariat that steps can “There is a mis-direction on the tiary value” of cer- the accused appellants must be set would be a landmark judgment for Accordingly, Batticaloa District MP When the case was listed to call Allowing an appeal filed Law Kanchana Ratwatte, (which it was noted had the be taken to obtain an advance of mens rea,” Justice Wickremasinghe aside and that they should be those engaged in the State sector, as Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan and Vanni District before Judge Karunathilake, against their conviction by the Janaka Ranatunge, Thushari effect of unequivocally showing Rs 600 million from the TRC, but had noted, adding that “it is crystal clear tain items of evi- acquitted.” they would be able to perform their MP Rishad Bathiudeen, who are in remand custody Judge Gihan Kulatunga who Colombo High Court (CHC) over Samanpali Amarasiri and that Weeratunga was not also made it clear that this grant was that when the intention is recoupment dence (which it was Justice Wickremasinghe, addressing duty sans any duress whether political and Ratnapura District MP , subject to reimbursement as soon as and restitution, it is inconsistent with the question of the importation of or otherwise henceforth. who is serving a death sentence at the Welikada the budgetary allocations for 2015 are a guilty mind and would definitely be noted had the effect personal knowledge, noted that “the Both expressed their gratitude to Prison, will not be summoned to sit in Parliament received by the Presidential consistent with an innocent state of of unequivocally High Court Judge has stated that this newspaper and affirmed that until further notice. Secretariat, before subsequently mind.” there was a prevailing political culture during the aforesaid period both However, in the event of a vote in Parliament, the formally writing to Palpita, making a On the question of there, allegedly showing that during the said regime. There is no Mawbima and Ceylon Today, had MPs will be brought to Parliament following safety request for the said sum in order for it being no formal approval before the Weeratunga was not evidence to support this observation. reported the case in its entirety sans measures in accordance with health regulations. to be used for the Sil Cloth project. transmission of the funds from the The Judge has perhaps imported this any distortions and asserted it had By last Friday, 564 prisoners have been identified “These items of evidence show the TRC to the Presidential Secretariat, prosecuting an agen- knowledge from a Commission of also contributed in no small measure as having contracted the coronavirus. In order to dutiful conduct of an exemplary public Justice Wickremasinghe noted that a da to confer a which he was a Member of or even for their ultimate acquittal and release stop the further spread of the virus, State Minister officer,” Justice Wickremasinghe TRC Board paper, dated 30 October from an unknown source. The from the high profile case. of Prison Reforms and Prisoners’ Rehabilitation, noted. Further, it was mentioned in 2014, establishes that the wrongful benefit or importation of this personal knowledge They added that the verdict would go Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle instructed the prison the judgment that by virtue of the fact transmission of money was approved gain to another) and into his conclusions has coloured his a long way to reclaim the lost trust and officials to draw-up a mechanism that will direct all that the project was meant to promote verbally prior to the date of transfer judgment and lends credence to the confidence of the public in the new inmates to a quarantine process and then be the welfare of devotees, it was a (the TRC Act does not place a statutory of “a culpable omis- submission that the accused did not country’s State service. subject to PCR tests, before being allowed to be charitable project, and that by the time prohibition against a verbal decision of sion to take cogni- have a fair trial. I take the view that on Both Weeratunga and Palpita urged placed inside prisons. the Coordinating Secretary to the the Board). this misdirection of the importation of those in the State sector to repose their The objective of this programme is to prevent President on Religious Affairs brought “Despite this evidence, the High sance of “certain personal knowledge of an alleged trust in the present regime, as it would COVID-19 infected prisoners from entering the it to the attention of Weeratunga, the Court Judge arrives at an erroneous testimony, because political culture, the judgment stands look to further enrich their lives during prisons in Sri Lanka. special Presidential initiative fund did finding that there was no approval for liable to be quashed and set aside.” the next five-year period. At a meeting with the prison officials, the State not have sufficient funds and that the transfer of money” Justice the High Court There has also been misdirection by Speaking further Weeratunga said: “I Minister had stressed the urgent need to prevent therefore Weeratunga had decided to Wickremasinghe emphasised. Judge had arrived the High Court Judge based on take this opportunity to convey my the spread of COVID-19 in prisons as at present source funds from the TRC (which also “It is to be highlighted that despite inadmissible evidence Justice gratitude and deep appreciation to the around 1.5% of the total prison population have engaged in social responsibility the presence of voluntary “at the erroneous Wickremasinghe noted. Judiciary which decided to issue an been exposed to COVID-19. projects such as assisting the undertakings and donations that On the matter where the High Court order to acquit us from this case. This More than 50 per cent of the inmates within the Kotelawala Defence Academy, and could be engaged in or given by the finding that the deci- Judge was engaged in questioning the decision will also further strengthen prison system are remand prisoners. And, most of made donations for public causes and TRC, Weeratunga had the objective of sion to distribute the witnesses, specially Weeratunga in an the State service. The order given by them have been arrested over drug-related offences. social welfare) “just as anyone in his making this grant a loan subject to the inappropriate manner, biased towards the Colombo High Court only Early on, when the coronavirus started spreading in shoes would do, in such obligation of the Office of the President Sil Cloth was taken the prosecution case, the Court contributed to destabilise this sector, the country there was a proposal to release 8,000 circumstances.” to reimburse this amount. Evidence is by the President observed that the “incessant but now this landmark verdict has put remand prisoners depending on the nature of their “In no way can this conduct be so glaring that Weeratunga only tried questioning by the High Court Judge the record straight.” offences. Accordingly, 2,961 prisoners who were condemned as blameworthy,” as there to source funds subject to after consulting unconsciously dragged him into an Speaking to the Media, Palpita stated serving sentences for minor offences were granted was nothing blameworthy in reimbursement long before the Weeratunga.” uncontrollable stage where he has lost “This verdict is not something that has bail. However, a lot more need to be released in requesting funds from an institution Presidential Election was called. He his control over the examination of been given to us at a personal level. It order to ease the strained conditions in the prisons. known for its involvement in charitable was thus motivated by laudable Justice evidence of the witnesses. It is will have an impact on the entire State Health and military officials are on a race against activities and which had a separate objectives. It defies logic and common Wickremasinghe observed that whilst Weeratunga was service. During the past five years time to contain the spread of this debilitating virus. budget for corporate social sense that a Chairman of a corporate giving evidence, the High Court Judge those in the State service were afraid to If the cluster in prisons gets out of hand, it will responsibility (CSR),” Justice body who attempted to ensure the opined, “This intervened continuously on 66 take decisions on their own due to burden the system to the point of breaking down. Wickremasinghe further pointed out. recoupment of money belonging to the appears to be a vital occasions and had 287 interjections. being politically victimised by the Therefore, the authorities must find alternatives to The judgment also observed that “in Corporation should face an ordeal of a Looking at the incessant questioning previous regime. But, this historic house remand prisoners who have been December 2014, when vouchers were sardonic prosecution despite his misdirection on the despite the inherent limitations of the verdict would no doubt strengthen this incarcerated over minor offences and prevent them being submitted for payments to be responsible and prudent decision as part of the High powers entrusted to a trial Judge to sector. If those in the State service from interacting with outsiders as much as made to the suppliers of the cloth, the Chairman of the corporate body.” question witnesses, I take the view were to take honest and brave possible. Weeratunga had repeated his The Court also observed that “no Court Judge that there was an indiscriminate use of decisions on behalf of the people, the consistent stance that the TRC must dishonest intention could be attributed the powers of questioning a witness Judiciary has proved they will protect be paid back what it had granted and to Palpita either. When one holistically and the complaint made that them.” A10 Sunday 22 november 2020 Focus

We are preventing the spread of COVID-19 in prisons Prison Commissioner General Upuldeniya told Ceylon Today that COVID-19 preventive measures are in place and there are no random testing but are now engaged in doing PCR tests for all inmates in major prisons where COVID-19 is prevailing. “Even prison officers are being given good care,” he added. He also noted that all inmates are treated equally, be they PTA detainees or any other convicts and suspects; they are not seen as special cases. “We have streamlined many issues under the new normal and after the second wave court hearings are held via Skype,” he added. He also added that there are no inter-prison transfers due to the virus and every new inmate is under 14 day quarantined before they are put into a cell with others and they are given a PCR tests as well as a body temperature check. “No random PCR tests are conducted and we are doing it for all,” he added. He also briefed that new inmates are isolated and their movements restricted. He also maintained there are no COVID- 19 cases reported in Jaffna and that the virus spread is only at Boossa, Bogambara, Kalutara and Welikada Prisons. “Every prison has its own health official and we follow their guidelines,” he added. Regarding Fear Grips Inmates the shooting incidents that led to deaths, Upuldeniya added that Police inquiries are in progress as well as a Magistrate inquiry is being held. “The Magistrate will give his final decision on the as COVID-19 Spreads in deaths,” he added. Overcrowded Prisons Prison Commissioner General says all possible preventive measures taken

By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan health check. I have been urging that prison had held a protest to hasten all preventive measures should be court proceedings, so they could On seeing the congestion in Sri taken since March 2020,” he said. avoid contracting the virus. Lankan prisons and the imminent CRCP Chairman noted that under “The prison escape in Commissioner General of Prisons threat of COVID-19 spread to inmates the current condition, kith and kin of Anuradhapura in March was due to Thushara Upuldeniya and prison officials, 10 months ago, in the prisoner are not allowed to visit many reasons despite prison officials March, the Committee for Protecting with cooked food and other essential claiming that it was a jailbreak. Two Rights of Prisoners (CPRP) wrote to items. He also noted the food served died during the protests, Perera inmates are older and sick and they the Government to take stern in prisons is not what it used to be. claimed and one had been allegedly are not given pardons even while measures to curb the spread of the To this claim, the Prison shot right in the forehead. proving good behaviour. Some of virus in prisons. Commissioner General noted that The CRCP Chairman, wrote to the them, he says, remain as suspects for Today, there is a “prison cluster” visitors are allowed to make a Rs President again on 13 November so many years. “Many can be sent that originated at Welikada Prison 2,000 payment at the Prison Welfare reminding him of CRCP’s proposal in home without having to live under through an apparent contact of Centre for essential items and leave March to curb the virus spread in Government expenditure or asymptomatic Borella Police officers and then those items would be prisons and that there had been no contracting COVID-19 if these issues who were tasked with arresting delivered to the prisoner with a bill adequate intervention. He reiterated are streamlined,” he stated. The suspects and handing them over to issued. the urgency for all prisoners and congestion has resulted in some 100 Welikada Prison officers. The suspects “The Media highlighted that prison staffers to undergo PCR testing inmates using one toilet with no were quarantined for 14 days but the prisoners and prison officials were instead of adopting a random proper distance maintained. “So far virus had made its way into prison. infected by the virus allegedly from selection process and to also take the there is no policy decision taken on Initially, there were around 10 those remanded under drug offences, forwarded proposal into consideration the COVID-19 pandemic. The system officers who had contracted the virus where some are drug addicts and thereby taking necessary steps to is not in place,” he added. and according to the Prison CPRP Chairman Attorney-at-Law Senaka themselves which is true," Upuldeniya make prisons COVID-free zones. According to reports, both prisoners Perera Commissioner General Thushara noted. He also reminded of the ‘deaths’ of involved in the recent escape attempt Upuldeniya, there are 38 prison prisoners must be reviewed every four According to sources, in Boossa two prisoners in Anuradhapura from Bogambara, the one who died officials who have contracted COVID- years on their behaviour, so that they prison, it was a drug addict who had Prison on 21 March and the prisoners’ while fleeing and the one who evaded 19. can be released on merit. But he mingled with fishermen in the area protest in Bogambara Prison on 12 and was later apprehended, tested The virus claimed 60 victims during claimed that this is not in practice. and had infected several inmates after November, emphasising that there positive for COVID-19. “But all these its second wave between October and The CPRP also had suggested being incarcerated. had been no adequate steps to are one-sided stories and no one the second week of November, and the sending these vetted prisoners on According to Perera, prisons are safeguard the lives of prisoners from knows how the inmate had died or total death toll currently stands at 73. home leave/holiday procedure and to overcrowded and are creating a fear COVID-19. what exactly transpired. Not one is Overcrowding expedite their release based on good psychosis due to COVID-19, and It has become difficult to implement allowed to visit, no investigations will behaviour and conduct that could recently there have been protests by COVID-19 health guidelines owing to be in the offing nor witness will come By Friday (20) there were 564 prison reduce prison congestion. prisoners over several issues. “The the heavy congestion in prisons. Also forward to tell what happened. This is inmates infected with six deaths Perera also suggested that those main issues were related to the virus there are minimal sanitation facilities purely a pathetic situation,” Perera reported. Also in the past 10 months, with minor sentences (such as for six spread and they weren’t not trying to such as toilets available for a large noted. four inmates succumbed to injuries months), those with small fines to escape,” he alleged. number of prisoners, it is evident that while trying to ‘escape’. The current pay, elderly prisoners above the age of the environment within prisons is one PTA detainees situation is causing misery and grief 70 years and those medically unfit Protests, escape attempts which is extremely conducive for the Convener of National Movement for to the families of prison officers and should be released based on the On 18 November, Welikada prison spread of COVID-19, the letter noted. the Release of Political Prisoners, Fr. inmates. The prisoners are mainly review. inmates staged a protest demanding “What is not happening in those Marimuthu Sakthivel also pointed out from the Boossa, Welikada, Kalutara, But looking at the current scenario, court proceedings be expatiated due prisons are the PCR tests, according that detainees under the Prevention and Bogambara Prisons. such as prison activities, it needs to the pandemic. Inmates under to the inmates. Only the temperature of Terrorism Act (PTA) were “It’s difficult to guess the origin of close attention and the process remand custody say that if court is checked from incoming prisoners transferred from Bogambara Prison in prison cluster and how it came to be,” should be streamlined for a better hearings are expedited then more of and nothing is done beyond that,” he March. noted the Prison Commissioner outcome despite the many restrictions them can be at least released on bail, claimed He noted that PTA detainees were General, adding that it is present in imposed to control the spread of so that they can avoid contracting The prison authority, however, kept together and given some facilities society and noted that the incoming COVID. “Prisoners need a proper COVID. Even inmates of Kalutara noted that coronavirus infected as they were political prisoners. inmates to Bogambara are from detainees treated at the Welikada When Fr. Marimuthu Sakthivel general society. “When it’s Prison Hospital have been referred to visited the prison he got them electric asymptomatic, it’s rather difficult to the Kandakadu Treatment Centre or fans to be fixed and the wiring was curtail the spread because it shows Gallella Treatment Centres. At the done with his initiative. “They are not up later,” he added. same time, women inmates infected like other prisoners,” he added noting After the drug eradication mission with COVID-19 are admitted to the that only two have been convicted and the Government carried since last Welikanda Treatment Centre, the rest are inmates whose cases are year, there have been five times more Pallansena and Bogambara Prisons. still being heard. “However, now they prisoners being remanded and this “There are over 25,000 prisoners in are not kept together but separated situation has led to overcrowded Sri Lanka in various prisons and and made to share cells with drug prisons. The CPRP in March promptly Perera suspects that PCR tests are addicts which is not right in the sight urged President Gotabaya Rajapaksa not done in them and that if many are of upholding human rights,” he to intervene, in the light of the spread tested positive it would scare the claimed. He said those political of the coronavirus, so that minor people in the country.” But he said prisoners also could be released on offenders can be released. there is inequality in prisons as well, merit. “They have not staged protests Committee Chairman, Attorney-At- where some inmates are treated and some have been in prison for over Law Senaka Perera speaking to differently for the same crimes. a decade. They surely need better Ceylon Today on Friday reminded the He lamented that the suspects are treatment and safeguarded against danger of COVID where he highlighted not treated the same way because COVID-19 and dying in their cells.” that authorities should follow the some come with certain political He noted that around 10 PTA Prison Ordinance where it says that Fr. Marimuthu Sakthivel at a protest (File photo) privileges. He also noted the known detainees have died in prisons. focus sunday 22 november 2020 A11

By Dilanthi Jayamanne carried out on all bodies in isolated areas The total number of cases diagnosed these persons ended up in the with COVID-19, during the second wave, crematorium if the COVID-19 virus was has risen to 15,324. Of them 3,039 were detected on the body. from the Brandix cluster at the NCDs Health Ministry Minuwangoda facility, while a startling 12,265 are allegedly from its sub cluster However, the Health Ministry has at the Peliyagoda Fish Market, which repeatedly urged the people living in has spread its vicious tentacles to lockdown areas to seek medical help for several areas of the country, including their parents or grandparents or even Hatton, nestled in the cool climes of themselves if they suffered from chronic Nuwara Eliya and the hustles and bustle Increase Risk diseases or showed symptoms of the of its close neighbour Colombo City. viral infection. The Director General Tracking back to the first wave earlier Health Services (DGHS) took measures this year, the period which the country to issue a circular to ensure that all was caught up in the clutches of the patients being treated by the private SARS CoV-2 virus, the total number of sector for their NCDs too to be provided cases recorded at the time was less than their quota of medicines for two weeks 1,000 while the number of deaths were of COVID-19 by State hospitals owing to the present 12. The 13th death being of a sea farer difficulties in reaching those private from Baharain, who had arrived in Sri clinics or hospitals. Lanka with the onset of the viral Also the postal services in areas under infection, which was by then wreaking isolation or lockdown have been rallied havoc in several countries of the world, to deliver medicines to patients instead including in the golden sands of the of the usual letters through their Middle East, our neighbour India and Deaths postmen. the happy go lucky United States of Further, a special ambulance service America; the difference being that was set up at to assist Colombo City although people had died by the Probe committee report contents still unknown dwellers, living in areas which have been hundreds in the two latter countries, Sri isolated, at Meethotamulla Vidyalaya Lanka at the time had intermittently under the Regional Director Health been losing one COVID-19 patient. Thursday (19) were of a 59-year-old autopsy with all stakeholders and Services, Colombo. It could be reached The situation changed when the woman, from, Kalutara who had died at determine the cause of death, analyze on 011-3422558. second wave struck the Brandix Facility her home as a result of her High Blood overall causes that led to the deaths and 1990 Suwaseriya in Minuwangoda and the Gampaha Pressure being worsened by Covid-19, As Sri Lankans report to the Director General Health District was shaken. The 14th death was an 86-year-old man, also from Kalutara, we should Services. The Committee handed over its Ambulance Service recorded of a 50-year-old woman from died at his home as a result of a chest preliminary report on Monday (16), but Kuliyapitiya while the 16th death was infection aggravated corona. probably thank the nation is still in the dark as to what The 1990 Suwaseriya ambulance reported on 25 October 2020 of a man Amongst the deaths that have been the good deities was in the report. service was available for those living from Colombo 02. The Peliyagoda Fish reported, five persons died due to Then again there are other similar outside the Colombo city. While the Market cluster was detected on 21 COVID-19 on 16 November 2020. They for small review committees such as the one that Health Department is currently making October 2020. included a 54-year-old man from reviews maternal mortalities and dengue an effort to take medical assistance to By 27 October 2020, three deaths were Colombo13, who was being treated at mercies, the deaths which the nation does not bother the doorsteps of the people living in the reported increasing the number of the National Hospital, Colombo and had death toll from itself with. city’s under privileged areas to ensure deaths in the country to 19. We were died due to complications of a long-term Polymerase Chain that those with chronic diseases received probably at the pivotal point because it cancer aggravated by COVID-19, a viral infection the care they needed. was COVID-19 and we had jumped from 39-year-old man from Colombo 15, who Reaction (PCR) Test But, while the health services have death number 16 to 19 in one day. Since had been admitted to the Homagama had not reached been endeavouring to do its best for the then the numbers have been fluctuating Hospital, after being diagnosed with the epic What needs highlighting is that these Colombo city dweller, the same does not between three, four and five deaths per COVID-19, died of COVID-19 deaths have occurred in high risk areas apply to those living outside the day. By Thursday (19) this week it had pneumonia, and an 88-year-old man numbers being which have been isolated. Therefore a Colombo City, such as in Gampaha, reached a lamentable 73. from Colombo 12 who died while being recorded in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test Kalutara or other areas that were under As Sri Lankans we should probably admitted to National Hospital Colombo was done on the dead bodies from these lockdown or isolation - especially those thank the good deities for small mercies, for cardiac pain caused by COVID-19. India or the USA areas where the risk of contracting the people who go to Government hospital the death toll from viral infection had not The deaths also included that of a virus was very high. Thereby a PCR test clinics. They too comprise the under reached the epic numbers being 79-year-old man from Borella, who had till now was carried out even after death during privileged and the middle income recorded in India or the USA till now. died at home due to complications the ensuing mortem. families. Does this mean that the people Nevertheless, the manner in which caused by COVID-19 to a chronic lung Shedding light on the issue Health living outside the City of Colombo were these deaths occur has raised major disease and an 88-year-old man from 2020), a difference of 60 deaths. He Ministry sources said that a majority of more intelligent and would seek medical concern of the National Operations Colombo 13 who had died while being noted, during a Media briefing, that the patients, especially the elderly, had not attention during a medical emergency? Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 admitted to the National Hospital, COVID-19 related deaths were less than sought medical attention perhaps due to Several areas in the Gampaha District Outbreak (NOCPCO), Head, Lt. Gen. Colombo of a Cardiac pain caused by ten while the remaining deaths were due the lack of knowledge, fear, or negligence too are in isolation and were in the same Shavendra Silva and the armed forces COVID-19. to aggravations caused to an already of the symptoms by them and the predicament as those in Colombo City. who continuously and tirelessly carry Lt. Gen. Silva said that a majority existing NCD. members of their households. Or is it that Colombo is more privileged out surveillance and quarantine work suffered from non-communicable Over 70% deaths in Sri Lanka, before Also, most of them were living in areas than the rest of the country? and the health services of the country. diseases (NCD) towards which COVID the COVID-19 crisis occurred, were due which were in lockdown and thereby Every successive government has Although whether it is of concern to the -19 had contributed. He said that urgent to NCDs. The number of deaths there were transportation issues due to followed the dual policy of ‘Colombata general public at large is another matter steps should be taken by families that registered by the Registrar General’s the curfew and the ability of reaching a kiri, apita kekiri!’ and probably should be reviewed on have such patients in areas that have Department (RGD) in 2,000 were hospital or a medical centre were The people in isolated areas of another occasion. been isolated or were in lockdown to 116,200 by 2018 it increased to minimised even if they wanted to get Gampaha which include, the Police Lt. Gen. Silva noted that President ensure that such patients receive urgent 139,498. In addition to NCD’s people die help. Coupled with this is the fear that divisions of, Kadawatha, Ragama, Gotabaya Rajapaksa was keen to know medical care. Call an ambulance and see in road traffic accidents (RTA), and old most Corona patients have of not Negombo, Ja-Ela, Kelaniya and why the number of the deaths in the that the patient receives medical help, he age. As a nation the country would receiving the proper care owing to their Peliyagoda, for several weeks, have still second wave was escalating rapidly. said. probably not have known that these own situation and that of the hospital no respite to at least purchase their Worst of all, a majority of those deaths Most of those that were affected were persons died if it had not been for where even health staff are highly essential food items from the corner occurred at home. Only about six or the low income families in the Colombo COVID-19. The virus has been detected panicked despite their capabilities and boutique let alone get medical attention seven deaths, which have occurred City living in confined spaces like flats in all the bodies and even in a youth who training. for an NCD. during this second wave, have been and tenements, committed suicide from Panadura and Also the staff criminalise the patient Here too there are in under privileged directly caused by the SARS CoV-2 Lt. Gen. Silva said. an elderly man who died following a without taking personal protective areas those who earn a living by selling virus. Matters have been made worse as The Government Medical Officers’ severe head injury due to a fall in measures and attending to the patient’s vegetables on the way side or plucking a majority of these home deaths were of Association (GMOA) also called for the Colombo 13. need. coconuts or selling fish. These are the elderly suffering from chronic disease setting up of a death review committee The Director General Health Services Amongst a certain groups there was people who cue up at the Teaching such as diabetes, cancer, high blood for COVID- 19; a requirement which had (DGHS) set up the National COVID-19 the fear of the cremation after death. Hospital, Ragama or the National pressure, heart, respiratory and renal not been present during the first wave. Death Audit Committee (DAC) which COVID-19 patients were cremated to Hospital Colombo on their clinic days. diseases. The COVID-19 virus had only GMOA Executive Committee member, was tasked with scrutinising medical minimize the risk of further spread. Perhaps people in these areas too should aggravated a condition they already Dr. Haritha Aluthge said that the deaths records to ascertain the cause of death Therefore those people fail to seek start dying for the Health Ministry to suffered from resulting in death. For had almost catapulted from 13 during for all COVID-19 related deaths in Sri medical assistance and preferred to die bring its medical staff to the doorsteps of instance, the deaths which occurred on the first wave to the 73 (by 19 November Lanka. They had to conduct a verbal at home. However, since an autopsy is the communities. A12 sunday 22 November 2020 Interview Budget Prepared With Optimism –

By Aruni Mallawaarachchi factor. 2019, the deposits were at US$ 7.3 A: We will implement this proposal billion. It was difficult for us to bear this time. We hope to allocate part of The Budget proposals are very The Opposition says the the shock of COVID-19 due to the their remittances to implement the important. They were prepared amidst allocations are not sufficient decline in foreign deposits. That is why pension fund. That is our proposal. We a lot of challenges and were designed to solve the salary problems we imposed import restrictions. Now, will implement it with the advice of so to make the country move forward, and other problems in the we have gradually relieved many of the specialists in the insurance and says, Ajith Nivard Cabraal, State sector. limits. Last week, Minister pension fields. Minister for Money & Capital Market Weerawansa wanted me to and State Enterprise Reforms and A: What does the Opposition want? Senior academics scientifically analyse the raw material Some politicians say that the Former Governor of the Central Bank. Do they want to waste money or to get of universities we need to import. We will hand over increase in the retiring age Excerpts of the interview: maximum results? They must that report soon. We will give priority may cause an injustice to understand that we have no have two years to produce what we can grow or those contributing towards What is your view of the competition to spend money. We have sabbatical leave, manufacture in the country. the Employees Provident budget proposals? a competition to get the best outcome. Meanwhile, we intend to increase our Fund. Do you have any other We must try and focus on efficiency in and some get it foreign deposits. A: These budget proposals are very sectors so far we depended heavily on plan behind this proposal? important. I can say that they were investments. The reason is they are twice. They use it Does the government expect A: They just say these things prepared amidst a lot of challenges. It used to showing expenses as an fruitfully to to obtain Rs 3,500 billion in because they must find fault with the was designed so as the country can outcome. However, we did not see the loans in 2021? budget proposals put forward by us. move forward. I look at it with a very real outcome from that in the past five engage in another A: We will limit foreign debt. By the They must point out the injustices of optimistic view. years when they were in government. job. It is a good end of 2014, the percentage of foreign this proposal clearly and logically if Even the per capita income decreased. debt in the country was 42%. The there is any. The retirement age was According to the Janatha They have done nothing but talk. opportunity to balance 58% was domestic loans. The decided in 1948 as 55 years when the Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) engage in another previous regime increased foreign debt life expectancy was 65 years. Now life this is a pathetic budget. People say that the to 50%, although they boast about expectancy is over 79 years. People live The Samagi Jana Balavegaya prevention of the epidemic sector and gain doing the opposite. Now we have to about 24 years more after retirement. (SJB) and United National must be prioritised over the experience turn the tide again. The country has to maintain them building of roads, bridges and because they have lost their Party (UNP) say that it is Will donor countries agree to jogging paths. livelihoods. Further, they are mostly not people-friendly. What our conditions? Will we have healthy. Therefore, I do not think that are your views about this A: Health is not only spending on to bow to their conditions? there is any problem in increasing the feedback? diseases. Facilities must be provided to is able to score only five in the next. In A: When a country’s dependency on age of retirement to 60. A: If they say the budget is bad, it people for their wellbeing. Exercising the last five years, a failed group foreign debt goes up, the vulnerability must be perfect because they were regularly is essential. People must pushed the country into an abyss. The also increases. We have focused on Non-staff grade public always against the country’s good. focus on nutrition too. All these facets people gave a two-thirds majority to minimising this vulnerability. We give officials were granted They expressed similar views during deal with health. There is prevention the present government trusting that priority to domestic loans and focus permission to engage in the war where they claimed our also in the world. Even regarding we can remedy the problems that they less on foreign debt. The foreign debt is other jobs. Is it because the economic management was wrong. COVID-19, prevention is better than created. only for settling previous foreign loans. government cannot afford to They were against all our proposals. cure. Between the 15-months beginning maintain them? But all of our moves were successful. There were several from April 2018 to June 2019, the The growth rate was very healthy in The government expects expenditure proposals too? government obtained US$ 6.9 billion A: The senior academics of our period. That proved our economic to earn Rs 1,961 billion A: Yes. at 7-8% interest. In the nine years I universities have two years sabbatical policies and decisions were right. in 2021. Although it is a was the Governor of the Central Bank. leave, and some get it twice. They use Therefore, we do not panic about their good proposal, is it realistic The government’s estimated We took only US$ 5.5 billion worth of it fruitfully to engage in another job. It responses. amidst the economic total expenditure is Rs foreign loans. The country will be is a good opportunity to engage in 3,500 billion. How will the dragged into an abyss if we obtain another sector and gain experience. I Do you mean that you are downturn we are going through? government generate income loans irresponsibly like that. don’t think it is wrong. It will result in satisfied with this budget? for such expenditure? more efficiency. A: The budget has planned to A: It is a good question. We must There are allegations provide massive relief to the people. first understand that 2021 is a A: We have cited these statistics that the allocations The government has For example, only 42% of people have different year and cannot be compared clearly in the budget. We cannot hide for education are not proposed that the income pipe-borne water at present. We try to to the other times. This year the entire these facts because we must reveal sufficient. The Opposition fraudulently earned by some increase it to 95%. Isn’t it a relief to the world is affected by the coronavirus them according to the law. If we want says the government has people be invested in the people? We will offer 100,000 public and lockdowns are taking place some amount as a loan, we must given priority to physical projects proposed in the sector jobs to the youth in the lowest everywhere. Even the airports in many obtain it without exceeding the debt budget. income group. When we visit villages, countries closed. Nothing could be ceilings. We have arranged everything. development than to the parents request jobs for their sons done. The economic depression We will levy taxes as a part of the education. A: Yes. If someone has earned money and daughters. The people who accuse continued. income. The other income is non-tax, A: What problem did they solve fraudulently without paying taxes, us think that relief is lowering the including the dividends from various within their five years in power? We they will keep it to themselves. It will price of dhal by five rupees or In the first few months of ventures. The other way is obtaining will not wait to resolve the problems. not be useful to the country and we increasing the salary by Rs 100. We 2020, only a Rs 906 billion loans. These are the flows of income. The cleverness is not allocating funds brought this proposal to prevent it cannot develop the country with such income was generated. How but spending them productively. We from happening. petty-minded thinking. We must can we achieve the target The government has focused must monitor whether the money is Some political parties analyse the problems critically and of Rs 1,961 billion income on increasing tax income. channelled to the right place at the accuse this government bring about solutions. I believe that amidst the crises? This creates a problem right moment. One of the the budget contains proposals for long- for the people. Will the responsibilities of my Ministry is to of encouraging money term relief to people. I am satisfied A: 2021 is a different year. It is time government impose more monitor projects. We have 289 projects laundering. with them. many countries in the world taxes on them? that we must monitor. We have targets understand the stability created by us in education. We will focus on school A: They say such things because The WHO says that we will and start to work with us. Nations like A: Not at all. There is a weakness in education, higher education, they must always criticise. Otherwise, have to live with COVID-19 China and Japan have started to terms of revenue collection. Not only vocational education, as well as pre- they do not have a basis for such for at least two more years. invest in Sri Lanka. We hope to bring the percentage of taxes but also the schools. allegations. Isn’t it good that people A: Yes. It is a global pandemic, and massive investments to Sri Lanka in way the collection is done. We have who have earned money evading taxes we have to face it. Many of the 2021. The macroeconomic factors are given instructions to the authorities to Some say that the money invest that money in some way instead concessions provided can be used to stable now. The interest rates have coordinate the Inland Revenue, Excise allocated to establish urban of hiding their ill-gotten gains? They achieve this. We met many challenges been reduced. The rupee is stabilised. and Customs and streamline the universities in each district will have to bring money in the usual in the past also, although we did not Therefore, 2021 will be entirely collection process. is not sufficient and say way. have the COVID-19 pandemic. It is different from 2020. It will be entirely Taxation is according to their these proposals are a joke. nine months now for COVID-19. The different from the failed era between revenue, and tax revenue declines with Have you received adequate world economy has collapsed. We have 2015 and 2019. We will move ahead the incomes. Therefore, the economy A: The number of students who allocations for the plans to face such challenges. The economy on a different path. The economy will must be managed to encourage income enter university is decreasing. There of your Ministry for the must be pushed forward while fighting improve and the income will increase. generation. We can levy custom duties are some vocational and other upcoming year? COVID-19. We will not lockdown the Therefore, we must think of 2021 only when a good or service is educational institutes which are country, although there are afresh. We will err if we try to think of imported into the country. All these nearing closure. Some are already A: My Ministry monitors all the challenges. We were able to record 6% 2021 based on 2020. The officials who taxes mature with the economy. If the closed. We can convert them to projects in the country and reports on growth during the war and anticipate studied all these factors made these economy is collapsing or slows, the tax universities, and we do not need to them. There are 299 projects which that level of growth now as well. proposals. We are sure that we will be collection also declines. As we expect, acquire land and build new involve one billion rupees. Some of successful in achieving targets. the State revenue will increase in the infrastructure. These allocations are them do not have timeframes or have a Only Rs 159 million is next year. However, we do not extract only for the first year. If the accusers budget. Our responsibility is to put allocated for the health The growth rate in the first taxes from people inhumanely. think that we will start all the them on track. If we do it properly, the sector in a time we face quarter of 2020 is minus universities within the first year with country will gather momentum and many problems. It is less 1.6%. But you anticipate 6% The government says the that allocation, they have erred. We will achieve a significant growth rate. than what was set aside in growth in 2021. How can it tax income will be based on cannot complete such a mega project The second point is rebuilding the 2019. People say they cannot happen? foreign trade. How can you within a year. We have to spend collapsed financial institutions. We will be satisfied with it. rely on international trade in several years doing so. Some people use plans and tools for that. The third A: Although we have minus growth the context where imports only do simple math and ask how we measure is activating Sri Lanka’s A: I think each rupee must be this year, the same will not happen and exports are restricted? implement the proposal. capital market. The credibility has productively used. The allocations may next year. In 2014, the economy increased in terms of our stock not increase productivity in the health recorded 7% growth. It reduced, and A: We decided to restrict imports last A contributory pension was exchange. We will convert it to a hub sector. We have to see the outcome of likewise, it can increase too. We are March. The reason was that our proposed for repatriated Sri that brings investment to the country. the investment. If we can achieve a confident that we can achieve 6% foreign reserves were declining. When I Lankan expatriate workers. Our small and medium scale better outcome, the allocations are growth in 2021. Study the Central left the post of Central Bank Governor, A similar proposal was made businesses gain strength from this. efficient. We expect via this budget Bank annual reports. We achieved 6% we had deposits amounting US$ 8.2 in 2013 as well but not We need to increase the efficiency of that each public institution will do growth. Before that, the growth rate billion. We expected to increase that to implemented. Will you do it State enterprises. We have about 400 their maximum. If low allocations can was 3%. In , sometimes 15 billion by 2015. But when we took State enterprises. We must manage yield better results, that is the crucial Sangakkara hits 200 in one match and over the rule of the country back in this time? them to benefit the country. interview sunday 22 november 2020 A13 People’s Hopes Have Been Dashed With This Budget By Udeni Saman Kumara – Dr. Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian, economist Dr. Harsha de Silva, says. in an Active Interest Loan Management interview, Budget 2021 has failed to Act that we approved two years ago consider the plight of the people who that this Government was able to are facing the brunt of the pandemic. pay that debt. Excerpts of interview Though the position of the The Government’s Budget economy is not satisfactory for 2021 was tabled in the Government is saying It is doubtful as Parliament by the Minister that they had been able of Finance. Commencing to manage the situation to what sort of the debate for the successfully? campuses would be Opposition you described it A. There is no use in boasting. built through Rs as a weak budget. Why did The reserves are declining by the you criticise it? day. In the future this regime will be 1,000 million. In A. I think this particular budget forced to pay a massive amount as was written while residing on debt. fact they are another planet. Not planet Earth. The single biggest crisis faced by Hasn’t the Government set striving to build 25 this country presently is the aside a sum of Rs 1,000 COVID-19 pandemic. The people million towards such institutions who are facing this at the bottom the setting up of from such a paltry expected relief from their rulers. Universities in each But, those hopes have been dashed District? sum. The question with this budget. The people have lost their jobs, livelihoods and they A. It is doubtful as to what sort of here is whether thought the budget would be the campuses would be built through panacea for it. They anticipated a Rs 1,000 million. In fact they are those coming out of stimulus package from the striving to build 25 such Government but it wasn’t to be. institutions from such a paltry sum. these campuses The question here is whether those But, hasn’t the Finance coming out of these campuses would be beneficial Minister covered all these would be beneficial to the country to the country and areas? and its people? A. Unfortunately he had failed to its people? consider the plight of the very For the State sector the people who are facing the brunt of retirement age has been sold to those who are kith the pandemic. Even countries from extended up to 60. They and kin of the ruling party the US up to South Korea are have also been provided in the future? striving hard to revive the lives of with the opportunity their people along with their to engage in another A. We all know the East Terminal of economies. But, this budget has not the Port was leased out to India. touched on profession after their What is remaining of it, is only for the any of those aspects. In that respect normal service hours. Isn’t signing legally. I feel a private firm this regime has failed. The second this a progressive aspect of should take it over. If I was there I aspect is the ever increasing debt of this budget? would have joined both the this nation. It is bound to explode at A. We had increased the State Government and the private sector. any moment but, the budget has sector salaries by 107 per cent. We We have never sold the failed to take it into consideration. also hiked the pensions. Based on the country’s resources. Finally the State The Government is strangely silent Ranugge Report we were due to resources were only sold by Mahinda on it. J.R. Jayewardene had increase the salaries again but, as Rajapaksa. introduced a new economic system soon as these people took over they to this country. halted it. They also stopped the The Government is saying overtime and batta’s. They halted all that if the hidden finances Are you saying JR’s payments. overseas are brought economic system proved to The State sector not voting for us is down tax relief would be be a success? a different matter. The people fell for provided? A. No doubt it faced problems due the fabrications that were spread to the raging civil war here. Due to against us. Whether they voted for us A. If we are to bring down hidden internecine political feuds, that also or not, we increased their salaries. monies then we would have to had an impact on it. The decision What this regime is doing is struggle with the SLTA. Due to money taken to change policies with the increasing the workload. What we did laundering we will fall into the grey change of Governments that too was to increase the salaries of the list. I doubt there has ever been a contributed to it. While we people. Finance Minister in the world who stagnated, the countries which had publicly urged to bring down developed the export markets such Is it wrong allowing the hidden finances from abroad. as Hong Kong, Malaysia, South people to increase their Korea and Singapore saw rapid earning capacity lawfully? What is your development compared to us. Even A. Both my parents were State standpoint on it? countries such as Vietnam, Burma We had increased the State sector sector employees. My mother has A. This volcano is about to explode. and Bangladesh at which we once passed away but, my father is still If a relief period is not obtained for laughed have undergone massive salaries by 107 per cent. We also alive. the payment of this debt then it will development. The theory of this What this Government is saying is explode. Government is that the economy hiked the pensions. Based on the come to work sporting ties and work could only be revived at the expense from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and then to don What you are saying is the of the imports and by only Ranugge Report we were due to a uniform and go somewhere else to measures taken by the strengthening the exports. That is work as a security guard. Is this what Government are wrong. why we oppose this budget. increase the salaries again but, as the people anticipated from this So what is the remedy soon as these people took over they Government? This is nothing but suggested by the SJB? The Opposition has utter stupidity. criticised the budget halted it. They also stopped the A. Both the President and the PM charging that it is only a Aren’t there by-laws in are in the Cabinet of this regime. mathematical gimmick? overtime and batta’s. They halted all the country’s laws and They have a two-thirds majority in regulations? Parliament. They can form Judicial A. At a time when the world is payments. The State sector not A. The retirement age was increased and Police Commissions. According struggling from the COVID-19 from age 55. When one goes into to this regime, they had also pandemic Sri Lanka has suddenly voting for us is a different matter. retirement, retirement benefits would controlled the COVID-19. But, they emerged as a positive economy. The people fell for the fabrications have to be paid. In order to postpone know that their popularity has these payments they are attempting to declined. The Finance Minister said that were spread against us. increase the retirement age by five They are looking to intimidate the that while coping with the years. They are attempting to squeeze SJB MPs. Even MP Eran was recently pandemic the Whether they voted for us or not, we the funds of the EPF. summoned to the CID. We also do not Government had managed know what will happen to us in the Are you saying the funds of to pay debt loans on time? increased their salaries. What this future. But, we intend to play the role the EPF are being invested of the Opposition to the best of our A. The Secretary to the Finance regime is doing is increasing the elsewhere? ability. Ministry said that at the time this A. No, they are attempting to dump To the 83,000 people who voted for regime took office they had to pay a workload. What we did was to it in the stock exchange. me from the Colombo District I will do total debt of Rs 247 billion. These increase the salaries of the people my damndest best. Some 2.8 million amounts are nothing new. It has to The President in his address voted for the SJB. As long as true be paid by all Governments to the country said the democracy thrives here we will do assuming power. It was through the resources here will not be our duty by the masses. A14 sunday 22 november 2020 interview Nothing Beneficial in Budget 2021 – JVP Politburo member Sunil Handunnetti says what is actually being strengthened by Budget 2021 is the black economy

show the source of income of the Increasing the daily wage up on that. Since the Government. Although of estate workers to Rs Government is aware of the fact proposals have been presented 1,000 is a good thing. This that it has spread into society, to spend Rs 3,500 billion they is the result of a huge the most serious thing becomes have not said where they are struggle. What is your it is discovered only after a going to find money to pay for opinion about it? person dies that the person was those. We are in a situation A: Yes, due to the result of a COVID positive. There are where we cannot obtain Those who earn struggle we’ve also engaged in, it reports that people die after loans. About Rs 4,000 black money need has been proposed to increase coming home from quarantine. By Anuradha Herath billion is required to pay the daily wage of estate workers It is determined whether the who steal and make money. back loans. Therefore, we need a legal to Rs 1,000 from Government is successful or Therefore, as we see it, at least Rs 7,000 billion. But as 1 January 2021. It is effective. has failed based on the number The 2021 Budget has been prosperity has been ensured for the Government claims the punishment. The Good. But, as the Government of persons who contract the presented; do you see it as black racketeers, thieves, income we receive is Government is not itself said, they were going to virus and the number of beneficial? plunderers and criminals. approximately Rs 2,000 billion. grant this in March 2020. Being deaths. The ability of the During the first eight months of proposing to unable to grant this that was Government is quite apparent A: There is nothing beneficial Anyhow, the Government to see in it. The actual question 2020 we have earned an income confiscate black thus promised even from the considering how much they points out that the reason of only Rs 906 billion. That is month of November in which the intervened prior to the election is that there are many non- for this crisis is that the money and mete beneficial things that are hidden our ability. With a situation budget was presented, simply in order to obtain an advantage burden of debt and loans where the economy is collapsing depicts the inability of the through propaganda and how within the budget. Those are obtained by the previous out a punishment. not visible from the outside. further, even though figures are Government. According to the they act today since there is no Government is being presented, they cannot be What is being done lies the Government has election. Through this we can Very simply, there is nothing carried on the shoulders of important, which is what I have transformed into practical is to ensure indulged in up to now, we still realise whether the Government the present Government. reality. have a doubt whether this is on the people’s side and how to say. It is a budget that was legitimacy and presented because, traditionally A: There is no difference When you consider the solution was in reply to some sensitive the Government is. a budget had to be presented – a between this Government and situation from the side of the legality for black magic spell. We see it as We knew that, giving out 5,000- budget should be there since the previous Government. What people, this is not a budget. The something that was done rupee allowances and whatever as a solution to the problems every Government which ruled reason is because it has not money. They are because not doing so was else they did were election that exist currently. What is this country did was get it into provided solutions for the trying to show unavoidable. It is not a decision strategies. We said even then the solution that has been debt and burden the people with problems of the people. This that was made out of love and that when this came during a provided through the budget it. This Government will not budget which was presented as that black money thought for the estate workers. time when there was no shoulder any of the loans a tradition has given rise to election, we would be able to to persons affected by the dealers are not Isn’t it true that a COVID pandemic? What are the continuously. This Government various problems. Expenses of see the true colours. That is says it is the debt of the previous 2020 have been put to the year doing something Government cannot what has been proved today. solutions for the problems in resolve many problems the health service? The economy Government. The previous 2019. The budget deficit for The pressure and stress due to Government said it was the debt 2019 is shown as more and wrong ” within a period of just one that is what the people are has collapsed. What are the year? solutions provided for that? from the Government before balanced 2020. This is what is experiencing. that. That is what happens apparent from this budget. That A: Yes, we never think that a Businesses have collapsed. There is an increase What is the solution for that? everyday. They accuse each problem has to be resolved. proposal? Sri Lanka is not a programme that was presented other. Debt is not a burden to What expense proposals show is place for thieves. Even though it for a period of five years by the in the number of Today those who were self- COVID deaths and the employed are in difficulties. them. They obtain loans in a that they cannot be fulfilled with is beneficial for thieves it is not Government could be fulfilled in very light hearted manner. It is that money. so for us. just one year. But it is the pandemic itself. Doesn’t What are the solutions they will both the Government get? There is nothing like that the people who have to shoulder Rs 1,000 million has been Government which has the burden of that debt. Today allocated to build four At the same time, the presented in a budget after one- and the public have a in this budget. This is similar Government has presented huge responsibility in to a budget being presented there are debts of 14,000 billion universities. It is difficult to year, proposals that have to be that it is possible to controlling it? in the traditional manner by rupees and this Government has construct two buildings at a carried out in five or six years. proposed obtaining another school with Rs 250 million. They manage our country’s On the other hand, we do not A: When you consider the Government ignoring the debt. But the JVP says fact that there is a pandemic Rs 5,000 billion through this are proposing renovating rural see core or value in those responsibility, actually it is the 2020/2021 Budget. Now, who roads. It is Rs 400,000 for one the country is stuck in a proposals. I mentioned this people who are responsible. The prevalent. Therefore, if you ask huge debt trap and it is me whether there is anything will pay back this Rs 19,000 kilometre of road. It requires Rs earlier as well. Even though by reason is because people are impossible to pay it back. that is beneficial in this budget, billion debt? It will have to be 700,000 to build one bridge. word of mouth they have said scared of dying. That is why it would be like looking for paid by the 20 million people in These are not proposals that Which statement should they are providing fertilizer they are so patient. Not only kalunika, which is a non- this country. If the Governments have been made with the we believe? subsidies to farmers, they do that, I believe that the 6.9 existent mythical plant. shouldered the burden of debt, it intention of being fulfilled. They not have fertilizer even to be million people who voted for the would not increase yearly. have been presented to deceive A: Quite apart from the bought for money. A solution Government are still However, the Government Obtaining loans is not a crime. the people. The actual situation Government managing the debt should be provided for this. It is responsible. Some people are sees it from their side as However, the loans obtained of this country is not reflected is finding it impossible to pay because there is a difference remaining silent due to the a budget that was brought thus should be managed through the budget. back the debt that is there now. between what the Government shame of having voted for them. in to strengthen the local properly and if the benefits were They move the local bank says and does there is a The people have fulfilled their If they are prepared to economy and that they given to the country it would be reserves from which they have problem regarding trust. The responsibilities. It was the reveal black money which submitted a number of the best thing to do. But they obtained loans, this way and success or failure of a Government who behaved sans has not been declared suggestions for it. Isn’t obtain these loans, waste them that way, printing money even Government is determined on responsibility, always. It was up to now, the budget that something important and already they have made the though inflation increases, the trust the people have the Government who held the proposes that they can be at this point in time? country into a debtor. The Prime adjusting rates of interest and regarding what the Government funeral of Arumugam Minister said in his budget brought in at a nominal paying back local loans could be says. When the Government Thondaman as if COVID did not A: Although in words they say speech that loans obtained rate of interest of one per a strategy for the country came into power, they said that exist. They went round the they are strengthening the local during the past have been paid cent. Is this a beneficial internally. But there is debt of what they propose will be country and created a mentality economy what is actually being in excess to advisors and that proposal? 6,300 billion Dollars obtained fulfilled within two or three that said there was no COVID. strengthened is the black feasibility studies had not been A: Those who earn black from foreign countries. There months. We have no problem. It was not the people who did economy. They have brought carried out. Who is to be held money need a legal punishment. should be Dollars to pay them The reason is because we were not engage in social distancing about an opportunity where responsible for that? Siripala The Government is not back. How can the Government aware of the fact that this at meetings of the Government stolen, racketeered, undeclared Aiya and Gunapala Aiya and proposing to confiscate black find Dollars? The Government Government could not do all and the President. It was the money can be put into others in the village have not money and mete out a cannot turn money into foreign the work they were saying that Government who did not create businesses or investments. That signed to obtain these loans. punishment. What is being done assets. There is no such they would do. We have no a procedure for that. It was not is what they are depicting as the When Mahinda Mahaththaya is to ensure legitimacy and situation available for the trust in what they are saying the people who acted at election source of income of the and others accuse the previous legality for black money. They Government. The bond market even now. But it was the people functions as if there was no Government. Proposals have Government of this, what the are trying to show that black is not secure. There is no one who said that when Gotabaya COVID. It was not the people been submitted to provide previous Government does is money dealers are not doing who will buy our treasury came in he will do something. It who spent money from the legality to money belonging to accuse Mahinda and his something wrong. What this bonds. The only thing the is the same people who are COVID fund. It was not the black money swindlers. For Government of the same thing. Government is saying Government can do is to subject saying now that even Gotabaya people who did not import example, one per cent of the As a result, we are already stuck is:“Continue with the rackets”. It themselves to the conditions of cannot do anything. health equipment using these money earned through drug in debt traps. No one gives us was publicised that Madush the International Monetary funds. It was not people who dealing is paid to the loans for the love of it. We are who was murdered was worth Fund and obtain loans. When The President addressing handled the Media. It was not Government. To deal in weapons subject to conditions and we are Rs 10 billion. They said there you go there, the relief given to the nation said that the the people who issued various and earn money – one per cent brought to a place where we was no way of bringing it back to the people have to be cut. They second wave of COVID-19 statements without any has to be paid to the would have to sell our resources Sri Lanka. Now that Madus his will not be able to give loans for could be brought under responsibility. It was not the Government. These are such and only then are loans granted. no longer alive, an opportunity cultivation. The fertiliser control similar to the first people who changed what was proposals. The Government is Actually, we are now stuck in has been provided for someone subsidies will have to be wave. Does the JVP agree? said today, tomorrow. But there not inquiring into how the this up to our necks. We have who has access to this money to removed. They will have to halt A: I believe that the people is a fact that people have money is earned as long as one already fallen down a precipice bring it back to Sri Lanka. We recruitments to the Government realise the difference between realised.That is since the per cent is paid. What they are from which we cannot come out. all know that black marketeers sector and do away with paying the first wave of the COVID Government is without any saying is: “earn in an illegal There is something that other in Sri Lanka are unable to put pensions. They will have to face virus and the second wave. At responsibility, one has to see to manner and give it to the countries of the world could that money into their a number of such problems. that time there were certain one’s own protection. However, Government”. Therefore, this is a learn from Sri Lanka regarding businesses. Now, any crime can This is the bitter truth. areas. Health sectors of the responsible people cannot budget that is nourishing a black what happens if there is such be committed and money Therefore, if the Government Government, the Police Defence remain hungry. They have to economy and not a budget that enormous debt. earned and by paying one per goes home now, the saying “the Forces and people, all get on with their daily lives. If is nourishing the local economy. cent as a fine to the wife will be destroyed and if it intervened to manage things in they get COVID they would die On one hand, according to the However, during the Government, they can bring remains on the path they will be a way so that the virus did not and if they stayed hungry, they liberal capitalist philosophy, tax COVID pandemic with a that money into the economy destroyed”, becomes true. The come out of areas such as would die. When the children policies have been prepared in collapsed economy, isn’t without any punishment. What Government cannot turn back Suduwella, Atalugama and say they are hungry, the order to strengthen a minor presenting even such a the Government has done is either. Just because they accuse Akurana. But today, even while mother and father cannot group. On the other hand, to find budget effective? legalised illegal drugs, madams each other does not mean they it has spread throughout the remain at home. The people the money to maintain the A: No one can be without of brothels and casino will have a solution. It is very entire society, what the have now decided that they will Government and to turn black presenting a budget under businessmen. This means that clear, especially that the country Government has had to do is have to live with the pandemic. money into white money and to whatever the situation may be. criminals are being encouraged is sliding down a precipice of put pots into rivers and provide The reason for this is because ensure legitimacy for racketeers. This budget has been presented and is ensuring an increase in debt. They cannot present false jokes. Initially they tried to people have already realised The people who are being covering up the actual situation. crimes in this country. How figures and cover up the actual trace close contacts. Now they that the Government is without promoted through this are those One is that they do not properly could that be a beneficial situation from the world. do not do so. They have given responsibility. sports sunday 22 november 2020 A15 Love for the bow

Rehana Tayabally in action during and arrow the South Asian Games 2019

By Priyangwada Perera cannot go wrong. Rehana said she had to buy some of her equipment. “But “Keep practising," he told her. since I am in the national team, I got "Until I get it right?" she said. But he some from the Government.” corrected her. Basically, an Archer needs a Riser- "No. Until you don't get it wrong.” which is the handle of the bow - the two – John Flanagan, The Royal Ranger limbs, the string and the stabilizer A girl with a bow and arrow usually system to make your bow stable so that comes up on the small or silver screen. it does not swing around when you are But it is no more a fantasy -not even in taking aim. Plus, the arrows and the Sri Lanka. But the best thing is, bow, finger tab and side piece where stereotypes are shattered, as Rehana you aimfrom. They compete as singles, Tayabally excels in Archery. doubles and mix. Rehana was the Junior and Senior Both genders take part in Archery National Champion in 2017, and is in and the national level consists of a the national team of Archery and has men’s and women’s team. There are represented Sri Lanka in various two types of Archery categorized as tournaments. Compound and Recurve; the major In 2017, she won a Silver Medal at difference being the two types of bows the Indoor World Youth Cup in used. Tayabally is into Recurve Archery Thailand. because it is the Olympic sport, while At the 2018 South Asian Archery Compound Archery is not included yet. Championship held in Bangladesh, she Tayabally is hoping to get either a bagged a Bronze Medal. wild card entry or a direct qualification At the South Asian Games 2019, for the Olympics next year, and keeping Nepal she won both a Silver and a her fingers crossed. Apart from that, Rehana Tayabally (Picture courtesy: ThePapare.com) Rehana Tayabally posing with her medals Bronze Medal. she is also dreaming of finally starting At the Asian Archery Championship there. The Armed Forces are doing it as definitely.You do have to concentrate very well take part in Archery. There work from next year, perhaps in the 2019 held in Thailand,Rehana achieved a professional sport. on physical fitness,” was the prompt are many people who even go to finance sector.She is doing her her minimum qualifying score for the Speaking of the sport, she said answer. “One has to focus on the Olympic Games to compete when they undergraduate studies (Economics and Olympics. Archery is both a great recreational physical fitness because the game has are 60 years old,” she said. Finance) through the University of “I got into Archery because my dad activity as well as a good sport to a lot to do with technique than mere Even though most people choose to London at Royal Institute. too was practicing it as a young boy. I compete in. “It builds your confidence. aiming. Yes, you have to be fit to be do it as a hobby on a recreation level, Her parents have been her biggest started in 2014. I went to Ladies’ Archery is a lot about focus,” she said. able to thrive at it. But this ‘fitness’ is for Tayabally who is in the national support. When she first started College, Colombo 7,” said Tayabally. That is something essential in life. Yes, different from what is expected in a team, it is a competitive game. But it is Archery, it was her father Mustafa However, Ladies’ College did not have she is talking about taking aim with a sport like weight-lifting or rugby, where hardly ever you get to see a national Liaquat Tayabally who was her coach Archery, and she could only represent physical arrow,but more or less, it is you have to be exercising a lot in the Archery team practicing. We and inspiration. Then she trained her school in her last year,after she very much the same about life. “It is a gymnasium or do power training and questioned how and where they under the national coach. She also had spoke to the school authorities and got mental game. Focus and concentration. so on. But the fitness required for practice. Michael Peart from England who the sport introduced in 2017. Till such But one also has to be physically fit,” Archery is different. Improving stamina “Unfortunately, there is no proper helped her with the South Asian Games timeshe trained on her own and she said. counts for Archery as well,” Tayabally place for us to practice as a team. I and Asian Archery Championships. competed. Since the focus is on the mental explained. practice on my own without a coach. “Believe in yourself and you are Archery is now introduced to schools strength, one might tend to marginalise She mentioned that Archery is also There are certain issues with the already there,” is her inspirational but still only a few have taken up the physical fitness that is needed in such one of the oldest Olympic sports. “The Association so we mostly do it on our quote. “You have to practice and work sport. Tayabally said that most of the a sport. Does one have to concentrate other interesting fact about this sport is own,” she said. Archery also relies a lot hard. If you believe in yourself and Archers are from the Armed Forces, on physical fitness a lot where Archery that there is no age limit for this. Even on proper equipment. This adds to the believe you can, you are halfway there,” and her competitors are mostly from is concerned? we asked. “Yes, if you are in your 50s and 60s, you can game’s crucial technical aspect that said Rehana Tayabally with confidence.

Rugby Scrapbook Pumas look for The future of Rugby: Is it in Sevens? improvement in By Vimal perera plan. The tournament has helped identify National team players who The thought that the future of have matured while participating in Wallabies test rugby in Sri Lanka should be to MRFA tournaments. build on the talent of the sevens Another critical cog is the Annual format and be among the best in Inter Plantation Rugby Sevens Asia has been in the air for many played annually at the Dickoya- years. The thinking has been a stop- Maskeliya Cricket Club grounds in start depending on who is talking Darrawela. Itis another popular and at what time they are talking. event played over the last fifteen We do need to have more sevens years. rugby in the future. However, in the Plantation sevens have been past there has been howls of protest similar to mercantile sevens and are from clubs and other pundits that it for those in the plantation sector. will interfere with the fifteens league The 2020 event has been on hold season. due to the pandemic. The organizers Argentina head coach Mario Ledesma I believe you can play it without are planning for a 2021 show. Here interference. Sevens rugby needs and was limited to ten Asian rugby locations in Sri Lanka, including is an opportunity to expand this for Argentina coach Mario Ledesma believes his young, athletic, fit and agile players. playing countries. A schools’ event Kandy, Galle and Koggala with the two days combined with an under- players played to the best of their abilities in The thinking is to promote a ran concurrently with the final in Colombo. The Carlton Super 23 or school old boy rugby event—a their breakthrough win over New Zealand last significant tournament in the form international competition. 7s series had ten teams, chance to broaden the base coupled weekend, but will still be looking for of circuit sevens.Additionally, you The tournament was made an representing the nine Provinces of with sports tourism - an area spelt improvement against Australia in Newcastle could play a Sevens game using the open event in 2000, with teams the country and the Jaffna region. out in the 2021 budget. on Saturday. school leaving talent and play one from Europe competing. In 2009 it Each team had to have two under- There were many other sevens The Pumas sent shockwaves around the or two games before the big game. was the Asian qualifier for the World 21 players. events, such as Travel Trade, Sri rugby world with their 25-15 dismantling of Use players who are Under-23 and Series. The winner, Japan, was In 2015 the tournament was Lankan Airlines and John Keells the All Blacks in Sydney in their first test for they will develop to pose a challenge joined by Chinese Taipei (second) renamed the Colombo Sevens and that graced the paddocks. more than a year, but there was no question to the experienced players and be and South Korea (third) also hosted in Colombo. Did it help to Theseshould be part of the of resting on their laurels for their second Tri- the fresh legs on the park. It must qualifying for the Rugby World Cup achieve a better sevens experience development plan, and with the Nations outing. be mentioned different personalities Sevens. for Sri Lanka or help to appease the revival of the sevens game, it will "We played to 100% of what we were capable mooted this idea many times in the Carlton Sri Lanka 7s vanity of some? spread to be community rugby of and some of the boys maybe over 100," past, including the writer in 2014. We continued to play the Asian which was in the system. The Ledesma said this week as he prepared his Neil Wijeratne, in his book the (2009–2010) Sevens series last leg along with the origin of sevens rugby is linked to team for what he hopes will be a third win ‘Sevens Saga’, says that sevens Colombo Sevens. Melrose in 1883, who were unable over the Wallabies on Australian soil in 17 started in 1931 in Ratnapura by a Carlton Sports Club organised Sri Lanka Sevens was not limited to field a full team and resorted to a attempts. Police Officer named Jenkins. The the Sri Lanka Sevens in a but spread over other areas. sevens game.Wijeratne in his "The most important thing is to have a first Major Sevens was for the partnership with the Sri Lanka Mercantile Rugby Sevens was to ‘Sevens Saga’in addition to the growth mindset and keep improving not only Layard Cup in 1941 and played at Rugby Football Union in 2009. The celebrate its 50th year in 2020, but Melrose Sevens has another from day-to-day, but each training (session). the Havelocks Race Course. The tournament moved to Colombo. It COVID has put the tournament on storyand adds another version. "A "And I think that's very present in our Layard cup is still on offer according was officially recognised by the hold. The Mercantile Rugby Football group of butchers in Manchester players, and yeah, we want to improve to Wijeratne and played among the Asian Rugby Football Union Association (MRFA) is involved in had formed a rugby club and could everything." Policeas an inter-department (ARFU) in that year and became the developing and promoting rugby in not find a side to play as their day Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika will tournament before the domestic last event of the 2009 Asian Sevens the corporate sector. They also of recreation was mid-week, while be in Pumas pale blue on Saturday at Hunter league. The game, according to Series. claim that many Sri Lanka national the other clubs play in the Stadium and will undoubtedly have helped Wijeratne, helped the law enforcers Several non-official national sides team players were ‘identified and weekend. The community could Ledesma run the rule over Dave Rennie's to transform Police as a force to be competed in the 2010 tournament. nurtured while participating in not find a team to play midweek; Australia side, who also beat the All Blacks in reckoned with in the Rugby Arena. 2011changed the format with the MRFA tournaments.’ they started to play grouping seven their last test. The ‘Sevens Saga’ documents the introduction of the Carlton Super 7s In the proposed sevens promotion players aside." "I think it's a very balanced team," Ledesma progress of Sri Lanka to the series, featuring local Sri Lankan plan,MRFA who organises the Necessity will see innovation, and added. Hongkong Sevens and up to the franchises for the 2011 season. annual sevens rugby tournament sevens can easily find a place in "It's been a couple of years already where 1999 Singer Sevens, a tournament Carlton Super 7s series 2011– has a role.The contest beingopen to community Rugby. they've had a (good) set-piece - lineout, driving for Asian Countries tagged ‘Singer 2014 was probably the first sevens all corporate teams will be Some time ago a Policeman, a maul, scrum - and obviously offensive threats. Sri Lankan Rugby Sevens 1999.’ rugby franchise in the world. anessential cog in the engine of general and a lawyer deliberated "The threats are coming from many different Singer Sri Lankan Sevens took In 2011 it was transformed into sevens rugby. The MRFA ‘a team of and decided that saying the future places and we've got to be spot on with our place during the period 1999–2008. the Carlton Super 7s series; a dedicated volunteers with a passion of Sri Lanka Rugby is in the sevens game plan and our kicking game and control The competition started as a part of domestic provincial tournament for developing and promoting rugby is taboo. We are now back in the the tempo of the game." (Reuters) the Kandy Sports Club's 125th played on two weekends. The in the corporate sector’has same square promoting Sevens -anniversary celebrations in 1999 tournament events were at various anessential role in the strategic having lost many years. A16 sunday 22 November 2020 SPORTS

Ahead of LPL Tanvir Second Player to Test COVID-19 Positive SLC implements highly secure Bio-Bubble System

By Mustaq Sydeen South Africa batsman Herschelle Gibbs as established the highest standard of health their head coach replacing Kabir Ali who measures to ensure that LPL 2020 is Pakistan pacer Sohail Tanvir,who is a part had tested COVID-19 positive. Gibbs had conducted ensuring the safety of players of the Kandy Tuskers franchise, is the initially travelled to Sri Lanka as part of the and official staking part. second overseas player to test positive for commentary team. The Bio-Secure Bubble will be COVID-19 after Canadian batsman The inaugural tournament was also hit by implemented with strict and stringent health Ravinderpal Singh contracted the virus, many high-profile player withdrawals, guidelines specified by the Ministry of which was confirmed by PCR tests done including Sri Lanka T20 specialist Lasith Health. following their arrival in the island to take Malinga. Two of T20 cricket’s biggest draws, According to the system in place, each part in the Lanka Premier League (LPL). Chris Gayle and , pulled out participating player will have to enter the It is reported the duo has been reportedly of the inaugural LPL along with England country with two negative PCR test 72 hours isolated in a separate hotel away from the pacer Liam Plunkett, dealing a huge blow to apart, and then undergo a PCR test on rest of the LPL contingent. Tanvir came into the tournament even before take-off. arrival. They will undergo a minimum of 10 the tournament as a replacement after fellow Even though the LPL continues to run into PCR Tests during the entirety of the Pakistani Wahab Riaz and England’s Liam teething issues, Sri Lanka Cricket remains tournament, whilst the officials functioning Plunkett withdrew. adamant that in spite of late changes in at the tournament will also undergo a series According to sources, neither of the two personnel, and the major logistical of PCR Tests. have infected anyone else involved in the challenges that continue to arise, LPL 2020 In case a player/official is found positive, event, even though Singh travelled in the will begin as scheduled on 26 November. he or she will be immediately referred for same flight and bus as other players, Highly secure Bio-Bubble treatment at a designated Intermediate including the likes of Andre Russell. System in place for LPL Health Care Facility, pre-approved by the Earlier, Colombo Kings appointed former Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket has Ministry of Health. Sohail Tanvir

Nuwan Sports hostel protocol breached by DSD Zoysa denies Permits Ministry employee to occupy athlete’s hostel corruption Said employee now identified as COVID first contact By Anjana Kaluarachchi Department of Sports officials charges and employees staying at Despite strict protocols set by Torrington Athletes’ hostel, the Department of Sports including former Director Mulls appealing ICC decision Development (DSD) under Generals and occupying the Sports Ministry that only space set aside for National Former Sri Lanka athletes and coaches can occupy athletes. Also, there had been cricketer Nuwan Zoysa the sports hostel, they had occasions where officials had on Friday denied any permitted a Ministry employee to redesigned upper floors of the wrongdoing after being stay in the hostel and roam hostel to turn it into an found guilty of about freely. apartment for themselves. corruption on three The employee, who had been It is strange that the Ministry counts by an occupying an upper floor room had refused permission for independent tribunal of at the hostel, has returned to the several Elite and National Pool the ICC. hostel in a long-distance bus athletes to stay at the hostel, but Already serving where the driver of the bus has now the abuse of power by top suspension on match- subsequently tested positive for ministry officials to grant fixing charges, Zoysa COVID-19. The employee has permission for one of their own was charged under the now been instructed to about protocols to be followed, transport at all costs. to stay put the sports hostel at ICC anti-corruption quarantine as he has been a first as the hostel has now become a However,the said employee has risk. code in November 2018 contact, a top Sports Ministry risky place with this incident. not adhered to any of the “The PCR report of the person and was found guilty official confirmed. However, the The DSD has requested guidelines. will be known in a few days' on all charges on irony is that the said employee is athletes and coaches to follow Ceylon Today learns the time. They always put athletes at Thursday after the quarantined in the same room strict guidelines at the hostel, Warden of the hostel had refused risk when they let outsiders stay Nuwan Zoysa during the former Sri Lanka media briefing which he occupied in the hostel. where they were allowed to stay to let the said employee stay, but at the athletes’ hostel. The hostel coach exercised Elite and National Athletes are and train despite recent he had then got permission from was built for athletes and for the his right to a hearing also staying in the same hostel, lockdowns. Athletes weren’t higher authorities leaving the development of sports, and not before an independent anti-corruption tribunal. and when the Athletes learned allowed to go anywhere other Warden helpless. to fulfil the housing needs of The ICC said Zoysa will remain suspended and about this, they had shown their than training venues and back On numerous occasions Ministry employees,” said one of sanctions will follow in due course. displeasure towards the to the hostel. They were also Ceylon Today has highlighted the concerned coaches subject "It was shock for me when I was made aware that Ministry's double standards prohibited to use public about several Ministry and to anonymity. ICC had gone onto release a press statement saying that I have been found guilty of the charges that I have never committed," the 42-year-old told reporters. Making his claim on technicalities of the process, Nadal overpowers Zoysa said that the ICC which concluded its hearing LPL Umpires and Match on 18 September should have announced its decision within 30 days, but when it didn't happen, Tsitsipas to reach he instructed his counsel to write to ICC. Zoysa was provisionally suspended in May 2019 Referees announced on charges of indulging in corruption during a T20 ATP semis league in the UAE. International Cricket Council According to the ICC, Zoysa has been found guilty (ICC) Chief Ranjan of: Madugalle and ICC Elite Article 2.1.1 – for being party to an agreement or Kumar Dharmasena will lead an effort to fix or contrive or otherwise influence experienced panel of officials improperly the result, progress, conduct or other (Match Referee and Umpiring) for aspect(s) of a match. the inaugural Lanka Premier Article 2.1.4 – Directly or indirectly soliciting, League (LPL) Tournament which inducing, enticing, instructing, persuading, begins later this month, Sri Lanka encouraging or intentionally facilitating any Cricket (SLC) officially announced. Participant to breach Code Article 2.1. Madugalle, a member of the ICC Ranjan Madugalle Article 2.4.4 – Failing to disclose to the ACU full Elite Panel of Match Referees, has Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning his details of any approaches or invitations received to refereed seven ICC Cricket World group stage match against Greece's Stefanos engage in corrupt conduct under the Code. Cups, including the finals of the 1999, 2003, 2015 and Tsitsipas “Zoysa has also been charged by the ICC on behalf 2019 tournaments, and will be joined by Graeme of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) with breaching Labrooy and Wendell Labrooy, who are members of the Rafa Nadal kept alive his hopes of winning the four counts of the ECB anti-corruption code for International Panel of ICC Match Referees. Manoj year-ending ATP Finals for the first time as he participants for the T10 League and these Mendis, a First-Class Match Referee of Sri Lanka too beat Greek defending champion Stefanos proceedings are ongoing," the ICC had said in the will join the Panel of Match Referees. Tsitsipas 6-4 4-6 6-2 on Thursday. release. Kumar Dharmasena, a member of the ICC Elite Panel The last round-robin match in the London Nuwan Zoysa also said he is exploring the of Umpires, who won the ICC Group was a straight knockout with both men possibility of appealing against the charges he has for Umpire of the Year in 2012 and 2018, will bepart of having lost to Dominic Thiem and beaten been found guilty of by the ICC appointed the 11-member umpiring panel. Andrey Rublev earlier in the week. Independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal. Dharmasena will be joined by Ruchira Palliyaguruge, But it was Spaniard Nadal who always “We are exploring possibilities of appealing any Raveendra Wimalasiri, Lyndon Hannibal, and Prageeth appeared the likely winner despite a lapse which decision that might be given against me in both Rambukwella, who are members of the ICC allowed Tsitsipas to extend the contest into a Courts – Court of Arbitration of Sports in International Panel of Umpires. decider at a near-deserted O2 Arena. Switzerland and Supreme Court of UK. Until now I In addition, Deepal Gunawardena, Hemantha After a flurry of service breaks at the start of have taken all steps to challenge the ICC and prove Botheju, Keerthi Bandara, Asanga Jayasuriya, Rohitha the third set, the 34-year-old Nadal pulled away my innocence,” he concluded. Kottahachchi and Raveendra Kottahachchi, who are to reach the semi-finals for the first time in five However, the Sri Lankan blamed the ICC for Level 1 Umpires officiating in First-Class Club Cricket, years. jeopardising his career as a coach in Sri Lanka. will also take up officiating duties during the LPL. As group runner-up behind Thiem, he will face Zoysa, who played 30 Tests and 95 ODIs for Sri The 11-member umpire panel: Daniil Medvedev for a place in the final with the Lanka, was appointed Sri Lanka's bowling coach in Kumar Dharmasena, Lyndon Hannibal, Ruchira Russian assured of top spot in the Tokyo Group. September, 2015. He worked at Sri Lanka cricket's Palliyaguruge, Prageeth Rambukwella, Raveendra "In general this was a very positive match for high performance centre, which gave him access to Wimalasiri, Asanga Jayasuriya, Hemantha Botheju, me," said Nadal, who despite winning 20 current international players. A star performer for Deepal Gunawardena, Keerthi Bandara, Ravindra Grand Slam titles has only two runners-up Sri Lanka in the late '90s, Zoysa had recorded a hat- Kottahachchi, Rohitha Kottahachchi places to show for his previous nine trick in a Test against at in 1999. The 4-member match-referee panel: appearances at the ATP Finals. "Excited to be Ranjan Madugalle, Graeme Labrooy, Wendell in the semi-finals." (Pic by Akila Jayawardana) Labrooy, Manoj Mendis Kumar Dharmasena (Reuters)

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