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LIFTING OF CURFEW COVID-19 Looking ahead... No foreign PHIs funding: PM express Sri Lanka has not received any foreign financial aid to face the Covid-19 outbreak, concern said Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. He mentioned this during the former z Eight in quarantine parliamentarians’ meeting held at Temple Public health inspectors (PHIs) have Trees last morning (4). raised concerns over the lifting of curfew At the meeting, former MP next week, as stated by the Government, Mahindananda Aluthgamage stated that especially in areas where the active a clarification must be made regarding Covid-19 clusters are. the receipt and expenditure of foreign Contd. on page 2 aid received by Sri Lanka, as various allegations are made by the Opposition on this. In response, Premier Rajapaksa Covid-19 deaths pointed out that it is up to the Secretary to the Finance Ministry to provide accurate increase to eight information regarding financial aid. Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health Contd. on page 2 confirmed the country’s eighth Covid-19 death yesterday (4). Director General of Health Services Dr. Anil Jasinghe stated that a 72-year-old woman, a coronavirus- AG ADVISES EC infected patient, had died while receiving treatment at the Homagama Hospital yesterday. Follow Former parliamentarians’ meeting held at Temple Trees yesterday (4) for which former MPs were invited by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to discuss Contd. on page 2 existing law issues pertaining to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE PREMIER’S MEETING WITH FORMER MPS The Attorney General (AG) has advised the Election Commission (EC) that it has to follow procedure established by law to conduct the parliamentary elections, Co-ordinating Officer to the AG State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne said yesterday (4). Reconvening P’ment The AG’s advice comes after the EC decided to seek the AG’s opinion on the validity of the nominations, which were accepted during the public holidays in March. Contd. on page 2 on the backburner z TNA reiterates need to z Discussion focuses on z TNA the only Opposition z Former President Sirisena CHECKING LAST DIGIT OF NIC reconvene P’ment Covid-19 and issues party at the meet attends the meet

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA A total of 16 political parties had Sirisena also attended the meeting meeting held at Temple Trees, the Implemented attended the meeting. However, as a former parliamentarian. TNA informed PM Rajapaksa about The meeting with the former parliamentarians, convened by the United National Party (UNP), The PM opened yesterday’s meeting the importance of reconvening the from 11 May Prime Minister (PM) Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday (4), was Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), to all former parliamentarians, dissolved Parliament to deal with attended by all former MPs of the governing party, while the and Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) including those who had represented several constitutional and legal issues The President’s Media Division Tamil National Alliance (TNA) was the main party to attend did not attend yesterday’s meeting. the legislature in the past. which have arisen. (PMD) yesterday (4) issued another the meeting representing the Opposition political parties. Former President Maithripala At the outset of yesterday’s Contd. on page 2 clarification with regard to the system recently introduced which allows people to leave their homes based on the last digit of their national identity cards (NICs). PRIOR TO REOPENING There had been some confusion with Over 4,500 in quarantine regard to this directive and the PMD had z 293 Navy personnel among them First Navy also issued a clarification on Sunday (4). Schools to be Issuing another clarification, the PMD BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA Each individual has to complete a officer recovers said that the introduced system is to be mandatory 21 days of quarantine, A Navy officer who contracted used as a curfew pass only for the people There are 4,522 persons in as the health authorities have Covid-19 has fully recovered, the in the areas where the curfew is imposed. quarantine centres at present instructed,” the Brigadier said. Sri Lanka Navy said. disinfected It further said that this system will undergoing a mandatory 21-day Meanwhile, the Navy noted that This is the first recovery to be BY AGRA RANASINGHE told The Morning that schools only be applicable with effect from 11 quarantine period. the entire Welisara Navy Camp was reported from the Navy after a will be disinfected prior to the May (Monday). Army Spokesperson Brigadier under quarantine with 4,000 Navy cluster of patients were reported The schools are to be date the Government assigns Accordingly, this NIC last digit Chandana Wickremesinghe told personnel. Navy Spokesperson Lt. from the Welisara Navy Camp. disinfected with the help of for the reopening of schools. regulation will not be applicable for The Morning that there are 35 Commander Isuru Sooriyabandara military officers, health staff, He further said that schools those leaving their houses when the centres islandwide. said that almost 2,000 PCR tests and parents, and the vice will be disinfected with the curfew is relaxed. “Health officials have said that had been done. chancellors of the universities support of military officials, Contd. on page 2 there is a 14-day incubation period. Contd. on page 2 218 factories hold the responsibility to health staff, and parents of the disinfect the universities, The students, and that instructions recommence: BOI Morning learnt. still have not been given to The Board of Investment (BOI) Ministry of Education reopen the schools. yesterday (4) said that around Secretary N.H.M Chithrananda Contd. on page 2 218 factories are currently being TNA offers support operated in the zones. Postal services Tide topping on key issues commence The Tamil National Alliance “We are prepared to extend our the Parliament alone can deal with,” z Safety measures to be (TNA) yesterday (4) offered support co-operation for the resolution of these the TNA noted. returns set before Vesak Poya to the Government to address key issues in a reasonable and acceptable The memorandum handed over to the z Sand barriers z Permanent structures in national issues. manner in the interests of the country Prime Minister included the following Following a discussion with put in place areas of regular occurrences The offer was made in a and all its people,” the TNA noted. issues: the Postmaster General, Joint memorandum submitted by the TNA to However, the TNA emphasised The pandemic – the coronavirus – Postal Trade Unions Front BY SARAH HANNAN set up and are now eroding the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at that the meeting summoned by the has been gradually escalating. Much (JPTUF) and Union of Postal and coastline at a rapid rate. a meeting convened with former MPs. Prime Minister was not and cannot more needs to be done to eradicate it Telecommunications Officers With the onset of the While this is a regular In the memorandum, the TNA noted be a substitute for convening the completely from our country. There is (UPTO) returned to work southwestern monsoon, an occurrence, the coastline the need to address outstanding issues, Parliament. “We are of the firm view a legitimate fear amongst the people yesterday (4). increase of tide topping is starting off from Puttalam including issues faced by the Tamil that the Parliament must be convened, that it could further escalate with grave observed in the southwestern which runs down to Matara community and the enactment of a new as stated in our joint statement, to consequences. The country’s united coasts of the country. The will experience a considerable Constitution, apart from focusing on the deal with several constitutional and efforts are needed in this regard. SEE FULL STORIES high tides have surpassed the level of coastal erosion. crisis resulting from the coronavirus. legal issues that have arisen, which Contd. on page 2 ON PAGE 2 temporary barriers that were Contd. on page 2 2 the morning OPINION/NEWS Tuesday, May 5, 2020

SRI LANKA PERSPECTIVES SL opts for polls during corona times

BY COL. R. HARIHARAN will be subject to prior clearance from have expressed their concern about virus from spreading in the country…. that there were no constitutional powers the then President Maithripala Sirisena the Government and health authorities the militarisation of administrative Sri Lanka had a proper mechanism to to reconvene the dissolved Parliament. of “actively undermining” national The Sri Lanka Election (finally by 15 May in the EC Chairman’s processes. Nothing illustrates this better collect the information needed to stop He also expected to meet the Maha security and failing to prevent the Easter Commission (EC) has reckoning). This rider is likely to be than the Task Force created to fight the infection from spreading from each Sangha regularly, on the third Friday Sunday bombings. It also alleged that announced on 20 April that played up by opposition parties, during Covid-19, packed with veteran Army patient”, the Presidential Media Division of every month. The prelates have also he had not given proper guidance or the parliamentary election, the constricted campaigning due to the and Navy officers. Military personnel statement said. said there was no need to reconvene the support to the security establishment delayed due to the corona coronavirus threat. have been employed on a large scale in Sri Lanka’s Covid count as of 30 dissolved Parliament. Their statement and Police. The report also noted that pandemic threat, will be held The main Opposition, the United duties connected with enforcing virus April stands at: confirmed cases 660, comes in the face of opposition parties’ Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe National Party (UNP) and its allies do restrictions; military intelligence has active cases 514, and deaths only 7. A demand for reconvening; moreover, the and Deputy Defence Minister Ruwan on Saturday, 20 June. not seem to have recovered from the been used to identify and trace corona- disturbing aspect has been the spread Supreme Court is already examining its Wijewardene at that time had failed in However, there appears to be a lot of damaging effect of UNP’s internal affected persons and their associates, of virus among Navy personnel; 226 constitutional validity. their duties. uncertainty about holding it on 20 June. schism which enabled President who might be infected. sailors have been infected with Covid- Buddhist clergy have continued to Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal EC Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya is Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s victory with In keeping with his style, President 19 so far according to Acting Chief of voice against Muslim political leaders Malcom Ranjith met with President reported to have told the representatives a clear majority. So, as of now the Gotabaya Rajapaksa, with an eye to Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva. for suspected involvement with the Rajapaksa and expressed concern for of political parties, who met him a day Rajapaksa-led Sri Lanka Podujana have an early parliamentary election, Naval personnel infected include 147 Easter Sunday Jihadi terrorist bombings, the survivors and victims’ families due later, that the date 20 June set for the Peramuna (SLPP) is probably the ordered the dissolution of the Parliament within the Welisara Navy Camp and 79 although the Police have cleared them to the lack of action against those behind election was “by no means final” and favourite to win more seats in the on 4 March, ignoring early signs of persons on leave. after preliminary enquiry. In the anti- the attack. Many Catholic church leaders that the situation would be reviewed parliamentary election as and when it the coronavirus epidemic threatening Epidemiologists reckon that both Muslim backlash that followed, Muslim have said that a strong public protest on 4 May (yesterday). The opposition is held, although the Rajapaksas winning to spread further. Now the increasing confirmed and active cases have Covid patients have been refused campaign would be launched against the leaders were protesting strongly against two-thirds majority appears slim. Covid-19 pandemic has queered the probably peaked and expect it to start treatment and victims of virus death failure on the part of the Government to holding the election when the corona However, President Rajapaksa, President’s plans and introduced plateauing by May first week. So have not been allowed to be buried till punish those responsible for the Easter pandemic had not been brought under unlike his brother Prime Minister uncertainty over holding it even in June. hopefully, if the wishes come true, the Government orders followed. These Sunday carnage, after the Covid epidemic control. They pointed out that election Mahinda Rajapaksa, who had political A number of questions are being raised election could be held on 20 June. But pinpricks have further unnerved the was brought under control. campaigning under such circumstances compulsions in choosing his aides, over the constitutional impropriety of the question, at what cost, will continue Muslim community. Lastly, human rights violations by law would affect the safety of the people, has worked to create a favourable government decisions being taken when to haunt the EC when it conducts the It has increased the suspicion of enforcing agencies have continued to who would be exposed to the virus on government environment unmindful the Parliament stands dissolved. election, even with the blessing of the Buddhist clergy influencing government be a cause of concern for civil society. a large scale. of the political environment. President On the other hand, opposition Government. actions. Such apprehension is probably But this is nothing new, considering In a subsequent interview on 28 Gotabaya Rajapaksa, like US President parties also seem to have understood However, even before the election behind UN Special Rapporteur on the tardy action taken or failure by April, the EC Chairman clarified: Ronald Reagan, appears to be a votary the extraordinary situation created campaigning starts, disturbing trends Extrajudicial, Summary, or Arbitrary successive governments in the past to “A minimum period of five weeks is of the Russian proverb “Trust and by the pandemic, while questioning continue to vitiate the sociopolitical Killings Agnes Callamard’s statement improve their accountability over such required for candidates to campaign Verify” (Doveryáy, no proveryáy). the wisdom of holding the election. environment churned up by the spread that any measures taken to deal with the allegations. for the election, which would mean that He has hand-picked trusted senior Seven opposition parties have offered of the virus. Covid-19 emergency should be guided (The writer, a retired Military the country should be free of Covid- military officers and veterans to fill “responsible co-operation” to the The first is the prominent role by the principles of legality, proportion, Intelligence Officer, served as 19 by at least 15 May, so that a free, key appointments that matter. He has President in return for restoration of the played by the Maha Sangha in what precaution, and non-discrimination. the Head of Intelligence of the fair, transparent, and credible election reorganised the intelligence structure and (dissolved) Parliament. The precondition are considered political issues. President Second is the absence of follow-up Indian Peace Keeping Force can be held.” The EC proposes to take police investigative apparatus “pruning” makes it an exercise in futility. Gotabaya Rajapaksa met with the action of the Rajapaksa Government in Sri Lanka from 1987-90. He stock of the situation every 10 days. officers of “suspect” credentials. The President has now made reducing prelates of the Maha Sangha and upon the findings of inquiry is associated with the Chennai He also said the election can only be Apparently, he had chosen to ignore the Covid threat to manageable briefed them on the need for a strong commissions, including a Parliamentary Centre for China Studies and held after health authorities give the reported misgivings among some senior proportions his number one priority. parliament “to fulfil the aspirations Select Committee (PSC) on the Easter South Asia Analysis Group. green light. In other words, the EC’s political leaders who were side-lined According to President Rajapaksa, “at bestowed on him with the landslide Sunday Jihadi terrorist attacks last year Email: [email protected]. decision to hold the election on 20 June in this process. Civil society leaders the moment we have minimised this victory”. He is reported to have told them killing 259 people. The PSC had accused Blog: https://col.hariharan.info)

Contd. from page 1

Reconvening... by the Director General of Health Services hospitals across the island as of yesterday. used to establish artificial beaches in areas where there under a Constitution rejected by the people for Reiterating its stance mentioned in the joint and intelligence units about the Government’s Ten patients were discharged from hospitals was no beach present. Sand nourishment was done in over 25 years. statement issued by the Opposition political efforts to curb the virus since the first reported yesterday after recovering completely, bringing the Calido coastal area, Angulana, and Mount Lavinia. The Parliament elected in 2015 unanimously parties recently, the TNA handed over a set of case of Covid-19 and the ongoing quarantine the total recoveries to 194. The number of PCR The projects are in place to reduce the coastal erosion, resolved to convert itself into a committee of proposals to the PM at the meeting. programme to control the disease. However, many tests performed on Sunday (3) was 1,636. not aggravate it,” Ranawaka clarified. the whole Parliament – termed a Constitutional Rajapaksa said that the proposals made by the major political parties of the former Opposition Assembly – with a Steering Committee and former MPs would be taken into consideration boycotted the meeting. No members of the sub committees in charge of different subjects when taking necessary measures in the future. United National Party (UNP), Janatha Vimukthi Schools... First Navy... and an Experts Committee to formulate a new However, at the meeting, issues pertaining Peramuna (JVP), and Samagi Jana Balawegaya University Grants Commission (UGC) The officer was discharged from the National Constitution dealing primarily with three issues. to Covid-19 were discussed and several issues (SJB) were present at the meeting. Representing Chairman Prof. Sampath Amaratunga told The Institute of Infectious Diseases (IDH), Angoda yy The executive presidency regarding the financial management had also the Opposition, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Morning that currently, some universities are yesterday (4). Meanwhile, 13 new coronavirus yy Electoral reforms to Parliament been raised. Special attention had been given to Leader R. Sampanthan, M.A. Sumanthiran, and being disinfected as per the instructions given by cases were identified yesterday, raising the total the distribution of Rs. 5,000 among low-income Mavai Senathirajah participated inthe meeting. the health authorities and that the vice chancellor number of Covid-19 cases in the country to 718. The national question, the Tamil question: families and the issues faced in distributing it. of each university holds the responsibility to Out of the 13 cases, 11 were reported from Sharing of powers of governance Also, several MPs had voiced their concerns take the proper measures. He further said that the Welisara Navy Camp. The remaining two All political parties were represented in the over the use of schools by military personnel. PHIs... all universities will act according to a common patients were discovered to have been in close several committees established; there was However, the Premier had responded by saying In a letter written to Director General of Health procedure and that only the academic and non- contact with the infected Navy personnel. substantial consensus. Reports of the committees the Government was aware of these issues and Services (DGHS) Dr. Anil Jasinghe, the Public academic staff will be allowed to enter the were filed in the Constitutional Assembly. The would take the required measures. Health Inspectors’ Union of Sri Lanka (PHIUSL) universities at the beginning. However, both process reached its final stages when it stalled Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Prime has requested the authorities to consider the Chithrananda and Prof. Amaratunga said that 218 factories... until the dissolution of Parliament. Minister’s Office stated that PM Rajapaksa areas which have active clusters before lifting decisions will be taken in accordance with the BOI Media Director Dilip S. Samarasinghe The national question, the sharing of the powers had told the former MPs that the country had the curfew. Speaking to The Morning, PHIUSL circulars that are still being made. told The Morning that around 218 factories have of governance, has, since the enactment of the 13th not received any foreign financial aid for the President Upul Rohana stressed that it was recommenced operations, while adhering to the Amendment to the Constitution, been addressed by Covid-19 activities in the country. believed that the virus had spread into the areas guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health. all political parties, political leaders, and successive However, Finance Ministry Secretary S.R. of Nagalagam Street, Grandpass and Keselwatta, Tide... As there’s a large scale of factories, BOI is governments since 1991 and much progress has Attygalle had stated that financial aid worth $ Colombo 12 while the curfew was on, through The low-pressure area, developed over south of adhering to the strict health measures to ensure been made. Public commitments have been made 127 million offered by the World Bank (WB) drug addicts in these areas. Hence, he stressed that Andaman Sea adjoining the Southeast Bay of Bengal the safety of workers, added Samarasinghe. to the country and to the international community would be received in the near future and that it if the curfew is lifted in these areas, the situation area, has contributed towards an increase in wind – Agra Ranasinghe with regard to how this issue would be addressed would be utilised to cover the expenses of the might get worse. “Therefore, we believe that the speed in the western and southwestern seas prompting and concluded in an acceptable way. Health Ministry and the Covid-19 eradication curfew in these areas should continue,” he added. rough seas in these areas, the Department of Coast The support of the international community was campaign. The Health Services Director General, According to Rohana, one PHI had been tested Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Postal services... obtained on the basis of such commitments. These Prime Minister’s Secretary, and the members positive for Covid-19 and is currently being informed. Postal workers had agreed to commence commitments have to be kept in the interests of of the Covid-19 Task Force also participated treated. He added that a total of eight PHIs are “Earlier this year, the department took measures work as the Postmaster General had promised national peace, regional peace, and world peace. in the meeting. currently in quarantine. to constrict sand barriers and placed some permanent to supply the requested personal protective It would otherwise appear that the international – Maheesha Mudugamuwa barriers in recognised areas where coastal erosion equipment (PPE) and disinfect the post offices community was also deceived to betray the Tamil is prevalent. This year the topping has increased in and sub post offices in the country. community, who were the victims. No foreign... comparison to other years and we are looking at “Hopefully all post offices and sub post offices Accordingly, Secretary to the Treasury and Covid-19... increasing the heights of these barriers,” Chief Engineer will be provided with the necessary equipment Ministry of Finance S.R. Attygalle stated that The deceased was a resident of Polpithigama R.A.S. Ranawaka told The Morning. Ranawaka pointed and we will be able to put in place the safety Over 4,500... the World Bank has signed an agreement to in Kurunegala. She had been suffering from out that the coastal erosion is not only taking place measures. We decided to report to work this “We have carried out more than 1,800 PCR provide $ 127 million to assist Sri Lanka in the kidney ailments prior to death, said the Ministry. in Kalutara and Hikkaduwa, but also in Puttalam. week since the pension payments are to be carried tests and there are 293 Navy personnel who have event of this catastrophic situation. She is the first female to die from Covid-19 Furthermore, the tide topping does not occur in a small out before Vesak Poya, and the distribution of tested positive,” he said, adding that none of them However, the money is yet to be received in Sri Lanka. According to reports, her remains section and can extend to several kilometres. “We have medicine from government hospitals are taking had any medical complications. and it is due to be received in the future, said were cremated at the Kotikawatte Cemetery built a coastal protective structure in Kahawa which place as well,” JPTUF Convenor K.M.C. Bandara He said that three more Navy officers were to Attygalle. yesterday. Meanwhile, as of yesterday, three new runs across 200-300 metres. But this time the waves said. It was observed that only a few of the post be discharged after fully recovering. A special meeting of parliamentarians who coronavirus cases were confirmed; accordingly, crashed higher than these structures and sea water offices had received the necessary PPE for them “The first Navy officer was discharged on represented the dissolved Parliament was held the total number of Covid-19 patients reported seeped into Galle Road. The only solution for this to conduct their services. While the Postmaster Sunday (3) and three more are set to be discharged yesterday, at the invitation of Prime Minister in the country was 719. is to increase the height of the structure,” Ranawaka General had instructed to purchase the necessary as well. They are all doing well; in fact, some Rajapaksa. The former MPs were informed 520 active cases were under medical care at explained. supplies, the instruction had not been followed are not even showing signs of symptoms despite Increasing the height of these permanent structures through by some of the areas. testing positive,” he noted. cannot be done immediately as it takes a considerable “Following the discussion on Sunday (3), the amount of time, and a budget needs to be allocated. Postmaster General promised that the supplies Cartoon of the day Therefore, the department at present is only able to set will be distributed to all the post offices and Implemented... up temporary sand barriers in these areas. sub post offices before Vesak Poya. We have However, entering or leaving areas that have Moreover, Ranawaka dismisses the need of setting requested our district officers to closely monitor been declared isolated zones has been banned up permanent wave barriers in all locations as the tide this and report back to us as to whether all the completely. topping only occurs seasonally and would be in effect offices received the same,” UPTO Secretary The regulation for leaving places of dwelling for a short period of time. He reiterated that even the H.K. Kariyawasam informed. based on the last digit of the NIC is as follows: permanent barriers were constructed in areas where – Sarah Hannan Monday: No. 1 or 2 the wave activities would hinder the livelihoods of Tuesday: No. 3 or 4 the residents in the areas. “We have identified that the Wednesday: No. 5 or 6 change in wave activity these days have especially TNA... Thursday: No. 7 or 8 impacted families that live in Kalutara, and Thuduwa At all national elections over the past 25 years Friday: No. 9 or 0 in Puttalam. For these areas, we have currently set up since 1994, over five terms of both Parliament The general public is advised to select the temporary sand barriers,” Ranawaka reiterated. and presidency, the people have in the exercise of closest outlet located within walking distance Meanwhile environmentalists raised concerns over their sovereignty – their franchise – rejected the from their homes to make essential purchases. the projects that were carried out in the coastal regions 1978 Constitution and given a mandate for the which have cost the Government a total of Rs. 890 enactment of a new Constitution, encompassing million. The Morning inquired whether any of those all three components of their sovereignty: powers Follow... projects had any correlation to the ongoing coastal of governance (including legislative, executive, The decision has been taken by the EC after a erosion. and judicial power), fundamental rights, and political party representative raised issues about “The monies were spent on beach nourishment their franchise. This mandate of the people, in the declaration of holidays and questioned whether projects in the southwestern beaches. The project the exercise of their sovereignty, has not been it would affect the validity of the nominations entailed mining sand off the shoreline which was then fulfilled and the country continues to be governed received by the EC during those holidays. the morning 3 Tuesday, May 5, 2020 business

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR

After the position was left vacant for almost two years, the state-owned telecommunication provider Sri Lanka SLT appoints Group CEO Telecom PLC (SLT) has announced an appointment to the role of Group CEO in a bid to enhance synergy amongst the subsidiaries of SLT. Yesterday (4), in a disclosure to to enhance synergy the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), SLT announced the appointment Chartered Engineer and a member of Lalith Mohan Seneviratne as zFills position left vacant for over two years of the Institution of Engineering the Group CEO, less than four by the board to improve co-operation SLT’s subsidiaries include Mobitel group missing opportunities in the and Technology UK. In 1988, he months after his initial appointment between about eight companies that (Pvt.) Ltd., SLT VisionCom (Pvt.) market. became the Head of Engineering of Lalith Mohan Seneviratne to the SLT Board. Seneviratne come under the purview of SLT Ltd., SLT Publications (Pvt.) Ltd., “If we take SLT and Mobitel Celltel, setting up South Asia’s first was appointed as a Non-executive Group. Sky Network (Pvt.) Ltd., Sri Lanka into consideration, there are a lot mobile telephone network. Currently, Directors A.K. Seneviratne and Director along with several new Dileepa Wijesundera assumed Telecom (Services) Ltd. (SLTS), of areas in which we can work Seneviratne is a member of the Ranjith Rubasinghe. appointments to the board on 23 duties as the SLT Group CEO in SLT Human Capital Solutions (Pvt.) together. There is much less synergy board of directors of four mini hydro Listed on the CSE, the company’s January, and was appointed as the March 2015 and resigned in March Ltd., SLT Property Management between the mobile arm and fixed companies. market capitalisation as at 31 Group CEO with effect from 1 May. 2018. Since then a group CEO had (Pvt.) Ltd., Sri Lanka Technological communication arm. If you really The present Board of Directors December 2018 topped Rs. 42.23 Speaking to The Morning not been appointed. Campus (Pvt.) Ltd. (SLTC), look at the development side and comprises Non-executive billion. The two main shareholders Business, SLT CEO Kiththi Perera “SLT is largely operating as an eChannelling PLC, and Galle market opportunities, there is a lot Directors Chan Chee Beng and of SLT as at end-2018 were the noted that the appointment does not independent company. There was a Submarine Cable Depot (Pvt.) Ltd. of synergy we can establish for the Lai Choon Foong; Independent Government of Sri Lanka which held replace anyone as it was left vacant need for a leader to basically take care According to Perera, at betterment of the group. This synergy Non-executive Directors Lawrence a 49.5% stake in SLT through the following the resignation of former of the companies that come under the the moment there is a lack of is mainly going to be driven by the Paratz, Lalith Seneviratne, and Secretary to the Treasury and Global Group CEO Dileepa Wijesundera. group and to establish synergy among co-ordination between these Group CEO,” Perera explained. Mohan Weerakoon PC; and Non- Telecommunication Holdings (GTH) He added that this is a move made them,” Perera stated. companies which resulted in the Lalith Mohan Seneviratne is a Independent Non-Executive N.V. which owned a stake of 44.98%. Teejay Lanka Head Office Listed companies’ Q3 earnings drop but banks, telcos profit The December quarter earnings for PLC (HNB) 266 companies listed on the Colombo (+28% YoY) and Stock Exchange (CSE) dipped by PLC (SAMP) (+29% YoY). HNB 4.7% year-over-year (YoY) to Rs. 66.6 and SAMP profits were boosted due Teejay Lanka bullish billion, primarily owing to sluggish to the fall in impairments by 48% performance in food, beverage, and YoY and 21% YoY, respectively. The tobacco (-35% YoY), insurance (-41% telecommunication sector recorded a on PPE-led recovery YoY), and capital goods (-23% YoY) growth of 259% YoY mainly due to BY UWIN LUGODA Director Hasitha Premaratne in the sectors, according to the Quarterly PLC (DIAL), recording statement. Results Review from First Capital an earnings growth of 2538% YoY, Amidst Covid-19, Teejay According to Premaratne, with Research. However, an upside in primarily driven by the foreign Lanka PLC is set to enter the its existing product range – the one earnings was witnessed in banks exchange gain compared to the heavy personal protective equipment currently in development – and the (+17% YoY), telecommunication exchange loss incurred in the previous (PPE) industry by developing strength of the balance sheet, with (+259% YoY), materials (+101% year. new sophisticated fabric products, positive cash balances including the YoY), and diversified financials Listed companies’ quarterly earnings for 2018 and 2019 The material sector presented a having seen the potential in the company’s capability to leverage (+3% YoY), negating the negative growth of 101% YoY in profits as a industry. further, they will be able to weather performance in the above-mentioned declined by -20% YoY in line with reversal). result of Tokyo Cement Company They have anticipated that the the impact posed by Covid-19. sectors, the review showed. the dip in financial income and PLC (JKH) recorded a downturn in (Lanka) PLC (TKYO) which posted PPE industry has tremendous Initially, following the Nestlé Lanka PLC (NEST) dipped by earnings of -50% YoY primarily due earnings of Rs. 257.0 million relative potential to draw new customers decision taken by the Sri Lankan Weakened earnings -17% YoY along with the weakened to the leisure sector still harbouring to a Rs. 174.5-million loss posted in based on the existing capabilities Government, to deal with the Lackluster performance in the food, consumer demand and rise in cost of the impact of the Easter Sunday Dec 2018 and improved performance of the company, and the company pandemic, the company closed beverage and tobacco, insurance, sales. Accordingly, mainly led by the attacks, exchange losses on its foreign in PLC has some new developments in down its plants in Sri Lanka on and capital goods sectors was mainly above counters, the sector recorded a currency denominated by cash (LLUB), led by strong top-line growth the pipeline which are currently 17 March and had no production owing to the lower consumer spending decline of 35% YoY. holdings compared to the previous of 15% YoY. The diversified financials pending approval from regulatory for three weeks. After this, the stemming from subdued economic A dip of 41% YoY in insurance year, and lower finance income as a sector posted a growth of 3% YoY bodies. company identified that fabric was growth. The profit dip of Ceylon sector earnings was primarily driven result of the deployment of cash in with LOLC Development Finance According to a statement released available in their inventory, which Tobacco Company (CTC) was due to by Ceylinco Insurance PLC (CINS) new investments leading to a -23% PLC (LOLC), LB Finance PLC by the company, following the was suitable to produce masks. successive tax hikes affecting volumes by -15% YoY and Janashakthi YoY decline in capital goods sector (LFIN), and People’s Leasing and Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Teejay Hence, they donated material for which resulted in the -24% YoY in Insurance PLC (JINS) by -98% YoY earnings. Finance PLC (PLC) posting earnings Lanka PLC commenced operations the production of two million earnings, while Brown Investments (due to a rise in benefits, claims, growth of 13% YoY, 27% YoY, and to develop fabric, alongside the Sri masks for the armed forces as well PLC (BIL) recorded a dip of -195% and expenses). In addition, HNB Signs of recovery 6% YoY, respectively, while earnings Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology as the medical fraternity, with the YoY mainly due to a rise in cost Assurance PLC (HASU) recorded The banking sector witnessed a were supported by the strong net (SLINTEC) and local academia, for involvement of the Joint Apparel of production and administration. a decline of 66% YoY (due to profit growth of 17% YoY to record interest margin (NIM), First Capital the PPE industry, for products like Association Forum Sri Lanka PLC (MELS) earnings the previous year recording a tax Rs. 23.0 billion primarily driven by Research noted. masks and overalls. (JAAFSL) “With the existing situation, the Teejay Lanka PLC is known company commenced a strategy for manufacturing weft knit fabric to capture the growing demand which is used mainly for men’s Huawei donates ICT LAUGFS Eco Sri for PPE and embarked into the and women’s undergarments, exportation of commercial orders loungewear, and yoga pants, equipment worth Rs. 50 m resumes emission testing of PPE such as masks during this catering to markets like the US and period,” said Teejay Lanka PLC the EU. to fight Covid-19 in all non-curfew areas Huawei, leading From 20 April onwards, global ICT solution LAUGFS Eco Sri Ltd., a pioneer provider, yesterday (4) in vehicle emission testing in Sri donated ICT equipment Lanka, has opened its vehicle worth nearly Rs. 50 emission testing centres in all million to Sri Lanka to operational areas, in which the fight against the Covid- curfew has been relaxed. Centres 19 pandemic. in areas under curfew including Accordingly, five Colombo, Kalutara, Gampaha, sets of Huawei high- and Puttalam will not be open Eco-Sri staff taking every precaution to ensure customer safety definition video Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Secretary to during this time. Fixed centres conference systems the Prime Minister Gamini Senarath, and Huawei Sri will operate until 6 p.m. and It is recommended for were provided to help Lanka CEO Liang Yi, Deputy CEO Yao Duoni, Director mobile centres will operate until customers to avoid entering the of Public and Government Affairs Christophe Lee, and the government sector Manager of Public and Government Affairs Jithendra 5 p.m., in order to serve the needs centre if they have a fever, cough, to make decisions Antonio were present during the event of customer vehicular emission sore throat, or other symptoms Private sector supports with less risk by testing, except in the cases of of illness. Only a single person minimising personal Huawei’s timely Sri Lankan people and suddenly imposed curfew. should be present with their setting up of Molecular contact. Further, this support to help us the nation. The right In accordance with health and vehicle and it is necessary to wear donation includes six fight the coronavirus and timely measures safety precautions for Covid- a mask at all times. Customers high-precision thermal with cutting-edge adopted by the 19, all Eco Sri staff have been are requested to remain in their Diagnostic Lab at IDH cameras which will technological Government, together thoroughly trained with safety vehicle until advised to step out A new Molecular Diagnostic temporary lab facility was be deployed to key solutions, to improve in solidarity with all Sri protocols when engaging with for the testing process. Customers Laboratory of the National originally established at the spots, to aid the fast the efficiency of Lankans, have paved customers and their vehicles. will need to provide the regular Institute of Infectious Diseases IDH and was operational location of potential remote communication the way to combat this Testing centres have been documentation required for the (IDH) was declared open on 28 from 29 March 2020 until the risks on high accuracy for the government challenge, amongst rearranged in order to facilitate testing process and are requested April 2020 by Director General more permanent facility was standards. sector,” the Prime all the challenges Sri the necessary social/physical to avoid touching surfaces of of Health Services Dr. Anil commissioned. This facility is “We have only one Minister added. Lanka has overcome in distancing and all staff have doors, windows, walls, or testing Jasinghe. expected to be further enhanced common enemy at Further, he stated: the past. been trained in additional safety equipment within the centre. The new laboratory was in the future. the moment and it is “I hope in the future, Huawei Sri Lanka protocols to be followed before Although license renewal made possible due to funding The establishment of the coronavirus; the more ICT companies CEO Liang Yi said: and after entering vehicles for the dates have been extended, it is and pledges received from the the Molecular Diagnostic Government fulfils its such as Huawei, “We believe emerging testing procedures. recommended for customers private sector donors Melstacorp Laboratory in situ at IDH has solemn responsibility together with the ICT technologies In addition to careful hand to have their emission testing PLC, John Keells Holdings PLC, facilitated testing capacity, to maintain the normal whole nation, can such as 5G, IoT, washing hygiene and constant done within this period when Deutsche Bank, and South Asia reduced the test turnaround life of the people. The continuously boost the AI, and cloud play sanitisation, all staff will maintain convenient, in order to avoid Gateway Terminals (Pvt.) Ltd., times, and also improved clinical difference between digital transformation important roles a one-metre distance and will be long waiting times due to as well as the Welfare Society of management of patients being life and death is how in our country and during this prevailing equipped with face masks and overcrowding. Prior to departure the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation treated at IDH, as it enables we battle this together improve the prosperity situation. Huawei gloves. Staff health is monitored for testing, it is recommended for and Sri Lanka (SLC) tests to be processed within IDH with efforts from all and healthy lives of will continuously throughout the day to mitigate the customer to run their vehicle President Shammi Silva, who itself. The laboratory will also the sectors,” said Prime our people.” support Sri Lanka any risk to customers. To ensure for at least 10 km and to ensure were represented at the opening. help prevent possible biohazards Minister Mahinda He went on to with cutting-edge that the customer’s safety is that the engine has been running The laboratory was surrounding the disposal and Rajapaksa. address that the technologies, to help maintained at all times, the staff for a minimum of 15 minutes. established to meet the urgent transportation of infectious “I’m glad to see the Government has this beautiful island have been trained to securely This is to ensure that the engine need to increase the testing materials, while enabling the ICT sector contributing imposed strict health to win this pandemic handle documents and cash with of the vehicle will heat up to capacity of Sri Lanka following prompt discharge of individuals their unique values directives which have battle and bring joy and precautions and ensure that all the required temperature after the Covid-19 outbreak. A who have been tested negative. during this challenging been formulated to contentment back to equipment is regularly disinfected remaining dormant during curfew time, and we appreciate safeguard the health of people’s lives.” throughout the day. hours. 4 the morning brunch Tuesday, May 5, 2020 British Council launches Creative Economies report Provides cross-cutting recommendations for growth BY BERNADINE RODRIGO attempt at creating a framework realised, then interest and investment arts, heritage and crafts, software for industries with a strong will frequently follow. Now is the design, advertising and branding, The creative sector doesn’t “creative” element and developing time for Sri Lanka to recognise the architecture, interior design, graphic always get the recognition an understanding of their current value and the potential of its rich and design, industrial design, fashion it deserves in terms of its situation and major challenges. diverse creative heritage and build on design, publishing, television and The main objective of the event its creative and entrepreneurial talent radio, digital media, and film and contribution to the economy, was to discuss the implementation of to contribute to its economic and video. The study showed that the employment, and in terms the recommendations and consider social prosperity.” industry might actually be larger of its potential to further ways forward for the creative In his keynote speech, Newbigin than expected here; while growth is strengthen the brand value economy in these challenging times. OBE said: “This is an excellent seen in the workforce of the creative of Sri Lanka as a tourist The online event on Saturday report. The creative sector is one industry in Sri Lanka, almost 3% of destination. featured a presentation of the of the fastest growing industries in the economically active workforce On Saturday, 2 May, the British report, the keynote speech, and a the world, the UN (United Nations) is involved in this industry. Out of Council hosted a live event via Zoom panel discussion, which featured makes this point frequently that this 3%, what is described as an to launch their research report titled contributions from researcher across all regions, it’s a growing “overwhelming majority” of workers “The creative and cultural industries and writer Annemari de Silva, worldwide phenomenon.” come from the private sector, in Sri Lanka”. Speakers and panellists IPS Research Economist Dilani demonstrating that these individuals for the event joined from both the UK Hirimuthugodage, Newbigin OBE, are generating wealth and public and Sri Lanka. The keynote speaker Selyn Handlooms Director Selyna earnings through taxation rather than was former Creative Chair Peiris, Linda Speldewinde of Design depending on state resources. and current British Council Chair of Corp Group, and economist Anushka Another interesting find was that the Arts and Creative Advisory Panel, Wijesinha, whose main areas of the creative industry in Sri Lanka dramatic shift in world economics “creative and cultural” industry; Sri Mayor of London’s Ambassador for focus are innovation and economic does not employ just one specific and that presently, ideas – that is IP – Lanka, being a country full of culture Creative Industries John Newbigin competitiveness. type of individual; it employs people is much more valuable than physical as we all know, is well capable of OBE. Some of the key from both educated and uneducated work. contributing in this respect. “Creative industry” is of course recommendations discussed were: backgrounds, demonstrating He spoke about the Fourth Newbigin said what people a very vague term comprising yy Positioning Sri Lanka as an ethical inclusivity. Industrial Revolution – the rise in around the world want to see and many different fields ranging from and sustainable creative hub The researchers suggested that robotics – and said that while it is hear is our stories and authenticity. filmmaking to songwriting to making Sri Lanka should be positioned on yy Supporting Sri Lanka’s position in removing most of the mainstream He took the example of how arts and crafts to architecture and the word stage as an ethical and global value chains jobs requiring physical labour, it is South Korea rose by presenting design and more. sustainable creative hub. It should less likely that jobs which require their culture to the world through What they aimed to do was find yy Improving data on cultural and also improve data on this industry, creativity would be threatened by television and music, which was out how the creative industry was creative industries develop a strong professional robotics. something which the entire world faring in our country and suggest association for this industry, yy Developing a strong professional He also spoke about how Sri embraced; ultimately, they even ways in which it can be improved. and importantly, strengthen the association for cultural and Lanka has two very large neighbours went on to be awarded an Oscar The report provides recommendations British Council Sri Lanka knowledge on IP rights, which is creative industries who are putting in a lot of effort – the first time a non-English to address some urgent subsector Manager – Arts Menika Van Der greatly lacking amongst the majority into these industries – India and language, foreign film (Parasite) challenges, as well as cross-cutting yy Strengthening knowledge about Poorten commented: “The launch of of the county’s common people. China. He said they have invested won the award. recommendations for growth of the and access to intellectual property the report mapping the state of the They noticed that theft of IP greatly in this industry after seeing Two representatives of local sector as a whole. (IP) rights; IP theft was a major creative and cultural economy in Sri was extremely common amongst all its growth trajectory within the past success stories, Selyna Pieris, owner The British Council concern spanning all creative Lanka today is the culmination of one creative subsectors. They also noted years. A very good example of this of Selyn Fair Trade, and Linda commissioned the Institute of subsectors phase of this journey. Going forward, that it was important to inculcate the is the entertainment industry in India Speldewinde of Design Corp were Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) we will support the creative sector value of this sector n the people of Sri yy Valuing creative education, which even we Sri Lankans are very also present at the launch and spoke to carry out research and a mapping and its activities for implementation Lanka through education. strengthening the teaching familiar with and even love. about how although it is difficult at exercise to establish what the creative of the recommendations of the So, what is the value of this of creative skills across the The researchers and Newbigin present, with a slight nudge in the economy landscape looks like for Sri report.” industry? The most common answer curriculum spoke about how Sri Lanka has so right direction, Sri Lanka’s creative Lanka. During the study, the researchers given by those involved in the study much potential to do well in this industry will boom. The aim was to conduct a In the foreword to the report studied a cross section of local was that it is the fastest growing industry. They spoke about how The report can be baseline study of the current value British Council Sri Lanka Country individuals involved in the industry industry in the world. The keynote the industry was not simply the downloaded from www.bit.ly/ and state of the cultural and creative Director Gill Caldicott said: “When in the fields of photography, visual speaker at the launch, Newbigin OBE “creative” industry but rather the CreativeEconomiesReportSL. industry in Sri Lanka. It is the first the economic value of creativity is arts, performing arts, literature, says that this is part of a much bigger,

ASKa a doctor Justice for Animals continues Q I have heard vitamin to care for our animals D is good for you. BY BERNADINE RODRIGO it was changed to their current name How do I increase “Animal Health Camp”. my daily intake of The Sri Bodhiraja Foundation is a “We realised the street or homeless charity foundation which was gazetted dogs had many other issues, like skin vitamin D and what on 29 July 1993 under the Sri Bodhiraja conditions that needed to be treated; are its benefits? Foundation (Incorporation) Act (No. owned dogs were also being brought in 30 of 1993), created especially for the for treatments. Additionally, we gave Vitamin D is produced by our purpose of maintaining the wellbeing of them the rabies vaccines, therefore Animal body in response to the skin being A the less fortunate citizens of our country. Health Camp was a more appropriate exposed to sunlight. It occurs Their work has been going on for decades name,” explained a spokesperson from the naturally in certain foods, including some right up until the very present and now project. fish (salmon, sardines), fish liver oils, egg they have begun to expand the scope of While this is basically what is known yolk, and mushrooms. their work towards the maintenance of as a “CNR programme” (catch – neuter It is essential for strengthening the the wellbeing of suffering animals of Sri – release), they have conducted other bones and helps the body use calcium Lanka. services such as providing essential from the diet. Vitamin D deficiency has Their latest campaign is the “Justice surgeries. been associated with rickets, a condition for Animals” campaign, through which The greatest challenge is getting where the bones don’t mineralise properly, they provide beneficial healthcare for adequate funds to cover the cost of these making them soft, which leads to skeletal animals – usually strays who are found programmes. They are currently funded by deformities. But increasingly, research in bad conditions on the streets of our donations. However, what they have right is revealing the importance of vitamin country. now is not enough. D in protecting against a host of health Justice for Animals is an initiative “We could carry out many more problems including claims that suggest which was proposed and currently headed (programmes) and reduce the stray dog boosting immunity. by Sri Bodhiraja Foundation President population and also reduce the occurrence Symptoms of bone pain and muscle Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobitha Thero. He is of rabies/rabid dog bites if we receive weakness can indicate a vitamin D a firm believer of bringing justice to our fact that many come and abandon cats this programme were provided free of adequate donations,” the spokesperson deficiency. However, for many people, furry friends and believes strongly that and dogs in the temple premises. Out of charge by the Department of Health in said. the symptoms are subtle. However, even they are our younger siblings. He says the kindness of their hearts, the monks Anuradhapura. If anyone wants to donate or help without symptoms, a deficiency in vitamin that it is important to use our wisdom as have kept these animals with them and This programme is not only for stray them out, there are more than enough D can pose health risks. Deficiencies “higher creatures” who have the gift of have taken care of them to the best of or homeless dogs – who are caught by the ways through which this can be done. Of are associated with cardiovascular intellect to serve these younger siblings of their abilities. However, the temple, being dogcatchers – but also for domesticated course, there are the usual cash donations, diseases, cognitive impairment in older ours in any way we can. Hence, Justice a religious institution based on simplicity, dogs and cats of people who are unable which can be useful to them as they adults, severe asthma in children, and for Animals was launched in order to does not have the adequate means nor to afford the cost of taking their pet to have to pay the team of vets. Moreover, predisposition to certain cancers. provide a platform for all animal welfare staff to take care of the health of these a vet or are simply unable to access vet one can also donate by way of offering Supplementation may be effective, groups and individuals to unite to create animals. facilities. lodging, breakfast, lunch, and dinner in especially those who are deficient. Hence, a world which looks at animals with Hence, the Justice for Animals The project used to simply be called locations where the team of vets have to before taking supplements you should compassion and brings them justice. campaign came into action. The goals “Spay & Neuter Clinic”. However, later stay overnight. So far, they have even consult your doctor and have your serum They have not allowed the of this health camp was to prevent more received donations of yoghurt to be given vitamin status measured. lockdown to affect the help they give animals being born and to attend to to the animals who have been brought for animals. A healthcare unit for animals their general health – skin condition and surgery/treatment. ANSWERED BY in Anuradhapura was instituted, which rabies vaccinations and even feeding The cost of treating one dog in a Dr. Dineshani Hettiarachchi started on 28 April and came to an end them – all of which was done by their simple way amounts up to around Rs. MBBS, MSc Regenerative yesterday (4 May). vet team known as “Vets For Future”. 1,800, which is quite a large amount Medicine, MCGP, SEDA (UK). They have previously conducted spay Their Project Co-ordinator was Shobha considering how many times it must be Dr. Hettiarachchi is a family Wijekoon and the project comprised two multiplied in order to help as many dogs physician and a lecturer at neuter clinics in Dodangoda, Gonapola, the Department of Anatomy Chilaw, Kalpitiya, and Puttalam. vets, two assistants, and a few specialist as the organisation would like, as of and Human Genetics Unit, Their most recent work with stray dogcatchers. course, it isn’t easy to help these animals Faculty of Medicine at the While working at the temple, they without considering the cost. University of Colombo. dogs was carried out at the Thanthirimale Email Dr. Hettiarachchi on Rajamaha Viharaya as they had requests also covered the city of Anuradhapura, If anyone would like to make any [email protected] from the Head Monk of the temple to with assistance from the Department donations towards the cause, they can if you have any more questions you’d like of Health in Anuradhapura. In support contact Animal Health Camp Co-ordinator answered here. come and conduct a programme there. The monks there have shed light on the of the effort, rabies vaccinations for Tashiya on 0777 389 009. the morning Tuesday, May 5, 2020 sports

Soccer fans in for long wait No more postponing No crowds, but T20 WC can still go on! England’s Football Association Chairman Greg Clarke Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President The fate of the men’s T20 World Cup in , has said it is hard to see fans returning to matches Narinder Batra has claimed the rescheduled slated for later this year, could yet come down “any time soon”. If the Premier League resumes, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will “definitely” be held to the likely absence of crowds rather than the matches will be initially played behind closed doors. in 2021 amid concerns over staging the Games challenge of getting teams into the country, “With social distancing in place for some time to before a vaccine for Covid-19 is found. Batra Australian Sports Minister Richard Colbeck come, we do face substantial changes to the whole told members of the Athletics Federation of said yesterday (4). The final decision, on the football ecosystem,” Clarke said yesterday (4). India (AFI) on Sunday (3) to ignore suggestions tournament however, will not be taken until the event could again be curtailed. August, it was also reported.

World famous BBC yesterday (4) announced that they have shortlisted Sri Lanka’s two phenomenal batsmen, Aravinda de Silva and Kumar Sangakkara, among the cream of international cricket’s greatest players in an open- to-all online vote to select each of England county’s greatest overseas player, during the last half century. “It has now been over half a century since the doors were opened to allow overseas cricketers to start playing English county cricket on a regular basis. Most of the world’s best have since graced the county game in one form or another. But, at a time when the affordability of overseas players is being questioned in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, maybe now is the moment to consider who has been each county’s best overseas player,” said BBC Sport yesterday. With the help of BBC’s local radio cricket commentary teams, BBC Sport has whittled Kent's shortlist (left to right): John Shepherd, Carl Hooper, Asif Iqbal, and Aravinda de Silva with Kumara Sangakkara, who is among Surrey’s shortlisted players it down to four selections from each of the Viv Richards, and Alfonso Thomas 18 counties. yy Surrey: Intikhab Alam, Kumar “Such is the quality of choice that great Sangakkara, Saqlain Mushtaq, and names including Allan , Sunil Gavaskar, Sylvester Clarke Sourav Ganguly, Muttiah Muralitharan, Martin Crowe, Shaun Pollock, and Glenn yy Sussex: , Murray Goodwin, McGrath have not made the shortlists,” it Mushtaq Ahmed, and Steve Magoffin also clarified. yy Warwickshire: , Further elaborating on its selection criteria, , , and Alvin BBC added: “Our nominations are not based VOTE NOW! Kallicharran purely on runs and , but on their yy Worcestershire: Glen Turner, Ron lasting legacy and star quality – that magical z Aravinda, Sangakkara shortlisted among world’s greatest legends Headley, Tom Moody, and Vanburn ingredient which gets bums on seats, helps Holder win trophies, and even then has the added in just 33 matches in three seasons for Surrey Callum Thorp Engineer, Ted McDonald, and Wasim bonus parting shot of ‘and he was a good (2015-17), totalling 3,400 first-class runs at Akram y yy Essex: Keith Boyce, Ken McEwan, y Yorkshire: Kane Williamson, Sachin bloke too’.” 62.96. That and his 1,941 limited-over runs Mark Waugh, and yy Leicestershire: Brian Davison, Hylton Tendulkar, Jacques Rudolph, and Darren Here are the introductions the world are dwarfed by his record for Sri Lanka, for Ackerman, , and Winston Lehman renowned website has given for the Sri Lankan whom he made more than 28,000 runs across yy Glamorgan: , Michael Benjamin maestros: all formats. His happy, smiling countenance Kasprovicz, Sir Viv Richards, and Waqar yy Middlesex: Chris Rogers, Desmond Aravinda de Silva (Kent): The Sri Lanka and quality of batsmanship left a marvellous Younis Haynes, Vintcent van der Bijl, and Visitors of the BBC website can star had just one season at Canterbury, but impression at The Oval. yy Gloucestershire: , Zaheer Wayne Daniel make their selection now. The votes what a season. He made 473 runs, including Abbas, , and Ian Harvey yy Northamptonshire: Bishan Bedi, will remain open until Thursday, 7 two tons, as Kent won the 1995 Sunday The four shortlisted players of May. The winners will be revealed League, hit a Lord’s century in the Benson each of the 18 English counties yy Hampshire: Shane Warne, Gordon Courtley Ambrose, , and on the BBC Sport website shortly & Hedges Cup final defeat by Lancashire, Greenidge, , and Barry afterwards. In the first six hours of and struck six tons in his 1,661 runs from 15 yy Derbyshire: Eddie Barlow, John Wright, Richards yy Nottinghamshire: David Hussey, Sir Peter Kirsten, and Michael Holding voting, Sangakkara led Surrey’s votes Championship matches. That was not enough yy Kent: John Shepherd, Carl Hooper, Asif , , and Sir with 42%, over second-placed Saqlain to prevent Kent finishing bottom of the table. yy Durham: David Boon, Dale Iqbal, and Aravinda de Silva Mushtaq who got 21% of the votes. Kumar Sangakkara (Surrey): Hit 14 tons Benkenstein, Michael Di Venuto, and yy Lancashire: Clive Lloyd, Farouck yy Somerset: Bill Alley, Joel Garner, Sir

things are not important. Here’s a story. The virtues of It will make your children happy It happened at the end of a chess tournament Cricket boards in tatters

for veterans. There was a clear winner. The BY REVATHA S. SILVA runner up had scored less than him but more risk-free generosity than the two people who tied for third place. Covid-19 strikes the finances of Now in chess tournaments, most ties can be boards right across the cricketing broken. There are multiple tie-break formulas world like no other time in known INTERCEPTION which are informed to participants beforehand. history So there was an official third, fourth, fifth, by Malinda and so on. There was some trophy too; less Bilateral series going in disarray one by one Seneviratne impressive than what the winner and runner- like a pack of cards and “the postponement” up took home. avatar haunts cricket’s biggest money-spinners It wasn’t an important tournament. The of our time – the Indian Premier League (IPL) The first book of the Asterix series that I prizes were modest. And the players essentially and the T20 World Cup – making cricketing read was Asterix and the Olympic Games. played because they loved the game and super powers including Australia, according That was the beginning of a life-long wanted to have fun with people they had to some, on the verge of bankruptcy. fascination with the work of Goscinny and played competitive chess decades before. Cricket Australia (CA) has secured a loan SLC CEO Ashley de Silva Uderzo. I have my favourites and of course The person who lost out on the tie-break was, of $ 50 million (Rs. 9 billion) as an upfront But SLC CEO Ashley de Silva denied those there are moments that are more memorable however, distraught. It meant a lot to him. He payment, as part of a larger $ 200 million allegations outright, when inquired about it than others, but right now I am thinking of had travelled a fair distance to take part. He (Rs. 37 billion) credit, which it has sought by The Morning Sports yesterday (4). the last frame of this book. had been a good player, but not a great one. to cover the losses if India fails to tour the “We have been paying all our players their All the stories end with a banquet with He had never been among the strongest at country later this year due to the Covid-19 contracts up to date. There is no delay at all. the bard Cacofonix gagged and tied up to any time of his career. “You take this home. pandemic, The Hindu reported on Sunday (3). Not a single payment has been delayed for the prevent him from singing. Alls well that It will make your children happy.” According to a report published in The players. Financially we (SLC) are very sound. ends well, essentially. The village (we know Morning Herald, stakeholders We didn’t pay the bonus to our employees and love so well) are celebrating the return particular fielder confided that he wasn’t Risk-free generosity have been informed that the loan with the because of the current situation. It has nothing of the heroes and Asterix’s famous victory. really sure if he had caught it clean. That’s Offered with heart. Received with surprise Commonwealth Bank is a “done deal”. to do with the finances. If the organisation is The druid Getafix notices that Asterix hasn’t sportsmanship for it upholds the best spirits and gratitude. Let’s not go into the morality “However, it raised fresh questions about not functioning (due to the present curfew) how brought his palm of victory. Asterix explains of the game and theoretically, could cost the of things here, about deceiving children. CA’s decision to stand down 80% of its staff can you pay the bonuses?,” de Silva remarked. that he gave it to someone who needed it game for “the sportsman”. Let’s just call it white lies. Let’s focus on due to financial crisis. CA stood down more more, Gluteus Maximus, a Roman soldier what’s best and not the worst in people. Like than 200 staff on 20% pay until the end of Windies too who desperately wanted to win and please Virat could have declined how Angelo Matthews, as Captain, played June with Chief Executive Kevin Roberts International media revealed last month Julius Caesar. A nice gesture it is, however, because dot ball after dot ball just so his partner, fearing they might run out of money by that cricketers in the West Indies too have it’s rare. People don’t really stop to ask Dinesh Chandimal could get his maiden August if the drastic cuts were not made,” not been paid their match fees since January Not really sportsmanship themselves, “does someone need this more ODI century. Murali, from the dressing the above report added. this year due to a severe cash crunch in their Not all trophies and medals are transferrable. than I do?” Gambhir had to do it in front of room, was visibly livid. Matthews was duly It further warned “CA is staring at losing governing body. While the players’ retainer Well, they are, but only unofficially. Gautham the television cameras. Asterix, a fictional castigated for putting victory at risk. And a staggering AUS $ 300 m (Rs. 364 billion) has been cleared, Cricket West Indies (CWI) Gambhir once passed a Man of the Match character, was made to do it quietly by his yet, there’s something good about noticing in the wake of the pandemic...” has admitted the non-payment of match fees. award (fourth ODI vs Sri Lanka in 2009 creators. Well, if he made a song and dance someone needing something and (as in this The pandemic would still end up costing the where he scored 150 to secure an unlikely win about it or if someone saw, it wouldn’t case) making it possible for him to get it. SLC financially ‘very sound’ Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) $ 5.2 million (Rs. for India) to Virat Kohli (who also scored a have the intended effect. Caesar wouldn’t Not sportsmanship, strictly speaking. Risk- Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) too 984 million) but its President Ehsan Mani has century). It was Gambhir’s way of encouraging have made Gluteus a centurion and his boss free generosity, one might call it (Gambhir faces similar financial repercussions of the said he “would not try and balance the books a highly talented young player. Veriambitius a tribune. could afford to forego, let’s not forget). pandemic which necessitates it to cut down by taking it out on players and employees”. Some say it is sportsmanship, but I am Now Virat could have declined. Makes a memory, though. on its employees’ April bonus and allegedly “The players and employees are the priority not really sure. There have been occasions Goscinny and Uderzo could have made (The writer could be reached at the quarterly payment of the player contract of the board. The PCB is nothing without its when a captain has called back a batsman Gluteus refuse too. Let’s not get into the [email protected]. or www. money. The promised allowances to the players and officials,” Mani said, as quoted and given out caught in the slips after the ethics of accepting here. Sometimes, such malindawords.blogspot.com) member clubs too have allegedly been halted. by the media recently.