highlights Thursday 10 December 2020 Violence Latest Edition on Vol: 10/017 Price : Rs 30.00 Women In Sports page A5 All-rounder EU Must Gunarathne seals the deal for Kandy Break The arrival of Dale Steyn Brexit gave Kandy Tuskers the much-needed boost as he Deadlock executed his bowling... A16 page A6

Five-Member Spl Forensic Experts’ Panel to conduct Mahara post-mortems at IDH COPE Finds Failed Magistrate postpones decision on ICTA Projects burial/cremation Says that the evidence along with the fact Cost Rs 508M that it is a criminal matter will be considered Requests for confidential autopsy reports Rs 278 million Electronic-Pension Valuation Dept ordered to assess property damages and losses Project a failure

AG instructs CID on angles of the probe By Gagani Weerakoon and Pension Project, initiated by ICTA at has been spent on Project Methmalie Dissanayake a cost of Rs 278 million, is a promotions. y uwan aknath ayakody B R L J Coordinating Officer to the Attorney complete failure. ICTA had been COPE disclosed that Rs 850.47 and Hansi Nanayakkara General, State Counsel Nishara The conduct of the Information and entrusted with the responsibility of million had been approved for the Jayaratne, who appeared on behalf Communication Technology Agency developing the hardware and Project ‘Lanka Government Network The Wattala-Welisara Magistrate of the Attorney General at the of Sri Lanka (ICTA) was heavily software for the Project using (LGN)’ in 2016 with the aim of Buddhika Sri Ragala, whilst inquest (case number criticised by the Parliament Government funding to initially establishing an efficient Government ordering post-mortems to be B/3118/2020) into the recent watchdog, the Committee on Public provide pensions online to the service by connecting Government conducted on the bodies of the 11 deaths of 11 prisoners at the Enterprises (COPE), on 8 December, pensioners of the Western Province institutions through a network and prisoners who died during the Mahara Prison, which resumed at as several projects initiated by the covering the District Secretariat, the Rs 148.33 million had been spent for recent Mahara Prison incident, had the Wattala-Welisara Magistrate’s ICTA have been complete failures in Armed Forces, the Department of the Project. COPE revealed that the said, a decision on whether to bury Court yesterday (9), made an recent years, causing a waste of Prisons, the Department of Railways progress of the Project was only 17 or cremate the deceased, application that the bodies about Rs 508.7 million. and the Department of Civil Defence. per cent. subsequent to the completion of the containing the COVID-19 infection COPE questioned ICTA as to what However, given various software and It was also revealed that Rs 32.5 autopsies, would be taken in should be cremated following the the logic behind initiating more hardware issues, the Project was not million had been spent for the consideration of the fact that this conclusion of the post-mortems in projects was when there are such implemented islandwide and was procurement of the Project by the concerns a criminal matter and order to prevent any harmful effects failures and ordered for a report on abandoned on 1 November 2013. National Intellectual Property Office also the evidence involved. to society, and requested that the the unsuccessful ICTA projects from Also, Rs 1.8 million has been spent under the name e-NIPO has been This decision was informed by Court give an order in this 2013 to 2019. to release Google Loon equipment utilised by ICTA to pay salaries of the Magistrate when the connection. It was revealed that the Electronic- from the Customs and Rs 6.4 million officials. Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2

AG instructs DG Health Services Floating body COVID-19 dead not Plantation Sector hard Dutch Monk killed and claimed by relatives dumped in lagoon? hit by Virus spread Police teams, CID investigate to be cremated By Keerthi Mendis, Upul Mahesh, By Hansi Nanayakkara Kamal Wijeyehewa, Damith Sadaruwan, Dharmadasa Siriwardane and Gunapala Irathnawalli Coordinating Officer to the Attorney General, State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne said, the Attorney The Senior DIG of the Southern Province Roshan General, Dappula De Livera PC has given instructions Silva yesterday (9), ordered several Police teams to to the Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela launch an immediate probe into the mysterious Gunawardena to forthwith cremate the bodies of death of a Dutch Buddhist Monk who passed away those who have succumbed to COVID-19 and have under suspicious circumstances while engaging in not been claimed by relatives. meditation at the Polgasduwa Temple in Rathgama. Story Continued on page 2 He said, two Special Police Teams have been deployed and noted that a CID Team had also been brought from Colombo. Sri Lanka’s Story Continued on page 2 COVID-19 cases pass By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan control before a serious community spread Rs 2.3 billion 30,000 mark occurs and to do that all schools in the Fear is abound in the estate and Central Province should be closed, stated By Thameenah Razeek, Dilanthi plantation sectors with the sudden surge former National Organiser of the National outstanding on Jayamanne, Sulochana Ramiah Mohan, in COVID-19 infections, especially in the Union of Labour and former Ambagamuwa M.A.P. Deen (Ampara Correspondent) and Norwood area and several places in Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman G. Excise Dept earnings Shiran Ranasinghe Nuwara Eliya. Naguleswaran. He said, around 600 were It is reported that several teachers and detected as COVID-19 infected in the 2015-2019 The total number of COVID-19 cases in the country students have been infected. Kandy and Nuwara Eliya Districts, while exceeded 30,000 last night, Army Commander The situation should be brought under some schools were still operating. By Gagani Weerakoon and Methmalie Shavendra Silva said. This follows the detection of Dissanayake another 694 COVID-19 infections yesterday (9). Story Continued on page 2 Outstanding revenue of the Excise Department Story Continued on page 2 from 2015-2019 has been recorded as Rs 2.3 IGP not COVID-19 Deceiving Court through false evidence billion, the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) exposed on 7 December. positive HC refuses bail for The total amount of tax arrears was Rs 479.9 Allergy warning million by 31 December 2019, while delay charges By Chamara Amarasuriya Shani and Mendis were recorded as Rs 1,896.3 million. for Pfizer/BioNTech By Tony K. Athukorala- It has been confirmed that IGP Minuwangoda Story Continued on page 2 vaccine in UK Chandana D. Wickremaratne had not contracted COVID-19. Gampaha High Court Judge Nimal By Emma Reynolds, Sharon Braithwaite Sources from the Police Department Ranaweera yesterday rejected the bail COVID-19 unclaimed dead to be cremated and Amy Cassidy stated that a PCR test had been applications filed on behalf of incarcerated Story Continued on page 9 carried out on the IGP last Saturday ex-Director of the CID Shani Abeysekara and that the result had come the and a former Sub Inspector of the Government to following day. Embilipitiya Police Station Sugath Mendis. Mahara Prison unrest bear cost Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 interim report tabled – Dr. Asela Gunawardena in Parliament Anti-Corruption Day Statement By Dilanthi Jayamanne The Government is to bear By Gagani Weerakoon and Methmalie Citizens must play conscious role the cost of cremating COVID-19 issanayake D unclaimed dead under in ridding corruption – President instructions of President Justice Minister, Mohamed Ali Sabry PC tabled the Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the interim report of the committee appointed by him to “Citizens have vouched their strong when they endorsed my victory with a Director General of Health probe the Mahara Prison unrest on 29 November in support and shown the desire to have an resounding majority”, President Gotabaya Services (DGHS), Dr. Asela Parliament yesterday (9). efficient country which is corruption free Rajapaksa said. Gunawardena said.

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 9 Story Continued on page 2 A2 thursday 10 december 2020 news

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Government to... Dutch monk... COPE Finds... Dr. Gunawardena said the majority of families of The late monk’s body, identified Police said that to get to the Furthermore, the Project launched under the name the COVID-19 deceased were finding it difficult to as being that of Ven. Olande bottom of the story, they would ‘e-Local Authorities’ which had failed was re-launched in bear the expense of cremating the bodies of infected (Holland – Netherlands) record statements from around 13 2016. Although Rs 39 million had been spent as at 31 relatives and loved ones. The President issued a Jinarathana Thera, had been found Buddhist monks who had resided at December 2017, this fact had not been included in the directive to conduct all COVID-19 cremations for by the Rathgama Police while it had the Temple as well as from devotees performance reports. which the expenses would be obtained from the been floating in the Rathgama who had associated with the late COPE Chairman Dr. Charitha Herath revealed that the Ministry of Disaster Management. Lagoon on 4 December. Police said monk. 2017 corporate plan which was made at a cost of Rs 2.7 Earlier, the Health Ministry said that instructions the monk was found with his legs Meanwhile, Police said that a million had been discarded without being forwarded for had been issued to cremate the bodies of the COVID- tied with concrete blocks. Police separate inquiry would also be approval. 19 dead whose families had not come forward to suspect that the monk’s death conducted to ascertain whether the claiming them owing to financial difficulties, could be deemed as a murder. victim had committed suicide or religious issues or were unidentified. They added that the victim had not. Earlier, Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi left his homeland some 25 years ago The body of the monk has been said in Parliament that those with financial and that he had been residing in Sri moved to the Karapitiya Teaching Magistrate postpones... difficulties in making the necessary arrangements to Lanka for eight years. Hospital for the post-mortem . A Magistrate Sri Ragala the reports on the post- cremate the bodies of family members who had died According to residents, the monk PCR test is also to be conducted. however, said that since mortems to the Court as of COVID-19 could appeal to the Government had been devout and had been According to Police, the monk those bodies pertain to confidential reports. through the relevant authorities to help them find a known to go out for alms and being had been missing from his temple matters giving rise to a Meanwhile, Jayaratne also sponsor. in meditation for most of the day at for two days before the body was criminal investigation, he requested that an order be The Colombo Coroner’s office said there were close his Aranya Senasana. found. would give a suitable order given for the report on the to 40 bodies in the Colombo Morgue whereas it had in this connection on the firearms, pertaining to the facilities to accommodate only 22. next date following the incident, by the ballistics Meanwhile, the Epidemiology Chief, Dr. Sudath receipt of the post-mortem and firearms expert of the Samaraweera said suspected COVID-19 dead, reports, as confidential Government Analyst’s especially those from high risk areas, were subjected HC refuses... reports. Department to be produced to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. The bodies The CID has named objections to bail being given. Further, a special panel to Court. were kept in the Morgue for safety measures to Abeysekara, Mendis and two The lawyers for the ex-CID comprising three senior Through a ‘B’ Report, prevent any possible Disease spread. While they others, before the Gampaha High Director stated that their client is Judicial Medical Officers Jayaratne further informed were disposed of depending on the PCR test result, Court on charges of deceiving the a patient who had been receiving (JMOs), nominated by the Court that owing to the unclaimed bodies of those who died due to natural Court through falsification of treatment for years and to Director General of Health Prison riot, the kitchen, causes or under tragic circumstances were disposed evidence related to death row consider those reasons and grant Services, a ballistics hospital, medicine store and in accordance with a decision taken by the Judiciary. inmate former SDIG Vaas him bail on compassionate (firearms) expert nominated the Assistant The COVID-19 infected bodies were cremated under Gunawardene and a few other grounds. by the Government Analyst Superintendent’s office, the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases suspects. However, the AGs Department and an academic in forensic among other Government Ordinance as decided by the DGHS, he noted. The former CID Director, had submitted a medical report science, whose name was property, and a large number Mendis and H.D. Navaratne concerning suspect Abeysekara to nominated by the Attorney of Government vehicles, had Premathileka are in remand after Court on 7 December. General, the latter in the been damaged. Thus, she being named as suspects before Based on contents of that report wake of the request made by requested the Court to order the Gampaha High Court while it was revealed in Court yesterday the aggrieved parties - the the Government’s Chief Plantation sector... the other suspect Nishantha Silva that the former head of the CID is families and relatives of the Valuer to conduct a site “Though attention is being paid in other areas Candappa had fled the country. not only a COVID-19 positive case 11 deceased victims - that investigation and for a report regarding the spread of the virus but where the A bail application on behalf of but is also a heart patient. the presence of such a of the Chief Valuer to be upcountry is concerned, it is rather lethargic. It is a suspect Abeysekara had been However, PC Bandara objected related expert from the sought on the assessment of tedious job when considering the fact that people live filed before the Court by a group to a medical report of his client academia be part of the said the loss to the Prison’s in mountainous areas. In places such as of lawyers led by President’s being submitted to Court and panel, has been constituted buildings. The Magistrate in Ginigathena, Blackwater, Norton Bridge, Dandukala, Counsel Wasantha Navaratne afterwards Justice Ranaweera to conduct the post-mortems turn gave an order for the Bogawantalawa and Maskeliya, infected cases were Bandara while a similar said that he had perused the on the 11 bodies of the said valuation report. high and it is amidst teachers and students mostly. application had been filed on details of the suspect’s medical deceased prisoners. Also, Jayaratne informed Local authorities, zonal education offices and public behalf of suspect Mendis by a report. The panel is thus that the Attorney General has health officers should immediately pay attention to group of Lawyers led by Senior Accordingly, having considered composed of the Chief provided verbal instructions shut down schools in these areas,” Nakulewaran Counsel Chaminda Athukorala. the written and oral submissions Specialist JMO of the to the Criminal Investigations said. DSG Shanil Kularatne, who produced by both the prosecution Colombo North Teaching Department on the conduct When Ceylon Today contacted Plantation Minister appeared on behalf of the and the defence the Judge Hospital in Ragama, Dr. of the investigation into the Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, he said, as per Government Attorney General and the dismissed the bail applications Sandun Wijewardana, the incident, specifically to instructions, health guidelines are followed, medical prosecution, accordingly filed filed by the two suspects. Specialist JMO of the investigate on one hand officers of health (MOH) and public health inspectors National Institute of whether the riot was the (PHIs) were given the task of curbing the spreading of Infectious Diseases (IDH) result of a conspiracy on the the virus. He also said, compared to the upcountry, and the Colombo East Base part of the detainees, whether the impact in other areas was bad and all measures Hospital in Mulleriyawa, Dr. outside persons were have been taken to curb the spread. Rs 2.3 billion outstanding... S.D. Channa Perera, the involved and who the culprits In Kandapola there are only three PHIs and they Chief Specialist JMO of the are, while on the other hand, are unable to cover the vast area or even visit some of When ordered to take swift manner which directly affect the Colombo South Teaching to investigate as to who fired the places following complaints. Dr. Pathirana said, action to recover these arrears by mission of the Department and Hospital in Kalubowila, Dr. shots during the riot, who there are some difficulties but the Regional COPA Chairman Professor Tissa ordered to submit a report on the P.P. Dissanayake, the gave the orders and when, Plantation Companies (RPCs) have been asked to Vitharana, the Commissioner current progress. Deputy Government Analyst and whether the intermittent monitor the situation in their estates. He said, the General of Excise informed COPA COPA also paid special attention P.G. Madawala and the shooting was justifiable or RPCs are given health guidelines and told to make that legal action has been taken to the fact, that the security Member of the Council of the had exceeded the right to workers aware. against those responsible. sticker management process with College of Forensic self-defence or whether it Lately, several estates in Agarapathana were Prof. Vitharana stated, a procurement cost of Rs Pathologists of Sri Lanka, constitutes murder. shutdown with the detection of a new COVID-19 disciplinary inquiries taken 1,597,559 by November 2020 was Professor Jean Perera, who The incident at the Mahara case. against 48 officers, who were limited to imported foreign liquor is also the Head of the Prison on 29 and 30 Around 150 were self-quarantined after nine suspended due to various reasons which was only 0.28 per cent of Department of Forensic November has thus far persons had been confirmed as being infected with from the Excise Department as at the total revenue of the Excise Medicine and Toxicology of resulted in the deaths of 11 the virus in the Lindula MOH area in the Nuwara 31 December 2019, have not been Department. COPA stressed, it is the Faculty of Medicine at prisoners, seven of whom Eliya District. Health officials in Nuwara Eliya also properly completed. Some officers an essential programme to the University of Colombo. have been identified thus far said, from 8 December, two business areas in had been suspended due to non- standardise local liquor as well. The bodies, which are while eight of whom have Nuwara Eliya had been isolated with over 72 families participation in the District The Excise Department had presently kept at the reportedly posthumously in the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council area. Coordinating Committees, he conducted 224,737 raids during Colombo North Teaching tested positive for COVID-19, A restaurant and a textile shop on the Main Street said. the last five years, of which Hospital in Ragama, are caused injuries to both in Nuwara Eliya have been sealed with the COPA also emphasised that 53,848 raids were carried out in scheduled to be transferred inmates and officers, and confirmation of COVID-19 infected cases. Health necessary steps should be taken 2017, 49,278 raids in 2018 and to the IDH which is equipped damages to property. officials also have isolated 50 families from the to fill the vacancies of senior and 47,391 raids in 2019 and legal to deal with COVID-19 The aggrieved parties were Nuwara Eliya Vajirapura Colony. tertiary level posts in a proper action taken against the culprits. related matters, for the represented by the Chairman 90 persons belonging to 22 families in conduct of the post-mortems. of the Committee for Vinayagapuram in an estate in Nuwara Eliya have While Magistrate Sri Ragala Protecting the Rights of been subjected to self-isolation until 16 December. ordered that the bodies be Prisoners, Attorneys-at-Law Several of them lament they have not received any Mahara Prison... transported to the IDH under Senaka Perera and Namal Government support so far. Police protection, in strict Rajapaksha. The report was handed over to on the recommendations in this adherence to the COVID-19 The hearings of the inquest Sabry on 7 December by the interim report now. This report health guidelines, he also proceedings are to be taken Committee Chairperson, retired contains observations of the ordered the panel to present up again on 16 December. High Court Judge Kusala Sarojini committee, details about spot Weerawardena. The complete investigation and COVID-19 dead... report on the incident will be recommendations, among others.” De Livera had given this advice pertaining to a request submitted within a month, Ali He also said he would give a made to him in this connection previously by Dr. Sabry said. copy of the report to the Jathika IGP not... Gunawardena. “When appointing the committee, Jana Balawegaya Leader Anura They added that the result had proved to be negative. Already, some 19 bodies which have still not been we pledged that we will act Kumara Dissanayake as the latter Wickremaratne had been subjected to a PCR test after an claimed by relatives are being kept at several hospital according to the recommendations questioned about the incident in employee of his staff had fallen victim to the disease. mortuaries. given by them. And we are working Parliament.

Sri Lanka’s COVID-19... Accordingly, the total number of respective offices. He noted that even (LRH) also on 8 December, Dr. have been in contact with the patients. for the purpose and it is best to make COVID-19 cases reported in the country places such as restaurants had not been Samaraweera said that although infants Additional 250 PCR tests were purchases from the closest store and to has risen to 30,072. allowed to open thus far to prevent the and young children were not at risk of conducted on the premises on 8 avoid crowded areas, he said. Family Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath spread of the pandemic and said the developing serious complications due to December and a further 200 PCR tests and friends should refrain from Samaraweera urged the public in maximum number of guests for the COVD-19 infection, it was important were conducted yesterday. “We have gatherings during the festive season. isolated areas to support health service functions had also been limited to 50. that parents sought medical advice as decided to conduct PCR tests on the rest However, if it was necessary, get- efforts in conducting polymerase chain Further, responding to questions soon as they noticed a difference in their of the 2,250 employees,” noted the Chief togethers should be limited to immediate reaction (PCR) tests and the Rapid regarding the distribution of the alleged child’s health condition. “Pregnant Executive Officer of the Company, Felix family members. Dr. Gunawardena Antigen Tests (RAT) to transfer COVID- indigenous medicinal COVID-19 related mothers, the elderly and those with Fernando. Currently, this leading advised the public to refrain from 19 patients for treatment, while lifting prevention and treatment syrup on 8 chronic diseases were the high risk factory that manufactures and exports physical contact when greeting people the restrictions imposed on those areas. December, he said that he could not groups. Also there may be a fear that the intimate apparels and garments to Italy, for the festive season and to maintain Dr. Samaraweera said that the early condone a product which has no person being brought to hospital would has been shutdown. Despite its plans to social distancing at all times. The public identification of COVID-19 patients clinically proven results. “The Health contract COVID-19 while in hospital. recommence operations of the factory were also urged to use online delivery would not only help stem the spread of Minister has appointed an intellectual However, what must be remembered is yesterday, it has postponed it to 14 services to purchase goods during the the disease but would also expedite to committee to review its treatment and that patients with COVID-19 are either December, the official noted. The festive season. remove movement restrictions. prevention value. As it is, only 50 transferred or isolated as soon as the medical officer of health and the public With the increasing numbers of the Several protests and demonstrations persons are encouraged to congregate at disease is diagnosed”. health inspector have quarantined 984 COVID-19 infected in the area, relief have been staged by those living in any gathering. It is always best that they Meanwhile, Mahaiyawa in the Kandy employees for 14 days at their homes as work was in progress under the tenements and housing units in the are persons who are known to each District was isolated after 28 persons a precautionary step to contain the supervision of the Divisional Colombo City as well as in certain areas other such as persons from the same were diagnosed with COVID-19. A spread. Secretaries in a bid to extend a helping in Kalutara against movement institution. But on 8 December, there leading apparel manufacturer in Meanwhile, the Director General of hand to those living in the isolated restriction and isolation imposed to were people who had arrived in Kegalle Badalgama in the Divulapitiya area Health Services (DGHS), Dr. Asela Akkaraipattu Police Division. prevent the spread during the past two from all parts of the country and whose announced that 55 of its employees were Gunawardena issuing guidelines to be According to the Alayadivembu weeks. health condition posed a threat to the confirmed as COVID-19 positive and observed during the festive season urged Divisional Secretary, V. Pabakaran Dr. Samaraweera added that it would people living in Kegalle”. that 984 of their immediate contacts the public to refrain from going shopping 4,733 families were given relief items be prudent for office workers to Referring to the death of the 20-day- were quarantined. Health officials are as entire families. A single member or to the value of Rs 5,000 each per consume lunch individually at their old infant at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital still looking for many more who may two members of the family should go out family. NEWS THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020 A3 SLAF gets Peliyagoda Manning radioactive detection measuring kit Market Complex opens The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), which is involved in the detection and arrest of nuclear and radioactive material moving through International 14 December Airports in Sri Lanka, received a donation yesterday (8) of special Radioactive Material Detection and Radioactive Measuring Kit. 550 stalls assigned to wholesalers The donation took place at the Ministry of Solar BY EUNICE RUTH two separate time slots have been Power, Wind and Hydro Power Generation assigned to carry out their market Projects Development, in Colombo, where subject The new Manning Market Complex at activities, hence from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 Minister Duminda Dissanayaka handed over the Peliyagoda will be opened on 14 December p.m., vegetables and fruit could be Kit to Air Force Commander, Air Marshal for business whilst strictly adhering to brought in, while from 9:00 p.m. to 12 Sudarshana Pathirana. COVID-19 health guidelines, said Director midnight, the distribution of vegetables Chairman and Director General of the Sri Lanka General of the Urban Development and fruit to other traders could be done, Atomic Energy Regulatory Council, Dr. D.M.S. Authority (UDA), Prasath Ranaweera. he said. Dissanayake and H.L. Anil Ranjith supported the He noted that among 559 stalls, 550 “We have discussed it with the health initiative. stalls have already been assigned to authorities and Police, in regard to This kit will enhance the capabilities of the wholesale traders. These are equivalent opening, internal and external business Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and and more or less larger than their previous activity and relevant measures have been Explosive (CBRNE) Wing of the Air Force. The stalls. Presently, only wholesale stalls to taken to prevent the virus spread within Director of Ground Operations, Air Vice Marshal fruit traders have not yet been assigned. the new Complex. Also, washbasins have C.B. Labrooy and Commanding Officer of the Air In addition, he noted that the remaining been installed at the entry point and every Force CBRNE Wing, Wing Commander Nilendra stalls will be assigned to them today (10). trader has been instructed to keep Perera were also present. After having a discussion with the traders, sanitisers at their stalls,” said Ranaweera.

TISL calls to support corruption free nation BY SULOCHANA RAMIAH MOHAN

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) in a bid to raise public awareness on the damaging effects of corruption while the world marked the International Anti-Corruption Day yesterday (9), urged the public to share their hopes for a corruption free nation, via video or text, on their social media profiles using the hashtag #HopeforIntegrity. TISL recalled that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommended that Governments need timely and transparent reporting alongside close cooperation with civil society and the private sector, and that countries need to prevent tax evasion and waste and loss of funds caused by corruption in public spending. ‘Recover with Integrity’, the global theme for Anti-Corruption Day, focused on preventing corruption associated with the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure inclusive recovery and TISL noted that it believes that this theme holds true in Sri Lanka’s case as well, especially considering the damaging impact of corruption on distributing relief and essential medical services to society’s most vulnerable groups. TISL’s Executive Director, Attorney Nadishani Perera said, “It is encouraging that when TISL first raised the issue on the need for greater transparency surrounding COVID-19 related grants and assistance, in a letter to the Prime Minister earlier this year, both the Premier’s office and the Ministry of Finance responded promptly, outlining steps they had already taken to disclose assistance that had been received”. However, while recognising the daunting challenge facing the State in terms of the significant measures taken, the need to address the health emergency and avoiding an economic collapse, TISL noted that urgent responses required during the pandemic create significant opportunities for corruption. This underscores the importance of the proactive disclosure of information relating to emergency procurement measures. Likewise, Perera noted that a particular area of focus is the proactive disclosure of information on the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines, the quantities ordered and plans for prioritisation and distribution amongst those on the frontlines and vulnerable groups. The prompt and efficient communication of these messages will be key to building public trust in the recovery process. TISL is mindful of the fact that the economic consequences of the COVID- 19 pandemic have also led to foreign exchange shortfalls, which could encourage black money inflows into Sri Lanka to address the economic need. This could heighten money laundering risks, which once again highlight the expanse of corruption risks that can emerge during the COVID-19 recovery. Earlier this year TISL also recommended that the Government set up an online platform providing all information on grants and donations received with timely updates on spending, the maintenance of an electronic-procurement platform to publish all Government tender notices and related documents and to ensure strict record management practices in all public institutions in compliance with provisions of the Right to Information Act. Perera concluded, “Allowing corrupt practices to occur in the COVID-19 recovery process will result in assistance not reaching the people who need it. Preventing corruption and promoting accountability will help us ensure that Sri Lanka’s recovery is inclusive in both word and deed”. A4 Thursday 10 December 2020 News

Busting of indisciplined riders reveals Motorbike chassis numbers altered BY Thameenah Razeek following which 26 motorbikes were seized Charges will be filed against the on 6 December by Police. motorcyclists in due course,” he assured. Ten of 26 motorbikes that were seized He pointed out that the motorbikes were He said Traffic Police Headquarters were due to indisciplined riding in relation to examined by a panel of four Motor Traffic continuing operations to arrest S. Korea gifts PCR kits the recent fatal accident at Egoda Uyana Examiners on 8 December at the Mirihana indisciplined drivers. which claimed the lives of two children, Police premises; thereafter it was found “Soon after the tragic accident in the have changed their chassis numbers. that chassis numbers had been altered. Egoda Uyana area where two children worth USD 300,000 Police Spokesman, DIG Ajith Rohana “This indicates that the motorbikes were were killed, we initiated the probe to The Ambassador of the development of rural yesterday (9) said the Mirihana Police assembled locally. The bikes will be arrest drivers who violate road rules Republic of Korea, Woonjin economies and livelihoods in initiated special operations to arrest directed to the Government Analyst’s and regulations especially at night,” he Jeong handed over USD Sri Lanka with a special focus motorcyclists who violate road rules, Department for further clarifications. added. 300,000 worth real-time on the areas of aviation, polymerase chain reaction shipping, health, agriculture, test kits to Foreign Minister science and technology. Dinesh Gunawardena in Ambassador Jeong stated commemoration of the that under the ‘Stay Strong’ 43rd anniversary of campaign, Korea and Sri Deputy High establishing diplomatic Lanka have strengthened relations between Sri Lanka anti-COVID-19 collaboration and the Republic of Korea. with each other. He invited FM Gunawardena Korean investors to explore Commissioner of India highlighted that the more opportunities in Sri traditional friendship Lanka in key sectors between the two countries including Liquefied Natural visits Mannar has flourished over time into Gas, renewable energy, a multi-faceted partnership infrastructure and digital with economic cooperation as economy and more Korean a key pillar. He sought the tourists to come to Sri Lanka Republic of Korea’s expertise once the COVID-19-related and support towards the travel restrictions are lifted.

Hotline for information on Mahara Prisoners

By Thameenah Razeek IAU set up at at the Mahara Prison complex A hotline has been to provide details on inmates. introduced for those inquiring “Only a few inmates who are SDVERI on details of inmates at the suspected of leading the Prison Mahara Prison. riot have been transferred to The Innovative Assistance Unit (IAU) was initiated Families and relatives of the Welikada Prison. Family by the State Minister of Skills Development, inmates will be able to get members of these inmates can Vocational Education, Research and Innovation information on inmates via obtain details on them from (SDVERI) Dr. Seetha Arambepola, recently. this hotline, 0112678600, the the Welikada Prison or the The aim to set up the Unit was to further expose Commissioner General of Mahara Prison,” Upuldeniya all innovations and research being done to the Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya further said. public as well as to provide solutions to issues faced informed the public. The CID has recorded by those involved in skills development, research “If faced with difficulties in statements from 165 and innovation. The State Ministry also hopes to obtaining information about individuals pertaining to the further popularise the work being carried out in this inmates via the hotline, they Mahara Prison riot. Police sector through this Unit which will be functional on are requested to lodge a Spokesman, DIG Ajith Rohana Mondays at the State Ministry premises situated on Deputy High Commissioner of an estimated cost of Rs 290 million complaint at Prison yesterday (9) said, statements the Sixth Floor, Second Stage, Sethsiripaya, India to Sri Lanka, Vinod K Jacob while in the latter project, the headquarters in this regard,” were recorded from Prison Battaramulla. undertook a two-day visit to Government of India has completed he stated. A team of Prison officers, Prison inmates, Due to COVID-19, the operations of this Unit have Mannar and Jaffna from 7 to 8 the restoration of the officers also have been set up doctors and male nurses. been temporarily halted, but its services could be December. Mahamandapam and other works obtained by dialing 1966. He inspected the progress at the at a total cost of more than Rs 320 ongoing Indian project to construct million. 144 transit houses for pilgrims at The Deputy High Commissioner the Mannar Madhu Church and also called on the Bishop of the upgrading of the Mannar, Dr. Emmanuel Fernando 18 Foreign Military Thirukeeteshwaram Temple. The and exchanged views on the Personnel Studying in SL Intermittent former project is scheduled to be potential for development showers expected completed by September 2021 with cooperation in the Mannar region. Shavendra – Met Dept By Naalir Jamaldeen Deposit quarter bottles lists NGOs as The Meteorology Department yesterday (9) warned that intermittent showers can be expected today (10) increased in the Northern and Eastern Provinces and the Security Threat Hambantota and Anuradhapura Districts. By Paneetha Ameresekere The Met Department added that showers or Ban mulled thundershowers could occur in the evening or By Eunice Ruth as well considering requests from A total of 18 foreign military personnel from Sudan, Pakistan, night in many places in the Sabaragamuwa, Western liquor manufacturers. About 120 Bangladesh, Rwanda, the Maldives, Indonesia, Nepal and Saudi and Uva Provinces and the Galle and Matara Districts The Ministry of Environment has million liquor quarter bottles are Arabia are among a total of 149 military officers currently and those showers above 100 mm can be expected in taken a decision to charge a deposit produced annually with 18-20 following the ‘Military Course Number 14,’ being conducted at a few places in the aforesaid regions. It further of Rs 5 or Rs 10 for a 185ml quarter million used for arrack and about the Defence Services Command and Staff College at cautioned of possible heavy localised winds and bottle of liquor, to minimise 60 per cent of these are non- Sapugaskanda, the Army said on 8 December. lightning strikes and to therefore refrain from using environmental pollution caused by recyclable, he added. A discussion Successfully passed out military undergraduates are qualified electronic gadgets, predominantly mobile phones and haphazard disposal of bottles, the in this regard was held with to use the ‘Pass Staff College’ tag behind their name. going out of homes. Director of Environment Pollution officials and almost everyone Meanwhile, Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Showers are expected in many places in the deep Control and Chemical Management agreed to implement this decision, Silva delivering the customary ‘Commander’s Lecture’ at the and shallow seas from Mannar extending to at the Ministry of Environment, he said. event, said, ‘The security challenges of Sri Lanka involve not Hambantota via Kankesanthurai, Trincomalee, Mahinda Werahera said. Consumers need to pay an extra only conventional foes but also narcotic cartels, multi-national Batticaloa and Pottuvil during the next few days. He said this decision was to deposit of Rs 5 or 10 at purchase corporations, non-Governmental Organisations and so on. Showers or thundershowers can be expected in address the harm caused to the and action will soon be taken to Similarly, natural disasters and events causing severe the evening or night in a few places in other seas environment due to irresponsible ban quarter bottles in the country, environmental damage are also threats to our national security surrounding the island. disposal of quarter liquor bottles, said Werahera. paradigm. I believe the future challenges to national security will be notably irregular when compared with most of the hostile encounters we had in our modern history. Therefore, preparing for such an eventuality requires the investment of very significant human, material and technological resources. The Army has completed formulating an overarching strategy named Army begins bottled milk production the ‘Way Forward Strategy 2020 - 2025’ to bridge such vacuums within our system. BY Paneetha Ameresekere Town, Rukmalgama, Panaluwa, Jawatte and Geographical distances and boundaries have almost lost their Wattala, as well as at regimental welfare shops. relevance due to increasing connectivity, inter-dependence, Army Farms, to cater to the needs of the Each pasteurised bottle of milk of 300 ml inter-operability and greater transparency and so on. Sri Lanka Army’s 200,000 strong military contingent, has capacity is either vanilla or chocolate flavoured, cannot remain unaffected by the events developing across the begun pasteurised bottled milk production, the or sold as plain milk. A total of 35 soldiers, world, especially in our region in terms of broader security Army said on 8 December. trained in the dairy industry are posted at interests. Each pasteurised bottled milk, of 300 ml Kandakadu to operate this facility. The centre of gravity of geopolitical, geo-economic and geo- capacity each is being sold to troops at a Meanwhile, the Army’s Directorate of Agriculture strategic scenarios is increasingly shifting to the Asia-Pacific subsidised rate of Rs 65 per bottle, Army and Livestock has plans to further expand milk region. In this backdrop, we need to evolve a new philosophy sources who wished to remain anonymous told production by replicating this scheme at the Army and strategy along with intelligence and a strong defence Ceylon Today yesterday (9). Farm at Niraviya, Tambuttegama, after the mechanism to preserve national security interests. The first batch of pasteurised bottled milk, purchase of more cows through the National Sri Lanka is presently moving forward in a positive note comprising a total of 1,000 bottles Livestock Development Board. amidst numerous challenges originated in the local and manufactured at the Kandakadu Army Farm The Army also said the Industrial international contexts. Economic development, the reduction of (which has the capacity to produce 1,000 bottles Technological Institute has approved the corruption, constructive engagement against alleged war of milk per day), was made available at the Army project, with particular reference to milk crimes, revitalising foreign policy towards a ’win-win’ Seva Vanitha Unit’s Central Supply Base at processing and bottling technology used in the philosophy, promoting meaningful reconciliation, the Himbutana on 8 December, to be made available process. The Army will seek the Sri Lanka strengthening of the national security matrix, socio-economic to troops through the Unit’s chain of major Standard Certificate for these products from the development and attracting investments despite the challenges welfare shops located at Kendalanda, Manning Sri Lanka Standards Institution. caused by the recently erupted pandemic,” Silva said. focus/column thursday 10 december 2020 A5

Her husband’s drinking and violence continued unabated Violence on Women By Paneetha Ameresekere Her parents opposed her her complaint. The reason, Police cases of domestic violence, at marriage. Not only did they have in both the jurisdictions, ie at the expense of the wife and A story posted on the European nothing to with her after she got Kilinochchi as well as at her lastly, the apparent absence of Union (EU) website last Thursday married, but beat her and threw husband’s district, said that this shelters to house such hapless (3 December), highlighted at least her out of her house. She was was not their problem. women and their children. six problems facing indigent then forced to live at her By then, her husband wanted It may not be wrong to presume women in the local context. husband’s home. to be reconciled with her. NGO, that if not for this NGO, this Three of those are pertaining to The problems cropped up after hearing of her plight reached out family would have continued to domestic violence and its the birth of her first child. By to her and reconciled her with have been estranged, with repercussions on the families at then this woman had given up her husband, with a pledge from consequences not only to the wife the receiving end as well as on work. Her husband was the only him, to give up drink, which he and her three children, but also to the perpetrators themselves, the breadwinner. He took to drink has kept. her husband as well. Remember, lack of counselling for such and became suspicious of her He also came along with her he wanted to be reconciled with hapless families, the apathy of fidelity. Then the beatings began. to the Police Station and helped his family. the authorities to entertain such Subsequently she had not one, his wife to lodge a complaint Domestic violence, beginning complaints, by passing the buck but three children. against himself at the with, where the perpetrators are and lastly, the apparent lack of Her husband wasted his instigation of the NGO. His the woman’s own parents and institutions to house such money on drink. There was no children, who were once siblings, need to be addressed by hapless women and their money for her to feed her terrified of him, not only are the authorities, by a process of families. children. Her indigent state was also reconciled with him, they education. Having a near 100 per The EU story also highlighted such that at times, instead of also play with him, a thing cent literacy rate alone is the work of a local NGO which food, she used to ‘feed’ her three which was seemingly insufficient as this story shows. helped to reunite such an little children with tea. impossible to think of in the The same or similar such estranged family, seemingly The situation came to a head past, the EU inferred. education, to quell domestic acting as the bridge where the where she was compelled to go to This story highlights at least violence, from a seemingly State had apparently failed. work, at a garment factory, to six problems facing indigent indigent husband on his indigent The incident reported by the keep the home fires burning. families. They are cases of wife is also lacking and also need EU was from the North. The But then the neighbours physical violence at home, to be addressed, thirdly the lack of young indigent woman victim, a informed her that her husband especially targeting women, counselling in the country to mother of three little children, was ill treating the children, where such instances of address such issues, fourthly, the was from Kilinochchi. The EU thereby forcing her to give up violence doesn’t necessarily apparent apathy of the Police to didn’t reveal from which district work. emanate from the woman’s entertain such complaints and her once estranged husband With her husband’s drinking husband or husband to be, but fifthly, the seeming absence or came from. The mediator was a and violence continuing from her own parents and lack of shelters to house such local which works in the North. unabated, this woman was siblings. victims. These are matters that The cause of the estrangement forced to flee her husband and Secondly, physical violence need to be addressed by the was alcoholism, coupled with seek refuge at her mother’s home perpetrated on the wife by her Government. The indigent, suspicions of infidelity of the in Kilinochchi last August. Her husband; thirdly, its particularly such hapless indigent wife. The incident took place post mother and brother, poor consequences not only on the women are found not only in the war, ie post 18 May, 2009. The themselves, however said that wife, but also on the children, North; but islandwide as well. woman was previously working they will look after her. fourthly, the lack of counselling The EU works with this and a for an NGO. She met her future This woman encountered to solve such husband-wife German NGO to address a range husband post war, where they another problem, this time with issues, fifthly the seeming of issues including sexual and fell in love and got married. the Police. They refused to lodge apathy of the Police to entertain gender-based violence, it said. Ayurveda to the Fore Russia and China are injecting the brew. Did she suffer too much are reduced to one; or apply their people with anti COVID-19 The Way It Is toilet going, which is said to be a temporary casts of leaves or vaccines produced in their own side effect of the marvelous pastes, and also allow two countries. One wonders minus 70 degrees C and very paniya? It is good to have even a application and rubbing in of whether testing was adequate careful packaging and transport. 50 per cent cure. Ayurveda drugs oils. Messy we declare and avoid and totally stringent. Anyway, we The UK NHS will bear the cost of are not injurious normally, so such. But they are very are glad that going against the mass immunisation, we suppose. even though the claim to cure efficacious, especially for sprains local trend for anything Chinese, Not to worry: Sri Lanka is in the COVID-19 is exaggerated, it won’t and even fractures. Some their vaccine was not bought and circumscribed Cure Club. We kill you or get you sick if you paralysed patients after suffering brought over to our land. We do, have gone two steps further, since follow Pavithra’s example. a stroke or others meeting with most thankfully, still have our cure for COVID-19 is not only an accident get on their feet after medical persons with voices that a cure but a prophylactic too. It Diverse forms of ayurvedic treatment. have to be heard. We are, I prevents the infection of COVID- medical treatment Remembered is my having suppose, waiting for the WHO go 19 and also cures a person who catarrh or sinus trouble caused ahead and will import the Oxford gets it. The main types of ill health and probably by an allergy. A then vaccine that is in the final stages And what is this cure? A simple sickness treatment are allopathy, famous Pasyalaveda was of its stringent testing to achieve syrup or paniya developed by a osteopathy, homeopathy and consulted. Many brews had to be more than 95 per cent efficacy single man, who someone said is ayurveda. Those who are used to drunk and noxious oil applied on and deletion of any adverse side not even a recognised ayurveda western medicines or the curative head. The condition was cured. effects. Britain is already physician. He has made it of five type of medicine called allopathy, The best was the different menus proceeding on a mass vaccination simple ingredients, two of which hardly ever resort to the others. If the vedamahattaya’s golaya project of health workers and the are bees’ honey and nutmeg, the we go to a doctor we take his rattled off. Kinds of vegetables etc over 80s. Ninety-year-old other three being kept secret. It prescribed medicines like were taboo. When it came to my Margaret Keene was injected on 8 was the tradition for ayurvedic antibiotics which we swallow or turn, ice cream, butter, eggs and December with the pioneering practitioners to retain info on injections we endure. We hardly such like were mentioned! dose of Pfizer BioNTech vaccine at some of the ingredients used so, go for ayurveda preparations – to So to conclude, it may be that Coventry. Britain is not waiting he is behaving true to form. drink kasaya; to swallow guliyas the recently touted paniya could for its own vaccine to be out in the People, it is reported, are queuing and to apply or rub compacts and have an effect of at least reducing market. They have bought at a up to lap up the potion. Very oils. the risk of catching COVID-19 or very high price the Pfizer vaccine publicly, with cameras clicking Many find it so much easier to suffering too much from it if one from Belgium with its and people gaping, our Minister of swallow a pill or capsule than is, very unfortunately, infected. requirement of a temperature of Health – Pavithradevi W- swigged boil ingredients until seven cups (Kumari) A6 thursday 10 december 2020 editorial

Ceylon Newspapers (Pvt) Ltd. No: 101, Rosmead Place, Colombo 07. Editorial Tel: 0117566522, 0117566526, 0117566527 Fax: 0117566545 Marketing Manager: 0117566550, 0117566551 Circulation Manager: 0117566580, 0117566581 E-mail : [email protected] Tug of War The USD 210 million Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), opened in March 2013 with $190 million provided by China, completing construction ahead of schedule. Initially beset with teething problems commercial flights stopped operations grinding it to a halt by 2015. Regarded as a costly and worthless endeavour by the Yahapalana’s in 2015 they termed MRIA a ghost city, stored paddy in cargo terminals damaging high sensitivity equipment costing over LKR 500 million rehabilitation expenses in the process. The Yahapalana-India joint development venture of MRIA fluttered in the wind like an elusive butterfly but came to nought. Come SLPP and President Gotabaya says India discussions are off the table we will develop MRIA. Today, MRIA is a bustling hub of activity! COVID-19 its saving grace highlighted its benefits of isolation for repatriation. With global airports closing and MRIA’s close proximity to Galle Harbour, crew change charter flights started operating. Port City is the biggest foreign direct EU Must Break investment (FDI) in Sri Lankan history. It is financed by a US$1.4 billion loan issued by China. Some key project objectives are to create sufficient jobs thereby stemming the flow of highly skilled labour export, adding 1.5 million units of A-Grade office space thereby tripling the Brexit Deadlock current availability and improving Sri Lanka’s ease of doing business rankings with the By Marcel Fratzscher likelihood of attracting high tier financial services This week, we will finally Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port (MMRP) know whether a Brexit deal aka Hambantota Port opened on 18 November can be agreed. Whatever is 2010. In 2015, the Yahapalana’s wasted no decided, it will have significant breath in describing it as another white elephant, long-term implications for claiming inability to meet loan repayments Europe, affecting not just the because it was running at a loss. China grabbed terms of trade and common the opportunity declared foreclosure and claimed rules but also the European it on a 99-year lease reminiscent of Hong Kong Union’s place in the world. To days. Today MMRP, the Hambantota Port is one be able to stand its ground and of the region’s most strategic locations! defend its interests, vis-à-vis China has done more for Sri Lanka than the China and the United States, Yahapalana Government and its band of Jolly the EU must maintain a strong Men ever did! relationship with the United Faxien the first China visitor travelled to Sri Kingdom and prove that it can Lanka in 410. Consequently two Buddhist texts adapt to changing global were translated to Chinese in 489 and 505. In dynamics. 1410, during the reign of the Ming dynasty The importance of the Admiral Zheng’s fleet visited Sri Lanka current Brexit negotiations is conquered the ruling Kotte King Alakeshvara only superficially linked to the subsequently handing over the Kingdom to King commercial costs of the UK Parakramabahu VI cementing the China-Sri crashing out of the EU and Lanka friendship. Diplomatic ties between Sri having to adhere to World Lanka and China have been close since with no Trade Organisation rules hostilities being displayed by either Nation to (though this would almost London could play an politically potent within the UK this day. certainly create havoc for instrumental role in as it pursues some degree of India’s fears grow over China projects in Sri supply chains in the coming maintaining Europe’s status demonstrable sovereignty. Lanka. India has raised concerns over what they months). The looming political, as an attractive place for An amicable The most important task for call the ‘China stranglehold’. Unlike USA who is social, and strategic costs are international investment and a agreement that the remainder of the concerned over the China debt trap India has even more consequential. leader in financial innovation, negotiations is to draw up a openly raised security concerns. Claims about After all, a no-deal scenario as well as a platform on which can serve as a blueprint for rebuilding the local worker displacement by China labour, would deprive Europe of the to strengthen the international solid foundation EU-UK relationship in the concerns about China investments causing foundation on which to build a role of the euro. for the next phase months and years ahead. In an environmental damage, criticism about future relationship with the Good Friday increasingly polarised world, institutional weaknesses, non-performing UK. Pretty much everyone of engagement is both sides need to agree in infrastructure projects funded by Chinese agrees that the goal should be Agreement principle on common goals investment run rampant in local Media. to build a strong long-term thus essential. The and objectives, so that they The China debt trap is a fallacy. Sri Lanka’s partnership that respects UK Of course, failure to reach a European can cooperate on climate debt to China is only ten per cent of its foreign sovereignty and gives each side deal would also seriously change, the digital debt. ADB rates higher with 13 per cent. What sufficient space to pursue its threaten the UK, whose Commission and transformation, and other Sri Lanka needs more than the COVID-19 interests. This is necessary national integrity depends in the German and shared challenges. vaccine is to improve its debt management even if, as many in the EU are no small measure on the 1998 The details of the future gearing it from future traps if any, as the former wont to point out, nation- Good Friday Agreement, and French EU-UK relationship will not be appears to be well under control! states’ sovereignty is the absence of a physical Governments decided by the Brexit deal. China workers far surpass India and Sri Lanka inherently limited in a border between Northern That process will unfold and workers in efficiency, efficacy and globalised world. Ireland and the Republic of would do well to evolve for years to come. industriousness. China cannot be faulted for The message that a no-deal Ireland. But as the latest adopt a longer- Nonetheless, the terms of the wanting their own. In 1980, when France was Brexit would send to the rest internal challenges from separation that are being struggling with their 18th Arrondissements of of the world would be Poland and Hungary show, the term perspective, decided right now will have Paris which was over crowded with Chinese, one devastating for Europe. It EU cannot take its own because that would profound implications both for of the problems they faced was the French would indicate that other integrity for granted, either. It the further development of preferred China workers to their own. Most China leading powers need not worry would be foolish to think that show them that bilateral ties and for Europe’s projects finish on schedule or way before it. about respecting Europe’s taking a tough line with the UK role in the world. Sri Lanka views India and China as strong and wishes in key policy areas. In will discourage these the only An amicable agreement that indispensable partners. Sri Lanka intends today’s polarised world, China Governments from acting as reasonable step can serve as a solid foundation remaining nonaligned. India and China need to is becoming increasingly self- spoilers, let alone make it for the next phase of strengthen Sri Lanka and prevent it from confident and assertive, and easier to tackle much-needed now is to break engagement is thus essential. extending it arms towards Mephisto the US is looking inward to its EU reforms in the future. the deadlock The European Commission inadvertently making Faustian deals and rocking own domestic problems (this The rational decision, then, and the German and French the fragile balance of the Indian Ocean Region will likely remain the case is for everyone to agree on a Governments would do well to (IOR). under President-elect Joe deal this week and move on. adopt a longer-term India fears Sri Lanka will tilt the balance in Biden’s administration). It has The EU is in a position of toward breaking the current perspective, because that favour of China and end up as its Achilles’ heel. never been more important for relative strength in these deadlock, by softening its would show them that the only India’s fears are not unfounded but what’s India Europe to pool its resources negotiations. It knows that stance on maintaining the reasonable step now is to doing about it? On resuming office President and influence so that it can Brexit will change little with equivalent of the existing break the deadlock. Gotabaya Rajapaksa said the importance and speak with one voice. respect to its internal State-aid and dispute- (Marcel Fratzscher, a relevance of appointing Ambassadors has Moreover, a strong functioning, and that the UK is settlement regimes. It is highly former Senior Manager at changed. Asia comes first, India most relationship upon which to facing the monumental task of unlikely that a relatively large the European Central Bank, importantly. Sri Lanka values India and holds it achieve mutual prosperity is rebuilding its institutions and country like the UK would – or is President of the think in high esteem. It’s up to India and China to as important for the EU as it is charting a new policy course even could – free-ride on the tank DIW Berlin and utilise Sri Lanka as a platform and strengthen for the UK. Britain has much outside of the EU. EU in the way that some small Professor of Macroeconomics ties. India has ringed the IOR, while China is the to offer in areas where Europe At the same time, given the countries do. Moreover, the EU and Finance at Humboldt pearl on the ring. is lacking. For example, as the EU’s strong interest in a should drop its insistence on University of Berlin). continent’s only global prosperous post-Brexit UK, it fishing rights, which are (Courtesy-www.project- financial centre, the City of should take the first step economically unimportant, but syndicate.org) column thursday 10 december 2020 A7 Unfounded War Crimes Allegations Against Sri Lanka By Lakshman I. Keerthisinghe to deliberately create a humanitarian disaster. Inevitably many thousands “At a time when the world is facing a of civilians were killed or injured common and an unrivaled threat, the when the LTTE attacked the civilians United Nations We Need, I am certain, attempting to flee from their will place due emphasis on the protective human shield. Video sovereign equality of States, respect footage shows the manner in which for territorial integrity and non- the security forces helped the interference in their domestic affairs.. civilians to escape the grip of the I firmly believe that partnerships LTTE by bodily carrying the elderly fostered between Member States and and the injured to safety and medical the UN continues at their best when care at the risk of their own lives. As no country is held hostage to the quoted at the outset hereof a debate interests of a few.” in British Parliament focused on – President Gotabaya Rajapaksa what assessment the UK Government at the Meeting to Commemorate has made of the progress made by Sri the 75th Anniversary of the United Lanka in meeting the requirements Nations on reconciliation established by the “The West, particularly the US and United Nations Human Rights the UK, must remove the threat of war Council, Lord Naseby said he hoped crimes and foreign judges that that, as a result of the debate, the UK overhangs and overshadows all Sri will recognise the truth that no one in Lankans, especially their leaders” the Sri Lankan Government ever – Lord Michael Morris, Baron wanted to kill Tamil civilians. Naseby PC, in British Parliament “Furthermore, the UK must now get UN Member States commemorated the UN and the UNHCR in Geneva to 75th anniversary with a meeting of accept a civilian casualty level of the UN General Assembly on Monday, 7,000 to 8,000, not 40,000. On top of 21 September 2020 on the theme, that, the UK must recognise that this ‘The Future We Want, the UN We was a war against terrorism, so the Need: Reaffirming our Collective Nanthikadal lagoon, last days of the separatist war rules of engagement are based on Commitment to Multilateralism’. international humanitarian law, not President Gotabaya in his address of Norwegian mediated peace process civilians were forced to do so by the The fighting between the military the European Convention on Human emphasised the sovereign equality of in 2006 Sri Lankan military launched LTTE. By January 2009 the rebels and the LTTE continued, causing the Rights,” he said. States and non-interference in offensives aimed at recapturing and the civilians were trapped in a civilians to flee from the Safe Zone to In conclusion, it is most internal affairs. It is known that a territory controlled by the LTTE. By small piece of land on the north-east a narrow strip of land between unfortunate that false propaganda host of unfounded allegations were July 2007 the military had recaptured coast. As the Sri Lankan military Nanthikadal lagoon and the Indian disseminated by interested parties made by the West and the UN during the entire east. The military offensive advanced further into LTTE-controlled Ocean’. On 12 February 2009 the had resulted in unfounded allegations the aftermath of the civil war in Sri in the North escalated in October areas, public concern grew for the fate military declared a new 10 square of war crimes being committed by the Lanka against the security forces of 2008 as the Sri Lankan military of the 350,000 civilians trapped. A kilometres (3.9 sq mi) Safe Zone in Sri Lankan security forces who did the lawfully elected government of Sri attacked the Vanni heartland of the Safe Zone was separated to allow the this area, north-west of Mullaitivu their utmost to safeguard civilian lives Lanka who defeated the separatist LTTE. After successive defeats the trapped civilians to cross into territory town. Satellite images of the Safe and maintain the unitary sovereign rebels who opted to establish a Tamil Tigers were forced to retreat to controlled by the military. Many Zone published by the UN, Foreign Sri Lanka for the benefit and welfare separate state. the North-East coast in Mullaitivu civilians actually crossed into the Governments and scientific of all Sri Lankans irrespective of any To re-iterate LTTE had been waging District. The civilian population of the military territory. The Sri Lankan organisations showed heavy damage differences. a full-scale war for a separate state of Vanni also fled. The Sri Lankan military, UN and human rights that could have only been caused by The writer is an Attorney-at-Law Tamil Eelam in the North and East of Government and human rights organisations accused the LTTE of bombardment. There is credible with LLB, LLM, MPhil.(Colombo)- Sri Lanka since 1983. After the failure organisations have observed the preventing the civilians from leaving. evidence that the LTTE itself wanted [email protected] Avoiding Pitfalls in Collective Decision-making By Eng. Thushara Dissanayake contradiction between the intended can play a vital role here. He should purposes of an action and the actual always ask open ended question Collective decision-making is result during group work. Although, rather than saying “So, you all agree” regarded as a technique which has a all members of the group are well which force the group to say “yes”. He high potential for problem solving. In aware of the issue they have to solve, should encourage the members to this approach many individuals are they fail to communicate their speak up. involved and can come up with many individual beliefs to the group. options to choose from as solutions, Eventually, this lack of Make room for after analysing the problems or communication results in an action disagreement situations. On the other which is counter to the preferences of hand,collective decision-making needs many or all of the members in the An environment should be created not to limit to organisations per se and group. where everyone is able to express their can be applicable to even at family This is explained with a nice ideas, ideally, different opinions which level. It may be the Government, a example as quoted below from are genuinely taken up for discussion. corporate entity or a family unit the Wikipedia where the case is relevant to Moreover, the ability to manage quality, or else the assurance of both a decision made by a family. conflicts within the group is very effectiveness and efficiency of the Nevertheless, the members of a group important. decision will largely depend on the in an organisation could behave in a level of contribution by the constituent similar way when subjected to Abilene Avoid straightforward members. Sometimes, group decision- paradox and end up in total unanimous agreement making is preferred to individual frustration about the final outcome. decision-making as groups can make If a quick fix unanimous agreement creative decisions compared to The story is sought most of the group members decisions made individually. “On a hot afternoon visiting in would pretend to agree in order for the Indirectly, it enhances team building Coleman, Texas, the family is decision to move forward. What is and would be of advantage, if the same comfortably playing dominoes on a important is lengthy discussion of team is responsible for implementing porch, until the father-in-law suggests opposing ideas so that the final the decisions made as well. that they take a [50-mile] trip to solution incorporates all vital aspects Sri Lanka is considered as a country Abilene for dinner. The wife says, Abilene Paradox, Contradiction between the intended purposes of an action and the presented by the members of the which has a collectivist society. This "Sounds like a great idea." The actual result group. type of a society fosters strong husband, despite having reservations relationships and that would underpin because the drive is long and hot, would have had to be crazy to want to and rather agree the final group Concluding remarks collective decision-making. On the thinks that his preferences must be go out in the heat like that." The decisions. On the contrary, in Abilene Therefore, before making decisions negative side, one would say that out-of-step with the group and says, father-in-law then says that he only paradox members act against leaders should ascertain whether collective decision-making would lack "Sounds good to me. I just hope your suggested it because he thought the individual wishes and likely to have individual members truly support the responsibility towards the decisions mother wants to go." The mother-in- others might be bored. negative feelings about the final decision-making process with active made. Similarly, those who are law then says, "Of course I want to go. The group sits back, perplexed that decisions reached by the group. In communication. Silence, nodding to involved should be able to make I haven't been to Abilene in a long they together decided to take a trip short, it is the lack of opportunity what the leader says and lack of unbiased decisions devoid of common time." which none of them wanted. They created by inadequate communication alternatives from the group are decision-making pitfalls. Therefore, it The drive is hot, dusty, and long. each would have preferred to sit or purposeful reluctance to get dangerous signals. Also, leaders is very important to be aware of When they arrive at the cafeteria, the comfortably, but did not admit to it involved in the decision-making should create an atmosphere where certain common pitfalls in decision- food is as bad as the drive. They arrive when they still had time to enjoy the process expressing individual differing subordinate members feel comfortable making. The purpose of this article is back home four hours later, afternoon. ideas. to raise their voices. Otherwise, to discuss such a phenomenon known exhausted. One of them dishonestly leaders may start to head towards as “Abilene paradox” which could says, "It was a great trip, wasn't it?" How it differs from How to avoid Abilene with the group, entailing many greatly affect collective decision- The mother-in-law says that, actually, group-think If we do not have anything to enjoy detrimental consequences. making. she would rather have stayed home, in Abilene there is no point of visiting “When the knife is in my back, why but went along since the other three Apparently, Abilene paradox and there. Therefore, we have to avoid the are my fingerprints on it?” is the Abilene paradox were so enthusiastic. The husband group-think go hand in hand. idea during group decision-making. question asked by Jerry Harvey and it The concept Abilene paradox was says, "I wasn't delighted to be doing However, there is a considerable Following are some steps that would is worth probing. introduced to management literature what we were doing. I only went to difference. In group-think many hinder your heading towards Abilene. Eng. Thushara Dissanayake can by Jerry Harvey, a management satisfy the rest of you." The wife says, members of the group maintain Everyone should feel comfortable be reached at dmtsdissa@yahoo. expert. He described it as the "I just went along to keep you happy. I silence without expressing their idea voicing their opinion. The groupleader com A8 thursday 10 december 2020 column

US Intelligence and Security Architecture The Time for a Fundamental Overhaul By Iveta Cherneva Investigations for a 2007 report. system needs to look at itself and have Bush era an honest discussion about its It is Biden’s turn now. The time has repressive apparatus. The new Biden come for a fundamental overhaul of The Bush days were also the time era will open up a whole new the dysfunctional and disintegrating when US Government’s military discussion on the operations and US intelligence and security agencies, contractors were embarrassing the US functions of agencies such as the FBI, which are supposed to be the Government by engaging in human CIA and the police. New architectures backbone of international cooperation trafficking crimes – an issue on which will appear and old methods of and the key to the effectiveness of any I helped the American Government operations will be questioned, US foreign policy. make strides by addressing it for the publically debated and denounced. In the new Biden era, the attitude first time through direct engagement The automatic, straight A to B towards international partners cannot on compliance with the industry, modus operandi of dealing with a be the Trumpian “once we have our partnering with the leading political opponent cannot be opening way with you, we’ll throw you to the congressional leaders on human a terrorism or spying investigation on wolves”, as I have argued previously trafficking, Congressman Smith and them. The US intelligence and at length – also in the New York Times Presidential candidate Senator security agencies will soon face and Euronews. Intelligence agencies Brownback, and the State, Defense questions on how they deal with those such as the CIA and the FBI are at the and Justice Departments. defending media freedom at the global root of international cooperation in The Bush era was the era of torture level or those opposed to the security and intelligence gathering in the war on terror. Torture and institutionalised racism in US law and sharing field; they are the extrajudicial rendition flights by the enforcement. underlying framework. If transatlantic CIA were shedding a light on what the Back in 2013, in the Economist, I relations are to be rebuilt in the Biden American democracy and principles warned of the danger of intelligence era, the US repressive apparatus will had really turned into. I was two services’ control over the media. This have to be examined, discussed and meters away from Republican is precisely what US agencies, part of revamped. This should be among Overhaul of disintegrating US intelligence and security agencies Congressman Rohrabacher when, in the American repressive apparatus, Biden’s top priorities, stepping into the middle of a congressional hearing, have been doing during the Trump the Oval Office. misconduct by the agency chief. The need for reform at the end of he uttered his infamous line that he period. How to reform that thinking FBI Director James Comey’s early “Because he is investigating me” Republican Administrations is cyclical hoped that those opposed to torture and the procedures allowing it will firing in 2017 showed the American cannot be a firing reason and will and often the product of the state in by the US Government got tortured very much be the subject of the public that the President of the United surely not fly before Congress or which Republican Presidents leave themselves, together with their reform about to be led by the Biden States has the power to throw out the Senate at such a stage, if they had a the US repressive apparatus. families. I was on the other side, Administration. boss of the FBI as soon as the FBI say. Towards the end of the Bush Era in having worked for the Chairman of American agencies are obsessed chief is found to be investigating the Integrity of US 2007, American society faced the need the Sub-committee on International with American election rigging President himself. And no one can do for reform of the security and Organisations and Human Rights, because they very well know what anything about it. The same goes for intelligence intelligence agencies, and a thorough Congressman Bill Delahunt, who was they themselves have been doing to fix the top prosecutor of the country – the overview of the Government’s use of chairing the hearing. elections and overturn regimes in Attorney General’s appointment and The integrity of the US intelligence private military contractors – all The absolute ban on torture, which other countries. This is another topic confirmation process should also and security institutions cannot be subjects of numerous draft legislation I argued for in the Essex Human that American society will have to face undergo a reform and transformation. left to the individual character of the that I worked on by assisting and Rights Law Review in 2011, with if the US wants to have an honest The process of hiring and firing of top position holder. At the end of the cooperating with the office of Senator support by the UN Special Rapporteur discussion about preventing illegal the agency chiefs should be more day, it should not be down to the Obama, including by helping on torture, was actually a question foreign interference in American complex and have added steps such personal character differences introduce amendments to proposed open for debate in American society elections. as considering more than one between Comey – Wray, or Haspel – legislation on the rules for use of back in the Bush days. Vice The US repressive agencies will candidate nominated for the agency’s Morell to make sure that these force. The neocon version of ‘Jesus on President-elect Kamala Harris’s soon also face a discussion on the use top post, Congress and/or Senate agencies do not become the dark steroids’ left its mark on the way that opposition to confirming Trump’s of drones on civilians and having an open debate on the hand of the President. Institutional the Administration had stretched and appointee, Gina Haspel as the CIA whistleblowers. Now is the time to qualifications and suitability of integrity should not be at the mercy or eroded the US security and Director in 2018, on the grounds of revamp and get rid of outdated and several candidates, and then holding chance of personal integrity. As the intelligence apparatus. The Bush era torture involvement, was actually a obvious FBI and CIA investigative an appointment process as a mixture above comparisons show, when it is was the time when military loud scream from the Democrats to techniques, which are simply slowing of President approval and Congress/ up to that, the odds are split at just contractors and the Government American society that the Bush down and dragging down the Senate vote. The firing of agency about 50/50. agencies that hired them ran around torture days were supposed to be effectiveness of investigations led by chiefs should also be more complex Someone like Donald Trump could unbridled at the expense of the over. A long time ago. Today, Gina the agencies. than an authoritarian impulse. come back in four years’ time. If the American tax payer. Haspel’s days in office are numbered, The US intelligence and security Congress and/or Senate should have system of appointment and firing of These were all issues that I worked as a Biden-Harris Administration architecture is about to undergo the a role at that stage too, including, for agency chiefs does not change, we will on together with the House Committee would have always removed Haspel greatest overhaul in its modern example, by looking at a list of be watching the 2017 FBI episode all on Armed Services and the right away. history. The time has come. reasons for the unsuitability of or over again. Subcommittee on Oversight and At the end of every cycle, the US (www.moderndiplomacy.eu) India’s Indigenous Tribes find Remedies in Forests

By Moushumi Basu terms of food, medicinal and including making them into alcohol livelihood security." for natural hand sanitisers, said A few weeks ago, Mukteshwar Kalo, With more than 9 million reported Anubhav Shori, an indigenous rights a member of the Kondh tribe in coronavirus cases, according to activist in Mankeshri village. eastern India, suddenly came down health ministry data, India is the Dr. Rimita Dey, a critical care with a fever, cough and aches. second-worst affected country behind specialist treating COVID-19 patients Nearly anywhere else, these the United States. in Kolkata's Peerless Hospital, said symptoms would be enough to raise Odisha state alone has had more traditional medicines could help fears of COVID-19, but 58-year-old than 320,000 confirmed cases of scientists develop more effective Kalo, who lives in Surupa village in COVID-19. treatments and vaccines, with proper the state of Odisha, was not worried. But BhimsenKisan, head of the study. His wife treated him with remedies local government body for Surupa "The value and efficacy of such made from plants in a nearby forest: and a dozen other villages, told the traditional healing systems and a drink with the leaves of the night- Thomson Reuters Foundation there plants have long been recognised," flowering gangasiuli jasmine to get had been no known cases in any of she said. rid of his fever and pains and a those villages. "But we need to have more robust solution of extract of patragaja, or air If local people do get sick, their research and trials... especially of the plant, for his cough. symptoms are mild and do not last ingredients used, their specific "The leaves, roots and other more than a few days, so there has dosage and concentration - to resources collected from our forests been no need for anyone to get tested establish them scientifically." cured me in less than a week," said for the virus, he said. In Godrapara, another village in Kalo. Dr. Debananda Sahoo, assistant Odisha state with no reported As India continues to battle the professor of general medicine at the coronavirus cases, 75-year-old folk- COVID-19 pandemic, health experts All India Institute of Medical Sciences The tribes conserve their native biodiversity through their community-led practices healer Chamara Kisan is certain his and environmentalists say the in Bhubaneswar, said the natural community's harmonious climate-resilient, nature-based diets of many indigenous villagers in forest products, like tamarind and comparatively easier for these relationship with nature has kept lifestyles of many indigenous strengthen their immune systems, chia seeds, in and around Surupa. communities," she said. them safe since the pandemic began. communities are helping protect key to keeping the virus at bay. In many parts of Odisha, Village In Surupa village, Hirabati Kalo, a One of his favourite treatments for them from the virus and its economic Wild, organic fruits and vegetables Forest Protection Committees decide 45-year-old mother of three, pointed viral fevers, coughs and colds is to impact. have high levels of vitamin C and which resources can be collected and to the mahua tree as an example of boil the leaves of a local herbaceous The same practices that keep the vitamin E, Sahoo noted. where in the forest, allowing other how the community ensures everyone plant called bhuineem, commonly villagers' climate-heating emissions "Wide varieties of tubers, wild areas to rejuvenate, she said. uses only the resources they need. known as "king of bitters", to form a low and provide them with food also fruits, leaves, roots (and) mushrooms Villagers gather plants and fruits Villagers use the flowers of the concentrate that is drunk twice a prevent them from catching and gathered from the forests and according to those limits, which mahua to make a solution with day. spreading the virus, said Y. Giri Rao, regularly consumed by the prevents over-exploitation, she noted. antiseptic qualities and take two A spoon of powdered bark of executive director of Vasundhara, an indigenous communities are rich in And cutting trees for wood is spoonfuls each day in a bid to keep ashwagandha, also called Indian Odisha-based conservation nutrients and antioxidants," he said. forbidden, with communities getting COVID-19 away, Kalo said. ginseng, stirred into a cup of warm nonprofit. "Most importantly, they are free all their fuel from dry leaves and They also spray the solution along milk acts as an analgesic, reduces Preserving forests, protecting from chemical fertilisers and branches on the forest floor. the entry and exit points of the village inflammation and builds immunity, wildlife and managing natural pesticides, thus very pure and This careful resource management and outside their homes. he said. resources wisely help keep effective." cuts down on the need for villagers to "We never pluck the mahua flowers And when giloy shrub branches are indigenous people healthy, he said. Antiseptic Solution interact with outsiders for food or from the tree, but wait for them to fall ground and boiled with water, the "The tribes in the region have been work, further reducing their chances off after ripening. Only then we solution helps clear congestion and conserving their native biodiversity Conserving natural resources also of infection, Behera said. collect them from the ground," Kalo chest infections, Kisan added. for generations through their makes indigenous communities "When lockdowns, quarantines and explained. "We take care of the forests and community-led practices," Rao said. economically self-sufficient, said travel bans during the peak of the Several villages in Chhattisgarh forests look after us - what is there to "This is paying off during these Ipsita Behera of Banaja Banijya pandemic made life difficult for state have found other ways to use worry about COVID-19?" he asked. tough times of global pandemic, in Sangha, a women's collective trading people in cities, (it) stayed mahua flowers to ward off the virus, (Thomson Reuters Foundation) Asia/news thursday 10 december 2020 A9

New Delhi, India Passengers confined to Govt may amend farm reform in the cabins after COVID-19 case hope of ending protests on Singapore cruise Vessel had strict anti-virus measures Nearly 1,700 passengers on a Royal Caribbean ‘cruise-to-nowhere’ from Singapore were told to stay in their cabins on Wednesday (9) after a COVID- 19 case was detected on board, forcing the ship back to port, authorities said. All passengers had cleared a mandatory PCR test for COVID-19 up to three days before the cruise started on Monday, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said. The infected passenger, an 83-year-old People hold placards during a nationwide strike to protest against male, had reported to the onboard newly passed farm bills, in Mumbai, India, 8 December 2020 (Reuters) medical centre with diarrhoea, and others onboard were told of the infection India’s Government will growers are assured a minimum early on Wednesday. consider amending reforms that price. Small growers fear the At around 2:20 p.m., a person wearing have sparked protests by change, part of Prime Minister a full-length white protective suit was farmers fearing the end of Narendra Modi’s liberalising escorted from the ship to a waiting guaranteed crop prices but it will reforms, will mean the end of ambulance, which then left the not abandon the plan, a price support for staples such as downtown cruise centre where the ship Government official said on wheat and rice and leave them is docked. Wednesday (9). Farmers have at the mercy of big business. The Shortly after, the ship’s captain told been demonstrating for two Government is set to discuss the passengers over the tannoy that the weeks against the deregulation laws on Wednesday, sources infected patient had disembarked and that will allow them to sell said, with hopes that an offer of that the ship was being deep-cleaned but Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas cruise ship docks at Marina Bay Cruise Centre after produce to buyers beyond amendments to the legislation said other guests would have to remain a passenger tested positive for COVID-19 during a cruise to nowhere, in Singapore (Reuters) Government-regulated will end the Opposition. in their rooms until further notice. wholesale markets, where (Reuters) “We do understand that this is not how was awoken by an announcement on the the company halted global operations in you planned to spend your cruise and ship’s tannoy just before 3:00 a.m. March due to the coronavirus. There again ladies and gentlemen, I am terribly Singapore time on Wednesday (1900 were 1,680 guests and 1,148 crew sorry,” the captain said in a recording GMT Tuesday) which said a guest had members onboard, a spokesperson for heard by Reuters. tested positive and all passengers must Royal Caribbean said. The global cruise Beijing, China Royal Caribbean and the STB said all remain in their rooms. industry has taken a major hit from the guests and crew of the ship who had “I was like: ‘there it goes, the worst fear pandemic, with some of the earliest big close contact with the infected guest had has happened’,” said Chew, a 31-year- outbreaks found on cruise ships. In one Police list gives insight subsequently tested negative for the old business development manager, who case in February off the coast of Japan, virus. The passengers and crew will stay had taken the cruise with a friend. passengers were stuck for weeks aboard onboard in their rooms until contact The Quantum of the Seas returned to the Diamond Princess with over 700 into detention system tracing is complete, Annie Chang, Singapore at 8:00 a.m. local time (0000 guests and crew infected. director of the cruise segment at the STB GMT), and as of 2 p.m. passengers were Royal Caribbean’s ‘cruise-to-nowhere’ in Xinjiang – Group said. They will all undergo mandatory still being asked to isolate in their is open only to Singapore residents, COVID-19 testing before leaving the cabins. makes no stops and sails just off the A leaked list of more than in action in detaining terminal. The ‘cruise-to-nowhere’ by Royal city-state. 2,000 ethnic Uighur detainees people,” said HRW’s Maya Passenger Melvin Chew told Reuters he Caribbean is one of its first sailings since (Reuters) in China’s Xinjiang suggests Wang. the Government used an It “provides further insights expansive data collection into how China’s brutal project to arbitrarily detain repression of Xinjiang’s Uighurs in the region, Turkic Muslims is being Tokyo, Japan Seoul, South Korea according to U.S. rights group turbocharged by technology,” Human Rights Watch (HRW). she said. The list from Xinjiang’s Human Rights Watch did Libraries hope UV Aksu prefecture, obtained by not identify the source of the HRW, is of detainees flagged list, citing the person’s machine gives by a Chinese predictive safety. Reuters could not policing programme, called independently verify the the Integrated Joint authenticity of the list. visitors peace of mind Operations Platform (IJOP), Chinese Foreign Ministry which collects data and spokesman Zhao Lijian, asked identifies candidates for about the group’s report at a detention. daily briefing in Beijing, said The list from 2018 includes it was not worth refuting. the names of Xinjiang Human Rights Watch was Uighurs, phone numbers and “full of bias”, Zhao said. reasons for detention in U.N. experts and advocates China’s camp system, say at least a million ethnic People shop amid the COVID-19 pandemic at a traditional market including studying the Uighurs, who are mostly in Seoul, 8 December 2020 (Reuters) Koran, wearing religious Muslim and speak a Turkic clothing or travelling language, have been detained internationally. at some point in Xinjiang New COVID-19 “The Aksu list is the first camps. infections at second time we have seen the IJOP (Reuters) highest in new wave

A man wearing a protective mask, amid the COVID-19 outbreak, South Korea reported 686 most other businesses. The uses a ultraviolet sterilising machine cleaning a library book he new coronavirus cases on Government has also rents at Narimasu library in Itabashi district in Tokyo (Reuters) Wednesday (9) as it battles a introduced a new testing Libraries in Japan are Itabashi, north of Tokyo, has third wave of infection that is method to cater to surging hoping a machine that had a machine installed threatening to overwhelm its demand, and eased rules to sterilises books using since 2018 but the facility’s medical system. The daily tally release some recovered ultraviolet light (UV) is giving manager said that it is now was the second-highest since patients faster to free up visitors reassurance to take- being used three times as the start of the pandemic, hospital beds. “Testing is very out publications during the much. Patrons can use the according to the Korea Disease critical to cutting the chained coronavirus pandemic. machine, which sits next to Control and Prevention transmission,” health official Libraries across the the front desk, once they Agency (KDCA). New cases Yoon Tae-ho told a briefing, country are installing the have out a book and then have been consistently around noting that many of the cases machine, which takes 30 again upon it’s return. 600 over the past week. had been found in young seconds to sterilise a book However, this is not Tougher social distancing people who had been highly using UV light and flutter it compulsory. rules took effect on Tuesday mobile, making it more Workers walk by the perimeter fence of what is officially known as a pages to clear out dust. (Reuters) (8), including unprecedented difficult to trace infections. vocational skills education centre in Dabancheng in Xinjiang Uighur The Narimasu Library in curfews on restaurants and (Reuters) Autonomous Region, China 4 September 2018 (Reuters)

Continued from page 1

Citizens must... Allergy warning... Issuing a statement to resist this heinous practice. rights of obtaining Government commemorate International Intolerance for corruption by the services efficiently, and resist By Emma Reynolds, Sharon had a history of allergic reactions – Anti-Corruption Day yesterday citizenry is one of the best being subjected to demands of Braithwaite and Amy Cassidy developed symptoms of anaphylactoid (9), he said, “Corruption is the antidotes for it. This is the any form of bribery. I request reaction after receiving the vaccine on greatest obstacle to reason for placing a high you to be more vigilant on People with a ‘significant history of Tuesday. Thousands overall were development. Be it in the social emphasis on empowering obligations that the Government allergic reactions’ should not be given the vaccinated in the UK on Tuesday, NHS or economic domain, corruption citizens to fight corruption in has towards you, and perform Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, UK England told CNN on Wednesday. prevents institutions from the policy statement of the your civic duty by promptly health authorities said Wednesday, after “As is common with new vaccines the achieving their maximum Government, ‘Vistas of reporting of any incident of two health care workers experienced MHRA [Medicines and Healthcare potential and eventually retards Prosperity and Splendour’. corruption or bribery to law symptoms after receiving a shot the day products Regulatory Agency] have advised the growth of a country. This is I consider it to be a core enforcement or investigative before. on a precautionary basis that people with prominently seen during times responsibility of my Government authorities. Eradicating this The precautionary advice was given a significant history of allergic reactions of crises, where lacunae in to eradicate waste and menace from our country will be after the pair ‘responded adversely’ do not receive this vaccination after two oversight mechanisms might corruption. I wish to invite our easier when citizens play a following their shots on the first day of the people with a history of significant allergic allow space for undue citizens to play a more conscious role in the preventive mass vaccination rollout in the UK, reactions responded adversely yesterday,” exploitations. A country can participatory and a proactive mechanism. Together, let us free National Health Service England said said Stephen Powis, the national medical combat corruption the best role in the Government’s this country of the culture of Wednesday. director for NHS England, in a statement. when her citizens have the administrative machinery, to be corruption and make it a worthy The two staff members – who both “Both are recovering well.” feeling and the inclination to more knowledgeable about your home for generations to come”. carried an adrenaline auto injector and - CNN A10 thursday 10 december 2020 world ‘EU must move’ Johnson heads for last Brexit supper in Brussels

British Prime Minister Boris Government dealing with ‘Brexit volatility -- a measure of expected that would have breached a Brexit Johnson headed to Brussels on issues, told ‘Times Radio’. price swings -- rose to a new 8-1/2 withdrawal agreement signed earlier Wednesday (9) for dinner with While Gove refused to give odds on month high of close to 25 per cent. this year. European Commission President a deal, he said that often a one-on- EU chief negotiator Barnier said Gove said the deal on Northern Ursula von der Leyen in a last ditch one meeting between leaders could on Tuesday (8) he believed a Ireland opened up ‘a smoother glide attempt to avoid a tumultuous result in a breakthrough. ‘no-deal’ split in ties with Britain at path’ towards a possible deal. He Brexit without a trade deal in three “It is often around the table, when the end of the year was now more added that if a deal was not done weeks’ time. you have two political principals likely than agreement on a trade Finance Minister Rishi Sunak would With growing fears of a chaotic one-on-one, that you can often find pact, sources in the bloc said. take steps to ensure British no-deal finale to the five-year Brexit a way through,” Gove told the BBC. A diplomat and an official in businesses were competitive. crisis when the United Kingdom Failure to secure a deal would Brussels, speaking on condition of Gove confirmed he was helping to finally leaves the EU’s orbit on 31 snarl borders, shock financial anonymity, said Barnier made the coordinate the Government’s December, the dinner is being cast markets and sow chaos through remark at a meeting with the attempt to prepare for the scenario as a chance to unlock the stalled supply chains across Europe and European affairs ministers from the of Brexit without a trade deal during trade talks. beyond as the world faces the vast 27 EU States. Barnier added that it a surge in winter COVID-19 cases. A British Government source economic cost of the COVID-19 was time for the bloc to update its Irish Prime Minister Micheal stressed that a deal may not be pandemic. no-deal contingency plans, they Martin said he is ‘on the pessimistic possible, as did EU chief Brexit The British pound was flat against said. side’ about the chances that Britain negotiator Michel Barnier. Ireland the dollar at around 1.3369, after Britain said on Tuesday it had and the European Union will reach a also signalled it was pessimistic three straight days of losses. It clinched a deal with the EU over consensus in the coming days on a An electronic billboard displays a British Government information message advising busi- about a deal. stands around one per cent off how to manage the Ireland-Northern free-trade agreement, the Irish ness to prepare for the Brexit, in London, Britain, “The EU has to move,” Michael 2-1/2 year highs hit at the end of Ireland border, and would now drop Times reported on Wednesday. 4 December 2020. (Reuters) Gove, a senior minister in Johnson’s last week. Overnight implied clauses in draft domestic legislation (Reuters)

When the levee breaks… Berlin, Germany There is still the chance of a Brexit deal - Merkel The European Union and Ursula von der Leyen in Britain could still reach a Brussels later on Brexit trade agreement but Wednesday. the bloc’s 27 remaining “There is still the chance members are prepared to of an agreement ... We are live with no deal if continuing to work on it, necessary, German but we are also prepared Chancellor Angela Merkel for conditions which we said on Wednesday (9). cannot accept,” Merkel A wrestle over so-called told the Bundestag Lower ‘level playing field’ rules, House of Parliament. which would prevent “One thing is clear: the Britain undercutting EU integrity of the internal standards on things like market must be labour and environmental preserved,” she added. standards, is the big issue “We must have a level still to be resolved, Merkel playing field, not just for told German lawmakers. today but for tomorrow Berlin has full confidence and beyond ... Otherwise, in the European unfair competition Commission to pursue the conditions arise to which Brexit negotiations, Merkel we cannot subject our added ahead of talks companies,” she said. between British Prime “This is the really big A woman stands in flooded St. Mark’s Square during high tide as the flood barriers known as Mose are not Minister Boris Johnson question.” German Chancellor Angela Merkel raised, in Venice, Italy, 8 December 2020 (Reuters) and Commission President (Reuters) (Reuters)

Rome, Italy Russia, China have not sought Dubai, United Arab Emirates EMA’s authorisation for vaccines Sinopharm vaccine Russia and China have not under any pressure to has 86% efficacy not requested authorisation accelerate procedures to from the European authorise the vaccine Medicines Agency (EMA) for developed by Pfizer and against COVID-19 their COVID-19 vaccines BioNTech or one by Moderna and the agency is not under . political pressure to speed “If anything, the pressure – Health Ministry up vaccine approvals, the is scientific, because we regulator’s chief said in want to be certain to do An experimental coronavirus vaccine developed by China remarks published on what is best for citizens,” National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) has 86 per cent Wednesday (9). she said, adding that EMA efficacy, the Health Ministry of the United Arab Emirates said “For the time being they acted independently. on Wednesday (9), citing an interim analysis of late-stage have not sought She said the agency was clinical trials. authorisation for their still expecting to complete While the positive data comes soon after last month’s upbeat vaccines. If they do, we will its review of the Pfizer and results from Western rivals, such as Pfizer Inc, Moderna , study the data,” EMA’s BioNTEch vaccine by 29 AstraZeneca Plc and from Russia, neither the UAE nor Executive Director Emer December and to finalise its Sinopharm have released detailed data from the pivotal study. Cooke told Italian daily la Russia was the first The Russian vaccine review of the Moderna In July, the Gulf Arab State started Phase III clinical trials of Repubblica, when asked country to grant regulatory Sputnik V is being developed vaccine by 12 January. the vaccine, developed by Beijing Institute of Biological about the Chinese and approval for a novel by Moscow’s Gamaleya The European Union Product, a unit of Sinopharm’s China National Biotec Group Russian vaccines. coronavirus vaccine, doing Research Institute and Commission authorises (CNBG). China has approved three so before large-scale trials marketed by Russia’s vaccines based on EMA’s In September, it authorised emergency use of the vaccine for vaccine candidates were complete, stirring sovereign wealth fund, the scientific advice after certain groups, the first such international clearance for a developed by Sinovac and concern among scientists Russian Direct Investment consultation with the vaccine developed in China. State-owned Sinopharm for and doctors about the safety Fund (RDIF). 27 EU States. The analysis also shows “99 per cent seroconversion rate of emergency use. and efficacy of the shot. Cooke said the agency was (Reuters) neutralising antibody and 100 per cent effectiveness in preventing moderate and severe cases of the disease”, the Ministry said in a statement carried by the State news agency. “The analysis shows no serious safety concerns,” it said. It also said it had officially registered the vaccine, without Jerusalem, Israel elaborating, and that 31,000 volunteers across 125 nationalities participated in the UAE trial. It did not say what, if any, side effects it identified, how many Initial shipment of participants have become ill or how many volunteers were given the vaccine or a placebo. CNBG could not be immediately reached for comment. PfizerCOVID-19 vaccine received The vaccine, which uses an inactivated virus unable to replicate human cells to trigger immune responses, requires Israel received its first on 20 December, with eight million doses of Executive Yossi Ofek said two doses, past trial data has showed. shipment of COVID-19 distributor Teva the vaccine, which Britain vaccines would arrive at The UAE trial is a partnership between CNBG, Abu Dhabi- vaccines on Wednesday (9) Pharmaceutical Industries became the first country to greater pace during the based artificial intelligence company Group 42 (G42) and the and a distributor predicted Ltd. said. administer on Tuesday (8). course of the month. “We Abu Dhabi Department of Health. the country would have “I believe in this vaccine. I Israel has also ordered are talking about a huge Sinopharm and G42 have also expanded the trial to Egypt, enough for about a quarter expect that it will get the vaccines from Moderna Inc. estimated scope of four Jordan and Bahrain. of the population by the end requisite (regulatory) and AstraZeneca Plc. million vaccine (doses) by Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, this week said it was seeking of the year. approvals in the coming An Israeli Cabinet year’s end,” he told Israel’s volunteers to take part in clinical trials of Russia’s COVID-19 A cargo plane landed at days,” Prime Minister Member said this week that Army Radio. vaccine, known as Sputnik V. Ben Gurion Airport carrying Benjamin Netanyahu said Pfizer vaccines would arrive A Teva spokeswoman said The UAE, with a population of around nine million, has what officials said were tens in an airport ceremony, in Israel on Thursday to be two vaccine doses would be recorded 178,837 infections and 596 deaths from the disease. of thousands of doses of adding that he intended to administered to the elderly required per person. Israel, The vaccine is among the three most advanced candidates Pfizer Inc. vaccines for a be the first Israeli to be and other high-risk with a population of nine from China in terms of development and has been used to trial run of transportation vaccinated. populations, and would be million, has reported vaccinate around one million people in the country under its and storage procedures. Pfizer and its partner followed by Moderna 348,968 coronavirus cases emergency use programme. Israel plans to start BioNTech agreed last vaccines. and 2,932 deaths. (Reuters) administering the vaccines month to provide Israel Teva Israel Chief (Reuters) thursday 10 december 2020 b11

Even Banking margins to come under pressure with low rates Consumers Benefit From 7% Concessional Home Loans Construction sector to further benefit from the rate reduction By Ishara Gamage Housing Loan Exposure as at 30 Sep 2020 Bank Rs. Mn Analysts say the 7% housing % of Gross Loans Avg 10Y Mortgage Rate Oered - 25 Nov 2020 loan concession introduced by the COMB 65,817 6.9 9.0% - 9.5% Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) HNB 40,837 5.0 10.0% - 10.5% for public and private sector employees will have some effect on ASMP 45,751 5.8 10.0% - 10.75% the banking sector profit margins. NDB 17,195 3.9 11.75% - 12.25% They also say, CBSL will have to Source : Bank nancial Statements impose a maximum limit on Lanwa Sanstha ^ Percentage exposure to Housing Loans as at 30 Sep 2020 assumed to be similar lending if the banking sector does Cement to commence not provide these housing loans as to the percentage exposure disclosed as at 31 Dec 2019 expected. operations “A major risk would be possible 5 years) on mortgage-backed at the proposed rate, they believe Tokyo Cement Company (Lanka) State-of-the-art cement manufacturing with the limiting on the borrowing, housing loans for salaried workers, there will be some net interest PLC (TKYO.N0000:CSE) , Royal facility Lanwa Sanstha Cement Corporation given the increasing pressure on CBSL announced guidelines of margin (NIM) pressure, with Ceramics Lanka PLC (RCL.N0000), (Pvt) Ltd which is slated to be one of the bank margins – CBSL may implementation. regards to mortgage lending rate ACL Cables PLC (ACL.N0000:CSE), largest in the region is scheduled for introduce lending targets in case of The rates will be applicable for restrictions in the near term. Access Engineering PLC (AEL. commissioning in June 2021 , the company banks not adhering to its both the private and public sector – However, given that CT CLSA N0000:CSE) & Overseas Realty statement read. directions,” analysts said. earlier assumed to be applicable Securities expects interest rates to (Ceylon) PLC(OSEA.N0000). The facility which is spread across 63 They say, the recent reduction in for public sector only, in line with increase at least 150bps to 200bps CT CLSA considered the acres is in the Mirijjawila Export Processing taxes affecting the banking sector the Budget proposals. during 2021E owing to the potential benefit of low interest rate Zone, Hambantota. has enabled banks to pass on the Private credit witnessed a pick Government planning to finance environment, on the construction A BOI venture, the investment for Phase 1 benefit of lower funding costs to up during the month of August 94% of its fiscal deficit from the and construction material of project was USD 70 million and the consumers, even at lower profits. 2020 (1.4% MoM,5.2% YoY) after domestic market, banks may industry, given the anticipated production capacity of same is estimated to “Long-term fixed deposit interest three consecutive months of possibly have some breathing increase in housing construction be 2.4 million metric tons per annum. In rates in the banking sector these decline, amid the dovish monetary space especially with regards to and refurbishments. the second phase, a further investment of days are at 4.5 per cent. Apart from policy. managing their overall NIMs. CT CLSA expects the property USD 10 million will be infused to the project that, even at a time when the “This is expected to remain with Given that Licensed Commercial segment of AEL to be impacted whereby the production capacity will market interest rates in the a continuous soft monetary stance Banks offer mortgage loan rates at favorably by the proposal with expand by another 1.2 million MT. One of country are at an all-time low, the and regulatory lending caps for 9% or above as of now, CT CLSA anticipated increase in occupancy the highlights of the facility would be the banking sector has not provided selected lending products,” CT Securities expects the said in Capital Heights (>60%) and emphasis on latest technology where all much interest relief on home loans. CLSA Securities (Pvt) Limited proposal to partially benefit the Marina Square (>40). mixing will be carried out with latest Therefore, this cost reduction relief stated in its research note. construction, construction CT CLSA believes the listed tile German-made Gebr Pfeiffer machinery should be given to bank home loan According to CT CLSA Securities material and real estate industries manufacturers (RCL, LWL, TILE) while many of the other equipment used applicants while boosting the (Pvt) Limited , the budget proposal in Sri Lanka. also are to benefit from the throughout the production process have nation’s economy ”They said. and the recent monetary policy The listed players who are anticipated rise in borrowings been customised by the world renowned Following the Monetary policy decision to reduce mortgage rates expected to be positively impacted (housing loans) under favourable pioneer in innovation, Siemens. Packaging decision to introduce a maximum to 7% do not indicate that the given the successful rates especially with the festive is done using FL Smidth state-of-the-art interest rate of 7% (during the first outstanding loans will be re-priced implementation of the proposal are season around the corner. technology for improved efficiency and minimal wastage. Chairman of Lanwa Sanstha Cement, Nandana Lokuwithana said, “This facility will serve to benefit the construction industry tremendously by Govt’s vehicle import curbs delivering products of premium quality to Over $ 1.8 the market. The plant is the first of its kind in Sri Lanka utilising cutting-edge Non-life business growth to slow European technology to yield optimum outcomes while being environmentally Global rating giant Fitch Ratings expect that billion FDI conscious through continuous monitoring.” Sri Lanka’s non-life business growth to slow in – Fitch The manufacturing facility features a fully light of the Government's restriction on the reflect its 'Favourable' business profile, and a automated Stacker Reclaimer Yard and two import of motor vehicles to control currency capital position and financial performance Bridge Type Ship Unloaders, a depreciation. better than that of the domestic insurance lined up breakthrough in cargo handling shifting Revising a Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation industry. from labour-intensive to tech-oriented Limited's (SLIC) Insurer Financial Strength Fitch believes the sovereign's downgrade aligning local industry with global trends. (IFS) Rating to 'CCC+' from 'B', Fitch expects underscores SLIC's investment risks due to its – New BOI Chair Lanwa Sanstha Cement will have a storage the potential pressure on earnings from rising high exposure to sovereign and sovereign- The Board of capacity the equivalent of three cargo ships price competition, fueled by constrained related investments. Investment of Sri and an impressive 2.4 km covered conveyer business growth and softer investment yields, Fitch continues to regard SLIC's business Lanka (BOI) has belt for transportation of raw materials from to be somewhat mitigated by lower claims from profile as 'Favourable' compared with that of already signed port to plant with increased efficiency, no motor insurance lines due to a drop in traffic other Sri Lankan insurance companies due to preliminary wastage and zero pollution which sets the accidents following the implementation of its leading business franchise, participation in agreements to attract precedent for other enterprises too in pandemic-related travel restrictions. well-diversified and stable business lines, and USD 1.8 billion in manufacturing to preserve nature by SLIC has consistently maintained its non-life large domestic operating scale. foreign direct working smarter. All these features are new combined ratio below 100 per cent (1H20: 96 Fitch believes the slowdown in economic investment (FDI) over to Sri Lanka and only available at a handful per cent; 2019: 95 per cent) for the past five activity due to the pandemic will hamper the the next few years, such facilities regionally. years, buoyed by its scale advantages and industry's new business growth. They expect new Chairman of the Lanwa Sanstha Cement is expected to prudent underwriting practices. new business generation for life insurance to Board of Investment, meet the requirements of all major The rating action follows the downgrade of the be subdued in the near term as most insurers Sanjaya Mohottala, construction projects locally including the Sri Lankan sovereign rating to 'CCC' from 'B-' use agency networks that rely on human told Ceylon FT. Port City and Expressways once on 27 November 2020, which heightened SLIC's interaction for distribution. They expect non- He hoped that FDIs, commissioned, manufacturing the entire investment and asset risks on the international life business growth to slow in light of the which had been gamut of blended cement products rating scale, and increased the pressure on the Government's restriction on the import of somewhat hampered including Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), operating environment and the insurer's motor vehicles to control currency by the COVID-19 Sanjaya Mohottala Portland Slag Cement (PSC) and Portland business profile. SLIC's rating continues to depreciation. crisis, would gradually Limestone Cement (PLC). recover from next year. Sanjaya Mohottala assumed duties yesterday as the 21st Chairman of the Board of Investment, the apex Investment Promotion Agency of the Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Government of Sri Lanka. He is also currently acting as the Director General (DG) and will soon appoint a new DG. Presented with newly-launched He served as the Director General (DG) since Minister of Ports & Shipping Rohitha March 2020 and is the current acting DG till one Abeygunwardena & State Minister - iPhone 12 pro max device is appointed. Under his guidance BOI developed Aviation and Export Zones Development,. a new roadmap defining the FDI strategy for Sri D. V. Chanaka visiting the facility Lanka, introducing five key prioritised sectors including manufacturing, ICT, infrastructure, tourism and sub sectors, to transform the country’s economic landscape with the Ceylinco Life takes aspirations of the President, as articulated in his Green example to manifesto “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor”. Further to support there and thrust sectors, Divulapitiya sector-specific tax incentives for investment, in Ceylinco opened its first ‘Green building’ the budget for the year 2021 were outlined and a with the opening of a purpose-built branch simplified tax structure and a consistent office for Ceylinco Life on company-owned investment climate was guaranteed from the land on the Negombo – Mirigama road in Government. Divulapitiya. This is the 39th owned branch While thanking investors and the BOI team for building of Ceylinco Life overall and the their support, especially since the onset of fourth in that category in the Gampaha COVID-19, he invited all BOI stakeholders to join District. It will be the new home of the staff in making an effective contribution to uplift the of Ceylinco Life’s Divulapitiya branch Sri Lanka’s economy. opened in 2006 using rented space. Mohottala expressed his gratitude to the On 17 September 2020, Ceylinco Life outgoing Chairman Susantha Ratnayake for his opened another purpose-built Green leadership and guidance which set the pace for branch building on company-owned land in the organisation in delivering objectives set by Nelliady, Jaffna, after opening its 37th the country's new leadership. branch on company-owned land in Malabe Prior to joining BOI, Mohottala was Managing in January this year. The Company is in the Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Rajeev Gooneratne, Chief Executive Officer for Genxt Sri Lanka the authorised distributor Apple in Sri process of constructing a Green building for Lanka, presented the newly-launched iPhone 12 pro max device to Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Group with experience in Indo - Pacific, the EU its branch in Piliyandala and is extending Namal Rajapaksa. Also in the picture are AGM Sales Apple Products Tehan Mahamoor and AGM Sales and U.S. Fulbright Scholar. He received his MBA the capacity of its Negombo branch as well. Operations Cynthia Pereira. The official TRCSL registered iPhone 12 series was launched in Sri Lanka on 4 from the UCLA Anderson School of Management, Ceylinco Life currently owns the buildings December and has 4 different models to choose from. and holds a BSc in Electronics and housing its offices in Anuradhapura, Telecommunication Engineering (with Trincomalee, Jaffna, Batticaloa, Kandy, distinction) from the University of Moratuwa Sri Kalutara, Kurunegala, Gampaha, Galle, Lanka. He is also a Management Accountant Matara, Tissamaharama, Negombo, (CIMA - UK) and has a Post Graduate diploma in Ratnapura, Kotahena, Mount Lavinia and Two Bank of Ceylon Directors resign Marketing from Chartered Institute of Marketing Wellawatte, many of which have already Bank of Ceylon Directors Premarathna have resigned December, the Colombo (CIM – UK). BOI looks forward to fulfilling the been converted to solar power. Lalith Withana and Hasitha from their portfolios on 8 Stock Exchange announced. Government's ambitious economic goals under his leadership. B12 Ceylon FT thursday 10 decemberGlobal Sivereign - Rating 2020 Changes News (No.) Upgrades (LHS) Downgrades (LHS) Downgrades/Upgrades (RHS) (x) 35 11 10 30 9 25 8 7 Euromoney Cash Management Survey 20 6 15 5 4 DFCC Bank named COVID-1910 Dominates3 5 2 1 0 0 No. 1 Cash Management 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 YTD2020 Source: Fitch Ratings Service Provider DFCC Bank, the Bank for Everyone, was recently awarded the Global Sovereigns’ Number One Ranking for Best Service by the acclaimed 2020 Euromoney Cash Management Non-Financial Institutions Survey. The award comes as a triumph to DFCC Bank who participated in the Euromoney Cash Management Survey for the very first 2021 Outlook time this year. Being rated as the bank offering the best Cash Management service by their loyal customers is a great accolade Uncertainties over the effects of the for DFCC’s Cash Management business. DFCC has also been COVID-19 pandemic as well as its Global Sivereign - Rating Changes ranked second in the Market Leader Ranking Category under the immediate and longer-term economic (No.) Upgrades (LHS) Downgrades (LHS) Downgrades/Upgrades (RHS) (x) Euromoney Cash Management Survey 2020, making the award implications will continue to exert 35 11 of significant value to the Bank. pressure on global public finances in 2021, 10 Euromoney Magazine, which was initiated in 1969, is the prime 30 9 according to Fitch Ratings. 25 8 magazine of the global financial world and reports on With vaccine rollouts now looking 7 international cross-border capital markets. The Cash 20 6 imminent, the agency assumes global 15 5 Management Survey 2020 was the 19th annual survey of the economic recovery will take a firmer hold 10 4 world’s cash management industry and worked on a voting by mid-year, even though the economic 3 system that allowed users to award institutions who truly 5 2 and fiscal implications of the virus are 1 deserved recognition. This year, Euromoney received over 30,000 0 0 likely to linger. 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 YTD2020 responses, making the survey the most comprehensive and The record number of sovereign rating authoritative ranking available worldwide. downgrades in 2020, at more than 30, Source: Fitch Ratings Considering that DFCC Bank has been in the Cash will be followed by another year of Management industry for a short period of three years, the award credit stress in 2021, as about one- on a Negative Outlook, implying a policy flexibility in this regard than by a leading global publication is a testament to the quality of third of the global sovereign portfolio is number of multi-notch downgrades in previously envisaged, although Fitch service and utmost care that the Bank offers through their Cash assigned a Negative Outlook. The the current cycle. believes it will be important to explore this Management proposition, DFCC iConnect. largest number of negative actions was Interest service burdens (interest newfound flexibility carefully. Even with in the ‘B’ category, and in Latin payments relative to revenue) remain central bank support, the median interest America and sub-Saharan Africa, but largely manageable in developed markets service burden in emerging markets is no region or rating category has been in light of low interest rates and central high, at about 10%, reflecting government spared. Fitch in 2020 downgraded bank bond purchases. Emerging-market debt increases that predated the several sovereigns that will enter 2021 sovereigns have had a greater degree of pandemic. NetOnNet chose Creative Software as their technical partner Seylan Bank NetOnNet recently chose said Anne-Sofie Johanson, Creative Software as their Development Manager at technical partner to help NetOnNet.“ Even in the among the Very Best drive immediate and long- absence of on-site training term goals to innovate, scale due to the pandemic, the Sri Lankan Corporates and ultimately optimise the team has been given overall customer experience. complete autonomy due to Seylan Bank has affirmed its The signing ceremony held at Suhurupaya, Battaramulla, was New to offshoring, their commendable ability to position among the topmost graced by Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, the State Minister of Urban NetOnNet sought out the grasp end-customer needs corporates in the country by Development, Coast Conservation, Waste Disposal experience and skill needed and numerous software featuring in the Business to manage their IFS integrations to deliver Today Top 30 ranking for Applications 9 ERP and successful solutions.” listed entities. Despite many Cinnamon Bey Beruwala to develop in-house Software Engineering challenges posed by customisation on top of the Director, Channa De Silva unprecedented events during Conserve Beruwala Beach native system. The Technical said, “we allocate the best the year, the stability and Cinnamon Bey Beruwala, by tourism activities and competencies and matured engineers, familiar with unwavering commitment to the Marine Environmental holiday goers. processes of Creative required technologies, excellence has ensured the Protection Authority (MEPA) Plasticcycle and Cinnamon Software enables NetOnNet possessing significant presence of the ‘Bank with a and Plasticcycle - the Social Hotels and Resorts launched to leverage expertise that domain knowledge and Heart’ in this elite ranking, the Entrepreneurship project of the first instalment of the enables business ability to develop back-end company announced. John Keells Group, joined Beach Caretaker Project in optimisation, and growth. apps. We are thrilled to Listed entities made it to the hands, under MEPA’s ‘Beach Hikkaduwa in January 2020 “This partnership is the exceed the level of expertise ranking for the financial year Caretaker’ programme on 27 at Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon. first offshoring experience for expected by NetOnNet and 2019-2020, with companies November 2020. The The objective of the us, a 20-year-old company. look forward to continuing being evaluated on Kapila Ariyaratne partnership committed to programme is to educate, When a decision was made to working with them to grow performance and their focus protect and preserve the create awareness and develop increase our capacity, the the local team.” on sustainable business practices with social consideration. Beruwala Beach adjoining sustainable tourism through question emerged whether to Founded in 1999, leading Seylan Bank has been in the forefront of innovation and the resort. a series of long-term activities consider offshoring, Scandinavian retailer customer service, ensuring the Bank’s customers got the best Sri Lanka’s coastline is rich to preserve the beach. especially as it is difficult to NetOnNet expanded into the service in the limited operating environment afforded by the in marine biodiversity, Activities include developing find the right knowledge and bricks and mortar arena in pandemic and the Bank continued to support its clientele in all including exotic fish species youth programmes such as experience locally due to 2001 and was recently its financial needs. and marine mammals such ‘guided snorkeling’ and NetOnNet being one of the awarded “the best Nordic “Throughout this financial year, the Bank has operated in a as sea turtles, that depends community awareness few companies in Sweden company in omni-channel” challenging environment with unprecedented upheavals. on the beaches and shoreline programmes to develop more that possesses developer by Google. Today, NetOnNet Despite the negativity that surrounded us, I am grateful for for breeding. However, these sustainable and professional licences for IFS. offers customers a seamless efforts of the Seylan Team in achieving the results we did both unique environments and business with minimum We prefer to develop all shopping experience through in terms of our own financials, but also in assisting our wide habitats have been harm to the environment, software in-house, therefore online operations with a network of customers to overcome extremely difficult economic challenged by the while increasing awareness the offshore team needed to number of warehouse stores conditions. accumulation of plastic waste among visitors. work as one with our team” across Scandinavia. Our presence in this august ranking is an affirmation that we are on the right path, and will come out on top with innovation and a growth mindset.” Kapila Ariyaratne, CEO, Seylan Bank commented on the recognition. In ranking Seylan Bank as a top corporate, the listing also considered the Bank’s social responsibility. This year, Seylan LB Finance relocates Embilipitiya, developed and implemented an environmental and social management policy to ensure sustainability through reduction of the environmental and social impact from commercial activity. The policy is structured to create economic prosperity Aluthgama Branches while protecting the environment. “Seylan Bank was endorsed as a financially stable LB FINANCE recently relocated its organisation with performance excellence across the board by Embilipitiya and Aluthgama branches Fitch Ratings earlier this year, with the bank’s national long- while upgrading 18 other gold loan centers term rating revised to ‘A’ (lka). into fully-fledged branches to broaden the The bank was also ranked second among public listed branch network to deliver better and companies for transparency in corporate reporting by convenient services to its customers also Transparency Global and is now part of the S&P Dow Jones SL known to be Sri Lanka’s trail-blazer in 20 Index. These achievements are a testament to Seylan Bank’s innovative financial services. financial stability and unwavering dedication to ensuring The Embilipitiya Branch was relocated at excellence across all aspects.” Ariyaratne added. No. 21, New Town Road, Embilipitiya while the Aluthgama branch was relocated at No. 358, Galle Road, Aluthgama. These branches were ceremoniously declared open by Senior Managers in the presence of other staff members of LB Finance and the community Aluthgama Branch Embilipitiya Branch Sierra Cables posts of the area both Business and Retail. The following Gold loan centres in Mattakkuliya, Thihariya, Negombo City, facilities and now customers around these Maharagama City, Attidiya, Kiribathgoda Dehiwala City, Ratmalana, Ragama, areas can now enjoy all services provided revenue of Rs 22B City, Ganemulla, Bandaragama, Nittambuwa, Hanwella, Narahenpita and by LB Finance from 1 December 2020 Baduraliya, Beruwala, Kelaniya, Elakanda were providing gold loan onwards. in 1H 20/21 Sierra Cables, resilience and recovery from manufacturer of copper and pandemic related economic aluminium cables conditions. SLT & Mobitel extend rural connectivity solutions announced that the Group “We are pleased to have posted revenue of Rs 2.2 achieved these results having Reiterating its commitment in powering adequate connectivity to the children in Seneviratne, Group CEO of SLT & Mobitel billion during the first half of operated in an economic rural areas with supreme connectivity Kelinkanda who studied on the roadside said “The SLT Group is committed to 20/21 with a net profit of climate of restrictions and solutions, the SLT group took prompt due to lack of connectivity. supporting and uplifting the lives of Rs 70 million. lockdown measures,” says measures to expand it to rural areas by SLT and Mobitel established connectivity people, especially those in rural areas by The company stated that it Harsha Jayatunga, CEO of providing voice and 4G connectivity to the by implementing a permanent base station providing unparalleled connectivity made an Rs 87 million net Sierra Cables, adding Kelinkanda area located in Baduraliya. to provide high-quality voice services and solutions. The expansion of this project is profit during the first half, “Despite the pandemic and This joint endeavour by the SLT group superfast 4G connectivity to schools in the part of our continuing effort to bridge Sri indicating an 8% year on related economic downturn will facilitate the core objective of the Baduraliya area. The group also donated Lanka’s digital divide and further year growth. During the that restricted business “Gamata Sannivedanaya” project launched financial aid, school accessories and desktop strengthens our vision in creating a second quarter, the Group activities, we succeeded in by the Government which aims to reduce computers to Kelinkanda Janapadaya knowledge rich society. As the Nation’s posted revenue of Rs 1.5 registering a growth that the digital divide by empowering people Primary School and Kelinkanda Kanitu communication provider, we will continue billion, indicating a actually doubled during the with connectivity solutions. Further, the Vidhuhala to support the children’s ICT to expand and power rural areas by considerable growth of 104% second quarter, when initiative will also strengthen the requirements and empower them with digital providing supreme connectivity solutions over the first quarter, compared to the first Telecommunication Regulatory learning facilities. and lead Sri Lanka towards the next phase registering a strong streak of quarter.” Commission’s (TRC) initiative in providing Commenting on the initiative, Lalith of digital revolution.” Market thursday 10 december 2020 Ceylon FT B13 Midweek Market Report ‘Spot’ Up on Exporter Conversions

By Paneetha Ameresekere 4.67 per cent, 4.78 per cent and five per cent for the 91, 182 and 364 day The benchmark ‘spot,’ after a day’s Daily Market Update 9-Dec-2020 tenures, respectively, the MAYs lapse on Tuesday because of Central ASPI S&PSL20 LKR.MnValue offered at yesterday’s T-Bill auction Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) controls should have been above the 6.2 per once more came into prominence at Index 6,605.09 2,641.72 Total Turnover 5,292 Market RSI 84.87 cent rate to get a 100 per cent yesterday’s trading, to be trading at Foreign Purchases 439 Market PE (X) 14.31 subscription for such issues under Rs 185.60/186.00 to the US dollar in 41.09 -0.78 Foreign Sales 889 Market PBV (X) 1.01 perfect conditions. two way quotes at 4pm, up by Day’s change Meanwhile, last month’s islandwide between 75 and 60 cents over ‘spot’ 0.63% -0.03% Net Foreign Change (451) Market Cap. (LKR.Bn) 1,887 inflationary figures are scheduled to next,’ which was trading at Rs be released on 21 December. 186.35/40 to the dollar in two way CHANGE IN FOREIGN HOLDING (AFH) The reason behind CBSL quotes at 4pm on Tuesday (8), administering the Weighted Average market sources told Ceylon FT. CHANGE IN FOREIGN HOLDING (^FH) Yields (WAYs) at T Bill auctions, as The strengthening of the ‘spot’ was Company Name Code Foreign Holding Volume Traded ^FH ^FH ^FH as a % of well as at T Bond auctions are to due to exporter conversions led by keep GoSL’s borrowing costs low, No.of Shares No.of Shares No.of Shares Value(LKR) Vol. Traded seasonal Christmas commitments, with expectations that such an action they said. CBSL’s controls on the fx Foreign Purchase will have a spillover effect on the cost market is primarily driven by a desire HEMAS HOLDINGS PLC HHL.N0000 125,218,496 3,641,139 1,147,246 106,579,153 32% of private sector credit. to keep Government of Sri Lanka’s TOKYO CEMENT TKYO.N0000 53,861,303 1,050,372 515,434 34,173,274 49% The World Bank estimates that (GoSL’s) foreign debt costs down in GoSL debt will rise to 102 per cent of rupee terms, where such EAST WEST PROPERTIES PLC EAST.N0000 52,545,586 388,804 241,165 2,966,330 62% GDP this year, from 86.8 per cent in commitments are calculated in ‘spot.’ SINGER SRI LANKA PLC SIN.N0000 540,750 338,259 30,000 1,692,000 9% the last (2019), with GoSL debt ‘Spot’ trades are settled after two LVL ENERGY FUND LIMITED LVEF.N0000 6,138,052 2,096,107 150,000 1,560,000 7% continuing to rise to 106 per cent of market days from the date of trading GDP in 2021 and to 110.3 per cent in while in the case of ‘spot next’ it’s Foreign Sales 2022. The chief reason for the rise in three. GoSL debt is due to the contraction SOFTLOGIC LIFE INSURANCE PLC 158,419,888 (8,112,665) Meanwhile, Week on Week (WoW) AAIC.N0000 9,345,248 284,754,542 87% of the economy led by the COVID-19 to yesterday, the key fx instrument in NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT BANK PLC NDB.N0000 26,622,466 3,483,315 (3,005,000) 246,710,500 86% pandemic, but with no let-up in the the market has gained by Rs 1.40 in DIALOG AXIATA PLC DIAL.N0000 7,529,069,190 2,994,167 (2,280,000) 28,500,000 76% increase in GoSL debt. two way quotes, on the back of at CEYLON TOBACCO COMPANY PLC CTC.N0000 181,678,060 11,635 (10,505) 10,450,374 90% Meanwhile, the WAYs fetched at least previous controls not only on yesterday’s T Bill auction were 4.67 BROWNS INVESTMENTS LIMITED BIL.N0000 42,972,469 443,997,159 (2,605,000) 9,638,500 the ‘spot,’ but on ‘spot next’ as well, 1% per cent, 4.77 per cent and five per the latter, an attempt to keep cost- cent for the 91, 182 and the 364- day push inflationary pressure down as TREASURY BILL AUCTIONS HELD ON 09 DECEMBER 2020 tenures, respectively. Sri Lanka is an import dependent the market upon maturity, which economy, that saw the market Amount Bids Amount Weighted Average Yield figure/s were of total value US$ ASPI gains 12 consecutive Maturity dealing mostly in ‘one month’s O ered Received Accepted Rate 12.51 million (Rs 2,331 million), days for the first time in forwards’ in most of last week’s (Days) thereby making the country’s foreign (Rs.Mn.) (%) forwards. ‘One week’s forwards’ was (Rs.Mn.) (Rs.Mn.) reserves poorer by USD 12.51 million 2020 trading at Rs 187.00/40 to the dollar Current Last yesterday (9). Conversions are based NFOs Pass Rs 49B in two way quotes at 4pm last on the middle rate of the ‘spot’ as at Net Foreign Outflows (NFOs) from Wednesday. Auction Auction Monday (7) which was Rs 186.35 to the bourse in the calendar year to ‘Spot’ Down YoY 91 the dollar. yesterday (9) passed the Rs 49 billion 8500 11980 6475 4.67 4.65 CBSL has exclusive rights to print mark, with the bourse recording an Nevertheless, Year on Year (YoY) as LKA09121C124 new money to the market. NFO of Rs 450.67 million yesterday, at yesterday, the ‘spot’ has fallen Transactions between GoSL and thereby increasing NFOs in the steeply by between Rs 4.30 and Rs 182 CBSL are foreign reserves neutral. calendar year to yesterday to Rs 4.60 (2.37 per cent and 2.54 per 12500 13365 2165 4.77 4.76 CBSL, the steward of the country’s 49.18 billion. cent) led by net foreign outflows from LKA18221F116 foreign reserves and GoSL debt deals Yesterday was also the 11th the financial markets due to in ‘spot.’ consecutive market day that the uncertainty and insecurity. 364 bourse has suffered NFOs. In the 193 Meanwhile, GoSL’s Money Printing 19500 28697 17252 5.00 5.00 T-Bill Auction Sputters market days that have transpired in Borrowing Costs (MPBCs) decreased LKA36421L100 In related developments, the calendar year to yesterday, the for the third consecutive market day yesterday’s Rs 40 billion weekly-risk bourse has suffered NFOs in 175, yesterday, this time also, like on Total free Treasury (T) Bill auction was a equivalent to the bourse having Tuesday, by 0.58 per cent (Rs 112.53 40000 54042 25892 - - seemingly unexpected failure with suffered NFOs in 90.67 per cent of million) to Rs 19,420.68 million, the CBSL being able to sell only the market days that have transpired fuelled by uncertainty and insecurity 64.63 per cent (Rs 25,852 million) of in the calendar year to yesterday. which led investors to invest in the (a) The date of settlement is 11 December 2020 the issue compared to sell 85.79 per However, due to interest in penny risk free but low returns Treasury (T) cent (Rs 34,317 million) of the total stocks, the benchmark ASPI gained Bills and T-Bonds at the expense of to reduce MPBCs as well. after only a day’s ‘respite’ on 2 issue (also Rs 40 billion), in the by 0.63 per cent to 6,505.09 points not investing in the more lucrative Week on week to yesterday, GoSL’s November when it went below Rs previous week. yesterday over Tuesday, though the private sector, the engine of economic FVMP debt has marginally fallen by half-a-trillion, then. This is due to a With October’s islandwide inflation more sensitive S&P SL 20 Index fell growth, thereby dampening the 0.21 per cent (Rs 1,317 million) to lack of GoSL revenue. at a high of 6.2 per cent, by 0.03 per cent to 2,641.72 points country’s growth prospects. Rs 616,804.22 million. In related developments, market complemented by food inflation in in the review period. The S&P SL 20 In other developments, GoSL’s Face net excess liquidity decreased by Rs the double digits for the tenth Index in the calendar year to Value (FV) MP debt decreased by Above Rs 0.5 Trillion 2,386 million (0.99 per cent) to Rs consecutive month to October, i.e. at yesterday has declined by 10.05 per 0.01 per cent (Rs 55 million) to Rs Nonetheless GoSL’s FVMP debt has 238,280 million, yesterday, led by 10.6 per cent in October, the cent (295.24 points) in the calendar 616,804.22 million yesterday, been above Rs 0.5 trillion for a record the settlement/s of GoSL’s foreign Maximum Administered Yields year to yesterday. Turnover, marginally helping to check demand 27th consecutive market day in its debt servicing costs and/or due to (MAYs) that the market could quote yesterday, was Rs 5.29 billion on a pull inflationary pressure as well as second dispensation to yesterday, CBSL returning swapped dollars to at yesterday’s auction being fixed at share volume of 599.59 million. Spice of life: How turmeric became the ‘new gold’ for Sri Lankan villagers

Turmeric is valued in every Sri Turmeric is synonymous with Sri Lankan cuisine and an import Lankan kitchen for its subtle flavour, distinct yellow colour and powerful aroma. In ayurvedic medicine, this ban is helping to boost production humble spice is hailed for its values as an anti-inflammatory. In Sri Lankan cuisine, a pinch of turmeric brings the gold colour to sodhi, the But, cultivation of the traditional root almost died out during the Sri mildly-spiced coconut soup, eaten with the island’s carbohydrate-rich foods Lankan civil war, and the country now relies heavily on imported turmeric, growing only 2,000 of the 7,000 about 50 people from this village were again, using only organic fertilisers getting a good price. People have tonnes it consumes, annually. slaughtered. “After that, we continued such as cow manure. From 150kg of started growing turmeric in their home Last December, the Sri Lankan to face the hardships of the war. No turmeric seeds planted in a quarter gardens for daily use.” Government banned the importation one cared about turmeric any more. acre of land, 2,000kg of the “new gold” The next harvest in late February of turmeric and several other spices, We were just trying to survive,” was harvested. should meet half of domestic demand, with a view to pushing local Bandara says. Turmeric cultivation Wijesinghe says the variety grown in and by 2022, Mapatuna believes there production and helping small-scale was abandoned in Gonagala. Gonagala contains a higher proportion will be enough of the crop to start farmers. For turmeric growers in the But in 2018, nearly a decade after of curcumin, the active ingredient of exporting. eastern Ampara District, the import the end of the war, Bandara and other turmeric which is believed to have Seeing the success of the 100 ban proved a blessing during the villagers wrote to the agriculture anti-inflammatory and ant-ioxidant Gonagala farmers, another 150 Covid-19 pandemic. Dayarathne ministry’s Smallholder Agribusiness benefits. It’s used by some to treat farmers from neighbouring areas have Bandara, 54, is president of the Partnerships Programme (SAPP), arthritis and other conditions. “It also joined the project and SAPP is now Agriculture Productivity Co-op Society seeking support to replant the crop. gives a strong colour to Gonagala working across five districts in Sri in Gonagala, a village 350km from the Somathilaka Wijesinghe, the deputy turmeric, so only a very little turmeric Lanka and plans to install grinding capital Colombo. programme manager at Sapp, began powder is needed for cooking,” he machines at the village co-operative “We thought we wouldn’t be able to working closely with the farmers. “We says. centre in Gonagala. “We aim to sell our harvest when the coronavirus were very impressed to hear from The initial shortages after the ban establish a turmeric federation in the came,” says Bandara, “but we received them. Once the project was approved, created a black market for turmeric as country so that when we end our a better price this time. It became very we set up a turmeric development plan prices rocketed. The Sri Lanka intervention, farmers can continue on lucrative for us.” for 100 farmers in Gonagala,” navy busted several attempts to their own,” Mapatuna says. “So they In the markets, a kilogram of raw Wijesinghe says. smuggle turmeric from south India. feel empowered.” turmeric root used to sell for 80 rupees Most farmers didn’t have the Even fake powder made an In Gonagala, Bandara and others (30p), but with the import ban in necessary capital and weren’t able to appearance – wheat flour mixed with are now distributing seeds to other place, demand rose. After their spring get a bank loan. Many were trapped in yellow dye – says the programme villages. harvest, Bandara and others were a cycle of debt after taking high- director at SAPP, Dr Yasanatha “Most of us invested the money we getting 300 rupees (£1.20) a kilogram, interest loans from local businessmen. Mapatuna. received from turmeric for our and dried turmeric was fetching 4,000 Sapp collaborated with the Rural “This is why there is a strong need children’s education. Some farmers are planning to make turmeric powder rupees (£16) a kilogram. Development Bank in Sri Lanka to for pure, home-grown turmeric,” she paid off their debt. Others bought a in the next harvest season and sell It had been decades since Gonagala provide loans, training and machines says. bike or tuk-tuk [auto rickshaw] for them in the market as Gonagala farmers had grown and sold turmeric to boil and dry turmeric. “Now farmers around the country themselves,” says Bandara “We were turmeric.” roots and powder. One night in 1999 So, farmers started growing turmeric are growing turmeric because they are burdened by the war once, but now we - theguardian.com b14 Ceylon FT thursday 10 december 2020 News

The Phoenix Ogilvy Group Campaign Asia-Pacific's Agency Awards 2020 and human capital, to deliver has once again received superlative results through international acclaim, bagging premium services, which was two coveted awards at the 27th welcomed by clients. edition of Campaign Asia’s Ogilvy Media meanwhile was Agency of the Year Awards Ogilvy Group Wins Big recognised with its Bronze 2020. ‘Rest of South Asia Media Ogilvy Digital became the Agency of the Year’ award for only Sri Lankan digital agency Ogilvy Digital wins Silver, the highest accolade in the category offering innovative and diverse to be recognised at this year’s media solutions, as it event, winning Silver for the strategically navigated through ‘Rest of South Asia Digital the pandemic to help clients Agency of the Year’ award, Ogilvy Media wins Bronze for third consecutive year during this challenging period, while Ogilvy Media walked whilst retaining all accounts. away with the ‘Rest of South “Success at Ogilvy has Asia Media Agency of the Year’ always been about its people”, Bronze Award for a record said, Managing Director of third consecutive year. Ogilvy Media and Ogilvy Campaign Asia-Pacific’s Digital, Lalith Sumanasiri. Agency of the Year Awards “Facing two major challenges celebrate the people, the work in back-to-back years, our and the businesses achieving focus was on staff well-being. outstanding success in media, We knew that aligning our marketing and advertising. business goals with providing The awards highlight strong an excellent platform for our leadership, creativity and people to thrive and grow, will innovation, stellar new be good for us. None of our business performance, the Ogilvy Digital Team Ogilvy Media Carols staff were laid off due to the development of talent, and COVID-19 pandemic, and we contribution to the industry; the steadfast commitment of had just begun its recovery goals; thanks to steadfast Ogilvy Digital won the enabled them to thrive in the and is open to agencies from the teams and strategic from the terrorist attacks in decisions made during the highest award in the category ‘working from home’ across the South Asia region. business management during April 2019. In the past year, pandemic by these two this year, for working to environment until health Speaking on the the pandemic situation. “2020 we were able to achieve companies, and dedicated expand its footprint amidst the restrictions were minimised, achievement, Chairman, was doubtless one of the most outstanding results as a teams that crafted innovative challenges of the past year. and they in turn have turned Phoenix Ogilvy Group Sri challenging years for company, and support our campaigns under the most Ogilvy Digital leaned on its in superior work that has kept Lanka Irvin Weerackody businesses globally, and clients in achieving their trying and unprecedented excellent technical and the Ogilvy flag flying high,” he attributed the achievement to doubly so in Sri Lanka that communication and business circumstances,” he stated. organisational infrastructure added.

The government’s efforts to multiple essential services to combat the spread of the CICT donates US$ 100,000 to COVID-19 Fund some 2000 people living in COVID-19 pandemic in Sri towards the cause overall. keeping our terminal Pannila near Horana with an Lanka were further In May this year the China operations going in the midst initial commitment of Rs 18.4 strengthened this week with a Merchants Foundation (CMF), of many challenges and by million earlier this year. donation of US$ 100,000 (Rs the CSR arm of CICT’s parent contributing funds and As part of CICT’s continuing 18.6 million at current company China Merchants equipment to support those at support to the Wheelchair exchange rates) from Colombo Group donated US$ 200,000 the frontline of the battle. We Tennis Programme of the Sri International Container (about Rs 37.4 million) to the believe that is what any good Lanka Tennis Association Terminals (CICT), the COVID-19 Healthcare and corporate citizen should do.” (SLTA), the Company donated company that manages the Social Security Fund, and in Huang was accompanied by US $35,000 (Rs 6.5 million) South Terminal of the Port of October, CICT employees CICT Chief Financial Officer and three professional grade, Colombo. contributed a further Raymond Mu at the titanium wheelchairs costing The donation presented to Rs 800,000. presentation of the Company’s US$ 9000 (Rs 1.6 million) in President Gotabaya Additionally, the Company latest donation to President August and June this year. Rajapaksa on 7 December for donated more than 1,000 Rajapaksa. CMF and CICT had together the COVID-19 Healthcare and protective suits and 25,000 CICT CEO Jack Huang (second from left) and Chief Financial Officer Besides its generous donated Rs 30 million to the Social Security Fund was the face masks to Sri Lanka in Raymond Mu present the Company’s latest donation to President contributions to the efforts to SLTA’s Wheelchair Tennis third cash donation by CICT 2020. Gotabaya Rajapaksa combat COVID-19, CICT also Programmes between 2015 and its employees towards the “CICT is not just integral to growth and as such must help CEO Jack Huang said. “We supported the construction of and 2019, becoming the main battle against the pandemic in Sri Lanka’s economy, it is a shoulder the burden of the are happy to share this a two storey community sponsor for wheelchair tennis 2020 and the fourth donation major cog in the engine of fight against COVID-19,” CICT responsibility through centre that will provide in the country. sports thursday 10 december 2020 A15

McCaw crowned Men’s 15s Player of the Decade Viyaskanth makes New Zealand’s twice Rugby World Cup-winning captain Richie McCaw was named Men’s 15s Player of the Decade by World Rugby on LPL debut against Monday. McCaw, who led the All Blacks to back-to-back World Cup titles in 2011 and 2015, saw off competition from former team mates Dan Colombo Kings Carter, Kieran Read, Brodie Schoolboy Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, match in 2018. Profile Retallick and Beauden 19-year-old right arm leg spinner of He represented the Northern Province Player : Vijayakanth Viyaskanth Barrett, as well as France’s Jaffna Central College, played his debut team in the Inter Provincial Under-19 College : Jaffna Central College Thierry Dusautoir, Ireland’s LPL match for Jaffna Stallions against tournament conducted by Sri Lanka Johnny Sexton and South Colombo Kings one day before his Cricket in 2018. He represented Sri Born on : 2001.12.05 African Pieter-Steph du Toit. 19th birthday on 4 December. Lanka Under-19 against India Under-19 Batting Style : RHB Richie McCaw Seven New Zealand Vijayakanth started his cricket at in the Youth Test match in July 2018 and Bowling Style : RALS players, including Owen congratulate all tonight’s Under-13 level in 2014 as a right arm against Australia Under-19 in the Youth Batting Franks, Sam Whitelock and recipients for their medium paceman and right-hand Test match in January 2019. He scored Ma’a Nonu, also feature in outstanding contribution to batsman under the junior coach R. Vinod over 500 runs with a century and two half Matches : 14 the team of the decade, our game over the last Kumar. In his first season he scored more centuries and claimed more than 35 Innings : 18 which boasts a total of 1,637 decade, and for some of than 200 runs. wickets as skipper. Runs : 707 test caps. them, for many years to Viyaskanth turned into a leg-spinner He represented team Dambulla in the Ave : 39.72 France fullback Jessy come.” under the guidance of District Cricket Super Provincial Under-19 tournament Tremouliere, who was part of Men’s 15s Team of the coach Lakshitha Herath, junior coach R. conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket in 2019. Highest Score : 100 against St. Patrick’s Jaffna the team that won their Decade: Vinod Kumar, and senior coach of Jaffna He scored over 700 runs with a century Bowling fourth Six Nations title in Tendai Mtawarira (RSA), CC S. Suresh Mohan. and two half centuries and claimed 47 Innings : 24 2014, was named Women’s He took a break in 2015 and Bismarck du Plessis (RSA), wickets with two 5-wicket hauls in 14 Runs : 499 15s Player of the Decade. Owen Franks (NZL), Brodie represented the Under-15 team in 2016 matches in the 2019/20 Under 19 Black Ferns’ Portia Retallick (NZL), Sam and claimed more than 25 wickets. He season. Wickets : 50 Woodman took home the Whitelock (NZL), David represented the Jaffna District and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth will represent Ave : 9.98 Women’s Sevens Player of the Pocock (AUS), Richie McCaw Northern Province Under-15 teams in the his school in the next Under-19 schools BBI : 5/04 against Royal Polonnaruwa Decade award, while Fiji’s Prima Champions Trophy Inter District (NZL), Sergio Parisse (ITA), cricket season 2020/21. BBM : 8/31 against Royal Polonnaruwa Olympic champion Jerry Conor Murray (IRE), Dan and Inter Provincial Tournaments He thanks everybody who supported his Tuwai claimed the men’s Carter (NZL), Bryan Habana conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket the same cricket career: Dr. S.K. 5W’s : 2 (5/17 vs Ibbagamuwa Central, prize. (RSA), Ma’a Nonu (NZL), year. Elilventhan, Principal of Jaffna Central 5/04 vs Royal Polonnaruwa) Woodman also won the Brian O’Driscoll (IRE), He represented the school Division Two College, N. Maheshwaran, Prefect of Fared this Season Batting Bowling Women’s 15s Try of the George North (WAL), Ben Under-17 team in 2017 and 2018 under Games, K. Nilakshan, S. Darshan, S. Decade award for her effort Smith (NZL) S. Suresh Mohan. They advanced to the Suheerathan, Master-in-charge, R. Vinod Wesley Colombo 30 3/20 & 4/35 against the United States in Women’s 15s Team of the quarter-final of the tournament. He Kumar, junior coach, S. Suresh Mohan, Skandarvodaya College 43 & 78 1/12 & 1/24 the semi-final of the 2017 Decade: scored over 150 runs as a middle order senior coach, all staff of the college, OBA Moratu Vidyalaya 39 2/30 World Cup. Jamie Heaslip’s Rochelle Clark (ENG), batsman. He claimed more than 50 Jaffna, OBA Colombo, OBA foreign, all Azhar Akurana 53 0/1 stunning 80-metre try for Fiao’o Faamausili (NZL), wickets in 2017. His best bowling students, team mates, their parents and Ireland against Italy in the Sophie Hemming (ENG), performance was 5/25 runs against his family members. Gamini NS Bentota 17 & 20 0/23 & 0/16 2016 Six Nations was voted Eloise Blackwell (NZL), Galahitiyawa CC. In 2018 also the school He also thanks Lakhitha Herath, S. Ibbagamuwa Central 54 & 44 5/17 & 2/25 the best men’s 15s try of the Tamara Taylor (ENG), Linda advanced to the quarter-final. He scored Karthikeshan, R. Jeyakumar, Rohan, Royal Polonnaruwa 10 3/27 & 5/04 last 10 years. Itunu (NZL), Maggie Alphonsi over 300 runs with two half centuries and district coaches, Saman Jayantha and S. Vijaya Matale 25 3/8 “The rugby heroes featured (ENG), Safi N’Diaye (FRA), claimed more than 35 wickets. Gangatharan, Northern Provincial Sir John Kothalawala K’gala 37 2/19 & 4/10 in the ceremony and all the Kendra Cocksedge (NZL), He represented the college Under-19 coaches, former Minister Ravi others that provided Katy Daley-Mclean (ENG), team as a fresher in the 2017/18 season. Karunanayake, Foundation of Goodness St. Xavier’s Maravila 57 4/4 & 3/11 outstanding service during Portia Woodman (NZL), Kelly He scored over 300 runs and claimed (FOG), Hashan Thilakarathne, Chaminda Jaffna College 26 1/6 & 0/52 the pandemic are an Brazier (NZL), Emily Scarratt more than 20 wickets. He had a match Vaz, Upul Chandana, Sri Lanka Under-19 St. Patrick’s Jaffna 100 1/15 & 2/32 inspiration to us all,” World (ENG), Lydia Thompson bag of took 9-wickets against St. John’s coaching staff, Thilina Kandambi, head Siddhartha Balapitya 30 1/15 & 0/13 Rugby Chairman Bill (ENG), Danielle Waterman College Jaffna and was adjudicated best coach of Jaffna Stallions and other Beaumont said. (ENG) bowler and man of the match in the officials. St. John’s Jaffna (Big Match) 30 & 14 3/80 “I would like to (Reuters) 112th ‘Battle of the North’ annual big (IR) Today - 3.30 pm Kandy Vs Jaffna A16 THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020 SPORTS Today - 7.30 pm Galle Vs Dambulla All-rounder Gunaratne seals the deal for Kandy BY ANJANA KALUARACHCHI was playing his first LPL game Vishwa Fernando. Gunarathne’s and needed just two deliveries to slower deliveries made life hard The arrival of Dale Steyn gave strike, as he sent back Stallions for the Stallions in the middle. He SCORES Kandy Tuskers the much-needed in-form opener Avishka Fernando. claimed two wickets in the same boost as he executed his bowling Former under-19 skipper Charith over to remove set batsman Minod Jaffna Stallions plans perfectly before Asela Asalanka looked good Bhanuka and skipper Thisara Avishka Fernando c K.Perera b Steyn 00 Gunaratne’s heroics with the bat playing in his first Perera, shattering any hope Johnson Charles c Steyn b Pradeep 17 sealed the chase, as they beat the LPL game, but Stallions had of a big total. Charith Asalanka lbw Fernando 18 high riding Jaffna Stallions by six was soon It was experienced campaigner Shoaib Malik c Gurbaz b Pradeep 59 wickets yesterday. trapped Shoaib Malik who guided Stallions Minod Bhanuka c Mendis b Gunarathne 21 Tuskers win also meant they keep lbw by at least to a defendable total Thisara Perera c Perera b Gunarathne 01 Wanindu Hasaranga c Perera b Steyn their hopes alive for a semi-final the penultimate courtesy of a calm 59 before he 02 Suranga Lakmal run out 05 berth. With the tournament still over to the non- was undone by a full toss by Usman Shinwari c Pradeep b Fernando 11 wide open, both Tuskers and Galle striker’s end Nuwan Pradeep before he could V. Viyaskanth b Pradeep 08 Gladiators have the chance to looking to run break free of his shackles during Duanne Olivier not out 04 clinch the final berth. Gunaratne out, hit the last two overs. Extras (lb1, w3) 04 Following a good bowling his bat and deviated Total (all out in 20 overs) 150 performance to restrict Stallions for to the boundary, Fall of Wickets: 1-0, 2-32, 3-42, 4-101, 5-103, 150, Kandy Tuskers were in trouble giving them five 6-106, 7-118, 8-132, 9-137, 10-150 losing three wickets for 44 when runs, which made Dale Steyn 4-0-33-2, Vishwa Fernando 4-0-30- Gunaratne - who had a good game Kandy breathe 2, Nuwan Pradeep 4-0-35-3, Asela Gunarathne 4-0-21-2, Dilruwan Perera 3-0-21-0, Seekkuge with the ball earlier - came to the easier from there Prasanna 1-0-9-0 middle and joined skipper Kusal onwards. Stallions Perera to add 51 for the fourth appeal was wicket to stabilize the inning. Perera turned down by departed at the wrong time, but the TV umpire Irfan Pathan, who last played an as Gunaratne international match eight years ago, had not SCORES showed he has not lost any of his changed his line capabilities with the bat adding 25 of running to Kandy Tuskers off 19, while Gunaratne kept the intentionally Rahmanullah Gurbaz c Malik b Lakmal 08 chase alive in their unbeaten half deviate the ball. Kusal Perera c Charles b de Silva 42 century stand. Earlier, inclusion of Kusal Mendis c de Silva b Olivier 02 Gunaratne scored 52 off 37 South African pace Brendon Taylor st Charles b de Silva 11 including four fours and a six - with gun Dale Steyn gave a Asela Gunarathne not out 52 the six coming in the first delivery of much-needed boost to Irfan Pathan not out 25 the last over - to seal the game. Kandy Tuskers, as they Extras (lb 3, w 8) 11 (For 4 wickets in 19.1 overs) The match also took back restricted Jaffna Total 151 Fall of wickets: 1-19, 2-31, 3-44, 4-95 memories to the World Cup final Stallions for just 150 Bowling: Usman Shinwari 4-0-35-0, last year, where a throw from runs. Steyn who Suranga Lakmal 2-0-18-1, Duane Olivier 3.1-0- Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva in completed his quarantine 24-1, Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva 4-0-23-2, Thisara Perera 3-0-20-0, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth 2-0-18-0, Shoaib Malik 1-0-10-0

Asela Gunaratne

Madugalle and Dharmasena Gladiators on the brink of elimination Butterfingers cost them yet another game BY MUSTAQ SYDEEN fielding let them down. to offi ciate today’s game Earlier, after being puting to bat Samiullah Shinwari, Niroshan first Gladiators back bone Danushka Dickwella and Angelo Perera Gunathilake was all aggression, played pivotal roles as Dambulla pulling and smashing the Viiking Viiking defeated Galle Gladiators bowlers with disdain. He continued by 4 wickets, courtesy misfields his consistency with another 46 galore by Gladiators. runs to his account inclusive of four Chasing 168, Mohammed Amir boundaries. Gunathilake is also the gave them the perfect possible most successful batsmen in the start with the ball as he sent Paul tournament so far. He along with Stirling packing in the very first Skipper Bhanuka Rajapaksa helped ball with a full-length delivery Gladiators score 73-1 in the power which had plenty of swing. The play to put their team in a early pressure was too much for comfortable position. Viiking to handle, and they lost Skipper Dasun Shanaka looking Upul Tharanga for 9 runs off for the elusive wicket brought Shehan Jayasuriya, Samiullah Shinwari in action Ramesh Mendis into the attack, and Standing (L-R): Rohitha Kottahachchi, Ravindra Kottahachchi, Asanga Jayasuriya, Hemantha Botheju, With 23-2 on the board, Viiking the young off spinner applied the Deepal Gunawardena, Keerthi Bandara Seated (L-R): Prageeth Rambukwella, Ruchira Palliyaguruge, Kumar Dharmasena, Raveendra Wimalasiri, Lyndon Hannibal were struggling and were in need brakes to the Gladiator’s innings, of a partnership. Niroshan Dickwella and first dismissing set batsman Bhanuka ICC Chief Match Referee Madugalle, a member of the for Umpire of the Year in 2012 Angelo Perera did just that to bring some Rajapaksa for 31 and then Azam Khan for a Ranjan Madugalle and ICC Elite ICC Elite Panel of Match and 2018. Dharmasena will be stability to the Viiking chase, adding 53 runs. golden duck in the very next ball to shell shock Panel Umpire Kumar Referees has refereed in seven the on-field umpire partnered by Just when the two were looking to up the ante, the Gladiators camp. Dharmasena will take part as ICC Cricket World Cups, includ- Hemantha Botheju on the field, Dhananjaya Lakshan struck to get Dickwella Problems aplenty remained for the boys from match officials during the Galle ing the finals of 1999, 2003, whilst Ruchira Palliyaguruge will out for an aggressive 38 runs, while Angelo Galle as they also surrendered to a great spell of Gladiators vs Kandy Tuskers 2015, and 2019 tournaments, be the TV Umpire and Ravindra Perera scored 45 runs off 31 deliveries which seam bowling by Kasun Rajitha-Dasun game of the ongoing Lanka whilst Dharmasena, has won Kottahachchi will function as included four boundaries and one six. Shanaka duo, who got plenty of movement Premier League today. the ICC David Shepherd Trophy the Fourth Umpire. Samiullah Shinwari played a gem of an backed up with short-pitched deliveries. innings and scored an unbeaten 46 runs off 20 However, Shehan Jayasuriya who failed in all deliveries, courtesy Gladiators misfielding. With three departments throughout the tournament, 7 runs required in the last over Dhananjaya showed great awareness with a fighting 39 to Lakshan dropped a sitter, and Samiullah took help Gladiators post a defendable total in their India have been fined 20 per cent of their the opportunity to take his team home. allotted 20 overs, which however was India fi ned for slow match fee for finishing one over short of the This was not the first-time fielding let down insufficient in the end for his team to defend. target with time allowances in the third and the Gladiators. Earlier too with many matches The result meant Gladiators has all but over rate in 3rd T20I final T20I against Australia. With India captain in their pockets their bowed out of the race for a top-four spot. The Virat Kohli pleading guilty to the offence, there Bhanuka Rajapaksa-led team’s qualification was no hearing for the sanction imposed by remains a possibility on paper, but it depends match referee David Boon. This was India’s on the outcome of other matches. second such offence during the white-ball leg of SCORES their Australia tour. They had been similarly fined after the first ODI for maintaining a slow Galle Gladiators over-rate. Additionally, India had also been fined D Gunathilake c †Dickwella b Shanaka 46 Ahsan Ali lbw b Madushanka SCORES 40% and 20% of their match fees earlier this 05 Bhanuka Rajapaksa c Shanaka b Mendis year for similar over-rate offences in successive 31 Azam Khan lbw b Mendis 00 Dambulla Viiking T20Is against New Zealand in February. Chadwick Walton retired hurt 07 Paul Stirling b Amir 00 Virat Kohli with the umpires (Cricbuzz) S Jayasuriya c S Shinwari b Rajitha 39 N Dickwella c Sandakan b D Lakshan 38 S Arachchige c Tharanga b Rajitha 09 Upul Tharanga lbw b S Jayasuriya 09 Dhananjaya Lakshan not out 23 Angelo Pereralbw b Sandakan 45 Mohammed Amir b Shanaka 00 D Shanaka c S Arachchige b D Lakshan 09 Lakshan Sandakan not out 00 Samit Patel run out (D Lakshan) 11 The England Test Tour which Extras (lb 1, nb 1, w 6) 08 Samiullah Shinwari not out 46 Ramesh Mendis not out 13 was postponed in March 2020 TOTAL (for 7 wickets in 20 Overs) 168 England tour on track Extras (w 3) 03 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fall of wickets: 1-33 (Ahsan Ali, 2.3 ov), 2-83 (Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 7.2 ov), 3-83 (Azam Total (for 6 wkts in 20 Ov) 174 Schedule is rescheduled to take place Khan, 7.3 ov), 4-90 (Danushka Gunathilaka, 9.3 Fall of wickets: 0-1 (Paul Stirling, 0.1), 23-2 during January 2021. ov), 4-104* (Chadwick Walton, retired), 5-122 (Upul Tharanga, 3.3), 76-3 (NiroshanDickwella, Arrival: 3 January 2021 The team is scheduled to arrive (Sahan Arachchige, 14.3 ov), 6-148 (Shehan 10.2), 100-4 (Angelo Perera, 13.4), 104-5 in Sri Lanka on 3 January via a Jayasuriya, 17.2 ov), 7-156 (Mohammad Amir, (DasunShanaka, 14.3), 128-6 (Samit Patel, DATE MATCH VENUE charter flight, which will land at 18.5 ov) 16.4) 05-09 January Training MRICS, Hambantota Mattala International Airport. Bowling: S. Tyagi 1-0-12-0, Kasun Rajitha 4-0- Bowling: Mohammed Amir 4-0-29-1, Nuwan The new schedule of the two- 31-2, Dilshan Madushanka 2-0-24-1, Ramesh Thushara 4-0-46-0, Shehan Jayasuriya 3-0-26-1, 14-18 January 1st Test Galle Int’l Cricket Stadium Danushka Gunathilake 1-0-6-0, Lakshan Sandakan match Test series, which is part of Mendis 4-0-28-2, Dasun Shanaka 4-0-38-2, 4-0-34-2, Dhananjaya Lakshan 4-0-33-2 22-26 January 2nd Test Galle Int’l Cricket Stadium the ICC World Test Championship Samit Patel 3-0-18-0, Paul Stirling 2-0-16-0 (WTC), is as follows:

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