„„ www.themorning.lk „„ LATE CITY VOL 01 | NO 24 | Rs. 30.00 { THURSDAY } THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021 TWO CAMPS SUBMIT NOMINATIONS FOR SLC ELECTION 2021 THEY SHOULD BE PUNISHED!

BANI CHANDRASENA DATA PROTECTION NAMED VP OF DIVERSITY BILL TO BE COLLECTIVE LANKA GAZETTED IN MAY »SEE PAGE 16 »SEE PAGE 11 »SEE PAGE 7 »SEE PAGE 6 Saliya Peiris wins Khan raises burial, BASL in landslide z Bar took a principled position: Pieris PC response from BY PAMODI WARAVITA President’s Counsel (PC) Saliya Pieris won the election for the President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) at the vote held yesterday (24), beating his other contestant Kuvera De Zoysa PC by a landslide. GoSL ‘positive’ “This is a victory for a strong and independent Bar, and it shows that the Bar is willing to take a z Pak PM raised matter z Political approval granted, but z Opp Leader too discussed principled position free of racism and free of all unprompted: Mujibur not health approval: PM’s office issue with Khan things that divide us,” Pieris PC said, speaking to The Morning shortly after his victory was BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI Premier Khan had received Parliamentarian Mujibur Rahman confirmed. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has received “positive” this response during his meetings said yesterday (24) that Prime Pieris has won the BASL Presidential election responses from both President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime with President Rajapaksa, and his Minister Khan had informed this to by a margin of 2,355 votes, with Pieris having Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa when he had raised the issue counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa. Government and Opposition Muslim secured 5,162 votes, and De Zoysa 2,807 votes. of not allowing the bodies of Muslim Covid-19 victims to be Speaking to The Morning, MPs when he met them yesterday. Contd. on page 2 buried, The Morning learnt. Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Contd. on page 2 PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA EASTER REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS ALWIDAH, SRI LANKA! Ban us, but also implement other recommendations: BBS z Welcomes recommendations to ban Wahhabism/Thowheed BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE the Easter Sunday attacks, as long as recommendations in the report are The Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) the PCoI’s other recommendations are implemented properly,” BBS General would not mind being banned as similarly implemented. Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe recommended by the Presidential “We would be more than happy to Gnanasara Thero said yesterday (24). Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into be banned, as long as the rest of the Contd. on page 2 $ 1.5 b tourism target for 2021 z SL eyes 8,000 tourists per month after July z 9-member Committee for global campaign A nine-member high-powered Steering Committee has been appointed by Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga to carry out a global promotional campaign to attract a US$ 1.5 billion-worth tourist target for 2021, The Morning learnt. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan left the country yesterday (24) after the conclusion of his first state visit to Sri Lanka Speaking to The Morning on Tuesday PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE (23) Ministry of Tourism Secretary S. Hettiarachchi said that the committee has 46TH UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL SESSION been set up for the “Strategic Management of New PCoI to Global Promotional Campaign”. It has been tasked with ensuring a successful campaign ensure Customs Differing views among to promote Sri Lanka Tourism by providing the necessary advice to Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) for the planning transparency Tamils on Resolution and monitoring process of the campaign. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has BY PAMODI WARAVITA at the 46th United Nations Human According to Hettiarachchi, the appointed a Presidential Commission of Different views have emerged Rights Council (UNHRC) Session, committee targets around 8,000 tourists Inquiry (PCoI) to evaluate the state of current amongst members of the Tamil whilst political parties are taking a per month after July specially from affairs of the Sri Lanka Customs Department community, with civil society more pragmatic approach towards Western and Eastern Europe, China, and ,and to make recommendations to enhance organisations calling for a more the matter. Bangladesh. its effectiveness. stringent resolution to be adopted Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 ENVIRONMENTAL DESTRUCTION COVID-19 CASES Don’t take legal action, ACTIVE CASES TOTAL CASES 81,009 says Wildlife State Ministry z Letter sent to Wildlife Conservation and Forest Conservation Depts DEATHS RECOVERED BY PAMODI WARAVITA State institutions which are engaging in Adoption of Safety Measures including 4,042 457 76,514 Officers at the Department of Wildlife environmental harm, The Morning learnt. the Construction of Electrical Fences SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU Conservation and the Department of This request has been made in a and Trenches and Reforestation and THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 8.00 P.M. ON 24 FEBRUARY 2021 Forest Conservation have been requested letter recently released by the State Forest Resource Development. to not take legal action against other Ministry of Wildlife Protection, the Contd. on page 2 42 „„ www.themorning.lk { NEWS } Thursday, February 25, 2021 Jazeera Airways launches GoSL considering first direct flight to Colombo BY MIHI PERERA Executive Officer Rohit by and confirm before The first flight of Jazeera Ramachandran said: travelling.” Airways for this year has “Despite the current global Recently, the Airports arrived at the Bandaranaike situation for the airline Council International Pfizer procurement International Airport (BIA), industry, we are launching (ACI) certified the BIA as Katunayake, yesterday (24), our first new destination for a safe and hygienic Airport z Airport officials said. the year to serve a resilient recognising the commitment Unaware of any questionable negotiations tactics The flight arrived from demand for travel, especially towards health and safety BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE country, which cannot be named as it has Kuwait to Colombo, to destinations with strong measures in accordance signed a confidentiality agreement with connecting passengers safety and health measures. with the International Civil Sri Lanka is also considering procuring the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine Pfizer, said that the Company’s negotiators directly to Sri Lanka. We are now able to serve the Aviation Organisation which is approved by the World Health Organisation, despite Pfizer’s alleged had demanded additional indemnity against Jazeera Airways said that Sri Lankan community in (ICAO) Council Aviation dubious negotiation tactics with other countries which procure its vaccine. any civil claim citizens might file if they Sri Lanka has shown its Kuwait as well as tourists Restart Task Force (CART) According to State Ministry of Primary of reasons. One is that we have vaccinated a experienced adverse effects after being potential to serve as a to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has recommendations and in Health Care, Epidemics and COVID portion of our population from this vaccine inoculated. In Argentina and Brazil, Pfizer resilient destination with also in place strict health and alignment with the ACI Disease Control Secretary Dr. Amal Harsha already. Another is the fact that we have has allegedly asked for sovereign assets strong safety and health safety measures against the Aviation Business Restart and de Silva, the Pfizer vaccine would also witnessed that this vaccine does not cause to be put up as collateral for any future measures. Covid-19 pandemic which Recovery guidelines along receive approval from the National Medicines any side effects. A third reason is that the legal costs. Jazeera Airways Chief travellers should abide with industry best practices. Regulatory Authority (NMRA). Serum Institute of India has been providing However, Pfizer told the BIJ: “Globally, Attempts to contact the NMRA in this us vaccines for our national immunisation we have also allocated doses to low and regard proved futile. programme and we know of the quality of lower middle income countries at a not for Dinesh discusses intl’ CLARIFICATION The news report we published According to the Deputy Director General this Institute. It is also close to Sri Lanka profit price, including an advance purchase on 23 February under the headline of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath, the and therefore the delivery does not take a agreement with the Global Alliance for fora co-operation “‘Rosy Madam’s list’ under Ministry of Health is presently considering lot of time. And a very important reason is Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) COVAX fire” included a comment from the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine but the fact that this vaccine can be stored under Facility to provide up to 40 million doses this Epidemiology Unit Consultant Epidemiologist Dr. Deepa Gamage, is not aware of Pfizer’s alleged negotiation normal vaccination storage temperatures year. We are committed to supporting efforts with Chinese FM which said: “The vaccination tactics with other countries. (2-8° Celsius) that our cold chain facilities aimed at providing developing countries Foreign Minister Dinesh programme in practice is not Seeking that State assets be put up as have been prepared for,” Herath added. with the same access to vaccines as the rest Gunawardena had a telephone ad hoc at all. It is the Ministry’s collateral for any future legal costs in the Meanwhile, the Bureau of Investigative of the world.” It had declined to comment conversation with State plan and we are implementing case of litigation from citizens over any Journalism (BIJ) has revealed that Pfizer on ongoing private negotiations. Councilor and Foreign it.” Dr. Gamage yesterday (23) clarified to us that she neither adverse effects of the vaccine, in order to has been accused of bullying Latin Pfizer has been in talks with more than 100 Minister of China, Wang Yi, denied nor accepted that the secure a vaccine deal. American governments in Covid-19 vaccine countries and supranational organisations, the Foreign Ministry said Ministry’s decisions are ad hoc and However, the Government of Sri Lanka negotiations and has asked some countries and has supply agreements with nine yesterday (24). that the Epidemiology Unit only would make sure about the terms and to put up sovereign assets, such as embassy countries in Latin America and the Caribbean It said that both Ministers had implements the decisions that are made by the Ministry of Health, conditions before making a deal with Pfizer, buildings and military bases, as a guarantee including Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the discussed at length on matters and hence cannot comment on he said. against the cost of any future legal cases. Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, relevant to development decisions that are made by the “Our interest right now is to procure the The BIJ further added that officials from Panama, Peru, and Uruguay. The terms of partnership and co-operation Foreign Minister Dinesh Ministry. We regret our error. Gunawardena Oxford Astra-Zeneca vaccine for a number Argentina and another Latin American those deals are unknown. in the international fora. Contd. from page 1

Khan raises... two speeches he had made including one Government. The Government responded The letter, as seen by The Morning, Saliya Peiris... in Aluthgama. to the report by citing inaccuracies in the states that the relevant officers must “Khan said that he received positive Pieris PC, the former Deputy President report and stating that it went beyond her consult the State Ministry before responses from the President and Prime of the BASL, served as the Chairman given mandate. engaging in legal action against other Minister when he raised the issue of the of the Office of Missing Persons and as Differing views... Although the Government initially State institutions. If the disputes cannot mandatory cremation of Muslim Covid- a Commissioner of the Human Rights At a press conference held in Colombo considered co-sponsoring a resolution be solved through discussions, then the 19 deceased, with them. It was indicated Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL). His yesterday (24), the North-East Civil Forum with the Core Group, it was later learnt officers must seek the AG’s advice, the that the President and Prime Minister had career has spanned over 28 years in the claimed that the Zero Draft Resolution by The Morning that the expectations letter notes. said that it would be allowed.” legal profession. on Sri Lanka presented at the UNHRC by of the Core Group were not met by the Rahman said that Khan had said that Speaking to The Morning yesterday, Members of the Core-Group on Sri Lanka Government. the fact that the burial of Covid-19 BASL Secretary Rajeev Amarasuriya said (United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Yesterday (24), Bachelet’s report on Sri $ 1.5 b... victims is not allowed in Sri Lanka when that although the voting population for the Montenegro and North Macedonia) does Lanka was discussed. “Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we other countries has allowed it, is an issue. election is approximately 17,226 members, not meet even the basic expectations of the cannot expect many tourists before July. When the Prime Minister’s Media the actual election turnover had been Tamil community. However, we hope this situation would Secretary Rohan Weliwita was contacted considerably less. “We will be writing a letter and sending Don’t take... normalise after July,” said Hettiarachchi. regarding the “positive response” The days preceding the election a petition to the UN High Commissioner Meanwhile, the travel bubble conveyed by Prime Minister Mahinda campaign saw targeted mudslinging for Human Rights (HCHR), the Core Speaking to The Morning yesterday arrangement being worked out between Sri Rajapaksa, Weliwita said that the campaigns against the contestants on social Group, Members States of the UNHRC (24), Secretary to the subject Ministry, Lankan and Indian authorities could soon President and the Prime Minister are media. and other diplomats, asking that the Zero Major General W. Fernando said that a pave the way for a steady flow of Indian of the political stance that the burial of Meanwhile, Amarasuriya was re-elected Draft Resolution include a reference to letter asking officers of the Department of visitors into Sri Lanka. Covid-19 victims should be allowed but in January this year as the Secretary of the International Criminal Court (ICC),” Wildlife Conservation and the Department According to Hettiarachchi, the Ministry that the final decision is in the hands of the BASL, uncontested, for the term Member of the North-East Civil Forum, of Forest Conservation to not take of Tourism is to explore new markets the health authorities. 2021/2022. Thawaththiru Welan Sami said. legal action against other Government and the Indian travel bubble would look “Politically, the President and the The BASL was established in 1974 According to Welan Sami, the call to organisations over such and to instead into opportunities in MICE (Meetings, Premier are of the stance that burials as the top body representing lawyers. refer Sri Lanka to the ICC follows reports consult the State Ministry has been sent Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) should be allowed. But the final decision Presidents are elected by the Body for a by international organisations which have out to the aforementioned Departments. tourism as well. should be taken by health authorities and two-year term. The outgoing President is pointed out that Tamils remain unaccounted “We have initiated such an action “We have several discussions with the the scientific advisory committees.” Kalinga Indatissa PC. for to date from the final stages of the war, to avoid the confusion that arises in Indian High Commissioner regarding the When inquired from the President’s and also alleged of the bombing of No Fire Judges hearing such matters when two Indian travel bubble and we hope to launch Media Director Mohan Karunaratne as to Ban us... Zones by the Sri Lankan Armed Forces Government organisations, such as the it soon,” he added. whether the issue of burial was discussed and about Sri Lankan military-run “rape Department of Forest Conservation and A nine-member, high-powered Steering between the Leaders of the two countries, Speaking to The Morning, he also noted camps”. the Mahaweli Authority, are represented Committee appointed by Minister of he said that the official media release that the BBS should be provided with However, The Morning learns that the by State Counsels from the Attorney Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga. made by the President’s Media Division reasons as to why they should be banned. Ahila Ilankai Thamil Congress (AITC), the General’s (AG) Department,” noted The committee members include covered the matters discussed and that “We haven’t committed any crime, we Thamil Makkal Thesiya Kuttani (TMTK), Fernando. Tourism Ministry Secretary S. there would be no further comment. The only raised our voice,” he claimed. and the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) According to Fernando, the State Hettiarachchi, Sri Lanka Tourism media release did not list that the burial The PCoI final report on the 2019 Easter which have sent a proposal to the UNHRC Ministry is hoping that the officers Chairperson Kimarli Fernando, Sri Lanka issue was discussed. Sunday bombings noted that the BBS regarding the Zero Draft Resolution, solve environmental disputes through Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Meanwhile, The Morning also learnt had caused racial/ethnic and religious have more “realistic expectations” at the discussions with the Secretaries of the Acting Managing Director Madhubani that Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith disturbances and the Commission also UNHRC 46th Session. other relevant Ministries or Government Perera, Tourism Advisory Committee Premadasa has conveyed to Prime assigned blame to the BBS for having Meanwhile, the Organisation of Islamic organisations, instead of through legal Chairman Hiran Cooray, Sri Lanka Minister Khan that the SJB has taken contributed to incidents of public unrest Countries (OIC), while addressing the measures. Association of Inbound Tour Operators the correct stance regarding the issue of and the disturbance of the social order. UNHRC Session yesterday, condemned When inquired as to a scenario where President Thilak Weerasinghe, The burying Covid-19 victims. This had been However, Gnanasara Thero expressed the Government of Sri Lanka’s stance discussions would not resolve the issue, Hotels Association President Sanath conveyed at an audience Prime Minister the BBS’ satisfaction on the PCoI’s on the mandatory cremation of bodies Fernando said that then, legal action could Ukwatte, Tourism Advisory Committee Khan had had with Premadasa and SJB recommendation to also ban Wahhabism, of Covid-19 victims, stating that it be initiated, after consultation with the said Member Rajitha Dahanayake and Tourism MPs Kabir Hashim and Imtiaz Bakeer the Islamic State (IS), the Sri Lanka discriminates against the Muslim State Ministry. Minister’s Representative Nimesh Herath. Marker. Jamaat/h-e-Islami (SLJI), SLJI Students community in the country. This Environmental Lawyer Jagath In April 2020, Cabinet approved a Speaking to The Morning yesterday, Movement (SLJISM) and all Thowheed statement is of particular interest as the Gunawardena, in a press conference held critical five-year traveller-focused and Bakeer Marker said that Premadasa groups. Government of Sri Lanka is believed to on 23 February said that such a letter evidence-based global promotion for Sri had told that decisions regarding the The monk further added that they were be counting on the support of the OIC to was in violation of the Fauna and Flora Lanka. Since 2018, the global campaign matter must be taken based on scientific not surprised by these recommendations vote against the resolution. Protection Ordinance and would prevent has been planned to centre around the “So evidence and not politics. and that the movement would be more Moreover, the United States Secretary Forest and Wildlife Conservation officers Sri Lanka” theme. “Premadasa said that the SJB is not than happy if the PCoI recommendations of State A. Blinken called upon from carrying out their responsibilities afraid to take the correct stance in these would be considered seriously. the UNHRC to support resolutions within the powers granted by the New PCoI... matters and that the SJB has stood up for “We fought against some of the which address the issue of the lack of Ordinance. these issues in Parliament and outside of teachings in the Quran. These teachings accountability for past atrocities in Sri “If these officers are required to consult Supreme Court Judge Shiran Anthony it.” are like cancer for certain countries. Lanka. Former US President Donald the State Ministry prior to taking legal Gooneratne has been appointed the Chairman A statement made by Prime Minister Some of the countries protested against Trump withdrew the US from the action against those who are causing of the Commission. Court of Appeal Judge Mahinda Rajapaksa in Parliament on 10 the Quran and asked to ban it. In 1915, UNHRC in mid 2018, but the new Joe environmental harm, this would cause Priyantha Fernando, High Court Judge Damith February that burials would be allowed the Sinhalese-Muslim riots was a Biden administration announced plans unnecessary delays and the damage would Thotawaththa, Central Bank of Sri Lanka was welcomed by Premier Khan. widespread and prolonged ethnic riot earlier this month to re-engage with it. be done,” said Gunawardena. Deputy Governor K.M.M Siriwardana, Senior However, no further action was taken by between Sinhalese Buddhists and the Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena The Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Trade Expert Dr. Sanath Jayanetti and Former the health authorities to legally allow the Ceylon Moors and following the brutal addressed the 46th UNHRC Session on Conservation Secretary Bandula Additional Director General P.A Dias are the burial of Covid-19 victims. suppression of it by the British colonial 23 February, where he called upon all Harischandara told The Morning yesterday other members of the commission. Meanwhile, the Organisation of Islamic authorities, Sinhalese Buddhists were the Member States to reject any resolution that he had no knowledge of such a letter. The President’s Media Division said that Countries (OIC), while addressing the United ones who got punished,“ he alleged. against Sri Lanka as this continued “However, I do admit that the concerns the Commission is assigned to simultaneously Nations Human The PCoI in its final report had claimed targeting of the country remains a of delays raised by environmentalists are come up with recommendations to make This is to notify Rights Council that the basis of Islamist extremism is discouraging message to sovereign States valid,” said Harischandara. services by Sri Lanka Customs more efficient that, “Monali Session yesterday, the Thowheed ideology and Wahhabism. in the Global South. Speaking to The Morning, a Department and effective while dealing with various Pawning Center ” condemned the The PCoI had also recommended that the The 46th UNHRC Regular Session, held of Forest Conservation Officer who wished allegations and alleged irregularities against it. Government of Attorney General (AG) should decide virtually this year due to travel restrictions to remain anonymous, said that the letter Another responsibility entrusted with the was located at Sri Lanka’s stance on filing legal action under the criminal imposed by the pandemic, would continue prevents environmental officers from PCoI is to make suggestions to ensure and No. 193, Horana on the mandatory law against Abdul Razik over his claims until 23 March. The Core Group of taking action against officers in institutions maintain total transparency in the functioning Road, Egaloya, cremation of the that the triple gem in Buddhism was Countries for Sri Lanka submitted its such as Divisional Secretariats, through of Sri Lanka Customs, taking into account Bulathsinhala is bodies of Covid- three gemstones and that Buddha has resolution on Sri Lanka while the UNHCR which most ad hoc deforestation occurs. security and quarantine rules in the utilisation re - located to 19 victims, stating consumed human flesh. The PCoI had Michelle Bachelet raised serious concerns “Although we can still technically of information technology. No: 152, Egaloya, that it discriminates further recommended that the AG should regarding Sri Lanka’s human rights enforce the legal provisions of the The President has directed the Commission Bulathsinhala from against the Muslim decide on charging Gnanasara under situation in her report earlier this year, Ordinance, this letter could lead to of Inquiry to consult the opinions of the public community in the the International Covenant on Civil and including more recent incidents such as the disciplinary action being taken against us and other parties and to review the proposals 28th January 2021 country. Political Rights Act in connection with mandatory cremation policy adopted by the by the Department,” said the officer. submitted by the Customs Trade Unions. 43 Thursday, February 25, 2021 { NEWS } „„ www.themorning.lk First indigenous 5 suspects in guise of STF rob house medicine university A total of five suspects in the guise of He said that the suspects have informed received the complaint and arrested operations but said that they are required Special Task Force (STF) officials have the residents that they are from the STF the five suspects who are drug addicts. to produce their official identity cards robbed a house in Biyagama on Tuesday and needed to check the assets. They will be produced in the Mahara (IDs) to the public upon request. launch next week (23), Police Media Spokesman Deputy “They have stolen Rs. 58,000 in Magistrate’s Court,” Rohana said. “The public have a right to ask for Inspector General of Police (DIG) Ajith cash and four mobile phones from He added that many police officers the ID and the officers should produce The Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Rohana said. the residents. The Biyagama Police have been deployed in civvies to conduct it,” Rohana said. Medicine is set to be launched next week, becoming the 16th national university of Sri Lanka and the first dedicated to indigenous medicine. Started in 1929 by Ayurveda university which has been an Chakravarti Pandith G.P. epicentre for indigenous medicine Wickramarachchi as a centre of for over 77 years in Sri Lanka and learning the Siddhayurveda tradition look forward to taking Sri Lankan of medicine with 20 students, indigenous medicine to the world, the Gampaha Wickramarachchi especially at a time where indigenous Ayurveda Institute, currently medicine has gained popularity due affiliated to the University of to the current pandemic we face,” Kelaniya, serves as one of the Competent Authority and University leading university institutes of Grants Commission (UGC) Vice Ayurveda education in Sri Lanka. Chairperson Senior Prof. Janitha With the mission of becoming Liyanage shared. a global centre of excellence in The university will have full- indigenous medicine, the institute time academic programmes and will be launched as the Gampaha also introduce new part-time Wickramarachchi University of postgraduate and extension Indigenous Medicine. With a history programmes as an initiative to of over 77 years, the institute said promote and educate the general it has educated many local and public on indigenous medicine of international students on indigenous Sri Lanka. medicine and will continue in its The inauguration ceremony endeavour to meet the challenge of will take place on 1 March at maintaining its unique position in the Gampaha Wickramarachchi the university system and preserving University of Indigenous Medicine the methods of indigenous medicine in Gampaha and the official launch in Sri Lanka. ceremony on 4 March 2021 under “We are delighted to launch this the patronage of President Gotabaya historic institute into a fully fledged Rajapaksa. Group arrested for defrauding over Rs. 1 m in online transactions BY MIHI PERERA out by an organised gang using various subscriber/subscription The Kelaniya Divisional Crime identification/identity module (SIM) Investigation Unit has arrested an cards. organised group who had defrauded Accordingly, four Nigerians, two Rs. 1,745,000 in online transactions, women, and eight persons including said Police Media Spokesman a Sri Lankan couple have been Deputy Inspector General of Police arrested in connection with the (DIG) Ajith Rohana. scam. The complaint was lodged at Investigations have revealed that the Peliyagoda Police Station on two computers, 79 telephone SIM Tuesday (23). cards used in various countries, Preliminary investigations a number of counterfeit currency have revealed that the fraud was notes, and several other items were committed by claiming that a prize found in a house in Mount Lavinia had been received and depositing where the Nigerians were staying. the money for it. Rohana said that such fraudulent Investigations carried out by activities are being carried out using the Kelaniya Divisional Crime various SIM cards from foreign Investigation Unit had revealed countries, implying that the calls that the scam was being carried are from foreign countries. First phase of the first school term ends today The first phase of the first school examination is scheduled to be term for the year in government held from 1 March, the Education and government-approved private Ministry announced yesterday (24). schools will end today (25) as the Accordingly, the second phase of General Certificate of Education the first school term of 2021 will Ordinary Level (GCE O/L) commence on 15 March. Underworld leader Midigama Chinthaka arrested with weapons BY MIHI PERERA Dammalawatta, Midigama East, Organised criminal and Ahangama in the Weligama Police underworld leader Midigama Division. Chinthaka, alias “Harakkata”, has A firearm with 0.22 millimetre been arrested with weapons, the bullets, one Type 56 magazine, 22 Ahangama Police said yesterday T-56 bullets, one T-56 bayonet, and (24). three swords were found in the The suspect was arrested in a possession of the suspect. raid carried out on Tuesday (23) A complaint has been lodged on a tip-off received by the Special against the suspect for assaulting Task Force Organised Crime Unit. several persons and causing serious The arrest took place at injuries, the Police said. Indian MP writes to UNHRC urging strong anti-SL resolution Indian Parliamentarian way that fulfils the long-standing Anbumani Ramadoss on Tuesday legitimate aspirations of the Tamil (23) wrote to the United Nations people. Human Rights Council (UNHRC) He requested that their physical urging the Member States to pass security and political authority be a strong resolution affirming an granted to decide their own political, international commitment to cultural, economic, and social affairs. protect human rights and justice In order to further this, he in Sri Lanka. requested that field officers of the He requested the Member States Office of the High Commissioner to take measures to protect the Tamil for Human Rights be placed in the population of Sri Lanka against Northern and Eastern Provinces human rights violations. to monitor and report ongoing In particular, he requested to create violations. mechanisms to find a lasting political Ramadoss commended the solution under the arbitration of resolution to be brought against Sri the international community in a Lanka at the 46th UNHRC Session. 4 „„ www.themorning.lk { EDITORIAL/OPINION } Thursday, February 25, 2021

similar to DNA. When a virus infects limiting the number of new mutations a host cell, they attach to the cells and occurring in Covid-19. Avoiding the From words infiltrate them and make copies of introduction of the virus to animal BY DR. DILSHAN ANTHONY FERNANDO their RNA in their efforts to replicate populations also plays a key role in and spread. When viruses replicate limiting mutations. in a host, there are “copying errors” Even though the new strains are not to ‘action’ FIGHTING THE EVOLVING FOE which cause mutations of the viruses found to be increasing the severity The much-awaited report of the Presidential in the structure of the virus, leading to of the disease, the increase in rate Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the Easter differences in their behaviour as well. of transmission itself will result in Sunday attacks saw the light of day this week. It is important to understand that increasing the number of cases, which The conclusions and recommendations of the many of these mutations are minute will increase the burden on healthcare report, as speculated by many, recommended legal Vaccines vs and do not necessarily cause increased workers and use up more and more action against a number of prominent figures who virulence or transmissibility of the resources. had earlier been implicated in the Easter Sunday virus, or cause more severe reactions The global research community attacks due to their failure and/or negligence to in the patients. Some mutations in collaboration with the WHO is avert said attacks. actually may diminish the effects of vigilantly monitoring for new strains variants: Who the virus. of Covid-19. The question now is whether the recommendations of the report would be implemented properly, and New strains of the virus The South African variant whether these recommendations, if implemented, of Covid-19 would actually prevent another Easter Sunday attack. In analysing the Covid-19 virus, Even though the implementation of the PCoI’s will finally win? the initial virus that started spreading The new kid on the block wreaking recommendations, especially policy and law in Wuhan is not what’s currently havoc is the South African variant of reforms, could be monitored and evaluated, as predominantly spreading globally. Covid-19, which has gotten the global In February 2020, the D614G community worried. they are tangible changes, considering how the mutation emerged in European The South African variant of implementation of the existing policies and laws take clusters and emerged as a dominant Covid-19 is also known as 501.V2 place, how can anyone assure that the said policy form. Studies on this mutation showed or B.1.351. There is no evidence that and law reforms, even if they were implemented, that compared to the initial virus strain the South African variant causes more would result in actual changes in Sri Lankans’ lives in Wuhan, the D614G form had an serious illness for the vast majority of and the country’s future? increased transmission rate, but it people who become infected. It is important to note another long-standing issue did not cause a more severe illness, However, it is found to be spreading Sri Lanka is facing, i.e. the lack of concrete national nor did it affect the effectiveness of quite rapidly, and it is also found that policies, which might hinder the implementation diagnostics and therapeutics. Two the mutation in the South African of the PCoI’s recommendations. other mutations were identified in variant is in the spike protein which When it comes to national policies, Sri Lanka’s Europe, the “A222V”, which spread is called the N501Y mutation, which status is tragic, and has cost Sri Lankans more across Spain, and another strain attaches to the host cell, which is a than enough progressive law and policy reforms, coined “Cluster 5”, which was found cause for concern. Another mutation the best example in the recent past being the in Denmark, associated with mink called E484K appears to make the Constitutional reforms commenced by the United farmers. specific variant less susceptible to National Front (UNF)-led Government, which In December 2020, it was reported immune mechanisms in humans. came to a standstill after the incumbent Sri Lanka from the UK about a new variant of Currently, the South African variant Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Government, despite Covid-19 coined as SARS-CoV-2 appears to be the dominant strain in VOC 202012/01 (Variant of Concern, the Eastern and Western provinces being recommendations proposed as a result of Year 2020, Month 12, Variant 1). This of South Africa, and around 20 other public opinion. The number of policy and law variant initially appeared in Southeast countries including the US, Japan, reforms, as well as development projects, that England, but how and where it Norway, and Austria, which have were proposed and/or initiated by one Government, originated is unclear. By the end of reported the same variant. It was but were revoked/not implemented after a new Sri Lanka began its Covid vaccination programme in end-January PHOTO LALITH PERERA 2020 this variant was predominantly reported that the UK had discovered Government came to power, is astronomical. They found across England through testing. 147 patients infected with the South are proof of a very disturbing fact – in Sri Lanka, The entire global community is in a unified battle against a formidable Researchers estimate that the African variant. political agendas have the ability to supersede the foe. Currently, the Covid-19 virus has claimed more than 111 million cases, transmissibility of this strain could South African Health Minister Zweli country’s national interests. with over 2.5 million deaths globally. In Sri Lanka, the number stands be up to 70% more. In this mutation, Mkhize announced in early February The PCoI’s recommendations, although above 80,000 cases with the death toll above 450. the changes have been on the spike that they have halted the distribution impressive, will without a doubt take an In this backdrop, the global like appearance, and is called the solar protein on the virus, which the Covid- of the AstraZeneca vaccine, following astronomical amount of time, resources, and efforts community is in a race against time corona. Similar to humans, plants, and 19 vaccines target. However, the a study by the University of to become a reality. It is also not possible to rule to vaccinate as many as possible all other living organisms, viruses are vaccines produce antibodies against Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, which out the conjecture that the implementation of all in the shortest possible time. Israel subject to the evolutionary process many parts of the spike proteins on showed that only limited protection by of the PCoI’s recommendations would take more is currently ahead of the rest of the of “natural selection”. Even though the surface of the virus, and thus one the same was given against mild and than the tenure of the incumbent Government. world on vaccinations per head of viruses on their own are not living mutation is unlikely to reduce the moderate disease caused by the 501Y. In a context where the implementation of the population, followed by the United organisms, they require a living host effectiveness of the vaccine. V2 coronavirus variant first identified recommendations of many Government-appointed Arab Emirates, the UK, Bahrain, the to replicate in. The host’s immune Other countries such as South Africa in South Africa. US, and then European Union member system employs various mechanisms and Nigeria have reported new strains commissions have not borne fruit as a result of states Spain, Italy, and Germany. to evade or fight the viruses, while of the virus, which are found to be Currently used vaccines the change of Governments, who can and will However, the foe we are fighting the viruses evolve in certain ways to more transmissible than the earlier Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca assure that the next Government, which can as remains formidable and ever evolving, evade the immune mechanisms in viral strains, but, similar to the UK are the leading developers of vaccines well be a new one, would continue to implement and the looming possibility that our fulfilling its objectives to replicate variant, these do not make the illness against Covid-19. these recommendations? armoury of vaccines may possibly itself more and spread. worse. Centres for Disease Control The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines National policies are not supposed to change every render ineffective with the evolution In the evolutionary process of and Prevention (CDC) reports that have employed a new technology time a new Government comes to power; these of the Covid-19 virus. viruses, the characteristics that the UK variant and the South African to unlock the body’s immune policies are “national policies” because they are to To understand why the vaccines increase its virulence tend to be variant are not linked to one another. response. Both these vaccines employ be implemented in accordance with the interests of may be ineffective, we need to have a carried forward and characteristics messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, the nation. In conclusion, it appears that in addition basic understanding of the behaviour that tend to diminish the virulence are What do we know about the which stimulates the patient’s cells to new national policies, Sri Lanka needs policies of viruses. lost. When humans develop immunity new mutations? to produce a specific coronavirus to ensure the continuation, meaningful amendment, to a virus, they develop antibodies to Studies thus far show 17 important protein. Thus, if an immunised person Why do viruses evolve and that virus, which usually attach to the alterations in the Covid-19 virus, is infected with the actual virus, it and the implementation of existing national policies. what are the implications? Moreover, it is also important to keep in mind two outer surface of a virus and prevent it out of which N501Y alters the most would be easier to combat the virus factors that will inevitably affect the implementation Covid-19 belongs to a family of from entering the human cells. important part of the spike protein, with the antibodies developed in the of the PCoI’s recommendations: viruses known as Coronaviridae, However, a virus which has mutated called the receptor-binding domain, host. First and foremost, in order to go ahead with which gets its name from the crown- has a slightly different structure to the which attaches to the host human cell The mRNA (genetic material) the PCoI’s recommendations, the six-member like appearances of these viruses pre-existing virus, has an advantage in and results in antibody production. technology used in these vaccines are Ministerial Committee appointed by the President to caused by the spike proteins on the the fact that no antibodies have been Any changes in the receptor-binding territories few have ventured into, surface of the virus. developed to that particular structural domain tend to give an edge to the and thus no mRNA vaccine has been study the contents of the reports of the PCoI and the Human coronaviruses belong to anomaly, which has been caused in virus. approved by the US Food and Drug Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security the order Nidovirales, the family the mutation. Many of the mutations Studies done by the University of Administration (FDA) yet. has to conclude its proceedings and announce its Coronaviridae, and the subfamily in the viruses over time cause changes Cambridge suggest that this mutation The AstraZeneca vaccine stance. However, the Government recently said Coronavirinae, according to scientific in structure of the outer surface of the increases infectivity by twofold, developed together with the that this Ministerial Committee will not interfere nomenclature. These viruses cause virus. according to laboratory studies. University of Oxford is made with a when taking action against the suspects of the mild to severe respiratory symptoms. The virus mutation potential weakened version of a common cold Easter Sunday attacks, and that it will not add new Coronaviruses are usually spherical Viral mutation leading increases with the increase in virus (known as an adenovirus) from recommendations. in shape and are enveloped by an to new strains frequency of human and animal chimpanzees. It has been modified Secondly, the powers vested in the PCoI permits outer covering of spike glycol-protein Viruses have genetic material called infections, thus stemming the infection to look more like the coronavirus. it to merely issue recommendations, and the projections, which give it the crown- RNA (ribonucleic acid) which is of the virus is extremely important in Oxford researchers had already implementation of these recommendations require done plenty of groundwork on further steps, including looking into whether the viruses such as SARS and MERS, necessary legal and Constitutional provisions which are similar to Covid-19; thus are available to do so. If the necessary legal and the building blocks for this vaccine Constitutional provisions do not exist, or are not were already in place before 2020. in line with the recommendations, the Government This vaccine has been deemed will have to go for legal and/or Constitutional highly effective and received amendments first, which, needless to say, will Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority approval on 30 take a long time. December 2020. However, the PCoI appointed to look into the biggest disaster in Sri Lanka’s recent past has Are the vaccines effective? now unveiled its recommendations, and the rest The University of Texas Medical is in the Government’s hands. Serving justice Branch (UTMB) undertook a to those affected in the Easter Sunday attacks research to find out the efficacy of was one of the key promises the Government the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine, and gave before coming to power. In that context, the results were published in the implementing the PCoI’s recommendations, and New England Journal of Medicine taking action against those individuals whom action (NEJM). According to that research, has been recommended be taken against, is not only it was found that the level of performing the Government’s duty for the country, neutralising antibodies developed in it is also the fulfilling of a promise through which response to a person vaccinated with it garnered votes in the last election. the Pfizer vaccine if exposed to the South African variant was two-thirds less. However, since there is no No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. benchmark established in the Fax - 011 2 673 441 level of antibodies that need to General - 011 5 200 900 be maintained for the vaccines to Sales & Marketing - 076 1 367 612 be effective, further studies are Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367 620 ongoing. However, the authors E-mail - [email protected] of this research believe the Pfizer Investigations Desk - 077 7 714 078 vaccine still remains effective Website - www.themorning.lk against the South African variant as well. Contd. on page 5 45 Thursday, February 25, 2021 { SPOTLIGHT } „„ www.themorning.lk Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on the Easter Sunday attacks Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that even though the PCoI was appointed to find out all those Between recommendation responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks, the report does not reveal anything new. Speaking to The Morning, Dr. Jayatissa stressed: “We are of the opinion that from the beginning, since the attacks, a certain group attempted to hide the invisible and implementation hand that was behind the attacks. Top law enforcement authorities have stated that there was such a force behind the attacks. zThe long-awaited Easter report hangs in the balance “I am of the opinion that, when considering how the extremist group that BY SUMUDU CHAMARA carried out the attacks is said to have rehearsed and what explosives they had The much-awaited Presidential used, right off the bat it is evident that Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) report on they were not very advanced, as far as the biggest tragedy Sri Lanka faced in explosives and technology were concerned. the recent past, the bombings on the This leads us to believe that they had Easter Sunday of 21 April 2019, was received the support of another party as unveiled this week, amidst a bevy of well. doubts and allegations. “Who wanted to conceal that fact? The PCoI on the Easter Sunday attacks It is those who benefitted from it, and was appointed by former President we should find out who they were. The Maithripala Sirisena in September 2019, PSC, of which I was a Member, did its to investigate the attack, identify those duty and handed over its report with responsible, and present recommendations recommendations, and the public expected to avert the recurrence of such attacks. the PCoI to go beyond that point. The While the PCoI’s final report was handed incumbent President came to power over to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on claiming to serve justice for those affected 1 February 2021 by the PCoI’s Chairman, in the Easter Sunday attacks, and he vowed Supreme Court Judge Justice Janak de to ensure the country’s national security. Silva, the PCoI’s first and second interim “At the Presidential and General reports were handed over to the President Elections, they kept reminding the public on 20 December 2019 and 2 March 2020, about the Easter Sunday attacks, and the respectively. Over a period of 214 days, core of their election campaigns was the the PCoI had recorded statements from Easter Sunday attacks. The public had a 457 persons, including leading politicians, lot of hope that the PCoI would find out high-ranking public officials, members of something beyond what they already knew, law-enforcement, including intelligence especially who nurtured the extremist agencies and religious leaders, and their group, including Zahran, that carried out statements exposed little-known but the attacks; who protected them; and who extremely serious facts about how religious financed them. extremism-fuelled terrorism gradually The Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo shortly after the attack “Any person could point out who failed grew in Sri Lanka and ultimately led to the to prevent the Easter Sunday terror attacks, Easter Sunday carnage. institutions should be regulated under one those working in the private sector and and it does not need a PCoI, or recording institution by the Government. public sector, as well as those pursuing statements from 400-500 persons. What was in the report? Report left To prevent segregation based on higher education. The President received the report on 1 The report, which included findings, religions, the report also recommended A majority of the group expressed doubts February, and it was not even presented to conclusions, and recommendations, out those the establishment of national, provincial, about the long-term implementation of the the Cabinet of Ministers for three weeks confirmed that there was a failure and and international schools, instead PCoI’s recommendations, and said that – but eventually, when it was presented, it also negligence on the part of a number of religion-based schools, and the since a majority of those implicated in the did not contain what was expected by the prominent figures, including but not who abetted the introduction of a subject called “religious Easter Sunday attacks are high-ranking public.” limited to former President Sirisena – who education”. In addition, a large number of politicians and public officials, it is most is also an incumbent Parliamentarian – as attack: Opposition recommendations were presented in the likely that they will not be prosecuted. well as former Defence Secretary Hemasiri report, to ensure that schoolchildren are Some also opined that many a General Fernando, former Inspector General of aware of, and understand, the basics of all Government-appointed committee in Sri Police (IGP) Pujith Jayasundara, former AG to consider filing criminal cases leading religions – not just their own. Lanka’s history has presented various Head of the National Intelligence Sisira against all persons who have been charged The report also recommended that recommendations, but somewhere along public Mendis, and the former State Intelligence with committing offences. the cyberspace, including social media, the line, the implementation of the Service (SIS) Head Nilantha Jayawardena. For the AG’s Department, the report should be regulated in a bid to ensure that recommendations came to a stop due to expresses While recommending legal action recommended establishing a unit extremist religious ideologies do not enter the power and influence of those against against the perpetrators, the report said that pertaining to terrorism-related matters. Sri Lanka, and that religious websites and whom allegations had been levelled. doubts about the allegations against the said individuals Among the report’s recommendations blogs with extremist and terrorist content A handful of them added that, in the are: the failure to detect terrorist and were amendments to a number of be investigated, charged, and punished. event proper legal action against those extremist activities that were taking place Acts. The report said that a committee As an attempt to ensure national security, implicated in the Easter Sunday attacks implementation in the country; the failure to look into such should be appointed to suggest suitable the report said that the Ministry of Defence is taken, that would be one of Sri Lanka’s activities, find out who was responsible, amendments to the Exchange Control Act, should always be under the President, and greatest achievements, and that then, those He also said that recommendations and take legal action; and thereby failing to and concerning the Financial Transactions that Constitutional provisions must be who died and were affected due to the similar to the ones presented by the prevent the Easter Sunday attacks. Reporting Act. The report recommended enacted to make it mandatory to appoint Easter Sunday attacks would finally get the PCoI were presented by the said PSC, Even though no legal action was granting the Financial Intelligence an Acting Defence Minister when the justice they deserve. as well as the Sectoral Oversight recommended against him, the report Unit access to the Department of the President is travelling overseas. Committee on National Security. These stated that former Prime Minister Ranil Registration of Persons, the Registrar Report unacceptable: recommendations, he added, included Wickremesinghe had not given adequate of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Opposition Parties future steps concerning education, attention to looking into Islamist extremism Immigration and Emigration, the Land Report The main Opposition, the Samagi Jana national security, terrorism financing, during his tenure. It also concluded that Registrar, the Criminal Reporting Section, Balawegaya (SJB), told The Morning that and strengthening intelligence units, but this lack of attention had left room for and the International Police. It further the report raises concerns, as it identifies he noted that they did not receive the Islamist extremism to grow in Sri Lanka, stated that the Unit should be allowed presents only those who failed to fulfil their duties attention of the new Government. ultimately leading to the then-United to report on suspicious transactions and to prevent the Easter Sunday attacks, but He explained: “The PSC on the Easter National Front-led Government’s failure to electronic fund exchanges. nothing new: has failed to identify those who planned Sunday attacks – which was tasked with proactively stifle Islamist extremism in the Among other law reforms that were and led the attack. looking into several matters, including country. recommended were strengthening SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma whether information about the attacks was Even though speculation was rife that the deportation laws to deport foreign Fmr Easter Sunday Bandara further said that the fact that the received before the attacks, why it was extremist group that carried out the Easter terrorism suspects, formulating laws to report has left out, or has failed to identify, not possible to prevent it, how extremism Sunday attacks had an as-yet-unknown take properties of the suicide bombers PSC Member those behind the attack – including grew in Sri Lanka, and how to prevent leader, the report concluded that Zahran into State custody, and amending the anti- national and international level groups – is a future attack – operated under many Hashim was in fact the leader of the group, money laundering laws to allow for the unacceptable. restrictions, due to the lack of support and and that he had revealed to the group his freezing and confiscation of assets during It added: “When the President is While adding that taking actions against obstruction from certain MPs groups. plans to personally take part in the Easter investigations. Establishing a dedicated overseas and when the Prime Minister is those who failed to avert the attacks is also “Those groups created a notion Sunday attacks. High Court to hear all Easter Sunday not the Acting Minister of Defence, all crucial, he stressed that in a context where that the Committee was planning to The main factor that led to the Easter attacks-related cases and all terrorism national security information should be the United States Justice Department also bring intelligence officers and reveal Sunday attacks, as per the observations of cases, was also recommended. informed to the Premier.” recently charged three Sri Lankans for their identities, and it was the main the report, is the ideology of Wahhabism, “Laws must be specially implemented To further strengthen national security, their involvement in the attacks, the Sri obstruction that hindered the Committee’s and Thowheed groups. Consequently, it to prevent politicians from interfering with the report said that the National Security Lankan Government should also consider proceedings. The PSC did not get the recommended that Wahhabism and all the duties of Police officers, and provisions Council headed by the President should identifying those who had supported the opportunity to find out who was behind Thowheed organisations be banned. must be made to arrest without a warrant, be the supreme body to formulate laws attacks. the attacks due to such obstructions, The report also provided any person who is suspected of causing to establish a National Intelligence “We have concerns about who which we believe was a deliberate act.” recommendations to curb non-Muslim religious and ethnic disharmony,” it added. Agency, and that there must be a National was behind the attacks, and why the The PCoI’s report on the Easter Sunday extremism, and recommended the Making amendments to the process Intelligence Director’s Office under the Government wants to hide them,” he terror attacks is believed by many to banning of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) of registering companies under the Ministry of Defence. claimed. be the starting point of eradicating organisation. In addition, it recommended Companies Act was also among the Implementing the “One Country, One Meanwhile, United National Party extremism, especially religious that the Attorney General (AG) should recommendations. In addition, it said that Law” concept was also among the report’s (UNP) General Secretary Palitha Range extremism, in Sri Lanka, and the report is consider whether a criminal case can be religious schools should be registered recommendations. Bandara told The Morning that the UNP’s no longer a secret. The Government that filed against BBS General Secretary Ven. under the Companies Act, and that such legal team has been advised to study the came to power pledging to serve justice Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, under schools should all be brought under an Voice of the People report, before coming to any conclusion for those affected in the attacks has now the International Covenant on Civil and administrative mechanism to regulate In a bid to look into how the general about the report. received the opportunity to deliver what it Political Rights (ICCPR) Act, for speeches them. public perceives the PCoI’s conclusions promised, and the public remains hopeful. he had made in 2013 and 2014. With regard to educational reforms to and recommendations, The Morning spoke Nothing new in the report? If all recommendations are adopted, The report stated that the President curtail extremist ideologies, the report to several individuals, all of whom wished Former Janatha Vimukthi Permuna this might well be a turning point in Sri should hand over the entire report to the said that all types of religious educational to remain anonymous. Among them were (JVP) MP and former Member of the Lanka’s history.

Contd. from page 4

Covid-19. However, a study done in manifestations of Covid-19. employed the Oxford-AstraZeneca ever in guarding ourselves. The hospital. His experience spans Vaccines vs... South Africa with 700 participants University of Oxford Professor vaccine ensures that immigration Government needs to take strict and across the medical profession as Moderna, another pharmaceutical showed that the AstraZeneca of Vaccinology Sarah Gilbert is strictly controlled to keep out the timely action regarding immigration a medical practitioner, and across giant who developed a Covid-19 vaccine is 54% less effective against reported that efforts were underway South African variant. policy, and the public should the pharmaceutical and surgical vaccine published its research on the new South African variant as to develop “booster” vaccines to Sri Lanka Institute of Health not drop the guard in the face of equipment industry. He also the NEJM, which reported a six- opposed to other variants. improve the efficacy of the Oxford Policy Head Ravi Rannan-Eliya vaccination, which might be giving possesses an MBA and a Diploma fold drop in antibodies against the Professor Shabir Madhi, lead AstraZeneca vaccine against the new tweeted that the reduced efficacy of us a false sense of security in case in Economics. Having represented South African variant. The Oxford- investigator on the AstraZeneca variants, and that these “tweaks” in the AstraZeneca vaccine was a “big newer variants enter Sri Lanka. his university rugby team in AstraZeneca vaccine used in Sri trial in South Africa, reports the vaccines are easily done. warning” to us. Therefore, be alert; be safe! international tournaments, he Lanka and many other countries that the AstraZeneca vaccine is With this information emerging, In this backdrop, Sri Lanka (The writer is a medical officer also has a special interest in sports still appears to be effective against 89% effective in reducing severe it is pertinent that Sri Lanka that has needs to be more vigilant than currently attached to a government medicine) 46 „„ www.themorning.lk { VOICES/INSIGHT } Thursday, February 25, 2021 THEY SHOULD BE PUNISHED! Public reacts to Easter Sunday report’s recommendations

The truth must be revealed to the people Nisal Silva, a 27-year-old vendor opposite St. Anthony’s Church in Kochchikade BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI It is wrong that the law was not enforced he Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks orchestrated by the National against the perpetrators. A president of a Nothing will change without long-term measures Thowheed Jamaath under the leadership of Zahran Hashim, country cannot say things like he did not Sharma, a 50-year-old doctor from Wattala were carried out on 21 April 2019, and took away the lives of 269 check the documents he put his signature civilians and left more than 500 more injured. The final report of the on because then he has not done his duty We do not think action these individuals have their out how wrongdoers are Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the attacks was sent properly. We saw such things being said by will be taken. Did the own ideas about how things created. Religious leaders Tto Speaker of the Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena yesterday (23), with the leaders of the country. The people were previous commissions lead should be done. Religious and Political leaders should a copy kept in the MPs’ library for perusal. not told who is to blame. to any practical action? leaders, politicians, and look into why and how Leaked copies of the said report revealed to ascertain the level of confidence among It was as though the Government closed If we ask that question even some of the people are terrorists are created. That that the Commission has recommended the public that the recommended actions off the perpetrators to the people. If it was about the Easter Sunday all immersed in their own is the only way to achieve legal action be taken against a former would be taken against those who named revealed to the people, people could give Commission, we will get ideas. Some of the media human development. President, senior police officers, and senior responsible. answers to what should be done. But it is the same answer. also promote only one view. If such steps are taken, public officials, over their failure to perform We spoke to members of the public we hidden from us. We did not see this report. When we look at past All of this is wrong. we can ensure the non- their duties properly and prevent the Easter encountered in the Colombo Fort railway Either the Cardinal should take this problem events, people feel that Punishing wrongdoers recurrence of tragedies like Sunday attacks. As excerpts of the report station and around the St. Anthony’s Church before the Pope, or the people should be this committee’s reports is not enough for the the Easter attack. Nothing were published on national newspapers, in Kochchikade, a site of one of the bombs told whose fault the attack was, regardless will not bring justice to development of a country will change if such steps including The Morning, and broadcasted on where many Easter worshippers lost their of whether they are to be punished or not. If the people. We see that all or society. We should find aren’t taken. electronic media, The Morning set out to lives. legal action were to be taken against those gauge the view of the public on the contents The following are some of the more responsible, it would have already happened. of the report and its recommendations, and interesting comments we received. President will ensure justice is served Neglectful leaders must be held responsible We do not know M.M.C.B. Jayasuriya, a 46-year-old retired military official from Hanguranketha Shantha Hettiarachchi, a 56-year-old three-wheel taxi driver from Kolonnawa The recommendations of commander. As we have Maithripala Sirisena and what will happen the PCoI would definitely concluded military action, former Prime Minister Ranil The Easter Sunday Bomb itself is a huge problem. He can a country be ruled if there Irangani, a 58-year-old resident of be implemented because it is now the turn of the Wickremasinghe, should be attack impacted the whole should definitely be held is no security for its people? Mabola, Wattala Gotabaya Rajapaksa is the President to lead a different punished, and I think that country. We hope that justice accountable and be punished. I sincerely hope and All leaders who were in power at this time President of this country now. kind of action with the they will be. But I also don’t will be served. I did not see the I don’t have a party and I pray that justice will be should be punished. It is their responsibility. I am a retired member of ministers and the rest of the know who will be left out report. But everyone who is am not loyal to any side. I served. President Gotabaya It was said that the father of a Minister was the tri-forces who fought in Government. So we think from facing the consequences connected to it should face the am speaking as a citizen of Rajapaksa did a great job aware of the attack beforehand. They should the war. As retired soldiers, the people of this country due to hidden motives of consequences. They should the country, regardless of when he was the Secretary also be punished. we have a lot of faith in will get the answers they those in power. be punished. They were the religion. We see the truth and to the Ministry of Defense. But the people at the top and the big shots our hearts that justice will need, and those who have Sri Lanka was called the leaders of the country. People this is what we see. When We still have a lot of that usually let these things pass, and keep these be delivered. If it does not to be punished will face such Pearl of the Indian Ocean. who are appointed to such leaders rule a country, they faith in him that he will do things from coming to the surface. So we do happen, the whole country consequences. It will only continue to be positions are smart people must know what goes on in it. what is fair by the people not know what will happen. Those at the top will turn upside down. There The Government that so if the responsible faces with brains. So their actions The Easter Sunday of the country. We wish the might just let this report pass without bringing will be no side for the people was in power during the punishment. If President should reflect this. Bombing was an extremely President all the blessings those responsible before the law. to turn to. We will find attack should take full Gotabaya Rajapaksa fails to If former Prime Minister sad and painful incident. that he will need to bring I am Buddhist, but we were saddened by ourselves stranded and lost. responsibility for it. Everyone do this, no one else will ever Ranil Wickremasinghe is Leaders are there to provide justice to the victims of the this attack. So many lives were lost in it. One The President is a from that Government, be able to put this country not being punished, then that security to their people. How bomb attack. of my neighbours lost their life to the bomb. good leader and a good including former President right.

AI can boost legal sector if issues are fixed: Shiranee Tilakawardane J. BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY two systems. Legal retrieval systems and provide a predictor of the success rate risk, and this indication was in turn taken companies besides the software developer. An Artificial Intelligence (AI) system allow lawyers to search through a database of a case); wrongdoing detection (takes into account by the judges and resulted “Therefore, there are no means through provides opportunities for the legal and containing details of decided cases and predictive coding to the level where it can in a six-year sentence. The Electronic which the algorithm could be examined for justice sector to optimise processes and statutes for information. Legal analysis predict a problem before it even arises); Privacy Information Centre reported that fallibilities, inefficacies, or weaknesses, procedures through algorithms, and also systems allow lawyers to take a set of facts and legal research. Also, AI allows for the algorithms used in cases such as these including regression analysis.” Thus, acts as an assistive technology for judicial and determine the ramifications of those facts legal administrative staff to supervise the took into account personal data, including Justice Tilakawardane noted that there are decision-making processes. in an area of law. These systems have two information being fed to these systems. information concerning sex, employment serious concerns on whether the algorithms However, there are concerns regarding types, namely, judgment machines and legal Further, AI-based systems can monitor status, and age, when recommending a are erroneously coded, or whether its ability to appropriately contextualise expert systems. Some legal expert systems matters of ethics such as conflicts of interest. particular sentence. An analytic examination their development reflects the biases or circumstances, and also pertaining to the provide legal information, summarise results, In Mexico, judges and clerks are being of the assessments (used by courts to prejudices of their creators (design and reliability and accuracy of its predictions, and translate the formal legal language of advised by the Mexican Expertius system determine matters such as bail and release deployment of AI tools and services), but with the proper regulation and the the content to a more conversational natural software on whether a plaintiff is eligible for dates) created by the algorithm used in and the prejudicial readings of legal and introduction of corrective measures, this language for the response. Other legal expert the grant of a pension or not. Loomis v. Wisconsin, in terms of 7,000 socioeconomic data. In addition, they have evolving technology could potentially systems are case based. Still other legal Issues pertaining to the use of suspects arrested in Florida, USA, revealed not been tested for biases such as race. address such concerns. expert systems reveal strategic insights on AI-based systems in the legal sector and that Black defendants were twice as likely The other issues are the lack of reliability These observations were made in opposing parties and counsel, tracks records primary concerns raised by scholars and to be tagged as repeat offenders than and accuracy, and the contribution towards an article authored by Supreme Court and key decisions of presiding judges, practitioners in terms of their use, concern White defendants. Thus, Tilakawardane J. the stigmatisation of defendants (as these (SC) Judge (Retd.) Justice Shiranee and illuminates trends on case resolutions, bias, the capability of making objective observed that AI-based systems and their systems are unable to take into account the Tilakawardane titled AI in the Legal findings, and damages. determinations, confidentiality, proprietary coded algorithms should ensure that bias is context and circumstance within which an System: Opportunities and Concerns, Automated AI processes also allow for knowledge, reliability, accuracy, and the minimised and that bias is assessed formally offence took place), Justice Tilakawardane which was published in Volume Five of the due diligence reviews; the preparation of contribution towards stigmatisation, noted if such does arise in some form. noted. Journal by the Sri Lanka Judges’ Institute. contracts through standardised terms and Justice Tilakawardane. This also raises issues pertaining to In terms of regulations and corrective Legal AI has allowed for lawyers to conditions; to act as a tool that can be set up In the Wisconsin SC case of Loomis confidentiality and proprietary knowledge measures, there must be a legislative and focus on relevant sections in a contract as a self-service for clients to prepare their v. Wisconsin, the defendant claimed that as gaining access to algorithms proves regulatory framework on the development, when carrying out contract reviews, own contract; contract management (review the report produced by the AI algorithm to be problematic due to the fact that audit, and use of AI tools and services in litigation analysis, for use in legal a contract database and manage risk); legal violated his right to due process. The because the algorithms are proprietary order to ensure that these algorithms are technology patents, and to stop issues from operations analysis (assess the efficiency of algorithm built into a software indicated in nature, the laws of confidentiality and transparent, certified free of bias, and for propping up in non-disclosure agreements. a firm and assign work to lawyers); litigation that the defendant demonstrated a high intellectual property impede access over the data behind these algorithms to be In terms of legal AI systems, there are analysis (given a set of facts, it can assess risk of violence, recidivism, and pre-trial concerns of undue and unfair advantage to made available as open source. 47 Thursday, February 25, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

business Minister denies Data Protection Bill cess on timber to be gazetted in May imports z 7 rounds of stakeholder consultations held last year z Final draft completed in December BY ZAHIDA RIZVI more from the committee,” The much-delayed Data Gamage said. Protection Bill is expected The Bill, when ratified into to be gazetted in May an Act, will be implemented in 2021, the Information stages, so that the Government and Communication and private sector have enough Technology Agency (ICTA) time to implement it efficiently. told The Morning Business. Under the terms of the Bill, ICTA confirmed that the data will be processed only for final draft of the Personal specific purposes. However, Data Protection Bill has been it also provides that data may amended after consultations be processed for purposes in with various stakeholders. the public interest, and for BY KAREN HAPUARACHCHI reported that although there is no “ICTA conducted seven scientific, historical, research, Minister of Wildlife and Forest current cess on pine timber imports, rounds of stakeholder or statistical purposes. Conservation C.B. Ratnayake discussions regarding this matter consultations and held internal Under the Bill, private denies local media reports stating are currently taking place. discussions to accommodate companies would have a that a cess has been imposed on In addition to this, Advisor to some of the recommendations duty of care, and therefore, the country’s timber imports in the Minister of Wildlife and Forest that were given, and we are legally liable if in breach. order to preserve local production. Conservation M.S. Karunarathna completed the draft in Practically, safeguards would Speaking to The Morning highlighted the complaints regarding December last year,” stated require implementation, and Business, Minister Ratnayake the low-quality of pine timber ICTA Chairman Lalith Gamage. messages using personal data. The ICTA Chairman pointed committee was appointed to it is also important that the stated that he did not announce any imports. Therefore, Karunarathna The Bill aims to regulate the The bill also includes out that the consultations have look at the implementation data protection legislation is information regarding the alleged further added that it is possible that processing of personal data, measures to protect the given them a lot of important methodologies and strategy to not stringently regulated by tax, thereby thoroughly rejecting there would be an alleged cess on designate a Data Protection personal data of individuals feedback, and that the draft ensure all angles are covered increasing the administrative local media reports. pine timber imports in the future Authority, safeguard the rights held by banks, telecom has been amended based on in the Bill, and following the burden on businesses, thereby “No. There is no such tax that is and the discussions regarding this of citizens referred to as “data operators, hospitals, and the matters discussed at the completion of its translation restricting innovation and currently implemented or going to matter may be a measure taken to subjects”, and regulate the other entities aggregating implementation committee. into the three languages, we causing barriers to trade. be implemented. This must have protect local consumers of these dissemination of unsolicited and processing personal data. “A presidential expert need to get the approval once Contd. on page 9 been a huge misunderstanding,” particular imports. the Minister commented. According to the Sri Lanka Several local news reports National forest products statistics, had recently reported that the the total timber producing forest ComBank net Central Bank explains Ministry of Wildlife and Forest lands in the country amounts to Conservation has announced a 109, 170 ha and the extent of timber reasons for repatriation and new cess on imported timber as producing non-forestlands has interest income there is sufficient local production been estimated at 1.4 million ha. of timber. The annual timber demand of the Furthermore, State Timber country was estimated at 1 million conversion of export income Corporation General Manager and m3 with an annual growth of 4%. grows in 2020 The Monetary Board of the exchange earnings into Sri of 25 % of export proceeds, Chairman Dr. N.D. Ruwanpathirana Contd. on page 9 Central Bank of Sri Lanka Lanka. These exporters also exporters will continue to (CBSL) recently issued a set convert a substantial portion possess the converted amount of rules for the repatriation of their foreign exchange in Sri Lankan rupees, while Amãna Bank total assets of export proceeds into Sri earnings into Sri Lanka being allowed to utilise the Lanka and the conversion of rupees, to meet their domestic remaining 75% of foreign cross Rs. 100 b mark these funds into Sri Lankan payment obligations. exchange earnings to rupees, and has also issued Therefore, the requirement purchase imported inputs, Amãna Bank PLC crossed operating instructions to to repatriate foreign to save in foreign currency, the Rs. 100 billion mark in total licensed banks on the same. exchange earnings to Sri or for further conversions, at assets as at YE2020. In the face These rules and operating Lanka, and to convert 25 their own free will. of Covid-19 pandemic-related instructions, which would % of these earnings into The requirement for challenges, the bank has showcased supplement the repatriation Sri Lanka rupees does not licensed banks to sell, to resilience, especially during the requirement already in place, exert excessive pressure on the CBSL, 50 % of export first three quarters of the year, and were issued to strengthen the exporters. Furthermore, the proceeds converted into Sri has bounced back strongly in Q4 Former Chairman Incumbent Chairman Managing Director S. foreign exchange situation of domestic value addition in Lanka rupees by exporters with a remarkable 51% growth in Dharma Dheerasinghe Justice K. Sripavan Renganathan the country, and to dampen export sectors varies from (12.5 % of total foreign pre-tax profit, recording Rs. 372.1 speculative activity that one industry to another, and exchange earnings) has been million in comparison to Rs. 246.2 Chairman Asgi CEO Mohamed The Commercial Bank Group, reflecting a growth of 86.97% caused some excessive the requirement to convert introduced to ensure that the million in Q4 2019. Akbarally Azmeer comprising a private bank, its from Rs. 8.578 billion for 2019. volatility in the exchange 25 % of foreign exchange country is gradually able Post-tax profit for the same subsidiaries, and an associate, This was made possible by net rate. earnings into Sri Lankan to build its non-borrowed period stood at Rs. 213.3 million. demonstrating a growth of 53% reported gross income of Rs. gains from trading improving Since issuing these rules rupees will encourage reserves to a high level. In comparison to Q3 2020, the against Q4 2019. Despite import 151.966 billion for the year by 38.01% to Rs. 1.878 billion; and operating instructions, domestic value addition in Along with ongoing bank’s pre-tax and post-tax profits controls having an adverse impact ended 31 December 2020, which, a net gain of Rs. 6.390 billion on there have been some media any export business that has active efforts and fiscal and grew significantly by 168% and on trade-related fee income, the although a marginal improvement derecognition of financial assets, reports that argued that not yet reached at least this monetary policy support to 167%, respectively, in Q4 2020. bank reported a net operating over the preceding year, included which was an increase of 462.66% such rules will discourage level of value addition. promote foreign exchange As a result of its resurgent Q4 income of Rs. 3.72 billion for net interest income of Rs. 50.869 over the preceding year; and Sri Lankan exporters from Such repatriation and earning sectors of the performance, the bank, for the 12 2020. Having successfully curtailed billion for the full year and Rs. foreign exchange income growing expanding their domestic conversion requirements country, such absorption months of 2020, reported Rs. 761.4 operating expenses, as a result 14.073 billion for the last quarter by 27.87% to Rs. 7.396 billion businesses, noted the CBSL. are not uncommon in of foreign exchange by million as profit before tax (PBT) of the continued focus on cost alone, representing growth rates of due to a 2.81% depreciation of the These reports also alleged other regional economies the CBSL, it stated, will and Rs. 463.7 million as profit after containment, the bank recorded 5.20% and 17.93%, respectively. rupee against the US dollar in the that the legitimate earnings of that have displayed strong help the country rely on its tax (PAT). It is noteworthy that the an operating profit before VAT This growth was attributed to period under review, leading to net exporters were being usurped export performance. In fact, own resources instead of PAT of 2020 is higher than the Rs. (value-added tax), NBT (nation interest expenses reducing by other operating income improving by the banking system and the requirements are more foreign borrowing, while 460.9 million reported in 2019. building tax), and DRL (debt 9.53% to Rs. 73.219 billion in by 27.77% to Rs. 7.771 billion. the Government. stringent in numerous aspects strengthening Sri Lanka’s Maintaining a healthy financing repayment levy) of Rs. 1.15 billion a period when interest income Consequently, total operating The CBSL clarified in these countries, the CBSL credit profile, enhancing margin of 3.7%, the bank’s net for 2020. The bank’s aggregate tax declined by 4.02% to Rs. 124.088 income of the group for the year that many Sri Lankan noted. exchange rate stability, and financing income grew 9% Year- contribution of Rs. 691 million billion due to the reduction in grew by 13.36% to Rs. 76.729 exporters already repatriate The CBSL also emphasised improving the resilience of on-Year (YoY) to close at Rs. accounted for 60% of the bank’s interest rates and the modification billion and by an impressive a large share of their foreign that even after the conversion the economy. 3.45 billion, while achieving Rs. operating profit before all taxes. losses incurred on interest 17.61% to Rs. 20.912 billion 1.13 billion during Q4 alone, Contd. on page 9 concessions granted as pandemic for the fourth quarter alone. relief to borrowers, which were The impairment charges and recognised in the second quarter provisioning for other losses of the year. Profit before income increased by Rs. 10.088 billion or Sunshine Holding’s Watawala Tea Ceylon tax recorded an improvement of 89.03% YoY, taking impairment 6.68% over the previous year charges for the year to Rs. 21.420 to Rs. 24.520 billion for 2020. billion in consideration of certain rebrands to ‘Sunshine Consumer Lanka’ Significantly, profit before tax for identified risk-elevated sectors. Watawala Tea Ceylon Ltd. (WTCL), tea categories and toffees and sweets cocoa-based confectionery, bubblegum, While expanding within the FMCG the fourth quarter alone was up As a result, net operating a 100% owned subsidiary of Sunshine segment of the confectionary category desserts, biscuits, and snacks where market, we will be leveraging on our by an impressive 30.25% to Rs. income declined by 1.85% to Holdings PLC (CSE: SUN), yesterday with some of the country’s most-loved Daintee maintains more than 40% strengths of branding and distribution 8.126 billion. The group’s income Rs. 55.310 billion, but the group’s announced that the business has been brands – Watawala, Zesta, Ran Kahata, market share in toffees and sweets. which has enabled us to be the market tax charge for the year, at Rs. success in reducing operating renamed as “Sunshine Consumer Lanka Daintee, and Milady. The products are marketed under the leader in tea.” 7.433 billion, reflected an increase expenses marginally to Rs. 26.263 Ltd.”. The company’s branded tea business brand names such as Daintee, Milady, The consumer sector’s strong of 33.60%, principally because billion enabled it to post operating In August 2020, Sunshine Holdings is currently Sri Lanka’s largest, with a Bensons, Chito, Chix, X-tra, and Mr. contribution in a turbulent environment the previous year’s income tax profit of Rs. 29.047 billion before marked the first step in this journey by significant market share of 37%. The Bitz. propelled Sunshine Holdings to report computation was reduced by taxes on financial services for the completing the acquisition of a leading three brands – Watawala, Zesta, and Commenting on the rebranding, resilient growth during the first nine an exemption granted on the year, limiting the YoY decline to Sri Lankan confectionery company, Ran Kahata – cater to three distinct Sunshine Consumer Lanka Chief months of the current financial year interest income from Sri Lanka 3.91%. Notably, operating profit Daintee Ltd., adding several prestigious market segments, and all the brands Executive Officer Surith Perera said: (9MFY21). The consumer goods sector development bonds (SLDBs). before taxes on financial services brands to its portfolio. The transaction have reaffirmed their recognition among “Over the last few years, we have been reported a 17.3% Year-on-Year (YoY) One of the noteworthy for the final quarter amounted was valued at Rs. 1.7 billion and the Sri Lankan consumers. making waves in the FMCG (fast- increase in revenue to close at Rs. 4.9 contributors to performance in to Rs. 9.595 billion, reflecting a acquisition was in line with the group’s The confectionary business boasts moving consumer goods) sector with billion and the profit after tax (PAT) the year under review was other growth of 19.66%. strategy to expand beyond tea. Today, an extensive product range consisting our tea brands, where we enjoy the marginally increased by 3.3% YoY in income of Rs. 16.039 billion, Contd. on page 9 Sunshine Consumer Lanka leads in the of toffees, sweets, jellies, chocolates, market leader position in branded tea. comparison to the same period last year. 48 business „„ www.themorning.lk { TRADE/FINANCIALS } Thursday, February 25, 2021 Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: The new head of WTO BY ZAHIDA RIZVI as a feathered bed and be very World Bank Managing Director and Nigeria’s Finance Minister Ngozi comfortable. It has made me someone Okonjo-Iweala set two records as the first African and first woman to hold who can do without things in life the position of World Trade Organisation Director General last week. because of what we went through.” In August, Okonjo-Iweala talked to populous country’s $ 30 billion debt. Okonjo-Iweala went to the US and CNN about the crucial role of trade in As the Chair of Gavi, the vaccine studied economics at Harvard and the global economic recovery from alliance, she has overseen the annual Massachusetts Institute of Technology Covid-19: “The WTO needs a leader at immunisation of millions of children. (MIT). this time. It needs a fresh look, a fresh As World Bank Managing Director, She tackled Nigeria’s huge debt by face, an outsider, someone with the she had oversight responsibility for the convincing sceptical Western powers capability to implement reforms and to World Bank’s $ 81 billion operational to grant relief. Gordon Brown called work with members to make sure the portfolio in Africa, South Asia, her “a brilliant reformer”, though WTO comes out of the partial paralysis Europe, and Central Asia. Dr. Okonjo- others were less appreciative of the that it’s in.” Iweala spearheaded several World deal she did with creditors. Some Her appointment comes after a Bank initiatives to assist low-income commentators point out that many of year that has rocked international countries during the 2008-2009 food the promises she made to Nigerians trade. In October, the WTO forecast a crisis and later during the financial of economic growth and job creation 9.2% decline in the volume of world crisis. went unfulfilled. merchandise trade for 2020, with a In 2010, she was Chair of the World At the age of 25, she began working World Bank Managing Director and Nigeria’s Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala 7.2% rise in 2021. WTO Director Bank’s successful drive to raise $ 49.3 for the World Bank, rising steadily up General added Dr. Okonjo-Iweala billion in grants and low interest credit the institution’s hierarchy, travelling to the wiping out of $ 30 billion of the challenge of facilitating the to take over the institution, with its for the poorest countries in the world. widely, and only leaving when invited Nigeria’s debt, including the outright greater participation of women in budget of $ 220 million and staff of to be Finance Minister of Nigeria in cancellation of $ 18 billion. international trade, particularly in 650, at a critical time. But it warned A little about Okonjo-Iweala 2003. In her second term as Finance developing where greater efforts the estimates were “subject to an Okonjo-Iweala was born on 13 Minister, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala was should be made to include women- unusually high degree of uncertainty” June 1954 in Ogwashi-Ukwu, Delta Career responsible for leading reform that owned enterprises in the formal as they depended on government State, Nigeria. She grew up in a small Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is currently enhanced transparency of government sector.” measures to control the pandemic. village in the country’s southern also Chair of the Board of the African accounts and strengthened As Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Delta State, and was six years old Union’s African Risk Capacity institutions against corruption, she gained a reputation as a tough The World Bank’s first female when Nigeria gained its independence (ARC) and Co-Chair of the Global including the implementation of negotiator during talks to reduce the and Black President from Britain in 1960. Commission on the Economy and the GIFMS (Government Integrated country’s debts. That reputation was Okonjo-Iweala contested as the first The civil war pitting the separatist Climate. Financial Management System), the consolidated when securing more female and Black candidate for the Biafra state against the Nigerian She is also Chair of the Board IPPMS (Integrated Personnel and money for grants and soft loans to presidency of the World Bank Group. Central Government disrupted her of the Nelson Mandela Institution, Payroll Management System), and the poor countries, while she was the No. She was backed by Africa and major education, and exposed her to further an umbrella body for the African TSA (Treasury Single Accounts). 2 at the World Bank. developing countries in the first truly hardship. Institutes of Science and Technology, Nevertheless, the World Bank’s contestable race for the world’s highest In an interview with Forbes and Chair of the Board of the Conclusion 66-year-old head further aims to development finance post in 2021. magazine, Okonjo-Iweala explained: African University of Science and Newly-appointed Director General restore the agency’s relevance after She currently oversees the World “I was eating one meal a day and Technology, Abuja. of the World Trade Organisation its failure to deliver on the promise of Bank’s $ 81 billion (£58bn) worth children were dying. So, I learned As Minister of Finance in Nigeria, (WTO) penned in her job application trade liberalisation for the benefit of of operations. In charge of Nigeria’s to live very frugally. I often say I she spearheaded negotiations with for her position at the WTO: poorer nations, and develop climate finances, she tackled Africa’s most can sleep on a mud floor as well the Paris Club of Creditors that led “It should also be responsive to change issues. Ceylinco Life records income Global container shipping rates of Rs. 36.98 b in 2020 are high, but unsustainable Ceylinco Life has achieved Global container shipping consolidated income of Rs 36.98 billion companies’ performance will be for the financial year (FY) 2020. This strong in 2021 after a profitable top line growth of 15.2% was made 2020, Fitch Ratings says. Spot possible by Gross Written Premium freight rates will remain high in Income of Rs. 22.07 billion for the 12 the short term, which will flow months ending 31 December 2020 – through to contracted rates for 2021. an increase of 17.9% over 2019 – and However, they consider the current investment and other income of Rs. rates unsustainable in the medium 14.9 billion, which was up 11.3%, Sri term, as the sector is susceptible Lanka’s life insurance leader reports. to rate volatility and risks of weak The growth in life insurance business economic recovery and trade resulted in Ceylinco Life retaining its protectionism, requiring constant position as the market leader in Sri prudent capacity management. Lanka’s life insurance sector for the A combination of rebounding demand 17th consecutive year, according to for goods in 2H20, supply chain the company. Ceylinco Life Chairman R. Renganathan (left) and Managing Director/CEO disruptions - such as container box Ceylinco Life paid Rs. 12.2 billion in Thushara Ranasinghe shortages and port congestion - and net claims and benefits to policyholders more strategic capacity management for the year under review, an increase as of 31 December 2020. The company posted profit before drove container freight rates up, of 15.7% over the preceding year, and “We attribute our strong top line tax (PAT) of Rs. 8.77 billion for FY especially on the routes from China transferred Rs. 9.42 billion to its life growth to the company’s agile and 2020, reflecting an increase of 6.75% to Europe and the US. Shipping fund, which grew by 10.94% to Rs. speedy acclimatisation to the so-called over the previous year. Net profit after one 40-foot container from China 106.74 billion as of 31 December 2020. new normal environment thrust upon tax for FY 2020 was Rs. 6.93 billion to Europe or the US West Coast The company’s total assets grew us by the global pandemic,” Ceylinco and reflected an increase of 3.93% now costs over $ 8,000 and $ 4,000, by Rs. 17.6 billion over the year at a Life Managing Director/CEO Thushara over the previous year. respectively, from well below $ 2,000 monthly average of more than Rs. 1.4 Ranasinghe said. Ceylinco Life’s basic earnings per a year ago, according to Freightos billion to cross the milestone of Rs. Ceylinco Life transferred Rs. 4.1 share for the year amounted to Rs. Baltic Index. 150 billion at the end of the year, while billion to the shareholders’ fund in 138.68, while net assets value per share Trade volume recovery was fuelled its investment portfolio recorded an respect of the 12 months, increasing stood at Rs. 762.90 as of 31 December by a change in consumer spending increase of 14.36% in value over the the shareholder fund to Rs. 38.1 billion 2020. Return on assets for the year was habits during the pandemic - ordering 12 months to reach Rs. 133.7 billion at the end of the year. 4.60% and return on equity 18.18%. more manufactured goods while saving by spending less on services, such as leisure and restaurants. It Avocado, passion fruit exporters to was further supported by inventory restocking by businesses that faced acute supply chain disruptions and connect with supermarkets in Mumbai increased demand for personal The Sri Lanka Consulate during the prevailing protective equipment. Total volumes General in Mumbai, together Covid-19 situation, to shipped from Asia to North America with the Ceylon Chamber stimulate more business exceeded 2019 levels by over 7% of Commerce (CCC), taking place between the in 2020, according to Container successfully connected Sri two neighbouring countries. Trade Statistics. A decline in volumes More mature capacity management during the strictest lockdowns in Lankan fresh avocado and Given the close proximity on the Asia-Europe route by about helped avoid oversupply during 2Q20. Fitch ratings expect the 2021 passion fruit exporters with and unique duty concessions 5% in 2020 indicates a growth the pandemic. After more than a sector performance to remain sound, high-end supermarkets in offered to Sri Lanka for potential in 2021 as demand recovers. decade of overcapacity pressures, with performances of individual Mumbai through virtual agri products under the Container box shortages and port the industry has gone through a container-shipping companies B2B meetings on 11 Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade congestion due to pandemic- radical consolidation through M&As varying depending on their route mix, February 2021. This was Agreement (ISFTA), Sri related operational disruptions have and alliances. proportion of contracted volumes, a follow-up discussion on Lanka is well positioned to extended container ships’ turnaround Shipping alliances enabled and exposure to chartered fleet, and the programme launched utilise this untapped export times, further increasing freight strategic capacity reduction when any further spending on container by the Consulate in potential. In addition to rates. The usually quiet period demand declined at the start of the inventory. Improved profitability led September 2020 to promote (Pvt.) Ltd – and high-end Kolhapur, and Hyderabad. avocado and passion fruit, during the Chinese New Year could pandemic and efficiently reactivated to stronger leverage metrics in 2020. and diversify Sri Lanka’s supermarket chains in India More Retail, the fourth Sri Lankan companies have have eased some congestion, but fleets when trading rebounded in Although container shipping agri products to the Indian – Nature’s Basket, More largest supermarket chain in received inquiries on the demand remained strong as China 2H20. The three biggest alliances companies performed strongly market in line with the Retail, and Star Bazaar, and India, is owned by Amazon possibility of exporting maintained its production levels. The serve around 85% of the US-China during the pandemic, Fitch believes Government’s export East West Agro. and Samara Capital (Pvt.) other products such as ongoing virus outbreaks in many routes, compared to about 60% that the current shipping rates are economic policy. Nature’s Basket, owned Ltd. and offers two types mangoes (during off season regions and mobility restrictions seven years ago, and almost all east unsustainable, and expect them to 20 online B2B meetings by reputed conglomerate of stores, hypermarkets and in India), rambutan, and are likely to keep freight rates Asia-Europe lanes. The container moderate in the medium term once took place between leading RPSG Group, has over 36 supermarkets. East West soursop from Sri Lanka. abnormally high in the short term. orderbook, as a percentage of supply chain disruptions ease, as fruit and vegetable exporters neighbourhood convenience Agro is a Mumbai-based India imports avocado These higher-than-usual spot rates existing fleet, is now at its lowest the industry is highly competitive. from Sri Lanka – namely, stores in Mumbai, Pune, and fresh fruit importer which from Latin America and will translate into higher contract level of below 10% - it was 57% The sector remains subject to risks CR Exports (Pvt.) Ltd., Bangalore with a diverse has been engaged in agro Europe and passion fruit freight rates in the ongoing spring in 2007. of geopolitical tensions and trade Development Interplan product portfolio. Star product trade for more than from South Africa, as the contracting season. However, we Container shipping companies’ protectionism, uncertainty about Ceylon (Pvt.) Ltd, Forbes Bazaar, a joint venture by a decade. local supply of avocado view rate volatility as an inherent performance improved in 2020 due economic recovery paths in different and Walker Fine Foods Tata and Tesco companies, Both Indian and Sri Lankan and passion fruit in India sector risk and we expect rates to to higher freight rates in 2H20 - regions, as well as ESG-driven (Pvt.) Ltd, HJS Condiments is present across 48 stores in participants appreciated is not sufficient to fulfill reduce once supply disruptions despite lower volumes YoY - and initiatives such as IMO 2020 and (Pvt.) Ltd., and Jagro Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, the joint effort, especially local demand. related to the pandemic are addressed. to prudent capacity deployment other emission regulations. business 49 Thursday, February 25, 2021 { CORPORATE } „„ www.themorning.lk SLT ranked among ‘10 Most Admired Microsoft recognises SL Companies’ of Sri Lanka educators and schools Microsoft is spotlighting the resilience and leadership of teachers worldwide who continue to provide remote learning, support vulnerable populations, and close gaps in education throughout the Covid-19 crisis. Last year, Microsoft welcomed courses, accessed resources, 4,366 Microsoft Innovative and shared learnings with their Educator Experts (MIEE) from colleagues. the Asia region onboard its “In these historic and Microsoft Innovative Educator challenging times, MIE Experts (MIE) programme – a twofold are true exemplars of innovative increase from the previous year teachers who inspire with their SLT Group Chief Executive Officer Lalith Seneviratne (second and the largest representation student-centered approach, from left) and SLT CEO Kiththi Perera (leftmost) from the region to date. In Sri making a meaningful difference Lanka, 113 experts joined the in the lives of their students,” Sri Lanka Telecom PLC their remarkable financial ranks of MIE experts in the said Microsoft Sri Lanka and (SLT), the National ICT achievements and valuable region. the Maldives Country Manager and Telecommunications contributions to society. The MIE programme, which Hasitha Abeywardena. “These Services Provider, has The Most Admired began in 2014, recognises teachers constantly seek new and been recognised as one Company Awards is an global educators who are using innovative ways to incorporate of the “10 Most Admired annual event hosted by technology to pave the way for 21st Century learning into their Companies in 2020” in Sri the International Chamber their peers for better learning classrooms, including remote Lanka, for its continuous of Commerce Sri Lanka and student outcomes. The learning, which they made efforts in empowering Sri (ICCSL) and the Chartered The Microsoft Innovative Educator programme recognises educators incorporating technology in lessons programme comprises more possible in spite of Covid-19 Lankans. The prestigious Institute of Management than one million educators lockdowns and restrictions. They Alongside the 2020-2021 School from Sri Lanka. These of Microsoft solutions such as title was presented to SLT Accountants (CIMA). worldwide who have joined are helping students build future- class of MIE Experts are 86 new schools are recognised leaders in Windows, Office 365, OneNote, at the awards ceremony held received the award from the Microsoft Educator Centre ready skills that will enable them Microsoft Showcase Schools personalised learning amplified Skype, and more to enable recently, for being a role Gen. Shavendra Silva and successfully completed to succeed in school, life and across Asia. Gateway College by devices for each student – they anywhere, anytime learning for model to other organisations (Chief of Defence Staff and professional development online career.” was the only Microsoft Showcase thoughtfully integrate a variety students. and entrepreneurs through Commander of the Army) Fairfirst Insurance continues to protect the nation’s K9 Police Unit As a company that strongly integral part in our lives because they who are on duty in various tasks believes in the value of social support our optimism to progress. to keep people safe, has given us responsibility, Fairfirst recently The furry heroes of the Sri Lanka the delightful opportunity of being partnered with the Sri Lanka Police Police K9 Unit are a true testament the Official Insurance Partner of the K9 Unit for the second consecutive to this unconditional relationship. Sri Lanka Police K9 Force for the year to uplift the wellbeing of furry Which is why in all fairness, Fairfirst second consecutive year.” heroes. has taken on the responsibility to Commenting further, Police In this light, the K9 Unit of the support these heroes in return. Kennels Director SSP Sujith Sri Lanka Police was offered a Speaking about a continued Wedamulla said: “We are glad to free comprehensive pet insurance partnership, Fairfirst Insurance continue this great partnership with coverage for the entire year to assist Managing Director and CEO Dr. Fairfirst Insurance. As a leading the furry heroes with veterinary Sanjeev Jha said: “We have been insurer who gives much prominence expenses and other related expenses doing a lot of great work together to the wellbeing of the society, this that may arise in their work of with the Sri Lankan Police. For us, initiative will always be a clear bravery. business is always a force to do indication of the company being For many years, dogs have been good. And protecting 274 highly- a fair and active contributor in the man’s best friend. They have been an trained camp specialised canines long run.” Fairfirst recently partnered with the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit for the second consecutive year to uplift the wellbeing of furry heroes SLASSCOM to host AI Asia Authnex awarded at National ICT Awards Authnex, a groundbreaking company, and we are humbled to next generation authentication and receive such recognition within Virtual Summit 2021 authorisation platform, won two a short period of time. We would Driven by the need to raise Gold awards in the categories of like to dedicate this recognition to awareness and discussions “Start-Up of the Year” and “Security our amazing team while extending around the applicability of Solutions in Business Services” at our gratitude to all the well-wishers Artificial Intelligence (AI) the National ICT Awards (NBQSA) and congratulating all the winners,” across multiple industries, 2020 held earlier this month. said Authnex Technologies (Pvt.) the Tech Forum of the With this incredible achievement, Ltd. Director/Co-Founder Chamara Sri Lanka Association for Authnex will go on to represent Sri Rupasinghe. Software Services Companies Lanka at the upcoming Asia Pacific As per research done by the FIDO (SLASSCOM) will be ICT Awards (APICTA) scheduled Alliance, it is found that passwords organising its AI Asia Virtual to be held in Malaysia this year. are the root cause of over 80% of SLASSCOM Chairman SLASSCOM Board Director Summit 2021 from 25-27 Channa Manoharan Nuwan Perera This biometric-based platform has data breaches in the world. Users February 2021. earned a distinctive reputation and have more than 90 online accounts The summit will incorporate community in Sri Lanka, and of industries that include wider acceptance for reinventing in general and around 51% of the conversations on two broad this year, we’re expanding our Tengri UAV (Pvt.) Ltd. Chief the future of digital identity in cyber passwords are reused. On the knowledge areas: linking the AI reach by gathering an audience Technology Officer (CTO) security. other hand, one-third of online tech community together with comprising individuals and Dr. Romesh Ranawana; serial “We are proud to be recognised as purchases are abandoned due to the general populace to create community members in both Sri entrepreneur, angel investor, the nation’s best security solutions forgotten passwords. Authnex is much-needed awareness and Lanka and overseas. The focus data scientist, and Lanka Angel The Authnex team at the National ICT Awards held earlier this month provider and the best start-up also a member of the FIDO Alliance. excitement around the topic, is on providing participants with Network Founder Member and also exploring the practical opportunities to learn from Jeevan Gnanam; Pyxeda AI Contd. from page 7 applications of AI across local industry experts and to explore Chief Executive Officer (CEO) industries and businesses. the topic of AI and where it can Dr. Nisha Talagala; Artificial important source of fuel, where growth in 2020, to close the AI is poised to play a vital take their organisations,” said Intelligence Lab Brussels Data... its combustion can be used to year at Rs. 62.6 billion. Amidst ComBank... part in tomorrow’s growth SLASSCOM Board Director Assistant Professor in Applied The Bill provides for heat homes, provide energy for adverse market conditions, Commenting on the year’s agendas across the world, Nuwan Perera. Research and Development the designation of public cooking food, and heat water for the bank’s continued focus on results, Dharma Dheerasinghe, as both an accelerator and Committed to being a thought Prof. Johan Loeckx; Tohoku corporations, statutory bodies, domestic use. prudent portfolio management who served as Chairman of an enabler. Powered by leader in the AI space in Sri University Graduate School of or any other institution controlled Moreover, commonly used and timely customer engagement the bank till his retirement in unprecedented growth in big Lanka, SLASSCOM’s Tech Engineering Researcher Prof. by the Government or established wood for timber can be divided resulted in containing NPA well December 2020, said: “The data, computer sciences, and Forum has a packed calendar for Emi Yuda; University of Agder under any written law, as the into two categories, hardwoods below the industry averages, Covid-19 pandemic exerted a connected devices, Sri Lanka 2021, with the AI Asia Virtual Centre for Artificial Intelligence Data Protection Authority of Sri and softwoods. Pine wood is with Net NPA and gross NPA multidimensional impact on our has much to gain through Summit being a key milestone. Research Prof. Morten Lanka. Such an authority shall be medium-weight and relatively ratios recording 1.4% and 4%, performance, which will continue the applications of AI,” said “We believe that we can steer Goodwin; Simula Metropolitan responsible for all matters relating soft. Its strength and elasticity are respectively. Owing to the to be reflected in some indicators SLASSCOM Chairman Channa the right conversations around Centre for Digital Engineering to personal data protection in Sri good. As with other coniferous steady balance sheet growth in the years ahead, but I am Manoharan, adding that there AI to the right audiences to Director Prof. Olave Lysne; Lanka, and for the implementation woods, the properties of the wood and effective implementation confident that we have ended is a promising potential in AI leverage the full benefit of the and University of Bergen in of the provisions of the Bill. depend upon the density of the of the strategic plan, the bank’s 2020 in good shape to achieve for Sri Lankan companies, both technology to create jobs and Norway Associate Prof. Marija The processing of data will annual growth rings; the higher total assets grew by 16% YoY to growth, while providing adequate locally and when penetrating improve the country’s growth Slavkovik, specialising in AI be undertaken by a controller the proportion of summerwood, close at Rs. 100.2 billion. support to our customers and the global markets. prospects,” highlighted Perera. with expertise in collective who is defined as any natural or the heavier and harder the wood. As a result of its healthy national economy.” “Every year, the AI summit The summit has an array reasoning, multi-agent legal person, public authority, financial profile, the bank Commercial Bank Chairman has been successful in of acclaimed local and systems, machine ethics, and non-governmental organisation, continued its dividend journey Justice K. Sripavan, who stirring the waters of the tech global speakers from a range computational social choice. agency, or any other body or Amãna... consistently even through commenced his term in entity, which alone, or jointly with Despite the backdrop of 2020 by paying out its third December 2020, said the bank others, determines the purposes challenging market and consecutive dividend, showing had on careful analysis, taken a Samsung launches Galaxy M02 and means of processing personal economic conditions, the bank gratitude for the confidence of decision to set aside one of the Samsung is creating without having to worry about data. continued to maintain a strong the bank’s shareholders. The highest amounts in the industry innovative and affordable frequent charging. growth momentum in customer payout was done in the form of in terms of provisioning for technology to cater to new and Galaxy M02 & Galaxy deposits, closing the year with a scrip dividend in line with the impairment charges to ensure evolving consumer behaviour. M02s come with a 165.5mm Minister... a portfolio of Rs. 83.6 billion CBSL directive which curtailed that it would have a cushion The launch of Galaxy M02 and (6.5-inch) screen with HD+ Furthermore, the estimates which reflected a significant YoY cash dividends of all banks. against the continuing effects of M02s are stated to be a testimony Infinity VDisplay for a viewing of the Forestry Sector Master growth of 17%. This growth was The bank’s total capital ratio the pandemic on several sectors to Samsung’s commitment experience that lets you enjoy Plan (1995) indicate that 90% of achieved whilst also improving stood at a healthy 17.4% as at of business. towards expanding and movies without interruptions. the total timber produced in the the bank’s CASA ratio from 39% 31 December 2020, well above Commercial Bank Managing empowering digital adoption for The large HD+ screen is country comes from non-forest in 2019 to 45% by end-2020, a the minimum requirements. Director (MD) S. Renganathan Sri Lankans and its accelerated ideal for video calls, content timber resources, including home testament to the strong emphasis Along with the recalibration of disclosed that steps taken to digital needs including learn streaming, online education, gardens (68%), rubber (12%), the bank has placed throughout Sri Lanka’s national rating scale make forward-looking risk- from home, work from home, and entertainment. coconut (8%) plantations, and the year to promote its CASA by Fitch Ratings in June 2020, based provisions as a prudential and entertainment anywhere. display, good battery, and a great Both models have a dual other perennial croplands (2%). proposition. Amãna Bank’s credit rating was measure increased the bank’s The Galaxy M02 and camera at an affordable price. rear camera with 13MP main Timber, or lumber, is a type Also despite subdued demand revised upward from BB(lka) to provision cover from 39.39% at M02s are designed to cater to Galaxy M02 & M02s are lens and 2MP macro sensor. of wood which is processed for credit, the bank recorded an BB+(lka) with a Stable Outlook. end 2019 to 57.42% at the end of accelerating digital needs of powered by a 5000mAh battery. The 5MP front-facing camera into several products including 8% YoY growth in customer The rating was further reaffirmed the year under review, based on consumers, be it work, play, or The massive battery provides ensures that your selfie game furniture, planks and construction advances, surpassing the in Fitch’s latest rating review in the Central Bank’s provisioning content streaming. This has a big uninterrupted entertainment is strong. materials. Also, timber is also an country’s private sector credit October 2020. criteria. 104 business „„ www.themorning.lk { MARKET } Thursday, February 25, 2021 Unit trust prices­ at 23 Feb. 2021 CSE Price List 24 Feb. 2021 Fund name Unit selling price...... Unit buying price V.W.A. V.W.A. CHANGE V.W.A. V.W.A. CHANGE Astrue Active Income Fund 100.8487...... 100.8487 SE­CUR­I­TY VOLUME PREVIOUS OPEN HIGH LOW TODAY’S (RS.) SE­CUR­I­TY VOLUME PREVIOUS OPEN HIGH LOW TODAY’S (RS.) Astrue Alpha Fund 15.0256...... 14.1509 A.SPEN.HOT.HOLD...... 10,258...... 30...... 30...... 30...... 28.8...... 29...... -1 SEYLAN DEVTS...... 262,513...... 15...... 15...... 17.3...... 15...... 16.1...... 1.1 Assetline Income Fund 16.8681...... 16.8681 Assetline Income Plus Growth Fund 17.0041...... 16.5366 ABANS...... 151...... 170.25...... 177...... 177...... 176.5...... 177...... 6.75 SIERRA CABL...... 288,297...... 6.2...... 6...... 6.6...... 6...... 6.4...... 0.2 Senfin Dyanmic Income Fund 10.0124...... 10.0124 ACCESS ENG SL...... 375,614...... 23.5...... 23...... 24.2...... 23...... 23.9...... 0.4 SINGER FINANCE...... 12,991...... 14.2...... 14.2...... 14.9...... 14...... 14.1...... -0.1 Senfin Growth Fund 8.9900...... 8.6900 ACL PLASTICS...... 4,365...... 248...... 261...... 261...... 241...... 243.25...... -4.75 SLT...... 14,040...... 34.8...... 35.9...... 35.9...... 34.3...... 34.3...... -0.5 Senfin Money Market Fund 15.1094...... 15.1094 ACME...... 255,773...... 6...... 6...... 6.1...... 6...... 6...... 0 SUNSHINE HOLDING...... 25,831...... 75...... 75.5...... 78.6...... 74.9...... 75.2...... 0.2 Senfin Shariah Balanced Fund 11.8800...... 11.5300 AGALAWATTE...... 22,555...... 27.7...... 28...... 29...... 26...... 27.2...... -0.5 SWISSTEK...... 75,064...... 108...... 110...... 118...... 108...... 108.5...... 0.5 Senfin Shariah Income Fund 12.4421...... 12.4421 AHOT PROPERTIES...... 4,366...... 40.2...... 40.1...... 40.1...... 38.9...... 38.9...... -1.3 TALAWAKELLE...... 4,974...... 38.4...... 40...... 40...... 38.1...... 39.3...... 0.9 CAL Balanced Fund 12.0982...... 12.0982 AITKEN SPENCE...... 58,899...... 58.8...... 58.8...... 62.8...... 58.8...... 61.6...... 2.8 CAL Corporate Debt & Gilt Trading Fund 21.3566...... 21.3566 TANGERINE...... 2...... 40...... 38.5...... 38.5...... 38.5...... 40...... 0 CAL Corporate Treasury Fund 18.3225...... 18.3225 ALLIANCE...... 304...... 50.7...... 48...... 50.8...... 48...... 50.8...... 0.1 TEEJAY LANKA...... 1,245,175...... 40...... 40...... 41.5...... 40...... 41...... 1 CAL Gilt Fund 7.1853...... 7.1853 AMANA BANK...... 398,618...... 3.4...... 3.4...... 3.4...... 3.3...... 3.4...... 0 THREE ACRE FARMS...... 34,154...... 213...... 222.75...... 229...... 212.5...... 220.25...... 7.25 CAL Gilt Money Market Fund 4.3481...... 4.3481 AMAYA LEISURE...... 10,740...... 17.9...... 19.4...... 20...... 18.1...... 18.5...... 0.6 TOKYO CEMENT...... 102,028...... 69.9...... 69...... 72.5...... 69...... 70...... 0.1 CAL Gilt Trading Fund 50.2494...... 50.2494 ASIA ASSET...... 50,610...... 6.3...... 6.4...... 6.4...... 6.2...... 6.2...... -0.1 TOKYO CEMENT [TKYO.X0000].223,181...... 63.4...... 62.1...... 65...... 62.1...... 63.5...... 0.1 CAL High Yield Fund 24.5481...... 24.5481 ASIRI...... 190...... 26...... 26.6...... 26.6...... 26.5...... 26.5...... 0.5 UNION BANK...... 127,971...... 11.2...... 11.2...... 11.8...... 11...... 11.2...... 0 CAL Income Fund 20.7170...... 20.7170 ASIRI SURG...... 1,015...... 14.1...... 14.1...... 14.1...... 14...... 14...... -0.1 CAL Investment Grade Fund 19.9554...... 19.9554 UNION CHEMICALS...... 25...... 772...... 725.25...... 725.25...... 720...... 772...... 0 CAL Medium Risk Debt Fund 15.7090...... 15.7090 AUTODROME...... 26...... 75...... 75...... 75...... 75...... 75...... 0 UNISYST...... 6,975...... 14.9...... 15...... 15...... 14.9...... 15...... 0.1 CAL Quant Equity Fund 19.8644...... 20.2671 BAIRAHA FARMS...... 10,401...... 140.25...... 143.5...... 144.75...... 138...... 138.25...... -2 VALLIBEL...... 432,448...... 7.3...... 7.3...... 7.5...... 7.2...... 7.4...... 0.1 Ceybank Century Growth 75.2400...... 71.9400 BALANGODA...... 18,200...... 13.3...... 13...... 14.9...... 13...... 14.2...... 0.9 VALLIBEL FINANCE...... 5,015...... 115...... 115...... 115...... 110...... 111.5...... -3.5 Ceybank Gilt Edge Fund (A Series) 11.1096...... 11.1096 BUKIT DARAH...... 525...... 319.75...... 319.75...... 328...... 315.25...... 316...... -3.75 VIDULLANKA...... 47,881...... 5.4...... 5.4...... 5.5...... 5.3...... 5.3...... -0.1 Ceybank Gilt Edged Fund (B Series) 11.1096...... 11.1096 C M HOLDINGS...... 3,115...... 85...... 93.3...... 93.3...... 89.9...... 90.1...... 5.1 WATAWALA...... 12,260...... 56...... 55.1...... 55.1...... 54.5...... 55...... -1 Ceybank High Yield Fund 13.8579...... 13.8579 C T HOLDINGS...... 20,005...... 169.75...... 170...... 170...... 169...... 169...... -0.75 YORK ARCADE...... 215...... 167.5...... 165...... 165...... 165...... 165...... -2.5 Ceybank Surakum Fund 12.3871...... 12.3871 CARGILLS...... 72...... 230.25...... 237.25...... 237.25...... 232.5...... 230.25...... 0 Ceybank Unit Trust 25.4100...... 23.8500 SECOND BOARD Ceylon Dollar Bond Fund (in $) 0.6960...... 0.6925 CARGO BOAT...... 4,734...... 63.1...... 61.5...... 63.8...... 61.2...... 61.2...... -1.9 ABANS FINANCIAL...... 3,053...... 26...... 25.6...... 25.6...... 25.6...... 25.6...... -0.4 Ceylon Financial Sector Fund 7.0400...... 6.7500 CARSONS...... 26...... 280.5...... 280...... 292.25...... 276...... 280.5...... 0 AMBEON CAPITAL...... 202,740...... 5.40...... 5.90...... 5.90...... 5.20...... 5.2...... -0.2 Ceylon Income Fund 22.3078...... 22.3078 CDB...... 30...... 110...... 109...... 109...... 109...... 110...... 0 ARPICO APITAL...... 209...... 175...... 170...... 205...... 170...... 171...... -4 CEYLON Index Fund 53.3600...... 51.1900 CDB [CDB.X0000]...... 106...... 75.3...... 79.7...... 79.7...... 78.9...... 78.9...... 3.6 ASIA C BEACH...... 44,819...... 5.4...... 5.3...... 5.9...... 5.1...... 5.4...... 0 Ceylon IPO Fund 5.4700...... 5.3600 CENTRAL FINANCE...... 17,081...... 91.4...... 94.5...... 94.5...... 90...... 90.6...... -0.8 Ceylon Money Market Fund 17.3897...... 17.3897 BROWNS EASE & FIN...... 1,719...... 12.4...... 12.4...... 12.4...... 11.7...... 11.9...... -0.5 CENTRAL IND...... 48,428...... 113...... 115...... 123.75...... 110...... 114.75...... 1.75 COMM L FINANCE...... 7,530...... 6.7...... 6.6...... 6.9...... 6.6...... 6.7...... 0 Ceylon Tourism Fund 3.5700...... 3.4300 CEYLINCO INS...... 100...... 1878...... 1,992.00...... 1,992.00...... 1,992.00.....1,992.00...... 114 Ceylon Treasury Income Fund 6.1500...... 6.1500 DIALOG LERIES...... 110...... 57...... 58.9...... 60...... 58...... 59.7...... 2.7 CEYLON GUARDIAN...... 7,354...... 126.25...... 125.25...... 126.75...... 125...... 126.25...... 0 First Capital Equity Fund (FCEF) 1,342.2000...... 1,275.0900 DISTIL CAPITAL...... 9,131...... 20...... 20...... 21.4...... 20...... 20.7...... 0.7 CEYLON INV...... 12,774...... 64.8...... 64.9...... 66...... 62.7...... 64.2...... -0.6 First Capital Fixed income Fund 1,857.4300...... 1,857.3800 FIRST E HOLDINGS...... 134,851...... 52...... 51.6...... 55...... 51.6...... 52.5...... 0.5 CEYLON TOBACCO...... 1,151...... 1057...... 1,055.00...... 1,070.00...... 1,055.00.....1,060.50...... 3.5 First Capital Gilt Edged Fund 1,497.2400...... 1,497.2400 KELSEY INANCE...... 1...... 42.8...... 32.4...... 32.4...... 32.4...... 42.8...... 0 First Capital Money Market Fund 1,918.5300...... 1,918.5300 CHEMANEX...... 5,615...... 79.7...... 81.9...... 82.3...... 80...... 82.2...... 2.5 KOTMAL IMA...... 5...... 216.5...... 241.25...... 241.25...... 241.25...... 216.5...... 0 First Capital Wealth Fund 1,133.2400...... 1,133.2100 CHEVRON...... 45,551...... 98.2...... 100...... 102.75...... 98...... 99.9...... 1.7 LOLC F LC...... 725,945...... 6.6...... 6.5...... 6.9...... 6.3...... 6.5...... -0.1 Guardian Acuity Equity Fund 18.2749...... 17.9407 CIC...... 94,903...... 56.3...... 56...... 58.7...... 55...... 57.5...... 1.2 Guardian Acuity Money Market Fund 20.3580...... 20.3580 MADULS ‘S MERCH...... 2,000...... 8.6...... 8.6...... 8.9...... 8.2...... 8.8...... 0.2 CIC [CIC.X0000]...... 423,363...... 45.8...... 45.5...... 49.5...... 45.5...... 46.9...... 1.1 JB Vantage Money Market Fund 27.7443...... 27.7443 ODEL P ING...... 2,000...... 19...... 19...... 19...... 19...... 19...... 0 JB Vantage Short Term Gilt Fund 14.9354...... 14.9354 CITRUS LEISURE...... 40,140...... 9.1...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 8.6...... 8.6...... -0.5 COLD STORES...... 1,185...... 639.5...... 639.5...... 650...... 639.5...... 640.25...... 0.75 PDL SRI LANKA...... 20...... 119.75...... 117...... 117...... 117...... 119.75...... 0 JB Vantage Value Equity Fund 24.3900...... 22.9200 PEOPLE XR ...... 5,150...... 8...... 8...... 8...... 7.9...... 7.9...... -0.1 NAMAL Bank Fund 9.0395...... 8.6858 COLOMBO CITY...... 5...... 893.75...... 890...... 890...... 890...... 893.75...... 0 NAMAL Growth Fund 140.5275...... 131.1917 COLOMBO LAND...... 35,705...... 23.2...... 24.1...... 25.5...... 24...... 25...... 1.8 SELINS ...... 20...... 817.25...... 721...... 721...... 721...... 817.25...... 0 NAMAL High Yield Fund 24.8445...... 24.8445 COMMERCIAL BANK...... 4,249,491...... 86...... 86...... 86...... 84.6...... 85...... -1 SINGER...... 16,095...... 50...... 51.9...... 52.5...... 49...... 51.1...... 1.1 NAMAL Income Fund 14.1493...... 14.1493 COMMERCIAL BANK [COMB.X0000].39,776...... 75.6...... 75.5...... 77.8...... 75...... 76.5...... 0.9 DIRI SAVI BOARD National Equity Fund 34.4296...... 32.2198 CONVENIENCE FOOD...... 260...... 1211...... 1,200.00...... 1,225.00...... 1,200.00.....1,225.00...... 14 AGSTAR PLC...... 40,265...... 7...... 7.4...... 7.4...... 7...... 7...... -0.2 NDB Wealth Gilt Edged Fund 18.7568...... 18.7568 ALUMEX PLC...... 25,604...... 20.3...... 21.5...... 21.7...... 20.5...... 20.9...... 0.6 NDB Wealth Growth & Income Fund 45.8900...... 44.4600 DANKOTUWA PORCEL...... 207,423...... 11.6...... 11.5...... 12...... 11.5...... 11.9...... 0.3 NDB Wealth Growth Fund 10.5100...... 10.0800 DFCC BANK PLC...... 103,503...... 61.6...... 62...... 62.8...... 61...... 61.9...... 0.3 AMANA TAKAFUL...... 4,336...... 8...... 8.2...... 8.2...... 8...... 8...... -0.1 NDB Wealth Income Fund 16.0933...... 16.0933 DIALOG...... 620,108...... 12.7...... 12.8...... 12.8...... 12.7...... 12.7...... 0 AMBEON HOLDINGS...... 36,281...... 17.3...... 17.5...... 18.4...... 17.5...... 17.7...... 0.4 NDB Wealth Income Plus Fund 17.1638...... 17.1638 DIMO...... 41...... 530...... 520...... 539...... 520...... 530...... 0 AMF CO LTD...... 85...... 299...... 300...... 355...... 300...... 298.5...... 0 NDB Wealth Islamic Money Plus Fund 16.3707...... 16.3707 DIPPED PRODUCTS...... 3,628,788...... 49.2...... 49.2...... 51.8...... 48.6...... 50.1...... 0.9 ARPICO INSURANCE...... 994...... 20.6...... 21.9...... 21.9...... 21.3...... 21.5...... 0.9 NDB Wealth Money Fund 20.7079...... 20.7079 DOCKYARD...... 11,126...... 76...... 76...... 78...... 75...... 75.4...... -0.6 ASIA SIYAKA...... 257,093...... 3...... 2.5...... 2.6...... 2.5...... 2.5...... -0.1 NDB Wealth Money Plus Fund 23.6600...... 23.6600 BERUWALA RESORTS...... 92,505...... 0.9...... 0.9...... 0.9...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0 Premier Growth Fund 7.0100...... 6.6700 DOLPHIN HOTELS...... 15,485...... 22.9...... 24.8...... 24.8...... 23.5...... 23.5...... 0.6 Premier Money Market Fund 18.7467...... 18.7467 E B CREASY...... 5,051...... 38.5...... 39.9...... 39.9...... 38.1...... 38.9...... 0.4 BOGALA GRAPHITE...... 69,660...... 23.2...... 23...... 24.2...... 22...... 24.2...... 1 Unit holders can contact relevant Fund Managers to obtain Unit Prices for redemptions within EAST WEST...... 37,475...... 11.6...... 11.8...... 11.8...... 11.3...... 11.5...... -0.1 BOGAWANTALAWA...... 6,524...... 12.1...... 13...... 13.9...... 13...... 13.7...... 1.6 short duration from the date of investment where exit fee is applicable. EXPOLANKA...... 7,815,700...... 40.5...... 41...... 43...... 39.9...... 41...... 0.5 BPPL HOLDINGS...... 172,940...... 14...... 14...... 14.9...... 14...... 14.3...... 0.3 FORT LAND...... 11,620...... 13.3...... 14.1...... 14.1...... 13.5...... 13.6...... 0.3 BROWNS...... 33,866...... 170...... 170...... 180...... 170...... 170.5...... 0.5 Ex­change Rates 24 Feb. 2021 GRAIN ELEVATORS...... 220,607...... 122.75...... 123...... 139.5...... 123...... 135...... 12.25 BROWNS INVSTMNTS...... 24,232,922...... 5.4...... 5.3...... 5.7...... 5.2...... 5.4...... 0 (1) The average rates of the following (2) The approximate exchange rates HAYCARB...... 1,257,358...... 99.1...... 100...... 104.5...... 99...... 102.25...... 3.15 C T LAND...... 1,979...... 28.3...... 28.2...... 28.3...... 28.2...... 28.3...... 0 currencies quoted by commercial banks of GULF currencies based on previous HAYLEYS...... 1,204,036...... 60.5...... 60...... 65.4...... 59...... 61.3...... 0.8 C.W.MACKIE...... 9,591...... 45...... 45...... 45...... 44.6...... 44.6...... -0.4 in Colombo for Telegraphic Transfers day’s market weighted average rate for HAYLEYS FABRIC...... 479,165...... 14.6...... 15...... 15.7...... 14.9...... 15...... 0.4 CEYLON TEA BRKRS...... 27,710...... 3.3...... 3.3...... 3.4...... 3.3...... 3.3...... 0 (TT) at 9.30 a.m. are as follows. the US$ are as follows. HAYLEYS FIBRE...... 14,222...... 53.5...... 53.5...... 54...... 51.4...... 51.6...... -1.9 CFI...... 621...... 78.5...... 75...... 75...... 74.5...... 74.9...... -3.6 CURRENCY BUYING RATE...... SELLING RATE COUNTRY CURRENCY...... INDICATIVE RATE AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 151.5901...... 156.4501 Bahrain Bahrain Dinar...... 514.7374 HDFC...... 10,285...... 37.2...... 39.4...... 39.4...... 38...... 38...... 0.8 CIT...... 1...... 113...... 140...... 140...... 140...... 113...... 0 CANADIAN DOLLAR 151.7186 ...... 157.1301 Kuwait Kuwait Dinar...... 641.2531 HEMAS HOLDINGS...... 135,978...... 80.4...... 82...... 85...... 80.1...... 80.4...... 0 CITRUS HIKKADUWA...... 1,250...... 5...... 5.1...... 5.3...... 5.1...... 5.2...... 0.2 CHINESE YUAN (RENMINBI) 28.8495...... 30.5983 Oman Oman Rial ...... 504.0546 HNB...... 85,282...... 132.25...... 132...... 134...... 130...... 130.75...... -1.5 CITRUS WASKADUWA...... 57,909...... 3.2...... 3.3...... 3.5...... 3.2...... 3.4...... 0.2 EURO 232.9214...... 239.0328 Qatar Qatar Riyal ...... 53.2974 JAPANESE YEN 1.8181...... 1.8628 Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian...... Riyal 51.7331 HNB ASSURANCE...... 7,065...... 58...... 58.8...... 58.8...... 58...... 58.6...... 0.6 COM.CREDIT...... 921...... 22.1...... 22.9...... 23.1...... 22.8...... 22.8...... 0.7 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 145.4633 ...... 149.3140 UAE UAE Dirham ...... 52.8309 HNB [HNB.X0000]...... 328,286...... 103.25...... 103...... 105...... 102.75...... 103.25...... 0 COMMERCIAL DEV...... 14,126...... 106.75...... 110.25...... 115.75...... 106...... 113.5...... 6.75 STERLING POUND 271.8136 ...... 278.3643 HOTEL SIGIRIYA...... 25...... 60...... 61...... 61...... 61...... 60...... 0 E - CHANNELLING...... 31,888...... 6...... 6...... 6.2...... 5.8...... 6.1...... 0.1 SWISS FRANC 210.0003...... 217.7885 US DOLLAR 192.0000 ...... 196.4000 HOTELS CORP...... 1,045...... 12...... 12...... 12...... 11.3...... 12...... 0 EDEN HOTEL LANKA...... 2,415...... 10.4...... 10.8...... 10.8...... 10.3...... 10.4...... 0 HUNTERS...... 11...... 632...... 648.25...... 648.25...... 648.25...... 632.00...... 0 ELPITIYA...... 12,380...... 43...... 45.1...... 45.1...... 42.5...... 44.9...... 1.9 INDUSTRIAL ASPH...... 1,413,184...... 0.5...... 0.5...... 0.5...... 0.4...... 0.5...... 0 EQUITY TWO PLC...... 2,054...... 69.9...... 53.2...... 59.9...... 53.2...... 53.4...... -16.5 Market Indicators 24 Feb. 2021 JANASHAKTHI INS...... 199...... 28...... 28.5...... 28.6...... 28.5...... 28.5...... 0.5 FORTRESS RESORTS...... 3,185...... 10.7...... 10.5...... 11.4...... 10.2...... 11.4...... 0.7 CSE ALL SHARE PRICE INDEX 7,371.86 ...... 7,329.21 JKH...... 588,512...... 151.25...... 152...... 154...... 151...... 152...... 0.75 GALADARI...... 3,805...... 8.4...... 8.6...... 8.6...... 8.6...... 8.6...... 0.2 S&P SL20 2,899.00 ...... 2,898.43 KANDY HOTELS...... 12...... 4.8...... 4.7...... 5.1...... 4.7...... 4.8...... 0 GUARDIAN CAPITAL...... 5,960...... 30...... 29.6...... 32.5...... 29.6...... 31.2...... 1.4 KEGALLE...... 4,040...... 106...... 111.75...... 118...... 106.5...... 109.5...... 3.5 TRI ON ALL SHARE (ASTRI) 9,880.76 ...... 9,823.60 HARISCHANDRA...... 120...... 3,505...... 3,600.00...... 4,000.00...... 3,600.00...... 3,914.25...... 409.5 KELANI CABLES...... 409...... 122.25...... 124.25...... 124.5...... 124.25...... 124.5...... 2.25 HATTON...... 2,174...... 8...... 8.1...... 8.1...... 8...... 8.1...... -0.2 TRI ON S&P SL20 4,773.65 ...... 4,772.72 KELANI TYRES...... 97,712...... 77.4...... 78...... 80...... 76...... 77.1...... -0.3 HNB FINANCE...... 101...... 8...... 8.2...... 8.2...... 8.2...... 8.2...... 0.4 VALUE OF TURNOVER(Rs.) 2,620,086,270.00 ...... 2,830,115,580.00 KELANI VALLEY...... 3,473...... 38.1...... 41...... 41...... 38...... 38.5...... 0.4 HNB FINANCE [HNBF-X-0000]...... 1,000...... 7.5...... 7.4...... 7.4...... 7.4...... 7.4...... -0.1 DOMESTIC PURCHASES 2,588,836,860.00 ...... 2,760,416,510.00 KINGSBURY...... 207...... 11...... 11.2...... 11.2...... 11.1...... 11.2...... 0.2 HVA FOODS...... 5,450...... 5.1...... 5.4...... 5.5...... 5.1...... 5.1...... 0 DOMESTIC SALES 2,207,924,480.00 ...... 2,563,531,010.00 KOTAGALA...... 7,271...... 6...... 5.9...... 6...... 5.8...... 6...... 0 JETWING SYMPHONY...... 300...... 9.2...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 0.3 FOREIGN PURCHASES 31,249,386.00 ...... 69,699,184.00 L O L C HOLDINGS...... 695,192...... 364...... 351...... 375...... 351...... 357.5...... -6.5 JOHN KEELLS...... 1,087...... 72...... 72...... 74...... 72...... 74...... 2 FOREIGN SALES 412,161,760.00 ...... 266,584,528.00 LANKA ALUMINIUM...... 99,760...... 15.8...... 18...... 18...... 16...... 16.4...... 0.6 KEELLS FOOD...... 3,522...... 155...... 155...... 155...... 155...... 155...... 0 VOLUME OF TURNOVER(NO.) 75,740,752.00 ...... 134,413,696.00 LANKA HOSPITALS...... 101...... 42.4...... 43.9...... 45.7...... 43.9...... 43.9...... 1.5 KEELLS HOTELS...... 99,460...... 10.5...... 10.3...... 10.7...... 10.3...... 10.5...... 0 LANKA IOC...... 279,284...... 20.9...... 21.4...... 21.4...... 20...... 20.1...... -0.8 DOMESTIC 70,686,024.00 ...... 114,820,024.00 LANKEM CEYLON...... 1,233...... 27.9...... 29...... 30.5...... 29...... 29...... 1.1 LANKA TILES...... 64,472...... 200...... 195.25...... 204.75...... 180...... 197...... -3 LAUGFS POWER...... 80,504...... 10...... 9.5...... 10...... 9.3...... 9.5...... -0.5 FOREIGN 2,501,250.00 ...... 3,754,041.00 LANKA VENTURES...... 83...... 49...... 49...... 49...... 49...... 49...... 0 TRADES(NO.) 17,888 ...... 30,473 LAUGFS POWER [LPL-X-0000]...... 22,220...... 6.6...... 6.6...... 6.9...... 6...... 6.9...... 0.3 LANKA WALLTILE...... 146,129...... 194.5...... 194.5...... 207.75...... 191...... 193.5...... -1 LIGHTHOUSE HOTEL...... 1,612...... 33.1...... 33.1...... 33.1...... 30...... 30.7...... -2.4 DOMESTIC 17,392 ...... 29,999 LAUGFS GAS...... 190,858...... 21...... 22...... 22.1...... 21.5...... 22...... 1 LOTUS HYDRO...... 7,259...... 9.4...... 9.5...... 9.9...... 9.4...... 9.4...... 0 FOREIGN 496 ...... 474 LAUGFS GAS [LGL.X0000]...... 39,994...... 17.9...... 18...... 18...... 17.8...... 18...... 0.1 MAHAWELI COCONUT...... 7,161...... 27.1...... 27...... 27...... 27...... 27...... -0.1 CORPORATE DEBT 0 ...... 10615163 LAXAPANA...... XR 109,258...... 14.2...... 14.5...... 14.6...... 14.3...... 14.4...... 0.2 MAHAWELI REACH...... 2,105...... 13.1...... 14.1...... 14.5...... 13...... 13...... -0.1 GOVERNMENT DEBT 0 ...... 0 LAXAPANA [LITE.R0000].XR 2,553,480...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.7...... 0.4...... 0.5...... -0.1 MARAWILA RESORTS...... 157,500...... 1.9...... 1.9...... 2...... 1.8...... 1.9...... 0 LISTED COMPANIES (NO.) 283 ...... 283 LB FINANCE...... 39,205...... 205.75...... 205...... 214.5...... 205...... 205.5...... -0.25 MILLENNIUM HOUSE...... 10,768...... 5.9...... 5.8...... 6.1...... 5.8...... 5.9...... 0 LEE HEDGES...... 501...... 70...... 68.2...... 72.5...... 63...... 63...... -7 TRADED COMPANIES (NO.) 249 ...... 272 NUWARA ELIYA...... 21...... 1171.5...... 1,150.00...... 1,150.00...... 1,150.00...... 1,171.50...... 0 LION BREWERY...... 1,349...... 555...... 550...... 568.75...... 550...... 550.25...... -4.75 ON’ALLY...... 4...... 36.5...... 35...... 35...... 33...... 36.5...... 0 MARKET PRICE EARNINGS RATIO(PER) 13 ...... 12.9 LMF...... 49,218...... 153.25...... 154.25...... 162...... 154...... 159.5...... 6.25 MARKET PRICE TO BOOK VALUE (PBV) 1.2 ...... 1.2 ORIENT FINANCE...... 100...... 14.4...... 15.9...... 15.9...... 15.9...... 15.9...... 1.5 LVL ENERGY...... 206,956...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 9.1...... 9.3...... -0.2 PEGASUS HOTELS...... 6...... 30...... 31.9...... 31.9...... 31...... 30...... 0 MARKET DIVIDEND YIELD (DY) 2.5 ...... 2.5 MALWATTE...... 7,246...... 11.7...... 13.3...... 13.3...... 12...... 12.9...... 1.2 RAIGAM SALTERNS...... 92,203...... 5.1...... 5.1...... 5.5...... 5...... 5.2...... 0.1 MARKET CAPITALIZATION (Rs.) 3,223,736,457,106.00 ...... 3,205,084,690,098.00 MALWATTE [MAL.X0000]...... 6,252...... 8.5...... 8.4...... 8.5...... 8.4...... 8.5...... 0 RAMBODA FALLS...... 10...... 16.8...... 17...... 17...... 17...... 16.8...... 0 MELSTACORP...... 213,778...... 47.3...... 47...... 50.2...... 47...... 48.1...... 0.8 RENUKA CAPITAL...... 14,660...... 6.9...... 7...... 7.3...... 7...... 7...... 0.1 MERC. SHIPPING...... 50...... 75.1...... 74.7...... 74.7...... 74.7...... 75.1...... 0 1. Overnight Money Market Transactions RENUKA HOTELS...... 1...... 70...... 65.1...... 65.1...... 65.1...... 70...... 0 MERCHANT BANK...... 45,500...... 7.5...... 7.5...... 7.6...... 7.5...... 7.6...... 0.1 Call Money Market...... Repo Market RICH PIERIS EXP...... 6,220...... 354.5...... 344...... 363...... 344...... 349.75...... -4.75 Weighted Average Rate (%)...... 4.54...... 4.57 MULLERS...... 29,001...... 1.1...... 1.1...... 1.2...... 1.1...... 1.1...... 0 ROYAL PALMS...... 695...... 15.2...... 15...... 15.4...... 15...... 15.4...... 0.2 Minimum Rate (%)...... 4.53...... 4.55 NAMUNUKULA...... 10...... 180...... 184...... 184...... 184...... 180...... 0 SATHOSA MOTORS...... 194...... 230.5...... 228...... 228...... 227...... 227...... -3.5 Maximum Rate (%)...... 4.58...... 4.68 NAT. DEV. BANK...... 96,344...... 83.6...... 83.1...... 85...... 81.9...... 82.2...... -1.4 Total Gross amount (Rs. million)...... 14,000...... 10,163 NATIONS TRUST...... 25,497...... 57.6...... 58.4...... 58.5...... 57.5...... 57.5...... -0.1 SERENDIB ENG.GRP...... 5...... 6.3...... 6.6...... 6.7...... 6.2...... 6.3...... 0 Total Net amount (Rs. million)...... 14,000...... 9,375 SERENDIB HOTELS...... 2,500...... 15...... 15...... 15...... 15...... 15...... 0 2. Use of the CBSL Standing Facility NAWALOKA...... 69,404...... 5...... 5.1...... 5.2...... 5...... 5.2...... 0.2 NESTLE...... 239...... 1180.25...... 1,183.00...... 1,200.00...... 1,183.00.....1,200.00...... 19.75 SERENDIB HOTELS [SHOT.X0000]...... 750...... 9...... 9...... 9...... 9...... 9...... 0 Standing Deposit Facility (Rs. million)...... 155,160 SINGER IND...... 259...... 97.7...... 94...... 94.5...... 93.5...... 94.3...... -3.4 Standing Lending Facility (Rs. million)...... - OVERSEAS REALTY...... 364,103...... 15.5...... 15.5...... 15.8...... 15.5...... 15.6...... 0.1 PAN ASIA...... 136,067...... 16.9...... 17.4...... 17.4...... 16.9...... 17...... 0.1 SINGHE HOSPITALS...... 100,100...... 2...... 2.1...... 2.1...... 1.9...... 2...... 0 3. CBSL Treasury Bill/Bonds Holdings PANASIAN POWER...... 344,858...... 3.5...... 3.5...... 3.5...... 3.4...... 3.5...... 0 SINHAPUTHRA FIN [SFL.P0000]...... 2,801...... 4.2...... 4.5...... 4.6...... 4.2...... 4.2...... 0 Face Value (Rs. million)...... 784,269.88 PEOPLE’S INS...... 36,091...... 31...... 31...... 31.4...... 30.5...... 31.1...... 0.1 SOFTLOGIC...... 9,925...... 12.6...... 13.3...... 13.3...... 12.6...... 12.7...... 0.1 Book Value (Rs. million)...... 769,123.89 PEOPLES LEASING...... 443,309...... 12...... 12.1...... 12.5...... 12...... 12...... 0 SOFTLOGIC CAP...... 164,954...... 3.7...... 3.8...... 3.9...... 3.7...... 3.7...... 0 PIRAMAL GLASS...... 3,082,178...... 9.5...... 9.6...... 10...... 9.5...... 9.8...... 0.3 SOFTLOGIC FIN...... 3...... 10.2...... 10.5...... 10.5...... 10.5...... 10.2...... 0 SOFTLOGIC LIFE...... 33,558...... 31.4...... 32.9...... 32.9...... 31...... 31.4...... 0 TOP 10 GAINERS PRINTCARE PLC...... 101...... 30...... 30.5...... 30.5...... 30...... 30.5...... 0.5 R I L PROPERTY...... 386,713...... 6.5...... 6.4...... 6.8...... 6.4...... 6.6...... 0.1 TAL LANKA...... 5,342...... 12.5...... 12.6...... 12.6...... 12.2...... 12.3...... -0.2 Company VWA VWA Change Change TRANS ASIA...... 21...... 59.5...... 59.2...... 59.2...... 57...... 59.5...... 0 Prev. Close Days Close (Rs.) % REGNIS...... 3,982...... 95.9...... 100...... 100...... 96...... 96.4...... 0.5 BOGAWANTALAWA 12.10 13.70 ...... 1.60 ...... 13.22 RENUKA AGRI...... 100,856...... 3.6...... 3.7...... 3.8...... 3.6...... 3.8...... 0.2 UDAPUSSELLAWA...... 281...... 20.4...... 22.4...... 22.4...... 22.4...... 22.4...... 2 NATION LANKA 0.80 0.90 ...... 0.10 ...... 12.50 UNION ASSURANCE...... 1,406...... 306...... 305...... 315...... 305...... 314.5...... 8.5 HARISCHANDRA 3,504.75 3,914.25 ...... 409.50 ...... 11.68 RENUKA CITY HOT...... 357...... 226.5...... 222...... 239.75...... 220...... 225.75...... -0.75 RADIANT GEMS 26.40 29.40 ...... 3.00 ...... 11.36 RENUKA FOODS...... 5,314...... 14...... 14.5...... 14.5...... 14...... 14.3...... 0.3 VALLIBEL ONE...... 1,526,735...... 52...... 52...... 56.2...... 52...... 55.3...... 3.3 ORIENT FINANCE 14.40 15.90 ...... 1.50 ...... 10.42 RENUKA FOODS [COCO.X0000]...... 500...... 12...... 12.1...... 12.1...... 12.1...... 12.1...... 0.1 WATCH LIST MALWATTE 11.70 12.90 ...... 1.20 ...... 10.26 GRAIN ELEVATORS 122.75 135.00 ...... 12.25 ...... 9.98 RENUKA HOLDINGS...... 31,854...... 15.1...... 14.8...... 15.8...... 14.8...... 15.2...... 0.1 ANILANA HOTELS...... 112,503...... 1.1...... 1.20...... 1.30...... 1.10...... 1.10...... 0 UDAPUSSELLAWA 20.40 22.40 ...... 2.00 ...... 9.80 RENUKA HOLDINGS [RHL.X0000].17,311...... 11.3...... 11.3...... 12.5...... 11.3...... 11.3...... 0 BIMPUTH FINANCE...... 4,750...... 8...... 8...... 8.3...... 8...... 8.3...... 0.3 COLOMBO LAND 23.20 25.00 ...... 1.80 ...... 7.76 MACKWOODS ENERGY 2.70 2.90 ...... 0.20 ...... 7.41 RESUS ENERGY...... 50...... 24.8...... 25...... 25...... 25...... 24.8...... 0 BLUE DIAMONDS...... 158,252...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.7...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0 RICHARD PIERIS...... 1,094,150...... 16...... 16.2...... 17...... 16...... 16.5...... 0.5 BLUE DIAMONDS [BLUE.X0000]...... 96,210...... 0.3...... 0.3...... 0.3...... 0.2...... 0.3...... 0 TOP 10 LOSERS ROYAL CERAMIC...... 500,281...... 280.75...... 279...... 290...... 265...... 278.25...... -2.5 LANKEM DEV...... 22,556...... 3.7...... 3.7...... 3.9...... 3.7...... 3.7...... 0 Company VWA VWA...... Change...... Change S M B LEASING...... 1,458,288...... 0.6...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.5...... 0.5...... -0.1 MACKWOODS ENERGY...... 105...... 2.7...... 2.7...... 2.9...... 2.7...... 2.9...... 0.2 EQUITY TWO PLC 69.9 53.4...... -16.5...... -23.61 S M B LEASING 0.6 0.5...... -0.1...... -16.67 S M B LEASING [SEMB.X0000].3,653,074...... 0.3...... 0.3...... 0.4...... 0.3...... 0.3...... 0 MULTI FINANCE...... 5...... 7...... 7.2...... 7.2...... 7.2...... 7...... 0 LAXAPANA 0.6 0.5...... -0.1...... -16.67 SAMPATH...... 2,256,553...... 154.5...... 155...... 156...... 153...... 154...... -0.5 NATION LANKA...... 102,695...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0.9...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0.1 LEE HEDGES 70 63...... -7...... -10 LIGHTHOUSE HOTEL 33.1 30.7...... -2.4...... -7.25 SAMSON INTERNAT...... 1...... 145.25...... 145...... 145...... 145...... 145.25...... 0 PARAGON...... 1,089...... 53...... 62...... 62...... 53...... 53.2...... 0.2 CITRUS LEISURE 9.1 8.6...... -0.5...... -5.49 SANASA DEV. BANK...... 32,821...... 57.2...... 57...... 58.4...... 57...... 57.4...... 0.2 RADIANT GEMS...... 471...... 26.4...... 27.7...... 29.9...... 27.7...... 29.4...... 3 LAUGFS POWER 10 9.5...... -0.5...... -5 CFI 78.5 74.9...... -3.6...... -4.59 SEYLAN BANK...... 19,869...... 49.6...... 49.5...... 51.5...... 49.5...... 50...... 0.4 STANDARD CAPITAL...... 41...... 73...... 65...... 75...... 63...... 73...... 0 BROWNS BEACH 12.4 11.9...... -0.5...... -4.03 ASIA SIYAKA 2.6 2.5...... -0.1...... -3.85 SEYLAN BANK [SEYB.X0000]....96,809...... 40...... 40...... 41.5...... 38...... 39.9...... -0.1 TESS AGRO...... 27,501...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.5...... 0.5...... 0 114 Thursday, February 25, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

Mandy Moore THOUGHT FOR THE DAY welcomes first child This Is Us star Mandy Moore and her musician husband Taylor Goldsmith “Magic is believing in announced the arrival of their son on yourself. If you can make Tuesday. Mandy Moore is now a mom. that happen, you can The This Is Us star announced the make anything happen.” arrival of her son August Harrison – Johann Wolfgang Goldsmith, nicknamed “Gus”, last von Goethe Tuesday on Instagram, which was also shared on her husband Taylor Goldsmith’s page. brunchPUTTING Bani Chandrasena AN END TO appointed as SRI LANKAN VP of Diversity ECOCIDE Collective Lanka Environmental organisations band together to fight a common cause

BY NAVEED ROZAIS While we are a little haven of biodiversity, ecological, and wildlife wonder, there is an uglier picture beneath the surface. 2020 was one of the worst years for environmental conservation Sri Lanka has ever seen. BY VENESSA ANTHONY see entrepreneurship picking up pace Over the last year, our in Sri Lanka, but we don’t see as many island, renowned for leopards Bani Chandrasena is one of the women becoming entrepreneurs. The and elephants, has seen the original board members of Diversity core areas that we want to focus on deaths of more than 12 leopards Collective Lanka (DCLK). She was are raising awareness among men and and over 400 elephants, the vast recently appointed the Vice President women, empowering women to ask majority of which are a direct (VP) of the association, recognised for for more involvement and recognition, result of human-animal conflict. all her work towards this cause over the training and influencing organisations Additionally, currently only Senior lawyer Jagath Gunawardana Senior environmentalist Nayanaka Ranwella last three years. to create more inclusive work 17% of our landmass is closed- Commenting on this achievement, environments, and holding companies canopy forest cover and this is she said: “I appreciate the recognition accountable towards making these decreasing. 2020 saw a number because this has enabled me to be able numbers change in the medium term.” of pieces of protective legislation to do more for this cause that I am being overturned, and a number passionate about. Social media has Culture in terms of the of protected areas being put back helped take this message wider than I workplace into development. There have also expected.” She added that she is hoping Talking about her journey into been lots of illegal acts of land that she can work to the benefit of the The Diversity Collective, Chandrasena acquisition and destruction. These efforts made by DCLK with the support said: “My background is in human are just some of the concerning of the general public. resources (HR), and I worked in a events that have impacted wildlife number of industries in human resources, and nature conservation in Sri The Diversity Collective Lanka starting with banking; then I went into Lanka over the past year. The Diversity Collective manufacturing, apparel, and then moved Against this already troubling was formed three years ago, and into tech.” backdrop, a circular is now likely PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and She explained that about four years to be passed by the Cabinet, ECT Director Sajeewa Chamikara CEJ Executive Director Hemantha Withanage Asian Development Bank (ADB) were ago, she was looking for a challenge, allowing Sri Lankan farmers with Past President and EFL Director up farmland to continue and for instrumental in bringing like-minded which led her to explore her options over one acre of land to have a Rukshan Jayawardene, Nayanaka wildlife officials to work around women in the tech industry together within the company. “One of the permit and own a shotgun that Ranwella of the FEO, senior existing farmland. This (perceived to make a difference towards bridging areas that the London Stock Exchange they can use against crop-raiding lawyer Jagath Gunawardana, or otherwise) priority to farmland gender parity in this industry. Group, at the time, was exploring was wildlife. RARE Knowledge Co-ordinator has resulted in farmlands being Using the tech industry as an diversity and inclusion, and I wasn’t This move gives farmers Manoja Weerakkody, and allowed to thrive, regardless of example, Chandrasena explained: exactly sure of what it meant then. My license (literally) to murder Environmental Conservation if they have been set up legally “The tech industry saw 26% female research showed me that there was wildlife, and in response to this, as Trust (ECT) Director Sajeewa or not, and has limited the power participation three years ago, and it is work to be done if we are to change the well as to the other environmental Chamikara. of wildlife officials in reclaiming growing fastest in terms of revenue to narrative of women in Sri Lanka, and and conservational issues that Speaking at the event, land that has been cultivated the country. Women can contribute as that there was so much potential we plague Sri Lanka, a group of Jayawardene explained that illegally. much and more, with the flexibility the were not using in our women towards local conservation organisations ecocide (sustained destruction The move to allow farmers industry can offer for their employees. how Sri Lanka can grow and thrive,” have formed a coalition named of the natural environment by with holdings of over one acre “This flexibility is complementary she stated. “Conservation Organisations in the deliberate or negligent human to carry and use firearms is in to women in the workplace, which we The cultural nuances of Southeast interest of working together for a action) in Sri Lanka has reached effect a law to promote murder, are hoping will drive the numbers up Asia permeated in Sri Lanka. It became more environmentally sustainable unprecedented levels, highlighting and the coalition is appealing to in the future, moving it up further from expected of women to have a family, the 36% in 2020. She stated that DCLK Sri Lanka”. that we as a country are witnessing the President to reconsider this and having a career is frowned upon, brought women and men together This coalition of conservation a rate of environmental destruction circular and putting it in place. and considered a difficult task if the to find out the cause of the problem, organisations includes the that makes it unsustainable for us The circular would see thousands family is neglected; the woman’s and what we can do collectively to Wildlife and Nature Protection as citizens to maintain our quality of farmers being able to carry priority must always be children and bring about change. The founding family. Chandrasena observed that this Society (WNPS), the Centre for of life. shotguns – weapons that can do members invited to this board are from is the reason why we struggle to change Environmental Justice (CEJ), Providing a license to carry great harm to animals both at close corporates, academia, government the landscape, compared to the western the Environmental Foundation firearms to use against crop- range and from a distance, outright agencies, all working together towards world, or even the rest of Asia. Ltd. (EFL), the Federation of raiding animals does nothing killing animals in close quarters, positive change,” Chandrasena stated. “I realised some of the work I have Environmental Organisations to solve the actual issue, which or wounding them in such a way She added: “This, we felt, was the to do would be to change mindsets, (FEO), the Movement for National is the human-animal conflict. where they die long and painful missing piece of the puzzle of these and work with HR and the business to Land and Agriculture Reform Jayawardene explained that crop- deaths for festered wounds and sectors working together towards try and change the cultural norms that (MONLAR), Protect Wilpattu, raiding is a natural side effect infections. changing community views, and we are familiar with in Sri Lanka, and the Wildlife Conservation of farming in areas that were The coalition also stressed providing equal opportunity. I am also to help build the next generation.” Forum (WCF), the Rainforest previously wilderness or adjacent that farmers using firearms would proud to say that firms like the London She stated that, aside from encouraging Protectors of Sri Lanka, Sri escalate human-animal conflict to protected wilderness areas. The Stock Exchange Group Sri Lanka, young girls to study engineering-related Lanka Climate and Forest Action even more because of retaliation animals that used to inhabit the Mitra, Pearson, and Sysco Labs are subjects such as maths and computer Network (SLCFAN), the Wildlife from animals like elephants who area or nearby are bound to come companies on the inclusive journey in science, they would also need to Conservation Society of Galle, will want to take revenge on into such farmland. Sri Lanka, and are also on the Board of influence their parents, as many Asian Centre for Conservation and humans after watching members Sri Lanka has been clearing DCLK.” parents only want their kids to become of their herd die painfully after Research (CCR), the Biodiversity hundreds and thousands of DCLK, whose President Emesha doctors or lawyers; as well as that girls being shot. and Elephant Conservation hectares of forests, leaving Pinto Jayawardena is an entrepreneur must get married and have kids as a Senior lawyer Gunawardana, Trust (BECT), the Biodiversity animals in those areas displaced and trainer herself, is also working in priority. Women can be so much more Conservation and Research Circle and needing to withdraw in the who specialises in wildlife and the school sector to encourage more than only a mother. (BCRC), Friends of Wilpattu remaining forests, sanctuaries, and environment law, also raised the girls to do STEM (science, technology, She stated that Sri Lanka has so (FOW), the Elephant Forest and reserves that are left – this breeds concern that the priority given to engineering, and mathematics) subjects much more potential, and we need to Environment Conservation Trust another set of problems because of farming, the tacit green light from and stay on course to get into software expose our women to these options, (EFECT), the Young Zoologist overpopulation, resulting in food the offices of the President on engineering and other tech roles in the where they have the capability to learn Association (YZA), the Otara shortage and heavier competition the matter, and the introduction industries. and grow and make a real difference. Foundation, and Rally for Animal for other resources, which in turn of such a circular are a violation Commenting on this, she added: “To break this general stigma, we have Rights and Environment (RARE). drives these animals back into of fundamental rights and the “We focused on higher education to educate and empower our girls and A press conference was farmland to forage for food. Constitution of Sri Lanka because because we saw the women joining women, to be confident to make their held by the coalition to address Another issue raised by the it limits the ability of Department the universities in these fields of study, own destiny and not be judged for it,” the matter of issuing firearms coalition was the prominence of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) but we were not seeing as many in Chandrasena said. to Sri Lankan farmers as well given to farmers and farming and Forest Department officials work after university. Hence why one She simply concluded that once as to address the other pressing over wildlife and environmental to prosecute others, especially of the DCLK pillars of focus is higher this idea of culture and women having ecological issues Sri Lanka conservation, a model that is officials from other departments education.” to act a certain way is eradicated, faces. Speakers at the conference given extra strength by comments who violate the Flora and Fauna The next important pillar is Sri Lanka’s industries can grow included CEJ Executive Director made by the President in the past Protection Ordinance. entrepreneurship, she explained. “We exponentially. Hemantha Withanage, WNPS to allow farmers who have set PHOTOS KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM 124 brunch „„ www.themorning.lk { STYLE } Thursday, February 25, 2021 Double XL launches ‘virtual shopping experience’

Yoga in Colombo An initiative by the Yoga Pilgrim Lodge

BY VENESSA ANTHONY shopping can be done from the comfort BY VENESSA ANTHONY around you,” Perera said. of your own home, with a very personal Yoga in Colombo is held at Established in 2010, Double touch. Yoga is an ancient practice the early hours of the morning, XL was a brand of its own, Dahanayake commented that this that brings together the mind and where the rays of the sun are uniquely catering to the plus-size concept has been successful for clients body. It incorporates breathing bursting with Vitamin D, which is a great mood booster population of Sri Lanka for the very from the Maldives and India as well; this exercises, meditation, and poses contributes to their goals for the future designed to encourage relaxation and keeps your bones strong first time. Over its past 11 years of becoming a globally available and and muscles healthy. With of existence in the industry, the and reduce stress. The purpose recognised brand. of yoga is to build strength, these classes, you’re healing, label has now grown and become “With this concept, we are trying to awareness, and harmony in both maintaining, and improving your consonant with a flagship store give our customers a realistic shopping the mind and body. While there body with Vitamin D from the for plus-size fashion, housing a experience; maybe not 100% realistic, but are more than 100 different sun. number of brands. if they can at least feel 75% of what they types – or schools – of yoga, Practising yoga outdoors The brand continues to break would if they were to shop in store, which most sessions typically include gives the space you need to boundaries with the recent launch of their I think we have achieved, then I would breathing exercises, meditation, lessen chronic pains, such check in with yourself. You can “virtual shopping experience”. Speaking call this concept a success,” Dahanayake and assuming postures as lower back pain, arthritis, move your body the way you to The Morning Brunch, Founder/Director commented, adding that the only difference (sometimes called “asana” or headaches, and carpal tunnel need to, or stretch wider and Adhisha Dahanayake gave us some insight from shopping in-store would be that the poses) that stretch and flex syndrome, in addition to further than you have before. into the thought process behind this venture. customer is not able to feel the texture and various muscle groups. lowering blood pressure and Many studies have found that “Called the ‘virtual shopping material of the product before purchasing. A common misconception reducing insomnia. those who practised yoga were experience’, we launched it about two For most of their customers, this isn’t a surrounding the practice of yoga more aware of their bodies than weeks ago due to the prevailing pandemic dealbreaker, as Double XL has maintained is that one needs to be extremely Types of yoga those who didn’t practise yoga. There are many types of situation in the country, as many customers very good quality for all their products, flexible to master the poses. This Yogis are more likely to be yoga. “Hatha”, a combination are reluctant to physically visit the stores so wear and tear is not something their is far from the case, because satisfied with and less critical of of many styles, is one of the and try on clothes.” She also noted that, customers need to worry too much about. there are so many different their bodies. For these reasons, most popular styles. It is a more for plus-sized people, the size is of utmost She also observed that before the kinds of yoga practices, and it yoga has become an integral physical type of yoga rather than importance, as they need to find the perfect pandemic, they would have a lot of is possible for anyone to start. part in the treatment of eating a still, meditative form. Hatha disorders and programmes that fit. So, with the option of physically visiting customers from outstation, as Sri Lanka does Whether you’re a couch potato yoga focuses on “pranayamas” promote positive body image and stores unadvisable at the moment, they not have a very large market for anyone plus- or a professional athlete, size (breath-controlled exercises), self-esteem. launched the virtual shopping experience. sized. The pandemic has made inter-district and fitness levels do not matter which is what Perera will be travel very difficult, and many people are because there are modifications for every yoga pose and focusing on during these classes. How often should one unwilling to come to Colombo these days, These are followed by a series so Dahanayake added that this concept is beginners’ classes in every style. practise? The Yoga Pilgrim Lodge of “asanas” (yoga postures) and Regular yoga practice perfect for those customers as well. end with “savasana” (a resting I started this just to break the stigma around Taking us back to 2010, when the brand hosts a series of yoga classes creates mental clarity and plus-sized clothes. I didn’t feel too good about both beginners and intermediates period). calmness, increases body was launched, Dahanayake talked about the The goal during yoga myself as we didn’t have reasoning behind establishing Double XL: can enjoy. The classes are held at awareness, relieves chronic Independence Square from 6.30 practice is to challenge yourself stress patterns, relaxes the mind, options for clothes nor was “Being a plus-sized person myself, it was physically, but not to feel there anything that looked incredibly hard to find clothes that fit and a.m. to 8 a.m. every Sunday, so centres attention, and sharpens one can relax overwhelmed. At this edge, the concentration. Body and self- nice to wear, so keeping looked good as well. I focus is on your breath, while was going through a lot and unwind, awareness are particularly that in mind, I was your mind is calm and accepting. beneficial, because they can help of issues because of the while soaking determined to launch up some gentle Perera explained that there with early detection of physical lack of options, which brunch are eight yoga postures, out of this for everyone that morning rays. problems and allow for early is when I saw the has experienced the Jeewanthi which they have created their preventive action. demand for plus-sized same thing I went Perera, a yoga own styles, which is what will be “Yoga should be practised as clothes.” teacher at Yoga taught at the classes. often as you brush your teeth, for through Founding the Pilgrim Lodge, at least 20 minutes a day,” Perera Founder/ store with the support Reconnect with nature Director Adhisha who has a said, adding that it shouldn’t be of her husband Priyan 300-hour yoga Yoga studios typically don’t viewed as a chore, but something Dahanayake Senarath Gamage and teacher training have mirrors. This is so that that brings your mind and soul brother Deminthe, certification at people can focus their awareness together. her fundamental idea the Pranashama inwards rather than focusing on She explained that an easy was to infuse the key how a pose or how the people Dahanayake stated that this is the first Yoga Institute, stated that they practice to do at home, besides elements of comfort, design, and style into around them look. Yoga is a time in Sri Lanka that a fashion brand aim to touch the spiritual body from the usual Sunday classes, quality manufactured apparel. Double XL practice born to become more launched such an experience. She further and then the mental body with would be sun salutations, which was launched to fill the gap in the fashion aligned and in touch with nature stated that due to the pandemic, they lost their classes. is basically a breathing exercise industry that neglects to cater to anyone that around us. Many of the poses footfall by quite a significant amount, so that will help you start off your is plus-sized, of any gender. Benefits of yoga in the practice are named after day with a more positive outlook. this venture was a great way for them to animals and their movements. recover and have sales pick up, while still “I started this just to break the stigma Yoga helps deeply with “Yoga is such a beautiful around plus-sized clothes. I didn’t feel balancing out a stressful life, Outdoor yoga benefits your body practice and one that can offering their customers a flawless service. and mind, making you feel more Describing this experience, too good about myself as we didn’t have explained Perera. In fact, be taken up any time, with options for clothes nor was there anything multiple studies have shown in tune with yourself and the minimal equipment and Dahanayake explained that the process is world around you. very simple. Their customers have to call that looked nice to wear, so keeping that in that it can decrease the secretion minimal time,” she concluded. mind, I was determined to launch this for of cortisol, the primary Being outdoors fully Right now, more than ever, in the hotline and obtain an appointment; awakens your senses. “There is once that is done, an agent will get in everyone that has experienced the same stress hormone. Stress is not these trying times, we need that thing I went through,” she commented. necessarily caused by a problem; nothing like a cool gust of wind, time to check in with ourselves, touch with them via video call. “We offer the smell of blooming flowers, a very personal shopping experience to our When asked about Double XL’s plans even issues such as neck aches or move our bodies, and enjoy the for this year, she mentioned that they back aches that occur regularly the song of birds, and the noise outdoors when we can. customers. On call, they will be given a of the wind to make you present. tour of the store and customers can choose would be celebrating their anniversary on could add to one’s stress levels, 26 March, so customers should keep an which yoga can help ease. Taking your yoga outdoors will whatever article of clothing that catches open your mind up to what’s @yogapilgrimlodge their eye.” eye out for some exciting news. In addition to improving Once a customer has spotted an item The Double XL premium brand, your mental health, practising of interest, the agent can measure out available at One Galle Face Mall, also yoga may reduce inflammation the outfit to ensure that it will fit, and if launched its activewear and swimwear as well. The health of your needed, even place it on a dummy for the range recently. She also added that the heart is an essential component customer, so they can get an idea of what online website is doing quite well in terms of of overall health, and certain the clothes will look like on them. After sales, which is a positive point for the virtual positions in yoga can help get the customer has made their selection, shopping experience, as they can see that your blood pumping and supply they can choose to make the payment there is a demand for online shopping. tissues with important nutrients. online or on delivery, and the clothes will Dahanayake invites everyone to try Perera also stated that be packaged and delivered right to your this virtual shopping experience, promising the relaxation techniques incorporated in yoga can also The Yoga Pilgrim Lodge’s classes are held on Sunday mornings at doorstep. This is a very interesting and good service and high-quality products Independence Square convenient concept for many, as your through her brand. brunch 134 Thursday, February 25, 2021 { COLUMNS/EVENTS } „„ www.themorning.lk their job roles, and it took a global pandemic for them to start exploring various other fields to find their true passion. 3. Commercial advertising and storytelling Documentary storytelling has always been Zeeshan’s demand, in turn, increased the forte, which eventually got him number of persons learning into the sector of commercial SPOTIFY the basics of software such as advertising. They discussed Adobe Photoshop to earn some how it’s mostly about the extra money. Amidst all this client’s approach towards the launched in chaos, industry professionals product and how they wanted it observed a downfall in the marketed to the public. Rather unique essence of graphic than the everyday explanation designing and everything it Sri Lanka holds on to. on why potential customers need to buy their merchandise, One of the world’s most popular audio streaming 2. Learning something this duo behind the camera subscription services, “Spotify” officially launched new every day: How takes a shot at giving us yesterday (24) in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, viewers an entire movie in offering a revolutionary music experience tuned to important is it? under two minutes. Whilst we your personal taste. With a worldwide community The phrase “every day is see changes in trends from of more than 345 million monthly active listeners, a chance to learn something including 155 million premium subscribers, Spotify new” can be primarily applied various sectors on a daily basis, Akila can’t wait until Sri Lanka will offer a personalised listening experience for local to any growing industry which and international music of over 70 million tracks. deviates from the traditional Exploring art and evolves on a day-to-day basis. Users can upgrade to Spotify Premium for The duo believes that working methods of advertisement the ultimate Spotify experience for Rs. 529 per is more about the learning banners to more illustrative month. The Premium Family subscription plan is experience than what we designs, taking us back to the available for Rs. 849 per month for up to six family design thinking accomplish. Akila mentioned early 80s and 90s. members. The new Spotify Premium DUO (Rs. 679 how he feels satisfied in his All in all, this episode per month) is a subscription plan for two people job only if he acquires more gave us a sneak peek into living at the same home address, which includes The fifth episode of inspiration and knack for knowledge on the particular the expectations within the Duo Mix, a regularly updated playlist made just for area constantly. He believes Mastering Mediocrity creative thinking. To survive graphic design industry, the the two subscribers to discover audio they both love in this environment, it is vital that one needs to experience and enjoy together. Spotify Premium for Students premiered on 19 October prominence of learning whilst 2020 featuring graphic that each person is proficient benefits in proportion to the subscription plans cost Rs. 265 per month. Direct in their ability to think outside energy they put into their work. at the job, and how nothing carrier billing payment options are also available designer and illustrator will make us happier than Akila Weerasinghe. Here the box. Unfortunately, it was It has become the case that through Dialog, SLT-Mobitel, and Hutch. evident that many institutes people are tiring themselves turning our passions into our “We are incredibly excited about the opportunity are a few memorable teach their students how to use to meet deadlines to an extent professions. to bring together creators and listeners around the moments from our the tool, and not how to think that they do not pay heed (Episode transcribed by world. As we’ve expanded our international reach conversation with Akila creatively. This has created to whether it is beneficial Amani Najumudeen) over the years, we’ve connected over eight million on Mastering Mediocrity. a rather unoriginal group of for them other than from The views and opinions artists with listeners across nearly every continent, peers within this industry. a monetary point of view. expressed in this column are putting Spotify firmly at the heart of the global audio 1. Grasping the software They also mentioned how the People need to work towards those of the author, and do not economy. Launching in these new markets is a key next step to fulfilling our ongoing commitment to doesn’t necessarily demand for graphic designers defining themselves through necessarily reflect those of this increased exponentially during their unique set of skills rather building a truly borderless audio ecosystem,” said publication. make you a good the Covid-19 pandemic with than who they work for. It was Spotify Chief Freemium Business Officer Alex graphic designer everyone having to switch to saddening to see how many Norström. A key issue the design virtual meetings, etc. to carry individuals are stuck in the https://youtu. “We want to share the gift of music with as industry faces is the lack of on with their businesses. This same position, unsatisfied with be/5xDDaszS94M many people as possible to enrich the lives of not only our listeners, but also local artists who will now have access to a global audience. We always want to be where our fans are, and with this expansion we KottuMee’s ‘Raban Mashup’ gains intl. recognition are furthering our mission of sharing the sounds of Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka with the rest of Among 143 APAC winners at The One Show 2020 it one of the most successful and the world,” said Spotify Managing Director to the Middle East and Africa Claudius Boller, who will As a brand that has always APAC was to be showcased online creative digital branding efforts. Recognising that TikTok is one lead a team of music and audio experts for the newly prioritised the needs of the youth, for the world to see. No gold, silver, launched South Asian markets. Prima KottuMee launched the “Raban or bronze honours are awarded; of the more popular social media platforms among Sri Lankan youth, The new playlists offer expertly curated and Mashup” campaign with brand instead, agencies received a special regularly updated music by Spotify’s team of local Prima KottuMee decided to take ambassador Yohani de Silva early printed certificate to celebrate being music experts across a range of popular genres for the local TikTok audience by storm last year. This digital campaign was accepted for the showcase. any mood or moment, including hot hits Sri Lanka, through the initiation of the “Raban recently recognised at The One Show Of the 2,600 entries from 59 Sinhala rap-zillas, Sinhala pop, Sinhala lounging, and 2020 by The One Club for Creativity cities across 17 countries in APAC, Mashup”. With 1.8 million TikTok more. and was one of only 134 winners that the “Raban Mashup” was one of engagements and 3.2 million social A major feature of the Spotify service is its were selected as the best from the only 134 winners that were selected media impressions, this digital personalisation, which allows fans to find the music Asia Pacific (APAC) region for the as the best from the region for the campaign was one of the most they already love with ease and also to help them year 2020. year 2020. The joint collaboration of successful brand communication discover new music and artists to love, based on The One Club is a not-for- TBWA\Sri Lanka, Yohani de Silva, campaigns for TikTok in Sri Lanka their taste and listening patterns. When a new user profit organisation that celebrates and Pasan Liyanage of Redfox Audio and therefore recognised on an joins Spotify, they are guided through a “Taste and serves the global advertising Productions for Prima KottuMee, international level. Onboarding” process which helps Spotify quickly and design industries. Organised by resulted in the creation of an instantly The “Raban Mashup” idea customise recommendations to their music tastes. The One Club, The One Show is popular video that consisted of a was initiated with the purpose of Over the coming days, listeners in more countries the world's most prestigious award mix of well-loved traditional “raban reinvigorating the youth of the across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin show in advertising, design, and padha” infused with modern beats. out remotely and virtually, is a country and restoring the sense of America will have instant access to a world of audio, digital marketing. Under the theme It is one of only two campaigns that noteworthy accomplishment for all togetherness in a safe way. The and the most talented creators will be empowered to of “Creativity is a Light in the were selected from Sri Lanka and parties involved in the development positivity generated was uncontained turn their passion into a profession. Dark”, The One Club focused on was under the category of “Social of the “Raban Mashup”. and this was reflected in its The Spotify app is available to download how creativity gives direction and Media”. To have received recognition The video was shared on popularity, as it was amongst the for free, or with an upgrade to Spotify Premium, via confidence during a global pandemic. and been awarded for a category as multiple social media platforms top 20 at Ad Stars 2020 and Top 35 the Google Play Store or Apple Store, or by heading With the disruption of the industry it competitive as this, especially for generating massive engagement branded viral videos, all produced to www.spotify.com/free. was decided that the best work from a digital campaign that was carried within a mere two weeks, making remotely and directed visually. Hemas Consumer donates to Dankotuwa Base Hospital Hemas Consumer, a leading The donation took place at the always champion healthful living manufacturer in Sri Lanka’s home and hospital premises with the participation and are committed to play our role in personal care sector, has made donations of Hemaas Consumer Director of uplifting lives in every possible way. to the Dankotuwa Base Hospital Covid Supply Chain Chandana Weerabahu, We are in the process of contributing ward, aiming to enhance patients’ Senior Manager of Human Resources to create a better society, and now facilities. (HR) Mahinda Wijesekera, Manager is one of the most important times Hemas came forward to donate of Compliance and Systems Sanjeevan to be helping our communities. In several essential items to the hospital Easparanathan, District Medical Officer this scenario, we eagerly wanted to so that it can better serve the hospital’s Dr. Thilak Ranasinghe, other doctors, and ensure that the needs of the patients patients. Amongst the items donated were staff at the Dankotuwa Base Hospital. are fulfilled and to create a safer water heaters to ensure that patients had Commenting on this initiative, environment for them who need the The ISM APAC Team access to warm water for drinking. Weerabahu said: “At Hemas, we foremost attention right now.” ISM APAC ranked among best workplaces in Sri Lanka 2020 APAC, part of the Dutch-based leading to create a distinctive workplace culture for e-commerce solutions provider ISM, was its 180-plus employees in such a short span ranked among the “Best Workplaces in Sri of time. Lanka” for 2020 by Great Place to Work Sri ISM APAC Managing Director Lanka. Additionally, it was also recognised Priyantha Bethmage said: “We take among the “Best Small and Medium IT/ITes great pride in being one of the top ‘Best Workplaces in Sri Lanka”. Workplaces’ in the country. This recognition The company first made it to the list of is a testament to the tireless efforts of our Best Workplaces in Sri Lanka in the year employees who are driven by a shared 2017, and was later certified as a “Great passion to build world-class solutions. As (From left:) District Medical Officer Dr. Thilak Ranasinghe, Hemas Workplace” in 2019 as well as 2020. Since a leader, we understand the importance of Consumer Director of Supply Chain Chandana Weerabahu, Senior Manager of HR Mahinda Wijesekera, Junior Executive – Admin its inception in 2014, ISM APAC, which supporting employees in all aspects of their Lasantha Kalupahana, and Manager of Compliance and Systems The Hemas Consumer team donating several essential items to the Dankotuwa Base serves the Asia-Pacific region, has been able lives.” Sanjeevan Easparanathan Hospital Covid ward 144 sports „„ www.themorning.lk { SPORTS } Thursday, February 25, 2021 Martin Williamson on Imran, the cricketer

Few would dispute that Imran Khan was the finest cricketer Pakistan has produced, or the biggest heartthrob. Suave, erudite, and monstrously talented, he gave real sex appeal to cricket in the subcontinent in the 1970s and 1980s. As such, he and TV completed the popularisation of the game in his country, which Hanif Mohammad and the radio had begun. Thousands, if not millions, who had never dreamt of bowling fast on heartless baked mud suddenly wanted to emulate Khan and his lithe bounding run, his leap and his reverse-swinging yorker. He also made himself into an all-rounder worth a place for his batting alone, and captained Pakistan as well as anyone, rounding off his career with the 1992 World Cup. He played hardly any domestic cricket in Pakistan: instead he just flew in for home series from Worcestershire or Sussex, or rather from the more fashionable London salons. His averages (37 with the bat, 22 with the ball) put him at the top of the quartet of all-rounders (Ian Botham, Richard Hadlee, and Kapil Dev being the others) who dominated Test cricket in the 1980s. The defining moment – Khan leads his country to World Cup triumph, beating England in Melbourne in March 1992 And whereas Botham declined steadily, Khan just got better and better: in his last 10 years of international cricket he played 51 Tests, averaging a sensational 50 with the bat and 19 with the ball. He gave no quarter during some memorable battles with West Indies – Pakistan drew three series with them at a time when everybody else was being bounced out of sight – and he led Pakistan to their first series victory in England in 1987, taking 10 for 77 with an imperious IMRAN KHAN display for a decisive victory at Headingley. After retirement he remained a high- profile figure, with his marriage – and The cricketer and the politician subsequent split with – the socialite Jemima Goldsmith, and a move into the labyrinthine world of Pakistan politics (ending up becoming the Prime Minister of the country).

Khan taking oaths as Pakistan May 2013 – Khan gets severely injured after a fall PM on 18 August 2018 before from a forklift during an election rally, an accident PM Imran Khan – Pakistani President Mamnoon Diana, Princess of Wales, in a Lahore restaurant with Jemima, Khan, and Khan’s father Ikramullah Khan Niazi in February that is said to have saved him from a planned personal anecdotes Hussain in Islamabad 1996 assassination attempt the next day

Imran Khan was born on 5 October 1952 in Lahore to father Ikramullah Khan Niazi, a civil engineer, and mother Shaukat Khanum. He grew up as the only son in the family, with four sisters. A quiet and shy boy in his youth, Khan grew up with his four sisters in relatively affluent (upper middle-class) circumstances and received a privileged education. Khan’s Khan’s last Test innings, against Sri Lanka, in Faisalabad in January 1992. With bride Jemima Goldsmith outside Richmond Registry Office after their Here he falls to Kapila Wijegunawardene (extreme right) parents were moderate and practising wedding in June 1996 Muslims. Ikramullah was a staunch supporter of the Pakistan Movement during the days of the British Raj and has been reported Imran Khan with his parents and sisters as “fiercely anti-colonial”. The family are ethnically of Pashtun origin. Paternally, Khan belongs to the Niazi Pashtun tribe which has long been settled in Mianwali in north-western Leading Pakistan to their first Test series win in England, at Leeds in July Punjab. Khan’s maternal family has 1987: Khan took a match haul of 10/77 in this third match of the series produced several great cricketers, the most prominent of whom are Javed Burki and Majid Khan. Khan’s mother was born in Jalandhar before the partition of India. He credits Scoring an unbeaten 93 in his last Test series, his mother as having played a deeply incidentally against Sri Lanka, in December 1991 influential role in his upbringing. at Sialkot. The ’keeper is Hashan Tillakaratne In 1985, she died due to cancer. The helplessness and personal experience of seeing his mother diagnosed with cancer, In February 1995, inside the Lahore cancer hospital, which Khan built in his mother Shaukat Khanum’s name which became the cause of her death, motivated Khan to build a cancer hospital “He gave in Pakistan where those who could not subcontinent cricket the real sex appeal afford expensive care could be treated, and in the 1970s and in 1994, the Shaukat Khanum Memorial 1980s” causing a Cancer Hospital & Research Centre was massive boom in Now set to lead his country, politically. Khan’s party “Pakistan Tehreek-e- founded by Khan in Lahore. the popularisation Insaaf” (PTI) (Pakistan Movement for Justice) won the July 2018 general From 1995-2004, Khan was married of the game. Here is election Khan photographed Khan speaks to his supporters at a PTI rally in to Jemima Goldsmith, a British socialite during an afternoon Islamabad in his successful 2018 general election turned writer and activist, and member exercise session at campaign of the influential Goldschmidt family of his City Hyde Park England. They have two sons from the Club Gym in England in marriage, Sulaiman Isa Khan (born 1996) October 1984 and Kasim Khan (born 1999). The marriage ended amicably in divorce in 2004. Khan’s father died on 19 March 2008 at the age of 85. In early 2015, Khan announced his marriage to the British- Pakistani journalist Reham Khan. The marriage lasted nine months and ended in divorce in October 2015. In 2018, he married Bushra Maneka, who has reportedly been his spiritual mentor. Debut for Pakistan in June 1971 in England. Standing from left: Wasim Bari, (Sources: Cricinfo and Wikipedia) Best ODI bowling feat in his career: 6/14 against India in Sharjah in March December 1980 in Lahore: Khan making his first Asif Masood, Zaheer Abbas, and Imran Khan. Seated from left: Mushtaq 1985, but on a losing course Test century (123) against West Indies Mohammad, Intikhab Alam (Capt.), Pervez Sajjad, and Majid Khan sports 154 Thursday, February 25, 2021 { SPORTS } „„ www.themorning.lk FOREIGN SPORTS IN BRIEF A leg-breaking accident!  Neil Lennon resigns as Celtic Manager Celtic Manager Neil Lennon has resigned z Tiger Woods suffers severe injuries in Los Angeles car accident with his side 18 points adrift of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership. Lennon took charge for a second spell in February 2019, when Brendan Tiger Woods was recovering from Rodgers left and led the club to two titles, two major surgery on his right leg on Scottish Cups, and a League Cup. Tuesday (23) evening at Harbour- However, BBC said that Celtic are well UCLA Medical Centre after being behind their Glasgow rivals in their bid to involved earlier in the day in a win 10 straight titles and slumped to defeat at struggling Ross County on Sunday (21). “high-speed” single-car accident Assistant Manager John Kennedy will take outside Los Angeles. interim charge of the team. Woods suffered “comminuted open fractures” to both the upper and lower  Hamilton, Liverpool among nominees for portions of his tibia and fibula in his right Laureus World Sport Awards leg, as well as damage to the ankle bones Lewis Hamilton and Liverpool are among the nominees for the 2021 Laureus World Sport Awards. and trauma to the muscle and soft tissue Briton Hamilton is up for the Sportsman of the Year award, having won a seventh Formula 1 drivers’ crown in 2020. Liverpool won their first league title since 1990 last year and, along with Champions of the leg, revealed Golf Digest, quoting League winners Bayern Munich, are on the team of the year shortlist. an update released via his social media Japan’s Naomi Osaka, who recently won the Australian Open, is on the Sportswoman of the Year accounts on Tuesday night. shortlist. Hamilton was the joint winner, along with Barcelona footballer Lionel Messi, of the men’s A comminuted fracture is when a bone award last year when the continuing global coronavirus pandemic started. “It’s hard to believe just how much has changed – 2020 was a difficult year for so many people, breaks into more than two pieces, and for many different reasons and of course the world of sport was hugely affected,” Hamilton has said. an open fracture suggests bone broke the skin, the report added. Woods had been conscious As part of the surgical procedure, Woods was driving at a relatively greater speed than normal when his vehicle crossed on to the wrong side of the road at Woods’ right leg was stabilised by approximately 7.12 a.m. inserting a rod into the tibia. Screws and pins were used to stabilise the bones GOLFTV and Golf Digest. He was in the foot and ankle. A surgical release filming his latest series with us of the covering of the muscle was also yesterday, which will see him giving performed to relieve pressure due to on-course instruction to a number of swelling. celebrities including Jada Pinkett Smith, Woods was the sole occupant of a 2021 Dwyane Wade, and David Spade. He Genesis GV80 SUV when he headed was due to continue filming with us northbound on a downhill, windy portion today. of Hawthorne Ave., a two-lane road “Everyone at Discovery and Golf in Rancho Palos Verdes. Los Angeles Digest wishes Tiger a speedy recovery  NBA: Doncic helps Dallas Mavericks win County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said and our thoughts are with him, his Luka Doncic drained a three-pointer with one-tenth of a second remaining to earn a 110-107 win Woods was driving at a “relatively family, and his team at this time.” for the Dallas Mavericks over the Boston Celtics. The Slovenian had given the Mavericks a 107-105 greater speed than normal” when his On Sunday, Woods told CBS’ Jim lead with a three-pointer seconds earlier, but his game-winning effort sparked wild celebrations. vehicle crossed onto the wrong side A photo of the damaged car Woods was driving when he was involved in the accident on Nantz that he was awaiting the results “His 31 points helped the Mavs to a sixth win in seven matches. He’s just a very unique player, a of the road at approximately 7.12 a.m. Tuesday (23) morning in Los Angeles of an upcoming MRI before he could very unique person,” Mavericks’ Coach Rick Carlisle said of Doncic. before veering off the road entirely and ramp up practising and training for a  Musiala onto a hillside. A neighbour called 911 Steinberg, released a statement after the with his movement still restricted from return to competition. to alert authorities of the accident, and initial report of the crash, which occurred the back procedure he had just a few becomes Woods was conscious when they arrived about 30 miles west of where Woods months ago, he did not hit balls or play History of injuries youngest on the scene. grew up in Cypress: “Tiger Woods was any holes. News of the hospitalisation of one English scorer in a single-car accident this morning in The shoot involved Woods giving of sports’ biggest stars triggered an Jamal Musiala became the Could have been fatal youngest English scorer in the California where he suffered multiple on-course lessons to a number of outpouring of support for Woods on Champions League on Tuesday Personnel from the L.A. County leg injuries. He is currently in surgery celebrities, but he mostly provided social media and led to extensive (23), as holders Bayern Munich Sheriff’s Department said the interior of and we thank you for your privacy and instruction and hit a few putts. He was coverage on news networks. thrashed Lazio in the last-16 the vehicle Woods was driving remained support.” in good spirits on Monday but did not This is the latest in a long history of first leg in Rome. The 17-year- old finished smartly from intact. That, combined with the fact that On Sunday and Monday arrive at the course for the second day injuries for Woods, a 15-time major outside the box to also become Woods was wearing a seatbelt, allowed of shooting. champion and 82-time PGA Tour winner. Bayern’s youngest scorer in the him to escape what “otherwise would Woods, 45, was in California for a He last competed alongside his son at competition. have been a fatal crash”, according to two-day content shoot with Golf Digest/ Was getting ready for the PNC Championship, which wrapped Robert Lewandowski practices opened the scoring with his Villanueva. GOLFTV after serving as host for the up on 20 December in Orlando. He then 72nd goal to overtake Raul as There was no evidence of impairment, Genesis Invitational, which finished on Discovery Golf, parent company underwent a microdiscectomy procedure the tournament’s third-highest according to the Sheriff’s Department, Sunday (21). Pictures surfaced on social of Golf Digest and GOLFTV, issued to remove a pressurised disc fragment scorer. Leroy Sane added a third and Woods was reportedly calm and lucid media of Woods smiling with Dwayne the following statement: “Tiger has a that was pinching a nerve. It was his and then forced an own goal, when authorities arrived at the scene. Wade and David Spade at Rolling Hills long-term partnership with Discovery fifth back surgery overall and the first before Lazio responded through Joaquin Correa. Woods’ long-time agent, Mark Country Club on Monday (22), but developing exclusive content for since his spinal fusion in April 2017. India’s might is reflected in ‘Motera NMS’ z Narendra Singh Modi Stadium in Gujarat beats MCG to become the largest Into the Past WITH THILAK

India’s recently rebuilt Sardar Patel stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat has taken the top spot from Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia to become the largest cricket stadium in Don Anurasiri the world. It was rechristened 25 as Narendra Modi Stadium FEBRUARY (NMS) yesterday (24) at the ON THIS DAY start of “the Pink Ball Test” between India and England. 1914 – Birth of John Arlott, 1964 – Cassius Marcellus Clay The stadium was inaugurated the doyen of cricket Jr. (later Muhammad Ali) by India President Ram Nath commentators defeats world heavyweight Kovind in the presence of boxing champ Sonny Liston Premier Modi’s Home Affairs 1918 – Birth of US tennis in a seventh round technical Minister Amit Shah, father of star Bobby Riggs (US knockout before a crowd of 8,300 in Miami Beach, the Secretary of the Board of Open 1939, 1941) Control for Cricket in India World’s largest cricket stadium in Motera is hosting the India-England third Test now Florida (BCC), Jay Shah. 1930 – Popular West Indies bat 1966 – Birth of Sri Lanka 49,000 to 132,000, including the second largest stadium capacity. It has 109 executive in India. Hope to see full George Headley completes Rs. 21.2 billion slow left-arm bowler Don 76 executive suites. overall, after “Rungrado 1st suites and an official capacity stands like last time. Under twin tons in a Test versus construction In 2015, Motera Stadium of May” football stadium of 100,024. The MCG was the leadership of Honourable England (114 and 112) Anurasiri (see photo) Located in Sabarmati, was closed and demolished in Pyongyang, North Korea built 168 years ago in 1853. Prime Minister Modi and Ahmedabad in the State of before being completely rebuilt with an official capacity of Amit Shah,” tweeted BCCI 1938 – Birth of Farokh 1978 – England all-rounder Gujarat in India, the formerly by February 2020, with an 150,000. ‘Jai Ho India’ President Sourav Ganguly, Engineer; Indian wicket- Ian Botham scores his known Motera Stadium is now estimated cost of $ 110 million The Melbourne Cricket “Will miss being at the unable to attend the occasion keeper (1961-75) first Test century, 103 versus New Zealand in equipped with new decorations (Rs. 21.2 billion). Ground (MCG) was the stadium today (yesterday). reportedly due to health Christchurch and all the latest facilities largest stadium in the What an effort it must have reasons. 1940 – First televised hockey including a Hall of Fame Second largest overall Southern Hemisphere, the been to create this. ‘Pink The powerful Modi game - New York Rangers 1989 – Javed Miandad scores gallery. The capacity has been It is the largest cricket 11th largest globally, and Test’ was our dream and it’s government of India and its vs. Montreal Canadiens on Channel W2XBS, New York 271 versus New Zealand at raised from its original (1983) stadium in the world and the largest cricket ground by going to be the second one strong affinity with Indian Eden Park cricket overall through that City “Shah connection”, the all- 1951 – First Pan American 1989 – Mike Tyson “TKOs” conquering Indian Premier Frank Bruno in five rounds League (IPL), the arrogant Games open, in Buenos Aires, Argentina for world heavyweight leadership that Virat Kohli boxing title is giving Team India, and 1954 – Birth of Steve Rixon; now NMS in Modi’s home Australian cricket wicket- 1991 – New Zealand’s state Gujarat “overpowering” keeper (1977-85) Andrew Jones scores twin MCG of all places, Australia, Test tons against Sri Lanka in terms of size and its 1957 – US Supreme Court (122 and 100) grandeur – these all could decides 6-3 that baseball be a symbolic indication is only “antitrust-exempt” 1993 – Pakistan all out 43 that cricket’s international professional sport versus West Indies, then supremacy is shifting from a world record lowest in MCG Australia perhaps the England-Australia 1962 – Mike O’Hara completes ODIs, and now the sixth bloc towards “Jai Ho India”. a record 97th marathon lowest „„ www.themorning.lk Thursday, February 25, 2021 Gayle returns to WI ‘Hundred’ draft on West Indies (WI) star batsman, Chris Over 250 players were to compete for the seven remaining overseas spots in this week’s draft for the men’s Gayle, will return to the Caribbean to Hundred T20 cricket league in England. Kagiso Rabada, Quinton de Kock, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Shakib take part in the upcoming series against Al Hasan, and David Warner are among those who have put their names forward for selection. The Hundred, Sri Lanka, interrupting his ongoing the England cricket board’s new 100-balls-per-team competition – which is being criticised by its critics for its participation in the Pakistan Super possible drive towards too much commercialism – will finally be launched in July 2021 after its inaugural season League (PSL). With the T20I World Cup was postponed due to the pandemic last year. just a few months away, the talismanic batsman, who has indicated a desire to suit up for the Caribbean team for the tournament, could return to the team for the first time in over a year. sportsTwo camps submit lists for SLC election zEasy win for us, says Silva; We’ve put ‘big three’, says Mathi

Two camps, headed by can win with over 100 votes,” incumbent President Silva told The Morning Sports Shammi Silva and former before submitting nominations Vice President Kangadaran yesterday. Mathivanan, respectively, “We have put the 'big three' into handed over their the race (referring to the three Second successive five-for for Axar Patel in the series yesterday (24) at Ahmedabad on the first day of the third Test against England nominations for the 20 nominees of his team). Like in PHOTO ©️ BCCI May Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) the ICC (International Cricket election. Council), this 'big three' is for From the Silva camp, names SLC,” said Mathivanan. have been nominated for all seven Protests, if any, could be made Axar humiliates England posts. with the election committee Those names are Silva (for before 5 March. The SLC AGM on crumbling pitch the post of President), Jayantha Shammi Silva Kangadaran Mathivanan is scheduled for 20 May. Dharmadasa and Ravin Meanwhile, for the first time in England, after winning the toss and SCORECARD Wickramaratne (for the two Vice Committee, but for its Only three names have recent history of the SLC election, electing to bat first, were in great slide ENGLAND 1ST INNINGS President posts), Mohan de Silva, current Assistant Treasurer meanwhile been nominated by a Buddhist monk, Battaramulla from the very beginning of their innings, Zak Crawley lbw b Patel 53 Chryshantha Kapuwatte, Lasantha Lalith Rambukwella. It is the Mathivanan camp. Seelarathana Thera, submitted before they were all out for a mediocre 112 Dom Sibley c Sharma b Sharma 0 Wickramasinghe, and Sujeewa Godaliyadda who is coming in They are Mathivanan his nomination yesterday for under 50 overs on a crumbling pitch. That Jonny Bairstow lbw b Patel 0 Godaliyadda. for Rambukwella in the new (President), Bandula Warnapura the post of SLC Vice President. was in the much-hyped “Night Test” – the Joe Root (Capt) lbw b Ashwin 17 All the nominees are in nomination list of the Silva (Vice President), and Nishantha The Thera is representing St. day-night Test played with a pink ball —and Ben Stokes lbw b Patel 6 the present SLC Executive camp. Ranatunga (Secretary). “We Anthony’s Sports Club, Wanni. the third in the series between England and Ollie Pope b Ashwin 1 India, played at the refurbished Narendra Ben Foakes (wk) b Patel 12 Modi Stadium, Motera, Ahmadabad in the Jofra Archer b Patel 11 Queensland set to be installed as State of Gujarat yesterday (24). Jack Leach c Pujara b Ashwinm 3 The Motera ground became the biggest Stuart Broad c Bumrah b Patel 3 cricket stadium yesterday surpassing MCG James Anderson not out 0 preferred bidder for 2032 Olympics in Australia in terms of capacity (see our Extras (nb 3, b 1, lb 2) 6 column Into the Past with Thilak on page 14). Total (all out in 48.4 overs) 112 Queensland’s bid to host the 2032 Olympic Slow left-arm spinner Axar Patel, 27, Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Sibley, 2.3 ov), 2-27 (Bairstow, and Paralympic Games was to receive a destroyed the England innings, with 38/6, 6.1 ov), 3-74 (Root, 21.5 ov), 4-80 (Crawley, 24.4 ov), potentially significant boost yesterday his second successive five-for in the series, 5-81 (Pope, 27.4 ov), 6-81 (Stokes, 28.5 ov), 7-93 (24), when it was expected that it would be now squared at 1-1. India need to win the (Archer, 34.2 ov), 8-98 (Leach, 37.3 ov), 9-105 (Broad, recommended to the International Olympic five-match series to qualify for the World 46.3 ov), 10-112 (Foakes, 48.4 ov) Committee (IOC) Executive Board that the Test Championship final in June. Bowling: Ishant Sharma 5-1-26-1, Jasprit Bumrah Australian state be installed as the preferred England went for lunch at 81/4 and lost 6-3-19-0 (1nb), Axar Patel 21.4-6-38-6, Ravichandran candidate, said Duncan Mackay in Inside their next six wickets in less than 22 overs Ashwin 16-6-26-3 the Games. into the second session of play. India: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, The IOC’s Future Host Summer When we went to press last night, India Virat Kohli (Capt.), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wk), Commission, chaired by Norway’s Kristin were 10 without loss in their first innings, Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kloster Aasen, has been studying proposals batting in the final session of play under Jasprit Bumrah, and Ishant Sharma from several cities and regions, but has lights. been most impressed by Queensland’s bid. If the Executive Board accepts the recommendation, then exclusive negotiations are set to be opened with Ishant Sharma makes history Australian officials with a view to putting Queensland forward to the IOC Session to Australian Olympic Committee President John Coates (left) is a close ally of IOC President Thomas Bach and Only three bowlers in the yesterday reached another (131), and Harbhajan Singh host the Olympic and Paralympic Games one of the main backers of Queensland 2032 history of Indian cricket have significant moment in his (103) in 2032, if they go well. played 100 Test matches. career, playing in his 100th Indian bowlers with It had been hoped this could be done as The Qatar capital had targeted the 2032 Chengdu and Chongqing had also announced Ishant Sharma made that four Test for India, becoming only 300-plus Test wickets: Anil soon as this year’s planned IOC Session on Olympic and Paralympic Games as the next in December that they were planning to bid. in the Test against England the second Indian quick to do Kumble (619), Kapil Dev the eve of the rearranged Olympics in Tokyo major event it wants to stage after the 2022 Jakarta in Indonesia, New Delhi in India, which began yesterday (24). so, following in the footsteps (434), Harbhajan Singh (417), in July, but with the coronavirus pandemic FIFA World Cup and the 2030 Asian Games, Istanbul in Turkey, and Saint Petersburg The 32-year-old has already of the legendary Kapil Dev. Ravichandran Ashwin (394*), still causing problems with the planning of which it was awarded at the end of last year. in Russia were other cities exploring the achieved one milestone during Bowlers with 100 Test Zaheer Khan (311), and Ishant the event, this now appears unlikely. Budapest, an increasingly important hub possibility of bidding. It also appears to end the ongoing England series, appearances for India: Anil Sharma (302*) Any decision to position Queensland as the for leading events and championships, had the already slim hopes of a joint bid from passing 300 Test wickets and Kumble (132), Kapil Dev *Current players preferred bidder, however, will leave several also hoped to put together a strong bid, as North and South Korean capitals Pyongyang other cities disappointed, particularly Doha. had Rhine-Ruhr in Germany. Chinese cities and Seoul.

LOCAL NEWS IN BRIEF

Janali Manamperi Thehan Wijemanne

Heat on at SSC Open tennis Kavisha Ratnayake 6/1, 4/0 (retired) in Warnasuriya received a walk-over from Luka Knese beat Jaithra de Saram 6/1, 6/7 men’s open singles at the SSC Open Ranking Asanthi Seneviratne. Principal sponsor of (7/3), 10/1, Sankha Atukorale beat Archana Tennis, now on at the SSC clay courts in the event is First Capital Holdings. Other Lokuge 6/4, 6/1, Gayanath Senadeera beat Colombo. In women’s open singles, Janali co-sponsors are DIMO, 3G Sports - the Anika Kelegama 6/3, 6/1, Thehan Wijemanne Manamperi (pictured) beat Arella De Silva official ball sponsor (Head), ABC Shipping, (pictured) beat Dinusha Wijesuriya 6/2, 6/0, 6/0. Meanwhile, Wonara de Alwis got a CBL-Nutriline, and People’s Bank. PHOTOS ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa met Pakistan PM Imran Khan yesterday (24) 2/1 (retired), and Vibuda Wijebandara beat walk-over from Hasali Gajaba while Dewmini

Namal, former cricketers SLC appoints provincial meet Imran lunch at Shangri La Hotel, Colombo yesterday groups. Accordingly, they will represent the Sri school coaches, masters-in-charge, and school (24), along with members of the Government, coordinators for talent search Lanka Schools Cricket Association (SLSCA) principals to identify potential players to Youth and Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa and former Sports Ministers and players, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has appointed 12 at all age-group selections, covering district progress them through its youth programmes met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, including World Cup-winning Captain Arjuna school cricket provincial co-ordinators to find and provincial cricket. The co-ordinators will and into the national level, mentioned in an who was on a two-day visit in Sri Lanka, at Ranatunga. young talent in the country, covering all age work with district and provincial associations, SLC release yesterday.

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7