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For verified information on the Quarantine Unit COVID-19 TOTAL CASES TOTAL CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 ACTIVE CASES of the following authorities CASES IN Epidemiology Unit Health THE WORLD 27,356,345 Suwasariya 0112 695 112 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 3,123 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS Bureau Service Govt. coronavirus hotline USA 6,466,756 193,282 COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1999 1990 0113071073 894,018 INDIA 4,236,961 72,033 BRAZIL 4,137,606 126,686 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD RUSSIA 1,030,690 17,871 12 2,925 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 19,424,611 PERU 689,977 29,838 THE ABOVE STATISTICS186 ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 8.45 P.M. ON 7 SEPTEMBER 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

POSTAL DEPARTMENT LOSSES COVID-19 THREAT High expenses Strict precautions a must: GMOA With the Covid-19 epicentre country over not following Government Medical being no social transmission centres in the country, who shifting towards India as the the health guidelines issued Officers’ Association reported at present. are directly connecting with and low income country reports more than by the authorities, including (GMOA) Secretary Dr. Senal According to him, strict the possible Covid-19 cases, The Department of Posts, Department is providing a service 90,000 new cases daily, wearing the facemasks, The Fernando said that strict measures should also be taken to stop any kind of leakage which is currently running at a to the nation. concerns have been raised Morning learnt. precautions should be taken to protect the staff of the to society. loss of around Rs. 3 billion, is “We are providing a service by medical experts within the Speaking to The Morning, by the public despite there aviation, ports, and quarantine Contd. on page 2 planning to fill the gap within and even though the expenditure the next five years, according is increasing yearly, the price of KDUH PUT ON NOTICE to Postmaster General Ranjith the stamp is not increasing in MP PREMALAL JAYASEKARA Ariyaratne. parallel. Therefore, there is a gap He told The Morning that and that was there ever since the the income and expenditure Department was established for Permitted gap of the Department couldn’t many decades,” he explained. be considered as a loss as the Contd. on page 2 CEA gives one to attend BIA all set to reopen Parliament zAwaiting permission: AASL The Department BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA of Prisons has month’s notice been informed to Bandaranaike International BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA “Once the one-month period is allow MP Premalal Airport (BIA) was ready to begin over, the CEA will evaluate whether Jayasekara to attend operations in a short period of The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has given a month’s they have followed all the necessary parliamentary receiving permission with a notice to the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University guidelines or not, and the license sittings. separate channel for returnees all those who are coming in from Hospital (KDUH) in Boralesgamuwa over the complaints made would only be issued if it (KDUH) The Court of from Covid-19-infected nations. Covid-prevalent countries. by the residents of the area on health risks due to the hospital adheres to the regulations,” he Appeal has issued Airport and Aviation Services “There are two channels: Red incinerator. stressed. an interim order on MP Premalal Jayasekara () Ltd. (AASL) and green. Once the airport opens Meanwhile, the authority confirmed the Commissioner Chairman Major General (Retd.) for foreign travellers, the green CEA Western Province Director been issued by the authority and that that the hospital had already applied General of Prisons in this regard. G.A. Chandrasiri said that a channel will open. H.S. Premachandra told The Morning the CEA has given them a month to for the license but the CEA had not Contd. on page 2 separate red channel will handle Contd. on page 2 that all the necessary guidelines have follow the guidelines. issued due to certain issues. COLOMBO HIGH COURT KEY PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES CALL TO LEGALISE CANNABIS ACTG. IGP AT PCOI Not the time: SLMA Rajitha and Members to be The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) cautioned against legalising two others cannabis in the current climate of named this week Covid-19. Parliament is scheduled appointments would be made as “With the adverse effects of smoking summoned to appoint a number of key scheduled. “The Committees on and Covid-19, it is not the proper time The Colombo High Court yesterday (7) committees including the High Posts and Public Finance to make cannabis use legal,” SLMA issued summons on former Minister Dr. Committee on Public Finance will be appointed tomorrow.” President Dr. Indika Karunatilake told and two others to appear and the Committee on High In addition, 28 ministerial The Morning. before the court on 29 October over the case Posts. consultative committees are also filed regarding the leasing of the Modara Minister of Mass Media to be appointed. IMPORTING EGGS Fisheries Harbour. said the Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 DRAFT 20TH AMENDMENT Bakery owners ADVERSE WEATHER seek permission Yet to decide stance: TPA z Minister of Trade to notify Over 10,000 The Tamil Progressive Alliance the discussions held with all Cabinet of Ministers (TPA) is yet to decide on whether concerned parties. persons affected or not to support the draft 20th The extraordinary gazette With the fluctuation of locally Amendment to the Constitution, notification on the draft of the 20th produced egg prices, bakery owners z Showers or thunderstorms TPA Co-Leader Palani Amendment to the Constitution have raised concerns that they are after 2 p.m. likely Digambaram told The Morning. was issued last week. The draft unable to maintain their price points for He said that discussions are of the 20th Amendment was bakery products, The Morning learnt. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) currently undergoing regarding tabled in the meeting last week situation report, updated as of 6 September, the 20th Amendment and a and subsequently approved by noted that the adverse weather conditions decision would be taken following the Cabinet of Ministers. (MM) Egg prices drop developed over the past week has affected 11,264 persons from 2,716 families in 11 SEISMIC ACTIVITY IN VICTORIA RESERVOIR districts, recording one death due to lightning Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) C.D. Wickramaratne yesterday (7) by Rs. 2 in Hingurakgoda. appeared before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing incidents of political victimisation Full report on Wednesday The All Island Egg Producers’ Contd. on page 2 PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE Association (AIEPA), following a The Geological Survey and meeting held with Prime Minister DR. PALITHA KOHONA Mines Bureau (GSMB) stated that , had agreed to it would need time till tomorrow reduce the price of eggs with effect (9) to publish the full report on from yesterday (7). SL’s Ambassador to China the seismic activity that was The AIEPA arrived at this decision recorded in the vicinity of the after the Government had permitted Former Sri Lankan Foreign China, the Foreign Ministry said. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Victoria Reservoir. GSMB Chairman Anura Walpola them to substitute chicken feed from Secretary Dr. Palitha Dr. Kohona, the former The Foreign Ministry has GSMB Chairman Anura maize to wheat among other requests T.B. Kohona is to Permanent Representative of referred the nomination to Walpola, speaking to The the minor tremors that the that were proposed at the meeting. be appointed as the Sri Lanka to the United Nations the High Posts Committee of Morning, noted: “The full residents had experienced on new Sri Lankan (UN) in New York, was formally Parliament for its clearance. report will contain the scientific the two occasions last week. OIL TANKER Ambassador to nominated to the post by Contd. on page 2 explanation on the reason behind Contd. on page 2 Doused fire reignites The fire on the crude oil tanker “MT New Diamond”, which was doused on Sunday (6), has reportedly Pinus plantation to be replaced reignited yesterday (7) from the effects of extreme temperature and sparks onboard, Navy Media Spokesperson zBids to be called for oleoresin extraction from 6,200 hectares Captain Indika De Silva said. BY SARAH HANNAN plantations that would take place oleoresin extraction in the mature bids to extract oleoresin from The fire has been caused by high in the future. plantations, which can be used as 6,200 hectares of reforested pine winds triggered by prevailing adverse The decision to replace the “We are replacing the pinus a base ingredient for paint, varnish, that belongs to the Land Reform weather condition in the sea area pinus plantation with indigenous plantation with indigenous plant adhesive, insecticide, and disinfectant Commission and the Department where the distressed vessel has been plant species for the purpose of species so that the undercover of production,” Forest Conservator of Forests. positioned nearly 30 nautical miles off environmental conservation in the the forest will continue to conserve General W.A.C. Weragoda told The In 2019, the Department of Forest Sangaman Kanda Point. watershed areas continues with the soil of the hilly areas. The Morning. Conservation (DFC) decided to the Badulla District Development project commenced in 2017 and In June, the Department of expedite the removal of the pine SEE FULL STORIES ON PAGE 2 Committee announcing their decision by 2019 around 1,000 hectares of by native trees. In addition to that, Government Information stated that plantation. to put an end to any new pinus pinus plantations were replaced there are also discussions to allow Sri Lanka would call for competitive Contd. on page 2 2 the morning NEWS Tuesday, September 08, 2020

Contd. from page 1

inmate on death row acting as a public Transport pinus plantation found in the hilly areas, some places. Strict... representative, the Commissioner General 24. Ministerial Consultative Committee on its contribution towards the watershed Showers or thunderstorms would occur “The virus is still within the country and of Prisons had inquired on the matter Sports and Youth Affairs conservation is seen to be minimal. at several places in the and we are managing it in a good way at present. from the Ministry of Justice, which in 25. Ministerial Consultative Committee on It was proposed by former President in the Ampara and Batticaloa Districts But in Singapore, there is a second wave of turn made an inquiry from the Attorney Tourism , in his capacity as after 2 p.m. Covid-19 and therefore the country should General (AG). 26. Ministerial Consultative Committee on Minister of Mahaweli Development, Wind speed can increase up to 50 kmph take every possible measure to protect the Subsequently, the AG informed that Trade and Environment, to implement this at times across the island, particularly public. The public should also be vigilant to Jayasekara was not eligible to act as a 27. Ministerial Consultative Committee on project under the grant aid provided by in the Northern, North Central, and follow all health guidelines,” Dr. Fernando Member of Parliament under Articles 89 Industries the Asia Pacific Network for Sustainable North Western Provinces and in the stressed. (d) and 91 (1) (a) of the Constitution. 28. Ministerial Consultative Committee on Forest Management and Rehabilitation, Trincomalee, Hambantota, Kandy, and When asked whether the country has any Accordingly, if Jayasekara loses his Mass Media to plant indigenous plant species for Nuwara Eliya Districts. sort of threat due to the virus spreading in parliamentary seat, the next candidate Each ministerial consultative committee the development of an underplanting The general public is kindly requested neighbouring India, the GMOA Secretary who received the highest number of shall consist of the relevant Cabinet Minister in the pinus plantation, carried out to take adequate precautions to minimise stressed that there is a threat, unless the preferential votes in the district will be as the Chair, State Minister, the Deputy for environmental conservation in the the damages caused by lightning activity necessary precautions are taken by the eligible for the seat. Minister, and Five other MPs nominated by watershed areas. and localised strong winds during public. As per the results of the 2020 general the Committee of Selection. Planting tropical pines, an exotic to thunderstorms. “Even though the legal arrivals have election, the next two SLPP candidates – Skandha Gunasekara the island, commenced on a large scale – Sarah Hannan been controlled and all measures have been after Jayasekara have received the same in the early 1970s in the up-country zone taken to close every possible way the virus number of preferential votes. and wet zone lowlands. Plantations of can be spread in society, the threat is from The two eligible candidates are Sunny Caribbean pine reached a total extent the illegal migrants from India and other Rohana Kodithuwakku and Ranjith Full report... of 14,083 hectares (inventoried extent), Not the... countries,” Dr. Fernando stressed. Bandara who is a relative of Jayasekara. To briefly explain what took place, over but the mature plantations are now He also pointed out the rampant drug – Maheesha Mudugamuwa The Election Commission (EC) has time, the soil structure tends to pressure being converted to other species such abuse among the youth. stated that in such a case, the most release and the displacement can cause as eucalypts, mahogany, and in rare “There is heavy drug use among the youth suitable candidate for the seat would be minute seismic activity.” instances, teak. and (with) this being considered a gateway selected via lottery. Walpola noted that although Sri Lanka The extraction of oleoresins from pines to such habits, the legalisation of such a Permitted... only experiences such minute movements has been a lucrative business, but is substance should be done progressively.” The writ application had been filed decades apart in certain geological currently being practised only on a minor – Skandha Gunasekara before the Court of Appeal, requesting structures, such minor seismic activities scale. to grant Jayasekara, who was sentenced Members... take place hundreds of times during a day. to death in July, permission to attend The committees are as follows: “These movements are not noticeable, parliamentary sessions. 1. Ministerial Consultative Committee on and the noise that the people described as Bakery owners... The Commissioner General of Prisons, Defence hearing a loud pop would have generated SL’s... All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association Welikada Prison Superintendent, and the 2. Ministerial Consultative Committee on when pressure release weathering Dr. Kohona has a distinguished record in (ACBOA) Chairman N.K. Jayawardena, Secretary General of Parliament were Finance took place under one of the fractures. academics, international law, and practical speaking to The Morning, noted: “When the cited as the respondents of this writ 3. Ministerial Consultative Committee on Following the recent incident, we are now diplomacy. He has advanced degrees from price of an egg goes up to Rs. 20 or more, it application. Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural deploying a team to continuously monitor three countries and experience as a civil affects the bakery industry a lot as eggs are The decision on whether the petition Affairs the seismic activities in such vulnerable servant with the Australian and Sri Lankan one of the main ingredients used in bakery will be taken up for consideration 4. Ministerial Consultative Committee on areas,” Walpola elaborated. Governments as well as the UN. products. Our suggestion is that the egg and whether an interim order will be Urban Development and Housing He added that going forward, should He was the Secretary to the Ministry of producers should sell the eggs at Rs. 15 for issued permitting Jayasekara to attend 5. Ministerial Consultative Committee on any construction work continue in areas Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka from 2006 wholesale as the current price point is not parliamentary sittings were to be delivered Justice that the GSMB has marked as sensitive, to 2009. He then went on to become the feasible for us.” yesterday (7). 6. Ministerial Consultative Committee on an assessment should be obtained by the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to Jayawardena noted that the members of Accordingly, the interim order was Foreign Affairs GSMB and other institutes concerned, the UN in New York till 2015. the ACBOA had alerted Minister of Trade issued by Court of Appeal Judge Bench, 7. Ministerial Consultative Committee on prior to construction commencing. In 2013, he was elected Chair of the Dr. Bandula Gunawardana to look into the Court of Appeal Acting President Public Services, Provincial Councils, Pressure release weathering is the UN General Assembly’s Sixth Committee possibility of either getting the local egg A.H.M.D. Nawaz, and Justice Sobhitha and Local Government propagation of fractures near the surface (Legal). He was Co-Chair of the UN prices reduced or temporarily allowing Rajakaruna. 8. Ministerial Consultative Committee on of solid rock due to expansion related to Working Group on Biological Diversity bakeries to import eggs from neighbouring Announcing the decision, Justice Nawaz Education the release of confining pressure when Beyond National Jurisdiction, and Chair of countries such as Pakistan, until the AIEPA stated in open court that no court decision 9. Ministerial Consultative Committee on deeply buried rock is unroofed. Fractures the UN Committee on Israeli Practices in the is able to have a controlled price on local has been previously issued noting that the Health typically propagate along surfaces close Occupied Arab Territories. eggs. election of Jayasekara as a Member of 10. Ministerial Consultative Committee on to and sub-parallel to the surface of the “ACBOA members presented the Parliament was illegal. Labour outcrop. challenges they are facing due to the price Accordingly, there is no legal 11. Ministerial Consultative Committee on – Sarah Hannan hike of several ingredients they use for impediment for the petitioner to enjoy Environment High... baking. Taking into consideration their all the rights of a Member of Parliament 12. Ministerial Consultative Committee on Currently, the Department is preparing request, I will present these issues to the as per the Constitution, Justice Nawaz Wildlife and Forest Conservation Pinus... an action plan to reduce the gap within the Cabinet this week and take necessary action pointed out. Thereby, no legal impediment 13. Ministerial Consultative Committee on Around 1,000 hectares of the pine next five years by implementing several key to provide them the required ingredients at presents itself to Jayasekara being sworn Agriculture plantation were removed and were decisions, he stressed. controlled prices, or look at the possibility in as an MP, he declared. 14. Ministerial Consultative Committee on replaced by local trees, according to the – Maheesha Mudugamuwa of importing such essentials, if needed, at The hearing of the petition was Irrigation DFC. lower costs,” Dr. Gunawardana noted. postponed to 29 September. 15. Ministerial Consultative Committee on Selective felling of pine trees by the Over the weekend, the AIEPA had met On 31 July, Premalal Jayasekara, alias Lands DFC has allowed native trees to flourish with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa “Choka Malli”, was sentenced to death by 16. Ministerial Consultative Committee on with thick forested areas coming up in Rajitha... in Medamulana to inform them that they the Ratnapura High Court over a murder Fisheries two decades. The other two defendants in the case had decided to reduce the price of an egg committed in 2015. 17. Ministerial Consultative Committee on In November 2017, the then Cabinet are former Ceylon Fisheries Harbour by Rs. 2. Jayasekara, however, was elected to Plantation had decided that the pinus plantation in Corporation (CFHC) Chairman Upali – Sarah Hannan Parliament at the 2020 general election 18. Ministerial Consultative Committee on Sri Lanka should be converted into a Liyanage and former CFHC Managing and managed to secure the second position Water Supply plantation of indigenous plant species, Director Neil Ravindra Munasinghe. in the preferential 19. Ministerial Consultative Committee on noting that the plantation was established The Commission to Investigate votes after contesting through Sri Lanka Power between 1960 and 1990 in order to Allegations of Bribery or Corruption Egg prices... Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). 20. Ministerial Consultative Committee on produce raw material for the paper (CIABOC) last month filed indictment “Following the discussions that we had The Speaker of the Parliament had Energy industry and to create a forest cover on the against the former Minister and the other with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, instructed the Commissioner General of 21. Ministerial Consultative Committee on degraded lands in the catchment areas. two defendants for allegedly causing losses we have decided to reduce the price of eggs Prisons to bring Jayasekara to Parliament Ports and Shipping While there are about 16,000 hectares to the State when leasing out the Modara by Rs. 2. Accordingly, the price of a white on 8 September. 22. Ministerial Consultative Committee on of pinus plantation in the wet and Fisheries Harbour in 2014. egg would be at Rs. 18 and the brown egg As prison rules and regulations have Highways intermediate zones of Sri Lanka, and The indictment had been filed under price would be Rs. 18.50. The wholesale not made provisions regarding an 23. Ministerial Consultative Committee on since there is no under plantation in the Section 70 of the Bribery Act and on five price of a white egg would be Rs. 19.50 and charges. the price of a brown egg would be Rs. 20, They are accused of causing losses to whereas the retail price of an egg would be the government by persuading the Director at Rs. 20-21,” AIEPA Chairman R.M. Sarath Board of the CFHC to lease the Modara said. Fisheries Harbour to a private company for Sarath also noted that the chicken feed an insufficient sum between the period of 1 was substituted from maize to wheat, Cartoon of the day August and 1 November 2014. which will rack in a considerable amount of The case was taken up yesterday before savings in the production process. High Court Judge Pradeep Hettiarachchi, In addition to that, the AIEPA had who ordered to issue summons on the requested the Government to look at the defendants to appear before the court on 29 possibility of providing them land that October. is allocated to the National Livestock Development Board (NLDB) to cultivate maize, which will solve the issue of having to purchase maize at a higher cost. BIA all... Meanwhile, AIEPA Secretary H.M.B.R. Right now, only the red channel is open Alahakoon noted: “The importation of because returning expatriates must go parent chickens will be limited to 85,000 through that and enter quarantine,” he said, and a price point was to be named when adding that the same process would be used selling chicks from hatcheries. We once the airport reopens. proposed that the price point for chicks He went on to say that the airport could be sold from hatcheries to be amended to Rs. opened in a brief period of 12 hours. 165-175.” “The administration side is fully ready. Alahakoon had also proposed that new We just have to put the equipment in hatcheries should not be permitted to be place and we can be fully operational in a established. maximum 12 hours.” – Sarah Hannan

Over 10,000... Doused... The Galle District recorded the highest Vessels, aircrafts, and tugs belonging number of affected persons at 7,166 Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, from 1,671 families due to heavy rains Indian Navy and Coast Guard, and other experienced in two days. stakeholders are currently working in Heavy winds and rains had partially collaboration to contain the flames. damaged 613 houses, and fully damaged The disaster management teams were able 10 houses and 12 commercial properties. to douse the fire onboard MT New Diamond Meanwhile, the Department of by 3 p.m. yesterday. Meteorology forecasts showers at times They have been working in full swing to in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, continue disaster management operations and North Western Provinces and in the to prevent a recurrence of fire, with the use Galle and Matara Districts with fairly of fire smothering agents like water and heavy falls above 50 mm predicted at chemicals. the morning Tuesday, September 08, 2020 3 business ‘Belt and Road’ will help Sri Lanka’s economic recovery: Chinese Embassy Sri Lanka’s involvement in the “One Belt and Road” initiative second quarter, China’s economic of post-pandemic China will help the economic recovery of Sri growth turned from negative to Lanka, a senior Chinese diplomat in Sri Lanka noted recently. positive, with a year-on-year growth of 3.2%.” “The Chinese Government has at the 19th AGM of the Sri Abans PLC, Cosco Lanka taken the most comprehensive, Lanka-China Business Council (Pvt.) Ltd., David Pieris Motor thorough, and rigorous measures to (SLCHBC) of the Ceylon Chamber Company Ltd., Hayleys Agriculture fight against the pandemic. There of Commerce, held via Microsoft Holdings Ltd., Acorn Aviation were many heart-warming moves Teams on 29 July 2020. (Pvt.) Ltd., John Keells Holdings and active support from the Sri Cargoserv Shipping Ltd Director PLC, Prima Ceylon (Pvt.) Ltd., Lankan Government and people Aruna Perera was elected as the Spillburg Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd., from all walks of life to China President of the SLCHBC Council Sunshine Tea (Pvt.) Ltd., and Zam at that critical moment. China for the year 2020-2021 while Gems (Pvt.) Ltd. were elected cherishes its friendly relations with Zuoyuan was the Chief Guest. Seated from left: Joe Meng, Thulitha Mendis, Haroun Cader, Chaminda Perera, Aruna Perera, Ruwan Senavirathne, K. Kunendran, from the membership to serve on and Dinithi Dias. Standing from left: Udith Wijetunge, Mohammad Cader, Nathaniel Umesh Nithiyanandarajah, M.A. Rajap, Jay Ong Sri Lanka and highly appreciates Chaminda Perera (Associated Jhon Seon, Mohammad Hameez, and Kumudu Jayalath. Prabath Harshakumar from John Keells Holdings PLC is not in the picture the Executive Committee of the the firm support from Sri Lanka. Motorways Ltd.) was elected as the Council. The two countries would gradually Senior Vice President and Ruwan In his address, SLCHBC President the two countries and look upon common objectives.” SLCHBC was established on restore co-operation in various Senaviratne (Stretchline [Pvt.] Ltd.) Perera mentioned that during the to much co-operation and help Zuoyuan added: “After united 26 April 2001 and formed under areas and take forward high-quality was elected as the Vice President of last year, under the leadership of from our dear friend Commercial and arduous efforts, China has the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber co-operation under the ‘Belt and the Council. Haroun Cader (Sinwa Mendis, the Council moved with a Counsellor of the Embassy and successfully kept the pandemic of Commerce. The Council was Road Initiative’. Such endeavours Holdings Ltd.) was elected as the greater vigor. “In these challenging all other officials. We believe our under control and the order of life formed at the request of the Ministry will also contribute to the economic Treasurer while Thulitha Mendis conditions, we would look at fellow committee members from and economy in China are now of Foreign Affairs with the main recovery of Sri Lanka,” Embassy (Singer [Sri Lanka] PLC) serves as how the Business Council could the Board of Investment and Export under restoration at an increasing objective of promoting trade, of China in Sri Lanka Commercial the immediate Past President of the facilitate growth in trade, tourism, Development Board would join pace. Despite the adverse impact of investment, services, and tourism Counsellor Yang Zuoyuan said Council. and investment segments between hands with us towards driving our the pandemic on economy, in the between Sri Lanka and China. SLT-Mobitel open first regional Strategic investments flagship store in Panadura needed for AML Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) home entertainment The opening of the together with its mobile arm services, state of the art store was graced by SLT compliance in South Mobitel recently opened its mobile and telephone Group Chairman Rohan first regional flagship store equipment, and many Fernando, Director/Group (teleshop) in Panadura. more telecommunication Chief Executive Officer Asia: Deloitte The regional store accessories. The regional Lalith Seneviratne, Director will offer fully fledged flagship store will also Mohan Weerakoon PC, Deloitte has highlighted siloed risk challenges such as limited integration telecommunication enable SLT and Mobitel SLT Chief Executive management approaches across banking with core banking systems, incomplete and mobile solutions, customers to avail benefits Officer Kiththi Perera, operations, customer due diligence, coverage of all products and processes, ranging from ultra-fast on a range of product and Chief Operating Officer sanctions screening, and trade-based too many false positive alerts, and issues broadband connections, services coupled with Priyantha Fernandez, and SLT Group Chairman Rohan Fernando and Director/ transactions as the root cause for around data accuracy and unstructured smarthome solutions, faster service and prompt other officials of both SLT Group Chief Executive Officer Lalith Seneviratne at the systemic inefficiencies leading to fraud data. This lack of technological maturity automated bill payments, delivery. and Mobitel. opening ceremony in South Asia. and data governance appears to have The “South Asia Anti Money had a cascading impact on every aspect Laundering Preparedness Survey Report of the AML programme. 2020” of Deloitte, which was released In the area of sanctions screening, yesterday (7), was conducted with around 63% of respondents indicated leading banks and financial institutions that they were struggling with issues Sri Lanka saw most in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh posed by limited data structure and earlier this year. integration with core banking systems. According to the survey, meeting Too many false positives, limited increased regulatory expectations and automation pertaining to the updation enforcing AML compliance pose key of regulatory lists and sanctions lists, cryptocurrency mining operational challenges to banks, even and inadequate “fuzzy” name matching as 77% respondents indicated that their capabilities emerged as other major AML programme was compliant with issues amongst the respondents. all regulatory requirements. These In the area of trade-based money challenges range from insufficient laundering, 83% of respondents in Asia Pacific in 2019 numbers of adequately trained staff, indicated screening trade finance Microsoft recently unveiled new techniques, Microsoft’s insufficient/outdated technology transactions against internal lists, Asia Pacific findings from the unique access to billions of to manage AML compliance, and regulatory lists, and sanctions lists. The latest edition of its Security threat signals every day enables budget constraints to implement AML respondents also pointed at challenges Endpoint Threat Report 2019, us to gather data and insights programmes alongside increased such as identifying hidden relationships which found that Sri Lanka to inform our response to scrutiny of third-party reviews. between trade partners and ports, experienced the highest cyberattacks,” said Microsoft “Historically, AML programmes estimating pricing and invoicing of cryptocurrency mining Asia – Digital Crimes Unit have been incident-driven with lean goods, and unavailability of a single encounters across the region last Assistant General Counsel teams to manage response to events, or automated system that can combine all year. Mary Jo Schrade. “The changes in regulatory developments. screening data. The research covered a total Microsoft Security Endpoint But that is no longer adequate today. “In the past, banks have made of 15 markets which include Threat Report aims to create With increased regulatory scrutiny discretionary investments in technology China, India, Indonesia, a better understanding of the and expectations being ‘if you could to meet certain immediate concerns Malaysia, Philippines, Sri evolving threat landscape and have known, then you should have around AML compliance. These Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam, help organisations improve known”, banks need to move to a have created issues pertaining to Taiwan, Singapore, New their cybersecurity posture proactive approach to demonstrate the availability and quality of data, Zealand, Korea, Japan, Hong by mitigating the effects of their compliance to avoid fines, rather systems working in a siloed manner, Kong, and Australia. Findings increasingly sophisticated than rely on the traditional reactive and inherent module based limitations, were derived from an analysis of attacks.” approach. This calls for investments leading to significant reliance on diverse Microsoft data sources, rest of the world, respectively. 2018 to 0.25 in 2019, this “While recent fluctuations in an integrated enterprise-wide manual processes to close gaps in including eight trillion threat Sri Lanka recorded the second remained five times higher in cryptocurrency value and approach to manage compliance and compliance. Regulators today expect signals received and analysed by highest malware encounter rate than the regional and global the increased time required to prevent failures. Such an approach banks to have a consolidated view of Microsoft every day, covering a at 9.07% in 2019. Despite a 14% average. During such attacks, generate cryptocurrency have that provides a comprehensive view of customer transactions across businesses 12-month period from January decrease, this was 1.7 times victims’ computers are infected resulted in attackers refocusing customers and transactions can make and jurisdictions to identify any to December 2019. higher than the regional average. with cryptocurrency mining their efforts, they continue to it difficult for criminals to exploit gaps unusual transactions and behaviours The report showed that Asia According to the report, Sri malware, allowing criminals to exploit markets with low cyber between business systems, databases or potential sanctions violations. The Pacific continued to experience Lanka recorded the highest leverage the computing power awareness ​and low adoption and countries,” said Deloitte Touche current technology frameworks may a higher-than-average cryptocurrency mining of their computers without their of cyberhygiene practices,” Tohmatsu India LLP Partner – Forensic, pose a challenge to doing that and banks encounter rate for malware encounter rate across the knowledge. explained Microsoft Country Financial Advisory K.V. Karthik. need to take a strategic and longer term and ransomware attacks – 1.6 region. While a 45% decrease “As security defences Manager for Sri Lanka and the Overall, survey respondents also view of technology investments,” said and 1.7 times higher than the was recorded, from 0.46 in evolve and attackers rely on Maldives Hasitha Abeywardena. highlighted technology-related Karthik. PickMe partners Visa to offer discounts on gas deliveries

Popular homegrown ride- virtual marketplace for all crisis which is resultant of the for everyday necessities. be deducted automatically at sharing app PickMe has household items. We have pandemic outbreak. We look We are glad to partner the point of purchase without partnered with Visa, the global partnered with a host of forward to offering many more with PickMe and Litro to having to use a promo code. leader in digital payment vendors to offer customers offers and discounts in the enable digital commerce by PickMe’s delivery service technology, to offer exciting the opportunity to shop from future, of this nature, partnering providing essential services for Litro Gas was piloted discounts on Litro Gas anywhere through the app with our extensive portfolio like gas deliveries online. during the Covid-19 pandemic deliveries. According to the and have the items delivered of local and global brands to Even with people moving out period but was formally offer, every Litro Gas cylinder to their doorstep with a few empower and assist our clients again, we expect ordering launched with a dedicated or refill purchased will be simple steps. all over the country.” online to become a habit and fleet of riders in July this year. offered a discount of Rs. 250 “We are glad to be giving Visa Country Manager for hope to enable more such The service delivers LPG to if ordered via the PickMe app. this discount to consumers of Sri Lanka and the Maldives services through meaningful customers in an hour or less Visa Country Manager for Sri PickMe COO Isira Perera The limited-period offer will be Lanka and the Maldives Anthony Litro Gas at a timely juncture Anthony Watson said: “The partnerships.” from point of placing the order available to consumers from 8 Watson us on discounts for Litro when the State is doing a lot pandemic has affected the The offer is available for all using PickMe’s elaborate August to 21 September. Gas payments made via the of work within its capacity to economy in unexpected Visa cards issued in Sri Lanka infrastructure and resources Commenting on the new Isira Perera said: “Visa has PickMe Marketplace, which, empower households affected ways and we are seeing (debit, credit, and prepaid offering optimum convenience promotion, PickMe COO come onboard to partner as the name suggests, is a heavily by the economic consumers turn to ecommerce cards) and the discount will for customers. the morning 4 Tuesday , September 08, 2020 brunch Barista launches its in-house range of delectable desserts BY NAVEED ROZAIS In a bold new step, Sri Lanka’s coffee culture pioneer, Barista, has launched its own in-house range of baked goods and desserts as part of a strengthened vision to drive Sri Lanka’s coffee culture. Speaking on this new and exciting step in Barista’s journey, Barista Marketing General Manager Dilupa Pathirana shared that Barista’s decision to begin handling their own desserts stemmed from Barista's experiences during the pandemic. "We anticipated disruption because of Covid-19, but still, when it came to operating during the lockdown, we had no idea how to go about things," Pathirana explained, adding: "Our business is completely experience based, Dilupa Pathirana so for cafes to go into delivery alone is One of Barista’s ways of adding quite difficult. The total experience can't value and driving coffee culture is through be manufactured and delivered. The the “Everyday Great Value” campaign, atmosphere of a cafe and the experience which gives customers the chance to within is what draws most people." As a cafe that specialised in coffee their own ranges of baked goods try combinations of various Barista What was unexpected from Barista's and pioneered in coffee culture, Barista’s which will now be served at all Barista desserts and coffees for as low as Rs. perspective was the complete halt of all focus had always been on their coffee, and locations, trekking time to experiment 590. Commenting on the “Everday Great delivery operations that came with the so, had always outsourced their muffins, We have seen a substantial increase and achieve the level of quality that Value” campaign, Pathirana explained: first few weeks of the lockdown. "Our cakes, and other pastries to local suppliers. in footfall since launching the Barista is known for. “As the leader and trendsetter in Sri major distributor was Uber Eats who The disruption brought by Covid-19 saw ‘Everyday Great Value’ campaign According to Pathirana, an added Lanka’s coffee culture, Barista is actively didn't come into the delivery picture many of these suppliers transition from three weeks ago. Barista aims to be advantage of moving their bakery innovating. Cafés and coffee shops in Sri until two or three weeks into lockdown," businesses that supplied other businesses the most value-adding brand in Sri operations in-house was the significant Lanka are not yet mas -market, they still Pathirana commented, adding: "This put to business that began engaging with Lanka, and we have driven all of this cost savings, which Barista is using occupy a premium niche, and Barista pressure on companies without their own customers directly; the flip side of the boom innovation despite the pandemic and to pass savings on to its customers. wants to change this by making coffee delivery systems. Internally, Barista had in business that delivery platforms brought the quarantine “Coffee culture is in danger,” Pathirana more accessible.” been discussing doing own own delivery after the first few weeks of lockdown. Barista Marketing General Manager noted, adding: “With the situation in the We are more than ready now to take for five to six years, but Covid made us “With our suppliers who used to cater Dilupa Pathirana country affecting discretionary income, this forward,” Pathirana said, adding: do it in two days. All our managers and to us going B2C (business to customer) and two coffees or even one coffee a day “We have seen a substantial increase in employees stepped in, delivering with their commencing their own delivery businesses, is a significant financial investment. footfall since launching the ‘Everyday we found ourselves facing challenges house process, so we could have greater own vehicles until we could get a system in control of our product ranges. Up until Barista wants to grow this market and Great Value’ campaign three weeks ago. place. We came together as a family.” getting the same quantity and quality of the only way to do this is to drive coffee Barista aims to be the most value-adding products that we used to get before the this point, Barista had been concerned Pathirana continued: "It was important about perfecting its coffee and service culture and get more people interested brand in Sri Lanka, and we have driven to Barista to get going and start our deliveries lockdown,” Pathirana shared, going on to in drinking coffee. Barista is doing this all of this innovation despite the pandemic explaining that in one case, they were let experience. We hadn’t really focused on because we understood that the ones who this segment of our product range.” by working on our value chain from and the quarantine. Every dark cloud has a entered the delivery space during lockdown down by a supplier they had been using the ground up and optimising pricing silver lining, and Barisa will be using this for more than 10 years. “We began to feel Hiring a new chef and investing in first would be the ones who would be their own kitchens, Barista has developed to bring in new customers and provide situation to keep coffee culture going and remembered and trusted most by the public." helpless and decided to launch our own in- greater value.” make coffee more accessible.”

BY NAVEED ROZAIS giving young women from the ages of One of ACEAE’s big challenges 18 to 35 something exciting to wear getting off the ground was getting The brand ACEAE (pronounced to parties, laid-back occasions, and going financially. I started ACEAE as “axia”) has been making an nights in the town. with only my savings I had collected impression of sorts on Instagram I’ve always been focused on through the years, creating a limited lately. Offering a line of select creating something that is not in the line that captured the essence of pieces for the outgoing young Sri Lankan market right now, and the brand to get our message and woman, ACEAE creates an image of this was what led me to develop aesthetic out to our customers. dynamic chic. the silk collection. ACEAE focuses Another challenge we faced The Morning Brunch sat down on creating something unique for was delivery and getting our with Founder Pavani Jayasinghe to everyone to wear. We do free-size products out to the customer cost- learn more about the ACEAE brand clothing that is comfortable for the Sri effectively, although this is an issue and why it’s making waves. Lankan climate and interesting shapes we have been able to work through The ACEAE name comes from for the creative, free-spirited woman. successfully, working with our the scientific naming of flowers. I’ve also paid special attention delivery partner Grasshoppers. Aceae is a suffix that forms the names to ACEAE’s impact on the larger The pandemic, while coming I picked the name ACEAE because in of families of plants. I picked the world. Our packaging is 100% with its own challenges, was one of memory of my grandmother who passed name ACEAE because in memory handmade and environmentally the main reasons the brand stands on away not too long ago. Orchids were her of my grandmother who passed friendly. It can be reused, and even its own now. It gave me a lot of time favourite flower, and its scientific name away not too long ago. Orchids if it’s discarded, it is completely to think about what I wanted from is Orchidaceae were her favourite flower, and its biodegradable. the brand and it inspired a lot of Pavani Jayasinghe scientific name is Orchidaceae. My energy because I could focus solely grandmother has always been a great on getting the brand up and running, inspiration to me; she taught me how given that all the other work was on ÄÄ Tell us a bit about the to sew and was greatly skilled. Most hold during that time. ACEAE story and how it of what I do draws inspiration from Post Covid, it hasn't been that came to be? who she was and the impact she had easy putting the brand out there. I’ve been thinking about starting on my life. People are struggling financially and my own brand since I was in Grade going out less. It’s not as easy to put Six. Over the last few years, I’ve ÄÄ Who are the people out a partywear line as it would have covered about three notebooks behind ACEAE? ACEAE sells exclusively off been pre-Covid. That said though, with research and experimentation, The brand is a collective effort of Instagram, although we do plan on the response to ACEAE has been exploring different things and so many people – so many friends of expanding our sales platform to incredibly positive. We’ve almost projects, falling, redoing, and trying to mine who came together to support include Facebook and Tik Tok as well. sold out our first collection. work out what my point of view was. me in the spirit fo friendship. While Covid-19 and the lockdown I handle the design end of the brand, ÄÄ What were your biggest gave me a lot of time to research I have one friend who helps me with challenges getting ACEAE and reflect and made it easier to the accounts and financial side of off the ground? Has the create and establish something ACEAE, another who handles the Covid-19 pandemic impactful. I gathered the crux of all social media and marketing played a part? the research I had put together and aspects of the brand, as well decided to just go for it. as another friend who has been instrumental in making ACEAE’s deliveries happen. ACEAE It isn’t just me. It’s a Founder Pavani Jayasinghe whole team effort that makes ACEAE possible. ÄÄWhat’s next for ACEAE? ÄÄ What makes We’ve received a lot of ACEAE special? interest and iniquity regarding ACEAE is a line menswear. With our of clothing that aims at current collection almost sold out, I’m hoping to ACEAE: collaborate with two of my friends and create a line for men. For women, THE NEWEST I’m looking to create a new take on the silk collection. We’re super excited to see how ACEAE develops over FASHION BRAND the next few months and years. the morning 5 Tuesday, September 08, 2020 sports

Novak Djokovic leaves US Open on Sunday AN IMPULSIVE

‘DJOKER’z Angry Djokovic ‘ousted’ from US Open for ‘hitting’ line judge In a shocking incident on Sunday From Grand Slam rulebook (6), World No.1 – obvious title- In a statement, the United States Tennis favourite and three-time champion Association (USTA) said: “In accordance – Novak Djokovic was disqualified with the Grand Slam rulebook, following from the US Open after hitting his actions of intentionally hitting a ball a line judge with a ball during dangerously or recklessly within the his Round-of-16 match against court or hitting a ball with negligent Spaniard Pablo Carreno-Busta. disregard of the consequences, the US Open tournament referee defaulted The men’s top seed hit a ball in Novak Djokovic from the 2020 US frustration after his serve was broken Open. during the match against Carreno-Busta, “Because he was defaulted, Djokovic the 20th seed, to put him 6/5 down. will lose all ranking points earned at the It struck a line judge in the throat. After US Open and he will be fined the prize a discussion, officials defaulted the Serbian money won at the tournament in addition tennis great which caused him to leave the to any or all fines levied with respect to the tournament. offending incident.” Djokovic’s default means there will be Dramatic event a new champion in the men’s “The dramatic sequence of events on singles competition at Flushing day seven at Flushing Meadows in New Meadows in a week’s time. York started at five games all in the first set when at 0-30 Djokovic fell heavily on his Opponent Carreno- shoulder,” Inside the Games reported on Busta’s reaction Sunday. During a media conference After lengthy treatment, Djokovic, following the match, Carreno- nicknamed “Djoker”, found himself three during the exchange with officials which on the lines person and the Busta said he did not see the break points down. lasted for several minutes. tournament told me that thank incident because he was looking After saving the first break point, God she is feeling okay. I’m in the direction of his coach at the Djokovic’s serve was broken. In anger, he Djokovic is left sad and empty extremely sorry to have caused time. hit a ball which struck a line judge who fell Djokovic did not give a media her such stress. So unintended. He said that once he found to the floor. conference immediately after the match but So wrong. I’m not disclosing her out what had happened, he was Officials were then involved in a lengthy later issued a statement on social media in name to respect her privacy. I apologise to the US Open and everyone “shocked”. discussion with Djokovic. Television which he said the episode had left him “sad “As for the disqualification, I need to go associated for (with) my behaviour. I’m very He described the incident as broadcasts picked up Djokovic saying “you and empty”. back within and work on my disappointment grateful to my team and family for being my “unfortunate” but said “the rules are the told me you have a choice” and “you have “This whole situation has left me really and turn this all into a lesson for my growth rock support, and my fans for always being rules and the referee and supervisor did the a game penalty, set penalty, many options” sad and empty,” said Djokovic. I checked and evolution as a player and human being. there with me. Thank you and I’m so sorry.” right thing”.

A history of ‘ugly The perils of disrespecting defaulting’ in tennis the opponent There have been three similar incidents Argentina’s World No. 3 then, David like what happened on Sunday (6) at Nalbandian was disqualified from the 2012 Flushing Meadow, New York involving AEGON Championships final at Queen’s z The apex chess tournament in SL, ‘National A’ will commence in a few days none other than current World No. 1 Novak Club, London while leading against Marlin series after being down 0-3. The Bucks won and able to fight above their weight can Djokovic. A sudden rash of blood and an Cilic 7/6 (7/3), 3/4 when he smashed an INTERCEPTION Game Four in overtime, but there’s a long scent blood and move in for the kill. Has uncontrolled behaviour eventually leading advertising panel, in an angry outburst, in way to go. The Los Angeles Lakers, for happened. Will happen. to default and unexpected ouster, causing front of the seat of a baseline-judge named by Malinda example, ranked first in the West, lost their The point is that in high-level mostly a different result in the entire Andrew McDougall, causing McDougall’s first game of the series against the Portland competitions no one comes to play with the tournament. left-leg shin to heavily bleed. “Court Seneviratne Trailblazers. They won the next four to intention of rolling over and dying. Playoffs violation, unsportsman-like conduct default proceed to the second round are high-intensity affairs. It’s 1. ‘Henman Mr. Nalbandian,” announced the chair Some of the players who have qualified where they lost the first game where individuals and teams and ball-girl umpire soon. from the “National B” and, of course, the of the series to the Houston do whatever it takes to raise incident’ (28 defending champion, International Master Rockets. The Lakers came their playing level a notch June 1995 at 3. ‘Shapovalov Harshana Thilakaratne, are seasoned back hard to even the series or two higher. No one gives Wimbledon) smashing campaigners, having made it to this level at 1-1. walkovers. You have to play British doubles chair-umpire more than once and even to the national The Los Angeles Clippers, hard and get the W. pair Jeremy Bates on his face’ (on team. There are also first-timers. led by Kawhi Leonard, also Back to the “National A”. and Tim Henman 5 February Now it is possible for the “more among the favourites to win Many reputed players didn’t became the first 2017 in a Davis experienced” to see these newbies as it all, survived a spirited make it beyond the “National players to be Cup match in “easy meat”. They could be tempted to challenge from the Dallas B”. Why? Were they out of disqualified in Ottawa, concentrate on preparing for the higher Mavericks led by Luka Doncic form? Were they careless? Did the “Open Era” at the ancient Wimbledon Canada) rated, “more experienced” competitors. to take the series 4-2, but they underestimate the younger, Championship after Henman accidentally Now this could be dangerous. they’ve got their work cut out The Milwaukee Bucks were lower-ranked relatively fired a ball into the head of a ball-girl named It should There’s something happening at the other for them, tied as they are at expected to have easy inexperienced players? Perhaps. Caroline Hall. Henman apologised to Hall have been the end of the world in a very different sport 1-1 in the Western Conference passage to the Eastern On the other hand, it is quite Conference Finals at NBA the next day by giving her a warm kiss. worst of all. A from which some lessons could be learnt. Semi-Final against the Denver this season. But a few possible that the less favoured full-blooded yet The Milwaukee Bucks, having had the Nuggets. days later, they found had worked really hard and/or 2. ‘The Nalbandian and line- unintentional hit with the ball on the very best regular season record, earned home- In the East, the Boston themselves in a 0-3 hole improved beyond expectation. judge incident’ (17 June 2012 at face of chair-umpire Arnaud Gabas by court advantage throughout the playoffs. Celtics took a commanding They’ve made it to the Queen’s Club, London) Canadian teenager Denis Shapovalov in Of course, Covid-19 wrecked all that and 2-0 lead over defending champs Toronto “National A”. They cannot be rabbits. They a singles match against Great Britain’s now the playoffs are being played in “The Raptors. Easy passage? Well, the Raptors can and will compete. A more experienced Kyle Edmund in the 2017 Davis Cup’s Bubble” in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. No have made it 2-2. player can take it easy against such players decisive fifth rubber of a World Group home-crowds. No crowds, period. Now, did Giannis Antetokounmpo’s but at their peril. There’s nothing to gain first-round tie between the two countries Nevertheless, the Bucks were expected to team take the “lowly” Heat lightly? Did from disrespecting an opponent. There’s a in Ottawa. Britain was leading 6/3, 6/4, have easy passage to the Eastern Conference the Celtics get overconfident against the lot to lose if one were to focus on factors 2/1 in the match, which was awarded to Finals. They had a relatively easy first Raptors? Did the Lakers and Clippers such as reputation, rating, experience etc.; them on default after the ugly incident. round, defeating the Orlando Magic 4-1. believe that a conference final match-up you simply take eyes and mind (even Umpire Gabas was left with his left cheek Next up was Miami Heat (ranked fifth was inevitable and all they had to do was go marginally) off the 64 squares, so to speak. severely reddish and swollen. Later, he in the East), who had swept the Indiana through the paces? That’s where the battle takes place. That’s had to undergo surgery in France to repair Pacers (ranked fourth). A few days later, There’s danger in treating opponents as where you have to prove mettle. a fracture of the orbital bone under his left the Bucks found themselves in a 0-3 hole. push-overs. The moment you do that you (This writer could be reached at eye which had fortunately been saved by a They would have to win four on the trot to are essentially taking the foot off the pedal. [email protected] and www. whisker! advance. No team in NBA history has won a An energetic, determined team willing malindawords.blogspot.com) the morning 6 Tuesday , September 08, 2020 education

Commercial Bank Chief Operating Officer Sanath Manatunge (centre) and HCL Technologies Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. Resident Director Thothathri Vaikuntam exchange the agreement in the presence of (from left) HCL Technologies Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. Manager – Corporate Muthu Shankar Sivasubbu and General Manager – Operations Dilan S. Perera; Commercial Bank Deputy General Manager – Personal Banking Sandra Walgama, Deputy General Manager – Marketing Hasrath Munasinghe, and Senior Manager – Retail Products Department Dushmantha Jayasuriya EU awards scholarships ComBank partners HCL Technologies to under its Erasmus+ Joint offer education loans The Commercial Bank of Ceylon for ComBank’s special loans are to be Master’s programme (ComBank) has announced that it is absorbed by HCL after they complete partnering with HCL Technologies Sri training under the agreement. The Bank As part of continuing support to the learning and sustainability, tropical biodiversity and learn is shaped by the way we live. You will Lanka, the local arm of the multinational said students in this segment are entitled and development of Sri Lankan students, the ecosystems, flood risk management, and understand other countries, other societies in IT giant, to offer education loans with low for a concessionary loan repayment plan European Union (EU) Delegation to Sri marine environment in five European countries: a profound and unique way. You will get to interest rates to the latter’s trainees and during the training period on the basis Lanka is proud to announce the awarding Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and the know at least two European countries and will employees. that repayment of the loan will begin of 13 scholarships under the EU’s Erasmus+ UK. Scholarship winners will experience receive a master’s degree from at least three The bank’s special loan scheme will once they are employed. Joint Master’s Degree programme. The the international learning environments of universities if you study well. I wish you the finance the bond fee of the Early Career Headquartered in India, HCL degree programmes are tailored to help universities in European cities such as Bologna, very best of luck,” he noted. Training Programme (ECTP) offered to Technologies empowers global enterprises address critical issues facing our societies Brussels, Glasgow, Bordeaux, and Dresden. The Erasmus+ Joint Master’s Degree new recruits by HCL Technologies and the with technology solutions. It offers its and to equip students with knowledge, Speaking at a pre-departure meeting held at programme is a prestigious international course fee for subsequent higher education services and products through three business which transitions them from the classroom the EU Delegation, Ambassador Denis Chaibi study programme which provides funding offered via partner universities. units – IT and Business Services (ITBS), to the workplace. A unique feature of these encouraged the students to make the most of for learning mobility of individuals through The bank said it will lend to ECTP Engineering and Research and Development scholarships is that students will study in their opportunities. “Studying overseas can an international consortium of higher candidates and provide education loans (R & D) Services (ERS), and Products and at least two European countries and three be a highly rewarding experience, aside from education institutions. The programme for higher studies up to Rs. 2 million under Platforms (P&P). The global tech company universities, receiving a joint master’s degree the knowledge you gain in the classroom. It aims to help individual learners acquire this programme. recently launched operations in Sri Lanka from each of these universities. impacts your career as well as your personal skills and boost their competencies by “Supporting the advancement of IT with a plan to create over 1,500 new local This year’s scholarship awards cover development by challenging and broadening getting exposure to various top-’ class education and building the IT knowledge employment opportunities for both school 10 areas of study, including urban climate your understanding of how much the way we universities in Europe. base of Sri Lanka has always been one leavers and experienced professionals, of the principal areas of emphasis in within the first 18 months of starting its Commercial Bank’s commitments to office in Colombo. A key part of HCL’s the country,” ComBank Deputy General business and development strategy in Sri Seylan Bank enables Merchant Portal services to ANC Manager – Marketing Hasrath Munasinghe Lanka will be to use the local talent pool Seylan Bank has enabled London (UWL) programmes digitisation of payment initiations Known as the Bank with a said. “We are delighted to support HCL of Sri Lanka for global assignments. American Education Centre Ltd. for final year students. Through and communication – the platform Heart, Seylan’s vision to enable Technologies from the inception of the The first Sri Lankan bank to be listed (ANC) to facilitate their payments a fully customisable payment through its user-focused design and empower Sri Lankans with company’s Sri Lankan operations because among the Top 1,000 Banks of the World through the Seylan Merchant platform, Seylan Merchant Portal ensures easier access when sharing tools to face the future of the it will provide many opportunities for Sri and the only Sri Lankan bank to be so listed Portal, the first fully fledged and provides users the option to carry payment links and/or sharing digital economy is driven further Lankan IT professionals and students to for 10 years consecutively, Commercial multipurpose digital payment out cashless payments seamlessly reminders with customers through through the Seylan Merchant progress in this sphere with a global giant.” Bank is celebrating its 100th anniversary platform that offers a safer and with just one click through the various communication channels. Portal. Seylan Bank plans to The special loans envisaged under this this year. The bank, which won more than more convenient option to carry ANC website. A salient feature Being at the forefront of modern enable its Merchant Portal partnership will be available to Advanced 50 international and local awards in 2019, out digital transactions. of the platform is that it enables digital trade in the banking sector of services and support system Level (A/L)-qualified candidates, operates a network of 268 branches and Seylan Bank offers its services to merchants to track their payments Sri Lanka, Seylan Bank believes in across a number of key industries undergraduates, graduates, and software 873 ATMs in Sri Lanka. ANC’s main campus, covering its and customers’ spend history with enabling the business community to ensure service excellence and engineers in training and employment ComBank’s overseas operations US and Australian undergraduate a range of different insights, and entrepreneurs of the nation consumer convenience across a at HCL Technologies Lanka (Pvt.) encompass Bangladesh, where the bank and postgraduate programmes, and enhancing merchant reconciliation with tools to suit modern-day magnitude of local businesses, Ltd., according to a Memorandum of operates 19 outlets; Myanmar, where it for the branch campuses in Kandy convenience, along with accepting digital trading. Through the use both big and small. For more Understanding (MoU) entered into by the has a representative office in Yangon and a and Maya Avenue catering to payments seamlessly to provide of Seylan Merchant Portal, Seylan information on products and two organisations. microfinance company in Naypyitaw; and Scottish Qualifications Authority great customer experience. Bank aims to enhance customer services, please visit www. Candidates following the ECTP at HCL the Maldives, where the bank has a fully (SQA) and University of West Another key aspect is the experience and convenience. seylan.lk. Technologies who are eligible to apply fledged Tier I bank with a majority stake. Union Assurance introduces education Sterling Automobiles protection through Sisumaga+ launches training school Leading insurance solutions experts, The Sterling Automobiles Training School Union Assurance unveiled Sisumaga+, (SATS) was opened on 18 August 2020, a unique protection-based plan specially marking the establishment of the vocational designed to ensure uninterrupted education training arm of Sterling Automobiles Lanka from childhood to university. (Pvt.) Ltd. The opening ceremony was Sisumaga+ is for parents who wish to followed by the inauguration of the first make provisions for their child’s academic batch of students of the institute. The senior expenses for university or tertiary education, management of Sterling Automobiles, along ensuring that the higher education costs are with staff members, were present at the Lecturing sessions were inaugurated for the met, even in the unfortunate circumstance occasion. first batch of students of SATS of a possible demise of the parent. Celebrity entrepreneur Bathiya Jayakody Lanka Impact Investing Network (Pvt.) Ltd. SATS was established according to a The new policy was launched at a Founder and Chairman Chandula Abeywickrema concept proposed by the management of special ceremony hosted at Cinnamon Sterling Automobiles. The training school Grand, Colombo, graced by a distinguished will initially act as a training school for the gathering of dignitaries including Secretary technical staff of Sterling Automobiles and to the Ministry of Education Prof. Kapila the company hopes to open the programme Perera, John Keells Group Chairman Krishan to the general public within a span of two Balendra, Lanka Impact Investing Network years, where any student interested in the (Pvt.) Ltd. Founder and Chairman Chandula field of automobile mechanics or automobile Some of the equipment that will be used in Abeywickrema, and celebrity entrepreneur engineering will be given the opportunity practical training sessions Bathiya Jayakody. to study at SATS and gain a qualification. “Education protection is a relatively new Measures are currently underway on the part concept in Sri Lanka and Union Assurance Secretary to the Ministry of Education Union Assurance Chief Executive of Sterling Automobiles to gain the National is pleased to be a forerunner in establishing Prof. Kapila Perera Officer Jude Gomes Vocational Qualification (NVQ) status for Sisumaga+. Through a combination of the courses offered by SATS. savings and investments, this plan will “Especially at a time when Sri Lanka All 15 of Sri Lanka’s state universities are The training course at SATS starts AT provide essential support to children to and the entire world is faced with severe only able to admit a maximum of 25,000 the Maintenance Technician stage and actively pursue their ambitions for higher economic disruptions, many can expect students annually, out of around 220,000 progresses on to the Certified Technician, education while providing a buffer against to face difficulties in establishing savings who qualify for university entrance at the Expert Technician, Master Technician, and the continuing escalation in associated sufficient to lay a strong financial foundation Advanced Level (A/L) examinations every finally the Master Diagnostic Technician The classroom facilities at SATS costs. This way, we are able to guarantee for their child’s educational aspirations. year. In 2018, approximately 15,000 Sri stages. Upon the successful completion of that your children will have the funds they Given the rising costs of everything from Lankan students reportedly sought university each stage, participants will be offered a Sterling Automobiles is the sole authorised need to grow when they need it the most,” tuition to textbooks, boarding fees, and education abroad while a significant number certificate in recognition of their achievement. franchisee service provider for reconditioned Union Assurance Chief Executive Officer transport, this can be a source of serious enrolled in foreign-affiliated colleges and The latest technologies, tools, and Japanese and European vehicles that are Jude Gomes stated. concern for parents and families. Sisumaga+ private institutions in the country. equipment in the automotive industry will exported to Sri Lanka by Sterling Japan Sisumaga+ offers a fund build-up for is a plan that can directly address these Acknowledging the many children be incorporated into the courses to offer under the Sterling Aftercare Guarantee. continuous growth of the education fund, concerns effectively,” Gomes added. who are lesser privileged and challenged updated knowledge to the students while The company operates five state-of-the-art an additional 15% loyalty benefit paid upon Particularly given the drastic mismatch for resources for the continuity of their providing them a hands-on experience with facilities known as Sterling Aftercare Centres completion of all due premiums of the in the availability of positions in local education during the launch event, Union regards to working with advanced automobile to provide after-sales services to vehicles with policy term, and in the event of a demise universities, the cost of higher education Assurance also pledged support to SOS tech. Given that Sterling Automobiles is a the Sterling Aftercare Guarantee. Located of a parent, an immediate payment of five overseas and even the cost of foreign- Children’s Villages in Nuwara Eliya company that is equipped with the expertise in Kadawatha, Nugegoda, Minuwangoda, times of the basic annual premium and a affiliated colleges and private institutions and Monaragala and also announced the to offer services to any vehicle model – be Narahenpita, and Galle, Sterling Aftercare consistent monthly income to take care of locally have presented real challenges to establishment of five scholarships for it Japanese or European – students of SATS Centres are fully fledged facilities that are education expenses up to the maturity of parents seeking to fund their children’s students of the Ceylon Schools for the will get a first-hand opportunity of working geared to provide any automobile-related the policy. higher education. Deaf and Blind at the event. with various diagnostic and technical tools service to both Sterling as well as non- that are used by world-renowned automakers. Sterling customers.