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COVID-19 CASES IN

THE WORLD

TOTAL CASES

11,598,161DEATHS

537,632RECOVERD

6,563,489

CASES DEATHSUSA 2,985,897 132,610 BRAZIL 1,604,585 64,900 INDIA 704,607 19,782 RUSSIA 687,862 10,296 PERU 302,718 10,589 148

DEATHS

11RECOVERED

1,917

ACTIVE CASES TOTAL CASES

2,077 � Quarantine Unit

0112 112 705

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THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 9.30 P.M. ON 6 JULY 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

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SEE FULL STORIES ON PAGE 2

The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has decided to extend the suspension of Perpetual Treasuries Ltd. (PTL) from carrying out the business and activities of a primary dealer for another six months.

PTL suspension further extended

VIOLATING ELECTION LAWS

As of midnight yesterday (6), a total of 121 suspects had been arrested in various police divisions across the country for violating election laws, the Police Media Division informed.

“Out of the 121 in custody, two are candidates while the rest of them are supporters of political groups. A total of 96 complaints have been recorded, out of which 76 are relating to instances of violating election laws.

Hundreds in police custody

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA

The issuance of the gazette related to Covid-19 health guidelines issued for the upcoming parliamentary election has been further delayed, The Morning learnt.

The gazette was to be issued as soon as the guidelines were issued last month on the request of the Election Commission (EC) and public health inspectors (PHIs), as they continuously demanded a legal backing to the guidelines so as to make it easier for them

to maintain public health as well as conduct the election.

Nevertheless, the Ministry of Health is yet to issue the guidelines. When contacted, Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Anil Jasinghe said the issuance of the

gazette falls not under his purview but under the purview of Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi.

Speaking to The Morning, PHIs Union of Sri Lanka (PHIUSL) Treasurer D.Y.S.R.R. Mudalige stressed that the decision on whether

to withdraw from election-related Covid-19 duties would be taken on 15 July as the Ministry is yet to issue the relevant gazette, even though the Minister had promised to do so several times before.

Contd. on page 2

z AG’s approval granted last week z PHIs threaten union action from 15th

HEALTH GUIDELINES FOR COVID-19

Gazette further delayed

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) launched a mobile app under the patronage of party Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday (6) at Solis Hotel

PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA

Into the digital era

Sri Lankan cricketer Kusal Mendis, who was arrested on Sunday (5) following a motor accident that claimed one life in Panadura, was granted bail yesterday (6).

Mendis was released on two personal bails of Rs. 1 million each after being produced before the Panadura Magistrate’s Court.

A 64-year-old cyclist was killed after being hit by the vehicle driven by Mendis near the 13th KM post in the Horethuduwa area in Panadura last morning.

Mendis was arrested and detained by the Panadura Police on Sunday night.

Contd. on page 2

Kusal Mendis gets bail

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is to sign 38 new electricity purchasing agreements with mini-hydropower plants to add a total of 75 MW to the national grid as a solution to meet the power demand in the country.

Speaking to The Morning, CEB Chairman Eng. Vijitha Herath said that several out of the 38 agreements would be

signed today (7) at the CEB premises.

According to him, the agreements that will be signed today are with power plants that have already obtained environmental clearance. The other agreements would be signed as soon as environmental clearance is obtained, he noted.

Contd. on page 2

75 MW TO NATIONAL GRID

CEB to sign 38 agreements today

BATHIUDEEN’S RELEASE

The Attorney General (AG) has informed the Supreme Court (SC) that limited objections have

been filed in relation to the fundamental rights (FR) petition filed by the brother of All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) Leader Rishad Bathiudeen, Riyaj, seeking release from police custody.

The AG has requested the court to reject the FR petition.

Riyaj Bathiudeen is currently being held by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over his alleged links to the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

Limited objections filed: AG tells SC

BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA

The Central Bank committee appointed to look into the issues within the non-banking financial sector is expected to submit its report today (7).

Member of the committee and Head of the Department of Supervision of Non-Bank Financial Institutions J.P. Gamlath said that they completed

the report last afternoon (6).“We hope to submit the report

by Tuesday (today, 7) to the Governor. We have viewed all complaints and have concluded compiling our report,” he said.

He said that a host of complaints by individuals and other institutions had been received.

Contd. on page 2

COMMITTEE ON NON-BANKING FINANCIAL SECTOR

Report to be submitted todayzCommittee receives over 250 complaints

Sri Lanka Police have launched investigations to seize the official vehicles that are yet to be handed over by former ministers and MPs.

Speaking to The Morning, Police Media Spokesman SSP Jaliya Senaratne said that investigations have been launched against 11 vehicles, out of which only two of them have been handed over as of yet.

Accordingly, the two vehicles that were handed over were owned by an MP in Kandy, SSP Senaratne said.

According to him, the vehicles that have been kept by former ministers and MPs include those in Polonnaruwa and Chilaw.

“In Polonnaruwa, there are two complaints, while there are four vehicles that need to be handed over in Chilaw,” he added.

According to the Police, the relevant candidates have been personally informed to hand over the vehicles. The investigations are being conducted by respective police stations in the

respective districts, SSP Senaratne said.

Directives have also been issued by the Election Commission (EC) to seize vehicles used by former ministers in election campaigns as it violates election laws.

EC Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya told The Morning that the vehicles were supposed to be handed over to the relevant ministries by 2 March but those ministers had failed to do so.

– Maheesha Mudugamuwa

OFFICIAL VEHICLES OF FORMER MINISTERS

Police probing 11 vehicles

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has given the authority to vice chancellors of all universities to recommence academic activities for second and third-year students on a date of their choosing.

UGC Chairman senior Prof. Sampath Amaratunga made this observation at a special media briefing of the Ministry of Higher Education yesterday (6).

Accordingly, the universities may reopen for second and third-year students under health guidelines issued by the Government.

However, the date of recommencement for first-year students has not been decided as of yet, owing to issues of hostels.

Fourth-year university students have already commenced academic activities and their examinations commenced on 22 June.

UGC permits students of 2nd, 3rd years

REOPENING UNIVERSITIES

The Department of Posts has been able to identify the recipients of 20,000-odd parcels of which the addresses had been erased and would be forwarding them to the rightful owners while there are still thousands of packs pending delivery.

Borella Post Office Postmaster K.M. Chinthaka Bandara told The Morning that the parcels had arrived from Malaysia.

“We have been able to use the barcodes on just over 20,000 parcels to locate the recipients. We

sent the barcodes to the country of origin, Malaysia, who provided us with names and addresses of the recipients,” he said.

He said that another 20,000 parcels remained to be sent to their owners.

Contd. on page 2

POSTAL PACKS WITH ILLEGIBLE ADDRESSES

Thousands yet to be delivered

BY SARAH HANNAN

Owing to the Covid-19 prevention guidelines, the Election Commission of Sri Lanka (EC) is to extend the polling hours by one hour.

"The hours to cast your vote that was set from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. is now changed to 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

on 5 August. Accordingly, voters will have an extra hour to exercise their voting rights on the day of the election, allowing them to follow the necessary health guidelines that were announced last month in collaboration with the Ministry of Health," EC Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya told the media.

Contd. on page 2

2020 GENERAL ELECTION

EC extends polling hours

BIA DEPARTURE TERMINAL

Open for 5 guests per passenger

Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) now allows up to five guests to accompany passengers into the airport’s departure terminal, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. (AASL) Chairman Major General (Retd.) G.A. Chandrasiri said.

Previously, only three guests were allowed to enter the departure terminal with a passenger carrying a valid air ticket.

On 15 June, the departure terminal was reopened for guests after being closed down for a prolonged period due to Covid-19.

Contd. on page 2

Although schools commenced yesterday (6) for Grades Five, 11, and 13, not all school transport services had commenced operations, The Morning learnt.

“Our association took a decision that we would provide transport for children who are ready to go to school. While we are going to incur a loss by doing so, we cannot let children miss school because the authorities cannot arrive at a practical solution,” said All-Island District School Children Transport Association Secretary Kamal Ilangaratne, speaking to The Morning.

Contd. on page 2

SCHOOL TRANSPORT SERVICES

Restarting amidst challenges

PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA

the morningTuesday, July 7, 2020

2

NEWS

Contd. from page 1

Cartoon of the day

India's East Container Terminal (ECT) project in Colombo is in trouble after it was put on hold by the Sri Lankan Government, a year after a Memorandum of Co-operation (MoC) was signed by India, Japan, and the then Sirisena Government in Sri Lanka to develop the project.

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed a five-member committee to examine and report on the concerns about the development of the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) and ECT of the Colombo Port.

The development came a day after Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said "there is no final agreement" on the project.

As per the press release issued by the Sri Lankan Government, regarding the ECT project, the committee will look into “(the) financial implications and cost-benefit analysis of ad-hoc decisions taken by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, line ministry, and the Government with regard to 1, 2, and 3 above (decisions linked with the JCT and ECT); identify those who are responsible for

the above and recommend actions against them; and recommend the way forward to develop the above-mentioned two terminals to get the maximum benefits for Sri Lanka for the development in trade, shipping, and both domestic and foreign investments”.

While the decision was aimed at earning political brownie points ahead of the parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka, many

believe it is the Chinese influence among those who are opposing the project.

This comes at a time when there have been strikes and protests against the ECT project.

While there has been some consternation about the three gantry cranes and whether they should be placed at the JCT or ECT of the Colombo Port, the bigger cry has also

been about not giving the projects to foreign nations.

Many political groups and activist groups objected to the foreign role in national assets, including the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a leftist opposition party that has voiced strong opposition against Indian involvement in such projects where the operations would be shared with a foreign country.

Interestingly, while the Indian and American projects, like the proposed Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) agreement, have been stalled, Chinese port projects like the Hambantota Port project, despite objections, have been given a go-ahead.

A four-member committee on Friday (3) concluded that the MCC project was "harmful" to Sri Lanka.

Addressing the media, the committee, led by University of Colombo Professor of Economics Dr. Lalithasiri Gunaruwan, said the committee has advised President Gotabaya Rajapaksa not to sign the MCC agreement in its current form. Dr. Gunaruwan said if the "harmful conditions" in the agreement are removed, then Sri

Lanka can consider a fresh agreement. "We concluded the proposed compact

agreement, if signed by Sri Lanka, will be harmful to the country. We propose the agreement be put before Parliament and then sign if required," he said.

But, in December 2019, despite the Rajapaksas promising to renegotiate the Hambantota Port deal with the Chinese, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa decided against it.

The President had said that the Hambantota Port deal will not be renegotiated as it is a commercial contract.

However, he said it is important that the security aspects pertaining to the agreement are analysed.

"It is important that the Sri Lankan Government has control with all security aspects, just as with the other ports in terms of the ships that enter the port and matters concerning the border controls," the President's office quoted Rajapaksa as saying. While India, Japan, and the US will have to renegotiate and engage in the current dispensation in Colombo, it seems like Beijing still has a firm hold on the island nation.

India’s Colombo Port East Container Terminal project in trouble

Gazette further...“They promised many times, but the gazette

is yet to be issued,” he said.On several occasions, the PHIs demanded

to increase more powers to them by issuing a gazette under the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance, and several rounds of discussion had also been held. However, no final decision has been made yet.

However, the Attorney General’s (AG) Department last week approved quarantine health regulations forwarded by the Ministry of Health to be implemented during the general election scheduled for 5 August.

Kusal Mendis...According to the Police, preliminary

investigations into the accident have cleared Mendis of driving under the influence of alcohol.

It has also been revealed by the investigations

that the accident had occurred when Mendis and fellow cricketer Avishka Fernando were returning home after attending the wedding of an employee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

CEB to sign...“The agreements are for a period of 15 to

20 years and by signing these agreements, the CEB expects to add more hydropower to the national grid, thereby meeting the existing power shortage,” Herath added.

According to the CEB Chairman, the extensions of the agreements have been delayed for nearly four-and-a-half years due to various reasons and the CEB, by extending the mini-hydropower agreements, is expected to add 75 MW to the national grid.

In addition, the Board is also expected to add a total of 220 MW of hydropower and 30 MW of wind power to the national grid with the completion of the Broadlands and Uma Oya Hydropower Projects as well as the Mannar

Island Wind Farm this year.– Maheesha Mudugamuwa

Report to...“We received over 250 complaints from

various individuals and companies and they have helped us in our task,” Gamlath added.

The committee is headed by Presidential Secretariat Director General of Legal Affairs Hariguptha Rohanadheera and consists of Gamlath along with CBSL Director of Legal and Compliance Sirikumara Kudagama.

The committee was tasked with looking into the problems in the non-banking financial sector and making recommendations on their findings to Central Bank Governor Prof. W.D. Lakshman.

Thousands yet...“We have sent the barcodes of the remaining

20,000 parcels to Malaysia, but if they can’t trace the recipients, then we will return them to the country of origin.”

Over 40,000 parcels from Malaysia had arrived delayed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, with their addresses wiped off due to the long storage time. The Department of Posts has been diligently addressing the matter.

– Skandha Gunasekara

Restarting amidst...However, several school transport

providers had decided that they will not

be providing transport for children although schools reopened for the second academic term yesterday since they could not agree to the school ending times and do not have sufficient children to transport to school.

Ilangaratne noted that although the transport service is only bringing in the required students from each grade, they will have to charge all children regardless that they attend school or not as the seats on the vehicle cannot be allocated to other students.

He also added that when school finishes at two different times, it is a challenge to provide transport for children in schools and that the Ministry of Transport Services Management should allow to transport children according to the number of seats of the vehicle.

– Sarah Hannan

PTL suspension...The Monetary Board, acting in terms of

the regulations made under the Registered Stock and Securities Ordinance and the Local Treasury Bills Ordinance, has decided to extend the suspension for a period of six months with effect from 4.30 p.m. last Sunday (5).

The statement has noted that the decision was taken in order to continue the investigations being conducted by the CBSL in connection with the Bond Scam.

Limited objections...

The petition was taken up before SC Judges Priyantha Jayawardena and Yasantha Kodagoda yesterday (6).

Speaking on behalf of the AG, Deputy Solicitor General Nerin Pulle had informed the court that limited objections had been filed requesting the court to reject the relevant FR petition.

However, representing the petitioner, President’s Counsel Anura Maddegoda had requested the court to grant him time to file objections to the AG’s objections.

The President’s Counsel had further requested the court for a sooner court date by considering the relevant case an emergency case, as his client had been under arrest since 14 April.

Considering the request, the SC had set the next date for the hearing for 31 July.

Hundreds in...A total of 32 vehicles have been seized

during the period as well,” Police Media Spokesperson SSP Jaliya Senaratne told The Morning.

He added that on Sunday (5), two pre-election campaigning-related complaints were received, with one person arrested and one state-owned vehicle seized whilst being used for election-related activities.

– Sarah Hannan

Open for...Guests entering the departure terminal

are required to wear a face mask while also adhering to the other health guidelines, added the AASL Chairman.

Guests arriving at BIA must purchase a ticket worth Rs. 300 to enter the departure terminal.

Meanwhile, the duty-free shopping mall of BIA is also reopened for passengers from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

However, AASL stated that the opportunity will only be offered to air passengers who arrived in the country between 9 March to 31 May.

Moreover, any passenger who wishes to use the facilities must book a date and time by calling AASL prior to visiting.

Shoppers must also produce the certificate issued by the public health inspector (PHI) of the quarantine centre that they have successfully completed the mandatory quarantine or self-quarantine procedure.

They must also bring their passport and the national identity card (NIC), AASL added.

As there will be no facility made available to exchange currencies, shoppers must bring US dollars; if not, shoppers may pay through valid credit cards, AASL further said.

EC extends...The EC is to follow strict health guidelines

during this year’s general elections. Several mock poling and mock counting sessions have already been conducted to identify the shortfalls. Therefore, come election day, the EC and its staff will be able to conduct a peaceful and successful election.

Vote counting is to take place on the following day (6 August) the entire day and the results will be announced by the end of that day, the EC confirmed.

Unambuwe assumes duties

Manori Unambuwe assumed duties yesterday (6) as the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Germany

Following the prolonged lockdown due to Covid-19, all government schools were finally reopened yesterday (6) for students sitting the Grade Five Scholarship, Ordinary Level, and Advanced Level exams this year

PHOTOS KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM, LALITH PERERA

Back to school(India Today)

businessthe morningTuesday, July 7 , 2020 3

The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) announced yesterday (6) that it signed an agreement with Dart Global Logistics (Pvt.) Ltd. to set up a logistics fulfilment centre in the Muthurajawela Industrial Zone located in Kerawalapitiya, Wattala with an investment of over $ 3 million.

The agreement was signed by BOI Chairman Susantha Ratnayake and Dart Global Logistics Chief Operating Officer (COO) Jude Wijesundara with Group CEO S. Mohandas.

Dart Global Logistics, formally known as Dart Express, commenced operations in Sri Lanka in 1983 as part of the Hong Kong-based Dart Express Group.

The BOI said that the facility will offer top-of-the-range third-party logistics (3PL) services under one roof for various industry verticals. The 10,000 pallet position capacity warehouse, with a state-of-the-art warehouse management system (WMS) and latest material handling equipment, a well-trained team of logistic professionals is geared to handle a multitude of cargo requirements.

Services include: y Multiuser warehousing with a pay-as-you-use pricing model

y Order fulfilment with the ability to pick pallets/cases or units, carton flow racking, and shelving options

y Pick and pack with barcoded shipping labels for e-commerce fulfilment

y Islandwide goods transport from the fulfilment centre to retail/factories or regional depots

y Value-added services such as product repacking, bundling, and labeling

y QA facilities for goods inspections and verification

y Office space for clients on rent for on site stationing

y Integrated logistics services with freight, customs brokering, and transport for customers using the fulfilment centre

y Approved warehousing facility for BOI goods storage and related services

“The facility is fully equipped to provide all levels and total scope of 3PL services whilst technologically resourced by a Tier 1 WMS, with handheld RF scanners enabling exceptional accuracy and efficiency for effective inventory management and order fulfilment. In addition, a cutting edge transport management system (TMS) with route/load optimisations will give clients a very efficient, cost-effective logistics solution. All client interaction will be executed through an online platform for orders, receipts, and load bookings,” the BOI said.

With direct access to the highway within a two-minute reach, one of the key strategic advantages, the facility has the ability to offer total logistics solutions with their own international freight network and customs brokerage set up, which has been serving the Sri Lankan market for over 37 years.

The uniqueness of the strategic location being in-between the Colombo Port and the airport, apart from having direct access to the expressway network, would give the clients maximum advantage and opportunity to operate multifaceted cross-border shipping and trading operations by utilising this unique facility.

Dart Global Logistics has already acquired a few other facilities at strategic locations to support their very ambitious drive in total supply chain management, while bigger facilities are in the offing.

In 1983, due to the success of Sri Lankan operations, Dart Global Logistics expanded its reach to the Indian Subcontinent which had an enormous potential in the region. Over the years, the group has successfully made inroads and has been offering services in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Dubai, Madagascar, Mauritius, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, China, Myanmar, and the US over the last 37 years. Considered as one of the top international logistics service providers in the Asia Pacific region, Dart Global Logistics operates through 40 offices across 14 countries strategically located.

BOI signs with investor for $ 3 m fulfilment centre

BOI Chairman Susantha Ratnayake formally handing over the Certificate Of Registration to Dart Global Logistics Group CEO S. Mohandas and Group COO Jude Wijesundara

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR

A petition by Sierra Construction Ltd. following the loss of an LED smart street lighting project awarded by the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) was dismissed by the Court of Appeal on 19 June 2020.

The petitioner had held the CMC, its Municipal Commissioner, Richardson Technologies (Pvt.) Ltd., which was awarded the project, and the Attorney General as respondents of this petition.

Sierra, one of the bidders for this project, specialises in telecommunication engineering and handles large construction projects relating to water supply and sewerage, power, roads, buildings, irrigation, and pilling besides civil telecommunication.

The petitioner failed to secure the bid as its bid validity period was shorter than the bid security period. The bid validity period is the period within which a bidder agrees to keep their offer legally binding. During the bid validity period, if the bidder decides to withdraw their bid or not to sign the contract, if selected, the bidder’s bid security would be forfeited.

The petitioner had sought a writ of certiorari to quash the decision to award the letter of acceptance to Richardson Technologies, a writ of mandamus directing the Municipal Commissioner to pre-qualify the petitioner for the said project, and a writ of mandamus

granting the project to the petitioner.

What happened? CMC, on 31 July 2017 called

for tenders to develop this project as a public-private partnership (PPP) between them and the successful bidder. The closing date for the submission of bids was to be 25 August 2017, the bids were to be valid until 20 February 2018 and the bid security was to be valid until 22 March 2018. However, in a letter dated 18 August 2017, the Municipal Commissioner had issued amendments to the bidding document which was that the closing date of the bids had been extended until 4 September 2017, the bid validity period had been extended until 2 March 2018, and the bid security was to be valid until 1 April 2018.

In addition, the petitioner had been informed by a letter dated 15 August 2017 that the bid documents should also be changed to correspond with these days. Together with a covering letter dated 4 September 2017, the petitioner had submitted its bid to the Municipal Commissioner and their bid was valid till 20 February 2018, while the bid security issued to them by Sampath Bank was valid till 22 March 2018.

Thus, the petitioner had not complied with the extension of the bid validity period and the extended bid security date. Subsequently, the petitioner secured the bid security extension from Sampath Bank and

presented it to the CMC along with a letter dated 25 September 2017. However, even at this stage, the petitioner had extended only the validity date of the bid security and not the bid validity period.

The bid had been evaluated by a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) and considered non-responsive as the bid validity period was shorter than the bid security period and because the name of the bid security was Sierra Construction (Pvt.) Ltd., which the petitioner had changed to Sierra Construction Ltd. by then.

Submissions and rejections

The first submission made by the petitioner was that the bid validity period can only be extended where exceptional circumstances arise, and that, as no such circumstances had arisen, the decision to extend the date of validity of the bid security is ultra vires and that no consequence would flow from such a decision.

The Court of Appeal (CoA) had responded saying: “Not only did the petitioner not object, the fact that the petitioner accepted the said extension and acted upon it, is clear by the fact that the petitioner submitted its bid only on 4 September 2017, which is the extended date for the submission of bids.”

The court further noted that the party inviting proposals has the right to set out the terms and conditions governing the

said invitation and therefore it is within the power of the CMC to determine the closing date of tenders. Further, it stated that the Municipal Commissioner had to extend the deadline due to several requests from prospective bidders to do so and the court had examined the said letters. The CoA noted that these requests can be considered as exceptional circumstances. The third reason was that the bidder should have refused to extend the bid validity period without forfeiting the bid security.

The second submission of the petitioner was that it was unreasonable to reject the petitioner’s bid, for two reasons – the first being that the bid can be rejected only if there is no bid security at all and not where there is a discrepancy with its validity date, and the second being that by the time the TEC evaluated the bids, the petitioner had rectified the error.

“Each bidder was required to comply with the dates stipulated by the first respondent, and it was mandatory that the bid was accompanied by a bid security valid until 1 April 2018. Any deviation from this requirement can be categorised as a major deviation, and the bid of the petitioner shall be rejected for such deviation, without any further evaluation,” the CoA responded.

Richardson Technologies (Pvt.) Ltd. is expected to commence the project now that the case has been concluded.

CoA dismisses Sierra’s LED street lighting project petition

Sri Lanka’s insurance market is set to go from bad, in 2019, to worse, in 2020, but a swift recovery will be seen from 2021 onwards, according to the Allianz Group.

Allianz, one of the world’s leading insurers and asset managers, made this forecast in its latest Global Insurance Report released last week, which charts the course of insurance markets around the world by looking back at last year’s performance and looking ahead at future developments.

It noted that the lack of development in Sri Lanka’s insurance market will help it to achieve higher growth rates.

“Over the decade up to 2030, Sri Lanka is expected to clock growth of 10% p.a. as Sri Lanka’s insurance market is still one of the least developed in the region: Premiums per capita stood at €42 in 2019

(regional average: €255), penetration at 1.2%, against the regional average of 4.7%,” the report said.

However, Allianz’s outlook for the local market in the immediate future is bleak, as growth is expected to slow down even further than the five-year low it hit in 2019.

“Sri Lanka’s insurance market already hit a “soft patch” in 2019: Premiums grew by ‘only’ 7.8% (life: 9.9%, property and casualty [P&C]: 5.8%); the weakest growth in five years, after showing double-digit growth in all the four previous years. 2020 will be even more

challenging, although Sri Lanka should be one of the few markets in the region to

avoid contraction, albeit by a hair’s breadth: Premiums are expected to grow by a meagre

1.7%, dragged down by a decline in the P&C segment.”

The report added that 2020 will be challenging for Asia as a whole. Premium income is expected to decline by 0.7%, with life insurance shrinking by 1.8% and P&C still slightly growing by 1.9%. Long-term prospects look brighter – the region will return to its “normal” growth and see an average growth rate p.a. of 8.1% until 2030; life and P&C are expected to grow at the same speed. This is almost twice the speed of the global market (4.4%).

“Asia was the region first hit by Covid-19; it will also be

the region that recovers first,” said Allianz Group Senior Economist and co-author of the report Michaela Grimm. “Higher risk awareness and pent-up demand for social protection will drive growth in the coming years, with China in the lead: For the next couple of years, we expect double-digit increases in premiums in the Middle Kingdom. By 2030, China’s premium pool will grow by a whopping €777 billion – the market size of the UK, France, Germany, and Italy combined. China and Asia will emerge even stronger than before from today’s crisis.”

Market Premiums per capita

in €

1 Hong Kong 7,915

2 Denmark 5,239

3 Switzerland 4,972

4 Singapore 4,888

5 Ireland 4,313

6 Taiwan 4,068

7 USA 3,721

8 Great Britain

3,610

9 Norway 3,565

10 Sweden 3,465

13 Japan 2,712

36 China 317

55 Sri Lanka 42

Insurance markets by life and P&C premiums per capita in 2019

Based on 2019 exchange rates

€ billion CAGR*

2018 2019 2020e 2020-30 (%)

Western Europe 1020 1063 1013 2.2

North America 1263 1315 1250 3.5

Japan 352 344 316 1.1

Asia ex Japan 887 947 941 8.1

China 417 455 457 9.5

Sri Lanka 0.8 0.9 0.9 10.0

Rest of the world 221 236 236 5.6

World 3743 3906 3756 4.4

Insurance premiums in P&C and life

Compound annual growth rate

Insurance to recover from two-year slump next year

Contributing to the Government’s objective of promoting the retail operations in the country, Lanka Sathosa Ltd. partnered with Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) to create an online retail store on behalf of the largest state-owned retail network.

Responding to the need of the hour, SLT has stepped forward to provide technical infrastructure in the form of developing, hosting, and managing the online site on behalf of Lanka Sathosa. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Lanka Sathosa Chairman Nushad M. Perera and SLT Group Chairman Rohan Fernando.

The technological expertise of SLT is set to help create an efficient and comprehensive e-commerce platform for Sathosa that will enhance customer experience, SLT said. The customer portal enables the registration of customers, including OTP verification and log in through the e-mail address

or mobile phone number. The shopping cart option is available for shoppers to pick items of preference and check-out takes place once the delivery address is entered. The website provides multiple payment options such as cash on delivery (COD), direct bank transfer, and credit card payments, making it more accessible for many customers.

Each Sathosa outlet is able to log into the portal and update inventory, add products and features, modify prices, and add discounts or promotions

for items through the merchant module. The merchant operations are also supported on an Android App. Delivery information is shared through the system to the respective delivery agent where the system also facilitates order-to-delivery tracking information to the end customer.

Lanka Sathosa Chairman Perera said: “Lanka Sathosa Ltd. is honoured to partner with SLT to implement a novel e-commerce concept in Sri Lanka aimed at the

masses. We are proud that enterprises can indeed mutually profit through innovation.”

Commenting on the new venture, SLT Group Chairman Fernando stated: “As the national telecommunication and digital solutions provider in the country, SLT is pleased to partner with Lanka Sathosa to bring its retail business online. With the understanding that this is the way towards the future, we also know that transferring onto the digital platform

is very important, especially during a pandemic outbreak we experienced. We are keen to contribute towards the Government’s initiatives to rebuild our economy, and we are ready to provide our technological prowess to enable access to efficient services to the public. SLT will be managing and maintaining the online retail store for five years, according to the agreement. Our main intention is to support a national cause whenever an opportunity arises.”

SLT to develop and manage new Sathosa online store

From left: Supreme Global Holdings Group CTO and SLT Software Development Partner Praveen Ivan, Supreme Global Holdings Chairman R.M. Manivannan, Lanka Sathosa Assistant Manager of IT Anushka Bastian, Chairman Nushad M. Perera, SLT Chairman Rohan Fernando, Group CEO Lalith Seneviratne, and CEO Kiththi Perera

the morningTuesday, July 7 , 2020

4

brunch

BY NAVEED ROZAIS

Sri Lanka’s YouCon 2.0 – International YouTubing and Content Creation Conference concluded on 5 July. Organised by AIESEC in the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, the event took place from 2-5 July and included a series of webinars and virtual concerts designed to bring together youth and professional YouTubers to share ideas and exchange knowledge.

The conference aims to create a knowledge-sharing platform for aspiring local and international YouTubers who are looking to discover new arenas in YouTubing and give them a platform to share insight and gain perspective to create effective and desirable content for YouTube. YouCon 2.0 – International Youtubing and Content Creation Conference is mutually aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Sustainable Development Knowledge platform.

The conference featured local and international speakers who focused on many valuable topics related to YouTubing and content creation, covering all aspects from the basics of starting a YouTube channel to enriching and enhancing content as a seasoned YouTube creator. Speakers in the conference included popular local and international YouTubers and experts of the field such as Nawran, Travel with Wife, Malinda Alahakoon, Janai Priyai, KALU, SL Geek, Vini Productions, FTT, Janeeth Rodrigo, ManiYa, Hirushi Jayasena, Sajeewa Dissanayake, and Dinuka Wijesinghe. The conference also showcased successful YouTube icons and content creators like

The Urban Fight, Siddharth Kannan, GadgetByte, and Pascal Basel. In addition to the talks and webinars, YouCon 2.0 also featured the YouCon Studio – A Virtual Musical Extravaganza, which featured two live-streamed concerts featuring local and international music artists.

The first session featured local music artists Dinesh Gamage, Sadara Bandara, Ravi Jay, Kanchana Anuradhi, Gayan Udawatta, Ridma Weerawardena, T.M. Jayarathna, Edward Jayakody, Infinity, and Drill Team. The second session featured international music artists Ritu Agarwal, DJ Shaan, Srushti Barlewar, and Electro Doctors.

The first edition of YouCon in Sri Lanka was held in December last year as a physical event taking place among prominent YouTubers and content creators of Sri Lanka. The event attracted an audience of about 200. This year’s event was made virtual in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. YouCon 2.0 has received an astounding response with over 100,000 total views and counting.

YouCon – International is a novel initiative by AIESEC in

Jayewardenepura. AIESEC is the world’s leading youth leadership development organisation. Developing the potential of young people across 120 countries and territories, AIESEC in Sri Lanka is currently present in the Universities of Moratuwa, Kelaniya, Sri Jayewardenepura, Wayamba, Peradeniya, and Colombo, providing an international platform for its members to discover and develop their potential. This global, non-political, non-profit organisation is composed of students and recent graduates of these institutions of higher education, who are interested in world issues, leadership, and management.

AIESEC has over 60 years of experience in developing students into global-minded leaders. AIESEC’s innovative development process consists of unmatched leadership experiences and global internships.

YouCon 2.0 – International YouTubing & Content Creation Conference took place in the form of numerous live sessions which can be viewed on the AEISEC Sri Lanka Facebook page.

YouCon 2.0A convention on YouTubing and content creationAn online event organised by AIESEC in University of Sri Jayewardenepura

To commemorate Esala Full Moon Poya 2020, the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), the cultural arm of the High Commission of India, Colombo, organised a webinar of Buddhist scholars from Sri Lanka and India last Friday (3) evening at 5 p.m. The topic of the webinar was “Dhamma for Global Well-Being” with special reference to Lord Buddha’s message of “Sabbe Satta Bhavantu Sukhitatta”, meaning “may all beings be happy, may all beings be free from suffering”.

Addressing the Dharma Chakra Day celebrations on Saturday (4) in New Delhi, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said that the world fights extraordinary challenges. To these challenges, lasting solutions can come from the ideals of Lord Buddha. They were relevant in the past, are relevant in the present, and will remain relevant in the future.

The panellists from Sri Lanka participating in the webinar marking the Esala Poya Day were University of Kelaniya Department of History Head Ven. Galkande Dhammananda Thera,

University of Sri Jayewardenepura Professor of Sociology and award-winning scholar Kala Shuri Dr. Praneeth Abeysundara, Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka Department of Religious Studies and Comparative Philosophy Professor and Faculty of

Buddhist Studies Dean Prof. Samantha Ilangakoon, and award-winning novelist and poet Daya Dissanayake.

The panellists from India included Government of India Ministry of Culture Nav Nalanda Mahavihara (Deemed University) Vice Chancellor Dr. Baidyanath Labh; Banaras Hindu University Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies Professor and Head Dr. Bimalendra Kumar; University of Calcutta Department of Pali Professor and Head Dr. Saswati Mutsuddy; Embassy of India, Hanoi, Vietnam SVCC Director, award-winning writer, poet, and cultural historian Dr. G.B. Harsiha.

‘Dhamma for Global Well-Being’ to commemorate Esala Full Moon Poya 2020

University of Kelaniya Department of History Head Ven. Galkande Dhammananda Thera

Government of India Ministry of Culture Nav Nalanda Mahavihara (Deemed University) Vice Chancellor Dr. Baidyanath Labh

BY NAVEED ROZAIS

Magical Slides is an interesting small company established in 2015 which designs custom PowerPoint presentations to corporate clients.

Owned by advertising agency Amazing Advertise (Pvt.) Ltd., Magical Slides is made of forward-thinking PowerPoint designers who create clear, elegant, and meaningful presentation designs that help clients develop stories and visualise content into an effective and impactful PowerPoint presentation which allows clients to communicate with their audiences effectively.

Every custom presentation put forward by Magical Slides is persuasive, engaging, and on-brand, helping corporate clients instil confidence and inspire action.

The Morning Brunch spoke to Amazing Advertise and Magical Slides Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Charitha Priyankara to learn more about Magical Slides and how they innovate when it comes to designing creative and engaging presentations for clients.

Ä But why a presentation design agency?Priyankara shared that in the

corporate sector, particularly at higher levels within companies, there is a need for senior and even junior executives to be able to present effectively. And while many executives are skilled at presenting, many of them, particularly senior executives and management like CEOs and managing directors, simply do not have the time to make effective and impactful presentations. Some of them also do not have the skill in graphic design and in PowerPoint to be able to achieve the maximum potential from the presentations they put together.

Presentation design agencies can help by taking over the process and delivering a finished, informative, and impactful presentation to the client which can be used to achieve larger goals while allowing the client to focus on other, more pressing aspects of their jobs.

Ä Specialist presentation design agencies vs. advertising agenciesMagical Slides is the only specialist

presentation design agency in Sri Lanka. Priyankara shared that while presentation design is a service offered by larger agencies, the benefit of working with a firm that specialises in presentations alone is the expertise that Magical Slides’ team brings to the table. Moving well beyond bullet points and using data visualisation, custom graphics, and illustration, Magical Slides ensures that every single slide in a presentation is impactful and balanced.

Magical Slides’ streamlined process

and range of presentation design services allow clients to place presentations in their capable hands and focus on other aspects of their work. After an initial consultation, the Magical Slides team will consult with clients over the phone or on email to ensure the presentation meets the brief before handing over.

Ä Why PowerPoint presentations?One question that springs to mind

is why an agency that focuses on PowerPoint presentations is needed, particularly when many today use other graphic design tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign to create compelling presentations. Priyankara explained that simply because a presentation is made on PowerPoint it does not mean that it will be basic. That’s where the team at Magical Slides comes in, creating presentations that are visually arresting, informative, and create impact. The small team of graphic designers at Magical Slides have experience in all forms and mediums of graphic design. In addition, the team is skilled at PowerPoint, being able to use their design skills and the PowerPoint software to create presentations that can present data effectively and also have the capacity for animated effects and video to be used with minimal disruption to the client.

PowerPoint presentations also allow clients to edit if needed and give clients the ability to present using software they know, and that gives them some flexibility mid-presentation.

Ä Magical Slides and the futureMagical Slides is currently working

on servicing their existing clients and working ongoing projects in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown. The lockdown saw Magical Slides being asked to do more web and online presentations with the whole world going more or less entirely virtual for a few months.

Having received many inquiries in this regard both pre and post Covid-19, an avenue being explored by Magical Slides in the new normal is conducting corporate workshops and private training for those interested in maximising their skills in PowerPoint and presentation design, and giving more people across the corporate world the means to be able to create and communicate goals and ideas better through exciting and engaging PowerPoint presentations.

Magical SlidesThe presentation design agency

Helping corporate

clients meet important goals

through effective, impactful

presentations

Amazing Advertise and Magical Slides CEO Charitha Priyankara

July is looking full to the brim with bursts of indulgence at Hilton Colombo. It’s already the second half of 2020, and Hilton Colombo has a jam-packed calendar that’s outpouring with delight after thrilling delight this July.

The summer month is kicking off with Colombo’s favourite go-to restaurant opening up for dinner. Graze Kitchen is whipping up a frenzy with its brand new “A la Minute” all-you-can-eat spread every night from 7 p.m.-10.30 p.m. This unlimited dining experience is a smorgasbord of international cuisines from Japanese to Italian, Malaysian, Turkish, Chinese, and Indian and from Thai to Western favourites. Made fresh, every dish is a work of art made with love and curated to each diner’s delight. Guests can experience this theatrical dining adventure at Rs. 3,988 Nett with a complimentary fizzy drink of choice. In addition, HNB credit cardholders will enjoy a whopping buy-one-get-one free offer (for a maximum of five dinners per card per day) from 1-15 July.

Adding to the spirit of indulgence, Café Kai is firing up its grill with some big, bold, and blow-your-mind-away burgers from 8-22 July. Choose from five mouth-watering variants with something for everyone – pork belly, tandoori chicken, chicken cordon bleu, paneer cheese, and sriracha veggie – or taste them all! These juicy, freshly grilled burgers come with chunky homemade chips and are the perfect meal or in between snack, and are served all day long from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

That’s not all; starting 6 July, it’s 50% off on the display of savoury items at Café Kai from 7 p.m. onwards until closing time.

The hot month of July is looking pretty chill at Café Kai where Hilton’s artisan chefs are stirring up scoops and scoops to make some delightful sundaes! Available from 17-31 July, “Ice Cream Madness” at Cafe Kai is the best way to beat the heat!

For a more unwinding experience with Hilton Colombo’s surreal lotus pond as your backdrop, L.A.B. is your personal

chill zone every evening as it comes alive with amazing food, sensual beverages, and groovy music. The nightly happy hours from 5.30 p.m.-7.30 p.m. make this the ideal venue for after-work cocktails or to catch up with friends. L.A.B. is also celebrating Colombo’s easy-going spirit with live entertainment by Flame every Wednesday and Thursday, with Miracle kicking things up a notch on Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm – 11pm.

The stone ovens of Il Ponte are also firing up as the restaurant offers you the perfect reason to indulge in intimate lunches and romantic dinners. Make sure to try the mushroom risotto and treat your taste buds to some grilled Norwegian salmon or baked seabass – Il Ponte’s star attraction this month.

It’s a marathon of fun at the Hilton this July. Gift yourself the next level of

pampering and be at the heart of the action with “A Great Escape” in the city at an amazing rate of Rs. 12,500 per person sharing a double room, and up to two children below 12 years sharing with parents stay free. Rs. 14,000 daily F&B (food and beverage) credit for two adults could be redeemed up to three months of stay.

Enjoy free upgrades to the Deluxe Floor, welcome drink coupons that can be used at any outlet, complimentary foot massages, and a host of other benefits! Call Room Reservations on 0112 492 492 for booking details.

While extra safety and hygiene protocols have been put in place to ensure the highest level of protection for guests, all team members are well trained to guarantee guest comfort and safety at all times.

For restaurant information and to book your table, please call the F&B Reservations Desk on 0112492492, or visit www.hitoncolombo1.com or fb/HiltonColombo.

Hilton Colombo is abuzz this July

sportsthe morning

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

New era of anti-dopingThe World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on Sunday (5) published its five-year strategic plan titled “Leading anti-doping into a new era”. The plan was approved by WADA’s Executive Committee on 15 May following feedback from all key stakeholders. A number of areas were reportedly identified for WADA to place a greater focus on, including proactive tackling of emerging issues and expanding WADA’s reach and its effectiveness.

Victim agrees for Rs. 1 m

compensationz Kusal Mendis bailed out; victim’s house has no room to have the coffin

usal Mendis, who was arrested by the Panadura North Police

on Sunday (5) morning following a fatal road accident involving his SUV, was eleased on bail – two surety bails of Rs. 1 million each – by the Panadura Magistrate’s Court yesterday (6). The prominent Sri Lanka cricketer’s driving license was temporarily suspended too.

The Range Rover SUV which Mendis was driving at around 5 a.m. on Sunday in Horethuduwa near Panadura has run down a 64-year-old cyclist who has been a bus conductor riding his bicycle early morning towards Moratuwa, north of Panadura, to start his day’s work. The accident has been recorded on a nearby CCTV, indicating that Mendis was driving his vehicle completely on the opposite lane of the road.

Hit and run?It was reported earlier that

Mendis had left the spot of the accident without attending the injured and about an hour later has appeared before the Panadura North Police Station. The above point has been raised by the plaintiff who has argued that the victim has been left lying on the road unattended for nearly 40 minutes until the nearby people had called for an ambulance.

One of Sri Lanka’s current opening batsmen Avishka Fernando has also been with Mendis in the same SUV at the time of the accident. The two had been on their way back from a wedding ceremony. Fernando too was present in the court yesterday.

Left the spot in great shock

President’s Counsel Kapila

Waidyaratne, who appeared for Mendis, has first apologised from the judged on behalf of his client for causing the fatal accident. He has also said that Mendis has not been proved to be under any influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

Waidyaratne has also said his client has fallen asleep inside the vehicle due to fatigue by the time he caused the accident.

He has also said that Mendis got down from the vehicle immediately after the accident and inspected the injured but has left the place due to extreme shock. Mendis has then driven his vehicle to his house and told his father about the accident. About an hour later, Mendis has surrendered to the Panadura North Police, Waidyaratne has explained, arguing against any absconding.

Rs. 1 million in compensation

Waidyaratne has also told court that his client was willing to pay a substantial damage to the wife of the deceased. Then the judge has asked from the immediate family of the deceased as to what amount they requested.

The aggrieved party appearing at the court has then asked for Rs. 1 million as compensation, which Mendis has agreed to pay. The judge has then said there is no reason why the defendant is allowed to receive bail.

No space for coffinThe television reports on the

incident yesterday revealed that the small wooden house of the deceased bus conductor in Gorakapola in Panadura has no room to accommodate his coffin. Therefore, the coffin has had to be placed inside a nearby house.

His funeral will take place tomorrow (8), the reports revealed. The case on the accident will be taken up again on Wednesday, 9 September.

K

The house of the victim which has no

room to place his coffin

The SUV which Kusal Mendis has driven

Before we get to “crazy”, let’s start with “sober”. Innocent unless proven guilty. Trial by media is spectacle but has little to do with justice. Conviction by accusation is common but that’s as much a blight on the accuser as the accused.

Madness. It’s a word used recently by Harin Fernando in a tweet. Now, Harin does get himself in hot water with the careless use of words, but in this instance, he is expressing sentiments that are not uncommon.

‘Madness’ has stopped, but...

“This madness has to stop, these Cricketers are our pride. We must be the first country to question all players over an unreliable statement which is clearly aimed at diverting public attention from the real issues public facing. Shame.”

This is what he said. He’s of course referring to allegations of hanky-panky leading to and during the 2011 Cricket World Cup final.

Well, if that’s “madness”, it has stopped. The investigation was called off “for lack of evidence”. Where that leaves Aluthgamage is something the ex-Minister has to worry about.

Doing himself disserviceIf, as Harin Fernando claims, it’s all

about “diverting public attention from the real issues faced by the public”, it is

indeed shameful. However, the true reason would only be known by the accuser, in this case former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage.

There are obvious questions that need to be asked and in fact have been asked, including “why now?”

“It’s about elections and publicity” is an answer that some have mentioned. “Was”, obviously. That’s a bit dicey though. If those accused, or rather are implicated, are “greats” and if they are loved (as they are certainly) by the general public, then Aluthgamage would essentially have been doing himself a disservice.

Will it going to happen?We could put it down to error of judgment.

Politicians do that. Harin knows. So does his leader Sajith Premadasa who is making quite a reputation for himself by uttering nonsense and then apologising for the same. The more important element of the question or rather the companion query is “why not back then?”

To Aluthgamage’s credit, he did make some noises at the time. Perhaps

he did have the “evidence” he’s since submitted to the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) attached to the Ministry of Sports, but was persuaded not to proceed. All this is speculation which a full investigation would have sorted out one way or the other, but that’s not going to happen now, of course.

India only has to announce candidacy

Now, some have claimed that the “timing”

is not about the parliamentary elections but possible elections for the post of International Cricket Council (ICC) President. They’ve talked about a face-off between former Indian Captain Sourav Ganguly and former Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara. So there’s speculation that India has a hand in all this. India wants the road to be cleared for Ganguly’s ascension, they claim. In other words, conspiracy theories abound. We need to keep in mind that given power realities in the cricket world, all it takes for an Indian to secure the post is to announce candidacy.

More realistic is the possibility that investigations were stopped in view of possibly negative fallout politically at the time. Sangakkara was not only in his

cricketing prime but had also become a global ambassador for the sport after his Colin Cowdrey lecture (the MCC Spirit of Cricket speech) in July 2011. Nevertheless, Aluthgamage needs to offer a solid answer to the “why now?” question.

Rushing to international, crying ‘mommy’

Speaking of politics, Harin and his party haven’t exactly been apolitical here. They are howling in protest over “cricketing greats” being questioned. They’ve forgotten that Sangakkara himself called for an investigation. He wanted the ICC to investigate.

There’s a problem here. Sri Lanka is a sovereign state. It has a Sports Ministry and a judicial system. The SIU is not a court. At best, it can make a preliminary investigation. That’s basic. Rushing to international arbitration crying “mommy!” is a virulent disease of colonial remnants and many of Harin’s political friends suffer from this ailment.

‘Credible unreliable’What’s most interesting is the crack he’s

taken on Aluthgamage who is after all hardly a political saint for reasons of omission and commission. He calls it an “unreliable statement”. Aluthgamage, in other words, is not reliable. An opinion, of course, but to be fair even “reliability” is subjective.

I find it interesting because Harin Fernando’s political friends (in the Samagi Jana Balawegaya and the United National

Party) have worked hard for years to lynch their political opponents over alleged (that word!) war crimes based on statements issued by “unreliable witnesses”. “Credible evidence” is the term used.

Politics of 'reliability'How is credibility ascertained, though? In

the case of “war crimes”, it’s about someone repeating something that someone else said. And that “someone else” got it from another “someone else”. Dig all the way down to “original source” and we find, for example, doctors forced to make statements at gunpoint, so to speak. The LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) had a reason to conjure up horror scenarios.

The doctors never had the freedom to tell the truth. They were like the several hundred thousands who made the LTTE’s “human shield” hostages. Once they were rescued, the doctors could speak freely. And they did. But they weren’t believed because the truth was inconvenient. Four of these doctors are still in Sri Lanka and are respected professionals. The last preferred “greener pastures”, apparently, and is now a pin-up boy for the liars.

“Reliability” is, therefore, politically framed. And that’s a madness of a kind.

Part II of this article will be published on Thursday, 9 July 2020.

(The writer can be reached at malindasenevi@gmail.com or www.

malindawords.blogspot.com)

The madnesses that must stopINTERCEPTIONby Malinda Seneviratne

Part I

Sangakkara was not only in his cricketing prime but had also become a global ambassador for the sport after his Colin Cowdrey lecture in July 2011

PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE

England begin hectic seasonEngland confirmed yesterday (6) that they will host

Pakistan in a three-Test series from 5 August. The first Test will take place at Old Trafford before two matches at

Southampton, all in biosecure environments and behind closed doors. Old Trafford will also host their three T20Is in August and September. Prior to that, England will host Ireland in three ODIs at Southampton, starting on 30 July. England begins their delayed three-Test series against the Windies in Southampton tomorrow (8).

77% of Japanese say 'no' to OlympicsA new survey polling Japanese residents has found that 77% of those questioned believe the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics “cannot be held” next year, Inside the Games said yesterday (6). The poll, conducted by Japan News Network, suggested that only 17% believe that the postponed Games can take place in next year.

BY REVATHA S. SILVA

Former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage told The Morning Sports yesterday (6) that he reported his case regarding the 2011 World Cup final match-fixing allegation to the International Cricket Council (ICC) last Saturday (4).

“First, I made the complaint to the Special Investigation Unit (SIU attached to the Ministry of Sports) earlier. Then I wrote to the ICC. I sent all the documents related to my allegations to the ICC a day before (on Saturday, 4 July),” he said yesterday.

“In 2012 also, I wrote to the ICC on this. I’m going to give my idea on the four issues on my social media pages tomorrow (today, 7). Those are: (i) Why there was a delay in making this allegation, (ii) why there is no wrongdoing proved by this investigation, (iii) whether I went to the ICC with this allegation before or not, and (iv) why I say players are not involved in this possible spot-fixing case,” he added.

I made the Act“I stress that I have never asked anybody to

question the players. This investigative body (SIU) which conducted the investigation is one appointed as an independent commission. I’m not happy with the way it conducted the affair. The investigation stopped after recording a statement only of Aravinda de Silva (as an official of the time of the 2011 World Cup),” lamented Aluthgamage.

“I have repeated this allegation 17 times since 2011. I hope to convey my standpoint on the present situation tomorrow (today). I never stopped there. After the 2011 World Cup, I thought there was no law in the country to tackle sports corruption. So I was the one who initiated this Act (No. 24 of 2019 regarding corruption in sport) and got the cabinet approval for it.”

Report sent to AG: RuwanchandraSecretary to the Ministry of Sports K.D.S.

Ruwanchandra told The Morning Sports yesterday that the report his Ministry received from the SIU has been forwarded to the Attorney General (AG).

“It is not a final report on the investigation. It is a report on the midway situation of the investigation,” he clarified.

“Now, the honourable AG has to advise us on the future course of action of the investigation. He should advise us as to whether the investigation is sufficient not, whether any further inquiries should be made or not, and so on,” added Ruwanchandra.

z Investigation report goes to AG

Aluthgamage reports to the ICC (again)

the morningTuesday, July 7 , 2020 6

educationDR. CHARUNI KOHOMBANGE

Covid-19 has brought up many changes to lifestyle in all countries in the globe. Along with changes, education too needs to adapt to the new normal. A live webinar involving all the stakeholders pertaining to the topic was conducted by the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) to discuss the future and the role of education in the new normal in Sri Lanka. This article is based on the aforementioned expert panel discussion and an interview with SLMA President Prof. Indika Karunathilake.

Minister of Education Dullas Alahapperuma, during his opening remarks for the webinar, highlighted the need to adapt to the new normal, and portrayed how it can be a blessing in disguise.

“Covid-19 has implicated direct and indirect disruptions in the education systems. However, every dark cloud has a silver lining, hence this is a turning point for the education system of Sri Lanka,” Minister Alahapperuma said.

Covid-19 and the need for education reforms

The Covid-19 pandemic has given us a challenge to solve. It has shown the need for holistic education to create citizens not only capable of technical skills but also of good character and responsibility in the face of unforeseen situations.

It is important to change the existing system of education, giving more consideration to health aspects. The horizons of

education and learning have to be expanded to teach the students how to think rather than what to think. Covid-19 taught us the value of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, connectivity, and empathy in education.

Education should not be limited

to the school but the parents also have a major role to play. Educationists have a responsibility to guide parents to play their role in inculcating soft skills in their children, which are essential to survive the new normal. Nutrition, security and safety, and creating opportunity for learning are also

important factors, which have to be given special consideration.

It is vital to identify the competencies of children for the progress of their education, which is lacking in the current system which is based on remote learning.

Refocusing on the basics of education

Learning is defined as a relatively permanent change in behaviour that occurs as a result of experience. Now, it is high time for us to go back to the basics of education and change the behaviour of children. Unfortunately, the current system is more focused on content teaching, rather than behavioural modification. The new normal emphasises the importance of student-centred learning. Opportunities need to be given to students to explore the environment and learn with experience, without cramming.

It is high time for the teachers to think out of the box and try to bring in new technology into the learning environment, and teaching should change from exam-oriented teaching.

It is important to assimilate and adapt the system for the current situation. Usually, children can adapt to situations much easier than adults. Thus, the normal behaviour of kids can be changed more effectively with the correct guidance, to protect themselves, the

community, and also to empower social health. This has to begin at home. For example, children were not used to wearing masks, keeping physical distance, and washing hands frequently. However, with frequent education and parental involvement children have adapted to the current changes and safety requirements.

Challenges in the practical setup

To maintain physical distancing, schools have to be opened in several phases. Classes for GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) and Advanced Level (A/L) students can be started in the first phase. Also, the schools with a lesser number of children (less than 50) are planning to start shortly.

The Ministry of Education is working along with private and non-governmental institutions to enhance the infrastructure in the education system in Sri Lanka. The schools need to pay attention in minimising overcrowding and teaching hand sanitising techniques and good practice in washing.

Providing good ventilation for the classrooms and reusable masks for at least 4 million students are few of the many challenges the Government is currently experiencing. This would be realistic with the help of private-public partnerships and the

support of past pupil associations in leading schools.

Hand washing facilities According to the “Knowledge,

Attitudes, Practices, Behaviour (KAPB) study on school WASH programme” published by the Ministry of Education Services in 2012, out of 9,731 schools, 1,423 (15%) had no water supply.

The webinar highlighted the importance of hand washing and the provision of permanent and reliable flowing water sources to the schools. Prof. Indika Karunathilake insisted on the importance of installing permanent water supplies to the schools and its effectiveness as a long-term investment for the education sector.

“The SLMA and all specialist medical colleges and associations strongly recommend and advocate promoting accessibility to fixed and/or portable hand washing and sanitisation facilities and educating parents to monitor their children for fever and respiratory symptoms and seek medical advice as soon as possible. Since the schools will be reopening in stages very soon, it is most advisable to install more hand washing bays or hand sanitisation facilities, rather than spending public money to purchase handheld infrared thermometers,” said Prof. Karunathilake.

Need for distance learning Since the reopening of schools

is going to be a gradual process, there is a need for distance learning. However, approximately 64% of students do not have access to the internet. It is not practical to make large-scale changes to the system at the moment but a combination of all modalities of telecommunication can be used effectively for knowledge delivery.

For example, developing television and radio programmes for O/L, A/L, and scholarship students will help to deliver knowledge to the rural parts of the country. Further, these radio programmes can increase the listening skills of students.

Discussions have been held to operate a full-time digital media education channel with the co-ordination of the Ministry of Education. This digital education system is essential for the new normal as in the future, there will be a need to adapt to a combination of both school education and distance learning.

“There is a need to think fresh, do more education research, make arrangements for evidence-based education systems by evaluating the system and correcting the gaps, change the examination system, and use digital technology to teach and practise combined methods of delivering the subject matter via normal school-based teaching and e-learning with proper co-ordination, while ensuring equity,” Prof. Karunathilake added to his closing remark.

The future of school education

It has been reported that the Ministry of Education is in the process of purchasing non-touch thermometers for use in schools as a safety strategy for reopening and a sum of Rs. 116 million is allocated for this purpose.

In this context, the purchase of thermometers for schools spends a substantial amount of resources.

Health professionals representing all specialties of medicine are of the view that checking the temperature of all students at school entrances is not a useful exercise to prevent a resurgence of the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly while spending such a massive amount of resources.

y Checking the temperature at the

gate will not prevent students who could be infected with the novel coronavirus entering the school as there is adequate evidence to show this age group will be largely asymptomatic or with very mild symptoms

y It gives a sense of false security to students, parents, and staff. In addition, the money spent on such purchases can be allocated to interventions proven to reduce the risk, such as providing running water, face masks, and proper toilet facilities to at least some schools

y Monitoring body temperature is not practically feasible in the long run with its mandatory maintenance and validation requirement of infrared thermometers. Further, the Government has to bear a huge expense to purchase these infrared temperature monitors for every school. According to

the “Annual School Census of Sri Lanka, Final Report – 2018” published by the Ministry of Education, there are more than 10,000 schools in Sri Lanka

y It is very likely that the thermometers will be out of service in a few weeks and beyond repair

“It is difficult to defend this proposed practice even scientifically. We are of the view that a clear message to parents indicating that they should not send any students to the school if they show any signs of respiratory symptoms of fever is more than sufficient,” Prof. Karunathilake added.

Myths and facts about measuring body temperature

Sri Lanka Medical Association President Prof. Indika Karunathilake

The real challenge of Covid-19 goes far beyond the parameters of healthcare. It’s changed the way we interact socially and challenged the most fundamental of human needs such as access to food, employment, and education; challenging the very fundamentals of our society and leaving many in an extremely vulnerable position. HSBC, together with Asia-Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management (A-PAD) and Berendina Development Services (Gte) Ltd., is working on building resilience among these communities and easing the impact of the pandemic in their daily lives.

HSBC Sri Lanka and the Maldives CEO Mark Prothero said: “The impact of Covid-19 is multidimensional. Therefore, the support we extend to various segments of the community affected by this has to be dynamic enough to address those multiple challenges. The immediate need, as rightly so, was to respond to the frontline and healthcare workers. But it is equally important that we support other vulnerable groups and look beyond the medical aspect

to the more profound economic and societal issues that have cropped up as a result.”

One of the communities most severely affected by the Covid-19-related lockdown is those identified as economically inactive poor families (EIPF). As people whose capabilities are extremely insufficient to engage in a productive economic activity due to many hindrances such as age, physical or mental strength, and care commitments, they are inherently vulnerable. Abandoned elders, disabled people, and

widows with infants who have no regular income source fall into this category. Their survival is more often dependent on very limited government social security programmes and close relatives who are, in most cases, struggling with poverty.

Under this project, HSBC together with Berendina Development Services is supporting 3,700 EIPF families in 72 divisional secretariats in 11 districts. The project, which will run from June to August 2020, provides dry rations for them.

Children are another group who felt the impact of the pandemic in great measure. In containing the virus, the country closed down schools and the education of children came to a standstill. The best way forward for recovery was making distant learning a possibility through e-learning and online schooling.

While this was the most viable option in theory, the reality is that only 48% of Sri Lankan households with children under the age of 18 have access to a smartphone or computer and even

fewer, 34%, have access to the internet. There are 10,167 schools enlisted islandwide, of which a large proportion does not even have access to electricity. Working with such ground realities, lessons being shared online or digitally are a bitter struggle for both teachers and students in rural Sri Lanka.

Under the umbrella of responding to Covid-19, HSBC has teamed up with A-PAD Sri Lanka to provide additional assistance to students who are to sit for national-level examinations such as the Grade Five Scholarships programme

(scheduled for August), GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) (scheduled for December), and GCE Advanced Level (A/L) (scheduled for August) in 2020. The project supports 3,000 children in most vulnerable schools with least access to distance learning from 11 districts in the country. Conducted in liaison with the provincial and district educational authorities with the support of zonal education directors and principals of the most vulnerable schools, the project supports 3,000 students directly and further thousands through the recycling of study material via the school library in the years to follow.

The above projects are being carried out as an extension to the Covid-19 relief programmes by HSBC. In addition to this, the bank has been supporting first responders, healthcare professionals, healthcare facilities, and affected communities with urgent supplies from the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak in the country. HSBC continues to support the Sri Lankan community as the country looks to move beyond Covid-19.

HSBC launches extended relief programme for most vulnerable communities

Distributing study packs for Grade Five Scholarship students

Advanced Level students with their study packs Dry rations distribution in 11 districts