epaper.themorning.lkepaper.aruna.lk

www.themorning.lkwww.aruna.lk

epaper.themorning.lkepaper.aruna.lk

www.themorning.lkwww.aruna.lk

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

ProTecT yourself from

covid-19suwasariya ambulance

service 1990

� Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 � Hotline 0113456200-4

� fax 0112333066, 0114354882 � email ptf@pmoffice.gov.lk

PresideNTial sPecial Task force for esseNTial services

covid-19 cases iN

THe world

ToTal cases

59,177,730deaTHs

1,396,560recoverd

40,938,562

cases deaTHsusa 12,598,889 262,757 iNdia 9,170,820 134,088 braZil 6,071,401 169,197fraNce 2,140,208 48,732russia 2,114,502 36,540 5,791

deaTHs

90recovered

14,497

acTive cases ToTal cases

20,375 � Quarantine unit

0112 112 705 � epidemiology unit

0112 695 112 � Govt. coronavirus hotline

0113071073 � if showing symptoms

0117 966 366

Health Promotion

bureau 1999

For verified information on the coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any of the following authorities

THe above sTaTisTics are coNfirmed uP uNTil 6.10 P.m. oN 23 November 2020 source: HealTH PromoTioN bureau

Covid-19

see full sTories oN PaGe 2

*Stats updated as at 7.15 p.m. on 23 November

ToTal cases

16,847New Covid-19 deteCtioNS

Moderna will charge governments between $ 25 and $ 37 per dose of its Covid-19 vaccine candidate, depending on the amount ordered, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stephane Bancel has told German weekly Welt am Sonntag, Reuters reported on Saturday (21).

Moderna to charge $ 25-37 for vaccine

Three more Covid-19-related deaths have been reported, according to the Department of Government Information.

Three more deaths reported

Rs. 105 billion was allocated to implement additional health and safety measures at schools to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the Education Ministry said.

Rs. 105 b to ensure safety at schools

Police Media Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana stated yesterday (23) that traffic police officers have been deployed to check the compliance to hygienic procedures in transport used by schoolchildren.

Traffic Police to monitor school transport

With another surge in Covid-19 figures seen on Sunday (22), total infections confirmed in Sri Lanka exceeded the grim milestone of 20,000.

Infected cases cross 20,000 mark in SL

An inmate of the Mahara Prison has died due to Covid-19, stated the Prisons Department yesterday (23), bringing the total number of Covid-19 deaths in Sri Lanka to 88.

Mahara Prison inmate dies

The Head Office of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) situated in Narahenpita will reopen for the public from today (24) onwards.

Narahenpita DMT head office reopened

Fighting for education

the inter University Students’ Federation (iUSF) staged a protest near the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo yesterday (23) demanding, among other demands, that all those who have been wronged be admitted to universities

PHoTo ESHAN DASANAYAKA

MP wijeyadasa Rajapakshe

Government MP Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said a decision should be taken to make the Central Bank of Sri Lanka independent.

Speaking during the debate in Parliament on Saturday (21), MP Rajapakshe said the Central Bank initially functioned in an independent manner making fiscal policies.

Contd. on page 2

Central Bank should be independent: Wijeyadasa

The Colombo District Court yesterday (23) issued an enjoining order against MTV Channel (Pvt.) Ltd. in a defamation case filed by

George Steuart Health (Pvt.) Ltd. over defamatory news broadcast on its primetime news telecasts.

Contd. on page 2

George Steuart obtains enjoining order against MTV/Sirasa

Measures will be taken to expedite the court proceedings of 6,334 inmates remanded over drug-related charges, the State Ministry of Prison Reforms and Prisoners’ Rehabilitation said.

Contd. on page 2

iNMateS oveR dRUg ChaRgeS

Court cases to be expedited

The name of United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has been proposed to fill the UNP National List slot in Parliament.

Contd. on page 2

RW’s name proposed for post

UNP NatioNal liSt

United National Party (UNP) General Secretary (GS) Akila Viraj Kariyawasam stated that he will resign from his post.

Contd. on page 2

Will resign from UNP GS post: Akila

Labour Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said the Government made arrangements to repatriate nearly 48,000 Sri Lankans, including migrant workers who were stranded in different countries around the world unable to return due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

At a meeting held with World

Bank (WB) representatives recently, the Minister said the second wave of Covid-19 had arisen at a time when all arrangements were made to bring Sri Lankans stranded overseas back to Sri Lanka as soon as possible.

Contd. on page 2

Govt. to bring down 48,000SRi laNkaNS StRaNded oveRSeaS

By SkaNdha gUNaSekeRa

The coconut scarcity affecting several cottage industries, including coconut oil production, would come to an end by January 2021.

“There has been a serious shortage in coconut supply this

year, but we expect it will turn around with the next harvest,” Coconut Development Authority Acting Director – Processing and Development K. Edirimane told The Morning.

Contd. on page 2

Industrial manufacturing affected CoCoNUt ShoRtage

The Department of Meteorology Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an adverse weather alert, predicting that the depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal, lay centred at 9.6N,84.0E to the northeast of the Trincomalee coast at about

325 km, is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm within the course of today (24).

It is expected to move north-westward and cross the Tamil Nadu coast from today till 26 November as a severe

cyclonic storm. Contd. on page 2

z Red alert issued to Northern ProvinceCyclonic storm expected today

Minister of education Prof. g.l. Peiris

The Ministry of Education stated that it is continuously reviewing the possibility of reopening schools for the third academic term of 2020 in the Western Province, as well as

schools that are located in the isolated areas outside the Western Province, which are at present closed to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Contd. on page 2

z Distance learning and e-learning temporary measures

ReoPeNiNg ReSt oF the SChoolS

Ministry to continue reviewing possibilities The Parliamentary Council has

verified the nomination of Acting Inspector General of Police C.D. Wickramaratne to be appointed as the Inspector General of Police (IGP), sources confirmed.

The nomination has been made by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Wickramaratne has been serving as the Acting IGP since May 2019, after then IGP Pujith Jayasundara was sent on compulsory leave over the Easter Sunday attacks.

Acting IGP becomes IGP

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) yesterday (23) said the failures at the Epidemiology Unit have resulted in a sub-optimal and

delayed surveillance process in controlling Covid-19, which led to the second wave of the pandemic.

Contd. on page 2

Covid-19 SPRead

Delays in surveillance process: GMOA

By MaheeSha MUdUgaMUwa

Road contractors were strictly instructed to complete the construction projects within the stipulated time period that had been initially given by the Ministry of Highways, The Morning learnt.

Highways Minister Johnston Fernando said the previous Government had postponed tenders for many years and had not even paid the money; however, it is regrettable that such an

inconvenience has been caused to the people when the Government has even paid advances at a time of a global pandemic.

Contd. on page 2

iNStRUCtioNS to Road CoNtRaCtoRS

Meet deadlines or no payment

highways Minister Johnston Fernando

The Board of Investment (BOI) has announced the establishment of a dedicated Pharma Zone development in Arabokka, Hambantota, to meet 40% of the local demand.

The State Ministry of Development of Aviation and Export Zones set a goal to meet 40% of the domestic demand for pharmaceutical products through locally manufactured drugs while creating a pathway to $ 1 billion in export earnings as import substitution by 2025.

Contd. on page 2

Increasing local manufacturing capacity

PhaRMa ZoNe iN haMBaNtota

Minister of Mass Media Keheliya Rambukwella stated that a proper mechanism for the regulation of websites is needed and will be implemented within the next two weeks.

He stated this while attending the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Mass Media meeting held on 21 November, according to a statement issued yesterday (23).

Contd. on page 2

Websites to be regulated: Keheliya

Minister of Mass Media keheliya Rambukwella

By SaRah haNNaN

the State Ministry of Pharmaceutical Production, Supply, and Regulation and the National Medical Regulatory authority (NMRa) is yet to take a decision over the consignments of facemasks that are held at Sri lanka Customs due to clearance issues.

When The Morning contacted NMRA CEO Dr. Kamal Jayasinghe for comments, he stated that discussions were underway with the ministry officials on the next steps concerning the facemasks that are held up.

“Once we reach an agreement on what could be done, we will inform the public,” Dr. Jayasinghe stated.

The Morning reliably learnt that these facemask consignments had been imported over the past months and were found to be non-compliant to the regulations that the NMRA had stipulated when importing facemasks to the country.

The issue was brought up during a recent meeting that the State Minister had called, which was attended by local facemask manufacturers, importers of facemasks to the country, and the NMRA, where the quality of the facemasks had been discussed.

Moreover, the local manufacturers had agreed to increase the production of facemasks in Sri Lanka to match the country's daily requirement.

Price regulations are also expected to be announced with single-use surgical masks standing at Rs. 15 and the KN95 masks to be sold at a controlled price of Rs. 100.

Five MillioN FaCeMaSkS StUCk at CUStoMS

No call yet on consignment

NMRa Ceo dr. kamal Jayasinghe

the morningTuesday, November 24, 2020

2

news

Cartoon of the day

Moderna to...“Our vaccine therefore costs about the

same as a flu shot, which is between $ 10 and $ 50,” he was quoted as saying.

Last Monday (16), an European Union (EU) official involved in the talks said the European Commission wanted to reach a deal with Moderna for the supply of millions of doses of its vaccine candidate for a price below $ 25 per dose.

“Nothing is signed yet, but we’re close to a deal with the EU Commission. We want to deliver to Europe and are in constructive talks,” Bancel told the newspaper, adding it was just a “matter of days” until a contract would be ready.

Moderna has said its experimental vaccine is 94.5% effective in preventing Covid-19, based on interim data from a late-stage clinical trial, becoming the second developer to report results that far exceeded expectations after Pfizer and its partner BioNTech.

The EU has been in talks with Moderna for its experimental Covid-19 vaccine at least since July, Reuters said.

Rs. 105 b...Ministry Secretary Prof. Kapila Perera

said funds were already allocated to pirivenas, colleges of education, and other educational institutes.

He said arrangements were made to reopen around 5,100 schools yesterday (23) for the students of grades 6-13.

Traffic Police...This was in accordance with the

reopening of schools for grades 6-13, outside of the Western Province and other isolated areas.

Infected cases...On Sunday, the Department of

Government Information confirmed that 216 more individuals linked to the Minuwangoda-Peliyagoda cluster, nine arrivals (four from the UAE, three from Qatar, and one each from Russia and China) tested positive for the coronavirus.

Following this development, total infections registered by the dual cluster reached 16,643.

As of Sunday night, Sri Lanka recorded 20,171 infections since the first positive case was reported in March this year. At the time, the Epidemiology Unit’s data revealed that 6,019 active cases were still under medical care. Meanwhile, total coronavirus recoveries reported in the country had increased to 14,069 and the country had recorded 83 deaths due to the virus outbreak by then.

Mahara Prison...Commissioner of Prisons Chandana

Ekanayake stated that an 82-year-old man had died after admission to the Ragama Hospital, while the post-mortem revealed that he tested positive for Covid-19.

Narahenpita DMT...

The operations at the branch will be carried out with the minimum number of employees while strictly

enforcing health safety guidelines on employees and visitors.

However, services will be rendered only on a prior-appointment basis, the Commissioner General of Motor Traffic said, issuing a press release.

To make appointments, the following telephone numbers can be contacted for the corresponding services between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays:

New registration for cars, vans, and lorries – 0706354107/8

New registration for buses and land vehicles – 07063154109

New registration for motorcycles – 07063154110/1

New registration for three-wheelers – 07063154112

Assignment of cars – 07063154114/5

Assignment of three-wheelers – 07063154116/7

Assignment of commercial vehicles – 07063154118/9

Assignment of lorries – 07063154120

Assignment of motorcycles – 07063154137/8

Assignment of buses and land vehicles – 07063154139/07063154140

Number plates – 07063154141

Technical – 07063154142

Inquiries – 07063154144

Luxury and semi-luxury tax – 07063154145

Other inquiries – 07063154146/7/8/9

Complaints and suggestions – 07063154150

RW’s name...UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan

Wijewardene said that despite some opposition, there are those who feel Wickremesinghe is the best choice.

UNP MP Arjuna Ranatunga stated that the population has understood that Ranil Wickremesinghe has the knowledge and talent to fill the National List slot and have the party’s full support.

Will resign...He revealed to The Morning that he

will resign due to the appointments to the party’s new posts which are due in January next year.

Court cases...The Ministry said in a statement

that the move was aimed at reducing overcrowding in prisons.

Accordingly, it was decided to expedite the proceedings of inmates who have been remanded over possession of less than 2 g of heroin and less than 5 kg of cannabis.

A report containing their information was submitted to the Ministry of Justice, the statement read.

State Minister of Prison Reforms and Prisoners’ Rehabilitation Sudarshani Fernandopulle was scheduled to meet Minister of Justice Ali Sabry, yesterday (23) to raise awareness in this regard and the current situation in prisons.

Govt. to...WB Country Director – Maldives,

Nepal, and Sri Lanka Faris Hadad-Zervos, WB Senior Economist (Social Security and Employment) Thomas Walker, and Secretary to the Ministry of Labour Mapa Pathirana were also present at the discussion held at the Ministry of Labour. The discussion focused on how the Covid-19 epidemic has affected the working class in Sri Lanka and the local industry.

The Minister said that despite this situation, the Government is working together with the trade unions to make sure that all public servants and private sector employees were being paid full salaries despite the pandemic.

He pointed out that the tripartite Covid Task Force – formed by employers, trade unions, and the Department of Labour – was constantly meeting to find solutions to the problems and crises that affect private sector workers.

WB Country Manager – Maldives and Sri Lanka Chiyo Kanda commended Sri Lanka for its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of workers in the face of the current Covid epidemic.

WB Senior Economist (Social Security and Employment) Walker said that the WB was ready to provide technical assistance at any time to make this social security programme for private sector employees a success.

– Maheesha Mudugamuwa

Websites to...MP Suren Raghavan, commenting

on the matter, stated that attempts to incite racism through social media should be curbed. Adding to his remark, Minister of Education Prof. G.L Peiris said that a new law has been passed in Singapore to control such matters and having studied such, the formulation of a new mechanism should be made.

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella stressed that the Press Council Act should be amended in a way that it would protect the dignity of the citizens. He also said that the rights of all citizens should be protected by the media. The Minister also pointed out that defamation which is unjust should have control and that media regulation is required.

Speaking at the event, MP Prof. Charitha Herath said that discussing the amendments to the Press Council Act at the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Mass Media meeting would make its progress more convenient. He also said that a proper mechanism should be formulated to regulate television and radio broadcasts as well.

Minister of Education Prof. G.L Peiris stated that it is convenient to refer the relevant amendments to the Legal Drafting Committee after having it referred by the Ministerial Consultative Committee. The Prof. highlighted the importance of referring a bill to a technical committee.

MP Manusha Nanayakkara emphasised the need to reactivate the self-regulatory system for media institutions, which was discussed in 2015. He further emphasised that

the damage done to civilians by the media was immense.

Discussions were also held regarding resuming the telecast of parliamentary sessions through Channel Eye of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation. The Committee also focused on the recognition of media persons as professionals, the establishment of a minimum wage scheme for journalists, allocation of graduates in mass communication to related vacancies, and regarding the appointment of teachers to schools for the purpose of teaching mass media as a subject.

MP Shantha Bandara drew the attention of the committee towards the standardization of state channels. Minister Rambukwella pointed out that six chairmen have been appointed to the Independent Television Network (ITN) during the last four years. In addition, the Minister stated that state media institutions were running at a loss during the previous regime and that it will be restored to a profitable status within two years.

The Minister said that providing educational scholarships to journalists and providing media equipment at a concessionary rate along with multiple welfare activities will be implemented for journalists. He further said that the committee will not facilitate taking political decisions and will take common decisions having consulted all parties.

MP Uddika Premarathne said that the standards of the language used for news should be looked into, whilst pointing out that a mechanism should be implemented in that regard.

Ministry of Mass Media Secretary Jagath P. Wijeweera informed the Committee that an insurance scheme for journalists is scheduled to be introduced along with the establishment of a journalism college in the coming year, paving way for education in ethical journalism.

MP Selvarajah Kajendran, highlighting the threats faced by journalists in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, requested the Chairperson to intervene in controlling such situations. The Minister directed that the Ministry and the IGP should be informed during such situations with immediate effect.

The Committee also focused on the vacancies in the Postal Department and having the distribution areas redefined. Postmaster General Ranjith Ariyaratne said that a programme to renovate sub-post offices is scheduled to be launched next year. Making the substitutes permanent will be taken into consideration in the future, he added.

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, MPs Isuru Dodangoda, Goonetilleke Rajapaksa, Sagara Kariyawasam, Jayantha Weerasinghe, and several parliamentarians and government officials were present at the meeting.

Industrial...He said the coconut oil production

industry had been affected as a result.“The coconut oil industry has

been hit hard in the past couple of months. It is very disappointing and an unfortunate situation.”

He said that unfavourable weather conditions had decimated the coconut harvest.

“The poor climate caused a majority of the plantations to have poor yields.”

Ministry to... Minister of Education Prof. G.L.

Peiris, speaking to the media, noted: “There is no intention to keep the schools shut for a longer period of time. While we do understand that there will be a lag in the class schedules for these students, we have the e-Thaksalawa programme made available for online education and the Guru Gedara education programme that is televised to enable distance learning.”

Prof. Peiris reiterated that these are all alternatives to ensure that the schoolchildren are able to continue with their educational curriculum without a hindrance, and should not be considered as a permanent solution to conduct lessons for schoolchildren.

He also noted that the contribution from the various departments of education, school administrations, parents, and students to continue the country’s education system is commendable. He also thanked the

healthcare authorities, the military, the Police, as well as the support services of the education sector for enabling the education sector to continue its activities within an environment that is safe for the children.

“Some schools remain shut in some areas that are not under isolation and even when other schools in the area are operational. It is a call that the schools’ administrations had taken as they were concerned about the health and safety of the children who are attending those schools. These principals had consulted their respective medical officers of health and acted on the instructions that were given to them,” Prof. Peiris elaborated.

He added that should a school find that they have run out of certain facilities, they need to alert their zonal directors of education and make arrangements to organise those facilities. Furthermore, the Minister pointed out that the allocated sums are for the upkeep of the facilities in all the schools, and no school will have to purchase sinks, pipes, and taps in its entirety to be fitted in the schools.

– Sarah Hannan

Cyclonic storm...Very strong gusty winds at

60-70 kmph can be expected in the Eastern, Northern, and North Central Provinces with strong gusty winds at 40-50 kmph expected in other parts of the island which will peak today and subside towards 26 November.

People living in the Eastern, Northern, and North Central Provinces are requested to be vigilant over high wind and cyclonic disasters and are requested to take necessary precautions and be alert on the advisories issued by the department.

The Meteorology Department also indicated that the sea area will possibly experience intermittent showers or thunder showers and sudden roughness, associated with a sudden increase of wind speed up to 80-100 kmph over the eastern and northern seas in the deep and shallow sea areas during the day.

Wind speed can increase up to 50-60 kmph at times over the sea area extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo. There is a possibility that near-shore sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Kankesanthurai, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa may experience surges due to the effect of swell waves, having a 2.0-3.0 metre height during the next few days.

Naval and fishing communities are warned not to venture to the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Pottuvill via Mannar, Kankesanthurai, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa. For those who are already at sea, the Meteorology Department advised them to return to coasts or move to safer areas immediately.

Naval and fishing communities are requested to be vigilant during their fishing activities at the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and further requested them to be attentive to future advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.

– Sarah Hannan

George Steuart...The plaint referred to several false

and defamatory news segments carried out by Sirasa on News 1st on 11, 13, and 16 November referring to the import of rapid antigen test kits by George Steuart Health.

The plaintiff in their plaint listed out the repeated instances of factually incorrect news to mislead public and defame George Steuart Health as well as its Chairman. The damages claimed amounted to Rs. 2 billion.

The enjoining order issued yesterday prevents MTV Channel and its agents and employees from defaming George Steuart Health, its Chairman, and its key officers in any manner in any forum whatsoever.

Increasing local...“If the pharmaceutical industry is

developed to the anticipated level, it will lead to an industry creating a pathway to $ 1 billion in export earnings and import substitution post 2025. Furthermore, it will provide

dynamic long-term benefits to the economy such as skills upgrading and technology transfer, creating a new export vertical. The highly skilled pharma-qualified workforce needed for this industry will create opportunities for highly specialised jobs in the future,” BOI Director General Sanjaya Mohottala stated.

In the first phase of the project, 200 acres of land will be developed to accommodate pharmaceutical companies, while the ground-breaking of the zone and the construction of zone enterprises are planned to commence at the end of the first quarter of 2021. Infrastructure readiness in phase one is scheduled to take place at the end of 2021.

The balance 200 acres will be developed as the second phase, whilst the products are to be sent out to market by the year 2024. In addition to the above-mentioned 400 acres, another 50 hectares located next to the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) are available for pharma-related value-addition and export logistics operations.

– Sarah Hannan

Meet deadlines...The Minister said he has noticed

that the construction of the Central Expressway from Kadawatha to Mirigama has been slowed down and instructed the contractors to complete the project within three years in accordance with the standards.

Minister Fernando also told the representatives of the company that is constructing the Mirigama section in Kadawatha that the Government will have to pay more if it deliberately takes too long, and will not pay even an extra cent if it wants to delay the work and get paid more.

Delays in...In a letter to Director General of

Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Asela Gunawardana, GMOA Secretary Dr. Senal Fernando has stressed that the failure of the Regional Director of Health Services (RDHS) of the Colombo District to share data is totally unacceptable, especially when Colombo has become the current epicentre of the pandemic.

Dr. Fernando also said that the RDHS of the Colombo District has failed to provide transport and the necessary logistics to Medical Officer of Health (MOH) offices which are doing an impressive service in the face of severe shortcomings, while carrying a grave personal risk.

“We have been continually emphasising the importance of surveillance in controlling Covid-19 since the first wave in March 2020. Surveillance depends on PCR testing capacity; timing of reporting/issuing PCR reports; quality, accuracy, and efficiency of data collection; and GPS mapping of Covid-19 cases and contacts,” he said, adding that the above process depends on various institutions acting in concert, of which the ultimate responsibility lies with the Epidemiology Unit.

The GMOA requested the DGHS to rectify the above issues of the Director, Epidemiology Unit and the Colombo RDHS office in order to ensure a high-quality surveillance mechanism which would greatly enhance our efforts in controlling Covid-19.

– Maheesha Mudugamuwa

Central Bank...“However, the entity was politicised,

especially with new appointments. The Bond Scam was also a result of these attempts of politicisation,” he said.

He said whilst there were senior, experienced, qualified, and well-deserving officials at the Central Bank, outsiders were being appointed as governors.

“We don’t make use of senior officers at the Central Bank and then they become frustrated. I will bring this issue to the notice of the President and the Government,” he said. Meanwhile, he said MPs in both Government and the Opposition should come together to find solutions to overcome financial issues instead of accusing each other during the Budget Debate.

He said all MPs should come together with a genuine interest to address the issues of the public, irrespective of differences. “Then only will the people benefit from the Budget Debate,” he said.

Three more...Two females aged 60 and 86 years and

one male aged 60 years have succumbed to the virus, bringing the total number of deaths in Sri Lanka to 90.

businessthe morningTuesday, November 24, 2020

3

BUDGET 2021

Despite the growth focus of Sri Lanka’s 2021 budget, Moody’s said yesterday (23) that it does not expect it to provide a meaningful boost to output, while increased spending will add to fiscal pressures, a credit Negative.

“Economic boost from the budget will be limited. The budget includes large allocations for domestically financed infrastructure development, incentives for domestic production, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and upgrading Sri Lanka’s rural road networks, to which the largest portion of public investment spending has been allocated. It also includes scaled-up support to the tourism industry, which has taken a severe hit given the country’s border closures. But despite the focus of the development-oriented budget on reviving economic growth and reducing poverty, the benefits will be limited by the magnitude of the pandemic-driven hit to demand for Sri Lankan exports and the collapse in tourism activity. Domestic demand is also likely to remain sluggish given still-subdued business and consumer confidence, and ongoing import restrictions

affecting industries such as construction and manufacturing,” Moody’s noted.

On 17 November, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Mahinda Rajapaksa presented the proposed 2021 budget. The budget calls for Rs. 3.6 trillion ($ 19.5 billion, 23.7% of 2020 forecast GDP) in expenditure, a 26% increase from its estimate for 2020.

The budget targets a 2021 fiscal deficit of 8.8% of GDP, compared with a revised 2020 estimate of 7.9% of GDP. Moody’s said it forecast a similar gap for 2021, but for the deficit to remain above 8% of GDP through 2023 in light of persistently adverse fiscal dynamics and a slow economic recovery. As such, Moody’s expects Sri Lanka’s debt burden to increase to around 100% of GDP over 2020-21, above the Caa-rated median of 88% of GDP, and only begin to gradually decline in subsequent years.

Moody’s added that the Government would face challenges in rationalising government spending and delivering fiscal consolidation post Covid-19, as a large interest bill, rigid public sector wages, and subsidies and transfers keep recurring government spending elevated. The dilemma between delivering on ambitious

fiscal consolidation targets and supporting economic recovery will continue to weigh on Sri Lanka’s credit profile ahead of significant and recurring external debt-servicing requirements through 2025.

“We expect Sri Lanka’s economy to contract by more than 3% in 2020, with prospects for a gradual rebound in 2021 increasingly at risk given renewed virus flare-ups and lockdown measures globally.

The plan to support domestically financed infrastructure projects may also face funding constraints as a weak economic recovery curbs revenue and as rigid recurrent expenditure is difficult to rationalise. The budgetary allocation for public investment has increased to Rs. 1.1 billion, up more than 55% from government estimates for 2020 spending. Even as the Government begins to digitalise government systems and processes, including procurement, and implement reform of state-owned enterprises, these reforms will not meaningfully consolidate public expenditure.”

On the revenue side, the budgeted 28% increase in government revenue compared to 2020, largely stemming from robust growth in taxes on goods and services, and

external trade, is unlikely to be achieved, Moody’s said. It added that a recovery in demand for Sri Lankan exports in 2021 is increasingly at risk given the uneven economic trajectory in major markets like the US (Aaa stable) and Europe.

“While the budget introduces some modest revenue-enhancing measures, including simplification of capital gains taxes and implementation of an e-filing system, we do not expect stronger economic growth alone to rebuild Sri Lanka’s revenue base, from an already narrow position. Revenue-to-GDP has steadily declined from 14.1% of GDP in 2016 to an estimated 9.5% of GDP in 2020, an outcome of a multi-year period of sluggish economic growth, weak tax administration implementation, and rate changes, including the December 2019 value-added tax cuts, one which the Government has committed to maintaining over the next five years,” it said.

It added that fiscal consolidation challenges could hinder finance-raising needs.

“Alongside the 2021 budget, the Government presented its medium-term macro fiscal framework, which targets a

reduction in the fiscal deficit to 4% of GDP, to bring down the Government’s debt-to-GDP ratio to 75.5% by 2025. This goal is supported by medium-term goals of real GDP growth at 6% or above per annum and revenue-to-GDP over 14%. The risks clouding the near-term economic recovery and obstacles around fiscal consolidation are likely to pose hurdles to achieving these ambitious targets, especially putting the Government’s debt-to-GDP ratio on a more sustainable, downward path.”

A bleaker outlook for fiscal consolidation is likely to continue to challenge the Government’s ability to raise financing for upcoming debt obligations and narrow annual borrowing needs, which in 2021, externally, amount to approximately $ 4 billion, Moody’s said.

Borrowing needs will stay elevated through 2025, including a large portion of maturing international sovereign bonds (see exhibit), Moody’s noted. Elevated repayment risks will continue to raise pressure on the Government’s external and liquidity position as the recovery in major sources of foreign exchange earnings is likely to be slow, keeping the country’s international reserves position thin, it added.

No output boost but worsens fiscal pressures: Moody’s

Tokyo Cement Company (Lanka) PLC recently signed an investment expansion agreement with the Board of Investment Sri Lanka (BOI) to increase local production capacity by a further one million metric tonnes with an investment of $ 12 million.

The company said the investment is a “show of confidence towards the President and the Prime Minister’s bold decision to encourage and uplift local manufacturers”.

“With the introduction of restrictions on unnecessary imports, the economy has been able to curtail the outflow of valuable foreign exchange, enabling local manufacturers in almost every sector to pursue

their long-term growth plans with greater confidence. Tokyo Cement’s decision to boost production directly reflects this positive outlook, encouraged by the Government’s pragmatic policy stance,” it added.

The enhanced capital will push up the installed capacity at the Tokyo Cement Factory in Trincomalee to

cater to the future growth in demand of the local construction industry. With an 18-month expansion plan, Tokyo Cement will increase the production of Tokyo Super, Nippon Cement, and Nippon Cement Pro; brands of ordinary Portland; and blended hydraulic cements, using state-of-the-art advanced technology.

Tokyo Cement to invest $ 12 m to boost local production

From left: Tokyo Cement Company (Lanka) PLC Director Christopher Fernando and Managing Director S.R. Gnanam sign the Investment Expansion Agreement with BOI Chairman Susantha Ratnayake

The mergers of Sri Lankan finance and leasing company (FLC) subsidiaries with their parent banks will not have an immediate impact on those banks' ratings, says Fitch Ratings.

The agency's assessment of its rated banks is based on their consolidated credit profiles and already factors in the risks of having subsidiary FLCs. However, the extent of the impact of absorbed FLCs on banks' business models and their consolidated risk and financial metrics, particularly asset quality and profitability, will be important for the banks' ratings in the medium term, it added.

The proposal was announced in the Government's budget speech for 2021.

“We believe banks will be reluctant to absorb their FLCs due to the significant difference between their risk profiles and underwriting practices, leading to elevated challenges in achieving effective management. FLCs typically cater to sub-prime customers, which banks have very little appetite for. However, if the proposed mergers are enforced, we expect the risk appetite of the amalgamated bank to be lower than the simple aggregated risk appetite of the parent and the FLC subsidiary, as the FLC business is unlikely to be a core business line for the parent,” Fitch said.

The proposal affects five Fitch-rated banks with FLC subsidiaries – Hatton National Bank PLC

(AA+(lka)/Negative), which owns HNB Finance Ltd. (AA-(lka)/Negative), Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC (AA+(lka)/Negative), which owns Serendib Finance Ltd. (AA-(lka)/Negative), Sampath Bank PLC (AA-(lka)/Stable), which owns Siyapatha Finance PLC (A(lka)/Stable), Bank of Ceylon (AA+(lka)/Negative), which owns Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka and Finance PLC, and People's Bank (Sri Lanka) (AA+(lka)/Negative), which owns People's Leasing & Finance PLC (A+(lka)/Stable). These subsidiaries' assets account for 0.5%-7.7% of their group assets (median: 3%) and 0.5%-26% of profit before tax (median: 5%).

The Government's budget speech, presented on 17 November 2020, reiterated the importance of consolidation in the FLC sector, which has been on the cards since 2014 when the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) announced its “Master Plan for the Consolidation of the Financial Sector”. It led to several banks acquiring FLC subsidiaries in 2014 and 2015, including the acquisition of HNB Finance (then Prime Grameen Micro Finance Ltd.) by Hatton National Bank and Serendib Finance (then Indra Finance Ltd.) by Commercial Bank of Ceylon.

Fitch said it believes consolidation in the Sri Lankan FLC sector is positive for its long-term stability, but will not necessarily ease its near-term

challenges. The sector continues to struggle with lack of access to capital, muted income generation, and very weak asset quality despite the regulatory moratoriums for stressed loans.

These headwinds and the fragmentation within the FLC sector at the lower end – where 33 FLCs, out of the total 44, accounted for only around 31% of sector assets – have posed challenges to Sri Lankan financial sector stability, despite the sector's moderate 8% share of financial sector assets at end-2019. The CBSL has taken regulatory action against several FLCs that failed to meet capital requirements, including cancellation of licences held by The Finance Company PLC and suspension of the business activities of ETI Finance Ltd. and Swarnamahal Financial Services PLC.

Fitch said it expects significant increase in M&A (mergers and acquisitions) activity within the FLC sector in the next 12-24 months, even among standalone small FLCs, as there are at least 20 that are currently facing capital challenges, either on an absolute basis or to meet the regulatory capital ratios.

Several FLCs have already announced potential mergers, including Abans Finance PLC (BB+(lka)), which is on Rating Watch Evolving to reflect its potential amalgamation with Softlogic Finance PLC.

Banks’ ratings unaffected by Budget’s finance company mergers: Fitch

Dialog Enterprise, the corporate solutions arm of Dialog Axiata PLC, has announced the launch of Dialog Video Surveillance (DVS), a secure, end-to-end, intelligent video content solution with analytics-driven Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) for enterprises.

VSaaS’s video analytics capabilities include activity visualisation of highly frequented areas, with people count, face recognition and detection, object detection and queue detection enabled, along with temperature screening and social distancing detection, focusing on the current urgency. While its intrusion detection and direction controller capabilities greatly heightens security, the traffic analyser, parking space analyser, and license plate recognisers

aid in controlling and monitoring of traffic, and in capturing traffic violations. The crime module, PPE module, and forensic analytics video synopsis have been specially designed for crime detection and prevention.

“VSaaS’s scalable, cloud-based architecture facilitates powerful performance on both the latest CCTV hardware or on top of your existing infrastructure, helping you leapfrog from traditional CCTV systems to cutting-edge fully automated AI-driven solutions,” noted Dialog Axiata Vice President of Enterprise Business and Large Enterprise Sales Navin Pieris at the launch. Pieris further added that in addition to conventional security surveillance, the data gathered presents an immense potential for data mining and in powerful

decision making for modern business. “All the functionalities of this solution are

delivered on top of Dialog’s fully managed, robust, and highly secure platform using its Open API architecture, enabling seamless integration with a wide range of external applications and systems, while conforming to and complying with industry data security and national policy standards, including the CIA triad of Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. Offered as a SaaS service, scaling as per customer requirement and the customer being charged only for the cameras integrated to the platform, the solution has been developed for uninterrupted, continuous operation, without the need for human intervention,” Dialog said.

Dialog Enterprise launches video surveillance solution

Ceylinco Life announced yesterday (23) that it has begun an assessment of the carbon footprint of its countrywide operations with The Carbon Consulting Company.

Advancing Ceylinco Life’s “Green Agenda”, this Level II Comprehensive Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Assessment will calculate all the major direct and indirect GHG emissions that are released as a result

of the organisational operations of Sri Lanka’s life insurance leader to help minimise the impact of its business on the environment.

Ceylinco Life said it has already implemented a number of measures across various branches to become more sustainable, such as the

construction of eco-friendly branch offices that are solar powered and setting up rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling, and energy-efficient lighting and air-conditioning systems. This assessment will enable Ceylinco Life to set in place more stringent mechanisms to quantify and report on its carbon footprint, continue with its sustainability initiatives, and further strengthen its leadership in the industry.

Ceylinco Life begins carbon footprint assessment

The signing of the agreement between Ceylinco Life and The Carbon Consulting Company. Ceylinco Life Chairman R. Renganathan and Director Palitha Jayawardena (third and fourth from left), The Carbon Consulting Company’s CEO/Head of Strategic Planning Sanith de Silva Wijeyeratne and Asst. Manager – Client Relationship Management Ruwanthi Halwala, and representatives of the Ceylinco Life Green Club

The CBL Group recently donated some essential food items including biscuits, soya meat, cereal products, and noodles to the Medical Officer of

Health of Moratuwa for the benefit of families in the locked down areas of Moratuwa, Angulana, and Lunawa, due to the covid 19 prevention.

CBL Group donates essential food

Dr. Manjula Thilakaratena receiving the donation from CBL Food Cluster Promotion Manager Sisira Gunawardana

the morningTuesday, November 24, 2020

4

brunch

BY NAVEED ROZAIS

For the most part, Sri Lanka is an island of animal-lovers. When it comes to stray dogs, there are several organisations and countless individuals who go above and beyond protecting and nurturing those dogs who have no homes.

Pet abandonment is something that is always an issue, but the pandemic, with the uncertainty and economic hardship it has brought, has exacerbated this, with a surge in people struggling to afford to feed their families, let alone keep their pets. This has led to an increase in stray dogs around Sri Lanka, many of whom are ill-suited to fend for themselves, having previously been well taken care of by their respective families.

The Morning Brunch spoke with independent researcher and Ceylon Street Dog Project (CSDP) Founder Soharni Tennekoon for more insight on what is happening to stray dogs in Sri Lanka at the moment and how they’re faring. Below are excerpts from the interview.

Tell us a bit about the Ceylon Street Dog Project and how it started.

CSDP is a research project borne out of a deep respect for Sri Lanka’s street dogs, and a lifelong interest in canine behaviour, welfare, and cognition. To date, the 3-4 million street dogs living in Sri Lanka remain unstudied from a scientific perspective. This seems like an oversight considering the effective strategies available to more humanely manage dog population numbers and welfare.

I set up the Instagram account @ceylonstreetdogproject as a platform to document my findings from my thesis research, while completing my certification in Canine Behaviour & Psychology at ISCP, UK. The overarching themes of my research included how street dogs behaved in their natural environment, how to pursue humane, sustainable Dog Population Management (DPM), how to address human-dog conflict like public health and rabies, and how to address wildlife-dog conflict like predation and resource competition.

Street dogs are unique in that they are domesticated organisms that have successfully adapted to scavenging and breeding outside of human control, (unlike pedigrees or other domesticated animals), while also being remarkably perceptive to human behaviour (unlike wild animals).

CSPD’s goal is to change people’s perspectives on these renowned but little known outliers and look beyond the stigma that they have no place in society. Street dogs tread that fine line between being community animals and capable of independent living. Studying them not only offers insights into how humans and dogs co-evolved tens of thousands of years ago, (dogs were history’s first domesticated species), but also, more practically, how to peacefully coexist in today’s urbanised world.

How has the pandemic affected street dogs?

Sri Lanka has few regulated shelters that abide by WHO (World Health Organisation)/FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation) animal welfare standards. Dogs are usually rounded up by authorities and are transported to the municipal pound, which, from anecdotal evidence, fall short of these animal welfare standards. Due to a lack of transparency and freely available information on this topic, it is difficult to gauge; however, lockdown news reports include vaccinated and sterilised community dogs wrongfully being caught and impounded by the Colombo Municipal Council.

Aside from the ethical issues of this ad hoc DPM, it is a short-term fix to a long-term problem; in the long run it is neither cost effective nor sustainable. Impounding dogs does not get to the root of the problem – the sources of street dogs: unsterilised roaming pets, abandoned/dumped pets, puppies born on the street, and fewer street dog adoptions in favour of purchasing pedigrees.

Often these new dogs aren’t vaccinated or sterilised, which then creates a whole host of new problems. Turning off the tap involves fully understanding the mechanics of DPM dynamics; it’s a long-term multisectoral plan that humanely targets the source of dogs: mass sterilisation programmes, enacting updated animal welfare legislation, community engagement, and more. The most effective is the ICAM (International Companion Animal Management) coalition’s DPM programme that uses the One Health framework.

While the Government of Sri Lanka has commendably implemented islandwide spay/neuter programmes and rabies and dog bite awareness, a cohesive structure is lacking in establishing any long-term change. Much of it stems from the way we perceive street dog issues. With a lateral shift in perspective, intersectoral collaboration, and more widespread resources, there’s hope.

Why do you think pets are being abandoned?

Pet abandonment can be due to a multitude of baseline reasons, from financial hardship to moving to a

new location that doesn’t allow pets, death of an owner, allergies, and behavioural problems.

While it’s an ongoing issue worldwide, a global crisis only exacerbates it. So this question is one that needs to be critically assessed and managed via community engagement. Rolling out responsible dog ownership programmes and providing free resources to empower people with the tools to problem solve their issues is key.

How do abandoned pets normally adapt to living on the streets?

Unlike street dogs that were born on the streets, and skilled enough to survive into adulthood, abandoned family pets lack the survival skills to adapt to fend for themselves like sourcing food and water, navigating road traffic, facing harassment from humans, and so on.

Abandoned pets also undergo tremendous stress from separation anxiety from their humans. They often seek out human company from wherever they can – which is not always welcome. This can lead to people resorting to cruel methods to drive them away, sometimes causing injury as well as exacerbating the stress and confusion they feel. Many succumb to starvation and dehydration, fatal injury, and/or disease, making the act of abandonment a death sentence.

What can we do to help strays and abandoned pets, especially in difficult times like these?

We can all take small steps to help strays and abandoned pets. Consider small actions like leaving out food and water since regular food sources for street animals are restricted (make sure water bowls are regularly changed to prevent dengue mosquitoes breeding) and donating to rescue organisations and feeding programmes. Vaccinate and sterilise your pets, especially if you allow them to roam.

We can also all look to build awareness. Share photos/videos on social media, tagging rescue organisations. It’s free and helps to crowdsource funds for the dogs’ care. (It’s also helpful in case the dog wasn’t intentionally abandoned and his owners are looking for him). Contact vet clinics/rescues like the Best Care Hospital mobile unit if you see an injured dog.

Don’t judge people on social media for reaching out for help with rehoming a pet. Fear of judgement puts people off from requesting help from online communities, thus resorting to silently dumping their dog on the streets.

Sadaharitha Plantations Ltd., the commercial forestry conglomerate, began distribution of its unique “Sadaharitha Privilege Card” to valued loyal customers recently.

The loyalty programme, which was unveiled recently, provides customers a host of exclusive privileges, unmatched offerings, and experiences. Sadaharitha has commenced the distribution of the loyalty cards to customers islandwide who can now enjoy discounts and benefits from a wide range of merchants.

The benefits from the card cover an extensive range of sectors such as healthcare including hospitals and pharmacies; children’s education needs with leading institutes, book publishers, and book shops; home needs and essentials such as food and textile outlets, footwear, appliances, furniture, roofing,

solar requirements, vehicle care, and lighting; personal care and grooming from beauty salons, perfumery stores, jewellery, and opticians; or relaxation at restaurants, leisure options, and hotels and adventure packages.

“Our loyalty card initiative enables us to reach out and appreciate our customers and enrich their lives. As a member of the programme, they benefit from the host of discounts offered by the merchants we have partnered with and the offers also provide customers more opportunities to save. During the next few months, we aim to continue with the distribution of the card and also enhance the programme’s offerings with new and exciting options,” stated Sadaharitha Plantations Ltd. Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Dr. Pradeep Edward.

Voice It is a debating competition organised by the Chokolaate Magazine with the aim of providing a platform for youths to explore an extracurricular activity from the comfort of their homes. The preliminary stage of the online debating competition held on 21 November featured 12 debating teams from Ananda College, Royal College, Nalanda College, Willesden College, Trinity College Kandy, British School in Colombo, Gateway College Colombo, Wesley College, Visakha Vidyalaya, S. Thomas’ Preparatory School, Isipathana College, and St. Peter’s College. All these young participants displayed an epic battle of opinions which impressed the organisers, spectators, and the judges alike.

The judging panel consisted of renowned personalities with exceptional experience and skill in the debating field. Lakshitha Edirisinghe, Thanuki Goonesinghe, Grace Wickramasinghe, Gayan Maldeniya, Himaya Perera, Dineth Hettiarachchi, Lithmal Jayawardana, and Amindhi Pieris graced the panel as judges.

Topics of concern in society such as “the morality of animal testing”, “sustainability vs. brand identity”, “legalisation of marijuana”, “social media has improved human

connection”, and “the classification of obesity as a disease” were debated upon vividly. The competition concluded with eight teams qualifying for the quarter finals with an extremely small point margin.

The next stage of the competition, which is the quarter finals, will be taking place on 28 November via Zoom. The teams that will be participating in the quarter finals are Ananda College, Royal College, S. Thomas Preparatory School, Gateway College Colombo, British School in Colombo, Nalanda College, Wesley College, and Trinity College Kandy.

The competition was live streamed on the Chokolaate Facebook page and was received eagerly by the spectators. Tune in next Saturday (28) to witness a mind-blowing battle of perspectives.

The event’s title sponsor is Monash by UCL, its co-sponsor is CIMA Sri Lanka, and press partner is The Morning.

Uber Eats launched a range of Covid-19-specific safety features allowing customers to access food and essential supplies from the comfort of their homes so they can help authorities in containing a second wave of Covid-19 cases.

The features include a checklist of Covid safety measures before courier partners can go online, mask verification

selfie and frequent temperature checks for courier partners, contactless “Leave at Door” deliveries, and in-app reminders to courier partners to observe social distancing norms.

Complementing these measures, Uber Sri Lanka has procured and started distributing safety supplies – such as masks and sanitisers – worth Rs. 10 million, free

of cost to drivers and courier partners. Since May 2020, Uber Eats has distributed nearly Rs. 5 million worth of masks and sanitisers to courier partners.

Uber Eats’ in-app Covid hub for courier partners now has a new safety feature which notifies courier partners to replenish their safety kit supplies after they’ve completed a predetermined number of deliveries.

Commenting on Uber’s safety measures, Uber Eats Sri Lanka Lead Bhavna Dadlani stated: “Over the last few months, our global tech and safety product teams have worked relentlessly to formulate appropriate safety measures to help users feel safe. The safety of our communities remains our top priority, which is why it is important that all

necessary precautions are met to help courier partners feel safer, while also helping customers have safer access to food and everyday needs.”

Uber Eats’ helpline number allows customers to directly speak with an Uber representative for assistance during live orders and up to 15 minutes after order completion.

SRI LANKA’S STREET DOGS

THE PANDEMIC’S VOICELESS VICTIMS: Voice It – preliminary stage comes to a close

Uber Eats rolls out comprehensive Covid safety measures

Distribution of the unique “Sadaharitha Privilege Card” to valued loyal customers

Sadaharitha begins distribution of loyalty cards

Percy. Ape Percy. Percy from Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s Percy. Sri Lanka’s One-man cheering squad. Percy Abeysekera. Cricket lovers know him and not just fans in Sri Lanka. He’s received accolades from all corners of the cricketing world.

He’s cheered his country’s team for decades. Before and after Sri Lanka received “Test” status. Captains came and went. Batsmen and bowlers made their debuts, had brief or long careers, retired hurt, retired at their prime, or retired long after they ought to have, but Percy never did.

Since the visit of Sir DonPercy says he started cheering with the

National Flag only in 1979, although he had been a keen spectator since the time “All Ceylon” played the visiting Aussies led by Don Bradman in 1948.

There was a World Cup tournament that year, 1979, in England. This was when the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL) didn’t have money. There were no television contracts. No sponsorships. I remember a request being circulated in the newspapers at the time – someone launched a fund to buy Percy a ticket to go cheer our boys. I believe he accompanied the team.

Memorable momentsSixty years or more is a long time for

anyone to do anything consistently. Percy carried our flag for all of that length of time.

Obviously he’s seen much, experienced much, and remembers more than anyone has or can of this time when it comes to Sri Lankan cricket.

He has jotted down some memorable moments:a) Dancing onboard an airplane with Sri

Garfield Sobers, the then Sri Lankan coach, on the way back to Colombo after the 1983 World Cup in England

b) Helping save the life of Sir Garfield Sobers when a mob wanted to set fire to his car when Sobers was on his way back to Barbados, during the height of the 1983 July riots

c) Cheering Bandula Warnapura’s team during a Test at Chepauk, India defying death threats from the LTTE Tigers in Madras, in 1982

d) Cheering Sri Lanka during her inaugural Test at Lord’s amidst threats from the British Police

e) Martin Crowe’s presentation of two of his Man of the Match trophies, saying they were for “Percy’s love for cricket and his patriotism”

From Tennekoon to Dimuth Karunaratne

If we start from 1979, he’s cheered teams led by Anura Tennekoon, Bandula Warnapura, Duleep Mendis, D.S. De Silva, Ranjan Madugalle, Arjuna Ranatunga, Aravinda De Silva, Hashan Tillakaratne, Sanath Jayasuriya, Marvan Atapattu, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Tillekaratne Dilshan, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Suranga Lakmal, and Dimuth Karunaratne. We could add the ODI and T20I captains too.

He’s outlasted them all. And the umpires too. And captains and players from other teams as well. Fans typically outlast their heroes of course. On the other hand,

there are few fans whose fanaticism will not wane as they move from childhood, through youth, middle age, and into the evening years of their lives.

We wish OUR Percy a long and healthy life

Percy has been there. He’s held the flag. He was the flag. He was the ambassador long before the term “sporting ambassador” came into vogue. He was the nation. He kept the flag flying high. He represented us all. He was there when things went right. He picked everyone up when things went sour.

We wish Percy, OUR Percy, a long and healthy life. We wish him many more hours of joy, watching the game he loves so much and has come to be identified with!

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

malindawords.blogspot.com)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has earned Indian Rs. 4,000 crore or 40 billion, which is equivalent to Sri Lankan Rs. 100 billion, in revenue through the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 which ended in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 10 November with the team Mumbai Indians successfully defending the title.

Revealing the financial windfall generated through the cricket league organised by one of the worst affected countries in the world by the Covid-19 pandemic, The Indian Express, in an article under the heading “BCCI’s IPL card: Revenue Rs. 4,000 crore, TV viewership up, 30,000 Covid tests” written by Devendra Pandey in Mumbai yesterday (23) noted that the TV viewership of the annual tournament was about 25% more than last year amid the spread of the deadly virus.

Over 30,000 PCR tests for 1,800 persons

The Indian Express has also said that there had been over 30,000 RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests for Covid-19 that had been conducted for a total of 1,800 individuals involved with the IPL this time. It added that all this happened without any of the 60 matches of the league being affected in any way.

This year’s IPL was India’s first major sporting tournament since the Covid-19 outbreak started spreading across the globe in February. With stringent Covid-19 curbs in India, the IPL was held from 19 September to 10 November in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah in the UAE.

By yesterday, India had reported over 9,170,000 cases with the number of deaths being at a staggering 134,088, the world’s second highest at the moment. In fact, the IPL 2020 began just two days after India reported her highest number of infections so far. It was on 17 September that she reported almost 100,000 cases.

What happened after Djokovic was tested positive?

BCCI Treasurer Arun Dhumal has not discussed with The Indian Express the breakup of revenue or viewership for the tournament that was held without spectators in the stands due to the pandemic. Organisers have been banking on the five-year broadcast and media rights deal signed in 2017 with Star India worth Indian Rs. 16,347 crore (SL Rs. 409 billion).

But, Dhumal has told The Indian Express

that the tournament was in doubt with barely two months to go when world No. 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic tested positive after playing exhibition matches in Serbia and Croatia.

Jay Shah was ever confidentRecalling a conversation with BCCI

Secretary Jay Shah, Dhumal said: “After that report (about Djokovic testing positive) came in, we were in two minds. Many people told us to not go ahead with it (IPL). What if something happens to a player? The IPL would go on for almost three months. However, Jay said we should go ahead. He was more confident than all of us.”

Dhumal has added: “The Board managed to cut nearly 35% of the cost as compared to the last IPL. We earned Rs. 4,000 crore during the pandemic time. Our TV viewership went about 25% higher. We got the highest-ever opening game (Mumbai Indians vs. Chennai Super Kings) viewership. Those who doubted us came and thanked us for hosting the IPL. Had this IPL not happened, cricketers would have lost one year.”

Why the UAE was picked ahead of Sri Lanka

According to other BCCI officials, the Board received two formal

invitations to host the IPL — from the UAE and Sri Lankan boards. The Board decided to go with the UAE since it had hosted the IPL earlier, and teams could travel by bus to reach the stadium, which costs less.

Subsequently, an official said that the details were firmed up through over 40 conference calls that have “lasted for endless hours”. There were virtual meetings too on ensuring players’ safety and tying up with tech company Restrata for a bio-secure bubble. The BCCI sent its key staff to Dubai in advance, who took the “extra precaution” of boarding only flights with 20% occupancy.

How the SOP was worked outMeanwhile, a Standard Operating

Procedure (SOP) was worked out with experts, even as officials alerted IPL teams on booking chartered flights in advance and gave hotel options at a discounted rate. Senior officials also conducted several virtual meetings with IPL owners, followed by interactions with players to answer queries.

Most teams had over 40 members in their squads, with Mumbai Indians emerging as the largest contingent with over 150 members, including a tailor, a makeup artist, and a hairdresser.

“In case we had any Covid cases, the board had booked 200 rooms separately so that patients can be quarantined and only join once they have fully recovered,” Dhumal had revealed to The Indian Express.

Two CSK players hit by coronavirus

The first setback came a few days after the teams reached Dubai when Chennai Super Kings (CSK) saw a dozen members test positive, including two players. It was then that Suresh Raina left the CSK camp and returned to India reportedly fearing his health. The two players who tested positive were all-rounder Deepak Chahar and young batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad.

“When we heard the news, we tried to understand whether it is asymptomatic or serious. We were told all are asymptomatic. So all went under isolation and we went by all health authorities’ advice. We must thank the UAE, which stood with us every moment,” Dhumal said.

Then came Abu Dhabi quarantine restrictions

Then, there was an “issue” in Abu Dhabi where “authorities were reluctant to give any concession to the quarantine period”. While Dubai had relaxed it and allowed players to train after seven days, Abu Dhabi had a mandatory rule where individuals coming from outside would have to undergo 14 days’ quarantine. Abu Dhabi was the home of IPL-winning team Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders.

“The BCCI Secretary managed to convince the Abu Dhabi authorities to make it shorter,” Dhumal had explained.

The Indian Express report has thus given a graphic detail as to how the world’s biggest and richest annual cricket league went on unperturbed by the global pandemic while setting an example for many other countries and organisations.

sportsthe morningTuesday, November 24, 2020

5

India earns Rs. 100 billion through IPL 2020

BCCI President Saurav Ganguly (second from left) with (from left) BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, BCCI Treasurer Arun Dhumal, IPL Chairman Brijesh Patel, and BCCI Joint Secretary Jayesh George after the awards ceremony of the IPL 2020 final between the Mumbai Indians and the Delhi Capitals at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE on 10 November

PHOTO SAMUEL RAJKUMAR/BCCI

Why UAE was picked ahead of SL as IPL hosts and much more...

INTERCEPTIONby

Malinda Seneviratne

Percy has been there. He’s held the flag. He was the flag. He was the ambassador long before the term “sporting ambassador” came into vogue. He was the nation. He kept the flag flying high

PHOTOS WWW.PERCYABEYSEKERA.COM

Percy is the National FlagNAME: Walimuni Denham Percy Gimson Mendis

AbeysekeraDATE OF BIRTH: 30 July 1936 (in Boossa)FATHER: Walimuni Simon Mendis AbeysekeraMOTHER: Dolly Margaret de Zoysa SiriwardeneSCHOOLS: Richmond College, Galle; St. Aloysius’

College, Galle; Siri Rathanasara Vidyalaya, Beddegama; and Aquinas University College, Colombo

PERCY & ACL: Percy was first employed by Sir Cyril de Zoysa, Founder of the Associated Motor Ways (AMW) at Kalutara. Later, Percy joined Associated Cables Ltd. (ACL). Percy is indebted to present ACL Chairman Upali Madanayake and his son and ACL’s present Managing Director Suren Madanayake who have been looking after Percy for over 50 years

MARRIAGE: Married Meloney De Silva from Moratuwa in 1968. (She passed away on 24 September 2010, aged 59)

CHILDREN: Sampath Garfield (elder son) and Nadeesh Nimmi (daughter)

GRANDCHILDREN: Avinka Garfield (named after Sir Garfield Sobers) and Sachinka (named after Sachin Tendulkar) who are the son and daughter of Sampath. Amani and Amreetha are the son and daughter of Nadeesha

FIRST INTERNATIONAL MATCH SEEN: Australia vs. All Ceylon in 1948 at the Colombo Oval (now P. Sara Stadium) when Sir Don Bradman came with the Australian team as their Captain

STARTED CHEERLEADING WITH THE LION FLAG: The 1979 World Cup in England. And he has cheered SL in almost all the World Cups since then

PERCY ABEYSEKERA – BIO

Ahmad Ahmad bannedConfederation of African Football (CAF) President Ahmad Ahmad has been banned for five years for financial misconduct by the Ethics Committee of the game’s world governing body FIFA, international media said yesterday (23). Ahmad who is also the FIFA Vice President has “breached his duty of loyalty, offered gifts, and other benefits, mismanaged funds, and abused his position as the CAF President,” FIFA has said in a statement.

Guha slams GangulyFamous historian Ramachandra Guha, 62, the Uttarakhand-born MA degree holder of Delhi University, has been a vocal critic of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). In an interview this week with Mid-Day, Guha has slammed BCCI President Sourav Ganguly for his endorsement of the My11Circle fantasy game for “greed for money”. “This kind of greed for money among Indian cricketers is shocking,” Guha has said.

Medvedev is calmDaniil Medvedev won the biggest title of his career at the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) finals on Sunday (22) but did not celebrate. Instead, he just looked to his box, shrugged, emptied a ball from his pocket, and shrugged again before walking expressionless to meet his beaten opponent Dominic Thiem at the net. “That is going to be my thing,” said the 24-year-old Russian after his 4/6, 7/6 (7/2), 6/4 win in London.