WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020Maintain Distance, Stay Safe

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

5,642,571DEATHS

349,920RECOVERD

2,408,257

CASES DEATHSUSA 1,714,371 100,103 BRAZIL 377,780 23,622 RUSSIA 362,342 3,807 SPAIN 283,339 27,117 UK 265,227 37,048597

DEATHS

10RECOVERED

712

ACTIVE CASESTOTAL CASES

1,319 � Quarantine Unit

0112 112 705

� Epidemiology Unit 0112 695 112

� Govt. coronavirus hotline 0113071073

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 11.30 P.M. ON 26 MAY 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

SEE FULL STORIES ON PAGE 2

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced that it will reopen for usual embassy services from tomorrow (28).

SL mission in UAE to reopen tomorrow

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has issued a gazette notification bringing six more institutions under the Ministry of Defence.

Six more institutions under Defence Ministry

Universities are to reopen on 15 June to conduct examinations for Medical Faculty students.

Unis to reopen on 15 June

With curfew being lifted in the Colombo and Gampaha Districts, buses carrying people from across the island streamed into the Kottawa-Makumbura Multi-Modal Transport Hub yesterday (26) PHOTO ESHAN DASANAYAKA

Life goes on...

OPTIONS CONSIDERED TO ADDRESS RICE SHORTAGE

BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA

The Government is looking at importing rice as an option to tackle the artificial rice shortage in the country, despite demands to make it an essential commodity.

Government Spokesman and former State Minister of Investment Promotion

Keheliya Rambukwella said that restarting the importation of rice could

resolve the shortage problem.“We have done this in the past and

know by experience that once (rice) importation begins, all those mill owners and sellers hoarding stocks will immediately put it out into the market,” he said.

He also said that another option was

for the Government to be more involved in the industry.

“If the Government plays a more active role, then the private sector will have to compete. This will make sure there is no shortage, also ensuring competitive prices are given for the consumers,” he said, noting that at

present, a few private sector individuals are attempting to monopolise the market.

However, farmers’ associations are demanding that rice be made an essential good. All Island Farmers Federation (AIFF) National Co-ordinator Namal Karunaratne said they had made the request from the Government.

“We have spoken with the Minister of Agriculture to make rice an essential item. Both the consumer as well as the farmer are affected by these rackets,” he said.

Karunaratne asserted that declaring rice an essential commodity was the only permanent solution.

Imports vs. interventionz Make rice an essential commodity: Farmers z Artificial shortage by millers and sellers: Govt.

GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER

The Presidential Task Force for Prevention of Covid-19 Outbreak has proposed to the President the reopening of the airport for tourist arrivals from 1 August.

The committee members have observed that there have not been any Covid-19-positive cases reported from society.

These observations were further discussed at the meeting held yesterday (26) under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to discuss the revival of the country’s tourism industry and the programme to follow for the purpose.

The President has noted that strict local as well as international health guidelines would have to be followed when reopening the country for tourism, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said in a statement.

President Rajapaksa has

further noted that the relevant action should be taken by identifying priority areas and seeking the advice of the respective stakeholders of the tourism and health sectors.

Contd. on page 2

Airport to open for tourists from 1 August?

The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) permitted 62 Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA)-approved restaurants to commence operation from this week onwards.

Contd. on page 2

62 select restaurants reopen

PETITIONS ON POLLS DATE

The Supreme Court (SC) yesterday (26) postponed till today (27) the further hearing of the seven fundamental rights (FR) petitions filed challenging the date set by the Election Commission (EC) to hold the 2020 general election.

Contd. on page 2

Hearings to resume for 7th day today

SPREADING OF LEPTOSPIROSIS

The Epidemiology Unit indicated that there is a spike in leptospirosis cases (rat fever) reported this month, and that it has increased threefold in comparison to the cases reported in April.

Accordingly, in April the number of reported leptospirosis cases stood at 122, while the number of cases over the past weeks was 421.

For the month of May, the Ratnapura Regional Director Health Service (RDHS) office recorded the highest number of cases at 167, which was followed by Kalutara (50), Kegalle (43), Ampara (29), and Galle (28).

Contd. on page 2

Highest prevalence in Ratnapura

A group of former Opposition parliamentarians from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday (26) met Auditor General Chulantha Wickramaratne to clarify issues regarding the legitimacy of expenditure and the loan ceiling, following the expiry

of the Vote on Account (VOA) on 30 April this year.

The SJB’s letter has been based on three incidents and has cited the legal provisions governing the expenditure of public finances as well as borrowings.

Contd. on page 2

SJB seeks Auditor General’s clarificationz Questions on legitimacy of expenditure

and loan ceiling

The Sri Lanka Canteen Owners’ Association (SLCOA) yesterday (26) said the prices of lunch packets, short eats, and all bakery products would be increased considering the recent price hike of all essentials.

Speaking to The Morning, SLCOA President Asela Sampath stressed that the prices of all essentials including rice, dhal, and coconut oil had been increased dramatically, and it was difficult to continue to

provide proper lunch packets for the previous prices.

“Since oil prices have also been increased, the prices of all short eats and other food items such as kottu would also increase,” he said.

Stressing the need for the reopening of restaurants and eateries, Sampath noted that even though the country was reopened after relaxing the curfew, people did not have a proper place to eat or even to drink a cup of tea.

Contd. on page 2

Price hike in food items z Meals and bakery product prices to increase

In the wake of a number of Covid-19-positive cases reported among the returnees of Kuwait and Dubai, the Government has temporarily suspended the repatriation of Sri Lankans who are stuck overseas due to the coronavirus pandemic, The Morning learnt.

Sri Lanka suspends repatriationsz Flight from Qatar cancelled

PCOI PROBING POLITICAL VICTIMISATION OF PREVIOUS GOVT.

Avant-Garde Security Services (Pvt.) Ltd. Chairman Maj. (Retd.) Nissanka Senadhipathi yesterday (26) gave evidence before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing political victimisation of the previous Government, accusing several former MPs.

Senadhipathi charged that former MPs Arjuna Ranatunga, Patali Champika Ranawaka, and Dr. Rajitha Seneratne of the previous Government as well as Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)

Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake have colluded to shut down Avant-Garde.

“They did so to gain political mileage and tarnish the image of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa,” Senadhipathi said, giving evidence before the Commission.

Senadhipathi informed the bench that MPs who stand accused by him had attempted to create a negative depiction of current President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

“They tried to make it look like I was favoured by the President who

was the then Defence Secretary. In fact, it was the opposite. I was made to jump through hoops and faced many challenges before I was given approval to establish my maritime security venture; 24 other shipping agents were given approval for the same before me,” he said.

Senadhipathi was summoned before the Commission after he lodged a complaint against the aforementioned Opposition MPs.

Contd. on page 2

Nissanka fires another salvoz Accusations against Champika, Rajitha, Arjuna, and Anura

BY SARAH HANNAN

The Ministry of Education is now facing a lack of funds to allocate to all state schools to build the necessary handwashing facilities and additional amenities, The Morning learnt.

Ministry officials yesterday (26)

had a discussion on the next steps they should take to reopen schools. While practising good hygiene habits is of utmost importance when schools recommence, the Ministry is now faced with a lack of funds to allocate to schools to purchase the necessary amenities.

Contd. on page 2

Education Ministry short of funds

z Difficulty in putting up handwashing facilities

z Unable to assign funds for schools to prepare

Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) Leader and Minister Arumugam Thondaman (55) passed away yesterday after he suffered a heart attack.

Contd. on page 2

Thondaman passes away

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www.themorning.lkwww.aruna.lk

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www.themorning.lkwww.aruna.lk

the morningWednesday, May 27, 2020

2 NEWSContd. from page 1

Cartoon of the day

Oil prices climbed yesterday (26), boosted by increasing faith in the market that producers will stick to commitments to cut crude supply while demand picks up with more cars back on the road as coronavirus lockdowns are eased around the world.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained 3.2%, or $ 1.06, to $ 34.31 a barrel as of 4.29 GMT, just off an intraday high of $ 34.33. There was no WTI settlement on Monday (25) because of the US Memorial Day holiday.

Brent crude futures were up nearly 1.7%, or 59 cents, to $ 36.12, adding to a 1.1%gain on Monday in thin holiday trading.

The market was buoyed by comments from Russia reporting its oil output had nearly dropped to its target of 8.5 million barrels per day (BPD) for May and June under

its supply cut deal with the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) and other leading producers, a grouping known as Opec+.

“There’s definitely a feeling those cuts have come through as well as you could expect,” said Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Senior Commodity Strategist Daniel Hynes.

Opec+ countries are set to meet again in early June to discuss maintaining their supply cuts to shore up prices, which are still down around 45% since the start of the year. The big

producers agreed in April to cut output by nearly 10 million BPD for May and June.

Russia’s Energy Ministry on Monday quoted Minister Alexander Novak as saying a rise in fuel demand should help cut the current global surplus of around 7-12 million BPD by June or July.

“With economies restarting, the focus definitely is on the improvement in the fundamentals, rather than what seemed like a complete collapse in demand only a few weeks ago,” said strategist Hynes.

Meanwhile, data from energy services firm Baker Hughes showed the US’ rig count hitting a record low of 318 in the week to 22 May, also indicating lower output in the future.

(Reuters)

Oil prices on the rise

EASING OF COVID-19 LOCKDOWN

The new normal

Security personnel checked the body temperature of commuters who arrived by train at the Fort Railway Station in Colombo yesterday (26)

Hearings to...The hearing of the petitions

commenced for the sixth consecutive day yesterday before the five-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya and Justices Buwaneka Aluwihare, Sisira de Abrew, Priyantha Jayawardena, and Vijith Malalgoda.

Representing the Attorney General (AG), Deputy Solicitor General (DSG) Demuni De Silva made observations before court.

De Silva extensively explained the President’s power to dissolve Parliament and the continuation of governance afterwards.

The DSG has also cited the outcomes of similar cases that had been taken up by the judiciary in the UK as well as neighbouring India.

However, following the DSG’s submissions, the judges had adjourned sessions and are to recommence hearings at 10 a.m. today.

The seven petitions have been filed by Attorney-at-Law Charitha Gunaratne, the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), journalist Victor Ivan, and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

SJB seeks...The Opposition over the past

several weeks has called on the Government to reconvene Parliament as soon as possible, with the support of all parties represented in the House, and to have the essential expenditure, including the payment of salaries to the public service after 30 April 2020, approved legally and constitutionally.

The Opposition said by virtue of the VOA passed on 23 October 2019, that the Constitution does not give the Government of Sri Lanka the legal right to bear public expenditure after 30 April 2020.

“Therefore, in light of these unprecedented irregularities, the urgent need for their resolution, and Section 4 of the National Audit Act, I would be grateful if you could clarify these issues at your earliest,” the letter has stated.

The group of MPs who handed over the letter to the Auditor General included former MPs Niroshan Perera, Sujith Perera, and Harsha de Silva.

Price hike...“Authorities should take the

necessary steps to monitor the cleanliness of these places and to let them also function,” he noted.

When asked about the percentage or the expected price to be increased, the SLCOA noted that the decision would be taken following a thorough evaluation of the prices of all essentials, and that a final decision had not been taken as yet.

– Maheesha Mudugamuwa

SL mission...The embassy was temporarily

closed last Thursday (21) after five of its Sri Lankan staff members tested positive for Covid-19.

Issuing a press release, the embassy requested visitors to obtain prior appointments by sending an email to consular.slembabudhabi@mfa.gov.lk briefly explaining the requested services from the embassy.

“This is to provide prompt services and to reduce large gatherings within the embassy due to the Covid-19 outbreak. This will also allow us to provide efficient services, less inconveniences to you, and ensure the safety of our community and staff,” the statement read.

“All precursory measures will be followed as per the guidelines of the UAE health authorities and safety operations procedures of the embassy,” the statement added.

Sri Lanka...Additional Secretary to the

President (Foreign Relations) (Retd.) Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage yesterday (26) said that as per the opinion of the medical professionals, the repatriation process has been temporarily suspended until the present reported group was being handled by the health authorities.

According to him, so far, the country had repatriated a total of 5,485 Sri Lankans from over 20 countries.

“When such numbers of persons are being repatriated, the Sri Lankan authorities will have to face practical

difficulties such as whether we have enough quarantine centres and whether we have the ability to conduct PCR tests. We can’t put the lives of Sri Lankans at risk and therefore, the repatriation process would be conducted according to the advice given by the health authorities,” he added.

Accordingly, the special flight scheduled to bring back stranded Sri Lankans from Qatar last morning has been cancelled. A SriLankan Airlines charter flight was previously scheduled to leave the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) at 5.45 a.m. tomorrow (28) to repatriate 273 Sri Lankans from Doha, Qatar.

Over 70 among 466 individuals who were repatriated from Kuwait on 19 May have tested positive for Covid-19. Further, one of the returnees succumbed to the virus on Monday (25), marking Sri Lanka’s 10th death from the disease.

Meanwhile, Director General of Health Services Dr. Anil Jasinghe pointed out that the arrival of a large number of people from foreign countries could be problematic in a context where the issue of the Sri Lanka Navy infections has not been resolved as of yet.

According to Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva, a total of 157 Sri Lankans who returned from overseas have tested positive for Covid-19 so far and out of this total, 90 positive cases were identified as returnees from Kuwait and 18 from Dubai.

In the meantime, 619 coronavirus patients have been detected from the Sri Lanka Navy to date, he said, adding that the community infections count stands at 405.

Sri Lanka’s coronavirus cases count moved up to 1,182 on Monday, following the detection of 41 new coronavirus-positive persons. However, 695 of these patients have recovered completely.

The death toll due to Covid-19 reached 10 as a female, who had been undergoing quarantine at the facility in Trincomalee upon returning from Kuwait, succumbed to the virus on Monday evening.

– Maheesha Mudugamuwa

Six more...The relevant gazette notification

was issued a few days ago.According to the gazette

notification, the following institutions have been brought under the wing of the Defence Ministry: Api Wenuwen Api Fund, National Police Academy, Miloda Academy of Financial Studies, National Authority for Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, Institute of National Security Studies Sri Lanka, Department of Multi-Purpose Development Task Force.

Highest...Epidemiology Unit Chief

Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera, speaking to The Morning said: “When the paddy cultivation cycle starts, we observe an increase in leptospirosis cases. In addition to that, people living in flood-affected areas have a tendency to contract leptospirosis. The Epidemiology Unit has taken the necessary measures to create awareness about preventive measures that can be adopted by high-risk groups. State hospitals in these respective regions have also been directed to provide doxycycline chemoprophylaxis to vulnerable groups.”

A total of 1,860 cases of leptospirosis were reported for the period from 1 January to 21 May throughout the country, with the Ratnapura RDHS reporting the highest number of cases at 467, followed by Galle (200), Kalutara (174), Badulla (131), and Anuradhapura (120).

Unis to...The announcement was made

by University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof. Sampath Amaratunge yesterday (26).

Since mid-March, all universities remained closed as a precautionary measure against the Covid-19 outbreak.

Nissanka fires...Speaking to reporters yesterday

(26) Senadhipathi said he had all the documentation to prove that Avant Garde was a legal business

and that it would have brought in millions of dollars of revenue to the country. Senadhipathi said he plans to commence Avant Garde operations and reinstate the 4,900 jobs lost as a result of its closure.

“I will ensure that compensation is being given to all those who lost their jobs,” Senadhipathi said.

– Skandha Gunasekara

Education...“In order to adhere to the health

guidelines, schools need to be fitted with extra sinks, taps, and water supply. Furthermore, certain schools do not have sick room facilities and even that needs to be built as per the health guidelines issued for schools. The current funds available with the Ministry are insufficient to fulfill this requirement at present,” Ministry of Education Secretary N.H.M. Chithrananda told The Morning.

Ministry officials are to further discuss this issue with respective school administrations in the coming days in order to ensure that a method of raising the necessary funds are decided and the facilities are constructed prior to reopening the schools.

In the meantime, schools will open to fulfil administrative duties such as signing off university prospectus for students who have qualified to enter universities.

In addition to that, students who have qualified for Advanced Level (A/L) studies are encouraged to apply for their selected subject stream online from the respective school websites.

When asked about the upcoming examinations, Chithrananda said that examination dates will be decided once schools reopen for the Grade Five Scholarship examination and G.C.E. A/L examination, both of which are due in August.

Airport to...As a first step in reviving the

country’s tourism industry, the Government decided to permit the reopening of restaurants registered under the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) for in-house dining under strict health guidelines.

62 selectSpeaking to The Morning, CMC

Chief Medical Officer of the Public Health Department Dr. R.L. De S. Wijayamuni said the establishments are required to follow the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, once they commence operations.

“A very few establishments started operations this week, while others have informed that they would commence operations from 1 June onwards. At any given time, the restaurants are only allowed to have half the seating capacity.”

Six units will be deployed to routinely monitor whether the restaurants adhere to the health guidelines, with each unit comprising a medical doctor and 10 public health inspectors (PHI) affiliated to the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) in North Colombo, Central Colombo I, Central Colombo II, Borella, Colombo East, and Colombo West.

The restaurants are advised to take a temperature reading of all customers as well as provide them with sanitising and handwashing facilities. Customers are encouraged to order from the menu rather than going in for the buffet options. The restaurant staff are to wear appropriate personal protective equipment throughout the serving period.

When asked whether eateries would be allowed to commence operations, given that curfew is relaxed and many have returned to workplaces over the past two weeks, Dr. Wijayamuni noted that the CMC is awaiting directives from the Ministry of Health and the Department would allow eateries to commence operations as soon as permission is granted.

– Sarah Hannan

Thondaman...He was admitted to the

Thalangama base hospital where he died.

Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay met with Minister Thondaman yesterday to discuss bilateral co-operation for community development between the two nations while the High Commission posted a photo of the participants on its Twitter account last afternoon.

Coats Digital, the software business of the world’s leading industrial thread company; Res.Q, the enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions provider seeded by the Hirdaramani Group; and Serai Ltd., a tech subsidiary of HSBC have announced a strategic collaboration to digitise the apparel industry.

“Leveraging its unique combined strengths, the partnership will provide companies with access to a range of interconnected digital solutions over a single trusted platform. These solutions will not only provide real-time data and end-to-end transparency across the apparel supply chain, it will also boost efficiencies leading to cost savings, as well as reducing the need for face-to-face contact,” a press release announcing the collaboration stated yesterday (26).

According to a new McKinsey report on the apparel industry, titled “The State of Fashion 2020 Coronavirus Update”, Covid-19 could spur the biggest economic contraction since World War II, hitting every sector from finance to hospitality and apparel. It’s estimated that revenues for the global fashion industry will fall by as much as a third in 2020 due to the dramatic drop in sales.

“The apparel industry has been devastated by knock-on effects of Covid-19 and requires a reset,” said Serai CEO Vivek Ramachandran. “The industry must rebuild relationships and respond to new demand patterns that will emerge as part of the new norm.

This will require retailers, brands, manufacturers, and suppliers to increase their digital engagement, make new connections, share more information, and systematically address pockets of inefficiency across the supply chain.”

The collaboration between Coats Digital, Res.Q, and Serai aims to strengthen relationships between buyers and sellers in the apparel industry. It also strives to reduce inefficiencies by connecting the multiple standalone systems that companies currently use to manage their processes. It is expected that the increased transparency will translate into higher levels of trust between buyers and sellers and improved efficiency, reducing operating costs for participating companies.

“The industry now has to rethink its practices and invest in technology to survive in the new normal,” explained Coats President of Apparel and Footwear Adrian Elliott. “This collaboration defines a journey for digitisation in a connected world to deliver true speed to market and significant cost benefits.”

Serai provides a neutral platform open to all industry participants to connect and access the full range of solutions offered by Coats Digital and Res.Q. The team is also actively exploring risk mitigation and financing propositions that capitalise on the data that emerges from these digital solutions.

By working together, Coats Digital, Res.Q, and Serai aim to help the

apparel industry emerge stronger from the current crisis.

Res.Q CEO Samath Fernando said: “What has accelerated is the need for simplicity in the apparel industry; now more than ever, we are seeing a demand for systems that speak to each other to create transparency and eliminate duplication of work between brand and vendor.”

Coats Digital is the software business of Coats, the world’s leading industrial thread company. Its digital ecosystem of cloud-based solutions support manufacturers by improving costing, planning, control, and order execution processes. This is complemented by supporting brands through high-level planning as well as scientific benchmarking and costing of garments.

Res.Q is a fast-growing suite of solutions focused on digitising the shop floor to address specific pain points not catered to by traditional ERPs. Seeded by Hirdaramani Investments, Res.Q’s premise is to provide actionable insights to CxOs and Front Line associates in order to ensure data-driven decision-making.

Serai is a new technology subsidiary of HSBC, the world’s leading trade bank. It is a platform that brings together buyers and suppliers to build trusted relationships, with an initial focus on the garment and apparel industry. The platform allows industry participants to share relevant data in a highly secure manner with their partners and access a range of digitals solutions.

Coats Digital, Res.Q, and Serai to digitise apparel industry

Sri Lanka’s IT Gallery Computers (Pvt.) Ltd., together with China’s Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. Ltd, recently donated a Hikvision temperature screening thermographic camera to Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. (AASL) in an effort to help identify people with abnormal body temperatures.

The donation took place at the Chairman’s office of the airport premises with the participation of Minister of Industrial Exports and Investment Promotion, and Tourism and Aviation Prasanna Ranatunga and AASL Chairman Major General (Retd.) G.A. Chandrasiri. Shortly after the donation, the IT Gallery team finalised the process by installing the camera at the Premier Gateway of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

IT Gallery is a value-added distributor of many globally renowned brands of ICT products and services in Sri Lanka and the authorised distributor for Hikvision solutions. IT Gallery also holds distributor rights for EAST UPS and power products, Pantum printer products, Lenovo commercial products, A4 Tech computer accessories, G&G printer accessories, and OCEAN multimedia products.

Through this donation, IT Gallery expects to contribute to Covid-19 prevention efforts as this thermographic camera is capable of identifying people with abnormal body temperatures, thereby allowing the airport authorities to take necessary action. IT Gallery also envisions this as a social responsibility to support the country at a time when this pandemic is troubling the

entire world. As a company that believes in disruptive technology, IT Gallery is always focused on empowering Sri Lanka by introducing world’s latest and leading technological solutions.

“As a socially responsible corporate, we are extending our support in this hour of need, introducing latest technology solutions to help BIA. Safety of the people around us is of utmost importance right now as we are wading through tough times, and we need to stay together and support each other if we are to overcome this. We take this moment to honor health officials, armed forces, and other responsible authorities for their great commitment to keep the people safe while ensuring that the country moves forward. We are looking forward to carrying out more similar sustainable initiatives,” said IT Gallery CEO Dilantha Perera.

This thermographic camera is a full standalone solution that combines the storing of the video footage using a Network Video Recorder (NVR) and incorporates two lenses: Thermal lens and optical lens. The thermal lens comes with a high-sensitivity thermal module with 160x120 resolution while the optical lens has a 2688x1520, 4 MP resolution with WDR and an IR distance of 40 m. This particular camera is highly efficient when compared to a thermometer as it is capable of detecting the temperature of 30 individuals at once.

There is also the possibility of seeing both the optical image and the thermal image on the same screen and the footage recorded with each individual’s face, and the detected temperatures are

stored for further analysis. The thermographic camera offers a host of key benefits such as taking only a second to detect skin temperature of a person and using a contact-free measurement which further optimises security. Its in-built alarm system notifies as soon as it detects a person with abnormal temperature and its AI detection minimises false alarms from other heat sources.

“Hikvision temperature screening solutions promise a high accuracy of 0.5C and are reliable and effective, unlike the unbranded thermometers that do not guarantee an accuracy in their readings. Thermometers have their own disadvantages such as time consumption, manual procedure, and not being effective for places with long queues. Hikvision temperature screening solutions come in as ideal replacements for thermometers and are easily deployable and fully automated,” Dilantha further noted.

Hikvision’s skin surface temperature screening portfolio includes thermographic bullet cameras/turret cameras featuring AI detection coupled with Blackbody Calibrator to increase the accuracy from ±0.5°C to ±0.3°C and handheld cameras that can be connected to a PC or smartphone and walk through devices that cater to the multifaceted customer needs. These products are suited for hospitals, schools, factories, supermarkets, and shopping malls.

IT Gallery is always bound to provide best-in-class after-sales services from supplying the products to fixing it and providing further support and repair services through its islandwide partner network.

Minister of Industrial Exports and Investment Promotion, and Tourism and Aviation Prasanna Ranatunga, AASL Chairman Major General (Retd.) G.A. Chandrasiri, AASL Vice Chairman Rajeewasiri Sooriyaarachchi, IT Gallery CEO/Director Dilantha Perera, and IT Gallery Head of Corporate Business Nuwan Perera

IT Gallery Computers donates thermographic camera to BIA

The Kingsbury Colombo and Taj  Samudra, Colombo initiated the delivery service of food and beverages (F&B) to their consumers to generate an alternate source of revenue during the over-two-month curfew that Colombo was subjected to due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In letters addressed to the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), officials from the two hotels had stated that these services, named “The Kingsbury Indulgence” and “Hospitality @ Home”, were introduced to ensure the continuity of their businesses during the pandemic period which began on 20 March in the country.

According to The Kingsbury Chairman Mohan Pandithage, the service was introduced with their guests’ health and safety in mind and catered to guests living in Colombo and its suburbs. He also stated that the hotel ensures all food preparations and deliveries are made under strict observation whilst adhering to the health guidelines.

“As an added safety measure, only the hotel’s employees are

assigned with the delivery tasks without the involvement of any outside parties.”

Pandithage stated that the travel restrictions imposed during the period and the health and safety scares within the country resulted in temporarily halting operations by mid-March as per Government-issued guidelines.

Speaking on the “Hospitality @

Home” service by Taj Samudra, Tal Lanka Hotels PLC Director of Finance Soumitra Ray stated the company commenced its limited operations with an exclusive menu as a takeaway food offering and initiated the delivery of F&B to guests.

He stated that this acted as an alternate source of revenue for the company after business

operations were paralysed, leading to a shutdown of multiple revenue centres in the hotel and loss of revenue by 95%.

“After we identified the available opportunities to help society and stakeholders, both internal and external, the company simultaneously commenced ‘Hospitality @ Home’ and provided meals and offering to

assist in any way possible under the curfew conditions.”

The Government granted permission to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA)-approved hotels and restaurants to serve dine-in guests from this week onwards for the first time since 20 March, effectively opening up more revenue streams for these two hotels, both of which

are SLTDA-approved.The Kingsbury and Taj Samudra

are two leading hotels in Colombo, which significantly depend on room, banquet, and F&B business operations arising from tourists arriving from international locations to Colombo, along with gathering audiences for conferences and social occasions.

– Uwin Lugoda

Kingsbury, Taj Samudra rely on home deliveries during curfew

businessthe morningWednesday, May 27, 2020 3

Former Nations Trust Bank PLC (NTB) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Renuka Fernando has been appointed the Chairperson/Non-Independent, Non-Executive Director of Dialog Finance PLC, the financial services subsidiary of Dialog Axiata PLC.

At the time of the appointment, Fernando was serving as the Group Chief Digital Services Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC (Dialog). She has business experience spanning 39 years in the banking sector. Prior to joining Dialog in April 2020, she headed NTB as the Director/CEO from 2012 to 2020 and has

played a pivotal role in bringing the organisation to where it is today. During her stint with NTB, she played many senior leadership roles including Deputy CEO, Deputy General Manager (GM) – Retail and Consumer

Banking, and Assistant GM – Corporate Financial Solutions.

Prior to joining NTB, Fernando held the positions of Vice President/Head of Global Transactional Services and Head of Consumer Banking at ABN AMRO Bank N.V. Sri Lanka. She has also worked at Banque Indosuez (Sri Lanka) Manager – Corporate Banking and Nederlandsche Middenstandsbank (Hong Kong).

In addition to playing key leadership roles in the corporate sector, Fernando functions as the Vice President of the American

Chamber of Commerce and has previously served as the Director of LankaClear (Pvt.) Ltd. and Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Banks’ Association (SLBA). She is also an associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in the UK and an alumni of the Advanced Management Programme at Harvard Business School.

Dialog Finance is registered by the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) under the Finance Companies Act No. 78 of 1988. This appointment was effective from 22 May 2020 and has been approved by the Central Bank.

Former NTB CEO Renuka Fernando to head Dialog Finance

Newly appointed Dialog Finance Chairperson Renuka Fernando

the morningWednesday, May 27, 2020

4

brunch

Dr. Dineshani Hettiarachchi MBBS, MSc Regenerative Medi-cine, MCGP, SEDA (UK). Dr. Hettiarachchi is a family physician and a lecturer at the Department of Anatomy and Human Genetics Unit, Faculty of Medicine at the

University of Colombo. Email Dr. Hettiarachchi on dineshani@anat.cmb.ac.lk if you have any more questions you’d like answered here.

ANSWERED BYThere could be several reasons for dry eyes. The commonest reason is decreased tear production, due to either ageing, underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid problems, autoimmune conditions, etc. Your tears play an important role in keeping your eyes from drying out. Hence, if you don’t make a sufficient amount of tears, your eyes can get dry and irritated.

When tear production is weak,

it’s called dry eye syndrome, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). You need to see an ophthalmologist to rule out any underlying cause for this condition if it doesn’t go away. They may prescribe

artificial tears to keep your eyes lubricated and moist. With age, sometimes the lacrimal (tear) gland doesn’t function as efficiently as it used to; also with age, your eyelids begin to sag. This can make the moisture evaporate causing your eyes to dry up fast. Sometimes even after eye surgery some may experience dry eyes. Side effects of certain drugs like antihistamines may also be one reason.

A a doctorASKI have

suddenly developed dry eyes, what could be the reason?

Q

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE

Embark is inviting all dog lovers to come and join them in making a difference in the life of a Sri Lankan street dog.

On 27, 28, and 29 May, at the Embark headquarters at No. 73, Jawatte Road, Colombo 5 from 3 to 5 p.m., they will be hosting adoption days for anyone who would be interested in providing a loving home for an unfortunate street pooch.

We spoke to Embark Operations Manager S. Praveen with regards to the event, and he shared that due to lockdown, there have been many pooches that were unable to find homes, and they hope to change that with this event.

He also shared that due to the uncertain curfew situation in the country, despite the curfew being lifted, many may have travel restrictions and difficulties; for such persons, Embark will bring the pooch to their homes, where they can carry out their registration process.

The puppies you will be adopting will have had a full medical checkup and will be receiving all up-to-date vaccinations, a further three month checkup, and any medical needs they may have upon the date of adoption.

Embark also requires that the home the puppies will be taken into are suitable locations, and that the homes will not hinder their growth

and happiness. The registration process requires confirmation on whether you are planning to travel abroad any time soon and other requirements such as having a garden space for the pooch to play in.

They will question whether you are staying for rent or living in an apartment which would be factored into whether you can accommodate a pooch. Following the adoption, Embark will do a physical follow-up of your adopted pooch’s condition after sometime to ensure that you have given them a good home.

Praveen shared that they are hopeful that people will come in or at least call in with the hopes of adopting a puppy.

For adoptions or more information

Make them happyEmbark – adopt a pup

0777 740 129

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE

The Bad Take podcast, hosted by journalist and writer/editor Himal Kotelawala and Bear Appeal Co-founder Thamara Kandabada, has gained some traction, amassing a considerable number of listeners since its inception in September 2018.

Covering a range of conversational topics, primarily pop culture and science, but also seeping in and out of politics, it’s grown in popularity and has attracted a number of interesting guests over the time it has been on air.

We spoke to both Thamara and Himal about how they got started and what their plans are for the future with this project, about which both of them shared that as for their future plans, they just want to tape a new episode considering that they haven’t done one in quite some time due to social distancing.

“We didn’t try recording online; I don’t think it would be an enjoyable listening experience as the audio quality won’t be that good,” said Himal, stating that once curfew has been fully lifted, they will get started on a new episode.

About the podcast’s origins, both Himal and Thamara shared that they really just sort of fell into it, as they had discussed the possibility of starting one and Himal actually having recorded one himself, following which Thamara reached out expressing that he

should continue. This then went from being a meetup at Lanka Comic

Con to a discussion about the logistics of a podcast, and then to a taping of their first episode at Bear Appeal, as their somewhat

makeshift studio. About when they first started,

Thamara said: “At first we brought in a few guests who were our friends, but as the podcast went on, we

started to seek out guests to be featured.”

While the project has no sponsors as of yet, Thamara

shared that they did start a “Patreon”, and as of now have a few patrons who have been gracious enough to offer their

support – https://www.patreon.com/thebadtake.

If you’re interested in checking out The Bad Take podcast, we asked Himal what would be a good starting point to choose from amongst their 22 current episodes, to which he recommended their episode titled “On Digital Demons”, and if you are interested maybe their interview with astronomer Mahesh Herath.

www.thebadtake.com.

Himal Kotelawala

Thamara Kandabada

Check The Bad Take podcast out here

Get the latest updates by following them on

https://twitter.com/thebadtake

Women Empowered Global (WEG), a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering women through education, leadership, career, and entrepreneurial programmes, will host a webinar on “Women Leadership in the Post-Covid Economic Rev-Up” on 30 May at 3 p.m.

The webinar will feature WEG Chief Executive Officer Senela Jayasuriya, Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairperson Chathuri Ranasinghe, Global WiLat (South Asia) Vice Chairperson Gayani De Alwis, Hatton National Bank (HNB) Chief Transformation Officer Chiranthi Cooray, and John Keells IT Chief Marketing and Alliances Officer Rohan Jayaweera. The speakers will discuss the role female entrepreneurs, business leaders, and workforce will play in the revival of Sri Lanka’s economy as the country looks to reopen post the Covid-19 lockdown.

Access to the webinar is completely free of charge. Interested participants can register at

WEG to host webinar on ‘Women’s Leadership

in Post-Covid Economic Rev-Up’

Senela Jayasuriya

Chathuri Ranasinghe

Chiranthi Cooray

Gayani De Alwis

Rohan Jayaweera

www.womenempoweredglobal.

com/paneltalks.

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE

On 14 May, the Old Joes Choir (OJC) premiered their very own rendition of World in Union, the theme song for the Rugby World Cup since its first release in 1991.

The project proved to be a most ambitious venture as the group had recruited an astounding 105 members of the choir, both past and present, from around the world to participate.

The song, which is reflective of its attempts to capture the spirit of international friendship, proved to be an apt choice as the OJC brought together their brightest minds to compose, arrange, and direct the entire production, while including both young and old Joes from around the world, allowing them the opportunity to be a part of something memorable.

“Dedicated to every Sri Lankan around the world doing their part in the face of this pandemic”, the new choral arrangement for Charlie Skarbek’s original composition was courtesy of OJC’s Deshan Cooray, along with music direction by Geethika Cooray, video production by Chamara Perera, and audio engineering by Denham Hakel.

Speaking to Russel Valentine, one of the choral leaders for the project, The Morning Brunch learnt that all technical aspects of the project were handled by currently active members of the group

and that the participating group grew in number as the plan unravelled itself. Also, a sustainable idea was formulated which did not require a high level of commitment for most, and the majority of the fine tuning and technical work were done in post, behind the scenes. “We’re truly humbled and overwhelmed by the response so far!” he said.

Interestingly, Geethika shared how the core organising group was able to put together instructional videos which worked as the main guide for those who

will be submitting their video clips; once all the submissions were finally in, the content was painstakingly downloaded – employing runners in the middle of a pandemic to transfer large data files – and put together by their audio engineer.

The OJC was formed in 1997 and has since evolved into a collective specialising in choral classical and contemporary music. The choir, being a nonprofit alumni men’s choral group, has maintained an active presence in the island with their concerts and various

musical projects.Ashen and Jeremy, who were also a

part of the project team, shared that the collective has always made attempts to create as a group every now and then, adding that they had originally planned for a concert for later this year which, of course, they were forced to cancel considering the current situation. The group also credited Shanaka, Rehan, and Dino who were a part of the project as well.

Ransika and Prakash, who are also

choir leaders, further added that the purpose of this project itself was to share a strong message of hope, positivity, and unity. And in doing so, they were able to bring together their own network of members scattered around the globe, allowing some of the younger members an invaluable opportunity to perform with some of their seniors.

The ambitious nature of the project also allowed the opportunity to showcase technical knowhow and resources available to the group and the skilled nature of the younger members, while also helping groom soft skills in putting together a project of this caliber.

The project has since proven to be a success as it makes its rounds on the interweb, amassing a considerable number of views and gaining traction as times goes on, but most importantly it stands in example as a symbol of unity and hope for our little island that must now adjust to the “new normal” and keep moving forward.

World in Union by Old Joes Choir

Dedicated to every Sri Lankan around the worldAudio Engineering - Denham Hakel

Choir Leaders: Ransika Fonseka, Russel Valentine, and Prakash Fernando

Video Production - Chamara Perera

@TheOldJoesChoir

@theoldjoeschoir

The Old Joes’ Choir

Project Team

Project Team

Choral Direction - Geethika Cooray

sportsthe morning

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Bournemouth keeper tests positiveEnglish Premier League’s southern coastal city club Bournemouth’s goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale yesterday (26) said he was one of two individuals to test positive for coronavirus in the latest round of the League’s tests. A total of 996 players and staff of the club were tested last week, BBC reported.

Saliva ban can make cricket boringCricket runs the risk of producing “boring” contests, losing followers of the game, and reducing the number of young aspirants to bowl fast if a better balance is not struck between bat and ball, argued Aus speedster Mitchell Starc in the media yesterday (26). It was his reaction to the interim ruling offered by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to ban saliva from shining the ball during the pandemic. The measure is needed to be counterbalanced by another measure, Starc has argued.

Ryder Cup is out tooRory McIlroy believes this year’s Ryder Cup will be postponed until 2021. The Northern Irishman is one of the number of players who previously called for the biennial event between Europe and the US not to be played this year if spectators are not able to attend.

International football governing body FIFA on Monday (25) banned Yves Jean-Bart, the President of the Haitian Football Federation (FHF), from all football-related activities for 90 days as it investigates claims of sexual misconduct.

Jean-Bart is provisionally suspended by the investigatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee following multiple allegations of sexual abuse, Inside the Games reported yesterday (26).

Alleged for threatening victims

Alleged victims say they have received death threats since the accusations were made public last month.

FIFA is investigating allegations that Jean-Bart committed multiple acts of criminal sexual abuse within the last five years at Haiti’s national training complex.

That training centre, opened in 2001, was funded by FIFA.

FIFA is concernedJean-Bart, also known as

“Dadou”, has been FHF President since 2000.

Both Jean-Bart and the FHF have strenuously denied allegations that he coerced multiple players at the centre into having sex, although fresh allegations have been made since the first batch emerged in The Guardian in England.

z FIFA suspends Haiti Football Chief

Haiti Football Chief Yves Jean-Bart was provisionally suspended by FIFA following multiple allegations of sexual abuse

Amid investigation on sexual abuse

World Rugby's executive committee will consider recommendations this week that could help significantly reduce the risk of coronavirus in the sport, BBC said yesterday (26).

Measures such as limiting face-to-face contact, reducing time in scrums, and hygiene procedures will be reviewed.

Open to unions' interpretations

However, radical changes to the laws, such as eliminating scrums completely, would not apply to the elite game.

Any guidance from World Rugby would also be open to interpretation and implementation by individual unions.

Risk lower than expectedThis would be based on their

Government's advice and the prevalence of the virus in their territory.

Research conducted by rugby's top medical authorities has found that the sport's high-risk event exposure might be lower than widely expected.

World Rugby recommendations this week

Things are certainly not okay between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The situation seems to be going from bad to worse with the world body now threatening to terminate the agreement with BCCI for hosting the T20 World Cup in India in 2021.

According to a report published in The Times of India, ICC and BCCI have been exchanging ugly emails over completion of tax exemption formalities. The issue has led ICC to finally invoke clause of the agreement via which they are entitled to terminate the Host Agreement with BCCI with immediate effect.

ICC and BCCI relations turn sourer

Last weekend, Bundesliga, the football league in Germany, became the first major sports activity to resume from any part of the world. Whilst there were major changes as to how the matches were conducted as well as the rigid medical controls surrounding them, this could, in theory, become the blueprint for the major sports activities to resume, going forward in other countries. With the “Serie A” in Italy and the Premier League in England also exploring ways and due to resume shortly, it is worthwhile to examine just exactly how the matches in Germany were conducted last week.

No fans allowedNo fans were allowed inside the grounds.

They were also not allowed to congregate near the grounds to welcome their team bus as is the usual custom. But, of course, some enterprising fans rode on their bicycles and waited along the road to cheer their team on as they were on their way to the stadium.

Limited number of journalists allowedIn normal circumstances, there would be

literally hundreds of accredited journalists at each of the matches. But in this case, the numbers were limited and they were also subject to strict health control tests such as a

temperature check. Masks were compulsory and you were given one, if you didn’t have one.

Strict instructions for players on field

All players on the field were under strict

instructions that they could not spit anywhere on the field. Also, they could not celebrate a goal by hugging or have any celebrations involving physical touching. This particular instruction led to some innovative, strange, and also, in some cases, quite awkward on-field celebrations.

Social distancing off fieldAll players and officials had to be at a social

distance off the field at all times. For example, the substitutes had to be seated the required distance apart. This included the assistant coaches as well. All of them were required to wear masks. Even players coming off the field after being substituted had to wear masks. Not exactly an easy task when you are breathing heavily after physical exertion.

Eerie silence in the stadiumThe matches were played in eerily silent,

multi-thousand-seater stadiums. In fact, there were times when it was possible to hear the players striking the ball as there were no other sounds in the stadium. It was also possible to pick up the instructions of the coaches as well as the words being exchanged by the players. In some instances, the exchanges had been quite fruity and feisty as well!

Strange silence at the endNormally, the end of a football match

would be greeted with an almighty roar

from the fans of the winning side. In this situation, the end of the match was very strange with the players not knowing what to do since they were not even allowed to shake hands with each other. But at least the Dortmund players saw the lighter side of it by going to the end where their supporters would normally be, and saluting their “yellow wall” although the stadium was fully empty.

Way forwardYes, it was strange and at times almost

awkward. And it was different from the “normal” as we knew it to be. But the clubs are looking at innovative ways to overcome the lack of fans and the lack of atmosphere in the stadiums. Some clubs will stuff the seats with cardboard cutouts of fans and others will have fan sounds blaring over their sound systems. But perhaps the best innovative idea might have come from the Danish football club Aarhus, who has floated the idea of “building” a virtual football stadium using Zoom. (More about those ideas will be discussed next week.)

With such innovations and actions being considered, this new model could become the “new normal” for quite some time to come. But at least we have got a start somewhere now. The world was watching and the Bundesliga managed to pull it off successfully in the first weekend.

The coming weeks will bring more challenges to international sports.

The Bundesliga blueprint

RB Leipzig versus Mainz game of the Bundesliga played on Sunday (24) at Opel Arena in Mainz, Germany was different as the broadcasters had experimented with adding in fake crowd and fake noise to make the game feel more natural

by Dinith Pathi

SPORTS WATCH

BY REVATHA S. SILVA AND GAYASHAN WITHANARACHCHI

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) yesterday (26) suspended with immediate effect Shehan Madushanka from all forms of cricket, which resulted in the player losing his annual contract with SLC, pending an inquiry.

The decision was taken following the player being arrested by the Pannala Police on Saturday (23) in possession of over 2 g of heroin.

This will lead to a considerable time in remand custody for the player. In addition, the national anti-doping body is likely to ban Madushanka for at least four years, its sources told The Morning Sports.

SLC added the following in a communique yesterday: He has been later sent on remand custody for alleged possession of illegal drugs. The decision to suspend will remain intact until a full inquiry is conducted by the SLC into the matter.

“When you’re suspended, your contract also gets suspended automatically. The ex-co make their official announcement over the issue on Friday (29),” said SLC CEO Ashley de Silva.

Madushanka cuts a bizarre case where an incumbent national player becoming a heroin addict.

As the judiciary plus the SLC and the national anti-doping body are contemplating heavy punishment on him, the issue is also reflective of the discipline and commitment

of the young player as well as possible limitations in the ongoing coaching regime of the youngsters.

Another source in the know of the domestic cricket situation said Madushanka’s addiction has been known for a while and he has been asked by his coaches and colleagues to stop the habit that has now cost the youngster’s career and reputation.

MADUSHANKATriple-disaster awaits hat-trick boy

Madushanka could never make a comeback

Devapurage Shehan Madushanka Kumara, born on 10 May 1995, emerged from Pannala, Kurunegala as a right-arm fast-medium bowler during 2016-17. A past pupil of Joseph’s Vas College, Wennappuwa, he represented many district and provincial teams while showing promise playing in many premier clubs including the Tamil Union.

Madushanka came into the limelight when he took a match-winning hat-trick in his debut match, a tri-series final in January 2018 in Dhaka against Bangladesh. He played two T20Is during the same tour before suffering an injury that caused the eventuality of Madushanka losing his position in the Sri Lanka team. He has been on the annual contract of SLC since May 2018.