ADVERSE WEATHER

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) states that 10,359 people belonging to 2,716 families in 11 districts have been affected by adverse weather-related disasters since 4 August due to the activation of the southwest monsoon.

Disasters have been reported from the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Kurunegala, and Puttalam Districts.

Contd. on page 2

Over 10,000 people affected

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

20,309,019DEATHS

740,194RECOVERD

13,228,557

CASES DEATHSUSA 5,253,766 166,274 BRAZIL 3,057,470 101,857 INDIA 2,287,511 45,550RUSSIA 897,599 15,131 S. AFRICA 563,598 10,621242

DEATHS

11RECOVERED

2,622

ACTIVE CASES TOTAL CASES

2,875 � Quarantine Unit

0112 112 705

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� 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 4.30 P.M. ON 11 AUGUST 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

epaper.themorning.lkepaper.aruna.lk

www.themorning.lkwww.aruna.lk

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2020

BY SARAH HANNAN

A total of 19,000 Sri Lankan migrant workers have already been repatriated, and another 50,000 more are expected to return to Sri Lanka under the repatriation programme carried out by the Government of Sri Lanka.

Speaking to The Morning, President

for Foreign Relations Additional Secretary Admiral Jayanath Colombage noted: “As of today (yesterday), we have repatriated Sri Lankan migrant workers from 93 countries, with over 50,000 more registered to return to the country given the present global health emergency caused by Covid-19 and the looming financial crisis that

many countries have projected, forcing many of these migrant workers out of their work.”

The repatriation process was temporarily halted with the country preparing for the general election on 30 July and recommenced after a week’s lapse on 8 August.

Contd. on page 2

REPATRIATION OF SRI LANKAN MIGRANT WORKERS

50,000 more expected to return

The Election Commission (EC) has published the extraordinary gazette notification containing the names of 19 Members of Parliament (MPs), who were selected for National List seats at the 2020 general election.

Contd. on page 2

Mayor of Kurunegala Thushara Sanjeewa Witharana has filed a writ application before the Court of Appeal requesting the suspension of the arrest warrant issued on him by the Kurunegala Magistrate’s Court.

The Kurunegala Magistrate on 6 August issued arrest warrants

on the Kurunegala Mayor, the Municipal Commissioner, Engineer, and two others in the case filed over demolishing Buwaneka Hotel, a building of historical value in Kurunegala.

Mahinda Rajapaksa assumed duties as the 13 Prime Minister of Sri Lanka yesterday (11) at Temple trees in the presence of family, party members, the clergy, and well-wishers

PHOTO LALITH PERERA

A FRESH START

Former Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Japan Prof. Dammika Ganganath Dissanayake passed away yesterday (11) while receiving treatment at Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama.

Contd. on page 2

Prof. Dhammika Ganganath no more

The disputed National List seat of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) was finally resolved with the name of T. Kalai Arasan from the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) being gazetted by the Election Commission (EC).

Contd. on page 2

Roughly 20 parliamentarians have registered via the newly set up online portal for registration, The Morning learnt.

Parliament Deputy Secretary General and Chief of Staff Neil Iddawela said that as at 4.30 p.m. last evening (11), over 20 MPs had registered.

“More than 20 new MPs have registered by 4.30 this (last) evening including Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa,” Iddawela said.

Contd. on page 2

20 MPs including PM register

ONLINE REGISTRATION OF MPS

Three parties gazetted

DEMOLITION OF KING’S COURT

Kurunegala Mayor challenges arrest warrant

The final decision of the United National Party (UNP) National List member is to be taken either today (12) or on Friday (14), UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said yesterday (11).

He told The Morning that a decision had not been made as yet and he was

hopeful of taking a decision within the next few days.

Earlier, it was speculated that UNP Legal Secretary Nissanka Nanayakkara will be appointed to Parliament through the solitary National List allocation.

Contd. on page 2

NATIONAL LIST

UNP still undecided

BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA

Convicted Parliamentarian Premalal Jayasekara could attend parliamentary sessions only upon court approval, The Morning reliably learnt.

Parliament Deputy Secretary General and Chief of Staff

Neil Iddawela said that the incarcerated Parliamentarian

must first make a request from Parliament as well as the judiciary.

“He must first make a request from us as well as from the courts. Upon approval, he will be allowed to attend parliamentary sittings.”

He went on to say that it would be up to the court on how the Parliamentarian is allowed to attend.

“Whether he’s given bail or otherwise will depend on the court, which will in turn decide if he is escorted by an armed guard as done with those in prison.”

DEATH ROW MP ELECTED TO PARLIAMENT

Court approval required to attend sessions

ALLEGED DEATH OF UNDERWORLD LEADER

DNA samples to India BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA

DNA samples have been collected and will be sent to India this week by the Sri Lanka Police to confirm

the identity of notorious underworld kingpin Lasantha Perera alias “Angoda Lokka”, who is alleged to have died in India, The Morning learnt.

Contd. on page 2

z Probe continues to identify Angoda Lokka

The National People's Power (NPP) is yet to finalise the Member of Parliament they will appoint from the single national seat that is allotted to them, The Morning reliably learnt.

Contd. on page 2

All newly elected parliamentarians had till the first sitting of the new Parliament to declare their assets.

Elections Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake told The Morning that it was a prerequisite to entering Parliament.

“They have to declare their assets by the first sitting of Parliament, according to the law.”

Contd. on page 2

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES DECLARATION

Elected MPs given 20 Aug. deadline

NPP proposesDr. Harini Amarasuriya

TNA dispute resolvedThe Election Commission

(EC) has decided not to gazette a name from the Our People's Power Party (OPPP) until a thorough study is being

done to evaluate the legality of the current situation.

Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2

EC withholds OPPP nominee

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa registering via the newly set up portal

Mahinda Deshapriya

Former MP Mervin Silva's son Malaka Silva was arrested yesterday (11), The Morning learnt.

He was arrested by the Thalangama Police for demanding cash and threatening another person with death, the Police Media Division stated.

Malaka Silva arrested

the morningWednesday, August 12, 2020

2

NEWS

Cartoon of the day

Contd. from page 1

The Lebanese Prime Minister announced his Government’s resignation on Monday (10), saying a huge explosion that tore through Beirut and caused public outrage was the result of endemic corruption.

While the move by Prime Minister Hassan Diab attempted to respond to popular anger about the 4 August blast, many Lebanese calling for a complete overhaul of the political establishment will not be placated.

In Paris, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian urged the swift formation of a new government, saying people’s hopes for reform and governance needed to be heard. The detonation at a port warehouse of what authorities said was more than 2,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate killed at least 163 people, injured more than 6,000, and destroyed swathes of the Mediterranean capital, compounding months of political and economic meltdown.

“Today we follow the will of the people in their demand to hold accountable those responsible for the disaster that has been in hiding for seven years and their desire for real change,” Diab said in a speech announcing the resignation. The resignation plunged Lebanese politics deeper into turmoil and may further hamper already stalled talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on a financial rescue plan.

The talks, launched in May, were put on hold due to inaction on reforms and a row between the Government, banks, and politicians over the scale of vast financial losses.

Diab said that corruption did not stop at Beirut Port but was “spread throughout the country’s political and administrative landscape” under the protection of a “class controlling the fate” of the country. President Michel Aoun asked Diab’s

Government – formed in January with support from the powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah group and its allies – to stay as a caretaker until a new cabinet is formed.

Ahead of Diab’s announcement, demonstrations broke out for a third day in central Beirut, with some protesters hurling rocks at security forces guarding an entrance leading to Parliament, who responded with tear gas.

PressureFor many ordinary Lebanese, the explosion

was the last straw in a protracted crisis over the collapse of the economy, corruption, waste, and dysfunctional governance, and they have taken to the streets demanding root-and-branch change.

“The entire regime needs to change. It will make no difference if there is a new government,” Joe Haddad, a Beirut engineer, told Reuters. “We need quick elections.”

The system of government requires Aoun to consult with parliamentary blocs on who should be the next prime minister, and he is obliged to designate the candidate with the greatest level of support among parliamentarians.

Forming a government amid factional rifts has been daunting in the past. Now with growing public discontent with the ruling elite over the blast and a crushing financial crisis, it could be difficult to find a candidate willing to be prime minister. After former Premier Saad Hariri stepped down in October 2019 amid anti-government protests over perceived corruption, it took over two months to form Diab’s Government.

Diab said on Saturday (8) that he would request early parliamentary elections.

Lebanese Govt. resigns amid fury over Beirut blast

Demonstrations broke out in central Beirut following the blast

The US Government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), awarded $ 1.5 million to the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement to support local community leaders in developing emergency response and mitigation strategies in disaster-prone areas across Sri Lanka. The new funding will strengthen community resilience and improve co-ordination between local stakeholders and international relief agencies over two years.

“For more than three decades, the US Government and the American people have provided disaster assistance to Sri Lanka. Those initiatives saved lives, alleviated suffering, and reduced the social and economic impact of disasters, and I am proud to say that the US remains committed to strengthening Sri Lanka’s disaster management capabilities over the coming years,” said US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alaina B. Teplitz. Specific

activities under the grant to the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement will focus on community-led disaster mitigation activities, disaster management training, and public awareness campaigns on disaster risks.

The US Government also awarded $ 550,000 to the UN World Food Programme (WFP) recently to strengthen disaster management capacity in Sri Lanka. That funding will support technical assistance to government disaster management

authorities in developing national-level contingency plans, leading disaster response simulations, and improving communications, co -ord ina t ion , and information management.

In June 2020, the US Government also provided 160 rolls of plastic sheeting and 2,400 water containers to the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement to enable emergency response ahead of the monsoon and inter-monsoon seasons in Sri Lanka.

The US Government, through USAID, has been supporting the Government and the people of Sri Lanka for more than three decades to prepare for, respond to, and recover from humanitarian crises.

During the last five years alone, it has invested more than $ 7 million.

US assists disaster management

50,000 more...Admiral Colombage, when inquired

whether there were any restrictions for specific countries in repatriating Sri Lankans who were stranded due to the loss of their jobs, refuted the speculations, noting that the Government of Sri Lanka will continue to operate flights and make necessary arrangements to bring back all who are registered to return.

However, the exact completion date of the repatriation process has not been decided due to logistical issues faced by Sri Lanka as well as the countries looking to send the Sri Lankan workers back to Sri Lanka

Kurunegala...The Attorney General (AG) had directed

the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) to obtain warrants from court to arrest the said individuals.

Three days later, on 10 August, the arrest warrants were re-issued by the Kurunegala Magistrate as the Kurunegala Police failed to execute the warrants previously issued for the arrests.

The building in question, also known as Buwaneka Hotel, dates back to the 13th Century and is presumed to be the assembly hall used by the contemporary rulers.

On 16 July, the Mayor of Kurunegala demolished the said building for a road development project. He stated that the Road Development Authority (RDA) gave its approval for the demolition.

The Department of Archaeology then filed a complaint claiming that the building demolished by the Kurunegala Mayor is a 13th-Century King’s Court.

This site of archaeological value has been listed under the provisions of the Antiquities Ordinance No. 9 of 1940.

A five-member committee was then formed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Cultural, and Religious Affairs, under the directives of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, to look into the incident.

In the meantime, AG Dappula de Livera, on 23 July, obtained an order from the Kurunegala Magistrate’s Court to protect and prevent access to the demolished historical building site pending investigations.

The prevention order was issued against the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Kurunegala, Municipal Councillors, Municipal Commissioner, and Engineer – Municipal Council Staff, and their representatives.

On 28 July, the Kurunegala Magistrate ordered the Mayor of Kurunegala to hand over all documents pertaining to the demolished building to the safe custody of the court.

Furthermore, the Kurunegala Magistrate has called for all the documents and minutes of the City Development Committee from the Governor of the North Western Province.

Over 10,000...The highest number of victims is in the

Ratnapura District where 5,274 persons belonging to 1,396 families were affected. The Colombo District had 2,600 persons belonging to 662 families affected by adverse weather-related incidents.

Fourteen people were injured due to heavy rain, winds, and tree falls. Thirty-four houses were completely damaged while 2,577 houses were partially damaged. Eighteen commercial properties had been partially damaged while four critical infrastructures sustained damage as well.

Three sluice gates of the Kotmale Gamini Dissanayake Reservoir were opened due to heavy rains, according to Engineer in Charge of the reservoir R.M.S. Wathsala, who noted: “The sluice gates of the reservoir were opened after two years. As the sluice gates of the reservoir were opened, the road was closed on Monday (10) as the riverside footbridge was submerged.”

Two sluice gates of the Upper Kotmale Reservoir opened automatically due to heavy rains that prevailed from Sunday (9) morning through Monday (10) morning, causing the water levels in St. Clair and Devon Falls to increase.

– Sarah Hannan

Elected MPs...He said that MPs could declare assets

with the Parliament Secretariat. In addition, Ratnayake said that candidates

who were not elected to Parliament but had still failed to make their asset declarations had till the 6th of next month.

“Candidates who contested but didn’t make it to Parliament have three months to declare their assets. They have till 6 September.”

– Skandha Gunasekara

DNA samples...The Coimbatore City Police in India had

recently confirmed the death of the Sri Lankan underworld kingpin, in the city where he was living in hiding for at least three years.

Police Spokesman SSP Jaliya Senaratne said the fingerprint records necessary to

confirm the death have already been sent to India’s Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID) though the Indian High Commission in Colombo.

He told The Morning that necessary steps are being taken on a diplomatic level through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to confirm the death, and that all the related information that can be provided from Sri Lanka has already been provided through the Indian High Commission.

According to him, so far no official confirmation has been received that Lasantha Perera alias

Angoda Lokka had died in India.According to the Coimbatore Police, the

individual alleged to be Angoda Lokka had died under suspicious circumstances on 3 July and three persons were arrested in connection with his death.

As per India media reports, two women including a Sri Lankan national and a man from Erode – namely Sivagama Sundari (37), Dhyaneswaran (32) and Amani Dhanji (27) – were arrested for forging identity papers for Angoda Lokka and cremating him.

After Angoda Lokka allegedly died on 3 July, the three accused submitted forged papers in his name to facilitate his cremation. Dhanji, the Sri Lankan national, was living with Angoda Lokka in the city.

Prof. Dhammika...Prof. Dissanayake has served as the

Chairman of the Independent Television Network (ITN) of Sri Lanka and an Associate Professor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

He served as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (state television), Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), and Chairman of the LankaPuvath News Agency from 2002-2003.

He also held the post of Head of Mass Communications and Sinhalese Unit of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura from 2010-2013.

On 19 September 2015, he assumed duties as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sri Lanka to Japan.

Prof. Dissanayake has authored a number publications – including in the areas of mass communication, contemporary Sinhala cinema, and political communication – as well as the popular publication series Pani Walalu.

In 1982, he obtained a BA (First Class) in Japanese Studies from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. After completing his Master’s in Mass Communications at Tsukuba University in Japan in 1990, he obtained his PhD from Tokai University, Japan in 1993.

He was conferred the Hidoyoshi Mimisu Award in 1999 by Japan, taking into account his outstanding services for mass media studies. He was also granted honorary awards from the University of Hakuo, Japan in 1989, 1998, and 1990. He was awarded the Mathshumaye Cultural Award from the University of Tokai, Japan in 1993.

EC withholds...In a letter written to OPPP General Secretary

Ven. Vedhanigama Wimalatissa Thera, EC Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya has stressed that the decision has been made by considering the two nominations received for one National List seat obtained by the OPPP.

Two names have been proposed for the National List portfolio, one by Wimalatissa Thera, of himself, as the Secretary of the Party, and later, Saman Perera had been nominated by Nishantha Ratnayake, the new Secretary of the OPPP appointed on 7 August by removing Wimalatissa Thera, the letter stated.

TNA dispute...The decision was confirmed when the

National List Members of Parliament (MPs) of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), ITAK, and Ahila Ilankai Thamil Congress (AITC) were gazetted yesterday (11).

ITAK, being the main political party of the TNA, was accused of not seeking the views over the National List seat from the other parties that make up the TNA.

The disagreement occurred after a consensus was reached to give the TNA’s National List seat to the Ampara District. However later on, the decision was changed and it was communicated that ITAK Leader Mavai Senathirajah should be nominated for the National List seat.

Last weekend, ITAK General Secretary K. Thurai Rajasingham announced that the post of National List MP for the ITAK would be given to Kalai Arasan, who contested and lost the last election from the Ampara District.

At the same time, another group in the TNA announced that Senathirajah should be given the post. Senathirajah, who contested from the Jaffna District during this general election, was defeated. Therefore, the TNA was adamant that he should be sent to Parliament through the National List.

However, the Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation (TELO) and the People’s Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam

(PLOTE) said that neither Kalai Arasan nor Senathirajah had been consulted on the proposal.

TELO Leader Selvam Adaikalanathan said that TNA Leader R. Sampanthan had not held any discussions regarding which member would be appointed through the National List.

Meanwhile, PLOTE Leader Dharmalingam Siddharthan said that the three main parties of the TNA should come together and discuss such an important decision.

PLOTE was of the view that Senathirajah should be the National List MP.

– Sarah Hannan

20 MPs...As an upgrade to the overall system, and

also as a coronavirus precautionary measure, Parliament has set up an all-new digital registration platform for parliamentarians.

The digital system allows MPs to send their personal details to Parliament via an online portal hosted on the official website of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

– Skandha Gunasekara

Three parties...The document has listed 17 National List

parliamentarians from Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and one each from Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) and Ahila Ilankai Thamil Congress (AITC).

The gazetted names of the National List MPs of the above mentioned political parties are as follows:

SLPP� Prof. G.L. Pieris � Attorney-at-Law Sagara Kariyawasam � Former CBSL Governor Ajith

Nivard Cabraal � President’s Counsel Mohomed Ali Sabry � President’s Counsel Jayantha Weerasinghe � Retd. teaching instructor Manjula

Wijekoon Dissanayake � Senior Prof. Ranjith Bandara � Prof. Charitha Herath � Activist Gevindu Kumaratunga � Former MP Mohamed Mussammil � Prof. Tissa Vitharana � Eng. Yadamini Gunawardena � Dr. Suren Ragawan � Entrepreneur Tiran Alles � Specialist Dr. Seetha Kumari Arambepola � Former MP Ketagoda Gamage

Jayantha Perera � Entrepreneur Mohamed Faleel Marjan

Azmi

ITAK� Thavaraja Kalai Arasan

AITC� Selvarasa Gajenthiran

UNP still...The UNP that was voted into power for

over four decades, failed to acquire any seats at this year’s polls. However, the party received one National List seat.

Final results showed that the UNP received 249,435 votes – only 2.15% of the total vote tally.

NPP proposes...“So far, it is only Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

that is nominated as a probable fit to enter Parliament through the National List, while several other names too have been proposed. We will take a decision today (12), after which we will inform the Election Commission (EC) on the definitive choice from us,” Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) politburo member K.D. Lalkantha told The Morning.

Lalkantha, meanwhile, confirmed that as a member of the JVP, it was only Dr. Amarasuriya’s name that was proposed as the potential National List MP to be appointed from the NPP, and the NPP Leadership Board had accepted the proposal.

However, the NPP and the JVP await the acceptance of the position by Dr. Amarasuriya, as she would need to consult the university on how she could manage her attendance at parliamentary sessions and continue her political journey whilst being a lecturer at the university.

“Should the university grant her leave to continue her political career, she would not have to resign from her academic position. But, should the university inform her that she would have to resign as a lecturer, she is to take a call on that and let us know her decision,” Lalkantha explained.

Dr. Amarasuriya is also a board member of the NPP Leadership Board, Lalkantha confirmed.

The NPP managed to secure one seat from the preferential votes following the general election that concluded on 5 August, during which JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, contesting from the Colombo District, managed to garner sufficient preferential votes to secure a seat for the party.

– Sarah Hannan

businessthe morningWednesday , August 12, 2020

3

The Board of Directors of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) yesterday (11) commended the inclusion of Capital Markets under the gazetted responsibilities for state ministers within the Ministry of Finance.

“…the CSE applauds the specific inclusion of Capital Markets under the gazetted responsibilities for state ministers within the Ministry of Finance and looks forward to meaningful engagement on developing the nation’s capital markets,” the CSE said issuing a statement.

It also congratulated the new Government led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime

Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday on receiving a convincing mandate at the recently concluded general election.

“The CSE welcomes the decisive expression of support for the new Government by the Sri Lankan people and is confident of the establishment of a strong, pro-growth socioeconomic policy framework by the new administration which will strengthen the investment climate in Sri Lanka,” it said.

The CSE said the mandate given to the new Government will be an opportunity for much needed policy reforms

to be enabled in order to drive an accelerated and sustainable socioeconomic development programme for Sri Lanka.

“The CSE strongly believes that the capital market in Sri Lanka should play a pivotal role in facilitating capital formation for commercial enterprises and wealth generation for citizens, and looks forward to working in partnership with the relevant ministries, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka, other government agencies, and market intermediaries to actively support the Government’s vision of development.”

The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC) has expressed its support to the Government to carry out urgently needed labour market reforms to boost employment generation.

EFC Director General Kanishka Weerasinghe congratulated the Prime Minister and the new

Government for the resounding mandate received at the general election.

In a congratulatory press statement, he extended the EFC’s fullest support and co-operation in pursuance of achieving national objectives envisioned in “Vistas of Splendour”.

He made special note

of urgently needed labour market reforms to boost employment generation with a special focus on increasing women participation, human capital development including the establishment of a future-ready skills base, and the promotion of inclusive workplaces.

Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT) Group released its financial results for the first half of 2020 recording a remarkable 55% YoY (year-on-year) growth in its operating profits to Rs. 6.9 billion, amidst the many challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Group Profit Before Tax (PBT) was recorded at Rs. 5.7 billion, a 22% growth compared to the year before, while Profit After Tax (PAT) was posted at Rs. 4.6 billion, demonstrating a YoY increase of 31%. Growth in revenues coupled with efficient cost management techniques pushed the PAT margin up to 10.4% from 8.2% for the same period the year earlier.

Group revenue reached Rs. 44.1 billion during the first six months of 2020, demonstrating a moderate growth of 3.6% YoY, primarily due to the relief packages and free data offers to customers by SLT together with its mobile arm Mobitel (Pvt.) Ltd., to assist the customers during the pandemic. The unexpected delays in investment projects owing to the pandemic too adversely impacted the top line. Nevertheless, the surge in utilisation of Broadband, IPTV, and career business services in both the residential and business sectors due to the work-from-home arrangements and temporary closure of many educational and business entities, lifted the revenues of the group.

Cost management measures reduced the operating costs before depreciation and amortisation by 7% YoY, raising the EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) margin to 40.5% from 33.4% in the year before. EBITDA of the group stood at Rs. 17.8 billion, up 25% YoY. The interest expenses and finance costs rose to Rs. 1.4 billion from Rs. 0.6 billion as a result of increased borrowings to finance the growing capital expenditure

in order to align with the global technological trends and fulfil changing customer demands. Forex losses of the group amounted to Rs. 0.9 billion from Rs. 15 million in the same period last year due to the depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR) against the US dollar (USD), arising from the adverse impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Other income of the group grew to Rs. 0.5 billion, up 85% YoY, which improved group profits.

The group experienced a drop in customer collections during the early stages of the pandemic emanating from the low disposable income levels of customers. However, the effective collection strategies of the group improved collections in the later stages of the pandemic, normalising the cash flows from collections for the period. Regulatory instructions to refrain from disconnecting the unpaid subscribers brought challenges in collecting the billed revenue. Managed profits coupled with healthy bill collections, limiting capital expenditure to critical areas, and shifting to deferred payment plans for procurement led to a positive cash and cash equivalents balance of Rs. 6.5 billion at the end of the reporting period.

During the first half of 2020, SLT Group paid out a total of Rs. 8.1 billion as direct and indirect taxes and levies to the Government of Sri Lanka.

Group Chairman Rohan Fernando commented: “We are pleased to announce our financial results for the first half of 2020 which, yet again, proved the growing strength of our organisation to be

one of the best corporates in Sri Lanka. The Covid-19 pandemic has posed an entirely new set and scale of challenges to business leadership, which most have not experienced before. I convey my gratitude to my management team and my staff for working together as one close unit in proactively managing the unprecedented challenges brought by the pandemic.

“We have provided an uninterrupted service to the nation whilst offering relief packages and free data offerings to our valued customers. I believe leading with empathy and a sense of connection with employees, business and community partners, and customers is the root cause of our success. It must also be stated that we ensured the welfare and wellbeing of all our staff members and their families during the recent pandemic.”

Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lalith Seneviratne remarked: “In this challenging situation, it is imperative to concentrate on health and safety measures of our employees, customers, and other core stakeholders while maintaining resilience in our supply chain, workforce movements, and financial liquidity.

“As a group operating in the telecommunications sector, we have made several initiatives with an eye towards reaping synergies within the holding company and subsidiaries in the long term, and absorbing contract workers in SLT Human Capital Solutions (Pvt.) Ltd. (HCS) to the permanent cadre of SLT is one such initiative, which strengthened the bond between the staff and the management.”

Holding Company CEO Kiththi Perera stated: “SLT as a responsible corporate citizen is engaging in a variety

of CSR (corporate social responsibility) activities including the donation of one million face masks under the theme ‘SMILE WITHIN’ jointly with our mobile arm Mobitel and ‘Manusath Derana’. Further, as a response to the need of the hour, with the prevailing social distancing requirements of the country, SLT launched ‘AL Kuppiya’ and ‘e-Siphala’ online learning platforms to facilitate distance learning for the students.

“Furthermore, SLT partnered with Lanka Sathosa Ltd. to create an online retail store and joined hands with EPIC to launch the ‘Helaviru’ Digital Economic Centre online platform for the first time in South Asia to facilitate the trading activities of agricultural and farm produce.”

SLT Chief Operating Officer (COO) Priyantha Fernandez added: “Though the unanticipated challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic slowed down the deployment of (our) accelerated Fibre Expansion Project to provide FTTH (Fibre-to-the-Home) connections under the National Fiberisation Programme to a certain extent, we are successfully continuing with our journey to increase the fibre footprints across the country in order to provide an ultra-speed experience to our valued customers.

“SLT recently signed an agreement with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) to provide data and voice solutions powered by fibre. Furthermore, SLT introduced Microsoft Azure stack hub as the latest addition to the SLT Akaza cloud family, which is implemented at the state-of-the-art Tier III data centre located at Pitipana, to address the modern needs of many enterprises across the country.”

The profit before tax of Ceylinco Life was recorded at Rs. 3.5 billion in the first half of 2020, a decline of 6.7% over the first half of 2019, while its profit after tax reduced by 4.6% to Rs. 2.7 billion.

“The second quarter of the year was a period of turbulence for most businesses worldwide as a result of the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, and profit growth was predictably affected,” Ceylinco Life Managing Director Thushara Ranasinghe said. “We expect the effects of the pandemic to continue to exert pressure on the company’s performance in the quarters ahead, but remain confident that Ceylinco Life has the inherent financial strength and stability as well as the managerial prowess to minimise the adverse impacts and provide our policyholders and shareholders the best returns possible in the conditions that prevail.”

The company reported gross income of Rs. 17.1 billion for the first half of 2020, an improvement of 14.9% over the corresponding period of last year. Both gross

written premium (GWP) and investments and other income contributed to topline growth in the six months ended 30 June 2020, increasing by 13% to Rs. 9.9 billion and by 17.4% to Rs. 7.2 billion, respectively, the company disclosed.

Ceylinco Life paid Rs. 5.9 billion in net claims and benefits to policyholders in the period under review, an increase of 17.8% over the first half of 2019; transferred Rs. 4.4 billion to its Life Fund; and made a transfer of Rs. 1.95 billion to the shareholder fund, growing the latter by 9.2% to Rs. 34.4 billion.

The company’s Life Fund achieved a milestone in the second quarter of the year, surpassing Rs. 100 billion to stand at Rs. 101.6 billion as at 30 June 2020, becoming the fastest

life fund to reach Rs. 100 billion in Sri Lanka’s life insurance sector.

Total assets of Ceylinco Life grew by Rs. 24.6 billion or 18.5% since 31 December 2019 to Rs. 157.8 billion as at 30 June 2020, while the company’s investment portfolio increased by Rs. 23.4 billion or 20% over the six months to reach Rs. 140.3 billion at the end of the first half of the year.

Ceylinco Life ended 2019 on a strong note as well, with consolidated income of Rs. 32.1 billion for the financial year, reflecting topline growth of 9.9%. The company reported gross written premium income of Rs. 18.7 billion, retaining its status as the market leader for life insurance in Sri Lanka for the 16th consecutive year.

Uber yesterday (11) became the first ridesharing company in Sri Lanka to launch an on-demand 24x7 “tuk rentals” service which will allow riders to book their favourite mode of transport – a tuk – and its driver for several hours with the liberty of making multiple stops along a journey, just as they would with their own personal vehicle.

With tuks being the preferred mode of transport for tens of thousands of Sri Lankans, Uber said it hopes to enhance rider experience by offering mobility solutions that fit the needs of citizens as they resume travel in the new normal.

“Tuk rentals will provide riders

a personalised experience with greater flexibility and convenience in situations where they need to run many errands or make several stops without having to worry about booking multiple trips. The service allows riders to do more by the hour at an affordable price point of Rs. 399 for a one hour/10 km package with the option of selecting from multiple hourly packages that can be booked up to a maximum of eight hours,” Uber said.

Commenting on the new service, Uber General Manager for Sri Lanka and South and East India Subodh Sangwan said: “As our cities reopen, many riders have new

use cases and different needs from Uber, one of which is to book a ride by the hour to help get all their errands done in one go. Our tuk service is extremely popular in the city and we want to provide riders added convenience and flexibility on their favourite mode. The safety and wellbeing of everyone who uses Uber is always our priority and all rides will conform to health guidelines along with providing the highest possible safety standards.”

To maintain the highest standards of safety and hygiene while travelling, Uber said it has launched a comprehensive set of safety measures such as the Go Online

Checklist, a mandatory mask policy for both riders and drivers; pre-trip mask verification selfies for drivers; and an updated cancellation policy allowing both riders and drivers to cancel trips if they don’t feel safe.

Additionally, Uber has invested Rs. 10 million for purchasing cleaning supplies and protective equipment for drivers and delivery partners which includes masks, sanitisers, and disinfectants. Just last month, Uber announced a partnership with Dettol to distribute disinfectants to drivers for sanitising cars and to display in-car education placards, with safety advisories for riders and drivers.

SLT Group’s operating profit soars by 55% in H1 despite Covid

Ceylinco Life profits decline in Covid-hit H1

CSE welcomes introduction of State Minister for Capital Markets

EFC to support labour market reforms

Uber becomes first ridesharing company in SL with tuk rentals

Uber Tuk Driver Sandya Kumari transporting passengers in Colombo

SLT Chairman Rohan Fernando SLT Group CEO Lalith Seneviratne SLT CEO Kiththi Perera SLT COO Priyantha Fernandez

Ceylinco Life MD/CEO Thushara Ranasinghe

Ceylinco Life Chairman R. Renganathan

the morningWednesday, August 12, 2020

4

brunch BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE

It’s not yet post Covid, but we have settled into the new normal and artists are coming out of the woodworks to share their efforts. It’s likely that we can expect a considerable amount of Covid-inspired creations, and Dr. Udan Fernando’s new short film “A Covid Honeymoon” is one such inspired bit of work.

“A Covid Honeymoon” chronicles the journey of a young Sri Lankan couple who with their hard-saved $ 1,000, fly to Singapore for a two-week honeymoon, with little or no idea about Covid-19; the outbreak spikes during their honeymoon and a lockdown gets imposed. We follow them as their two-week honeymoon becomes a two-month ordeal with no flights to return and nowhere to stay and with only $ 30 left in hand.

We spoke to Udan about the conceptualising of his short film and he shared that the story came about when he too was experiencing a prolonged stay in Singapore for three months due to the closure of airports during the Covid-19 lockdown, and on the eve of his departure, he “hears a story that hit me like a virus”. He shared that this story preoccupied him throughout his two-week quarantine term at a government centre run by the military, and that is where he collected his thoughts and formulated a cohesive timeline to breathe life into this project.

He shared that upon completion of his time in the government quarantine centre in a remote area in eastern Sri Lanka, he returned home where he then proceeded to self-isolate for an extended period. During this time, he was able to utilise a newly constructed floor in his house which functioned as his bare canvas to recreate his surroundings in the likeness of a middle-class Singaporean house.

Having used his time in self-isolation to create the set, all that was left was to shoot the film; he stated that while filming, they observed the recommended safety guidelines to the point where as the director he monitored his actors’ performances via a monitor that was set away from the set on a screen.

Udan by occupation is a researcher with 30 years of experience in Asia, Africa, and Europe. However, he also has a Diploma in Cinematography from OCIC and has followed a short course on

anthropological filmmaking at the University of Amsterdam.

He may be best known for his work in academia in 2018 when he directed a 50-minute English language film called Dwandha

(Duel): A Tale of Two Rebels, a documentary based on two years of research in the UK and Australia which was well received; it was screened in Colombo (several times), Jaffna, London, The Hague, New

Delhi, Melbourne, and Siem Reap. His latest project, the 21-minute

long drama “A Covid Honeymoon” premiered at the Goethe-Institut Sri Lanka on 28, 29, and 30 July together with four other short films Udan made while he was going through a two-week term of quarantine in Punani, Batticaloa, in a government quarantine centre run by the military. The short films included A Special Announcement, Gastro Quarantino, A Man-Eating Cobra in Punani, and Going Home. Udan is a Sri Lankan national.

a film born out of a situation of overlapping crises

Starring: Xavier Kanishka, Antoinette Thilakshini Ratnayake, and Chandana Prasad Suriyaarachchi

Director of Photography: Sameera Weerasekara

Editor: Lahiru Kanishka

Colourist: Marlon JayansMakeup: Mananuwan RupasingheSound engineering and musical

arrangement: Lahiru KanishkaAssistant Director: Yoshitha PereraConcept, script, and Director:

Udan Fernando

Cast and crew Director Udan Fernando

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE

Currently boasting over four million views on YouTube, Charitha Attalage‘s Kuweni (l=fõŒ) is arguably one of the biggest musical hits Sri Lanka had seen in quite some time. The Morning Brunch spoke to the songstress, Dinupa Kodagoda, whose iconic vocals are recognised even today for being the voice of Kuweni.

Dinupa recently released a song titled “Premaneeya Susuma” that is rapidly growing in

popularity; the song, which was originally written by Asanka Sandaruwan for a theatre production titled “Silgath Billo”, was reproduced and released as a single performed by Dinupa.

We spoke to Dinupa about the process of reproducing the song; she shared that there was an impressive team behind the process as the music was done by Thilanka Gamage and the music production, mixing, and mastering was done by Nadika Weligodapola. She also shared that even though she is best known for her classical tone

with Indian classical influences, and where even with this particular song she had those elements, it yet carried a rock feel, and she felt that it was a musical genre she has not explored before.

Choosing to do something new and fresh, she chose to add “Premaneeya Susuma” to her repertoire. This is part of Dinupa’s current project where she is hoping to release a number of singles of her original work, which will lead to an eventual album drop in the not-so-distant future.

About the production itself, it is interesting to note that credited for bass guitar on the track is Nalina Kasmira, Dinupa’s long-time collaborator and childhood friend she met through Hapan Padura, which is where many of us would have first been introduced to Dinupa and her singing. She said that those friendships she’s created as a young artist and relationships she was able to nurture, have been strengths to her as well along the way.

Speaking about Hapan Padura, Dinupa shared that being a part of that programme at such a young age really aided her in ensuring longevity in her career in the arts. She shared that even though it was a bunch of children coming together to sing songs, there was an air of professionalism created around the set. Owing to the seriousness in which their mentor at the time, Jackson Anthony, took to music and even children singing, she said he created an atmosphere where they knew that they were not doing something insignificant but something with value and in that, they learned what it really meant to be part of the industry and how to handle themselves.

In addition to her singing, Dinupa is known for her acting work, especially her theatre work but also her role in “Weeraya Gedara Awith”, a TV production by Ananda Abeynayake, arguably one of the best teledrama producers in the island. Dinupa shared that it was a great opportunity to be a part of that experience.

Dinupa shared that even though she started her career as a dancer, since her childhood, she has had formal training in singing form a very young age, as young as age four when she joined the Nanda Malini Sangeetha Ashramaya.

While Dinupa has been better known for her theatre work, this pandemic has shown that with time, you are able to apply yourself to explore more of your talent; she has, since then, chosen to pursue this path where she plans to release an album of her original work, and hopes that it is received well. She stated she is most grateful for the positive feedback she has got for the work she has done so far and hopes she is able to grow form strength to strength.

Kuweni, Hapan Padura, and her latest release ‘Premaneeya Susuma’

DINUPA KODAGODA

TALKS

In Sri Lanka, the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) consist of over one million enterprises, providing employment to 2.25 million people. With the Covid-19 pandemic continuing to impact the economy, especially many acutely vulnerable small businesses, the need to adapt and respond to challenges has fostered resilience during these difficult times.

The European Union (EU) Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, in partnership with Chrysalis, conducted a webinar on “Growing Resilient Businesses”, showcasing four enterprising men and women from the Central and Uva Provinces and sharing their stories on turning challenges into opportunities.

Narrating their individual journeys on the road to recovery were SGM Food Products Proprietor Sarawanaguru Sivadarsan, Araliya Fashion Wear Proprietor Araliya Samarasekera, Unigro Agency Proprietors Usha Nanthini and Senthil Kumar, and Surangani Voluntary Services (SVS) National Representative Nalin Vipulendra. The event was moderated by Chrysalis Senior Technical Advisor Hashitha Abeywardena.

EU Delegation Programme Manager and Deputy Head of Co-operation Fabrizio Senesi, explaining the objectives of the event, said: “Our support to the Sri Lankan economy, including the MSMEs, is a top priority and this event is to raise awareness of the sector and promote local businesses, which contribute greatly to the country’s economy. The impact of Covid on the economy has been severe. Yet with it, creativity and resilience in the sector and important lessons can be learned. Covid also increased the gaps and barriers for women in business. This webinar will provide opportunities and encouragement particularly to women entrepreneurs.”

Araliya Samarasekera, a beneficiary of the EU-funded enterprise development project, said: “My initial challenge during the lockdown was to pay wages to my staff, mostly (consisting of) women. However, I was able to overcome this and then realised the demand for face masks. I understood that the first groups which needed our support were frontline health and military personnel who were in dire need of this item. I first sought approval from the health authorities and we then manufactured and distributed them free of charge. It also presented an opportunity to market the masks commercially, reasonably priced under our unique brand name. The feedback has been very encouraging.”

Advising small businesses, she said that as a female entrepreneur, challenges can arise at any time and they should be ready to face them, and also as women, they have the strength to overcome them.

Sivadarsan elaborated how his spice manufacturing business withstood Covid-19 challenges. He said: “During the crisis, we had to face a cash shortage. Buying material during the lockdown, we had to purchase 100% by cash and could not approach banks. However, based on my business plan, together as a group with my team, we forged ahead. I have a strong customer base and they wait for me to deliver their requirements, which was a great strength to my business. Also due to Covid-19, I was able to develop and move forward in building the business online through a mobile community even receiving orders from new customers.”

Owning a successful PVC fittings business, Nanthini described how she overcame the challenges presented by Covid-19. “A business idea and the motivation are the most crucial elements for a successful business. I had stocked material beforehand in the event of any problem and was able to resume production, ensuring worker safety. Though many saw Covid-19 as a problem, it gave me time to rethink and plan ahead. Through a WhatsApp group, I was able to reorganise my customer base and also use the bus routes to strengthen my delivery distribution network. Due to the lockdown, home gardening and cultivation trends grew, which provided a good opportunity to develop fittings for the water supply.”

Encouraging women in business, she stated that many say that it is difficult for women to participate in non-traditional work, to which she disagreed. She aims to manufacture products under her own brand in the future. “I believe women can do any business. Chrysalis has supported me throughout. Today, I am recognised as Unigro Usha. This has given me confidence to grow and I hope to produce interlock bricks using plastic wastage. If more women are provided with opportunities and enriched, we could break the frame which women are confined to. This is an ideal time for them to contribute to the nation’s economy.”

“The needs of children with special needs were to some extent overlooked during this crisis,” Vipulendra said, describing how his organisation engaged in a social enterprise through a peanut business worked to overcome Covid-19 challenges. “It was stressful for them as they could not engage in their day-to-day activities, meet their friends, and participate in activities. We made every effort to maintain continuous support and contact with them throughout to provide assistance during this period. We realised that the demand for our products had diminished. We contacted many businesses and provided samples free of charge initially. This resulted in an increased demand for and popularity of our product.”

Webinar on ‘Growing Resilient Businesses’

sportsthe morning

Wednesday , August 12, 20205

The impact for some of those players was more than the others. It depended on their individual personalities as well as their families. But, what is undeniable is the fact that it did have a massive impact on a group of men, who might have ended up as household names in the world of cricket if not for this tour.

David Murray was described by Malcolm Marshall as the best wicketkeeper he ever saw. But at least Murray, the joint holder of the West Indian keeping record for most dismissals in a Test, is still alive. His teammate Richard Austin was not so lucky. The latter, a former West Indies all-rounder, died five years ago aged 60 in his native Jamaica as a destitute street beggar ravaged by his addictions to cocaine and rum. Herbert Chang, another player in the series, is reportedly a psycho who is rampaging around Kingston. But they also say he has schizophrenia and is on medication.

Going off the railsThere seems little doubt that the

suffering in later life of Austin, Murray, and Chang, in particular, was in part a consequence of turning their backs on West Indies and their people. Murray struggled to cope with being the son of one of

the greatest of all-time Caribbean cricketers, Everton Weekes, who died at Barbados recently and was said to have been nervous of his son’s visits in later life because he feared he would steal from him to subsidise his habit. “The tours acted as a trigger for certain players, who may have already had a tendency to go off the rails,” says Australian writer Ashley Gray, whose book “The Unforgiven” looked at all the 20 West Indies Rebels.

Captain of that tour Lawrence Rowe did not go off the rails but his story is an acutely sad one. Many feel he could have been equal to

Sir Viv Richards, Sir Clive Lloyd, and Gordon Greenidge if fortune had favoured him. He had been given the chance to play more than 30 Tests. Now 71, Row lives in exile in Florida, unfulfilled and largely unrecognised. “He was a national hero in Jamaica and he could have retained that level of almost saintliness if he hadn’t gone. Instead, his name was taken off a pavilion at Sabina Park in 2011 and that wouldn’t have happened but for South Africa,” says Gray.

Mission for the players“Lawrence Rowe was wrongly

treated and deserves a place in the pantheon of West Indian batting greats,” says Gray. “He’s been denied that by people he feels were jealous of him. He believes South Africa was a mission for the guys. They could have gone there and just taken the money but it was important they played well and showed a Black side could perform as well as a White one. And they beat the Springboks (South Africa) which he’s very proud of.”

As was enunciated earlier, it would be wrong to say all the Rebels have been irrevocably damaged by the ’83 Rebel Tour. Ezra Moseley played Test cricket against England in 1990 and has

held various coaching posts in the Caribbean. Franklyn Stephenson runs a cricket academy in Barbados and Faoud Bacchus lives comfortably in Orlando. Yet, the stigma of South Africa is forever with them all.

Moral issues“They have always wrestled

with moral issues that are hard to resolve,” says Gray. “On one

hand there is a justifiable argument that guys taking money to go to apartheid South Africa was a betrayal of the Caribbean. They should have stuck up for their principles. But there is another point of view that West Indies were so strong, these guys couldn’t get into the team so they weren’t making much money.” Many came from impoverished backgrounds. Everton Mattis was offered $ 80,000 and that was 60 times more than the average Jamaican cricketer could earn in a year then. It is certainly understandable why he decided to go.

Therefore, in the final analysis, it came down to them trying to make a living. Also, the players who toured apartheid South Africa, to this day, believe that the fact that they beat the South Africans on their own turf gave the general population a better understanding that coloured players and people could be their equal. Whether this was a long-term opinion or a fleeting one is anybody’s guess. At the end of the day, the decision of whether they were “missionaries” or “mercenaries” needed to be decided through individual opinion. But “personally” most players, if not all, seem to have paid a very heavy price. Some even with their very lives.

Was it really worth it? Even after so much time, there is no answer.

by Dinith Pathi

SPORTS WATCH Untold story of the Caribbean ‘Rebels’

Enigmatic Lawrence Rowe, once named the best batsman on earth, played 30 Tests during 1972-80 to score 2,047 runs at 43.55

In 2011, in a gesture of belated recognition, the Sabina Park Pavilion was renamed in Rowe’s honour but political backlash saw him stripped of the honour just four months later

BY REVATHA S. SILVA

Yesterday (11), the Government sought to omit the name of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) from the list of sports bodies that are coming under the purview of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

On page “59 A” of the original gazette notification issued on Monday (10) titled “Extraordinary Gazette No. 2187/27 – Sunday, August 09, 2020”, the name Sri Lanka Cricket (as “board of control for cricket”) had been mentioned as the second institution under the list of departments, statutory bodies, and state corporations that were coming under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

To upset ICCThe name was there in the list until

Monday (10) night. But it had been removed by yesterday (11) (see inset photos).

The Morning Sports learnt that the reason for the quick removal was that the mentioning of SLC as a body coming under the spectrum of the Ministry of Sports could raise concerns of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Boards to be independentThough cricket is formally one of

the 60-plus sports associations that are under the supervision of the national Sports Ministry, the ICC considers it is compulsory for each respective national cricket board to be independent from any interference from their respective governments.

That is mainly to obstruct possible misuse of ICC funds given to respective cricket boards of its member countries.

Why was only cricket highlighted?

The cabinet and state ministers of Sri Lanka’s newly elected Government are to be sworn in today (12). The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs portfolio is tipped to be given to Hambantota District MP Namal Rajapaksa, the eldest son of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and nephew of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

But why was only cricket enlisted – out of about 60 sports associations –

among seven other institutions, as one coming under the Sports Ministry?

A former senior SLC member said it is a clear indication that the new Government and its Sports Ministry will “give a special place” to the cricket administration once they are operative.

Risking ICC membershipA popular website Cricket Age

yesterday quoted a Sri Lankan government authority as saying: “The information provided by the Sports Ministry led to this confusion.”

After the Gazette was issued on Monday (10), Cricket Age said in a news report that “the Government’s unexpected move has pushed SLC in danger of losing full membership status

from the ICC”.“The episode has also highlighted

the lack of a reputed legal advisor at the Sports Ministry,” Cricket Age also stressed yesterday.

Zimbabwe exampleThis brings to light a scenario that

happened in July 2019 when the ICC suspended the Zimbabwe board, named “Zimbabwe Cricket” or ZM, for breaching Article 2.4 (c) and (d) of the ICC Constitution.

The Article says ICC can impose an obligation on its members to provide a process for free and democratic elections and “to ensure that there is no government interference in its governance and/or administration for cricket, respectively”.

Losing of fundsThe above suspension barred

Zimbabwe from taking part in ICC events which could have also led them to lose a substantial amount of funds released by the ICC.

Later the same month, the ICC wrote to ZC instructing them to reinstate the Board that was elected on 14 June 2019 or risk the termination of their ICC membership. Later, in October 2019, the ICC decided to lift its suspension on ZC, allowing them to take part in subsequent ICC events.

Avoid political interferenceThe above-said senior SLC member

explained that ICC does not allow governments to appoint interim committees to run their cricket boards with the sole intention of discouraging undue political interference into the game in their countries.

But there have been special occasions where un-elected, government-appointed bodies have run the sport for a certain period of time in some countries in recent history.

The Indian ‘interim committee’Before Sourav Ganguly was elected

President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) last October, the Indian cricket board was run by a Committee of Administrators (COA), similar to an interim committee, for over nine months.

The four-member COA was nominated by the Indian Supreme Court in January last year to look after the administration of the BCCI in order to implement what is known as the “Lodha Committee Reforms”.

Those reforms were aimed at cleaning up the BCCI of corruption and avoiding the sports body coming under a monopoly of a set of elected administrators.

Govt. removes SLC from gazette

z Feared it might upset ICC!

The gazette notification issued on Monday (11) with SLC as one of the bodies coming under the new Sports Ministry

The gazette notification on Tuesday (12) after the removal of SLC from the list

We said this week the Lankan Premier League (LPL) created more questions than answers. The T20 franchise league was to begin on 28 August with the participation of about 70 foreign players, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) had announced. The event’s title ownership, including its TV broadcasting rights, was sold to the Dubai-based Innovative Production Group (IPG) for about $ 2 million. But, with 16 days to go for the scheduled start of the LPL, SLC said yesterday (11) they have postponed the event until November 2020.

“We have decided to postpone it because we had a meeting with the health authorities today (yesterday). They are very stringent on the quarantine period of 14 days. If we are to start on the 28th, then the players should come here in a couple of days. It is not realistic. Therefore, we decided to postpone it,” a senior SLC Ex-Co official told The Morning Sports yesterday.

The tournament was set to be held for 24 days, from 28 August to 20 September.

Can’t take a riskWorried, the said official

explained that even the players who are going to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL), set to begin on 18 September, won’t have to undergo such strict quarantine measures.

“Only they are conducting five PCRs

(polymerase chain reaction tests). But once we are advised not to, we can’t take any risk by rushing the tournament,” he added.

Media releaseThe SLC issued the

following media release last afternoon announcing the postponement:

“Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to inform that the Lanka Premier League which was scheduled to be held from 28 August 2020 to 20 September 2020 has been postponed to the month of November 2020. The said decision

was taken by SLC in consideration of the health guidelines stipulated by the Ministry of Health subsequent to the meeting held with the Health Ministry authorities.”

Raise doubts naturally

The situation can naturally raise some doubts as to why the LPL rights were offered in a rush, that too for five years, to IPG without having absolute clarity over an on-schedule start.

Meanwhile, IPG was reportedly having discussions with potential franchisees hoping to award the franchise rights at least by the end of this week. Our effort to contact IPG Head Anil Mohan in Dubai failed yesterday.

And by yesterday, the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Unit too was said to be in the process of inquiring about the event, probably as a formal prerequisite.

Mighty rush ends in futility?z LPL is postponed till November

IPG CEO Anil Mohan

President’s Cup in full flowThe President’s Cup 2020 football, sponsored by Vintage, is now in full flow. Yesterday (11), Colombo FC beat SLTB SC 3-0 at Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo. Y.S.J.F Mohammad, M.N.M. Fazal, and Zarwan Johar scored for Colombo FC. PHOTO ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI

What a summer for NZNew Zealand Cricket (NZC) is now in a frenzy to organise a series of international series at home for both men and women. The Women’s World Cup, which was set to be held there February-March 2021, was postponed recently and NZC is fast filling the window with men’s tours by West Indies, Pakistan, Australia, and Bangladesh and a women’s tour by Australia.

Scots broke rulesScottish Premiership soccer teams Celtic and Aberdeen have had their next two matches postponed after their players broke lockdown rules yesterday (11). Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon demanded the cancellation after Celtic defender Boli Bolingoli flew to Spain, failed to quarantine, then played in a match. The previous weekend, eight Aberdeen players broke lockdown regulations by visiting a bar together.

In this final part of the series on the Windies’ “Rebel” Tour

of South Africa in 1983, we examine the impact it had

on the individual lives of the players who took part in it