Editorial

National Policy for NCDs:

A6
Thursday
a crucial step towards better health 8 June 2023
Latest Edition
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Finance Today B7 Vol: 12/144
Cordelia to Bring in 80,000

Mother, baby
High Net Worth Indians
in Next Four Months

Entertainment Today C9 test positive

The journey of a story
for monkeypox
Sports Today A12 By Dilanthi Jayamanne
Sri Lanka thrash Afghanistan by A mother and her infant were diagnosed with monkeypox
and admitted to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases
nine wickets for 2-1 ODI series win (NIID), health sources said.
Informed sources said yesterday (7) that the husband of
the 25-year-old pregnant woman had returned from Dubai

SPC’s 450,000
where he was employed for his wife’s delivery. He was
alleged to have had the Zoonotic disease before he arrived
in the island and had been cured of it.
The baby, who had been receiving treatment at the Lady
Ridgeway Hospital for Children, had been transferred on
Tuesday (6) to the NIID where the disease had been

insulin vials
diagnosed following tests.

Continued on Page 2

Ending tug-of-war between

deal irks MCPA

Govt, Opposition
Harsha finally
Alleges tender process for planned ‘emergency’ purchase questionable
appointed
By Dilanthi Jayamanne

The Medical and Civil Rights

procurement committees at his
level and given the approval to buy
these 450,000 insulin vials under
of insulin was due to expire,” he
alleged.
“To pay for the purchase of this
He accused the Health Ministry
of wasting a colossal amount of
taxpayers’ money by continuing
COPF Chairman
Professional Association (MCPA) emergency purchasing. The insulin or to import drugs that are with emergency purchasing rather By Methmalie Dissanayake
raised concerns of alleged Ministry of Health has to pay Rs about to expire is questionable than adhering to the normal
attempts of the State 270 million to buy this stock at a according to instructions given by method of procuring medicinal Ending a months-long tug-of-war
Pharmaceuticals Corporation cost of Rs 600 each, he said. the Procurement Committee, drugs for State hospitals. between the Government and the
(SPC) to purchase 450,000 vials of Quoting a letter from SPC, he especially when the country was Dr. Sanjeewa accused the Health Opposition, Samagi Jana
insulin under emergency alleged the tender process for this receiving stocks of insulin that had Ministry of purposely failing to Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dr. Harsha de
purchasing at the sanction of the insulin stock is questionable. “No been ordered earlier. In addition, order the medicinal drugs in Silva was finally appointed as the
Health Secretary. attempt has even been made to SPC was also going to receive advance under the proper system. Chairman of the Committee on
MCPA President, Dr. Chamal keep a bank guarantee to import nearly 250,000 of the Medical “The country loses a large amount Public Finance (COPF) of the Fourth Session of the Ninth
Sanjeewa alleged that the Health the said vials. The letter also Supply in days to come,” the MCPA of tax money as a result,” he said. Parliament.
Secretary had appointed questions as to whether the stock President said. Continued on Page 2
Continued on Page 2

Police Clearance Certificate

Construction Tear gas fired at IUSF protesters for overseas jobs
sector issues Police used tear gas and water cannons to
disperse a protest march organised by the
Cabinet nod for
come up before Inter University Students’ Federation (IUSF)
near the University of Sri Jayewardenepura Public Security
Sectoral Committee
yesterday (7).

BY Methmalie
In the afternoon, the Police dispersed
protesters who had gathered near Wijerama Minister’s relief
measures
Junction in Nugegoda.
Dissanayake The protest staged by the IUSF revolves
around several key demands. These include the
Over one million release of detained members Kelum
jobs have been lost Mudannayake and Dilshan Harshana, a call for Cabinet has decided to grant a
due to the collapse an increase in the Mahapola Student Allowance, relief measure towards the Police
of the construction a reduction in the cost of living, and the repeal of Clearance Certificate (PCC) which
sector in the country the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). has to be obtained by those leaving
following the Pix by Sajeewa Chinthaka Kahandagamage the country for overseas
economic crisis. This information came to light at the and Sarath Kumara employment, when including previous and minor offences.
Sectoral Oversight Committee on Alleviating the Cabinet approved a proposal submitted by Minister of
Impact of the Economic Crisis. Public Security Tiran Alles.
It was found that over one million jobs have been lost,
related institutions have collapsed, assets have been Continued on Page 2
destroyed, and professionals have left the country.

Continued on Page 2
MP Gajendrakumar
Bloody brawl at OGF shopping mall granted bail
Disciplinary By Rasadi Chathurangi Gamage–Vavuniya

action against two Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF) Leader MP

Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, who was arrested yesterday

Excise Officers
morning (7), was released on bail by the Kilinochchi
Magistrate that evening.
Maradankeni Police arrested Ponnambalam in Colombo
By Methmalie Dissanayake yesterday (7).
A group including the MP had gone to a school in
Two Excise Officers and one pizza shop employee Kilinochchi where the G.C.E Ordinary Level Examination was
were hospitalised following a bloody brawl at a pizza underway and tried to hold a meeting. At that juncture, a
shop located in One Galle Face shopping mall. heated verbal altercation erupted between the MP and
Excise Commissioner Kapila Kumarasinghe said Police Officers.
disciplinary action will be taken against the Excise Thereafter, the Police arrested a woman and another man
Officers involved in the brawl. According to CCTV who supported the MP and produced them in the
footage, an Excise Officer picked up a helmet placed Kilinochchi Court. They were later remanded.
on a table of the pizza shop and put it back. Following
this, a verbal altercation erupted between the Excise Continued on Page 2
Officers and pizza shop employees, and it eventually
led to a bloody brawl. Online passport School dropouts
Continued on Page 2 applications on the Edirisooriya,
Ven. Rajangane from Thursday rise in Jaffna Diwakara
further remanded
BY Rasadi Chathurangi Gamage
Saddharathana Beginning next Thursday (15 June), the public
can submit passport applications online,
– Vavuniya

till 21 June
Controller General of Immigration and Education authorities expressed concern
further remanded Emigration, Harsha Ilukpitiya said.
The new online system aims to simplify the
about the increasing dropout numbers
among students in Jaffna following the

until 21 June passport application process and ensure that

passports are delivered to applicants’ homes
within three days. To support this, 50 Divisional
Covid-19 pandemic. They brought this
matter up during the recent Jaffna District
Development Committee meeting and said
BY Hansi Nanayakkara
Colombo Fort Magistrate
BY Hansi Nanayakkara Secretariats across the country have been some children who dropped out of school Thilina Gamage, yesterday
equipped with the necessary facilities. were engaged in child labour in various ordered comedian Nathasha
Colombo Fort Magistrate To apply for a passport online, individuals can locations in Jaffna. They said this was due Edirisooriya, SL Vlog Owner Bruno Diwakara to be further
Thilina Gamage yesterday (7) visit the website www.immigration.gov.lk, to the economic hardship faced by families remanded until 21 June.
ordered Ven. Rajangane select the ‘Apply for passports’ option, and during the pandemic, which led to children Edirisooriya was remanded on charges of allegedly making
Saddharathana Thera, who was validate their information. Once validated, seeking employment. remarks insulting Buddhism and a few other religions.
remanded over his controversial applicants will receive the application form. However, even after the end of the The Magistrate also ordered the owner of the YouTube
remarks aimed at causing They can then upload the completed form and coronavirus outbreak, the number of Channel SL VLOG, Bruno Divakara which posted
religious disharmony, to be choose between the expedited ‘03 day service’ children returning to school remains Edirisuriya’s controversial remarks online and aided and
further remanded until 21 June. and the standard ‘02 week service.’ very low. abetted her, also to be remanded till the aforesaid date.

Continued on Page 2 Continued on Page 2 Continued on Page 2 Continued on Page 2

A2 thursday 8 june 2023 NEWS

Sajith calls for Highest export income of

USD 13.1 B earned last year
suspension
of Parate
execution law
– Industries Minister
Sri Lanka recorded its highest Industry to avoid difficulties faced by
export income of USD 13.1 billion last small and medium scale
By Methmalie Dissanayake year, Minister of Industries Dr. industrialists.
Ramesh Pathirana said. The Minister instructed officials
Opposition Leader Sajith Pathirana told the Ministerial including the Secretary to the restrictions, progress could be Many issues related to various
Premadasa called for the Consultative committee on Industries Ministry Thilaka Jayasundara to witnessed in the industrial sector. He industries such as gem and jewellery,
suspension of the Parate execution which met on Tuesday (6) in discuss with Banks and provide said 22 car and three-wheeler clay, cashew, cane and bamboo were
law, citing the seizure of over 400 Parliament which he chaired. credit facilities to industrialists who assembly industrialists were working brought to the attention of the committee
properties belonging to small and He told officials to provide credit have already been given project in the country and industrial by members. The Minister instructed the
medium-scale industrialists within facilities fast through the reports. development activities were being Secretary and other officials to take
the first four months of 2023. intervention of the Ministry of Dr. Pathirana said with import carried out in 20 identified areas. immediate action in this regard.
Participating in the Adjournment
Debate in Parliament on the
challenges faced by these
industrialists, Premadasa spoke
about the significant crisis presently
experienced by small and medium-
scale enterprises.
Sooriyawewa
PS Secretary
Expressing the need for the Parate
law, which has been in existence for
30 years, to be amended to align

arrested for
with the demands of the modern era,
Premadasa highlighted the unlawful
repossession of vehicles by leasing
companies due to defaulted leasing
instalments.
soliciting
Navy rescues 38 persons
He argued that such practices
create further obstacles for SMEs

Rs 50,000
and stressed the need to provide
relief to affected industrialists.

at Delft Jetty entrance

Supporting Premadasa’s stance,

bribe
Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman
Kiriella proposed an alternative
approach. He suggested that the
Central Bank could issue a circular to In a dramatic rescue operation,
temporarily suspend the Parate law, a the Sri Lanka Navy rescued 38 By Amith Maduranga Gamage
measure that has been implemented persons who were stranded on a
in the past. By adopting this solution, grounded trawler at the entrance to
Kiriella believed the Government the Delft Jetty last (7) morning. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of
could swiftly protect the interests of The Navy’s prompt involvement Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) arrested the
small and medium-scale enabled a shipment of construction Secretary of the Sooriyawewa Pradeshiya Sabha
industrialists without the need for material that was at risk of sinking for soliciting a bribe of Rs 50,000 yesterday (7).
lengthy legal amendments. to be retrieved. The suspect was arrested while accepting the
In response to the concerns The distressed trawler (Kali bribe of Rs 50,000 to issue a cheque of Rs 2.4
raised, State Minister of Finance Ambal 2) was transporting a million to an individual who had paid the relevant
Shehan Semasinghe assured that shipment of construction materials amount as a ‘tax’ for his marketplace in
the Government was actively with 38 persons on board from the Sooriyawewa. 
examining the issue. He emphasised Kurikadduwan Jetty at As the fee had been paid during the time the
the importance of engaging Punguduthivu Island, Jaffna to the Covid-19 virus remained a concern, the individual
commercial banks and the Central Delft Island. Due to the low tide, the the openings. Following the Responding to the situation, had asked that a cheque be issued under his
Bank in the decision-making trawler ran aground at the entrance unfortunate turn of events, the Inshore Patrol Craft and small craft name for Rs 2.4 million, for which the PS
process to ensure a comprehensive of the Delft Jetty, causing distress distress call was disseminated to belonging to SLNS Wasabha were Secretary had demanded Rs 50,000. 
and well-coordinated approach. to those on board as the vessel SLNS Wasabha in the Northern rushed to the scene to rescue the The Bribery Commission said the suspect
started to fill with seawater through Naval Command for assistance. distressed persons aboard. would be produced in Court shortly.

Continued from page 1

SPC’s 450,000... Cabinet Sections 378, 389, 392, 400

Harsha finally nod for...
and 403 of the Penal Code
and those lawsuits filed in
appointed ... Minister of Foreign
Magistrate’s Courts will
henceforth not be mentioned
He was appointed following a Employment Manusha in the compilation of the PCC.
proposal by President Ranil While the MCPA has continued to highlight this President’s Secretary to probe the matter and Nanayakkara had conveyed It has also been agreed that
Wickremesinghe yesterday (7). fact, the Health Ministry officials have continued work out whether there was any fraud taking to Minister Alles that scores if any individual has been
Accordingly, the Committee of to carry out emergency drug purchases brazenly place in the transactions being carried out. of people seeking foreign instructed to be acquitted
Selection decided to appoint Dr. de despite drawing the attention of even the Dr. Sanjeewa said his outfit plans to present jobs had complained to him from charges filed against
Silva as the COPF Chairman. Secretary to the President and the President facts to the President’s Secretary within the next that the mentioning of minor him or her and be released
This appointment was made in himself. He said it was the responsibility of the few days in this regard. offences in the PCC had from a lawsuit it will not be
accordance with Standing Orders 121, prevented them from mentioned in the compilation
and the first meeting of COPF was held aspiring for overseas of the PCC.
yesterday (7) afternoon chaired by Dr. employment and hence to However, the Minister of
de Silva.
Dr. de Silva also chaired COPF in the Construction sector issues come... provide them some relief on
that front.
Public Security had
emphasised that all offences
Third Session of the Ninth Parliament. Many issues such as the institutions that required Thereafter, Minister Alles committed flouting
Although it was reported that Dr. de lack of institutions for intervention to solve them, having received input from Provisions contained in
Silva was appointed as COPF Chair, the training opportunities for and limit it to 10 basic areas the AG had taken measures to Sections of the PTA and
Parliament Communication Unit did not apprentices in the to be presented in two weeks. formulate a new system for violation of Provisions
announce the appointment officially, construction sector were also Following which face-to-face the PCC. contained in all Acts
leading Dr. de Silva and the main brought up. meeting with the respective As far as the new system is concerning National Security
Opposition SJB to allege that the Sri Basic plans required to institutions will be dealt with concerned the flouting of will be mentioned in the
Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) salvage the construction direct. Provisions contained in compilation of the PCC.
blocked the appointment of Dr. de Silva. sector from the impact of the The immediate lowering of
Later, it was announced that SJB MP economic crisis came under prices of construction
Mayantha Dissanayake was appointed the purview and materials and to take
as the Chair. However, after a few days, chairmanship of MP Gamini Development (CIDA) measures to solve the issue
Dissanayake resigned from the post
and UNP MP Wajira Abeywardena was
Waleboda.
Representatives of small,
Authority, and the Chamber of
Construction Industry of Sri
was also highlighted.
It was also decided that the
Disciplinary action...
appointed as the Acting Chairman of medium, and large-scale Lanka, attended the meeting. Ministry of Trade and Kumarasinghe said conduct and tarnish the
the committee. construction companies Stakeholders presented a Commerce would summon although the officials were on reputation of the department,
This move came under heavy covering all provinces in Sri document highlighting the State institutions and their personal business at the action will be taken against
criticism from the Opposition and the Lanka, architectural many issues they faced. industry representatives shopping mall, there are them,” he stressed.
matter triggered many heated associations, various It was decided to classify before the Committee certain regulations and Police are conducting
discussions in Parliament over the past engineering associations, the existing problems in short, depending on the priorities ethical codes that apply to investigations while the
few months. Construction Industry medium, long-term and before the next meeting. them. department has launched an
“If they violate the code of internal inquiry, he said.

Mother, baby... Ven. Rajangane Srawasthipura, Anuradhapura on 28 May, for

making statements that could disrupt religious
Edirisooriya, Diwakara...
Health sources said the baby and her
mother were now being treated at the NIID. Saddharathana... harmony in the country.
The arrest was made, based on probes into a Magistrate Gamage, stated requested Court to issue an
Director General of Health Services The order was given after taking into account complaint filed by Ven. Pahiyangala Ananda that he was refusing to order for their continued
(DGHS), Dr. Asela Gunawardena said there the submissions made by the CID and the Sagara Thera. enlarge the two suspects on incarceration.
are two other adults living in the house Defence Attorneys. Ven. Saddharathana Thera was remanded until bail at this time, as their The stand-up comedian
and that they were not at risk of The CID arrested Ven. Saddharathana Thera in yesterday. release could result in public had landed herself in hot
contracting this disease. Therefore, there riots and also due to the fact water, over certain remarks
is no need to refer them to quarantine. He that the probe against them she had made, allegedly
further said the situation posed no threat has still not concluded. offending multiple faiths

MP Gajendrakumar granted...
to the public either. The CID said that as the including Buddhism, at a
Earlier this year, two males arriving from probe into the case has still segment during a recent
Dubai had been diagnosed with not ended, it would not be stand-up comedy show,
monkeypox and been admitted to the The Court was informed Police Station to provide a had instead gone to his prudent to release the two hosted at a leading girls
National Hospital, and the NIID, sources that the MP was instructed statement. house in Colombo and suspects on bail and school in Colombo.
added. to go to the Maradankeni The Police said the MP absconded.

Online provided by the Bank of Ceylon (BOC). If fingerprinting at the Divisional

School dropouts on the rise...
necessary, individuals could visit an Secretariat alternative payment options Additionally, education authorities situation.
passport... authorised photo studio under the
Department of Immigration and
are available. After providing
fingerprints, the Divisional Secretariat
highlighted the alarming issue of
junior-grade students in Jaffna
Officials noted that this problem
was most prevalent among Grade
Later the applicant could visit their Emigration to obtain the required will issue a designated number, which struggling with reading and writing nine students. These concerns came
respective Divisional Secretariats’ to documents. can be presented to the BOC for skills. Administrative officials in up during the development
give their fingerprints and make In case, there are difficulties in payment transfer to the Department of Jaffna stressed the need for an committee meeting held at the Jaffna
payment through the online system making online payments after Immigration and Emigration. effective plan to address the District Secretariat.
 NEWS THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2023 A3

LAND, LABOUR
To develop cinema,
television industry
Ration Allowance
Cabinet greenlights for medically retired,
independent
regulatory agency
LAWS NEED TO dependents of
deceased war heroes

BE REFORMED
Cabinet approved the establishment of an
independent regulatory body for the betterment of The revised Ration Accordingly, the
the film and television industry. Allowance for differently-able authorities have taken
The State Film Corporation was established retired service personnel on measures for the speedy
under the State Film Corporation Act No. 47 of medical grounds and payment of the revised
1971 for the Promotion of Domestic Cinema and dependents of deceased war allowance. Defence Ministry

- DR. SAMARATUNGA
was renamed the National Film Corporation in veterans due to terrorist acts, Secretary, Kamal Gunaratne
1980. is presently being processed said there was no need for
The film industry is facing a severe setback due and will be paid in due course, any doubt regarding the
to various problems and it has been recognised Sri Lanka Army said. matter.
that there is a need to establish an independent
regulatory agency to revive the film industry. There is a need for a comprehensive review of face of evolving economic challenges. As the
Also, for the advancement of the television land, labour, capital and technology laws to meet nation moves forward, these legislative changes
industry, it appears desirable to have an the requirements of a competitive economy and are poised to shape a more inclusive and

74-year-old woman
independent body to provide guidance and the Presidential Secretariat is examining a series dynamic economy, stimulating growth and
regulate the industry. of new drafts that address these four crucial progress for all.
Considering the proposal made by the Minister sectors, Presidential Adviser Dr. R.H.S. The National Law Conference 2023 adopted a
of Mass Media, Cabinet approved to take
necessary steps to establish an independent
regulatory agency to provide necessary facilities
Samaratunga said. He was addressing the Panel
Discussion of the National Law Conference 2023.
The Labour Ministry has taken into account
novel strategy for the first time in history, by
dedicating its platform to discuss the national
interest of Sri Lanka and the pivotal role of the
drowns in canal
and guidance for the development of the cinema concerns raised by both employers and legal community. The conference, noted for By Dinithi the canal while attempting to
and television industry. employees and has formulated a new unified law addressing legal topics relevant to everyday Wijesundara pluck flowers.
that aligns with the current trends in employment practice, aimed to prepare participants and Her body was handed over
worldwide. Dr. Samaratunga expressed resource persons from diverse backgrounds to A 74-year-old woman to the National Hospital
confidence that the Government would soon take adopt a fresh approach, foster new connections, drowned in a canal in Colombo following the
up the proposed legislation and ensure its and tackle complex challenges in various Dematagoda on Tuesday (6). Magisterial Inquest.

Navy at hand evaluation through the parliamentary process. He

highlighted that the new labour law is expected to
promote increased participation of women in the
demanding environments.
The National Law Conference 2023 served as a
platform for legal practitioners and stakeholders
Preliminary investigations
showed the woman fell into
Dematagoda Police are
conducting investigations.

for flood relief labour force, acknowledging the importance of

gender equality in economic development.
Dr.Samaratunga said the traditional notion of
to unite and contribute towards the nation’s
development. With its focus on the national

Motorcyclist killed
interest and the importance of an independent
an eight-hour fixed-term employment is no judiciary, the conference aimed to build
longer the sole standard. The modern labour law consensus, forge partnerships, and drive positive
includes provisions that embrace the flexible
nature of today’s job market.
Furthermore, he said the Government is
change for Sri Lanka’s future.
The National Law Conference 2023/24 was
held from 2 -4 June at The Grand Hotel, Nuwara
in collision with bus
committed to accelerating digitalisation to Eliya. The second segment focused on sectoral By Dinithi bus which was travelling in
bolster the economy. Recognising the potential views on strengthening the Economy, a number Wijesundara the same direction.
benefits of digital advancement, the Government of local and foreign key stakeholders gave their The victim was critically
aims to adopt a speedy and effective approach to comments. A 57-year-old was killed in injured and pronounced dead
embrace new technology and their integration They also commended the effort of the BASL in an accident involving a on admission to
into various sectors. organising such a conference and appreciated motorbike and a bus on the Mahiyanganaya Hospital.
The proposed reforms in land, labour, capital, the Government’s efforts to bring the country out Badulla-Mahiyanganaya road The bus driver was taken into
and technology laws signify the Government’s of the crisis and extended their support in on Tuesday (6). custody.
Following the flash floods triggered by the heavy commitment to creating an environment that rebuilding the country focusing on areas in which According to Police, the Mahiyanganaya Police are
downpour reported in several parts of the island, fosters competitiveness and adaptability in the they could contribute. motorcycle collided with a conducting investigations
the Sri Lanka Navy deployed five relief teams for
flood relief in Bulathsinhala, Baduraliya,
Lathpandura and Walallawita in the Kalutara
District and Kalawana in the Ratnapura District.
The Navy relief teams were continuing their rescue
and relief services as of 6 June.
In Baduraliya, the Navy was pressed into action
SL eligible to receive
to transfer a group of Buddhist monks from
Gangarama Viharaya, Baduraliya to a religious ADB’s Concessional Lending
at 1-2% interest
matter and also safely carried a group of school
children, affected by floods. Moreover, the Navy
relief teams made necessary preparations to
provide assistance and relief to the local residents, Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved South Asia Kenichi Yokoyama. “The availability of
including schoolchildren, who were affected by the the eligibility of Sri Lanka to access concessional concessional assistance will help Sri Lanka to lay
flood in the Bulathsinhala area, enabling them to financing, ADB in a statement said yesterday (7). the foundation for economic recovery and
resume their daily activities. Under ADB’s concessional lending, Sri Lanka sustained, inclusive growth.”
Following the directives of the Commander of the will be able to access ADB lending/borrowings at “The availability of concessional assistance,
Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the Navy has interest rates varying from one per cent to two offered at low interest rates, broadens Sri Lanka’s
an additional 23 relief teams in the Western Naval per cent per annum, with a payback period options to bridge its urgent development
Command and 10 relief teams in the Southern varying from a minimum of 24 years to a financing needs to restore economic stability and
Naval Command, to be mobilised according to maximum of 40 years, including a grace period deliver essential services, particularly to the poor
requirements. ranging from five to 10 years. and vulnerable,” the statement added.
ADB’s decision was considered based on a Sri Lanka is now eligible for ADB support
request from the Government of Sri Lanka in view including concessional and market-based
of the severe and unprecedented economic crisis financing, technical assistance, policy advice,
that has reversed hard-won development gains, and knowledge solutions that together comprise
the statement said. a comprehensive suite of options to address the
“ADB is committed to further enhancing its crisis. Access to concessional financing will also
support for the people of Sri Lanka as the country ease debt servicing pressures through more
responds to this deep crisis that has severely favourable lending terms, the statement further
undermined their livelihoods and well-being,” the said.
statement quoting ADB Director General for (PA)

Navy nab 7 for illegal fishing

Five injured in in Northern waters
gas cylinder
 A special operation conducted by the Sri
Lanka Navy on the afternoon of 6 June off Point
Pedro, Jaffna led to seven people being nabbed
while diving to catch fish without passes.

explosion During the operation, the Navy seized one

dinghy and diving and fishing gear used for the
illegal fishing practice.
BY Asanga Champika – Hewaheta  To safeguard the marine ecosystem from the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Business Process
negative impact of unlawful fishing practices, Management (BMP) are industries at the forefront of the
Five persons who suffered injuries when a gas the Navy is carrying out continuous operations business world, earning valuable foreign exchange through
cylinder exploded at a bakery in Deltota town on in the coastal and sea areas surrounding the providing services to business enterprises in foreign countries.
the night of 6 June were admitted to the Divisional island. As an extension of these efforts, this
Hospital Deltota. special operation was conducted on 6 June in residents of Kalpitiya and Mannar and were Brisca Outsourcing Services is a BPO Company helping
Of the five who were admitted to hospital, one of the sea area of Point Pedro, deploying the between the ages of 20 to 37 years. Small and Medium Businesses (SMEs) and accounting firms
them who was in critical condition had been Inshore Patrol Craft P 055 attached to the The suspects and the gear were handed over in Australia and New Zealand streamline their accounting,
transferred to the Teaching Hospital Kandy. Northern Naval Command. The suspects are to the Fisheries Inspector – Point Pedro East. bookkeeping and taxation preparation functions for several
Deltota Police stated that initial inquiries years. Brisca recently launched a sister company, Brisca
conducted into the incident had revealed that a gas
Education, to introduce Sri Lankan accounting professionals
cylinder fixed to an oven used for bakery products
to the opportunities available in those countries and to give

US Treasury Dept DAS for

had exploded resulting in the accident.
them hands-on training in business processes, accounting
The fire which had engulfed the bakery following
methodologies and software used in the process.
the explosion had been doused by residents.

Asia visits Sri Lanka

Brisca Education currently has two training courses on offer:
- Job-Ready Training in Australian Accounting & Bookkeeping
- Job-Ready Training in Australian Taxation
US Department of the Treasury Deputy economic challenges and continue its
Assistant Secretary (DAS) for Asia, Robert structural reforms.   They are conducted online by experienced experts in those fields.
Kaproth, visited Sri Lanka from 5 to 6 June. The visit also included meetings with Fortified with the knowledge and experience gathered through
He met US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry, Minister the courses, the participants could quickly gain employment in
Chung and many other officials in the of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera, any of the BPOs engaged in accounting in Sri Lanka or offer their
country.   State Minister of Finance Shehan services individually to businesses in Australia. If they migrate
Kaproth’s visit to Sri Lanka focused on Semasinghe, Central Bank Governor Dr. to Australia, they will have a better chance of employment by
gaining a clear understanding of Sri Lanka’s Nandalal Weerasinghe and Opposition Leader Australian companies as they have the practical knowledge and
latest macroeconomic and financial Sajith Premadasa.  
know-how in accounting framework and software.
conditions and outlook. During his visit, the Kaproth also met officials of the
US Ambassador and Kaproth met President International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World The next intake will commence in the beginning of June.
Ranil Wickremesinghe and reaffirmed the Bank, and Asian Development Bank (ADB) for
United States would continue to explore further communication and coordination in More information could be had from:
areas in which their engagement and support
would help Sri Lanka to overcome its
assisting Sri Lanka to deepen its reforms and
achieve healthy and sustainable growth. 076 4 411 700
A4 thursday 8 june 2023 EVENTS
A.E. Goonesinha’s
biography launched
Dr. B.G.A. Vidyatilake
recently launched his latest
book, a biography of the late
labour leader A.E. Goonesinha,
in which he pays tribute to a
statesman who was

President meets SLRCS,

instrumental in changing the
political future of Sri Lanka.  Author Dr. B.G.A. Vidyatilake
Dr. Vidyatilake is a Senior
Consultant Obstetrician and Karu Jayasuriya, A.E.
Gynaecologist. He has Goonesinha’s photo was

IFRC delegations
authored three books related to garlanded by his grandchildren
his profession and a biography and the first copy of  ‘A.E.
of the late Piyadasa Sirisena. Goonesinha–
At a recent book launch held Charithapadanaya’ (Biography)
at the National Library with the was presented to Yasmin Koch,
participation of former Speaker the youngest granddaughter.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe convened a
meeting today with a delegation from the Sri
Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) and the
International Federation of Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies (IFRC).
The delegation comprised distinguished
leaders, including Jagath Abeysinghe,
President of SLRCS, Dr. Mahesh Gunasekara,
Director General of SLRCS, Alexander Matheou,
IFRC Regional Director for Asia Pacific, and
Udaya Regmi, IFRC Head of Country Cluster
Delegation for South Asia.
Tajas- HAL The primary objective of the meeting was to
provide President Wickremesinghe with a Throughout the meeting, the delegation also This meeting between the President and the
comprehensive update regarding the ongoing apprised the President of the pressing need collective team of SLRCS and IFRC leaders
Defence Seminar, South Asia National Societies Leadership
Meeting held in Colombo on 6 and 7 June.
for the enactment of the Sri Lanka Red Cross
Act. This piece of legislation aims to fortify the
epitomises Sri Lanka’s steadfast commitment
to collaborating with international

Exhibition to strenghthen Eminent leaders from eight South Asian

Red Cross and Red Crescent National
operational capacity of the Sri Lanka Red
Cross and provide efficacious support to
humanitarian organisations in tackling crucial
issues and fostering a more robust and resilient

defence cooperation
Societies graced this event. To inaugurate the vulnerable individuals islandwide. The society.
gathering, the South Asia Launch of the World President engaged in deliberations concerning Leaders of eight national associations of the
Disasters Report 2022 (WDR 2022) took place potential measures to enhance the Asian Red Cross and the International
The Indian High Commission collaborative engagement, on 6 June. President Wickremesinghe functionality of the Sri Lanka Red Cross, Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent
is organising the first India- Sri aims to identify newer areas of received a copy of the WDR 2022. thereby ensuring the welfare of Sri Lankans. Societies were also present at this meeting.
Lanka Defence Seminar and cooperation for economic
Exhibition to promote revival whilst ensuring
cooperation and collaboration capacity building of Sri Lanka
between the two countries on Armed Forces. The exhibition
defence equipment was held will also be open to public,
on 7 June 2023 at Taj Samudra, providing them an opportunity
Colombo. The event witnesed to see various defence
participation from the Indian equipment on display, it added
Defence Industry, Sri Lankan and further said that it may be
entrepreneurs, Sri Lanka recalled that the Sri Lankan
Armed Forces, Police and Armed forces have been
Special Task Force. State successfully operating a wide
Minister of Defence, Pramitha range of Indian defence
Bandara Tennakoon was the equipment like Indra Radar,
Chief Guest and other senior Advanced Offshore Patrol
officials from Sri Lanka Vessels, L 70 Guns, Dornier
including the Secretary of Aircraft and Army training
Defence, Chief of Defence Staff simulators. Similarly, Indian
and the Service Commanders armed forces use Fast
were graced the event, The Interceptor Crafts and refit of
High Commission said. Floating Dock at Colombo.
The event included a More recently, Government of
seminar highlighting the India has committed to the
capability and capacities of supply of Floating Dock,
the two countries in defence Maritime Rescue
equipment manufacturing and Coordination
also exhibited of a wide variety Centre and
of defence products. The Dornier
event, keeping with the aircraft which
Government of India’s would ensure

Ambassador Kohona calls

endeavour to capacity
deepen ties with Sri building of Sri Sri Lankan Ambassador to
Lanka through Lanka Armed China Dr. Palitha Kohona was the
inclusive and Forces. Chief Guest at the 1,689th
birthday celebration of monk Fa
Xian in the city of Linfen, Shanxi
Province. While marvelling at the
for revival of Fa Xian tradition
incredibly arduous journey
undertaken by Fa Xian, he
welcomed the revival of the spirit
of adventure, travel and discovery
by today’s inheritors of the Fa
Xian tradition. He said Sri Lanka
was ready to welcome Chinese
travellers in the same spirit as it
had welcomed Fa Xian 1,600
years ago.
Dr. Kohona shared the same
thoughts at a meeting with the
Secretary of the Party
Leadership Committee, Hao
Rohini Radar- BEL Zhong Xiang.
Fa Xian was born in Linfen and
Linfen hosts an elaborate Fa Xian
memorial. He started his epic
journey in search of the original
Vinaya (discipline) texts of the
order of Buddhist monks at 65.
He learnt Sanskrit at 70 to master
the texts available in India. After
crossing the scorching Gobi returned to his homeland at 79 opening up trade and travel
Desert and traversing the via Java with his precious routes, he could be described as
daunting Hindu Kush mountains collection of Buddhist texts. He an early pioneer of the BRI
AOPV- GSL on foot, he reached Taxila. In wrote about his pioneering and concept and globalisation.
India, he acquired the texts that daunting journey (Records of Today, Linfen prides itself as the
he wanted and visited the holy Buddhist Kingdoms) and birthplace of Fa Xian and is even
places of Buddhism. Given translated the holy texts into considering setting up an
Lanka’s reputation as a centre of spending two years in the Lankan Chinese. His influence on Chinese adventure travel option along the
Buddhist learning, he travelled to capital, Anuradhapura at the Buddhism is seminal. Due to the route taken by the indomitable Fa
the ‘Lion Kingdom’ by sea. After Abhayagiri Monastery, he impact Fa Xian’s journey had on Xian.

ASW Corvette- GRSE

Speaker concludes visit to Ankara
Representing the President Republic 100 years ago, said,
and the Government, Speaker “Our nation, which completed its
Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana national struggle with the
arrived in Ankara on 3 June 2023 establishment of the Republic a
for the Inauguration Ceremony of century ago, will crown the
the Turkish President Recep second century of the Republic
Tayyip Erdoğan, who was with the Turkish Century.”
re-elected with approximately  At the dinner for foreign
52.2% votes cast at the second dignitaries, the Speaker
round of Presidential election congratulated President
held on 28 May 2023. President Erdoğan and conveyed
Erdoğan who has been in power felicitations from President
for 20 years, has begun his next officials from 78 countries International Organisations, Ranil Wickremasinghe, the
five-year term. including 19 Heads of State, Vice former Presidents and Prime Government and the people of
 The Inauguration Ceremony Presidents, 13 Prime Ministers, Ministers. In his speech at the Sri Lanka on his re-election.
Guru Truck Ashok Leyland held at the Presidential Palace Deputy Prime Ministers, Inauguration, President Erdoğan The delegation left for Sri Lanka
was attended by high level Speakers, Ministers, Head of referring to the foundation of the on 5 June 2023.
 FOCUS thursday 8 june 2023 A5
By Azusa Kubota, and Dr. World Oceans Day, 8 June

Diving Deep
Puducherry. Seychelles MSP is in the final
Vagisha Gunasekera stages, and Vietnam with the support of
UNDP is currently in the process of
Oceans, seas and coastal areas form developing a national marine spatial
an integral and essential component of master plan, aiming to fuel sustainable
the Earth’s ecosystem. They are vital to development of marine economic
sustaining the livelihoods and food clusters and establish sea-based

into the Blue

security of over three billion people economic hubs by 2030.
around the world (OECD) and to the Why should Sri Lanka
economic prosperity of most countries.
The ability of these marine environments consider the MSP?
to provide jobs and nutrition over the long The COP15 Convention on Biological
term is, however, already under pressure Diversity saw nearly 200 countries,
from human activities. And it is being including Sri Lanka, agreeing to protect
further threatened by development 30% of lands, oceans, coastal areas and
approaches that are fragmented, inland waters by 2030. This ’30 x 30

A Case for a Marine Spatial Plan for Sustainable

uncoordinated, and often in conflict with pledge’ is one of the Framework’s four
what science tells us is physically agreed Goals and 23 Targets to achieve
possible or ecologically sound. by 2030. The Government of Sri Lanka,
Fortunately, many governments,
organisations and communities in both
developed and developing countries are
Blue Economy in Sri Lanka aligning itself with its commitment to this
pledge, proposed a Marine Spatial Plan in
the National Budget 2023. This
becoming aware of the need for a more commitment underpins the crucial next
coherent, integrated, fair, and science- steps Sri Lanka must undertake in the
based approach to incorporating ocean rollout of the MSP.
values and services into economic The MSP helps to increase investor
modelling and decision-making confidence by introducing transparency
processes. and predictability, in turn boosting
The Blue Economy paradigm investment in innovation and blue
constitutes a sustainable development technologies, paves the way to attract
framework for developing countries to sustainable investments - including blue,
ensure equitable access to the green and sustainable financing, and
development of, and sharing of benefits creates fiscal space while also achieving
from, marine resources. It also offers the related nature conservation targets in
opportunities for re-investment in human line with the country’s commitments with
development and alleviates crippling regard to the Sustainable Development
national debt burdens. Furthermore, it Goals. Adopting sustainable blue
protects and optimises intangible ‘blue’ economy development pathways,
resources such as traditional ways of life, including an MSP, can help Sri Lanka turn
carbon sequestration and coastal the present fiscal challenges into
resilience in order to help vulnerable opportunities by harnessing the ocean’s
States mitigate the devastating effects of unique advantages. Further, MSP
growing inequality, poverty and climate allocates space for biodiversity and
change. nature conservation, simultaneously
The seabed currently provides 32% of generating economic benefits such as
the global supply of hydrocarbons with greater certainty of access to desirable
exploration expanding. Advancing areas for new private-sector investments.
technologies are opening new frontiers of MSP works across sectors to encourage
marine resource development from investments by creating more transparent
bioprospecting to the mining of seabed rules and a predictable investment
mineral resources. The sea also offers climate whilst ensuring that human
vast potential for renewable ‘blue energy’ activities at sea do not further jeopardise
production from wind, wave, tidal, thermal the health of our ocean.
and biomass sources. The worldwide UNDP’s offer of support for
ocean economy is valued at around US$
1.5 trillion per year, making it the seventh- MSP
largest economy in the world. It is set to Over the last 25 years, UNDP has
double by 2030 to US$ 3 trillion. The total mobilised over US$ 1 billion for ocean
value of global ocean assets (natural protection and restoration in more than
capital) has been estimated at US$ 24 100 countries.
trillion. Building on this wealth of experience,
In 2022, Vietnam’s first ocean economy UNDP together with the Government of
report, titled “Blue Economy Scenarios,” Sri Lanka recently conducted a high-level
was launched by UNDP and the Vietnam stakeholder consultation on developing a
Administration of Seas and Islands. It Azusa Kubota Dr. Vagisha Gunasekera roadmap towards MSP. The said roadmap
demonstrated that by applying blue for MSP is currently underway and is
economy scenarios, the GDP of Viet larger than the land area. So why not and appropriate ocean observations are expected to be launched in the coming
Nam’s marine economic sectors will be optimise its potential for sustainable crucial to assess and incorporating the months. UNDP and the Lakshman
34% (or 23.5 billion USD) higher development? real value of the natural blue capital into Kadirgamar Institute (LKI) are also
compared to the business-as-usual Charting out a blue economy warrants all aspects of economic activity. The human activities (tourism, renewable putting together a joint policy paper on
scenario in 2030. a clear policy framework that guides the second building block is to ensure energy, fisheries, and conservation) in Blue Economy which will be released in
Sri Lanka possesses a territorial sea of use and allocation of ocean resources. collaboration across sectors to create a coastal and marine areas. the coming weeks. UNDP will continue to
21,500 km2 and an Exclusive Economic This must be done while ensuring gender, more operational kind of ocean science to With nearly 100 countries/territories extend support to the Government of Sri
Zone (EEZ) of up to 200 nautical miles equity and justice, and the capacity to support sustainable economic goals. And have completed or are in the process of Lanka to identify and situate the MSP
(370 km) from the coastal line an extent enforce compliance with legislation that a Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) provides developing MSP initiatives, it is evident within the National Development
of 517,000 km2. From living resources to outlines how marine assets should be a platform for such cross-sectoral that Sri Lanka makes a strong case for priorities, bring together all relevant
exploitable minerals and hydrocarbons, used and protected. For example, many collaboration across various the adoption of a sustainable blue stakeholders, whilst strongly welcoming
fisheries, access to shipping lanes, countries have established the National stakeholders. economy concept – with a particular collaborations and new partnerships in
offshore renewable energy, and oceanic Ocean Policy or blue economy What is a Marine Spatial focus on a Marine Spatial Plan. Starting the broader blue economy mandate
recreational opportunities such as frameworks that speak to how their in 2020, China carried out integrated envisioned for Sri Lanka.
surfing, whale and dolphin watching, marine space should be governed. Plan? management for natural resources and Azusa Kubota is the Resident
deep sea diving, sea entertainment etc., The first prerequisite for countries, MSP is a proven effective policy started to compile National Land Spatial Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka and
the opportunities for economic value before investing in blue sectors, is to process to bring together public and Planning (including ocean and land). In Dr. Vagisha Gunasekera is Country
addition are limitless. understand the economic value of their private stakeholders to analyse and February 2023, India launched the Economist, UNDP in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s Sea territory is 8 times blue assets. Strong scientific research allocate ocean space for competing country’s first MSP framework in (UNDP)

The Rise of AI in Marketing

How it will revolutionise the Industry
By Shazir Makie the strain on customer support give clients immediate responses to their
employees. inquiries, lowering wait times and
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been Predictive Analytics for Data-Driven increasing satisfaction.
transforming multiple industries and Decision Making: Predictive analytics is According to (T.J.Kiely,2022), to
marketing is no exception. In fact, AI is another method in which AI will disrupt provide accurate, relevant, and human-
poised to revolutionise the way marketing. Data, statistical algorithms, like analysis, AI incorporates natural
businesses approach marketing in the and machine learning techniques are language processing into its data points.
coming years. used in predictive analytics to determine As a consequence, client service is
From personalisation to automation, the likelihood of future events based on simplified. The consumer encounter is
According to (A.Haleem, M. Javaid, previous data. Predictive analytics is more genuine. Marketers can improve
2022), AIhas enormous commercial becoming significantly more accurate audience engagement, expedite market
potential, It assists in the proliferation of and successful with the assistance of AI. research, and harness the power of big
information and data sources, the AI systems can evaluate massive data. As businesses continue to shift
enhancement of software's data volumes of data about client behaviour, away from outbound, push-style
management skills, and the development such as purchase history, browser marketing and towards contextual
of complicated and advanced algorithms. history, and social media activity. AI can relevance, they will be able to develop
AI is altering how companies and recognise patterns and trends in this material that seems much more organic,
customers engage with one another. This Marketing Task Automation: data and use them to forecast future personal, and relevant.
technology's implementation is heavily Automation is another important way in behaviour. To summarise, Artificial Intelligence is
reliant on the nature of the website and which AI will alter marketing. Marketing For example, based on their purchase fast revolutionising the marketing sector,
the sort of business. Marketers may now likely to be interested in, as well as which automation has been around for a long history and interaction with marketing and the benefits are obvious. AI is set to
concentrate their efforts on the client and message and marketing approaches are time, but artificial intelligence is initiatives, AI may forecast which alter the way firms approach marketing,
address their demands in real-time. most likely to resonate with them. propelling it forward. Marketers may be consumers are most likely to churn. This from mass personalisation to marketing
AI offers a range of capabilities that For example, AI-powered chatbots can able to employ AI to automate many of information may then be utilised to task automation, predictive analytics for
can help businesses reach and engage employ natural language processing the time-consuming and repetitive develop tailored retention programmes data-driven decision-making, and
with their target audiences more (NLP) to interpret and reply to client marketing activities, freeing up their time to keep these consumers engaged. enhanced customer experience.
effectively. This article will explore some enquiries and complaints. These to focus on more strategic efforts. AI can also assist marketers in Marketers can connect and interact with
of the ways in which AI is likely to chatbots can find chances for For example, AI-powered systems may predicting which items and services will their target audiences more effectively,
revolutionise the future of marketing. personalisation, such as proposing automate email marketing campaigns, be popular in the future. AI can predict build more focused and customised
Scalable Personalisation: certain items or services that are likely to social media publishing, and even new trends and assist marketers in campaigns, and ultimately deliver better
Personalisation has been a marketing be of interest to a given consumer, by content creation. By analysing data creating goods and services that are business outcomes by using the
term for many years, but it has been evaluating the tone and mood of about customer behaviour and more likely to be successful by studying potential of AI. It will be intriguing to
impossible to execute at scale until customer interactions. preferences, AI can aid marketers in data on trends and client preferences. observe how AI technology grows and
lately. Personalisation, on the other hand, AI may also assist marketers in developing highly personalised and Improved Customer Experience: influences the future of marketing as it
is becoming much more achievable with personalising their advertising initiatives. targeted content that is more likely to Ultimately, AI will transform marketing by advances. The potential is infinite, as are
the assistance of AI. For example, AI systems may evaluate generate conversions. increasing the consumer experience. AI the possibilities. Marketers that succeed
AI algorithms are capable of analysing consumer data to identify which sorts of Marketers may also use AI to automate may help businesses create a smoother in the future will be able to use external
massive volumes of data on individual advertising are most likely to resonate customer service. Chatbots and virtual and ‘delightful’ customer experience by data insights about their sector and
customers, such as their surfing history, with different segments of a target assistants may handle regular client offering tailored and targeted customers to influence their next moves.
purchase history, social media activity, audience. This data may then be utilised questions and complaints, freeing up communications, automating repetitive Shazir Makie holds MBA Int’l Business
and so on. Using this data, AI can to construct highly targeted and tailored customer care agents to address more operations, and giving predictive (R), B.A (Hons) Business Admin, HND
generate accurate predictions about advertising efforts that are more likely to difficult issues. This can increase insights. (UK), AMSLIM
which items and services people are result in conversions. customer satisfaction while decreasing AI-powered chatbots, for example, may - Marketing Researcher and Strategist
A6 thursday 8 june 2023 editorial

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National Policy for

NCDs: a crucial step
towards better health
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose a significant
health challenge in Sri Lanka, just like in other nations.
Conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes,
and chronic respiratory diseases burden individuals, families,
communities, and the healthcare system in Sri Lanka.
Recognising the urgency of this issue, Cabinet this week
approved the National Policy and Strategic Framework for the
Prevention and Control of Chronic NCDs in Sri Lanka.
Proposed by the Minister of Health, this policy aims to publish
the revised strategic framework and national policy in the
Government Gazette and implement its provisions.
According to the WHO, NCDs are collectively responsible for
74 per cent of all deaths worldwide. More than three-quarters Notes of a Native

Critiquing Sinhala
of all NCD deaths, and 86 per cent of the 17 million people who
died prematurely, or before reaching 70 years of age, occur in
low- and middle-income countries.
Heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases,
and diabetes stand as the leading causes of NCD-related
deaths in Sri Lanka accounting for approximately 120,000

Buddhist nationalism:
fatalities annually.
Contributing factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy alcohol
consumption, obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar,
and high blood cholesterol have been identified as major
culprits. Sri Lanka published its first national policy for NCD

A response to Devaka
prevention in 2009.
To address the evolving landscape of NCDs, a revised policy
has been meticulously crafted by consulting relevant
stakeholders and evaluating the 2009 framework. The result is
the new National Policy and Strategic Framework for the

Gunawardena
Prevention and Control of Chronic Non-communicable
Diseases in Sri Lanka.
The significance of having a national policy to tackle NCDs
in Sri Lanka cannot be overstated and it is commendable that
the Cabinet decided to walk the talk without any delay.
NCDs stand as the primary cause of death and disability in
Sri Lanka, significantly impacting the country’s disease By Uditha Devapriya the JVP-NPP and the FSP, which perhaps owing
burden. By prioritising prevention, early detection, and to their links with student and rural communities
management of NCDs, a national policy empowers the In a recent piece for an English Daily (“What is have been able to steer clear of such tendencies
Government to alleviate the burden on individuals and the Sinhala Buddhist nationalism and where is it – entering a thoroughly NGO-fied civil society.
healthcare system. headed?” 6 June 2023) Devaka Gunawardena Since I am more aware This is not to demean NGOs, still less censure
Also, NCDs not only affect personal health but also impose a ponders on Sinhala Buddhist nationalism and its them: it is merely to suggest that this defection of
substantial economic toll. These diseases escalate healthcare relevance to Sri Lanka’s efforts at escaping its of the undercurrents of the Sri Lankan Left has never attracted the kind
costs, reduce productivity, and result in income loss for
individuals and families. A national policy efficiently allocates
subordination to the “capitalist-imperialist world
system.” Gunawardena mentions my exchanges
Sinhala Buddhist of critique that Sinhala nationalists parading
themselves as anti-imperialists have.
resources, promoting cost-effective interventions that prevent with him and with Dayan Jayatilleka, the latter of nationalism than of its This is hardly unique to Sri Lanka, of course.
and manage NCDs, thus easing the economic burden. whom has commented on my essays, to this Writing to Himal Southasian in 2017, Vivek
A national policy provides a framework for fostering healthy paper, on the tenuous relationship between
Tamil counterpart, I can Chibber notes a “decline of class analysis” in
behaviours and preventing NCDs through targeted nationalism and left-wing politics in Sri Lanka. only comment on the South Asian studies that he traces to the ‘NGO-
interventions. This includes public health campaigns, Gunawardena theorises a great deal, and given fication’ of civil society and the domestication of
educational programmes, and policy measures aimed at my woefully inadequate knowledge of the former with any degree the New Left into mainstream academia, which in
encouraging tobacco control, healthy eating, physical activity, theories he invokes I will leave any debate over of certainty. I think the turn he traces the spate of economic
and responsible alcohol consumption. them to another person and for another day. His liberalisation in the 1980s that, in his view, has
The comprehensive nature of a national policy enables the essay does, however, raise some provocative first point I would have “led to an increased conservatism on the part of
integration of NCD prevention and management into the
existing healthcare system. It fosters a multidisciplinary
questions, not least of which is whether Sinhala
Buddhist nationalism, in its current form, is
to raise in response to the urban middle class.” Decades earlier, in a
penetrating piece on Orientalism, Aijaz Ahmad
approach involving healthcare professionals, policymakers, relevant to anti-imperialist politics in Sri Lanka. I Gunawardena’s piece is wrote of the migration of Third World elite
community leaders, and civil society organisations. By think Kanishka Goonewardena (“Populism, intellectuals from a Left to a post-Left post-
fostering collaboration and coordination, the policy enhances nationalism and Marxism in Sri Lanka: from anti- semantic: he talks of Marxist space. I would add that since the
the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. colonial struggle to authoritarian neoliberalism”, Sinhala Buddhist collapse of the Soviet Union – which did more to
Implementing a national policy necessitates a robust Geografiska Annaler: Series B, Human harm the credibility of the Left in the Third World
surveillance and monitoring system to gather and analyse Geography, November 2020) has addressed this nationalism, but I think than any other historical event – these
data on disease prevalence, risk factors, and health outcomes. issue well, because he considers the nationalist it would be better if we intellectuals have allowed themselves to be
This data-driven approach empowers policymakers to make perspective, that of Jathika Chintanaya, instead absorbed into a civil society permeated by
informed decisions, evaluate intervention impact, and ensure of excluding it. focus more broadly on donor-funded, donor-dependent NGOs. Such a
appropriate resource allocation tailored to the population’s
specific needs.
Indeed, it is his consideration of the nationalist
perspective which reinforces his critique of
Sinhala nationalism culture is, to the best of my knowledge, hardly
conducive to a left-wing radical project.
Therefore, the introduction of a national policy to address nationalist politics. Goonewardena’s conclusion since the politics of My point here is simple. Gunawardena argues,
non-communicable diseases in Sri Lanka is an imperative is the same as Gunawardena’s: for all its correctly, that Sinhala Buddhist nationalism is a
step. By reducing the burden of NCDs, promoting prevention ostensibly anti-imperialist potential, nationalism, Sinhala nationalism poor substitute for anti-imperialist politics, and
and health promotion, allocating resources efficiently, specifically Sinhala Buddhist nationalism, can extends beyond its that it “cannot challenge the country’s intrinsic
integrating healthcare delivery, and adopting data-driven never be a substitute for anti-imperialist politics. subordination” to “the capitalist-imperialist
decision-making, Sri Lanka can greatly improve the health and Gunawardena argues further in his critique: he Theravada Buddhist world system.” He advocates instead “an actual
well-being of its population. This commendable government
initiative is poised to make a tangible difference in the lives of
argues that the current understanding of terms
like Sinhala and nationalism are at odds with how
framing. My framework of self-sufficiency that links technical
innovation to ideological struggle by engaging
Sri Lankans and create a healthier future for the nation. they were framed during the country’s medieval understanding of the pluralistic politics of working people.”
period. More pertinently, he argues that the
meanings of these terms were determined by the
Sinhala nationalism There is nothing to disagree with here. I would
advocate the same as well. But if we accept that
social landscape of their time, and with each thus includes not just Sinhala Buddhist nationalism is too weak to pose
passing era, they underwent vigorous a challenge to the capitalist-imperialist
transformations. I agree. That is, and has always the usual figures – not framework, we must accept that it can easily be
been, the basis for my criticism of Sinhala just Anagarika critiqued, dismissed, and thrown aside, as it is.
nationalists today: their dismissal or ignorance of We must then accept that the bigger challenge is
the historicity of ethnic and religious labels. Dharmapala – but also that capitalist-imperialist framework before
This Newspaper supports the My argument ThisinNewspaper
my two-part essay supports
on the a vast cohort of non- which the most avowedly anti-imperialist
Press Complaints Commission of Sri Lanka nationalism and left-wing Commission
Press Complaints politics in Sri Lanka of Sri Lanka nationalist eventually bends. And so, we must
was basically that one cannot ignore the other. Buddhist nationalist accept that the bigger challenge will come, not
Rights of Readers Since I am more aware Rightsof theof Readers of
undercurrents
figures, like those from nationalism, but from the many civil society
Sinhala Buddhist nationalism than of its Tamil outfits which have a vested interest in promoting
The Editor and the journalists of this newspaper respect the The Editor and
counterpart, theonly
I can journalists
comment of on
thisthe
newspaper
former respect the involved with the the very capitalist-imperialist framework
“Rights of Readers” and endeavour to follow the Code of “Rights
with of Readers”
any degree and endeavour
of certainty. I think theto follow
first pointthe Code of Gunawardena critiques. My question here is
Professional Practice of The Editors’ Guild of Sri Lanka, which Professional
I would havePractice
to raise in ofresponse
The Editors’to Guild of Sri Lanka, which formation of the hence simple. These outfits have the money, the
is implemented by the Press Complaints Commission of is implementedpiece
Gunawardena’s by the Press Complaints
is semantic: he talks of Commission of precursor to the Jathika dollars and the cents. Nationalist outfits do not.
Sri Lanka. Sinhala Buddhist nationalism, Sri Lanka.
but I think it would As I noted in my column last week on the Marga
If you have a grievance against us, you are welcome to contact If be
youbetter
haveifawe grievance
focus more against us, you
broadly are welcome to contact Hela Urumaya, the
on Sinhala Institute Forum on the IMF and social protection,
us directly and we will strive to provide redress to you.
If you are not satisfied, you could complain to:
us directlysince
nationalism
nationalism
and the
If youextends
we will
are not beyond
strive
politics
satisfied,
of to provide redress to you.
Sinhala
itsyou
Theravada
could complain to:
Sihala Urumaya civil society outfits working on the ground, with
the poor, feel constantly threatened by Colombo-
The Press Complaints Commission of Sri Lanka (PCCSL) Buddhist
The Press framing.
ComplaintsMy understanding
Commissionof ofSinhala
Sri Lanka (PCCSL) based civil society outfits, which have the
nationalism thus includes not just the usual funding. An effective Left counterstrategy
For further information contact figures – not justFor Anagarika Dharmapala
further information – but
contact against the current social order must address
96, Bernard Soysa Mawatha (Kirula Road), Colombo 5 also a96,
vastBernard
cohortSoysa Mawatha (Kirula
of non-Buddhist Road), Colombo 5 capitalist-imperialist system is based, I would
nationalist such concerns. But has such a counterstrategy
Tel: 5353635 Fax: 5335500 figures, like those Tel: 5353635
involved withFax:
the 5335500
formation of add that Sinhala nationalism’s embrace of the been laid out and followed through? Or has it
E-mail: [email protected] the precursor to the E-mail: [email protected]
Jathika Hela Urumaya, the status quo, the establishment, has but only been postponed and delayed, needlessly?
Web page: www.pccsl.lk
Sihala Urumaya. Web page: www.pccsl.lk mirrored a shift within sections of the Left to a Critiquing nationalist politics is necessary. Yet is
My second point would be that while I agree vague and altogether amorphous – one would it the be-all and end-all of the Left? I think not.
with Gunawardena’s assertion that Sinhala call postmodernist – liberal position. This has The writer is an international relations analyst,
nationalism – Buddhist or otherwise – has never been ongoing since the 1980s, and it has resulted researcher, and columnist who can be reached at
challenged the social order on which the in a vast cohort of the Left – minus, I would say, [email protected].
 EXCHANGE RATES 07.06.2023 THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2023 B7
Currency Buying Rate Selling Rate
Australian Dollar 189.0180 200.6037
Canadian Dollar 211.1248 223.9600
Chinese Yuan (Renminbi) 39.3388 42.4724
Euro 303.6215 320.6391
Japanese Yen 2.0407 2.1523
Singapore Dollar 210.2674 222.6827
Sterling Pound 353.5696 371.6976
Swiss Franc 311.7117 331.4925
US Dollar 285.5677 298.4378
Country Currency Indicative Rate
Bahrain Bahrain Dinar 772.4033
Kuwait Kuwait Dinar 946.4906
Oman Oman Rial 756.3542
Qatar Qatar Riyal 79.8671
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Saudi Arabian Riyal
UAE Dirham
77.6543
79.2865
Institute of Analytics
Source: CBSL
UK launches in SL
CBSL’s absence
aids Spot’s
strengthening
By Paneetha Ameresekere
CORDELIA TO The Institute of Analytics UK
was officially launched in Sri
Lanka on 5 June, the Institue said
and said Speakers shared their
research findings and ongoing
projects, showcasing their

BRING IN 80,000
The benchmark ‘spot’ strengthened by 50 cents and added the event marked a expertise in cutting-edge
(0.17 per cent) to be trading at Rs 291.00/292.00 to the significant milestone in the analytics techniques.
US dollar in two*way quotes due to Central Bank of Sri country’s journey towards Two partners from Sri Lanka
Lanka’s (CBSL’s) absence from the market yesterday, harnessing the power of data were recognised, the University
market sources who didn’t want to be named told analytics to drive innovation, of Moratuwa for their Bachelor of

HIGH NET WORTH

Finance Today. growth, and societal progress. Business Science (Business
CBSL buys dollars from the market to strengthen the The Chief Guest at the event Analytics) degree programme,
country’s parlous foreign reserves, but at the expense was Senior Professor Sampath and Imperial College of Business
of weakening the rupee, but when there is a ‘pause,’ Amaratunga, Chairman UGC Sri Studies for their BA Hons.

INDIANS IN NEXT
like what happened yesterday, that helps to strengthen Lanka. The Institute aims to (International Business and
the rupee, due to a lack of dollar demand led by import establish itself as a centre of Finance) degree programme.
controls and bans. excellence, providing world-class  The event also served as a
A weak ‘spot’ causes cost-push inflationary education, research, and industry platform for networking and

FOUR MONTHS         

pressure as Sri Lanka is an import dependent collaboration opportunities in the collaboration, fostering
economy, whereas a strong ‘spot’ negates cost-push field of analytics.  Lara Millmow, partnerships that will drive
inflationary pressure. Meanwhile, year-on-year (YoY) Head of Membership IOA spoke innovation and create new
to yesterday the ‘spot’ has steeply gained by between at the event and explored various opportunities for growth. The
Rs 69.00 and Rs 73.00 (19.17-20 per cent) to the dollar applications of analytics in launch of the Institute of
in two way quotes. A year ago the ‘spot’ was trading
unchanged for the sixteenth consecutive market day
to 7 June 2022 at Rs 360/365 to the dollar in two-way
SL to earn USD 18M from these visits different sectors, including
business, accounting and
finance, governance, and
Analytics UK in Sri Lanka
signaled the country’s
commitment to becoming a
quotes, statistics also showed.  By Ishara Gamage Executive, Mohan Pandithage, academia. regional hub for analytics
 The overall strengthening of the rupee is after the said. The audience was captivated excellence, promising a brighter
Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) and the CBSL entered Cordelia Cruises plan to bring in  “Our partnership with Advantis is by the remarkable stories of how future for Sri Lanka’s
into an IMF Staff level agreement for the release of a 80,000 high net worth Indian the first step in positioning both Sri analytics has revolutionised businesses, government
USD three billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) spread tourists to the country in the next Lanka and India as premier decision-making processes agencies, and society, the
over a four year period, with the first tranche of $ 330 four months, its President and CEO destinations for discerning worldwide, the Institute further Institute said.
million released in March itself. Jurgen Bailom told Finance Today travellers across South Asia. By said. As the nation embraces the
Meanwhile, CBSL strengthened the administered (FT), yesterday (Tuesday 7 June). seamlessly integrating these The launch of the Institute of opportunities presented by
‘spot’ for the second consecutive market day to Speaking to FT from Hambanota, unique and diverse holiday Analytics UK in Sri Lanka was a analytics, it will undoubtedly
yesterday, this time by 0.11 per cent (33 cents) to Rs he further said that these high net destinations, we aim to chart new transformative step towards pave the way for innovation,
291.21 to the dollar.  Meanwhile, a year ago CBSL kept worth Indian tourists will bring in a Jurgen Bailom horizons for tourists and stimulate unlocking the power of data- growth, and a more prosperous
the administered ‘spot’ unchanged at Rs 360.28 to the total of USD 18M in valuable foreign economic growth for both nations,” driven decision-makingit added future, it added.
dollar. YoY to yesterday, the administered ‘spot’ has exchange (FX) into Sri Lanka (SL). Ms the statement quoting Bailom further said.
sharply strengthened by 19.17 per cent (Rs 69.07) to Empress of Cordelia Cruises which docked at Meanwhile, Advantis Managing Director,
the dollar. Hambantota yesterday with a passenger load Ruwan Waidyaratne had said, “As an island,

Air China reinstates

 ‘Spot’ trades are settled after two market days from of 1,600 high net worth Indians, in their Sri Lanka has attracted maritime trade and
the date of trading. CBSL the steward of GoSL debt current cruise journey on the waters of Sri travel for centuries. However, in the modern
and of its foreign reserves deals in the official ‘spot.’ Lanka, will next dock at Trincomalee, then at age, our nation is yet to leverage its natural
The official ‘spot’ is usually artificially propped up to
minimise the cost of GoSL’s foreign debt in rupee
Jaffna, before departing to Chennai.
 “We are delighted to welcome Cordelia
advantages to the best of our ability.
Through our alliance with Cordelia Cruises, services between
Colombo and Chengdu
terms and also to minimise GoSL’s foreign debt Cruises and embrace a new segment of we are able to facilitate the first-ever cruise
servicing costs in rupee terms. luxury cruise tourists. Today marks a sailing operation around the island, offering
significant milestone in our efforts to a remarkable opportunity for travellers to
revitalise and unlock substantial explore the rich heritage, natural beauty Air China
commercial opportunities in the tourism and  cultural diversity of Sri Lanka. We look officially
value chain, as well as capitalise on our forward to working in close partnership announced that
Rs 140 Billion T-Bill Auction island’s vast untapped potential as a global with the Cordelia team to attract at least all bookings are

CBSL repeats
hotspot for cruises,” a statement quoting 80,000 visitors within the next four months open for its new
Hayleys Group Chairman and Chief alone.” reinstated

‘IMF Success Story’

services between
Colombo
Bandaranaike
of 22 March auction Palm Oil – Transforming International
Airport and Chengdu Tianfu
the 16th consecutive year, and
was the only Chinese civil
By Paneetha Ameresekere
Sri Lanka’s Lost Opportunity into International Airport with three
flights a week (MON/WED/FRI)
aviation company on the list. Air
China has also received the “No.

a Lucrative, Sustainable Industry

Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) notched a from Chengdu-Colombo- 1 Chinese Brand Award” in the
perfect score after more than two months at Chengdu which will be in Aviation category and the
yesterday’s Rs 140 billion, weekly, Treasury (T)-Bill operation starting 3 July 2023 “Annual Chinese Cultural Brand
auction, by not only being able to sell all of the Industry (CMB/TFU - 22:15/06:15+1)  Award” for 16 years
tenures offered, but also seeing their weighted stakeholders urged (TFU/CMB - 17:35:20:15). Air consecutively. In 2022, Air China
average yields (WAYs) sharply fall. the Government to China is offering a special all- was named number 24 on World
Consequently, yesterday’s T-Bill auction saw not allow more than 20 inclusive Economy Class Return Brand Lab’s list of China’s Top
only the parcels of the 91-day, 182-day and 364-day hectares of oil palm Fare starting LKR 119,000 from 500 Most Valuable Brands,
tenures comprising Rs 65 billion, Rs 30 billion and cultivation under the Colombo to Chengdu Return and ranking first among Chinese
Rs 30 billion each, being allowed to be fully initial licence so that starting return fare LKR 123,000 airlines.  As of 31 March 2023,
subscribed, but also seeing their WAYs fall sharply the full potential of to Beijing, Shanghai, Canton, Air China (including its
by 244, 339 and 381 basis points (bps) each to 23.1 the crop can be Kunming, and 60+ other Chinese subsidiaries) had a total of 898
per cent, 21.90 per cent and 19.10 per cent, realised. This was as a lost opportunity for LKR 11 billion in direct and cities via Chengdu. Air China also aircrafts of all types, mainly
respectively. emphasised in the special Sri Lanka. Just like indirect contributions to connects passengers to Seoul Boeing and Airbus, with an
The last time such a phenomenon took place was press conference jointly alternative crops grown to Sri Lanka’s GDP, the oil starting Return Economy class average age of 8.90 years,
at the 22 March 2023 weekly T-Bill auction for the organised by the Asian obtain vegetable oil, oil palm plantation and fare at LKR 181,000 and London operating 672 passenger routes
sale of Rs 125 billion T-Bills, then aided by the IMF Palm Oil Forum, a palm provides a year- milling sectors play a Economy class Return fare at to 151 cities in 25 countries and
Staff two days earlier, ie on 20 March 2023, approving multilateral organisation round source of income pivotal role in the nation’s LKR 358,000. Air China will be regions. Our service was further
a USD three billion concessional loan to Sri Lanka. representing the palm oil for plantation workers and economic landscape. mounting the inflight services on extended to 1,300 destinations
Yesterday’s fall in WAYs across the board was a two- industry in the Asian small plantation owners. It Approximately 60% of this their Airbus 320 aircraft and all in 195 countries (regions)
in-a-row, week on week (WoW), happening. region, a global network also holds immense economic impact stems their fares are inclusive of 23-kg through cooperation with
Nonetheless, the fact that the WAY of the longer ‘Solidaridad’, and the potential to bolster the from the plantations, while baggage allowance and airlines such as Star Alliance
tenure 364 maturity being smaller than both the Palm Oil Industry country’s economy on the remaining 40% arises on-board meals. Members. The corporate logo of
shorter tenure 91 and 182-day maturities for the forty Association of Sri Lanka, a various fronts, by reducing from the milling sector. Air China Limited is the flag Air China depicts phoenix, a
first consecutive market week and that of only the 91 spokesman said and reliance on imported Moreover, these sectors carrier of the People’s Republic legendary bird worshiped by the
day maturity being greater (vis-à-vis the 364-day added the event shed light edible oils, and potentially create over 5,000 of China and one of the “Big nation since ancient times as a
maturity) for the forty second consecutive market on the untapped potential creating a lucrative export employment Three” mainland Chinese airlines symbol of luck and happiness.
week to yesterday are indications that the market presented by oil palm industry in the future. In opportunities, supporting (alongside China Southern Chinese ancient literature
expects yield pressure to last only in the ‘short’ term.   cultivation in Sri Lanka. fact, Solidaridad has the livelihoods of around Airlines and China Eastern contains constant references to
CBSL on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka With a focus on released the ‘Myths and 21,000 individuals. As a Airlines). Air China’s the bird which “flies from the
(GoSL) will have to repay maturing Treasury (T) Bills sustainable practices and Truths of Oil Palm,’ a result of the high-value headquarters are in Shunyi eastern Happy Land over
of known tenures totalling Rs 81,601 million (Rs 81.6 the strengthening of rural research-based scientific crop and outsized demand District, Beijing. Air China’s flight mountains and seas and
billion) to the market bytomorrow. communities, key study that provides for palm oil, the industry operations are based primarily at bestows luck and happiness
Their splits are Rs 45,000 million 91-day maturities, representatives of the two information and also has the potential to Beijing Capital International upon all parts of the world.” With
Rs 6,954 million 182-day maturities and Rs 29,647 organisations highlighted assessments on palm oil generate high-income Airport. In 2017, the airline imagination stretched a bit, the
million 364-day maturities, respectively. Howbeit, the immediate short, through an in-depth employment, with an carried 102 million domestic and way the logo is laid out recalls
maturing T- Bills held by the CBSL and also repayable medium and long-term, literature review on average monthly income of international passengers with an the English word ‘VIP’, the Airline
by Friday are unknown as CBSL the steward of GoSL economic and social gains research findings by over LKR 185,000 per employee. average load factor of 81%. The further said.
debt doesn’t disclose such figures. that could be achieved 15 leading scientists from This is significantly higher, airline joined Star Alliance in Air China’s route network
Additionally another Rs 525 million 182-day through this promising, top universities and in many instances by a 2007. Air China continues to extends throughout Asia to the
maturity and a 91-day maturity of unknown value, lucrative and sustainable research institutions factor of two, when improve its management Middle East, Western Europe,
embedded together with a 364-day and 182-day industry. across Indonesia, compared with workers standards and brand value. Air and North America from its hubs
maturities as well and totalling Rs 21,250 million in The present legal and Malaysia, India and Sri involved in tea, rubber, China has been named by World at Beijing Capital International
full are also repayable to the market, by GoSL, by regulatory impediments to Lanka, the spokesman coconut and other Brand Lab as one of the “World’s Airport and Chengdu Shuangliu
tomorrow. cultivating oil palm stand added and said with over plantations. 500 Most Influential Brands” for International Airport.
B8 thursday 8 June 2023 corporate/markets
HNBA honours stellar Sri Lanka’s first Mobile Journalism Festival

performers at Sales USAID, IREX to 

Convention 2022
Organise MoJo Lanka
The United States Agency for
International Development (USAID) and
the International Research and
Exchanges Board (IREX) are pleased to
announce the MoJo Lanka festival, a
two-day event celebrating the power of
mobile journalism and digital
storytelling.
The festival will take place from 24-25
June at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel
in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
MoJo Lanka will provide a dynamic
platform for journalists, storytellers,
Shamali Liyanage receives the ‘Best Sales Advisor’ award and content creators to explore the
rapidly evolving landscape of mobile
journalism.The festival will feature
The HNBA Sales Convention was held expected the Covid 19 pandemic to a series of panel discussions with a mix
recently at the Hilton Colombo and was a accelerate and replace face-to-face selling of national and international experts on
platform to felicitate the  best of HNBA’s with digital alternatives, however, you have key topics, including the powerful impact
sales force, which  helped HNBA record one all proven that the human touch still plays a of citizen journalism, strategies to
of the best year’s ever recorded in the vital role in the insurance industry, combat fake news, and techniques for
company’s history. Chairperson of HNB especially in building confidence and growing an audience for digital content.
Assurance PLC and HNB General Insurance loyalty among our valued customers. So, The festival is honoured to host MoJo
Limited, Rose Cooray, Board Directors, my congratulations to all the winners legend and #MoJoFest founder,
CEOs of HNB Assurance and its wholly tonight, may you grow from strength to Glen Mulcahy, as the keynote speaker.
owned subsidiary HNB General Insurance strength.” Mulcahy, whose work has contributed
Limited, Corporate Management Chasing after a very ambitious target of significantly to the global expansion of
Committee members along with other attaining a 10% market share in five years, mobile journalism, will inspire attendees
invitees, sales staff and their spouses were HNBA CEO,  Lasitha Wimalaratne said, with his expert insights. publisher of instant news. We support platform for both budding and
present at the occasion. “We’ve made great headway into achieving U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie this initiative to mitigate the growth of established content creators to network,
Nearly 350 plus awards were handed out our goal of 10 in 05. If we maintain this Chung will provide remarks. Master misinformation and disinformation that share experiences, and showcase
under the categories Bronze, Silver, Gold, momentum and passion, while continuing classes by local and international can damage the culture of good their work.
Super Gold, Premier Gold and Grand to stay ahead of the industry growth, we experts will also be offered, providing journalism. The United States is a “MoJo Lanka is more than a festival,”
Awards, recognising the efforts of those certainly can achieve that number. I’m participants with the chance to learn steadfast supporter of journalistic said Jean MacKenzie, Chief of Party of
from the Advisor Distribution Channel. extremely grateful to each one of you for about the nuances of MoJo storytelling. integrity, a key pillar of every democracy the USAID-funded MEND programme. “It
Further, the 81 MDRT winners along with supporting our company’s goals and Industry giants such as David Hayward, and especially Sri Lanka’s democracy signals a growing movement aimed
the 02 COT winners were felicitated during driving them individually and collectively. the editor of the first BBC newsroom to which boasts a long, proud, and resilient at revolutionizing the way stories are told
the event. The pinnacle award of the night So, tonight is dedicated to all of you, to be staffed exclusively with video history. This is a stance we have and heard in Sri Lanka. By leveraging the
for ‘Best Sales Advisor’ was awarded to. celebrate your incredible achievements and journalists, will join other esteemed maintained for the 75 years of close power of mobile technology and the
Shamali Liyanage, who won the award for outstanding performance. I firmly believe industry professionals to discuss partnership between our two vast possibilities for content creation
the second consecutive year. that these achievements celebrated tonight the increasing significance of mobile countries,”, said Gabriel Grau, USAID offered by today’s cyber world, we are
Speaking at the event, Rose Cooray will only propel us forward, motivate and reporting. Award-winning mobile Mission Director for Sri Lanka and bringing fresh perspectives and new
Chairperson HNB Assurance PLC and HNB help us emerge as a better organization. As journalist and producer, K.C Saranga will the Maldives. voices to the media landscape,” he said.
General Insurance Limited, said “I’m I extend my heartiest congratulations to deliver talks on shooting the perfect The USAID-supported Media The festival promises to be a
delighted to be present here today where our top performers, I emphasize again, you story. Empowerment for a Democratic transformative event that will not only
we recognise and honour our top advisors, – our people, remain the driving force “Mobile journalism is the biggest Sri Lanka (MEND) initiative has been a highlight the best of Sri Lanka’s
whose unwavering dedication has behind our success and we will continue to revolution in news. With a smartphone, catalyst in promoting mobile journalism journalistic talent but also inspire a new
immensely contributed to our company’s support and provide you with all necessary anybody can assume the role of a in Sri Lanka. The festival is a concrete wave of digital storytelling in the country,
resounding success in 2022. A lot of us resources required to excel in your roles.” cameraman, editor, producer, and manifestation of this, providing a a spokesman said.

07.06.2023
DAILY SHARE PRICES
VOLUME V.W.A. CHANGE VOLUME V.W.A. CHANGE VOLUME V.W.A. CHANGE
SECURITY PREVIOUS TODAY’S (RS) SECURITY PREVIOUS TODAY’S (RS) SECURITY PREVIOUS TODAY’S (RS)
CLOSE V.W.A OPEN HIGH LOW CLOSE CLOSE V.W.A OPEN HIGH LOW CLOSE CLOSE V.W.A OPEN HIGH LOW CLOSE
MAIN BOARD LANKA REALTY 12,479 10.80 11.20 11.20 10.70 10.80 - ALUMEX PLC 1,934 8.40 8.30 8.50 8.20 8.30 (0.10)
A.SPEN.HOT.HOLD. 101 57.00 56.00 57.00 56.00 56.00 (1.00) LANKA TILES 15,185 41.50 41.50 41.90 41.00 41.80 0.30 AMANA TAKAFUL 12,525 10.80 11.30 11.60 11.30 11.50 0.70
ACCESS ENG SL 29,706 15.00 14.70 14.90 14.60 14.90 (0.10) LANKA VENTURES 2,000 34.00 34.00 34.00 34.00 34.00 - AMBEON HOLDINGS 121 37.30 34.60 37.00 34.60 35.10 (2.20)
ACL 121,779 71.90 70.60 71.50 70.00 70.40 (1.50) LANKA WALLTILE 7,933 44.90 45.50 45.50 44.80 45.50 0.60 AMF CO LTD 5,883 7.00 7.10 7.10 6.90 6.90 (0.10)
ACL PLASTICS 8 360.00 364.00 364.00 363.75 360.00 - LANKEM DEV. 105,421 24.00 23.60 24.60 23.40 23.40 (0.60) ASIA SIYAKA 27,571 4.30 4.20 4.30 4.20 4.30 -
ACME 100 5.90 5.80 5.80 5.80 5.80 (0.10) LAUGFS GAS 400 23.50 23.00 23.40 22.50 22.60 (0.90) BANSEI RESORTS 1,700 11.00 10.70 11.00 9.90 10.60 (0.40)
AGALAWATTE 7,514 29.10 28.90 29.50 28.30 28.70 (0.40) LAUGFS GAS [LGL.X0000] 961 17.20 17.40 17.40 16.70 17.20 - BERUWALA RESORTS 12,051 1.20 1.30 1.30 1.20 1.30 0.10
AHOT PROPERTIES 500 36.00 36.00 36.00 36.00 36.00 - LAXAPANA 2,342 13.30 13.20 13.30 13.20 13.20 (0.10) BOGALA GRAPHITE 73,835 55.90 56.90 59.50 56.70 58.40 2.50
AITKEN SPENCE 6,800 119.25 118.75 120.00 117.00 117.00 (2.25) LB FINANCE 29,793 55.00 54.10 55.50 54.00 55.10 0.10 BOGAWANTALAWA 481 44.50 43.00 45.90 43.00 45.50 1.00
ALLIANCE 4,436 59.90 62.60 63.00 60.50 61.80 1.90 LION BREWERY 30,011 704.75 709.00 709.00 700.00 704.75 - BPPL HOLDINGS 113,437 19.00 19.50 20.00 19.50 20.00 1.00
AMANA BANK 85,605 2.40 2.40 2.40 2.30 2.30 (0.10) LMF 15,401 139.00 140.00 141.00 140.00 140.00 1.00 BROWNS 7,597 99.00 98.70 100.00 98.00 98.60 (0.40)
ASIA ASSET 1,035 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 - MALWATTE 245 68.00 68.50 68.50 68.10 68.10 0.10 BROWNS INVSTMNTS 1,371,117 5.20 5.30 5.30 5.10 5.10 (0.10)
ASIA CAPITAL 1,160 3.40 3.50 3.60 3.40 3.50 0.10 MALWATTE [MAL.X0000] 1,169 45.80 40.70 40.70 40.60 40.60 (5.20) C T LAND 703 21.80 20.60 23.00 20.20 22.00 0.20
ASIRI 5,892 23.00 23.00 23.00 22.50 22.50 (0.50) MELSTACORP 50,285 55.00 55.00 55.00 53.90 54.50 (0.50) C.W.MACKIE 2,258 93.70 95.40 95.40 91.30 91.50 (2.20)
ASIRI SURG 18,602 12.00 12.00 12.20 11.80 11.80 (0.20) MERC. SHIPPING 1 134.00 160.00 160.00 160.00 134.00 - CALT 1,343,417 32.50 32.70 33.50 32.70 33.50 1.00
AUTODROME 25 107.25 108.00 108.00 108.00 107.25 - MULLERS 50,200 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 - CEYLON BEVERAGE 100 1,150.00 1,150.00 1,150.00 1,150.00 1,150.00 -
BAIRAHA FARMS 13,099 130.00 130.00 130.00 128.00 128.00 (2.00) NAMUNUKULA 38 357.50 360.00 368.75 359.00 357.50 - CEYLON TEA BRKRS 44,087 4.40 4.50 4.50 4.40 4.40 -
BALANGODA 1,792 66.00 64.00 66.00 64.00 64.80 (1.20) NAT. DEV. BANK 328 42.60 42.80 43.50 42.50 43.10 0.50 CITRUS WASKADUWA 14,136 2.60 2.60 2.70 2.50 2.60 -
BLUE DIAMONDS 507,979 0.50 0.50 0.60 0.40 0.50 - NATION LANKA 302 0.50 0.40 0.50 0.40 0.40 (0.10) COM.CREDIT 5,835 23.30 22.70 23.30 22.50 22.60 (0.70)
BLUE DIAMONDS [BLUE.X0000]56,672 0.40 0.30 0.40 0.30 0.30 (0.10) NATIONS TRUST 40,527 65.10 65.10 65.20 65.10 65.10 - DILMAH CEYLON 7 1,012.00 1,020.00 1,085.00 1,020.00 1,012.00 -
BUKIT DARAH 85 376.50 380.00 381.50 375.00 376.50 - OVERSEAS REALTY 5,270 14.10 14.30 14.40 14.10 14.10 - E - CHANNELLING 2,405 15.40 15.40 15.50 15.30 15.30 (0.10)
C M HOLDINGS 435 64.00 65.00 66.90 64.20 64.40 0.40 PAN ASIA 20,030 11.00 11.00 11.20 10.90 10.90 (0.10) ELPITIYA 26,477 70.70 72.00 73.00 70.00 71.70 1.00
CARGILLS 25,024 245.75 252.00 252.00 245.75 250.00 4.25 PANASIAN POWER 31,354 3.00 3.00 3.00 2.90 3.00 - EQUITY TWO PLC 6 40.00 41.50 41.50 41.50 40.00 -
CARSONS 1 270.00 270.00 270.00 270.00 270.00 - PEOPLE'S INS 26,137 19.40 19.40 19.40 19.20 19.20 (0.20) EXTERMINATORS 2 8.00 8.40 8.40 8.30 8.00 -
CDB [CDB.X0000] 30,395 63.50 65.00 67.50 65.00 67.50 4.00 PEOPLES LEASING 40,707 7.40 7.20 7.50 7.20 7.30 (0.10) FC TREASURIES 871,416 24.50 24.60 25.30 24.50 25.00 0.50
CENTRAL FINANCE 446 64.00 65.00 65.00 64.90 65.00 1.00 PGP GLASS 36,350 20.00 20.00 20.30 20.00 20.30 0.30 FIRST CAPITAL 745,537 34.20 34.50 35.00 33.90 34.40 0.20
CENTRAL IND. 65,999 82.20 83.00 85.00 83.00 84.00 1.80 PRINTCARE PLC 9,219 48.90 49.00 49.00 48.40 48.50 (0.40) FORTRESS RESORTS 2,502 20.10 18.50 20.50 18.50 20.50 0.40
CEYLINCO INS. [CINS.X0000] 1,050 960.00 950.00 950.00 945.00 947.50 (12.50) R I L PROPERTY 22,323 4.90 5.00 5.00 4.80 4.90 - GALADARI 10,781 12.40 12.80 12.80 12.20 12.20 (0.20)
CEYLON GUARDIAN 200 62.10 63.00 63.00 63.00 63.00 0.90 RENUKA AGRI 28,004 4.70 4.70 4.80 4.70 4.70 - HAPUGASTENNE 2 37.10 39.90 39.90 38.90 37.10 -
CEYLON INV. 2,725 32.10 31.00 31.20 31.00 31.10 (1.00) RENUKA CITY HOT. 3,403 337.25 341.50 341.50 300.50 332.25 (5.00) HARISCHANDRA 13 4,000.00 3,710.00 3,950.00 3,710.00 4,000.00 -
CEYLON TOBACCO 9,403 800.25 800.00 807.00 800.00 800.25 - RENUKA HOLDINGS 4,933 12.50 12.40 12.40 12.10 12.10 (0.40) HATTON 500 19.80 19.80 19.80 19.50 19.60 (0.20)
CHEMANEX 1 66.00 68.00 68.00 68.00 66.00 - RESUS ENERGY 15,467 12.40 11.90 12.20 11.40 11.50 (0.90) HNB FINANCE 23,003 4.60 4.60 4.60 4.50 4.50 (0.10)
CHEVRON 292,947 87.00 87.00 89.60 87.00 88.10 1.10 RICHARD PIERIS 5,502 18.10 18.10 18.40 18.00 18.20 0.10 HVA FOODS 11,490 3.50 3.50 3.60 3.40 3.60 0.10
CIC 199,193 60.00 60.10 62.00 59.80 60.00 - ROYAL CERAMIC 358,633 26.10 26.10 26.50 26.00 26.20 0.10 JANASHAKTHI INS. 39,740 24.40 24.00 24.50 23.40 23.50 (0.90)
CIC [CIC.X0000] 261,364 45.10 44.80 45.70 44.30 45.00 (0.10) S M B LEASING 54,145 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.50 0.50 (0.10) JETWING SYMPHONY 15,981 6.40 6.60 6.70 6.20 6.20 (0.20)
CITRUS LEISURE 70,507 5.80 5.60 5.90 5.50 5.60 (0.20) S M B LEASING [SEMB.X0000]130,543 0.20 0.20 0.30 0.20 0.20 - JOHN KEELLS 100 64.00 64.00 64.00 64.00 64.00 -
COLD STORES 145,457 41.10 41.10 42.40 41.00 42.10 1.00 SAMPATH 2,264,451 49.80 49.90 49.90 49.10 49.20 (0.60) KAHAWATTE 25,374 15.50 15.50 15.50 15.50 15.50 -
COLOMBO CITY 495 43.00 41.20 42.50 41.00 41.60 (1.40) SARVODAYA DEVFIN 217 10.20 10.30 10.50 10.30 10.40 0.20 KEELLS FOOD 76 160.00 156.25 164.00 156.25 160.00 -
COLOMBO LAND 1,807 17.00 16.50 17.00 16.50 17.00 - SEYLAN BANK 119,770 28.20 28.40 28.40 28.00 28.20 - KEELLS HOTELS 1,876 16.50 16.50 16.50 16.30 16.50 -
COMMERCIAL BANK 5,099 58.00 58.10 58.60 56.70 57.30 (0.70) SEYLAN BANK [SEYB.X0000] 46,962 20.70 20.50 20.70 20.50 20.50 (0.20) KELSEY 100 21.50 21.70 21.70 21.70 21.70 0.20
COMMERCIAL BANK [COMB.X0000]2,226 49.00 48.00 49.00 47.40 47.40 (1.60) SEYLAN DEVTS 4,318 12.00 11.50 11.80 11.40 11.50 (0.50) LANKEM CEYLON 375 66.80 66.20 67.50 66.20 67.50 0.70
DANKOTUWA PORCEL 23,723 25.00 25.20 25.40 24.50 24.50 (0.50) SHAW WALLACE 27,527 5.80 5.80 5.90 5.70 5.70 (0.10) LAUGFS POWER 51 8.10 8.10 8.10 8.10 8.10 -
DFCC BANK PLC 12 40.00 40.00 40.00 39.10 40.00 - SIERRA CABL 28,032 9.80 10.20 10.20 9.60 9.70 (0.10) LAUGFS POWER [LPL-X-0000] 8 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 -
DIALOG 164,583 10.20 10.30 10.30 10.20 10.30 0.10 SIGIRIYA VILLAGE 505 51.30 56.90 58.00 56.90 57.50 6.20 LCB FINANCE PLC 25,934 2.00 2.00 2.10 2.00 2.00 -
DIMO 1,013 455.50 469.75 469.75 445.00 445.75 (9.75) SINGER FINANCE 12,453 11.20 11.20 11.50 11.00 11.10 (0.10) LIGHTHOUSE HOTEL 264 27.50 25.10 27.40 25.10 26.10 (1.40)
DIPPED PRODUCTS 158,040 26.00 26.20 26.20 25.90 26.00 - SUNSHINE HOLDING 176,196 41.90 41.60 42.30 41.60 42.00 0.10 LOLC GENERAL INS 232,862 6.00 6.00 6.20 6.00 6.00 -
DOCKYARD 5,388 57.50 55.10 57.40 54.70 56.90 (0.60) SWISSTEK 47,067 13.60 14.00 14.30 14.00 14.20 0.60 LOTUS HYDRO 4,801 7.10 7.00 7.30 7.00 7.00 (0.10)
E B CREASY 3,750 17.80 17.80 18.00 17.80 17.90 0.10 TALAWAKELLE 11,651 91.00 93.00 93.00 90.00 90.50 (0.50) LUMINEX 118,528 6.80 7.20 7.20 6.90 7.00 0.20
EAST WEST 499 8.30 8.00 8.30 8.00 8.10 (0.20) TANGERINE 296 49.00 49.20 49.20 49.00 49.10 0.10 MACKWOODS ENERGY 2,160 1.90 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 0.10
EASTERN MERCHANT 4,150 8.50 8.60 8.60 8.20 8.20 (0.30) TEA SMALLHOLDER 8 38.20 38.20 39.60 38.20 38.20 - MAHAWELI COCONUT 108 35.00 35.50 35.50 35.00 35.00 -
EX-PACK 123,692 12.80 13.00 13.00 12.70 12.80 - TEEJAY LANKA 5,021 29.80 29.80 30.00 29.70 29.80 - MAHAWELI REACH 115 13.00 12.50 12.60 12.50 12.60 (0.40)
EXPOLANKA 380,368 131.75 131.25 133.00 130.00 130.50 (1.25) THREE ACRE FARMS 11 137.75 138.00 138.00 137.50 137.75 - MARAWILA RESORTS 140,746 1.90 1.90 2.00 1.90 1.90 -
FORT LAND 11,457 24.70 24.60 25.00 24.30 25.00 0.30 TOKYO CEMENT 34,561 43.10 44.00 44.00 42.50 42.60 (0.50) MASKELIYA 2 35.80 34.60 34.60 34.60 35.80 -
GALLE FACE CAP 233 16.30 17.00 17.00 16.90 16.90 0.60 TOKYO CEMENT [TKYO.X0000] 20,401 40.00 39.60 39.60 39.00 39.10 (0.90) MERCHANT BANK 31,815 3.20 3.10 3.30 3.10 3.10 (0.10)
GESTETNER 1 65.20 65.40 65.40 65.40 65.20 - UNION BANK 113,756 9.00 9.00 9.10 8.10 9.00 - MILLENNIUM HOUSE 29,407 2.90 2.80 3.00 2.80 2.90 -
GRAIN ELEVATORS 794 88.00 88.00 88.00 88.00 88.00 - UNION CHEMICALS 4 665.00 655.00 655.00 650.00 665.00 - MYLAND 1,955 8.60 8.50 8.90 8.10 8.90 0.30
HAYCARB 18,502 55.00 55.00 56.00 54.50 56.00 1.00 UNISYST 14,677 5.40 5.50 5.50 5.10 5.10 (0.30) PEGASUS HOTELS 4,399 28.10 28.00 28.00 22.30 25.30 (2.80)
HAYLEYS 475,655 69.20 69.30 69.60 68.50 69.40 0.20 UNITED MOTORS 334 53.20 55.00 57.00 55.00 56.00 2.80 PEOPLE'S MERCH 600 4.20 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 (0.10)
HAYLEYS FABRIC 54,572 22.90 22.80 23.00 22.40 23.00 0.10 VALLIBEL 734 6.50 6.50 6.50 6.40 6.50 - PRIMERESIDENCIES 230,776 7.30 7.30 7.40 7.20 7.20 (0.10)
HAYLEYS FIBRE 13,218 54.40 54.10 57.90 52.70 57.00 2.60 VALLIBEL FINANCE 25,348 31.30 31.50 31.90 31.50 31.70 0.40 RAIGAM SALTERNS 266,556 7.30 7.40 7.50 7.40 7.50 0.20
HAYLEYS LEISURE 6,131 21.00 20.60 21.00 20.10 20.10 (0.90) WATAWALA 6,856 70.00 68.80 70.00 68.50 69.20 (0.80) RAMBODA FALLS 26 25.00 24.80 26.90 24.80 25.00 -
HELA 264,292 6.20 6.30 6.90 6.30 6.60 0.40 WINDFORCE 8,262 16.80 16.80 16.80 16.60 16.80 - RICH PIERIS EXP 609 524.25 525.00 525.00 518.00 518.25 (6.00)
HEMAS HOLDINGS 4,944 65.10 65.50 65.50 65.00 65.30 0.20 hSENID BIZ 6,921 12.50 12.70 12.90 12.40 12.80 0.30 ROYAL PALMS 613 22.90 22.90 22.90 22.90 22.90 -
HNB 17,609 120.00 120.00 120.75 118.25 120.00 - SECOND BOARD SATHOSA MOTORS 3,020 159.50 158.00 158.00 158.00 158.00 (1.50)
HNB ASSURANCE 1,789 45.00 44.50 44.50 42.60 43.30 (1.70) ABANS FINANCIAL 1,118 21.20 20.40 21.80 20.40 20.50 (0.70) SERENDIB HOTELS 280 9.00 9.00 9.30 9.00 9.00 -
HNB [HNB.X0000] 13,564 88.00 88.00 88.90 87.10 88.00 - AMBEON CAPITAL 129,419 9.50 9.40 9.70 9.30 9.40 (0.10) SERENDIB HOTELS [SHOT.X0000]3,904 6.90 6.80 6.90 6.70 6.90 -
HORANA 205 45.00 43.60 43.90 43.60 43.90 (1.10) BROWNS BEACH 742 11.20 10.60 11.30 10.60 10.70 (0.50) SINGER IND. 121 32.00 33.00 33.00 33.00 33.00 1.00
HOTEL SIGIRIYA 5,000 31.50 31.50 31.50 31.50 31.50 - DIALOG FINANCE 26 62.00 56.00 56.00 56.00 62.00 - SINGHE HOSPITALS 300 2.40 2.40 2.40 2.40 2.40 -
HOTELS CORP. 4,390 18.30 18.90 19.00 18.10 18.20 (0.10) DISTILLERIES 150,920 18.50 18.50 18.70 18.40 18.70 0.20 SOFTLOGIC CAP 110,696 7.90 7.90 8.00 7.80 7.80 (0.10)
INDUSTRIAL ASPH. 1,601,708 0.30 0.40 0.40 0.30 0.30 - EDEN HOTEL LANKA 46,084 14.30 14.30 14.70 13.90 14.00 (0.30) Softlogic Life 9,287 67.20 68.00 68.00 66.10 67.10 (0.10)
JKH 102,023 139.75 139.25 139.50 138.75 138.75 (1.00) HUNAS HOLDINGS 12 30.10 28.50 29.60 28.50 30.10 - TAL LANKA 139 15.20 14.50 15.00 14.50 14.60 (0.60)
KANDY HOTELS 3,030 7.20 7.20 7.30 6.80 7.20 - JAT HOLDINGS 54,238 15.20 15.20 15.50 15.20 15.50 0.30 TESS AGRO 146,662 0.90 1.00 1.00 0.90 1.00 0.10
KAPRUKA 354 8.30 8.30 8.40 7.90 8.40 0.10 LOLC FINANCE 2,962,420 5.00 5.10 5.10 4.90 4.90 (0.10) TESS AGRO [TESS.X0000] 26,100 0.70 0.80 0.80 0.70 0.70 -
KEGALLE 3,436 115.25 115.75 115.75 110.00 113.00 (2.25) MADULSIMA 6,293 10.30 10.20 10.20 10.00 10.00 (0.30) UDAPUSSELLAWA 1,303 65.50 64.50 64.50 63.50 63.50 (2.00)
KELANI CABLES 1,054 264.00 272.00 274.00 260.25 261.50 (2.50) ON'ALLY 631 24.90 24.70 24.70 23.60 23.60 (1.30) UNION ASSURANCE 301 29.60 30.80 30.80 29.70 30.80 1.20
KELANI TYRES 655 58.00 58.00 58.00 56.00 57.60 (0.40) ORIENT FINANCE 300 6.80 6.90 6.90 6.70 6.80 - VALLIBEL ONE 72,831 33.60 34.10 34.20 33.70 34.10 0.50
KELANI VALLEY 3,605 71.50 73.00 73.00 70.00 70.00 (1.50) SINGER SRI LANKA 5,598 13.50 13.40 13.40 12.90 13.00 (0.50) VIDULLANKA 5,705 5.50 5.70 5.70 5.70 5.70 0.20
KINGSBURY 5,938 8.60 8.60 8.60 8.50 8.50 (0.10) SLT 27,455 92.60 91.20 93.90 90.20 92.30 (0.30) VIDULLANKA [VLL-X-0000] 25,415 4.30 4.30 4.40 4.30 4.40 0.10
KOTAGALA 239,417 5.90 5.80 5.90 5.70 5.70 (0.20) SOFTLOGIC FIN 251 7.00 6.90 6.90 6.90 6.90 (0.10) WATCH LIST
L O L C HOLDINGS 10,121 320.00 321.50 323.00 316.50 317.75 (2.25) EMPOWER BOARD NAWALOKA 55,171 5.00 5.00 5.20 4.80 5.00 -
LAKE HOUSE PRIN. 99 167.00 155.00 190.00 155.00 167.00 - ALPHA FIRE [AFS-R-0000] 23 15.00 15.10 22.00 15.00 15.00 - RADIANT GEMS 565 49.50 52.50 52.90 50.00 50.30 0.80
LANKA ALUMINIUM 13,815 14.50 14.50 14.80 14.20 14.50 - CHRISSWORLD 8,025 9.00 8.80 9.00 8.00 8.50 (0.50) STANDARD CAPITAL 3 42.60 38.20 38.20 38.10 42.60 -
LANKA ASHOK 1 656.00 670.00 670.00 670.00 656.00 - EML CONSULTANTS 16,269 3.70 3.80 3.80 3.60 3.70 -
LANKA HOSPITALS 2,814 109.00 108.50 109.00 106.25 107.25 (1.75) DIRI SAVI BOARD
LANKA IOC 149,758 130.25 132.00 132.00 130.00 131.00 0.75 AGSTAR PLC 25,177 10.20 10.60 10.60 10.30 10.50 0.30
 Thursday 8 JUNE 2023 C9

Public
programmes
at the MMCA
Public programmes allow the general public to
experience museums beyond what is offered in walk-in
visits, by welcoming visitors to engage in creative,
reflective, and recreational activities in response to what is
offered in exhibition and gallery spaces. The Museum of
Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka (MMCA Sri
Lanka) opened in December 2019 and has facilitated
public programmes for its visitors since its inception.
These free programmes are curated alongside the
museum’s exhibitions, as part of its efforts to engage the
public with the artworks on display, while welcoming
educational and recreational opportunities for the
participants. 
The museum’s public programmes include and are not
limited to Gallery Talks, Workshops, Performances, Poetry
Readings, a Poetry Club, Curator’s Tours, Exhibition Tours,
and Puzzle Days. They provide opportunities for the public

THE JOURNEY OF A STORY

to receive art-related education, acquire further knowledge
on socio-cultural and political discourses related to art
and culture, and enjoy themselves in the rejuvenating
context of the country’s first museum of modern and
contemporary art.
Chief Curator at the MMCA Sri Lanka Sharmini Pereira
said, “Other than being free, our Public Programmes are
geared towards providing more access to modern and By Khalidha Naushad pseudonyms have always fascinated me because it took me to complete a page reduced drastically,
contemporary art because beyond having commercial I believe that it expresses a certain first and the story began to take shape. Thankfully, the
value, it provides such a stimulating means to reflect on Through their boundless creativity and impression of the author, and by extension of the middle part of the writing process wasn’t too
the societies we live in. As such, we also recognise that masterful storytelling, fantasy writers ignite the story itself. I chose the pseudonym ‘Weaver’ as a eventful, but sticking to the ending was a bit
modern and contemporary art can also be baffling to some spark of imagination within us all. They possess shortened expression for ‘The one who weaves difficult. Finally, I decided to write a few different
audiences, which is why our public programmes are key.” the unique ability to transport readers to worlds stories’. It’s a simple term, but I find it to be endings to the story and pick the one which I
Pereira added, “Building audiences for our planned beyond the confines of reality, crafting intricate beautiful. Plus, I believe that it’s a universally believed was the most suitable one.”
permanent facility is part of this exercise, and we have tales filled with magic, mythical creatures, and approachable name for readers anywhere in the That was just the first phase though.
seen our audience widen and multiply since our inception.” epic adventures. Through their words, they create world, and it’s an image that anyone can envision Unfortunately, I was stuck in editing limbo for
The free public programmes by the MMCA Sri Lanka are enchanting realms that capture the hearts and immediately.” longer than I wrote the story! It took me many
led by its Education Department, and curated by Assistant minds of readers, leaving an indelible mark on the Road to Harnesser; Return of the editing cycles and a couple of rewrites to finally
Curator of Education and Public Programmes Pramodha literary landscape. be satisfied with the manuscript. I handled most
Weerasekera. Weerasekera noted that “These programmes Meet 22-year-old Lillendra Alawattegama, the Vendetta of the editing myself, but I had to outsource the
are learning experiences for all audiences, often revolving author of Road to Harnesser; Return of the Road to Harnesser; Return of the Vendetta is a typing, as the entire manuscript was handwritten,
around the themes of our exhibitions. Our aim is to ensure Vendetta whose vibrant storytelling transcends Fantasy novel that follows the story of a young and I simply did not have the time to type it all out.
that everyone leaves an event with a better understanding the boundaries of age and genre. With an uncanny boy named Joe Windel, and the journey he I also had some of my best friends help me with
and awareness about Sri Lankan modern and ability to blend fantasy and science fiction embarks on to search for his missing twin brother. the Beta-Reading process, which I appreciate
contemporary art, relevant thematics, discourses, skills, seamlessly, he has captivated readers of all ages. His journey is riddled with a variety of obstacles since they gave me a lot of great feedback.
and much more.” She further added, “Resource persons Entertainment Today talks to Alawattegama he must overcome; from mastering his elemental Furthermore, I was able to get a professional
who collaborate with us on Public Programmes are about the beginning of his literary journey and the abilities, and facing monsters and demons, to a Beta-Reader to review it, and soon it was ready to
experts who work with a sensibility about art, and we are publishing of his debut book. dangerous conspiracy that could disrupt the go.
grateful to have worked with more than 100 of them so From a tender age, Alawattegama possessed a balance of power of the world forever. Along the I would also like to thank Optima Designs for
far.” boundless curiosity for the unknown, ever way, he encounters many friends and foes, all of their invaluable support in the printing process, and
A host of new and exciting free public programmes await captivated by the enigmas of distant galaxies, the whom help him grow and accept his role in this Smstudio for the amazing cover design! However,
the museum’s audiences with its new exhibition titled ‘The secrets of arcane magic, and the wonders that lie new world. all of this would have been virtually impossible if
Foreigners’, which will be on display until 22 October at its hidden in the depths of the human psyche. This “It’s an idea that I’ve had for a very long time,” not for the constant support of my parents. My
premises on the ground floor of Crescat Boulevard, insatiable hunger for knowledge and the realms he confesses, “Initially I didn’t plan on publishing father single-handedly led the entire publishing
Colombo 3. ‘The foreigners’ brings together the works of unseen led him on a journey through the vast it, but as it matured and shaped itself into a full- process, and without him publishing this story
15 contemporary artists, who use varying media to tapestry of literature, devouring the works of blown story, However, I’d say what ignited my would have remained a distant goal,” he shares.
address the entangled ways in which foreignness is legendary authors and visionary storytellers. “I desire to write this story was a combination of Fantasy writing
inscribed onto them, marking them as strangers, was fortunate enough to have many opportunities three things; being introduced to The Percy
outsiders, or transgressors. Public programmes during to develop my creative writing skills, for which I’m Jackson series by my best friend, my desire to The difficult aspect of writing in this genre, for
‘The Foreigners’ will include Gallery Talks with artists and eternally grateful to my parents and my alma write my own story and the positive him, has always been the world-building, he
experts on the ideas and disciplines related to the mater, Trinity College Kandy. Aside from this, I was encouragement of my friends and family. I owe a shares, “When it comes to things like Fantasy or
artworks, along with performances, workshops, and more. also able to attend Elocution classes when I was large part of my success to all of them. Science Fiction, you essentially have free reign
The programming will also introduce a new series of younger, which allowed me to gain a lot of much- In general, I just wanted to write a story that we over what kind of world you want to create. You
Reading Groups that will critically read literary texts needed practice and experience when it came to can all relate to. While we might not be duelling have all these whacky and wonderful ideas you
alongside the artworks on display.  writing. My first ever experience in writing a story demons, we’re always facing our struggles every want to squeeze into the setting, but you have to
All public programmes are made possible with the was for a short story competition held by our day and sometimes it’s important to remind restrict yourself based on the overarching themes
generous support of the European Union, whilst ‘The Middle-school Library back when I was in Grade 9. ourselves that there’s always hope at the end of or rules of the story. It’s a constant process of
foreigners’ exhibition is kindly supported by Anojie Looking back at it, it was a really fun experience the tunnel.” trawling through a sea of good and bad ideas,
Amerasinghe, Hugues Marchand, Radhika Chopra, and since we were given free rein to write about any For him, the beginning was awkward and he retooling and readjusting them so that they all
Rajan Anandan, with additional support from the MMCA topic that we wanted, so I was able to test myself was very hesitant about writing it since it was his make sense within the story while also expanding
Sri Lanka’s Founding Patrons, the British Council, and there. Our school library contributed a great deal first full-length story. “I vividly remember staring the setting and world. In my case, I think I
Lite87. Generous support is also provided by the to my growing interest in writing, even back then,” at my first page (which took me two whole hours overcame it by simply taking the time to go
museum’s major benefactors and funders: John Keells he shares. to complete!) and internally screaming at just how through everything I want to add and evaluating
Foundation, Nations Trust Bank, and Fairfirst Insurance. Authoring under pseudonyms isn’t a concept awful it was. I halted the project altogether and whether they align with the vision of the story.”
The museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm (except used much in Sri Lanka during modern times, and needed a few days before I was even ready to give As for future plans, along with a few other short
on Poya days and public holidays) on the ground floor of despite being such a great talent, Alawattegama it another shot. But fortunately, I was delighted to stories in the works he is also planning out the
Crescat Boulevard, Colombo 3, and the entrance to the has chosen to adopt ‘Weaver’ as his. Talking discover that the more I wrote, the smoother and sequel to Road to Harnesser; Return of the
museum and all its public programmes are free. about this, he says, “Honestly speaking, less rigid my writing became. Eventually, the time Vendetta.

SLNA celebrates International

Archives Day 2023
French Spring Festival returns
By Induwara Athapattu
By Induwara Athapattu In getting along with the UDA, SLNA
hops to promote the culture of Archive The most-awaited cultural festival in Sri
Sri Lanka National Archives (SLNA) conservation and research in Sri Lanka, Lanka, which connects people and
Department is ready to celebrate the as well. cultures across the globe, is happening
International Archives Day tomorrow “We take pride in being able to sign once again, after the long pause since
(9), in parallel to the signing of the the Universal Declaration on Archives 2019. It is nothing but the French Spring
International Declaration of Archives as the Sri Lanka National Archives Festival. The Embassy of France in Sri
published by the UNESCO, and the Department. It is a demonstration of Lanka and the Maldives and the network
SLNA invites the public to join the event our dedication in sustaining the of Alliances Françaises in Sri Lanka
scheduled to take place on tomorrow Archives, to the global community. As announced, in a press briefing recently,
(9) at the SLNA Auditorium, Colombo 7. per the declaration demonstrates, we that this gorgeous festival will be back in
It will be graced by the Minister of adhere to the best practise and this year (2023) between 24 June and 13 Sri Lanka and France continues to grow 5 July
Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural fundamentals of archive keeping, July, in its full-fledged format! Moreover, it and cherish, that we are celebrating the Celebrate! ; A photographic exhibition.
Affairs, Vidura Wickramanayaka, as the conservation and making them is the 11th edition of the French Spring 75th anniversary this year. We are looking The works of the winners of the
chief guest. The event will also host accessible to the public,” expressed Festival that is about to unveil. forward to host the 11th edition of the photography contest will be presented at
guest speaks by Nalaka Gunawardena, Director-General of the Department of Also, The French Spring Festival 2023 is French Spring Festival in its full colours,” the Alliance française of Kotte in
Tanuja Thurairajah and Nigel National Archives in Sri Lanka, Nadeera going to take place this year in parallel to shared Ambassador of France to Sri Colombo. The photographers will share
Nugawela. Rupesinghe. the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Lanka and Maldives, Jean-François their vision of the theme chosen for the
The Universal Declaration on The declaration has been translated diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka PACTET. Further he took a moment to contest. The exhibition will then be
Archives was adopted by the 36th into Sinhala and Tamil languages as and France, cherishing the longstanding extend his gratitude to the partners and presented in the Alliances françaises of
Session of the General Conference of well, and the translations will be friendship between France and Sri Lanka sponsors who had made the event Matara and Kandy.
UNESCO on 10 November 2011. The published on during the event. through arts. The festival will showcase possible. 6 to 9 July
Declaration was developed by a special “According to National Archives Law the diversity of our artistic collaborations 24 June - Fête de la Musique French Film Festival; The National Film
working group of the International (No. 48 of 1973), it is the highest and celebrate the encounters between Sri A whole day dedicated to French and Corporation will screen six French movies,
Council on Archives and has been responsibility of the National Archives Lankan creation and French culture. Sri Lankan music with a programme in from comedy and thriller to documentary
endorsed by the ICA as a key pillar of its Department to preserve the records and It is going to be a month of a multi- two stages: an open mic at the Alliance and animated movies. One of the flagship
outreach and advocacy strategy. archives of public authorities and disciplinary programme made up of visual francaise in the afternoon and a live music movies is the talented director Cedric
The declaration is aimed to raise private collections as well. We make arts, music and cinema, which is free and concert at the Sri Lankan Foundation Klapish’s new movie En Corps (Rise),
understanding and awareness on sure that the process of archiving open for anyone who is interested! Here is Institute in the evening, with Sri Lankan released in March 2022, a heart-warming
significance of archives among the happens up to international standards the schedule; bands and a French singer specially and inspiring story that tells us about
general public and the decision makers. and accessible,” furthered the director. “I am glad that the relationship between invited for the occasion: Léa PACI. resilience and healing.
A10 thursday 8 june 2023 world

Why it took 42 years to

convict a 90-year-old in India
By Geeta Pandey
Last week, a 90-year-old Indian villager
was sentenced for life in prison for the
murder of 10 people in a caste crime that
took place 42 years ago. Families of the
victims say the court judgement has
come far too late to hold any meaning for
them and legal experts say this is a
classic case of “justice delayed, justice
denied”.
The evening of 30 December 1981 is
etched in the memory of the oldest
residents of Sadhupur village in the
Northern State of Uttar Pradesh.
“A group of men entered the compound
of my house around 6:30pm and started
firing,” says Premvati. She’s not sure
about her age but believes she’s around
75 years.
“They didn’t ask me anything, they just
began spraying bullets at us,” she says,
Premvati’s two sons and a daughter were killed during the attack The sole surviving accused Ganga Dayal (centre) has been sentenced for life in prison
adding that within minutes, three of her
children - sons 10 and eight years old and a appreciate a delay of two-three years, but
14-year-old daughter - lay dead around her. 40 years?”
To photographers and cameramen who Bajpai says “the state has the
visited the village after the court order, responsibility to deliver timely justice
Premvati showed her right leg where she especially to people like Premvati as they
had received a bullet injury. The wound are Dalits who are among the most
has healed, but the scar remains. marginalised people” in the country.
Her children were among the 10 “It’s the failure of India’s criminal
members of the Dalit community justice system that the victims and their
(formerly untouchables) who were killed families had to live in agony for 42 years,”
that evening. Premvati was among two he adds.
women who were injured. This is not the only court case that has
Last Wednesday, Judge Harvir Singh of taken so long to come to fruition. Indian
the District Court in the Town of criminal justice is known for being tardy
Firozabad sentenced the only surviving and many citizens say they resent the
accused Ganga Dayal, a member of the fact that court cases often go on for
Yadav caste, to life imprisonment. Dayal years, even decades.
was also ordered to pay a fine of 55,000 This has led to a massive backlog of
rupees (USD 668; £533) - if he failed to unresolved cases. In February, the
pay up, he would have to spend an government informed the parliament that
additional 13 months in jail. there were nearly 50 million pending
The judgement noted that nine of the cases across Indian Courts. MA Rashid,
10 accused had died during the course of an expert on Indian criminal law and
the trial. Lawyer Rajeev Upadhyay who founder of Live Law website, says the
represented the government in court told biggest cause for delay is the lack of
me that many of the prosecution and adequate number of judges.
defence witnesses also died in the “The judge to people ratio in India is
interim. The Dalit families say they learnt about the Court Order from journalists who visited them to seek their reaction very low and the load per judge is
With more than four decades passed humungous. So trials take a long time to
between crime and punishment, the promised them justice. members and grew up hearing stories of The case files lay forgotten in Mainpuri conclude.”
contours of the case have become rather Senior leader from the opposition “that evening’s carnage”, said “we until 2001 when it was moved to the Rashid also blames “archaic
fuzzy. Bharatiya Janata Party Atal Bihari appreciate that we have finally got justice, Firozabad Court on orders from the procedures” which are time consuming
Premvati and other Dalit villagers insist Vajpayee - who later served as India’s but it didn’t come at the right time. We Allahabad High Court. The hearings, and delay the examination of witnesses -
that their families had no enmity with prime minister - had marched to the would have been happier if we had Upadhyay says, began only in 2021 as for instance, a judge still has to write
anyone. But Upadhyay said it was village to protest against the murders. received justice in time”. part of a government drive to clear out the down with hand the testimonies despite
believed that relations between the “He said he couldn’t bring our dead “It took the courts 42 years to deliver backlog in courts and conclude old cases the advent of technology.
castes had soured after some Dalits had back to life, but promised to help us get justice. If a conviction had come in five- on an urgent basis. Appeals, he says, in the high court
complained about a ration shop owned by justice,” Premvati said, adding that the six years, then our elders would have died “The government and the judiciary are usually take at least five to 10 years to get
a member of the Yadav caste and that led villagers found out about the conviction in peace,” he added. Upadhyay says the trying to send a message to the public listed for a final hearing - and then an
to the violence. from journalists who came to ask for their case took so long to come to conclusion that law will catch up with you if you equal number of years in the Supreme
The crime had made headlines at the response to the court verdict. because at the time of the murders, the commit a crime,” he says. Court.
time and villagers said they were visited “Only God knows if this is justice,” she village where the crime took place was Lawyer Akshat Bajpai, however, says “So cases where convicts get acquitted
by the then prime minister Indira Gandhi told them. part of a district called Mainpuri. But in justice has to be timely. after 20 or 30 years at the appellate stage
and the state’s chief minister Maharaj Singh, Premvati’s much 1989, it became a part of the newly- “This is indeed a case of justice are also not uncommon in India,” he adds.
Vishwanath Pratap Singh who had younger neighbour who also lost family created Firozabad District. delayed, justice denied. People can (BBC)

Drugs and a US Visa: Harry’s other Court case explained

By Bernd Debusmann Jr allow you to come in or not,” she said.
Prince Harry’s status as a celebrity may
A US Judge will hear an appeal from a have also played a factor in his visa
conservative think tank which argues application.
that the Duke of Sussex’s visa
In the lawsuit, the “A lot of immigration is discretionary,”
application should be made public foundation argues Ms Martin said. “They probably will also
following revelations of past drug use. get a little bit more leeway than the
The Federal Court hearing will take that that average joe.”
place in Washington DC on Tuesday and Virginia-based immigration attorney
will be open to media. “widespread and Eileen Blessinger said that immigration
Prince Harry wrote of using marijuana,
cocaine and psychedelic mushrooms in
continuous” media officials deciding on any applicant’s
entry to the US - or potential removal -
his memoir Spare, which was released in coverage of his would also have to weigh the potential
January. benefits of letting that person in
This is significant because past drug admitted drug use regardless of past transgressions.
use may be considered grounds to deny “There could be an economic impact in
a US visa application, although in reality
has called into the US, and also a cultural impact,” she
the situation is more complex. question whether said. “That’s all going to weigh heavily in
The US hearing is separate from the favour of getting someone a waiver”.
UK trial involving Prince Harry and the government Any lies or misrepresentations on the
alleged phone hacking by newspapers. visa forms could lead to a visa being
properly vetted revoked.
Who brought the lawsuit?
The lawsuit is being filed by the
Prince Harry and What happens next?
Heritage Foundation, a prominent followed proper It is unclear when the judge will make
Washington DC-based think tank that a decision on whether the documents
historically has had a significant impact nothing to suggest “widespread” public mushrooms during a trip to California in procedures when it can be unveiled. The Heritage
on US public policy. interest in seeing the immigration 2016. The drug is illegal in the State, Foundation has said it believes the
In the lawsuit, the foundation argues documents. although various cities have
admitted him into matter will likely be resolved in a matter
that that “widespread and continuous” The foundation’s earlier, initial attempt decriminalised its use. the country of weeks.
media coverage of his admitted drug use was turned down by US Customs and Similar admissions of drug use have The think tank’s representatives will
has called into question whether the Border Protection, which said that it been made in interviews since Spare was address the media following the hearing
government properly vetted Prince Harry needed Prince Harry to consent to his published. on Tuesday.
and followed proper procedures when it information being released. The BBC has reached out to the duke users or addicts” are inadmissible. In Immigration lawyers and experts
admitted him into the country. The BBC has reached out to DHS for for comment. practice, immigration officers are given believe that the judge is unlikely to agree
The duke moved to the US in January comment. considerable leeway to make a decision with the Heritage Foundation’s lawsuit.
2020 after announcing a decision that he What are the rules on US based on factors including the length Both Ms Martin and Ms Blessinger said
and his wife, Meghan Markle, would step What has Harry said visas and drug use? and severity of drug use. they had never heard of immigration
back from royal duties. about using drugs? In theory, known drug use can be Waivers are also possible in instances records being revealed to the public, and
In a statement, the Heritage Prince Harry, now 38, has admitted to grounds for both non-immigrant and in which an applicant has admitted to warned that doing so in Prince Harry’s
Foundation also said that it hoped to drug use both as a teenager and an immigrant visa applications to be drug use. case would likely have far-reaching
determine whether “celebrity elites” were adult. In Spare, he said he used cocaine rejected. The forms used for these According to Stacy Cozart Martin, an implications in the future.
receiving preferential treatment and as a teenager and smoked marijuana applications specifically ask about immigration lawyer and adjunct law “I’ve never heard of anything like that.
whether the Department of Homeland while a pupil at Eton. Both drugs are current and past drug use, and professor at Case Western Reserve Those applications have a ton of
Security (DHS) was operating “fairly - illegal in the UK. whether the applicant is a “habitual University, doing so most often requires personal information on them,” Ms
without fear or favour”. “It wasn’t much fun, and it didn’t make drunkard”. a “pretty formal rehabilitation Martin said.
In its response to the lawsuit, DHS said me particularly happy, as it seemed to It is unclear what type of visa Prince programme”, follow-up appointments “It would be very, very shocking, and I
that the Heritage Foundation had failed make everyone around me,” he wrote of Harry is in the US on. Ms Markle is a US with a doctor, and a year - or more - think a little frightening, if that were to be
to demonstrate a need for the rapid his cocaine use. “But it did make me feel citizen. US Citizenship and Immigration without any drug usage. released to the public,” she added. “Not
release of the documents. The different, and that was the main goal.” Services’ official policies say that visa “Even then, it’s up to the [immigration] only for him, but as a whole.”
government also argued that there was He also described taking psychedelic applicants “who are found to be drug officer’s discretion whether they want to (BBC)
 Thursday 8 june 2023 A11

Alcaraz
crushes
Tsitsipas
From Left : Sumudu Kumarasinghe (Assistant Secretary), Tharanga Perera
(Secretary), Rohan de Silva (President), Rohan Fernando (Vice President) at the
press conference)

Ceylon Masters go
beyond boundaries
Entries close on 16 June for Ceylon Masters
Badminton Championships to set up
Djokovic
The Ceylon Masters Badminton 2400 hrs. The Ceylon Masters
Championship, organised by the Badminton Association is expecting
esteemed Ceylon Masters a high level participation, reflecting
Badminton Association, is set to the growing interest in badminton
showcase exhilarating action when among master players in the

clash
the popular tournament returns on country.
24 June, it was revealed on Tuesday. As the anticipation builds, the
The two-day championship which organisers also highlighted that a
is set to take place at the state-of 10% discount on entry fees will
-the-art New Saniro Airport Sports apply for Ceylon Masters Badminton
Complex in Naiwala, will bring Association members.
together seasoned masters players Interested parties are requested
from across the country. to contact +94 772279392, +94 Alcaraz plays a forehand against Stefanos Tsitsipas
Participants will battle it out in 712274861, +94 712274861 or +94
various categories, including men’s 777574462 for more information Top seed Carlos Alcaraz will face Novak so far in this tournament strongly suggests gears and found his top level, leaving 24-year-
and women’s singles, doubles, and and registration details. Djokovic in the French Open semi-finals after that remains the case. old Tsitsipas befuddled.
mixed doubles. Winners will be With an inspirational purpose crushing Stefanos Tsitsipas to set up the From the moment the French Open draw Alcaraz showcased the full range of his
rewarded with valuable cash prizes, behind ‘To connect, inspire and highly anticipated clash. was made almost a fortnight ago, eyes were mercurial talent, including wondrous returns
apart from the medals, making the enrich badminton among the Spain’s Alcaraz, 20, won 6-2 6-1 7-6 (7-5) drawn to the potential men’s semi-final that off both flanks and deft drop-shots, to win the
competition even more enticing. masters players locally and against the Greek fifth seed. many fans had dreamed of seeing. first set in 34 minutes.
During a press conference held on internationally’, the club is Serbia’s Djokovic survived a quarter-final With Djokovic seeded third after injury Already looking forlorn and needing
Tuesday, the organisers encouraged determined to go beyond scare from Karen Khachanov to keep his bid issues in the build-up to Roland Garros, the encouragement from the Chatrier crowd,
the players to submit their entries boundaries to help the badminton for a record 23rd men’s Grand Slam singles draw pitched him in the same half as the Tsitsipas lost his serve in the opening game of
promptly, as the deadline for community within Sri Lanka and title alive. Djokovic, 36, was in danger of falling youngster who has replaced him as the the next set to love and won just 13 points as
registrations is set for 16 June Internationally. two sets behind against the Russian but world’s leading player. Alcaraz moved two sets ahead with little over
prevailed 4-6 7-6 (7-0) 6-2 6-4. The unpredictable nature of sport means an hour on the clock.
The third seed could become the first man things do not always pan out as expected, but The third set looked to be following suit.
to win all four majors at least three times. But the fine form of Alcaraz and Djokovic has Alcaraz broke at the first opportunity as he
if he is going to do that he must come through ensured a blockbuster semi-final in Paris. surged to a 3-0 lead and looked likely to serve

Travel Trade Soccer his toughest test yet when he meets US Open
champion Alcaraz in the last four on Friday.
“This match is what everyone wants to
Djokovic, who has won five of the past seven
majors he has played, and Alcaraz have been
two of the standout players on the men’s tour
out a one-sided contest before Tsitsipas
produced a late rally.
After saving two match points to hold for

Sevens back in action watch and it will be a good one to play,” said
world number one Alcaraz. “If you want to be
the best you have to beat the best. Djokovic is
this season.
However, duels between the pair - either
head-to-head or even being present in the
5-3, Tsitsipas earned his first break points of
the evening and put the set back on serve at
5-5, only for Alcaraz to control the tie-break
The Travel Trade Sports Club Sports Stadium, Rajagiriya, one of the best in the world and I’m looking biggest tournaments - have been rare. and take a sixth match point to reach his first
(TTSC) Soccer ‘Sevens’ 2023 is commencing 8.30 a.m. forward to it.” Alcaraz stylishly set up their first meeting at Roland Garros semi-final.
back on track after a lapse of 4 In the previous tournament held In the absence of the injured Rafael Nadal, a major by demolishing an opponent who “It wasn’t really that much fun out there in
years. The event is sponsored by on 24 June 2018 at the same venue, Djokovic and Alcaraz have long been reached the Roland Garros final in 2021. the first two sets. I felt completely off,”
The Traveler Global (Pvt) Limited. Mermaid Hotel & Club, Waskaduwa considered joint favourites to take the 14-time After breaking for a 2-1 lead in the opening Tsitsipas said after the match. “I just wish it
This popular event in the TTSC won the ‘Cup’ beating Cinnamon champion’s crown - what they have showed set, the Spaniard moved quickly through the never happens again. It sucks.”
multi events sports calendar is ‘Red’ and Paradise Beach Hotel,
scheduled to be held this Sunday, Negombo won the ‘Plate’ beating
11 June at the Janaka Ranawaka Cinnamon Grand, Colombo.

Long-term contract will be a blessing

to develop horseracing – RTC
As part of the Nuwara Eliya
Development Committee, a
special sub-committee has been
designated to oversee the
development of the racecourse in
Nuwara Eliya, the only existing
such facility in the country. It is
understood that veteran hotelier
Hiran Cooray and Sunela
Jayawardena, a renowned
architect, are part of this
committee, which will look into
the facility that has been
managed and maintained by
3DH International skipper with the trophy Royal Turf Club (RTC).
According to reports, RTC took
MCA Premier League over the racecourse in Nuwara

3DH International
Eliya in 2015, and have developed
the property on par with
international standards by
spending over Rs.300 million. The

‘A’ clinch title

newly-formed committee has
been created to look into the
possibilities of further bolstering
horseracing and to promote
A mesmerising spell of off-spin Lohan de Soyza (69 in 64 balls, Nuwara Eliya as a destination for Sports handed RTC a long-term the agreement between Ministry 200 employed directly or
bowling by Miranga Wickramage, and inclusive of 4 sixes and 4 fours) set the sports tourism. lease of 10 years, but the contract of Sports and RTC ceased indirectly, but if the numbers
a stylish half century by opener Lohan platform with 86 runs stand in 98 balls. “We have been educated about was abruptly ceased after few prematurely. increase, we could provide
de Zoysa, steered 3DH International ‘A’ Match Referee, Nalliah Devarajan’s this, but we are yet to have a years despite the huge investment “It would be great to have a employment to thousands,”
to a resounding 8 wickets win over Man of the Match was Miranga discussion with the committee. made. As a result, the race meets long-term lease, and we could Rupasinghe added.
MAS Intimates Unichela (on the DLS Wickramage from 3DH International Anything that will be in favour of were limited and shortened to the start up a stud farm in the centre At present, RTC maintains the
Method), in the MCA Premier League ‘A’. developing horseracing and the most important ones, such as the part of the racecourse, as we have racecourse and the facilities
2023 final concluded on Tuesday, The other 3 special awards, based racecourse are welcome signs Governor’s Cup, Queen’s Cup, been planning for years. It’s a managed by them within the
6 June at the MCA Grounds. on performances up to the semi–finals and we will gladly assist the Magic Million Cup, Spring and known fact that horseracing is a agreed areas with a limited staff,
The final was constantly interrupted went to: exercise,” stated Panduka Summer Cup, Independence Cup, glamourous sport, but in other without any returns. The club has
by rain. The match commenced at 9.45 Angelo Daniel (3DH) - Best bowler Keerthinanda, the President of and to seasonal events that are countries it’s an industry. Our also discussed with potential
a.m., but at the first interruption it had (06 matches, 268 balls, 129 runs, 18 RTC. being held annually. intention was that, but it has now foreign investors who are willing
to be reduced to 44 overs, and further wickets Avg. 7.17, economy 2.89); Inaugurated in 1875 by John “Nothing can be achieved if we faced a setback, which we to transform horseracing into an
reduced to 38 overs after the second Tharindu Amarasinghe (MAS Baker, brother of explorer Samuel look into within a short-term plan. consider is temporary,” stated industry, and add professionalism
interruption. Unichela) - Best batter (3 innings, 199 Baker, the racecourse was one of It has to be long term and Nisitha Rupasinghe, the Treasurer into the sport. RTC has been in
Sent into bat, MAS Unichela were runs, inclusive of 1 half century, the three facilities that hosted beneficial for all parties involved. of RTC. constant contact with officials of
made to labour for their runs by the average 66.3, strike rate 99.5);   horseracing meets in Sri Lanka. RTC has to date maintained the Under RTC’s upcoming the Ministry of Sports on and off,
3DH spin trio of Angelo Daniel Mithum Jayawickrama (Singer SL After the Government banned facilities that are officially under projects to further develop but are not in a position to make
(9/1/35/2), Miranga Wickramage ‘A’) - 11 wickets for 112 runs & 110 horseracing in 1960, the our peripheral, but sadly the club horseracing, it has plans to further plans due to lack of a long-
(9/1/25/5) and Sachindu Colombage runs in 05 innings racecourse located in Colombo is not responsible to the centre increase the number of term contract.
(9/2/27/2). Awards were given away by the MCA and Galle were transformed into area of the racecourse, which thoroughbred horses up to 500 “What we expect is a clear
MAS Unichela’s moderate total of Officials - Nalin Wickramasinghe other facilities, but the facility in hurts the beauty of our efforts. in order to conduct regular race guideline, as to which areas come
150 runs made in 40.3 overs could (President), Mahesh de Alwis (Senior Nuwara Eliya remains to date The new committee should try to meets and attract more owners. under us and the period,
have been much smaller if not for the Vice President) and Ajith adding more glamour to the make maximum use of that area This is part of many projects preferably for a period of at least
two fighting batting performances by Siyambalapitiya (Executive Committee already beautiful city, also known and utilize it for a cause that is lined up, and if their first phase 20 years or more. Results will
No.3 batter Ramitha Gunaratne (41 in Member)   as Little England. worth,” added Keerthinanda. becomes a reality, RTC’s come, but it takes time. RTC
67 balls, inclusive of a six and 05 fours) Chief Scores: After the takeover of RTC in The number of thoroughbred intention of transforming should be able to contribute to the
and No.10 batter Kalana Sandeepa (28 MAS Unichela: 150 (40.3) (Ramith 2015, the facility faced a major horses, which used to tally over horseracing into an industry will country’s economy through
not out in 31 balls, inclusive of a six Gunaratne 41, Kalana Sandeepa 28*, facelift. It added up-to-date 150, has been limited to 50 be able to take its first step. sports tourism and other modes.
and 2 fours.) Sukitha Manoj 25, Bihanga Mendis 17, features to the existing areas such currently due to certain restraints. “If we achieve this, more job If something can be done sooner
3DH International, given a revised Miranga Wickramage 5/28, Sachindu as the track, grandstand, special RTC had the intention of opportunities will be created and than later, we can think of a win-
target of 136 runs in 38 overs due to Colombage 2/27, Angelo Daniel 2/35)  enclosures, paddock and saddling increasing the number, but the locals can receive proper win plan where there will be clear
the 2nd rain interruption, reached the 3DH International “A”: 137/ 2 (23.1) areas, jockey and steward rooms, high cost involved in bringing over training in their chosen fields, returns to all parties involved,
target comfortably in 23.1 overs. (Lohan de Zoysa 69, Ishiwara office, stables and roadways and maintenance of the such as groomers, handlers, including the employees,” Ryota
Openers Kosala Silva (29 in 49 balls, Dissanayake 30*, Kosala Silva 29) within the racecourse. The thoroughbred horses have been stable staff, jockeys and Hakariya, the Secretary of RTC
inclusive of a six and 2 fours) and  (IR) Ministry of Youth Affairs and hampering the club’s vision after trainers. Currently there are over elaborated.
A12 Thursday 8 june 2023

Major Club T20 Tournament 2023

SSC edge Afghanistan Tour of Sri Lanka 2023

Badureliya in rain
marred game
Sri Lanka
SSC defeated Badureliya Sports start and their batters attacked from
thrash
Afghanistan
Club by 2 wickets (D/L Method) in the very first ball to maintain a
another rain-hit game of the SLC healthy run rate.
Major Club T20 Tournament 2023 Skipper Avishka Fernando gave the
worked off P. Sara Stadium yesterday. perfect start to the run chase as he
Put into bat first, Badureliya posted smashed 30 runs in just 10 deliveries
175 runs thanks to Ranesh Silva’s before Rasanjana Aravindu got the

by nine
brilliant 93 runs, and in reply, SSC breakthrough to send Fernando back
were given a revised target which to the pavilion in the last ball of the
they achieved in 16.5 overs. second over.
Earlier, Badureliya were off to a After the breakthrough SSC were
shaky start when they were reduced seen in a bit trouble in finding the
to 3-41 inside the first 6 overs. At this boundaries, but brilliant knocks from

wickets for
point Ranesh Silva came to the Shevon Daniel (30) and Ranuda
rescue with a blistering 51 ball 93 Somarathne (35) saw them gain back
runs including 10 boundaries and 4 the mojo to turn things around and
sixes to help them post a healthy 175 take their team over the line.
runs in their allotted 20 overs. Other results:

2-1 ODI
Rohan Sanjaya (28) and Yesith Ace Capital beat Tamil Union by 3
Rupasinghe (21) also contributed wickets (D/L Method)
with useful knocks. Brief scores at P. Sara Oval:
On the bowling front, Kavindu Badureliya SC: 175-5 (20)
Nadeeshan snared 2-32, while Dinura (Ranesh Silva 93*, Rohan Sanjaya
Kalupahana, Shehan Hasaranga and 28, Kavindu Nadeeshan 2 -32)

series win
Kalana Perera took one wicket each.  SSC: 150-8 (16.5) (Ranuda
In reply, SSC were given a revised Somarathne 35, Avishka Fernando
target of 150 runs after rain forced a 30, Shevon Daniel 30, Anuk
delay. They got off to an aggressive Fernando 3-22)

Breezy half- Kusal Mendis was unbeaten on 11 as Sri

LPL 2023 centuries from Sri Lanka reached the target in just 16 overs to

Colombo Strikers
Lanka openers end the game early.
Dimuth Karunaratne Afghanistan won the first game
and Pathum Nissanka comprehensively by six wickets, but Sri
made short work of Lanka bounced back to take the second

announce Simon Afghanistan on

Wednesday in a
nine-wicket
game by 132 runs.
Sri Lanka will head to Zimbabwe for
World Cup qualifiers in a bid to secure one

Helmot as head coach drubbing that

clinched a 2-1
ODI series win
of the two remaining slots for the format’s
showpiece event.
Afghanistan are already through to the
The Colombo Strikers announced of Coaching who oversaw Sri Lanka's for the hosts. World Cup to be held in India from October.
their coaching staff for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup-winning Sri Lanka

scores
season of the Lanka Premier League campaign in 2014, expressed that he strode to 120 with 34 Lanka’s dominance early with two
(LPL) slated to be held in July- is eager to work with youngsters, "It's overs to spare in Hambantota, striding fiery spells at the crease that left the
August 2023. The highly experienced always exhilarating to join a new past the 117 set by the tourists after a tourists unable to post a decent
Australian coach Simon Helmot will franchise. We already have fantastic fast-bowling attack led by Dushmantha partnership. Afghanistan
be the Head Coach of the Colombo local players in Matheesha Pathirana Chameera demolished the hapless Afghan Chameera, playing his first series R. Gurbaz c Karunaratne b Kumara 08
Strikers, while Jerome Jayaratne and and Chamika Karunaratne, and I will top order. after ankle surgery that sidelined I. Zadran b Kumara 22
Chaminda Vaas will work with the be looking to give more inputs on the Nissanka did not waste time when the him for seven months, earned man R. Shah c †Mendis b Chameera 07
team as Assistant Coach and fantastic local players' pool in Sri chase began, racing to his seventh ODI of the match honours with his 4-63. H. Shahidi c †Mendis b Chameera 04
Bowling Coach respectively. Lanka. Furthermore, I am eager to half-century in 32 balls with eight fours Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga M. Nabi lbw b Chameera 23
Helmot, who has worked as a work with the youngsters, who will and two sixes. polished off the Afghan tail with 3-7, N. Zadran c PWH de Silva b Chameera 10
coach in several franchise leagues join us after the Auction." He left on 51 after being trapped leg while quick Lahiru Kumara claimed G.n Naib c DM de Silva b Theekshana 20
R. Khan lbw b PWH de Silva 02
around the world, expressed his One of the Icon Players of the before wicket by Gulbadin Naib to end an two wickets, leaving the tourists
M. Ur Rahman c †Mendis b PWH de Silva 00
excitement about joining the Colombo Strikers, Babar Azam, also 84-run stand for the opening wicket. flailing on 116.
F. Farooqi lbw b PWH de Silva 04
Colombo Strikers. "I am really excited shared his thoughts on the coaching Fellow opener F. Ahmed not out 13
to work with Colombo Strikers as the staff, "The Colombo Strikers have Karunaratne, featuring in his
scores
Extras 03
Head Coach. I'll be coaching a team certainly put together a robust first ODI series in more than Total (22.2 overs, all out) 116
in the Lanka Premier League for the coaching staff. Their experience will two years, made 56 not out Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Rahmanullah
first time and I cannot wait to start a be very handy when we go through to ensure that Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Gurbaz), 2-27 (Rahmat Shah), 3-31 (Hashmatullah
new thrilling journey. The team our campaign in the LPL. I am very reached the target without P. Nissanka lbw b G. Naib 51 Shahidi), 4-48 (Ibrahim Zadran), 5-72 (Najibullah
already has some power-packed excited to work with each of the another wicket falling. D. Karunaratne not out 56 Zadran), 6-77 (Mohammad Nabi), 7-80 (Rashid
players and we are looking forward to coaches and give my best for the His 56 came off 45 balls K. Mendis not out 11 Khan), 8-92 (Mujeeb Ur Rahman), 9-103 (Gulbadin
building a strong team in the team in the upcoming season." with seven boundaries, Extras 02 Naib), 10-116 (Fazalhaq Farooqi)
upcoming LPL Auction." Speaking about the coaching staff making his eighth half-ton in Total (16 Overs, 1 Wicket) 120 Bowling: Dushmantha Chameera 4-63, Wanindu
One of the greatest fast bowlers of announcement, Colombo Strikers the format. Fall of wickets: 1-84 (Pathum Nissanka) Hasaranga 3-7, Lahiru Kumara 2-29, Maheesh
all time, Chaminda Vaas, who has team owner Sagar Khanna said, "It Fast-bowling spearhead Bowling: Gulbadin Naib 1-19 Theekshana 1-16
taken over 750 wickets in was imperative for us to appoint an Chameera established Sri
international cricket, is thrilled to experienced coaching group and we
work with the Colombo franchise, couldn't be happier to have Simon
"With my hometown being a suburb Helmot, Jerome Jayaratne and
of Colombo, the city has always been Chaminda Vaas on board with us. We
close to my heart. And therefore, I am have got some of the greatest Under-20 Asian Athletics World Test Championship Final

Warner misses out on fifty

really thrilled to be the Bowling cricketing minds on our coaching
Coach of the Colombo Strikers. The staff and they will certainly guide the
Championship

Sri Lanka finished

Lanka Premier League has provided team in the right direction."
fantastic opportunities to youngsters The Colombo Strikers also David Warner led a rebuilding the outside edge of Khawaja's
all around the world and it'll be announced Azharuddin Qureshi as job but was denied a half- bat before nestling into
wonderful to work with amazing
talents in an exciting T20
competition."
Strength and Conditioning Coach and
Saif Hasan Naqvi as Head Physio of
the side.
in 7th spot in century as Australia reached 73
for two at lunch on the opening
day of the World Test
wicketkeeper KS Bharat's
gloves.
Siraj knocked the bat out of

medal tally
The former Sri Lanka Cricket Head (Agencies) Championship (WTC) final Labuschagne's hand with a
against India at The Oval on rising delivery that hit the
Wednesday. Australian, who is the world's
Japan tops tally with total of 23 medals After Usman Khawaja fell for
a duck, Warner shared a 69-run
top-ranked Test batter, on the
thumb.
Under-15 Division One Inter Schools Cricket Tournament At the end of the four days of thrilling action, Japan stand with Marnus After a quiet opening hour,

Chanul (127*) steers

topped the medal tally with a total of 23 medals (14 Gold, 4 Labuschagne, who reached 26 Warner cut loose and hit Umesh
Silver, 5 Bronze), while China ended in second spot with 19 not out, to steady the innings. Yadav for four fours, including
medals and India third with 19 medals, as the Under-20 Shardul Thakur dismissed three in a row, in an over.
Asian Athletics Championship concluded in Inchon, South Warner for 43 in the penultimate Shardul Thakur had two lbw

DSS to innings win Korea.

Sri Lanka ended 7th spot with an impressive haul of 5
medals (2 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze).
over before lunch.
Steve Smith was unbeaten on
two at the interval at a venue
appeals against Labuschagne
turned down and India reviewed
both decisions but could not get
Right hand opener Chanul Athale’s C.W.W. Kannangara MV: 76 (26.5) Tharushi Karunarathne brought Sri Lanka its first Gold where he has a Test average of them reversed.
unbeaten ton (127 runs in 81 (Daham Senevirathne 25, Kaushika medal when she clocked 2:05.64 to win the 800m event on 97. The seamer struck before the
deliveries with 12 boundaries and 7 Sandadiya 4/24, Subaideen Abdullah day two. Tharushi also competed in the 4x400 mixed relay Earlier, India did not have to lunch break when Warner
sixes) steered D.S. Senanayake 3/2, Sethaka Sandaruwan 2/14) and event with teammates Jayeshi Uththara, Vinod Ariyawansha wait long for a breakthrough gloved the ball trying to pull it
College Colombo to an innings and 11 113 (38.2) (Thanula Mindada 31, Isuru and Shehan Dilranga, where Sri Lanka were able to finish on after captain Rohit Sharma won and Bharat dived to his right to
runs win over C.W.W. Kannangara MV Chenuka 22, Menula Dewasinghe top with a timing of 3:25.41 and win its second Gold medal. the toss and inserted Australia take his second catch.
Colombo in their first round-fixture 3/25, Kaushika Sandadiya 3/29) Other highlights were Malith Yasiru who finished on the on a grassy wicket. There was no place for off-
yesterday. D.S.Senanayake: 200/3 (23.5) podium when he won the Bronze medal in the Men’s Triple Like his new-ball partner spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in
The only other match between (Chanul Athale 127*, Ranumitha Jump event. Mohammed Shami, Mohammed India's seam-heavy attack with
Vidyartha College Kandy and St. Sehas 35) Earlier on day one, Tharushi Karunaratne and Jayeshi Siraj also began with a maiden all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja
Thomas College Matale ended in a In Galagedara (Match drawn) Uttara ruled the women's 400m event to finish second and over before returning to dismiss their lone spin option.
draw due to rain. Vidyartha: 64/1 (19.3) (Manuth third respectively. Tharushi clocked 53.71 seconds to win Khawaja. Scott Boland replaced injured
At Wijerama Mawatha (DSS won by Mindiya 26) vs St. Thomas Matale Silver, while Uttara clocked 55.52 seconds to claim the It was a wobble-seam fast bowler Josh Hazlewood for
innings and 11 runs) (IR) Bronze. delivery from Siraj which kissed Australia

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