InflatIon Increases to 4.2% In December»see page 3

friday, january 1, 2021

See full StorieS on page 2

covID-19

protect yourSelf from

covid-19

the above StatiSticS are confirmed up until 8.00 p.m. on 31 december 2020 Source: health promotion bureau

active caSeS

7,59543,123

total caSeS

deathS recovered

204 35,329trash the sIze of an elephant»see page 6

The Ethical Committee of the University of Rajarata has granted approval to the anti-coronavirus herbal syrup manufactured by Dhammika Bandara from Kegalle.

Ethics Committee approves anti-virus tonic

Five more Covid-19-related deaths were reported yesterday (31 December 2020), the Department of Government Information noted.

Deaths surpass 200

The Ministry of Health said 698 more persons infected with Covid-19 were discharged from hospitals on Wednesday (30) upon making complete recoveries.

Recoveries in SL cross 34,000 mark

A total of 14 people tested positive for Covid-19 at the Ratnapura Hospital on Wednesday (30), forcing the closure of one ward, according to a hospital representative.

Ward closed at Ratnapura Hospital

Three more Ukrainian tourists have tested positive for Covid-19, raising the total number of infections among the touring group to six, Deputy Director General of Public Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath said.

Three more Ukrainians test positive

China has approved for conditional use its first coronavirus vaccine developed by state-owned pharmaceutical company Sinopharm, dpa news reported yesterday (31).

China approves first vaccine

The Kattankudy Divisional Secretariat (DS) area was isolated with effect from yesterday (31), Batticaloa District Government Agent and District Secretary K. Karunakaran said.

Kattankudy DS area isolated

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) is launching a legal challenge to the Sri Lankan Government’s policy that all people who die of Covid-19 must be cremated, even in violation of their religious beliefs, The Guardian reported.

MCB challenges mandatory cremation

Wishing all our readers

a prosperous

Army Chief promoted

general shavendra silva, the third commander of the army, who was promoted to the rank of four-star general during his active service in the history of the sri lanka army, was received by the army headquarters at pelawatte yesterday (31)

photo LALITH PERERA

by DInItha rathnayake

The damage caused to the glass cover of a Buddha statue in the Hingula area in Mawanella this week could be an act of extremism, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

“We do not take this lightly. Investigations which are being carried out into the incident have not ruled out the possibility of this being a disruptive act or an act of extremism. We cannot confirm the cause. However, we are hoping to

make some progress,” Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Maj. Gen. Jagath Alwis told The Morning yesterday (31).

Contd. on page 2

Damage to buDDha statue

Could be extremism: Public Security Ministry

by pamoDI WaravIta

The new National Mental Health Policy covering 2020 to 2030 would focus on the provision of community-level services as

opposed to its traditional focus on national-level services, with a more decentralised and accessible action plan.

Contd. on page 2

natIonal mental health polIcy

Focus from national to community

by maheesha muDugamuWa

The Ministry of Public Services, Provincial Councils, and Local Government said the proposal by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to reactivate the already expired

provincial councils (PCs) is not practical and that there are no such provisions in the law.

Ministry Secretary J.J. Rathnasiri told The Morning that there are no provisions whatsoever allowing an extension of an already expired council.

When asked whether the SLFP’s request was discussed, Rathnasiri said that nothing has been discussed regarding the PC elections.

Contd. on page 2

z SLFP proposal not practical, says Govt.

z No official discussion on holding polls

reactIvatIng former provIncIal councIls

No legal provision: Govt.

The inauguration of the national programme to establish 1,000 well-equipped national schools within the country's school system, with the aim of providing quality education to

all children in the country, was held on Wednesday (30) at the Sri Jayewardenepura College, Kotte, with the participation of Minister of Education Prof. G.L. Peiris.

Contd. on page 2

J’pura College first to be upgraded

minister of education prof. g.l. pieris at the inauguration of the programme

1,000 natIonal schools

minister of Justice ali sabry

The final report of the five-member committee investigating the Mahara Prison clash will be presented to the Cabinet next week, Minister of Justice Ali Sabry said. Secretary to the Ministry M.M.P.K. Mayadunne said the proposals will be implemented as soon as possible.

Contd. on page 2

mahara prIson clash

Report to Cabinet next week

Allegations have been levelled by the Opposition against the Government’s Covid-19 vaccination programme, claiming that the Government is attempting to get the Covid-19 vaccine from Russia or China by avoiding the COVAX organisation affiliated to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

MP Patal i Champika Ranawaka said that although the WHO had called for registrations for the Covid-19

vaccine before 7 December, the current Government is acting indifferently.

Contd. on page 2

covID-19 vaccInes

Opposition takes on Govt. moves

mp patali champika ranawaka

The fourth meeting of the Sri Lanka-India Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fisheries was held yesterday (30), where Sri Lanka conveyed the need to further enhance joint patrolling to ensure effective results.

Contd. on page 2

InDo-sl fIsherIes meetIng

Enhancing joint patrolling

The 1.2-km-long extension of the Marine Drive from Colpetty Hill Street in Dehiwala will be completed within 70 days, Minister of Highways Johnston Fernando said.

Contd. on page 2

marIne DrIve extensIon

Reaching Dehiwala in 70 days

Sri Lanka and Oman reviewed the progress in streamlining recruitment process of the Sri Lankan female domestic workers to Oman as well as preventing human trafficking, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Muscat said on Wednesday (30 December).

This was discussed at the fourth Joint Technical Committee Meeting under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of labour and training between Sri Lanka and the Sultanate of Oman, which was held on 23 December via video conferencing.

Contd. on page 2

human traffIckIng

SL-Oman review prevention progress The Ministry of Education is yet to release

instructions on reopening schools in the Western Province, it is learnt.

Speaking to The Morning, Western Province Department of Education Provincial Director of Education P.S. Nonis said: “We had a meeting on 31 December 2020 with the Minister of Education and other officials regarding reopening schools. Given the current situation, we are awaiting clearance from the health services authorities and once the Ministry of Education issues us the directives, we will be able to make an announcement.”

Contd. on page 2

reopenIng schools

No decision on WP schools

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed the relevant officials to provide rapid solutions to the people who were displaced due to development projects, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Contd. on page 2

DIsplaceD by Devt. proJects

President urges rapid solutions

by sarah hannan

Health authorities state that the probability of the virus being among the community is now at 6%, it is learnt.

“At present, the Western Province is recognised as a hotbed for the virus, especially

due to the population density and the increased movement that we saw in the recent months. We wish to remind the public that the Covid-19 virus is very much active and it is only if the public adhere to the health guidelines that

we can successfully prevent the spread of the virus,” Health Promotion Bureau Director and Community Medicine Specialist Dr. Palitha Karunapema told The Morning.

Contd. on page 2

covID-19

probability of virus in community at 6%

escape from gallella

by hIranyaDa DeWasIrI

persons addicted to drugs would be subjected to heightened scrutiny and observation at quarantine centres as they have specifically been identified as a group of “potential escapees” following the escape of five covid-19-positive detainees from the gallella quarantine centre yesterday (31).

Police Media Spokesperson Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ajith

Rohana told The Morning last evening that drug addiction is the main reason behind quarantine centre and hospital escapes.

“We will be paying special attention to potential escapees, who

are mostly persons addicted to drugs. All 13 escapes reported so far were due to drug addiction,” he said, adding that evidence is being gathered to identify other potential escapees.

The detainees who escaped the Gallella quarantine centre at around 3.30 last morning were originally inmates of the Negombo Prison, and had travelled to the Polonnaruwa bus station from where they had taken a bus to Kurunegala.

Contd. on page 2

heightened scrutiny on drug addictsz All 13 escapees identified as addicts

police media spokesperson Deputy Inspector general (DIg) ajith rohana

DefaultIng epf payments

Labour Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva warned of strict legal action against those

employers who have defaulted on the

Employees' Provident Fund Act (EPF).

He said that non-payment was a serious violation of the law as well as fraud of working class people.

Minister warns of strict action

labour minister nimal siripala de silva

Contd. on page 2

the morningFriday, January 1, 2021

2

news

Cartoon of the day

President urges...He gave these instructions during a visit

to Kanugahawewa in Kebithigollewa, Anuradhapura to participate in the “Gama Samaga Pilisandarak” (a discussion with the village) programme.

The village of Kanugahawewa in the Kebithigollewa Divisional Secretariat (DS), located 73 km away from the Anuradhapura city, was chosen for the discussion.

The PMD said Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorists frequently attacked Kebithigollewa during the separatist war and that 68 villagers from Kanugahawewa and the vicinity were killed when LTTE terrorists exploded a passenger bus using a claymore mine in Halmillawatiya on 15 June 2006.

Residents of these villages had to live in welfare camps from 1995 to 1998 and from 2006 to 2008 due to terrorist activities. Although the threat of terror is now over, they still face a number of serious economic and social issues. The poverty ratio in the village stands at 54% of the total population.

Paddy and chena cultivation is the main source of livelihood of the people in Kanugahawewa as well as in many surrounding villages. The loss of traditional habitat as a result of displacement due to terrorist threat is a major issue.

Therefore, farming lands have become residual forests. Marking such lands as reserves by the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Forest Department during their surveys makes it hard for the people to cultivate. The threat of wild elephants is another major issue faced by the villagers.

Stating that the Government’s and his policy is to develop agriculture on a priority basis, the President instructed officials not to disturb the daily cultivation activities of the people who make a living from agriculture. President Rajapaksa also said they should have the full support of the political authority.

It was then decided to hand over the lands identified as residual forests when marking reserves according to the Google map after 2012 back to the people for cultivation purposes immediately.

It was further revealed that a large number of people have lost their lands due to the implementation of Yan Oya project, but no compensation has been paid. The President stressed that from now on, priority should be given to providing alternative lands and that compensation must be made accordingly to those who lost their lands in the implementation of such projects.

Deaths surpass...With these five deaths, the total number of

Covid-related deaths in Sri Lanka increased to 204, surpassing the grim 200 mark.

Ethics Committee...Last week, Minister of Plantation Dr. Ramesh

Pathirana announced that the Pharmacology Unit of the Department of Ayurveda had given approval for the anti-coronavirus syrup produced by Bandara.

Recoveries in...This brought the total number of recoveries

from the virus to 34,623.A majority of the recoveries were recorded by

the Bindunuwewa Treatment Centre (TC) (180), Kopay TC (47), Warakapola Base Hospital (43), Panideniya TC (42), Punanai TC (38), Polgolla TC (32), and Dr. Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital (31).

Sri Lanka has confirmed a total of 42,063 novel coronavirus infections to date, out of which 7,245 are still under medical care, according to the Epidemiology Unit.

The country has also witnessed 199 deaths from the virus outbreak.

Last week, Minister of Plantation Dr. Ramesh Pathirana announced that the Pharmacology Unit of the Department of Ayurveda had given approval for the anti-coronavirus syrup produced by Bandara.

Ward closed ...Among the 14 positive cases were one doctor,

four hospital staff, and nine patients.

Three more...He said the foreigners had arrived in Sri

Lanka after undergoing PCR tests in Ukraine. They have tested negative from the tests conducted in Ukraine. However, he said that PCR tests conducted in Sri Lanka showed that some of them were infected with Covid-19.

China approves...The approval, announced by the Joint

Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council, came a day after Sinopharm said its vaccine was found to be 79.3% effective in preliminary data from the final round of testing.

China aims to vaccinate at least 50 million people before the start of the Lunar New Year holiday, in mid-February, in order to prevent the virus from spreading, as hundreds of millions of people are expected to travel home for the holidays.

The Sinopharm vaccine is an inactivated, two-dose vaccine. Sinopharm’s vaccine efficacy rate is behind those reported by US companies Pfizer, of 95%, and Moderna, of 94%.

However, unlike the US vaccines, which need to be stored at temperatures as low as -70℃, the Chinese vaccine can be stored at normal fridge temperature. China has pledged to make its vaccine available to other developing countries.

Kattankudy DS...A total of 26 persons tested positive in 549

rapid antigen tests carried out on employees and owners of business establishments in the Batticaloa town on Wednesday (30).

Twenty-three of them were identified as residents of the Kattankudy area.

In all, the area has detected 50 positive cases so far.

MCB challenges...They said the insistence on cremation has

caused great distress among the country’s Muslim minority as Islam stipulates that the dead must be buried.

A taskforce set up by the MCB has written to the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in the UK, demanding an immediate reversal of the “forced cremation” policy and its impact on Muslim and Christian communities.

The MCB said it would also pursue “the necessary legal action to end this violation”.

WHO guidelines permit the burial or cremation of people who die of Covid, but the Sri Lankan Government adopted a policy of mandatory cremations in March.

Earlier this month, a 20-day-old baby who died of Covid-19 was cremated against the family’s wishes. The child’s father said he could not bear to witness the cremation.

“I cannot go into a place where they are burning my baby. My friends and family asked the authorities how they can go ahead with the cremation when neither of the parents had signed any document giving consent. They said because the baby is a Covid-19-positive patient, they can cremate,” MFM Fahim told Al Jazeera.

Enhancing...The JWG was held virtually and paid close

attention to several bilateral issues pertaining to the fisheries industry, the Government said.

The Indian side elaborated on details regarding the legal action taken against such practices, and the initiatives to encourage South Indian fishermen to engage in deep sea fishing and alternative livelihoods.

The Sri Lankan delegation conveyed the need to further enhance joint patrolling and operationalisation of the hotline between the Law Enforcement authorities of the two countries to ensure effective results.

The Indian delegation also called on the Sri Lankan Government to ensure the early release of recently arrested fishermen by Sri Lanka

authorities, to which the Sri Lankan side assured to facilitate the release of arrested fishermen early, once the legal procedures are completed.

The relevant authorities have already granted the necessary facilities, including consular access, to the arrested Indian fishermen.

The discussion also focused on Sri Lanka’s request for safe passage for Sri Lankan fishermen to enter the Arabian Sea.

Both sides expressed willingness to convene an early Ministerial meeting to continue the bilateral dialogue.

The Sri Lankan delegation, led by Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries R.M.I. Rathnayake, consisted of senior officials of the Ministry of Fisheries, Foreign Ministry, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Attorney General’s Department, Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi, and the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard.

The Indian delegation was led by the Indian Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Aquatic Resources’ Secretary to the Department of Fisheries Dr. Rajeev Ranjan, who was accompanied by representatives from his Ministry, the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, State Government of Tamil Nadu, State Government of Puducherry, and the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.

SL-Oman...The fourth Joint Technical Committee

Meeting reviewed the decisions arrived at the third Joint Technical Committee Meeting held in Colombo on 3 July 2018.

The Embassy said both sides explored ways and means to further enhance co-operation in the field of labour and the promotion of employment in the areas of mutual interests, especially in the wake of Covid-19.

Both sides hailed the implementation of the issuance of the “No Objection Certificate” (NOC) introduced by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Muscat, as a prerequisite to obtain employment visa for the Sri Lankan female domestic workers as an initiative to curb irregular and undocumented migration.

The Sri Lankan side extended its sincere appreciation to Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and the Government of the Sultanate of Oman for the announcement of “amnesty” for Sri Lankan workers who have overstayed and with expired work permits to return back home without paying any fine.

Minister warns...According to the Minister, around 11,549

cases had been filed by the previous Government against public and private institutions for violating the EPF Act until 1 January 2020 and at present, there are 16,000 cases in the Magistrates’ Courts including cases for non-payment of provident funds.

Minister de Silva pointed out that the default on EPF contributions is close to Rs. 12 billion.

Further, the Minister noted that steps have been taken to amend the EPF Act No. 15 of 1958 to enable the referring of these default cases to the Labour Tribunals and recover them expeditiously, considering the current caseload at the Magistrate’s Court. He also said that laws will be introduced to make it compulsory for an employee to join an institution and register with the EPF within a specified period of time and that the period would be six months.

– Maheesha Mudugamuwa

Focus from...Speaking to The Morning, National Institute of

Mental Health (NIMH) Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Pushpa Ranasinghe said: “We have increased the focus on community mental health and to make services more easily accessible to the public.” The new National Mental Health Policy has been approved with an emphasis on leadership, research, extended mental health services, human resource development, and community empowerment. Speaking in response to the recent announcement of the National Mental Health Policy 2020-2030, medical anthropologist and practitioner in the field of psychosocial support Dr. Ananda Galappatti said that the previous policy was in need of an update to meet the current requirements.

“I cannot comment on the new policy as I have not yet studied it, but I hope that it builds on the vision, principles, and still incomplete achievements of its predecessor. In the 15 years since the formulation of the last National Mental Health Policy, there have been significant shifts in the field of mental health globally, not least in relation to the full participation of persons with psychosocial disabilities with regard to decisions around their own care and the shaping of services.”

Report to...Former High Court Judge Kusala Sarojini

Weerawardena, who is the Chairperson of the committee appointed to look into the prison

clash that broke on 29 November, handed over the final report to Sabry Wednesday (30) afternoon.

Heightened...Kavidu Madushan, 27, who was one of the

escapees, was captured in Madampe by the Madampe Police and health authorities last evening. DIG Rohana said that the detainee will first be sent to a hospital for treatment.

“He may be sent to Kandakadu since that is the most secure place, but I cannot exactly say where he will be taken to.”

The required security officers will be deployed to ensure that such escapes won’t be repeated, DIG Rohana said responding to questions about the state of security in such quarantine facilities. He added that investigations are being conducted to determine how the escape took place.

“There is a small risk posed by the fact that they are criminals, but the risk is mostly the spread of Covid-19,” he said when asked about the threat these escapees pose to society.

However, when asked whether going into quarantine centres would become a prison break strategy, the DIG stated that “they don’t contract Covid-19 intentionally”.

The Police and Army are continuing operations to locate the four remaining Covid-19-positive detainees that escaped the quarantine facility in Gallella. Two escapees were convicted under drug abuse charges while each of the remaining three were convicted for rape, theft, and robbery, respectively.

The Police have released the details of the escapees and seek public assistance to trace the four remaining escapees. They have requested the general public to convey any information through the following numbers: HQI Polonnaruwa 071-8591233 or 119.

The four remaining escapees are 31-year-old Dabagallage Buddhika Wimalaratne; 26-year-old Wijesuriya Arachchige Haritha Kelum Appuhami of 2nd Cross Road, Parushapara, Maravila; 52-year-old Imiya Mudiyanselage Nimal Wasantha alias “Gataya” of Ambagaha Kolaniya, Angampitiya, Waikkala; and 36-year-old P.K. Sumith Pushpakumara of No. 1291/A, Jayamawatha Road, Boralessa.

The escapees are reported to have travelled to Kurunegala in a Polonnaruwa-Matara bus (NB-9268) that left for Colombo from Polonnaruwa at 5.45 a.m. yesterday. DIG Rohana requested the public who travelled in this bus to self-isolate and inform their public health inspectors (PHIs) immediately and that failing to do so would be considered an offence.

No legal...SLFP General Secretary and State Minister

Dayasiri Jayasekara told the media a few days ago that the Central Committee of the SLFP had decided to propose to the Government the reactivation of the PCs until the PC elections are held.

He said the proposal will request the Government to create an environment where provincial councillors can serve in their respective councils until an election is called for.

Could be...Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana,

Cultural, and Religious Affairs Prof. Kapila Gunawardana too told The Morning that this could be a disruptive act. However, Parliamentarian Manusha Nanayakkara alleged that this incident may have been politically driven.

“These incidents are not normal and occur due to the personal agendas of politicians who want to create another ethnic war like the one we suffered with for years. This is pure extremism which will intensify closer to an election. We need to find ways to prevent this type of violent extremism in Sri Lanka,” he told The Morning. “Characters like Namal Kumara, the police informant who revealed an alleged plot to kill former President Maithripala Sirisena and National Organiser of the Nawa Sinhale Dan Priyasad are not individuals that emerge out of the blue. They are created through political influence.”

Opposition takes...“Our medical experts have also confirmed

that the Covid vaccine is being provided free of charge to nearly 90 countries already identified as poor. However, the present Government is not interested in this matter,” he stressed.

“We are also informed that the present Government is trying to get the Covid vaccine from Russia or China by avoiding the COVAX organisation affiliated to the WHO. The quality of vaccines in Russia and China is probably internationally guaranteed, but we need to get these international certifications from a place like the WHO,” Ranawaka added.

– Maheesha Mudugamuwa

J’pura College...“Sri Jayewardenepura College, Kotte has

a history of 200 years. Although it is located in the Colombo District, many development needs have emerged in the school at present. We are looking to develop language learning facilities, and introduce computer technology and information technology to these schools, as all new national schools that have been selected for development will be equipped with similar facilities,” Prof. Peiris explained.

Commenting on the goals set by the Ministry

of Education for 2021, he said his Ministry hopes to formulate a formal programme in this regard in the future, including career guidance to suit present needs, the education of children, and the skills that children acquire, to determine the most suitable job for them.

He said that 123 schools will be redesigned as national schools under the first phase, and 673 schools will be developed in the second phase.

MP Madura Vithana, Sri Jayewardenepura College, Kotte Principal D.A.D. Wanaguru, and a group of senior officials of the Ministry of Education were present at the occasion.

– Sarah Hannan

Reaching Dehiwala...He said following a tour of the construction

site on Marine Drive on Tuesday (29). Accordingly, this stretch will consist of four lanes. “We will spend a sum of Rs. 228 million for the proposed new bridge along the road. The aim of our Government is to ensure the road will be of good quality. We intend to complete it as soon as possible,” he said.

Fernando further said this will help ease traffic congestion between Ramakrishna Road in Wellawatte and the Dehiwala Bridge.

Probability of...Dr. Karunapema also noted that random PCR

testing that was carried out at Galle Face Green among 150 persons had returned results of nine persons testing positive for Covid-19, indicating that the probability of the virus being in the community is now set at a 6% chance.

Adding to that, the second wave of Covid-19 in Sri Lanka has reached all districts of the country amounting to 37,889 persons testing positive for the virus from 3 October to 29 December, which are still linked to the three main clusters; the Minuwangoda, Peliyagoda, prison clusters.

“We urge the public that they restrict their movement and only venture out for essential work, and to keep track of the people they interact with and the places that they visit. Wearing a mask, washing or sanitising hands, maintaining physical distance where required, and practising respiratory etiquette are the basics,” Dr. Karunapema reminded.

Observing the statistics from the Ministry of Health Epidemiology Unit and the Health Promotion Bureau, it is clear that there have been sub-clusters that were generated from these three main clusters that were recorded from the Katunayake apparel factory, Fisheries Harbours in Galle and Beruwala, Sri Lanka Police, Ports Authority, Colombo Municipal Council area, and Atalugama in the Kalutara District.

The Minuwangoda cluster had 2,452 cases reported among the factory workers and their close contacts from 3 to 23 October. In addition to that, 811 of the close contacts of the Minuwangoda cluster that were not referred to a quarantine centre tested positive for the virus by 25 October when PCR tests were conducted, and 77 persons who were in quarantine centres also tested positive for Covid-19 during the same period.

Parallel to the Minuwangoda cluster, several sub-clusters which were reported from other such factories were bunched up together; out of which the Katunayake apparel factory that had 99 cases between 9 and 22 October was a significant cluster that went unnoticed, although there was outcry from the employees who were not given proper instructions by health authorities and had to face a difficult lockdown and quarantine period within their accommodations without much food to ration.

Just as the Minuwangoda cluster was subsiding, the Peliyagoda Fish Market cluster was recognised, which reported the first case on 21 October, totalling 2,298 cases of Covid-19 reported from the employees of the fish market and their close contacts. That generated the sub-clusters of the Galle Fisheries Harbour, the Beruwala Fisheries Harbour, and their close contacts who tested positive from 23 to 24 October, amounting to 49 cases.

The Department of Prisons was once again affected by the second wave of Covid-19 when the first case was recorded on 6 November at the Welikada Prison Complex; it had spread to Prisons in Bogambara, Boossa, Kuruvita, Mahara, Dalupotha, and Negombo.

From 6 November up until 27 December, a total of 1,471 cases were reported from the said prisons.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Police also got caught in the second wave of Covid-19 with Police constables who were deployed on duty to handle the Covid-19-positive patients in the vulnerable areas contracting the virus. From 30 October to 22 December, 455 police officers from various departments and police stations had contacted the virus.

The Colombo Municipal Council area and some of its employees also tested positive for Covid-19, which resulted in 198 testing positive from 2 to 29 November.

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority was also impacted when an employee from the Colombo Harbour tested positive on 4 November, which accounted for 109 cases by 28 November.

Atalugama in the Kalutara District was once again placed under isolation when a person tested positive for Covid-19 on 1 December and within 48 hours a total of 198 residents from Atalugama tested positive for Covid-19 when PCR tests were conducted.

Persons referred to quarantine centres during the second wave of Covid-19 totalled to 466, while persons arriving in Sri Lanka through repatriation flights or for work who tested positive for the virus totalled to 289 from 3 October to 28 December.

No decision...Schools will reopen for this year on Monday,

11 January across the island except for the Western Province and schools that are in isolated zones, as the areas have been identified as high-risk zones for Covid-19. The Ministry will meet with the Western Province Department of Education officials next week to review the possibilities of reopening schools for 2021 in the Western Province.

– Sarah Hannan

the morningFriday, January 1, 2021

3

businessPeople’s Bank clarified that

not a single Letter of Credit (LoC) facility issued by the bank has been refused by any international bank to date, amidst politically motivated negative comments being perpetuated in the market that state banks are facing difficulties in conducting their international trade-related banking activities.

Issuing a statement, People’s Bank noted that it facilitates the country’s import/export activities via the issuance of LoCs and guarantees to a large number of private and state-owned institutions.

“While certain parties are seeking to undermine the role of state banks by stating the recent downgrade in the country’s credit rating by three international rating agencies has hampered state banks’ ability to facilitate international trade activities, the factual situation is that not a single Letter of Credit or guarantee issued by People’s Bank has been rejected by any international party,” the bank stated.

During the pandemic, People’s Bank stated that it kept 70% of its branches open to serve customers,

while providing the affected individuals and businesses with over Rs. 300 billion worth of financial relief.

People’s Bank was ranked among the Top 1,000 banks in the world in 2018, 2019, and 2020 by the Banker magazine. The bank also possesses a Rs. 2.3 trillion asset base, with over Rs. 1.8 trillion in customer deposits. The bank granted more than Rs. 400 billion worth in loans in 2020 alone, and paid over Rs. 11.3 billion in taxes and dividends.

Furthermore, in 2020, People’s Bank raised Rs. 20 billion in a debenture issue that was the largest-ever BASEL III-compliant debenture issue in the Sri Lankan banking industry, which was oversubscribed on the opening day itself, according to the bank.

In light of the above, the bank categorically denied having faced any difficulty in conducting its international trade-related banking activities, and advised customers, businesses, and all other stakeholders that it remains strongly positioned to facilitate any business activity that contributes to the country’s economic development.

People’s Bank denies being refused by international banks

People’s Bank Chairman Sujeewa Rajapakse

INSEE Cement sponsored the 11th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment (ICSBE) 2020, which was jointly organised by the engineering community of the University of Peradeniya, University of Moratuwa, University of Ruhuna, and Open University of Sri Lanka.

This international conference, also branded as the “Kandy Conference” and organised as a virtual two-day event, is a platform and forum for the exchange of ideas as well as sharing of knowledge and experience. The event also provided the ideal forum for the dissemination of information about the built environment among academics, professionals, and policymakers on the management of the built environment globally.

Held annually since December 2010, this year’s conference’s

vision “to drive innovative research for tomorrow’s development” collaborated with local and worldwide universities and research institutions with special sessions related to current concepts and practical ideas in a sustainable built environment.

Over 2,500 local and international delegates including academics, researchers, engineers, industrial professionals, and students participated. Featured during the event were six keynotes speeches, 13 special sessions, and two lively panel discussions.

Welcoming participants, Conference Co-Chair Prof. Ranjith Dissanayake stated: “Our aim for the conference is to share knowledge in the built sustainable environment, relevant and vital for us today. The Covid pandemic has also heightened

the importance of the natural and built environment. This conference is a platform where so many experts have gathered to share their knowledge and innovation, and many imminent researchers will present their papers and findings.”

In a message to participants, Chief Guest Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa noted that introducing and maintaining a sustainable built environmental policy is one of the key focus areas of the Government in the journey of striving for a prosperous nation.

INSEE Cement Executive Vice President and Director of Sales, Marketing, and Innovation Jan Kunigk stated: “Construction has always been a fundamental element in human advancement. It is also one of humanity’s oldest businesses that continues to evolve and adapt

to date, especially with the rapid pace of population growth and urbanisation.”

He opined that as a resource-intensive industry, the company has been forced to be more innovative in its approach towards sustainability across its operations in order to meet the escalating demands and expectations of consumers and the country.

“Today, we have identified five mega trends across the world that are shaping the construction industry and our approach to reimagining and delivering sustainable construction solutions. Along with these mega trends, we see the global cement and concrete demands continue to rise exponentially and unfortunately at a rate that we cannot sustain the natural resources,” Kunigk elaborated.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon (ComBank) recently launched CBC Finance Ltd., the bank’s fully owned licenced non-bank financial institution (NBFI), formerly known as Serendib Finance and Indra Finance.

The formal renaming of the entity acquired by the bank in 2014 marks the completion of its transition

into the Commercial Bank Group. The restructured company operates under its new name and new corporate logo from 30 December 2020, the bank said.

Commercial Bank renamed Indra Finance as Serendib Finance Ltd. after the company’s acquisition. Total assets of the company have increased

from Rs. 1.95 billion in 2014 to Rs. 8 billion as at end of November 2020. CBC Finance operates 10 branches islandwide, delivering a wide range of financial services including vehicle leasing, mortgage and business loans, and fixed deposits.

CBC Finance’s Fitch rating AA(lka) is driven by the rating agency’s view

that its parent company, Commercial Bank of Ceylon, would provide support if required. CBC Finance is a licensed finance company approved by the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka under the Finance Business Act No. 42 of 2011.

Products offered by CBC Finance include leasing solutions for a wide range

of vehicles and equipment, fixed deposit facilities with attractive interest rates, and loan facilities including business loans, mortgage loans, and pledge loans. Its branches are located in Kandy, Colombo, Anuradhapura, Kaduruwela, Dambulla,Embilipitiya, Matara, Kiribathgoda, Kurunegala, and Negombo.

Season One of the iPay “Cash Wasi Draw” concluded at the LOLC head office premises in Rajagiriya recently, with three customers emerging victorious to receive cash prizes. Senior officials of LOLC Finance PLC graced the occasion.

Prizes were given to iPay users who performed the most number of transactions during the months of October and November this year. Only successful transactions were considered for the draw, while iPay customers could increase their chances of winning by performing a higher number of transactions.

Speaking about the draw, iPay Head Charitha Jayasingha said: “The tremendous success of this initiative reflects the rising interest amongst consumers for cashless and digital transactions. We will continue to explore new ways to provide our customers with more rewarding experiences. For example, we have already launched iPay Cash Wasi Draw Season Two, where users are required to invite their friends and family to iPay using a referral link. The competition will take place until 10 January, once again with exciting cash prizes on offer.”

iPay is a simple, easy-to-use, real-time payment platform designed with a host of features. The payment platform is powered by LOLC. With LOLC Finance operating as its merchant acquiring partner, iPay is acclaimed internationally as a mobile app that has been developed on an advanced software architecture. The app includes a host of features designed to securely integrate the customer and merchant ecosystem, making it a fintech (financial technology) application.

Speaking at iPay Cash Wasi Draw Season One, LOLC Finance Director/CEO Conrad Dias said: “iPay has revolutionised the fintech space for both customers and merchants. Today, iPay has reached beyond Sri Lanka to many other regional countries as well, and is steadily becoming a regional platform. In the post-Covid era, contactless digital payments play a major role in the economy. To promote digital payments and support the Central Bank’s Digital 2020 vision, iPay has also introduced the digital bank account with attractive interest rates, and it can be created without ever visiting a physical branch.”

ComBank launches CBC Finance

iPay’s ‘Cash Wasi’ concludes

iPay Head Charitha Jayasingha handing over a prize to one of the winners of the Cash Wasi Draw

INSEE sponsors International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment

Headline inflation, as measured by the year-on-year (YoY) change in the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI, 2013=100) increased marginally to 4.2% in December 2020, from 4.1% in November 2020. This was driven by the monthly increase of prices of items in both Food and Non-Food categories.

Meanwhile, food inflation (YoY) decreased to 9.2% in December 2020, from 10.3% in November 2020. However, non-food inflation (YoY) increased to 2% in December 2020, from 1.6% in November 2020. The change in the

CCPI, measured on an annual average basis, remained unchanged at 4.6% in December 2020 for the third consecutive month. The CCPI’s monthly change was recorded at 0.66% in December 2020. This was due to price increases observed in items of both Food and Non-Food categories. Moreover, monthly changes of Food and Non-Food categories were recorded at 0.45% and 0.22%, respectively, in December 2020.

Accordingly, within the Food category, prices of coconut, vegetables, and rice increased in December 2020. Meanwhile, prices of items in the Non-Food category recorded an increase during the month, mainly due to price

increases observed in the Transport (bus fare) and Health (private medical doctor fee) sub-categories. The core inflation

(YoY), which reflects the underlying inflation in the economy, increased to 3.5% in December 2020, from 3% in November 2020.

However, annual average core inflation declined marginally to 3.1% in December 2020, from 3.2% in November 2020.

Inflation increases to 4.2% in December

From left: CBC Finance Ltd. Senior Director Dr. Janaki Kuruppu, Chairman Dharma Dheerasinghe, and Manager – Colombo Branch Prasad Baduwatta at the launch of CBC Finance Ltd.

CBC Finance Ltd. Chairman Dharma Dheerasinghe, Commercial Bank Managing Director S. Renganathan, Chief Operating Officer Sanath Manatunge, Dr. Janaki Kuruppu, and CBCFinance Managing Director/CEO Upul Dissanayake at the launch

People’s Bank CEO/GM Ranjith Kodituwakku

the morningFriday, January 1, 2021RECOGNITION/CORPORATE

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Fashion Bug’s “Roo Siththam” was recently recognised by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, as the Premier awarded an award of appreciation for Roo Siththam to Fashion Bug at Parliament.

The “Sisu Dirimaga” arm is the key corporate social responsibility (CSR) platform of Fashion Bug, and Roo Siththam is one of the main events carried out under this platform, initiated in 2011 with the objective of identifying the creative talents of schoolchildren. A specific category for children with special needs was introduced in 2017, the entries of which are judged by teachers from the Ceylon School for the Deaf and Blind in Ratmalana.

Fashion Bug developed its own scholarship programme as part of its CSR initiative and

has even launched a programme focusing on career guidance for students. Aiming to conduct career guidance programmes covering 100,000 students, they have conducted a series of islandwide career guidance workshops through collaborations with the provincial education offices for students who are sitting

the Advanced Level (A/L) examination. Similar career guidance programmes were conducted to advise Ordinary Level (O/L) students on important exam and study techniques.

Commenting on the recognition of their efforts, Fashion Bug CEO Shabier Subian said: “We believe that the

children of our country should be prioritised and nurtured, which is why we developed the Sisu Dirimaga initiative. We are deeply grateful to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa for recognising the value of this initiative and we will strive to continue focussing our efforts on uplifting the youth of Sri Lanka.”

Roo Siththam recognised by Premier

Fashion Bug CEO Shabier Subian and Assistant General Manager – Operations Dinesh Ekanayaka receiving the award from Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa

The Galle Fort branch of Commercial Bank of Ceylon (ComBank) was reopened recently at its original location this week, in one of the last events of the bank’s 100th year.

ComBank Chairman Dharma Dheerasinghe, Managing Director S. Renganathan, Chief Operating Officer Sanath Manatunge, and members of corporate management graced the occasion when the early 19th-Century edifice at No. 22, Church Street was formally declared open after its refurbishment.

One of the oldest buildings owned by Commercial Bank, and one of the oldest buildings in the Southern Province, this building is listed as being the property of George Henry Boggar, who is recorded as its first owner. It was also once a hotel named “Old Mansion”, and was the home of the Galle branch of the Mercantile Bank of India (MBI) in 1973 when ComBank acquired three branches of MBI and came into possession of this heritage building.

The building’s refurbishment was carried out in consultation with the Galle Heritage Foundation and the Department of Archaeology, preserving the old structure wherever possible. The three-storey building, complete with wooden floors, windows, and doors that showcase the

architecture of the era, also houses the bank’s southern regional office, a mini auditorium, a mini museum displaying historical artifacts from the bank, and a staff holiday bungalow.

ComBank’s own history dates back to 1920 when its forerunner Eastern Bank was established in Ceylon. The present Commercial Bank of Ceylon was incorporated in 1969.

As part of its centenary celebrations, the bank has undertaken a programme to establish 100 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classrooms that provide students a novel learning experience in the above subjects, complete with a digitised curriculum, and another programme to reforest 100 hectares of land.

ComBank reopens in Galle FortComBank Chairman Dharma Dheerasinghe speaking at the event

Present at the reopening of Commercial Bank’s refurbished Galle Fort branch were guests and staff who participated in the ceremony

Investment bank Capital Alliance (CAL) recently launched a new logo to reposition itself as a future-oriented company catering to family-owned businesses, whilst providing financial expertise to institutional clients and high-net-worth entrepreneurs.

The core belief of the value of family is represented in CAL’s new logo, which depicts the interwoven layers of a nest that symbolises protection and trust, and the spherical egg which evokes wealth, continuity, and endless possibilities to prosper, CAL noted in a release.

“The new logo of a nest egg promises care

and security for CAL’s clients who can rest assured that they have entrusted their financial affairs in capable hands,” CAL added.

Commenting on the new brand identity, CAL Group CEO Ajith Fernando said: “Our new logo brings out our empathy towards our clients, which is a core value we are known for. At CAL, we understand that for a family, their business is

not only about financial transactions, but an emotional investment that defines past and future generations.

“Our own transformational new logo is also a way of showing our clients that change is necessary to meet the complex evolving needs of the markets, while our record for nurturing long-term relationships across multiple generations of a family business makes us

the ideal partner on their journey.”

CAL won a total of four awards at the Global Banking and Finance Review Awards 2015, including “Best Investment Banking Company Sri Lanka”, “Best Investment Banking Solutions Provider Sri Lanka”, “Best New Asset Management Company Sri Lanka”, and “Fastest Growing Unit Trust Manager Sri Lanka”. CAL first entered the market in the year 2000 as a registered debt dealer. Thereafter, it was appointed as a registered primary dealer by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka in 2003.

CAL launches new logo

The new CAL logo

Samsung Electronics announced that 44 of its new product and service innovations received CES 2021 Innovation Awards honours, including four “Best of Innovations” accolades, from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA).

The awards recognise outstanding design and engineering in cutting-edge technology, and this year, the Galaxy Note20 5G/Ultra 5G and Galaxy Buds+ BTS edition were among Samsung’s Best of Innovation award winners. Samsung’s award-winning honorees span a range of categories.

y Best of Innovation, Headphones, and Personal Audio – Samsung Galaxy Buds+ BTS edition

y Best of Innovation (Mobile Devices) – Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G/Ultra 5G

y Eco-Design Award (Sustainability) – Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

y Innovation Honoree in Health and Wellness – Samsung Galaxy Watch3

y Innovation Honoree in Mobile Devices and Digital Imaging –

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G

y Innovation Honoree in Mobile Devices – Samsung Galaxy A51 5G

y Innovation Honoree in Software and Mobile Apps – Samsung Wireless DeX – Samsung DeX

y Innovation Honoree in Streaming – Samsung TV Plus

The CES Innovation Awards is sponsored by the CTA, the owner and organiser of CES. CES 2021 will be the organisation’s first-ever, all-digital event taking place 11-14 January.

Consumer Technology Association awards Samsung

Seylan Bank recently installed a new ATM unit at No. 207, Saranankara Road, Dehiwala. The area is heavily populated with many businesses that have ample footfall, and Seylan is the first bank to install an ATM on this road, further enhancing customer convenience.

The bank has a growing clientele of SMEs, retail, and corporate customers, and has expanded its footprint with 173 branches across the country. Seylan Bank has been endorsed as a financially stable organisation with performance excellence across the board by Fitch Ratings.

The bank was ranked second among public listed companies for transparency in corporate reporting recently by Transparency Global and is now part of the S&P Dow Jones SL20 Index.

Seylan Bank installs new ATM in Dehiwala

LB Finance celebrated Christmas by initiating a competition on the digital media platform. The competition, open to both children and adults, was to design a Christmas card through any form of art, such as drawings, paintings, collages, digital art, etc.

The aim of this initiative was to develop the intellect of children

and adults, as well as to foster a lifelong love for creativity. Over the past few years, LB Finance has carried out several forms of campaigns to build on the vision of creating all-rounded youngsters.

The competition embraced the spirit of the Christmas season even in the pandemic, which provided the

opportunity for many competitors to showcase their creative talent and win prizes from LB Finance. Ten winners were selected, with their designs printed on the annual LB Finance Christmas cards and gifted out. The winners were also awarded savings accounts at LB Finance for their achievement.

LB Finance celebrates digital Christmas

Christmas card designs sent in for the competition

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE

2021 is here, and whether the pandemic leaves us this year or not, the last year has taught all of us valuable lessons. We spoke to a few well-known faces and asked them what the most important lesson they learned in 2020 was. Here’s what they had to say:

1 It is integral that you learn to respect yourself

According to Stigmata frontman Suresh de Silva, it’s difficult to pinpoint any singular thing as the whole of 2020 has been a year of challenges, loss, hardship, and lessons learned. “However, I looked at it as a period of potential for personal growth, and completed my higher academic and professional studies. Work wise, I won some and lost some, but overall, as a Creative Consultant and Brand Strategist, I was able to do some fine work. Music wise, Stigmata has always been very progressive and we adapted pretty quickly to the changes of the industry and while taking a hit with a lack of concerts and overseas tours, we released new music on all leading streaming platforms globally and released some cool merch thanks to Empire Clothing Inc.”

The band was able to ascertain engagement and interaction with their supporters by embracing the advent of digital technology and having a disruptive and quirky presence on social media. “I also launched my voice artistry channel during the first lockdown, my podcast S & M and my writing is ongoing; hoping to release a collection of short stories and a novel next year if all goes to plan.”

So, in a way, de Silva looked at finding opportunities through the hurdles and obstacles this year. “It was a lot of hard work. I made a lot of personal changes and decided to get into shape and to make the most of my talents and what I have been blessed with in 2020.” He shared that perhaps, the one major lesson though was to be able to identify how integral it is to learn to respect yourself: “Not taking things personally and to channel my efforts and energy into making the most of each day and night, as time is scarce and life is really feeble and short.”

De Silva said he’s learned to gauge that we all have our shortcomings and struggles and loss is subjective. “Pain is universal but personal to each of us. And this pandemic has taught many of us to appreciate what we have, instead of stressing over what we don’t.”

2 The value of sobriety and personal contact

Sri Lankan science fiction author and researcher Yudhanjaya Wijeratne, best known for his books Numbercaste and The Inhuman Race, shared with us that one thing he would certainly take away from this year is to value personal contact, while sober.

He shared that so much of our connection with people is based on alcohol, it seems almost ritualistic as a result. We have all acquired many acquaintances, but very few of them whom we can call true friends – those who actually know the depths of our hearts, people with whom we have very few meaningful conversations with, giving way to meaningless chatter which takes prominence. Wijeratne has learned we should focus a little more on cultivating those personal one-on-one conversations not surrounded by alcohol.

3 There is opportunity in adversityPro-

certified makeup artist and owner of The Wax Museum Nadiya Fernando said: “There is opportunity in adversity and therefore it’s important to be versatile. Some situations are out of our control so it’s up to us to adapt to that situation.”

The same time last year, Fernando thought 2020 was going to be just like any other year but better. Her business was doing very well. “We had record numbers of pre-booked weddings. In January and

February, I was hardly in Colombo because I was travelling around Sri Lanka to attend to my bridal clients. Then March happened and everything came to a standstill. My research showed me that my industry will be one of the worst hit and the pandemic was going nowhere in the near future. So I had to make viable and yet difficult decisions,” said Fernando.

She said that she decided to adopt some changes: “I closed the physical salon and let my 15 staff go in order to cut my overheads. I realised my home studio was sufficient to attend to my clients. Weddings take place on location anyway so I didn’t need a salon for the purpose of dressing brides.

“I also give my clients the option of visiting my studio or me visiting them at their home which increased my clientele. Clients felt safer and it was more convenient for them as well. For bigger events, I hire freelancers for that specific event so I can pay them per service,” she said.

Fernando shared that she moved her permanent makeup services to Ninewells Hospital and the skin clinic to ensure that her clients were afforded maximum protection from risks of the virus. In making these changes, she found that although her revenue is less, her profits have increased, and a perk being she has much less paperwork to deal with. “I’m also working on a new model for salon services based on my belief that the traditional salon concept will not be valid as we enter the new normal,” she said.

4 Mother Nature always has the power over us if we mess

with herFashion designer and runway model

Tymeron Carvalho shared with us that one thing he certainly learned was not to mess with Mother Nature, because she will put us

in our place. He also added that while of course he has learnt to be more mindful of the way he treats his surroundings, the time in quarantine curfew has brought great perspective, in realising that “we don’t have to spend

colossal amounts of money to do something therapeutic to our minds; doing something at home can be more therapeutic such as gardening, cleaning, etc. And we can spend more time talking and sharing our thoughts with our loved ones, who we have missed talking to in our busy lives”. He added that in realising the connection we must establish with Mother Nature, we must also have one with ourselves. “Everything comes within you, which includes happiness, sadness, strength, and weakness. Nothing is stable, so we must enjoy it while it lasts.”

5 Learn to take pride in your values

TV presenter and musician Hirushi Jayasuriya shared with us the one lesson she will be taking with her to 2021: “I think to me the most important things about 2020 are the simple values we learned to carry in this complex world. Caring for our health and building meaningful connections with people even though we couldn’t even meet them. Creating meaningful moments through even a message or a phone call. Making

creations from little things we had around us. It was a silver lining in an angle not everyone is willing to see through.”

6 Think outside the box and be open to new opportunities

Musician Ishan De Lanerolle of The De Lanerolle Brothers shared they have come to learn that we need to adapt to the new way of things; we have to learn to think out of the box and if we are able to do that we will discover an abundance of opportunities waiting to be had.

He said that in their case, what used to be was they would have sit-down dinners and perform for about 500 people, but now with this current situation they were able to reach over 2,000 people from over 20 countries. “Mind you, these are Rs. 1,000 tickets for online concerts,” he said, adding that now they have released those videos in parts for their 12 days of Christmas project and it has resulted in increasing that reach even more.

Ishan added that one of the main lessons they have learned this year is to think outside the box and look beyond the norm for opportunities and if everyone is to do that, then almost all industries will have a solution waiting for them.

7 Sometimes getting backed into a corner is a good thing

Fitness instructor Tarja de Silva shared that while there was of course a lot of negativity borne of this year and it was a difficult time for a lot of us, one really positive thing that came out of it was that the situation really pushed them to set up their

own online fitness programme which they are now operating out of a studio space.

She said that if not for the pandemic − as it really sort of pushed them into a corner − they never would’ve started up the programme online, and it has been a great benefit to them. If anything, they have learnt to really appreciate the silver lining in things.

8 Things don’t always go according to plan

Musician Soundarie David Rodrigo said that the most important thing she’s learnt this year is that things don’t always go as we plan, and amidst all the challenges, there is a silver lining. “There is a blessing and to me personally, there is a God above who walks with you guiding you along the way. So, adapting to change, compassion, love, and empathy have been some of the lessons I’ve learnt this year.”

9 Do not take life for granted Personality Development and

Corporate Etiquette Trainer Kumar De Silva shared with us that 2020 has reinforced his belief that one must never take life for granted. “You and I could be dead right now, and especially with Covid-19 and its effects, we know so many thousands who lost their lives all around the world,” he said, adding that he is thankful to be alive and waking up day after day.

10 We must make being safe a practice because we will

have to learn to live with Covid-19 Sri Lankan

actress Chathurika Pieris, who was diagnosed with Covid-19 this year, said: “I think you should practise being safe. We should take the Government-issued health guidelines and what they have suggested seriously.

The authorities have proposed that you steam and drink kottamalli and other home remedies like that to boost your immunity and I think you should take those suggestions to heart.” She continued: “If I protect my family and you protect your family, then we can stay safe”. As a Covid 19 survivor, during her time as a patient and her time of quarantine at the Dr. Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital, the one thing she learned was that a part of living with Covid is not ostracising those who contract the virus. She said that it is immensely stressful for those who have it and they feel mentally defeated as they are helpless and worried for the safety of their families.

10 LESSONS

Chathurika Pieris

Yudhanjaya Wijeratne

Hirushi Jayasuriya

Ishan De Lanerolle

WE LEARNED IN 2020 THAT WE CAN TAKE INTO 2021

Tymeron Carvalho

Nadiya Fernando

the morningFriday, January 1, 2021

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brunch

the morningFriday, January 1, 2021ARTS

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BY VENESSA ANTHONY

The pandemic has been a tough time for all of us. Almost every industry has been affected by its wrath. The Morning Brunch spoke to a few renowned personalities that work in the creative industry about what they think Sri Lanka needs to focus on when it comes to reviving their respective field post pandemic, and what needs to be focused on this year.

We will need the support of patrons, authorities, and art lovers: Jehan Aloysius

Jehan Aloysius is a full-time theatre practitioner, as well as a visiting lecturer at the University of Visual and Performing Arts. Over the last two decades, he has been involved with over 60 productions of the English and Sinhala language theatre. In addition, Jehan has been associated with The Royal Court Theatre of London, ART of Bangalore, Theatrum Botanicum of Edinburgh, Brave Theatre Festival of Poland, Rikskonsertene of Norway, and The British Council, as well as the National School of Drama of India.

He shared his thoughts on the theatre industry being affected by the pandemic: “I believe many aspects of life have been altered by this pandemic. Those who are full-time practitioners in the performing arts have not had any projects since February this year. As we don’t have regular salaries, insurance, or bonuses, this pandemic was a challenging period indeed. We need to see that performance spaces can reopen safely, while also providing funding for artists and their new projects which contribute to culture and literature, not merely entertainment.”

He added that he believes 2021 will also be a period of challenges and recovery. “As we work on healing the economy and the damaged arts sector, we will need the support of patrons, authorities, and art lovers to support new types of performances, so the culture can survive and thrive in 2021.” He concluded: “As performers, we always know that the ‘show must and shall go on’, so hopefully we shall find innovative new ways of reaching our audiences and paying our bills.”

We need to focus on our current opportunities: Shaun Perera

Shaun Perera is the frontman for the well-loved band Magic Box Mixup. He started off simply carrying speakers to clubs, and slowly but surely formed Magic Box and rose to fame. The band has now made quite the impact on Sri Lanka’s music industry since their performance at TNL Onstage back in 2006, where they won two awards.

Perera mentioned that the pandemic has cost them a lot

of opportunities to perform and earn money. “We do miss connecting with our audience, but we think that having the chance to do our music through

social media opened up many avenues for us,” he

said. Perera looks at the pandemic in a positive light. “We now have the time to get our music out there, and work on our originals. We want to focus on the opportunities that we have, instead of focusing on what we can do to make up what we lost.” He plans to collaborate with smaller artists and hopes to help get the name of our Sri Lankan artists out there next year.

We need to keep up with the times: Akash Sunethkumara

Akash Sunethkumara is a filmmaker, writer, and lecturer, and is also the Founder of High School Junkies, an independent production company. It has always been his dream to produce films that are on par with international standards, and it’s safe to say he has successfully achieved these dreams. To date, his films have won international awards, with early effort EIDETIC winning Best Action/Thriller Short Student at the Hollywood Boulevard Film Festival in Los Angeles, and being the very first Sri Lankan short to screen at the world’s largest geekfest, San Diego Comic-Con. His subsequent films have also been screened in multiple countries.

Akash told us how he is currently managing his career. “Despite whatever circumstances are happening in the world,

there’s always something that you can focus on, even in isolation. In terms of filmmaking,

it’s a bit difficult to go out there and shoot. We have

had time to work on pre-production.”

He added that despite whatever challenges that come

our way, there’s always a workaround. “With

technology evolving, people are becoming even more connected, and we’re finding ways to work from remote distances, even though it might be a little complicated at times.” He concluded that it’s all about finding a loophole and being productive. “We need to adapt to change. The world is changing, technology is changing, and we need to keep up with the times,” he stated.

Through dedication, we will return to normalcy:

Natasha Jayasuriya Natasha

Jayasuriya is an experienced dancer, and is the Principal of Deanna

Dance School. Having started her

training at the age of two, Natasha has since

exposed herself to a myriad of dance styles (both locally and overseas). Her impressive portfolio includes classical ballet, hip-hop, street jazz, tap dancing, Spanish dancing, and ballroom and Latin dancing. Through

years of dedicated learning and practice, Natasha has

expanded her plethora of qualifications to range from being a Gold Standard Ballroom and Latin

American dancer to being a qualified ballet

teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance, UK.

She talked about how the dance industry will survive post pandemic. “The dance industry post the pandemic will face a few challenges, but we hope the foundations set in place, and the dedication our students have, will encourage them to return to normalcy soon.”

She added: “In 2021, we are thrilled to resume classes in the studio and be in a position to give students their full training once again. Through dance, we hope to motivate our students to have a more positive attitude in day-to-day life.” She concluded that we also need to focus on building confidence and empowering students to be the best they can be.

Reviving the creative industry post pandemic

Ace Connekt (www.aceconnekt.com), an innovative new recruitment platform that seeks to connect companies to talented job-seekers, was launched recently.

The main objective of the platform is to provide an effective and reliable recruitment tool ensuring recruiters and corporates have easy and quick access to the largest human resource talent pool, earning recognition as the ultimate recruitment hub in the future.

Launched as a novel concept in Sri Lanka, the platform links job-seekers with employment providers, and also provides an open platform for job-seekers to gain employment.

“This is an exciting new

approach to recruitment. The new platform will ensure the recruitment process becomes a lot more efficient and effective for both employers and job-seekers. We firmly believe it will provide a one-stop shop for all job-seekers who need to find the right job, whilst also enabling employers to reach the best talent,” said Ace

Connekt Founder Naomi De Silva.As a one-stop shop recruitment

hub, an employer has the ability to hire at any level, from clerical staff to the CEO. Moreover, job-seekers, including differently abled and persons with special needs, can create a profile for prospective employers to view. Even small business owners or service providers can hire through this platform with ease.

Ace Connekt was envisioned under the wings of Amarion Career Consultancy Firm (Pvt.) Ltd. after discovering the need for such a platform to provide a win-win situation for both the employer and job-seeker and also to create new job opportunities.

Ace Connekt launched as revolutionary new online job portal

Ace Connekt Founder Naomi De Silva

Ace Connekt Web Developer Kirushan Kirupamoorthy

BY VENESSA ANTHONY

Art is a very effective method of self-expression. Lalith Senanayake, an immensely talented sculptor from Wattala, uses his art to spread a message that needs to be heard by all residents of our planet: Stop plastic pollution.

Senanayake excels in the field of sculpting and is specialised in metalwork. He used to work as a political cartoonist for a newspaper for 20 years before he began focusing on his talent. He taught himself sculpting with the help of former University of Visual and Performing Arts Vice Chancellor Prof. Sarath Chandrajeewa and eased his way into clay sculpting.

It all began at a garageSpeaking to The Morning

Brunch, Senanayake shared his journey into metal sculpting. He told us that back in 2009, the Professor’s house had a garage with a lot of scrap metal, so he began inculcating the scraps into his sculpting, and thus his first scrap metal sculpture was born.

He displayed this sculpture at an exhibition that was visited by renowned architect C. Anjalendran who adored the sculpture. He identified Senanayake’s gift and advised him to continue with sculpting.

Elephant in the roomRecently, Senanayake took part

in a large project where he created a jumbo elephant out of the plastic waste that washed up at the beach. He has always had a liking towards sculpting animals and birds, so he settled on an elephant for this sculpture.

“I took my wife and my two kids to the Uswetaekiyawa beach during the first wave of the pandemic. The beach looked nothing like it used to years ago; it was polluted and no one could come and relax on the shore anymore.”

He shared that they usually visit

the beach every weekend, and they see discarded ice cream wrappers, plastic bottles, bags, and other waste. They had then planned to start an organisation to prevent this pollution, but that idea fell through. Instead, they picked up all the plastic waste on the beach and took it home.

“There were so many bags of waste. We didn’t know what to do with it. Then we thought, since we make sculptures out of metal, why not try out of plastic. So I had the idea to infuse the plastic into a metal sculpture.”

Senanayake has taken part in many environmental awareness programmes, both in Sri Lanka and abroad, so he applied the knowledge he garnered from these events to build this sculpture.

He and his wife plan to use all they learned to start an initiative against plastic use next year. They hope they can encourage people to recycle or reduce their plastic consumption. The family is also on a journey towards zero-waste – to live a more sustainable and eco-conscious life.

They began sorting through the waste to find which bits they could use and which were unusable. He told us the sculpture took over three months to make, but due to the lockdowns that happened, they had time to give their complete attention to their piece. The two little ones too have had fun helping their parents spin their magic and bring life to this magnificent work of art, he said. They were very effective in using the pandemic for some healthy family bonding time, instead of focusing on the negative aspects.

They picked an elephant to sculpt because they thought it would appeal to kids; they wanted to educate kids on plastic waste and show them that by polluting, they are endangering these majestic animals. “I wanted to highlight the fact that we collected trash the size of an elephant, so they would understand the significance.”

They displayed it at the beach in hopes that kids will look at the sculpture and think “that could be my plastic bottle”, so they would understand that they shouldn’t just be discarding their waste anywhere.

Sparking conversationsSenanayake explained the

challenges they had to overcome to create this piece of work: “The plastic wasn’t as easy to stick to the metal as I thought it would be, so we had to find alternate ways to attach them. We thought about melting the plastic to attach it, but quickly realised that the fumes from burning plastic are harmful to the environment, and people living around. Instead, we attached it with various other means.” He added that plastic isn’t as malleable as metal or clay, so they had to work with its original form.

Their efforts have been successful, as this sculpture is being talked about everywhere, and the message to protect our environment has been taken seriously. Senanayake noted that the waste on the beach has actually significantly reduced. The elephant can be seen standing tall at the Uswetakeiyawa beach, behind Hotel Club House.

Apart from this jumbo elephant, Senanayake has also created many other metal sculptures. They source the metal from scraps they have at home, and depending on the requirements of the artwork, they buy metal from metal manufacturing companies.

He told us that since many people know he is in this business, they drop off their metal scraps at his house too. Not only are his pieces breathtakingly beautiful, but they also help reduce a lot of waste. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, after all.

His sculptures are mostly sold to foreign countries, but right now, they are not importing any due to the restrictions caused by the pandemic. Even though most of his sculptures are not in the country, you can still see two of his famous ones near the Gangarama Temple, so next time you’re in the area, keep an eye out for these beauties!

Trash the size of an elephant

Lalith Senanayake uses art to spread an important message

Lalith Senanayake

Celebrating Christmas this year has had many challenges. Nevertheless, the team at English Nursing Care Sri Lanka (ENC) advocates the need for compassion and kindness more than ever. Sharing the season’s spirit, special home visits to their clients, home nurses, and care companions with gifts were made with a gentle reassurance that they appreciate all their efforts for making the year a positive one.

English Nursing Care is a Sri Lankan home nursing care service, bringing 35 years of nursing experience from the UK and embedding best practices in the Sri Lankan community since 2017. The team of nurses work closely with your loved ones to manage their health, medication, mobility, and be their companion when you are far away.

English Nursing Care celebrates the season with compassion

For further information on ENC, visit their website at www.englishnursing.com or call +94 11 4500117.

Special home visits with gifts were made to ENC’s clients, home nurses, and care companions

the morningFriday, January 1, 2021 SPORTS

7

9 FebruaryBangladesh won the ICC Under-19 World

Cup, beating India in the final in Potchefstroom, South Africa. It was Bangladesh’s maiden World Cup win at any level and sent its fans into raptures.

8 MarchAustralia emerged victorious at the ICC

Women’s T20 World Cup, beating India in the final. The match, played on International Women’s Day, was watched by 86,174 people at the MCG. It was a maiden T20 World Cup final for the Harmanpreet Kaur-led India.

13 MarchEngland’s Test team under Joe Root flew

back home from Sri Lanka in the middle of their tour match in Colombo, after the tour was called off amid the coronavirus pandemic.

15 AprilThe Board of Control for Cricket in India

(BCCI) formally informed the eight Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises that the 13th edition of the T20 league had been “indefinitely postponed” due to Covid-19.

30 AprilThe first season of “the Hundred” has been

pushed back to 2021 following an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) board meeting. In a media release, the ECB said that a number of reasons led to the decision, including “operational challenges caused by social distancing alongside global travel

restrictions, making the competition’s ambition to feature world-class players and coaches unattainable in 2020”.

24 JuneClare Connor, the former England Captain,

will become the first woman President of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in 2021, it was announced.

8-28 JulyEngland beat West Indies 2-1 in their Test

series at home. The opening day of the series in Southampton marked Test cricket’s return after a 129-day hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic. It was also the time when the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement started gaining ground.

20 JulyThe T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played

in Australia in October-November of 2020, was formally postponed to 2022. Besides deferring the T20 World Cup, the ICC also shifted the 2023 Men’s World Cup from the February-March window to October-November that year.

24 JulyThe BCCI decided to hold the Indian

Premier League (IPL) from 19 September to 10 November in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Former India Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket. “Thanks. Thanks a lot for your love and support throughout. From 19.29 hrs consider me as retired,” wrote Dhoni on his official

Instagram handle.The 39-year-old’s last outing in India colours

was the 2019 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand. Minutes after Dhoni’s announcement, Suresh Raina, one of India’s prolific white-ball players, also quit international cricket.

25 AugustEngland’s James Anderson became the

first fast-bowler to claim 600 Test wickets. He achieved the landmark with the wicket of Azhar Ali on the final afternoon of the third Test in Southampton.

29 AugustChennai Super Kings’ (CSK) Suresh Raina

and Harbhajan Singh pulled out of IPL 2020 for “personal reasons”. Earlier, at least 10 members of the CSK contingent tested positive

for Covid-19 in Dubai including India fast bowler Deepak Chahar.

13 SeptemberFast bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth’s

ban – initially a life ban – had been revised to seven years in 2019 and officially ended in September this year. He was subsequently named in Kerala’s 26-strong probables list for next season’s Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy.

10 NovemberMumbai Indians beat Delhi Capitals in the

final in Dubai to win a record fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) title. Mumbai became the first team after CSK to defend the title.

17 NovemberBabar Azam struck an unbeaten half-century

as Karachi Kings beat Lahore Qalandars by five wickets in the final to win its maiden Pakistan Super League (PSL) title.

6 DecemberEngland’s South Africa tour was called off

after a Covid-19 outbreak among both teams’ camps and staff at their hotel.

16 DecemberJaffna Stallions beat Galle Gladiators in the

final to win the inaugural Lanka Premier League (LPL) at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium at Hambantota. Cricket returned to the island in a big way giving a huge boost to north and east cricket.

19 DecemberJosh Hazlewood took five for eight as

Australia bundled out India for its lowest innings score in 88 years of Test cricket, dismissing the team for 36 at the start of day three of the day-night first Test in Adelaide.

24 DecemberThe BCCI approved a 10-team IPL from

2022 at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Ahmedabad.

Among other key developments, Chetan Sharma was appointed as the Chairman of the Indo selection committee, while Abey Kuruvilla and Debasish Mohanty were the other members in the panel. The trio will join the pair of Sunil Joshi and Harvinder Singh.

28 DecemberSteve Smith was named the ICC Men’s Test

Cricketer of the Decade, while India Captain Virat Kohli received the Sir Garfield Sobers Award for ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade and the men’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade award. Ellyse Perry won the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award for ICC Female Cricketer of the Decade, while also claiming both the ODI and T20I Cricketer of the Decade honours.

29 DecemberAjinkya Rahane's 12th Test hundred coupled

with an all-round bowling performance powered India to a series-levelling eight-wicket win against Australia at the MCG. Needing a modest 70 to win, Shubman Gill (35 not out) and skipper Rahane (27 not out) got India over the line in 15.5 overs.

30 DecemberNew Zealand’s bowlers produced a late

final session surge to guide their side to a tense 101-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test in Mount Maunganui and kept alive their hopes of reaching next year's World Test Championship final.

(With input from Sportstar)

IPL, LPL, and ICC Awardsamid bio bubblesz Cricket in 2020 under shadow of coronavirusFrom the successfully launched Lanka Premier League (LPL), the International Cricket Council (ICC) Awards of the Decade, and India’s Test win at the Melbourne Cricket Grounds (MCG) after they were bowled out for the lowest runs (36) in their history, to the postponement of the men’s T20 World Cup, here is a look back at the key cricketing events of the year that passed by.

8-28 July: England met West Indies in a Test series at home when the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement started gaining ground

24 July: ‘Thanks. Thanks a lot for your love and support throughout. From 19.29 hrs consider me as retired.’ Legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni retired from international cricket

10 Nov: Mumbai Indians (MI) beat Delhi Capitals in the final in Dubai to win a record fifth IPL title. MI star Hardik Pandya with the IPL trophy

28 Dec: Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Ellyse Perry, who won major awards at the ICC Best Players of the Decade Awards

16 Dec: Jaffna Stallions beat Galle Gladiators in the final to win the inaugural LPL. Stallions' skipper Thisara Perera received the LPL trophy from Youth and Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa

sportsFriday , January 1, 2021

Edinson Cavani bannedManchester United’s Edinson Cavani has been given a three-match ban and a fine of £ 100,000 (Rs. 25.2

million) for a social media post containing a Spanish phrase that is offensive in some

contexts. The Uruguayan, 33, pleaded guilty to the Football Association (FA) charge of using insulting and/or improper words. Cavani sent the message after scoring a winner at Southampton on 29 November. The striker has

subsequently deleted the post and apologised when the meaning

that could be attached was pointed out.

Asian Beach Games postponed againThe Asian Beach Games in the Chinese city of Sanya have been postponed for a second time because of the coronavirus pandemic, Inside the Games said on Wednesday (30). In a statement, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) confirmed the event would not be held on its scheduled dates of 2-10 April 2021. The Games had initially been due to take place from 28 November to 6 December before being pushed back to 2021 as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.

The knighthood honour for Hamilton by Queen Elizabeth II holds a special symbolic significance as the F1 driver has always voiced vehemently for social change, human rights, diversity, and environmentalism. Hamilton was also actively participating in the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement last year following the brutal killing of US African-American George Floyd.

Family backgroundBorn and raised in Stevenage,

Hertfordshire, Hamilton rose in competitive motor racing since he was signed to the McLaren Young Driver Programme in 1998. This resulted in a F1 opportunity for him with McLaren in 2007. Hamilton thus became the first Black driver to race in the sport.

He was born on 7 January 1985 to father Anthony Hamilton who is Black. His mother Carmen Larbalestier is White, making him mixed-race. Hamilton has always identified himself as Black. His parents separated when he was two, after which he lived with his mother and older half-sisters, Samantha and Nicola, until he was 12. Hamilton then lived with his stepmother Linda

and his half-brother Nicolas, who is also a professional racing driver.

Seventh title last yearBBC remembered yesterday that

Hamilton won his first world title with McLaren in 2008, with further successes in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019. He clinched a seventh World Championship to become the most successful F1 driver ever when he won the Turkish Grand Prix in November.

The Mercedes driver had already surpassed Schumacher’s record number of race wins the previous month (October), with Hamilton’s total now standing at an incredible 95.

Always wanted a changeAfter the Istanbul victory in

November, Hamilton said he felt like he was “only just getting started”, adding: “To all the kids out there, dream the impossible.” He said he would “love to stay” in F1 and wanted to continue to campaign for change when it comes to human rights, diversity, and environmentalism.

Former world champion Damon Hill told BBC Radio 5 Live yesterday: “It’s

fantastic the way he calls out to all the young kids. He’s going to ignite a whole army of Hamilton wannabe emulators and he deserves his knighthood. He’s always been an exceptional talent but it’s incredible what he’s achieved this year (2020). It’s not been a good year for most of us on the planet but it’s been a pretty good year for Lewis.”

Rob Burrow made an MBEMeanwhile, rugby league legend Rob

Burrow was made an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to rugby and his awareness campaign since being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

British tennis player and their Billie Jean King Cup (formerly Fed Cup) Captain Anne Keothavong also became an MBE. The 37-year-old former British No. 1 represented Great Britain in the Fed Cup before becoming Captain in 2016.

Recognised for charitySeveral sporting names have earned

their place on the Honours List through charity work, with their contributions during the coronavirus pandemic being recognised.

Burrow, who made 493 appearances for Leeds Rhinos, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019, two years after retiring from playing.

With the support of his former club and the rugby league community, the 38-year-old has spent the past year

working to raise awareness of the degenerative condition, which affects how nerves in the brain and spinal cord function.

Greaves tooOthers made an MBE include former

Tottenham and Chelsea striker Jimmy Greaves and ex-Wolves midfielder Ron Flowers, both World Cup winners with England in 1966.

Greaves, who later became a popular television personality, suffered a severe stroke in 2015 and his son Danny said of the MBE: “We are very, very proud of dad. Always have been, always will be. At almost 81, to receive an honour from Her Majesty the Queen is just something very, very special.”

Rob Baxter can’t believe itFormer Exeter Chiefs’ rugby stalwart

Rob Baxter who helped the club win domestic and European titles last season was made an OBE (Order of the British Empire) while Captain Joe Simmonds became an MBE.

“I couldn’t quite work out if it was real or whether it was spam or someone having a bit of a prank,” Baxter said of the moment he received the news.

“It turned up by email and not in an official letter. You download it, read it, and check who it has been emailed from with a Google search. I sat there with my wife, both of us in a slightly bemused state. My family are delighted.”

Arise Sir Lewis!

Lewis with father Anthony Hamilton in 2008

British F1 legend is now

‘Sir’ Lewis Hamilton

z F1 legend and BLM promoter Hamilton knightedz First Black driver to reach such heights in the sportzRob Burrow becomes MBE for charity

Formula One (F1) world champion Lewis Hamilton was knighted in the Queen’s New Year Honours list yesterday (31). The Briton, 35, who is the first Black driver to reach unprecedented heights in the sport, sealed a seventh drivers’ title at the Turkish Grand Prix in November 2020 to equal Germany’s Michael Schumacher’s championships record.

The Sri Lanka national cricket team will have a heavy international schedule, both home and away, this year (2021).

Sri Lanka is to host England, Bangladesh, Ireland, India, South Africa, Afghanistan, and Scotland, respectively in one or more formats, according to the tentative schedule which is now out for the New Year.

Sri Lanka will also be the venue of the 15th

Asia Cup organised by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The T20I tournament will be held here in Sri Lanka in June this year.

However, the most attractive event set for this year will be the International Cricket Council (ICC)-organised seventh T20 World Cup, to be held in India in the October-November window this year.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will

organise the second season of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) in July-August before the inaugural T10 league, now set to be held in December 2021.

Overall, Sri Lanka will play a total of eight Tests, 15 ODIs, and 12 T20Is in bilateral series during the year. The 2021 calendar also includes the LPL Season 2 scheduled for July-August, and the inaugural Sri Lanka

T10 league scheduled for December this year.With the hope that 2021 will be a prosperous

and peaceful year for sports, a Happy New Year to all our sports lovers reading The Morning Sports.

We’re sad to say that last year was a bad

year for sports due to the coronavirus outbreak. Let’s hope for the best this year! May God bless all sports lovers with happiness, peace, strength, wealth, beauty, patience, simplicity, success, prosperity, attitudes, and health from the very first hour of the new year!

Dec 2020-Jan 2021: Against South Africa (Away) – two TestsJan 2021: Against England (Home) – two TestsFeb 2021: Against New Zealand (Away) – three ODIs and three T20IsFeb-Mar 2021: Against West Indies (Away) – two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20IsMar-April 2021: Against Bangladesh (Home) – three Tests*

May 2021: Against Ireland (Home) – one Test**May-June 2021: Against Bangladesh (Away) – three ODIs*June 2021: Asia Cup in Sri Lanka (12 T20Is and the Final)Jun-Jul 2021: Against England (Away) – three ODIs and three T20IsJuly 2021: Against India (Home) – three T20Is

July-Aug 2021: Lanka Premier League (LPL) T20s Season 2 in Sri LankaAug-Sep 2021: Against South Africa (Home) – three ODIs, three T20IsSep-Oct 2021: Against Scotland (Home) – three T20IsOct-Nov 2021: Seventh ICC T20 World Cup (in India)Oct 2021: Against Australia

(Away) – three T20IsDec 2021: Against Bangladesh (Away) – two TestsNov-Dec 2021: Against Afghanistan (Home) – three ODIsDec 2021: Inaugural Sri Lanka T10 League Notes:* Postponed from 2020 schedule** May be held in either May or December 2021The dates are subject to change

2021 SCHEDULE FOR SRI LANKA

The sixth T20 World Cup in India was launched in December in Dubai by Indian cricket board President Sourav Ganguly and its Secretary Jay Shah

KANDY MUSINGS BY HAFIZ MARIKAR

Heavy international schedule for Sri Lanka cricket in 2021