Vol. 42 No. 279 Monday, 9th October 2023, 12 pages Rs.
70 Registered in Sri Lanka as a Newspaper
Colombo Municipal Council workers cutting down trees at Thurstan Road near the
Colombo University yesterday. The programme commenced after a Deniyaya bound
SLTB bus was crushed by a falling tree in Colombo on Friday. Five passengers died, and
12 others are receiving treatment at the National Hospital, Colombo.
Expulsion of MP: ‘Judgment could
help cleanse political culture’
Former Chairperson of
HRCSL Prof. Deepika Udagama
says the Supreme Court judg-
ment pertaining to
Environment Minister Zainul
Abdeen Nazeer Ahamed under-
scores the urgent need to take
steps to restore public confi-
dence in the parliamentary sys-
tem.
Asked by The Island whether
that would help cleanse an
Prof Udagama members, those members who
utterly corrupt political party system, Dr. those principles must themselves be
Udugama said: “The lack of democracy
within political parties and, very certain- MP was found to have knowingly flouted
ly, the unethical practices of politicians
have ruined our political system. Sadly,
the legal system itself facilitates these
SJB asks govt. to reduce
taxes on professionals
BY SAmAN iNdRAjiTh
The SJB yesterday proposed
that the government reduce
taxes on professionals and
compensate for the revenue
loss by other means such as
tackling the problem of coun-
terfeit revenue stickers on
liquor bottles.
Addressing the media at the
= A university don has said the expul-
sion of Minister Ahamed from Parlia-
ment for crossover could help cleanse
Sri Lanka’s rotten political culture.
= But will he allow himself to be
expelled?
Expulsion of Ahamed
could have bearing on
budget vote - SLMC Secy.
S
LMC Secretary M. Nizam
Kariapper, PC, yesterday (08) said
that the expulsion of Batticaloa
District MP Zainul Abdeen Nazeer
Ahamed from Parliament for switching
allegiance to the government in viola-
tion of a decision by the party to vote
against Budget 2022 would impact the
upcoming vote on Budget 2024.
Ahamed voted for the Budget during
Pic by Kamal Wanniarachchi the Third Reading on 10 Dec., 2021.
SC justices P. Padman Surasena, S.
Thurairaja, PC and Mahinda
Samyawardhena unanimously endorsed
the SLMC decision to expel Ahamed.
Kariapper, who received the appoint-
ment as SLMC Secretary in Sept. 2017
said that the SC ruling would encourage
political parties to follow proper proce-
dures in dealing with members voting
against specific party decisions.
Responding to another query,
transgressions to a considerable Kariapper said that two other SLMC
extent. In that backdrop, the MPs, H. M. M. Harees (Digamadulla),
recent judgment of the Supreme Faizal Cassim (Didamadulla) had voted
Court of Sri Lanka in the Nazeer for Budget 2022 along with MP Ahamed.
Ahmad v. SLMC case is a boon to “We didn’t press for legal action against
democracy-loving citizens of Sri
Lanka. The crux of the Court’s
judgment is that while political
parties must follow principles of X-Press Pearl case:
natural justice before expelling
seek refuge in the purity of
SC allows TISL to intervene
principled and act in good faith. Here the The Supreme Court, on Friday,
granted permission for Transparency
his party’s policies by voting for the 2022 International Sri Lanka (TISL) to inter-
vene in Case No. SC/FR 168/2021,
Appropriations Bill. The
MP had not claimed that which seeks fair compensation for the
victims of the X-Press Pearl disaster.
The decision came after a heated
legal battle that saw the Attorney
General’s office strongly opposing
the TISL’s involvement.
Earlier this year, TISL filed an inter-
vention petition in the Supreme Court,
aiming to shed light on several critical
issues surrounding the X-Press Pearl
Opposition Leader’s Office in
disaster and the compensation claims.
Colombo, SJB Colombo
Senior Counsel Senany Dayaratne rep-
District MP and economist Dr.
resented TISL in court, with a team of
Harsha de Silva said that there
Attorneys-at-Law, including Lasanthika
was a need for a comprehen-
Hettiarachchi, Sankhitha Gunaratne,
sive solution. He said that the
Nishadi Wickramasinghe, and Thiru
government could address the
Amirthalingam, under the guidance of
issue of professionals leaving
Attorney-at-Law Thushari
the country due to high taxes
Jayawardena.
by reducing
Dr. Harsha On Friday (06), the Supreme Court
taxes on them
Afghanistan earthquake death toll rises
to 2,000: Taliban officials
Child rescued from underneath the rubble in Herat province as death toll from
Afghanistan quake passes 2,000.
(AL Jazeera) The death toll from power-
ful earthquakes in western Afghanistan
has crossed 2,000, a senior Taliban leader
said, adding the number might rise fur-
ther in one of the deadliest quakes to hit
the country in two decades.
Suhail Shaheen, the Taliban spokesper-
Afghans stand in a courtyard of their
destroyed homes after an earthquake in
Zenda Jan district in Herat province on Oct.
8, 2023. (Pic courtesy Al Jazeera)
BY ShAmiNdRA FERdiNANdo
Kariapper
them as both of them later apologised
and assured they wouldn’t act contrary
to decisions taken by the party,”
Kariapper said. Five SLMCers were
elected to Parliament on the SJB ticket
at the last parliamentary election in
Aug. 2020.
Budget 2024 will be presented by
X-Press Pearl
delivered its order, allowing TISL’s
application for intervention. The deci-
sion was based on a careful considera-
tion of the totality of the circum-
stances of the case and the submis-
sions made by both parties. The
Attorney General was represented by
ASG Nerin Pulle, PC, and DSG Nayomi
Kahawita.
Several key points
were raised in TISL’s
son based in Qatar, told Al Jazeera that
many people were missing and rescue
operations were under way to save people
trapped under the rubble in the wake of a
magnitude 6.3 earthquake in Herat
province.
Shaheen said there was an urgent need
for tents, medical and food items in the
areas hit by the disaster, as he appealed to
local businessmen and
NGOs to come forward to
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his
capacity as the Finance Minister, on 13
Nov.
The debate on the Second Reading of
the Budget will be held from 14 to 21
Nov., and the voting on the Second
Reading is scheduled to be held in the
afternoon of 21 Nov.
The vote on the Third Reading is
scheduled to be held on 13 Dec.
Wickremesinghe with just one UNP MP
in the current Parliament is dependent
on the SLPP, which is still the largest
parliamentary group.
Kariapper alleged that one-time
Eastern Province Chief Minister
Ahamed had sought to sidestep the issue
by not responding to a show-cause letter
thereby effectively blocking a proper
inquiry. “We are pretty confident that
the MPs Harees and Cassim won’t act
against party directives,” Kariapper
said.
Asked whether ex-MP Ahamed would
seek a fuller bench of the SC to review
the decision, Kariapper
said that interested
After four-decade
gap, India-Sri Lanka
ferry service to
begin Tuesday
BY S VENKAT NARAYAN
Our Special Correspondent
NEW DELHI, October 8: The much-
awaited passenger ferry service between
India and Sri Lanka is scheduled to com-
mence operations on Tuesday (October
10). The plan was first mooted and a
memorandum of understanding was
signed between the two countries 12
years ago.
The ferry will operate between
Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu and
Kankesanthurai in Jaffna. The transit
time is expected to be three hours.
The Shipping Corporation of India
(SCI) will operate the ferry service. “The
service would offer an excellent opportu-
nity for the people of India and Sri
Lanka to make a low-cost
The Colombo Air Symposium -
2023 organised by the Sri Lanka Air
Force for the 6th time will be held on
9 and 10 October at Eagles’ Lakeside
Banquet and Convention Hall in
Attidiya. Academics from the UK, the
US, India, China and a few other
nations will be present. The Chief of
Staff to the President of Sri Lanka
and National Security
Advisor, Sagala Ratnayaka, will be
the chief guest.
 2 Monday 9th October, 2023
Expulsion of...
parties had floated that idea, but
such a move was unlikely.
Three members of All Ceylon
Makkal Congress (ACMC) namely
Muszhaaraff Muthunabeen, Ishaq
Rahman and Ali Sabri
Raheem voted for Budget
2022. ACMC leader and for-
mer minister Rishad
Bathiudeen, MP, declared
disciplinary action against
them though the party did-
n’t pursue legal action
against them. Bathiuden
didn’t answer his mobile
phone yesterday.
Kariapper said the SJB
and its constituents could
announce their decision
on the forthcoming budget
vote at proper forum and inform all
MPs, including Labour and Foreign
Employment Minister Manusha
Nanayakkara, Tourism and Lands
The Island News
From page 1 SJB... From page 1
Minister Harin Fernando and State Ali Zahir Moulana in place of and recovering the substantial losses ly. Our investigation has revealed the
caused by counterfeit revenue stickers. involvement of several senior Excise offi-
Tourism and Minister Dayana unseated Ahamed.
Dr. de Silva said: “The national econo- cers in this scam. The only viable solution
Gamage. The SLMC official pointed Commissioner General of
my suffers an annual loss of approximate- is to transition to a new digital sticker sys-
out that Nanayakkara and Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake told ly Rs 80 to 100 billion due to the counter- tem that all liquor producers must adhere
Fernando, elected on the SJB ticket, The Island that once the Supreme feit liquor sticker scam. Rather than bur- to. This new sticker should be easily veri-
had moved the Supreme Court brought the decision pertain- dening professionals, the government fiable by all parties, including con-
Court against the ing to MP Ahamed to the notice of should solve this problem and recoup the sumers.”
party’s decision to the General Secretary, her office necessary funds through this channel. It The MP said: “Currently, each liquor
expel them. would inform the Election raises questions about the government’s bottle sticker costs Rs 1.90, but adopting
SLFP rebels who Commission. “Once the EC receives ethics when it permits liquor producers to digital stickers could reduce this cost to
received ministerial the Secretary General’s indication profit from theft and, at the same time, just 20 cents.” He said that action should
portfolios at the in this regard, we’ll ask the imposes taxes on professionals.” be taken against the Indian company cur-
Dr. de Silva said that there was an rently supplying the stickers because
expense of the party Returning Officer, Batticaloa, to
urgent need of addressing this issue there is an overcharging.
too would be in a dilem- name Ahamed’s replacement.”
promptly, suggesting that failure to do so “We must put an end to this financial
ma, political sources R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, a former could lead to concerns from international drain and combat such scams to ensure
said. Additional Commissioner General organizations like the International that government coffers receive their due
Kariapper said that of Elections, recently received the Monetary Fund (IMF) when considering revenue. This would enable the govern-
in his capacity as the appointment as the Chairman of the the release of the next tranche of its loan ment to eliminate taxes on professionals,
Secretary, SLMC, he Election Commission. President facility. curbing the brain drain issue,” Dr. de
had already informed Ranil Wickrejmesinghe appointed “We investigated this matter thorough- Silva said.
Chairman of the Election M.A. Pathmasiri Chandrawansha
Commission and Secretary General Perera and Ameer Mohommed Faiz
of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera as members of the EC whereas one After... From page 1
of the SLMC’s decision to appoint vacancy remained. trip to Jaffna and Tamil Nadu,” an SCI Colombo, and the other between
document said. Rameswaram and Talaimannar.
The vessel to be used as the ferry is One of the most successful ferry serv-
Expulsion of... From page 1 called Cheriyapani. The price of a ticket ices that existed before the Sri Lankan
he voted for the Bill as a demand that an MP who cross- is yet to be revealed, but passengers will civil war ran between Dhanushkodi, near
matter of conscience having es over will lose one’s seat. be allowed to take luggage weighing up to Rameshwaram, and Talaimannar. People
40 kg for free. The ferry can accommodate from Chennai would board the Boat Mail
discussed the matter with the Opportunistic party-
150 passengers, said Tamil Nadu Minister Express at the Egmore railway station to
party. This judgment can go a crossovers by elected represen-
for Public Works E V Velu. The state gov- go to Rameshwaram and board the ferry.
long way in ethicizing the tatives is a grave violation of
ernment is closely associated with the The journey from there to Talaimannar,
unholy political culture of Sri the sovereignty of voters. It is service, he added. on a coal-powered steam ferry, used to
Lanka if we the citizens put it a travesty that the legal system The initiative is a revival of maritime take approximately two hours.
to good use. In the same spirit permits such violations. The connections that trace back to the early The new ferry service is anticipated
we must also continue to law must change.” 1900s. The Indo-Ceylon Express or Board to boost religious tourism, commerce, and
Mail, which operated trade in the coastal areas of both coun-
SC allows... From page 1 between Chennai and Colombo via the
Thoothukudi port, was halted in 1982 due
tries. With the ferry service positioned as
a cost-effective mode of travel, tour opera-
intervention petition, high- ing this payment. to the civil war in Sri Lanka. The resump- tors are also expected to jump in.
lighting the urgency and sig- 3. Claims by Chinthaka tion of ferry services follows the signing Budget travellers from Tamil Nadu and
nificance of its involvement in Waragoda: TISL pointed to of an MoU on passenger transportation other parts of India can explore promi-
the case: media statements made by by sea, signed by the two countries in nent places of worship in Colombo and
1. Allegations of Chinthaka Waragoda, who 2011. the southern regions of Sri Lanka.
Interference and Extraneous reportedly invented a machine The plan was first mooted after the Also, pilgrims from Sri Lanka will
Pressure: to remove debris that washed war in 2011, during a period when Sri find easier access to pilgrimage sites such
TISL expressed grave con- ashore after the shipwreck. Lanka was earnestly attempting to shed as Nagapattinam, Nagore, Velankanni,
cerns about allegations of Waragoda alleged that he was its image as a “refugee-producing” coun- Thirunallar, and beyond, including the
interference and extraneous offered payment to discontin- try. At the time, two services were on the historical sites of the temple cities of
cards: one between Thoothukudi and Thanjavur, Madurai and Tiruchi.
pressure related to the com- ue the use of his machine,
pensation claim arising from purportedly to prevent the full
the XPress Pearl disaster.
These allegations cast doubt
extent of the damage caused
by the disaster from becoming
Afghanistan... From page 1
on the integrity of the com- public knowledge. TISL aims help people in need. A rescue volunteer, who did not want
pensation process and call for to investigate these claims fur- On Sunday, people attempted to dig out to be named, from Zenda Jan – the worst
a transparent investigation. ther. the dead and injured with their hands in affected district located in Herat – said
2. Justice Minister’s 4. Quantum of Herat, clambering over rocks and debris. the search and rescue teams were not
Statement: TISL referenced Compensation: Questions have Survivors and victims were trapped properly trained and lacked modern
the statement made by the been raised about the quan- under buildings that had crumbled to the equipment.
Justice Minister in Parliament tum of compensation due to ground, their faces grey with dust. “Unfortunately we have lost a lot of
on April 25, 2023. In this state- Sri Lanka for the damages One video, shared online, shows peo- people in west of Herat in Zenda Jan and
ment, it was revealed that one caused by the MV XPress ple freeing a baby girl from a collapsed Ghorian districts,” he said.
building after being buried up to her “The tragedy is very huge, we cannot
Chamara Gunasekara, also Pearl. TISL intends to ensure
neck in debris. A hand is seen cradling define it to you in simple words. People
known as Manjusiri Nissanka, that a fair and accurate assess-
the baby’s torso as rescuers ease the child are still trapped in the debris, they are
had allegedly received a pay- ment of the compensation
out of the ground. Rescuers said it was alive, but we cannot reach them.”
ment of USD 250 million into a owed to the country is con-
the baby’s mother. It is not clear if the He urged the UN and other interna-
private bank account in con- ducted, taking into account mother survived. tional organisations to provide Afghans
nection with the XPress Pearl the full extent of the environ- “Besides the 2,060 dead, 1,240 people with trained search and rescue teams,
disaster. TISL seeks clarity on mental and economic impact are injured and 1,320 houses are com- with modern equipment and rescue dogs
the circumstances surround- of the disaster. pletely destroyed,” said Abdul Wahid to help find those still trapped inside.
Rayan, spokesperson at the Ministry of At least a dozen teams have been
Information and Culture. scrambled to help with rescue efforts,
Sale under Section 9 of the Recovery of Loans by Banks (Special Provisions) Act No.
4 of 1990. About six villages have been destroyed including from the military and non-prof-
and hundreds of civilians have been it organizations like the Red Crescent.
AUCTION SALE BY DFCC BANK PLC buried under the debris, he said, calling The United Nations migration agency
By Virtue of Authority Granted to Me By The Board Of Directors Of DFCC Bank PLC for urgent help. has deployed four ambulances with doc-
To Sell By Public Auction The Property Mortgaged to DFCC Bank PLC (Successor The magnitude 6.3 earthquake hit tors and psychosocial support counsel-
To DFCC Vardana Bank PLC)By Bond Nos.5631 dated 24/06/2013 and No.10787
dated 20/08/2018 both attested by R. Manivannan, Notary Public and No.7132 dated 40km (24 miles) northwest of the city of lors to the regional hospital. At least
30/10/2014 attested by K. D. A. C. Abeysekara, Notary Public all in favour of DFCC Herat at about 11am on Saturday (06:30 three mobile health teams are on their
Bank PLC (Successor To DFCC Vardana Bank PLC)for the facilities granted to GMT), according to the US Geological way to the Zenda Jan district, which is
SEMBUKUTTIGE SANJAYA NALIN DE SILVA alias SEMBAKUTTIGE SANJAYA Survey (USGS). Strong aftershocks were one of the worst affected areas. The
NALIN DE SILVA of “S K S TRUST AND INVESTMENTS COMPANY (PRIVATE)
LIMITED” a Company duly Incorporated in the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri felt in the neighbouring Badghis and World Health Organization unit in
Lanka under the Companies Act bearing Registration No. PV 87236 and having its Farah provinces. Afghanistan said it dispatched 12 ambu-
Registered office at Matale as the Obligors. lances to Zendeh
ISHALL SELL BY PUBLIC AUCTION THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HERETO Jan to shift wound-
1stSale -PROPERTY SITUATED AT MATALE,HULANGAMUW A VILLAGE ed people to hospi-
ON 20TH NOVEMBER 2023 AT 10.00 AM AT THE SPOT SAMPATH BANK PLC tals.
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY (Formerly known as Sampath Bank Limited) Doctors Without
VALUABLE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY IN THE DISTRICT OF MATALE WITHIN Resolution adopted by the Board of Directors of Sampath Bank PLC under Section 04 Borders set up five
THE MATALE DIVISIONAL SECRETARIAT DIVISION AN MUNICIPAL LIMITS OF of the Recovery of Loans by Banks (Special Provisions) Act No. 04 of 1990 amended medical tents at
MATALE TOWN IN THE GRAMA NILADHARI DIVISION OF HULANGAMUWA NORTH by No. 01 of 2011 and No. 19 of 2011. Herat Regional
BEARING ASSESMENT NO. 23 NOW BEARING ASESSMENT NO. 239 AND 239A,
HULANGAMUWA ROAD ALL THAT DIVIDED AND DEFINED PORTION OF LAND W M I FERNANDO, W R M FERNANDO AND T M C L W PEIRIS Hospital to accom-
MARKS AS LOT NO. 01 IN PLAN NO.3392 DATED 13.01.2012 MADE BY U. H. B. K. A/C NO.0108 5000 1745
modate up to 80
M. T. ANGAMMANA, LICENSED SURVEYOR OF MATALE FROM AND OUT OF THE patients. Authorities
LAND CALLED “PAHALA W ALAUW E W ATTA”TOGETHER W ITH THE RESIDENTIAL At a meeting held on 31/08/2023 by the Board of Directors of Sampath Bank PLC it was
resolved specially and unanimously:
have treated more
/COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS,TREES, PLANTATIONS AND EVERYTHING ELSE
STANDING THEREON IN EXTENT -35.30 PERCHES than 300 patients,
Whereas Warnakulasuriya Marcus Initious Fernando, Warnakulasuriya Roshitha
Access to Property:Proceed from Matale Educational office along Nagolla road for a Mery Fernando and Thammahetti Mudalige Clarance Luxman Wasantha Peiris alias
according to the
distance of about 200 meters and then turn left on to Hulangamuwa road and for about Thammahetti Mudalige Don Clarance Luxman Wasantha Peiris in the Democratic agency.
1 Kilometer the subject property is situated in left hand side of the road or proceeds Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka as the Obligors and the said Thammahetti Mudalige Irfanullah
from Nagolla road for a distance of about 1.5 Kilometers up to property is situated an Clarance Luxman Wasantha Peiris alias Thammahetti Mudalige Don Clarance Luxman Sharafzai, a
right hand side of the road. (Assessment No. 88B/4) Wasantha Peiris as the Mortgagor have made default in the repayment of the credit spokesperson for the
2nd Sale -PROPERTY SITUATED AT MATALE,KUBIYANGODA VILLAGE facilities granted against the security of the property and premises morefully in the Afghan Red
ON 20TH NOVEMBER 2023 AT 10.30 AM AT THE SPOT Schedule hereto mortgaged and hypothecated by the Mortgage Bond Nos.6035
Crescent Society,
dated 11th July 2019 and 6218 dated 18th September 2019 both attested by K A
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
D Subasinghe, Notary Public of Negombo in favour of Sampath Bank PLC holding
said seven teams are
VALUABLE RESIDENTIAL/ COMMERCIAL PROPERTY IN THE DISTRICT OF MATALE
Company Registration No. PQ 144 and having its Registered Office at No. 110, Sir busy with rescue
WITHIN THE MATALE DIVISIONAL SECRETARIAT DIVISION AND MUNICIPAL LIMITS
James Peiris Mawatha, Colombo 02 aforesaid and there is now due and owing on the efforts while other
OF MATALE TOWN IN THE GRAMA NILADHARI DIVISION OF KUMBIYANGODA,
NO. E 348 A AT KUMBIYANGADA VILLAGE ALL THAT DIVIDED AND DEFINED said Bonds bearing Nos.6035 and 6218 to Sampath Bank PLC aforesaid as at 16th teams are arriving
PORTION OF LAND CALLED “HETTIYAGODALLE HENA aliasHETTIYAGODALLA July 2023 a sum of Rupees Eighteen Million Six Hundred and Twelve Thousand Five from eight nearby
alias BOGAHAKOTUW A” Hundred and Forty and Cents Fifty Nine only (Rs.18,612,540.59) of lawful money of Sri provinces.
MARKED AS LOT NO.1 DEPICTED IN PLAN NO.4734 DATED 21.02.2017 MADE Lanka being the total amount outstanding on the said Bonds and the Board of Directors
of Sampath Bank PLC aforesaid under the powers vested by the Recovery of Loans by
“A temporary
BY U. H. B. K. M. T. ANGAMMANA, LICENSED SURVEYOR OF MATALE TOGETHER
WITH THE BUILDINGS, TREES, PLANTATIONS AND EVERYTHING ELSE STANDING Banks (Special Provisions) Act No.04 of 1990 do hereby resolve that the property and camp has been set
THEREON IN EXTENT -01 ACRE,0.50 PERCHES premises morefully described in the Schedule hereto mortgaged to Sampath Bank PLC up for people who
MARKED AS LOT NO.2 DEPICTED IN PLAN NO.4734 DATED 21.02.2017 MADE aforesaid as security for the said credit facilities by the said Bonds bearing Nos.6035 and have lost their hous-
BY U. H. B. K. M. T. ANGAMMANA, LICENSED SURVEYOR OF MATALE TOGETHER 6218 to be sold in Public Auction by P K E Senapathi, Licensed Auctioneer of Colombo es and need shelter
WITH THE BUILDINGS, TREES, PLANTATIONS AND EVERYTHING ELSE STANDING for the recovery of the said sum of Rupees Eighteen Million Six Hundred and Twelve
THEREON IN EXTENT 3.61 PERCHES Thousand Five Hundred and Forty and Cents Fifty Nine only (Rs.18,612,540.59) of
for now,” Sharafzai
Access to Property: Proceed from Matale Post Office along Kandy Road (Via lawful money of Sri Lanka together with further interest on a sum of Rupees Seventeen told The Associated
Kubiyangoda ) for a distance of about 3 Kilometers 200 meters from Kumbiyangoda Million Eight Hundred and Ninety Three Thousand Four Hundred and Twenty Five and Press. “Whatever is
Temple) the subject property is situated in left hand side of the road. Cents Fourteen only (Rs. 17,893,425.14) at the rate of Twelve per centum (12%) per in our capacity we
annum from 17th July 2023 to date of satisfaction of the total debt due upon the said
Fornotice ofResolution referthe Governm entGazettes dated 16/09/2022 & will do for our poor
27/01/2023,Divaina ,The Island dated 30/08/2022 & 21/12/2022 and Thinakkural Bonds bearing Nos.6035 and 6218 together with costs of advertising and other charges
dated 31/08/2022 & 21/12/2022 incurred less payments (if any) since received. and needy people at
Mode ofpaym ent: THE SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO
this difficult time.”
The successful purchaser will have to pay the following amounts in cash at the fall of
In Herat city, resi-
All that divided and defined allotment of land marked Lot 1 depicted in Plan No.3565
the hammer. but more correctly Plan No.3465 dated 09th October 2000 made by W L H Fernando, dent Abdul Shakor
1. 10%(Ten percent) of the purchased price Licensed Surveyor of the land called “PARAGAHAYAYA” together with the soil, trees, Samadi said the
2. 01%(one percent) out of the sales as Taxes payable to the Local Authority plantations, buildings and everything else standing thereon situated at Marawila Village quake was followed
in the Grama Niladhari Division of 512, Marawila within the Divisional Secretariat of by at least five
3. Auctioneer Commission of 2 1/2% (Two and a Half percent) and taxes on same
Mahawewa and the Pradeshiya Sabha Limits of Nattandiya in Yatakalan Pattu of Pitigal
4. Total Costs of advertising incurred on the sale Korale South in the District of Puttalam North Western Province and which said Lot 1 is
strong aftershocks
5. Clerk & Crier wages Rs.3000/- bounded on the NORTH by Land of Sri Lal Fernando and Land of HC Weerakoon, on the at about noon.
6. Notary fees for attestation of Conditions of Sale Rs.3000/- EAST by Lot 3 hereof (Reservation for Road) and. Lot 2B depicted in Plan No.7987/P “All people are
made by M D Fernando, Licensed Surveyor (Road - 10 ft. wide), on the SOUTH by Lot out of their homes,”
The balance 90% of the purchased price together with any other statutory levies, duties,
2 hereof and on the WEST by Land of Godfrey Waas and containing in extent TWO
taxes or charges whenever applicable and imposed by the Government of Sri Lanka or Samadi said.
any other authority to be payable within 30 days from date of sale. ROODS (A0-R2-P0) according to the said Plan No.3465 and registered under Volume/
Folio K 225/60 at the Land Registry Marawila “Houses, offices and
Forfurtherdetails contact:Rehabilitation and Recoveries Dept; shops are all empty
DFCC Bank PLC,No.73,W A D Ram anayake Mawatha, Together with the right of ways in, over, under along the following:
Colom bo 02.Telephone:011 2371371 and there are fears
1. Lot 3 (Reservation for Road) depicted in Plan No. 3465 aforesaid.
N.U.JAYASURIYA of more earth-
2. Lot 2B (Road - 10 feet wide) depicted in Plan No.7987/P made by M D Fernando,
“Jayasuriya and Jayasuriya Auctioneers (Pvt)Ltd.” Licensed Surveyor.
quakes. My family
AUCTIONEER/COURT COMMISSIONER and I were inside
3. Lot 8 depicted in Plan No.7987/P made by M D Fernando, Licensed Surveyor
No.369/
1Dutugemunu Mawatha,Mawilm ada,Kandy. our home. I felt the
By Order of the Board
T/P Fax:081-2210595,Mobile:077-3067360 077-6447848 Company Secretary quake.”
 The Island
South Asia’s economic landscape:
Hope and hurdles on path to prosperity
not all countries in the region are growing fast, and three—afghanistan,
pakistan and Sri lanka—are in acute crisis
S
outh Asia has emerged as a beacon of
hope in the global economy, with the
World Bank predicting that the region will
outshine other developing regions in the years
to come. However, a deeper dive into the situa-
tion reveals a complex reality marked by both
progress and challenges, says the World Bank
its latest ‘South Asia
Development Update, Toward
Faster, Cleaner Growth.’
The report said that while
certain countries in South Asia
are basking in robust economic
growth, and others are recover-
ing from turbulent times, the
region as a whole is advancing
at a more restrained pace
compared to the pre-pandemic
era. This warrants concern
as South Asia still has sub-
stantial ground to cover in
terms of economic develop-
ment. With per capita
incomes averaging around
US$2,000, the region falls significantly short,
standing at only one-fifth of the level achieved
by neighboring East Asia and Pacific countries
or the upper-middle-income average, and a mere
one-twentieth of the income level of high-
income countries.
Though South Asia’s current growth rates
may surpass those of numerous other regions,
they remain insufficient for the region’s coun-
tries to attain high-income status within a sin-
gle generation. Moreover, not all nations within
South Asia are experiencing rapid growth;
Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka find
themselves mired in acute crises.
To draw a parallel, South Asia’s progress is
akin to mountaineers navigating the foothills of
the Himalayas. Some have scarcely departed
from base camp, while others are advancing
briskly but remain at a lower altitude.
Regardless of their current position, every
country in the region has a long journey ahead,
and the path ahead is poised to become even
more formidable.
The “South Asia Development Update:
Toward Faster, Cleaner Growth,” released last
week provides policymakers with a roadmap to
expedite their journey. This report underscores
four pivotal components for success:
1. Boosting Private Investment: Robust pri-
vate investment stands as a cornerstone for
catching up with high-income countries and
facilitating the transition to cleaner energy
sources. Unfortunately, private investment
News Monday 9th October, 2023
3
growth in all South Asian countries, except one, However, with the right policies and invest-
has decelerated compared to the pre-pandemic ments, South Asia can surmount these chal-
period. To reignite private investment, policy- lenges and reach the summit, securing sustain-
makers must prioritize infrastructure develop- able livelihoods for its people on a habitable
ment, enhance the business environment, planet. Achieving this goal will necessitate con-
ensure access to credit through a robust finan- certed efforts from policymakers and stakehold-
cial system, and eliminate market distortions. ers across the region.
2. Restoring Fiscal
Sustainability: Many
nations in South Asia NOTICE OF SALE UNDER SECTION 9 OF THE RECOVERY OF LOANS
carry a substantial BY BANKS (SPECIAL PROVISIONS) ACT NO 4 OF 1990
debt burden, a road-
block to economic pros-
AUCTION SALE BY
perity. Over the past AMANA BANK PLC
decade, South Asia has (Ratnapura Branch)
experienced an above-
average increase in pub- NORTH WESTERN PROVINCE DISTRICT OF KURUNEGALA IN THE
DIVISIONAL SECRETARIAT DIVISION OF PANNALA WITHIN THE
lic debt. High public debt PANNALA PRADESHIYA SABHA LIMITS IN THE GRAMA NILADHARI
stifles private invest- DIVISION OF PANNALA SITUATED AT PANNALA VILLAGE OUT OF THE
ment, constrains spend- LAND CALLED “INNAWATTA” DIVIDED AND DEFINED ALLOTMENT OF
ing on essential infra- LAND MARKED AS LOT 01 IN PLAN NO. 12804 DATED 23/08/2020 MADE
structure and human cap- BY S. B. ABEYKOON, LICENSED SURVEYOR TOGETHER WITH THE
ital, and reduces BUILDINGS, TREES, PLANTATIONS AND EVERYTHING ELSE STANDING
THEREON IN EXTENT 5.8 PERCHES ( Hectares 0.01467 )
resilience. Tackling this
challenge necessitates a Registered in the Kuliyapitiya Land Registry under folio E 352/99
combination of revenue augmen- Property Secured to AMANA BANK PLC for the facilities granted to
MOHAMED AJWARD AHMED ARAFATH as the Obligor by virtue of
tation, increased spending effi-
Mortgage Bond No. 5942 dated 16.12.2021 attested by N. R. Bandara,
ciency, and the implementation of Notary Public of Ratnapura by virtue of Authority granted to me by the Board
robust fiscal regulations. of Directors of AMANA BANK PLC
3. Speeding the Energy
SAMPATH BANK PLC
I SHALL SELL BY PUBLIC AUCTION THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED
Transition: South Asia has made HERETO ON 16TH NOVEMBER 2023 AT 1.00 PM AT THE SPOT (Formerly known as Sampath Bank Limited)
strides in adopting basic energy- Access to Property: From Pannala town centre proceed along Kuliyapitiya Resolution adopted by the Board of Directors of Sampath Bank PLC under Section 04
saving technologies but lags in Road for a distance of about 30 to 40 meters to reach the subject property of the Recovery of Loans by Banks (Special Provisions) Act No. 04 of 1990 amended
embracing advanced ones. located on left hand side, which bears No. 23, Kulipitiya Road, and named by No. 01 of 2011 and No. 19 of 2011.
Modernizing the economy and as “Kegalu Hardware” E M S L EKANAYAKE AND W H D V T MADURANGI
improving energy efficiency will For Notice of Resolution refer the Government Gazette dated A/C NO.0093 5000 5355
enable the region to keep pace 31/03/2023 and Daily Mirror, Divaina and Thinakkural dated
31/03/2023. At a meeting held on 27/07/2023 by the Board of Directors of Sampath Bank PLC it was
with the global energy transition. resolved specially and unanimously:
Mode of Payment: The successful Purchaser will have to pay following amounts
4. Maintaining a Healthy Labor in cash at the fall of the Hammer. Whereas Ekanayake Mudiyanselage Sajeewa Lalindra Ekanayake and Wallabada
Market: The energy transition 1. Ten Percent (10%) of the Purchased price Hewage Don Vipuli Tharaka Madurangi in the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
heralds new employment 2. One Percent (01%) and other charges if any payable as Sale Tax to Local as the Obligors and the said Wallabada Hewage Don Vipuli Tharaka Maudurangi as
prospects but also poses the risk Authority the Mortgagor have made default in the repayment of the credit facility granted against
of leaving lower-skilled, informal 3. Two & a Half Percent (2.5%) of the Purchased price as Auctioneer the security of the property and premises morefully described in the Schedule hereto
workers with pollution-intensive commission mortgaged and hypothecated by the Mortgage Bond Nos.1344 dated 12th July 2012
jobs behind. Access to education, 4. Total Costs of sale including advertising and other charges. attested by K L M D Kithsiri, Notary Public of Ratnapura, 5201 dated 11th May 2013
attested by S Jayasinghe, 594 dated 07th November 2013 and 891 dated 15th July 2014
training, finance, and markets 5. Clerk & Crier wages Rs.3000/-
all attested by K A P Kahandawa, Notaries Public of Badulla in favour of Sampath Bank
can aid workers in transitioning 6. Notary Attestation fees for conditions of Sale Rs.3000/-
PLC holding Company Registration No. PQ 144 and having its Registered Office at No.
to new sectors. A strong labor Balance 90% of the purchased price together with any other statutory levies
110, Sir James Peiris Mawatha, Colombo 02 aforesaid and there is now due and owing
market, fortified with effective duties taxes or charges whenever imposed by the Government of Sri Lanka
on the said Bonds bearing Nos.1344, 5201, 594 and 891 to Sampath Bank PLC aforesaid
is payable to the Amana Bank PLC within 30 days from the date of sale.
social safety nets, eases the path as at 05th June 2023 a sum of Rupees Nine Million Five Hundred and Forty Seven
for displaced workers. Title Deeds and other connected documents could be inspected and Thousand Five Hundred and Thirty Three and Cents Fifty Two only (Rs.9,547,533.52)
obtained from Senior Manager Recoveries - Amana Bank PLC, No. of lawful money of Sri Lanka being the total amount outstanding on the said Bonds and
The road to prosperity 486, Galle Road, Colombo 03.
demands sustained high growth the Board of Directors of Sampath Bank PLC aforesaid under the powers vested by the
Tel: 0117756000 Ext: 2112 Recovery of Loans by Banks (Special Provisions) Act No.04 of 1990 do hereby resolve
rates over extended periods.
N. U. JAYASURIYA that the property and premises morefully described in the Schedule hereto mortgaged
Many nations have seen their AUCTIONEER / COURT COMMISSIONER to Sampath Bank PLC aforesaid as security for the said credit facility by the said Bonds
aspirations dashed as growth fal- 369/1, Dutugemunu Mawatha, Mawilmada, Kandy. bearing Nos.1344, 5201, 594 and 891 to be sold in Public Auction by P K E Senapathi
tered following an initial surge. T/p-Fax: 081 2210595 mobile 0773067360, 0776447848 Licensed Auctioneer of Colombo for the recovery of the said sum of Rupees Nine Million
Five Hundred and Forty Seven Thousand Five Hundred and Thirty Three and Cents
Fifty Two only (Rs.9,547,533.52) together with further interest on a sum of Rupees Eight
Million Nine Hundred and Ninety Two Thousand Six Hundred and Fourteen and Cents

Canada moves some of its diplomats Thirty only (Rs. 8,992,614.30) at the rate of Twelve per centum (12%) per annum from
06th June 2023 to date of satisfaction of the total debt due upon the said Bonds bearing
Nos. 1344, 5201, 594 and 891 together with costs of advertising and other charges

from India to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur incurred less payments (if any) since received.
THE SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO
All that divided and defined allotment of land marked Lot 3 depicted in Plan No.26
BY S VENKAT NARAYAN Our Special cOrreSpOndent dated 02nd July 2010 made by K A S Thilakarathna Licensed Surveyor of the
NEW DELHI: Canada has expulsion of an Indian offi- Land called “BADULUSIRIGAMA (Part of)” together with the building, soil, trees and
plantations and everything else standing thereon situated at Hanwellagama Village in
evacuated a majority of its cial over the case.
the Grama Niladari Division of Hindagoda within the Pradeshiya Sabha limits of Badulla
diplomats working in India Earlier reports pegged the in the Rilpola Korale and Divisional Secretariat of Badulla in the District of Badulla, Uva
outside of New Delhi to number of diplomats that Province and which said Lot 3 is bounded on the NORTH by Lot 04 (proposed Drain, 2ft
either Kuala Lumpur or would have to leave at 41, but wide) Lot 562 in F.V.P. 80 & Lot 07 on the EAST by Lot 565 in F.V.P.80 on the SOUTH by
Singapore following the the sources CTV News spoke Lot 6 in the said Plan and on the WEST by Lot 02 in said Plan and containing in extent
October 10 deadline given to with said the ask is specific Thirteen Decimal Five Perches (A0-R0-P13.5) according to the said Plan No.26 and
Ottawa. India asked Canada to one of parity. registered in Plan A 141/106 at the Badulla Land Registry.
to reduce its diplomatic staff “A majority of the By Order of the Board
to achieve parity in strength Canadian diplomats working Company Secretary
following a row over the in India outside of Delhi
killing of Hardeep Singh have been evacuated to either
Nijjar, according to a Kuala Lumpur or Singapore,” SAMPATH BANK PLC
Canadian media report on the report said. (Formerly known as Sampath Bank Limited)
Friday. Global Affairs Canada, the Resolution adopted by the Board of Directors of Sampath Bank PLC under Section 04
The report in CTV News, department that manages the of the Recovery of Loans by Banks (Special Provisions) Act No. 04 of 1990 amended
a privately owned Canadian country’s diplomatic and con- by No. 01 of 2011 and No. 19 of 2011.
television network, came sular relations, had previous- D A S D HALAHAKOON
after India earlier this week ly stated that “with some A/C NOS. 1165 5747 8253 / 0165 5000 1870
asked Canada to withdraw diplomats having received At a meeting held on 28/06/2023 by the Board of Directors of Sampath Bank PLC it was
several dozen diplomats from threats on various social resolved specially and unanimously:
its missions amid the escalat- media platforms,” it was Whereas Don Anton Shenith Deshapriya Halahakoon in the Democratic Socialist
ing diplomatic row that “assessing its staff comple- Republic of Sri Lanka as the Obligor has made default in the repayment of the credit
erupted following Canadian ment in India.” facilities granted against the security of the property and premises morefully described in
Prime Minister Justin “As a result, and out of an the Schedule hereto mortgaged and hypothecated by the Mortgage Bond Nos.3239 dated
Trudeau’s allegation linking abundance of caution, we 10th March 2016, 4390 dated 21st July 2017, 3620 dated 26th August 2016 and 5588
Indian agents to the killing of have decided to temporarily dated 03rd January 2019 all attested by K A D Subasinghe, Notary Public of Negombo
Khalistani separatist Nijjar adjust staff presence in in favour of Sampath Bank PLC holding Company Registration No. PQ 144 and having
its Registered Office at No. 110, Sir James Peiris Mawatha, Colombo 02 aforesaid and
in June. India,” the department said,
there is now due and owing on the said Bonds bearing Nos.3239, 4390, 3620 and 5588
India rejected the allega- just days after Prime
to Sampath Bank PLC aforesaid as at 17th May 2023 a sum of Rupees Twelve Million
tions as “absurd” and “moti- Minister Justin Trudeau Four Hundred and Fifty Four Thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty Five and Cents Ninety
vated,” and expelled a senior accused the Indian govern- Three only (Rs.12,454,825.93) of lawful money of Sri Lanka being the total amount
Canadian diplomat in a tit- ment of being involved in the outstanding on the said Bonds and the Board of Directors of Sampath Bank PLC aforesaid
for-tat move to Ottawa’s murder. under the powers vested by the Recovery of Loans by Banks (Special Provisions) Act
No. 04 of 1990 do hereby resolve that the property and premises morefully described in
the Schedule hereto mortgaged to Sampath Bank PLC aforesaid as security for the said
credit facilities by the said Bonds bearing Nos.3239, 4390, 3620 and 5588 to be sold
LICENSE FROM THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL OF in Public Auction by P K E Senapathi Licensed Auctioneer of Colombo for the recovery
COMPANIES of the said sum of Rupees Twelve Million Four Hundred and Fifty Four Thousand Eight
In pursuance of Section 34 of the Act No. 7 of 2007, an application has Hundred and Twenty Five and Cents Ninety Three only (Rs.12,454,825.93) together
been made to the Registrar of Companies for license directing a Guarantee with further interest on a sum of Rupees One Million Three Hundred and Ninety One
Company about to be formed under the name and style of The Liv Thousand only (Rs.1,391,000.00) at the rate of Four per centum (4%) per annum and
Foundation Lanka to be registered with limited liability without the word further interest on a sum of Rupees Ten Million Twenty One Thousand Five Hundred
“Limited” added to it. The objects for which the foundation proposed to be only (Rs. 10,021,500.00) at the rate of Eleven per centum (11%) per annum from 18th
established are: May 2023 to date of satisfaction of the total debt due upon the said Bonds bearing
(1) To work towards the improvement and development of vocational and Nos.3239, 4390, 3620 and 5588 together with costs of advertising and other charges
incurred less payments (if any) since received.
technical training with a special focus on rural and underserved parts
of Sri Lanka, provided that the Association does not engage in any THE SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO
kind of Primary or Secondary Education Activities. All that divided and defined allotment of Land marked as Lot 5 depicted in Plan
(2) To uplift impoverished communities in Sri Lanka by providing access No.2008/3/125 dated 05th April 2008 made by S Balendiran, Licensed Surveyor of the
to high-quality, globally relevant, technical and vocational education land called “KAHATAGAHAWATTA, KETAKELAGAHAWATTA, MADANGAHAWATTA,
and training. BOGAHAKUMBURE PILLEWA alias LUNUMIDELLAGAHAWATTA, two portions of
(3) To partner with and assist schools and other non-profit organizations MADANGAHAWATTA, KETAKELAGAHAWATUPANGUWA, KONGAHAWATTA and
tasked with vocational or technical education in Sri Lanka. HIGKGAHAWATTA” together with the soil, trees, plantations, buildings and everything
(4) To channel international collaboration to Sri Lanka to develop the else standing thereon situated at Muruthana Village in the Grama Niladhari Division of
No.66, Muruthana within the Divisional Secretariat and the Pradeshiya Sabha Limits
vocational and technical education and training sector in Sri Lanka.
of Katana in Dunagaha Pattu of Aluthkuru Korale in the District of Gampaha Western
The other rules of the Guarantee Company are set out in extensor in the
Province and which said Lot 5 is bounded on the NORTH by Lot 1 hereof and Land of
Articles of Association, a copy of which may be inspected at No. 45, Visakha Chamila Fernando, on the EAST by Land of Chamila Fernando and Land of Norbert
Road, Colombo 04. Notice is hereby given that any person, Company or Fernando, on the SOUTH by Land of Norbert Fernando, Land of Stanley Appuhamy
Corporation objecting to this application may bring such objections on or and Road (Pradeshiya Sabha) and on the WEST by Road (Pradeshiya Sabha) and
before 31st October 2023 to the Registrar-General of Companies, “Samagam containing in extent Two Acres (A2-R0-P0) according to the said Plan No. 2008/3/125
Medura”, No. 400, D. R. Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10. and Registered under Volume/Folio H 302/168 at the Land Registry of Negombo
C G Corporate Consultants (Private) Limited By Order of the Board
Secretaries Company Secretary
 4 Monday 9th October, 2023

The Island
Published by Upali Newspapers (Pvt) Ltd.
223, Bloemendhal Road, Colombo 13.
Govt. decides to postpone potential
011-2497500, 011-2497571, 011-2497572, 011-2497573
Fax: 011-2497543
www.island.lk / E-mail: prabath@unl.upali.lk
Advertising Dept.
Samanalawewa disaster !
By Dr Tilak SiyamBalapiTiya the dam. The bank was expected to be water- Samanalawewa that are still very low,
011-2436892 Fax: 011-2344252, 011-2497543
tight, but it was not. Gradually, the leak despite recent rains. Experts wanted water
reduced and stabilised at 2,500 litres per sec- levels to recede further to investigate some

D
Circulation Dept. isasters cannot be postponed.
Certainly, they cannot be prevented
011-2497568, 011-2497519, 011-2497580 Fax: 011-2334564 with 100% certainty. What govern-
ments do is to do their best to minimise the
risk, based on expert advice. They err on the
Monday 9th October, 2023
side of caution so that the population is sat-
isfied that their government has done the
ond and has been leaking ever since. Over
the years, the leakage further reduced to
about 2,200 litres per second. Yet, it is a large
volume of water, escaping under the moun-
tainous terrain, carrying with it debris, in
turn indicating that further cavities are
leakage paths that are still not visible, and
for immediate rectification work to be done.
Rectification will require soil, mud and con-
crete, depending on the final decision of
geologists and engineers.

It’s executive presidency, utmost. But not in Sri Lanka!

On 24 Sept., the print media reported that
Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana
forming underneath the seemingly harmless
lush green surface.
The leak amounts to about one week’s
The mini-hydro saga
There are two mini-hydro power plants on
the Walawe River. They were built to use

stupid – again! Wijesekera had decided to postpone repairs

to the Samanalawewa leakage until 2025. No
reason was given.
Samanalawewa has been in the news
water used in an average household, gushing
down the holes every second.
For the first time after 30 years, the
water downstream of the Samanalawewa
dam; water which is not used to produce
electricity from the CEB’s Samanalawewa
drought in 2023 caused the Samanalawewa power plant. Sri Lanka’s mini-hydropower

J
VP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake has recently, for all the wrong rea- plants (all privately-owned)
said the government is planning to abolish the sons. In July, farmers were had an average capacity fac-
waiting for water to save tor of 43% in 2021. Apologies
executive presidency because it is unable to face their rice crop downstream of for the jargon — the capacity
the next presidential election due in 2024. The term Samanalawewa. The power factor indicates the equiva-
of the current Parliament ends in 2025, and the gov- plant, which was required to lent time a power plant pro-
produce electricity and let the duces electricity over a year,
ernment is trying to go on savouring power by avoid-
water flow downstream along given the variation of river
ing elections until such time, Dissanayake has said. Walawe Ganga. Engineers flow. The prices of electricity
There is hardly anything that the beleaguered were in a dilemma. They produced by the private mini-
SLPP-UNP combine will not do to retain its hold on needed to operate hydros that signed up in the
Samanalawewa sparingly, 2013-2016 period were based
power. It has already caused the local government only in the evening, 6 pm to 9 on a capacity factor of 42%.
polls to be postponed indefinitely by refusing to allo- pm to keep the electricity sup- However, the two mini-hydros
cate funds for the Election Commission on some ply to the south intact. Why downstream of
was Samanalawewa so impor- Samanalawewa have report-
flimsy pretext. The UNP has floated a story that it ed a capacity factor of 55%,
tant to the south?
may not be possible to allocate funds even for the That’s a long story. In 1992, ably supported by the god-
next presidential election. It has apparently sent a President Ranasinghe send water “leaking” from
trial balloon, and its claim has fuelled speculation Premadasa cancelled the 500- the reservoir. Therefore, the
megawatt Mawella (Matara) two mini-hydros, both threat-
that the current regime is trying to remain in power power plant because ened of a complete washout
indefinitely, without holding elections. Professor Alawaththagoda Record low water levels have allowed geologists to identify several leakage in case of a disaster, who
Given the government’s sheer desperation and Premadasa of Ruhunu paths. This is one such “sinkhole”. may well have recovered their
University told him that the investment at least twice over,
readiness to do anything to stay in power, the JVP should be the most interested
south would be a desert in 100
may be able to sell its aforesaid claim to the public, years if the power plant was in making sure that the reser-
but the fact remains that scrapping the executive built there. In 2013, the voir is safe as it could be.
President cancelled the Although some newspaper
presidency is not a task that can be accomplished in
Hambantota 900-megawatt reports wrongly indicated that
a hurry. The only instance where a government made power plant saying “ane oya the mini-hydro owners are
what could be considered a serious attempt to deep- ithin madai”. In 2002, the “against” the leak being
six the current Constitution was in 2000, when the Prime Minister, after can- plugged, they must be pushing
celling the Puttalam power the government to plug the
then President Chandrika Bandaranaike Ku- plant, “ordered” the CEB to leak and make their invest-
maratunga presented a draft Constitution to Parlia- purchase two massive diesel ments secure.
ment. Having secured a second presidential term, generators, each 100 The Institution of
megawatt, one of which is at Engineers held yet another
she wanted to return to Parliament as Prime Minis-
Embilipitiya. Faced with dif- seminar last week, featuring
ter. Her plan went awry because the Opposition, es- ficulties to serve electricity to Australia’s key dam safety
pecially the UNP, torpedoed her draft Constitution by the south, the government expert, a Sri Lankan, to drive
preventing her from mustering a two-thirds majority. authorised CEB’s proposal to home the point that
build a strong transmission Samanalawewa needs to be
The incumbent regime, which is struggling to retain line from Polpitiya (near made safer. Other dams, too,
a working majority in Parliament, will find itself in Laxapana) to Hambantota. have to be examined, and
a similar predicament in case it tries to abolish the Building the line got held up most importantly, all dams
in Deniyaya, with a family must have an evacuation plan,
executive presidency. in case the unthinkable hap-
living in Colombo preventing
The 13th Amendment has made it even more diffi- it from crossing their ances- pens.
cult, both technically and politically, to abolish the tral tea estate in Deniyaya. Samanalawewa dam was built in 1992 for both irrigation and power generation
executive presidency, which is seen in some quarters They yielded five years later, “gifted the Eight officials jailed after dam
right of way”. Yet, we must remember: reservoir to be fully drawn down last burst
as the only countervailing force against the seces- power lines do not produce electricity, as is August, back to its minimum water level of Not in Sri Lanka, but in Libya last week.
sionist forces that are using the Provincial Council obvious. They only transfer power. The prob- 425 meters. Samanalawewa spills when the Not only the present officials but the former
system to advance their separatist agenda. Interest- lem of inadequate electricity production water level reaches 460 meters. So, the officials, too, were jailed. Libya does not
remains today, as acute as it was in the height of water, near the dam, from the min- even have a unified functioning govern-
ingly, the JVP went all out to scuttle the implemen- imum to maximum, is 35 meters.
1990s. That’s when politicians began playing ment, but Sri Lanka has a government.
tation of the 13th Amendment in the late 1980s, and ball games with power plants. Investigations conducted in August joint- The Sri Lanka government, too, acted
killed quite a few proponents of devolution. It The other reason why Samanalawewa is ly by the CEB and the University of when geologists and engineers were plead-
in the news is the water leak. The public Peradeniya, reconfirmed that leaks are from ing with it two weeks ago to go ahead with
claimed that the Provincial Councils would lead to
even does not remember that the embank- two major sources; (1) leaks along a con- Samanalawewa investigations and carry out
the division of the country, and therefore they had to ment of the reservoir has been leaking for 30 struction access tunnel that has not been repairs. It would require water levels to be
be aborted. But it subsequently secured representa- years. Yes, 30 years! fully sealed after construction, (2) “sink reduced further, and a quick set of actions
tion in the Provincial Councils, and has stopped de- The date was 22 October 1992. Water from holes”, which are cavities at reservoir bot- in succession to make the reservoir safe.
Walawe ganga and Belihul Oya was released tom, opening pathways for water to leak In its customary style, the government
manding the abolition of the 13th Amendment, to all to the brand-new reservoir. Water level in downstream. appointed a committee to prepare a report
intents and purposes; some prominent members of reservoirs is stated in meters above sea At a recent public seminar held at the on the safety of all dams, with no special
the JVP-led NPP have even said they are for the full level. The water level reached 439 metres, Institution of Engineers, experts expressed emphasis on Samanalawewa. The Ministry
and there was a sudden burst. their observations, investigations, calcula- of Power and Energy, which is in charge of
implementation of the 13th Amendment. The JVP, tions, and results. The call for immediate
A large leakage of water, amounting to Samanalawewa, announced the repairs will
however, wants the executive presidency scrapped. about 7,500 litres per second, gushed down action was emphatic and unanimous, to take be done in 2025. Until then?
Curiously, government politicians who aggres- the river. It was a leak from the right-bank of advantage of the water levels in
sively react to everything that the Opposition says,
the way some stray dogs chase passing vehicles, have
chosen to remain silent on the JVP leader’s claim at
issue. Maybe they think it will help distract the at-
tention of the public from real issues such as the
high cost of living, corruption, nepotism, waste, and
attacks on democracy.
The JVP will find itself in a bind if the govern-
ment proposes to abolish the executive presidency. It
will not be able to oppose a move to scrap an institu-
tion it has consistently condemned as evil for
decades, and at the same time, it will not be able to
support a political project aimed at furthering the in-
terests of the government it is striving to bring
down.
And while on the subject of the executive presi-
dency, the government should be pressured to make
public the draft Constitution prepared by a nine-
member committee appointed by President Gotabaya
Rajapaksa. The committee members were Gamini
Marapana P.C., Manohara de Silva P.C., Sanjeewa
Jayawardena P.C., Samantha Ratwatte P.C., Prof.
Naazima Kamardeen, Prof. A. Sarveswaran, Prof.
Wasantha Seneviratne and Prof. G. H. Peiris. It is
said that the committee was to hold a press briefing,
but had to cancel it in view of last year’s political up-
heavals. The public has a right to know what the
committee has proposed.

Full implementation of 13A:
Final solution to ‘national problem’
or end of unitary state? – Part VIII
by Kalyananda Tiranagama
Executive Director
Lawyers for Human Rights and
Development
(Part VII of this article appeared
on 04 Oct., 2023)
P
resident Ranil Wickremesinghe has
not been able to point out any benefit
received by the people or any develop-
ment activity carried out by any of the
Provincial Councils for the welfare of the
people in their provinces. This is what the
President says in this connection:
‘‘Some individuals in our nation label
provincial councils as ‘‘white elephants’’
due to these challenges. Yet, amid these
limitations, provincial councils have signif-
icantly influenced Sri Lanka’s political tra-
jectory. They have nurtured skilled politi-
cal leaders and served as stepping stones to
executive and parliamentary roles.
Throughout history, numerous individuals
who have embarked on their political jour-
ney as provincial council members have
ascended to positions of power like execu-
tive presidency, premiership, cabinet mem-
bership, and other significant roles.’’
Other than nurturing and enriching
some local politicians and their families
and serving as stepping stones for them to
enter national politics, what have the
provincial councils done for the benefit of
the people in their areas, to improve their
living conditions, to address their griev-
ances or to find solutions to their prob-
lems? Nothing.
Who are the skilled political leaders nur-
tured by Provincial Councils? What have
they done for the people or the country
with their skills and experience gathered at
the provincial councils, other than wasting
public funds and public property and
enriching themselves through various
deals? Perhaps, the President may not be
able to answer these queries.
Other than from the politicians, there is
no demand whatsoever from the people of
any Provincial Council area for conducting
Provincial Council elections though more
than six years have elapsed since their dis-
solution by law. That is the best proof that
the Provincial Councils have not served
any useful purpose beneficial to the people
in their views.
The Report of the Sub-committee on
Centre – Periphery Relations recommends:
(a) to do away with the Concurrent List and
add the subjects to relevant Lists; (b) to
repeal the rubric ‘National Policy on all
Subjects and Functions from the Reserved
List. (3) All Subjects and Functions not
specified in any of the lists (provincial and
reserved lists) should be the subject matter
of the province;
This Report further states that ‘‘most of
the subjects in the Concurrent List are
legitimate functions to be in the ‘Provincial
List. The existence of Centre Ministries
such as Ministry of Rehabilitation, Social
Services, Social Welfare, Women and
Children, Indigenous Medicine, Disaster
Relief and Agriculture has no justification,
except under the wrap of Concurrent List
and National Policy.
The Sub-Committee’s Recommendation
on Land Powers: (a) State land within a
province should be the subject matter to be
handled by the Province; (b) The State
Land Commission should consist of equi-
table number of members representing the
interests of the Centre as well as the
provinces; (c) No decision of such institu-
tion can be imposed on any province with-
out the consent of the representative of
such Province.
As to how to give effect to these recom-
mendations, the President has come out
with his response in his Address to
Parliament thus:
‘‘ I propose introducing several Bills to
the Parliament and implementing series of
new measures: a. Appointment of
Divisional Secretaries.
b. Granting Authority to Provincial
Councils for Education-related Services;
This involves exercising all powers related
to school education listed in Schedule 3 of
the Provincial Councils List.
c. Establishment of Provincial Boards
for Vocational and Technical Training
Services;
d. Empowerment of Provincial Councils
to Establish Universities
e. Authorization for Provincial Councils
to Provide for Agricultural Innovation and
Services.
f. Creation of Provincial Tourism
Promotion Boards.
g. Amendment to the Industries Act to
increase the limit for industries of national
importance, the limit will be raised from
Rs. 4 million to Rs. 250 million. If
Parliament agrees, ready to elevate it to Rs.
500 million.
h. Establishment of District
Development Councils: Develop a three-
year Development Plan for each Provincial
Council in alignment with Central Govt
national policies. Integrate central govt
development programs into this plan, cus-
tomized to each jurisdiction. Execute this
three-year plan via District Development
Councils and entrust its implementation to
Provincial Councils.
Formulate a legal framework wherein
The Island
Ranil and Sampanthan : file photo
“Then the Northern and
Eastern Provinces will be
merged through a resolu-
tion passed by Parliament
to that effect, the Provincial
Council Elections will be
held, and the North – East
Provincial Council can start
its march towards its final
goal of establishing the
State of Tamil Eelam with
international support.”
MPs, Members of PCs and local govt bodies
representing each district can collaborate
effectively in this endeavour.
There can be no doubt that the President
is planning to give effect to the proposals in
the Report of the Sub-committee on Centre
– Periphery Relations through this process.
In this speech he has taken care not to
mention anything about the Northern and
Eastern Provinces or the Tamil national
question, so as not to unnecessarily stir up
hornets’ nests.
While introducing Bills in Parliament
dealing with different subjects where nec-
essary, he may deal with most of the mat-
ters through administrative measures
using his Executive Power as the President
as he has already done in the case of state
lands coming under the Departments of
Archaeology, Forest and Wild Life.
Though there is no transfer of decentral-
ized powers to the Central Government
with the participation of provincial coun-
cils in the formulation of national policies
on matters within the Provincial List as
stated by him, it will certainly result in
transferring powers of the Central
Government to the provincial councils not
only on matters within the Provincial List,
but also on matters in the National List.
When this process is completed,
Provincial Councils will become fully
autonomous bodies effectively exercising
all the powers of the Government other
than the powers mentioned in the Reserved
List exercised by the Central Government.
That is the common dream of Mr. R.
Sampanthan shared with the President.
From the speech of the President, one
can get an idea about the strategy the
President is going to adopt to ensure that
he can muster the support of the majority
of MPs in Parliament. He proposes to do
things, which will, most probably, enable
him to muster not only simple majority, but
also two thirds majority in Parliament
required for bringing about amendments to
the Constitution, if the need arises. These
are his proposals:
An advisory council to guide the
Governors – consisting of Chairman of the
Provincial Supervisory Committee,
Chairman of the District Development
Committee and MPs representing political
parties within the Province.
Currently, there are 45 functioning
Ministries in the Provincial Councils.
Oversight committees can be established
for these Ministries with parliamentarians
who have no other responsibilities being
appointed as their heads.
Let us see how the President’s strategy
works to muster the majority support
required to bring about revision of laws,
including constitutional amendments:
In the present Govt there are 22 Cabinet
Ministers and 38 State Ministers.
There will be 25 District Development
Councils for the 25 Districts in the country.
The Chairman of each District
Development Committee will invariably be
a Member of Parliament representing the
District. These 25 Chairmen of District
Development Committees will be entitled to
additional perks as those of State
Ministers. That was the practice in the
District Development Committees func-
tioned in President Jayewardene’s time.
In addition, they will be members of the
Advisory Council set up to guide the
Governors. All the MPs representing politi-
cal parties within the Province will also be
Opinion Features
members of the Advisory Council.
45 Oversight committees will be estab-
lished for the 45 Provincial Council
Ministries with 45 parliamentarians who
have no other responsibilities being
appointed as their heads. They will be enti-
tled to additional perks as the Heads of the
Oversight Committees. This offer of the
opportunity of being appointed as the
Heads of the Oversight Committees will
certainly lure more and more MPs to sup-
port these moves.
Moreover, as the real motive of bringing
these reforms is hidden and undisclosed,
the Chief Ministers and Members of the
Provincial Councils in the other seven
Provinces will undoubtedly bring pressure
on their parties to support these moves.
The President is well aware of this.
Following the revision of these laws con-
cerning PCs and enactment of new laws,
PC Elections Act to be amended.
Then the Northern and Eastern
Provinces will be merged through a resolu-
tion passed by Parliament to that effect, the
Provincial Council Elections will be held,
and the North – East Provincial Council
can start its march towards its final goal of
establishing the State of Tamil Eelam with
international support.
Unless the people see through this dia-
bolical scheme and rise up openly against
it compelling their political leaders and
MPs to come forward to defeat it, that will
open the gates for the ending of Sri Lanka
as a unitary state.
Inevitable Outcome of Granting 13+ –
Establishment of Separate State of Tamil
Ealam with International Support
President Wickremesinghe talks of find-
ing a final solution to the Tamil People’s
problem acceptable to them, of providing a
solution to the Tamil national problem sat-
isfactory to the Tamil People, and address-
ing the grievances of the People in the
North and the East for meaningful devolu-
tion of power. If President
Wickremesinghe honestly thinks that he
can bring about national unity, national
reconciliation among Sinhala and Tamil
communities by acceding to the demands of
Tamil political parties, he must be living in
a fool’s paradise.
It is common knowledge that the majori-
ty of Tamil people in Sri Lanka live not in
the Northern and the Eastern Provinces,
but in the other seven Provinces. Outside
the North and the East, thousands of Tamil
People live with the Sinhala People with
amity and friendship, working in coopera-
tion and understanding. There is no dis-
cord or racial clashes among them.
Thousands of Sinhala people visit Hindu
Kovils during the Vel festival. They gather
on road sides making offerings to Vel
Perahera. During the Kataragama festival
season thousands of Tamil Hindu pilgrims
engage in their annual walk from the
North to Kataragama across Sinhala areas.
They are well received and treated by
Sinhala People. Hundreds of Sinhala
Buddhist pilgrims visit Nagadeepa Temple.
They well received by Tamil People. There
is no discrimination. The main problem is
lack of proper communication due to lan-
guage barriers. If this barrier is overcome,
it will not be difficult to bring about real
national unity, harmony and national rec-
onciliation among the Sinhala and Tamil
People.
In this connection, I can cite my own
experience of an effort that I made to bring
this issue to the attention of Authorities as
I think it is relevant. In 2003 and 2004, I con-
ducted four orientation programmes for
the Army and Police officers in Jaffna and
Kankesanthurai Divisions on human rights
and international humanitarian law at the
request of UNHCR. Dr. Laksiri Fernando of
Colombo University, S. G. Puchihewa and
Nimal Punchihewa, former President of
the Elections Commission, participated
with me in conducting these programs. We
were staying in Jaffna Social Centre and
they had got down three young girls to pre-
pare food for us. I talked to them and they
told us that they were jobless graduates
from Sabaragamuwa University, as they
had no jobs they were engaging in that type
of work and that there were many others
like them.
(To be concluded)
Monday 9th October, 2023
Tree Planation along reservations of roads
Managing trees planted
along road reservations
T
he main purpose of planting
trees along road reservations
is to provide shade for pedes-
trians while assuring an aesthetical-
ly pleasing environment. Those trees
along road reservations also absorb
fumes emitted from vehicles while
enhancing the green cover at global
level. Those tree belts also play a role
of Bio Corridors connecting isolated
forest patches in Urban Landscapes.
Road Reservations which extend
to about 10 to 20 m on either side of
roads are not protected in Sri Lanka
in a professional manner though it is
very common in other countries.
Those professionals are called
Arborists. In Sri Lanka however,
that job is usually managed by
labourers hired by the CEB or the
Road Development Authorities.
Their main focus is on removing
branches that touch electricity
Ranil’s undiplomatic
DW interview
I
write his comment after reading
and rereading the Editorial and Dr
Upul Wijayawardhana’s opinion –
Ranil seems to have seen sense at last,
in The Island of Friday October 6.
Also having listened twice to the
videoed interview.
As usual, The Island editor in his
editorial, wrote perfect sense. His
header, Berlin Buster conveys so much
summing up the interview as bluster
on the part of Ranil W. ‘Bluster’ is
defined as ‘Talk in a loud, aggressive,
or indignant way with little effect,
which was exactly President Ranil
Rajapaksa – whoops sorry –Ranil
Wickremesinghe’s stance with the TV
news network Deutsche Welle in
Berlin recently.
To comment on Dr W’s title. I say
it should have additions inserted:
Ranil seems to have seen sense at last,
‘but became insensible and intolerant
in the Berlin interview.’ His article
carried not much critical comment on
the interview per se but praised RW
and digressed to UNHCR and
Mangala Samaraweera.
To this careful listener and obser-
vant reader our Prez was totally out
of character and disgraced himself.
He was undiplomatic; took offence
where no offence was meant; was
from very early on in the interview on
the defensive and assumed insults
and fault finding and very definitely
Western degrading of Sri Lanka. To
this woman he appeared childish in
his assumptions, attitude and even in
the language he used. As the editor
wrote “Wickremesinghe, who was
once accused of being subservient to
the West, is now taking on the West as
vigorously as the Rajapaksas.” He
mentions the radical change of RW
and asks whether it is “due to his
close association with the
Medamulana family since last year’s
political marriage of convenience.” Of
course it is and some say he is defend-
ing those brothers. He seems to have
even caught the ‘makka’ of being
abrasive, aggressive and not able to
carry through an interview with
diplomacy and no show of temper.
Hope the flea of hounding journos
has not been caught; we want to live
longer. So different from the RW, who
was intellectual and cool and admired
by oldies whatever his political tac-
tics were.
I quote certain statements made by
RW in the interview which prove my
negative judgment of how he handled
the DW interview. Given the fact that
interviewers are not the most unbi-
ased, the onus to keep cool is on the
person interviewed, which RW defi-
nitely was not. The interview started
off well and degenerated to almost a
word slamming match.
Talking of children being deprived
of adequate food and a Save the
Children report, RW retorts: “Don’t
accuse us ...” Then who is to be
5
power lines or removing branches
obstructing road signs. However, the
job of arborists is a kind of negotia-
tion with Nature assuring the green
cover in urban areas where the bio
diversity has been severely damaged.
The pictures show the present sta-
tus of roads in Mahaweli areas,
where the canopy cover of trees
planted about 30 years ago has been
managed in a professional manner.
Road maintenance labourers
should be trained under the guid-
ance of qualified arborists.
Professionals who maintain botani-
cal gardens have this training skill.
They can train the workers of the
authorities such as the CEB, the
RDA etc. to help prevent disasters.
MAHINDA PANAPITIYA
Engineer who worked for
Mahaweli Project in the 1990s
accused of what the child of SL suf-
fers? RW admitted we had food scarci-
ty and added that under his presiden-
cy things are much better. (?)
About the BBC Channel 4 docu-
mentary: “Why do you treat C4 as
sacred?” Uncalled for remark and
accusation since the interviewer just
asked his question, not loaded at all
with blame of accusation or even
innuendo. Then started the battle of
words – heated on RW’s side. RW
insisted he and his government were
dealing with the Bishops’ Conference
and not the Cardinal. Then he burst
out: “You take a piece of paper from
Cardinal… You have no business...
You try to corner me.”
About missing persons and recon-
ciliation: “We had British, Australian,
Indian, Pakistani, Chinese secret
service policemen in Sri Lanka help-
ing us…” He asked the interviewer
whether they ever got international
help to solve their problems, meaning
so why insist on us getting interna-
tional persons to investigate Sri
Lankan matters. “You are talking
nonsense ...
“Don’t accuse me. I have run the
business long before you. Western
media thinks we are bad; what inter-
national enquiries have you had? Do
you think Sri Lanka is second class?”
“Don’t shout at me!” “You have made
a serious accusation” which was
denied by interviewer.
After more or less answering a
question on Missing Persons
Commission, RW shouts: “You are
shouting I am bad.” Childish com-
ment and we know about the
Commission and how slow it has
been.
The Interviewer asked several
times to be allowed to complete ask-
ing his question. RW retorts towards
the end of the interview: “What you
have got is all bunkum” about the
human rights situation in the country.
What was the purpose of the brava-
do? One cannot imagine RW merely
lost his cool or was badgered by the
interviewer who was good in his job;
he could not be accused of belittling
Sri Lanka
I sum up my assessment with these
words: surprising; uncalled for bel-
ligerence; jumping to negative conclu-
sions; accusing interviewer of state-
ments he did not make; very disap-
pointing.
One further point. No one must
claim that if Modi brought down an
interviewer, our Big Boss can do the
same. So different are the two coun-
tries and respective leaders. India is
sought after by the most important
nations, while Sri Lanka is looked
askance as a miserably failed, bank-
rupt country that allowed its past
leaders to set the rot in.
Interested woman
 6 Monday 9th October, 2023 The Island Features

Air Ceylon HS (Avro) 748, 4R-ACJ

De Havilland D.H.89 Dragon Rapide, 4R-AAI Air Ceylon Nord 262, 4R-ACL

Operators) who has a seat in almost all the

A report by the Organisation of

Professional Associations.
Resource personnel on Panel were Capt.
Role of Domestic Tourist Development Forums.

The Present Situation

It was highlighted that after 1990 the

Amal Wahid, General Manager, Air
Senok/Senok Aviation (Pvt) Ltd., Capt.
Lasantha Dahanayake, Director Flight
Operations, Saffron Aviation (Pvt) Ltd,
parent company of Cinnamon Air Asitha
Ranaweera, Accountable Manager and
Deputy Chief Executive FITS (Pvt) Ltd
(Friends In The Sky), Kasun
Abeynayaka, Senior Lecturer/Assistant
Director Industry Engagement, Events,
Travel and Tourism, William Angliss
Institute@SLIIT. Moderator was Capt.
G.A. Fernando, Member, Executive
Council of Organisation of Professional
Associations (OPA) & Member,
Association of Airline Pilots
Executive Summary
Aviation in
Sri Lankan tourism
that the GoSL (Govt of Sri Lanka)
subsidises the market through the SLAF’s
involvement in the management of
domestic airports and in the provision of
commercial air services.
“Helitours plays a relevant role in the
market as it contributes to serve and to
generate demand for air services which
might not be available otherwise. It must be
noted though that the price distortion
Lanka Air Force (SLAF) for being more
obstructive than facilitative as a direct
result of their employment of personnel
who are unprofessional, inefficient and
unqualified. The overarching message was
that domestic aviation and the tourism
industry do not seem to work together as a
team.
Possible Solutions and the way ahead
· Third level domestic airlines could be
(ANA) in Ceylon in early Fifties. (Today
only two operators exist.)
· CAASL must liberalise and not use
international standards (SARPS’s) rigidly
on domestic services (alternative means of
compliance could achieve equal or better
safety standards).
· The Government must not encourage
subsidised airlines to distort the fair prices
of domestic air travel. For example, the
industry was thriving. The nation had high
hopes after the war. From 2016 to 2017 the
market was not saturated; there was plenty
of scope for expansion. Everyone wanted a
piece of the pie. Until the 2019 Easter
Sunday terrorist attacks, closely followed by
the COVID-19 pandemic, changed the
‘landscape’. While the tourism industry was
eligible for some concessions, they were not
extended to the domestic aviation industry.
It was then that it was realised that
domestic aviation was not even considered
under the auspices of tourism, and the Civil
Aviation Authority Sri Lanka (CAASL)
could not or did not help. Not being
considered by the tourism industry as an
important stake-holder was most
disheartening.
In any aviation operation there must be a
balance between safety, security and

D
uring deliberations it was evident
that in the early 1950s when
Australian National Airways (ANA)
bought into Air Ceylon with the
introduction of two Douglas DC-4 aircraft
for the latter carrier’s international routes,
two de Havilland D. H.89 Dragon Rapide
aircraft were separately acquired by the
Ceylon Government for domestic flights on
secondary routes. This eight-seat, twin
engine, single-pilot biplane was operated by
the Ceylon Air Academy, a flying school
which was involved in training Ceylonese
pilots, engineers and others for the nation’s
fledgling aviation industry.
The Dragon Rapides provided
connectivity to most of the World War 2-
vintage airports scattered across the island,
in addition to airstrips at Anuradhapura
and Ampara (Gal Oya) airports which were
built post-war by the Government of
Ceylon.
Unfortunately, with the departure of
ANA and the advent of KLM-Royal Dutch
Airlines to the Air Ceylon partnership, the
scheduled domestic aviation plan ended. All
the Ceylon Air Academy light aircraft were
handed over to Air Ceylon Limited.
However, in 1964, during the tenure of
Minister E.L.B. Hurulle, the Civil Aviation
Department Flying Training School at
Ratmalana was inaugurated using the same
light aircraft that had been taken over by
Air Ceylon.
By then, domestic scheduled flights to
most destinations had come to a halt, except
for Ratmalana, Kankesanturai (KKS), China
Bay (Trincomalee) and Ampara, which were
serviced by Air Ceylon’s Douglas DC-3
Dakotas, Hawker Siddeley (Avro) 748, and
Nord 262 aircraft. Regional services were
also operated to Malé (Maldive Islands) and
Trichinopoly (Tiruchirappalli; a.k.a.
‘Trichy’) in South India. Sadly, the domestic
flights were earning revenue in rupees but
spending in dollars for fuel and
maintenance spares. Adding insult to injury,
aviation came under the purview of the
Ministry of Communications, which
enabled government servants to exchange
their ‘complimentary’ railway travel
warrants for air tickets.
Meanwhile, tourism was not yet
recognised as a potentially large source of
foreign income. Those were the days of
railways and rest houses. Domestic airports
were maintained by the Civil Aviation
Department at tremendous cost, until the
commencement of the civil war in 1983,
when they were handed over to the Sri
Lanka Air Force (SLAF).
After 1977 civil flying operations were
privatised and aerial links with Jaffna
maintained by private operators. At one
time that was a thriving business. After
2009, domestic aviation gradually became
dormant with the availability of better
roads and expressways. The number of
private helicopter operators reduced from
seven to three. The Government expected
the SLAF to fill the gap with their fixed- and
rotary-wing aircraft, although it is strictly
not legal for the military to operate civil
passenger services under the Air Force Act.
Accordingly, the SLAF accepted bookings
on the basis of a ‘letter of indemnity’ signed
by individual passengers in lieu of regular
insurance.
Then in June 2016, at the behest of the
Government, a comprehensive World Bank
Study was promulgated. The final report
was critical of the SLAF operations. In Page
8 - ES2.1 it said…
“On the supply side a key observation is
created by the subsidised fares makes it
harder for private sector operators to enter
the market and to compete effectively, and
therefore retards the development of the
domestic aviation industry.
“In order to prepare the market for a
level playing field and more open
competition, it is recommended to clarify
the role of the SLAF as operator of
domestic airports and of air services and to
address market distortions created by
Helitours’ business model.”
Consequently, in 2017 a Civil Aviation
Policy was publicised to facilitate aviation,
including aviation-related clubs and aerial
adventure sports. Although passed in
Parliament, that policy has largely not been
implemented. Realising the potential for Sri
Lankan domestic aviation in 2018, a
company in the USA offered to establish and
facilitate automatic weather observation
and refuelling facilities. Sadly, they did not
even receive an acknowledgement of their
proposal from the Sri Lankan authorities.
Recently, when Sri Lanka declared
bankruptcy, it was suggested at the National
Issues Committee (NIC) of the Organisation
of Professional Associations (OPA) that
tourism could generate vitally needed US
Dollars quickly, as the tourism
infrastructure is already in place. The
resource personnel at the panel discussion
were from the frontline of the struggling
domestic aviation industry. They, and
others, suggested that domestic aviation
could help to promote high end ‘luxury
tourists’ who preferred to go from their
departure point to their final destination in
minimum time. The Minister of Tourism
Harin Fernando also went on record saying
that it should happen.
The question today is why we cannot
‘jump start’ the domestic aviation industry
to capture the high-end tourist market while
making intra-island air travel affordable
and popular for local passengers too.
During the discussions fingers were
pointed at the Regulator, Civil Aviation
Authority Sri Lanka (CAASL), Airport and
Aviation Sri Lanka (AASL), and the Sri
The ‘National Issues Committee’ (NIC) of the Organisations of Professional Associations (OPA) handing over their
report on the ‘Role of Domestic Aviation in SriLankan Tourism’ to the OPA President Attorney at Law Ms Ruchira
Gunasekara, to be forwarded to President Ranil Wickremasinghe. From left: Chairman of the NIC Dr Sanath Het-
tige, NIC Member Capt. Gihan A Fernando, OPA President Attorney at Law Ms Ruchira Gunasekara, OPA Presi-
dent Elect Sarath Gamage and OPA General Secretary Attorney-at-Law Sujeewa Lal Dahanayake at the ceremony
at the OPA Professional Centre.
established to train and develop personnel
for the international airlines, regional
airlines and domestic aviation industry.
· Air travel facilities available for
tourists should be publicised abroad
through our embassies/High Commissions.
· Domestic aviation must be subsidised
by the government, perhaps using the
Tourism Development Fund. This Tourism
Development Levy (TDL) should include a
component for aviation or domestic aviation
strategies, which is a lengthy process which
takes time to begin functioning.
· Utilise all 16 domestic airports
available in Sri Lanka.
· Domestic scheduled aviation
successfully operated out by the Australians
SLAF-operated Helitours model.
· Encourage private investment.
· Realistic CAASL security oversight (to
facilitate and not to obstruct).
· Keep in mind that it is always ‘Safety
First.’
· Available national industrial experts to
be utilised.
· Healthy competition to be established
in a level playing field.
· Domestic air service orientated and
fully integrated with road and rail as
suggested by the Aviation Policy of 2017.
· Last but not least it was suggested that
to move forward, Domestic aviation
Industry should work closely with SLAITO
(Sri Lanka Association for Inbound Tourist
profitability. CAASL does not facilitate all
this but blindly regulates (‘copy and paste’)
to international SARP’s, with which
domestic operators are expected to comply.
It was a case of over-regulation. No
opportunity is given to carry out alternative
means of compliance which may result in
equal or better safety standards. This also
applied to Security oversight. Although
CAASL should benchmark the requirement
for domestic security, most security tasks
within the island are still handled by the
SLAF outside military airbases, resulting in
unrealistic over-regulation.
It is also a well-known fact that
insurance companies still do not encourage
high-end ‘luxury tourists’ to travel in single-
engine fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. They
seem to be frozen in a 1950s time warp,
although in reality modern engines are
much more reliable and rigorously tested.
Medical facilities available for tourists
are also not yet on par with international
standards, notably with no medical
evacuation facilities available from hotels
within Sri Lanka. Ideally there must be
helipads at hotels and at regular intervals
on expressways, to enable the airlift of
accident victims to major hospitals.
There is little or no advertising abroad of
domestic aviation facilities available in Sri
Lanka for foreign tourists. Here it is
believed that the Sri Lankan diplomatic
services in other countries should
spearhead the advertising campaigns. It was
also revealed that in the years 2018 to 2019
Cinnamon Air carried 12,000 passengers
annually, of whom 90% were tourists. The
World Bank Report projects a passenger
growth in 2035 of 30,000 to 37,000 passengers
annually. Available seat capacity must grow
proportionately. Certainly, according to the
World Bank study there is great potential in
domestic aviation.
The Civil Aviation Policy based on the
World Bank study also acknowledged that
fact. Unfortunately, everyone was expecting
the operators to deliver singlehandedly. In
reality, other stake-holders in tourism and
domestic aviation could complement each
other in the industry. At present the two
components are working independently. An
air operator needs about 3 to 4 years to
break even.
Today’s pressing need is a platform such
as the OPA to appeal to higher authorities.
At present, domestic aviation is in tatters,
facing huge challenges. One operator
declared that it had two aircraft on ground.
An aircraft on ground is a loss. Instead of all
stake-holders pulling in different directions,
everyone must come together and work as a
team. The Aircraft Owners’ and Operators’
Association (AOAOA) is attempting to do
just that. Next to nuclear energy operations,
aviation is the highest regulated industry. It
cannot be over-emphasised that sometimes
it is over-regulated.
Another important need is a different set
of rules for Sri Lankan domestic aviation.
Tourist traffic dwindled in the recent past,
but fortunately arrivals are now picking up.
Heavy investment is needed by operators.
There must be a return on the investment
for the sake of sustainability.
Tourism is not in the primary stage; it
has been in existence for more than 60
years. This is a timeline comparable with
Singapore and the Maldives who are,
instead, far ahead of Sri Lanka in that
respect.
(To be concluded)

India makes INR3-trillion strategic plan to counter China-Pakistan threat

BY S VENKAT NARAYAN
Our Special cOrreSpOndent
NEW DELHI, October 4: The Indian Air Force
(IAF) is preparing to meet the challenges posed by
the forces of China and Pakistan with upgraded tac-
tics and cutting-edge equipment, Air Chief Marshal
V R Chaudhari said on Tuesday.
He unveiled the IAF’s strategic plans, which
include the induction of fighters, helicopters, mis-
siles, and radars valued at nearly INR3 trillion over
the next seven to eight years.
One of the IAF’s key strategies is the constant
monitoring of the situation along the 3,488-km Line
of Actual Control (LAC) with China. This monitor-
ing is carried out using intelligence, surveillance,
and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
China has significantly enhanced its air bases
facing India and deployed an extensive network of
radars and surface-to-air guided weapons (SAGWs)
since the military confrontation in eastern Ladakh
in April-May 2020.
To counter these developments, the IAF has also
deployed SAGWs and radars, including low-level
transportable radars (LLTRs), along the LAC. Now,
they are seeking mountain radars to extend their
reach into enemy territory.
The People’s Liberation Army-Air Force, on the
other hand, boasts of over four times the number of
fighters and bombers compared to the IAF.
ACM Chaudhari emphasized that the IAF would
remain forward deployed until a complete disengage-
ment in eastern Ladakh is achieved. He said: “Our
operational war plans are very dynamic, and we
keep revising them based on the situation developing
across any front. So, in places where we really can-
not counter the might or the numbers of the adver-
sary, we will counter it through better tactics and
through better training.”
Regarding the coordination between India’s two
adversaries, ACM Chaudhari highlighted that
Pakistan is now producing the Chinese JF-17
‘Thunder’ multirole fighters while also adding 25
advanced J-10C jets. Additionally, the two countries
conduct joint exercises, with their latest ‘Shaheen’
exercise taking place in northwest China last month.
Despite these challenges, ACM Chaudhari
expressed confidence in the IAF’s capabilities. Plans
are underway to strengthen the IAF’s combat abili-
ties with contracts worth INR1.72 trillion over the
next year. This includes the procurement of 97 more
Tejas Mark-1A fighters, in addition to the 83 already
ordered under a contract with Hindustan
Aeronautics (HAL) in February 2021.
The acquisition of 180 Tejas Mark-1A jets, costing
INR 1.2 trillion, is aimed at addressing the depletion
in the number of fighter squadrons, which currently
stands at 31, while at least 42 are needed. The
remaining 60 MiG-21 ‘Bisons’ are scheduled to retire
by 2025.
The IAF’s plans also encompass the acquisition of
156 ‘Prachand’ light combat helicopters valued at
INR 450 billion, which are capable of conducting
offensive operations in high-altitude areas like the
Siachen Glacier and eastern Ladakh.

Remembering heroes on 30th Anniversary
of Sri Lanka Navy Special Boats Squadron
The desk in Flag Lieutenant (Aide-de-Camp) office allocated to late Lt. Commander (SBS)
Samantha W. Gallage, WWV, RWP, RSP when Admiral Wijegunaratne was Navy Com-
mander, and Chief of Defence Staff.
By AdmirAl
rAvindrA C
WijegunArAtne
(Retired from Sri
Lanka Navy)
Former Chief of
Defence Staff &
Commander of
The Navy
Chairman
Trincomalee
Petroleum
Terminals Ltd.
T
hirty years ago, in Fort
Hammenhiel, Karainagar, two
officers and 42 sailors volun-
teered to undergo a special training
to start a new unit in our Navy; it was
known as the Special Boat Squadron
(SBS) or the Naval Commando Unit.
The SBS was formed to fight the
LTTE’s Sea Tigers in lagoons and
waterways. I was fortunate enough to
command the unit and train my men
to be the “Bravest of the Brave” in
the Navy. I was a young Lieutenant
Commander at that time, and my
Second-in-Command was more than
12 years junior to me. He was Acting
Sub Lieutenant Samantha Waruna
Gallage, who hailed from Dehiwala.
He was an excellent swimmer and
fearless fighter. Samantha was also an
excellent boat handler and a top
marksman.
We trained together for three
months in the Karainagar lagoon to
take over boat operations in the
Jaffna lagoon from our
small detach-
ment at
Samantha with his son
after receiving two gal-
lantry medals from the
months before his death)
The Island
Nagadevannturai.
On 2 November, 1993, our Naval
Detachment, in Nagadevanthuri, and
the Pooneryn Army Complex, came
under heavy attack from the enemy.
One by one, small detachments
around the main Pooneryn Army
Complex fell into the enemy’s hands
and more than 700 military personnel
were trapped in Pooneryn.
It was not possible to reinforce the
besieged Army Complex from the air,
Military Commanders decided to
send reinforcement troops through an
amphibious landing. My unit SBS,
the brand-new Naval Special Force,
was tasked with carrying out the first
wave of landing.
Landing at an enemy beach is a
suicidal task. If you want to see what
it is like, please watch the first 30
minutes of Steven Spielberg’s award-
winning film Saving Private Ryan. It
is bloody and chaotic. There is no
cover for you until you get to find
some by crossing the beach area.
Enemy obstacles and gun positions
will be there to slow down your
advance and there is a 90 percent
probability of you getting killed or
injured during this dangerous cross-
ing.
Orders were issued. Samantha and
I were commanding two Inshore
Patrol Craft (commonly known as
Water Jets) which carried 15
Commandos each, followed by fiber-
glass boats carrying six Commandos
each. My orders were very clear to
Samantha. I told him in no uncertain
terms that I would land first because
I wanted to assess the situation
myself.
The Navy gunboats
started bombarding the
beach early morning
with their 37mm
guns, and we were
given clearance to
do the landing
with a lull of
heavy gunfire.
Our two Water
Jets raced
towards the
Pooneryn beach.
Two machine
guns of the
enemy started fir-
ing towards us
and suddenly
Samantha
increased the
speed of his
Water Jet
and
President on 04
February, 1996 (eight
Features Monday 9th October, 2023 7
Samantha Rumal
landed first and neutralised became a Rear
the enemy machine gun position with Admiral. Even
his grenade launchers. though Samantha
I was very angry with Samantha. was dead, I kept my
My orders had been very clear as I promise to him. The
told him that I would be landing first. desk of the Flag
However, I was very happy that he
Lieutenant office
had destroyed enemy gun positions in next to my office
quick succession, preventing any was kept empty in
casualties on our side. The landing
honour of
was successful and we established the
Samantha when I
beachhead for our landing craft to
was Navy
beach and reinforcements poured in.
Commander and
Poonaryn landing was a huge suc-
then Chief of
cess. The SBS was hailed as the
Defence Staff (CDS),
“Bravest of the Brave” in the Navy.
the highest Military
After accomplishing our given task
Officer in Sri
successfully, we returned to
Lanka. It remained
Karainagar that evening to rest and empty until I retired
relax. That night I asked Samantha
in January 2020.
why he had disobeyed my orders and
The late
landed first. He said with tears in his
Lieutenant
eyes, “Sir, I was afraid that you would
Commander (SBS)
be hit by enemy machine gun fire! I
Samantha Waruna
did not want you to get killed.” I told
Gallage, WWV, RWP
him that he would have had the same
and Bar, RSP, who
fate. He said, “Sir, I can die. That’s
was ready to sacri-
not a concern. My father and mother
fice his life for my
will cry. But, not YOU! You have a
protection. May he
wife and a son (my son was one year
attain the Supreme
old at that time). That was Samantha!
Bliss of Nibbana!
You should live, Sir! I want to pro-
tect you, Sir! (Ironically, I was the
only married person in the SBS at
that time.)
Such was the calibre of officers
and men with whom we went to war.
We, as Commanders, were fortunate
to have officers like Samantha as our
subordinates. They were ready to sac-
rifice their lives to protect us.
One day, I saw Samantha going
through the Navy List, which is a
book denoting the seniority and qual-
ifications of naval officers. I asked
why he was perusing the Navy List
and he said as per the seniority gap
between two of us when I became a
Rear Admiral, he would still be a
Lieutenant Commander. I promised
him if I rose to the rank of Rear
Admiral one day, I would take him as
my Flag Lieutenant [Aide-De-Camp
(ADC)]. He was very happy and he
had mentioned that even to the SBS
senior sailors. We wanted to be
together.
In 1995, Samantha got married to
Nishika, a young lady officer of the
Navy who was a teacher at our Naval
Pre-school. Samantha took part in
another difficult landing operation in
Nallatantituduwai with then
Commanding officer of the SBS, LCdr
(SSD) Piyal De Silva (who went on to
become the Navy Commander). An
enemy RPGs snuffed out the lives of
Samantha, Lt (SBS) HKI Nishad and
three Sailors. Piyal was lucky;
RPGs fired at his boat did not
explode.
Samantha made the
supreme sacrifice in this
SBS and Army Special
Forces joint operation at
Nallathannithuduvai in
Chalai, Jaffna, on 20
October, 1996. His only son,
Rumal, was only eight
months at the time. He was
awarded the Weera Wickrama
Vibushanaya for his valour and
bravery during this operation. His
wife Nishika died in 2011, leaving
young Rumal alone in this
World.
Now 27 years old, Rumal
has been working in
Australia on completion of
his higher education there,
and he should get married
soon. He misses his par-
ents whom he is very
proud of. Today, the SBS
is his family.
Keeping my promise to
Samantha, I never took a
Flag Lieutenant when I
 Monday 9th October, 2023 8

Kasturi’s reign as Hemas GCEO ends

in March 2024; who will replace her?
= Hemas Chairman says he is sad to see her go, but respects her decision
= Board initiates headhunting to identify a successor
By Sanath nanayakkare organization, strengthening appreciate Kasturi's dedicated
its market positions in service to Hemas and under-

H
emas Holdings PLC,
last week announced
the resignation of
Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson
from her position as Group
Chief Executive Officer
(GCEO) with effect from 31st
March 2024, and the talk of the
town is; who could succeed
Kasturi at the end of her
dynamic reign to keep on
Hemas steaming ahead as an
operations powerhouse.
Sources familiar with the
matter say, although the
replacement decision is more
than 5-months away, it’s never
too early to be inquisitive on
who will take on the position
given how critical the role of
Hemas GCEO is.
In a press communiqué on
her resignation, Hamas Group
said, “ Kasturi has been an
integral part of the Hemas
family for over two decades,
having led several businesses
within the Group before
Kasturi Chellaraja
Wilson
assuming the role of Group
CEO. Since her appointment
as Group CEO in October 2020,
she has played a pivotal role in
Hemas' growth and success
during her tenure. Under her
leadership, Hemas trans-
formed into a purpose-led
Consumer, Healthcare, and
Mobility over the past three
years. Kasturi’s decision to
resign comes as she takes on a
new role with a global firm,
overseeing diverse business
interests and expansion plans
in the Asia Pacific region.
This unique opportunity
allows her to operate on the
international stage while con-
tinuing to fulfill her commit-
ments in Sri Lanka. Following
her resignation, Kasturi will
maintain her association with
Hemas Holdings PLC by serv-
ing on its Board as a Non-
Executive Director.”
Meanwhile, Husein
Esufally, Chairman of Hemas
Holdings PLC said, "During
her 21 years with Hemas,
Kasturi has made an immense
contribution to the company,
none more so than during her
tenure as Group CEO, where
she led the company through
multiple crises. While we are
sad to see her go, we deeply
stand and respect her deci-
sion."
The chairman revealed that
the Hemas Board has initiated
a comprehensive search
process to identify a successor
who will build upon the com-
pany's strong foundation and
lead its growth agenda into
the future.
“Further announcements
regarding succession plans
will be made in due course,”
he said.
As per the arrangement,
Kasturi will continue to serve
as the Group CEO and lead the
management team until 31st
March 2024, ensuring stability
and continuity during the
transition period.
In this backdrop, Hemas
Holdings PLC reaffirmed its
commitment to its ambitious
plans for growth within core
sectors, alongside a strategic
focus on international expan-
sion.
Sri Lanka’s total debt stock topped
Rs. 26 trillion by end of May 2023
By the end of
May 2023, total
outstanding
domestic debt
amounted to Rs.
15,671.3 bn while
the rupee value
of total outstand-
ing foreign debt
amounted to Rs.
10,408.8 bn,
according to the
Weekly
Economic
Indicators report
of the Central
Bank.
due to the increase in the deposits held
However, outstanding central govern-
by the commercial banks with the
ment debt decreased to Rs. 26,080.1 bn by
Central Bank. The total outstanding
the end May of 2023 from Rs. 27,492.0 bn
as at end 2022, it stated. market liquidity was a deficit of Rs.
“Broad money (M2b) expanded by 5.9 24.598 bn by 06th October 2023, com-
per cent, on a year-on-year basis, in pared to a deficit of Rs. 73.506 bn by the
August 2023. Meanwhile, Net Credit to end of the week.”
the government from the banking sys- During the period from January-June
tem decreased by Rs. 84.1 bn in August 2023, net domestic financing increased

'Lebanon Chef' comes to Colombo as Sri Lanka 2023. Further, outstanding credit to pub- to Rs. 1,218.6 bn compared to Rs. 947.1 bn
lic corporations decreased by Rs. 6.3 bn in the corresponding period of 2022. Net
in August 2023, while outstanding credit foreign financing amounted to Rs. 24.0
extended to the private sector increased bn during the first half of 2023, com-

looking to offer vast range of cuisines for tourists
The 'Lebanan Chef' -
Arabic Food restaurant
recently commenced its
operations at No. 56, Galle
Road, Colombo 3, with the
aim of giving Sri Lankans
as well as tourists from
around the world the
opportunity to taste
authentic Arabic food.
The opening of the
restaurant was presided
over by the Minister of
Labour and Foreign
Employment Manusha
Nanayakkara and the
diplomatic officials repre-
senting the Middle East
region. This is the first
restaurant opened by
Lebanan Chef Private
Limited, and it expects to
expand its restaurant net-
and Founder and Managing Director Buddhi Pradeep Niyadandupola
work to many tourist
attractions in the country
in the future.
'Lebanan Chef', which offers a full
Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara
at the opening ceremony
range of traditional Arabic cuisines, is said.
open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and it is
by Rs. 5.6 bn in August 2023, The report
stated that reserve money increased
compared to the previous week mainly
unique that all its chefs come
from Arabic countries. Its
Founder and Managing
Director, Buddhi Pradeep
Niyadandupola said that the
restaurant was opened at a
time when Sri Lanka's
tourism industry is gradually
recovering, targeting tourists
from the Middle East.
"There are many direct
flights to Sri Lanka every
week from many countries in
the Middle East region, which
is very close to Sri Lanka.
There is a high potential of
bringing more tourists to Sri
Lanka from the Middle East
which has a large popula-
tion.There is a strong need for
a network of Arabic restau-
rants spread across the island
to allow them to enjoy their
own food. It is to fill that gap
that 'Lebanan Chef' restaurant
was opened in Colombo 3." he
‘Sri Lanka must satisfy 2 key targets
to secure IMF board approval’
First Capital Research says that
Sri Lanka has to fulfill two major
benchmarks if the country is to
receive approval of the Executive
Board of the IMF to be eligible for the
second tranche of its extended fund
facility (EFF).
In a report titled ‘Sri Lanka’s IMF
status: Lost or Leading?’, First
Capital says,” IMF failed to reach a
staff-level agreement for the 2nd
tranche with Sri Lanka in its 1st
review of a USD 2.9Bn bailout pack-
age as Sri Lanka is expected to fall
short of initial projections by nearly
15% by end of 2023, despite witness-
ing year-over-year gains in revenue
mobilization.”
pared to the net repayment of Rs. 44.4
bn recorded in the corresponding period
of 2022,” the report stated.
“Release of the 2nd tranche of
about USD 330 Mn is contingent upon
reaching a staff-level agreement with
the IMF which depends on whether
the government could sustain
reforms and make progress on paying
its debt. IMF has advised Sri Lanka to
“strengthen tax administration,
remove tax exemptions, and actively
eliminate tax evasion” to boost rev-
enues and improve governance.”
“Sri Lanka must satisfy 2 key tar-
gets to secure the IMF board
approval. 1. Establish an agreement
on a set of policies and reforms to
achieve the IMF objectives. 2.
Establish a clear plan to restore debt
sustainability.” First Capital
Research says.

SLT-MOBITEL once again among Sri Lanka Insurance launches PETSURANCE

Sri Lanka’s Top 10 Most Admired Organisations
Management Accountants
(CIMA), the International
Chamber of Commerce Sri
Lanka (ICCSL), and Daily FT.
SLT-MOBITEL’s achieve-
ment marks a significant
milestone in the company’s
journey, showcasing commit-
ment to excellence and ethical
business practices. Moreover,
the company's continued dedi-
cation to fostering a culture of
innovation, customer-centrici-
ty, and service to the commu-
nity has propelled it into the
prestigious ranks of the coun-
Janaka Abeysinghe, Chief Executive Officer, and Harshana
try's most admired companies
Ranmuthugala, General Manager, Human Capital Management yet again.
of SLT accept the award on behalf of the company Additionally, the recogni-
tion also reflects SLT-
SLT-MOBITEL, the amongst the '10 Most Admired
MOBITEL's outstanding con-
National ICT Solutions Companies in Sri Lanka'
tribution to the telecommuni-
Provider, has once again been Awards 2022, organized by the
cations industry and signifi-
honoured by securing a spot Chartered Institute of
coinciding with World Animal Day
cant impact on the nation's
overall business landscape.
Janaka Abeysinghe, Chief
Executive Officer, and
Harshana Ranmuthugala,
General Manager, Human
Capital Management of SLT,
participated in the ceremony
and were proud recipients of
the award on behalf of the
company. Senior Management of SLIC addresses the media at the Petsurance product
The companies awarded launch. (L-R) Priyantha Perera, Chief Operating Officer – General Insurance,
the Top 10 rankings are those Ronald C Perera, PC – Chairman and Chandana L. Aluthgama – Chief Executive
that possess the most robust Officer Pic by Jude Denzil Pathiraja
reputations and serve as
Sri Lanka Insurance has introduced a sive costs. The company is aiming to
sources of inspiration for provide a safety net for pet owners,
novel product to the Sri Lanka insur-
other organizations and entre- allowing them to provide the best care
ance market named Petsurance. This
preneurs. They have demon-
product is being launched coinciding for their companion animals via this
strated their capability with insurance scheme.
with the World Animal Day. It is a com-
unwavering honesty, integrity, The initial stage of Petsurance will
prehensive insurance solution provided
and character, which are focus on pet dogs. It is expected to be
for pet owners to ensure financial pro-
important elements of a suc- extended to other animals if the ‘pet
tection for their pets given the need for
cessful business entity. project’ succeeds.
medical treatment expenses.
“Petsurance” offers medical insur- Chrishanti Perera, Founder President
ance coverage for sudden illnesses and of Randi Foundation – A Strong Voice

ComBank wins two top awards at Daraz sickness, except for congenital and pre-
existing conditions. It also provides cov-
erage for accidental injuries and it will
For Animal Welfare, was instrumental
in identifying the need for Pet
Insurance. Understanding the market

Payment Partner Awards 2023 cover a maximum of Rs. 550,000 a year.

Head of Commercial Bank’s Card Centre Nishantha
de Silva accepts the award in the presence of offi-
cials of Daraz Sri Lanka and Commercial Bank
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has
won two top awards at the 2023
Payment Partner Performance Awards
of Daraz, South Asia’s largest ecom-
merce platform.
Sri Lanka’s largest private sector
bank has been adjudged the ‘The Best
Engaging Overall Cards Base’ for the
fourth consecutive year and has also
been recognised as the Best Debit Card
Base at these awards, presented recent-
ly at the Shangri-La Hotel Colombo.
Commercial Bank was the only bank to
win two awards.
The award for Most Engaged Overall
Card Base is presented to the card base
that has generated the highest number
of shoppers engaged on the Daraz plat-
form. Commercial Bank is the only Sri
Lankan bank to win this award for four
years consecutively, demonstrating its
strong customer engagement and popu-
larity among Daraz shoppers.
Meanwhile the award for Best Debit
Card Base goes to the card base that
has generated the highest payment vol-
ume and transactions by a debit card
base. This award is a testament to the
growing popularity of ComBank debit
cards for online shopping, and the con-
venience and security that they offer to
customers, the Bank said.
This insurance cover would offer pet
owners access to medical attention for
their pets without the burden of exces-
Gen Z ‘will carry’ the deepest psychological
scars from inflation
-Bloomberg: The recent surge in inflation
may have left Gen Z permanently scarred
and afraid prices will rise, new research
shows, in findings that could complicate the
job of central bankers for years to come.
Having experienced double-digit price
growth for the first time, young people in the
UK are more likely to expect high inflation
to continue, Bloomberg analysis of Bank of
need for Pet Insurance Sri Lanka
Insurance developed this valuable prod-
uct “Petsurance” to enhance the welfare
of the pets of the country.
England data found. That spells difficulty for
policymakers who are trying to meet a 2%
inflation target by discouraging workers
from bidding up wages.
Inflation expectations have gone up a lot
among young people,” Michael Saunders,
senior adviser at Oxford Economics and a
former Bank of England rate-setter, said of
the British situation.
 Monday 9th October, 2023 Business News/ Advertorial
FACETS-2024 to showcase SL as most important
gemstone producing country in the world
30th edition of theellery
The Sri Lanka Gem and
gemindustry
and
represents
Jewellery Association (SLGJA) in
all subsectors
partnership with the National Gem
and Jewellery Authority (NGJA)
and the Export Development Board
(EDB) recently announced that
FACETS Sri Lanka, Asia's premier
gem and jewellery exhibition
would be held at the Atrium Lobby
of the Cinnamon Grand from
January 6 to 8, 2024.
Members of the head table pose for a photograph after they conclud- The SLGJA, formed in 2002, is
ed the press conference on the launch of FACETS 2024 the apex body for the gem and jew-
Page 9
in Sri Lanka and
jewellery
from across the globe.
of the exhibition will
Altaf Iqbal, ofThere
haveofa host showcased
Chairman new will be several Pavilions
atadditions
FACETS Sri Lanka
trade. Over the years FACETS Sri FACETS Sri Lanka said, “We are 2024 including the Premier Gem
Lanka has become an important excited to announce the 30th edi- Pavilion, Premier Jewellery
event in the international gem and tion of FACETS Sri Lanka in Pavilion, Sustainable Pavilion,
jewellery calendar and this year January of 2024. There will be a Sapphire Masterpiece Pavilion,
too, it will serve as a much looked- host of new additions to the show, Rough Stone Pavilion, Gem Lab
forward to meeting point for the such as the Sustainable Pavilion Pavilion, NGJA SME Pavilion, and
global gem and jewellery sector, and the Sapphire Masterpiece the SLGJA Gem and Jewellery
attracting prominent traders, gem- Pavilion, which are sure to add to Pavilion. The Premier Jewellery
stone and jewellery wholesalers, what is already an amazingly com- Pavilion will consist of prominent
exporters, manufacturers, lapi- prehensive gem and jewellery local jewellers, displaying their
darists, retailers, and collectors showcase.” gems and finely crafted jewellery.

Safeguarding children: College of Community

Physicians and Baby Cheramy join hands
I
njuries to children are pre-
ventable - and yet every 4
hours, a child dies in Sri
Lanka due to an injury, while
50 children die every week and
215 children die every month
due to preventable accidents.
The Sri Lanka College of
Community Physicians and
Baby Cheramy have jointly
taken on the mantle of high-
lighting the preventable nature
of accidents amongst children
through a series of innovative
activities. The partnership
aims to raise awareness of the
dangers that lurk in the envi-
ronment for children in an
attempt to reduce the rising
number of accidents.
In Sri Lanka, injuries have
been ranked among the first
five leading causes of death
amongst children, with the
leading causes being transport
accidents, drowning, falls,
burns, and poisoning. The
nature of injuries ranges from
external injuries, dog bites,
fractures, dislocations and so
Rise of SME women entrepreneurs evident at
Assetline workshop in Kurunegala
their ability to perform age-
appropriate everyday activities
over their lifetime, not to men-
tion the public funds amount-
ing to Rs. 1,100 Mn spent on
their medical treatment annu-
ally. The 10-14 age group
reflects the highest proportion
of accidents among children at
47%, followed by the 5-9 year-
olds, who account for 19% of
total accidents among chil-
dren.
Dr. Shiromi Maduwage, the
President of the College of
Community Physicians of Sri
Lanka said, “The College of
Community Physicians of Sri
From left - Dr. Kapila Jayaratne, President-elect of the College of Community Lanka is pleased to partner
Physicians of Sri Lanka, Dr. Chithramalee de Silva, Director - Maternal and
with Baby Cheramy, in a col-
Child Health , Family Health Bureau, Ministry of Health, Dr. Shiromi laboration to raise awareness
Maduwage, the President of the College of Community Physicians of Sri about the importance of injury
Lanka, Shiyan Jayaweera - Director Marketing – Hemas Consumer Brands, prevention amongst children,
Azmara Mannan- Marketing Manager Baby Care, Baby Cheramy and Hiran to reduce avoidable disabilities
Baptist – Brand Manager, Baby Cheramy and fatalities. Through this
collaboration, we will unveil a
on. 2,713 lives of children were morbidity, injured children series of impactful initiatives
lost due to road accidents in suffer from long-term disabili- dedicated to educating the pub-
the year 2022. Besides acute ty and chronic pain that limit lic on ways to always ensure
the safety of children.”
Standing from left: Christy Marcelline, Suren Galagoda, Nalin Welgama, Sunil De Silva,
Ivan Nicholas, Kennedy Michael, Joe Karunarathne and Chandana Divigalpitiya
Asia Corp Insurance Brokers enters into reinsurance
facilitator agreements with Sanasa Life Insurance
The premier insurance and reinsur- views emphasizing on the importance of
ance brokering company, Asia Corp reinsurance and commended the techni-
Insurance Brokers (Pvt.) Ltd., entered cal team of Asia Corp for using their
into reinsurance facilitator agreements expertise in formulating a proportional
with Sanasa Life Insurance Co. PLC on reinsurance treaty arrangement at a
13th September 2023. time many reinsurers were pulling out of
The signing ceremony held at ‘80 Club’ the country because of the prevailing
Colombo was led by Asia Corp Chairman crisis situation in Sri Lanka.
Sunil De Silva and Group Chairman of Ivan Nicholas, CEO Sanasa Life
Ideal Group of Companies, Nalin Insurance Co. PLC thanked the team of
Welgama where board of directors of Asia Corp for providing a solution to
both companies and many well-wishers their reinsurance requirement adding
were present. that it would help them tap corporate
The business leaders Sunil De Silva business and take the company into
and Nalin Welgama expressed their greater heights in the near future.
Melwa supporting SL motorcycle racers
to compete on international racing tracks
Janith
Sameera
Appuhamy
and Kushan
Chamod
Appuhamy
with the
motorcycles

‘Deshayata Jawayak’ by Assetline in Kurunegala. Participants pose for a photograph with AFL officials

Assetline Finance Limited, a finance
company licensed by the Central Bank of
Sri Lanka, recently conducted its
‘Deshayata Jawayak’ workshop on finan-
cial literacy and management for small
and medium-scale entrepreneurs for
developing SMEs to a sustainable future
in the Kurunegala District.
The Kurunegala programme which
was conducted by Chaminda Kumarasiri,
a chartered accountant, saw the partici-
pation of over 100 entrepreneurs of
which more than 50% were females. This
was extremely encouraging as Assetline
is committed to promoting female entre-
preneurship and their ‘Liya Diriya’ prod-
uct, focuses on the empowerment of
women.
The flagship of the David Pieris
Group financial services vertical,
Assetline Finance Limited has 55 branch-
es island-wide focusing on offering finan-
cial solutions for SMEs, Individuals and
corporate entities. This programme was
held in Matara and Batticaloa Districts
previously.
Melwa, Sri Lanka's premium steel
manufacturer has provided exclusive
sponsorships for the development of
motorcycle racing in Sri Lanka with the
objective of creating young and talented
motorcycle racers from Sri Lanka who
can reach greater heights at internation-
al level.
In line with the purpose, the company
took steps to supply high-speed motorcy-
cles for racing competitions to Janith
is over Rs. 10 million.
Kushan Chamod and Janith Sameera,
who participate in motorcycle racing
with the full sponsorships of Melwa,
have achieved many victories in the
recent past. Among them, Kushan
Chamod won the first place in the 600CC
category and the first place in the 1000CC
category in the racing events held at the
Katukurunda Race Track.
He also managed to win the first

Exterminators PLC enters into partnership Sameera Appuhamy and Kushan

Chamod Appuhamy, two motorcycle rac-
ers born in Negombo. The talented
places in the first and second rounds of
the 1000CC category in the event held at
the Mihirigama Race Track. In addition,

with Sentario UK Limited motorcycle racers have been provided

Exterminators PLC recently
entered a strategic partner-
ship with Sentario Pest
Management, a UK-based firm
specialising in preventive pest
management. This collabora-
tion marks a significant devel-
opment for Exterminators
PLC as it looks to enhance its
service standards and align
itself with internationally
recognised British and
European pest management
practices.
Sentario UK Limited is a
pest-tech and environmental
with three Japanese made high speed
motorcycles namely Honda CBR 1000CC,
he secured first place in the 600CC cate-
gory in the Eliyakanda tournament.
Janith Sameera won the fourth place in
enhancement technol- aims to adopt and versed in Sentario UK’s pest Honda CBR 600CC and Kawasaki 600CC. the first round and the third place in the
ogy company based in implement some of management standards and The value of these three motorcycles, second round in the 600CC category in
Watford, London, the most rigorous practices. By adhering to these which were imported from Japan exclu- the Mihirigama tournament. .
United Kingdom. The and highly compliant internationally recognised sively for motorcycle races in Sri Lanka,
company specialises pest management standards, Exterminators PLC
in offering effective practices in the will be better equipped to pro-
solutions for the man- world, further vide its customers with world-
agement and mitiga-
tion of pests utilising
innovative products,
improving its pest
management stan-
dards in Sri Lanka.
class pest management servic-
es. Sentario Pest Management
UK will provide training on
IDEA Awards 2023 picks
solutions, and digital
technologies powered
by artificial intelli-
Chaaminda
Ratnayaka,
Chairman of
As part of the part-
nership,
Exterminators PLC
preventive pest management
practices, technical expertise,
customer service, pest and
Phoenix as a finalist
gence. Through this Exterminators will undergo inten- sanitation and food safety Phoenix announces that two of its aries of creativity and innovation. The
franchising agree- PLC sive training to audits, reporting, and digital standout products, the FLAP folding FLAP folding chair, known for its versa-
ment, Exterminators PLC ensure its personnel are well- pest management. chair and the FLO modular cupboard tility and portability, caught the atten-
series have been selected as finalists for tion of the IDEA Awards jury with its
the IDEA Awards 2023. ingenious design that perfectly balances

CAKE Engineering evolves The IDEA (International Design

Excellence Awards) is an esteemed com-
petition that recognizes and celebrates
outstanding design across various indus-
functionality and aesthetics. On the
other hand, the FLO modular cupboard
series stood out for its customizable
nature, allowing users to reflect their

into Mad Mobile LK tries. It brings together designers, inno-

vators, and brands that push the bound-
unique personalities through color, size,
and configuration choices.

Mad Mobile Inc., an industry leader focused on

empowering industries with technology that
drives mobile experiences, announced the align-
ment of its Sri Lankan (SL) Operations as it tran-
sitions from CAKE Engineering to Mad Mobile
LK.
The alignment of brand represents a shift for
its SL Operations as it brings all its business units
under a single, unified identity and purpose,
where in addition to driving innovation for CAKE
POS, Mad Mobile LK will be supporting the orga-
nization’s entire product suite. Furthermore, it
marks a significant milestone in the evolution of
its SL Operations, as it continues to reinvent
itself, taking a fresh and forward-looking
approach to the market.
“This is the first step to leveraging the strength
of the Mad Mobile brand and becoming the most
trusted, and most innovative organization in our
industry,” said Nishan de Silva Wijeyeratne,
Senior Manager, Branding and Communications
at Mad Mobile. “This evolution is not just a cos-
From left: Nishan de Silva Wijeyeratne,
Senior Manager – Branding and
Communications, Mad Mobile and
Seshan Gunatilaka, Country Head and
Vice President of Delivery, Mad Mobile
metic one – we have taken this as an opportunity
to realign our entire SL Operations, giving us the
perfect platform to challenge, disrupt and reimag-
ine the future – striving to be better at everything
we do, every day.”
Commenting on the business alignment,
Bruce Bennett, Chief Executive Officer at Mad
Mobile said, “Sri Lanka is a global hub for engi-
neering talent and resources - we are extremely
proud to add to a thriving industry in Sri Lanka
and excited about this next phase in our organiza-
tion’s growth trajectory.”
In 2020, Mad Mobile Inc. acquired the Sri
Lanka-based restaurant technology company,
CAKE, to accelerate its vision and deliver a next-
gen POS solution featuring modern architecture
and mobile capabilities. “The last three years
have been a turning point for the Sri Lankan
Operations,” says Seshan Gunatilaka, Country
Head and Vice President of Delivery at Mad
Mobile. “We have evolved our focus to a customer
experience technology company, constantly chal-
lenging ourselves to push for new answers. With
this change, we now look forward to the next chap-
ter of our journey, continuing to pioneer technolo-
gies that help change the future.”
Player in the hotel supplies industry
marks 15 years in business
The Legends Hotel Supplies
Pvt. Ltd, the leading supplier of
all kinds of hotel, catering
equipment and utensil to HORE-
CA industry, recently celebrated
15 years in business. The
Company was founded in Sri
Lanka in 2008, with the prime
objective of catering to the Food
service industry in Sri Lanka, Dinesh
Maldives and Seychelles.
Karunaratne
Today Legends has become a
pioneer in supplying brand as well as
quality products in the market. They
were appointed as an official distributor
by world’s renowned brands catering for
the needs of the HORECA industry. 75%
of the products Imported from USA,
Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland,
Germany, Turkey representing
brands such as Angelo-Po,
Blanco, Robot-Coupe, Hamilton
Beach, Chilewich, EuroChef,
Victorinox Cambro, Rubbermaid
Grandimpianti and many more.
This allows Legends to cater to
any food service industry with the
best products.
“We are proud to be a market
leader in the industry having won
the trust of our customers. We have been
able to do so by dedicating ourselves to
provide the best products and service to
them”, Legend’s CEO and Executive
Director, Dinesh Karunaratne says.
10 Monday 9th october, 2023

Sudoku No. 5510

Date: 09-10-2023

Aries: You are likely to go on short trips in

connection with your kid’s academics.
You may be able to do difficult tasks, in an
easy way. You may spend on buying
some artefacts, or household stuff, which
will improve your lifestyle. You may also
spend on your friends and family members. Singles
may find a soul mate, while love birds may enjoy their
happy moments.
Andy Capp By Reg Henry Scargelli
Taurus: Some sort of negativity may be
noticed around you. It is advised to con-
trol your way of speaking, as harsh
speaking can create problems around
you. You may deny any suggestion
given by your well-wisher. However, by
late evening, things may be under con-

Solution to No. 5509 trol.

Gemini: You are likely to be more emo-

No knowledge of arithmetic
is required to enjoy this. All
you need is a logical mind,
a pencil and an eraser. Try
it. Suffer its torture.
Discover its ecstasy. It's a
mind game you will solve
with reasoning and logic.
The rules are very simple.
Fill in the grid with numbers
so that every row, every col-
umn and every small 3x3
box contains the numbers 1
to 9. Each number has its
allotted place if you look
hard enough. No number
should be repeated in any
row, column or 3x3 box.
Here's an easy one to try -
See tomorrow's Island for
solution.
KaKuro 4747
Wizard of Id
Mother Goose & Grimm
tional in family-related issues. You may
perform well at work, and you are likely
to complete your task on time, which
may boost your confidence. Your inner
self may help you to take difficult deci-
sions, in terms of business growth.
By Parker and Hart
Cancer: You are likely to meet some
adviser or to get some direction, which
may help you to invest your savings into
better options, which may boost your
financial health. You may find yourself
more polite with others, which may
increase your respect among people
around you.
Leo: You may be confident. You may
enjoy your work, which may speed up
your current project. You may feel
healthy. Your desire may come true.
People around you will take help from
you to solve their problems, which may
increase your prestige in society.
By Mike Virgo: You may feel dull and may face
some health issues, which may affect
your daily routine. You are advised to
keep eyes open. You may be confused in
taking right decisions. It is advised that
you should not take any financial deci-
sions, related to your business. Keep
patience and avoid hurry.

Libra: You are likely to take the right

decision in making investments. Your
past investments may also give you prof-
it. You are likely to start working on a new
project which will give you benefits, in the
long term. You may increase your net-
work to improve your social status.

Scorpio: Today you may be busy at

work. Your focus towards your goal is
now clear, which may help you to com-
Mutt & Jeff plete your task, before the deadline,
and with perfection. You may also enjoy
your happy moments with the family.
Singles are likely to find their soul mate.
You may plan to renovate your house or
office, which may enhance your status.

Solution 4746 Sagittarius: With the help of the

elder’s blessings, you may come out
of last week’s messy situation. You
may observe some progress in your
life. Your spiritual power may help you
to take right decisions. Your financial
status may improve.

Capricorn: Today you will be a victim

of negative thoughts. Impatient nature
and arrogance will push you back from
Pickles taking tough decisions. You will need
the blessing of your elders, which will
help you to grow into your work front.

Aquarius: You may expect to hear some

good news, in terms of your profession.
Domestic life may be in full swings of joy.
You are advised to avoid arguing on
worthless topics connected with family
issues. You can take important decisions
in making investments in assets.
Students may be focused in their studies.

Pisces: Today is good for your work, You

may perform well at work. Your seniors
How to play: Fill in the blank squares, using 1 to 9, without repeating may give you some responsibility in terms
any number in any line. The lines must be filled in with numbers that of promotions.You may be in a winning
add up to the total in the shaded box at the top or beginning of each position in some litigation. You are likely to
line. A number in the bottom half of the shaded box is the down- meet an investment consultant connected
with your kids’ future.
ward total; in the top half, it’s the horizontal total.

Ed Sheeran scores seventh straight Daily Island Crossword No. 4335

number one album with Autumn Variations
Ed Sheeran has secured his
seventh straight UK number
one album with the seasonally-
fitting Autumn Variations.
It means all of the singer's
albums, from his 2011 debut + to
his latest collection, have
reached the summit.
But he said the latest
achievement "means more than
any other award I've had" as this
is the first time he's released an
album on his own label.
Autumn Variations, a collab-
oration with The National's
Aaron Dessner, is the star's sec-
ond album of 2023.
As with its predecessor, -
(Subtract), it finds Sheeran in
reflective mode, surveying the
Across
07 Technician (6)
06 Ball game (8)
12 Minor (8)
08 Adopt (6) 14 Lithesome (7)
09 Cornet (4) 16 Journey taken for pleasure (6)
10 Type of kiln (8) 18 Drink made of beer and lemonade (6)
19 Macho-man (2-3)
11 Go away or leave immediately (4,3)
13 Three (5) 22 Believed (4)
15 Accessory (3-2)
Crossword No. 4334
17 Browned in deep fat (7)
20 Horses trained to trot (8)
Ed Sheeran: CEO of 21 Causing a dull and steady pain (4)
Gingerbread Records and
23 Idi Amin’s country in Africa (6)
hitmaker 24 Centre (6)
personal crises and upheavals Down
his friends went through in 2022. 01 The basic unit of money in Uruguay (4)
The 32-year-old said the
02 Curtain fabric. (6)
record was loosely inspired by
Edward Elgar, whose 1899 03 Recite extravagantly (4,3)
Enigma Variations also featured 04 Nuclear weapon (1 -4)
14 sketches of his wife, friends 05 Deal maker (6)
and colleagues. (BBC)

Sri Lanka suffer heavy defeat
after records tumble
Dasun Shanaka may have saved his place with a much-needed half-century.
'Irish top pool in
style to set up
biggest challenge yet'
Andy Farrell and Johnny Sexton will lead Ireland's efforts to avenge their 2019 World Cup
quarter-final exit to New Zealand.
T
his time, there was to be no heart-
stopping climax at the Stade de
France.
Two weeks ago, the rugby world was
gripped right to the end as Ireland
edged past holders South Africa in a
heavyweight World Cup showdown that
lit up the tournament.
On Saturday, however, the world's
number one side thought better of giv-
ing their fans another nail-biting con-
clusion as they dispatched Scotland
from the competition on another night
of Irish joy in the French capital.
Ireland wasted no time dismantling
Scottish hopes.
With barely a minute on the clock,
and with the first rendition of the
Fields of Athenry being belted out of
Irish lungs, Garry Ringrose sliced
through the Scotland defence, launch-
ing a move that finished with the now-
familiar sight of James Lowe diving
over in the corner.
Watching from his vantage point
high up in the stadium, Andy Farrell
punched the air. It was precisely the
start he was after.
Scotland's response was swift, spirit-
ed but ultimately insufficient. They
spent healthy periods of the opening 20
minutes deep inside Irish territory but
had nothing to show for their enter-
prise, while the injury-enforced depar-
tures of Blair Kinghorn and captain
Jamie Ritchie further dented their
hopes.
The Island
In stark contrast, Ireland were
breathtakingly clinical. They crafted
opportunities and executed, masterfully
assembling yet another reel that show-
cased their ability to overwhelm oppo-
nents.
By the time the green shirts gleefully
bounced down the tunnel at half-time, a
Hugo Keenan double and a score from
Iain Henderson had Irish fans dreaming
of a reunion with the All Blacks as
Scotland were ushered out of the pool-
stage exit door for the third time in the
past four tournaments.
A week off spent healing the bruises
from the immensely physical fixture
with the Springboks clearly benefited
Ireland. They were sharp, fresh and
found the gaps in the Scottish defence
with alarming ease. Gregor Townsend
remarked post-match that it was the
best he had seen Ireland play. It is a
high bar, but you could see why he said
it.
As former Ireland flanker Chris
Henry put it on BBC Radio Ulster, at
times it seemed like Farrell's side were
playing with two or three more players
on the pitch.
The reality is they were just far supe-
rior in every department as they put the
finishing touches on an impressive body
of pool-stage work, the key numbers of
which include:
19 points from four games, their best-
ever return in the pool stages
26 tries in those matches, more than
SPORTS
they have managed at any other tourna-
ment
190 points scored, easily eclipsing
their previous pool best (141 in 2003)
Some of the bigger-picture numbers
are worth bringing up again. It is now
29 wins in 31 Tests, 17 wins in a row and
nine on the trot against Scotland.
Wherever you look, this Ireland team
are putting up some serious numbers.
By the end of it all, as Zombie once
again reverberated hauntingly through
the Stade de France, the Scotland play-
ers looked drained. For them, it was
Yokohama all over again.
Ireland, however, move into the
biggest week this group has had under
Farrell's leadership. Four years ago,
they were outclassed by a rampant New
Zealand side, a defeat that signalled the
end of the Joe Schmidt era and laid
bare the gulf between Ireland and the
elite of world rugby.
That gulf no longer exists. The Irish
now have the psychological edge of hav-
ing won a Test series against the All
Blacks last year and also came out on
top when the sides met in Dublin in
November 2021.
The All Blacks are, however, the last
side to have beaten Ireland, in last sum-
mer's first Test. Ireland have been
unstoppable since, but while New
Zealand were wounded by France in the
tournament opener, they scored 25 tries
in their past two games in Pool A.
They appear to be peaking at the
right time. Combine that with the desire
to avenge a series defeat on home soil
and they are a frightening prospect for
anyone. However you look at it, it is
shaping up to be another box office
offering under the lights in Paris.
"[The All Blacks] have already said
it's one that they want and when they're
hurting and they want to put it right,
that's the biggest challenge in rugby, to
try and beat them when they're in that
frame of mind," said Ireland captain
Johnny Sexton.
"Two teams will both be under pres-
sure for different reasons. And it will be
who copes with that the best and who
can put their game out there on the
biggest day when the pressure is on."
Farrell now enters the biggest week
of his reign. Saturday's quarter-final
represents the opportunity to do what
his predecessor could not and topple the
All Blacks on rugby's biggest stage.
It is a monumental challenge but
there is more than enough evidence
over the past couple of years to suggest
this Ireland can succeed where they
have so often failed.
"New Zealand are a fantastic side,"
said Farrell, who hopes to become the
first coach to lead Ireland to the World
Cup semi-finals.
"But for little old Ireland to be talked
about in the same bracket shows how
far we have come as a rugby nation.
"Our respect for them is through the
roof, their form is top drawer at the
moment.
"They will be relishing this fixture to
try and put a few things right." (bbc)
Rex Clementine in Delhi
S
ome serious questions were asked
last night in Delhi as to how Sri
Lanka will fare in this ICC Cricket
World Cup after South Africa posted a
record 428 for five and then bowled them
out to post a comprehensive 102 run win
here in a one-sided game.
On a newly laid pitch and an outfield
that was electric, the ball was flying and
Sri Lanka simply didn’t have answers to
stop the run flow as South Africa posted
the highest total ever recorded in the histo-
ry of World Cups.
The Proteas broke Australia’s record of
417 for five made against Afghanistan in
2015. It’s also the highest total in Delhi
with the previous highest being the 330 for
eight made by the West Indies in 2011.
Sri Lanka bowlers were at the receiving
end yes, but if the condition in the tourna-
ment so far is anything to go by, we are
going to see the 400-barrier broken on a
few more occasions as well as wickets are
tailor-made for the batters.
Three South Africans helped them to
centuries. While Quinton de Kock and
Rassie van der Dussen scored hundreds
and shared a 204-run partnership for the
second wicket, it was Aiden Markram bat-
ting at number four who took the game
Scorecard
South Africa innings
Quinton de Kock c de Silva b Pathirana 100
Temba Bavuma lbw b Madushanka 8 Kusal Perera b Jansen
Rassie van der Dussen c Sadeera b Wellalage108
Aiden Markram c Rajitha b Madushanka 106
Heinrich Klassen c Shanaka b Rajitha 32
David Miller not out 39
Marco Jansen not out 12
Extras: (lb 1, w 21, nb 1) 23
Total: (for five wickets) 428
Fall of wickets:
1-10 (Bavuma), 2-214 (de Kock), 3-264 (van der
Dussen), 4-342 (Klassen), 5-383 (Markram).
Did not bat: Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada,
Keshav Maharaj and Lungi Ngidi.
Bowling: Kasun Rajitha 10-1-90-1 (w 2), Dilshan
Madushanka 10-0-86-2 (w 3) (nb 1), Dasun
Shanaka 6-0-36-0, Dhananjaya de Silva 4-0-39-0 (w
1), Matheesha Pathirana 10-0-95-1 (w 13), Dunith
Wellalage 10-0-81-1 (w 2)
Memorable moments of
Hangzhou Asian Games
HANGZHOU, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- With
Hangzhou Asian Games drawing to a close,
some moments will be remembered by people
from across the world for years to come.
On the closing day of the sporting gala,
Xinhua reviews some of the most significant
moments.
At the spectacular opening ceremony of
the Asian Games on September 23, for the
first time a digital torchbearer played a role
in igniting the cauldron. Often referred to as
China's tech hub, Hangzhou emphasized the
"Smart" theme of the Asian Games, involving
millions in a digital torch relay.
During the opening ceremony, a digitally-
animated figure, symbolizing these torchbear-
ers, traversed the iconic Qiantang River,
before lighting the wave-shaped cauldron
alongside China's Olympic swimming cham-
pion Wang Shun.
Tears for a rival
China's swimming star Zhang Yufei had
every reason to smile at the Hangzhou Asiad,
after clinching six gold medals. But she shed
tears after 23-year-old Rikako Ikee took the
bronze medal in the Women's 50m Butterfly.
Japan's Ikee had dazzled the world by grab-
bing six gold medals at Jakarta 2018, before a
devastating leukemia diagnosis threatened to
put her promising career to an end. But she
embarked on a courageous battle against the
illness and made a triumphant return to the
pool.
At the World Championships earlier this
year, Zhang showed Ikee the words she wrote
on her palm: "Be the best of yourself." In
Hangzhou, seeing her rival-friend once again
demonstrate her capacity in the pool, a tear-
Oksana Chusovitina of Uzbekistan competes during to a daunting 52-0 in just 16 minutes.
the Women's Vault final at Hangzhou Asian Games,
Sept. 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Monday 9th October, 2023
11
away from Sri Lanka scoring the fastest
hundred in the World Cups getting there in
49 balls. Kevin O’Brien had reached the
milestone in 50 balls against England in
Bangalore in 2011.
Sri Lanka were not shaken up by the
hammering. Kusal Mendis put up a splen-
did show and was backed up by Charith
Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka, who posted
half-centuries.
Marco Jansen cleaned up Pathum
Nissanka with an inswinger and then
Mendis walked in and carted the South
African quicks to all over Feroz Shah Kotla
Stadium.
The Sri Lankan vice-captain reached
his half-century in 25 balls with three fours
and six sixes and Kusal Perera, the aggres-
sive batsman in the side was a mere specta-
tor. In fact, during their 66-run stand for
the second wicket, Perera contributed a
mere seven in 15 balls.
Kagiso Rabada eventually had Mendis
caught behind much to the relief of his
team. He departed for a fabulous 76 that
came off 42 balls with four fours and eight
sixes.
Charith Asalanka went onto top score
with 79 off 65 balls with eight fours and
four sixes while captain Dasun Shanaka
may have saved his place with a much-
needed half-century.
Sri Lanka innings
Pathum Nissanka b Jansen 0
7
Kusal Mendis c Klassen b Rabada 76
Sadeera Samarawickrama c Jansen b Coetzee 23
Charith Asalanka c sub b Ngidi 79
Dhananjaya de Silva c Bavuma b Maharaj 11
Dasun Shanaka b Maharaj 68
Dunith Wellalage c Klassen b Coetzee 0
Kasun Rajitha c Markram b Coetzee 33
Matheesha Pathirana b Rabada 5
Dilshan Madushanka not out 4
Extras: (lb 5, w 14, nb 1) 20
Total: (all out) 326
Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Nissanka), 2-67 (Perera), 3-
109 (Mendis), 4-111 (Sadeera), 5-150 (de Silva), 6-
232 (Asalanka), 7-233 (Wellalage), 8-291
(Shanaka), 9-322 (Rajitha).
Bowling: Lungi Ngidi 8-1-49-1 (w 2), Marco Jansen
10-0-92-2 (w 3), Kagiso Rabada 7.5-0-50-2 (nb 1)
(w 2), Keshav Maharaj 10-0-62-2 (w 6), Gerald
Coetzee 9-0-68-3 (w 1).
ful Zhang ran over to embrace her with heart-
felt congratulations.
Applause for legendary athlete defying age
Discussing athletes who could be
described as "legendary", Oksana Chusovitina
of Uzbekistan is definitely one of them. The
48-year-old has won eight Asian Games
medals, including two golds. As long ago as
1992, she represented the Unified Team of the
former Soviet Union at the Olympics to grab
the Women's Team gold medal.
In 2002, when Chusovitina's son was diag-
nosed with leukemia, she acquired German
citizenship to compete at global events for a
higher income and better medical treatment.
Now that her son has recovered, Chusovitina
is continuing her Gymnastics journey out of
love for the sport.
Although she narrowly missed out on a
medal in Hangzhou by a mere 0.15 points in
the Women's Vault, she was greeted by thun-
derous applause from spectators. She now has
her sights on the 2024 Paris Olympics. "I love
Gymnastics, and this profession brings me
great joy," she said. "I'm just doing what I love,
so why should I stop?"
Sharing glory with late coach
"Did you see? I've done it," China's sprinter
Ge Manqi murmured tearfully after claiming
the Women's 100m title at Hangzhou Asian
Games. She dedicated the medal to her late
coach Liu Zhaoxu.
Ge, 25, had been coached since she was 13
by Liu, whom she deemed as "half a father"
and accompanied her through ups and downs.
Liu died last November due to illness, but Ge
still remembered her promise of winning the
Asiad gold.
Another of Liu's charges, Lin
Yuwei, was crowned in the Women's
100m Hurdles and also paid tribute to
him after winning. The song played at
the stadium following the competition,
"Brightest star in the night sky", could
best describe how the pair felt:
"Whenever I get lost in the darkness of
night, you light for me the road ahead."
Victory of a defeated team
As Afghanistan's Rugby Sevens
team took on their opponents in the
Asiad arena, they appeared out-
matched, watching the scoreboard soar
However, for the team, who finished
12th in the event, merely stepping onto
the Asiad court was a victory in itself.
 Monday 9th October, 2023
A hat-trick from
Mateo Carreras carried
Argentina into a World
Cup quarter-final with
While batting
Wales as they beat
Japan in their winner-
takes-all Pool D match.
Whichever side won
in Nantes would take
second in the group
clicks, Sri Lankan
behind England.
And it is Argentina
who have booked a date
with the Welsh in
Marseille on 14 October
after a pulsating
bowling now
encounter in which the
momentum swung
throughout.
Newcastle Falcons
wing Carreras was key
for the Pumas, with a
becomes a
trio of brilliantly taken
tries.
Argentina, who lost
to England in their
opening match of the
World Cup, have now
won three games in a
concern
row heading into the
knock-out stages.
"We like to be a fight-
ing team
Pumas set
and we
fight for
every-
thing, but
the
up Wales
resilience
of this
team is
what
makes the
quarter-final
difference
here,"
Matheesha Pathirana made his World Cup debut in Delhi and struggled against South African batters. Argentina
captain
R ex C lementine in Delhi pitches, but how are they going to control guys whom you had picked for the opening
Julian
the run flow if they have any hope of mak- game.
with
Montoya
ing it to the semis? Playing their first World Cup, Dunith
I
t was Sri Lanka’s batting that remained
said.
a concern lead up to the World Cup as Semis at this stage looks a long shot, but Wellalage and Matheesha Pathirana, both
there’s no harm in aiming higher. Sri 20-year-olds, came into the competition Beaten
the bowling had done reasonably well.
Lanka at least should look at seventh posi- with much hype, but South African batters captain
From the slow turners at home to the flat
decks at the World Cup, more than a few tion finish, which means they need to beat showed that they are not yet the finished Kazuki
thrilling win
chink in Sri Lanka’s armour have been Bangladesh, Afghanistan and products. Himeno
found out during the run fest in Delhi. Netherlands.There’s nothing much you can They need to be persevered with. These said he
Records tumbled as Sri Lanka took a do with the bowling. The skill levels of our two youngsters are the future of the team, was "real-
severe beating and the former champions bowlers are not up to the mark and on and they are well grounded as well and ly proud
are badly missing Dushmantha Chameera, good batting surfaces they will be found like Pathum Nissanka and Charith of the
Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh out. Asalanka they will go a long way. boys" and
Theekshana. You do have Lahiru Kumara and Dushan Kusal Janith Perera cut a poor figure the effort they put into
Injuries of course beyond the team man- Hemantha as backups and they wouldn’t during the run chase in Delhi and Sri the match.
agement’s control, but they need to figure have fared any better on that Delhi belter. Lanka will be hoping that he comes good "We are disappointed
out a few things. You just need to hope that Theekshana is in Hyderabad as he is such an important about the result," the
Batting will be taken care of on these available for the next game and back the member of the squad. Japan number eight
added. "The fans' sup-
port is appreciated as it
has been huge for us.
Sri Lanka to face Saudi Arabia today
"We have tried to
climb up the Mount
Everest summit.
However, the legacy and
the culture of Japanese
Dialog powers the Central Asian Men’s Volleyball Challenge Cup Colombo 2023 rugby will continue
from now on."
Brave Blossoms and
Pumas trade blows in
thriller
In a game with so
much on the line,
Argentina drew first
blood inside the first
two minutes as Japan
came out the blocks
slugglishly. Following a
driving maul, a short
pass to Santiago
Chocobares saw him
break the Brave
Blossoms defence too
easily to score his first
international try.
This woke Japan up
and they responded well
to the early setback.
Naoto Saito's clever box
kick over his own head
could have been part of
World Cup legend had it
resulted in a try, but the
(Standing from left) Shehan Sagar, Sri Parath, Mahela Indeewara, Shanuka Perera, Ayesh Dilhan, Wasantha Lakmal, Tharindu Lakmal, Shehan Lakshitha, Ruchira scrum-half knocked on
Sampath. (Front row from left) Maleesha Ravishan, Deepthi Romesh (Captain), Susiri Mangala (Assistant Coach), Channa Jayasekara (Coach) Nishan Indika at a subsequent ruck as
(Assistant Coach), Lasindu Methmal (Vice Captain), Manoj Suranga. Argentina stood firm -
for now.
Sri Lanka’s premier the year 2021, where the As the principal sponsor, Dialog Axiata
The move from which
connectivity provider, Sri Lankan National PLC has made arrangements to telecast the
Japan drew level was
Dialog Axiata PLC has Men’s Volleyball team tournament action in HD LIVE on Dialog TV
equally eye-catching.
come forward to power powered by Dialog Channel 126, ThePapare.com and the Dialog
Second row Amato
the Central Asian Men’s Axiata PLC emerged as ViU mobile app in the interest of all sup-
Volleyball Challenge Cup champions. porters, well-wishers and the volleyball-lov- Fakatava was lurking
out on the left wing, and
Colombo 2023 which will Sri Lankan spikers ing public.
be held from October 9 to will face off Saudi Dialog Axiata PLC is the proud sponsor of when he chipped ahead
his kick bounced per-
15 at Sugathadasa Indoor Arabia in their opening the Sri Lanka National Volleyball, Netball
fectly for him to regath-
Stadium, Colombo and game today and will go and Esports teams. The Company also has a
er at pace and score a
this is the first interna- on to play Nepal on close association with the President’s Gold
tional volleyball tourna- October 10, Uzbekistan Cup Volleyball, National Junior and Senior try any back in the
ment to be held in Sri on October 11, Netball tourneys, Schools Rugby, Sri Lanka world would be proud of.
Lanka in 2023. Afghanistan on October Golf Open and Paralympic sports by power- Argentina were under
The Tournament is 13, and Bangladesh on ing the Army Para Games, National Para the cosh, but the pres-
conducted for the 2nd time, and the inaugu- October 14. The grand final will be battled Games and the Sri Lankan contingent to the sure eased when Japan's
ral tournament was held in Bangladesh in out on October 15. World Paralympic Games.
Published by Upali Newspapers (Private) Limited, 223, Bloemendhal Road, Colombo 13 and Printed at 195/187, High Level Road, Homagama on Monday 9th October, 2023
Pieter Labuschagne was
sin-binned for a high
tackle.
As the momentum
swung this way and
that, the Pumas scored
on the counter after
Marcos Kremer blocked
a Rikiya Matsuda drop-
goal attempt with his
face. Full-back Juan
Cruz Mallia brilliantly
claimed a high kick and
passed to Carreras, who
shot over the line.
But with Emiliano
Boffelli struggling with
his kicking in the first
half, Japan were able to
strike back and reduce
the deficit to one point
with a Saito try after
Siosaia Fifita - the only
change to the starting
XV from the win over
Samoa - broke clear.
Carreras quality
wins the day
Carreras' sizzling left-
foot step rendered the
final Japan defender
helpless after 46 min-
utes, as he
crossed to
once again
extend the
advantage.
But
Japan
refused to
be beaten in
a thrilling
pool game
which had
all the
atmosphere
and intensi-
ty of a
knock-out
match, and
which was
out of keep-
ing with
many of the
predictable
encounters
seen so far
at this open-
ing stage in
France.
Lomano Lemeki's
audacious drop-goal for
Japan from near the
halfway line, which
reduced the advantage
to two points, encapsu-
lated the cavalier spirit
and flair with which
both sides played.
But Argentina ulti-
mately had more to offer
in attack, demonstrated
by Mallia and Boffelli
combining for the latter
to cross in the right cor-
ner for the fourth South
American try.
Japan again came
back, their third try
touched down in the cor-
ner by replacement Jone
Naikabula - but
Newcastle's Carreras
would not be denied as
he bounced off tacklers
to secure his hat-trick,
and Argentina's last-
eight berth.
It brings to an end
Japan coach Jamie
Joseph's spell in charge,
during which time he
has led them to unchart-
ed waters, including a
knock-out place at the
2019 World Cup.
"As a coach you can-
not ask for much more
from the players, they
gave everything," he
said.
"All of my blokes are
breaking down crying.
There was some soft
moments for us so that
is the hurting part. But
it will all go away with
in time.
"I'm just the guy who
gets them all together.
In really tough and diffi-
cult circumstances,
they've been able to get
from the 2019 World Cup
to a stage where they
can be proud of in this
World Cup."