SRI LANKA’S NATIONAL NEWSPAPER I SINCE 1918

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2024 I 20 PAGES I VOLUME - 106 - NO 38 I RS. 70.00 I REGISTERED AS A NEWSPAPER IN SRI LANKA I LATE CITY 

Female cashier
PAGE
06 SL EMBRACES shot by two
gunmen during
INDIAN TOURISTS WITH Meegoda robbery
UPI TRANSACTIONS
VIA LANKAQR
A RARE CHANCE TO UP TO 400,000
BOLSTER INDO-LANKAN BUSINESS OWNERS
HOWZAT! ECONOMIC TIES
EMERGES
SET TO REAP
BENEFITS
CCTV footage of the gunmen in the shop.
VARUNA DAYARATNE

‘KAPTAAN’
Two gunmen who had arrived on a motorcycle to rob
a shop at the Meegoda Economic Centre had opened fire
and injured a woman employee early yesterday morning

BOWLS A YORKER (12) and fled.

The two armed individuals, upon arriving at the shop

FROM PRISON IN PAGE from the Dampe Beruketiya road, first asked for the shop
owner and had then assaulted a male worker at the shop.

PAKISTAN POLLS 09
The gunmen had then asked the 23-year-old woman
employed at the shop as a cashier to open the cash locker
and when she said that she didn’t have the key, had shot her,
according to Police and eyewitnesses. TO PAGE 02

Prisoners to be
trained in
industries for
gainful
employment
after jail
The Government yesterday launched
a programme to establish industries
in all prisons, with the aim of making
inmates more productive in society
after their release from prison.
A Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) was signed between the Pris-
ons Department and the Industrial
Development Board (IDB) at the Jus-
tice Ministry yesterday (12) to estab-
lish industries in all prisons.
Through the MoU, entrepreneurs
and industrialists will have more
opportunities to establish industries
in all the prisons and the IDB and the
Prisons Department will offer certifi-
cates to the inmates who are trained in
the industries. TO PAGE 02
MP Amarakeerthi
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry PC, State
Minister for Technology Kanaka Herath, President’s Senior Advisor on Athukorala’s murder case
National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka,
President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Secretary of the Ministry of
Mass Media Anusha Palpita and other officials at the virtual launch.
Consent not sought
In a ground-breaking move aimed at enhancing the convenience and
security of digital payments for Indian tourists in Sri Lanka, a virtual
in granting bail for
launch event marked the introduction of Unified Payments Interface
(UPI) transactions through LankaQR yesterday (12).
The initiative, spearheaded by a collaboration between NPCI Inter-
accused, AG tells SC
national Payments Limited (NIPL) and LankaPay (Pvt) Ltd, promises NELKA MEDAGEDARA and
to revolutionize the tourist experience by providing a seamless pay- LAHIRU FERNANDO
ment solution. President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Indian Prime Minister The Attorney General (AG) yesterday informed the
The partnership between India and Sri Lanka, further solidified Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Jug- Supreme Court (SC) that the decision by the Trial-at-Bar
during the President’s visit to India in July 2023, paved the way for nauth and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, of the Gampaha High Court to release 37 accused of
innovative bilateral initiatives. TO PAGE 02 at the virtual launch. Parliamentarian Amarakeerthi Athukorala and his PSO’s
murder case, on bail, is against the law, as the Court
has not sought the consent of the Attorney General to
Business and financial community welcomes UPI launch
DHARMA SRI ABEYRATNE LankaQR for Indian tourists in Sri Lanka it can revolutionize the tourist experi-
release them.
Deputy Solicitor General (DSG) Janaka Bandara rep-
resenting the AG stated this when the appeal filed by the
Business leaders and authorities in at a time when digital payments are ence by providing a seamless payment AG against this decision was taken up for hearing before
the financial sector yesterday welcomed witnessing a surge in adoption within solution. The Sri Lankan business com- Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Yasantha Kodagoda,
the introduction of the Unified Payments the country. munity, regardless of the scale of the PC and Mahinda Samayawardhena yesterday.
Interface (UPI) transactions through Commenting on the launch, they said business, TO PAGE 02 The DSG pointed out that the High Court has released
the accused only referring to the Bail Act. But, the con-
sent of the AG is compulsory to bail the accused in such
a criminal case. TO PAGE 02

State Minister Sanath Nishantha’s death by accident
Container driver
cannot recall other vehicle
trying to overtake at the
time of collission
VARUNA DAYARATNE, GAYAN KUMARA
WEERASINGHE and RAKSHANA SRIYANTHA
Statements have been recorded yester-
day (12) from the driver of the container
truck which collided with the vehicle of
former State Minister Sanath Nishantha,
1989 murder of CEB engineer
Convict nabbed after
34 years to be treated
as appellant
NIMANTHI RANASINGHE and
for a period of about five hours. The state-
B.K. KATHRIARACHCHI
ments were recorded from the container
driver in question by the Criminal Inves- Homagama High Court Judge
tigation Department’s (CID’s) Homicide Nimal Ranaweera yesterday
and Organized Crime Investigation Divi- ordered the Prisons Superinten-
sion. TO PAGE 02 dent to keep the woman who was
arrested on Sunday, after being in
hiding for 34 years, following her
being sentenced to death for aid-

MARATHON WORLD RECORD HOLDER

ing and abetting in the murder of Murdered CEB Convicted woman
Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Engineer A.W. Kamani

KELVIN KIPTUM DIES

engineer W. Amarasiri, in jail as W. Amarasiri Champika
a suspect who has filed an appeal.
The convicted woman is A.W. High Court by prison officials yes-
Kamani Champika, a 66-year-old terday.

IN ROAD ACCIDENT
The Kenyan who set the world record of 2:00:35 at the
2023 Chicago Marathon, died alongside his coach on Sunday,
February 11.
The tragic news has sent shockwaves around the athletics
world with tributes pouring in from across the globe.
Men’s Marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum has died in
a tragic road accident in his home country of Kenya on Sunday.
TO PAGE 02
mother of one, who earlier had been In this case, the second accused
working at the CEB as a typist. The and her husband, who is the first
woman who is the second accused accused, had been tried in absen-
in this case was arrested by the tia and were sentenced to death in
Criminal Investigation Department 2019.
(CID) and was ordered to be kept in Since the accused woman had
custody until yesterday (12), after filed an appeal against the High
being presented to the Homagama Court’s judgement, the High Court
Magistrate’s Court on Sunday. Judge ordered the prison authorities
Accordingly, the High Court Judge to keep her in prison as a person
issued this order when the woman who has filed an appeal against the
was presented to the Homagama verdict. TO PAGE 02

SJB’s Marikkar takes swipe at NPP’s India visit

RAKSHANA SRIYANTHA
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP S.M.
Marikkar yesterday took a swipe at the JVP-led
National People’s Power (NPP) noting that it was
strange to see a political party which earlier shouted
hoarse about a so-calledIndian expansionism engag-
ing in an official visit to that country.
On a sarcastic note Marikkar said, “We are happy
to see a group which shouted about an Indian expan-
sionism, started an insurrection in 1971, chased
away investors and extorted money from them now
going to India and meeting investors there.”
He was speaking at a press conference held at the
Opposition Leader’s office yesterday.
“A group that destroyed the future of the coun-
try’s youth went to India. The JVP sent back a
group of investors who brought investments of
nearly Rs.450 billion to Sri Lanka under the Yali
Pubudamu Sri Lanka programme in 2001,
which has also contributed to the bank-
ruptcy of the country’s economy today,” the
SJB MP said.
“If they would have taken steps to restruc-
ture the state institutions and implement
the Yali Pubudama Sri Lanka programme in
2001, the economic growth of Sri Lanka would
definitely have increased today. TO PAGE 02
DN page 2 NEWS T U E S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 3 , 2 0 2 4

SL EMBRACES INDIAN TOURISTS WITH... From page 01 Convict Prisoners to be

Recognizing India’s remark-
able strides in digitalization
island states and Sri Lanka’s
desire for closer relations
its reach, with an estimated
10,000 merchants expected to
hard currency. The speech
emphasized the importance
nabbed trained... From page 01

and its potential to drive eco-

nomic development, Sri
Lanka has committed to lev-
eraging India’s Digital Public
Infrastructure to enhance ser-
vice delivery for its citizens.
President Ranil Wickremes-
inghe during his virtual
address congratulated Indian
Prime Minister Narendra
Modi on the recent opening
of the Ram Mandir, highlight-
ing the deep economic and
cultural connections between
India and Sri Lanka. He dis-
cussed the historical context
of payments between the two
countries, noting the pres-
ence of ancient South Indian
coins found in Sri Lanka.
President Wickremesinghe
emphasized the technological
upgrade represented by
LankaQR and NIPL, envision-
ing their widespread adop-
tion, particularly among Indi-
an tourists visiting Sri Lanka.
He highlighted the signifi-
cance of transactions between
Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu, as
well as Sri Lanka and Mum-
bai, especially for merchants,
contributing to further con-
nectivity between the two
nations.
President Wickremesinghe
expressed satisfaction with
the progress of bilateral coop-
eration, as outlined in the
vision statement issued dur-
ing his visit to Delhi and dis-
cussed with India’s Foreign
Minister S. Jaishankar in
Perth.
He expressed contentment
at participating in the same
transactions with Mauritius,
emphasizing the historical
connections between the two
Container driver cannot recall
with Mauritius. President
Wickremesinghe thanked
Prime Minister Modi for initi-
ating the venture and looked
forward to continued coopera-
tion between the two coun-
tries.
With digital payments wit-
nessing a surge in adoption
within Sri Lanka, the intro-
duction of UPI transactions
via LankaQR comes at a piv-
otal moment. LankaQR,
already a preferred method
for domestic transactions,
offers a fast, secure, and con-
venient way for users to make
payments with a simple scan
of a QR code. With approxi-
mately 350,000 merchants
already equipped to accept
QR-based transactions, Sri
Lanka is well-prepared to
extend this facility to Indian
tourists.
The collaboration between
NIPL and LankaPay ensures
that Indian tourists can seam-
lessly utilize UPI-enabled
mobile applications to make
payments at participating
merchants across Sri Lanka.
This development not only
enhances the tourist experi-
ence, but also strengthens the
economic ties between the
two nations.
As part of the initiative, 20
local banks and financial insti-
tutions in Sri Lanka have
pledged their support, with
plans underway to expand
coverage to tourist hotspots.
State Bank of India’s involve-
ment from the Indian side
further underscores the sig-
nificance of this partnership.
Looking ahead, the initia-
tive aims to rapidly expand
accommodate UPI payments
for Indian nationals within
weeks of the launch. By the
end of March 2024, this num-
ber is projected to reach
65,000, encompassing a vast
network of merchants cater-
ing to the needs of Indian
tourists.
Addressing the virtual
launch, Prime Minister of
Mauritius, Pravind Jugnauth,
expressed gratitude to Prime
Minister Modi and President
Wickremesinghe for their
presence at the virtual launch
of the RuPay card and UPI
projects.
He highlighted the signifi-
cance of the RuPay card,
which will be utilized domes-
tically in Mauritius, empha-
sizing the deep-rooted cultur-
al and economic ties between
India and Mauritius.
The speech underscored
the commitment made during
the G20 meeting to enhance
digital services and infra-
structure, aligning with Mau-
ritius’ own digital transforma-
tion efforts.
Meanwhile, addressing the
virtual launch, Prime Minis-
ter Modi announced the
achievement of the goal of
integrating Sri Lanka and
Mauritius with the UPI sys-
tem, foreseeing mutual bene-
fits and accelerated digital
transformation in local econo-
mies.
He highlighted the signifi-
cance of the Rupee card’s
inauguration in Africa,
emphasizing its role in
enhancing convenience for
Mauritian visitors to India
and reducing the need for
of Global South Cooperation,
reflecting on India’s unwaver-
ing support for its neighbours
and its ‘Neighbourhood First’
policy, during crises. Prime
Minister Modi expressed
gratitude to President Wick-
remesinghe and Prime Minis-
ter Jugnauth for their roles in
the launch and acknowledged
the contributions of central
banks and agencies in ensur-
ing the initiative’s success.
The virtual launch event
not only symbolizes a mile-
stone in cross-border collabo-
ration, but also sets a prece-
dent for future partnerships
in the region.
With the Prime Minister of
Mauritius set to join the
event virtually, showcasing
similar advancements in digi-
tal payments, the initiative
holds promise for enhancing
the tourism landscape across
multiple nations.
Overall, the virtual launch
of UPI transactions via
LankaQR represents a signifi-
cant step towards fostering
inclusive and prosperous part-
nerships, benefitting tourists,
businesses, banking institu-
tions, and the general public
alike.
Foreign Minister Ali Sabry
PC, State Minister for Tech-
nology Kanaka Herath, Presi-
dent’s Senior Advisor on
National Security and Chief
of Presidential Staff Sagala
Ratnayaka, President’s Secre-
tary Saman Ekanayake, Secre-
tary of the Ministry of Mass
Media Anusha Palpita, Cen-
tral Bank Governor Dr. Nan-
dalal Weerasinghe and others
were present.
after... From page 01
The engineer had been murdered
at a house in Welipillewa, Panagoda,
Embulgama road in the Athurugiriya
Police area on January 13, 1989. His
dismembered body had been found
buried inside a barrel.
The convicted woman Kamani
Champika was 32 years old when
she had allegedly committed the
crime. She had allegedly been having
an affair with the CEB engineer
when she worked as a typist at the
CEB head office where Amarasiri
had also worked.
She had been residing in a house
at Sri Sumana Mawatha in Welipille-
wa along with her husband who was
working as a timekeeper at the
SLTB.
The engineer had been killed by
the first accused (Kamani Champi-
ka’s husband) and the second
accused (Kamani Champika) had
aided and abetted the crime.
The first accused too had been
sentenced to death for the crime. He
is yet to be arrested.
Consent not
sought... From page 01
President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris
appearing for the respondents stated
that the accused were in the remand
custody for about one year and have
been released based on the provi-
sions of the Bail Act.
Further consideration of the peti-
tion was postponed by the Supreme
Court yesterday.
Polonnaruwa District Parliamen-
tarian Amarakeerthi Athukorala and
his MSD Officer (PSO) had been
brutally assassinated by a group of
people at Nittambuwa while they
were on their way back from Colom-
bo during the tense situation in the
Through this, prisoners spend their time serv-
ing their punishment more meaningfully and use
their prison time for development activities. It
also gives the prisoners the opportunity to carry
out their own industries after being released
from prison, the Justice and Prison Affairs Min-
istry said.
Commenting after the signing of the MoU,
Commissioner General of Prisons Thushara
Upuldeniya said this will strengthen the indus-
trial work currently being done by the inmates
in the prisons.
Currently, some 11,000 inmates are in prison.
Some 5,000 of them are currently engaged in
various industries. By signing the new agree-
ment, the remaining 6,000 can be used for
industrial activities. Through this, the incarcer-
ated person and the country get a big advantage.
During the time the inmates are in prison, this
will enable them to earn some money for the
government’s expenses on their behalf. Also,
even after being released from prison, they can
become useful persons in society by working in
the industry for which they have been trained.
The main purpose of this is to make the time
spent in prison meaningful.
The Commissioner General said that they will
also provide certificates for the workers who are
engaged in industrial activities introduced by
the IDB. IDB Chairman Saranga Alahapperuma
said the main purpose of signing this MoU is to
make the inmates productive persons for the
country and society. Entrepreneurs and industri-
alists are invited to set up industries in the pris-
on premises. The Justice Ministry and Indus-
tries Ministry have given necessary instructions
for this.
The IDB Chairman said, “To get out of pover-
ty, you need to be economically strong. This is a
good opportunity for inmates who are impris-
oned for various reasons to strengthen them-
selves as persons with talent.”
Justice Ministry Secretary M.N. Ranasinghe
and other senior officials of the Justice Ministry,
IDB and Prisons Department attended the
event.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Jus-
tice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms
Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe PC. Com-
missioner General of Prisons Thushara
Upuldeniya and IDB Chairman Alahapperuma
signed the agreement.

other vehicle...
country following the mob attack on
From page 01 the Galle Face Aragalaya on May 9,
2022.

The driver of the State Min-
ister Sanath Nishantha’s vehi-
cle had told the Police that
when the vehicle they were
travelling in was about to
overtake the container truck, a
sion of the speeding vehicle of
the former State Minister on
the rear end of the container
truck.
Investigations carried out
by the CID so far have con-
of the Homicide Organized The container truck driver
Marathon world
Crime Investigation Division
of the CID also conducted an
has been interrogated by the
CID due to a complaint filed SJB’s record holder
investigation using CCTV
footage where the vehicles
were travelling on the highway
by attorney-at-Law Chamari
Priyanka, wife of late former
State Minister Sanath Nishan-
Marikkar Kelvin... From page 01

white car came speeding from

behind and when he swerved
firmed that no other vehicle
overtook the vehicle of former
at the time of the accident.
It has been found that a sin-
tha to the CID, requesting a
formal investigation into the
takes... From page 01

to the left to avoid an acci-
dent, while overtaking the
vehicle, the accident took
place.
The container truck driver
stated that he cannot recall
any white car or any other
vehicle overtaking him and
can only remember the colli-
State Minister Sanath Nishan-
tha at the time of the accident
on the Katunayake Express-
way that killed the former
State Minister and his person-
al security officer.
Based on the statement of
the driver of the former State
Minister’s vehicle, the officers
gle white car was travelling
towards Colombo on the
expressway during the time of
the accident.
It has been observed that
the same vehicle had passed
Ja-Ela and was heading
towards Colombo long before
the accident.
matter, stating that the man-
ner of the accident is suspi-
cious.
Accordingly, the CID had
already launched a compre-
hensive probe into the acci-
dent that caused the death of
the former State Minister and
his personal security guard.
The JVP is still learning about the
benefits of Indian investments and the
benefits of joining with investors. The
JVP is trying to be the main opposition
today and that is clear from NPP Lead-
er Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent
visit to India,” Marikkar said.
The 24-year-old was killed alongside his
coach, Gervais Hakizimana on the Eldoret-
Kaptagat road, according to Elgeyo Marak-
wet County Police Commander Peter Mul-
inge.
“This was a self-involved accident where
one Kelvin Kiptum, the world marathon
record holder, was driving his vehicle with
two passengers,” the County Commander
told the Nation newspaper, adding that Kip-
tum lost control of the car, and veered off the

Female cashier shot by two gunmen during... From page 01

The shop’s CCTV footage
showed that the gunmen had shot
the female cashier thrice in the
abdomen.
The two gunmen had opened
fire at the cashier in an attempt to
get the keys to one of the two
cash lockers in the shop, after hav-
ing already looted the other cash
locker. After shooting the victim,
the gunmen had fled on their
motorcycle with the stolen money.
The victim has been admitted mined. Homagama Police are
to the Homagama Base Hospital. conducting further investigations
The total amount of cash that into the incident to arrest the two
was robbed is yet to be deter- gunmen.
Business and
road.
“Kiptum and Hakizimana died on the spot
and the third person was rushed to Race-
course Hospital in Eldoret.”
Hakizimana’s wife, JoanChelimo, con-
firmed the death of her husband to Olym-
pics.com.
IOC President Thomas Bach was among
those who led tributes to Kiptum and his
coach Hakizimana.
“It is with extreme sadness that I learnt of
the tragic passing of world marathon record-
holder Kelvin Kiptum from Kenya in a car

financial... From page 01

accident,” Bach said. “We had been looking
forward to welcoming him into the Olympic
community at the Olympic Games Paris
can join the LankaQR system easi- 2024 and seeing what the fastest marathon
ly by communicating with their runner in the world could achieve. Our
INVITATION FOR BIDS - (IFB) banks, either state-owned or private.
According to statistics, around
thoughts are with his family and friends as
well as with those of his coach, Gervais Hazi-
The Chairman, Department Procurement Committee (Minor), on behalf of Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL) will receive 380,000 LankaQR payment accept- mana, who also died in the accident.”
sealed bids from eligible parties through International Competitive Bidding (ICB) procedure for the below listed procurements. ance services have been issued by Kiptum broke the men’s marathon record
various banks so far and the number in Chicago on 8 October 2023, with a time of
Non is expected to increase rapidly with two hours and 35 seconds. He was scheduled
Bidding Bid the official launch of the payment to run at the Rotterdam Marathon on April
Refundable Pre Bid
Documents Opening Bid Validity Refundable Bid mechanism yesterday, as more busi- 14.
Description of Bids Bidding Meeting
could be Date & Period Security nesses in the small and medium- The Kenyan slashed 34 seconds off two-
Document Fee Date & Time
obtained Time enterprise (SME) sector tend to time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge’s
(Per Set)
obtain the LankaQR system. previous world record from Berlin in 2022 to
Supply of 10 Nos. Carbon Steel From 0900 to LKR 90,000.00 or The LankaQR mechanism was become the first man to run the marathon
LKR 3,000.00 On On
Gate Valves for Dolphin Tanker 1400 hrs USD 300.00 introduced a few years ago jointly by under two hours and one minute.
or 05.03.2024 26.03.2024 11.06.2024
Berth, Sri Lanka up to & valid up to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka World Athletics ratified his world record
USD 10.00 at 1000 hrs. at 1400 hrs
TENDER REF NO. KPR/07/2024 25.03.2024 09.07.2024 (CBSL) with the assistance of com- just last week.
Supply of 05 Nos. Studded Cam mercial banks of the country. Kiptum is survived by his wife Asenath
From 0900 to LKR 80,000.00 or
Locking for 06” Dia. Oil Loading LKR 3,000.00 On On According to the CBSL statistics, Rotich and their two children.
1400 hrs USD 260.00
Arms at Dolphin Tanker Berth, or 05.03.2024 26.03.2024 11.06.2024 1.1 million transactions amounting Kenneth Kimaiyo, one of the first witness-
up to & valid up to
Sri Lanka USD 10.00 at 1030 hrs. at 1400 hrs to the value of Rs 3.3 billion have es at the scene of the accident, told the
25.03.2024 09.07.2024
TENDER REF NO. KPR/08/2024 been carried out through the Nation that he found Kiptum’s body under
LankaQR system last year. his vehicle while his coach was lying on the
Eligibility criteria for contract awarding as stated in the Bidding Document. Besides, it has been scheduled to hill, still breathing.
Interested parties may refer the bidding documents (only for viewing purpose) and obtain necessary information through the website www. rapidly establish 10,000 LankaQR “We tried to save the coach, but he died
cpstl.lk or www.dgmarket.com and the original Bidding Documents could be obtained from the undersigned as stated above date and time. payment facility points throughout immediately. Kiptum was lying under the car
the country within the next three with his seat belt ripped and he was already
Bids shall be submitted on the bidding document obtainable from Procurement Function and duly filled bidding documents may be sent by post/ weeks. Furthermore, another 65,000 dead.” (Olympics.com)
courier under registered cover or sealed cover to reach the Chairman, Department Procurement Committee (Minor), C/o Manager Procurement, LankaQR payment facility points
Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited, Procurement Function, 01st Floor, New Building, Oil Installation, Kolonnawa, Wellampitiya, Sri will be established by the end of
Lanka or could be deposited in the tender box kept at the Main Entrance of CPSTL, on or before as stated above. March, aiming to allow both the
In case the bidders are unable to submit the original bids as above, they could submit the scanned copy of the duly filled bidding documents local and Indian tourists to make
in PDF format via email to tenders@cpstl.lk to reach on or before as stated above, at their own discretion. The original bid document shall cashless payments, CBSL Director
be securely kept to be submitted to the Manager Procurement when requested, however their original bids will be obtained only for the filing Payments and Settlements of CBSL
purpose, not for verification against the e-bid. Vasantha Alwis said.
Bids will be closed as stated above and will be opened immediately thereafter at the office of Manager Procurement, in the presence of the He added that customers who
authorized only one representative of the bidder who chose to attend. want to make their payments WICKRAMASINGHE - BERTRAM
through the LankaQR system have TITUS MENDIS,​(Retired Factory
The Bid & Bid Security shall be valid as stated above.
to download any online payment Manager),​beloved husband of Sunethra,​
Bidders shall register themselves at the Department of Registrar of Companies www.drc.gov.lk (e -ROC) in accordance with the Public Contracts software available with their respec-
Act. No 3 of 1987. loving father of Shiny and Dilranga,​father-
tive bank or financial institution.
in-law of Randhi and Dushan,​grandfather
Clarifications (if any) shall be sought from the Manager (Procurement) on Tel: +94-11-2572156 / +94-11-2547238, Fax: +94-11-2074299, Then they have to scan the LankaQR
code of the respective institution
of Aken and Shevan,​brother of Savithri,​Dr
Email: procure@cpstl.lk.
while making a cashless payment Kantha,​Asoka and late Ranjith. Remains lie
The Chairman, through the LankaQR system. at “The Restpect Home” by Jayaratne’s
Department Procurement Committee (Minor), LankaPay Chairman Dr. Kenneth for viewing on Wednesday,​14th from 8.30
C/o Manager Procurement, De Zilwa, LankaPay CEO Channa de a.m. to 10.00 p.m. until the cortege leaves
Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited, Silva, Deputy Chairman of LankaQR for cremation on Thursday,​15th February
Procurement Function, Steering Committee Randhil Boteju at 4.00 p.m. at the Main Crematorium of
01st Floor, New Building, Kolonnawa, Wellampitiya, Sri Lanka. and LOLC Finance Chairman Con- Borella General Cemetery. 010713
rad Dias also addressed the media.
T U E S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 3 , 2 0 2 4 NEWS page 3 DN

President unveils
restored statue of King
Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe at
Walukaramaya Colpetty
A momentous occasion unfold-
ed yesterday (12) at the Walukara-
maya Buddhist Temple in Colpet-
ty as President Ranil Wickremes-
inghe presided over the unveiling
of the restored metal statue of
King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe. The
event, held under the auspices of
Vichithra Bhanaka Ven. Maha-
ragama Nanda Thera, commemo-
rating his 70th birth anniversary
and marked a significant mile-
stone in the restoration of the
temple’s sacred artefacts.
The restoration of the metal
statue of King Keerthi Sri Rajasin-
ghe was made possible through
the generous support of Thai
donors, notably ascetic Luang-
phor Rishi Keth Kaw, under the
guidance of Ven. Prakru Udom
Dammanukul Vibanpaw Thera of
the Supreme Patriarch descent of
Thailand. The unveiling ceremo-
ny saw President Ranil Wickrem-
esinghe unveiling the metallic
statue, symbolizing a renewed
dedication to preserving cultural
heritage.
In tandem with this momentous
occasion, statues of Most Ven.
Welivita Saranankara Sangharaja
Thera and Most Ven. Upali Maha
Thera of Siam were also restored
and unveiled by Ven. Maharagama
Nanda Thera and Ven. Prakru
Udom Dammanukul Vibanpaw
Thera, further enriching the spir-
itual ambiance of the temple
shrine.
Following the unveiling, Maha-
nayaka of the Sri Kalyani Samagri
Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha,
Mahopadhyaya Ven. Malwane
Pagngnasarabhidhana Maha Nay-
aka Thera, led the assembled
gathering in reciting the five pre-
cept, while Ven. Maharagama
Nanda Thera extended a warm
welcome to the attendees and
delivered an inspiring sermon.
President Ranil Wickremesing-
he expressed gratitude by present-
ing commemorative gifts to Ven.
Prakru Udom Dammanukul
Vibanpaw Thera, ascetic Luang-
phor Rishi Keth Kaw of Thailand
and Professor Nuwan Kavinda
Wijesinghe for their invaluable
contributions to Buddhism in Sri
Lanka and Thailand. In acknowl-
edgment of his role, a special
souvenir was also presented to
the President.
The event was graced by the
esteemed presence of the Maha
Sangha from both Sri Lanka and
Thailand, including Ven. Dr.
Maitipe Wimalasara Thera, Chief
Incumbent of the Parama Dham-
ma Chethiya Privena, Ratmalana;
Ven. Amandoluwe Dhammaratha-
na Thera, Chief Incumbent of
Bodhirathnaramaya, Katunayake;
Ven. Uduwela Kolitha Thera of
Walukaramaya, Colpetty; Minis-
ter of Buddha Sasana, Religious
and Cultural Affairs Vidura Wick-
ramanayaka; Senior Advisor to
the President on National Secu-
rity and Chief of Presidential
Staff Sagala Ratnayaka; Member
of Parliament Vajira Abey-
wardana; former Minister Ravi
Karunanayake; former Member
of Parliament Dickson J. Perera
and members of the donation
council of the temple.
Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana during an inspec-
tion tour of the roads in the Kolonnawa area yesterday.
Road network in Kolonnawa
to be upgraded in next three
months – Minister Dr. Bandula
IRANGIKA RANGE
A regional road network including inner
access roads in residential areas in Kuruniya-
watta, Kolonnawa will be upgraded within
the next three months,” Transport, Highways
and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Guna-
wardhana said yesterday.
According to a special request of the SLFP
Chief Organizer of Kolonnawa Ajith Subhas-
inghe, Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana
joined an observation of the roads which are
in dilapidated condition in the Kolonnawa
urban area.
There, former Local Government repre-
sentatives and candidates made the Minister
aware about the roads that are currently in a
dilapidated condition in the respective areas.
The Minister emphasized that the construc-
tion of the relevant roads will be completed
on priority basis under the Provincial Council
allocations and Budget allocations.
Then, the representatives including the
Minister engaged in a special observation in
the area and listened to the problems of the
residents in Kolonnawa Kuruniyawatta Sec-
ond Lane and Kittampahuwa Canal road.
The main access road to this area, which is
about ten feet wide, bordering the canal, has
now become dilapidated and cannot be used
by any vehicle.
The residents of the area pointed out to the
Minister that the road bordering the canal is
completely submerged during floods. Since
the road is located on the border of the deep
canal it is very unsafe for children living in
the area.
Even though people who have been living
in this area have made requests from various
parties from time to time, no solution has
been given by the relevant authorities. After
observing all these places, the Minister
emphasized that under the rural road devel-
opment plan to be started in the future, the
road bordering the canal will be rehabilitated
within three months.
Several roads in Kolonnawa Salalihini
Mawatha, Canal area, which are constantly
erosion due to floods and other reasons, were
observed by the Minister.
At that time, the Minister also exchanged
ideas with the local residents of the respec-
tive areas and stated that the necessary
steps will be taken to rehabilitate this road
within three months under the rural road
development programme to be started in
the future.

Rs 2,000 Mn allocated for Karapitiya Teaching Hospital - Minister

Purchase of medical equipment,
construction of buildings
ISHARA MUDUGAMUWA
The Health Ministry has allocated Rs
2,000 million for the development of
Karapitiya Teaching Hospital this year.
Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana
said that the measures have already been
taken to increase bed capacity and other
healthcare facilities of Karapitiya Teach-
ing Hospital and Rs. 2000 million have
already been allocated for the purchase of
medical equipment and construction of
buildings.
The Minister expressed these views
while participating as the Chief Guest at
the 11th anniversary celebration of Kara-
pitiya Kidney Protection Society. The
event was held at the auditorium of the
Galle District Chamber of Commerce and
Industries, Galle recently.
The Health Minister said that it has
been three years since the construction
work of the ten storied surgical unit
building of Karapitiya Hospital has
stopped. Rs. 600 million required to com-
plete this and measures have already
been taken to allocate these funds to the
Central Engineering Bureau and the relat-
ed contract was handed over by a Cabinet
decision last week. Rs. 300 million is
required to complete the dental surgery
unit and that that amount has been given
this year. Funds have been given to com-
plete the construction activities of the
stroke unit. Funds have been given for the
renovation and painting of the entire
hospital. The Higher Education Ministry
has expedited the allocations given to the
professor unit and this unit will also be
completed this year.
He also said that the funds have already
been allocated to establish a new cardiac
catheterization unit, catlab and also to
purchase MRI scanner machine, CT scan-
ner machine, etc.
Bed capacity
increased
Apart from that Rs. three million has
been given to each regional hospital in
the district, office of the health medical
officer and district hospitals. Balapitiya
and Elpitiya hospitals have been given
Rs. 100 million each and Rs. 200 crore.
He also said that Rs. 800 million have
been given to Udugama Hospital, he said.
The Karapitiya Kidney Protection
Society was established on February 4,
2013 and under the theme Lend a Hand
to save the life of kidney patients, the
association works to save and uplift the
lives of kidney patients. The first kidney
surgery was performed in Karapitiya Hos-
pital in November 2012, after which this
association was formed and steps were
taken to establish a kidney treatment unit
with nine floors in Karapitiya Hospital.
School equipment worth about
Rs.10,000 was given to the children of
kidney patients, donors were evaluated
and the officials of association were evalu-
ated and given plaques and the official
theme song of the association was also
launched.
Southern Province Governor Dr.
Willy Gamage, Deputy Inspector Gen-
eral of Police, Media Spokesperson
Nihal Talduwa, Southern Province
Army Commander Major General Jana-
ka Ranasinghe, Ruhunu University Fac-
ulty of Medicine Dean Prof. Lanka
Dasanayake, former Karapitiya Hospital
Director Dr. Shelton Perera, Karapitiya
Hospital Deputy Director Dr. Harshani
Ubesekera, Southern Province Chief
Ministry Secretary Krishantha Mahen-
dra, Prison Commissioner Jagath
Weerasinghe, Karapitiya Kidney Care
Association President Karunadasa Wee-
raratne, kidney disease specialist Dr.
Sanjay Heianthuduwa and a group of Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana at the 11th anniversary celebration of
Karapitiya Kidney Protection Society held recently.
kidney patients were present.

TRADE MARK
Police sergeant killed while arresting Sakvithi Ranasinghe, wife CAUTIONARY NOTICE
(In the Territory of the Maldives)
suspect, posthumously promoted pay Rs. 3.6 Mn fine for Notice is hereby given that our Clients 82 S.r.l.
of Via Terraglio 17, 30174 – Venezia Mestre (VE)
VARUNA DAYARATNE Italy are the owners and Sole Proprietors of the

violating Finance Act

The Police sergeant who suc-
cumbed to his injuries yesterday
(12) after being shot while
attempting to arrest a suspect in
the Batapola, Malwathu Hirpiti-
ya area in Gampaha last Satur-
day (10), has been posthumously
promoted.
Police Media Spokesman DIG
Nihal Thalduwa said that the
Police sergeant in question had
been posthumously promoted to
the rank of Sub-Inspector (SI),
on orders of the Acting Inspector
General of Police (IGP) Desha-
bandu Tennakoon.
In the early hours of Saturday,
a team of Police officers from the
Malwathu Hiripitiya Police Sta-
tion had attempted to arrest a
suspect wanted on warrant, in
the Batepola area, when a scuffle
had broken out and the suspect
had tried to grab the firearm of
the sergeant.
During the attempt to stop the
suspect from grabbing the weap-
on, the firearm had been dis-
charged, injuring the 51-year-old
Police officer, while the suspect
had then fled with the sergeant’s
service firearm.
The injured sergeant, a
51-year-old resident of Man-
nawala, Ihala Lunugama,
attached to the Malwathu Hirip-
itiya Police Station, had been
admitted to the Colombo Nation-
al Hospital, where he had suc-
cumbed to injuries early yester-
day morning.
Meanwhile, the suspect and a
female accomplice have been
arrested by Gonahena Police
Special Task Force (STF) and
the missing firearm seized, while
they were hiding at a residence
in the Bingiriya Bowatta area on
Sunday (11) night, Police said.
The revolver belonging to the
Police sergeant, five 9mm bul-
lets, two mobile phones and the
three-wheeler used by the sus-
pect have been taken into custo-
dy from the Wathurugama area
in Gampaha where they were
kept in hiding by the suspect.
According to Police, the
woman who had aided and abet-
ted the suspect to remain in hid-
ing after the incident has also
been arrested.
The arrested suspect, a three-
wheel driver who was wanted on
warrant, is a 42-year-old resident
of Wathurugama, while the
female suspect who aided and
abetted him to stay in hiding is a
35-year-old resident of
Udubaddawa.
The main suspect and his
woman accomplice have been
handed over to the Bingiriya
Police Station by the Gonahena
Police STF team who arrested
them, along with the seized
items.
DILSHAN THARAKA
The popular English
Tutor Sakvithi Ranasing-
he and his wife were yes-
terday totally paid the
fines of Rs.3, 600, 000
imposed against them
over a case filed against
them for allegedly violat-
ing the Finance Act,
before the Colombo High
Court.
The case was taken up
before Colombo HC Judge
Namal Balalle.
At a previous occasion,
both accused were admit-
ted and pleaded guilty for
the allegations against
them allegedly violating
the Finance Act, before
the Colombo HC.
Injunction against former SLFP General
Following that, both
accused were ordered to
pay a fine of Rs. 3,600,
000 over the case by the
Colombo HC.
Considering their plea
to the charges, Sakvithi
Ranasinghe and his wife
were ordered to pay a fine
of Rs.900, 000 for the first
charge and Rs. 900, 000
for the second charge sep-
arately and if they were
unable to pay the imposed
fines they were sentenced
to 24 months rigorous
imprisonment for each
charge by the Colombo
HC.
Following imposing the
fines against them, they
sought from the Court to
give them a three months
period to settle the full
amount.
Considering the request
made by the accused,
Colombo HC Judge fixed
the case for February 12,
2024 to settle the fines.
The Attorney General
had filed a case in 2015
against four accused
including Sakvithi Ranas-
inghe and his wife under
two counts including vio-
lation of the Finance Act
1978 by running a finan-
cial institution named
‘Sakvithi Construction
House Private Limited’
during the period Novem-
ber 1, 2006 to September
31, 2008.
following Trademark ;
The said Trade Mark is used in International
Classes 18, 25 and 35 in respect of the
undermentioned goods and services.
Class 18 :
Animal skins; backpacks; book bags; bum bags;
handbags; hides; leather and imitation leather;
parasols and walking sticks; sports bags; trunks
and travelling bags; umbrellas; wallets; whips,
harness and saddlery
Class 25 :
Clothing, footwear, headwear.
Class 35 :
Advertising agencies; advertising and business
management consultancy; advertising
consultancy; advisory services relating to
business administration; Retailing and online
sale of clothing, footwear, headwear, Animal
skins, backpacks, book bags, bum bags,
handbags, hides, leather and imitation leather,
parasols and walking sticks, sports bags, trunks
and travelling bags, umbrellas, wallets, whips,
harness and saddlery.
Our abovementioned clients have instructed us
and wish to bring to the notice of the trade and

Grade 6 admission Secretary extended until February 28

the public that they attach singular importance
to their above mentioned trade mark and that
legal action will be taken against any person or

appeals opens today

DHARMA SRI ABEYRATNE
The Education Ministry
calls for Grade 6 admission
appeal applications for 2024.
Based on the results of the
2023 Grade 5 Scholarship
Examination, students are
now able to submit appeals
online from February 13 to
February 29 for admission to
Grade 6 in national schools in
2024.
Accordingly, it is possible to
visit the official website of the
Education Ministry – www.
moe.gov.lk and submit online
appeals for a maximum of
three schools. There is also the
possibility of direct appeal
through the extension http://
g6application.moe.gov.lk/#/.
DILSHAN THARAKA
An injunction order which was issued
against former Sri Lanka Freedom Party
(SLFP) General Secretary Dayasiri
Jayasekara preventing him from being
interrupted to the working SLFP Secretary
was yesterday ordered to extend until Feb-
ruary 28 by the Colombo District Court.
The orders were issued by Colombo
Chief District Court Judge Sandun Witha-
persons who act in infringement of their rights.
na after considering a petition filed by for- Any enquiry relative thereto may be referred to
mer President and SLFP Leader Maithri- the following :
pala Sirisena and MP Sarathi Dushmantha
Mithrapala against former SLFP Secretary JULIUS & CREASY
Dayasiri Jayaskara, preventing him from Attorneys-at-Law & Notaries Public
being interrupted to the SLFP Secretary No. 371, R.A. De Mel Mawatha,
position. Colombo 03,
Attorney Pulasthi Rupasinghe with Pres- Republic of Sri Lanka.
ident’s Counsel Faizer Musthapa appeared pts1@juliusandcreasy.lk
for the plaintiff.
 DN page 4 GLOBAL NEWS T U E S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 3 , 2 0 2 4

Pakistan election results NATO chief says

PML-N in alliance talks with

Donald Trump comments
‘undermine all of our security’

PPP, MQM-P; Nawaz Sharif Donald Trump’s sugges-

tion the US would not pro-
tect NATO allies failing to
spend enough on defence

could be PM
The Pakistan Muslim
League-Nawaz (PML-N) lead-
ers began discussing the terms
of an alliance with the Pakistan
Peoples Party (PPP) and the
Muttahida Quami Movement-
Pakistan to carve out a formula
for the formation of a govern-
ment, The Express Tribune
reported. The PML-N would
take the post of Prime Minis-
ter, and the posts of the presi-
dent and National Assembly
speaker will be set aside for its
partners if an alliance is agreed
upon.
The release of results com-
menced nearly 12 hours after
the conclusion of polling for
both national and provincial
assemblies on Thursday.
Analysts suggest that the
military favours three-time for-
mer PM Nawaz Sharif over
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
chief Imran Khan to assume
power. However, Khan loyal-
ists, running as independents,
defied expectations by thriving
and winning the most seats.
Leaders from Khan’s party
hailed it as a triumph for
democracy, signalling the peo-
ple’s demand for change.
The final official results indi-
cated that independent candi-
dates supported by PTI
secured victory in 97 seats,
Former Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif’s supporters.
while the Pakistan Muslim
League-Nawaz (PML-N)
emerged victorious in 76 con-
stituencies. Additionally, the
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)
secured 54 seats, and the Mut-
tahida Qaumi Movement
(MQM) garnered 17 seats.
(HT)
“undermines all of our secu-
rity”, the Western military
alliance’s chief has said.
Jens Stoltenberg also sug-
gested it put US and Euro-
pean troops at greater risk.
The Republican said he
had told allies he would
‘encourage’ Russia to attack
any NATO member that
failed to meet the alliance’s
target of 2% of their GDP.
Members of NATO com-
mit to defend any nation in
the bloc that gets attacked.
President Joe Biden called
Trump’s comments “appall-
ing and dangerous”, suggest-
ing his predecessor intended
to give Russian President
Vladimir Putin “a green
light for more war and vio-
lence”.
Addressing crowds during
a rally in South Carolina on
Saturday, Trump said he had
made his comments about
Russia during a previous
Donald Trump
recalled that the leader of a
“big country” had presented
a hypothetical situation in
which he was not meeting
his financial obligations
within NATO and had come
under attack from Moscow.
He said the leader had
asked if the US would come
to his country’s aid in that
scenario, which prompted
him to issue a rebuke.
“I said: ‘You didn’t pay?
You’re delinquent?’... ‘No I
would not protect you, in
fact I would encourage them

Israel-Gaza war:
meeting of leaders of NATO to do whatever they want.
countries. You gotta pay.’”.
The former president (BBC)

‘Violent’ strikes reported in Rafah Oregon rocked by first human

The Palestine Red Crescent Soci-
ety (PRCS) charity says the Gazan
city of Rafah has come under ‘vio-
lent’ attack, with a number of
deaths reported.
Witnesses spoke of dozens of air
strikes on the city’s north and cen-
tre.
The Israeli military said it had
conducted a strikes in southern
Gaza, without giving further
details.
It follows warnings from the
international community over Isra-
el’s planned offensive in the city,
where 1.5 million people are shel-
tering.
The United Nations has said
there is nowhere safe to go for the
Palestinians who have ended up in
the far south of the Palestinian ter-
ritory.
On Sunday, US President Joe
Biden told Israel’s Prime Minister a
military operation in Rafah should
not happen without measures to
ensure the safety of civilians.
In a call with Benjamin Netanya-
hu, Biden said Israel needed a
Refugee camps in Gaza “credible and executable plan” to
protect the more than a million
people in the city, according to the
White House.
Netanyahu has insisted it will go
ahead and a plan is being prepared.
The call between the two leaders
comes days after Biden suggested
Israel’s military operations in Gaza
were “over the top”.
It also follows a raft of Israel’s
allies, international organisations
and regional powers expressing
growing concern at suggestions
Israeli troops would enter Rafah -
which lies on the border with Egypt
and is the only open point of entry
for humanitarian aid.
UK Foreign Secretary David
Cameron said “over half of Gaza’s
population are sheltering in the
area”, while Saudi Arabia warned of
“very serious repercussions” if
Rafah was stormed.
Many of the people are living in
tents in refugee camps, having
already been forced to flee their
homes elsewhere in Gaza at least
once on the orders of the Israeli
military.
(BBC)
case of Bubonic Plague in
nearly a decade
Believed to have contracted by pet cat
Oregon officials are rush-
ing to contain an outbreak
of bubonic plague after
announcing the state’s first
case since 2015.
The unidentified resident
is believed to have contract-
ed the plague from their
symptomatic cat, health offi-
cials said on Wednesday.
‘All close contacts of the
resident and their pet have
been contacted and provid-
ed medication to prevent ill-
ness,’ Dr. Richard Fawcett,
the Deschutes County
health officer said in a state-
ment.
There is little risk to the
community as the case was
identified and treated in the
earlier stages of the disease,
Fawcett said.
No additional cases of
plague have emerged during
the communicable disease
investigation, according to
officials.
This is the first case of
bubonic plague in Oregon
since a 16-year-old contract-
ed the disease in 2015.
The teenager fell ill after
being bitten by an infected
flea during a hunting trip
near Heppner, Morrow
County.
There had been eight
cases in the state in the pre-
vious 20 years, with none
leading to deaths.
In 2012, an Oregon man
lost his fingers and toes to
the plague. He also contract-
ed the disease from his cat
after trying to remove a
mouse from his cat’s throat.
(Daily Mail)

US-India drone deal holds ‘significant British media’s Ram

potential’ for cooperation Mandir reporting

The US State in the region,” he have. But I don’t

UK MP Blackman
raises concern
D e p a r t m e n t added. have any comment
expressed optimism He also acknowl- on when that formal
about the proposed edged the crucial notification might
drone deal with role of Congress in take place,” Miller
India, emphasising the arms transfer also said.
its “significant process, emphasis- The proposed
potential” to ing routine consulta- drone deal is part of
advance strategic tions with members the broader efforts to
technology coopera- of Congress on for- strengthen defence
tion. eign affairs commit- ties between the
The deal was tees before formal United States and
announced during notifications. “Of India. In June 2023,
Indian Prime Minis- course, Congress US President Joe
ter Narendra Modi’s plays an important Biden and PM Modi
visit last year, mark- role in the US arms welcomed India’s
ing substantial the importance of the media, Miller during Prime Minis- transfer process. We plans to procure
growth in the US- the deal in further- said, “So I’ll say that ter Modi’s visit last routinely consult Predator drones
India defence part- ing strategic tech- generally, the US- year.” “We believe it with members of made by General
nership over the nology cooperation India Defence Part- offers significant Congress on the for- Atomics, a mega pact
past decade. Mat- with India and nership has seen sig- potential to further eign affairs commit- that will allow Ameri-
thew Miller, a enhancing military nificant growth over advance strategic tees before our for- can Navy ships to
spokesperson for the collaboration in the the past decade. This technology coopera- mal notification so undertake major
US State Depart- region. is a proposed sale tion with India and we can address ques- repairs at Indian ship-
ment, highlighted While addressing that was announced military cooperation tions that they might yards. (ANI) UK MP Bob Blackman

UK MP Bob Blackman has raised con- “The BBC must be able to provide a
cern over the British media’s biased decent record of what is going on across
reporting of the Ram Mandir. The MP the world,” he said. Meanwhile, Prime

Potentially habitable ‘super-Earth’ while speaking in the UK Parliament on

Friday, said: “Last week in Ayodhya in
Uttar Pradesh, the Ram Mandir was con-
secrated. This was of great joy to Hindus
Minister Narendra Modi in the 109th edi-
tion of ‘Mann ki Baat’ on Sunday, high-
lighted the significance of the Ram Man-
dir in Ayodhya and how it united the

spotted 137 light years away
Astronomers have discovered a
‘super-Earth,’ or a world larger
than our planet, orbiting a star
about 137 light-years away. A
second planet, thought to be the
size of Earth, may also be orbit-
ing the same star.
The super-Earth exoplanet,
known as TOI-715b, orbits a red
dwarf star that is cooler and
smaller than our sun. Astrono-
mers spotted the planet using
NASA’s TESS, or Transiting Exo-
planet Survey Satellite, mission.
A study detailing the discovery
was published in January in the
Monthly Notices of the Royal
Astronomical Society.
Researchers have determined
that the planet, estimated to be
one and a half times as wide as
our planet, takes just over 19
Earth days to complete one orbit
around its star. The planet is
close enough to its star to exist
within the habitable zone, or the
distance from a star that pro-
vides a planet with the right tem-
perature for liquid water to exist
on its surface. (CNN)
across the world as being the birthplace
of Lord Ram.”
He said: “Very sadly, the BBC, in their
coverage reported, of course, that this was
the site of the destruction of a mosque
forgetting the fact that it had been a tem-
ple for more than 2000 years before that
happened and that the Muslims had been
allocated a five-acre site on which to erect
a mosque adjacent to the town.” The MP
further asked other MPs to “allow time
for a debate in Government time on the
impartiality of the BBC and its failure to
provide a decent record of what is actually
going on all over the world.”
Blackman in a post on X said that con-
stituents have raised concerns surround-
ing the BBC’s biased reporting of the
Ram Mandir. He said that as an avid sup-
porter of the rights of Hindus, “this arti-
cle has caused great disharmony.”
nation.
In his latest address, PM Modi men-
tioned that the governance of Lord Rama
has been a source of inspiration for the
makers of the Constitution. “Friends, the
occasion of Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya
seems to have bound around a common
thread, crores of people of the country
together. Everyone’s feelings are unani-
mous, everyone’s devotion is in unison...
Ram is in everyone’s words, Ram is in
everyone’s heart. During this period,
many people of the country sang Ram
Bhajans dedicating them at the feet of
Shri Ram. On the evening of January 22,
the entire country lit Ram Jyoti and cele-
brated Diwali. During this time, the coun-
try saw the power of togetherness, which
is also a major basis for our resolves of a
developed India,” said PM Modi.
(ANI)
T U E S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 3 , 2 0 2 4 NEWS page 5 DN
Shoora Council remembers Independence Day

Muslims have contributed to SL’s

Over 90 percent of fertilizer credits paid - Minister
In five years till 2021, due to due to the repayment of the port charges for the distribution the Government was able to

progress for over thousand years the purchase of fertilizers on

credit, the Agriculture Ministry
of was supposed to pay arrears
of Rs.23,000 million to the pri-
credits.
Currently, only Rs.5,000 mil-
lion is payable as arrears. The
Minister also mentioned that
of fertilizer countrywide, and
then in the 2022 high season
also, the Government had to
spend an amount of Rs.7 billion.
manage a huge amount of money
that had to be spent on distribut-
ing fertilizers.
The Minister participated in
vate sector. steps will be taken to pay the But in the 2023 Yala Season, observing a farm in Hungama
But despite the economic amount as soon as the legal vouchers were issued to farmers Bataatha area on Monday (12)
problems under the present issue related to the payment of to buy fertilizers and in the main where successful cultivation of
Government, due to the inter- the amount is over. season, the money was credited vegetables was done, where the
vention of the President as the Meanwhile, with the Govern- to the farmers’ accounts. The Minister disclosed these facts
Finance Minister, 95 percent of ment's decision to provide funds Minister said that due to this, while meeting the farmers.
the credit amount due to the to the farmers’ accounts to
purchase of chemical fertilizers purchase fertilizers, the Gov-
to the private sector was able to ernment was also able to save
be paid by the end of 2023, said a huge amount of money spent
Agriculture and Plantation on fertilizer distribution. TRADEMARK CAUTIONARY NOTICE
Industries Minister Mahinda In the 2022 Yala Season, the
Ven. Dhammananda Thera M. M. Zuhair Amaraweera. Government had to spend MALDIVES ISLANDS
Accordingly, by last year, the nearly Rs.6 billion in trans- Notice is hereby given that our client Messrs. WHIRLPOOL
Government pro- PROPERTIES, INC. of 500 Renaissance Drive, Suite 101, Saint
vided the neces-
Joseph Michigan 49085, United States of America, a company
sary financial allo-
organized and existing under the laws of U.S.A., is the owner and
cation to pay an
amount of sole proprietor of the following Trademark.
Rs.18,000 million.
The businessmen
were able to pro-
vide chemical ferti-
lizers to the local
market without Our above-mentioned client has used and/or applied/registered the
any deficit in the above mark worldwide in International Classes 7, 11 and 37 which
“The struggle for freedom for the people of had a number of Muslims serving in the last season due to according to NICE Classification of Goods and Services comprises of
Sri Lanka was not over with the country gain- defence sector. the financial the following goods and services :
ing Independence in 1948. The freedom He said that though this country has had strengthening of Class 07 :
struggle must continue until every Sri Lan- a long history of invasions such as the Cho- the private sector Domestic machines for use in the processing or preparation of food
kan believes and feels that he is an equal las and Pandyans from earliest times from and beverage; electric kitchen apparatus and machines for chopping,
component of the country of his birth”. the then divided India, today the territorial grating, grinding, shredding, rasping, milling, pressing, crushing,
This was stated by Walpola Rahula Insti- unity of India is the biggest security for our
cutting, slicing, kneading, emulsifying, liquefying, beating, blending,
tute of Buddhist Studies Director Ven. Gal- country.
mixing or peeling food, including electric kitchen machines; beaters;
kande Dhammananda Thera addressing the We need also to recognize that over 450
mixers; blenders; smoothie makers; fruit presses; juice extractors
76th Independence Day meeting organised years of the colonization of the region by
for fruits and vegetables; centrifuges; choppers; mincers; food
by the National Shoora Council (NSC) held at three European powers have also contribut-
processors; electric slicers; electric peelers; electric knives; electric
the J. R. Jayewardene Centre, Colombo on ed in many ways for
knife-sharpening machines; universal cutters; universal sharpeners;
Wednesday (7). The event was presided over the advancement of
pasta machines; coffee grinders; coffee mills; spice grinders; electric
by NSC's President Attorney T. K. Azoor. the country, though
Speaking further, Dhammananda Thera we have time and can-openers; sewing machines; knitting machines; clothes washing
said, it is not important as to who came to again divided our loy- machines; dishwashing machines; compactors including food waste
this country first. History is full of episodes alties on communal and rubbish compactors; disposers including waste disposers; belts
in which family rule controlled the lives of all lines. for conveyors; electrical cleaning [pressure washing] machines;
others. What is important is to protect the A united Sri Lanka machines for washing food; ironing machines; electric vacuum
territorial integrity of our country by treating is our strength, he cleaners; electric floor polishers; polishing discs for use with electric
all citizens as equals, irrespective of their added. Sheikh S. H. M. floor polishers; electric steam cleaners; motors including electric
birth or other factors. Faleel, Islamic Studies motors (except for land vehicles); compressors for refrigeration and
Muslims and their national leaders have Department Director air conditioning; electrically driven pumps; condensing machines;
contributed substantially, he said, for protect- Jaamiah Naleemiah, replacement parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods not included
ing the freedom of this country. They have Beruwala, T. K. Azoor in other classes.
supported the struggle for freedom from for- and NSC’s General Class 11 :
eign rule. They have worked with other Secretary Rasheed M.
Apparatus for cooking, heating, roasting, steaming, drying,
national leaders for Sri Lanka’s independ- Imthiaz also addressed
refrigerating and freezing including electrically heated bain-maries;
ence. They must continue the struggle to the gathering.
refrigerating cabinets; freezer cabinets; beverage cooling apparatus;
preserve this freedom
microwave ovens; food warming drawers; baking and barbeque
and to protect the
apparatus; electrically heated cabinets for food; appliances namely
rights of all in this
country, Dham- TRADEMARK CAUTIONARY NOTICE refrigerators, freezers, combination refrigerator-freezers, ice making
machines; electric cooking ranges, ovens and cooktops; gas cooking
mananda Thera said.
Former MP M. M. MALDIVES ISLANDS ovens, ranges and cooktops; gas, electric and steam grills; exhaust
hoods; temperature controlled wine cellars; electric temperature
Zuhair, PC address-
Notice is hereby given that our client Messrs. WHIRLPOOL controlled sous vide oven with built-in water bath; clothes drying
ing the gathering said
that one of the earli- PROPERTIES, INC. of 500 Renaissance Drive, Suite 101, Saint machines and cabinets; combination garment wrinkle and odor
est Sri Lankans to Joseph Michigan 49085, United States of America, a company remover and garment dryer; heating, steam generating, cooling
initiate the freedom organized and existing under the laws of U.S.A., is the owner and and ventilating apparatus, including furnaces, heaters, conversion
struggle here was Sir sole proprietor of the following Trademark. burners, heat pumps, air conditioners, air conditioning units,
Ponnambalam condensing units, evaporator units, evaporator coils, dehumidifiers,
Arunachalam in humidifiers, central humidifiers, air filters, air purifying units, central
1893, followed in air cleaners, ventilating fans, portable electric fans, furnace boilers,
1908 by Sir James heat exchangers; kitchen and household water heating, cooling and
Pieris, Sir Ponnam- Our above-mentioned client has used and/or applied/registered quality apparatus, including water supply units for dispensing cold
balam Ramanathan the above mark worldwide in International Class 7 and 11 which water and ice from refrigerators; apparatus for dispensing hot, cold,
and in 1924 by Dr. T. according to NICE Classification of Goods and Services comprises of boiling, sparkling and filtered water; hot water dispensers; gas and
B. Jayah and a num- the following goods: electric water heaters; water coolers; LED (light emitting diode)
ber of others. It is lighting fixtures; LED (light emitting diode) lighting fixtures for
noteworthy that Class 07 : use in display, commercial, industrial, residential, and architectural
these then leaders Motors including electric motors (except for land vehicles); accent lighting applications; LED (light emitting diode) lighting
campaigned for polit- compressors for refrigeration and air conditioning; electrically fixtures for indoor and outdoor lighting applications; water supply
ical reforms not as driven pumps; appliances, including clothes washing machines, units; water filtration units; water purifying apparatus and machines;
spokespersons for dishwashers, food waste disposers, food waste and trash compactors; water sterilizers; refrigerator water filtration apparatus; home water
any particular com- parts and attachments for all of the above goods, Class 7; domestic supply filtration units; water softener units; water conditioning
munity but spoke for machines for use in the processing or preparation of food and units; under sink water filtration systems; reverse osmosis devices
the country as a
whole. Regrettably
beverage; electric kitchen apparatus and machines for chopping,
grating, grinding, shredding, rasping, milling, pressing, crushing, TRADEMARK CAUTIONARY NOTICE for use in water conditioning apparatus; reverse osmosis elements
for reducing the brackishness of water; reverse osmosis elements for
subsequent events
failed to take advan-
cutting, slicing, kneading, emulsifying, liquefying, beating, blending,
mixing or peeling food, including electric kitchen machines; beaters; MALDIVES ISLANDS use in reducing the salt content of water; countertop water filtration
devices; faucet water filters; replacement filters; sinks; laundry sinks;
tage of the then mixers; blenders; smoothie makers; fruit presses; juice extractors Notice is hereby given that our client Messrs. WHIRLPOOL sink accessories, namely faucets, strainers and sprayers; portable
emerging pluralistic for fruits and vegetables; centrifuges; choppers; mincers; food PROPERTIES, INC. of 500 Renaissance Drive, Suite 101, Saint or countertop ovens; portable freezers; electric frying pans; slow
foundation but took processors; electric slicers; electric peelers; electric knives; electric Joseph Michigan 49085, United States of America, a company cookers; portable or countertop griddles; portable or countertop
the nation on lines knife-sharpening machines; universal cutters; universal sharpeners; organized and existing under the laws of U.S.A., is the owner and grills; portable or countertop hotplates; portable or countertop hobs;
that eventually pasta machines; coffee grinders; coffee mills; spice grinders; electric sole proprietor of the following Trademark. portable or countertop cookers; portable refrigerators; portable or
caused extensive can-openers; sewing machines; knitting machines; replacement parts countertop wine chillers; portable or countertop ice makers; waffle
damage to the coun- and fittings for all the aforesaid goods not included in other classes. makers; portable or countertop stoves; stir-fry cookers; steamers; hot
try’s economy, for its air cookers; rice cookers; electric food warming units; pot warmers;
peace and prosperity. Class 11 :
electric deep fryers; portable or countertop plate warmers; pressure
Zuhair said that Appliances and apparatus for heating, cooking, refrigerating,
cookers; portable or countertop rotisseries; roasting spits; toasters;
historians such as freezing, drying, air conditioning, dehumidifying, humidifying,
Our above-mentioned client has used and/or applied/registered toaster ovens; kettles; electric hot beverage making machines;
Prof. K. M. de Silva, air purifying, ventilating, water supply and electrically operated
the above mark worldwide in International Class 7 and 11 which electric milk frothers; tea makers; coffee makers; espresso machines;
Prof. Sirima Kiriba- hot water dispensers; parts and attachments for all of the above
according to NICE Classification of Goods and Services comprises of cappuccino makers; pasta cookers; electric yoghurt makers; sorbet
mune, Dr. Lorna goods, Class 11; water supply units; water filtration units; water
the following goods: makers; ice cream makers; apparatus for cooking crepes; egg
Dewaraja and others purifying apparatus and machines; water sterilizers; refrigerator
cookers; sandwich makers; pizza makers, apparatus for drying the
have chronicled a water filtration apparatus; home water supply filtration units; water Class 07 :
hair; replacement parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods not
number of significant softener units; water conditioning units; under sink water filtration Motors including electric motors (except for land vehicles);
included in other classes.
contributions of the systems; reverse osmosis devices for use in water conditioning compressors for refrigeration and air conditioning; electrically
Muslims to the eco- apparatus; reverse osmosis elements for reducing the brackishness of driven pumps; appliances, including clothes washing machines, Class 37 :
nomic development water; reverse osmosis elements for use in reducing the salt content dishwashers, food waste disposers, food waste and trash compactors; Installation, assembly, repair and maintenance of appliances and
of the country. Sir of water; countertop water filtration devices; faucet water filters; parts and attachments for all of the above goods, Class 7. apparatus for clothes washing machines, clothes drying machines,
Alexander Johnston replacement filters; LED (light emitting diode) lighting fixtures; LED dishwashers, food waste disposers, food waste and trash compactors,
Class 11 :
in a research article (light emitting diode) lighting fixtures for use in display, commercial, motors including electric motors (except for land vehicles),
Appliances and apparatus for heating, cooking, refrigerating,
quoted by Dr. Lorna industrial, residential, and architectural accent lighting applications; compressors for refrigeration and air conditioning, and electrically
freezing, drying, air conditioning, dehumidifying, humidifying, air
Dewaraja refers to LED (light emitting diode) lighting fixtures for indoor and outdoor driven pumps; installation, assembly, repair and maintenance of
purifying, ventilating, water supply and electrically operated hot
the Yoda Wewa, con- lighting applications; replacement parts and fittings for all the appliances and apparatus for heating, cooking, refrigerating, freezing,
water dispensers; parts and attachments for all of the above goods,
structed during the aforesaid goods not included in other classes. drying, air conditioning, air purifying, ventilating and water supply.
reign of King Datuse- Class 11.
Our above-mentioned client also has extensive usage of the above Our above-mentioned client also has extensive usage of the above
na in the 5th Century, Our above-mentioned client also has extensive usage of the above
mark worldwide including Maldives. Our client has instructed us mark worldwide including Maldives. Our client has instructed us
supplying water for mark worldwide including Maldives. Our client has instructed us
agriculture for over and wishes to bring to the notice of the trade and public that by and wishes to bring to the notice of the trade and public that by
and wishes to bring to the notice of the trade and public that by
300 years after its virtue of registration / pending registration and extensive use of the virtue of registration / pending registration and extensive use of the
virtue of registration / pending registration and extensive use of the
construction, credit- above mark, our client’s aforementioned trademark has acquired above mark, our client’s aforementioned trademark has acquired
above mark, our client’s aforementioned trademark has acquired
ing the then Arabs International fame, reputation and goodwill and has become International fame, reputation and goodwill and has become
International fame, reputation and goodwill and has become
living in Sri Lanka exclusively associated with our client. By virtue thereof our client exclusively associated with our client. By virtue thereof our client
exclusively associated with our client. By virtue thereof our client
for their technologi- has exclusive rights to use the said trademark and reserve their has exclusive rights to use the said trademark and reserve their
has exclusive rights to use the said trademark and reserve their
cal and financial sup- rights to initiate appropriate legal action against any person(s) rights to initiate appropriate legal action against any person(s)
rights to initiate appropriate legal action against any person(s)
port for the project. or party(ies) found using the said trademark or any other or party(ies) found using the said trademark or any other
or party(ies) found using the said trademark or any other
In the 7th, 8th and deceptively or confusingly similar trademarks/names which is deceptively or confusingly similar trademarks/names which is
deceptively or confusingly similar trademarks/names which is
9th Centuries, Mus- in violation of the rights of our above mentioned client. in violation of the rights of our above mentioned client.
in violation of the rights of our above mentioned client.
lims settled here as a Any inquiry relative thereto may be referred to the following : Any inquiry relative thereto may be referred to the following :
trading community. Any inquiry relative thereto may be referred to the following :
Muslims set up hand- Bharucha & Co. Bharucha & Co. Bharucha & Co.
loom knitting in the Intellectual Property Attorneys Intellectual Property Attorneys
Intellectual Property Attorneys
12th Century bring- F-7/1, Block 8, KDA Scheme 5, Kehkashan Clifton, F-7/1, Block 8, KDA Scheme 5, Kehkashan Clifton,
ing expertise from F-7/1, Block 8, KDA Scheme 5, Kehkashan Clifton,
Karachi 75600, Pakistan Karachi 75600, Pakistan Karachi 75600, Pakistan
India. An Italian
explorer had record- Fax : +92 21 3537 9557-58 / +92 21 3587 0413/17 Fax : +92 21 3537 9557-58 / +92 21 3587 0413/17 Fax : +92 21 3537 9557-58 / +92 21 3587 0413/17
ed that in the 13th Tel : +92 21 3537 9544-47 Tel : +92 21 3537 9544-47 Tel : +92 21 3537 9544-47
Century, the Kings Email : email@bharuchaco.com Email : email@bharuchaco.com Email : email@bharuchaco.com
Web : www.bharuchaco.com Web : www.bharuchaco.com Web : www.bharuchaco.com
 DN page 6
W
e are not a colony of ants or a
hive of bees working all the time.
We create and we innovate, and
we give our lives meaning and
purpose. We question our own existence and
speculate about our place in the universe. And
because of our intelligence, we have created
what we know today as entertainment. Before
the birth of Jesus Christ, over 2000 years ago,
playwrights such as the great and gifted
Sophocles created works that, to this day, are
being performed in theatres around the world.
Who can be insensible to those timeless plays
– The Theban Plays?
The brave Antigone and the ill-
fated and unfortunate Oedipus! It
was one of the greatest tragedies
ever written. And what about the
great William Shakespeare? He is
admired the world over as one of
the greatest playwrights in histo-
ry. But entertainment is not only
limited to plays and poetry, we all
know the boundless pleasure of
books, one of the oldest forms of
entertainment that many of our
readers used to enjoy as children.
But with the advancement in
technology, today a new genera-
tion of youth has at their disposal
DVDs, the internet, Netflix, and
now there is even talk of Virtual
Reality. Just think of how Virtual
Reality will transform the world of
entertainment. There has definitely
been a lifestyle change. The internet
has made life easier for all of us.
Information is just a click away, a mat-
ter of seconds. Social media is won-
derful! Facebook is a wonderful way to
connect with friends and family. You
can listen to music all day and read
posts on YouTube. However, with the
internet, our youth are also given the
choice of playing online games. The
danger here is that some youth get
addicted to online games, particularly
violent ones.
DVDs and Netflix are very popular
today. People take great pleasure in
watching comedies, dramas, and thrill-
ers. It is all good, clean fun. Horror is
also a popular genre watched by many.
But is it possible that there are some
people who might take horror the
wrong way? These are fascinating
questions that the Daily News
attempts to answer in this article.
Psychological impact
Is there such a thing as being
mature enough to play violent online
games? Are there young people who
can play online games without being
affected? Consultant Psychiatrist,
National Institute of Mental Health,
Angoda, Dr. Malsha de Silva, pointed
out that whether youth or adult, being
exposed to violent content repeatedly
can lead to desensitization to such sit-
uations. The same can be said for vio-
lent video games, even if they are
played offline. She warns that we may
be looking at a society unmoved by
violence, something that would have
been unimaginable to an average per-
son of an older generation.
“In addition, an impressionable
youth who engages in games with vio-
lent content is more prone to aggres-
sive acts such as fighting and bullying,
which are major behavioural issues in
schools. These games reward the play-
er with more life power and a higher
capacity to inflict violence as a reward
for their violent acts and, therefore,
have a reinforcing effect on such
behaviours. Games depicting violence
against women can form sexist and
demeaning attitudes towards women.
They can also learn violence as the
main means of conflict resolution.
Humane emotions such as empathy
and kindness may be overshadowed
by competitiveness and aggression,
repeatedly practised in these games,”
said Dr. de Silva.
She added that the brain continues
to develop and mature through child-
hood and adolescence, making it vul-
nerable to outside influences and
addictions. Children form their per-
sonalities at this stage, and the con-
tent they are repeatedly exposed to
will have a lasting impact on their atti-
tudes, behaviours, and coping styles.
Therefore, children
and adolescents
are deemed
more vulner-
able due to
their neu-
robiologi-
cal charac-
teristics.
However,
individual dif-
ferences in the
impact will be
due to each
child’s personality
factors.
The horror movie industry makes a
lot of money. Horror movies are rela-
tively inexpensive to make. We are
told that the original Halloween from
legendary director John Carpenter
only cost $325,000 to produce. And it
made $47 million at the box office!
That’s incredible!
Complexities
of addiction
“For an average healthy adult,
watching a horror movie can be a pos-
itive experience where they observe a
threatening situation in the safety of
their own home/space. Here, they get
to experience a rush of adrenaline fol-
lowed by brain chemicals such as
endorphins that convey the sensation
of euphoria and satisfaction. However,
one needs to be cautious if experienc-
ing significant anxiety or depressive
symptoms, as watching horror for
those people can be an unpleasant
experience that triggers anxiety and
sometimes actual disorders such as
acute stress reaction or even post-trau-
matic stress disorder. It is always bet-
ter to let the person stick to their
comfort level when watching
horror and no one should
force anyone else to watch it
as individual capacities vary
drastically,” she explained.
She pointed out that any-
one can beat an addiction,
even violent online gaming.
The idea that it is unbeata-
ble is the central myth that
keeps people hooked to dif-
ferent types of addictions as
they feel helpless against them.
The internet has been around for a
long time, but it is only recently that
we have heard about these online
game addictions. What could be the
reason for this new development? “I
think it is due to several reasons. First-
ly, the availability and accessibility of
technical gadgets and devices have
increased exponentially. They have
become more affordable and much
faster than the earlier versions. The
games have evolved drastically and are
attractive and catchy, with better quali-
ty and technical advancements. The
internet is ubiquitous, with access
available almost anywhere. Social
media has brought people closer to
their devices, and they spend increas-
ing amounts of time with screens than
in real life. This behaviour pattern has
also allowed people to spend more
time gaming. Then came Covid-19,
making matters worse.
This is a vicious
cycle where
increas-
ing
time
with
screens
creates
more feel-
ings of
emptiness
and depres-
sion, pushing
the youth fur-
FEATURE
Akhry Ameer
Dr. Malsha de Silva
ther along screen/gaming addiction,”
she added.
According to Dr. de Silva, inter-
net addiction is also a cause for
concern. Any behavioural addiction
is pathological as it will negatively
impact one’s personal life, career,
education, and relationships. There-
fore, it is important to curb the
addiction before it causes irreversi-
ble damage to a person’s life. “The
first step is to identify that there is
an addiction. The signs would be
spending more and more time on it,
needing more intense content,
being unable to control the behav-
iour, life revolving around this par-
ticular activity, and using it despite
knowing the harm.”
Daily News also spoke to the Depu-
ty Head of a leading boys’ school, who
pointed out that although gaming
addiction was taking place in a small
way before the pandemic, the pandem-
ic and the advent of online classes saw
more and more students getting
addicted to gaming.
Parental challenges
“We have students who play games
through the night, till maybe 4:00 am
and then are too tired to come to
school the next day and end up skip-
ping school. Parents are unable to con-
trol this lifestyle. We have held many
programs educating the students
about the ill effects of gaming/online
gaming and how one must regulate
involvement. But when we do hear of
a student who is addicted and is una-
ble to attend school, we have done
house visits together with the counsel-
lors to try and talk sense and encour-
Boodee Keerthisena
Dr. Thushari Koralage
age them to come
back to school,” he
said.
Unfortunately, the
parents are helpless
or unaware of what is
going on in the child’s
life. “As a teacher, I
don’t feel threatened
by online gaming, but
I do feel that there is
cause for concern. If done in modera-
tion and without sacrificing the rest of
your life for the game, that’s fine, but
when a child gets so addicted that
they don’t want to do what a normal
child does, or if their attitudes and
beliefs are affected by the game, then
something should be done.”
Most of the themes used in online
gaming are related to violence. Games
like Call of Duty and GTA are all
about violence and the glorification of
immorality. They become part and
parcel of the child’s values when
played repeatedly. These could then
affect all relationships and their future.
His advice to parents is to seek pro-
fessional advice. Don’t consider it an
embarrassment or think that some-
thing is wrong with the child or that it
is something to be ignored as a pass-
ing phase. Get help. The sooner, the
better. “Brad Hudleston, in his book
titled ‘Digital Cocaine: A Journey
Toward iBalance’, says that an hour of
playing a video game is equivalent to
half a line of cocaine. When the devic-
es are removed from the child, they
experience the same withdrawal symp-
toms as a drug addict. It is that seri-
ous. This is not limited to online gam-
ing and is also true for being on social
media,” he added.
His advice is that children should
NOT be allowed to have their devices
in their bedrooms. This disrupts the
sleep they need. They should not be
allowed to use their devices in private,
and parents should continuously moni-
tor the accessed content. Boundaries
should be set regarding the duration
of usage. More importantly, family
time should be sacred. Meals should
be consumed together as a family. Par-
T U E S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 3 , 2 0 2 4
HOW TO BEAT
ADDICTION
»» Make access to the device difficult,
especially during the times that the
behaviour happens.
»» Do not charge the phone near the bed,
not bringing the phone to the bedroom.
»» Keep the phone or the device locked
away in a cupboard or with someone
else once you get home from work/
school.
»» Get physical and vent out the energy
and get away from the vulnerable posi-
tion. Get a bicycle, start going to the
gym, get together with someone keen
on jogging and schedule a daily jogging
session.
»» Rethink and realign your life values and
set down some goals to achieve – vol-
unteering, losing x amount of weight,
helping someone in need.
»» Spend more time with people – try to
get meals with family, meet healthy
friends offline.
»» Reward yourself – when you achieve
your goals with regards to the addiction.
»» Map your progress – mark on the calen-
dar/app so it will motivate you.
HORROR FILMS THAT
CONTINUE TO HAUNT
AUDIENCES
»» The Exorcist: A 1973 American Horror
Film still discussed today. It depicts the
demonic possession of a sweet, young,
innocent girl. Those who watched it still
remember the terror they felt.
»» The Exorcism of Emily Rose: Based on
a true story, this film portrays the
demonic possession of a 19-year-old girl
who unfortunately did not survive. It
explores the conflict between Science
Vs Faith. Would she have survived if she
had continued her medication? Or was
she truly demon-possessed?
»» The Conjuring Universe: This series
revolves around the battle that paranor-
mal investigators Ed and Lorraine War-
ren are involved in against the forces of
darkness, the principalities of darkness.
»» Annabelle: The demonic doll Annabelle
is another sinister creation that has terri-
fied audiences.
ents should engage in mind-stimulat- dabble in some e-Racing and strategy
ing conversations with their children. games, and I see it requires these
Family bonding outdoor activities are attributes to excel. On the other hand,
a must. Family holidays are important. surfing the net is the instant respond-
The child becomes unhinged with the er when you have questions that sud-
online reality when the actual reality denly spark your mind and need an
is enjoyable. “All of the above is in the answer, or it just passes you by.
hands of the parents who need to Addiction to any of these is, of course,
learn what parenting is without a recipe for disaster.”
expecting others to handle it. Under-
stand that bringing a child into this Film genres and audience
world is a huge responsibility which
never ends.”
perception
Chairperson of Giggles Educational Filmmaker Boodee Keerthisena
Pvt Limited and Principal of Giggles pointed out that in this day and age, it
International Montessori and Asian is difficult to control what you watch
Grammar School Colombo and Mata- and what you don’t watch. You can
ra, Dr. Thushari Koralage, pointed out watch many scary things on YouTube,
that it’s a threat to a growing mind in maybe not too violent. With social
all aspects, from brain development to media, you can watch anything violent
emotional and social, and physical as well. It isn’t easy to keep strict con-
development. Gaming is sedentary, trol of that. “I do think you need some
and young kids should be active in all maturity to watch horror. People say
their pursuits. “It is very dangerous certain things should not be put into a
indeed. I have come across many situ- child’s mind. I kind of agree with that
ations where young people are so because you need some life experience
addicted to gaming that they blur to filter certain things. Just because
their reality with their gaming reality. everything is free does not mean any-
There are cases where kids fight with body has the right to give certain
their parents, leaving the parents information to somebody’s mind that
hopeless when they attempt to stop can go wrong. So I do believe in the
their children from gaming. There is fact that you need a certain kind of
only one way to help, and that is con- maturity,” said Keerthisena.
trol and instilling discipline. Setting He added that categorizing films is
strong rules at home about what kids a way of marketing. Before Covid-19,
can and can’t do. Teaching them right a Korean movie called “Parasite” won
from wrong and having real conversa- an Academy Award. You had violence,
tions with young people about what horror, comedy, and suspense, every-
gaming does to them. Unless they thing in that. “Film has become a
understand that it is harmful, young business now. People know when
people will never stop such behav- there is either violence, sex, or gore
iour,” she explained. in it. Sometimes, it is an easy sell or a
better way to market it. I think this
Academic implications categorization has come with easy
marketing and the business side of it.
She pointed out that when kids are Of course, you need to know your
addicted to these online games, the audience. If I make a film with all
most common symptom observed is these elements, I don’t know if I
social distancing, first from family and would call it a horror movie. I would
even from school peers. They may not mind making something like that
even avoid attending school. The more because it is what you express and
such behaviour is allowed, the closer it create. It could have such different
gets to the point where they will genres in one film, and it could be
refuse any form of social interaction. very successful as well.”
“Research proves that there is a It could all depend on a person’s
strong correlation between online background, life experience, or prefer-
gaming and academic success. The ences. “When I was watching Re-Ani-
more time the child engages in such mator in the 80s, I was filled with
games, the less academic success they wonder because it was very scary, but
will have. There are many research sometime later, when I was in the
papers written on it. Also, the con- United States, kids of the same age
stant fights they have with their par- found it very humorous. It all depends
ents because of gaming will build a on the culture where you come from.
barrier between them and their par- Then Evil Dead! My god, it was very
ents, which leads to further deteriora- scary! But with time, I suppose any-
tion in the relationship. In the future, thing can seem funny because of how
we will have a generation of children it was made in that era. With your cul-
with no social skills and who live in tural background, you look at things
their own alternate reality. We will see in a different way. What may be scary
larger numbers of school refusals.” and thrilling to me, for somebody
Akhry Ameer, a theatre veteran, was else, could be scary but funny. It
asked if it is healthier for the mind to depends on that cultural background,”
watch plays (by Shakespeare and pointed out Keerthisena.
Greek/Roman playwrights) rather than “I don’t think I can recommend
be obsessed with playing online games one thing over the other, comedy
and surfing the internet. over horror or horror over comedy,”
“My response may sound strange to says Keerthisena. “I would personal-
many. I believe that a little of every- ly like to make a film that is enter-
thing is required. I say it, looking taining. In that entertainment, there
inward. Plays provoke the mind to may be comedy, suspense, and
think and require absorption as you maybe horror if needed. Maybe gore
watch them. Reading a script will not if it is needed there. That is what I
always work for everyone. Online gam- would call a movie when everything
ing has also reached new proportions, comes together. To make the reality,
and today it requires focus, mind, and show the reality, and make the audi-
skill application. When time permits, I ence feel that.”
T U E S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 3 , 2 0 2 4 NEWS page 7 DN

PM for amending Marriages 106 Families in Jaffna District

Ordinance to ensure
Muslim Women’s Rights
Prime Minister Dinesh
Gunawardena yesterday (12)
held a discussion with a Mus-
lim women’s delegation headed
by former Minister Farial
Ashraff at the Temple Trees
yesterday (February 12).
The delegation, which
included several Muslim Law-
yers, stated that the Preamble
of Marriage Ordinance Act 19
0f 1908, has excluded Muslim
women from the Marriage
Laws and hence, it is essential
to amend it, to ensure that
Muslim women also enjoy simi-
lar Rights as those in other
communities. The Prime Min-
ister agreed to the need to
amend the outdated Ordinance.
The Muslim women delega-
tion included Hyshyama
now own their houses
ASHRAFF A. SAMAD
The National Housing Develop-
ment Authority (NHDA) has
handed over title deeds of owner-
Hamin, Hasanah Cegu ship to 106 families in the Jaffana
Isadeen, Fathima Sabra District. NHDA Chairman Rajive
Zahid, Fathima Amana and Sooriyarachi participated in the
Sithy Ermiza Tegal. Legal event organised by the Jaffna Dis-
Advisor Jayatissa de Costa, trict NHDA Housing Manager, at
Additional Secretary Veerasingam Hall, in Jaffna, on
Harsha Wijewardene Friday (9). In addition, 20 low
and Registrar Gener- income families received housing
al Samantha Wijayas- loans to construct new houses on
inghe were also pre- their land. NHDA Vice Chairman
sent on this occasion. Luxman Gunawardena, General
Manager Eng. K.A. Janak and
other NHDA officials were in
attendance. The NHDA Chair-
man and officials also visited the

‘Yukthiya’ special operation

Housing office at Mullaitvu.

will save future generations of

this country - Minister Tiran Alles
VARUNA DAYARATNE
Minister Tiran Alles
addressing a special work-
shop held at the Panadura
Police area for community
Police committees, about
the islandwide “Yukthiya”
special operation, said that
it will save the future gen-
erations of this country.
The Minister further
said that, “At a time when
the country was on fire, we
were given the responsibil-
ity to calm the situation,
when we assumed this min-
istry. At that time, the peo-
ple were unable to protect
themselves. We had to take
tough decisions to calm the
country in such a situation.
In the end, we were able to
overcome this great chal-
lenge and come out victori-
ous.
Having brought the situ-
ation under control, the
biggest challenge we faced
next was to curb the drug
menace and underworld
activities that were engulf-
ing all parts of the country.
After appointing a spe-
cial committee including
the current Acting Inspec-
tor General of Police (IGP)
Deshabandu Tennakoon
and conducting a special
study on this situation for
several months, we pre-
pared a programme to com-
bat it. I requested the Pres-
ident to appoint the cur-
rent Acting IGP to that
position to implement that
programme.
Accordingly, I instructed
the Police to implement
the ‘Yukthiya’ special oper-
ation independently, with-
out being influenced by
anyone. We have changed
the tradition of releasing
arrested criminals under
the influence of various
people.
Accordingly, these activi-
ties are being implemented
successfully all over the
country and there are great
challenges and obstacles
against this special opera-
tion to curb drug mafia. As
the Minister in charge of
the subject, I, the IGP and
other officials are being
pressured both locally and
internationally to stop this
operation. A minority of
the country is also attack-
ing us on social media. But
while I hold this ministerial
position, I will not act in
the way that the minority
group or the international
community wants.
Some politicians are try-
ing to bring politics into
this operation, which is
carried out regardless of
Party colour, race and reli-
gion. We want everyone’s
cooperation to make this
mission a success.
People are using social
media to undermine this
‘Yukthiya’ programme. To
strengthen the necessary
rules and regulations, we
presented the Act on the
security of online systems.
Many people who use
social media in the wrong
way are worried about it.
They want drugs to
spread in the country,
underworld activities to
grow, and the country to
collapse. People working
with that purpose are mak-
ing various statements
against this Online Safety
Bill. This Bill is only a
problem for people who
mishandle social media.”
‘Yukthiya’ is an operation
that will save the future
generations of the country.
As we aimed at the begin-
ning, there has already
been a big change in the
country. We are getting a
lot of blessings from the
people, which is a great
strength to us.
Public Security Ministry
Secretary Viyani Gunathila-
ka, Acting IGP Deshaban-
du Tennakoon, Senior
DIGs, DIGs and other top
officials of the Police
Department, members of
the Community Police
Committee were present
on this occasion.
DN page 8
Tu e s d a y, Fe b r u a r y 1 3 , 2 0 24
A Noble Service
C
hildren deserve the best medical care in the
world, and there is no argument about that. But
what about needy children who cannot access
private medical care due to the high costs? They also
deserve the best possible care and assistance. After
all, surgical and other treatments need to be done as
and when required and not when the parents have
money. Once the ideal age of the child passes, there
is no way of correcting certain congenital and other
health defects.
Sri Lanka is one of the very few countries in the world,
developed or developing, that carries out Cochlear
Implant surgeries free of charge at a number of Gov-
ernment hospitals. Deaf infants and children espe-
cially below the age of five can now get the Cochlear
Implant in Sri Lanka and the President’s Fund assists
them. This surgical treatment was introduced to Sri
Lanka about a decade ago.
This surgery costs several millions of rupees in the pri-
vate sector as the Implant is rather expensive. The
operation itself takes only two or three hours, but a
completely deaf patient has to undergo training and
therapy for around six months after the surgery in
order to hear properly, understand and interpret vari-
ous sounds and speak cohesively. The surgery
becomes useless without this training.
Liver transplants are another vital life-saving surgery.
Transplants are recommended when a child’s liver
does not work well, and they won’t survive without a
new one. Doctors only recommend a liver transplant
after they have tried all other treatments to save the
child’s liver. However, a healthy, matching liver is
needed for a transplant, and however macabre it may
sound, these come only from young victims of fatal
motor accidents.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed financial
assistance from the President’s Fund for liver trans-
plant surgeries for children at the Ragama Teaching
Hospital and Cochlear Implant surgeries at the Sri
Jayewardenepura General Hospital (SJGH).
This decision aims to alleviate the financial burden on
impoverished parents and support the welfare of chil-
dren, recognizing their importance for the nation’s
future. Acknowledging the substantial costs associat-
ed with pre and post-tests and treatments for liver
transplant surgeries in children under 16 at the Raga-
ma Teaching Hospital, President Wickremesinghe has
approved Rs. 1 million from the President’s Fund for
each liver transplant surgery meeting common condi-
tions. This financial support will be available from
January 1, 2024, aiming to ease the financial strain on
families undergoing these critical medical procedures.
Medical tests have revealed that over 200 children in Sri
Lanka require Cochlear Implant surgery, a procedure
crucial for their auditory development. While in devel-
oped countries, such surgeries are promptly per-
formed at birth, in Sri Lanka, not all eligible children
undergo this procedure. It is emphasized by medical
experts that such operations should ideally occur
within two years from birth for optimal brain develop-
ment, yet the cost is a significant barrier, estimated at
over Rs. 5 million.
Currently, this surgery is limited to a few Government
hospitals, leading to waiting lists for affected children.
The Cochlear Implant surgery is conducted at the
SJGH, with the implant device valued at around Rs. 3
to 4 million. Although the Health Ministry provides the
device to the hospital for free, patients are required to
cover the surgery costs, which amount to Rs. 600,000.
This financial burden underscores the need for addi-
tional support mechanisms to ensure access to
essential healthcare services for children in need of
Cochlear Implant surgery. To address this issue, the
Health Ministry has sourced the devices, while the
surgery costs will be covered by the President’s Fund.
Early last month the Government announced that the
President’s Fund has increased medical allowances
from 50 percent to 100 percent starting this year,
expanding coverage to previously uncovered diseas-
es. The monthly income limit for medical aid has also
been raised from Rs. 150,000 to Rs. 200,000, promot-
ing broader healthcare access.
The President’s Fund is an institution incorporated by
Act No.7 of 1978 of the Parliament of Sri Lanka. Thou-
sands of poor patients have received assistance from
this Fund for more than four decades. But if the Presi-
dent’s Fund can serve people this much now, even in
the midst of a financial crisis, it could have delivered
an even better service in the past four decades with-
out any problem because there was no financial crisis,
Covid-19, or any other problem in the past barring the
War in the North.
Family members and close relatives of poor patients
underwent various hardships and delays in the past
few decades whenever they tried to obtain assis-
tance from the President’s Fund. They had to visit
Colombo from far away locations several times to
meet all the other requirements amidst various diffi-
culties. Sometimes, they had to take loans and find
money to visit Colombo by a hired vehicle because
the seriously ill patients could not use public trans-
port. These issues have been resolved to a great
extent since last month, as the President’s Fund
office in Colombo has adopted the one-stop shop
concept where the patients and their families can get
their documentation and Fund allocations done
within one or two days. The credit for this transforma-
tion goes to President Wickremesinghe.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself
in the service of others. — Mahatma Gandhi
EDITORIAL
Sri Lanka bridges the gap with
India in trade and development
Lankan economists and Indian
traders stress benefits of
Indo-Lanka land bridge
I
n his speech at the seventh Indian
Ocean Conference (IOC) in Perth,
Australia, on February 10, Sri Lan-
kan President Ranil Wickremesin-
ghe reiterated the plan to build a land
bridge between Sri Lanka and India to
boost trade and economic integration
between the two countries. He had
proposed a bridge across the Palk
Strait when he was Prime Minister
between 2002 and 2004 and named it
the “Hanuman Bridge”.
Since then, Wickremesinghe has
been advocating economic links
between Sri Lanka and the South
Indian States, particularly because
these are not only nearer to Sri Lanka
but are growth centres in India. He
would highlight the fact that, collec-
tively, the four South Indian States of
Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and
Andhra Pradesh have a GDP of US$
500 billion. Sri Lanka could link up
with these growing regional econo-
mies. However, despite the favourable
conclusion of a feasibility study on a
land bridge in the early 2000s, the idea
fell by the wayside due to political
opposition in Sri Lanka and Tamil
Nadu.
When President Wickremesinghe
was on a visit to India in July 2023, he
again proposed a land connection
between India and the ports of Colom-
bo and Trincomalee. The Indian Prime
Minister Narendra Modi endorsed the
idea, and the two countries decided to
conduct a feasibility study at an early
date, the Vision Statement issued in
New Delhi said. “Since then, there
have been several indications that both
countries are keen to go ahead with
the project. Such a bridge will facilitate
trade and people-to-people contact,”
Wickremesinghe said at the Perth con-
ference, which was organised by the
India Foundation in collaboration with
India’s Ministry of External Affairs
and the Australian Government, with
support from the S. Rajaratnam School
of International Studies, Singapore,
and the Perth-US Asia Centre.
Land link
Land connectivity will help India’s
Southern States as well as ports on
India’s Eastern seaboard like
Vishakhapatnam, Kolkata, and Chen-
nai. Ships from these ports now have
to go around Sri Lanka to reach
Colombo, the only major commercial
port in Sri Lanka. But if a land link is
established with a bridge across the
Palk Strait, traders can use road and
rail transport, which are cheaper and
less time-consuming. In 2002-2004,
Sri Lanka envisaged a four-lane high-
way with a parallel single rail track
that was estimated to cost US$ 1 bil-
lion.
The Sri Lanka Institution of Engi-
neers and the Indian Institution of
Engineers (Tamil Nadu Centre) pre-
pared a concept paper that supported
Across the
Palk Strait
President Ranil Wickremesinghe at Perth Indian Ocean Conference.
the plan. However, as stated earlier, it
did not get political support from the
Tamil Nadu and Sri Lankan sides. In
June 2015, the Indian Road Transport
Minister Nitin Gadkari proposed
building the 23 km bridge with ADB
assistance of US$ 2.8 billion as part of
the Asian highways project. But Wick-
remesinghe, who was Prime Minister
then, was non-committal. Vasudeva
Nanayakkara, a leftist politician, said
that if the bridge was built, the 60 mil-
lion Tamils from Tamil Nadu would
swamp Lanka.
However, Wickremesinghe now feels
that the political climate in Sri Lanka
is conducive to closer ties with India,
given the significant role India has
played in rescuing Sri Lanka from an
economic abyss. Till now, no voices
have been raised against the proposed
‘land link’.
Expert support
Wickremesinghe’s plan has the sup-
port of Sri Lankan development
experts Gayasha Samarakoon, Mut-
tukrishna Sarvananthan, and Prof.
Rohan Samarajiva. Samarakoon and
Sarvananthan stated in a paper pub-
lished by Routledge that a land bridge
would bring down transport costs in
India-Sri Lanka trade by 50%. It will
also save time. According to them, the
23 km bridge could be crossed in less
than an hour. From the arrival point at
Talaimannar, it would take another
7–8 hours to reach Colombo by road
(roughly 367 km). The total travel
time between India and Colombo
would be 9 hours, with additional time
to accommodate Customs require-
ments.
They further suggested that the
waiting time for Customs clearance
and other formalities could be signifi-
cantly reduced if the land route were
used because it would involve only
exports/imports to/from India, where-
as the Colombo Harbour handles trade
to and from all over the world. Lower
transport costs would decrease the
prices of goods in Sri Lanka. An
increase in trade would also create
thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
The road link with Colombo and Trin-
comalee would also contribute to the
economic development of backward
provinces like the Northern Province,
the North Central Province, and the
Eastern Province.
“The business communities in the
Northern and North Central Provinces
have long complained about their ina-
bility to directly engage in interna-
tional trade. Presently, businessper-
sons in the Northern and North Cen-
tral Provinces can engage in export/
import trade only through exporters/
importers in Colombo. The proposed
bridge would boost direct internation-
al trade between the Northern, North-
Central, and Eastern regions of Sri
Lanka and India, particularly Southern
India,” Samarakoon and Sarvananthan
said.
Currently, only a small fraction of
Indian tourists visit the Northern,
North Central, and Eastern Provinces
of Sri Lanka due to the long distance
from Colombo, where the only interna-
tional airport is located. The proposed
bridge would increase tourist traffic to
these marginalised provinces.
However, the successful realisation
of this grand vision necessitates con-
certed efforts to enhance the domestic
road networks in Sri Lanka, the
authors emphasised. There is a press-
ing need to develop the coastal route
from Talaimannar to Colombo through
the Wilpattu wildlife sanctuary.
Rohan Samarajiva, the founding
Chair and CEO of LIRNEasia, an ICT
policy and regulation think tank in
Colombo, pointed out that Global Pro-
duction Networks (GPNs) have
become increasingly significant in
world trade, encompassing developing
as well as developed economies. The
process of producing goods (and ser-
T U E S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 3 , 2 0 2 4
vices), from raw materials to
finished products, is increas-
ingly carried out wherever
the necessary skills and
materials are available at
competitive cost and quality.
Sri Lanka should join such
networks through Indian
hubs. Sri Lankan firms could
join the auto agglomerate,
electronic components, or
iPhone industry in Chennai.
Transportation costs and
the proximity factor strongly
influence trade. The fact that
this has not happened so far
suggests that there may be
merit in looking at ways to
reduce transportation costs
through a bridge connecting
Talaimannar and Rameswar-
am, Samarajiva said.
However, a road link with
India to tie up with industries
in Tamil Nadu will require the develop-
ment of the Northern and North West-
ern provinces, he added.
“If Sri Lanka is to fully realise the
benefits of integration with automo-
tive, electronic, or other supply chains,
it may be necessary to create export
processing zones with good access to
the bridge in the Northern and North
Central Provinces. Such zones require
access to pools of human resources
and amenities to support the workers
and their families,” he said. All this
will lead to the development of these
areas.
Traders’ voice
Representatives of Indian compa-
nies who exhibited their products at
the Jaffna International Trade Fair in
January 2017 unanimously of the
view that for the development of trade
and investment between India and the
Northern Province of Sri Lanka, the
construction of a road linking
Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu with
Thalaiamannar in North Sri Lanka is
a must.
“Having to land our goods at
Colombo in the south, we take anoth-
er eight hours to reach Jaffna in the
far North. The long journey puts
investors and traders off. It will help if
we are able to go by road from
Rameswaram to Thalaimannar across
Palk Strait and thence to Jaffna,”
explained Amandeep Azad of Azad
Engineering Company based in Gha-
ziabad near Delhi.
“The other advantage of having a
direct road link with India is that it
will eliminate the Colombo-based
middlemen. This will bring down
prices in the Jaffna market,” Azad
added.
According to Jaffna trade sources,
more than 40% of the goods sold in
the Jaffna market are from South
India. These will be cheaper if there is
a road link, they said.
T U E S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 3 , 2 0 2 4
OPINION page 9 DN

Howzat!
‘Kaptaan’
bowls a yorker from Unifying Power of
prison in Pakistan polls Words for
National Unity
Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Move-
ment for Justice) party is the largest party by far
in terms of seats won in the National Assembly.

T
he catastrophe in West Asia now
has a more positive political
side-show not too far away in If all the votes are
Stakeholders need to join forces
Pakistan. Pakistani cricketing
hero and, after a single premiership, the allowed to be in addressing hate speech
most popular politician, Imran Khan, is
jailed on numerous convictions (possibly properly counted The role of online platforms in hate
influenced by the military), and his
equally popular political party had to by the powers-that- speech propagation
contest Thursday’s general election with
its symbol denied by courts. Despite all
be, it could just be
these setbacks, the ‘Kaptaan’ has bowled “clean bowled” by Sri Lanka’s journey towards unity
a political yorker from his prison cell!
If all the votes are allowed to be properly one of the most amidst ethnic and religious divides
counted by the powers-that-be, it could just
be “clean bowled” by one of the most feared feared fast bowlers
fast bowlers in world cricket. But the
in world cricket. But DISHAN JOSEPH

“T
‘umpire’ in Pakistan’s politics is the Army, knowledge and it can be a minority due to their
usually collaborating with one of the two
traditional dynastic political parties: the
the ‘umpire’ in he power of
speech is as
used to lay the basis for
aggression against target-
race, language, and reli-
gion. There should never
Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) run by Pakistan’s politics is great as ed groups. What we today be any minorities; all are
the Nawaz Sharif family and the Pakistan any”- John refer to as “hate speech” human beings. Today, Sri
People’s Party run by the Bhutto-Zardari the Army, usually Henry Newman is, in fact, the “dark side” Lanka needs to counter
family. The world has never of language which can be hate holistically while
Even as bodies pile up further in Pales- collaborating with Runner-up Nawaz Sharif holds the key to been more interconnected. found in any country, cul- respecting freedom of
coalition decision in Pakistan.
tine, votes are still being counted in Paki-
stan, with all indications being that Imran one of the two News travels across the
world in seconds. Our abil-
ture, or form of communi- opinion and expression,
and collaborate with rele-
Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Movement
for Justice) party is the largest party by far
traditional dynastic assassination attempt against him while
electioneering in a rural area.
ity to speak is a blessing.
The words we speak can Sri Lanka has a rich herit-
vant stakeholders, includ-
ing civil society organisa-
in terms of seats won in the National Assem- political parties: the Neither is Khan thought safe in jail under hurt or heal. There is con- age of culture and record- tions, media outlets, tech
bly. the care of the Army. Many detainees and cern among human rights ed history. Sadly, we also companies, and social
In Palestine, the death toll from the con- Pakistan Muslim prisoners have been killed by sundry ‘mili- experts that hate speech is have a track record of media platforms.
tinued Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip has tants.’ becoming more prevalent People who categorise
now topped 28,000, say Western news agen- League (Nawaz) Poll analysts were keenly aware that Khan globally. Hate speech and caste-based division, dis- themselves into groups
crimination based on lan-
cies quoting the Gaza health ministry. The
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) medical run by the Nawaz and his judicially battered Pakistan Tehreek-
e-Insaf (PTI) party had the best in opinion
hate crimes are wide-
spread and have been guages which lead to eth-
seek positive social identi-
ty through comparison
agency, which also operates in Gaza, con-
firms this and says injured numbers now top
Sharif family and polls. But, like this writer as well, most
analysts had thought that the comprehen-
increasing in recent years.
We have been witnessing
nic riots, and in the recent with other groups. Thus, it
appears that one’s motiva-
67,000. the Pakistan sive judicial, military, and bureaucratic sup- how hate speech can be past, religious discrimina- tion for hate speech is the
pression was so crippling as to deny elec- used to exacerbate con- tion. How mature is Sri inclination to affirm a
Coalition talks People’s Party run toral success. flicts and fuel hatred Lankan society in respect- group’s identity by degrad-
among nations or even ing others. Today, social
In Pakistan, the numbers controversy by the Bhutto- Social media within societies.
ing our diversity? Why are
media platforms are com-
Sri Lankans still divided on
continues over which party has the right to
form a government. The controversial ban- Zardari family. Clearly, the sheer political attractiveness
The story “The Chame-
leon” by renowned writer religion, race, caste, and
monly held responsible for
spreading a violence-based
ning of Imran Khan’s PTI symbol of this new political formation, Anton Chekov discusses language? It is time that hate culture, contributing
meant that its candidates had to which is so distinct from the tradi- different types of issues people stopped their dis- to misinformation. How-
contest as independents. But PTI- tional parties, has motivated a mas- associated with an indi- ever, it is people who type
backed independents have, astound- sive swing vote away from those vidual’s freedom. In this crimination in the form of and upload. People are
ingly, won the largest number of traditional parties. Furthermore, story, a policeman named hate speech. responsible. Social media
seats in the 266-seat National the denial of the use of the cricket Ochyumelov is walking platforms rely on a
Assembly, with 96 seats. The right- bat symbol was overcome by the on the street. He combination of arti-
wing, pro-West PML-N had won 71, sheer speed of publicising the hun- encounters an ficial intelligence,
and the centre-left PPP 53. No party dreds of new independent symbols incident where user reporting,
or group, therefore, has a workable by means of the web and social a dog has bit- and staff known
majority to form a government alone. cially in the context of cricket, which is the media. ten the finger as content mod-
After all the legal suppression and ongo- core of Khan’s ‘political capital’; religious or Too late, the authorities had suddenly of the gold- erators to enforce
ing voter intimidation and fraud meted out clan/tribal differences are immaterial. realised that their ‘bannings’ had been cir- smith named their rules
by the Army-controlled bureaucracy and Thus, such rigid social affinities do not cumvented by the quick use of social media Hyrukin. regarding appro-
judiciary, and various civilian gangs, it govern the younger generation’s voting pat- communications. Hence, the last-minute When the priate content.
remains to be seen whether the Army will terns today. Nor can feudal branding be of blockage of the web. policeman As more people
allow Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to any value to Pakistan’s millions of poor No analyst believes that the military- finds out the have moved online,
actually share governing power even as a when a fresh, cosmopolitan, and already bureaucratic complex, together with the dog belongs to Zhiga- experts say, individuals
coalition partner. In terms of ideological accomplished (cricket-wise) brand has traditional feudal parties, will make way lov, a rich and powerful inclined toward racism
affinity, the loosely left-leaning and relatively emerged. for a return to the PTI and its new genera- person, he changes his have found avenues that
secularist PPP could be a likely partner for This is why, in a single governing term, tions of politicians. The expectations in stance and begins to ques- cation. Regardless of reinforce their views.
the PTI. the PTI entrenched itself as the most popu- Pakistan are, sadly, that with the encour- tion if the goldsmith is whether online or spoken Social media platforms
The latest information is that the PML-N lar party. agement of the West, the military-bureau- telling the truth. He asked, by a person, hate speech is also offer violent actors
and PPP, long-time traditional enemies, are crat establishment will stymie Pakistan’s “Can this dog bite you?” the way people wield lan- the opportunity to publi-
in talks to form a coalition government. Brand flexibility latest democratic impulse. Comparatively, This is not exactly hate guage as a weapon to cise their acts.
This was expected because it is widely in terms of ethos, the PML-N and the PPP speech, but shows how attack the identities and Sri Lanka has a rich her-
believed that the Army, which is the power And it was precisely this ‘brand flexibility’ are neocolonial political forces while the words can alter the real beliefs of others. itage of culture and record-
behind the scenes, originally pushed out (i.e., not being tied to either religious or PTI is genuinely postcolonial. situation and escalate a Hate speech refers to ed history. Sadly, we also
Khan’s elected and popular government two cultural tradition and loyalty) that then ena- The West worries about a revived, inde- situation. Ochyumelov is words whose intent is to have a track record of
years ago at Washington’s behest. The US bled the PTI regime to be more flexible in pendent national force, the PTI, that is not filled with some level of create hatred towards a caste-based division, dis-
had been angered by the PTI government’s its foreign policy as well, being guided more subordinate to them. This coming week hate in his mind towards a particular group; that crimination based on lan-
refusal to support Ukraine against Russia, as by rationally defined ‘national interests’ than will indicate the path for South Asia’s most person he perceives as group may be a communi- guages which lead to eth-
many US allies had done. by old ideological or foreign policy (Cold convoluted democracy. being lesser, in this case, ty, religion, or race. This nic riots, and in the recent
The PTI – the most popular political force War) loyalties. South Asia’s ruling regimes will watch in the goldsmith. speech may or may not past, religious discrimina-
for nearly a decade – is a newly-formed This is why the Khan government did not accordance with their regime interests have meaning but is likely tion. How mature is Sri
political movement that strongly differs immediately side with Ukraine and the West while SAARC’s ordinary citizens will watch Threatening peace to result in violence. Chil- Lankan society in respect-
from the feudal-nepotistic style of both the but instead dealt equally with Russia, much to see how their fellow citizens in Pakistan dren are most vulnerable ing our diversity? Why are
traditional parties and also the religious to the annoyance of the West, which had still will progress beyond their current convo- Hate speech, including to hate speech. If exposed Sri Lankans still divided
traditionalism of the PML-N. The original thought of Pakistan as a nation tied to Cold luted predicament. Imran Khan, after all, is online, has become one of to it on a regular basis, on religion, race, caste,
PML was religion-based (Sunni), and so is War loyalties. At the same time, guided by a hero to the whole cricket-loving region, the most common ways of they may begin to ques- and language? It is time
the modern version, the PML-Nawaz. some of the creative foresight of Islamabad’s the world’s biggest cricket fandom. spreading divisive rhetoric tion their own self-worth, that people stopped their
The PML-N’s core stronghold is Punjab Army-linked policy think tanks, Khan on a global scale, threaten- thus believing in their sup- discrimination in the form
province, the traditional home of the Paki- became even more receptive to China’s over- Indonesia ing peace around the posed inferiority. of hate speech. If anyone
stani bureaucracy, old landed elite, and tures. world. Hate speech is a engages in hate speech, it
Mughal-origin feudal class. Not only did he further strengthen the Meanwhile, this week in Indonesia, the menace to democratic val- Freedom of opinion must be a punishable
defence industry links with China, some- world’s largest Muslim-majority democracy ues, social stability, and offence. Society must take
Sindh thing that the Army had already begun after will hold its parliamentary, presidential, and peace. Violence attributed In order to determine a bold stand to stop hate
seeing Washington cosying up to the Islam- provincial elections, all on one day, in a style to online hate speech has whether a particular speech. Martin Luther
The more secularist, left-leaning PPP’s ophobic BJP regime in Delhi. Khan was of music and festivity unmatched in other increased worldwide. Soci- instance of speech is hate King said, “Reconciliation
home base is the Sindh Province, from quick to back China’s very attractive ‘China- Asian democracies. The Indonesians, some- eties confronting the trend speech or not, the context means working together
where the Bhutto family originated. Thanks Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which what derisively, call the election exercise must deal with questions of the speech plays an to correct the legacy of
to its rapidly modernising entrepot city of had begun under the previous Nawaz Sharif ‘pestademokrasi’ or ‘democracy festival’. of free speech and censor- important role. The pri- past injustice.” Playing
Karachi, Sindh Province has evolved into government. The Indonesian voter, according to ana- ship on widely used tech mary reason for the propa- cricket matches between
the most developed, cosmopolitan, and sec- Furthermore, Khan and PTI’s immunity lysts, perceives it as only a momentary ‘fes- platforms. At their most gation of hate speech by diverse communities is
ular-oriented region in the world. to religious and clan loyalties is dangerous tival’ whereas for the winning politicians, it extreme, rumors and individuals is that they not enough. People must
Imran Khan’s family is a lesser land-own- for the Army and the traditional bureau- is the start of their reign. Analysts say that invective disseminated believe in stereotypes that genuinely desire to build
ing class and is a mix of Punjab and Sindh cratic class, which have long been prone to most Indonesians believe that this ‘reign’ by online have contributed to are ingrained in their bridges of reconciliation in
forebears, and Khan benefited from an elite manipulate state politics along those com- elected politicians gives opportunities for violence. minds, and these stereo- Sri Lanka. This is our
Lahori and then Oxford education. His fam- munal lines. Khan and PTI are less subject plunder. Intercultural dialogue types lead them to believe motherland. Let’s trans-
ily’s more cosmopolitan background led him to such manipulation. Meanwhile, the world’s citizens hope that has been described as an that a class or group of form as a nation where we
to a completely secularist, modern-western- Likewise, the traditional Islamist leader- in Palestine, there will be more grudging antidote to rejection and persons are inferior to are all proud of our Sri
ised lifestyle. Thus, many are uncertain ships are also uncomfortable with the plural- movement toward a ceasefire. Will Washing- violence, but can it really them and as such cannot Lankan identity. I con-
whether he is Sunni or (minority) Shia. ism and cosmopolitanism of the PTI. ton and Brussels push the necessary buttons make a difference in a have the same rights as clude with a quote from
Khan is formally Sunni, but his maternal Indeed, Khan is now the biggest target for to halt their Israeli protégée’s continuing world where toxic lan- them. Mahatma Gandhi, “Our
side has Shia affiliations, and he is the first the general Islamist militant underworld massacre? Ancient imperial Rome also guage and conflicts make Hate speech is an ability to reach unity in
top leader to reject such religious factional- and also to the Pakistani state system, deployed similar ‘auxiliary’ forces in that news headlines? Language attempt to further margin- diversity will be the beau-
ism. which also has its proxies in that same very same region nearly 2,000 years ago, plays a fundamental role in alise classes and groups of ty and test of our civilisa-
To Pakistan’s younger generations, this underworld – partly Islamist, partly just massacring those same indigenous Palestin- the creation of shared persons who are already in tion.”
denominational divide is less relevant. Espe- criminal. No one was surprised at the recent ians of the time.
DN page 10 ADVERTISEMENTS T U E S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 3 , 2 0 2 4

INVITATION FOR BIDS - 2024/01

PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - (NP)
JAFFNA
1. The Chairman, Department Procurement Committee, on behalf of the Provincial Director, Provincial Department of Education
(NP), Jaffna now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the works described in the table below. All the relevant
details are described in the same table. The projects shall be funded by World Bank under GEM Project.
2. Bidding will be conducted through National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedure. The Public Finance Circulars No 03/2020
and 03/2020(i) dated 09.10.2020 and 11.01.2021 respectively will also be adopted.
3. To be eligible for contract award, the successful bidder shall not have been blacklisted and shall have been registered with the
Construction Industry Development Authority (CIDA) in the field of building construction for grades mentioned in the table below.
4. Qualification requirements are indicated in Section 4 of the Bidding document. Additional details are provided in the Bidding Data &
Contract Data (Section 5) for SBD 1 or Schedule for SBD III.
5. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the address given below in 6 and inspect the bidding documents at the same
place on any working day from 09:00 hrs to 15:00 hrs.
6. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English language may be purchased by interested bidders on submission of a written
application to the Provincial Director, Provincial Department of Education (NP), Chemmani Road, Nallur, Jaffna (T.P: 021 224
2800 / 021-222 2219, Fax: 021 224 1383 / 021-222 2219) from 09:00 hrs to 15:00 hrs. during the period mentioned in the table
upon payment of non-refundable fees as mentioned in the table. The method of payment will be by cash.
7. Bids (Original & Duplicate) shall be delivered or sent by registered post to the Chairman, Department Procurement Committee,
Provincial Department of Education (NP), Chemmani Road, Nallur, Jaffna at or before 10.30 a.m on the date mentioned in
the table. Bid number must be written on the left-hand upper corner of the envelope. Late Bids will be rejected. Bids will be opened
soon after closing in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend.
8. Pre-Bid Conference will be held at Conference Hall, Provincial Department of Education (NP), Chemmani Road, Nallur, Jaffna
commencing at 10.30 a.m. on the date mentioned in the table.
9. Bids shall be accompanied by a Bid Security as per the information given in the Table.
10. Bids shall be valid up to the period mentioned in the table from the date of Bid Closing.

Document Issuing/Purchasing Period From 13.02.2024 until 27.02.2024

CATEGORY
Pre-Bid Conference At 10.30 a.m. on 21.02.2024
I
Closing and Opening of Bids At 10.30 a.m. on 28.02.2024
(Ministry of Provincial Roads, Transport, Cooperative
Estimated Required Bid Security Development and Trade, Housing and Constructions,
Non
Cost (Rs.)
Contract Grade Refundable Bid Security
Estate Infrastructure Facilities, Industry and Rural Development)
Bid ID Description of Work In Million Validity
Period Required Fee Validity
(without
VAT)
(Rs.)
Amount
(Rs.)
Period Road Passenger Transport Authority (Western Province)
Renovation of Office Lease of Toilet System at Gunasinghepura Main Bus Stand
ENG/GEMP/ Building Roofing at
7.40 91 Days
C7 and C6
3,500.00
77
75,000.00
Till for a period of 02 Years
15/2023/65 National College of (Buildings) Days 12.06.2024
Tenders are invited for the Lease of the Toilet System at Gunasinghepura Main Bus Stand of
Education, Vavuniya
Western Provincial Road Passenger Transport Authority on fee levying basis.
Document Issuing/Purchasing Period From 13.02.2024 until 05.03.2024
CATEGORY Refundable Address of the Place where
Pre-Bid Conference At 10.30 a.m. on 21.02.2024 Application Date and Time to obtain
II Tender Application Forms could be
Form Fee Application Forms
Closing and Opening of Bids At 10.30 a.m. on 06.03.2024 Deposit obtained
Head Office, Road Passenger During working days from
Renovation of Buildings
Transport Authority (W.P.), 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.
(Office, Library, Hall Rs. 1,000.00 Rs. 10,000.00
ENG/GEMP/ C6 and C5 77 Till No. 89, Ranmagapaya, (up to 3.00 p.m.
& Hostels) at National 22.18 91 Days 5,000.00 222,000.00 Kaduwela Road, Battaramulla on 04.03.2024 only)
15/2023/97 (Buildings) Days 19.06.2024
College of Education,
Jaffna Sealed Tenders should either be sent by Registered Post to reach the following address or
deposited in the Bid Box kept at the Administration Division of Ground Floor of the Head
Repairs of Lirbary Office, before 13.00 hrs (1.00 p.m.) on 05.03.2024.
Building, Principal
ENG/GEMP/ C6 and C5 77 Till Tenders will be opened at 1400 hrs on 05.03.2024 and tenderers or their authorized
Quarters Building & 24.19 91 Days 5,000.00 242,000.00 representatives could participate at the time.
15/2023/96 (Buildings) Days 19.06.2024
Classrooms at Kopay
For further inquiries : Administrative Officer (Projects) - 0112868614
Teachers College
Chairman
Chairman,
Minor Procurement Committee
Department Procurement Committee, Road Passenger Transport Authority (W.P.)
Provincial Department of Education - (NP), No. 89, Ranmagapaya, Kaduwela Road, Battaramulla.
Chemmani Road, Nallur, 13.02.2024
Jaffna.
 T U E S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 3 , 2 0 2 4 11

BANK OF CEYLON AFFIRMS PAGE

US based
Shell-RM
Parks enters
Sri Lanka
Further strengthening Sri Lanka’s private sector petro-
leum distribution, Shell-RM Parks, a leading RM Parks
distributor of petroleum products from California entered
into an agreement with the Ceylon Petroleum Storage
Terminals Limited (CPSTL) for the storage and distribu-
tion of fuel in the country.
The agreement in this regard was inked yesterday aimed
at increasing the country’s energy infrastructure and
ensuring reliable access to fuel resources. The collabora-
tion between Shell-RM Parks and CPSTL will enhance
operational efficiency in the petroleum sector and bring in
more world class petroleum based products to Sri Lanka,”
an official from CPSTL said.
“They are also expected to operate around 150 outlets in
the first year of operations and extend further in the
future. “RM Parks-Shell, will import fuel and use CPSTL
for storage and distribution.”
Panasian Power secures
5MW ground mounted
solar PV Project in Galle
Panasian Power PLC a leading renewable energy com-
pany founded in 2002 have been successful in securing a
5MW ground mounted solar PV Project in Galleat an
attractive tariff.It is expected that this project would enter
PPA with the CEB, by mid -2024.
“We believe that this project may contribute greatly to
meeting the national energy target as well as the national
emission reduction targets,”Company Secretary, Panasian
Power PLC, Roshini Weudagedara informed Colombo
Stock Exchange.
“We wish to highlight that this award portrays our unwa-
vering commitment towards growth and our passion to
develop the sustainable energy sector in Sri Lanka.”
CBSL appoints two
new members to
Positive signs of
3% growth - CBSL Governor
CCC Outlook Report provides insights
into crucial business planning variables
“The current issues in Sri Lanka can
be resolved with the implementation of
reforms that will benefit the common
people” said Chairman of The Ceylon
Chamber (CCC) Duminda Hulangamu-
wa speaking at the event.
Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor
of the Central Bank, delivering the key-
note address at the launch affirmed that
there are positive signs of 3% growth.
“The reforms may be difficult, but they
will produce results if they are well-
directed’, adding that ‘we can expect a
surplus in the external sector in 2024 if
we manage the fiscal balances and cre-
ate spillover effects”.
Presenting the Outlook report, San-
jaya Ariyawansa Economist, Ceylon
Chamber emphasized that Sri Lanka’s
economic growth is poised for a modest
recovery in 2024.
Current issues can be resolved with
implementation of reforms that benefit
the common people.
The 9th edition of the annual flagship
Outlook Report for 2024 by the Ceylon
Chamber of Commerce was recently
launched at the Economic Outlook
2024 seminar.
It comprehensively reviews the per-
formance of the domestic, global, and
regional economies, offering perspec-
tives on key sectors such as tourism,
apparel, IT/BPM, FMCG, tea, banking,
and renewable energy. This follows a
Sri Lanka, Mauritius jointly
launch Indian UPI service
SHIRAJIV SIRIMANE
Creating ICT history in Sri Lanka
and supporting the government initia-
tive in moving towards a digital econo-
my, Sri Lanka and Mauritius jointly
launched and accepted Indian based
UPI services in the two countries from
yesterday.
The historic launch of UPI services in
Sri Lanka and Mauritius via video con-
ferencing , along with the introduction
CCC Chairman Hulangamuwa presents the report to Governor CBSL Dr. Weerasinghe
challenging period in 2023, marked by
economic contraction, only to witness a
positive growth of 1.6% in the third
quarter.
“The anticipated rebound depends
crucially on effective debt restructuring
and the implementation of key struc-
tural reforms aimed at achieving macro-
economic stability.”
Despite the proposed elections in
2024, Ariyawansa emphasised the gov-
ernment’s continued focus on imple-
menting key structural reforms to sup-
port economic recovery.The global
economy is anticipated to slow down in
2024, accompanied by potential geopo-
litical risks, financial challenges in
weaker economies, and persistent infla-
tion pressures.
A discussion followed and panelists
Santhosh Menon became the first Indian
COMMITMENT TO SAVE ENVIRONMENT
13
Sri Lanka among 15
friendliest countries
included Murtaza Jafferjee, Committee
Member, SOE Restructuring Unit;
Supun Weerasinghe, CEO, Dialog Axia-
in Asia - Yahoo Finance
ta PLC; Riyaz Sangani, CEO, Vidullan-
ka PLC; Charitha Subasinghe, Presi-
dent-Retail, John Keells Holdings PLC;
and Dr. Roshan Perera, Senior Research
Fellow, Advocata Institute. Jafferjee
stated that ‘the sooner we reform the
SOEs, the sooner we reap the benefits’,
with Dr. Perera expressing similar sen-
timents, stating that ‘structural reforms
will complement the tight monetary Yahoo Finance website has placed Sri Lanka
and fiscal policies.’ among 15 friendliest countries in Asia.
Weerasinghe meanwhile referenced
the imperative for the Digital ID,
These were ranked after considering four
sources – Yahoo Finance and Insider Monkey’s
emphasizing the need to resume the
Digital ID Project as soon as possible.
articles (an investing website that tracks the
movements of corporate insiders and hedge
“This is essential for increasing our tax funds) on 30 Friendliest Countries in the
revenue.” TO PAGE 13 World and 20 Most Immigrant Friendly Coun-
tries in The World, HSBC’s Expat Explorer
rankings that list the top 46 destinations for
expat living and Passport Index’s Welcoming
Countries Rank 2024, which ranks countries
on how many passports they accept visa-free,
with visa on arrival or Electronic Travel
Authorization (eTA).
Commenting on Sri Lanka it said: “The
island nation is one of the friendliest countries
in Asia. It is ranked third on Passport Index’s
rankings for welcoming countries. The Sri
Lankan government offers visa on arrival or
electronic travel authorization (eTA) to travel-
the Indian tourists would now pay ers from 196 countries.”
directly for services they obtain from India, Maldives, Cambodia, Thailand, Tur-
Sri Lanka. kiye, Taiwan, Jordan, Saudi Arabia are some of
As for the Indian travelers they now the other countries in the list.
don’t have to change Indian rupees to
dollars and then to Sri Lanka rupees
nor have to withdraw money for local
ATMS but simply pay in Sri Lanka via
UPI.
“What the hotels and merchants now
have to do is to download a special QR

Governing Board of RuPay card services in Mauritius,

strengthens digital ties between India,
Sri Lanka, and India.
It was simultaneously launched with
leaders of the three countries, Indian
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Presi-
dent Ranil Wickremesinghe and Mauri-
tian PM Pravind Jugnauth at 1 p.m.
yesterday. Besides this, RuPay card
services will be launched in Mauritius,
the Ministry of External Affairs said in
national to successfully make a pay-
ment via UPI to purchase items from Taj
Samudra Hotels
a press release on Sunday. India’s UPI
services are also approved by the cen-
tral banks of the three countries.
Former President Sri Lanka Associa-
tion of Inbound Tour Operators, Mahen
Kariyawasam said that the launch of
UPI will be a major boost for tourism as
Lanka pay app that links UPI with
them.”
An official from LankaQR, said that
10,000 merchants are set to accept
UPI payments shortly after launch.
By March 2024, this number will
reach 65,000, providing a seamless
payment solution for Indian tourists
and Indian merchants. A similar facil-
ity will also be extended to Chinese
nationals soon.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka appointed two new mem-

bers, Rajeev Amarasuriya and Manil Jayesinghe to the Gov-
All Island Dairy Association voices
erning Board (GB) yesterday.
The GB comprises the Governor of the CBSL, Dr. P Nan-
dalal Weerasinghe, who serves as the Chairman of the GB,
concerns over escalating input costs
while A N Fonseka (Appointed since July 27, 2022) Ravi The All Island Dairy Asso- increases in dairy products, Dairy Association are key costs, AIDA proposes facili-
Ratnayake (appointed on Sep 21, 2023), Anushka S Wijes- ciation (AIDA) has voiced integral to the Sri Lankan stakeholders in Sri Lanka’s tating the import of feed
inha (appointed on Sep. 21, 2023) and Vish Govindasamy grave concerns regarding diet, could result in a signifi- dairy sector, contributing to ingredients.
(appointed on Oct. 26, 2023) serves as members. escalating prices of rising cant decline in consump- the collection of nearly 60% Additionally, the associa-
The GB is responsible for overseeing the administration input costs such as feed tion, estimated to be around of the nation’s daily milk tion recommends providing
and management of the affairs of the CBSL and has been ingredients and requests the 30-40%. produced by farmers and the private sector with
established for the determination of the general policies of government for assistance. Such a downturn in dairy processing 200 to 250 mil- access to underutilized land
the CBSL. Amarasuriya is the Immediate Past Secretary of The cost of producing a consumption has ripple lion litres of fresh milk annu- resources on government
the Bar Association of Sri Lanka and has an extensive Appel- litre of milk has surged by effects across ancillary sec- ally. schemes for large-scale
late Court practice in the areas of Public Law and most 174% between 2013 and tors, including packaging, AIDA emphasizes the cur- intensive dairy farming, fod-
branches of civil litigation including contractual, commercial, 2022, primarily due to rising transportation, and retail, rent challenges faced by der cultivation, and silage
property, taxation, banking and other disciplines of the law. input costs such as feed potentially leading to job producers and processors, production through reason-
He is a board / committee member of several State and ingredients. Retail prices losses and decreased income highlighting the struggles in ably agreed long-term leases.
private sector institutions including the Sri Lanka Account- have followed suit, increas- for workers in these related marketing local products. AIDA also encourages the
ing and Auditing Standards Monitoring Board, the Standing ing by 168% in the same fields. To enhance productivity cultivation of fodder/maize
Committee of Legal Studies of the UGC and is a Council period. Members of the All Island and reduce local production on paddy fields during the
Member of the University of Colombo. He is also the Sri “Fresh milk production Yala season, and between the
Lanka Country Representative of the Commonwealth Legal and fresh milk-based prod- Maha and Yala seasons to
Education Association and an Executive Committee Member ucts were previously VAT meet the requirements of
of LAWASIA. exempt, providing essential small and medium-scale
Jayesinghe is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Char- support to around 300,000 dairy farmers.
tered Accountants of Sri Lanka, Fellow Member of the Char- small-scale farmers and over The Association urges the
tered Institute of Management Accountants (UK), Fellow 2 million dependents direct- government to reconsider
Member of the Certified Management Accountants of Sri ly or indirectly involved in the proposed VAT increase,
Lanka and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Public the sector.” recognizing its far-reaching
Finance & Accountancy. The additional burden of and detrimental conse-
Jayesinghe, who started his career at Ernst & Young, increased VAT could further quences on the dairy sector,
gained extensive experience in a range of sectors including strain the affordability of rural livelihoods, and the
manufacturing, retail, hospitality, wholesale business and dairy products, potentially overall health and well-being
telecommunication, in his capacity as Partner of Ernst & leading to a decline in con- of the Sri Lankan popula-
Young for 30 years. sumption. Anticipated price tion.
 12 BUSINESS MARKET T U E S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 3 , 2 0 2 4

Market Statistics on 12.02.2024 Coconut Products – Prices on 12.02.2024

Security Volume **V.W.A. Open High Low **V.W.A. Change Security Volume **V.W.A. Open High Low **V.W.A. Change 1. FRESH COCONUT
Previous Yesterday’s (Rs.) Previous Yesterday’s (Rs.)
Close Close Close Close Market Price 26th Jan. to 01st Feb. 2024 (Source-HARTI)
Main Board
Wholesale Retail
A.SPEN.HOT.HOLD. 3,457 60.00 61.00 61.00 59.90 59.90 (0.10) RENUKA HOLDINGS 5,726 12.10 12.10 12.10 12.00 12.00 (0.10) (a)Large SizeRs/Nut 95.00-105.00 110.00-120.00
ABANS 292 152.00 158.00 158.00 154.50 155.25 3.25 RENUKA HOLDINGS [RHL.X0000] 12,465 10.80 10.20 11.10 10.20 11.00 0.20 Small SizeRs/Nut 80.00-90.00 95.00-110.00
ACCESS ENG SL 193,724 18.90 19.00 19.10 18.80 18.90 0.00 RESUS ENERGY 20,077 14.80 14.90 14.90 14.60 14.60 (0.20) (b)Coconut Development Authority – Colombo Auction 08/02/2024 (For
ACL 200,160 69.70 70.00 71.40 70.00 71.00 1.30 RICHARD PIERIS 47,653 20.40 20.50 20.50 20.00 20.00 (0.40) Industry Use)
ACL PLASTICS 1,242 350.00 359.75 359.75 350.00 350.00 0.00 ROYAL CERAMIC 120,296 28.60 29.00 29.00 28.30 28.60 0.00 Average Price69,751.43 T – Offers 698,941 - Nuts Trated 612,643
ACME 30 5.40 5.30 5.30 5.30 5.40 0.00 S M B LEASING 200,218 0.60 0.50 0.60 0.50 0.60 0.00 Next Auction on 15/02/2024 10.00 am at Coconut Development Author-
AGALAWATTE 80,607 32.10 32.40 32.90 32.10 32.10 0.00 S M B LEASING [SEMB.X0000] 161,858 0.30 0.20 0.30 0.20 0.30 0.00 ity (3rd Floor), No.11 Duke Street. Col 01.
AHOT PROPERTIES 3,206 57.80 57.80 58.00 57.50 58.00 0.20 SAMPATH 286,954 72.90 72.90 73.00 72.70 72.80 (0.10) (d)Locally Traded (Farm-gate price)
AITKEN SPENCE 68 115.25 118.00 118.00 117.75 115.25 0.00 SANASA DEV. BANK 3,833 31.00 31.00 31.60 31.00 31.50 0.50 Rs. 1000 Nuts Rs/Mt (Husked Ex-Mill)
ALLIANCE 6,444 84.80 85.00 85.10 82.00 83.00 (1.80) SARVODAYA DEVFIN 2,902 13.00 12.60 12.60 12.30 12.30 (0.70) Kurunegala Dist. 68,000-75,000 116,000-120,000
AMANA BANK 1,080,001 2.30 2.30 2.30 2.20 2.20 (0.10) SEYLAN BANK 17,770 44.90 44.90 44.90 43.80 44.00 (0.90) Puttalam Dist. 65,000-70,000 118,000-120,000
ASIA ASSET 1,000 12.60 12.80 12.80 12.80 12.80 0.20 SEYLAN BANK [SEYB.X0000] 9,350 35.00 35.90 36.00 34.70 34.70 (0.30) Gampaha Dist. 65,000-73,000 115,000-120,000
Hambantota Dist. 65,000-75,000 115,000-120,000
ASIA CAPITAL 32 3.10 3.10 3.10 3.10 3.10 0.00 SEYLAN DEVTS 116 14.20 14.20 14.70 14.20 14.70 0.50
ASIRI 12,884 23.90 23.50 23.50 23.40 23.40 (0.50) SHAW WALLACE XR 296,532 7.50 7.50 7.50 7.10 7.20 (0.30) Copra (At Colombo Auction)
ASIRI SURG 75,863 11.00 11.00 11.20 10.90 11.00 0.00 SIERRA CABL 16,830 12.70 12.70 12.70 12.20 12.70 0.00 Quality of Copra Offered (Kg)
AUTODROME 11 92.00 91.00 91.00 91.00 92.00 0.00 SIGIRIYA VILLAGE 1 51.90 52.80 52.80 52.80 51.90 0.00 Quality of Copra Sold (Kg)
BAIRAHA FARMS 58 163.50 163.00 165.00 163.00 163.50 0.00 SINGER FINANCE 13,716 11.40 11.30 11.40 11.30 11.30 (0.10) M.S. No.1 Copra (Top Price) (Rs.250Kg)
M.S. No 1 Copra (Single Average Price)(Rs.250Kg)
BALANGODA 4,520 49.90 50.90 50.90 50.00 50.00 0.10 SUNSHINE HOLDING 7,226 52.20 52.80 52.80 52.20 52.20 0.00 M.S. No.1 Copra (Mart Price) (Rs.250kg)
BLUE DIAMONDS 6 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.00 SWISSTEK 7,240 15.10 15.50 15.70 15.10 15.70 0.60 M.S. No.2 and 3 Copra(Single Average Price)(Rs.250kg)
BLUE DIAMONDS [BLUE.X0000] 25,779 0.20 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.10 TALAWAKELLE 12,284 108.25 110.75 110.75 107.00 107.50 (0.75) M.S. No.2 and 3 Copra (Market Price) (Rs.250kg)
C M HOLDINGS 11 81.60 81.50 81.50 81.00 81.60 0.00 TANGERINE 151 55.00 57.00 57.00 56.90 56.90 1.90
CARGILLS 10,004 330.75 345.00 345.00 333.00 333.25 2.50 TEA SMALLHOLDER 298 40.50 42.90 42.90 40.20 42.10 1.60 2. COPRA - (Locally Traded) 12.02.2024
daily Copra - Edible (Rs./250 Kg)
CARGILLS BANK 11,692 7.90 8.00 8.00 7.80 7.90 0.00 TEEJAY LANKA 15,412 35.70 35.70 36.00 35.70 35.90 0.20 M.S. No. 1 Copra (Rs./250 Kg) 85,000
CARGO BOAT 1,230 50.80 50.80 50.80 50.70 50.70 (0.10) THREE ACRE FARMS 15,599 246.00 250.00 250.00 242.00 242.50 (3.50) MS No. 2 Copra (Rs./250 Kg) 77,500
CARSONS 691 250.00 250.25 259.75 250.00 250.00 0.00 TOKYO CEMENT 20,180 44.50 45.00 45.00 44.20 44.50 0.00
CDB 2 200.00 204.25 204.25 204.25 200.00 0.00 TOKYO CEMENT [TKYO.X0000] 33,183 37.00 37.10 37.50 36.10 36.20 (0.80) 3. DESICCATED COCONUT
CDB [CDB.X0000] 502 80.00 80.10 82.90 80.00 80.00 0.00 UNION BANK 48,268 9.50 9.50 9.90 9.50 9.60 0.10 Fine Sri Lanka (Domestic) (Rs/Kg) 580-640 N
Medium (Rs/Kg) 570-640 N
CENTRAL FINANCE 6,840 106.00 110.00 110.00 107.00 107.25 1.25 UNITED MOTORS 383 59.50 64.90 64.90 60.80 60.80 1.30
CENTRAL IND. 3,464 89.10 89.00 89.90 88.80 88.80 (0.30) VALLIBEL 1,576,479 7.20 7.20 7.60 7.20 7.50 0.30 4. COCONUT OIL
CEYLINCO INS. 5 2,399.00 2,395.00 2,395.00 2,395.00 2,399.00 0.00 VALLIBEL FINANCE 46,469 33.00 33.30 34.00 33.00 33.90 0.90 Local Wholesale Price (Rs/Mt) 560,000-600,000 N
CEYLINCO INS. [CINS.X0000] 51 810.00 814.75 814.75 809.00 810.00 0.00 WATAWALA 27,360 76.90 78.50 78.50 76.50 78.30 1.40 White Oil 650,000-740,000 N
CEYLON GUARDIAN 100 83.70 82.00 82.00 82.00 82.00 (1.70) WINDFORCE 36,985 19.60 19.80 20.00 19.70 19.80 0.20 Philippines (CIF-Rott)
(Oil World) (09/02/2024) (Rs/Mt) 369,151
CEYLON INV. 21,595 44.00 44.00 44.00 44.00 44.00 0.00 YORK ARCADE 2,152 136.50 135.25 142.75 135.00 135.00 (1.50)
CEYLON TOBACCO 4,308 1,000.50 1,010.00 1,020.00 1,000.00 1,010.50 10.00 hSENID BIZ 67,502 11.20 11.00 11.20 11.00 11.00 (0.20) 5. POONAC (Rs/Mt) 85,000 - 100,000 T
CHEMANEX 46,292 66.70 69.40 70.00 69.40 70.00 3.30 SECOND BOARD 6. MATTRESS FIBRE (Rs/50kg) 1000-1,100 T
CHEVRON 206,883 98.40 98.60 99.60 98.00 98.00 (0.40) AMBEON CAPITAL 350,602 7.10 7.20 7.20 6.80 6.80 (0.30) 7. OMAT FIBRE (FAQ) (Rs. /50 Kg) 4,000-4,500 T
CIC 262 63.00 64.00 64.00 62.30 62.50 (0.50) BROWNS BEACH 5,507 12.70 12.70 12.90 12.10 12.90 0.20 8. MIX FIBRE (Rs. /50 Kg) 1,100-1,250 T
9. BRISTLE FIBRE 1 TIE (Rs. /50 Kg) 6,750-7,000 T
CIC [CIC.X0000] 10,577 43.10 43.40 43.40 43.00 43.00 (0.10) DIALOG FINANCE 519 49.50 49.70 49.70 49.70 49.70 0.20 10. BRISTLE FIBRE 2 TIE (Rs. /50 Kg) 8,500-10,000 T
CITRUS LEISURE 9,490 5.10 5.10 5.10 4.80 5.00 (0.10) DISTILLERIES 1,005,872 26.00 26.00 26.00 25.80 25.80 (0.20) 11. COCONUT HUSKS
COLD STORES 54,333 46.50 46.40 47.00 46.00 47.00 0.50 EDEN HOTEL LANKA 358,369 10.90 11.00 11.30 10.70 11.20 0.30 (08.02.2024)
COLOMBO LAND 200 18.10 18.20 18.30 18.20 18.30 0.20 HAPUGASTENNE 100 29.80 30.00 30.00 30.00 30.00 0.20
COMMERCIAL BANK 47,945 89.50 89.70 89.90 89.30 89.50 0.00 HUNAS HOLDINGS 9,979 23.00 23.00 23.00 22.80 22.80 (0.20) District Rs/per 1,000 husks
Puttalam 4,500-5,000
COMMERCIAL BANK [COMB.X0000]2,307 79.60 80.00 80.00 79.00 79.00 (0.60) JAT HOLDINGS 4,540 14.20 14.70 14.80 14.20 14.20 0.00 Gampaha 4,000-4,500
CONVENIENCE FOOD 5 952.00 950.00 950.00 950.00 952.00 0.00 LOLC FINANCE 387,045 4.20 4.30 4.30 4.10 4.20 0.00 Matara 4,000-4,500
DFCC BANK PLC 8,349 78.20 78.50 78.50 78.00 78.40 0.20 MADULSIMA 66 11.10 11.50 11.50 10.60 11.10 0.00 Kurunegala 4,000-4,500
DIALOG 2,146,807 9.40 9.40 9.60 9.30 9.50 0.10 ODEL PLC 2,350 13.10 13.10 13.10 13.00 13.00 (0.10)
DIMO 16 480.75 490.00 499.50 486.25 480.75 0.00 PARAGON 13 49.90 47.60 54.00 47.60 49.90 0.00 Coir Fibre (Moisture is more than 50%) Rs/Kg 8.50
Coir Fibre (Moisture is 40%-50% Rs/Kg 9.00
DIPPED PRODUCTS 199,740 27.50 27.50 27.60 27.20 27.60 0.10 SINGER SRI LANKA 140,881 12.50 12.50 12.80 12.40 12.60 0.10 Coir Fibre (Moisture is 30%-40% Rs/Kg 11.00
DOCKYARD 323 57.50 55.00 55.30 55.00 55.20 (2.30) SLT 19,833 93.10 94.00 94.30 92.10 92.50 (0.60) Coir Fibre (Moisture is 20%-30% Rs/Kg 12.00
DOLPHIN HOTELS 1,124 33.80 33.00 33.00 33.00 33.00 (0.80) SOFTLOGIC FIN XR 15 6.00 6.00 6.00 5.90 6.00 0.00 Coir Fibre (Moisture is 10%-20% Rs/Kg 13.00
DURDANS 430 120.00 120.00 120.00 120.00 120.00 0.00 TRANS ASIA 211 41.10 41.10 41.10 41.10 41.10 0.00 Coir Fibre (Moisture is less than 10% Rs/Kg 16.00
E B CREASY 1 22.50 22.50 22.50 22.50 22.50 0.00 EMPOWER BOARD
12. COCONUT SHELL (Rs./MT)
EAST WEST 10,000 7.70 7.70 7.70 7.70 7.70 0.00 ALPHA FIRE 25,420 6.80 7.00 7.00 6.50 6.70 (0.10) 26,000-28,000 T
EASTERN MERCHANT 700 6.60 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 (0.20) EML CONSULTANTS 28,001 3.20 3.10 3.30 3.10 3.30 0.10 13. COCONUT SHELL CHARCOAL (Rs/MT)
EX-PACK 62,851 12.00 12.10 12.20 12.00 12.10 0.10 DIRI SAVI BOARD (19.01.2024-24.01.2024)
EXPOLANKA 712,445 130.00 130.00 135.00 129.00 134.00 4.00 AGARAPATANA 154,748 7.30 7.20 7.30 7.00 7.10 (0.20) Moisture-12%, Dust 3% 105,000 – 106,000 T
FORT LAND 544,318 29.10 29.10 30.00 29.10 30.00 0.90 AGSTAR PLC 945,309 6.70 6.90 6.90 6.50 6.50 (0.20) 14. COCONUT EKELS (Rs/MT) 65,000-80,000 T
GALLE FACE CAP 1,733 23.50 23.50 23.80 22.80 22.80 (0.70) ALUMEX PLC 34,731 8.50 8.40 8.70 8.40 8.60 0.10 T – Traded N – Nominal (Courtesy: Coconut Development Authority)
GESTETNER 2,360 106.25 99.00 102.00 95.10 97.10 (9.15) AMANA TAKAFUL 4 11.60 11.50 11.50 11.50 11.60 0.00
GRAIN ELEVATORS 68,346 169.50 169.00 170.00 167.75 168.50 (1.00) AMBEON HOLDINGS 500 35.40 35.50 35.50 35.50 35.50 0.10
HAYCARB 38,389 69.60 69.70 70.40 69.00 70.00 0.40 AMF CO LTD 229,197 22.10 22.10 22.40 21.30 21.90 (0.20)
HAYLEYS 93,164 76.50 76.40 76.50 75.00 75.20 (1.30) ASIA SIYAKA 15,549 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 0.00
HAYLEYS FABRIC 832 38.30 39.30 39.30 38.50 38.60 0.30 BANSEI RESORTS 13 12.40 12.40 12.40 12.40 12.40 0.00
HAYLEYS FIBRE 78 49.00 50.90 50.90 49.10 49.00 0.00 BERUWALA RESORTS 8,002 1.20 1.30 1.30 1.20 1.20 0.00
HAYLEYS LEISURE 9,257 20.60 20.60 20.60 20.60 20.60 0.00 BOGALA GRAPHITE 601 50.90 50.50 50.50 49.20 50.00 (0.90) Date 12.02.2024
HDFC 7,422 32.30 32.30 32.80 32.00 32.00 (0.30) BOGAWANTALAWA 20,065 40.00 40.40 40.60 39.20 40.40 0.40
HELA 590,644 5.30 5.30 5.40 5.20 5.20 (0.10) BPPL HOLDINGS 590 19.50 19.60 20.00 19.60 20.00 0.50 (1) Average rates of the following currencies quoted by licensed banks
HEMAS HOLDINGS 139,121 74.00 74.00 75.00 72.00 72.00 (2.00) BROWNS 2,505 96.50 98.00 98.00 96.30 96.60 0.10 in Colombo for Telegraphic Transfers (TT) at 9.30 a.m. are as follows.
HNB 57,782 161.00 161.50 165.00 161.50 163.00 2.00 BROWNS INVSTMNTS 1,884,740 4.20 4.30 4.30 4.20 4.20 0.00 Currency Buying Rate Selling Rate
HNB ASSURANCE 2,208 53.90 54.70 54.70 53.70 53.70 (0.20) DIRI SAVI BOARD
Australian Dollar 199.1321 209.2931
HNB [HNB.X0000] 15,860 138.50 139.00 140.00 139.00 140.00 1.50 C T LAND 250 24.40 22.60 22.60 22.60 22.60 (1.80) Canadian Dollar 227.4730 237.6346
HORANA 50 41.20 39.70 39.70 39.70 41.20 0.00 C.W.MACKIE 666 85.90 89.20 89.20 88.00 88.00 2.10 Chinese Yuan (Renminbi) 42.0203 44.7083
HOTEL SIGIRIYA 343 55.20 57.90 58.00 55.30 55.50 0.30 CALT XD 433,036 51.90 52.40 52.40 50.80 51.10 (0.80) Euro 331.0515 344.9410
HOTELS CORP. 3,662 19.70 19.30 20.00 19.30 19.50 (0.20) CEYLON TEA BRKRS 113,983 4.30 4.30 4.30 4.00 4.10 (0.20) Japanese Yen 2.0580 2.1410
HUNTERS 10 582.25 600.00 600.00 600.00 582.25 0.00 CITRUS HIKKADUWA 35,938 4.10 4.10 4.10 3.80 3.90 (0.20) Singapore Dollar 227.5800 237.7995
Sterling Pound 387.9176 403.3124
INDUSTRIAL ASPH. 143,471 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.30 0.30 (0.10) CITRUS WASKADUWA 30,058 2.10 2.10 2.20 2.00 2.10 0.00 Swiss Franc 349.1570 367.0750
JKH 215,877 185.75 185.00 188.00 184.00 187.00 1.25 COM.CREDIT 43,863 31.00 31.00 31.00 30.20 30.50 (0.50) US Dollar 308.1990 317.8272
KANDY HOTELS 18,959 8.20 8.60 8.60 8.20 8.60 0.40 COMMERCIAL DEV. 1,276 102.50 102.00 102.00 102.00 102.00 (0.50)
KAPRUKA 4,107 7.50 7.60 7.60 7.10 7.30 (0.20) COOP INSURANCE 195,998 2.30 2.30 2.30 2.20 2.20 (0.10) (2) Approximate exchange rates of GULF Currencies based on previ-
KEGALLE 8,205 119.50 117.50 117.50 115.00 115.00 (4.50) DILMAH CEYLON 6 999.75 1,031.00 1,031.00 1,000.00 999.75 0.00 ous day’s market weighted average rate for the US dollar are as fol-
lows.
KELANI CABLES 427 240.75 249.75 249.75 242.00 247.75 7.00 E - CHANNELLING 77 14.50 15.40 15.40 14.90 14.50 0.00
KELANI TYRES 2,094 63.50 64.50 64.50 63.50 64.40 0.90 ELPITIYA 4,021 86.30 87.00 87.10 85.50 87.00 0.70 Country Currency Indicative Rate
KELANI VALLEY 764 70.20 72.00 72.00 71.00 71.90 1.70 EQUITY TWO PLC 7 39.90 36.50 36.50 36.50 39.90 0.00 Bahrain Bahrain Dinar 830.3834
KINGSBURY 6,767 10.80 11.00 11.10 10.80 11.00 0.20 EXTERMINATORS 38,006 7.50 7.50 7.70 7.50 7.60 0.10 Kuwait Kuwait Dinar 1,016.6406
KOTAGALA 887,823 6.10 6.10 6.10 6.00 6.00 (0.10) FC TREASURIES 49,773 25.80 26.40 26.40 25.50 25.60 (0.20) Oman Oman Rial 813.1065
L O L C HOLDINGS 11,920 317.00 318.75 327.50 318.75 319.75 2.75 FIRST CAPITAL 130,846 30.50 30.40 30.90 29.50 29.70 (0.80) Qatar Qatar Riyal 85.8391
Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian Riyal 83.4712
LAKE HOUSE PRIN. 4 158.75 162.00 162.00 162.00 158.75 0.00 FORTRESS RESORTS 13,291 18.70 19.30 19.40 18.50 18.60 (0.10) UAE UAE Dirham 85.2280
LANKA ALUMINIUM 21,232 16.00 16.10 16.50 16.10 16.50 0.50 GALADARI 235,788 16.80 17.00 17.60 16.90 17.40 0.60
LANKA HOSPITALS 1,807 120.00 120.00 121.50 119.00 119.00 (1.00) HATTON XD 5,504 26.70 27.00 27.00 26.00 26.10 (0.60) (3) The Average Weighted Prime Lending Rate (AWPR) and the Low-
LANKA IOC 83,391 105.00 106.00 106.00 103.25 104.00 (1.00) HNB FINANCE 4,004 5.00 5.10 5.10 4.90 4.90 (0.10) est Prime Rate (LPR) during the week ended 09-Feb-2024, by all com-
LANKA REALTY 6,304 10.30 10.30 10.30 9.80 10.30 0.00 HVA FOODS 260 3.50 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 0.10 mercial banks were 11.83 percent and 10.91 percent,respectively.
LANKA TILES 39,935 46.00 46.30 46.60 46.00 46.10 0.10 JANASHAKTHI INS. 25,711 35.00 35.50 35.50 34.70 34.70 (0.30) (4) The Average Weighted Deposit Rate (AWDR) of commercial banks
LANKA WALLTILE 61,136 46.40 47.00 47.30 46.00 46.40 0.00 JETWING SYMPHONY 481,799 9.90 9.80 10.00 9.80 10.00 0.10 for the month of January-2024 was 11.15 percent.
LANKEM DEV. 92,397 17.80 17.50 17.60 16.80 17.00 (0.80) KAHAWATTE 1,500 15.70 15.70 15.70 15.30 15.30 (0.40)
LAUGFS GAS 3,500 37.40 37.40 37.50 37.40 37.50 0.10 KEELLS FOOD 427 135.75 139.00 139.00 135.00 136.00 0.25
LAUGFS GAS [LGL.X0000] 12,000 26.00 26.00 26.50 26.00 26.10 0.10 KEELLS HOTELS 24,710 19.00 19.00 19.40 19.00 19.10 0.10
LAXAPANA 60,051 15.10 15.20 15.30 15.20 15.20 0.10 LANKEM CEYLON 5,064 60.20 60.00 60.10 59.90 60.00 (0.20) MARKET STATISTICS
LB FINANCE 21,979 60.20 62.20 62.40 61.00 62.20 2.00 LAUGFS POWER 2,010 9.30 8.90 9.00 8.90 9.00 (0.30)
LION BREWERY 3 971.00 955.00 955.00 955.00 971.00 0.00 LAUGFS POWER [LPL-X-0000] 8,213 7.50 7.40 8.00 7.40 7.80 0.30 EQUITY DETAILS TODAY PRV.DAY
LMF 778,957 23.40 23.40 23.40 22.70 23.00 (0.40) LCB FINANCE PLC 812,323 1.70 1.80 1.90 1.80 1.80 0.10 VALUE OF TURNOVER(RS.) 572,509,977.40 792,357,253.85
VOLUME OF TURNOVER(NO.) 27,329,520 22,114,561
LVL ENERGY 43,605 5.40 5.40 5.40 5.40 5.40 0.00 LIGHTHOUSE HOTEL 561 32.00 33.30 33.30 31.90 32.20 0.20
TRADES(NO.) 7,825 8,452
MALWATTE 20 64.10 63.90 63.90 63.90 64.10 0.00 LOLC GENERAL INS 843,960 5.50 5.70 6.20 5.60 6.00 0.50 MARKET CAPITALIZATION(RS.) 4,121,845,619,026.45 4,109,982,417,662.20
MALWATTE [MAL.X0000] 2,140 39.50 36.00 36.00 36.00 36.00 (3.50) LOTUS HYDRO 30 8.30 8.60 8.90 8.60 8.30 0.00
MELSTACORP 22,512 83.40 83.00 84.90 82.20 84.50 1.10 LUMINEX 7,532 6.60 6.70 6.70 6.40 6.50 (0.10) GOVT. SECURITIES TODAY PRV.DAY
MERC. SHIPPING 9 163.75 163.75 163.75 163.75 163.75 0.00 MACKWOODS ENERGY 562 1.80 1.80 1.80 1.70 1.70 (0.10) VALUE OF TURNOVER(RS.) - -
VOLUME OF TURNOVER(NO.) - -
MULLERS 105,211 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 0.00 MAHAWELI COCONUT 3 27.00 25.30 25.30 25.30 27.00 0.00
TRADES(NO.) - -
NAMUNUKULA 16 342.50 368.75 368.75 365.00 342.50 0.00 MAHAWELI REACH 168 12.50 13.00 13.00 13.00 13.00 0.50 MARKET CAPITALIZATION(RS.) -
NAT. DEV. BANK 30,962 65.00 64.60 66.00 64.60 65.20 0.20 MARAWILA RESORTS 278,210 3.00 3.00 3.10 3.00 3.00 0.00
NATIONS TRUST 30,342 105.25 106.75 106.75 104.00 106.00 0.75 MASKELIYA 11,900 32.10 32.30 32.40 31.50 31.90 (0.20) CORPORATE DEBT TODAY PRV.DAY
NATIONS TRUST [NTB-X-0000] 18 103.25 109.00 109.00 109.00 103.25 0.00 MERCHANT BANK 160 4.70 4.70 4.80 4.60 4.60 (0.10) 21-Jan-04
VALUE OF TURNOVER(RS.) - 1,267,962.10
PAN ASIA 982,065 19.30 19.40 19.50 19.10 19.40 0.10 MYLAND 10,231 8.50 9.00 9.00 8.20 8.20 (0.30)
VOLUME OF TURNOVER(NO.) - 1,200,000
PANASIAN POWER 77,001 3.30 3.30 3.30 3.20 3.30 0.00 NUWARA ELIYA 1 1,650.00 1,700.00 1,700.00 1,700.00 1,650.00 0.00 TRADES(NO.) - 3
PEOPLE’S INS 50,764 22.00 22.00 22.50 22.00 22.50 0.50 OVERSEAS REALTY 48,457 15.50 15.50 15.50 15.00 15.00 (0.50)
PEOPLES LEASING 19,157 10.50 10.70 10.70 10.30 10.30 (0.20) PALM GARDEN HOTL 266 40.60 42.50 42.50 41.60 41.60 1.00 EQUITY INDICES TODAY PRV.DAY
PGP GLASS 12,660 26.60 27.00 27.00 26.70 26.70 0.10 PEGASUS HOTELS 11,663 22.00 22.30 22.50 22.00 22.30 0.30 PRICE INDICES
CSE ALL SHARE INDEX 10,584.02 10,567.33
PRINTCARE PLC 778 45.50 46.90 46.90 46.10 46.80 1.30 PEOPLE’S MERCH 3,249 4.30 4.30 4.30 4.30 4.30 0.00
S&P SL 20 INDEX 3,032.29 3,026.77
R I L PROPERTY 416,956 5.10 5.10 5.20 4.90 5.00 (0.10) PRIMERESIDENCIES 216,112 6.90 7.00 7.00 6.80 6.90 0.00
RADIANT GEMS 625 83.00 80.30 83.90 80.10 83.00 0.00 RAIGAM SALTERNS 5,303 6.00 6.00 6.10 5.90 6.00 0.00 TOTAL RETURN INDICES
RENUKA AGRI 72,103 3.80 3.90 4.00 3.80 3.80 0.00 RENUKA HOTELS 420 79.20 75.00 75.00 75.00 75.00 (4.20) TRI ON ALL SHARES (ASTRI) 14,537.92 14,513.09
RENUKA CITY HOT. 1 364.75 359.50 359.50 359.50 364.75 0.00 RICH PIERIS EXP 804 480.25 481.00 481.00 460.00 466.75 (13.50) TRI ON S&P SL 20 INDEX (S&P SL20 (TR)) 5,645.55 5,633.05
RENUKA FOODS 11,701 16.40 16.90 16.90 16.50 16.50 0.10 DIRI SAVI BOARD
RENUKA FOODS [COCO.X0000] 7,389 14.40 13.10 14.10 13.10 13.90 (0.50) ROYAL PALMS 68 25.20 26.90 27.00 26.90 25.20 0.00
T U E S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 3 , 2 0 2 4 BUSINESS 13
NEWS

Bank of Ceylon affirms commitment AIA Insurance opens Regional

to save Environment
Joins Biodiversity Sri Lanka ‘Life to Our Beaches’ program
Extending its commit-
ment as a responsible cor-
porate citizen, Bank of
Ceylon (BOC) commits to
save the environment and
the bio-diversity in Sri
Lanka by joining hands
with the Biodiversity Sri
Lanka’s (BSL) ‘Life to
Our Beaches’ program in
collaboration with the
Marine Environment Pro-
tection Authority (MEPA).
Taking part as one of the
founding members of the
Biodiversity Sri Lanka,
BOC has been actively
engaged in programs to
preserve the nature and its
biodiversity through many
sponsored projects and
getting stakeholders
involved along with itself.
The program on ‘Life to
Our Beaches’ is one such
project that focuses on
cleaning and preserving a
selected beach stretch at a
time away from plastic and
other pollutants.
“Preserving the land and
marine conservation has
become an important topic
around the world, as the
negative impact of pollut-
ed environment has
becoming a sever threat to
humankind all around the
globe than ever before. In
this case corporate citizens
across the world have
much greater responsibility
to act proactively to negate
this threat through genuine
efforts and continued com-
mitment. I believe our
endeavor in joining these
organizations will have a
positive impact on the
environment and social
governance and inspiring
all our stakeholders take
initiatives as good corpo-
rate citizens.” stated Rus-
sel Fonseka, the General
Manager Bank of Ceylon.
Bank of Ceylon joined
hands with Biodiversity
Sri Lanka and MEPA for
the project to preserve the
marine ecosystem at Kech-
chimalai Beach Park with
600-meter strip along the
Beruwala beach and inau-
gurated the project with
the presence of the General
Manager Bank of Ceylon,
Russel Fonseka and the
members of corporate and
executive management
with BOC staff members.
Members from the Biodi-
versity and MEPA, Waste
Management Authority,
members from the local
community and the local
government officials also
were present.
In order to sustain the
program, the BSL has
made arrangements to
appoint a ‘Beach Care
Taker’ recommended by
the local government offi-
cials who will be contract-
ed to maintain the cleanli-
ness of the beach strip,
thus creating an employ-
ment opportunity for a
local low-income resident.
This worthy task fulfills
the bank’s commitment to
contribute to preserve life
below water which is rec-
ognized under Sustainable
Development Goal-SDG
14 stipulated by United
Nations. Ensuring the
BOC’s efforts on sustaina-
bility are delivered proper-
ly and in line with UN’s
SDG framework, it estab-
lished a dedicated ‘Sus-
tainable Banking Unit’
under the guidance of the
Chief Financial Officer of
the bank.
Development office in Matara
Represents significant milestone
AIA Insurance continues its
strategic expansion efforts
with the opening of a new
AIA RDO in Matara. Situated
at Galle Road, Walgama,
Matara, this new office repre-
sents a significant milestone
in AIA’s commitment to
enhancing its distribution net-
work and customer outreach.
The opening ceremony
marked the beginning of a
new chapter for AIA in the
Matara City, reinforcing the
company’s dedication to pro-
viding comprehensive finan-
cial solutions to individuals
and families.
The AIA RDO in Matara is
staffed with a team of experi-
enced insurance professionals
poised to deliver a diverse
array of services, including
life insurance, health insur-
ance, retirement plans and lishing a presence in Matara, on customer satisfaction and
investment solutions. AIA reaffirms its commitment financial wellbeing, AIA
This strategic expansion to serving communities across Insurance looks forward to
underscores AIA’s mission to Sri Lanka with personalized, building meaningful relation-
encourage customers to reliable insurance and finan- ships and making a positive
secure their financial futures cial planning services. impact in the vibrant commu-
with confidence. By estab- With its unwavering focus nity of Matara.

AMW hosts ‘Dealer Meeting’ in Colombo

Sanasa Life Insurance launches training centre in Anuradhapura
Plans to open more training centres islandwide
Sanasa Life Insurance Compa-
ny PLC has commenced a pro-
gramme to establish training cen-
tres in all parts of the country to
improve the knowledge, attitude
and skills of its human resources.
The first such centre was
recently opened in Anuradhapura
and another eight centres are
planned to be established island-
wide.
The top management of the
Company including Sanasa
Leader Vishwa Prasadini, Dr.
P.A. Kiriwandeniya, the Board of
Directors, Managing Director
Indika Kiriwandeniya, Chairman,
Dr. H.J.S.K. Wickramaratne,
Sanasa Life Insurance Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) Ivan
Nicholas and Chief Business
Officer Kennedy J. Michael were
present during the opening cere-
mony of Anuradhapura Centre.
Sanasa Life Insurance CEO
Nicholas said: “This is a break-
through in the insurance industry.
It is planned to develop a pro-
gramme through this training
centre to improve the knowledge,
attitude and skills of our officers
as well as those who are not
within our organisation.”
“The relationship with Sanasa
societies, which is the founda-
tion of the institution, will fur-
ther improve through this pro-
gramme.’ ‘The Centre in Anu-
radhapura, which can accommo-
date about 50 persons at a time,
has all facilities including air
conditioning and modern tech-
nology-based equipment.
One of the main objectives of
the establishment of these cen-
tres is to improve the knowl-
edge, attitude, skills including
those related to leadership, abili-
ty to work as a team, personality
and discipline of the apprentice
staff of the organisation as well
as the officers. It is notable that
Sanasa Life Insurance, as the
only insurance company work-
ing with Sanasa Education Cam-
pus approved by the University
Grants Commission (UGC),
directs trainees from these train-
ing centres for the degree, diplo-
ma and certificate programmes
conducted by Sanasa Education
Campus.
Emphasized on AMW’s return to Lankan Market
Associated Motorways
(Private) Limited (AMW), the
official distributor for Yama-
ha Motorcycles, Service and
Parts recently hosted a Dealer
Meeting in Colombo. The key
personnel at the event includ-
ed Andre Bonthyus, the
newly appointed Group Man-
aging Director of AMW..
Bonthyus said that he looks
forward to growing the organ-
ization and emphasized on
AMW’s return to the market.
Yamaha Motor Corporation
Japan Executive General
Manager Kumika Imai who
handles over 140 countries
where Yamaha is present,
stated that she had chosen to
visit Sri Lanka due to the sig-
nificance and value placed on
the country and its market.
Notably, they mentioned
the fact that automotive
imports to Sri Lanka which
have come to a halt due to the
foreign exchange crisis,
would get a respite this year,
as the country’s macroeco-
nomic indicators are getting
into a better shape after four
years.
“We believe that motorcy-
cle imports will be allowed
into Sri Lanka this year and
we want our dealers to be
ready to maintain and handle
our loyal Yamaha customers,
and meet the demand for
Yamaha motorcycles,” they
said.
“In such circumstances,
Yamaha dealers should
improve their business pro-
cesses now, in order to thrive
in the boom time. We will be
providing the dealer network
with strategic guidance and
support enabling them to
align their business objectives
with the overall vision of
Yamaha and AMW,” they
said.
They emphasized that
Yamaha and AMW have
developed new strategies to
maintain close communica-
tion with all of their dealers.
“We will effectively com-
municate with our dealers and
obtain their valuable inputs
for strategic pricing of Yama-
ha motorcycles, spare parts
and outboard motors. In addi-
tion to that, we will support
our dealers in digital order
placements, invoice posting,
streamlining payment terms
and business development
through training sessions at
regular intervals,” they said.
The import ban on vehicles
in Sri Lanka has been in place
since 2020; a decision made
by the government to prevent
the outflow of much needed
foreign currency.

ABMCL bags National Amana Takaful Insurance sets new standard

Quality Award 2022 For motor insurance with cutting-edge App
In its unwavering commit-
ment to elevate customer
convenience, Amana Takaful
Insurance, a prominent insur-
ance provider in the country,
has introduced an avant-garde
motor insurance App that rev-
olutionizes the insurance
inspections can be effortlessly
uploaded using the app. Stay
informed with push notifica-
tions that keep users updated
on any pending requirements,
ensuring a smooth and engag-
ing process.
Furthermore, users can eas-
Designed for an exception-
ally user-friendly experience,
the App allows users to navi-
gate the entire claims process
with just a few taps, eliminat-
ing the need for extensive
paperwork and time-consum-
ing calls to customer hotlines.
This streamlined approach

Zone24x7 celebrates 20th anniversary

Director/CEO of ABMCL M P. Sarkar
receiving the award from State Minis-
ter for Technology Kanaka Herath
Associated Battery Manufacturers (Cey-
lon) Limited, (a subsidiary of Exide Indus-
tries Limited)[ABMCL] the manufacturer of
renowned automotive battery, Exide, is hon-
oured with the Sril Lanka National Quality
Award under the Manufacturing - Medium
Scale category organized by the Sri Lanka
Standards Institution (SLSI),the National
Standards Body of Sri Lanka, at the Mon-
arch Imperial, Thalawathugoda on January
30, 2024.
This renowned event is held annually to
acknowledge business excellence in local
entities and to recognize Sri Lankan Organi-
zations that excel in quality management
and quality achievement. The jury consisted
of key industry experts selecting the winners
on the criteria based on the standards used
for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality
Awards of USA which are leadership, strate-
gic planning, customer focus, measurement,
analysis and knowledge management, work-
force focus, operational focus and results.
ABMCL a joint venture of Exide Indus-
tries Limited (Exide) and Brown & Compa-
ny PLC [Browns] established in 1960 is the
first lead-acid battery manufacturer of Sri
Lanka. Since its establishment in 1960,
ABMCL has been dedicated to meeting the
requirements of customers in Sri Lanka.
ABMCL has consistently invested in techno-
logical advancements to provide high-quali-
ty products to its customers. Notably,
ABMCL receives technical assistance from
Exide which is South Asia’s largest manu-
facturer of lead acid batteries and power
storage solutions provider and has consist-
ently remained at the cutting edge of inter-
national battery technology and introduced
various pioneering products and power stor-
age solutions in South Asia and global mar-
kets.
experience for users. ily track their claim status
The App’s standout feature and delve into their claim his- reduces the reliance on
lies in its tory at any human interaction, making
groundbreak- moment, enhanc- the claims process smoother
ing claims pro- ing the overall than ever. It underscores
cessing experi- experience. “We Amana Takaful Insurance’s Zone24x7, a leading pro- The company’s sound we’ve touched lives with
ence, offering are thrilled to commitment to leveraging vider of end-to-end technolo- research and development excellence, we’ll reach even
users a seam- announce the lat- technology for an enhanced gy consulting and engineering background enables it to con- further with the power of
less and con- est update to our and modernized customer solutions, celebrated its tinuously develop leading- technology. That’s the
venient way to innovative App, experience. 20th anniversary of working edge technology solutions Zone24x7 story: a legacy of
handle insurance claims. aimed at providing our cus- This latest update to the towards building a legacy of ahead of market needs. Its impact, fueled by the future.”
In case of an accident or tomers with a hassle-free motor insurance app marks a excellence and empowering ability to combine the latest Zone24x7 General Manag-
damage to their insured vehi- experience in managing significant milestone in tomorrow in the Tech indus- hardware with cutting-edge er Vipula Liyanaarachchi
cle, customers can now initi- claims and settlements for Amana Takaful’s digital try. software solutions places it commented, “The world
ate and file claims directly their insured vehicles. As we transformation journey, solid- The company celebrated among a handful of compa- doesn’t wait for excellence, it
through the App, ensuring a continue our journey of digi- ifying its position as a leader this significant milestone by nies in the world with the demands it. Zone24x7 has
streamlined and stress-free tizing insurance in Sri Lanka, in innovative insurance solu- organizing an award ceremo- ability to do so. consistently delivered, but the
process with the added con- we anticipate the rollout of tions. The company continues ny to recognize and appreci- The product and service real test lies ahead. Embrac-
venience of uploading imag- more cutting-edge digital to set a new standard in the ate the contributions made by portfolio of Zone24x7 ing tomorrow’s technology
es. platforms and services,” said industry by providing a tech- its large Engineering team includes Enterprise Software isn’t a luxury, it’s a responsi-
Essential documents such Nalin Dinudaya Sakalasoori- nologically advanced and over the years. Applications, RFID solutions, bility. We are ready to lead
as estimates, driver’s license, ya, Head of Digital at Ama- customer-centric approach to Established in 2004 and Data Science Engineering, the way, and we invite you to
final bills and after-repair naTakaful PLC. motor insurance. headquartered in San Jose, Embedded Systems Engineer- join us in shaping a future
California, Zone24x7 is an ing, Remote Monitoring and where engineering not only
advanced technology and IoT, Machine Learning, Cog- thrives but transforms.”
research center located and nitive Vision Analytics, Zone24x7 promotes a cul-
operating in Colombo, Sri Robotics and Innovation Ser- ture of customer-centric inno-
Positive signs of 3%... From page 11 Lanka. Zone24x7 specializes
in offering end-to-end tech-
vices with Technology Proof
of Concept Development.
vation, continuous learning,
professionalism, caring for
nology consulting and engi- Zone24x7 CEO Neschae oneself and others, and integ-
Referencing overall economic growth, Sub- ers’ remittances. In terms of monetary policy, neering services encompass- Fernando stated, “Being the rity to create a diverse, inclu-
asinghe stressed that ‘we need to pursue a the Central Bank shifted to a more accommo- ing both hardware and soft- best isn’t a finish line, it’s a sive, and thriving workplace
growth strategy that is inclusive and equitable. dative stance in 2023 to support economic ware. launchpad. At Zone24x7, for all its associates.
Everyone should benefit from the expansion of recovery and manage inflation. Despite facing
the corporate sector.” a significant budget deficit in 2023 with rising
Sangani also echoed this viewpoint, empha- interest expenditure, a primary budget surplus
sizing that ‘the key factor is how we execute was achieved through revenue-based fiscal
the plans. We can expect lower prices when we consolidation.
break the monopoly. This will have a positive The report also highlighted the potential
impact on many sectors of the economy.’ disruptions to domestic economic recovery,
The report further highlighted that inflation including a slowdown in exports due to global
is expected to stabilize at a mid-single-digit economic slowdown. This includes enhancing
level in 2024, following significant disinflation governance, improving public sector efficien-
in 2023. The external sector of the Sri Lankan cy, and fostering a conducive environment for
economy exhibited marked improvement in private sector growth.
2023, with a notable reduction in the merchan- Such reforms are deemed essential to avoid
dise trade deficit and a surge in net service repeated reliance on external financial sup-
exports, particularly in tourism, along with a port.More details of the report could be
remarkable improvement in inflows of work- obtained from, (Saumya@chamber.lk/) Team Zone24X7
 14
Goodlife Holdings partners world’s largest global
manufacturer and provider of irrigation products,
Rain Bird International
Forefront of ‘Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture’ project by the World
Bank, Focused on solutions that are sustainable and built to last
Goodlife Holdings, a leader in Sri
Lanka’s micro irrigation industry
announced their partnership to Rain
Bird International Inc., the world’s
largest manufacturers and providers
of irrigation products, at a recently
concluded event.
Goodlife Holdings in a short span
of four years has become one of the
leading micro irrigation companies in
Sri Lanka with its reputation of dura-
ble solutions leveraging innovative
technology. The company has also
been at the forefront of one of the
country’s largest irrigation projects,
the ‘Climate Smart Irrigated Agricul-
ture’ project by the World Bank to
help support over 2,000 farmers.
Other key projects undertaken
include the Galle Face Green irriga-
tion project and the Canterbury Golf
Course.
Mohammad Abdel Latif, Regional
Manager, Indian Subcontinent and
Southern Africa, Rain Bird Internation-
al Inc. commenting on the partnership
said, “Both Rain Bird and Goodlife are
focused on solutions that are sustaina-
ble and built to last – that’s what this
partnership signifies. At Rain Bird, we
want to stay ahead of the challenges
our customers and the planet faces by
manufacturing high-quality products
SLT-MOBITEL Fibre ‘Get a life with
Fibre’ campaign re-energisers
Lanka’s fastest and widest home Broadband service
SLT-MOBITEL Fibre is re-energizing
the nation with the power of high-speed
connectivity, inviting families and
homes to experience the unparalleled
benefits of Sri Lanka’s fastest and wid-
est home broadband service.
SLT-MOBITEL Fibre excels as Sri
Lanka’s pioneering Fibre-to-the-Home
(FTTH) broadband service, recognised
as the preferred choice for users seek-
ing a reliable and high-speed internet
connection to meet their digital needs.
SLT-MOBITEL Fibre offers exten-
sive islandwide coverage and is now
available at superfast speeds at
300Mbps, enabling customers to experi-
ence a substantial boost in connectivity.
Enhancing the service, SLT-MOBITEL
is offering registrants a chance to win
amazing gifts worth more than Rs
1,000,000 monthly.
SLT-MOBITEL Fibre stands distinct-
ly apart for its exceptional quality and
International Study Centre gateway to
World-Class Education
Provides students unparalleled access to global learning
As a premier education provider,
the International Study Centre
(ISC) is committed to providing
students unparalleled access to
global learning opportunities
through strategic partnerships with
esteemed international universities.
With the mission to empower
students with tools and experiences
necessary to thrive in an increas-
ingly interconnected world, ISC
provides cover multiple programs,
including undergraduate and post-
graduate studies in Medicine, Engi-
neering, Science, Information Tech-
nology, Business and many more.
Through partnerships with top for-
eign universities, ISC provides
access to a world of academic
excellence.
ISC has established itself as a
leading organization since its
inception and has been instrumental
in helping many students achieve
their goals by providing them with
a wealth of support for their aca-
demic pursuits. Assisting students
to choose appropriate educational
programs in diverse countries, such
(L-R) Shaluka Liyanapathirana, Director - Logistics, Goodlife Holdings,
H.C.K.Kulasuriya Director - Operations, Goodlife Holdings,Sathyajith
Abeysinghe, Chairman, Goodlife Holdings, Ajith De Silva, Managing
Director, Goodlife Holdings, Mohammad Abdel Latif, Regional Manag-
er, Indian Subcontinent and Southern Africa, Rain Bird International
Inc. and Ayman Bataineh, Area sales manager, Rain Bird International
Inc.
that help with the intelligent use of
water.”
He added, “Our partnership has
many synergies and we look forward to
more initiatives in which we can shape
the future of irrigation together.”
Ajith De Silva, Managing Director,
Goodlife Holdings said, “We’re excited
to partner the world’s largest manufac-
turers of irrigation products as it under-
scores our capability and experience
across the industry. Goodlife’s team of
likeminded professionals include pio-
neers from the industry, with most of
speed. It is recognised as Sri Lanka’s
most premium and prestigious internet
service. Subscribing to SLT-MOBITEL
Fibre services customers will be joining
the Fibre Elite Club of existing users
as Australia, Canada, Malaysia, the
USA, the UK, France, Belarus and
many more destinations, ISC will
ensure that students receive a
world-class education and exposure
to cutting-edge research and prac-
tices.
The centre is committed to sup-
porting learners at every stage of
their academic career, improving
their educational experience, from
aiding with admissions to helping
the students navigate foreign cur-
riculum.
Boasting an impressive track
record and guided by the belief that
education is wealth, the Interna-
tional Study Centre has been a cor-
nerstone in facilitating the interna-
tional education journeys of numer-
ous students. Our accomplishments
demonstrate the faith that students
and their families have in us and
our dedication to delivering first-
rate educational experiences.
The expertise and experience of
ISC’s counselors and management
make the organization exceptional.
Having experience of more than a
BUSINESS
them having over 25 years’ experience
in the trade – it’s our differentiator.
“This partnership is a testament to
our reputation and will set the stage for
us to reshape the industry through opti-
mized landscaping and technology.”
In addition to micro irrigation servic-
es, Goodlife Holdings also offers solar
powered water pumping systems, and
green houses and protected agriculture
for businesses and consumers. The
company is poised for rapid growth
and hope to be the largest agriculture
solutions provider in the country.
who already enjoy the premium, high
quality internet connectivity.
New customers can register through
the MySLT app, reach out to the SLT-
MOBITEL Contact Centre, visit the
website https://www.slt.lk/, or visit the
nearest SLT-MOBITEL outlet for per-
sonal assistance and facilitate registra-
tion. Since the dawn of the new year,
SLT-MOBITEL has enhanced fibre
speed to 300Mbps. For all new and
existing customers, the SLT-MOBITEL
‘Midnight Thriller’ provides free night-
time internet access for the first time in
Sri Lanka, catering to night owls and
entertainment enthusiasts.
SLT-MOBITEL is committed to
ensuring that every Sri Lankan home
enjoys the best technology and the fibre
campaign serves to revolutionize digital
connectivity across the island, bringing
communities together towards a con-
nected future.
decade, the professionals at ISC are
acquainted with every aspect of the
educational process. The centre is
headed by Dr. Harry Prasad,
Director, who is a SLMC Regis-
tered Medical Practitioner.
“We assure both parents and stu-
dents that our top priority is your
safety, well-being and academic
success. Studying abroad is a trans-
formative experience that opens
doors to new cultures, perspectives,
and opportunities. Our dedicated
team is committed to providing
personalized support to ensure you
have a fulfilling and enriching
experience abroad,” Dr. Prasad
said.
The International Study Centre is
Headquartered at Cambridge Place
Colombo 07 and operates with its
branches in Jaffna, Kalmunai and
Batticaloa. The centre aims to
enhance the lives of Sri Lankan
students by providing them access
to global opportunities, thereby
contributing to the development of
a skilled society and economy in
Sri Lanka.
BRISCA HONOURS TOP PERFORMERS
Young accounting professionals too awarded
Some of the participants with invitees
Brisca, a well-established BPO Com-
pany serving business enterprises in
Australia and New Zealand in stream-
lining their financial, accounting, and
taxation functions, recognized the com-
mitment and dedication of its staff by
presenting them with awards of appreci-
ation at the Lotus Hall of the BMICH,
recently.
Several categories under which the
performance of the staff during the year
2023 had been assessed and the cita-
tions addressed to each category
showed what a lot of fine sieving has
gone into selecting the recipients of the
awards.
Young accounting professionals who
had fared well at the accounting train-
ing courses conducted by Brisca Educa-
tion, the educational arm of Brisca, in
Jaffna University students for internship
program at IIT Madras
Benefit strong educational links with India
Students from the Department of Engi-
neering, University of Jaffna Moham-
madh Jawusi Fathima Aashifa and Rad-
hakrishnan Yesindan has been selected
for a six-month research internship pro-
gram at the renowned Indian Institute of
Technology Madras (IIT Madras).
This opportunity, facilitated by a MoU
signed between the two institutions as
well as through the Consulate General of
India, Jaffna highlights India’s commit-
ment to enhance academic collaboration
and student exchange programs between
Mihin Liyanaarachchee honoured
at Pinnacle Awards
Best Online Education Entrepreneur of the Year
Mihin Jayavidhu Liya-
naarachchee, a popular
online economics tutor,
who introduced the first
online tutoring class and
the first and only lesson
set prepared for the sub-
ject of Economics for
Advanced Level (A/L)
classes, was awarded as
the ‘Best Online Educa-
tion Entrepreneur of the
Year’ at Pinnacle Sri
Lanka Awards 2023.
The award ceremony Mihin Jayavidhu Liya- social media platform In
organised by the MUGP naarachchee with the addition to conducting
International was recent- award
ly held at the Grand Ball-
room of Galleface Hotel in Colombo.
published a series of lessons on social
Liyanaraachchee has secured a B.Sc media platforms that cover the entire
British Council hosts networking event
Brings together Commonwealth Scholars from Sri Lanka
The British Council in Sri Lanka
hosted its annual networking event to
welcome home the most recent batch
of Sri Lanka’s Commonwealth Schol-
ars from the UK on completion of their
studies. The event was held at Möven-
pick Colombo and was attended by a
large number of Commonwealth Schol-
ars from Sri Lanka along with British
Council staff.
The event featured an informative
panel discussion with the participation
of five of the returning scholars where
they provided insights about their
application process, choice of subject,
learnings at their universities, experi-
ence of living in the UK and their
short- and long-term plans on how they
hope to apply their new learnings. This
was followed by an interactive net-
working session.
The returning scholars of 2023 have
completed their postgraduate studies in
diverse fields including Dementia
Studies, Plant Molecular Genetics,
Crop Science, Human Resource Man-
agement, Virology, Special and Inclu-
sive Education, Environmental Engi-
neering, Geographical Information
Systems, Economics and Development
Economics.
The British Council Head of Pro-
grammes Sanjeevani Munasinghe com-
mented: “Since its inception in 1960,
nearly 1,150 Sri Lankans out of a total
of over 30,000 global scholars have
T U E S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 3 , 2 0 2 4
NEWS/EDUCATION
Job-Ready Training in Accounting and
Book Keeping and Taxation and Job-
Enhancement Training in Microsoft
Power BI were also awarded certifies.
These training courses are aimed at
training young Sri Lankan talents in
acquiring an expert knowledge of the
accounting, taxation and financial
reporting systems practiced in Australia
and New Zealand and hands on experi-
ence in the use of cloud software in per-
forming various related functions.
At the completion of the courses,
one is made competent in the chosen
field and ready to fill the vast number
of job opportunities available in Aus-
tralia and New Zealand as an expatriate
or in the fast-growing BPO industry in
Sri Lanka.
Candidates, who tipped the scales at
India and Sri Lanka. Felicitating the stu-
dents, Consul General Shri. Raakesh
Natraj encouraged more students of the
University of Jaffna to avail the opportu-
nity to collaborate with Institutes of
excellence in India.
Consul General also met and discussed
possibilities of further collaboration with
members of faculty of the Faculty of
Agriculture, University of Jaffna, who
embarked on an academic visit to the
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
(TNAU) in Coimbatore.
degree in Entrepreneur-
ship from University of
Sri Jayewardenepura and
is currently reading for a
Master’s degree in Entre-
preneurship at the same
university.
He has been conduct-
ing economics tuition
classes for A/L students
through online platforms
since 2015. He has cur-
rently become the most
popular tutor on every
classes online, Liya-
naarachchee has also
received the opportunity to study in
prestigious universities in the UK
under the Commonwealth Scholarship
scheme. Many of these scholars have
progressed to achieve great things in
their careers and the impressive alumni
list includes Prime Ministers, Cabinet
Ministers, Nobel Prize winners, aca-
demics, diplomats, writers and leaders
in major NGOs and businesses. Schol-
ars from Sri Lanka have gone on to
become a Central Bank Governor,
Bank Chairpersons, Vice Chancellors
of universities, Chair of the University
Grants Commission and much more.”
The British Council Education Pro-
grammes Manager Hameema Haniff
stated, “I want to highlight the impor-
tance of scholars updating their contact
information on the Commonwealth
Scholarship Commission website. This
Panel discussion with Sri Lanka’s Commonwealth Scholars.
the zenith of the final assessment, were
presented with medals of recognition.
The event was attended, with the staff
of Brisca and the alumni of Brisca Edu-
cation and several members from Aus-
tralia, New Zealand, USA, Oman and
India made their virtual participation
via Zoom.
Institute of Chartered Accountants of
Sri Lanka Vice President Tishan Subas-
inghe, was the chief guest while Prof.
Pavithra Madhuwanthi from the Univer-
sity of Sri Jayewardenepura was the
guest of honor all gave inspiring
speeches while Sumith Dissanayake and
Olu Jayasooriya representing the Board
of Directors of Brisca and Prageeth
Pathirana, the Chief Executive Officer
of Brisca Education also addressed the
event.
Highlights of the event.
The members of the Faculty of
Agriculture gained first hand knowl-
edge of the efforts at industry and
community outreach programs of
TNAU and also discussed avenues for
joint research.
A/L economics syllabus to help any
student learn the subject.
Having prepared an effective system
to continue teaching via social media
groups even during the Covid-19 pan-
demic, he was the first tutor who gave
access to the students in all parts of
the country to join his online classes
free of charge during Covid-19 lock-
down.
The platforms that he developed
during the pandemic have now attract-
ed nearly 10,000 students from each
district. Students who attend online
classes conducted by him can receive
many benefits such as more class
hours, high-quality papers and tutes,
availability of web recordings and
repeat classes and ability to attend
classes at flexible times.
is particularly crucial because the CSC
is organising activities to commemo-
rate its 65th anniversary.”
All Commonwealth Scholarships
are funded by the Foreign, Common-
wealth and Development Office
(FCDO) and are offered under six
Commonwealth Scholarships Com-
mission (CSC) development themes.
These include science and technology
for development, strengthening health
systems and capacity, promoting glob-
al prosperity, strengthening global
peace, security and governance,
strengthening resilience and response
to crises and access, inclusion and
opportunity. While there are no restric-
tions on what a student can study, the
CSC gives priority to applicants
whose studies are most relevant to
their development criteria.
T U E S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 3 , 2 0 2 4 SPORTS page 15 DN

Sri Lanka’s aquatic Chamalsha Dewmini

the karate star
heroines make from Kirimatiyana

nation proud
DILWIN MENDIS
Moratuwa Sports Special Corr.
Thirteen year old Brown
Belt Holder and member of the
school karate team Kata and
Kumite Gold Medalist and
Best Eight Member of the Sri

Dinali Karunadasa inspires

Lanka All Island Junior Karate
Championship Chamalsha
Dewmini has brought honour
and fame to her school Bud-

Sri Lanka’s victory dhist National School Kirimati-

SAJEEWA JAYAKODY
Sri Lanka's talented
young aquatic athletes
excelled at the BIMSTEC
Youth Aquatic champion-
ship, earning a proud third
place among tough compe-
tition from neighbouring
nations. The team brought
home a total of 14 medals,
including one silver and 13
bronze, showcasing their
excellence on the interna-
tional stage.
Leading the team was
Dinali Karunadasa of
Visakha Vidyalaya, securing
an impressive four bronze
medals in events such as
the 200 IM, 400 IM, and
various relay races. Other
contributors to the medal
tally included Amaiah
Rasool, Christina Perumal,
Sithuki Yonara, Jessie
Seneviratne, Tevindee
Methlini, and more, all
delivering remarkable per-
formances in swimming
events.
In the diving category,
Kithmi Marambe's silver in
the 1m Springboard Diving
and Vindudi Kankanamge's
bronze in the 3m Spring-
board Diving added to Sri
Lanka's success. The girls’
and boys’ water polo teams
also showcased their
strength, each securing a
bronze medal for their out-
standing efforts.
The BIMSTEC Youth
Aquatic Championship, ini-
tiated by the Indian Govern-
ment for seven nations asso-
ciated with the Bay of Ben-
gal, marks its inaugural
tournament. Initially
planned for 2019, the event
finally took place this year,
as explained by Sumanthri
Samarawickrama, the Man-
ager of the Sri Lanka con-
tingent and a Lecturer at
the University of Moratuwa.
The Indian Government
generously funded all par-
ticipating countries, cover-
ing facilities, air tickets,
accommodation, and host-
ing. Sri Lanka, with the
second-largest contingent
comprising 93 athletes and
17 officials, stood out, sur-
passed only by Thailand's
72 participants.
To ensure fair competi-
tions, the organizers
requested judges for diving,
swimming referees, and
two water polo referees.
Notably, Sri Lanka success-
fully represented all three
sports, securing the only
silver medal in diving
thanks to Kithmi Marambe
from Bishop's College,
while the remaining 13
medals were bronze.
Reflecting on the experi-
ence, Samarawickrama, a
former St Bridget's Con-
vent alumni emphasized
the significance of the event
as a start for the South
Asian Games, which had
been on hold since 2019.
Despite the challenges, the
competition provided valu-
able exposure for the
youngsters, being an Under-
20 competition.
Samarawickrama
expressed gratitude to the
Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports
Union (SLASU) for the
opportunity given to the
young athletes. She com-
mended the quick organiza-
tion of everything, acknowl-
edging the support from
the Sports Ministry and
Foreign Ministry. As an
Executive Member of
SLASU, she extended her
thanks for their role in mak-
ing the event a success.
Dinali Karunadasa of Visakha Vidyalaya
yana with her deeds in the field
of Karate in Kata and Kumite
events .
Chamalsha who hails from
Yakdessawa, Nattandiya was
born on 12th January 2011 and
admitted to her present school
in 2017 and when she came
upto Grade Five she showed an
interest in Karate and her par-
ents Jayantha Priyadarshana
and T. M. Sarojani noticing it
and made arrangements to
admit their daughter to the
Dankotuwa Cultural Centre of
Albert Peiris Stadium at Wen-
nappuwa to enhance her Kara-
te Career and she came under
Asela Wasantha Withana. Then
at school level she commenced
Karate under the same coach
and since 2022 she participated
in the Karate Meets.
Her first attempt was Sri
Lanka Schools Junior Champi-
onship Provincial Meet in 2023
and she won a Gold Medal for
Kata and Silver Medal for
Kumite and in the District
Open Meet she won Silvers for
Chamalsha Dewmini posed for a
photograph after winning the
medal with her Coach. (Picture by
Dilwin Mendis Moratuwa Sports Spe-
cial Correspondent)
both her events and at the Sri
Lanka Schools All Island
Championship she came upto
the Best Eight and got a Merit
Certificate and at the Sri Lanka
All Island Senior Schools Meet
she won a Bronze for Kumite
Her final attempt was at 2023
All Island Senior Karate Cham-
pionship held at Sugathadasa
Stadium Colombo and she
grabbed a Silver Medal for
Kata.

Lakshman Wijeratne wins

Nidahas Udana Cycle Race
JOSEPH PIUS
- Wattala Special Correspondent
Lakshman Wijeratne, won the
126.8 km Nidahas Udana Flying
wheel Open Standard Cycle Race
held in Wattala with the sponsor-
ship of the Ministry of Sports and
Youth Affairs and the National
Youth Service Council.
On the occasion of the 40th anni-
versary of Sri Lanka’s oldest bicycle
association, the ‘Wattala Flying wheel
Bicycle Association’, this bicycle race
was organized for the seventh time in
association with the Gampaha Dis-
trict Bicycle Association on 76th
Independence day on February 4.
In the Open competition, cash
awards were given from the first
place to the sixth place, (Rs.
150000, Rs. 100000, Rs. 75000, Rs.
50000, Rs. 40000, Rs. 30000 respec-
tively) each, and from the seventh
place to the tenth place Rs. 20000
each. From eleventh to fifteenth
place, Rs.15000 each were present-
ed. Rs. 10,000 each was awarded to
the sixteenth to the twentieth place.
In the senior competition, arrange-
ments were made to give a bicycle
and cash prizes for the first, second,
third, fourth and fifth places. Cash
prizes for the junior competition
were also given.
The cycling results:
Open category (Age between 17
to 50 years) 1. Laxman Wijeratne,
2. S. Padma Kumar, 3. Tarindu Lak-
shita, 4. Chandimal Jayasinghe, 5.
Charidu Madhu, 6 Naveen Perera,
7. Nisan Vimukti, 8. Dilshan
Gamage, 9. Randika Perera, 10.
I.T.K. Dissanayake, 11. Amila
Liyanage, 12. Charuka de Silva, 13.
Pasidu Shehan, 14. Pradeep Kumar,
15. Calum Peirce, 16. Binura Cha-
nukah, 17. Fan Suminda, 18. Deshan
Maraperum, 19. Iroshan Pudeep,
20. Nimantha Dissanayake.
Senior category (above 50 years
of age) 1. Terence Kinston, 2. S. T. Al Mina School under 10 football team Matale district runner up
Rohita, 3. Susantha Chandimal, 4.
Anthony Diaz, 5. Duminda Kumara.
Junior category (under 17 years
of age) 1. Ivan Rupasingha, 2. Puvin
Al Mina Matale under 10 football team
Sadev, 3. Daham Aditya, 4. Kalhara
Nadunpriya, 5. Ramesh Jayanidu. emerge district runner up
M.H.YAKEEM of Education, played at Dambulla last A.M. Aakif, M.R. Yusoof, M.N. Zeyan,
Al Mina School Matale under 10 week. M H. Shaheem, M.F.M. Fayaj, M.I. Sahl,
foorball team emerged as the district The credit has to go to the Principal M.I. Aaqib Ahamed, S. Aathiq, M.R.M.
runner up at the Matale inter Schools M.A.F. Nirosiya for the able support Yoonus, M T. Abrar, M.R. Abdul Rak-
Football tournament 2024, losing to given to these youngsters along with maan, A.K. Bilal, P. Kogilan, S. Husni,
Royal International School Matale by Vice Principal A.L.M. Sadikeen, who Pleas note in the Daily News of Febru-
1 goal to nil in the final, organised guided these youngsters to showcase ary 06th 2024, The name of Ajmeer
and conducted by the Educational their hidden talents to bring honour National School Ukuwela, Matale Princi-
Zonal office Matale, under the guid- and glory to the School in Football. pal should read as A.M.M. Zarook, POG
ance and supervision of the Ministry The team comprises of R.M. Zaid, A.H..M. Hanafi and Coach as J.M.Niyad

Rajarata NS, Hingurakgoda and St. Mary’s

Hambantota into quarters
Rajarata National School Hingurakgo-
da and St. Mary’s College Hambantota
advanced to the quarter finals of the
Under 13 division 3 inter schools cricket
tournament conducted by Sri Lanka
Schools Cricket Association with the
sponsorship by Sri Lanka Cricket.
Rajarata National School Hingurak-
goda and St. Mary’s College Hamban-
The Winners of the Open Competition from left: S. Padma Kumara (Second place), Lakshman Wijeratne, (first place) tota won by bonus points against Sri
and Tharindu Lakshita (third place) with their awards. Pictur by : Joseph Pius - Wattala Special Correspondent
Rahula College Katugastota and Perad-
eniya MMV in the pre quarter finals.
Brief scores of quarters:
n At Hambantota (St. Mary’s Col-
lege Hambantota won by bonus points)
St. Mary’s College Hambantota:
101/3 (50) (Thanula Eshmika 28,
Mohomed Ishardeen 28, Sadaru Samu-
ditha 1/7) Peradeniya Central College:
8/3 (4) (Lethindu Madhusanka 2/4)
n At Hingurakgoda (Rajarata
National School Hingurakgoda won by
bonus points)
Sri Rahula College Katugastota:
129/7 (49) (Dumindu Ranasinghe 57
n.o., Gayan Rajapaksha 3/15)
Rajarata National School Hingu-
rakgoda: 79/3 (46) (Dinuth Herath 17
n.o., Thathsilu Chandrasekara 1/9).
(YK)

Sri Lanka Insurance boost for Mercantile Cricket Association

DHAMMIKA RATNAWEERA vision, is the ideal partner to exchanged between Mahesh de Business and Marketing, Cha- mittee, were present on behalf
“Behind the success of Mer- come on this journey with us. Alwis, President, Mercantile minda Gunasinghe, Deputy of MCA on this occasion.
cantile Cricket Association is Any investment in MCA and Cricket Association, and Pri- General Manager, Support Ser- This is the first partnership
governance, transparency and sports overall is an investment yantha Perera, Chief Operating vices and Lalith de Silva, Dep- of its kind, with Sri Lanka
accountability. We have vast in society. said MCA President Officer of Sri Lanka Insurance uty General Manager, Head of Insurance General offering
plans for the next 5- to 10 years Mahesh de Alwis on the occa- Corporation General Limited Distribution, representing Sri MCA members a special motor
such as ground renovations, sion of partnership with Sri at the press briefing held at Lanka Insurance General. insurance package with exclu-
upgrading practice facilities and Lanka Insurance. MCA Board room last week . Rohan Somawansa, Secretary, sive benefits and discounts
more. I believe Sri Lanka Insur- A Memorandum of Under- Mahesh Gamage, Assistant and Hasitha Dassanayake, said President of MCA Mahesh
ance General, with its long-term standing (MoU) was General Manager, Corporate Chairman Sponsorship Com- de Alwis . Meanwhile at this
event, MCA presented 10 com-
plementary MCA membership
privilege cards to the staff of
Sri Lanka Insurance General.
Priyantha Perera, Chief
Operating Officer, Sri Lanka
Insurance Corporation General
Limited, said “We are delight-
ed to enter into this pioneering
partnership with MCA. Their
valuable service to cricket and
society mirrors Sri Lanka
Insurance General’s 62-year
commitment to the nation.
With MCA’s extensive plans
for the future, we see great
potential to work together
meaningfully for years to come
in a mutually beneficial rela-
tionship and serve their mem-
bers. This strategic initiative
Priyantha Perera, Chief Operating Officer, Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Limited (fourth from left) handing over Sponsorship reflects our customer-centric
to MCA President Mahesh de Alwis .Also in the picture Mahesh Gamage, Assistant General Manager, Corporate Business and Marketing, mission of constantly evolving
Chaminda Gunasinghe, Deputy General Manager, Support Services and Lalith de Silva, Deputy General Manager, Head of Distribution, our offerings to meet customer
Rohan Somawansa MCA Secretary, and Hasitha Dassanayake, Chairman Sponsorship Committee of MCA. (Pix Herbert Perera) needs.”
 T U E S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 3 , 2 0 2 4
page
16

Sports Editor : 011 242 9223 e mail : sports.dailynews@lakehouse.lk

Team’s victory is Wanindu

leads T-20
Wanindu Hasaranga

more important than

Dasun Shanaka. Meanwhile paceman

team against
Dushmantha Chameera was selected
but he will not play as he is still recov-
ering from injury sustained during the

Afghanistan
first ODI against Afghanistan.

my ton says Asalanka

DHAMMIKA RATNAWEERA
reporting from Pallekele
“When I play as number
five batter it’s obviously put
pressure. When I go to the
middle some times 10 for 3
wickets or it can be 200 for 3
wickets at that stage but I
adjust well and always try to
play with less pressure,” said
Asalanka the deputy skipper
who was adjudged the Man
of the Match of the second
Afghanistan ODI at Palle-
kele.
I have played more than
50 ODI’s and always chat
with my coaches and get
their advice and try to adjust
to any conditions. I think we
have to learn something
always and at this second
game I was able to handle
the pressure very well and
play my normal game added
Asalanka.
I wanted to go for my cen-
tury and tried to get two
runs in third ball of the last
over but missed and satis-
fied with a single. Wanindu
my college mate at Rich-
mond gave good support
while he called not to get a
single and give a chance but
we wanted to get more runs
than my century and I
always play for my team nd
not for personal milestones
added Asalanka.
In this second game Kusal
and Sadeera got out early
but they managed to main-
tain over 5 runs per over.
ITF World Junior Tennis Tournament
Both myself and Janith
Liyanage planned to control
the game and increase the
total and put more pressure
for opponent bowlers and
that worked out as we
expected added Asalanka.
Both Janith and me had a
plan to bat until 40th over
without giving away our
wickets and got runs to
build up the total and this
plan went as we expected.
myself and Janith added 111
rune fifth wicket stand and
the way Janith batted with
run a ball fifty it was very
valuable runs at that stage to
pass the 300 run mark.
Earlier we expected 270-
280 mark but due to our fifth
wicket stand we were able to
go beyond the 300 runs and
put good pressure. We
thought we were short by
20-30 runs but we won in
great style.
we are talking much
about our wickets and after
the world cup we are very
concerned about our wick-
ets. When we played match-
es before the world cup we
had difficulties to make 300
runs on our Sti Lanka wick-
ets. But we discussed about
that issue and now our wick-
ets have improved and we
were able to score 381 runs
at first ODI and then second
ODI we scored 308 runs and
both occasions we passed
300 runs. Afghanistan also
scored well at first ODI and
Charith Asalanka (left) celebrating his fifty with Janith Liyanage.
The pair added 111 runs 5th wicket stand at Pallekele.
that was good sign for the
wicket. When we go for
International matches we
get wicket in which we can
get over 300 runs and we
have to practice to get over
300 runs on our home wick-
ets and today all other teams
get training to achieve this
level. When we get more
training from these wickets
it’s good for both our batters
as well as bowlers and how
to play on this type of wick-
Under 19 Inter Schools 2 Day Cricket
ets is important said Char-
ith Asalanka and he pointed
out value about the wicket
preparing before the match.
Winning the match and
the series with one ODI to
spare is good while we
played really well with good
commitment said man of the
match Charith we have
another match on 14th and
hope to win and make a
whitewash of this series.
I don’t think batting sec-
ond at Pallekele give advan-
tage but when lights on at
night little bit more heat
which favours fast bowlers at
night during first ten overs.
But when dew factor come
it is not favourable for the
bowlers. However when the
team win the toss it could
be good toss to bat first we
did that during both match-
es and scored heavily in
both matches added Asalan-
ka.
When Afghanistan two
batters Ibrahim Zadran and
Rahmat Shah batted very
well with making good part-
nership we wanted to break
that partnership and make
more pressure and that was
finally work out and favour
for us .We wanted to give
more than ten run rate dur-
ing last ten overs while over
fast bowlers and Wanindu
did it grand style to struggle
them easily to gain victory.
I was at the non striker
when Pathum Nissanka
completed his double centu-
ry at first game .It was really
happy and my team mate
Pathum did it great style and
first Sri Lanka ODI double
century by Nissanka and it
was great achievement and
we hope our top order play-
ers like Avishka, Kusal, Sad-
eera can get more double
centuries in future while I
also like to enter double cen-
tury group concluded Char-
ith Asalanka.
Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Commit-
tee selected 16-member squad led by
Wanindu Hasaranga to take part in the
T20I series against Afghanistan which
will commence from February 17 at
Rangiri Dambulla International Crick-
et Stadium under lights commencing
from 7 pm.
The Minister of Sports Harin Fer-
nando, approved the squad which com-
prises experienced players Angelo
Mathews, Kusal Janith Perera and
RCGC’s Perera leads the pack
as Sri Lanka Golf tee off
SAJEEWA JAYAKODY
In a thrilling start to the golf season, Sanathchandra showcased the best
Chanaka Perera from the Royal Colom- performance with a gross score of 84.
bo Golf Club (RCGC) took the lead PDSU Kumara from the Air Force
with an impressive score of 72 at
the first National Ranking Tourna-
ment of 2024. The event, organ-
ized by Sri Lanka Golf, teed off at
the beautiful Nuwara Eliya Golf
Club yesterday.
Hot on Perera’s heels are
Uchitha Ranasinghe of
RCGC and Chalitha Push-
pika from the Sri Lanka
Navy, scoring 78 and 79,
respectively. Priya Heman-
tha, representing Victoria
Golf Club (VGC), stands
out in fourth place with a Chanaka Perera
score of 81.
Dambulla women NSL
Limited Overs Champions
DHAMMIKA RATNAWEERA
Three T-20 games will be held on
February 17, 19, and 21 at the Dam-
bulla under the new light system.
Sri Lanka T- 20 Squad: Wanindu
Hasaranga (Captain), Charith Asalan-
ka (Vice Captain), Pathum Nissanka,
Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva,
Kusal Janith Perera, Angelo Mathews,
Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theeksha-
na, Binura Fernando, Matheesha
Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka,
Nuwan Thushara, Akila Dananjaya,
Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samara-
wickrama. (D.R)
Among the army golfers, HLS
matched the score, leading the
Air Force golfers. The tourna-
ment features a diverse field of
36 men and three ladies. Nota-
bly, 11 players represent the Sri
Lanka Army, nine from the
Sri Lanka Navy, and seven
from the Sri Lanka Air
Force. The remaining par-
ticipants hail from the
RCGC and VGC.
Excitement continues
today as play resumes at
8:30 am, promising more
action-packed moments on
of RCGC the picturesque golf course.

Sri Lanka juniors Dharmaraja, Lyceum and Dambulla women’s

team led by Harshitha
Samarawickrama emerged

sweep aside Kingswood victorious champions when they

beat Colombo women’ by
7 wickets in the inaugural
Dharmaraja College 40 n.o., Omalka Hapuar- National Duper League (

UAE and Guam Kandy, Lyceum Internation-

al School Wattala and King-
swodd College Kandy
achchi 21 n.o.)
Siri Piyarathana
MMV Padukka: 109
NSL) women’s cricket
tournament final played at
Colts grounds yesterday.
SAJEEWA JAYAKODY recorded wins in their fix- (29.2) (Anjana Malshan It was a low scoring
Annaya Norbert of Holy Fam-
Sri Lanka’s rising tennis ily Convent and Sandithi tures of the Under 19 Inter 23 n.o., Kavina Kthmuka game while Colombo
stars excelled on the opening Usgodaarachchi continued Sri schools 2 day cricket tourna- 23, Garuka Sanketh 5/51, women’s were bundled
day at the ITF World Junior Lanka’s dominance, defeating ment conducted by Sri Tharusha Ranasinghe out for 66t in 25.3 overs
Tennis boys’ and girls’ Asia/ Faith Perera and Leah Agus- Lanka Schools Cricket Asso- 4/24) and 198 (68.3) and Dambulla lasses
Oceania Pre Qualifying tin from Guam with a score of ciation with the sponsorship (Senithu Laksdin 90 n.o., reached their target in Manudi Nanayakkara, Player of the Final at NSL
event, which kicked off at the 6-1, 6-1. of Sri Lanka Cricket. Kenula Pihilianga Tharusha Liyanage 38, 11.2 overs with 7 wickets women’s limited over cricket tournament receiving
Sri Lanka Tennis Association Kenula Pihilianga of Anjana Malshan 21, Shav- in hand. her award from Rasanjali Alwis while National wom-
A total of 21 boys’ teams - Kingswood
(SLTA) in Colombo yester- and 14 girls’ teams are com- Kingswood College Kandy idu Silva 4/55, Tharusha Sri Lanka under 19 en’s head coach Rumesh Ratnayake looks on (Pic
day. showed good bowling per- Ranasinghe 3/52) team skipper Manudi courtesy SLC)
peting in the tournament,
In the Sri Lanka versus with the finals scheduled for formances against St. l At Kegalle (King- Nanayakkara playing for
UAE match, the Sri Lankan Saturday. Mary’s College Kandy. He swood College Kandy won Dambulla took 5 for 18 Best Batter of the Tournament award
team triumphed with a score claimed 8 wickets for 40 by innings and 6 runs) was adjudged player of the final. was won by Harshitha Samarawickrama
The boys’ teams compet-
of 3-0. Risith Somararatna of ing include Sri Lanka, Bah- runs in the first innings. Kingswood College Four teams Colombo,Kandy, Galle of Team Dambulla .She has scored 188
Ananda College secured the rain, Cambodia, Guam, India, l At Katunayake Kandy: 274 (60) (Kavija and Dambulla women took part this runs with a highest score of an unbeaten
victory in the first singles Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Leba- (Match drawn) Gamage 101, Aadil Sheriff tournament conducted by Sri Lanka 130 the only centurion of the tourna-
match by defeating Rashid non, Macau, Malaysia, Myan- Richmond College 60, Chanul Kodithuwakku Cricket and this time mainly focused to ment.
Almaeeni from UAE with a mar, Nepal, Oman, Philip- Galle: 170 (58) (Nikil 29, Nikeshala Nanayakkara select best players from this tourna- Player of the Tournament was
dominating score of 6-0, 6-0. pines, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jayaweera 43, Chehan Sub- Kavija Gamage 24, Dimith Rathnayake 23, ment.However women’s National team Kaveesha Dilhari of Team Kandy who
Following suit, Ashlin de Turkmenistan, UAE, and asinghe 40, Shehan De Zoysa - Kingswood Chanuka Kahandawala 4/67, skipper Chamari Athapaththu did not scored 172 runs in 3 games and took 7
Silva of St Peter’s College Yemen. Meanwhile, the girls’ 30, Praveen Madusanka Chamod Bhanuka 4/76) competein this tournament and selec- wickets with best figures of 3 for 36.
claimed victory in the second teams consist of Sri Lanka, 5/52, Virajn Chamuditha 3/27) and 190/8 St. Mary’s College Kegalle: 160 tors advised her to take a rest after Runner Up Team of the Tournament
singles match against Guam, Indonesia, Iraq, Kyr- (67) (Kaveesha Induwara 40, Seneth (41.3) (Dasitha Kotuwegoda 61, Sami- hectic franchise T- 20 tournaments. Team Colombo and Champions Dam-
Mohamed Al Ali with a score gyzstan, Lebanon, Macau, Seshan 38 n.o., Chehan Subasinghe 31, tha Sandaruwan 39, Roshen Sashmitha National women’s selection commit- bulla received cash awards from SLC .
of 6-1, 6-0. Sharon Abhishek 22, Praveen Madhusan- 28, Dilshan Weerawansha 5/34, Kenula tee member and former National wom- Chief scores
Maldives, Myanmar,
The Peterite duo of ka 3/60, Raveen Kavintha 2/15) Pihilianga 3/68, Nenuka Dissanayake en’s team member Rasanjali Alwis was Colombo Women’s 66 all out in 25.3
Nepal, Oman, Pacific
Ashlin de Silva and St. Servatius College Matara: 220 2/10) and 108 (38.5) (Roshen Sashmi- the chief guest while Rumesh Ratnayake overs ( Prasadini Weerakkody 19,Janadi
Oceania, Philip-
Mayoorsn Kubherane (84.3) (Vishwa Supun 43, Diniru Abey- tha 24, Kenula Pihilianaga 8/40) the head coach of National women’s Anali 14,Sathya Sandeepani 2/12,Manu-
pines, and Turk-
sealed the win for Sri wickramasinghe 43, Chamarindu Neth- On Day One team was guest of honour at the final. di Nanayakkara 5/18, Nimesha Madu-
menistan.
Lanka in the first sara 41, Raveen Kavintha 32, Sharon l At Kotahena. St. Benedict’s College WNSL Player of the Final award was shani 3/13)
Sri Lanka’s boys
doubles match, Abhishek 5/93, Kaveesha Induwara 3/61) Kotahena: 224 (67.2) (Sharujan Shan- received by Manudi Nanayakkara of Dambulla Women’s 68 for 3 wickets
will face Leba-
defeating Abdulla l At Lake View (Dharmaraja Col- muganathan 85, Mevan Dissanayake 28, team Dambulla who took 5 for 18 in her in 11.2 overs (Sandali Weerasinghe
non in their
Janahi and lege Kandy won by 10 wickets) Janindu Sanchila 28, Nilesh Perera 2/7, six overs spell. 18*,Imalka Mendis 10, Harshitha
next match
Rashid Almaeeni Dharmaraja College Kandy: 311/9 Yohan Aloka 2/28, Ameesha Fernando Best Bowler of the Tournament Samarawickrama 13,Malsha Shehani
t o d a y,
of UAE with d (63.1) (Arosha Mahagedara 72, Pulin- 2/43, Hasindu Perera 2/60,) award went to Sachini Nisansala of 10,Sachini Nisansala 1/20,Tharushi
while the
another impres- du Perera 55, Onija Sesath 53, Nisala Maris Stella College Negombo: Team Colombo who got 8 wickets in 3 Thathsarani 1/12,,Sashini Gimhani
girls’ team
sive scoreline Abeyrathne 48, Onajith De Silva 37, 65/4 (32) (Shafni Deen 28 n.o., Mevan games. 1/12)
will play
of 6-0, 6-0. against either Leb- Nishal Rashmika 3/48, Malindu Daham Dissanayake 3/19)
On the anon or Kyrgyzstan. 3/63) and 17/0 (1.4) l At Moratuwa. Wesley College
girls’ side, St. Sebastian’s College Katuneri- Colombo: 276 (70.2) (Uvin Perera 86,
Sri Lanka
faced Guam Aslin de Silva
ya: 149 (52.3) (Supun Liyanage 49, Linal Subasinghe 42, Brendon Fernan-
Maheesha Sithum 29, Hasith Kavinda do 29, Lithum Senuja 28, Sanithu
Marathon record holder
and emerged
victorious with a clean sweep
21, Dulara Bandulasena 2/14, Dakshika Amarasinghe 27, Sehandu Athauda 22,
Manukalpa 2/22, Sheshan Marasinghe Rukshan Tharanga 22, Malintha Silva
Kiptum dies in car accident
of 3-0. Sandithi Usgodaarach- 2/29, Lavin Abeysinghe 2/33) and 178 7/59, Vimath Dinsara 2/46) The men’s mara- And it was in Chicago last October
chi of Musaeus College (54) (Hasith Kavinda 82, Maleesha St. Sebastian’s College Moratuwa: thon world record that Kiptum bettered Kipchoge’s
secured a convincing win in Nethsara 46, Maheesha Sithum 21, 129/6 (32) (Vimath Dinsara 39, Navod holder, Kenya’s Kel- achievement, clocking the 26.2 miles
the first singles match against Dulara Bandulasena 3/34, Onija Sesath Fernando 36 n.o., Uvin Perera 4/24) vin Kiptum, 24, has (42km) in two hours and 35 seconds.
Leah San Agustin from 3/58, Dakshika Manukalpa 2/27) l At Pannipitiya. Dharmapala: 189 died in a road acci- The two athletes had been named in
Guam with scores of 6-0, 6-0. l At Wattala (Lyceum International (75.3) (Bisara Anjana 59, Nirmal dent in his home country. Kenya’s provisional marathon team for
Akeesha Silva of Newstead School Wattala won by 10 wickets) Colomboge 32, Nulan Senevirathne 22, He was killed alongside his coach, the Paris Olympics later this year.
College followed suit in the Lyceum International School Wat- Mandila Ruwanpathirana 26, Menusha Rwanda’s Gervais Hakizimana, in a car Paying tribute to Kiptum, Kenyan
second singles match, defeat- tala: 249 (53.2) (Shavidu Silva 80, Pabasara 20, Arosha Sithumina 4/42, on a road in western Kenya on Sunday. Sports Minister Ababu Namwamba
ed Faith Perera from Guam Tharusha Ranasinghe 51, Omalka Sandaru Malshan 4/43) Kiptum made a breakthrough in 2023 wrote on X: “Devastatingly sickening!!
with an identical scoreline of Hapuarachchi 36, Shalila Prabashwara Devapathiraja College Rathgama: as a rival to compatriot Eliud Kipchoge Kenya has lost a special gem. Lost for
6-0, 6-0. 23, Senithu Lakdin 5/47, Maneth Pawan 118/2 (26) (Yasiru Lakshan 55 n.o., - one of the greatest marathon runners. words.” BBC
The doubles pairing of 3/50) and 62/0 (9) (Shanujan Baskaran Darshaka Sandeep 43). (YK)
Sandithi Usgodaarachchi
Printed and Published by The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd., at No. 35, D.R.Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10, on Tuesday, February 13, 2024
T U E S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 3 , 2 0 2 4 ADVERTISEMENTS page 17 DN
BANK OF CEYLON

TENDER AND OTHER ADVERTISEMENTS

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE
NOTICE OF SALE UNDER SECTION 22 OF THE BANK OF CEYLON
ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 397) AND ITS AMENDMENTS AS AMENDED
BY ACT NO.34 OF 1968 AND LAW NO.10 OF 1974
Loan Reference No. 81984288
Sale of mortgaged property of Mr. H.B.I.C. Herath Of No 130/B/1,
Walagedera, Wattappola. It is hereby notied that pursuant to a
Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Ceylon adopted
under Section 19 of the Bank of Ceylon Ordinance published in the
Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, No. 2354 of
Friday 13th October 2023 and in Dinamina, Thinakaran and Daily News
of Thursday 12th October 2023, Mr. Thusitha Karunarathna, Auctioneer

INVITATION FOR QUOTATIONS of M/s T&H Auctions of No.50/3, Vihara Mawatha, Kolonnawa will sell
by Public Auction on Tuesday 05th March 2024 at 11.30 A.M. at the
spot, the property and premises described in the Schedule hereunder
TENDER NOTICE
CEYLON PETROLEUM
SUPPLY OF COTTON WASTE for the recovery of the balance principal and interest due up to the date
of sale and costs and monies recoverable under Section 26 of the said
Ordinance.

CORPORATION LPA / 2024 / 05 THE SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO:

TENDER FOR THE SALE (EXPORT)
OF NAPHTHA
Ceylon Petroleum Corporation
(CEYPETCO) invites firm offers for
the sale (export) of either 112,000
BBLS plus/minus 5 pct of 186,000
BBLS plus/minus 5 pct of Naphtha
on FOB Colombo basis for loading
during laycan 23 - 24/03/2024,
Ex Dolphin Tanker Berth (DTB),
Colombo.
Tender documents could be obtained
from the undersigned between 9.00
a.m. and 3.00 p.m. on any working
day from 09th February 2024 to 19th
February 2024 or could be downloaded
from the CEYPETCO official website:
www.ceypetco.gov.lk
Offers should reach the Chairman,
Special Standing Cabinet Appointed
Procurement Committee (SSCAPC),
Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, 1st
Floor, No. 609, Dr. Danister De Siva
Mawatha, Colombo 09 at or before
1200 hrs. on 20th February 2024.
COMMERCIAL MANAGER,
COMMERCIAL FUNCTION,
7TH FLOOR,
CEYLON PETROLEUM CORPORATION,
NO. 609, DR. DANISTER DE SILVA
MAWATHA, COLOMBO 09.
TELE : 011-5455115 / 011-5666338
E-MAIL : cm@ceypetco.gov.lk /
commercial@ceypetco.gov.lk
Sealed quotations are hereby invited for the supply
of Neatly Woven Cotton Waste for Press Cleaning
purpose. Approximately 1,000 kg of Cotton Waste is
required for a month.
The selected supplier would require to supply the
cotton waste for a period of 01 year on credit basis.
Interested suppliers should forward their sealed
quotations marked as “Supply of Cotton Waste”
on the top left-hand corner of the envelope together
with samples and trade references to reach the Head
of Procurement - The Associated Newspapers
of Ceylon Limited, No. 35, D.R. Wijewardene
Mawatha, Colombo-10 or may be deposited in the
bid box kept in the Procurement Dept. on or before
19 February 2024 at 2.30 p.m.
The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd. reserves
the right to accept or reject any or all offers without
assigning any reason whatsoever.
Head of Procurement
THE ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS
OF CEYLON LTD.,
No. 35, Lake House,
D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha,
Colombo-10.
Tel. 011-2429422, 2429451
1. All that divided and dened allotment of land marked Lot 1A
depicted in Plan No. 2198 dated 06.10.1998 and 25.02.1999 made
by K.B. Lansakaranayake, L.S. from and out of all that land called
Gorokagahakotuwe Watta situated at Walagedara in Gramaseva
Division of Walagedera, in Pradeshiya Sabha and Divisional
Secretariat of Udunuwara, in Kandu Palata Korale of Udunuwara,
in the District of Kandy, Central Province, containing in extent Two
Roods and Seven Decimal Two Perches (A0-R2-P7.2) and
bounded on the NORTH by Ditch EAST by Road from Ganhatha
to Main Road SOUTH by Lot 1B and WEST by Ela separating Main
Road from Paranapattiya to Gadaladeniya together with soil, trees
and everything standing thereon and registered in C 401/123 at the
Land Registry, Kandy.
2. All that divided and dened allotment of land marked Lot 1B
depicted in Plan No. 2198 dated 06.10.1998 and 25.02.1999
made by K.B. Lansakaranayake, L.S from and out of all that
land called Gorokagahakotuwe Watta situated at Walagedara
in Gramaseva Division of Walagedara, in Pradeshiya Sabha and
Divisional Secretariat of Udunuwara, in Kandu Palata Korale of
Udunuwara in the District of Kandy, Central Province, containing
in extent Two Roods and Seven Decimal Two Perches (A0-
R2-P7.2) and bounded on the NORTH by Lot 1A EAST by Road
from Ganhatha to Main Road SOUTH by Manapele Watta and
WEST by Kotakumbura Ela together with soil, trees and everything
standing thereon and registered in C 401/124 at the Land Registry,
Kandy.
The said lands are recently surveyed & amalgamated and described
as follows:
All that divided and dened allotment of land marked Lot 1 depicted
in Plan No. 8764 dated 14.03.2017 made by K.B. Lansakaranayake,
L.S. from and out of all that land called Gorokagahakotuwe Watta
situated at Walagedara, in Gramaseva Division of Walagedara,
in Pradeshiya Sabha and Divisional Secretariat of Udunuwara,
in Kandu Palata Korale of Udunuwara, in the District of Kandy,
Central Province containing in extent One Acre and Fourteen
Decimal Four Perches (A1-R0-P14.4) and bounded on the NORTH
by Agala EAST by Road from Ganhatha to Main Road SOUTH by
Manapele Watta and WEST by Main Road from Paranapattiya to
Gadaladeniya and Kotakumbura Ela together with soil, trees and
everything standing thereon.
1. MODE OF PAYMENT: The successful purchaser will have to pay
the following amounts in cash at the fall of the hammer:
1.1. 10% (Ten percent) of the purchased price
1.2. VAT charges (If applicable)
1.3. 1% (One percent) to the Local Authority as Sales Tax
1.4. 2.5% (Two and a Half Percent) as the Auctioneer Commission.
1.5. Cost of Sale and any other charges (if applicable).
1.6. Other fees & charges
Another 10% (Ten Percent) of the purchased price will have to be
paid within 30 days from the auction date and balance 80% of the
purchased price to be settled within three months from the date of
sale. In addition, purchaser will have to pay Stamp duty and Notary

National Lotteries Board

Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies
fee for attesting the conditions of Sale and the Certicate of Sale.
If the purchaser fails to comply with the conditions as stipulated
above, the Bank shall have the right to forfeit all monies paid on
auction date and reauction the property.
2. DIRECTIONS TO THE PROPERTY:

INVITATION FOR BIDS

From Pilimathalawa town proceed along Gadaladeniya Road about
1.1 Km up to Gadaladentya Junction then turn right onto Wattappola
Road and proceed for about 5 Km which lies fronting and to the
left having direct and clear legal mortorable access over the same.
PROCUREMENT FOR PRINTING, SUPPLY & PASTING OF 301 NOS. OF (Property is situated about 75 meters after passing the Wattapola
Primary College)
LOTTERY COUNTER STICKERS FOR THE NATIONAL LOTTERIES BOARD Bidders are free to inspect the available Title Deeds and other
connected documents related to the above property may
01. The Chairman, Department Procurement Committee (DPC) on behalf of the National Lotteries Board (NLB) be inspected by contacting The Manager, Bank of Ceylon,
now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for Printing, Supply & Pasting of 301 Nos. of Pilimathalawa on Tel. 081-2577151/081-2579600
Lottery Counter Stickers for the National Lotteries Board. By order of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Ceylon.
02. Bank of Ceylon Mrs. R.W.A.M.S.P. Kumarihamy
Pilimathalawa Manager
Document Charges
Bid Security
Item Bid Number Quantity (Rs.) (Non-Refundable)
(Rs.)
(With Vat)
Lottery Counter
Stickers
NLB/PRC/09/CS/20230129 301 195,000.00 1,500.00
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
EASTERN PROVINCE
03. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding procedure.
04. The bidder should not be blacklisted and be a locally registered supplier with following additional
qualifications, to become an eligible supplier for the bidding.
•
•
Should have a valid Business Registration Certificate
Minimum of last 02 Years past experience in related field (proof should be submitted along with the bid)
PROCURMENT NOTICE
• VAT registration certificate (if VAT applicable) Bids are invited by the Chairman, Department Procurement Committee for the following items.
05. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from Assistant General Manager (Procurement),
Procurement Division, 01st Floor, National Lotteries Board ,No. 32, Deshamanya N.W.J Mudalige Mawatha, Bid
Bid Non
Colombo 01 (Tel -0114607020/0114607021/0114607023) and inspect the bidding documents free of charge at S. Security Security
Bid No. Details Qty. Refundable Programme
the above address from 9.00 hrs. to 14.30 hrs. on any working day during the period specified below. No. Amount Validity
fee (Rs.)
(Rs.) Period
06. A complete set of bidding documents in English language can be purchased by interested bidders on
Solar Modules with
submission of a written request on a business letterhead to the address given below from 9.00 hrs. to 01 20
Mounting
14.30 hrs. from 13.02.2024 to 26.02.2024 on any working day upon payment of a non refundable fee of GOSL/EP/25/
Rs.1,500 (with VAT).The method of payment should be in cash. PRO/Agri. Solar - Powered 300,000.00 3,000.00 2024.06.17 CRIWMP
02 Solar/2024-01 Submersible water 20
07. Sealed bids shall be sent either by registered post or by hand to reach the address given below before 14.30
pump with accessories
hrs. on 27.02.2024. Late bids will be rejected, unopened. Bids will be opened soon after the closing of bids,
at the 06th Floor, “Meeting Room” National Lotteries Board, No. 32, Deshamanya N.W.J. Mudalige Mawatha,
Colombo 01 in the presence of the bidders or their authorized representatives who choose to attend in 1. Bids should be submitted on forms obtainable from the Provincial Director, Department of Agriculture,
person. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of the value stated in the table under 02 above issued Eastern Province, Kanniya Road, Varothayanagar, Trincomalee. Bid documents will be issued from
only by a recognized commercial bank operating in Sri Lanka which is approved by the Central Bank of Sri 13.02.2024 to 04.03.2024 between 9.00 a.m and 3.00 p.m on working days on payment of Rs.
Lanka to beneficiary as Chairman, National Lotteries Board, No. 32, Deshamanya N.W.J Mudalige Mawatha, 3,000.00 to the Bank of Ceylon Main Branch Trincomalee (Branch No .006) A/c No.0005849161
Colombo 01 in accordance with the given format. The validity period of the Bid Security shall be 27.02.2024 as non-refundable document fee for the bid Document.
to 10.06.2024. 2. Sealed bids may be dispatched either by registered post or hand delivered to the Chairman,
08. The successful bidder should furnish a performance bond which is 10% of the contract value. The performance Department Procurement Committee, Department of Agriculture, Eastern Province, Kanniya
bond shall be valid for a period of 13 months. Road, Varothayanagar, Trincomalee to receive before 10.30 a.m. on 05.03.2024 Bid number
should be indicated on the left corner of the envelope.
09. Documents should be sent in sealed cover marked as “Bids for Printing, Supply & Pasting of 301 Nos.
of Lottery Counter Stickers for the National Lotteries Board - (NLB/PRC/09/CS/20230129)” should be 3. Bids will be opened immediately after the closing at the Department of Agriculture, Kanniya Road,
written on the top left hand corner of the envelope. Varothayanagar, Trincomalee, Eastern Province. Bidders or their authorized representatives are
requested to be present at the opening of bids at 10.30 a.m. on 05.03.2024.
10. National Lotteries Board will not be responsible for any cost or any expenses incurred by the bidders in
4. All rights are reserved to the Chairman of Department Procurement Committee to cancel the bidding
connection with the preparation or delivery of bids and / or bids lost or delayed in the Post.
process at any stage without paying any compensation to any party or to accept the part of the bids in
The Chairman this bidding process.
Department Procurement Committee, 5. Further details may be obtained from the Provincial Director, Department of Agriculture Building
National Lotteries Board, Complex, Kinniya Road, Varothayanagar, Trincomalee, during normal office hours.
No. 32, Deshamanya N.W.J. Mudalige Mawatha, Telephone : 026-2222665, 026-2223077
Colombo 01. Fax : 026-2222153
M.S.A.Kalees
Provincial Director
Chairman - Department Procurement Committee,
Department of Agriculture,
Kanniya Road, Varothayanagar,
Trincomalee.
DN page 18 ADVERTISEMENTS T U E S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 3 , 2 0 2 4

BANK OF CEYLON
NOTICE UNDER SECTION 21 OF THE BANK OF CEYLON
ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 397) AS AMENDED BY ACT. NO 34
OF 1968 AND LAW NO. 10 OF 1974
PEOPLE'S BANK
At a meeting held on 08.01.2024, the Board of Directors of this Bank REGIONAL HEAD OFFICE, TRINCOMALEE
resolved especially and unanimously :
1. That a sum of Rs. 50,215,129.26 (Rupees Fifty Million Two Hundred AUCTION SALE OF UNREDEEMED PAWNED
Fifteen Thousand One Hundred Twenty Nine and Cents Twenty
Six Only) on account of the principal and interest up to 13.10.2023 ARTICLES
and together with further interest on Rs. 35,084,650.00 (Rupees Articles pawned up to 30.11.2022 (pawned for one year) at the undermentioned People's
Thirty Five Million Eighty Four Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty
only) at the rate of 23.50% per centum per annum from 14.10.2023
Bank Branches and Service Centers in Trincomalee Region and not redeemed up to
till the date of payment is due on the Term Loan and sum of Rs. 617 the date of 12.03.2024 will be sold by Public Auction at 9.00 a.m. on the dates and the
8,938,997.07 (Rupees Eight Million Nine Hundred Thirty Eight places stated below.
Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety Seven and Cents Seven Only) on
account of the principal and interest up to 13.10.2023 and together Dates of Auction - 13.03.2024 & 14.03.2024
with further interest on Rs. 6,750,000.00 (Rupees Six Million Seven
Hundred and Fifty Thousand only) at the rate of 17.96% per annum 4th Floor, Regional Head Office, People's Bank, No. 128, Kandy Road,
Place of Auction
from 14.10.2023 till the date of payment is due on the Permanent Trincomalee.
Overdraft Facility (POD 1) sum of Rs. 15,891,550.34 (Rupees Fifteen
Trincomalee, Kantale, Kinniya, Mutur, Serunuwara, Trincomalee Town,
Million Eight Hundred Ninety One Thousand Five Hundred Fifty and CAP-8062 Suzuki Looking for dog lov- Car 2K painting only Pulmoddai.
Cents Thirty Four Only) on account of the principal and interest up ers,​common breed. (one day service) Branches
Wagon R,​ 2015,​
to 13.10.2023 and together with further interest on Rs. 12,000,000.00 5 lovable puppies accident repairs
for highest offer.
(Rupees Twelve Million only) at the rate of 17.96% per annum from fully vaccinated (homes visited) Mollipothana, Thoppur, Eachchilampattu, Kachchakoditheevu,
14.10.2023 till the date of payment is due on the Permanent Overdraft
Vallibel Finance
PLC,​No. 310,​Galle (have books),​3 buffers. doors (2K Service Centres Palaiyoothu, Uppuveli, Gomarankadawala, Kuchchaveli, Central Road,
facility (POD 2) and sum of Rs. 10,594,366.89 (Rupees Ten Million 2nd City.
Five Hundred Ninety Four Thousand Three Hundred Sixty Six and Road,​Colombo 03. months old. Dehi- paint materials
Cents Eighty Nine Only) on account of the principle and interest up Tel. 0714542958. wala,​ 0778043298. only). Can be run
to 13.10.2023 and together with further interest on Rs. 8,000,000.00  010221  009293 after one hour. (2K The Bank reserves the right to cancel, amalgamate or postpone any of these Auctions
(Rupees Eight Million only) at the rate of 17.96% per annum from full paint 6 days without further notice.
14.10.2023 till the date of payment is due on the Permanent Overdraft only). 072-4389217
Facility (POD 3) due from Mr. Rengasamy Krishnamoorthy and Mrs. /​ 074-2603365. Regional Manager, People's Bank, Regional Head Office, Trincomalee.
Suppiah Navaneetha of "Thilagas", No:11, Dickoya Road, Hatton on  009841 No. 128, Kandy Road, Trincomalee.
Mortgage Bond No.1789 dated 31.05.1995 attested by A. Rajendra,
N.P. and Mortgage Bond No.1204 dated 22.11.1991 attested by A. Car Special 2K Cut Tel Nos. : 026-2224037, 026-2222815, 026-2226815
Rajendra, N.P. Mortgage Bond No.1557 dated 16.03.2000 attested by and Polish by Ma-
L.S. Athauda, N.P, Mortgage Bond No. 3988 dated 04.07.2005 attested chine only (Bright- CORRECTION NOTICE
by L.S. Athauda, N.P. Mortgage Bond No.4974 dated 23.06.2006 ness for 12 months)
attested by L.S. Athauda, N.P, Mortgage Bond No.272 dated 21.12.2006 finish the job only
Central Provincial
attested by R.V. Andarawewa, N.P, Mortgage Bond No.1535 dated four hours (homes Department of Education
26.01.2011 attested by R.V. Andarawewa, N.P, Mortgage Bond No.3151 visited) after wa-
dated 28.05.2015 attested by R.V. Andarawewa, N.P, Mortgage Bond
ter wash only.
Procurement Notice
No.4196 dated 05.07.2018 attested by R.V. Andarawewa, N.P
2. That in terms of Section 19 of the Bank of Ceylon Ordinance (Cap
0724389217 /​074- National Competitive Bidding (NCB)
PROCUREMENT NOTICE
2603365. 009846
397) and its amendments, Mr. Thusitha Karunarathne of M/s T & Source of Grant : World Bank -
H Auction, the Auctioneers of No.50/3, Vihara Mawatha, Kolonnawa
General Education Modernization
be authorized and empowered to sell by Public Auction the property
or properties mortgaged to the Bank of Ceylon and described in the Project (GEMP) National Institute of Mental Health
schedule hereunder for recovery of the said sum of Rs. 50,215.129.26
(Rupees Fifty Million Two Hundred Fifteen Thousand One Hundred
Twenty Nine and Cents Twenty Six Only) on the Term Loan and sum
Performing the Essential Repair Works
in National Colleges of Education and Mulleriyawa New Town
Government Teacher Training Colleges
of Rs. 8,938,997.07 (Rupees Eight Million Nine Hundred Thirty Eight
Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety Seven and Cents Seven Only) on the within the Central Province. Invitation for Bids
Permanent Overdraft Facility (POD 1), and sum of Rs. 15,891,550.34 This refers to the above titled
(Rupees Fifteen Million Eight Hundred Ninety One Thousand Five Old items become 01) Sealed bids will be received by the Chairman, Regional Procurement Committee
advertisement published on Page No. 19
Hundred Fifty and Cents Thirty Four Only) on the Permanent Overdraft money. We buy on behalf of the National Institute of Mental Health from pre-qualified bidders
of Daily News on 19th February 2024.
Facility (POD 2), and sum of Rs. 10,594,366.89 (Rupees Ten Million old furniture,​sa- for the purchase of the following items.
Five Hundred Ninety Four Thousand Three Hundred Sixty Six and rees,​ watches,​ Please note that Item No. 02 should be
Cents Eighty Nine Only) on the Permanent Overdraft Facility (POD 3), silver items,​etc. corrected as follows : Item Qty.
on Mortgage Bond No.1789 dated 31.05.1995 attested by A. Rajendra Above 60 years old
N.P, and Mortgage Bond No.1204 dated 22.11.1991 attested by A. 02. Bidders applying for these works 01 Cakes of Toilet Soap (100 g) 18000
only. 0787338575,​ should have been registered with
Rajendra, N.P, Mortgage Bond No.1557 dated 16.03.2000 attested by 02 Bar Soap (650 gr.) 2150
0755293431. 007737
L.S. Athauda, N.P, Mortgage Bond No. 3988 dated 04.07.2005 attested CIDA in the grade as mentioned
by L.S. Athauda, N.P, Mortgage Bond No.4974 dated 23.06.2006 in the Schedule below relevant to 03 Washing Powder (1 kg) 2700
attested by L.S. Athauda, N.P, Mortgage Bond No.272 dated 21.12.2006 each work and the registration with
attested by R.V. Andarawewa, N.P, Mortgage Bond No.1535 dated
04 Dish Wash Liquid (600 ml) 2000
CIDA should have been updated and
26.01.2011 attested by R.V. Andarawewa, N.P, Mortgage Bond No.3151 05 Dish Wash Powder (650 gr.) 1800
dated 28.05.2015 attested by R.V. Andarawewa, N.P, Mortgage Bond should not have been blacklisted.
No.4196 dated 05.07.2018 attested by R.V. Andarawewa, N.P together The other contents remain unchanged.
06 Toothpaste (120 gr.) 3500
with interest as aforesaid from 14.10.2023 to the date of sale and costs 07 Tooth Brushes 8000
and monies recoverable under Section 26 of the said Bank of Ceylon Chairman,
Ordinance and that the Manager of the Hatton Branch of the Bank of Procurement Committee & 08 Handwash (4 L) Cans 400
Ceylon to publish notice of this resolution in terms of Section 21 of the Central Provincial Director of
said Bank of Ceylon Ordinance.. 09 D Batteries 100
Education, Central Provincial
THE SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO : Department of Education, Kandy. 10 C Batteries 100
All that allotment of land marked Lot 9 of Dunbar watta depicted in P. Tel : 081-2224041/42 11 AA Batteries 1000
Plan Maha 322 dated 8th August, 1969 authenticated by the Surveyor
General and further endorsement dated 24.10.1988 made on Plan No: 12 AAA Batteries 1000
3032 dated 06.05.1986 made by D.L.D.Y. Wijewardena, L/S bearing Part 13 2032 (3v) Batteries 200
of Assessment No: 47 now bearing Assessment No: 47/2, Dunbar Road, BANK OF CEYLON
situated at Hatton Dickoya in Ward No: 3 Grama Niladhari Division of 14 Rubber Gloves 100
319 E Dunbar, within the Urban Council Limits of Hatton - Dickoya, AMENDMENT NOTICE 15 Vehicle Cleaning Liquid (1 L) 200
in Ambagamuwa Korale Divisional Secretariat limits, in Ambagamuwa
NOTICE UNDER SECTION 22 OF THE BANK OF CEYLON
Korale Uda Bulathgama, in the Registration District of Gampola, Kandy 16 Blades 1000
District now Nuwara Eliya, Central Province, and bounded as per the ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 397) AND ITS AMENDMENTS AS
said P. Plan MAHA 322 on the NORTH by Road Reservation marked Lot AMENDED BY ACT NO. 34 OF 1968 AND LAW NO. 10 OF 1974 17 Food Packing White Paper 200 kg
6, EAST by Lot 10 of the same Plan, SOUTH by Road and stream and on It is hereby notified that the First Section of the advertisement published 18 Synthetic Mats 200
the WEST by Lot 8 of the same land together with right of way in and in the Page 10 of the Daily News on 09.02.2024 should be corrected as
over the Road Reservation marked Lot 6 in the said P. Plan MAHA 322 follows : 19 Coir Rugs 200
and the building standing thereon containing in extent Fifteen decimal It is hereby notified that pursuant to a Resolution of the Board of 20 Plastic Cups 2000
Eight Perches (A0-R0- P 15.8) and registered in Folio B 120/92 at the Land Directors of the Bank of Ceylon adopted under Section 19 of the Bank of
Registry, Gampola. Ceylon Ordinance published* in the Gazette of the Democratic Socialist 21 Plastic Plates 2000
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BANK OF CEYLON Republic of Sri Lanka No. 2364 of 22.12.2023 and in DAILY NEWS, 22 Coconut Shell Spoons 250
DINAMINA and THINAKARAN of Tuesday 19th of December 2023, Mr
Bank of Ceylon S.D. Pihillanda M.H.T. Karunarathne of M/S T & H Auctions, The Licensed Auctioneer 23 AA Rechargeable Batteries 60
Hatton Branch Manager of No. 50/3, Vihara Mawatha, Kolonnawa will sell by Public Auction on 24 Polythene Gloves 10000
Thursday 21st March 2024 at 10.00 a.m. at the spot, the property and
premises described in the Schedule hereunder for the recovery of the
02) Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding procedure.
balance principal and interest due up to the date of the sale and cost and
monies recoverable under Section 26 of the said Ordinance. 03) Interested Bidders can inspect the bid documents free of charge at the Accounts
Mr K.S.S.K. Gamage Section of the National Institute of Mental Health, New Town, Mulleriyawa, up
Manager to 14.03.2024 on Government working days between 9.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m.
Bank of Ceylon
Bakamoona 04) Bid documents are prepared in English and can obtain them from the Accounts
Section on submission of the Receipt received on payment of the non-refundable
bid fee (of Rs. 3,500.00) from the Shroff of the Department, up to 14.03.2024
between 9.00 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. and on submission of a written request made
to the Chairman, Regional Procurement Committee, National Institute of
CHANGE Mental Health on a business letterhead of the relevant Institution.
OF NAME
05) Bid Security should be submitted to the value stated above valid up to the stated
I, Singakkannuthevar
Balakrishnanthevar
date and obtained from a commercial bank approved by the Central Bank of Sri
bearing National Lanka. Bids received without a Bid Security will be rejected.
Identity Card No.
542821655V of No. 06) Completed bid documents prepared in two copies as original and duplicate
49, Uthayanagar placed in separate covers and marked accordingly, and the two covers should
East Kilinochchi, then be placed in a single sealed cover marked "Purchase of Consumable
wish to inform the Items" at the left-side top corner, could either be sent by Registered Post to the
Government of the address stated below or placed in the Bid Box kept at the Office of the Director
Democratic Socialist
Republic of Sri Lanka
for the purpose, to be received at or before 2.00 p.m. on 15.03.2024. Bids
and the General received late will be rejected. Bids received will be opened at 2.00 p.m. same
Public that I have day (on 15.03.2024) and bidder or one of his authorized representatives can be
changed my name as present at the opening.
Singakkannuthevar
Balakrishnan and 07) Further details relevant to the bid documents can be obtained by calling Tel.
will use my new name No. 0112-578234 (Ext - 406/404) from the Accountant of the National Institute
hereafter and will use of Mental Health. Regional Procurement Committee retains the right to take
my new name in all
documents and will
decisions relevant to the bid documents and the Director of the National Institute
sign all documents of Mental Health retains the right to take decisions with regard to any relevant
accordingly. matter either stated or not stated in this notice or the bid documents.
Singakkannuthevar 08) The Chairman, Regional Procurement Committee shall not be held liable for any
Balakrishnan
costs or expenses incurred by the Bidders in the preparation or delivery of bids.
Date - 09.02.2024
Chairman
Regional Procurement Committee,
National Institute of Mental Health,
Mulleriyawa New Town.
T U E S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 3 , 2 0 2 4
Public Notice
Application for a license under Section 34 of the Companies
Act No. 07 of 2007 from the Registrar of Companies.
In accordance with Section 34 of the Companies Act No.07 of 2007,
an application has been made to the Registrar of Companies, for the
purpose of obtaining the license for an Association that has to be
named as Let's Care International (Name of the Association) that is
to be registered with limited liability, but without the word LIMITED
at the end of the name.
The objects of the proposed Association are as follows :
Enhancing lives of socially disrupted personnel with poor income
Health care advancing of those with Cancer and Cancerous
Symptoms, by medicine and supplements
Support lives of those with genetically disorders to maintain their
regular routine
Support sanitation and water for life
Early Childhood Development
Bringing career successfulness for those students left with no
education due to lack of finance
Establishing burden free future for Senior Citizens provisioning
own living for themselves
Providing resources for rapid recovery following natural disasters
resulted in loss of lives and infrastructure
Making Human - Elephant friendly nature by saving Elephants
A copy of the Articles of Association may be inspected during
working hours on weekdays at 124/3, Himbutana, Mulleriyawa New
Town.
Any person, Company or Corporation who are having such
objections should forward them within 21 days from the date of this
advertisement by a letter, addressed to the Registrar of Companies,
No. 400, D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10.
Thusitha Prasanna Perera
Secretary
BANK OF CEYLON
NOTICE UNDER SECTION 21 OF THE BANK OF CEYLON
ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 397) AS AMENDED BY ACT NO.34 OF 1968
AND LAW NO. 10 OF 1974
At a meeting held on 08.01.2024 The Board of Directors of this Bank
resolved specially and unanimously:
1. That a sum of Rs.8,962,198.99 (Rupees Eight Million Nine Hundred
Sixty Two Thousand One Hundred Ninety Eight and Cents Ninety
Nine) on account of the principal and interest up to 15.11.2023 and
together with further interest on Rs.7,778,201.88 (Rupees Seven
Million Seven Hundred Seventy Eight Thousand Two Hundred One
and Cents Eighty Eight) at the rate of Eleven Decimal Seven Five
(11.75 %) per centum per annum from 16.11.2023 on the Loan is
due from Mrs. Palavinnege Savanthi Wageesha Muthukumarana
of No.59/10, Mahahena, Gunarathna Mudalinda Pirivena Road,
Hittatiya East, Matara & Mrs.Nima Dasni Wickramasingha of "Sinha",
Pehembiya Road, Dickwella till the date of payments on Mortgage
Bond No.1026 dated 28th July 2020, attested by Pilana Pathiranage
Gayani Dinesha Attorney-at-Law & Notary Public of Matara.
2. That in terms of Section 19 of the Bank of Ceylon Ordinance (Chapter
397) and its amendments, Mr Thusith Karunaratne, M/s T&H
Auctions, the Auctioneer of No. 50/3, Vihara Mawatha, Kolonnawa,
be authorized and empowered to sell by Public Auction, the property
mortgaged to the Bank of Ceylon and described in the schedules
hereunder, for the-recovery of the said sum of Rs.8,962,198.99
(Rupees Eight Million Nine Hundred Sixty Two Thousand One
Hundred Ninety Eight and Cents Ninety Nine) on the Loan due on
said Bond No.1026 dated 28.07.2020, together with interest as
aforesaid from 16.11.2023 to the date of sale and costs and monies
recoverable under Section 26 of the said Bank of Ceylon Ordinance
and the Chief Manager of Matara Super Grade Branch of the Bank of
Ceylon to publish notice of this resolution in terms of Section 21 of the
said Bank of Ceylon Ordinance.
THE SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO:
All that divided and dened allotment of land marked Lot F2
depicted in Plan No. 1417 dated 28th July 1991 made by P
Dahayanayake, Licensed Surveyor of Lot F of Lot 2 of the land called
KURUPPUGEWATTA alias MAHAWATTA bearing Assessment No:
59/10, Mudalinda Pirivena Road situated at Hittatiya in the Grama
Niladhari Division of 420A Hittatiya - East in the Divisional Secretary's
Division of Matara in the Municipal Council Limits of Matara within the
Four Gravets of Matara in the District of Matara, Southern Province
and which said Lot F2 is bounded on NORTH by Lot 1 of the same
land on EAST by Lot G of the same land on SOUTH by Lot J (10
feet wide road) of the same land and on WEST by Lot Fl of the same
land and containing in extent Seven decimal Two Three Perches
(A0-R0-P7.23) together with soil, trees, plantations, buildings and
everything else standing thereon and registered in A 893/126 at the
Land Registry, Matara.
WHICH said Lot F2 according to a recent Survey Plan No: 1417B
dated 10th September, 2015 made by P. Dahanayake, Licensed
Surveyor is described as follows:-
All that divided and dened allotment of land marked Lot F2
depicted in Plan No: 1417B dated 11th September, 2015 made by
P. Dahanayake, Licensed Surveyor of Lot F of Lot 2 of Three Fourth
Portion of the land called KURUPPUGEWATTA alias MAHAWATTA
bearing Assessment No: 59/10, Mudalinda Pirivena Road situated at
Hittatiya aforesaid and bounded on NORTH by Lot 1 of the same
land on EAST by Lot G of the same land on SOUTH by Lot J (10
feet wide road) of the same land and on WEST by Lot Fl of the same
land and containing in extent Seven decimal Two Three Perches
(A0-R0-P7.23) together with soil, trees, plantations, buildings and
everything else standing thereon.
By order of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Ceylon.
Name : Mr. W.W.A.J. Prasanka
Designation: Chief Manager
Bank of Ceylon,
Matara Super Grade
ADVERTISEMENTS page 19 DN
BANK OF CEYLON
PEOPLE'S BANK NOTICE UNDER SECTION 21 OF THE BANK OF CEYLON
REGIONAL HEAD OFFICE, AMPARA ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 397) AS AMENDED BY ACT NO. 34
OF 1968 AND LAW NO. 10 OF 1974
AUCTION SALE OF UNREDEEMED PAWNED ARTICLES At a meeting held on 08.01.2024, the Board of Directors of this Bank
resolved especially and unanimously :
Articles pawned up to 30.11.2022 (pawned for one year) at the undermentioned People's Bank
Branches and Service Centers in Ampara Region and not redeemed up to the date of 12.03.2024 and 1. That a sum of Rs.920,529.20 (Rupees Nine Hundred Twenty Thousand
will be sold by Public Auction at 9.00 a.m. on the dates and the places stated below. Five Hundred Twenty Nine and Cents Twenty) on account of the
Dates of Auction - 13.03.2024 & 14.03.2024 principal and interest up to 16.11.2023 and together with further
interest on Rs.702,747.83 (Rupees Seven Hundred Two Thousand Seven
Place of Auction Regional Head Office, Ampara Hundred Forty Seven and Cents Eighty Three) at the rate of Eleven
Decimal Five (11.5%) per centum per annum from 17.11.2023 till the
Pawned Branches Ampara, Kalmunai, Akkaraipattu, Sammanthurai, Pottuvil, Mahaoya,
date of payment on the 1st Loan and a sum of Rs. 5,637,466.99 (Rupees
Uhana, Karativu, Thirukkovil, Addalachchenai, Nintavur, Sainthamaruthu,
Five Million Six Hundred Thirty Seven Thousand Four Hundred Sixty
Maruthamunai
Six and Cents Ninety Nine) on account of the principal and interest
Pawned Nawagampura, Eragama, Alayadivembu, Vilinayady, Sammanthurai, up to 16.11.2023 and together with further interest on Rs.4,213,945.75
Service Centres Panama, Padiyathalawa, Gonagolla,Central Camp, Oluvil, Plamunai (Rupees Four Million Two Hundred Thirteen Thousand Nine Hundred
Forty Five and Cents Seventy Five) at the rate of Thirteen (13%)
The bank reserves the right to cancel, amalgamate or postpone any of these Auctions without further per centum per annum from 17.11.2023 till the date of payment on
notice. 2nd Loan, and a sum of Rs.13,349,410.66 (Rupees Thirteen Million
Regional Manager, People's Bank, Regional Head Office, Ampara. Three Hundred Forty Nine Thousand Four Hundred Ten and Cents
Tel. No. 063-2222516 Sixty Six) on account of the principal and interest up to 16.11.2023
and together with further interest on Rs.9,675,520.10 (Rupees Nine
Million Six Hundred Seventy Five Thousand Five Hundred Twenty
and Cents Ten) at the rate of Thirteen (13%) per centum per annum
from 17.11.2023 till the date of payment on 3rd Loan, and a sum
of Rs.3,969,105.77 (Rupees Three Million Nine Hundred Sixty Nine
Thousand One Hundred Five and Cents Seventy Seven) on account of
the principal and interest up to is 16.11.2023 and together with further
PEOPLE'S BANK
interest on Rs. 3,155,536.16 (Rupees Three Million One Hundred Fifty
Five Thousand Five Hundred Thirty Six and Cents Sixteen) at the rate
of Nine Decimal Five (9.5%) per centum per annum from 17.11.2023
REGIONAL HEAD OFFICE, MONERAGALA till the date of payment on 4th Loan and a sum of Rs. 2,505,775.09
(Rupees Two Million Five Hundred Five Thousand Seven Hundred
AUCTION SALE OF UNREDEEMED PAWNED ARTICLES Seventy Five and Cents Nine) at the rate of Four (4%) per centum
per annum from 17.11.2023 till the date of payment on 5th Loan are
Articles pawned up to 30.11.2022 (pawned for one year) at the undermentioned People's Bank due from Mr. Polwaththa Gallage Lalith Prasanna Gallage of 156 D/2,
Elawella Road, Weerakoon Walawwawatta, Matara till the date of
Branches and Service Centers in Moneragala Region and not redeemed up to the date of 11.03.2024
payments on Mortgage Bond No.1916 dated 26th June 2015, attested
and will be sold by Public Auction at 9.00 a.m. on the dates and the places stated below.
by P.A.D. Kumarathunga, Notary Public of Matara, Bond No 1212
Dates of Auction - 12.03.2024 & 13.03.2024 dated 28th June 2017 and Bond No 1750 dated 23rd July 2018 both
attested by B.K.R. Kariyawasam, Notary Public of Matara, Bond No.
Place of Auction Moneragala Branch 1025 dated 24th July 2020 attested by P.P.G. Dinesha Notary Public of
Matara and Bond No. 264 dated 19th February 2021 attested by K. A.
Pawned Branches Bibile, Wellawaya, Moneragala, Buttala, Kataragama, Thanamalwila,
T. S. De Silva, Notary Public of Matara.
Medagama, Badalkumbura, Siyambalanduwa
2. That in terms of Section 19 of the Bank of Ceylon Ordinance (Chapter
Pawned
Moneragala, Dambagalle, Ethiliwewa, Hambegamuwa, Okkampitiya 397) and its amendments, Mr Thusith Karunaratne, M/s T&H
Service Centres
Auctions, the Auctioneer of No. 50/3, Vihara Mawatha, Kolonnawa,
be authorized and empowered to sell by Public Auction, the property
The bank reserves the right to cancel, amalgamate or postpone any of these Auctions without further
notice. mortgaged to the Bank of Ceylon and described in the schedules
hereunder, for the recovery of the said sum of Rs.920,529.20 (Rupees
Regional Manager, People's Bank, Regional Head Office, Wellawaya Road, Moneragala. Nine Hundred Twenty Thousand Five Hundred Twenty Nine and Cents
Tel. Nos. 055-2276350, 055-2276347 Twenty) on account of the principal and interest up to 16.11.2023
and together with further interest on Rs.702,747.83 (Rupees Seven
Hundred Two Thousand Seven Hundred Forty Seven and Cents Eighty
Three) at the rate of Eleven Decimal Five (11.5%) per centum per
annum from 17.11.2023 till the date of payment on the 1st Loan and
a sum of Rs. 5,637,466.99 (Rupees Five Million Six Hundred Thirty
Seven Thousand Four Hundred Sixty Six and Cents Ninety Nine) on
account of the principal and interest up to 16.11.2023 and together
with further interest on Rs. 4,213,945.75 (Rupees Four Million Two
MINISTRY OF STATE PLANTATION Hundred Thirteen Thousand Nine Hundred Forty Five and Cents
Seventy Five) at the rate of Thirteen (13%) per centum per annum
ENTERPRISE REFORMS from 17.11.2023 till the date of payment on 2nd Loan, and a sum
of Rs.13,349,410.66 (Rupees Thirteen Million Three Hundred Forty
SRI LANKA STATE PLANTATIONS Nine Thousand Four Hundred Ten and Cents Sixty Six) on account of
the principal and interest up to 16.11.2023 and together with further
CORPORATION interest on Rs.9,675,520.10 (Rupees Nine Million Six Hundred Seventy
Five Thousand Five Hundred Twenty and Cents Ten) at the rate of
VACANCIES Thirteen (13%) per centum per annum from 17.11.2023 till the date
of payment on 3rd Loan, and a sum of Rs.3,969,105.77 (Rupees Three
Applications are invited including internal candidates for the following vacancies that Million Nine Hundred Sixty Nine Thousand One Hundred Five and
exist in the estates of Matale, Kandy, Galle, Haputhale regions belonging to Sri Lanka Cents Seventy Seven) on account of the principal and interest up
State Plantations Corporation, the prestigious state owned Corporation in the Plantation to 16.11.2023 and together with further interest on Rs.3,155,536.16
Sector. (Rupees Three Million One Hundred Fifty Five Thousand Five Hundred
Thirty Six and Cents Sixteen) at the rate of Nine Decimal Five (9.5%)
1. POST : ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER per centum per annum from 17.11.2023 till the date of payment on 4th
Loan and a sum of Rs.2,505,775.09 (Rupees Two Million Five Hundred
Experience :
Five Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy Five and Cents Nine) at the
More than 03 years as an Administrative Officer or 05 years as a Senior Clerk in a rate of Four (4%) per centum per annum from 17.11.2023 till the date
Regional Plantations Company or Government owned Estate. of payment on 5th Loan due on said Mortgage Bond No.1916 dated
26th June 2015, attested by P.A.D. Kumarathunga, Notary Public of
2. POST : SENIOR ASSISTANT CLERK
Matara, Bond No. 1212 dated 28th June 2017 and Bond No. 1750 dated
Experience: 23rd July 2018 both attested by B.K.R. Kariyawasam, Notary Public of
Matara, Bond No 1025 dated 24th July 2020 attested by P.P.G.Dinesha,
More than 03 years as a Senior Assistant Clerk or 05 years as a Clerk or 10 years as
a Junior Clerk in a Regional Plantations Company or Government owned Estate Notary Public of Matara and Bond No. 264 dated 19th February 2021
attested by K.A.T.S. De Silva, Notary Public of Matara and together
3. POST : JUNIOR CLERK with interest as aforesaid from 17.11.2023 to the date of sale and costs
and monies recoverable under Section 26 of the said Bank of Ceylon
Educational Qualifications and Experience:
Ordinance and the Manager of the Matara Super Grade Branch of the
G.C.E. (O/L) with English & Mathematics with experience more than 06 Months as Bank of Ceylon to publish notice of this resolution in terms of Section
a Junior Clerk / Trainee Clerk in a Regional Plantations Company or Government 21 of the said Bank of Ceylon Ordinance.
own Estate
THE SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO :
4. POST : FIELD OFFICER All that divided and defined allotment of land marked Lot A depicted in
Experience: Plan No: 3458 dated 15th May, 2010 made by M.L.M. Razmi, Licensed
Surveyor of Lot 21 of Lot 01 of the land called WEERAKOON WALAUWE
More than 03 years as a Field Officer or 05 years as an Asst. Field Officer or 10 years
WATTA bearing Assessment No.9/6, Weerakoon Walauwe Watta Road
as a Junior Assistant Field Officer in a Regional Plantations Company or Government situated at Elawella Road, Matara in Grama Niladhari Division of 414B
owned Estate Hittatiya Central in the Divisional Secretary's Division of Matara in the
5. POST : ASSISTANT FIELD OFFICER Municipal Council Limits of Matara within the Four Gravets of Matara
in the District of Matara, Southern Province and which said Lot A is
Experience: bounded on NORTH by Lot 13 of the same land on EAST by Lot C in
More than 03 years as an Assistant Field Officer or 05 years as a Junior Assistant the same Plan and Lot B (Common portion for road) in the same Plan
Field Officer in a Regional Plantations Company or Government owned Estate on SOUTH by Lot 15 (road) of the same land and Lot 22 (Assessment
No.9/4) and on WEST by Medagedarawatta and containing in extent
6. POST : JUNIOR ASSISTANT FIELD OFFICER Six Perches (A0-R0-P6) together with soil, trees, plantations, buildings
Educational Qualifications and Experience: and everything else standing thereon and registered in A 914/140 at
the Land Registry, Matara.
G.C.E. (O/L) with English & Mathematics with experience more than 06 months as
a Junior Assistant Field Officer / Trainee Junior Assistant Field Officer in a Regional AND right of way in respect of the road reservation more fully described
Plantations Company or Government owned Estate in the Second Schedule hereto:-
7. POST : FACTORY OFFICER THE SECOND SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO :
More than 03 years as a Factory Officer or 05 years as a Senior Asst. Factory Officer 1. All that divided and defined allotment of land marked Lot B depicted
or 10 years as an Assistant Factory Officer in a Regional Plantations Company or in Plan No: 3458 dated 15th May, 2010 made by M.L.M. Razmi,
Licensed Surveyor of Lot 21 of Lot 01 of the land called WEERAKOON
Government owned Estate Factory.
WALAUWE WATTA situated at Elawella Road, Matara aforesaid and
8. POST : SENIOR ASSISTANT FACTORY OFFICER bounded on NORTH by Lot C in the same Plan on EAST by Lot C in
the same Plan on SOUTH by Lot 15 (Road) and on WEST by Lot A in
Experience:
the same Plan and containing in extent Naught decimal One Two
More than 03 years as a Senior Assistant Factory Officer or 05 years as an Assistant Perches (Ao-R0-P0.12)and registered in A 914/141 at the Land
Factory Officer in a Regional Plantations Company or Government owned Estate Registry, Matara.
Factory. 2. All that divided and defined allotment of land marked Lot 15
9. POST : ASSISTANT FACTORY OFFICER depicted in Plan No: 275/1992 dated 11th November, 1992 made
by K. Siriwardane, Licensed Surveyor of Lot 01 of the land called
Experience:
WEERAKOON WALAUWE WATTA situated at Elawella Road, Matara
More than 03 years as an Assistant Factory Officer or 05 years as a Junior Assistant aforesaid and bounded on NORTH by Lot 10 (Road), Lot 19 and Lot
Factory Officer in a Regional Plantations Company or Government owned Estate 21 on EAST by Lots 16, 19, 25 on SOUTH by Lots 22, 23, 24 and on
WEST by Lots 14, 20, 22 and containing in extent Seven decimal
Factory.
Two Seven Perches (A0-R0-P7.27)and registered in A 914/142 at
10. POST : ESTATE MEDICAL ASSISTANT the Land Registry, Matara.
Experience: 3. All that divided and defined allotment of land marked Lot 10
depicted in Plan No: 275/1992 dated 11th November, 1992 made
More than 01 year as a Medical Assistant or 05 years as a Junior Medical Assistant by K. Siriwardane, Licensed Surveyor of Lot 01 of the land called
in a reputed organization. WEERAKOON WALAUWE WATTA situated at Elawella Road, Matara
aforesaid and bounded on NORTH by Lots 8, 7, 4, 3, 2, 1 on EAST by
Age : For the Posts of Administrative Officer, Factory Officer, Field Officer and
Lots 6, 5, 1 and Ela on SOUTH by Lots 14, 15, 16, 17 and on WEST
Estate Medical Assistant should be below 50 years and for all other Posts should by Lots 8, 9, 11, 12 and containing in extent Fourteen decimal Five
be below 45 years. Five Perches (A0-R0-P14.55)and registered in A 950/129 at the
Salary : As per the Collective Agreement in force Land Registry, Matara.
By order of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Ceylon
Applications together with complete bio- data and copies of relevant certificates should
be forwarded by registered post to reach THE CHAIRMAN, SRI LANKA STATE Name : Mr. W.W.A.J. Prasanka
PLANTATIONS CORPORATION, No. 257, SIRI DHAMMA MAWATHA, COLOMBO Designation: Chief Manager
10 on or before 28th February 2024 with the post applied for written on the top left-hand
Bank of Ceylon,
corner of the envelope. Matara Super Grade
Chairman Date:
Sri Lanka State Plantations Corporation Date : 08.02.2024
DN page 20 ADVERTISEMENTS T U E S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 3 , 2 0 2 4
BANK OF CEYLON
PUBLIC NOTICE
INVITATION FOR BIDS UNDER SECTION 244(3) OF THE
NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE
NOTICE OF SALE UNDER SECTION 22 OF THE BANK OF CEYLON
COMPANIES ACT NO. 07 OF 2007 ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 397) AND ITS AMENDMENTS AS AMENDED
BY ACT NO.34 OF 1968 AND LAW NO.10 OF 1974
NOTICE is hereby given that Trandex 1) Loan Facility Reference No:- 82146184
GOVERNMENT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST International (Private) Limited
amalgamated with Trandex (Private) Limited
is
Sale of mortgaged property of Mr. Herath Mudlyanselage Padmasiri
under Section 242(1) of the Companies Act No. Bandara Herath and Mrs. Kirulapana Witharanage Chamari
REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA 07 of 2007 (“Act”) with effect from 18th August
Jayomi Rathnayake both of Rittadeniya, Hettipola.
2023 as per the Certificate of Amalgamation It is hereby notied that pursuant to a Resolution of the Board
issued pursuant to Section 244 (1) of the Act. of Directors of the Bank of Ceylon adopted under Section 19 of
MINISTRY OF HEALTH Name of the Amalgamated Company :
the Bank of Ceylon Ordinance published in the Gazette of the
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No. 2358 of 10.11.2023
Trandex International (Private) Limited and in Dinamina, Daily News and Thinakaran of 03.11.2023 Mr.
Date: 13 February 2024 Registered Address of the M.H.T.Karunaratline, the Auctioneer of T & H Auctions, No.50/3,
Amalgamated Company : Vihara Mawatha, Kolonnawa will sell by Public Auction on 06.03.2024
G-9222 Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (Grant) : No. 39, Terrence Avenue, Mount Lavinia. at 11.00 a.m at the spot, the property and premises described in
Loan No. and Title of the Project Health System Enhancement Project - Additional Date of Amalgamation : 18th August 2023 the Schedule hereunder for the recovery of the balance principal and
Financing Registration Number of the Company : interest due up to the date of sale and costs and monies recoverable
PV 10984 under Section 26 of the said Ordinance.
HSEP(AF)/ PMU/PRO/G18/231/2023 THE SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO:
By order of the Board of Directors of
Contract No. and Title of the Trandex International (Private) Limited All that divided and dened allotment of land marked Lot 1 depicted
Procurement Procurement of Equipment (Audio Visual / IT) for in Plan No.1673 dated 15th March 2006 made by S.M..Dissanayake,
Assignments (Private) Limited
Receiving Hospitals Under JFPR Grant (AF) - G18 Secretaries
Licensed Surveyor of the land called KONTRARADUHENA,
GODAYAYEHENA and KONTHARADUHENA situated at Horombuwa
05.02.2024 Village within the Grama Niladhari Division of 1413, Dahanekgedara in
Deadline for Submission of Bids Before 10.30 a.m. on 12th March 2024 the Divisional Secretariat Division of Panduwasnuwara West within
the Pradeshiya Sabha. Limits of Panduwasnuwara in Karandapattu
LAND ACQUISITION ACT Korale of Katugampola Hatpattu in the District of Kurunegala, North
1. The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has received Financing from the Japan Fund (CHAPTER 460) AS Western Province and which said Lot I is bounded on the NORTH
by Lots 61 and 62 in F.V.P.2110 on the EAST by Lot 62 and Road
for Poverty Reduction (JFPR) toward the cost of Health System Enhancement Project - AMENDED BY THE LAND (Part of the same land) on the SOUTH by Reservation for Road now
Additional Finance and it intends to apply part of the proceeds of this financing to payments ACQUISITION (AMENDMENT) Pradeshiya Sabha Road and Land claimed by Udaya on. the WEST
under the contracts named above. Bidding is open to bidders from eligible source countries of by Akarawatta village boundary and Land claimed by Udaya and
ACT NO. 28 OF 1964 containing in extent SIX ACRES TWO ROODS AND FOURTEEN
ADB. PERCHES (A6.R2.P14) and together with everything else standing
NOTICE UNDER SECTION 7 thereon. Registered in Q20/117 at Kuliyapitiya Land Registry.
2. The Ministry of Health, (“the Purchaser”) invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the
Land Ministry's Reference No. : Please note that after the approval of Board of Directors Rs.
procurement of following goods. A brief description of the types of goods and related services 1,450,000/= was deposited to the Saving Account of 1526709 of Mr.
4-3/18/2020/WS/240 H.M.P.B. Herath and Mrs. K.V.C.J. Rathnayake.
is below:
My Reference No. : Bidders are free to inspect the available Title Deeds and other
DIVUD/LND/ACQUI/13/6-2 connected documents related to the above property may be inspected
Item Brief Description of Goods and Related DIVUD/LND/ACQUI/WTR/16 from Manager Bank of Ceylon, Kuliyapitiva Super Grade Branch TP
Quantity (Nos.)
No. Services - 037-2281280.
The land described in the following schedule
has been acquired by the Government. For Mode of Payment: The successful purchaser will have to pay the -
1 Supply and installation of 32” TV with HDMI input 99 further details, see 3rd part of the Democratic following amounts in cash at the fall of the hammer:
Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Extraordinary 1.1 10% (Ten percent) of the purchased price
2 Supply and installation of 42” / 43” TV with HDMI input 01 Gazette Notification No. 2369/05 dated 1.2 VAT charges (if applicable)
29.01.2024. 1.3 1% (One percent) to the Local Authority as Sales Tax
3 Supply and installation of Android Box 100 Sub Schedule
1.4 2.5% (Two and a Half Percent) as the Auctioneer Commission
Province : Western
1.5 Cost of sales and any other charges (if applicable)
4 Supply and installation of 4G Dongle 100 District : Kurunegala
1.6 Other fees/charges
Division : Udubaddawa
Grama Niladhari : No. 1504, Another 10% (Ten percent) of the purchased price will have to be paid
5 Supply and installation of TV mounting Bracket 100 within 30 days from the auction date and balance 80% of the purchased
Division Ihalagama South
Village : Ihalagama price to be settled within three months from the date of sale. In addition,
Plan No. : Cadastral Map purchaser will have to pay Stamp duty and Notary fee for attesting the
3. Successful Bidder must deliver Goods to the locations mentioned in the delivery and conditions of Sale and Certicate of Sale.
421361
completion schedule in the Bidding Document. Also, delivery must be completed within 120 Block No. : 02 If the purchaser fails to comply with the conditions as stipulated above,
days from signing of contract. Sheet No. : 01 the Bank shall have the right to forfeit all monies paid on auction date and
Lot No. : 01-03 Lots reauction the property.
4. Open Competitive Bidding (OCB) will be conducted in accordance with ADB’s Single Stage: Extent : 0.0759 hec. By Order of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Ceylon.
Single Envelope bidding procedure and is open to all bidders from eligible countries as Divisional Secretary, BANK OF CEYLON MRS. A.L.L. ABEYSINGHE
described in the Bidding Document. The eligibility rules and procedures of ADB will govern the Udubaddawa KULIYAPITIYA SUPER GRADE BRANCH SENIOR MANAGER
bidding process. At Divisional Secretariat,
Udubaddawa
5. Only eligible bidders with the following key qualifications should participate in this bidding and On 07th February 2024
the qualification criteria are more completely described in the Bidding Document:
O Successful completion as the main supplier within the last 7 years of at least one (1) similar
contract valued for LKR. 11.36 Mn. or equivalent in any freely convertible currency with
MINISTRY OF IRRIGATION
nature, and complexity. IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT
O M
 inimum Average Annual Turnover of LKR 28.39 Mn. calculated as total payments received
by the Bidder for contracts completed or under execution over the last 3 years.
UMA OYA MULTIPURPOSE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
DOWNSTREAM DEVELOPMENT
O H
 istorical Financial Performance - Submission of audited financial statements for the last
three years (2019/2020, 2020/2021 and 2021/2022) to demonstrate the current soundness INVITATION FOR BIDS
of the Bidder’s financial position. As a minimum, the Bidder’s net worth for the last year
Chairman of Procurement Committee, invites sealed bids from eligible & qualified Suppliers of items listed in the
calculated as the difference between total assets and total liabilities should be positive. table below.
6. To obtain further information and inspect the Bidding Documents free of charge from 0900 Hrs Non Bid
to 1500 Hrs on working days, the bidders should contact: Work No. Work Title Quantity Refundable Security Fee
Fee / Rs. Rs.
Chairman Project Procurement Committee, UODP/P/2024/01 Ready Mixed Concrete Grade 15 for 600m3 5,000.00 180 ,000.00
Health System Enhancement Project – Additional Financing, Abakola Ara concrete structure (13 km from
No. 3/19, Kynsey Road, Balaharuwa junction) (Sinhalayagama RE
Colombo 8, Sri Lanka. office)
UODP/P/2024/02 Ready Mixed Concrete Grade 25 to Abakola 600m3 6,000.00 220,000.00
Telephone Number: +94 112 697173 Fax: +94 112 697163 Ara concrete structure (13 km from
E - mail: pmu@hsep.lk Balaharuwa junction) (Sinhalayagama
RE office)
7. A pre-bid meeting shall take place at 10.30 Hrs on 19th February 2024 at above address
UODP/P/2024/03 Ready Mixed Concrete Grade 25 to 600m3 6,000.00 220,000.00
conducted by the Employer. All bidders are strongly advised to attend this pre-bid meeting.
Wedikumbura Ara concrete structure (12 km
8. To purchase the Bidding Documents in English, eligible bidders should submit a written request/ from Ethiliwewa) (Kuda Oya RE office)
application to the address above requesting the Bidding Documents for the Procurement of UODP/P/2024/04 Reinforcement bars characteristic strength is 90MT 7,000.00 250,000.00
equal or more than 500 N/ mm2
Equipment (Audio Visual / IT) for Receiving Hospitals Under JFPR Grant (AF) – G18 and pay (QT, QST, TMT, etc.)
a non-refundable fee as indicated in the Table below at or before 2.00 p.m. on 11th March (Diameter 10mm, 12mm, 16mm, 20mm,
2024. 25mm, 32mm, 40mm)
UODP/P/2024/05 Water stop bars (225mm) 1000 m 2,000.00 35,000.00
Description Non-refundable Fee UODP/P/2024/06 Shutter board 1000 Nos. 5,000.00 140,000.00
(2440mm x 1220mm)
Equipment (Audio Visual/IT) for Receiving Hospitals Under (Minimum thickness 15mm)
LKR 4,500.00
JFPR Grant (AF) – G18 1. Bidding will be conducted through National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedure.
2. Successful bidders for awarding of contract should not have been black listed or rejected due to quality or any
9. The method of payment will be in the form of a bank draft or cashier’s certified cheque in favor other reason from any Government organization.
of the “Secretary, Ministry of Health,Health System Enhancement Project - Additional 3. Specifications and evaluation criteria will be issued with bidding documents and evaluation will be done by
technical evaluation committee based on that criteria.
Financing (Counterpart)” A/C No. 7040799 or in cash, from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. on working
4. Bidders may obtain further information from Deputy Project Director’s Office and bid documents can be
days or pay by direct deposit to bank account number 7040799 at Bank of Ceylon.
inspected in the office during normal working hours from 13th February 2024 to 05th March 2024. (T.P. 074-
1580114)
10. Bidding Document may also be sent by airmail for overseas delivery and surface mail or courier
5. Bid documents can be obtained during normal working hours from 13th February 2024 to 05th March 2024
for local delivery with an additional fee of US$ 100 and LKR 5000.00 respectively in addition to on working days of week (on 05th March 2024 from 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.) by paying non–refundable tender
the non-refundable fee stated under Para 8. No liability will be accepted for loss or late delivery. fee at Deputy Project Director’s Office at Thanamalwila or by bank deposit the non–refundable tender fee to
Account No. 0007042884 (Acc Name - Chief Resident Engineer-Thanamalwila), Bank of Ceylon Thanamalwila
11. Bids shall be delivered to the address given in Para 6 above at or before 10.30 a.m. on 12th and e – mailing the receipt to procureumaoya@gmail.com (bids will be issued through the e – mail)
March 2024 together with the Bid Security as specified in the bidding document. If the Bid 6. Bid security can be a cash deposit to this office or bid bond issued by a accepted bank for this purpose. (Bid
Security is submitted in the form of a Bank Guarantee,it shall be issued using the format given bond shall be valid for 63 days for Work No. UODP/P/2024/05 and 77 days for others starting from 05th
in Section 4 of Bidding forms by a Commercial Bank approved by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka March 2024. If bid security bond paid by cash, the amount will be released after the above validity period. All
in favor of “The Project Director, Health System Enhancement Project (Additional relevant documents shall be submitted with the bid to prove the eligibility of bidders)
Financing)”. Late Bids will be rejected and returned unopened. 7. Duly perfected bidding documents must be submitted in duplicate, marked as “Original’’ and “Duplicate”
relevantly in two sealed envelopes and enclosed both in one sealed envelope marked the above work number
12. Bids shall be valid for 120 days from the date of bid opening. Bid Security shall be valid for 148 & title on top left corner of the envelope should either be sent by registered post to the following address,
days from the date of bid opening. courier service or deposited in the tender box kept at Deputy Project Director’s Office of Uma Oya Downstream
Development at or before 2.15 p.m. on 05th March 2024. Late bids will not be accepted.
13. Bids will be opened immediately after the deadline for bid submission in the presence of 8. Bids will be opened immediately after closing of bids in the presence of the bidders or their representatives,
Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. who wish to attend. If the office happens to be closed on the bid closing date specified above, the bid closing
date will be the immediate next working day and will be opened at the same time and venue.
14. The Health System Enhancement Project - Additional Financing of the Ministry of Health, will
9. Bidder shall bear all costs associated with the preparation and submission of bids and the Procurement
not be responsible for any cost or expenses incurred by bidders in connection with the Committee shall not be responsible or liable for such costs, regardless of the conduct or outcome of the
preparation or delivery of bids. bidding process.
Chairman, Project Procurement Committee, 10. The decision of the Deputy Project Director Procurement Committee is final and conclusive. The Deputy
Project Director Procurement Committee is empowered to reject single, any or all bids at its own discretion.
Health System Enhancement Project – Additional Financing,
11. Any single bidder/supplier is able to apply for more than one item separately.
No. 3/19, Kynsey Road,
Colombo 8, Sri Lanka Deputy Director’s Office, Chairman,
Uma Oya Downstream Development, Procurement Committee.
Telephone No: +94 112 697173 Fax: +94 112 697163 Kithulkote, Thanamalwila (Postal Code - 91300) Tel Nos: - 072-2961396/074-1580114
E-mail: pmu@hsep.lk 13.02.2024

Printed and Published by The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd., at No. 35, D.R.Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10, on Tuesday, February 13, 2024