SRI LANKA’S NATIONAL NEWSPAPER I SINCE 1918

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 I 20 PAGES I VOLUME - 105 - NO 302 I RS. 70.00 I REGISTERED AS A NEWSPAPER IN SRI LANKA I LATE CITY 

Nine arrested after

WORLD BANK RELEASES Rs.45 Mn vehicle
sale fraud at BMICH
US$ 250 MILLION Manager flees through the back door as Police enter
GAYAN KUMARA WEERASINGHE, the vehicle located at the BMICH

SECOND TRANCHE
NIMANTI RANASINGHE and
BIMAL JAYASINGHE
Kurunduwatta Police said that
the manager of a vehicle sales busi-
ness who took more than Rs.45
million from two people who came
to buy a jeep fled without giving
premises.
This incident took place yes-
terday (20) afternoon at an office
room in the BMICH. This car
dealership has been established
in the premises of BMICH on a
rental basis. TO PAGE 02

The World Bank has released a

second tranche of US$ 250 million
to support economic reforms in Sri
Lanka, the bank said in a statement
yesterday.
The International Monetary Fund
earlier this month cleared the first
review of Sri Lanka’s US$ 2.9 bil-
lion bailout, providing about US$
337 million in funds to help tackle
the fallout from the country’s worst
financial crisis in decades.
The second tranche of the US$
500 million under the Sri Lanka
Resilience, Stability and Economic
Turnaround (RESET) Develop-
ment Policy Operation (DPO) was
released considering the continued
satisfactory progress made by the
Government with the reform pro-
Veteran editor
gramme.
The RESET DPO, which pro- Siri Ranasinghe
vides Budget support to the Gov-
ernment, was approved on June
28, 2023. This is the first in a
feted
Veteran editor Siri Ranasinghe
series that supports foundational
who has continuously held
reforms to restore macroeconomic the editorship of Sinhala
stability, mitigate the impacts on daily the Lankadeepa for
the poor and vulnerable, and sup- 33 consecutive years was
port an inclusive, private sector-led felicitated at a ceremony ‘Siri
recovery. TO PAGE 02 Asiri’ held at the Foundation
Institute yesterday. Former
President Mahinda Rajapaksa

No bonus, increments All out campaign

greets Ranasinghe while
Wijaya Group of Newspapers
Chairman, former Lake House
Chairman Ranjith Wijewardene

for CEB this year to contain

and Upali Group of Companies
Chairman Nimal Welgama
look on.

dengue spread
VARUNA DAYARATNE CEB employees for 2023. Picture by Ranjith Asanka.
Power and Energy Min- Taking to ‘X’, the Power and
ister Kanchana Wijesekera Energy Minister said that

Increased taxes, a cause for

has instructed the Ceylon
Electricity Board (CEB) not
to pay bonuses, incentives
or salary increments for
President’s Fund schol
there will be no bonuses,
incentives or salary incre-
ments for Ceylon Electricity
Board employees. TO PAGE 02
ISHARA MUDUGAMUWA
The Health Ministry and the
National Dengue Control Unit
(NDCU) will continue country-
wide programmes to prevent the
spread of the disease.
The Health Ministry is also
working to strengthen the treat-
Five year plan for conservation,
concern - Former President management of coastal resources
MAHINDA ALUTHGEDARA IRANGIKA RANGE
tion and Coastal Resource Man-
SLPP leader and former President Mahi- The five year plan (2024-2029) agement Plan (2024-2029) was
nda Rajapaksa yesterday said that attempt
is being made to incite the public through
for the conservation and manage-
ment of coastal resources was
presented to Urban Development
and Housing Minister Prasanna

applications for A/L students ment services on the instructions

of the Health Minister. TO PAGE 02
various manoeuvres and social media cam-
paigns. TO PAGE 02
declared yesterday.
The Sri Lanka Coastal Conserva-
Ranatunga yesterday at the Minis-
try premises. TO PAGE 02

deadline December 22
5,000 students will get Rs.6,000 a month
The deadline of submitting applica-
tions to the schools for scholarships
offered by the President’s Fund for
Advanced Level students has been set
for December 22.
As per the instructions issued by
President Ranil Wickremesinghe to
commence the scholarship programme
for GCE Advanced Level students,
based on the results of this year’s Gen-
eral Certificate of Education Examina-
tion of last year as well as this year,
the applications were invited from
December 1. TO PAGE 02
Permission to issue driving licences Public servants not there to execute wrong
to persons with disabilities orders given by politicians - Justice Minister
The Parliamentary Cau- It was revealed at the Par-
cus for Persons with Dis- liamentary Caucus that per- VARUNA DAYARATNE ies and key writers of the members of
abilities said that permission mission has been given to A training workshop conducted by Parliament was held yesterday (20) at
has been given to issue driv- issue driving licences to per- the Parliamentary Division of the Pub- the Colombo District Secretariat and
ing licences to persons with sons with disabilities from lic Administration and Home Affairs the guest speech was made by the Min-
disabilities. this month. TO PAGE 02 Ministry for research officers, secretar- ister of Justice, TO PAGE 02

New laws for those EU strikes deal on new Plane from Chennai TNA must elect a new leader CID seizes properties,
to Jaffna turned back by vote - MP Sumanthiran vehicles of four drug sellers
not renewing vehicle migrant hosting rules due to bad weather RASULA DILHARA GAMAGE RAKSHANA SHRIYANTHA and
PRADEEP KUMARA

revenue licences in 2024 The European Union finalized new

regulations early Wednesday to more
equitably distribute the responsibilities
RASULA DILHARA GAMAGE

A plane from Chennai to Jaffna yester-

SUBHASHINI SENANAYAKE
Motor Transport Commissioner General Nis-
hantha Anuruddha told the ‘Daily News’ that
new laws will be introduced next year regarding
nearly 2.3 million vehicles TO PAGE 02
Donald Trump disqualified from
serving as US President again
Former President Donald
Trump is disqualified from serv-
ing as US President and cannot
appear on the primary ballot in
Colorado because of his role in
the January 6, 2021, TO PAGE 02
and costs of hosting migrants, while also
seeking to curb their influx. TO PAGE 02
Public input sought
for 2023-2025 OGP
National Action Plan
The Presidential Secretariat has invit-
ed public input for the formulation of Sri
Lanka’s Open Government Partnership
(OGP) National Action Plan spanning
from 2023-2025. TO PAGE 02
“It is more suitable to hold
an internal vote to elect a
new leader for our party.
The Criminal Investigation Department
(CID) took action to seize properties worth
day flew back to Chennai after flying in There is no doubt that the Rs.100 million belonging to four suspects
Jaffna skies for 40 minutes due to bad party will become stronger arrested from the anti-drug operation “Yuk-
weather conditions. TO PAGE 02 after the election TO PAGE 02 thiya”. TO PAGE 02
Sri Pada devotees urged Jaffna Medical Faculty student Drug trafficker
to desist from carrying arrested for distributing drugs Alubomulle Pinky,
plastic, polythene
RAKSHANA SRIYANTHA
A group of officers of
Kopay area. This stu-
dent was arrested dur-
three others arrested
the Police Special Task ing a raid in the Kopay VARUNA DAYARATNE
RAKSHANA SHRIYANTHA
Force arrested a student Police division based on The mastermind of the large scale
Central Environmental Authority (CEA) of the Jaffna Medical information received to drug trafficking operations between
requested devotees visiting Sri Pada Faculty who was dis- a group of officers of Qatar and Sri Lanka, “Alubomulle
(Adams Peak) to avoid disposing poly- tributing drugs through the Police Special Task Pinky” was arrested by the Police
thene and plastic in the vicinity. TO PAGE 02 courier services in the Force. TO PAGE 02 yesterday (20). TO PAGE 02
 DN page 2
World Bank releases US$ 250 million...
The World Bank says this sup-
port is contingent on prior actions
or milestones that need to be com-
pleted before the funding is
released.
In a statement, the global finan-
cial institution said the second
tranche is now being released after
Donald Trump disqualified...
attack on the US Capitol by his
supporters, the state’s top court
ruled Tuesday.
The historic 4-3 ruling by the Col-
orado Supreme Court, likely to be
taken up by the US Supreme Court,
makes Trump the first Presidential
Candidate deemed ineligible for the
White House under a rarely used
constitutional provision that bars
officials who have engaged
in”insurrection or rebellion” from
holding office.
The ruling applies only to Colora-
do’s March 5 Republican primary but
it could affect Trump’s status in the
Jaffna Medical Faculty student...
The Special Task Force seized 11
pills and 45 narcotic pills mixed with
cannabis which were found in his
possession.The Special Task Force
stated that these drugs were in his
possession to be distributed through
courier services.
This student is a third year stu-
All out campaign to contain...
A special discussion related to
the strengthening of dengue mos-
quito control and treatment for
dengue patients was held at the
Health Ministry under Health Sec-
retary Dr. Palitha Mahipala.
The Health Secretary instructed
officials to take all necessary steps.
A special anti-dengue programme
was recently implemented in the
public health inspection division of
the Ratmalana Medical Officer of
Health area where 26 premises
were identified. Notices were
issued to 112 persons and legal
measures were taken in relation to
seven premises. The Health Secre-
tary also arranged to inquire about
its progress.
Dengue is on the rise in Sri
Lanka and more cases are reported
in the districts of Colombo, Gampa-
ha, Kandy, Kalutara, Puttalam,
Galle, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Rat-
napura and Trincomalee. Health
Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala
advised officials to follow short-
term and long-term methods and
implement programmes as soon as
possible.
The Health Secretary said that if
there is any shortage of physical
and human resources related to the
Plane from Chennai to Jaffna...
An official from the Jaffna Interna-
tional Airport stated that the pilots
had to fly the plane in the Jaffna sky
for the same time as it takes to travel
from Jaffna to Chennai.
The airport staff was not able to
give the landing message to the
plane as there was a dark atmos-
No bonus, increments...
In a letter addressed to the CEB
officials including the Chairman of
CEB, General Manager and other top
management, the Minister has also
issued a directive to discontinue the
25 percent salary increment made
Five year plan for conservation...
The Coastal Conservation Depart-
ment and the Coastal Resource
Management was assigned with the
task of formulating a plan for the
conservation and management of
coastal resources under the Coastal
Conservation and Coastal Resource
Management Act.
A plan for the conservation and
management of coastal resources
should be updated every five years
taking into account the changing
conditions and it was done lastly in
Permission to issue driving licences...
Persons with disabilities request-
ed the Parliamentary Caucus for
Persons with Disabilities to assist
in setting up a Government mecha-
nism that is sensitive to persons
with disabilities in the country
when it met in Parliament recently
under the chairmanship of MP Dul-
las Alahapperuma.
The attention of the Caucus was
drawn at length on the Bill to
amend the Act for the Protection of
the Rights of Persons with Disabili-
ties No. 28 of 1996 and Disability
Organizations Joint Front and Min-
istry of Women Child Affairs and
Social Empowerment participated
in the discussion.
The group representing the Disa-
From page 01
assessing that the Government
continues to make satisfactory pro-
gress in carrying out the broader
reform programme, the macroeco-
nomic policy framework remains
adequate, and the Banking (Spe-
cial Provisions) Act aimed at
strengthening the deposit insur-
From page 01
state for the November 5
general election. Nonparti-
san US election forecasters
view Colorado as safely
Democratic, meaning that
President Joe Biden will
likely carry the state
regardless of Trump’s fate
there.
Trump vowed to appeal
the ruling to the US Supreme Court,
and the Colorado court said it would
delay the effect of its decision until
at least January 4, 2024, to allow for
an appeal.
The ruling sets the stage for the
From page 01
dent of the Jaffna University’s Medi-
cine Faculty and a resident of Rambe-
wa area in Siyambalawewa. The Spe-
cial Task Force states that he is a
23-year-old person.
The student has been handed over
to the Kopay Police Station for fur-
ther investigation.
From page 01
activities such as keeping the envi-
ronment clean, fumigation, and liq-
uid spraying, he will directly inter-
vene and provide the relevant
resources.
The Defence Secretary expressed
his agreement to provide Police
assistance for dengue mosquito
control activities. Instructions were
given to take the necessary steps to
inform Government officials as well
as heads of institutions to prepare a
system of cleaning Government
institutions for a few hours a week.
Officers were also instructed to
inspect the medical equipment and
staff required for dengue treatment
units in Government hospitals and
focus on addressing the existing
deficiencies.
Deputy Director General (Public
Health) Dr.Mahendra Arnold, Chief
Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath
Samaraweera, Chief Medical Offic-
er of Colombo Municipal Council
Dr.Ruwan Vijayamuni, Director of
Health Promotion Bureau Dr. Ran-
jith Batuwanthudawa, National
Dengue Control Unit Community
Specialist Dr. Nimalka Pannilahetti
and Colombo Regional Health Ser-
vices Director Dr. Chandana Gaja-
nayake were present.
From page 01
phere around the Jaffna airport and
the runway was flooded.
The pilots flew the plane for
about forty minutes in the air with
the hope of landing, but permission
was not forthcoming and the pilots
returned to Chennai with the 39
passengers from Chennai.
From page 01
every three years since 2015 as well.
Minister Wijesekera stated that he
has issued these directives in accord-
ance to a policy decision taken in a
bid to reduce the cost of operations
and administration of CEB.
From page 01
2018. This plan has been prepared
for the conservation and manage-
ment of coastal resources for the
next five years (2024-2029) by
updating the last plan.
This plan is to be presented to
the Cabinet and approved. The
Department of Coastal Conserva-
tion and Coastal Resource Manage-
ment will implement this plan from
next year after receiving the
approval of the Cabinet of Minis-
ters.
From page 01
bility Organizations Joint Front
pointed out that according to the
proposed new Bill, an independent
commission should be established
for persons with disabilities under
the leadership of the President or
the Prime Minister.
The Chair of the Caucus, MP
Dullas Alahapperuma stated that he
will soon discuss the proposed new
Bill with the Minister of Justice
and also that he will hold a wide
discussion with the President with
the participation of people with dis-
abilities.
MPs Madhura Withanage and Dr.
Sudarshini Fernandopulle and
members of the Caucus participat-
ed.
NEWS
ance and problem bank resolution
framework has been enacted.
“Continued momentum on eco-
nomic and structural reforms is
critical not only to stabilize the
economy, but also to unleash its
potential for private sector-led
growth and transformation,”World
Supreme Court, whose
6-3 conservative majority
includes three Trump
appointees, to consider
whether Trump is eligi-
ble to serve another
term as President.
The lawsuit is viewed
as a test case for a wider
effort to disqualify
Trump from state ballots under sec-
tion 3 of the 14th Amendment,
which was enacted after the US Civil
War to keep supporters of the con-
federacy from serving in the govern-
ment. (Times Live)
New laws for those...
on which the revenue licences
have not been renewed for more
than three years.
He said that strict action will
be taken against vehicles that
have been registered but have not
Increased taxes, a cause for...
He pointed out that as the elec-
tions are approaching, we are
once again witnessing efforts to
lure the people and take them
blindly in a certain direction
through various propaganda tac-
tics and social media campaigns
without any accountability.
“Whatever the decisions taken
by the public at elections, these
decisions should be based on
data,” he said.
Public servants not there...
Prison Affairs and Constitutional
Affairs, President’s Counsel, Dr.
Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.
This workshop was held with the
aim of delivering the public service
expected from the Members of Par-
liament efficiently and effectively
to the masses.
Delivering his speech the Minis-
ter said that Public servants are
not there to execute wrong orders
given by politicians; public officials
should take correct decisions and
public representatives, political
parties, officials should take cor-
rect decisions on behalf of the peo-
ple whom they are serving.
The Justice Minister said:Local
and Provincial Councillors build
roads, switch on street lights, visit
funeral homes or attend weddings.
People in this country think that
MPs are there to do those jobs. It
came down to that level from the
time of J. R. Jayewardene’s rule as
President. From that time onwards
decentralised money was given to
MPs.
Members of Parliament were at
the national level. At that time,
people thought that the MPs were
speaking on behalf of them, repre-
senting them, standing up for
them and making laws. The MPs
who were on the national level
were brought down.Now the par-
liamentarians and local council-
President’s Fund schol applications...
Fifty students will be selected
from each zone and scholarships of
Rs.6,000 per month will be grant-
ed to 5,000 students covering all
100 educational zones.
For 2022 (2023), eligibility crite-
ria for applications include having
appeared for the G.E.C. (O/L)
Examination for the first time, suc-
cessfully passing the examination
and qualifying for Advanced Level
studies. Additionally, applicants
must be students enrolled in public
Public input sought for 2023-2025 OGP...
The OGP is a multilateral initi-
ative that aims to bring together
governments, civil society and cit-
izens to create a partnership for
the implementation of open gov-
ernment actions that promotes
transparency, participation,
accountability and innovation.
Presently, the OGP includes 75
countries and 104 local govern-
ments and thousands of civil soci-
ety organizations.
Sri Pada devotees urged...
This year the Sri Pada Vandana
(Pilgrimage) season will start on
Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day,
December 26, and will end on
Vesak Full Moon Poya Day in
2024.
UNESCO designated the area
where the Sri Pada is a World
Bank Maldives, Nepal and Sri
Lanka Country Director Faris
H.Hadad-Zervos said.
“The RESET DPO supports the
government with these foundation-
al reforms to bring the economy to
full recovery, boost Sri Lanka’s
competitiveness and growth poten-
Nine arrested after Rs.45 Mn...
Nine employees have
been working under this
manager in this car dealer-
ship.
In the investigation, it
was found that the same
jeep was sold to two per-
sons and they were told to
bring money to buy the
jeep, and he took the
amount of Rs.45,500,000
that they had and fled with
it.Police also say that he
escaped through the back
door of the office room.In
this regard, the two persons
From page 01
been transferred or renewed for
more than three years.
He also said that out of the 8.3
million vehicles registered all
over the country, only 5.5 million
vehicles have renewed its revenue
From page 01
Making special statement, the
SLPP leader said that about 40
trade unions representing the
professionals important sections
in the country’s economy and the
government sector have been
conducting protests demanding
the government to reduce the
taxes.
“Another crisis is brewing up
as professionals have started leav-
ing the country due to higher tax
From page 01
lors alike are building roads. MPs
like to take decentralized money
and to build roads. This system
destroyed the country. Parliament
did not make decisions for the
country.
Parliament took decisions to pro-
tect the parties on behalf of the
leaders. The country was
destroyed. The rulers had to leave
the country and run. Struggles
ensued. These things happened
because of the fault of both politi-
cians and the people.
No matter how many decrees
and laws are brought forth, democ-
racy cannot be protected. Trust is
necessary to protect democracy.
Everyone needs to be made aware
to protect the trust. If trust is not
preserved, civilization will collapse.
If civilization collapses, our lives
will not be safe. That is the worst
thing that can happen to a country.
Legislature should work to build
trust. Most of the accusations are
against the legislature.
The headlines in today’s newspa-
pers are about corruption and
fraud. There has been a drug fraud
in the Health Ministry. There are
allegations that what was imported
was another drug called immuno-
globulin. They are also given to
patients as insulin. Then who has
committed this crime? People are
fed up with this system of finding
From page 01
or private schools without tuition
fees and their family’s monthly
income should not exceed
Rs.100,000 to meet the basic eligi-
bility requirement for these schol-
arships.
The application form and rele-
vant details for this scholarship
programme are available for down-
load on the websites of the Presi-
dent’s Secretariat presidentsoffice.
gov.lk, the President’s Fund presi-
dentsfund.gov.lk and the Presi-
From page 01
As a member of the Open Gov-
ernment Partnership, Sri Lanka
is actively developing the OGP
Action Plan for 2023-2025. This
plan will be jointly implemented
by the Government and civil soci-
ety stakeholders, approved as a
National Action Plan by the Cabi-
net of Ministers.
Sri Lankan citizens are encour-
aged to actively participate as
partners in the co-creation of the
From page 01
Heritage in 2010. It is our duty
and responsibility to protect this
sensitive environment. Thus, it is
not appropriate to discharge trash
by pilgrims who use polythene
plastic packing or containers into
this delicate environmental area
when visiting Sri Pada, CEA
tial, and encourage private sector
investment and participation for
inclusive and resilient growth and
job creation. We have coordinated
and sequenced all our support
with the IMF, ADB, and other
development partners,” Hadad-Zer-
vos added.
From page 01
who came to buy vehicles
complained to the BMICH
Police.
Then team of officers
from the Kurunduwatta
Police station came and con-
ducted investigations and
took the nine employees at
this institution into Police
custody.
Police say that necessary
steps have been taken to
prevent the suspect from
leaving the country and
investigations are underway
to arrest him.
licences. He said that investiga-
tions will be done by a committee
made up of senior officials and
that prompt action will be taken
in 2024 in relation to those vehi-
cles.
rates. The country’s tax policy
will become the main topic of the
country during the next year as
VAT is to be increased from next
year,” he said.
“It is the responsibility of the
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna to
ensure a stable government until
a national election is held in the
country,” SLPP leader and former
President Mahinda Rajapaksa
said.
out whether it was done by Gov-
ernment officials or politicians.
“This system should be correct-
ed. When I take over the minis-
tries, I tell the Secretary to do the
right thing, and whenever the right
thing is done, I will protect those
people. Don’t do something wrong
because I gave orders. If the order
I gave is illegal, tell me. Even if the
order I gave is wrong, do not exe-
cute it and tell me later. I have told
our officers that I will not save any-
one. So officials should do the
right thing. I stand for officers who
do the right thing.” The Minister
also stated that if a wrong order is
given, it is the responsibility of the
officers to explain the legal situa-
tion.
The Minister said that as the
tasks that should be performed
by MPs who are people’s repre-
sentatives are often performed by
the member’s staff instead by the
MPs, the importance of acting in
such a way as to dispel the nega-
tive public opinion about public
service and provide more service
to the public, how to carry out
the duties in the Parliament,
what are the parliamentary com-
mittees and what should be their
functions, the constitution, how
to prepare the constitution and
what should be contained in the
constitution.
dent’s Media Division pmd.gov.lk.
Upon completing the applications
accurately, students concerned
should make arrangements to sub-
mit the applications to the princi-
pal of the school where they
appeared for the G.C.E. O/L Exam-
ination before December 22, 2023.
The President’s Fund urges all
eligible students to submit their
applications on or before Decem-
ber 22, as the validity period will
not be extended.
OGP Action Plan. By providing
valuable inputs, they can contrib-
ute to the development of actions
that foster open, collaborative
and responsive governance in Sri
Lanka.
The questionnaire could be
accessed through the following
link of the official website of
the Presidential Secretariat
https://www.presidentsoffice.
gov.lk.
Director General P.B.Hemantha
said. If there is any garbage, pil-
grims should hand it over to the
garbage collection centers run by
local authorities, private institu-
tions, and voluntary organizations
at the beginning of the main
access roads to the Sri Pada.
T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 1 , 2 0 2 3
TNA must elect... From page 01
of the new leader through a vote,” TNA MP
M.A.Sumanthiran said.
The MP also said that he will retire from
politics in another five years.
These days, many people are talking about
the TNA and they express various opinions.
But I believe that holding an internal vote to
elect a new leader for our party is more suc-
cessful.
There is no doubt that the party will be
stronger after the new leader for our party is
elected. I suggest that it is very appropriate to
hold a vote every two years to choose a leader
for the party. No party has democratic values
like ours. I will be 60-years-old in two months.
I will retire from politics at the age of 65. I
have never made the mistakes which my pre-
decessors committed.
“Since 2010, I have been with R.Sampan-
than in all activities of the Party. I have partic-
ipated in discussions at the all-party level,”he
said.
Drug trafficker Alubomulle... From page 01
Pinky was apprehended during a raid car-
ried out in conjunction with the special “Yuk-
thiya (Justice)” operations that are being cur-
rently conducted across the country.
Apart from “Alubomulle Pinky”, three other
suspects have also been arrested who are resi-
dents of Alubomulla and Mahabellana.
During the interrogations carried out by the
Police with the arrested suspects, important
information and evidence on telephone con-
versations, illegal international money transac-
tions carried out, and other information relat-
ed to the drug smuggling operations that took
place between Qatar and Sri Lanka have been
revealed.
Further, during the inspection of the sus-
pects’ bank accounts, it had been revealed that
more than Rs.150 million has been transferred
between their bank accounts within a period
of about one year.
Apart from this, a house and three cars
belonging to Pinky in Alubomulla have also
been seized by Police.
EU strikes deal on... From page 01
After prolonged overnight discussions, repre-
sentatives from the European Parliament and
EU governments reached a consensus on the
New Pact on Migration and Asylum, set to be
implemented next year. These laws include
measures for screening irregular migrants upon
arrival in the EU, processing asylum applica-
tions, determining which EU nation is account-
able for these applications, and managing crisis
situations.
Migrant arrivals in the EU have significantly
declined from the 2015 peak of over 1 million.
However, figures have risen from the 2020 low,
reaching 255,000 by November this year, with
the majority entering through the Mediterrane-
an route from Africa to Italy or Malta.
Past attempts to distribute the burden of
hosting migrants evenly across the EU have
failed, particularly due to resistance from East-
ern European members against accepting
migrants who initially arrived in Greece, Italy,
and other nations.
The new approach allows non-border coun-
tries to choose between accepting refugees or
contributing to an EU fund. The envisaged
screening system aims to differentiate between
those requiring international protection and
others who do not. (Foreign Media)
CID seizes properties... From page 01
The seized properties included two A/C
buses belonging to the criminal named ‘Ladi-
ya’ who is under arrest by Indian Forces, two
tipper trucks, two cars and a bus belonging to
a person named ‘Hokandara Kudu Shriyani’,
who is currently under arrest, a house belong-
ing to a person named ‘Kudu Asanka’, a van
and two cars belonging to a person called
Suranjan, who is currently hiding in Dubai
and a KDH-type van belonging to a person
named ‘Galaha Kumara’.
They also suspended a luxury two-story
house worth nearly Rs.50 million belonging to
a large-scale drug trafficker named ‘Kudu
Asanka’ who is currently being held in Boossa
prison. His wife has also been arrested by the
Illegal Assets Investigation Division.
Police also said that they have sealed a
three-storied building in Kiriwattuduwa.
The Police Narcotics Bureau reported about
‘Kudu Asanka’, who is currently being held in
the high-security zone of Boossa Prison, to
the Illegal Assets Investigation Division
according to the information revealed through
the investigations.
LUDOWYK - THEODORE DERRICK
BRIAN - Beloved son of late Desmond &
Bertha,​loving husband of Durgha (nee
Weerasekara),​beloved father of Damian,​
Tashmi and Jason,​loving brother of
Sandra and Tania,​father-in-law of Peshani.
Remains lie at A.F. Raymond Funeral
Parlour. Cortege leaves the Parlour at 3.15
p.m. today,​Thursday 21st for Cremation at
the General Cemetery,​Kanatte at 3.30 p.m.
 084051
RANASINGHE - BERNADETTE
(BERNIE) - At Rest wtih Jesus. Daughter
of the late Mr & Mrs John de S. Ranasinghe,​
sister of the late Watson,​Girla,​Margie,​Joyce,​
Tinie,​Bridget,​Rodney and of Noeline and
Maurille,​sister-in-law of the late Mignonne,​
Bala,​ Claude,​ Michael,​ Brendan,​ Philomina,​
Doreen. Cortege leaves Barney Raymond’s
Funeral Parlour,​21 December 2023 for
Cremation at General Cemetery Kanatte at
3 p.m. 084015
T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 1 , 2 0 2 3 NEWS page 3 DN

Expedite development activities Pastor Jerome Fernando’s bail

application to be taken up on Jan. 4
countrywide under new budget DILSHAN THARAKA
The bail application
he left the country on
May 14, 2023 before he
from the pastor within 48
hours of his arrival.

provisions - PM
Prime Minister Dinesh Guna-
wardena advised all the Governors
and District Coordinating Commit-
tee Chairpersons to speed up all
development activities country-
wide under the new budget provi-
sions.
The Prime Minister gave these
instructions in a discussion held at
Temple Trees with Governors, Dis-
trict Coordinating Committee
Chairpersons and senior officials
regarding the activities related to
Provincial Councils and Local Gov-
ernment Institutions and future
development activities on Tuesday
(19).
In the year 2024, projects pro-
posed to be implemented under the
supervision of the Provincial Gov-
ernors and District Coordination
Committee Chairpersons and expe-
diting the development activities
implemented by the Regional Coor-
dination Committees and matters
including food security, fisheries,
renewable energy and information
technology were given much atten-
tion.
Issues related to transfers of
officers attached to Provincial
Councils, completion of filling
existing vacancies, new recruit-
ments and revision of approved
staff of Provincial Councils were
also brought to attention.
The placement of multi-tasking
workers in relevant institutions and
the functioning of cooperative soci-
eties at the provincial level were
further discussed and the Prime
Minister mentioned that some
provinces have still failed to pass
the cooperative charter.
The Prime Minister pointed out
that there is a Cabinet Sub-commit-
tee on the cooperative system and a
special committee of Parliament,
but certain properties owned by
the cooperative have been put up
for auction. The Prime Minister
emphasized the imperative to
refrain from touching the coopera-
tive properties that cause public
frustration. According to the coop-
erative procedure, a national pro-
gramme on milk production is
expected to be implemented as a
principal programme in 2024 and
the Prime Minister said the coop-
erative societies could play a major
role in it.
District Coordinating Commit-
tee Chairpersons presented mat-
ters to the Prime Minister regard-
ing some disagreement between
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena held a discussion with Governors,
District Coordinating Committee Chairpersons and senior officials at Tem-
ple Trees on Tuesday (19).
the governors and public repre-
sentatives during the implemen-
tation of development activities
in some provinces. In response,
the Prime Minister said that Pres-
ident Ranil Wickremesinghe has
announced the new budget clear-
ly on the way forward and the
Governors and District Develop-
ment Committee Chairmen
should lead the development
activities at the district level as
co-chairpersons.
Provincial Councils and Mem-
bers of Parliament should work on
targeting the district development
programme under the main
national development programme
of the Government based on the
budget allocations announced by
the president after preparing a
plan at the district level. By reduc-
ing wastage and making develop-
ment budgets more effective, we
can move towards rapid develop-
ment goals by combining the
financial provisions and income
sources of the Local Government
bodies that have been dissolved to
meet the 2024 goals. The Prime
Minister further emphasized that
at least one development project
should be implemented for each
Grama Niladhari Division.
Governors, District Coordinat-
ing Committee Chairmen, Secre-
tary to the Prime Minister Anura
Dissanayake, Secretary to the
Ministry of Public Administration
Ranjith Ashoka and all Provincial
Secretaries and Government offi-
cials participated in this event.
filed by pastor Jerome was barred from leaving Pastor Jerome was
Fernando who has been the country by the arrested by the Criminal
arrested and remanded Colombo Magistrate’s Investigations Depart-
in connection with the Court. ment on December 1,
controversial statements He arrived at the when he came to the CID
made by him defaming Bandaranaike Interna- to provide a statement for
Buddhism and other reli- tional Airport (BIA) on the second consecutive
gions, was yesterday November 29 following a day and he was ordered
fixed for January 4 by Court order issued by to remand after producing
the Colombo High the Court of Appeal, that him before the Colombo
Court. directed authorities not Magistrate’s Court.
The matter was taken to arrest him in connec- He filed a bail applica-
up before Colombo High tion with a controversial tion before the Colombo
Court Judge Adithya Sunday Sermon where High Court seeking grant
Patabendige. he made remarks defam- of bail to him and it was
It is alleged that, on or ing other religions. The taken up before Colombo
about April 30, 2023, Court had further direct- High Court yesterday.
Pastor Jerome Fernando ed that he furnish a President’s Counsel
had addressed a large statement to the CID Anuj Premarathna
gathering and made within 48 hours after his appeared for the suspect
numerous statements arrival. Pastor Jerome Fernando
that are derogatory of As per the Court direc- while Senior State Coun-
other religions, specifi- tive, the CID’s Cyber sel Shaminda Wickrema
cally of Buddhism, Hin- Crime Investigation Divi- appeared on behalf of the
duism and Islam. Later, sion obtained a statement Attorney General.
NIC photo fees increased to Rs. 400
SUBASHINI SENANAYAKE for this was Rs.150. The gazette notice
The maximum fee to be charged by a issued in 2016 setting the maximum fee
registered photographer for taking digi- for digital photo of National Identity
tal pictures of a person applying for a Card as 150 rupees has been invalidated
new National Identity Card (NIC) or a and a new gazette notice has been
duplicate of an identity card has been issued. According to the gazette
increased to Rs.400 rupees. announcement, the new fee will be
Previously, the maximum fee charged implemented with immediate effect.

BCI Choir on
Rupavahini, Derana
on Christmas Day
The Choir of the Campus
Benedict XVI Catholic Insti-
tute of Higher Education
(BCI) Negombo will present
‘Mihiri Naththal’ on Decem-
ber 25 at 7.30 a.m. on DERA-
NA TV and ‘Tharu Varuna’, a
musical fiesta on the National
Rupavahini Channel at 6.00
p.m. on the same day.
Indian diplomats briefed on investment opportunities at CHEC Port City
Deputy Managing Direc-
tor of CHEC Port City
Colombo [Pvt.] Ltd Thulci
Aluwihare met the Deputy
High Commissioner of Sri
Lanka in Southern India
Dr. D. Venkateshwaran and
Minister (Commerce) of
the Deputy High Commis-
sion G. L. Gnanatheva
recently. During the meet-
ing, they discussed the
importance of sourcing
Southern Indian invest-
ments for the Port City
projects. In this regard,
Deputy Managing Director
solicited the Deputy High
Commission’s facilitation
towards communicating
the high end investments
from the Southern part of
India to Colombo Port
City.
The discussion was also
focussed on various percep-
tions presently prevailing
among the investors on
Port City. Thulci exchanged
information on the veracity
of wrong notions prohibit-
ing various investors’ inter-
ests in investing in the Port
City. He requested the
Deputy High Commission’s
assistance to meet the pro-
spective investors in South-
ern Indian States enabling
him to participate and
exchange the correct infor-
mation on the status of the
Port City.
The Deputy High Com-
missioner has requested a
presentation and the back-
ground of its legitimate
standing to be circulated
among the prospective
investors in Southern
India. Both agreed to con-
tinue further engagements
to source high profile South
Indian investors to Port
City.
St. Francis of
Assisi carol
service
The carol service
‘Bethlehem Morning’
of the Church of St.
Francis of Assisi will
be held at the church
at 80, Hotel Rd, Mount
Lavinia on Saturday
Deputy Managing Director of CHEC Port City Colombo [Pvt.] Ltd Thulci Alu- 23 beginning at 5 p.m.
wihare met the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Southern India Dr.
All are welcome.
D. Venkateshwaran and Minister (Commerce) of the Deputy High Commission
G. L. Gnanatheva recently.
 DN page 4 NEWS T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 1 , 2 0 2 3

President unveils comprehensive

growth strategy for country
President Ranil Wickrem-
esinghe revealed an exten-
sive strategy for fostering
economic growth in Sri
Lanka at the 19th Annual
General Meeting of the
Inland Revenue Commission-
er’s Association convened at
the Kingsbury Hotel yester-
day (20).Underscoring the
importance of a transforma-
tive approach, President
Wickremesinghe outlined
essential areas of concentra-
tion to drive the nation
towards sustainable econom-
ic development.
Acknowledging the chal-
lenges in the balance of
trade, President Wickremes-
inghe stressed the impor-
tance of fostering a highly
competitive economy. The
government is actively
engaged in trade agreements
with nations like India,
China, Singapore and Thai-
land. The goal is to explore
opportunities for growth and
deepen trade relations with
the European Union.
To boost competitiveness,
Sri Lanka is committed to
digitalization. President
Wickremesinghe announced
the formation of the Digital
Transformation Agency,
working in collaboration
with the Centre for Research
on Artificial Intelligence
(AI). The initiative aims to
create a comprehensive plan
to digitally transform the
nation within a specified
timeframe.
Sri Lanka is aligning with
global sustainability goals,
with a commitment to
becoming a green economy.
The President emphasized
adherence to the require-
ments of the net-zero plan,
ensuring environmentally
responsible practices. Identi-
fying immediate areas for
economic gains, President
Wickremesinghe urged a
focus on “low-hanging fruit.”
Sectors such as tourism,
agriculture, renewable ener-
gy and information technolo-
gy were highlighted for their
potential quick returns.
The government plans to
modernize agriculture, lever-
aging technology for
enhanced productivity.
Efforts include improving
paddy cultivation, releasing
unused lands, and encourag-
ing small-scale agriculture.
Sri Lanka’s potential for
renewable energy is yet to be
fully assessed. President
Wickremesinghe anticipates
significant investments in
wind and solar energy pro-
jects, potentially exporting
excess energy, including to
India.
A focus on IT and AI
development is central to the
growth strategy. The Presi-
dent announced plans to
establish more training insti-
tutes in collaboration with
the private sector and allo-
cate funds for AI research
and development. Sri Lanka
aspires to become a regional
logistics hub, capitalizing on
emerging technologies and
industries.
President Wickremesinghe
highlighted the pivotal role
of the Inland Revenue
Department and other reve-
nue departments in ensuring
financial discipline. Address-
ing delays in appeals and
improving revenue collection
mechanisms were identified
as immediate priorities.
In conclusion, President
Wickremesinghe expressed
confidence in overcoming
the economic challenges,
urging collective efforts to
navigate the complex journey
ahead and secure Sri Lanka’s
economic prosperity in the
next five to six years.
State Ministers Ranjith
Siyambalapitiya, Shehan
Semasinghe, Secretary to
the Finance Ministry Mahi-
nda Siriwardhena, Commis-
sioner General (Acting) of
the Inland Revenue Depart-
ment D.U.A. Jayawardhana,
Chairman of Inland Revenue
Commissioner’s Association
M.A.Priyanka and other offi-
cials attended this gather- President Ranil Wickremesinghe being conducted to the venue. State Ministers Ran-
ing. jith Siyambalapitiya and Shehan Semasinghe are also in the picture.

EPLUS Exam, UoVT sign Technology to be used to minimize

agreement to revolutionize
English Language Testing
The University of Vocational Technology (UoVT) and EPLUS Exam International have entered
into a strategic partnership in development for English language education.
The University of Vocational Technology
(UoVT) and EPLUS Exam International have
entered into a strategic partnership in devel-
opment for English language education in Sri
Lanka. This collaboration, marked by the
signing of the Eplus English Language Test-
ing System (EPELTS) agreement, aims to
redefine English language assessment in the
country.
The agreement was signed at the Universi-
ty of Vocational Technology, Rathmalana,
with Professor Mahesh Edirisinghe, Vice
Chancellor of the University of Technology,
and Dr. V. Janagan, Chairman and Founder of
EPLUS Exam International, representing
their respective institutions.
This partnership heralds a new era in Eng-
lish language evaluation, aligning with the
vision of President Ranil Wickremesinghe to
prioritize English as a primary working lan-
guage while preserving Sinhala and Tamil as
national languages.
EPLUS Exam International first introduced
EPELTS in 2020, catering to over 1,000 stu-
dents. This innovative assessment system is
designed to provide a comprehensive evalua-
tion of English language proficiency, covering
Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing
skills. It marks a departure from traditional
national-level English examinations in Sri
Lanka, which have historically focused only
on Reading and Writing. EPELTS stands as
the first comprehensive English language
evaluation tool to assess all four language
skills in the country.
Professor Mahesh Edirisinghe expressed
enthusiasm for this partnership, emphasis-
ing its alignment with the university’s mis-
sion to advance educational standards. “Our
collaboration with EPLUS Exam Interna-
tional represents a significant stride in
enhancing English language proficiency of
students in Sri Lanka at a national and inter-
national level,” said Professor Edirisinghe.
“We are excited to be part of this pioneering
journey in English language assessment in
Sri Lanka”.
Dr. V. Janagan highlighted the transforma-
tive potential of EPELTS, stating, “This sys-
tem is not just a test; it’s a testament to our
commitment to excellence and vision for the
linguistic future of Sri Lanka. EPELTS is
poised to reshape the landscape of English
language evaluation, contributing significant-
ly to the academic and professional success of
our students.”
The agreement underscores a shared com-
mitment to elevating language skills and
enhancing educational outcomes. EPELTS is
expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Sri
Lanka’s language policy, fostering a more
productive and authentic approach to lan-
guage education.
Dr. Janagan urged the academic community
to engage in thoughtful discourse to ensure a
robust and effective language policy. “Through
EPELTS, we have the opportunity to shape
the linguistic abilities of our community,
which is crucial for the nation’s progress,” he
added.
The introduction of EPELTS is a response
to the evolving demands of the globalised
world, where English proficiency is increas-
ingly recognised as a critical skill for aca-
demic and professional success. This partner-
ship between EPLUS Exam International and
the University of Vocational Technology
marks a significant milestone in pursuing
educational excellence and linguistic prowess
in Sri Lanka.
human-elephant conflict – Pavithra
Wildlife, Forest Resources Con-
servation and Irrigation Minister
Pavithra Wanniarachchi
announced plans to leverage mod-
ern technology in mitigating the
human-elephant conflict.
She highlighted ongoing pilot
projects utilizing advanced tools
such as high-intensity light cur-
rents, powerful sound waves and
drones. These initiatives have
been initiated in regions like Anu-
radhapura, Puttalam and Ampara,
addressing the prevalent human-
elephant conflict. The Minister
shared these insights during her
participation in the news confer-
ence ‘Collective path to a stable
country’ at the Presidential Media
Centre yesterday (20).
Addressing her views further
the Minister said: “The Forest
Conservation Department is dedi-
cated to safeguarding the nation’s
forests. Since assuming office as
the Minister, I’ve initiated a new
programme to enhance the depart-
ment’s operations. A key aspect of
this initiative involves providing
Sports Ministry, Asian Hockey Federation sign MoU
The Sports and Youth Affairs
Ministry entered into an Memo-
rundum of Understanding (MoU)
with the Asian Hockey Federation
in Kuala Lumpur for the develop-
ment of International Hockey
ground at Reid Avenue, Colombo
7 and the Nandamithra Interna-
tional Hockey ground in Matale
on Saturday (16).
The development of these
Hockey grounds costing Rs 110
million will be carried out through
the intervention of Sports and
Youth Affairs State Minister
Rohana Dissanayake.
Under this project, the Hockey
grounds at Reid Avenue in Colom-
bo 7 and Nandamithra Interna-
tional Hockey ground in Matale
will get synthetic turfs and these
turfs comply with standards set
by the International Hockey Fed-
eration.
assistance to communities resid- phant conflict is a significant
ing on the forest periphery to fos- concern. The population of both
ter forest protection. humans and elephants is rising
“The idea is that if these com- and the cultivation activities of
munities can improve their liveli- people are encroaching upon ele-
hoods through the forest, they will phant habitats. Plans for the con-
naturally become advocates for its struction of a thousand kilome-
preservation. There are valuable tres of new fences next year aim
materials within the forest that to prevent elephants from enter-
can benefit those living on its ing human-populated areas.
fringes. Additionally, 4,000 workers from
Allowing them controlled the Department of Multipurpose
access to these resources can con- Development Task Force have
tribute to forest conservation. been recruited as permanent
Notably, green tourism projects plants essential for enhancing the employees to protect these areas,
hold significant potential, present- country’s existing forests. offering a potential solution to
ing an opportunity to generate “Financial resources have been the conflict.
substantial revenue for the coun- allocated for tree planting along “Various projects are being
try through environmental preser- roadsides and a government pro- implemented to protect the living
vation. ject providing saplings to boost environment of elephants, includ-
“To shift our mindset, we recog- people’s economies is already ing providing alternative lands
nize that 29 percent of the coun- underway. The Ministry has expe- through the elephant corridor.
try’s land area is forested. Efforts rienced a remarkable 135 percent Pilot projects involving high beam
are underway to maximize the increase in income compared to lights, high frequency sound
utilization of existing forests and the previous year, achieving waves and drones, with the sup-
to reforest areas that have been impressive revenue of Rs.1,670 port of the Navy and Air Force are
degraded. The Ministry is keen on million in 2022 and Rs. 4,700 mil- underway to explore ways of
supporting forest undergrowth lion so far this year. deterring elephants from entering
and plans are in place to provide “The escalating human-ele- certain areas.”
State Minister Dissanayake
said that these grounds will get
new turfs within three months.
The State Minister also thanked
Sports Minister Harin Fernando
for providing guidance to make
this project a reality.
Director General of Sports
Shamal Fernando, Secretary of
the Matale Hockey Association
and Project Director Dayan Dis-
sanayake, Vice President of the
Association Moradi Umardeen
and International Hockey Federa-
tion President Tayyab Imram and
Asian Hockey Association Execu-
tive Committee members were
present.
The International Hockey Feder-
ation recognized the services of
State Minister Rohana Dissanayake
for the uplift of Hockey in Sri Lanka Asian Hockey Federation and Sri Lanka Sports Ministry officials
exchanging the agreement in the presence of State Minister Rohana
by presenting a special award dur-
Dissanayake.
ing the signing in ceremony.

Issues affecting drinking water and

environment a serious challenge
English Activity Day held at Moratuwa
Issues affecting drinking toric bilateral friendly rela-
Princess of Wales’ College
water and environment in tions between the two
ANANDA KANNANGARA
Sri Lanka has been gather- countries. make the English Activity
ing momentum and remain He further said the Chi- The English Activity Day a success.
a serious crisis that should nese government through Day of Princess of Wales’ English teacher Dham-
be resolved expeditiously. Chinese Academy of Sci- College, Moratuwa was mika Owitigala said Eng-
With this in view, the ence has implemented a conducted last week with lish is a global language
China–Sri Lanka Joint programme to provide safe the participation of teach- and she wanted to conduct
Water Research and Dem- drinking water of high ers, parents of children the English
State Minister of Water Supply Sanath Nishantha with
onstration Centre com- quality to the Sri Lankan and well-wishers. Motiva- Activity Day for the ben-
Chinese and Sri Lankan officials.
prising Chinese and Sri people in order to elimi- tional Speaker Mandapa efit of students with the
Lankan scholars affiliated fying installations to the ty and Secretary to the nate renal ailments caused Pandithage was the Chief sole intention of improv-
to the Chinese Science people in those areas. Ministry of Water Supply by drinking water while Guest. ing their English Language
Academy has been estab- The China–Sri Lanka R.M.W.S. Samaradiwakara. providing monetary assis- The three-hour event and activity skills.
lished at Peradeniya Uni- Joint Research Institute Chinese Ambassador in tance and opportunities to began around 9.00 a.m. She said during the past
versity to find a sustaina- has been implementing a Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong gain knowledge through with the lightning of the three weeks she worked
ble solution to this issue. series of programmes to and State Minister of technological research. traditional oil lamp. A One of the winners at English Activity Day of Princess of hard to create a positive
The main objects of this meet these objectives. Water Supply Sanath Nis- State Minister of Water group of school girls sang Wales’ College, Moratuwa. mindset and genuine inter-
Research and Demonstra- The tripartite agreement hantha were the chief Supply Sanath Nishantha the school anthem. est of children to learn Eng-
tion Centre is to conduct pertaining to this project guests of the occasion. expressed his gratitude on During the event stu- Sithara Perera. Chief of a large number of chil- lish through fun activities.
research on drinking water was due to expire by the Addressing the ceremo- behalf of the Sri Lankan dents displayed their tal- Guest Pandithage high- dren attended. “During that period I
and groundwater, to pro- end of this year and the ny Prof. Wei Yuansong Government to the Chi- ents by conducting various lighted the importance of Principal Thilini Wijew- spent time with children not
vide opportunities to the new agreement for another said the Chinese govern- nese government for its items such as English conducting the English eera impressed with the as a teacher but as a friend
local and international several years to provide ment has shown its soli- noble deed. Additional spelling contest, announc- Day Activity event and performances of children and a mother,” she said.
scholars to acquire knowl- technical and monetary darity with Sri Lanka in Secretary to the Ministry ing Rupavahini news, the said such programmes said they should learn sub- She also said she was
edge through research, to assistance and expertise case of any crisis, be it M.W. Nafild, Chairman of musical chair competition, encourage children to jects not only from sitting, happy to see the partici-
identify the agricultural was signed by Prof. Wei socio-economic or health National Water Supply and a stage drama and singing improve their English Lan- reading and listening in pant children who once
areas where patients suf- Yuansong of the Chinese issues, with a high sense of Drainage Board, and Direc- and dancing events. guage skills and also to the class room but also doubted their English
fering from kidney ail- Academy of Science for the responsibility and dedica- tor of China–Sri Lanka The event was organised display their talents from through fun activities. skills confidently showed
ments had been reported, Chinese Government, Vice tion. He pointed out that it Water Research Institute by the school English their younger days. The Principal also their inborn talents by
and to provide water puri- Chancellor Prof. M.D. was a clear indication of S.K. Weragoda were pre- teacher Dhammika Owiti- He also made a motiva- thanked teachers who dancing, singing and
Lamahewa for the universi- the longstanding and his- sent. gala and staff member tion speech for the benefit encouraged students to speaking on the stage.
T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 1 , 2 0 2 3 NEWS page 5 DN

Govt invests Rs. 410 Bn

Sri Lankan traditions displayed
at diplomacy event in Russia
The Interna-

for free health services

ISHARA MUDUGAMUWA
Health and Industries Minister Dr.
Ramesh Pathirana yesterday said that
the Government has increased the long-
term health investment to Rs. 410 bil-
lion in 2024 for the advancement of free
health services, for the well-being of the
people.
The Health Minister expressed these
views participating as the chief guest at
the appointment letter awarding ceremony
of newly recruited pharmacists, public
health laboratory technicians, eye techni-
cians, school dental therapists, obstetri-
cians and orthodontists at the study centre
auditorium affiliated to the Postgraduate
Institute of Medicine.
The Health Ministry has assigned these
new appointees to Government hospitals
and health institutions across the country.
The Health Minister said that although
the health service in Sri Lanka has
improved in terms of health indicators,
there are many challenges to be faced at
present. As stated by the World Health
try can be advanced by strengthening
them.
Minister Dr. Pathirana said that there
are 146,000 people working in the health
sector in Sri Lanka, which includes 23,000
doctors, 42,000 nurses, 10,000 in other
ancillary medical services and other ser-
vices. This is second only to the education
service and the defence service.
“If we consider the last century, the
most important event that happened in the
hundred years from 1923 to 2023 was the
institution of free education by the late
Education Minister Dr. C.W.W. Kannanga-
ra in 1945. As a result, the nation’s chil-
dren have equitable access to primary,
Health and Industries Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana hands over an appointment letter secondary and higher education,” he said.
to a recipient, as Health Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala and Director General of Health Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Palitha
Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena look on. Mahipala, Additional Secretaries of the
Health Ministry Geethamani Karunaratne,
Organization, Sri Lanka is at the level of further by meeting the existing deficien- Wathsala Priyadarshani and Sunil Galaga-
67 percent as regards universal health cov- cies. It was pointed out that Japan’s univer- ma, Director General of Health Services
erage. It is also required that with the sal health coverage has increased to 85 Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Deputy Director
development of physical, infrastructure percent, and that primary healthcare and Generals, Senior Assistant Secretaries and
and human resources, the country can go secondary treatment services in this coun- Directors were present.
tional New Year’s
Event of People's
Diplomacy was
organised by the
Russian Associa-
tion for Interna-
tional Coopera-
tion recently. The
celebration gath-
ered diplomatic
corps, Russian Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Russia
officials and Prof. Janitha A. Liyanage lighting the
prominent people traditional oil lamp.
from educational
and cultural spheres. It was Ambassador of Sri Lanka
remarkable that the cere- to the Russian Federation
mony started with the Prof. Janitha A. Liyanage
lightning of the traditional addressed the audience with
Sri Lankan oil lamp. the new year greetings. Prof.
Russian Foreign Minister Liyanage spoke about the
Sergey Lavrov emphasized long-standing friendly rela-
the role of the Association tions with the Association
in developing partnership and Russia – Sri Lanka
and friendly ties with the Friendship Society and
general foreign public. He expressed her readiness to
underlined that projects support and further pro-
implemented under the mote the peoples’ diplomacy
auspices of Russian Associ- initiatives and endeavours.
ation of International Coop- The programme was fol-
eration contributed to the lowed by a concert and a
popularization of rich cul- festival of cuisines of differ-
tural and historical heritage ent countries including Sri
of Russia. Lanka.

Education Minister visits IIT-Madras to discuss setting up of branch here
As envisioned by President Ranil Wickrem-
esinghe to set up a branch of the Indian
Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-Madras)
in Sri Lanka, Education Minister Dr. Susil
Premajayantha recently met senior officials of
IIT Madras, in Chennai.
The meeting which took place at the Indian
Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-Madras)
campus on December 15, was organized by
Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in
Southern India Dr. D. Venkateshwaran.
IIT-Madras Director Dr. V. Kamakoti, Pro-
fessor of the Department of Applied Mechan-
ics Dr. Mahesh Panchagnula and Senior Pro-
ject Officer, University Relations, Priya Ven-
kat from IIT-Madras participated in the meet-
Education Minister Dr. Susil Premajayantha at the discussion with IIT-Madras officials, in Chennai, India.
ing. During the meeting, Minister Dr. Prema-
jayantha said that a team of experts from
Colombo would be sent to IIT-Madras for
further discussions on the proposal.
Navy arrests eight for poaching,
seizes sea cucumbers
Navy arrested eight persons who engaged in
illegal fishing practices, during special opera-
tions conducted off Kalpitiya, Baththalangundu-
wa and Uchchamunai on Tuesday (19). The
operations also led to the seizure of three din-
ghies, about 1,995 sea cucumbers as well as div-
ing equipment.
The Navy carries out regular operations in the
coastal and sea areas around the country, with a
view to prevent illegal fishing which disrupts the
balance of the marine ecosystem.
The SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval
Command carried out these separate operations
off Kalpitiya, Baththalangunduwa and Uchcha-
munai, deploying a Cedric Boat and an Inshore
Patrol Craft on Tuesday (19). The search opera-
tions led to the interception of three suspicious
dinghies in those sea areas and apprehension of
eight persons along with nearly 1,995 sea cucum-
bers and diving equipment, for engaging in night
diving by illegal means.
The individuals held in these operations are
residents of Puttalam and Kalpitiya areas, from
19 to 56 years of age. The eight persons along
with the stock of illegally harvested sea cucum-
ber and seized items were handed over to the
Office of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Department, Puttalam for onward legal action.
DN page 6 ADVERTISEMENTS T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 1 , 2 0 2 3

Geological Survey and Mines Bureau

Ministry of Environment

Obtaining a House on rent or lease for a

Hostel in Hambantota area
A house is required from Hambantota area for a
Hostel for the officers of the Hambantota Office
of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau.
Relevant further details may be downloaded
from www.gsmb.gov.lk website.
T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 1 , 2 0 2 3 ADVERTISEMENTS page 7 DN

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and qualified Bidders for the Supply and Installation of Movable Partition Wall
System at the Construction of Faculty of Management, Social Sciences and Procurement for purchasing, deployment with hosting and maintenance with
Humanities (FMSH) Building at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, 2 upgrades of Board Management Software Application for National Lotteries
Ratmalana as described below. Board.
1. The Works consist of supply and installation of Movable Partition Wall 01. The Chairman, Department Procurement Committee (DPC) on behalf of the National Lotteries Board (NLB)
System from Ground Floor to Sixth Floor at the Construction of Faculty of now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for supply of above services / Software applications
Management, Social Sciences and Humanities (FMSH) Building at General for the National Lotteries Board.
Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Ratmalana. The construction 02.
period is 30 days.
Name of the (1) Procurement for getting an off- (2) Purchasing, deployment with
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by interested Bidders at the Office of Chief Operation Engineer (WP2), Software Application for National
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Central Engineering Services (Pvt) Ltd, No. 11, Jawatta Road, Colombo 05
until 11.01.2024, on submission of a written application to the Procurement Bid Number NLB/PRC/04/Email server/20230108 NLB/PRC/06/BMSA/124/2023
Engineer (Jawatta). Value of the 60,000.00 50,000.00
Bid Security (Rs.)
4. Bids shall be delivered to the Office of Chief Operation Engineer (WP2),
Document Charges 1,000.00 1,000.00
Central Engineering Services (Pvt) Ltd, No. 11, Jawatta Road, Colombo 05
(Rs.)(Non-Refundable)
and deposited in the Tender Box provided at the above address at or before (with VAT)
11.00hrs, on 12.01.2024. Late Bids will be rejected. Bids will be opened soon
Eligibility Criteria • Bidder should be a local registered • Bidder should be a local registered
after closing, in the presence of Bidders’ representatives, who choose to
company under Company act or company under Company act or any
attend. any other relevant authority and other relevant authority and company
5. Bids shall be Valid for 30 days from the date of Bid opening. company to be performed last ten to be performed last ten years. (copy of
years. (copy of Business Registration Business Registration to be attached)
6. All bids shall be accompanied by a Bid Security of Rs. 250,000.00 to be attached) • The VAT registration certificate (if VAT
• The VAT registration certificate (if applicable)
7. All bidders are advised to visit the site for pricing the bidding document.
VAT applicable) • The prospective bidder should have
8. For further clarifications, please contact Eng. W.S.R. Thissera over 0703555908 • Details of last 03 successful similar implemented minimum of five
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Procurement Engineer customer reference should be live, worth not less than ten (10)
Central Engineering Services (Pvt) Ltd provided with contact details million in both government & private
• Audited certified financial company (2:3) and customer details of
statements immediate last three such project to be provided.
years with annual average turnover • Audited certified financial statements
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TENDER NOTICE
Sealed Tenders are invited from reputable Companies who are capable of
providing Dell Annual Maintenance & Service for Colombo International
Container Terminals Limited (“CICT”).
Tender No. Description of Work
RFQ/02/12/23 Dell Annual Maintenance & Service
International Container Terminals Ltd.
Prospective Vendors are requested to obtain Tender Documents (In Electronic
Format Only) by email (Email : ranidu.laksiri@cict.lk) of Procurement
Department of CICT (Mob/Tel : 0766-666803, 0112-666803)
not be less than ten (10) million for the
above financial years.
03. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding procedure.
04. 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,
Colombo 01 (Tel - 0114607020/0114607021/0114607023) and inspect the bidding documents free of charge at
the address given below from 09.00 hrs to 15.00 hrs on any working day during the period specified below.
05. A complete set of bidding documents in English language can be purchased by interested bidders on
submission of a written request on a business letterhead to the address given below from 21.12.2023 to
10.01.2024 from 09.00 hrs to 15.00 hrs on any working day upon payment of above mentioned non-
refundable fee. The method of payment should be in cash.
for Colombo 06. Sealed bids shall be sent either by registered post or by hand reach to the address given below at or before
14.30 hrs on 11.01.2024. Late bids shall 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 person. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security to the value stated in the table under 02
above issued only by a commercial bank registered under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to beneficiary as
Chairman, National Lotteries Board No. 32, Deshamanya N.W.J. Mudalige Mawatha, Colombo 01 in
accordance with the given format.

Please submit your sealed tenders to be received at the below address not later 07. The successful bidder should furnish a performance bond which is 10% of the contract value and so as to
cover the period of 12 months.
than 3:00 p.m. (local time) on 04th January 2024 & mention "DELL Annual 08. The Documents should be sent in sealed cover marked as “Bids for supply of................ (Name of the
Maintenance & Service for Colombo International Container Terminals procurement and bid number”) should be written on top left-hand corner of the envelope.
Ltd.” on the Top Left-hand corner of the envelope. 09. The Pre bid meeting related to the Procurement for getting an off-premise email server for National
Lotteries Board will be held on 02.01.2024 at 14.00 hrs at National Lotteries Board, No. 32, Deshamanya
N.W.J. Mudalige Mawatha, Colombo 01.
Procurement Department,
10. National Lotteries Board will not be responsible for any costs or any expenses incurred by the bidders in
Colombo International Container Terminals Limited, connection with the preparation or delivery of bids.
Port of Colombo, The Chairman
120/20, Marine Drive Road, Department Procurement Committee,
National Lotteries Board,
Colombo 01, No. 32, Deshamanya N.W.J. Mudalige Mawatha,
Sri Lanka. Colombo 01.
DN page 8 EDITORIAL T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 1 , 2 0 2 3

SLPP striving to regain momentum

T h u rs d ay, D e c e m b e r 2 1 , 2 0 2 3

Tackling the
beggar menace
A
Parliamentary Committee recently directed the
Department of Social Services to provide it with a
census of the beggar population in Colombo and
other main cities. According to that report, the beggar
population in the country has witnessed a significant
increase during the past few months.
Indeed, the increased beggar population poses a major
social problem. It is also an index of the neglect suf-
fered by a section of the community. Poverty has driven
many to begging, aggravated by the dire economic
circumstances.
The study conducted in 65 Urban Council and Municipal
Council divisions found nearly 3,700 beggars in circu-
lation within these areas while in the Western Province
alone there were 1,600 beggars and nearly 1,000 beg- SLPP to go their separate ways at this that were undertaken recently were many as the leader of the SLPP’s next
gars had arrived in the Colombo City recently. point. completed when Mahinda Rajapaksa generation, would be appointed to a
It was also revealed by the study that the number of It is for this reason that the SLPP was President, he said, urging party position of significant responsibility in
beggars had increased exponentially with the closure Convention was observed with great members to work together to ensure the party. However, no such announce-
interest. There were questions as to victory. ment was made and the younger Raja-

of workplaces and businesses due to the economic
crisis throwing large numbers out of jobs who are left
with no alternative but resort to begging to keep the
home fires burning. The Government, therefore, should
take measures to seriously address this problem which
is fast becoming a major social issue.
There is also an exponential increase in incidents of
robbery including bank robberies on a scale never wit-
nessed before. The conclusion, therefore, is inescap-
able that mass deprivation resulting from the econom-
ic crisis is a leading cause for the increase in the crime
rate with those hitherto law abiding citizens too now
joining the ranks of thieves in desperation to provide
for their families and children.
However, begging has also become a lucrative business
for some. Some time ago, the media reported that a
man identified as a beggar was found to be living in a
two storeyed house. It was also revealed that in certain
instances 'beggars' - both male and female- usually
disfigured or with small children are transported in cars
by rogue elements and dropped at certain points to
ply their trade and later in the day picked up by the
same parties who keep the bulk of the spoils only
parting with a nominal sum to the 'beggars'. Therefore,
it will not be an easy task to identify the real beggars
from the fakes.
However, a solution should be found to eradicate the
beggar menace from our midst. Beggars have become
a big nuisance pestering passengers in trains and
buses and also motorists at traffic lights. Most female
beggars carry with them their tiny tots to evoke sympa-
thy while others make an exhibition of their permanent
disabilities for the same purpose. Worse, the children
too eventually graduate to become beggars.
According to the prevailing law, it is compulsory for all
children to attend school until the age of 16. Surely
then the children of beggars cannot be an exception.
This is a matter for the Social Services Ministry and
particularly the Department of Probation and Child-
care to take stock of.
We do not want beggars proliferating in the country at
such alarming numbers and this exactly will be the
case if the beggar children too graduate to take after
their parents. For starters begging in public transport
should be banned. In fact such a ban had been
imposed sometime ago but beggars continue to ply
their trade without let or hindrance. The rehabilitation
centre for beggars should be operationlised again.
Meanwhile the Social Services Department should also
go into the matter of the employment of domestic help
in rich homes. The mater was brought into sharp focus
recently with the death of a domestic help while in
Police custody on a complaint by a well known busi-
nesswoman. The victim who was a young girl had
been brought to the home by her poverty stricken par-
ents working in a tea estate in Badulla. We also are
reminded of another young girl who died of burn inju-
ries while working at a politician’s home in Colombo 7.  
Usually, it is from the plantations that these domestic
help come from to slave in the homes of the rich. This
practice should be brought to an end and the Social
Services Department should also carry out a census
on all domestic help and take the necessary steps in
this regard.
The practise of employing domestic help by the wealthy
was a thing that was widely prevalent in the past. Of
course some of these domestic assistants were well
rewarded and continued to serve in these homes as
faithful family retainers. But for the most part, these
domestic aides were ill-treated and made to suffer
indignities. We are today living in an enlightened age
which should leave no room for any kind of slavery.
The ill treatment of the children in various orphanages
and Children's Homes too should be looked into.
There are been a notable rise in the incidents of child
abuse in these centres reported in recent times. The
culprits usually are the so called guardians them-
selves. The Department of Probation and Child Care
should play a more proactive role in ensuring that
these Children's Homes are properly managed and
that the inmates are safe from sexual deviants and
predators.
T
he most talked about politi-
cal event last week was the
Party Convention of the
Sri Lanka Podujana Pera-
muna (SLPP), the ruling
party in Parliament as it faced unique
challenges following the economic cri-
sis in the country in 2022 that led to the
resignation of then President Gotabaya
Rajapaksa.   There was a general perception that its
The SLPP remains in Government
albeit with President Ranil Wickremes-
inghe being the Head of State and Head
of Government. President Wickremes-
inghe was endorsed at a vote in Parlia-
ment to choose a successor to Gota-
baya Rajapaksa and won the vote com-
fortably with the SLPP’s support.
Since then, despite occasional differ-
ences of opinion with the leadership of
the SLPP and some of its key figures,
President Wickremesinghe has gov-
erned with a SLPP dominated Cabinet
without much difficulty. Significantly,
he has retained almost the entire Cabi-
net that last served under Rajapaksa.   mated to be over 5,000. The event,
The vast majority of Parliamentari-
ans in the SLPP have their roots in
their parent party, the Sri Lanka Free-
dom Party (SLFP), as do their leaders
in the Rajapaksa family. Gotabaya Raja-
paksa who was not a member of the
SLFP is an exception. The United
National Party (UNP) and the SLFP
have been bitter rivals for decades.
Despite this rivalry and the differ-
ences in their respective ideologies, the
UNP being more liberal and inclusive in
its outlook, the SLFP and the SLPP
being more protectionist and national-
istic, President Wickremesinghe has
managed to govern with a SLPP major-
ity Government while leading the UNP.
It must be noted that in the period
between Rajapaksa’s resignation and
now, there were no elections. Local
Government (LG) Elections were due
in March this year but have been post-
poned. As a result, there has been little
room for friction between the SLPP
and the UNP.   ter Basil Rajapaksa and party leader and
The next year, 2024, is however
billed as an election year. Although
Parliamentary Elections are not due
until August 2025, Presidential Elec-
tions must be held by October 2024
under the terms of the Constitution.
There is potential for the UNP and the
whether the SLPP would declare its
intention(s) vis-à-vis the Presidential
Election and whether the statements of
its speakers would target the UNP in
addition to other political parties.
There was also interest in the Con-
vention because it was the SLPP’s first
test of strength after the resignation of
Gotabaya Rajapaksa as President and
the tumultuous events of May 2022.
popularity had declined after recording
unprecedented mandates at the last
Presidential and General Elections.
The Convention was held at the Sug-
athadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo.
In the lead up to the event, it was
mocked on social media. These events
suggested that there was an organised
attempt to disrupt the Convention and
demoralise its attendees.
Friday afternoon, when the Conven-
tion was held, was also marred by
inclement weather. Despite this, reports
suggested that the Sugathadasa Indoor
Stadium had a capacity crowd, esti-
which also included several cultural
performances, proceeded without any
incidents.
It is unclear whether President Wick-
remesinghe was invited to the Conven-
tion or not and did not make an appear-
ance. Nevertheless, Vajira Abeywarde-
na, the sole Parliamentarian of the UNP
and a loyalist of President Wickremes-
inghe was present. This indicated that
UNP-SLPP relations had not soured.
However, the most notable absentee
was former President Gotabaya Raja-
paksa. He has opted to lead a life away
from the limelight since resigning
from office in July last year. There has
been some public criticism of his
policies. It appears the SLPP
leadership did not insist on his
attending the Convention.
Speeches at the SLPP convention
were limited to those by its General
Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam, the par-
ty’s founder and former Finance Minis-
former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
They all stoutly defended the party’s
actions during the past few years.
SLPP founder Basil Rajapaksa said
the party was confident of winning
whatever elections that will be held
next. All major development projects
Former President Mahinda Raja-
paksa again demonstrated that he is a
political leader who could command
the respect and attention of a crowd.
He too recounted the achievements of
his terms of office with particular refer-
ence to ending the Eelam War which
plagued the country for three decades.
A comment that attracted much
attention came from SLPP General
Secretary Sagara Kariyawasm. He stat-
ed that in any country, for every 100
children born, there were three children
who were not at all productive, were
never gainfully employed and went
around accusing others of being
‘rogues’.
This was a thinly veiled reference to
the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP),
now conducting political activities
under the banner of the Jathika Jana
Balavegaya (JJB). Both at the last Pres-
idential and General Elections in 2019
and 2020, the percentage of votes
polled by the JVP was three per cent.
Kariyawasam’s remarks are signifi-
cant and cannot be dismissed as an off
the cuff statement. This is for the rea-
son that the SLPP now sees the JJB as
its main rival. It is also a reflection of
the political momentum gained by the
JJB recently, which was first evident in
the early months of this year.   could fill the now vacant role of Nation-
None of the speakers - Kriyawasam,
Basil Rajapaksa and Mahinda Raja-
paksa - aimed their rhetoric against the
UNP, their historical and ideological
rivals, which was also noteworthy. This
suggests that the UNP-SLPP alliance is
still very much intact, despite numer-
ous reports to the contrary.
Former President Rajapaksa was
unanimously re-elected leader of the
party, after being proposed to that post
by Gamini Lokuge, that nomination
being seconded by Johnston Fernando.
In what was an interesting develop-
ment no other new officials were elect-
ed or appointed at Friday’s Convention.
It therefore did not come as a sur-
prise that no announcement was made
regarding a Presidential candidate.
Business magnate Dhammika Perera
was seated in the front row with other
special invitees, prompting speculation
that he would be the candidate but that
did not eventuate.
It was widely speculated that Parlia-
mentarian Namal Rajapaksa, seen by
paksa kept a low profile.  
On Saturday, the leadership of the
SLPP met again at the official residence
of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa
in Colombo. Two key appointments
were made. Sagara Kariyawasam was
re-appointed General Secretary of the
Party and Pavithra Wanniarachchi was
appointed Treasurer.
The vital position of National Organ-
iser of the party, previously held by
Basil Rajapaksa, was kept vacant. This
has caused confusion among some
SLPP members who queried why such
a decision was taken. Explaining, Gen-
eral Secretary Kariyawasam said that
this was done at Basil Rajapaksa’s
request.
“Basil Rajapaksa assures he would
anyway perform the duties of the
National Organiser as he did in the
past. Even the Convention itself was
organised by him. So, with the hope
that he will accept it at some point, we
decided not to appoint anyone to that
post,” Kariyawasam explained.
Even so, observers have noted that,
by keeping the position of National
Organiser vacant, the SLPP is adopting
a ‘wait and see’ approach. Should the
necessity arise to field a Presidential
Candidate of its own, such a candidate
al Organiser, they have pointed out.
The consensus that emerges following
the SLPP convention is that, while the
SLPP-UNP coalition is still very much
alive and that the relations between the
two parties and particularly between
President Wickremesinghe and the
SLPP leadership are very cordial, the
SLPP is keeping its options open.
This is only because the political cli-
mate in Sri Lanka is so dynamic. It is
unclear when Presidential Elections
will be held and, and if they are, wheth-
er President Wickremesinghe will con-
test. In such a scenario, the SLPP is
taking a very pragmatic approach about
its immediate future.
With the clock ticking steadily
towards the deadline at which point the
Presidential Elections have to be con-
ducted- mid-October next year- there
will be more clarity. For now though,
the SLPP will be happy that it was able
to stage a successful Convention, after
the massive reversal it suffered last
year.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

The beggar wears all colors fearing none.
Charles Lamb
T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 1 , 2 0 2 3
D
HASSAAN SHAZULI
evmith Kaggodarachchi’s
beachfront hotel in the
southwestern coastal town
of Hikkaduwa, a tourist hot-
spot 136 km (85 miles) from the capi-
tal Colombo, is nearing full capacity.
The three-star hotel, with air-condi-
tioned rooms and private balconies
looking into the Indian Ocean, is busy
serving tourists visiting for the Christ-
mas season.
That is not how it’s been for Sri Lan-
ka’s tourism industry over the past four
years. Tourist arrivals dropped drasti-
cally in 2019 after bombings in three
luxury hotels and three churches on
Easter killed more than 250 people. The
COVID-19 pandemic hit before Sri
Lanka had a chance to recover.
The country’s economic and political
turmoil in 2022 – when its then-Presi-
dent Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his family
had to flee, and essential commodities
like fuel became almost impossible for
everyday people to secure – further
pushed tourists away from Sri Lanka.
But a concerted promotional drive to
attract foreign visitors, aided by geopo-
litical tensions unrelated to the country,
appears to finally be bearing fruit, offer-
ing the nation an engine of revenue that
could play a pivotal role in helping Sri
Lanka’s economy recover.
In 2023, Sri Lanka recorded more
than 1.3 million tourist arrivals by the
second week of December, official data
show. It is the first time arrivals have
crossed the 1 million mark in four years.
More than 150,000 tourists visited in
November, the highest monthly tally
since March 2020.
“Tourists are trusting us now. After
going back to their country, they talk
good about us. Business is good at the
moment,” Kaggodarachchi told Al
Jazeera. “Our hotel can serve about 150
tourists at a time. At the moment, there
are 130”.
Most tourists who have visited this
year are from India, which hosted three
roadshows promoting Sri Lanka’s tour-
ism sector in April.
But the Russian war in Ukraine has
helped Sri Lanka too. Russia is the sec-
ond-highest source of tourists to the
country this year, at a time Russian
tourists are not welcome in many other
nations.
“There were limitations on countries
Russians could visit. They could visit
Sri Lanka. We had that advantage,” Sri
Lanka Tourism Development Authority
(SLTDA) Chairman Priantha Fernando
told Al Jazeera.
Industry stakeholders say that while
higher tourist arrivals are a positive
sign, there is a need to attract high-
spending tourists to generate more rev-
enue for the economy.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has
also urged the tourism sector to improve
its products and services to cater to
high-end tourists.
From January to November, tourism
contributed $1.8bn in revenue – an
increase of 78 percent compared with
the same period last year. Tourism is Sri
Lanka’s third-largest source of foreign
exchange. On average, a tourist spends
$181 daily, according to Government
data.
Suranga Silva, a professor in tourism
economics at the University of Colom-
bo, suggested that Sri Lanka could use
its uninhabited islands to boost high-
end tourism by offering exclusivity.
“If we can develop our islands as
high-end tourist destinations, we can
Following the star of peace
DISHAN JOSEPH
T
he Christmas season is a
celebration of peace, good-
will, and reconciliation. Yet,
for many people thoughts of
peace rarely accompany the holiday
season. Instead, the exact opposite is
all too common. Years of bitterness,
resentment, and depression have
been piled on top of misconceptions,
misunderstandings, and misbehavior.
Anxiety, confusion, indecision, frus-
tration, feelings of guilt, shame, and
regret all dwell in the human mind.
The heart becomes a restless sea of
inner conflict, even if everything is
peaceful on the outside because there is
something wrong within. Peace itself is
a refreshing word. Peace simply means
being in a place, where no hatred exists
and every corner is filled with love, care
and respect.
The idea of peace must be associated
with Christmas. This makes sense
because the Bible says that Jesus came
to bring us peace on earth. Luke 1:78-79
Because of God’s tender mercy, the
morning light from heaven is about to
break upon us, to give light to those
who sit in darkness and in the shadow
of death, and to guide us to the path of
peace.” The root of all conflict is the
same – sin. It is in all of us and it funda-
mentally breaks us, affecting every rela-
tionship we have. God is perfectly holy,
which means that he is completely sepa-
rate from sin. While he longs to connect
with us, our sin makes that impossible.
He did something to remove that barri-
er of sin that stood between us and him.
He sent Jesus to sacrifice his life to pay
the price for our sin.
Since conflict flows out of sin, once
sin is forgiven it opens the way for
peace. Peace in our earthly relation-
ships is the natural result of being at
peace with the divine. Christians should
actively pursue peace in our relation-
ships with others. We should remember
Sri Lanka sees
tourism surge
after long crisis
get tourists to spend more than $1000
daily. The service must be worth what
they pay,” Silva told Al Jazeera.
Research published in 2018 identified
at least 87 islands in Sri Lankan terri-
tory. Many are neglected and can be
used to develop tourist resorts, bird
sanctuaries and scenic attractions, the
research found.
“Only luxury hotels aren’t enough.
Tourists should be given a valuable tour
package including domestic charter
flights to take them to these locations,”
Silva said.
In 2021, the World Economic Forum
ranked Sri Lanka 74th among 117 coun-
tries on its Travel and Tourism Develop-
ment Index, which measures factors
and policies that enable the develop-
ment of the travel and tourism sector.
“Right now, there is no advantage for
any foreign investor to invest in Sri
Lanka,” Fernando, the tourism authori-
ty chairperson, conceded. “These are
the things we have to look at and come
up with policies that will facilitate great-
er investment.”
“I feel it will be 2029 by the time we
receive five million tourists, of which
half at least spend US$ 500 a day”.
But even as Colombo promotes the
country’s tourism internationally, many
businesses in the sector fear that the
Government is at the same time weak-
ening their ability to compete for global
travellers.
From January 2024, the Sri Lankan
Government will lift an exemption on
value-added tax (VAT), which it had
extended to tourism operators in 2020.
“Our industry generates foreign
exchange revenue quickly. So, our
request is to exempt us from VAT,”
Rohan Abeywickrama, the President of
the Association of Small and Medium
Enterprises in Tourism, told Al Jazeera.
Sri Lanka’s Parliament recently voted
that Jesus said “blessed are the peace-
makers”.
When the angel appeared to the shep-
herds to share the good news of the
Savior’s birth, the Bible says, suddenly a
great company of the heavenly host
appeared with the angel, praising God
.The angels praised God because they
knew peace had come to earth. But have
we sustained it over the centuries?
When we have inner peace through a
relationship with God, we also strive for
outer peace, peace between men.
It is foolish and prideful to assume
that everyone is going to agree with
you. Whether your family and friends
disagreements center on worldview,
religion, parenting styles, or sports’
teams- your ability to love others despite
them is central to interpersonal relation-
ships. Healthy families and true friends
don’t reject their members who think
differently—they become stronger
because of them. This Christmas, seek
to listen and hear rather than judge.
OPINION
to increase VAT from 15 to 18 percent,
adding to the concerns of the sector.
That is to meet tax collection targets
agreed with the International Monetary
Fund (IMF) which is offering the Gov-
ernment a US$ 2.9 bn bailout package
to tide over the country’s worst eco-
nomic crisis since independence.
Businesses catering to tourists are
already paying a Tourism Development
Levy, Income Tax and Turnover Tax.
“When all these taxes are imposed on
us, our production costs go up. So we
become an expensive tourist destina-
tion,” Abeywickrama, an industry vet-
eran who is also on the Government’s
tourism advisory committee, said.
“Tourism is driven by the private sec-
tor and is important to generate reve-
nue. So the Government must protect
us and encourage us to remain in busi-
ness. They shouldn’t kill the goose that
lays golden eggs”.
The tourism sector is also asking the
Government to provide relief on their
mounting debt and the multiple elec-
tricity and water tariff hikes imposed
since last year.
Tour operators and safari four-wheel
drive drivers say they have to put up
with old vehicles as the Government
banned vehicle imports in early 2020 to
control dollar outflows.
“The vehicle fleet is over 15 to 20
years old, which is a challenge with
more breakdowns and high cost of
repairs,” Nishad Wijetunga, the presi-
dent of the Sri Lanka Association of
Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO),
told Al Jazeera.
“Vehicle imports have not been
allowed for the sector in spite of making
requests and having discussions with
the authorities”.
The mass migration of Sri Lankans to
other countries in search of jobs has
also hurt the tourism industry.
Peace, security, a positive future:
basic needs that people in the midst of
violent conflict desperately want and
seek. However, building back trust, live-
lihoods and relationships is a complex
and long-term endeavour, full of steps
forward and back. This is the challeng-
ing task of peace building. Peace is a
key component of sustainable develop-
ment. A healthy business environment
is important for development, and in
conflict-ridden communities, business
operations are disrupted due to the
prevalence of social problems such as
poverty, hunger and inequality.
At the heart of many violent conflicts
lie issues of inequality, injustice and
exclusion. While criminality can feed
into a conflict, there are often genuine
and unaddressed grievances at play,
which are expressed in violence. Mili-
tary power may be deployed to prevent
or defend against an immediate threat,
but it cannot resolve underlying politi-
cal, social and economic problems and
More than 280,000 Sri Lankans,
including 78,000 skilled workers and
nearly 16,900 professionals, have
migrated this year, according to figures
obtained by Al Jazeera from the Sri
Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
Skilled workers make up less than 40
percent of the tourism sector, the Sri
Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel
Management (SLITHM), the capacity-
building arm of Sri Lanka Tourism, has
said.
To create skilled staff and retain
them, the institute is conducting train-
ing programmes that require partici-
pants to work in the local hospitality
sector for a year to receive their certifi-
cation.
“Since we are investing in the train-
ing, we are bringing in a payback com-
ponent, which is they have to work in
the country to receive the certification,”
SLITHM Chairman Shirantha Peiris
said last month.
Still, a buoyant Sri Lankan tourism
authority is targeting 2.3 million tourist
arrivals and US$ 4.6bn in revenue next
year.
To achieve this, the country has
launched its first global tourism mar-
keting campaign in 16 years, under the
tagline “You Will Come Back For
More”.
“We have identified nine tourist mar-
kets in which our digital marketing
campaigns will be strengthened next
year. We will also be getting vloggers
and influencers to visit our country and
produce promotional content,” Fernan-
do said.
In late October, the Government
announced it will issue free tourist visas
to visitors from seven countries, includ-
ing China, India and Russia. This initia-
tive, launched as a pilot project, will run
until March 31, 2024.
Many tourists are already convinced.
In Mount Lavinia, a suburb of Colom-
bo, 29-year-old Spanish national Guil-
lem Fox was strolling along the beach
with his French partner Mathilde Fla-
chot.
“We will be travelling around the
country, visiting wildlife sanctuaries,
the tea plantations and maybe try out
surfing in the south,” Fox told Al
Jazeera. The couple plan to stay for
about a month. “From the moment we
arrived, the people have been really
helpful,” he said.
“That’s a really nice feeling.”
Al Jazeera
sustain peace. In fact it can sometimes
complicate that task.
Every year wars are killing thousands
of lives, including women and children.
The earth is stained with blood. Many
nations have deep stains- the blood of
innocent people. With each military
conflict, humanity takes a significant
step backwards, as many things have to
be recovered instead of going forward.
The traditional notion of peace-the
absence of conflict-is not enough to
bring about sustainable development.
Globally, if governments end armed
hostilities by issuing a ceasefire without
addressing its underlying factors- the
conflict may resume, further disrupting
the economy and exacerbating poverty,
hunger and inequality. Without peace, it
will not be possible to achieve the levels
of trust, cooperation and inclusiveness
needed for societies to be resilient to
shocks, manage disputes and adapt to
changes in their environments. Peace
provides a measurable framework to
gauge a country’s capabilities to absorb,
adapt and recover from shocks, be they
financial, ecological or societal. Inter-
ventions should nudge the system
towards ever higher levels of Positive
peace, rather than creating radical
change, which runs the risk of disrupt-
ing the fabric of society.
Peace is built on the foundations of
other spiritual practices: connections,
compassion, justice, unity. It is a goal of
all spiritual people. Peace is an inner
state of well-being and calm. It is also an
outer projection of promoting nonvio-
lence, conflict resolution and coopera-
tion. Peace rejects racism. The root of
the Hebrew word for peace, “shalom,”
means “whole” and points to the two-
fold meaning: peace within oneself and
peace between people. Inner peace and
spirituality have long been intertwined,
with many people finding solace and
serenity in their spiritual practices.
Let’s pursue peace.
page 9 DN
Of masks, skins
and the best poetry
in the world
A
lmost twenty years ago, some of the
copywriters working at Phoenix O&M
thought it would be good to share their
poetry with each other and anyone else
interested. There was an empty space on a wall
close to the entrance of the Creative Department
and this was chosen as the Ketapath Pavura of the
agency.
There were some well known lyricists, in par-
ticular Kapila Kumara Kalinga, Athula Kaldemul-
la, Chaaminda Rathnasuriya and Vajira Mahakanu-
mulle. In addition we had the versatile Udayasiri
Wickramaratne and Harith Gunawardena of King
Barnet and Always Breakdown fame. Boss, i.e.
Irvin Weerackody, often quipped, ‘we have play-
wrights, film-makers, lyricists and columnists but
none of them writer advertising copy!’ In fact
Udayasiri came up with a title for the book we
laughingly planned to publish once we had enough
poems: (The Best Poems in the World)’! Yes, we
laughed a lot and mostly at ourselves and how
ridiculous we could be.
I hardly ever write poetry or anything close to
verse in Sinhala, but one day I wrote the follow-
ing:
Love: a moment, sweet and that’s it.
A few minutes later, Chaaminda put up a poem
of his own:
Lust: a moment, sweet and that’s it.
At that very moment Boss happened to walk by.
I told him, dejectedly, that Chaaminda had wrecked
my poem.
After a quick read, Boss, quick of wit and prob-
ably one of the best copywriters in the business,
quipped, ‘are you suffering from premature ejacu-
lation?’ From then onwards, until he left the
agency, Boss, whenever he ran into Chaaminda,
would ask ‘haven’t you written any sensual poetry
lately?’
It was a good time. Years later, Chaaminda and
I discussed how in certain instances moments can
be stretched to eternities. I told him that the poem
could be edited thus:
Love: a moment,
sweet and forgotten.
He laughed. We still There were some well
laugh whenever we known lyricists, in
talk about these ‘work- particular Kapila
ing definitions’ of love.
I remember writing Kumara Kalinga, Athula
another ‘poem’ around Kaldemulla, Chaaminda
that time. I am not Rathnasuriya and Vajira
sure if I posted it on Mahakanumulle.
our ‘wall.’ The title
was (I).’ It was a one- In addition we had the
liner: (Myself plus my versatile Udayasiri
mask). Wickramaratne and
It was this line that Harith Gunawardena of
came to mind today
and that’s what got me King Barnet and Always
going about the alleg- Breakdown fame. Boss,
edly best verse on the i.e. Irvin Weerackody,
planet, though we said often quipped, ‘we have
so ourselves.
We have skins and playwrights, film-makers,
we have make up. lyricists and columnists
There’s a face we own but none of them writer
and a face we wear for advertising copy!’ In fact
others. There’s an ‘I’
and there’s also the ‘I’ Udayasiri came up with a
we believe someone or title for the book we
people in general laughingly planned to
expect us to be. So publish once we had
faces and masks come
enough poems: (The Best
into conflict. And
indeed, there could Poems in the World)’! Yes,
come a moment when we laughed a lot and
our masks replace our mostly at ourselves and
face forever. Tragically,
we find it difficult to how ridiculous we could be.
pin point that moment,
the precipitation fac-
tors and the long history that produced this out-
come. Indeed, we walk through life, the world and
even by the side of love ones firmly believing that
we never lost our faces, we could never lose our
skins.
Dananjaya Bandara, again in a small poem,
offers a different perspective.
The sweetest lesson
left behind by a snake
if there is a new path, then ‘you’
must your skin shed
We see politicians doing this all the time. They
drop one flag and pick up another, abandon one
color and embrace another — they are skin-chang-
ers, almost by definition. What Dananjaya is refer-
ring to is something more profound. I feel it is
about reinventing oneself, either removing the
mask and being comfortable in one’s skin or shed-
ding both and growing a new skin compatible with
changed ideology, philosophy, lifestyle, circum-
stances, landscapes etc.
Masks are easier, skin tough. Abandoning both
would require one to be absolutely courageous
because it involves abandonment of all ‘truths’
previously held sacred. One might require a good
explanation, but then the explanation-requirement
is also a skin or mask — to serve the need for
validation, often by those who wouldn’t care less if
we existed or not.
There are many layers of skin that cloth our
hearts and minds. They gather dust, they cloud
judgment, they force us to live lives as defined by
rent-collectors who force us to lose love by ‘loving’
and concede life by ‘living.’ We end up inhabiting
territories as would impoverished tenants who
endlessly toil and are bitten by employer, retailer
and landlord.
Danajaya’s elegant poem suggests that there
indeed is a better path, a better way and better
countries to inhabit. Not many get there but there
are some who try. Accounts of their journeys, if
collected, could indeed be called I’m sure Udaya-
siri would agree. As would my old friends from
Phoenix O&M would, Boss too.
malindadocs@gmail.com.
www.malindawords.blogspot.com.
DN page 10 ADVERTISEMENTS T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 1 , 2 0 2 3

MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND AVIATION

AIRPORT & AVIATION SERVICES (SRI LANKA) (PRIVATE) LIMITED

InvItatIon for BIds
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVE BIDDING FOR THE OPERATION OF
DUTY FREE SHOPS ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE
ARRIVAL DUTY FREE SHOPPING COMPLEX
AT THE TERMINAL-1, BANDARANAIKE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT,
KATUNAYAKE-SRI LANKA
(TENDER NO.133/T/2023)

Bids are invited from Registered Companies, Establishments or Individuals for Operation of following Duty Free Shops on
the First Floor of the Arrival Duty Free Shopping Complex at Terminal-1, Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake
for a period of three years. Prospective bidders may bid for one or more shop spaces.
i. Travel accessories, Sportswear & Sports Requisites
ii. Branded Fashion Accessories & Branded apparel
iii. Mother Care & Baby Care Products
iv. Children’s Toys including Game consoles and Outdoor Sports toys
v. Imported Packaged Food & Beverage Products, Fresh & Dried Fruits
Terms and conditions and other details applicable will be issued with the Bidding document. Bidding documents may
be obtained on working days from 9.00 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. up to 01st February 2024 from the office of Commercial &
Properties Division, Room No.36, 2nd Floor, Passenger Terminal Building, Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake
on payment of a non-refundable fee of LKR 200,000 or equivalent USD 620 per set in cash with a request letter on a
letterhead of the Bidder. Bidding Documents could also be purchased from the web site of Airport & Aviation Services
(Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited [AASL] www.airport.lk by the bidder making a non-refundable fee of LKR 200,000 or
equivalent USD 620 per set through online payment. Bidding Documents will be available for inspection, free of charge at
the Office of Head of Commercial & Properties of Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited, Bandaranaike
International Airport, Katunayake.
Bids should be made only on Bidding documents issued by the Company and should accompany a bid bond as specified in
the Bidding document in the form of a Bank Draft or Bank Guarantee issued by a registered commercial bank or licensed
specialized bank operating in Sri Lanka or a Bank Guarantee issued by a foreign bank operating in Sri Lanka and approved
by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka valid for 180 days from the date of opening of bids or in cash.
A Pre Bid Briefing followed by a visit to the location will be conducted at 2.00 p.m on 16th January 2024. Bidders or their
duly authorized representatives may be present at the Pre-Bid Briefing. Sealed bids shall be addressed to the Chairman,
Standing Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee and sent by Registered Post or hand delivered to the Ministry of Ports,
Shipping and Aviation, Level 30, West Tower, World Trade Centre, Colombo 01, Sri Lanka. Bids will be closed at 2.00 p.m.
on 02nd February 2024 and opened and read publicly thereafter at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, Level 30,
West Tower, World Trade Centre, Colombo 01, Sri Lanka. Any bid received after the stipulated time of bid closing will be
rejected unopened. Bidders or their duly authorized representatives may be present at the time of opening of bids.
Further details could be obtained from Commercial & Properties Division at Room No.36, 2nd Floor of the Passenger
Terminal Building, Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, Sri Lanka on Telephone Nos. +9411-2264000,
+9411-2264008 or by E-mail : head.cp@airport.lk.

CHAIRMAN
STANDING CABINET APPOINTED PROCUREMENT COMMITTEE
MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND AVIATION
LEVEL 30 - WEST TOWER, WORLD TRADE CENTRE,
COLOMBO 01, SRI LANKA

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T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 1 , 2 0 2 3 11

COMBANK WINS TRIPLE GOLD AT PAGE

Lanka’s digital commerce market
to reach US$7.6 Bn volume in 2027
The Digital Commerce market in
Sri Lanka is projected to grow by
19.08% (2023-2027) resulting in a
market volume of US$7.60 bn in
2027.
Country Manager for Visa in Sri
Lanka and Maldives Avanthi Colom-
bage, said that with internet users in
the country increasing from 30% in
2018 to 51% they expect a rise in
ecommerce as on the back of higher
awareness and adoption of online
payments.
“Post pandemic we have noted that
debit cards have become one of the
most familiar forms of paying for Sri
Lankans and during the festive sea-
son, visiting ATMs may be difficult
and carrying cash may not always be
safe.”
As a global trusted leader in digital
payments, Visa is focused to ensure
the growth of this digital commerce
CA SRI LANKA TAGS AWARDS 13
‘Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves to
increase to USD 5.4 Bn in 2024’
ecosystem and has shop online to avoid remarkable recovery in tourism with
First, second endorsements led to many positive sentiments to Lankan economy
With the International Monetary Fund
(IMF) completing the first review of the
48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF)
driven by new program and project financ-
ing and Foreign Direct Investment.
Forecasting on the inflation, First Capital
taken several meaning- crowds and enjoy an unprecedented surge in foreign for Sri Lanka on December 12, 2023 about states that it is to increase to 4.8% by end
ful steps in this regard. the convenience of tourist arrivals, a 153% increase last USD 337 million will be disbursed, bring- 2023 due to October 2023 electricity tariff
“One of the key home delivery. month, after a 159.8% jump in Octo- ing the total disbursed to around USD 670 hike and further rise to 6.6% by end 2024
trends we are observ- We believe tap to ber, signaling a robust start to the million to date. following the introduction of VAT measures.
ing this season is the pay is a game peak tourism season and in response The first endorsement and the second The Current Account balance is expected to
shift in consumer changer and defi- to the favorable conditions in the has led to many positive sentiments to the post a deficit 0.8% of GDP, driven by strong
behavior - in terms of nitely here to stay. country. Sri Lanka economy starting with the coun- import growth despite increased tourism
how they pay for retail Once consumers With visas now free of charge for try to record a 1.6% GDP growth rate for earnings and remittances.
purchases - move experience its con- countries like India, China, Russia the first time since the ending of the eco- Commenting on the IMF program per-
towards contactless. venience, especially and others, we expect a further boost nomic crisis. formance the report said that all end-June
Given the conveni- in stores with long to tourism. Today’s savvy traveller The First Capital Research under their indicative targets were met, with the excep-
ence of contactless queues or when looks for experiential travel beyond monthly review “IMF 1st Review for Sri tion of tax revenues which fell short by
payments, Sri Lankans Avanthi Colombage they’ve fumbled for hotspots, seeking connections with Lanka” says that the projected growth is to nearly 8%. All end-June quantitative perfor-
now simply tap their change in cash the local community and culture and rebound from -3.6% in 2023 to 1.8% in mance criteria (QPCs) and continuous
cards to pay while checking out at a before, they understand that this is ‘authentic’ experiences, away from 2024. QPCs were met, except for expenditure
retail store, without the hassles of faster and safer than cash. We con- common tourist attractions. So while This will be supported by monetary con- arrears.
carrying cash, making the shopping tinue to engage with retail partners segments like travel, hospitality and ditions and eased import restrictions, but “As of November 2023, Sri Lanka has
experience even more convenient and and banks on increasing awareness of tourist hotspots are up the curve, we constrained by limited bank credit and fis- met 46 out of 100 IMF commitments and
rewarding. the benefits of contactless payments are now helping smaller merchants, cal consolidation. has failed to meet 12 IMF commitments.”
Another trend that we expect to to create a smooth consumer experi- in and outside urban areas, accept According to this report Sri Lanka’s Most structural benchmarks due by end-
see this season is the rise in ecom- ence in-store.” Visa cards, including foreign issued Gross International Reserves are projected October 2023 were either met or imple-
merce, as more consumers opt to “The country has witnessed a Visa cards.” TO PAGE 12 to reach USD 5.4 billion by end -2024, mented with slight delays.

“Laksala posts Rs. 100 Mn net profit” Services, Agriculture and Industry
activities key to 1.6% growth
Services, Agriculture and Indus-
try activities were the three key
sectors that helped Sri Lankan
Economy to grow by 1.6% in 2023
Q3 after recording six quarterly
consecutive contractions.
The Department of Census and
Statistics, says that this growth
was supported by these three
major economic activities.
The Services activities expand-
ed with the positive performance
from transport, accommodation
and insurance activities.
Agriculture activities recorded a
growth led by fishing activities and
growing of rice.
The increase in Industry activi-
ties was largely driven by manufac-
turing activities.

‘Turnover strikes to near 4 month high on AGST deal’

State Minister Prasanna Ranaweera presenting an award to a local craftsman
ANANDA KANNANGARA
‘Laksala’ which comes under
the Sri Lanka Handicraft Board
has secured a net profit of Rs.
100 million by selling tradition-
al craft items to local and for-
eign customers during the cur-
rent year.
This was disclosed by State
The Minister said that with
tourism picking up traditional
craft items could be sold at a
higher price and this would help
to further boost their annual
revenue.
He said during the current
year world countries that are
engaged in the traditional craft
under the name ‘Laksala Crafts-
men Fund’ with the aim of provid-
ing financial assistance to crafts-
men in their old age.
“This a CSR initiative we are
launching to encourage the
younger generation to get
involved in the industry.”
He also said that they expect
The bourse closed in the red
for the 6th consecutive session
on the back of low investor par-
ticipation ahead of the up-com-
ing holiday season.
The ASPI fell on thin vol-
umes during the day with slight
selling interest observed on
selected banks (SAMP &
SEYB) whilst limited collection
was visible on index heavy-
weights including CTC and
HAYL, which resulted in ASPI
declining marginally by 9 points
to close the day at 10,604.
Furthermore, the turnover
was recorded at LKR 5.1Bn
(494% higher than the month-
ly average of LKR 851.3Mn)
highest recorded in nearly 4
months, mainly contributed
by off-board transactions on
both AGST.N and AGST.X
which saw 269.0Mn shares
traded at LKR 15.00 (totaling
to a stake of 58.3%) and
17.5Mn shares traded at LKR
12 (totaling to 66.7%), respec-
tively.
Furthermore, active inves-
tor participation on AGPL,
SAMP and HNB also backed
the turnover exceptionally
well during the day. Foreign
investors continued as net
sellers recording an outflow of
LKR 21.2Mn.
AGST and AGST.X led the
overall turnover while AGST
contributed LKR 4.1Bn (80%)
and AGST.X contributed LKR
210.0Mn (4%).
Meanwhile, AGST dominat-
ed the market volume with
271.2Mn shares (84%) while
AGST.X was the second larg-
est contributor with 17.5Mn
shares (5%). Overall volume
increased to 323.3Mn. For-
eign investors remained net
sellers recording a net foreign
outflow of LKR 21.2Mn,
recording low participation.
Accordingly, MGT, SAMP
and EXPO were the top three
shares to lead foreign inflow
while TJL, JKH and BIL were
the three counters recording
the largest foreign outflow.
First Capital Research

DFCC to raise Rs. 8 Bn via debentures

Minister Prasanna Ranaweera
at the ‘Lak Craft 2023’ opening
ceremony held at the ‘Ape
Gama’ craft village in Battaram-
ulla last week.
The Minister highly expressed
his gratitude to local craftsmen
for their invaluable contribution
to uplift our traditional craft
industry. He highlighted that this
is a significant achievement for
local craftsmen and craftswomen.
industry have produced items to
the value of over USD 700 bil-
lion and Sri Lanka too should
increase production and look at
more global sales.
Hence Minister Ranaweera
requested the participating crafts-
men and women to produce more
not only for the local market but
for exports as well. Laksala Chair-
man Rushan Marambage said that
they will soon establish a fund
to purchase Rs. 400 million
worth manufactured goods from
craftsmen during next year
which will help to increase their
income.
The objective of conducting
the ‘Lak Craft’ 2003 ceremony
was to felicitate 400 local crafts-
men and women who produced
high quality traditional craft
items to fulfil the requirements
of local and foreign visitors.
DFCC Bank announced its BASEL III
Compliant Convertible Debenture Issue
to raise Rs 8 billion to the Colombo
Stock Exchange yesterday.
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE)
has approved in principle an Applica-
tion for listing the debt securities by the
bank. An issue of eighty million
(80,000,000) BASEL III compliant -
Tier 2, listed, rated, unsecured, subordi-
nated, redeemable debentures with a
non-viability conversion (“debentures”),
at a par value of LKR 100 each to raise
Sri Lankan Rupees eight billion (LKR
8,000,000,000) will be offered.
Maximum issue of debentures will
not exceed eighty million (80,000,000)
of the said debentures, at a value not
exceeding Sri Lankan Rupees eight bil-
lion (LKR 8,000,000,000).
Date of opening of the subscrip-
tion list is January 5, 2024.

Adani Green Energy ranks among Global Top 2 ranking

Adani Green Energy Limited
(AGEL), one of the world’s leading
renewable energy solutions part-
ner, has attained the position of the
second-largest global solar PV
developer, in Mercom Capital
Group’s latest Annual Global
Report among the world’s foremost
solar PV developers.
With an impressive total solar
capacity of 18.1 GW encompassing
operational, under-onstruction,
and awarded (PPA-contracted)
projects, AGEL solidifies its signifi-
cant position in the global solar
energy sector.
With a total capacity of 41.3 GW,
France-based Total Energies
emerged at the top. Gautam Adani,
Chairman, Adani Group, said, “We
are committed to large-scale renew-
ables, developing an indigenous
fully integrated manufacturing eco-
system and green hydrogen solu-
tions.
At the Adani portfolio level, a
total investment of $75 billion (by
2030) on our energy transition ini-
tiatives will further our vision to
have 45 GW renewable energy
capacity by 2030 and strengthen
the pivotal role played by AGEL
in India’s glide path to decarboni-
zation.”
Adani Green Energy is also
investing in a solar plant in the
North of Sri Lanka.
Mercom Capital Group, a repu-
table clean energy communica-
tions and research firm, has
unveiled its report outlining the
top ten leading global large-scale
solar PV developers based on data
compiled from July 2022 to June
2023.
It includes data of projects with
more than 1 MW capacity encompass-
ing operational capacity, projects under
construction and projects with award-
ed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Tourist arrivals set to pass 1.5 Mn mark in 2023
Sri Lanka tourist arrivals up to
December 17 totaled 1,377,701 and are
set to pass the 1.5 million mark for
2023. Last year Sri Lanka attracted less
than half of this amount (719,978).
In 2022 December Sri Lanka had
91,961 arrivals and from December 1 to
17, 2023 the country attracted 100,750.
The arrival of three cruise ship in one
day medicated by Aitken Spence Travels
also boosted Sri Lanka arrivals while
the introduction of new Airline SkyUp,
from Warsaw to Mattala from yesterday
will further boost tourist traffic.
Currently 14% of tourist arrivals
(14,156) in December 2023 to Sri
Lanka consist of Russian arrivals.
Once again India remained the top
source destination for Sri Lanka
accounting to 20,597 arrivals from
December 1 to 17 (21%) while UK was
the third with 10,281 (10%) while Ger-
many (7,459) and China (5,099) were
in fourth and fifth places.

ADB upgrades Developing Asia’s 2023 Growth Outlook to 4.9%

The Asian Development Bank
(ADB) has raised its economic fore-
cast for developing economies in Asia
and the Pacific, after robust domestic
demand drove higher-than-expected
growth in the People’s Republic of
China (PRC) and India.
The regional economy is expected
to grow 4.9% this year, compared
with a previous forecast of 4.7% in
September, according to the Asian
Development Outlook (ADO)
December 2023, released been raised to 6.7% from continues to grow at a robust pace, The region’s inflation outlook
today. The outlook for next 6.3% following faster- despite a challenging global environ- for this year has been lowered to
year is maintained at 4.8%. than-expected expansion ment,” said ADB Chief Economist 3.5% from an earlier projection of
The PRC’s economy is in July-September, driven Albert Park. 3.6%, according to ADO Decem-
projected to expand by by double-digit growth in “Inflation in the region is also grad- ber 2023. For next year, inflation
5.2% this year, compared industry. ually coming under control. Still, is expected to edge up to 3.6%,
with a previous forecast of The upgrades for the risks remain, from elevated global compared with a previous forecast
4.9%, after household con- PRC and India more than interest rates to climate events such of 3.5%.
sumption and public invest- Albert Park offset a lowering of the fore- as El Niño. Governments in Asia and The growth outlook for Southeast
ment boosted growth in the third cast for Southeast Asia, caused by the Pacific need to remain vigilant to Asia this year has been lowered to
quarter. lackluster performance in the manu- ensure that their economies are resil- 4.3% from 4.6%, amid weak demand
The growth outlook for India has facturing sector. “Developing Asia ient, and that growth is sustainable.” for manufacturing exports.
 12 BUSINESS MARKET T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 1 , 2 0 2 3

All Share Price Index closes at … 3 - month Treasury Bill rate declines modestly Daily Market Watch
20th December 2023

Market Performance Contributors to ASPI Market Benchmarks Corporate News

42, Sir Mohammed Macan Markar Mawatha, Colombo 3.
%Chg. 6.0
Hotline: 0705 666 777
20.12.2023 19.12.2023
4.0
ASPI S&P 20 SL CASH DIVIDENDS
WhatsApp: 0777 233 633
All Share Price Index 10,603.6 10,612.2 -0.08 10,800.00 3,130.00
S&P SL 20 Index 3,045.3 3,052.6 -0.24 2.0 10,780.00 3,120.00 Equity Two PLC (ETWO) - LKR 0.50.
10,760.00
Market Commentary Turnover (LKR mn) 5,056.8 566.5 792.65 -
10,740.00
3,110.00
XD date – 29.12.2023.
3,100.00
Foreign Purchases (LKR mn) 61.8 40.5 52.4 (2.0) 10,720.00
The All Share Price Index closes flat at 10,603.56, while the 3,090.00
S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index declined by 0.24% to end the trading Foreign Sales (LKR mn) 83.0 53.0 56.7 (4.0) 10,700.00
3,080.00 Central Finance Company PLC
10,680.00
session at 3,045.28. Turnover improved to LKR 5,056mn with Market Cap (LKR bn) 4,228.3 4,231.7 -0.1 10,660.00 3,070.00 (CFIN) - LKR 2.50. XD date –
trading in Agstar accounting for 80% of the total turnover.
The highlight of the day was Iconic Trust (Private) Limited Market Cap (US$ bn) 12.9 12.9 -0.1 10,640.00 3,060.00
02.01.2024.
10,620.00 3,050.00
selling 201.5mn shares, Amana Bank PLC/Browns Traded Companies 219 230 -4.8
Investments PLC selling 60.4mn shares, Browns 10,600.00 3,040.00
Investments PLC selling 7.4mn shares of Agstar (voting) and Market PER (x) 11.0 11.1 -0.1
Turnover Breakdown
Iconic Trust (Private) Limited selling 17.4 mn shares of Price to Book (x) 0.9 0.9 0.0
Agstar (non-voting) to Brown and Company PLC.
Dividend Yield (%) 3.3 3.3 0.0 Sales
3-Month and 6-Month Rates declined by a further 2 bps and Purchases All Share Price Index S&P SL 20 Index
5bps to 14.57% and 14.24% respectively, while the 12-Month
Rate increased by 5 bps to 12.93% at this week’s Treasury Bill Relative Strength Index (RSI) 99% Largest Trades
auction. Meanwhile, the World Bank has released USD 250 98%
million, which is the second tranche of the USD 500 million 1%
budget support, considering the continued satisfactory ASPI Vs RSI RSI 41.69 2%
progress made by the Sri Lankan government with the LKR (Mn)
reform program. USD 200mn has already been approved as
14,000 100
a concessionary loan by the ADB. 5000.0
12,000 80 Domestic Foreign Domestic Foreign
4000.0
10,000 60
T Bill Auction Summary
8,000 40 Key Rates 3000.0
6,000 20
2000.0
20.12.2023 Disclaimer - The information contained in this material has
4,000 0 not been independently verified. No representation or
Prime Lending Rate ( Weekly Avg. Weighted) 12.46% 1000.0
1-Jun-17

1-Apr-23
1-Nov-17

1-Feb-19
1-Jan-17

1-Sep-18

1-Dec-19

1-Nov-22
1-Oct-15
1-Mar-16
1-Aug-16

1-Jun-22

1-Sep-23
1-Apr-18

1-May-20
1-Oct-20
1-Mar-21
1-Aug-21
1-Jan-22
1-Jul-19

warranty express or implied is made as to, and no reliance

Fixed Deposit Rate (Avg. Weighted) 15.54% should be placed on, the fairness, accuracy, completeness or
0.0 correctness of the information or opinions contained herein
Treasury Bill Rate (364 Days) 12.93% and nothing in this presentation is, or shall be relied upon as,
RSI ASPI AGST SAMP HNB EXPO a promise or representation by the Company.
Consumer Price Inflation - CCPI (YoY % ) 3.40%

Market Statistics on 20.12.2023 Coconut Products – Prices on 20.12.2023

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 01st Dec. to 07th Dec. 2023 (Source-HARTI)
Main Board
Wholesale Retail
A.SPEN.HOT.HOLD. 27,958 60.80 60.80 60.80 60.80 60.80 0.00 SAMPATH 2,926,930 71.00 70.80 71.50 70.50 70.60 (0.40) (a)Large Size Rs/Nut 98.00-110.00 100.00-120.00
ABANS 76 147.25 147.00 151.75 147.00 147.25 0.00 SAMSON INTERNAT. 101 136.50 135.00 139.75 135.00 136.50 0.00 Small Size Rs/Nut 85.00-92.00 90.00-100.00
ACCESS ENG SL 1,961,592 19.20 19.10 19.90 19.10 19.60 0.40 SANASA DEV. BANK 448 32.00 32.00 32.00 31.20 31.30 (0.70)
ACL 12,203 69.00 69.30 69.80 69.20 69.20 0.20 SARVODAYA DEVFIN 3,000 12.30 12.30 12.30 12.30 12.30 0.00 (b)Coconut Development Authority – Colombo Auction 14/12/2023
ACL PLASTICS 40 360.50 358.00 360.00 353.25 360.50 0.00 SEYLAN BANK 656 44.70 44.90 44.90 42.10 43.00 (1.70) (For Industry Use)
ACME 5,829 5.80 5.50 5.80 5.50 5.80 0.00 SEYLAN BANK [SEYB.X0000] 16,205 35.60 36.00 36.00 35.50 35.60 0.00 Average Price67,966.95 T – Offers 564,767 - Nuts Trated 522,478
Next Auction on 21/12/2023 10.00 a.m. at Coconut Development
AGALAWATTE 6,923 33.10 33.50 33.50 33.00 33.00 (0.10) SEYLAN DEVTS 5,800 13.90 14.00 14.00 13.80 13.80 (0.10)
Authority (3rd Floor), No. 11, Duke Street, Col-01.
AHOT PROPERTIES 50,592 58.00 57.90 58.90 57.60 57.60 (0.40) SHAW WALLACE 8,654 8.10 8.10 8.10 7.90 8.00 (0.10)
AITKEN SPENCE 145 120.50 122.00 122.00 120.25 120.50 0.00 SIERRA CABL 61,200 11.70 11.80 12.00 11.80 11.90 0.20 (d)Locally Traded (Farm-gate price)
ALLIANCE 803 78.40 78.30 81.90 78.30 78.60 0.20 SIGIRIYA VILLAGE 100 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 0.00 Rs. 1000 NutsRs/Mt (Husked Ex-Mill)
AMANA BANK 239,206 2.30 2.30 2.30 2.20 2.20 (0.10) SUNSHINE HOLDING 12,639 51.60 51.80 51.90 51.80 51.80 0.20
ASIRI 171 23.10 24.30 24.30 23.00 23.80 0.70 SWISSTEK 1,500 16.00 16.10 16.60 16.10 16.10 0.10 Kurunegala Dist. 62,000-68,000 105,000-110,000
ASIRI SURG 2,436 12.60 12.50 12.70 12.50 12.60 0.00 TALAWAKELLE 3,865 113.00 113.00 113.00 110.50 110.75 (2.25) Puttalam Dist. 65,000-68,000 103,000-108,000
AUTODROME 100 100.00 105.50 105.50 105.50 105.50 5.50 TANGERINE 100 53.80 53.70 53.70 53.70 53.70 (0.10) Gampaha Dist. 63,000-68,000 103,000-107,000
BAIRAHA FARMS 104 186.25 187.00 187.00 185.00 186.25 0.00 TEA SMALLHOLDER 3,350 42.40 42.50 42.50 42.40 42.50 0.10 Hambantota Dist. 65,000-70,000 95,000-100,000
BALANGODA 2,177 49.00 49.00 50.70 49.00 50.10 1.10 TEEJAY LANKA 533,018 35.00 35.00 35.00 34.90 35.00 0.00
Copra (At Colombo Auction)
BLUE DIAMONDS 138,501 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.00 THREE ACRE FARMS 2,113 237.00 234.00 243.00 234.00 239.25 2.25
Quality of Copra Offered (Kg)
BLUE DIAMONDS [BLUE.X0000] 6,002 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.20 0.20 (0.10) TOKYO CEMENT 1,879 46.00 47.00 47.30 45.40 45.40 (0.60) Quality of Copra Sold (Kg)
C M HOLDINGS 38 81.50 78.60 81.00 78.60 81.50 0.00 TOKYO CEMENT [TKYO.X0000] 269,837 34.50 35.00 36.00 34.60 34.80 0.30 M.S. No.1 Copra (Top Price) (Rs.250Kg)
C T HOLDINGS 5 260.25 260.00 260.00 260.00 260.25 0.00 UNION BANK 36,810 9.90 10.00 10.00 9.80 9.80 (0.10) M.S. No 1 Copra (Single Average Price) (Rs.250Kg)
CARGILLS 265 345.00 345.00 345.00 345.00 345.00 0.00 UNION CHEMICALS 260 655.00 653.00 653.00 650.00 650.00 (5.00) M.S. No.1 Copra (Mart Price) (Rs.250kg)
CARSONS 3,008 250.75 250.00 254.00 250.00 250.00 (0.75) VALLIBEL 64,591 7.10 7.10 7.10 7.00 7.00 (0.10) M.S. No.2 and 3 Copra(Single Average Price) (Rs.250kg)
CDB 4,501 200.00 189.00 190.00 189.00 189.00 (11.00) VALLIBEL FINANCE 10 32.30 33.50 33.50 33.40 32.30 0.00 M.S. No.2 and 3 Copra (Market Price) (Rs.250kg)
CDB [CDB.X0000] 20 82.00 81.50 81.50 81.50 82.00 0.00 WATAWALA 16,336 70.80 70.90 71.90 70.70 71.50 0.70
CENTRAL FINANCE 55,563 103.00 104.25 105.00 104.00 104.50 1.50 WINDFORCE 3,032 19.20 19.10 19.20 19.00 19.10 (0.10) 2. COPRA - (Locally Traded) 20.12.2023
daily Copra - Edible (Rs./250 Kg)
CENTRAL IND. 20 88.00 89.60 89.80 89.60 88.00 0.00 hSENID BIZ 3,975 12.00 12.00 12.00 11.80 11.80 (0.20)
M.S. No. 1 Copra (Rs./250 Kg) 90,000
CEYLINCO INS. [CINS.X0000] 5 820.25 830.00 830.00 830.00 820.25 0.00
MS No. 2 Copra (Rs./250 Kg) 85,500
CEYLON GUARDIAN 1,596 86.30 85.50 85.50 85.00 85.00 (1.30) SECOND BOARD
CEYLON INV. 833 47.10 48.30 48.40 46.10 46.30 (0.80) AMBEON CAPITAL 107,815 7.40 7.40 7.60 7.30 7.40 0.00 3. DESICCATED COCONUT
CEYLON TOBACCO 234 946.50 964.75 964.75 960.00 964.75 18.25 BROWNS BEACH 1,501 12.90 12.00 12.70 12.00 12.10 (0.80) Fine Sri Lanka (Domestic) (Rs/Kg) 550-560 N
CHEMANEX 105 66.90 67.00 67.10 67.00 67.00 0.10 DIALOG FINANCE 147 52.50 51.10 51.10 50.10 50.20 (2.30) Medium (Rs/Kg) 550-560
CHEVRON 14,986 91.00 91.40 91.50 91.00 91.50 0.50 DISTILLERIES 30,609 27.90 27.30 27.70 27.20 27.50 (0.40)
CIC 10,492 64.90 65.00 65.00 64.80 64.80 (0.10) EDEN HOTEL LANKA 27,681 10.20 10.10 10.40 10.10 10.10 (0.10) 4. COCONUT OIL
CIC [CIC.X0000] 139,645 45.00 45.90 45.90 43.00 43.90 (1.10) HUNAS HOLDINGS 750 26.10 25.60 26.00 25.60 25.80 (0.30) Local Wholesale Price (Rs/Mt) 560,000-600,000 N
CITRUS LEISURE 668 5.70 5.70 5.70 5.70 5.70 0.00 JAT HOLDINGS 270,118 14.90 15.00 15.40 15.00 15.10 0.20 White Oil 650,000-750,000 N
Philippines (CIF-Rott)
COLD STORES 1,000 41.60 41.40 41.50 41.20 41.40 (0.20) KOTMALE HOLDINGS 6 390.00 390.00 390.00 390.00 390.00 0.00
(Oil World) (08/12/2023) (Rs/Mt) 368,144
COLOMBO CITY 365 48.30 49.00 49.00 46.50 47.00 (1.30) LOLC FINANCE 653,812 4.40 4.50 4.50 4.40 4.40 0.00
COLOMBO LAND 364 18.40 17.90 18.90 17.90 18.30 (0.10) ODEL PLC 49 14.10 14.10 15.20 14.10 14.10 0.00 5. POONAC (Rs/Mt) 85,000 - 100,000 T
COMMERCIAL BANK 118,865 93.90 93.60 94.00 93.40 93.70 (0.20) ON’ALLY 29,017 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 0.00 6. MATTRESS FIBRE (Rs/50kg) 900-1,000 T
COMMERCIAL BANK [COMB.X0000]1,485 78.50 79.00 79.90 79.00 79.20 0.70 SINGER SRI LANKA 89,780 12.10 12.00 12.20 12.00 12.00 (0.10) 7. OMAT FIBRE (FAQ) (Rs. /50 Kg) 2,750-4,000 T
DANKOTUWA PORCEL 14 21.10 20.80 20.90 20.80 21.10 0.00 SLT 20,922 92.80 93.00 94.50 93.00 93.40 0.60 8. MIX FIBRE (Rs. /50 Kg) 900-1050 T
DFCC BANK PLC 57,386 79.10 79.90 79.90 78.50 78.50 (0.60) SOFTLOGIC FIN 4,533 5.60 5.60 5.60 5.60 5.60 0.00 9. BRISTLE FIBRE 1 TIE (Rs. /50 Kg) 6,250-7,000 T
DIALOG 1,155,119 8.80 8.90 8.90 8.80 8.80 0.00 TRANS ASIA 162 39.20 39.30 40.00 39.20 39.40 0.20 10. BRISTLE FIBRE 2 TIE (Rs. /50 Kg) 8,000-10,000 T
DIPPED PRODUCTS 118,100 28.40 28.50 29.10 27.90 28.40 0.00 EMPOWER BOARD 11. COCONUT HUSKS
DOCKYARD 688 52.70 51.00 52.80 51.00 52.80 0.10 ALPHA FIRE 5 34.00 34.00 34.00 34.00 34.00 0.00 (11.12.2023)
DOLPHIN HOTELS 108 33.10 34.40 34.40 33.50 34.30 1.20 CHRISSWORLD 2,212 9.10 8.80 9.00 8.80 8.80 (0.30)
District Rs/per 1,000 husks
DURDANS 134 125.00 127.00 127.00 120.25 120.75 (4.25) EML CONSULTANTS 5,767 3.40 3.40 3.50 3.30 3.40 0.00 Puttalam 4,000-4,500
E B CREASY 71,324 22.70 22.70 22.90 22.70 22.70 0.00 Gampaha 3,500-4,500
EAST WEST 11 7.40 7.20 7.20 7.20 7.40 0.00 DIRI SAVI BOARD Matara 3,500-4,500
EASTERN MERCHANT 24,573 6.90 6.90 6.90 6.80 6.80 (0.10) AGARAPATANA 10,652,079 7.70 7.80 8.00 7.60 7.90 0.20 Kurunegala 3,500-4,500
EX-PACK 140,243 12.50 12.40 12.50 12.30 12.40 (0.10) AGSTAR PLC 271,244,675 8.00 8.10 9.20 8.00 8.90 0.90
EXPOLANKA 339,859 138.75 139.75 141.75 138.00 139.50 0.75 ALUMEX PLC 27,117 8.30 8.30 8.50 8.30 8.30 0.00 Coir Fibre (Moisture is more than 50%) Rs/Kg 7.50
FORT LAND 8,538 30.00 30.20 30.20 30.00 30.00 0.00 AMANA TAKAFUL 2,000 11.20 11.90 12.00 11.90 12.00 0.80 Coir Fibre (Moisture is 40%-50% Rs/Kg 8.00
GALLE FACE CAP 5,200 25.00 24.50 25.20 24.00 25.00 0.00 AMBEON HOLDINGS 2,370 33.70 33.80 34.00 32.00 33.50 (0.20) Coir Fibre (Moisture is 30%-40% Rs/Kg 10.00
GESTETNER 292 102.25 105.00 110.00 105.00 109.50 7.25 AMF CO LTD 886,172 13.00 13.00 14.50 13.00 14.20 1.20 Coir Fibre (Moisture is 20%-30% Rs/Kg 11.00
Coir Fibre (Moisture is 10%-20% Rs/Kg 12.00
GRAIN ELEVATORS 6,527 165.00 164.00 166.00 164.00 164.00 (1.00) ASIA SIYAKA 12,505 4.20 4.20 4.20 4.00 4.10 (0.10)
Coir Fibre (Moisture is less than 10% Rs/Kg 15.00
HAYCARB 16,021 62.50 62.50 64.00 62.40 62.70 0.20 BANSEI RESORTS 115 12.50 12.40 12.40 12.40 12.40 (0.10)
HAYLEYS 30,454 71.80 71.80 73.00 71.80 72.50 0.70 BERUWALA RESORTS XR 2,441 1.20 1.10 1.20 1.10 1.10 (0.10) 12. COCONUT SHELL (Rs./MT)
HAYLEYS FABRIC 554,461 40.30 40.50 41.00 40.20 40.50 0.20 BOGAWANTALAWA 2,284 36.60 38.50 39.30 38.50 39.20 2.60 26,000-28,000 T
HAYLEYS FIBRE 6 51.20 53.00 53.00 51.10 51.20 0.00 BPPL HOLDINGS 491 21.40 19.40 21.40 19.40 21.40 0.00 13. COCONUT SHELL CHARCOAL (Rs/MT)
HAYLEYS LEISURE 503,228 20.30 20.20 20.80 20.10 20.10 (0.20) BROWNS 141,605 99.20 99.00 100.00 98.50 99.60 0.40 (24.11.2023-30.11.2023)
HELA 17,825 5.50 5.60 5.60 5.50 5.50 0.00 BROWNS INVSTMNTS 5,199,056 4.70 4.70 4.80 4.60 4.60 (0.10) Moisture-12%, Dust 3% 100,000 – 103,000 T
HEMAS HOLDINGS 175,073 68.80 69.00 69.00 68.00 68.10 (0.70) C.W.MACKIE 40 86.70 86.50 86.50 86.50 86.70 0.00 14. COCONUT EKELS (Rs/MT) 65,000-75,000 T
HNB 671,942 163.25 164.00 165.00 163.25 163.75 0.50 CALT 209,178 55.90 55.50 56.20 54.90 55.00 (0.90)
T – Traded N – Nominal (Courtesy: Coconut Development Authority)
HNB ASSURANCE 15,100 51.90 52.50 52.50 51.50 51.50 (0.40) CEYLON TEA BRKRS 21,668 4.20 4.20 4.30 4.10 4.20 0.00
HNB [HNB.X0000] 2,201 140.00 139.25 140.00 139.25 140.00 0.00 CITRUS WASKADUWA 10,004 2.40 2.50 2.50 2.40 2.40 0.00
HORANA 3,489 40.50 41.00 41.50 41.00 41.40 0.90 COM.CREDIT 7,023 29.60 29.90 29.90 29.50 29.60 0.00
HOTEL SIGIRIYA 1 53.50 53.70 53.70 53.70 53.50 0.00 COMMERCIAL DEV. XD 10 108.00 110.25 110.25 110.25 108.00 0.00
HOTELS CORP. 1,071 19.00 19.10 19.80 19.00 19.10 0.10 COOP INSURANCE 25,921 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.40 2.40 (0.10)
HUNTERS 2 611.25 616.00 616.00 616.00 611.25 0.00 DILMAH CEYLON 40 990.25 988.25 988.25 988.25 990.25 0.00
INDUSTRIAL ASPH. 501,954 0.30 0.40 0.40 0.30 0.30 0.00 E - CHANNELLING 21,483 14.00 14.10 15.10 14.10 14.80 0.80 Date 20.12.2023
JKH 78,390 189.50 189.00 190.75 187.50 188.50 (1.00) ELPITIYA 20,391 82.60 84.00 84.00 82.10 82.20 (0.40)
KANDY HOTELS 3 8.40 8.40 8.40 8.40 8.40 0.00 EXTERMINATORS 2,501 7.50 7.30 7.50 7.30 7.50 0.00 (1) Average rates of the following currencies quoted by
KAPRUKA 424 7.80 7.80 7.80 7.60 7.80 0.00 DIRI SAVI BOARD licensed banks in Colombo for Telegraphic Transfers
KEGALLE 2 116.75 117.00 117.00 116.50 116.75 0.00 FC TREASURIES 135,143 25.00 25.20 25.70 25.00 25.00 0.00 (TT) at 9.30 a.m. are as follows.
KELANI CABLES 6,277 256.25 256.00 256.00 250.00 250.00 (6.25) FIRST CAPITAL 169,838 28.90 30.00 30.00 28.00 28.20 (0.70)
CURRENCY BUYING RATE SELLING RATE
KELANI TYRES 190 61.10 62.00 62.00 62.00 62.00 0.90 FORTRESS RESORTS 100 18.00 18.00 18.00 18.00 18.00 0.00
KELANI VALLEY 2,531 72.70 72.80 72.80 72.60 72.80 0.10 GALADARI 30,002 16.10 16.00 16.00 15.60 15.70 (0.40) Australian Dollar 216.0198 226.2616
KINGSBURY 486 11.10 11.10 11.20 10.90 11.00 (0.10) HATTON 305 27.30 27.00 27.00 26.50 26.50 (0.80) Canadian Dollar 239.7460 250.2019
KOTAGALA 42,951 6.00 6.10 6.10 6.00 6.00 0.00 HNB FINANCE 17,999 4.90 5.00 5.00 4.90 4.90 0.00 Chinese Yuan (Renminbi) 44.2795 47.0871
L O L C HOLDINGS 11,764 366.00 365.00 369.50 362.50 365.50 (0.50) HNB FINANCE [HNBF-X-0000] 366 4.90 4.90 4.90 4.80 4.90 0.00 Euro 351.6110 365.7011
LANKA ALUMINIUM 68,840 16.10 16.50 16.50 16.00 16.00 (0.10) HVA FOODS 23,700 3.90 3.80 3.80 3.70 3.70 (0.20) Japanese Yen 2.2293 2.3169
Singapore Dollar 240.7583 251.2114
LANKA HOSPITALS 19 124.25 124.75 124.75 124.75 124.25 0.00 JANASHAKTHI INS. 1,512 37.50 38.00 38.00 37.50 37.60 0.10
Sterling Pound 407.9863 423.6025
LANKA IOC 22,458 104.75 105.00 105.00 103.75 104.00 (0.75) JETWING SYMPHONY 12,954 8.70 8.80 8.80 8.70 8.70 0.00 Swiss Franc 371.1056 388.5100
LANKA REALTY 14,838 10.10 10.30 10.40 10.10 10.40 0.30 JOHN KEELLS 40 64.10 65.50 65.50 65.50 64.10 0.00 US Dollar 321.8940 331.7038
LANKA TILES 43,636 42.20 42.30 42.60 42.20 42.50 0.30 KAHAWATTE 670 16.20 16.70 16.70 16.20 16.20 0.00
LANKA VENTURES 25,000 35.00 35.00 35.00 35.00 35.00 0.00 KEELLS HOTELS 8,543 18.70 18.50 18.80 18.50 18.60 (0.10) (2)Approximate exchange rates of GULF Currencies
LANKA WALLTILE 70,750 43.10 43.00 43.30 43.00 43.00 (0.10) LANKEM CEYLON 58,021 61.00 61.00 63.90 60.00 62.50 1.50 based on previous day’s market weighted average rate
LANKEM DEV. 409 18.40 18.90 19.00 18.30 19.00 0.60 LAUGFS POWER 2,077 8.20 8.30 8.30 8.30 8.30 0.10 for the US dollar are as follows.
LAUGFS GAS 5,512 35.80 36.00 36.00 33.20 35.00 (0.80) LAUGFS POWER [LPL-X-0000] 3,000 7.20 6.50 7.50 6.40 7.40 0.20 COUNTRY CURRENCY INDICATIVE RATE
LAUGFS GAS [LGL.X0000] 3,905 22.30 22.10 23.00 22.10 22.60 0.30 LCB FINANCE PLC 592,883 1.80 1.70 1.80 1.70 1.70 (0.10)
LAXAPANA 3,101 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 0.00 LOLC GENERAL INS 81,525 5.60 5.60 5.60 5.40 5.60 0.00 Bahrain Bahrain Dinar 867.2922
LB FINANCE 7,133 62.40 64.70 64.70 62.00 62.60 0.20 LOTUS HYDRO 1,817 8.50 8.50 8.50 8.20 8.30 (0.20) Kuwait Kuwait Dinar 1,062.9405
LEE HEDGES 10,000 72.70 74.50 74.50 74.50 74.50 1.80 LUMINEX 2 6.50 6.80 6.80 6.70 6.50 0.00 Oman Oman Rial 849.2811
LION BREWERY 221 944.00 940.00 940.00 902.50 935.25 (8.75) MAHAWELI COCONUT 461 25.00 25.60 25.90 25.60 25.60 0.60 Qatar Qatar Riyal 89.7282
LMF 13,217 225.25 226.25 226.25 222.25 222.50 (2.75) MAHAWELI REACH 99 12.50 12.40 12.40 12.40 12.50 0.00 Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian Riyal 87.1616
UAE UAE Dirham 89.0221
LVL ENERGY 307,848 5.60 5.70 5.70 5.60 5.60 0.00 MARAWILA RESORTS 367,370 2.50 2.50 2.60 2.40 2.50 0.00
MELSTACORP 79,729 84.80 85.00 85.10 84.00 84.30 (0.50) MASKELIYA 39,252 33.50 34.80 35.00 33.30 33.50 0.00 (3) The Average Weighted Prime Lending Rate (AWPR)
MERC. SHIPPING 40 161.25 169.75 169.75 165.75 161.25 0.00 MERCHANT BANK 156,890 4.50 4.60 4.60 4.40 4.40 (0.10) and the Lowest Prime Rate (LPR) during the week
MULLERS 16 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.00 MYLAND 10 9.20 8.30 8.30 8.30 9.20 0.00 ended 15-Dec-2023, by all commercial banks were
NAMUNUKULA 281 371.00 360.00 390.00 360.00 380.50 9.50 OVERSEAS REALTY 51,562 15.70 15.40 15.40 15.00 15.10 (0.60) 12.46 percent and 10.04 percent, respectively.
NAT. DEV. BANK 74,195 64.80 65.50 67.00 63.60 64.00 (0.80) PALM GARDEN HOTL 1 39.10 38.50 38.50 38.50 39.10 0.00 (4) The Average Weighted Deposit Rate (AWDR) of com-
mercial banks for the month of November-2023 was
NATIONS TRUST 26,607 102.00 105.25 105.25 103.75 103.75 1.75 PEGASUS HOTELS 172 22.60 21.90 21.90 21.80 21.80 (0.80)
12.11 percent.
PAN ASIA 235,539 19.20 19.10 19.40 19.00 19.00 (0.20) PRIMERESIDENCIES 68,982 6.50 6.50 6.60 6.40 6.50 0.00
PANASIAN POWER 1 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 0.00 RAIGAM SALTERNS 74,215 6.30 6.20 6.20 6.10 6.10 (0.20)

Lanka’s digital commerce...

PEOPLE’S INS 6,410 22.30 22.50 22.50 22.40 22.50 0.20 RICH PIERIS EXP 9 493.25 493.25 498.00 487.00 493.25 0.00
PEOPLES LEASING 277,287 10.60 10.50 10.60 10.50 10.50 (0.10) SERENDIB HOTELS 3,485 12.30 12.40 12.70 12.40 12.70 0.40 From Page 11
PGP GLASS 3,762 26.90 27.00 27.50 26.90 27.50 0.60 SERENDIB HOTELS [SHOT.X0000] 5 9.00 9.30 9.30 9.30 9.00 0.00
PRINTCARE PLC 5,991 48.00 47.70 48.50 45.00 47.00 (1.00) SERENDIB LAND 2 1,300.00 1,196.00 1,196.00 1,196.00 1,300.00 0.00 “The market is growing and we are creating
R I L PROPERTY 230,028 5.00 5.00 5.10 5.00 5.00 0.00 SINGHE HOSPITALS 648 2.30 2.20 2.30 2.20 2.20 (0.10) opportunities for merchants to ride the tour-
RADIANT GEMS 7,398 75.90 75.50 80.00 75.50 78.30 2.40 SOFTLOGIC CAP 305,228 6.50 6.50 6.60 6.30 6.50 0.00 ism wave, accept cashless payments and grow
RENUKA AGRI 89,678 3.90 4.00 4.00 3.80 3.90 0.00 Softlogic Life 43,335 57.00 57.40 57.40 55.60 55.90 (1.10)
their businesses. Visa has been deeply commit-
RENUKA FOODS 42,193 17.00 17.00 17.00 17.00 17.00 0.00 TAL LANKA 20 19.20 19.90 19.90 19.90 19.20 0.00
RENUKA FOODS [COCO.X0000] 738 13.50 14.20 14.20 13.60 14.00 0.50 TESS AGRO 30,027 1.00 1.10 1.10 1.00 1.10 0.10 ted to Sri Lanka’s payments ecosystem and its
RENUKA HOLDINGS [RHL.X0000] 1,000 10.40 10.80 10.80 10.80 10.80 0.40 TESS AGRO [TESS.X0000] 6,147 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.00 growth for over 35 years and to add to the
RESUS ENERGY XD 2,760 14.80 14.70 14.90 14.60 14.90 0.10 UB FINANCE 164,588 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.60 0.60 (0.10) season’s festivities, Visa is also running a “Bill
RICHARD PIERIS 67,181 20.40 20.00 20.60 20.00 20.50 0.10 UNION ASSURANCE 100 37.50 38.00 38.00 38.00 38.00 0.50 Wipe Out” campaign at the Colombo City Cen-
ROYAL CERAMIC 43,781 26.20 26.20 26.90 26.10 26.50 0.30 VALLIBEL ONE 32,638 38.20 38.50 38.50 37.70 38.00 (0.20) tre (CCC) where we will choose 33 customers
S M B LEASING 446,102 0.60 0.50 0.70 0.50 0.60 0.00 VIDULLANKA 4,090 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 0.00
to have their bills fully reimbursed, if they
S M B LEASING [SEMB.X0000] 8,258 0.20 0.20 0.30 0.20 0.30 0.10 VIDULLANKA [VLL-X-0000] 3,200 5.00 4.90 5.00 4.90 4.90 (0.10)
make purchases using Visa debit cards.”
T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 1 , 2 0 2 3 BUSINESS 13
NEWS
DFCC Bank partners John Keells Properties,
ComBank wins triple Gold at offers Home Financing for Viman Ja-Ela
DFCC Bank has entered a strategic col- with our signature customer service,

CA Sri Lanka TAGS Awards 2023

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon
won three Golds and a Bronze at CA
Sri Lanka’s ‘TAGS’ Awards 2023 for
the Bank’s 2022 Annual Report,
excelling in key aspects recognised
by the awards programme which is
dedicated to Transparency, Account-
ability, Governance, and Sustaina-
bility – TAGS.
The Bank was adjudged the best
across all sectors for ‘Corporate
Governance Disclosure’ and for Dig-
itally Transformative Reporting’
taking two Golds in the main cate-
gory awards, and won the Gold for
the best annual report in the Bank-
ing sector, in addition to taking the
Bronze for ‘Overall Excellence in
Corporate Reporting.”
“We are absolutely delighted to
win these prestigious awards, which
are a fitting reward for the tremen-
dous effort made by our Annual
Report team to meet the highest
local and global standards in finan-
cial reporting,” Commercial Bank
Managing Director/CEO Sanath
Manatunge commented. “The
TAGS awards are particularly
important because of their focus on
four of the most important pillars of
disclosure. Transparency, Accounta-
bility, Governance, andSustainabili-
The Commercial Bank team led by Chairman Prof. Ananda Jayawardane and Managing Director/CEO Sanath
Manatunge at the TAGS Awards.
ty are embedded in the core values
of the Bank and Commercial Bank
places extra emphasis on these
areaswhen producing its Annual
Report.”
CA Sri Lanka’s Annual Report
Awards Competition, which com-
mands a prestigious legacy ofmore
than 57 years, was reconceptualised
and rebranded as TAGS Awards in
2022.
The 2023 edition saw leading
diversified conglomerates, sector-
leading corporates, multinationals,
SMEs and non-profit organizations
being recognised for their commit-
ment to producing outstanding
annual corporate reportsthat go
beyond meeting regulatory require-
ments and also contribute to the
broader goals of fostering trust,
ethical conduct and environmental
stewardship at the 2023 TAGS
awards.
Titled ‘In Context, Weathering a
perfect storm’ the Commercial
Bank’s 2022 annual report is the
Bank’s 54thannual report and pre-
sents comprehensive information on
all aspects of performance and gov-
ernance in the backdrop of a series
of events of great adversity, which
the Bank said had combined to
unleash a perfect storm in Sri
Lanka.
The report elaborates on how the
Bank had kept faith in its proven
prudence of strategy and adherence
to a progressive drive towards
enhancements in technology, cus-
tomer-centric decision making and
operational efficiencies to take the
Bank forward during a challenging
year.
Commercial Bank’s annual
reports have consistently been rec-
ognised with local and regional
awards for many years.
The Bank has been awarded the
Cyril Gardiner Memorial Trophy
presented by CA Sri Lanka for
Overall Excellence in Financial
Reporting 10 times and has also
won the Edmund J. Cooray Memo-
rial Trophy for the Best Annual
Report among Banking Institutions
presented by CA Sri Lanka on 17
occasions.
Commercial Bank’s Annual
Report for 2022 also won five
awards at the 2023 MerComm ARC
Awards, the world’s largest annual
report competition.
laboration with John Keells Properties, mark-
ing a pivotal partnership in the real estate
landscape of Sri Lanka. This alliance is
poised to redefine the home financing experi-
ence for potential buyers of units at VimanJa-
Ela.
The partnership leverages the strengths of
both entities, merging John Keells Proper-
ties’ market leadership and expertise in craft-
ing iconic living spaces with the industry-
leading innovative financial solutions of
DFCC Bank.
Homebuyers will enjoy exclusive benefits,
including competitive interest rates starting
from 13.5% p.a., flexible down payment
requirements and an exceptional customer
experience. The overarching goal of the part-
nership is to create a seamless and rewarding
homebuying experience that addresses the
evolving needs of Sri Lankans.
DFCC Bank Senior Vice President and
Head of Retail Banking and SME Aasiri
Iddamalgoda, said; “We understand the sig-
nificance of homeownership and the finan-
cial commitment it entails. This collabora-
tion with John Keells Properties enables us
to provide homebuyers with flexible financial
solutions, including attractive pricing and
flexible repayment methods for home loans
that align with their unique requirements. It
demonstrates our commitment to supporting
individuals in their dream of owning a home
whilst revolutionising the entire process
renowned for its reliability, efficiency, and
seamlessness.”
Under this partnership with John Keells
Properties, DFCC Bank introduces two
exclusive loan disbursement options for
homebuyers at Viman Ja-Ela. The first option
allows for a maximum loan amount of 75% of
the purchase consideration, with the bor-
rower initiating an upfront 25% contribu-
tion. The second option involves a struc-
tured payment plan, including a 10% down
payment, 70% bank funding, and a 30% cus-
tomer contribution at each tranche.
John Keells Properties and Vice President
of John Keells Group, Head of Sales & Mar-
keting Nadeem Shums, stated; “We are
pleased to partner with DFCC Bank and
redefine the homebuying experience for our
discerning customers.
This collaboration allows potential Viman
homeowners to access flexible mortgage
packages that set a new benchmark in Sri
Lanka’s real estate space. The simplified
financial options also enrich the overall jour-
ney of acquiring a home within this new
development.”
Set to transform modern living in the
heart of Ja-Ela, Viman is designed to provide
a secure, family-friendly environment, while
retaining the charm of a small-town setting.
Residents will have easy access to an array of
conveniences including supermarkets, banks,
restaurants and hospitals.

Ann Silva Legal Officer DFCC Bank, Thusitha Subramaniam Executive Retail Asset Products

People’s Bank holds

DFCC Bank, Asanka Patabadige Assistant Vice President Leasing and Retail Assets Products
DFCC Bank, Samathri Kariyawasam Vice President General Legal DFCC Bank, Aasiri Iddamalgoda
Senior Vice President Head of Retail Banking & SME DFCC Bank, Nadeem Shums Head of Sales
& Marketing John Keells Properties & Vice President John Keells Group, Roshanara Hatch (Man-

annual Christmas Carols ager Sales John Keells Properties, Shafeeka Gunasekara Head of Sales & Marketing John Keells
Properties, Kanishka Herat Manager Legal John Keells Properties.

The Christian Guild of the People’s Bank

recently held its annual Christmas Carols at
the People’s Bank Head Quarters Branch,
Colombo 02.
The staff representing branches located in
Colombo, Puttalam, Kalutara and Wanni
regions sang the carols.
The Christmas Carols was held under the
patronage of Fr. Jude Freely Muthukudarach-
chi, Chancellor and Episcopal Vicar (Special
Projects), Archbishop’s House, Colombo-8.
At this event, Christian Guild of the Peo-
ple’s Bank donated school stationeries to the
Kalaoya and Thanthirimalee Sunday Schools.
People’s Bank Chief Executive Officer/Gen-
eral Manager Clive Fonseka as well as Corpo-
rate and Executive Management, the bank
staff and their families as well as retired
employees of People’s Bank graced the occa-
sion.
At the end of the Christmas Carols, gifts
were distributed among children by the Santa
People’s Bank staff presenting the Christmas Carols
Clause.
BOC hosts ‘Spirit Awards 2022’ recognising
highest performing branches
The Bank of Ceylon ‘Spirit events in our annual calen-
Awards 2022’ the annual cer- dar. We have ensured to con-
emony, recognizing highest tinuously conduct this event
performing branches and even during challenging
departments for their value times such as Covid pan-
added contribution towards demic, taking on novel
the bank, took place recently approaches such as an event
at Shangri-La Colombo with on digital mode.
the participation of the bank’s Recognizing achievements
Chairman Ronald C. Perera, of our members and main-
the General Manager/CEO taining staff motivation is of
Russel Fonseka and bank staff utmost importance to us. I
members. DGM Branch Operations wish to thank my organizing
The event recognized the Priyal Silva team including the judging
island’s ‘Best BOC Branches’ panel who assisted to cate-
who were the best performers, ‘5 S Awards’ gorically select winners whilst congratulat-
and ‘Sashreeka Gewaththa’ (Best resident ing all the winners at the ceremony” stated
garden) for the year 2022. The event was DGM Branch Operations Priyal Silva.
organized by the Branch Operation Depart- This event is a part of motivating staff

Seylan Cards paves way for heartfelt memories this holiday season
Seylan Cards launched their sea-
sonal campaign for its valued cus-
tomers, teaming up with a wide
array of renowned merchants
throughout the nation. Seylan Cards
provides exceptional deals, estab-
lishing itself as the ideal choice for
Christmas and New Year shopping.
With a commitment to enriching
the seasonal experience, Seylan
Cards has forged partnerships with
over 300 leading merchants across
categories such as clothing, shoes,
accessories, online deals, and opti-
cal solutions.
“This festive season, Seylan
Cards is excited to bring our cus-
tomers exclusive deals through our
extensive collaborations with a
diverse range of merchants. As the
Ruchith Liyanage
‘Bank with a Heart,’ Seylan takes
pride in creating meaningful experi-
ences. Our theme of ‘Heartfelt
Memories’ underscores our commit-
ment to providing valuable moments
for our esteemed customers,” stated
Ruchith Liyanage, Head of Cards at
Seylan Bank PLC.
Adding to the festive cheer, Sey-
lan Cards has partnered with Halo
Flights to offer one lucky Seylan
Cardholder the chance to win two
return air tickets to Singapore. Sey-
lan Cardholders need to carry out a
minimum transaction using their
Seylan Credit Card to enter the
draw. To simplify holiday shopping,
Seylan Cards extends Easy Payment
Plan options for travel, school fee
payments, and insurance categories
as well.
Commencing from December 1,
dedicated team of representatives
from Seylan Cards will be onsite at
the Havelock City Mall. In light of
the festive cheer, several offers and
ment headed by the DGM Branch Opera- members to strive to provide an excellent
tions Priyal Silva. A total of forty six awards customer service at branch and province
have been distributed among category win- level and recognize the hardship they may
ners including winners of the grand finale. had to face in the process. The bank consid-
giveaways will be available through- ‘BOC Madurankuliya’ branch became the ers that dedication and commitment of the
out the month. If any interested winner of the ‘Best Branch Award’ among staff has been an important aspect of the
visitors would like to apply for Sey- 653 branches of the bank bank’s success for over 84 year and wishes to
lan Card, they may simply approach “This event is one the most important appreciate all members of staff therein.
any one of the team members.
This season’s theme, ‘Heartfelt
Memories’ aligns perfectly with Sey-
lan’s identity as the Bank with a
Heart. The bank acknowledges the
importance of creating cherished
memories in the hearts of its cus-
tomers through the Seylan Card
offers this season.
As Sri Lankans prepare to cele-
brate this season with loved ones,
Seylan Cards stands as the ultimate
partner to elevate the holidays, mak-
ing them more joyous, heartfelt, and
memorable. These exclusive offers
are not to be missed.

Lysol claims Gold at SLIM Effie Awards
Reckitt Beckiser brands team with their communication partners at SLIM Effie Awards 2023.
Lysol, a disinfectant brands from
Reckitt Benckiser, clinched a Gold
Award at the SLIM Effie Awards 2023.
The accolade, one of the only five
Gold Awards presented on the night,
marks a momentous occasion for
Lysol as it attests to their unmatched
dominance in the cleaning and disin-
fectant category.
Lysol Sri Lanka’s award-winning
campaign, ‘More than a Floor’ stood
out in the ‘Home supplies & Services’
category, captivating audiences with
its compelling narrative that focussed
on the value Lysol brings to families
by fostering clean and safe homes.
‘More than a Floor’ transcended
mere product promotion and connect-
ed with audiences on an emotional
level, delivering exceptional results
despite being launched amidst Sri
Lanka’s challenging economic climate.
“Lysol’s dominance in the market
extends far beyond the quality of its
products,” remarked Shaminda Perera,
Head Marketing at Reckitt Benckiser
Lanka Ltd.
“The brand’s ability to connect with
consumers on a deeper level has con-
sistently been the driving force behind
its marketing communications, and
this prestigious award reinforces that
commitment.”
The Effie Awards are globally recog-
nized as one of the most esteemed
accolades in the marketing industry,
celebrating campaigns that deliver
measurable results and achieve specif-
ic marketing objectives. The prestig-
ious award show is reputed for their
emphasis on campaign effectiveness
as winning campaigns are judged
based on proven measurable results.
“As we celebrate this momentous
occasion, we extend our heartfelt grat-
itude to our marketing communica-
tions partners and our loyal consum-
ers across the country,” stated
Thushini Ranasinghe, Brand Manager
– Hygiene at Reckitt Benckiser Lanka
Ltd.
“Their unwavering support has
been instrumental in our success, par-
ticularly during challenging times.”
The award-winning ‘More than a
Floor’ campaign was brought to life by
renowned marketing communications
agencies Phoenix Ogilvy (Pvt) Ltd,
Geometry Global (Pvt) Ltd, and Dent-
su Grant Group.
Singer shines at TAGS Awards 2023
Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC
announced its recent tri-
umph at the TAGS Awards
2023, organized by the Insti-
tute of Chartered Account-
ants of Sri Lanka. The
esteemed company secured
the Gold Award in the Trad-
ing sector, marking a signifi-
cant recognition of its unwa-
vering commitment to excel-
lence and adherence to cor-
porate best practices and
reporting.
Notably, Regnis (Lanka)
PLC and Singer Industries
(Ceylon) PLC, also stood
out at the TAGS Awards
2023. Regnis (Lanka) PLC
Mahesh Wijewardene, Group CEO of Singer Sri Lanka PLC and the team at Singer accepting
the Gold Award at TAGS Awards 2023.
clinched the Gold Award in
the Manufacturing sector
(Turnover up to LKR 10
Bn), while Singer Industries
(Ceylon) PLC earned the
Bronze Award in the same
category. These accolades
reflect the exceptional per-
formance and dedication of
the Singer Group in the Sri
Lankan business landscape.
The TAGS Awards serve
as a benchmark for excel-
lence in corporate reporting,
with a rigorous evaluation
process conducted by the
Institute of Chartered
Accountants of Sri Lanka.
Singer Group’stwo Gold
Awards and Bronze Award
underscores the Group’s
commitment to transparent
and responsible business
practices.
Singer Group of Compa-
nies CEO Mahesh Wijew-
ardene stated; “We are hon-
ored to receive these Awards
at the TAGS Awards 2023.
This achievement is a testa-
ment to our relentless pur-
suit of excellence, adherence
to corporate governance,
and dedication to fostering
positive relationships with
our stakeholders.”
Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC
Finance Director Shalinka
Seresinhe said; “These pres-
tigious Awards at the TAGS
Awards is a validation of our
commitment to maintaining
the highest standards in cor-
porate best practices and
financial reporting. It show-
cases our dedication to
transparency and responsi-
ble financial management
practices.”
Singer’s achievement of
such prestigious awards
enhances its corporate
image and reinforce its con-
tinued commitment to
responsible corporate
reporting.
The primary audience for
this achievement is Singer’s
valued customers, while
other key stakeholders
include bankers, regulators,
suppliers, employees, and
potential employees.
Through such recognition,
Singer aims to assure its
stakeholders of its steadfast
commitment to delivering
quality products and servic-
es while upholding the high-
est standards of corporate
responsibility.
 14 BUSINESS T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 1 , 2 0 2 3

NEWS

Orzone Group becomes country’s

Bairaha Farms joins 70th
SL-Germany friendship celebration
Sri Lanka’s leading poultry pro-
ducer Bairaha Farms PLC partici-
pated to celebrate 70 years of
friendship between Sri Lanka and
Germany, as official Food and
Beverage Partner at the event held
at Galle Face Green on December
2, 2023.
Bairaha showcased its commit-
ment to fostering international rela-
tions through the celebration of
cultural diversity and culinary
excellence. The company’s stall at
Galle Face Green provided partici-
pants with the opportunity to
savour delicious and nutritious
chicken snacks, along with an array
of other delicacies.
The festivities were marked by a
fun-filled programme featuring
children’s activities and captivating
shows. Visitors had the chance to
explore various stalls that show-
cased German brands in Colombo,
with the food corner offering a
delectable fusion of German and
Sri Lankan delicacies.
Bairaha extends its gratitude to
the organizers and participants of
the event, including the German
partner organizations such as Goe-
Visitors at the company’s stall at Galle Face Green which pro-
vided participants with the opportunity to savour delicious and
nutritious chicken snacks, along with an array of other delica-
cies.
the-Institute Sri Lanka, GIZ Sri
Lanka, DAAD Sri Lanka, Delega-
tion of German Industry and Com-
merce in Sri Lanka - AHK Sri
Lanka, and FNF Sri Lanka.
The event’s agenda was packed
with engaging activities, including
presentations by prominent organi-
zations such as Acorn, Aitken
Spence, Deutsche Bank, and cul-
tural displays by German Partner
Schools. The festivities also includ-
ed a magic tent for children, a chil-
dren’s entertainment area, and vari-
ous family entertainment events,
showcasing the rich cultural
exchange between Germany and
Sri Lanka.
Bairaha is proud to have been a
part of this momentous celebration,
contributing to the cultural vibran-
cy and friendship between the two
nations. The company remains
dedicated to promoting goodwill
through its culinary expertise and
looks forward to continued collab-
oration on future occasions as well.
Bairaha Farms PLC is the pio-
neer in poultry production, with a
rich history of nearly 50 years in
Sri Lanka and is well known
among households for its quality
chicken and processed chicken
products. Bairaha Farms PLC is a
quotedcompany in the Colombo
Stock Exchange, and it has nearly
4000 shareholders.
The company’s operations are
vertically integrated, starting at
commercial broiler farms, where
the chicken is bred,processed in its
processing factory and part of the
processed chicken is further pro-
cessed into value-added, pre-
cooked chicken products. The
company has a steady growth tra-
jectory, and has been the recipient
of many local and international
accolades.
first PET bottle exporter
Ackzorne Lanka Private Limited, a subsidi-
ary of Orzone Mineral Water Exports Private
Limited, established with the Board of Invest-
ment (BOI) approval, recently commenced the
export of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
plastic bottles, and 40-Feet-High Cube con-
tainers of bottle caps to the United States of
America, becoming the first ever Sri Lankan
company export such products.
This project was launched under the instruc-
tions and guidance of the Chairman/Managing
Director of Orzone Mineral Water Exports Pri-
vate Limited established in 1994 and Ackzorne
Lanka Private Limited established in 2011, Dr.
Upul B. Senarath, and Directors Aruna S. Sen-
arath and Neal N. Senarath. Bank of Ceylon
(BOC) Chairman Ronald C. Perera, General
Manager Russel Fonseka, Deputy General
Manager M.R.N. Rohana Kumara, Assistant
General Manager N. Krishnakumar, BRRU
Relationship Manager J.M.K.H. Bodhiratne,
Chairman/Managing Director of Orzone
Mineral Water Exports Private Limited
Dr. Upul B. Senarath with the team
Eranda D. Rajapakshe and BOC staff also
played a significant role in implementing the
project.
Orzone Mineral Water Exports Private Lim-
ited has been exporting drinking water bottles
for over 30 years. As an extension, Ackzorne
Lanka Private Limited was established in 2011
to save foreign exchange spent on imports of
PET bottles by manufacturing them in Sri
Lanka itself. The bottles and bottle caps are
manufactured using Japanese technology and
modern machinery. As a result of the commit-
ment of the company’s management and staff,
the project has achieved continuous success.
Dr. Upul B. Senarath said that their aim was to
contribute to empower the country’s economy
by expanding this project, exporting more
products, and earning foreign exchange.

Beauty Gems claims Gold at NCE Awards 2023

Chief Executive Officer of Beauty Gems Ahzar Zawahir with the award
Beauty Gems, one of the
largest gemstone dealers in
Sri Lanka, claimed the Gold
Award in the Medium Cate-
gory (Gem and Jewellery
Sector) at National Chamber
of Exporters (NCE) Export
Awards 2023. The award
ceremony organised by the
NCE of Sri Lanka for the
31st consecutive year was
held at the Shangri-La Hotel
in Colombo. The Chief
Executive Officer of Beauty
Gems Ahzar Zawahir
received the award at the
gala event.
Established in 2003 as a
partnership company, Beauty
Gems showroom is located
in Colombo 04, and the Buy-
ing Office at Beruwala. They
are the largest Sri Lankan
cats eye and star sapphire
supplier to the international
market for the last 15 years
with fantastic collections. In
addition, they supply all
kinds of gems including
rubies, alexandrite, padmard-
hacha, tsavorite and spinel.
They issue a certificate for
each and every gem that they
sell so as to safeguard the
customers’ faith in them. All
their gems are certified to
fall within the relevant local
and international standards.
Throughout the past, Beauty
Gems has been exporting
gemstones to major markets
in the world including the
United States, Hong Kong,
China, Bangkok, the United
Kingdom, India, Singapore,
France and Germany. They
are one of the first Sri Lan-
kan gem traders to enter
China market. Beauty Gems
is also one of the largest
exhibitors from Sri Lanka to
exhibit their gems and relat-
ed products in international
exhibitions.

Browns Hotels & Resorts introduces Wine Menu

Browns Hotels & Resorts
recently unveiled a splendid
addition to its offerings – a
meticulously curated wine
menu, marking its debut with
a captivating wine-tasting
event at its famous coastal
retreat, Club Hotel Dolphin,
Waikkal Negombo.
The primary aim of the
launch was not merely to
introduce wine but foster a
culture where wine
becomessynonymouswithan
elevated guest experience, an
indispensable facet of a
refined lifestyle.Atthe heart
of the launch event was an
enchanting fusion of wines
and gastronomy, curated
through a delightful cheese
pairing session with fruits,
caviar, and crackers that art-
fully complemented the
diverse range of wines show-
cased.
Enthusiastic wine aficiona-
dos, sommeliers, and wine
enthusiastscongregated for an Vignettes of the event
extraordinary evening of
exploration.Fourteen distinct The staff equipped with CEO of Browns Hotels &
types of red, white, and rosé profound knowledge of wines Resorts said Browns Hotels
wines tookguests on a senso- and their unique food pairings & Resorts who introduced
ry expedition encouraging are geared to upsellFood and this concept states “It does
themnot only to savour the beverage promotions and not transcend mere words;
taste but also toappreciate the events aligning seamlessly it’s a tangible experience
wine’s essence - structure, with the new wine menu, to we’ve brought to life through
aroma, and hues - creating a elevate the quest experience. our new wine menu. Beyond
multi-dimensionalexperience. This refined wine menu is the selection of exquisite
“Live, Love, Wine” not limited to one location; it wines, this launch mirrors our
embodies the poetry of life, is a signature feature across unwavering dedication to ser-
portraying the very essence of all Browns Hotels & Resorts: vice excellence, offeringa
wine that’s paired with din- Thaala Bentota Resort, Dick- finely crafted experience cou-
ing, dancing, romance, cele- wella Resort, Club Hotel Dol- pled with flavours and per-
brations, refined living, and phin, Hotel Sigiriya and Calm sonalized service”.
life’s most cherished Resort, Pasikudah. Chefs and He further added, “We
moments. Wine extends its Staff are inspired to craft new invite our guests not justto
versatile companionship to pairings and culinary crea- enjoy fine wines but to
the realm of life and love. tions that harmonize flawless- immerse themselves in a life-
Browns Hotels offers a ly with wine. style that celebrates life’s
selection of champagnes, red The concept was designed moments,a testament to our
wines, white wines and Roses to elevate the guest experi- commitment to providing an
meticulously curated from ence and to ensure that the immersive journey, where
vineyards spanning the globe: joy of ‘Live, Love, Wine” every glass raised is a toast to
Chile, South Africa, Italy, and becomes a hallmark experi- the art of living, loving, and
France, ensuring a diverse ence across Browns Hotels & appreciating life’s finer
and exquisite range. Resorts. Eksath Wijeratne, nuances.”
T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 1 , 2 0 2 3
SPORTS page 15 DN

AHF grants USD 10,000 to Sri Lanka women’s hockey team

SAJEEWA JAYAKODY
In a historic move, the Asian
Hockey Federation (AHF) has
awarded a financial grant of USD
10,000 to the Sri Lanka Women’s
Hockey Team. The funds were
disbursed equally among the play-
ers in a special event organized at
the Hockey Federation Headquar-
ters in Colombo 7 on Tuesday.
State Minister of Sports Rohana
Dissanayake graced the occasion.
This grant, marking the first
financial assistance from AHF to
Sri Lanka, was a gesture of honour
and appreciation for the Sri Lanka
Women’s Hockey Team’s remarka-
ble participation in the 2022 June
Jakarta Asian Games Qualifying
Round. Despite facing significant
financial challenges in the country,
the team secured qualification for
the 2023 Asian Games.
The initiative took shape during
the Asian Hockey Federation Con-
gress held in Seoul, South Korea,
in March of this year. Sri Lanka
Hockey Federation President P.
Vishwanathan engaged in cordial
discussions with the AHF Presi-
dent, highlighting the financial dif-
ficulties faced by Sri Lanka despite
both the men’s and women’s teams
qualifying for the Asian Games.
AHF recognized and appreciated
their dedication during the Asian
Games Qualifier Tournament in
Indonesia in 2022.
During the AHF Congress, the
Sri Lanka Women’s Hockey Team
was acknowledged for their out-
standing participation in the
Qualifier Tournament held in
Indonesia in 2022. The AHF
President praised their commit-
ment during the qualifying round
and announced the award of USD
10,000, along with two trophies,
for the team.
The funds were transferred to
the Sri Lanka Hockey Federation
account last month, totaling
approximately Rs 3.2 million (Rs
3,269,900/-. In a commendable
move, Sri Lanka Hockey Federa-
tion dedicated Rs 184,000 to
each member of the 18-member
women’s hockey team. Federation
President P. Vishwanathan
ensured the swift disbursement
of funds before the festive season.
Hockey President P. Vishwana-
than reflected on the challenges
faced by Sri Lanka during the
Qualifying Round in Indonesia,
citing economic crises in the con-
try and a lack of funds in the
Hockey Federation.
Despite these challenges, the
team managed to participate with
the support of individual player
contributions and the National
Olympic Committee’s fund con-
tribution to the Asian Hockey
Federation.
Unfortunately, even though the
Sri Lanka men’s and women’s
hockey teams qualified, they
couldn’t go to the Asian Games
in China in 2023. This decision
was made together by the
National Sports Council, Nation-
al Selection Committee, NOC,
and the Sports Ministry because
of the financial problems the
country has been facing recently.
Sri Lanka women’s hockey
team: 1 GGP Nilmni (captain),
2 SS Jones (vice captain), 3
MJAP Upeksha, 4 Shanika Prab-
hashini, 5 PK de Silva, 6 T
Kirushanthini, 7 SC Kumari, 8
NK Wijeratne, 9 Ishara Fernan-
do, 10 IM Ratnayake, 11 NS
Warigadehetti, 12 Neeliya
Kaushini, 13 AK Atipola, 14
Dewdu Samudra, 15 Dilhara
Perera, 16 NS Silva, 17 Tha- Sri Lanka women’s hockey captain GP Nilmini (extreme left) receiving the cheque from State
mashi Gurudeniya, 18 KV Kalu- Minister of Sports Rohana Dissanayake (centre). Sri Lanka Hockey Federation President P.
arachchi. Viswanathan is at the extreme right. Picture by Herbert Perera

Under 13 Division 1 Inter Schools Cricket

Men’s and Veteran divisions will be key
attractions at ‘Eva’ Netball tourney
DHAMMIKA RATNAWEERA
Open men’s event will be the key
attraction of the ‘Eva’ All Island
open Netball tournament conduct-
ed by Western Province Netball
Association which scheduled to be
held at January 13-14 at Air Force
grounds , Colombo 02.
This will be the 67th tourna-
ment while for the 27th consecu-
tive time ICL Brands ( Pvt) Ltd
came forward as main sponsor,
said President of the Western
Province Netball Association
Sandya Rajapaksa.
It’s a huge achievement from our
Association and once again four
divisions will be worked off in this
two day event added President
Sandya Rajapaksa.
‘A’ division open men’s and open
women’s are the main events while
we also promote men’s Netball
through this tournament. ‘Netball
Queen’ and ‘Netball King’ are the
highest awards of this tournament.
The B division will only have
Open Women’s while schools divi-
sion will include under 15 (born
on or before January 1, 2009)
under 17 (born on or before Janu-
ary 1, 2007) and under 19 (both
on or before January 1, 2005)
events and this time more schools
are expected to participate.
The veteran’ s division over 40
will be held on January 10 at the
Sports School, Independence Ave-
nue Colombo 7 (near the Sri
Lanka Football Association) at
5pm .
Anil de Silva the Corporate
Director of Capital Maharaja
Group said they are very keen to
give their sponsorship through
ICL Brands (Pvt) Ltd and this
time the best players of each cate-
gory of schools events will receive
Netball equipment bag for the
requirements of one year while
they will look after these girls to
develop their skills. In addition
they have an idea to give live TV
telecast at finals of this tourna-
Anil de Silva Corporate Director of Capital Maharaja Group (third from ment, said Corporate Director
left) handing over Sponsorship cheque to Western Province Netball Asso- Anil de Silva .
ciation (WPNA) President Sandya Rajapaksa while Roshani Fernando Last year Sri Lanka Air Force
Category Head of ICL Brands ( Pvt) Ltd, Roni Chacko CEO of ICC Brands and United SC emerged ‘A’ divi-
(Pvt) Ltd, Reo Ramalan FMR Secretary of WPNA , Tournament Secretary sion women’s and men’s champi-
Nimalika Thushsnthika and WPNA secretary Soraya Fajudeen are also ons while Kotalawala Defence Uni-
present (pix by Sudath Malaweera) versity won the’ B ‘division wom-
en’s title.
women’s (born on or before ‘1512 Zone 6, Millennium City, Speedbirds SC and Police SC
December 31, 1983) also will be a Athutugiriya and more details can were veterans joint champions
key attraction, said Tournament be obtained from Tel. while Holy Family Convent
Secretary Nimalika Thushsnthika. no.0769122778. Kurunegala bagged girls under 19,
She further added only 12 players The entry forms could be col- 17 and under 15 titles. Chinthaka
and three officials could be regis- lected from the tournament secre- Nuwan from United SC was
tered for a team and no entry fees tary Nimalika Thushsnthika of adjudged Netball King while Rash-
for the school teams. The entries 46/20/1, Gamunu Road Wattala mi Divyanjali of Sri Lanka Air
will close on January 5 with a the (phone 0761717286) or the Secre- Force was named Netball Queen
Secretary Soraya Fajudeen of Amal tary Soraya Fajudeen. The draw last year.
Five schools advance to
pre-quarter final round
Dharmapala Vidyalaya
Kottawa, Devapathiraja
College Rathgama, Ananda
College Colombo, St.
Joseph’s College Colombo
and De Mazenod College
Kandana advanced to the
pre quarter final round of
the Under 13 division 1
inter schools cricket tour-
nament conducted by Sri
Lanka Schools Cricket
Association with the spon-
sorship by Sri Lanka Crick-
et.
Dharmapala College Kot-
tawa won by points against
Nalanda College Colombo
and De Mazenod College
Kandana won on first
innings against St. Joseph
Vaz College (A) Wennpap-
puwa in the second round.
Ananda College (A)
Colombo won on first
innings against Rahula Col-
lege Matara and St.
Joseph’s College Colombo
won by points against
Mahanama College Colom-
bo in the second round.
Devapathiraja College
Rathgama won by points
against Lumbini College
Colombo in the second
round.
l At Campbel Place
(Kottawa Dharmapala Vid-
yalaya won on by bonus
point)
Nalanda College
Colombo: 134/8 (47) (The-
nuka Ransutha 34, Ramiru
Ganegoda 21, Githma Ima-
dith 20, Haritha/ AMaras-
inghe 20, Venitha Perera
3/28, Sasindu Dilhara 2/22)
Kottawa Dharmapala
Vidyalaya: 73/4 (43)
(Sasindu Dilhara 23, Tharu-
sha De Silva 20, Ramiru
Ganegoda 2/7)
l At Ananda Mawatha
(Ananda College Colombo
won the first inning)
Rahula College Matara:
109 (48.1) (Jineth Methmi-
ra 34, Pawan Dulsara 28,
Mishika Abeywardane 3/9,
Sathira Suhasvin 3/19)
Ananda College Colom-
bo: 123/1 (16) (Mishika
Abeywardane 52,
Janadeepa Okash 40, Danu-
pa Dahamsath 20)
l At Kandana (De
Mazenod College Kandana
won the first inning)
De MAzenod College
Kandana: 129/6 (47)
(Damion Sovis 45, Akindu
Amarasinghe 2/17)
St. Joseph Vaz College
Wennappuwa: 103 (33.5)
(Bipun Alwis 5/20, Beven
Edirisinghe 2/22)
l At Rathgama (Devap-
athiraja College Rathgama
won the first inning)
Devapathiraja College
Rathgama: 147/5 (49)
(Linuwara Sathvidu 51
n.o., Disla Bimsara 27 n.o.,
Denuwan Yositha 25, Usara
Virun 2/16)
Lumbini College
Colombo: 55/7 (24.5)
(Diyath Sanjitha 2/6, Pinin-
idu Nethsara 2/16)
l At Ganemulla (St.
Joseph’s College Colombo
won by bonus points)
Mahanama College
Colombo: 77/9 d (49.4)
(Gabriel Alexander 2/2,
Gayasha Fernando 2/11)
St. Joseph’s College
Colombo: 60/4 (24.4)
(Chethina Kavinda 20 n.o.,
Bineth Minsara 3/18).
(YK)

Lankan Boxers bag five medals in Malaysia
KATUNAYAKE TKG KAPILA
Sri Lankan boxers who
participated in the 34th
Youth Boxing Champion-
ship held in Malaysia
returned to the country win-
ning one gold, two silvers
and two bronze medals. It is
a remarkable achievement
by the Lankan boxers to
win five medals at this meet.
The team arrived at Katu-
nayake Airport on Decem-
ber 19 and received a warm
welcome.
In this tournament, Pasidu
Umayanga Mihiran, the cap-
tain of the Sri Lankan team,
represented the Sri Lanka
Police team won a gold
medal.
Apart from this, Yasidu Pre-
maratne of S. Thomas’ Col-
lege, Mount Lavinia and Hes-
han Jayasinghe of Sylvester
College, Kandy had managed
to win a silver medal each.
Varuna Bandara of Trinity
College, Kandy and Salman
Faris of the same school won
a bronze medal each.
Sri Lanka Boxing Federa-
tion officials, Senior Superin-
tendent of Police Aruna
Katugampala and parents of
these athletes came to Katu-
nayake Airport to welcome The medal winning Sri Lankan boxers on their arrival at Katunayake air-
them.
Ayushmanthya wins Karate gold in Nepal
RUZAIK FAROOK
Pathirana, teacher in charge monwealth Games 2018
A student of Ananda Balika Kumudu Perera, Sandunika Weightlifting Bronze Medalist
Vidyalaya Ayushmanthya Iraji- Peiris, Fathima Ijasa, along Chamari Warnakulasuriya,
ni Karunaratne has won a Gold with coaches Wasantha Senevi- Head Prefect Oshindi Nethara,
Medal at the South Asia Karate rathna, Kumudu Priyanka, Pre- teachers and students were
Championship 2023 at Kath- fects and OGA members, Com- present on the occasion.
mandu, Nepal recently.
A felicitation ceremony was
held at the school premises on
December 12. It was held under
the patronage of Principal
W.B.G. Kumudini. Ayushman-
thya was welcomed at the Mali-
gakanda Junction and paraded
to school premises with the
school band.
Deputy Principal D.N. Suma-
nasena, Vice Principals Man-
port. Picture by Katunayake TKG Kapila jula Dissanayake, Udayani

Dr. C.D.L. Fernando, a multifaceted sports personality Principal W.B.G. Kumudini welcoming South Asia Karate Champi-
onship Gold Medalist Ayushmanthya Irajini Karunarathne.
Picture by: Ruzaik Farook

HAFIZ
MARIKAR
Kandy will never forget the
sports promoters who did a
their best. One of them is ‘Dr.
C.D.L. Fernando, the man
who helped Kandy sports a
great deal. This former Thom-
ian and Royalist all round
sportsman Dr. C.D.L. Fernan-
do’s help for sports in Kandy
can be weighed in gold. Dr.
C.D.L. Fernando, was a versa-
tile sportsman, benefactor,
philanthropist and above all a
gentleman. ‘CDL’, as he was
known, was one of the finest
sportsman to come out of
Royal College, during E.L.
Bradby’s era. He started his
schooling at S. Thomas’ Col-
lege and later crossed over to
Royal College where he
excelled as a top class all-
round sportsman. He played
cricket, rugger, football and
also was a boxer. He played
rugger from 1943 to 1945 and
had the privilege of leading
the first Bradby team.
In the ‘first leg’ of the
Bradby played in Colombo. He
led the side to win by 3 points
to nil and in the ‘second leg’ in
Kandy, Royal ended on the los-
ing side, where Trinity won
6-nil. After leaving school he
played rugger for CR and FC
as a ‘Prop’ forward. At cricket,
he was a fine all-rounder, an
aggressive batsman, a medium
pace bowler and a fine close in
fielder. He played for Royal in
1944 and ended in 1946. In his
last game in 1946, against his
former school S. Thomas’,
CDL had a match bag of 9
wickets for 54 runs in 23.2
over’s, out of which seven were
maidens. He pocketed five
wickets in the first innings and
four in the second innings
which helped the Royalists to
gain a 83-run win.
Some of his team mates at
cricket were Chris de Saram,
Nihal Wickremasuriya, M.
Kasipillai, Hugh Aldons, Tissa
Kapukotuwa, Willie de Saram,
K.C. de Fonseka, Raja Cooke,
R.M.S. de Silva, T. Pararatha-
ligam, P.K.D. Gunwardane,
Jommy Rajaratnam. Later at
the University as an under-
graduate, doing medicine, he
excelled in Cricket and played
for the University of Ceylon in
the Inter-University tourna-
ment with distinction. He also
toured India with the Univer-
sity team, that was his one and
only overseas tour.
In 1949, he led the Medical
College in their annual game
against Law College led by
George Rajapakse which was
the 25th encounter the Law-
Medical Silver Jubilee. The
match was played on 11th and
12th of February 1949 at the
University Grounds. ‘CDL’ also
played for SSC in his spare
time, also for the Health
Department in the Govern-
ment services tournament. He
came up to Kandy as a young
Doctor after practising in
Negombo, on a invitation of
Dr. T.A. Frewin and earned a
name through sports and was a
household name in Kandy and
it was Kandy he chose to live
his entire life.
As a young doctor, he played
cricket for Kandy United
Sports Club and also led the
Up-Country XI against visiting
teams. As an administrator, he
gave his best for sports like
Cricket, Rugger, Football,
Hockey, Volleyball, Lawn Ten-
nis, Cue Sport (Billiards and
Snooker), Boxing, Softball
Cricket and ‘Iron’ Sport (Body
Building and Weightlifting).
He became president of all
these sporting bodies over
here in Kandy and promoted
the game in the best way. He
was a fine cueist, played along
with great M.J.M. Lafir the
first World title holder of the
country, he had a big hand for
the sports. Dr. ‘C.D.L.’ gave a
lease of life for football and
was president for well over a
decade and football thrived in
Kandy, It has gone down now.
He gave his best for Volleyball,
a sport which was played by
mostly Government servants,
and in the good old days, there
was court in front of the Kandy
Fire Brigade. Hockey too, was
one of his favourite sports,
along with boxing, ‘Iron Sport’,
all he did was alongside his
busy medical set up.
Dr. ‘C.D.L.’ was a live wire
in cricket. He was with the
Central Province Cricket Asso-
ciation Committee for many
years and alter with Kandy
District Cricket Association.
Under his leadership, several
Test and one-day games were
played in Kandy at the Trinity
College Cricket Stadium at
Asgiriya. His biggest ‘break’
came in cricket after the Test
status came to Sri Lanka when
Sri Lanka’s great cricket pro-
moter late Abu Fuard took
leave from the Sri Lanka crick-
et Manager ship. CDL was
invited and given the task by
then President of Cricket
Board, Gamini Dissanayake,
and was the Manger when
Duleep Mendis was the cap-
tain.
Ruger took pride of a place
in ‘Dr. C.D.L.’ career and he
did much for the promotion of
Kandy rugger, and it was
under his presidency that
Kandy entered the Clifford
Cup finals in 1978, after the
last in 1969 under Denzil Kob-
bekaduwa. That year the
Kandy Sports Club team was
led by Irwin Howie and lost to
Havelock Sports Club led by
Anton Benedict by 4 points to
10 in the final.
He joined the Kandy Sports
Club in 1974, when Kandy
Lake Club later known as
(Kandy RFC) amalgamated
with Kandy Sports Club due to
the request made by Dr. K.B.
Sangakkara, so the authorities
agreed to play under one ban-
ner, that is Kandy Sports
Club’s Jersey and shorts with
Kandy Lake Clubs stockings.
Dr. C.D.L.’, gave a big hand for
E.W. Balasuriya’s Kandy Lake
Club, when it was founded,
which club went great strides
in club rugby.
 T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 1 , 2 0 2 3 page
16

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

Revamped Dambulla Stadium equipped for Day-night Cricket

DHAMMIKA RATNAWEERA
Rangiri Dambulla International
Cricket Stadium is now equipped to
host floodlight (day-night) cricket
matches, sporting a revamped venue
with a modern light system, said a
senior official of SLC.
The Dambulla Stadium faced chal-
lenges playing under lights due to
light capacity issues, but it has now
been constructed with a new light
system, the official of SLC said.
SLC cricket management's decision
to install a new light system has been
completed, with six LED light towers
surrounding the ground.
Dambulla is the only venue in Sri
Lanka featuring LED bulbs, incorpo-
rating new technology with dim func-
tionality similar to stadiums in India,
and Australia used for franchise tour-
naments like IPL and Big Bash
League.
Dambulla venue earlier had eight
light towers, each with 160 lights. In
the new construction, six light towers
are positioned around the ground,
with one tower including 660 LED
lights. The height of the towers has
increased from 33m to 58m, providing
the necessary power capacity to meet
international standards, said the SLC
official.
While there were plans to host Zim-
babwe T-20 matches in Dambulla,
accommodations issues led to a relo-
cation of these matches to Colombo.
There is also a proposal to add more
seats for spectators, with all the funds
coming from SLC. This development
aims to provide valuable exposure for
Sri Lanka cricketers in day-night
games at Dambulla, he said.
Constructed in 2000 on a 60-acre
land near Dambulla town by former
Sri Lanka Cricket President Thilanga
Sumathipala, the ground has a capaci-
ty of 16,800. The inaugural ODI
between Sri Lanka and England was
played at Dambulla on March 23,
2001.
Floodlights were installed in 2003,
and after 20 years, the current Cricket
Administration, headed by Shammi
Silva established this new floodlights
system. To date, 55 ODI matches have
been played at Dambulla, with Sri
Lanka winning 25 matches. Lasith
Malinga played his 200th ODI at this
ground on August 20, 2017 against
India.
Notably, both Farveez Maharoof
and Taskin Ahmed from Bangladesh
took hat-tricks on the Dambulla wick-
et, while Muttaih Muralitharan holds
the highest number of wickets (42) at
this stadium and Mahela Jayawardena
scored the highest runs (1148) by a
single player. Rangiri Dambulla International cricket stadium

15th Prima Sri Lanka Junior Amateur Open Golf C'ship Under 13 Division 1 Inter Schools Cricket

Sathasivam and Daluwatte lead in first round
SAJEEWA JAYAKODY
Jevahn Sathasivam, the run-
ner-up in the Sri Lanka Junior
Stroke Play, played a flawless
round on Day One, carding an
impressive gross score of 69.
As a result, he now holds the
top spot in the Sri Lanka Jun-
ior Amateur Open Golf Cham-
pionship, proudly sponsored by
PRIMA, at the Royal Colombo
Golf Club.
Yannik Kumara secured the
second position with a gross
74, while Jacob Norton, the
Scanwell Junior Tournament
Champion, claimed the third
spot with a gross 75. However,
Reshan Algama, who was
expected to perform well, faced
an unexpected challenge, fin-
ishing with a gross 83.
In the girls' category, Kaya
Daluwatte leads with a com-
mendable gross score of 71.
Aaliyah Laiza Achary from
India holds the second position
with a gross 81, and Sherin
Balasooriya is in third place
with a gross 82.
Kaya Daluwatte
Algama and Varun Fernando in
second and third place with
gross scores of 80 and 81,
respectively. In the girls' event,
Keya Abhayaratne took the
lead with a gross 94, demon-
strating a strong performance.
The Bronze category, played
over 14 holes, sees Lavidu Pre-
maratne in the lead with a
gross score of 60, closely fol-
lowed by Avighna Unni from
India with a score of 64. Udeera
Bandara secures the third posi-
tion with a gross 66.
In the girls' segment of the
Bronze category, Bhavinka
Jevhn Sathasivam
The Copper division, played
over 9 holes, is led by Revaan
Amarasinghe with a gross 37.
Vivaan Singh from India
secures the second place with a
score of 40, and Yuvan Rathis
Kanth holds the third position
with a gross 44. Aastha Rao
from India leads the girls in
this division with a gross 42,
closely followed by Vihara Her-
ath and Aashna Amagha with
scores of 44 and 50.
Day 2 of the championship is
set to commence at 8 am at the
Royal Colombo Golf Club,
promising a day of intense
Miyuru scores third ton for D. S. Senanayake College
D. S. Senanayake College Colombo, Isipatha-
na College Colombo and St. Peter’s College
Bamabalpitiya advanced to the pre quarter
final round of the Under 13 division 1 inter
schools cricket tournament conducted by Sri
Lanka Schools Cricket Association with the
sponsorship by Sri Lanka Cricket yesterday.
Miyuru Bandara right hand opener of D. S.
Senanayake College Colombo made his third
century in this season. Miyuru Bandara scored
119 runs in 100 deliveries with 17 boundaries
and 2 sixes against Lyceum International
School Wattala. Haamid Afdhal of D. S. Sena-
nayake College Colombo showed good all-
round performances against Lyceum Interna-
tional School Wattala. St. Peter’s College
Bamabalpitiya won by bonus points against St.
Benedict’s College Kotahena.
Methuka Gunaratne, right hander of St.
Peter’s College Bambalapitiya scored unbeat-
en 113 runs in 87 balls with 11 boundaries and
3 sixes. D. S. Senanayake College Colombo
won on first innings against Lyceum Interna-
tional School Wattala and Isipathana College
Colombo won on first innings against Tissa
Central College Kalutara.
(32) (Sivakumar
Navneeth 20, Abinu
Insara 4/7)
w At Moratuwa
(President’s College
Kotte won by bonus
points)
President’s College
Kotte: 151/4 (50)
(Janith Rukman 79 n.o.,
Miyuru Bandara - D.S.S Haamid Afdhal - D.S.S. Methuka Gunaratne Nadith Dulsara 38 n.o.,
St. Peter's Pasindu Perera 3/17)
w At Wijerama Mawatha (D. S. Senanay- Prince of Wales Col-
ake College Colombo won the first inning) lege Moratuwa: 23/0 (4.2)
Lyceum International School Wattala: 74 w At Mulleriyawa (Isipathana College
(28) (Haamid Afdhal 5/20, Pinindu Pabasara Colombo won the first inning)
4/16) Tissa Central College Kalutara: 60
D.S. Senanayake College Colombo: 220/2 (40.3) (Dinusha Sammana 3/19, Ujith Nim-
(37) (Miyuru Bandara 119, Haamid Afdhal 48 sara 2/9) and 78 (40.3) (Dinusha Sammana
n.o., Ameesh Nimsara 27) 3/19, Ujith Nimsara 2/9) and 78 (40.3)
w At Bambalapitiya (St. Peter’s College (Dinusha Sammana 3/19, Ujith Nimsara
Bambalapitiya won on bonus points) 2/9)
St. Peter’s College Bambalapitiya: 233/3 Isipathana College Colombo: 110 (24.3)
d (Methuka Gunarathne 113 n.o., Menura (Savain Yenuka 30, Aken Dimal 20, Rinush
Dahanayake 71) Rashmika 6/16, Shenal Geenula 2/17) and
St. Benedict’s College Kotahena: 45/7 6/1 (1). (YK)

Pinitha and Thilini Netball Queens at CMC awards ceremony

The Silver Division Boys
witnessed Adhithya Weerasin-
ghe leading the field with a
gross 75, followed by Keshav
Krishnan Unni from India leads
with a gross 66, followed by
Kaitlyn Jacob and Genuli Weer-
akoon with scores of 71 and 80.
competition among the 112
players, with potential upsets
in the mix.
Two most outstanding Netball players Best Powerlifter: D.L
Phinitha Nanayakkara and Thilini Sewwan- Samantha of N.M Perera Com-
di both from Campbell Playground were munity Centre

Lankan Deaf Cricketers aim high at T- 20 WC

adjudged 'A' and 'B' division Netball Queens Cricket: Man of the Match
and received special awards at the Colombo - A. Arun Prakash of Peterson
Municipal Council (CMC) Sports and Rec- Playground
reation Department awards ceremony held Elle : Men's Man of the
DHAMMIKA RATNAWEERA of difficulties. They are one at Multy Propose Center at Colombo 15 Match. J. Nilukshan of
Sri Lanka Deaf Cricket of the Asian level top teams recently. Wistwike Playground
team will take part in the and they wanted to go Sports and Recreation Department of Women of the Match - Lak-
Deaf International T-20 beyond the Asian level. Giv- CMC organised this awards ceremony to mini Rasanjali of Peterson
Cricket World Cup which is ing more exposure for this felicitate athletes of the Colombo Municipal Playground
going to be held in Qatar. Sri Deaf cricketers is a must. As Council region while Badrani Jayawardena Table Tennis: Girls junior
Lanka Cricket and Sports a Sports goods providing the Commisioner of CMC was the chief
Ministry have come forward company we are keen to Pinithi Nanayakkara of Campbell Playground who was team Best Paddler - Surani
guest at this occasion. adjudged A division Netball Queen receiving her award Dhanushika of Elliot Commu-
to give their assistance to associate with Deaf Cricket Community Centres and Playground play-
the team. Chance Sports also from Badrani Jayawardena the Commissioner of CMC. CMC nity Centre
team, said Amarasinghe. ers who engaged at Sports Community Boys junior Best Player - Sawan
gave their sponsorship to the Director of Sports Shashini Jayaneththi and Senior Sports
Gimamdu Malkom is the Centres took part at tournaments received Induwara Pieris of Bandujeewa
officer Chandana Perera are also present.
Deaf cricketers. This T-20 Chance Sports Chairman Lasantha Sri Lanka Deaf Cricket team their awards while Shashini Jayaneththi the Community Centre
Deaf Cricket World Cup was Amarasinghe handing over cricket captain and his leadership Director Sports of CMC and Senior Sports and under 16 best football players while Open men's senior Best Player - Dinesh Vid-
scheduled to start on Decem- equipment bag to Deaf Cricket team already earned success for officer Chandana Perera were the heads of M.H Hillmy and H.B S.P Kukatilleka were uranga Perera of Bandujeewa Community Centre
ber 13 but it has been post- skipper Gamindu Malkom. Secretary of the team. The players from this organising committee and 57 Commu- adjudged Carrom best men's and women's Open women's senior Best Player -
poned and new dates will be the Sri Lanka Deaf Cricket Association Colombo, Galle, Gampaha, nity Centres and 19 playgrounds were man- players. Pradeepa Dilrukshi of Elliot Community
notified later, said Sri Lanka Hemajith Vajira Kumara and President Matara, Jaffna, Variyapola, aged by CMC took part. The special awards for best players Centre
Deaf team Manager and Anula Ranjani are also present. Hambantota are in the Deaf Some of the players of CMC today Basketball: Under 17 -Thuwan Shafan of Volleyball: Under 16 boys Best Player - A
National Organiser Indrani Sri Lanka team is heading for team while top five players have achieved International recognition Stanley Jansz Playground, Under 20 - San- Salman of Nithiraja Community Centre,
Ariyaratne. the victory. Lankan Deaf crick- are from Galle. and they won several medals and tro- jith Shanmugaraja of Kochchikade Commu- Under 16 girls Best Player - Prathiba
Deaf cricket team has many eters are coached by Ushantha Sri Lanka Deaf cricket phies to get honor to the country, added nity Centre, Open - Senrhuran Thevarajan of Sandarekha of Nithiraja Community Centre,
difficulties but they are dedi- Gunaratne. The late Jayalath team: Gamindu Malkom Badrani Jayawardena the Commisioner Cooray Playground Open men's Best Player - M.M.M.Rifky of
cated to going forward said Aponsu did a tremendous job (Capt) Rajitha Asanka ,Thara- of CMC. Bodybuilding: Champions: A.T Robin- Nawagsmpura Playground, Open women's
Secretary of Sri Lanka Deaf as a former Deaf team coach ka Jayasinghe, Sumudu Lanka M.S.M Fazloon and M. Shlan from Rat- son of Nithiraja Community Centre, Moham- Best Player - H.G.K Chamodika of N.M
Cricket Association Hemajith and under his guidance Sri ,Shanaka Welgama, Asanka nam Playground were adjudged under 14 med Fazal Dematagoda Community Centre Perera Community Centre DR
Kumara. We requested support Lanka Deaf team emerged T- Manjula,Udaya Lakmal, Alen-
from SLC as well as Sports 20 champions. rose Kalep, Sachith Perera
Ministry and we are happy to Lasantha Amarasinghe the ,Dinuka Sachin, Sandaruwan

Nuwan Thushara 4/35 proves his ability after IPL auction

announce Chance Sports is Chairman of Chance Sports Maduranga, B Tharmaseelan,
providing sponsorship for said we are always working Nadun Sameera and Hasitha de
clothes and cricket equipment close with players and their Silva Stand byes Lakshan Fer-
bags which is very important. sports but this Sponsorship of nando, Malitha Sadeepa, M.
Sri Lanka Deaf Cricket team Deaf Cricket team is special for Munawwar, Indrani Ariyaratne
emerged World T-20 champi- us. They need support from all. (Manager and National organ- DHAMMIKA RATNAWEERA the game between Ragama CC ranga 2/40,Lasith Lakshan
ons and this time once again But today they are having a lot iser). Skipper Rahul Gunasekara and CCC ended with a no result 2/36, Chamod Sandaru 2/47
had a fine figures of 5 for 46 as due to bad weather. Nuwan Chilaw Marians CC: 172 all
Nugegoda SC made an upset Thushara the slinger type out in 33.5 overs Vishwa Chatu-
Dharmaloka, Mahanama (B) and Meepawala win over Chilaw Marians CC
by 102 runs in their Major
actioned pace bowler who sold
for 48million Indian rupees for
ranga 45,Chamod Sandaru 17,
Raveen Yasas 46*, Thikshila de
Amarasuriya into pre-quarters Clubs limited over cricket tour-
nament fixture played at Surrey
Mumbai Indians (highest by
Sri Lanka player) at IPL auc-
Silva 48, Rahul Gunasekara 5/46
l At NCC grounds: no
Sri Dharmaloka College l At Ragama (Sri Dharmaloka (B): 87/8 d (41.3) (Vishva Vidusara grounds Maggona yesterday. tion on Tuesday bowled well result between CCC and Raga-
Kelaniya, Mahanama College College Kelaniya won the first 4/20, Pudasara 2/16) Nugegoda SC scores 274 all yesterday taking 4 for 35 for ma CC
Colombo (B) and Meepawala inning) Siri Piyarathana MV Padukka: out in 49.3 overs while Romesh CCC against Ragama CC at Ragama CC: 236 all out in
Amarasuriya College advanced Sri Dharmaloka College 43 (18.5) (Hiruka Perera 5/14, Buddhika top scored with 75 in NCC grounds. 47.2 overs Yohan Liyanage 16,
to the pre quarter final round Kelaniya: 126/7(43.6) Pamod Nomin Rithnuka 2/6) 99 balls with 6 fours and 4 sixes Chief scores Janith Liyanage 23, Avishka
of the Under 13 division 2 inter Saranga 27, Dashika Thamoda 26, l At Kathaluwa (Meepawala while experienced T.M Sam- l At Surrey grounds Maggona: Tharindu 39,Ranmith Jayasena
schools cricket tournament Thinula Dinsara 21, Renuja Dil- Amarasuriya College won by path added 49. Nugegoda SC beat Chilaw Mari- 44, Chamath Gomez 32, Nipun
conducted by Sri Lanka meth 4/26, Krishan Vidusha 2/24) bonus points) Chilaw Marians CC chasing ans CC by 102 runs Malinga 41 *, Nuwan Thushara
Schools Cricket Association Karandeniya Central College: Sri Parakrama National a target of 275 were managed Nugegoda SC 274 all out in 4/ 35 ,Chaturanga de Silva
with the sponsorship of Sri 69(29.1) (Shenuk Nilesh 6/32, School Kobeigane: 58/8 d (34) to get 172 all out in 33.5 overs 49.3 overs T.M Sampath 49, 2/32,Lakshan Sandakan 2/50
Lanka Cricket yesterday. Manuja Mathisha 3/15) (Kaveesha Kalhara 3/10, Kasun and off spinner Rahul Rumesh Buddhika 75, Rahul CCC: 22 for 1 wicket in 5
Shenuk Nilesh of Sri Dharm- l At Ganemulla (Mahanama Kaveesha 3/12, Nilesh Harshad Gunasekara did the damage Gunasekara 22,Ranitha overs Monod Bhanuka 13*
aloka College Kelaniya claimed College Colombo (B) won the first 2/7) claiming 5 for 46 in his8.5 over Liyanarachchi 27, Kevin Perera l At Kurunegala: match between
6 wickets for 32 runs against inning) Meepawala Amarasuriya: spell. 26,Suwath Mendis 17 ,Nipun Kurunegala YCC and Sebastianites
Karandeniya Central College. Mahanama College Colombo 30/1 (10). (YK) Nuwan Thushara Meanwhile at NCC grounds Premaratne 2/32,Pulina Tha- was abandoned due to rain
Printed and Published by The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd., at No. 35, D.R.Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10, on Thursday, December 21, 2023
T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 1 , 2 0 2 3 ADVERTISEMENTS page 17 DN

TENDER AND OTHER ADVERTISEMENTS

Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
Invitation of Bids for conducting Canteens, Welfare Shops and
Stationery & Photocopy Shops - 2024/2025
Sealed bids are being invited from experienced individuals and institutions to conduct the
Breaking following canteens, Welfare Shops and Stationery & Photocopy Shops of the Sabaragamuwa
boundaries University of Sri Lanka for a period of one year.
1. Sinharaja hostel canteen
2. Main canteen
3. New Walawa hostel canteen
4. Cafeteria canteen
5. Canteen of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences
6. Staff canteen
7. Samanala hostel canteen
8. Welfare shop of the Faculty of Management Studies
The Country’s 9. Welfare shop of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Languages
largest 10. Welfare Shop of the Faculty of Applied Sciences
recruitment 11. Welfare Shop of the Faculty of Technology
database 12. Photocopy & Stationery Shop of the Faculty of Management Studies
13. Photocopy & Stationery Shop of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences
14. Photocopy & Stationery Shop of the Faculty of Applied Sciences
15. Canteen of the Faculty of Medicine-Batuhena
16. Photocopy & Stationery Shop of the Faculty of Medicine-Batuhena
17. Canteen of the Faculty of Medicine-Galkaduwawaththa

Bidding documents (1-14 in Sinhalese Language) can be purchased by presenting the payment
receipt to the Senior Assistant Registrar - Academic and Student Services Division for the
payment of non-refundable fee of Rs. 500/-, each to the Shroff of the University from 21.12.2023
to 11.01.2024 between 9.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. on public working days. Bidding documents for
15th, 16th and 17th (in Sinhalese Language) canteens and Photocopy & Stationery Shop can be
For purchased by the Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Medicine - Galkaduwawaththa by producing
a bank receipt of depositing non-refundable fee of Rs.500 to Bank of Ceylon Account No.
jobseekers 2246976 in favor of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.
Completed sealed bids shall be submitted by hand or sent via registered post to Senior Assistant
Registrar- Academic and Student Services Division, P.O. Box 02, Belihuloya to be received at or
before 3.00 p.m. on 12.01.2024. The name of the canteen or the welfare shop or photocopy &
stationery shop shall be mentioned at the top left corner of the envelope.
Bid opening shall take place on 12.01.2024 at 3.15 p.m. at the Office of the Senior Assistant
Registrar - Academic and Student Services Division in the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri
www. Lanka, Belihuloya and the bidders or the authorized representatives of the bidders may
participate at the occasion. The decision of the procurement committee of the university in
observerjobs.
this regard is final and it is absolutely prohibited to canvass at any stage of the procurement.
lk
Registrar
Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
P.O. Box 02
Belihuloya
21.12.2023

OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF

HEALTH SERVICES, ANURADHAPURA
INVITATION FOR BIDS
CEYLON PETROLEUM INVITATION FOR BIDS
CORPORATION
BIDS FOR THE INSURANCE COVERS FOR
PROPERTIES & OTHERS OF CEYLON PETROLEUM
Maintaining the Suwaposha Restaurant
CORPORATION FOR THE YEAR 2024/2025 for year 2024
B/55/2023
The Chairman, Ministry Procurement Committee on 1. Sealed bids are invited by the Chairman, Regional Procurement
behalf of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, Colombo
09 hereby invites sealed bids from the eligible, reputed
Committee of the Office of the Regional Director of Health Services,
Insurance Service Providers who are registered Anuradhapura for maintaining the Suwaposha Restaurant of the
under the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri
Lanka (IRCSL) and their agents or insurance brokers Office of the Regional Director of Health Services, Anuradhapura
for the Provision of Property Insurance Covers for year 2024. Minimum bid amount is Rs. 30,000.00 and the agreement
for Oil Refinery at Sapugaskanda, Crude Oil Tank
Farm at Orugodawatta, Distribution Terminal at period is 12 calendar months.
Sapugaskanda, Aviation Fuel Facilities at Katunayake,
Mattala & Ratmalana International Airports, Bonded 2. Bids will be conducted through National Competitive Bidding Procedure.
Stock at Power Plants, Terrorism Cover, Lubricant
Stock & Properties at Muthurajawela and other related
facilities of Ceylon Petroleum Corporation for the year
3. Bidders should be residents of Anuradhapura District and the knowledge
2024/2025. regarding preparing local foods, drinks related to natural fruits and
Bidding Document can be downloaded from the preparation of foods and beverages consisting of nutrient medicines will
website http://ceypetco.gov.lk/public-tenders/ or be considered as a special qualification.
obtained between 0900 hrs. and 1500 hrs. up to
10.01.2024 from the Office of Manager (Procurement
& Stores), Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, 1st Floor,
4. If there are such qualifications, relevant certificates should be attached
No. 609, Dr. Danister De Silva Mawatha, Colombo 09 and submitted with the bid.
on a written request. A payment of non-refundable fee
of LKR 35,000.00 (inclusive of taxes) per bid should
be paid to the CPC Cashier at Head Office or to the
5. It is mandatory to attach the residence certificate attested by the relevant
Account No. 004100110208633 of Ceylon Petroleum Divisional Secretary to prove the residency of the bidder to the bid and
Corporation of People's Bank (Head Office) in case
the document is downloaded on or before the deadline
the bids without the residence certificate will be rejected.
mentioned below and the receipt should be submitted
along with the Bid. 6. Quotation for all foods and beverages should be submitted and the bids
Bids will be closed at 1400 hrs on 11.01.2024 & opened
that are not accordingly will also be rejected.
at the Office of Manager (Procurement & Stores),
Ceylon Petroleum Corporation at the address given 7. Complete set of bid documents may be obtained between 9.00 a.m. and
below, immediately after closing time of the Bid. 3.00 p.m. on working days from 21.12.2023 until 10.01.2024 from the
Bidders or their authorized representatives may be
present at the opening of the Bid. As per the Public Regional Director of Health Services, Office of the Regional Director of
Contracts Act No. 3 of 1987 for every public contract
exceeding LKR. 5 Million, the prospective bidders
Health Services upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Rs. 2,500.00.
shall be registered in the Department of Registrar of
Companies through https://eroc.drc.gov.lk/ website 8. Duly perfected bids may either be sent by registered post addressed to
and Public Contracts Act (PCA 3) certificate shall be “Chairman / Regional Director of Health Services, Office of the
submitted along with the bid. Bids may be sent by post
under registered cover or deposited in the Tender Box Regional Director of Health Services, Bandaranayake Mawatha,
kept in the Office of Manager (Procurement & Stores)
in the address given below.
Anuradhapura” or deposited in the Bid Box kept in this office to receive
Chairman before 10.00 a.m. on 11.01.2024. Bids will be opened immediately after
Ministry Procurement Committee, closing of bids and the bidder or his representative may be present at the
C/o Manager (Procurement & Stores), time of opening of Bids.
Ceylon Petroleum Corporation,
Procurement & Stores Function, 9. It is mandatory either a bid security valid for 91 days from 11.01.2024
01st Floor, No. 609,
Dr Danister De Silva Mawatha,
issued by a commercial bank recognized by the Central Bank of
Colombo 09. Sri Lanka for the value of Rs. 15,000.00 or the receipt obtained upon
depositing the same amount in this office should be attached to the bid
and submitted.
Regional Director of Health Services
Office of the Regional Director of Health Services
Bandaranayake Mawatha,
Anuradhapura.
DN page 18 ADVERTISEMENTS T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 1 , 2 0 2 3

SLITA
MINISTRY OF INDUSTRIES

SRI LANKA INSTITUTE OF TEXTILE & APPAREL

VA C A N C Y
Sri Lanka Institute of Textile & Apparel is a government statutory body providing Training,
Testing, Technical Services and Technical Project & Consultancy to the Textile and Apparel
Industry and at present the following vacancy is available.

PROCUREMENT OFFICER GRADE II

Qualifications & Experience:
External Candidates: 59-8228 Nissan,​ Sadasarana Health-
A Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Management, 1992,​van for high-
care Service (Pvt)
Commerce Accounting or Business Management which is recognized by the UGC. est offer. Vallibel
Finance PLC.,​No. Ltd. Get in touch
Internal Candidates (1 or 2 below): 310,​ Galle Road,​ with our compa-
1. Having obtained the qualifications required by the external candidates above. Colombo-03. Tel: ny to take care of
2. Completion of minimum five (05) years satisfactory service in the post of Management 0714-542958.083917 your parents and
Assistant – Non-technological (MA 1-2) Grade II in the subject area relevant to the post in relatives who are
Sri Lanka Institute of Textile and Apparel.
being treated in
Age: Should be not less than 22 years and not more than 45 years. The upper age limit will not the hospital and
apply to internal candidates.
at home through
Salary Scale: Rs. 43,355/- 10 x 755 – 18 x 1,135 – 71,335/-(Salary Code - JM 1 – 2 - 2016) reliable and expe-
*Government approved allowances and other statutory benefits are available. rienced attendants
*Extra qualifications will be an added advantage. YV-9422 Bajaj,​ under the govern-
2011,​ threewheel
Procurement of 14 Tablet Counting Devices If the above interests you, forward your application by registered post with a detailed resume
with contact details of two non-related referees, addressed to Director General to reach on or for highest offer.
ment
home
approved
nursing
before 04th January 2024. Please indicate the post applied for on the top left-hand corner of the Vallibel Finance
care service. Con-
Contract No : DDG/NCD/X/2022/13 envelope. (Only short-listed candidates will be called for the interview and decision of the PLC.,​ No. 310,​
Board of Governors is final.) Galle Road,​Colom- tact: 0762440107,​
1. The Ministry of Health has received funds from the Resolve To Save Lives towards Director General bo-03. Tel: 0711- 0758869652. 083758
the cost of the "a multi-intervention strategy to improve hypertension management 210810. 083915
within Sri Lanka's integrated primary health care service delivery model" and intends Sri Lanka Institute of Textile & Apparel
to apply part of the proceeds toward payments under the contract for procurement of No. 02, Kandawala Estate, Sir John Kotelawala Mawatha, Ratmalana.
14 tablet counting devices. Tel: 011 2632406 Web: www.slita.ac.lk

2. The Chairman, Ministry Procurement Committee "E" invites sealed bids from eligible
bidders for procurement of 14 tablet counting devices.
3. Bidding will be conducted through National Competitive Procurement and is open to BANK OF CEYLON Land Acquisition Act
all eligible bidders as defined in the Procurement Regulations.
4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from the Office of the CORRECTION NOTICE (Para 460)
Deputy Director General (Non Communicable Diseases) on T.P. 0112686393 and NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE
inspect the bidding documents during office hours i.e. 0900 to 1400 hours at the
Notice of Sale under Section 22 of the Bank of Ceylon Ordinance
Ruling under Section 39 a(1)
address given in Clause No. 6. The land blocks stated in the Order No. 11 of 2012
(Chapter 397) and its amendments as amended by Act. No. 34 of
5. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English Language may be purchased by 1968 and Law No. 10 of 1974 published under the Interim Order (a) Section 38 of
the Land Acquisition Act (Chapter 460) published
interested bidders on submission of a written application to the address given in Please note that the Number of the address of the Subash & Charchill Car in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 1745/2 dated
clause No. 6 and produce the original certificate of the Registrar of Public Contracts Centre mentioned in the notice published on 15.12.2023 in Daily News, 13th February 2022 has been completely vested
(P.C.A. 3) obtained from the Samagam Medura. Bidding documents can be obtained newspaper in page No. 18 as 456 should be corrected as follows: All the with the Government and ownership of the said
Breaking
from 21.12.2023 up to 22.01.2024 from 0900 hrs to 14.00 hrs in local time on weekdays other details in the said notice remain unchanged. blocks of land has also been obtained under the
Para (a) of the Section 40 of the said Act for and boundaries
upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Sri Lankan Rupees (Rs.) 1,000.00. The 1) Loan Reference Nos. 88155374, 88156274 on behalf of the Government. However, in terms
payment should be paid to the Shroff of the Ministry of Health and the receipt should of the powers vested in me, Nalaka Jude Harin
be produced. Sale of mortgaged property at No. 465, Ganahena, Battaramulla for
Fernando, Minister of Tourism and Lands, under
the liabilities of Subash & Churchill Car Centre of No. 465, Ganahena,
Section 39a(1) of the Act (included by the Act
6. Bids must be delivered to the address below at or before 14.00 hrs on 23.01.2024 by Battaramulla. No. 8 of 1979) I do divest only the blocks of land
Registered Post or by hand. Electronic Bidding will not be permitted. Contact Name By order of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Ceylon. stated in the Schedule 1 below from among the
and Contract No. should be written on the upper left hand side of the envelope. said blocks of land, by this Ruling.
Name: W. M. H. A. S. S. B. Ekanayake
Designation: Senior Manager Harin Fernando
Deputy Director General (Non-Communicable Diseases),
Recovery & Credit Supervision Minister of Tourism & Lands
Office of DDG (NCD), Ministry of Health, Bank of Ceylon The Country’s
No. 385, Rev. Baddegama Wimalawansa Thero Mawatha, Metropolitan Branch My No - 4-3/9/2011/IR/46
Divisional Secretary's Number : largest
Colombo 10. Date: 20.12.2023
BD/UP/LND.1/UMAYA/01 recruitment
8. Bidding will be closed at 14.00 hrs on 23.01.2024. Late bids will be rejected. Bids will Date - 31st August 2023 database
be publicly opened in the presence of the bidders' designated representatives and Ministry of Tourism & Lands,
anyone who chooses to attend at the address above as soon as the closing of bidding "Mihikatha Medura",
takes place. 1200/6, Rajamalwatta Road,
BANK OF CEYLON Battaramulla.
9. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security to the value of LKR 140,000 and it
Schedule
should be valid for 3 months from the closing date of bids. Bid Security shall be an NOTICE UNDER SECTION 21 OF THE BANK OF CEYLON
Bordering block of land described in names and
unconditional guarantee issued by a reputable bank in Sri Lanka. ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 397) AS AMENDED BY ACT NO.34
areas stated below depicted in detail in the Final
OF 1968 AND LAW NO.10 OF 1974 AND ACT NO.54 OF 2000. Village Plan dated 30.05.2014 FVP 48, Addendum
Chairman At a meeting held on 08.11.2023 the Board of Directors of this Bank No. 7, Folio No. 11 prepared by the Surveyor
Ministry Procurement Committee "E" resolved specially and unanimously: General situated in the Village Kotavehera
For
Udagama, Downside (53 G) Grama Niladhari
Ministry of Health 1. That a sum of. Rs. 14,073,732.50 (Rupees Fourteen Million Seventy Division, Dehiwini Palatha Korale Minor Division jobseekers
No. 385, Rev. Baddegama Wimalawansa Thero Mawatha, Three Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty Two and Cents Fifty) is due in the Uvaparanagama Divisional Secretariat
from Mr. Ranatunga Arachchige Nalin Arjuna of No. 36/8, Kelanisiri Division, Badulla District, Uva Province :
Colombo 10. Mawatha, Sinharamulla, Kelaniya on account of the principal and 01. Lot No. 401 - Moragollahinnepathana -
interest outstanding up to 02.10.2023 on BOC Housing Loan, together Area - 0.1361 Ha. (Appx)
with further interest to be accumulated from 03.10.2023 on the
To the North - Lot No. 5J (ƒŒ.r‹.298182)
capital outstanding of the said BOC Housing Loan of Rs. 9,183,448.54
To the East - Lot Nos. 402, 404 and 405
(Rupees Nine Million One Hundred Eighty Three Thousand Four
To the South - Lot Nos. 402, 404 and 406 and
Hundred Forty Eight and Cents Fifty Four) at the rate of Thirteen
400
decimal Five (13.5%) per centum per annum till date of payment on www.
To the West - Lot No. 400, Road (Road
Mortgage Bond No.1578 dated 31.08.2015 attested by S.T.Perera, N.P. observerjobs.
Development Authority) and
Lot No. 5J (ƒŒ.r‹‹.298182)
lk
2. That in terms of Section 19 of the Bank of Ceylon Ordinance (Cap.397)
and its amendments, Schokman & Samerawickreme the Auctioneer,
No.6A, Fairfield Gardens, Colombo 08 be authorized and empowered

TENDER NOTICE to sell by public auction the property mortgaged to the Bank of
Ceylon and described in the Schedule hereunder for the recovery of
the said sum of Rs. 14.073,732.50 (Rupees Fourteen Million Seventy

PRINTING AND SUPPLY OF MAGAZINES Three Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty Two and Cents Fifty) due on
the said Bond No. 1578 together with further interest as aforesaid
from 03.10.2023 to date of sale, and costs and monies recoverable
SRI LANKA ARMY under Section 26 of the said Bank of Ceylon Ordinance and that the

SOUTH EASTERN UNIVERSITY

Senior Manager (Recovery) of Pettah Branch of the Bank of Ceylon
1. Tenders are called as per the National Competitive Bidding procedure after to publish notice of this resolution in terms of Section 21 of the said
creating the Ranaviruwa Sinhala Magazine, Bellator English Magazine and Bank of Ceylon Ordinance.
Asalwasiya Tamil Magazine for printing and supply for the requirement of the THE SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO :
Sri Lanka Army for the year 2024. All that divided and defined allotment of land marked Lot 1 depicted
in Plan No. 228/1993 dated 30th December, 1993 made by Ratna
Date and Hettiarachchi, Licensed Surveyor of the land called MEEGAHAWATTA
Time Duration
File No. Item of Issuing
Time of situated at Pahala Biyanwila bearing Assessment No. 117, Eksath
Mawatha in Grama Niladhari Division of No.268 A, Pahala Biyanwela –
Opening
Tenders West and the Divisional Secretary's Division and the Pradeshiya Sabha
Tenders Limits of Biyagama (Kadawatha Sub Office) in Adikari Pattu of Siyane
Korale in the District of Gampaha, Western Province and which said Lot 1
Ranaviruwa Sinhala
is bounded on the NORTH by Road, on the EAST by Lot 2, on the SOUTH
Magazine (Monthly) From
by Eksath Mawatha and on the WEST by Land of K.L.S. Sandya Perera
Qty : 1000 21.12.2023 to and containing in extent TWENTY DECIMAL NOUGHT FIVE PERCHES
11.01.2024 (AO.RO.P20.05) according to the said Plan No. 228/1993 together with
Bellator English Magazine 12.01.2024
DOS/2023/3134 (between house, trees, plantations and everything standing thereon and registered
(Monthly) Qty : 225 11.00 a.m. in N 264/41 at the Land Registry, Mahara.
0900 a.m. and
Asalwasiya Tamil 0400 p.m. on Which said allotment of land marked Lot 1 according to a recent Survey
Magazine (Tri Monthly) Working Days) Plan bearing No.2004 dated 10th January, 2015 made by W.G.Sunil
Qty : 1000 Somasiri, Licensed Surveyor is described as follows:-
All that divided and defined allotment of land marked Lot 1 depicted in
2. A non-refundable fee of Rs: 1,000/ should be paid to the Directorate of Plan No. 2004 dated 10th January, 2015 made by W.G.Sunil Somasiri,
Finance, Army Headquarters, Sri Jayawardenepura, Colombo during office Licensed Surveyor of the land called MEEGAHAWATTA situated at Pahala
Biyanwila aforesaid and which said Lot 1 is bounded on the NORTH
hours. (Telephone Nos. 0112572661/0114050267). After paying the said by Road, on the EAST by Lot 2 in Plan No.228/1993, on the SOUTH
amount the quotations and the specifications are opened for purchasing by Eksath Mawatha and on the WEST by Land of K.L.S. Sandya Perera
from 21st December 2023 at Tender Opening Section, Army Headquarters, and Road and containing in extent NINETEEN DECIMAL NINE NOUGHT
Sri Jayawardenepura, Colombo (Telephone No. - 0813840776). Quotations PERCHES (A0.R0.P19.90) according to the said Plan No.2004 together
with house, trees, plantations and everything standing thereon.
along with the samples should be deposited/submitted in the tender box at
the above address before 1100 a.m. on 12 January 2024. Together with the right to use Eksath Mawatha and right to use Road on
the Northern Boundary.
3. Contact for more details : Directorate of Ordnance Services, AHQ, Sri By order of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Ceylon.
Jayawardenepura, Colombo (Tel. Nos. - 0112-987532, 0112-987537).
Name: R.M.D. Rathnayake
Commander of the Army Designation : Senior Manager (Recovery)
Bank of Ceylon
Army Headquarters Pettah Branch
Sri Jayawardenepura
Colombo
OF SRI LANKA
Invitation for Bids
PHOTOGRAPHIC COVERAGE AT THE
GENERAL CONVOCATION - 2024
Bids are invited from competent photographers to provide photographic
coverage at the General Convocation of our University which has been
scheduled to be held on 10th and 11th February 2024 at South Eastern
University of Sri Lanka, Oluvil.
A complete set of bidding documents in English Language can be
purchased by interested bidders from 21.12.2023 onwards, (between
9.00 am and 2.00 pm) on submission of a written application by
bidder himself or by bidders’ representatives upon payment of a non-
refundable fee of Rs: 5,000/= per bidding document. Bidders can
also download the bidding documents from the University Website
i.e. www.seu.ac.lk. Those who are obtaining the bidding documents
either directly from the University or University website should submit
the duly completed documents along with a Bank deposit slip obtained
by paying Rs. 5,000/- as non-refundable fee to Bursar, South Eastern
University of Sri Lanka (People’s Bank, Acc. No.: 228 1001 9000
1704) or Receipt obtained by paying the same at the Shroff Counter,
South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Oluvil. Documents can be
purchased up to 05.01.2024.
Bidders shall duly completed bid documents in the Tender Box
available in the Office of the Vice Chancellor. Bidders shall also indicate
the words, “Photographic Coverage - Convocation - 2024” on the
top left corner of the envelope. Bids will be closed at 2.00 p.m. on
05th January 2024 and will be opened at 2.30 pm on the same date. Late
bids will be rejected.
Registrar
South Eastern University of Sri Lanka
University Park
Oluvil.
T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 1 , 2 0 2 3 ADVERTISEMENTS page 19 DN

INVITATION FOR BIDS

1 2 3 4 5 6
Division and Bid closing Price of Bid Type of
Place of Purchase of Bidding Documents &
Branch Bid No. / Item Description & Quantity Date & Document Bid -
Contact TP. Nos.
Province Time (LKR) ICB/NCB
MATERIALS
**DD 01 DD1/P&D/ICB/2023/002/D-R Planning & Development Branch (DD1), Fourth Floor, CEB Head
31/01/2024
(P&D) Supply & Delivery of Straight Through Joints Insulated for ABC 33kV 3X150 + 50sqmm - 50 Nos. Quarters, No.50, Sir Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mw, Colombo 02. 3,500.00 ICB
10.00 hrs.
T.P Nos. 011-2430473 / 0702309090 e-mail: mmp.dd1@ceb.lk

** Please send the requests via e-mail to mmp.dd1@ceb.lk with contact details to obtain information regarding the purchasing of the Bid documents
DD 02 CP1/CE(COM)/PPC/2023/254 10/01/2024 Chief Engineer (Commercial – CP1), CEB, CP1,
(CP-1) Supply & Delivery of 223 Nos. of Mobile Phones for Area Offices at CEB Central Province 1 14.00 hrs. No. 04, Asgiriya Road, Kandy. T.P 081-2234324 1,000.00 NCB

DD 03 DGM(UVA)/CE(COM)/C1/NCB/2K23/063 Office of the Deputy General Manager (Uva), Chief Engineer

(Uva) Supply and Installation of 05 Nos. of 12000 BTU & 01 No. of 24000 BTU Inverter split type wall mounted Air 10/01/2024 (Commercial) Unit, Ceylon Electricity Board, No. 04, Spring Valley 1,000.00 NCB
Conditioning Machines for CE Energy Management Unit in Uva Province 15.00 hrs.
Road, Hindagoda, Badulla. Tel : 0552222474
DD 03 DGM(UVA)/CE(COM)/C1/NCB/M7/2K23/065 10/01/2024
(Uva) Supply & Delivery of 300 Nos. of Steel Box for Housing Direct Connected 3 phase Meters to Province of Uva 15.00 hrs. Same as above 1,000.00 NCB

DD 04 WPS-1/PPC/T/2023/91 Office of the DGM (WPS-1), 3rd Floor, Distribution Division 4 Head NCB
(WPS-1) Printing, Supply & Delivery of Non-Payment Disconnection Order Letter Forms 400,000 Sheets 11/01/2024
Quarters, Ceylon Electricity Board, No. 25, Council Lane, Dehiwala. 1,500.00
10.00 hrs.
011-2124900

Send a SMS with Tender Number, Company Name, Business Reg. No. & Address to 0702516069 in advance to collect the tender documents of DD4 (WPS-1)
DD 04 DD4/P&D/ICB/2023/029/D 31/01/2024 Office of the DGM(P&D)-DD4, C.E.B., 4th Floor, 5,000.00
(P&D) Supply and Delivery of Insulator LT 90 x 76 mm (Failing load 16kN) – 80,000 Nos. No. 25, Council Lane, Dehiwala. 011-4204015 ICB
10.00 hrs.
DD 04 DD4/P&D/ICB/2023/030/D 31/01/2024 22,000.00
(P&D) Supply and Delivery of 1. Insulator - Pin 11 kV – 550 Nos. / 2. Insulator - Pin 33 kV – 10,000 Nos. Same as above ICB
10.00 hrs.
DD 04 DD4/P&D/ICB/2023/034/D
(P&D) Supply and Delivery of Circuit Breaker Miniature (MCB) SP 30A (without Neutral & Enclosure) – 80,000 Nos. / 31/01/2024 Same as above
Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) TP & N 30A - 100 Nos. / Moulded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCB) 30 A (without 13,000.00 ICB
10.00 hrs.
Enclosure) – 1,500 Nos. / Moulded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCB) 60A (without Enclosure) – 1,500 Nos.

CONSTRUCTION
Generation SC/DGM/BID/SWPS/2023/11 Office of the Deputy General Manager (Samanala Complex),
(SC) Contract for Construction of outside Drain system and Paving Interlock Cement Blocks in Garden at the CEB No.158/5, New town, Rathnapura, 70000, Sri Lanka. Telephone:
Circuit Bungalow Kapugala Village. 11/01/2024 +94 045-225002/03 Telefax: +94 045-2225005 Or Office of the 1,000.00 NCB
14.00 hrs. Chief Engineer, Samanalawewa Power Station, Ceylon Electricity
Board, Kapugala, Balangoda. Tel: 045-2222554 Fax: 045-2222501

SERVICES
Transmission TR/O&MS/C&CS/NCB/2023/36/D Office of the DGM (Tr. O&M- South), Ceylon Electricity Board,
(O&MS) Procurement of Janitorial and Garden Maintenance Services for the CEB Office Complex at Kent Road, 10/01/2024
Kent Road, Colombo 09, Sri Lanka. 4,000.00 NCB
Colombo-09, and Kelaniya CE (WN) Office Premises for the Year 2024/2025 10.00 hrs.
Tel: 011-2682449 Fax: 011-2688208
DD 01 DGM(CC)/CE(OP)/PPC/2023/028 10/01/2024 Office of Chief Engineer (Energy Management) Colombo City,
NCB
(CC) Janitorial and Cleaning Service of Colombo City Control Centre at No.23, Classen Place, Colombo-05. 10.00 hrs. 5th Floor, Lakshmans Building, 340, R.A. De Mel Mw, Colombo 03 1,000.00
until 09.01.2024. 011-2575923
DD 01 DGM/NCP/C1/HV/2023/051 04/01/2024 Office of the DGM (NCP), Ceylon Electricity Board, Maithreepala
(NCP) Hiring of a Van for ES(Commercial) of EE(Anuradhapura) for 02 years Period 500.00 NCB
15.00 hrs. Senanayaka Mawatha, Anuradhapura. TP. 025 - 2222552
DD 01 DGM/NWP1/CEECM/T/2023/211 Chief Engineer (Commercial) Branch CEB, Narammala Road,
11/01/2024
(NWP-1) Hiring of a Van for Electrical Superintendent (Investigation) I of Chief Electrical Engineer (Planning & Kuliyapitiya. 037 - 2281892 3,000.00 NCB
14.00 hrs.
Development) NWP1 Unit.
DD 01 DGM/NWP1/CEECM/T/2023/213 11/01/2024
(NWP-1) Hiring of a Van for Electrical Superintendent (Anamaduwa) Consumer Service Center Same as Above 3,000.00 NCB
14.00 hrs.
DD 01 DGM/NWP1/CEECM/T/2023/214 11/01/2024
(NWP-1) Hiring of a Van for Loss Reduction Program Unit of Electrical Engineer (Wennappuwa) Office. Same as Above 3,000.00 NCB
14.00 hrs.
DD 01 DGM/NWP1/CEECM/T/2023/215 11/01/2024
(NWP-1) Hiring of a Crew Cab for (Keeriyankalliya) Consumer Service Centre Same as Above 3,000.00 NCB
14.00 hrs.
DD 01 DGM/NWP1/CEECM/T/2023/217
11/01/2024
(NWP-1) Hiring of a Van for Electrical Superintendent (Investigation) II of Chief Electrical Engineer (Planning & Same as Above 3,000.00 NCB
14.00 hrs.
Development) NWP1 Unit.
DD 01 DGM/NWP1/CEECM/T/2023/218
11/01/2024
(NWP-1) Hiring of a Van for Electrical Superintendent (Loss Reduction Program Unit) of Chief Electrical Engineer Same as Above 3,000.00 NCB
14.00 hrs.
(Energy Management) NWP1 Unit.
DD 02 CP1/CE(COM)/PPC/2023/271 10/01/2024 Chief Engineer (Commercial – CP1) , CEB, CP1,No. 04,
(CP-1) Sale of Unserviceable Vehicle in CEB Central Province 1 (Toyota van / 52-2084) 14.00 hrs. Asgiriya Road, Kandy. T.P 081-2234324 1,000.00 NCB

DD 02 CP1/CE(COM)/PPC/2023/272 10/01/2024
(CP-1) Sale of Unserviceable Vehicle in CEB Central Province 1 ( Ford/Dual purpose vehicle / 53-5883) (sale as scrap) 14.00 hrs. Same as above 1,000.00 NCB

DD 02 CP1/CE(COM)/PPC/2023/273 10/01/2024
(CP-1) Sale of Unserviceable Vehicle in CEB Central Province 1 ( Tata motor lorry / 43-1930) 14.00 hrs. Same as above 1,000.00 NCB

DD 02 CP1/CE(COM)/PPC/2023/274 10/01/2024
Same as above 1,000.00 NCB
(CP-1) Sale of Unserviceable Vehicle in CEB Central Province 1 ( Water bowser trailer / 46 Sri 2410) (sale as scrap) 14.00 hrs.
DD 02 CP1/CE(COM)/PPC/2023/275 10/01/2024
Same as above 1,000.00 NCB
(CP-1) Sale of Unserviceable Vehicle in CEB Central Province 1 ( Trailer tractor / 45 Sri 4046) (sale as scrap) 14.00 hrs.
DD 02 CP1/CE(COM)/PPC/2023/276 10/01/2024
Same as above 1,000.00 NCB
(CP-1) Sale of Unserviceable Vehicle in CEB Central Province 1 (Isuzu lorry / 42 Sri 0365) 14.00 hrs.
DD 02 CP1/CE(COM)/PPC/2023/277 10/01/2024
Same as above 1,000.00 NCB
(CP-1) Sale of Unserviceable Vehicle in CEB Central Province 1 (Mitsubishi jeep / 31 Sri 6355) 14.00 hrs.
DD 02 CP1/CE(COM)/PPC/2023/278 10/01/2024
(CP-1) Sale of Unserviceable Vehicle in CEB Central Province 1 ( Isuzu dual purpose vehicle / 50 Sri 6345) 14.00 hrs. Same as above 1,000.00 NCB

DD 02 CP1/CE(COM)/PPC/2023/279 10/01/2024
(CP-1) Hiring of a Van for Area Office Matale for a period of 02 years. 14.00 hrs. Same as above 1,000.00 NCB

DD 02 DGM[E]/QPPC/23/147 Office of the ACEE(Ampara) 063-2222387 / 063-2222078 Or Office

03/01/2024
(EP) Hiring of a Crew Cab for the Chief Engineer (Ampara) office for the use of Electrical Superintendent (Uhana) of the DGM [East], Trincomalee. 026-2222666 / 026-2221030 1,000.00 NCB
14.00 hrs.
for period of 02 years
DD 02 WPN/Kirindi/EC1/Ten/Building/2023/08 03/01/2024 Office of the Area Electrical Engineer, Ceylon Electricity Board, No.
1,000.00 NCB
(WPN) Rent out a building for a period of 02 years for the CSC Dompe 14.30 hrs. 74/25, Rajaweediya, Kirindiwela T.P. Nos.: 033-2253357/ 033-2253358
DD 02 WPN/Kirindi/EC1/Ten/Building/2023/09 03/01/2024
(WPN) Rent out a building for a period of 02 years for the CSC Pugoda, Same as above 1,000.00 NCB
14.30 hrs.
DD 02 WPN/NCB/K-V65/2023/198 03/01/2024 DGM(WPN)'s Office, CEB, No.280, Kandy Road, Kiribathgoda.
(WPN) Hiring of a Van for Area Maintenance Unit I -CEE (Kelaniya) Unit 1,000.00 NCB
14.30 hrs. Tel - 011-2911071/72
DD 04 WPS-1/PPC/T/2023/89 Office of the DGM (WPS-1), 3rd Floor, Distribution Division 4 Head NCB
11/01/2024
(WPS-1) Lease out a Building for Chief Engineer (Mathugama) Quarters for 24 Months Quarters, Ceylon Electricity Board, No. 25, Council Lane, Dehiwala. 00.00
10.00 hrs.
011-2124900
DD 04 WPS-1/PPC/T/2023/90 11/01/2024 NCB
(WPS-1) Janitorial Services for office of the Chief Engineer Mathugama and Consumer Service Centers Same as above 1,500.00
10.00 hrs.
Send an SMS with Tender Number, Company Name, Business Reg. No. & Address to 0702516069 in advance to collect the tender documents of DD4 (WPS-1)
Project PSRSP/PM4/Tenders/2023/03 Office of the Project Director, Power System Reliability Strengthening
(PSRSP) Supply and Delivery of One Container for Habarana Stores 11/01/2024
Project, Ceylon Electricity Board, 227/1, Robert Gunawardhana N/A NCB
10.00 hrs.
Mawatha, Battaramulla. 011 2144988

Chairman of the above Procurement Committees, on behalf of the Ceylon Electricity Board, now invites sealed Bids from potential Suppliers for the above mentioned items on the basis of International /National competitive bidding. Bids should be submitted only
on the bid documents purchased from the CEB.
Bidding Documents will be issued only to the prospective Bidder or their accredited Agents. Wherever necessary they should get registered in terms of the Public Contracts Act No.3 of 1987.
Bidding Documents could be purchased by any prospective bidders or their accredited Agents on submission of a written request to the respective Deputy General Manager/Chief Engineer of the CEB upon payment of the amount indicated in Column 5 of the above
table for each set of Bid Documents, between 0900 hrs. and 1500 hrs. on any working day till the day prior to the bid closing date. Payment shall be made in cash or bank draft drawn in favour of the General Manager, CEB.
Foreign Diplomatic Missions/ Trade Commissions may obtain information copies of the Bidding Documents, free of charge on submission of a written request. Bidding Documents may be inspected by the prospective bidders or their Agents at the ofce of the
respective DGM/CE free of charge.
Bids will be opened immediately after the closing time of the bidding in the presence of Bidders and their authorized representatives at the locations indicated in column 4. Late Bids shall be rejected.
All clarications shall be sought two weeks before the Bid closing date from the respective DGM/CE of the CEB who issued the bidding Documents.
 ICB – International Competitive Bidding, NCB – National Competitive Bidding.
General Manager

Enrich Life through Power The Information copy of the Bid document may be
downloaded from the CEB Corporate website www.ceb.lk
DN page 20 ADVERTISEMENTS T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 1 , 2 0 2 3

National Intellectual Property Office functioning

under the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and
Food Security
Calling for proposals for the Digitization and File Management of
Documents Project
This is to notify the public that tender documents have been uploaded to the given
web links calling for proposals under an International Competitive Bidding Procedure
(ICBP) for the "Digitization and File Management of Documents Project" of the
National Intellectual Property Office (NIPO) of Sri Lanka.
Please find the details at the links given below :

WIPO - https://www.ungm.org/public/notice/220550
NIPO - https://www.nipo.gov.lk/web/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=193

The deadline to submit the proposals is January 05, 2024.

Geethanjali R. Ranawaka
Director General
National Intellectual Property Office of Sri Lanka
Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Food Security.
T.P. : +94 112 669 179
E-mail : - nipos@sltnet.lk
National Intellectual Property Office
3rd Floor,
"Samagam Medura", No. 400,
D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10.

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL PRODUCTION & HEALTH

EASTERN PROVINCE
PROCUREMENT NOTICE
National Competitive Bidding
1. Bids are invited by the Chairman, Department Procurement Committee of Department of
Animal Production & Health, Eastern Province to procure the goods described in the table
below from eligible and qualified bidders.
Procurement Notice
Bid Security
Non
No. Contract No.
Description
Requirement Refundable
Value in Purchase of Medical Equipment
of Work (LKR) and
Fee (LKR)
Validity Date National Hospital for Respiratory Diseases – Welisara
Supply of Quotations are invited from qualified suppliers for the purchase of medical equipment for the
EP/APH/ACC/PROCU/ Veterinary Mentioned in 24,000.00
01 3,500.00 National Hospital for Respiratory Diseases.
Vaccine - 2023/02 Drugs & bid document 22.02.2024
Vaccines
Bid Bid
Ser. Qualifications
Item Qty. Security Document Tender No.
2. Interested eligible Bidders may obtain further information from the Provincial Director's No. to be fulfilled
(Rs.) Fee (Rs.)
Office, Department of Animal Production and Health, Inner Harbour Road, Eastern
Province directly or via email: ep.aph.fin@gmail.com or following contact numbers 026- 01 Thoracoscope 01 CDDA/NMRA 900,000/- 3,500/- WFIC/Med
2223058 / 026-2222183 and inspect the bidding documents free of cost at the same place Registration EQ/05/2023
on working days between 9.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. from 21.12.2023 to 11.01.2024. Certificate

3. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English may be purchased by interested bidders 02 Flexible 01 CDDA/NMRA 210,000/- 3,500/- WFIC/Med
on submission of a written application to the Provincial Director, Department of Animal Bronchoscope Registration EQ/04/2023
Production and Health, Eastern Province and upon cash payment or else producing the for Double Certificate
bank receipt for depositing the non-refundable fee (Please refer the above table for Lumen Tube
the amount) to the People's Bank A/c No. 066-1-001-6-7200601. Documents may be Placement
purchased between 9.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. from 21.12.2023 to 11.01.2024. (3.1 mm or
less)
4. All bids must be accompanied by an unconditional bid guarantee on prescribed format
in the bidding document for the value and date mentioned in the above table. Any bid • A supplier will be selected through National Competitive Bidding procedure.
without a valid Bid Guarantee as indicated will be considered as non-responsive and
rejected without any query. • Bid documents may be obtained by qualified interested bidder, representative or nominee
upon payment of the abovementioned non-refundable bid document fee between 9.00
5. All pages of the bidding documents shall be signed by the bidder and his seal to be affixed.
a.m. and 3.00 p.m. on working days from 21.12.2023 until 10.01.2024 to the Shroff Division
6. Sealed bid documents marked as "Supply of Veterinary Drugs & Vaccines" on the top of this hospital.
left-hand corner and may be despatched either by Registered Post or hand delivered to
the Chairman, Department Procurement Committee, Department of Animal Production • For bids exceeding Rs. 5.0 million the Registration Certificate of the Department of
& Health, Eastern Province, Inner Harbour Road, Trincomalee to be received at or before Registrar of Companies under Public Contracts Act No. 03 of 1987 should be submitted.
3.00 p.m. on 11.01.2024.
• Sealed bids may either be sent by registered post to the Chairman, Regional Procurement
7. Completed bids shall be submitted as Original and Duplicate. The original and the Committee, National Hospital for Respiratory Diseases or deposited in the Tender Box kept
duplicate should be enclosed in separate sealed envelopes and marked as "Original" and in the Office of the Director of the National Hospital for Respiratory Diseases to receive at
"Duplicate" respectively. Both envelopes shall be enclosed in a sealed envelope and write or before 11.00 a.m. on 11.01.2024. Bids will be opened immediately after closing of bids.
the description of Goods and Contract No. on the top left-hand corner of the envelope. Applicant or an authorized representative may be present at the time of opening of bids.
8. Bids will be opened at 3.00 p.m. on 11.01.2024 (Immediately after the closing of bids) Late bids will be rejected and the Procurement Committee of the National Hospital for
in the Accounts Unit of Provincial Director's Office, Eastern Province. Bidders or their Respiratory Diseases reserves the right to take the final decision regarding this bid.
authorized representatives are requested to be present at the opening of bids.
• All bids should be submitted in duplicate and should be marked as Original and Duplicate.
9. Bid documents which are incomplete, not according to the required conditions and which Name of the Procurement and the Opening Date of Bids should be clearly mentioned on
are received after the deadline, will be rejected. the left top corner of the envelope containing the bid.
10. The decision of the Department Procurement Committee of Department of Animal
Production & Health, Eastern Province is final and conclusive. The Department Procurement Tel. No. 011-2958271, Ext. 102
Committee of Department of Animal Production & Health, Eastern Province is empowered Chairman
to reject single, any or all bids at its own discretion.
Regional Procurement Committee
Chairman, National Hospital for Respiratory Diseases
Department Procurement Committee, Welisara
Department of Animal Production and Health,
Eastern Province,
Inner Harbour Road,
Trincomalee.
Date : 21.12.2023

Printed and Published by The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd., at No. 35, D.R.Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10, on Thursday, December 21, 2023