CABINET AND STATE MINISTERS SWORN IN

A new beginning

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA

A total of 26 new cabinet ministers and 39 state ministers were appointed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Magul Maduwa (Audience Hall) of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy last morning (12).

The 26 cabinet members include the President, who holds the Defence portfolio, and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who holds the portfolios of Finance, Urban Development and

Housing, Buddhasasana, and Religious and Cultural Affairs.

In addition, the new Cabinet also consists of two other members of the Rajapaksa family, namely Chamal

Rajapaksa, the elder brother of the President and the Prime Minister, who hold the Irrigation portfolio, and Namal Rajapaksa, the Prime Minister’s eldest son, who holds the Youth and Sports Ministry portfolios.

Namal Rajapaksa is also the youngest MP to hold the portfolio of Sports at the age of 34 years. He has also captained the Sri Lanka national rugby team in 2013.

Contd. on page 2

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020

NATIONAL LIST NOMINEE

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has been nominated to the National List seat of the National People’s Power (NPP).

NPP informs EC

REPATRIATION OF SRI LANKANS

A group of Sri Lankans stranded in foreign countries due to the Covid-19 outbreak were repatriated yesterday (12).

120 repatriated from Qatar and UK

AJBP GENERAL SECRETARY

The Ape Jana Bala Party (AJBP) is yet to receive any information of its General Secretary Ven. Vadanigama Wimalatissa Thera who went missing a few days ago.

Monk still missing

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SEE FULL STORIES ON PAGE 2

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday (12) just before leaving the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy following the swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet

Senior members of the United National Party (UNP) yesterday (12) met with its Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe at the party headquarters at Sirikotha to discuss the party leadership, but have failed to arrive at a final decision, The Morning learnt.

Contd. on page 2

UNP LEADERSHIP

No decision yet

Former Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe PC has declined the state ministerial portfolio offered in the new Government. Reportedly, Rajapakshe had rejected the portfolio of State Minister of Education Reforms and had instead wanted a cabinet portfolio.

Contd. on page 2

Wijeyadasa declines portfolio

The visitation ban imposed on prison inmates’ family and friends following the Covid-19 patient detection at the Welikada Prison will be lifted on Saturday (15).

Commissioner of Prisons (Administration and Rehabilitation) Chandana Ekanayake said that inmates are allowed to meet their relatives under strict compliance with health and safety measures.

VISITORS FOR PRISON INMATES

One visit permitted per week

BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA

The Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing the Easter Sunday attacks

has summoned former Pr ime Minis ter Rani l Wickremesinghe to appear before its Investigativae Unit.

Contd. on page 2

RW, Sagala, and Ruwan summoned

PCOI ON EASTER SUNDAY ATTACKS

Quite a number of former ministers, state ministers, and deputy ministers who have entered the Ninth Parliament following the recently concluded

general election have not received portfolios in the new Government that was sworn in last morning (12).

Contd. on page 2

Former ministers without portfoliosz No portfolios for 13 former ministers

Malaka Silva, the son of former Minister Mervyn Silva who was arrested by the Police on Tuesday (11), has been released on bail

by the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court. Malaka Silva was arrested by the

Thalangama Police on charges of alleged extortion and issuing death threats against a businessman.

Malaka Silva granted bail

99% finalised: SJB NATIONAL LIST

As of last evening (12), the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) had finalised 99% of their National List parliamentarians.

SJB stalwart Ranjith Madduma Bandara said that they hope to finalise the

parliamentarians entering through the National List as soon as possible.

“We have completed 99% of our National List. A few last matters need to be discussed before we finalise.”

Contd. on page 2

BY SARAH HANNAN

As the new Government’s cabinet ministers and state ministers took oaths for their respective ministerial portfolios, the halted infrastructure development in the Northern Province, which was stopped during the Covid-19 outbreak and the general election, has recommenced.

Northern Provincial Council Director of Planning E. Johnson, speaking to The Morning, noted: “Many of the foreign-aided projects

that were slowed down due to Covid-19 have now gone back to speed. At present, there is an Agriculture Sector Modernisation Project that is supported by the World Bank underway in the Kilinochchi District and also the Other Field Crop Cultivation programme that was rolled out under the Project Saubhagya implemented during the Covid-19 curfew period. In addition to that, we are open to oversee any of the development projects the current Government is planning to

roll out.” Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, resuming his role as the Prime Minister of the ninth Parliament last week, expressed a keen interest to recommence the development programmes that were disrupted at the end of his previous tenure as President, which concluded in 2014. During his debut interview with an independent media channel, the Premier had stated that these projects will recommence under the SLPP-led (Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna)

government that was recently appointed.“Our Government will cater to the needs of

all our citizens, irrespective of race or cultural background. There are urgent priorities in the Northern Province with regard to livelihoods, irrigation for agriculture, the upgrading of exports, and the improvement of facilities in health and education,” Rajapaksa had told the media institute.

Contd. on page 2

Development projects back on track in the North

The Court of Appeal has decided not to carry out the arrest warrant issued on Mayor of Kurunegala Thushara Sanjeewa Witharana and others until 24 August.

The order was delivered by the Court of Appeal bench comprising

its President Justice A.H.M.D. Nawaz and Justice Sobhitha Rajakaruna, after taking up the writ petitions filed by the Kurunegala Mayor and four others challenging the arrest warrant issued on them.

Contd. on page 2

Court suspends warrantHISTORICAL BUILDING IN KURUNEGALA

Kurunegala Mayor Thushara Witharana

the morningThursday , August 13, 2020

2

NEWS

Cartoon of the day

Following an overwhelming majority at the general election on 5 August, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed the new Cabinet, state ministers, and district co-ordination committee chairpersons yesterday (12) at the Magul Maduwa (Audience Hall) of the Temple of Sacred Tooth Relic.

Accordingly, the new Government comprises 28 cabinet ministries, 40 state ministries, and 23 district co-ordinating committees. Mahinda Rajapaksa took oaths as Prime Minister on Sunday (9).

Below are the appointments:

Cabinet MinistersPresident Gotabaya Rajapaksa – Defence Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa – Finance,

Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Urban Development and HousingNimal Siripala de Silva – LabourProf. G.L. Peiris – EducationPavithradevi Wanniarachchi – HealthDinesh Gunawardena – Foreign AffairsDouglas Devananda – FisheriesGamini Lokuge – TransportBandula Gunawardana – TradeR.M.C.B. Rathnayake – Wildlife and Forest ConservationJanaka Bandara Tennakoon – Public Administration,

Provincial Councils, and Local GovernmentKeheliya Rambukwella – Mass MediaChamal Rajapaksa – IrrigationDullas Alahapperuma – PowerJohnston Fernando – HighwaysWimal Weerawansa – IndustriesMahinda Amaraweera – EnvironmentS.M. Chandrasena – LandsMahindananda Aluthgamage – AgricultureVasudeva Nanayakkara – Water SupplyUdaya Gammanpila – EnergyDr. Ramesh Pathirana – PlantationsPrasanna Ranatunga – TourismRohitha Abeygunawardena – Ports and ShippingNamal Rajapaksa – Youth Affairs and SportsAli Sabry – Justice

State MinistersChamal Rajapaksa – Internal Security, Internal Affairs, and

Disaster Management

Piyankara Jayaratne – Foreign Employment Promotion and Market DiversificationDuminda Dissanayake – Solar, Wind, and Hydropower

Generation Project DevelopmentDayasiri Jayasekara – Batik, Handloom, and Local Garment

IndustriesLasantha Alagiyawanna – Co-operatives, Sales Promotion,

and Consumer ProtectionDr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle – Prison Reforms and

RehabilitationArundika Fernando – Coconut, Kithul, Palmyrah, Rubber

Cultivation Promotion, and Related Industry Promotion, and Export DiversificationNimal Lanza – Rural, Road, and Infrastructure FacilitiesJayantha Samaraweera – Warehouse Facilities, Terminals,

Port Facilities, and Shipping IndustriesRoshan Ranasinghe – Land Management and Development

of State Enterprise Land and PropertyKanaka Herath – Estate Renovation, Tea Factory

Modernisation, and Export Diversification

Vidura Wickramanayaka – National Heritage, Performing Arts, and Rural Skills PromotionJanaka Wakkumbura – Sugarcane, Maize, Cashew, Pepper,

Cinnamon, Cloves, Beetle, and Related Cultivations Promotion and Export PromotionVijitha Berugoda – Dhamma Schools, Bhikku Education,

Piriven, and Buddhist UniversitiesShehan Semasinghe – Samurdhi, Microfinance, Self-

Employment, Business Development, and Underperforming State Asset DevelopmentMohan De Silva – Fertiliser Production and Supply, Chemical

Fertiliser and Pesticides RegulationLohan Ratwatte – Gem and Jewellery and Related IndustriesDilum Amunugama – Vehicle Regulation, Passenger

Transport Service (Bus) , Railway Compartments, and Motor Vehicle IndustriesWimalaweera Dissanayaka – Forest Protection, Elephant

Fences and Trenches Construction, Reforestation and Forest Resources DevelopmentTharaka Balasuriya – Regional Co-operation

Indika Anuruddha – Rural Housing and Construction and Construction Material IndustriesKanchana Wijesekera – Ornamental Fish, Freshwater Fish

and Sprats Production, Fisheries Harbour Production, Multi-day Fishing Vessel Affairs and Fish ExportsSanath Nishantha – Rural and Regional Water Supply

ProjectsSiripala Gamlath – Development of Infrastructure of

Settlements and Waterways in the Mahaweli ZonesSarath Weerasekera – Provincial Councils and Local

GovernmentAnuradha Jayaratne – Agrarian Tanks and Reservoirs Close

to Paddy Lands and Irrigation DevelopmentSathasivam Viylanderan – Postal Services and Media

Professionals DevelopmentThenuka Vidanagamage – Rural and School Sports

Infrastructure DevelopmentSisira Jayakody – Indigenous Medicine Promotion, Rural and

Ayurveda Hospital Development, and Community HealthPiyal Nishantha – Women and Child Development,

Preschools and Primary Education, School Infrastructure, and Education ServicesPrasanna Ranaweera – Rural Industries PromotionD.V. Chanaka – Aviation Services and Export Zone

DevelopmentD.B. Herath – Livestock, Animal Husbandry Promotion,

and Milk and Eggs-related IndustriesShasheendra Rajapaksa – Paddy, Grain, Organic Food,

Vegetables, Fruits, Chilli, Onion, and Potato Cultivation Promotion, Seed Production, and High Tech AgricultureDr. Nalaka Godahewa – Urban Development, Coast

Conservation, Waste Disposal, and Community Sanitation Jeewan Thondaman – Estate Housing and Community

Infrastructure Development Ajith Nivard Cabraal – Finance, Capital Markets, and State

Enterprises Reform Dr. Seetha Arambepola – Skills Development, Vocational

Training, Research, and New Innovation Dr. Channa Jayasumana – Pharmaceutical Production,

Supply, and Regulation

Chairpersons for District Co-ordination CommitteesPradeep Undugoda – Colombo DistrictSahan Pradeep – Gampaha DistrictSanjeewa Edirimanna – Kalutara DistrictWasantha Yapabandara – Kandy DistrictNalaka Bandara Kottegoda – Matale DistrictS.B. Dissanayake – Nuwara Eliya DistrictSampath Athukorala – Galle DistrictNipuna Ranawaka – Matara DistrictUpul Galappatti – Hambantota DistrictAngajan Ramanathan – Jaffna DistrictDouglas Devananda – Kilinochchi DistrictK. Dileepan – Vavuniya DistrictK. Kader Masthan – Mannar and Mullaitivu DistrictsV. Weerasinghe – Ampara DistrictKapila Athukorala – Trincomalee DistrictDr. Gunapala Ratnasekera – Kurunegala DistrictAshoka Priyantha – Puttalam DistrictH. Nandasena – Anuradhapura DistrictAmarakeerthi Athukorala – Polonnaruwa DistrictSudarshana Denipitiya – Badulla DistrictKumarasiri Ratnayake – Monaragala DistrictAkila Ellawala – Ratnapura DistrictRajika Wickramasinghe – Kegalle District

New cabinet, state ministers appointed

Contd. from page 1

A new...Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP)

Chairman Prof. G.L. Pieris and President’s Counsel (PC) Ali Sabry, who were nominated to Parliament through the SLPP National List, were given the Ministries of Education and Justice, respectively.

Moreover, several members of Viyathmaga were presented with state ministerial portfolios. They were Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, Sarath Weerasekara, Dr. Seetha Arambepola, and Dr. Channa Jayasumana. All four of them are also new entrants to Parliament.

Former ministers...

Following are the former portfolio holders who no longer hold any positions in the Government:

1. Former President Maithripala Sirisena2. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena (tipped to

be the next speaker)3. Susil Premajayantha4. Anura Priyadarshana Yapa5. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya6. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe7. S.B. Dissanayake8. Mahinda Samarasinghe9. W.D.J. Senaviratne10. Dilan Perera11. Chandima Weerakkody12. Jagath Pushpakumara13. Dushmantha MithrapalaAlso, there are two former provincial chief

ministers who have not been appointed to any portfolio.

They are:

1. Shan Wijayalal de Silva (Southern Province)

2. Chamara Sampath Dassanayake (Uva Province)

99% finalised...Earlier, Madduma Bandara confirmed to

The Morning that he was one of the SJB members who would enter Parliament through the National List.

Meanwhile, SJB parliamentarian Harin Fernando said that some minority parties were agreeable to not being included in the National List.

“Head of the National Union of Workers (NUW) Palani Digambaram informed me that he did not mind if his party did not receive a National List seat,” Fernando said, noting that he was unaware of the stance taken by other minority parties.

– Skandha Gunasekara

RW, Sagala,...Secretary to the PCoI probing the Easter

bombings, Buwaneka Herath, said that the Commission had issued summonses on former Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, former Minister of Ports and Shipping Sagala Ratnayake, and former State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardena to appear on 21 August.

“The former Prime Minister and Sagala Ratnayake have both been summoned on the 21st of this month,” he said, noting that they have been summoned to the Commission’s Police Investigative Unit. He added that Ruwan Wijewardena has been summoned on 19 August to appear before the Investigative Unit.

Court suspends...The writ petitions were lodged on Monday

(11).The judge bench stated that the verdict on

issuing notices for the hearing of the writ petitions, as well as the verdict on issuing an interim order for suspending the arrest warrants on the petitioners, will be delivered on 24 August.

Accordingly, as the arrest warrants issued by the Kurunegala Magistrate have been challenged by the petitioners, the Court of Appeal ruled that the execution of warrants will be suspended until the said date.

On 6 August, the Kurunegala Magistrate had issued arrest warrants on the Kurunegala Mayor, the Municipal Commissioner, Engineer, and two others in the case filed over demolishing Buwaneka Hotel, a building of historical value in Kurunegala.

The Attorney General (AG) had previously directed the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) to obtain warrants from the court to arrest the said individuals.

Three days later, on 10 August, the arrest warrants were re-issued by the Kurunegala Magistrate as the Kurunegala Police failed to execute the warrants previously issued for these arrests.

The building in question, also known as Buwaneka Hotel, dates back to the 13th Century and is presumed to be the assembly hall used by the contemporary rulers.

On 16 July, the Mayor of Kurunegala demolished the said building for a road development project. He stated that the Road Development Authority (RDA) had given its approval for the demolition.

The Department of Archaeology then filed a complaint claiming that the building demolished by the Kurunegala Mayor is a 13th-Century King’s Court.

This archaeological site has been listed under the provisions of the Antiquities Ordinance No. 9 of 1940.

A five-member committee was then formed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Cultural, and Religious Affairs, under the directives of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, to look into the matter.

In the meantime, AG Dappula de Livera, on 23 July, obtained an order from the Kurunegala Magistrate’s Court to protect and prevent access to the demolished historic building site pending investigations.

The prevention order was issued against the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Kurunegala, Municipal Councillors, Municipal Commissioner, and Engineer – Municipal Council staff and their representatives.

On 28 July, the Kurunegala Magistrate ordered the Mayor of Kurunegala to hand over all documents pertaining to the demolished building to the safe custody of the court.

Furthermore, the Kurunegala Magistrate called for all the documents and minutes of the City Development Committee from the Governor of the North Western Province.

No decision...UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj

Kariyawasam told The Morning that the members gathered at the meeting had decided to keep the subjects discussed out from the public until a final decision has been made on Friday’s (14) Working Committee meeting.

“The final decision with regard to the UNP leadership will be taken on Friday,” he said.

In addition to the party leadership issue, the National List appointment has also been discussed at the meeting.

(MM)

Wijeyadasa...Nevertheless, he had said that he would

support the Government in Parliament.Rajapakshe contested the recent general

election from the Colombo District and secured a seat in Parliament.

Projects back...During his tenure as President in the post-

war years (since May 2009), the Mahinda Rajapaksa-presided government had to clear landmines and weapon caches across the northern peninsula, during which time access to the North was restricted on an as-need basis.

In mid-2011, the former President announced several development programmes for the North which saw the widening and relaying of roads; rebuilding bridges and causeways; restoring the rail links, the development of the fisheries sector and fishing harbours, restoring the Kankesanthurai Harbour with Indian assistance; and the establishment of governance structures in the North and pushing for better integration of the North with the rest of the country.

NPP informs...The Election Commission (EC) has been

informed of the relevant decision reached by the politburo of the NPP, Party Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.

Dr. Amarasuriya is a senior lecturer at the Department of Sociology of the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL).

She is also a member of the education policy-making committee of the National Intellectuals Organisation (NIO). Further, Dr. Amarasuriya has served as the Secretary of the Federation of University Teachers’ Association (FUTA).

One visit...A special discussion was held by

Commissioner General of Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya in this regard on Monday (10), with the participation of the Prisons Medical Director, Deputy Directors, and Commissioners.

With the ban being lifted on Saturday, an inmate will be allowed only one visit per week and bringing inmates food is further prohibited, he said.

All prisons in the country were closed off

for visitors from 8 July following reports of an inmate at the Welikada Prison testing positive for Covid-19 surfacing.

– Sarah Hannan

Monk still...A member of the AJBP, Ven. Pahiyangala

Ananda Sagara Thera told The Morning that a complaint had been lodged with the Election Commission (EC) as the party couldn’t take a decision on its National List due to the disappearance of its General Secretary.

When queried whether they had lodged a complaint with the Police, the thera stressed that no police complaint had been lodged as yet.

He said if the party General Secretary is not to be found, the AJBP would take legal action.

The AJBP consists of a majority of monks including Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagoda Atte Gnanasara Thera and Ven. Athureliya Rathana Thera.

The AJBP had secured a single National List seat in the 2020 general election that was held on 5 August.

After much tension and deliberation, the party had decided to nominate Ven. Gnanasara Thera via the National List to represent the party in Parliament. Meanwhile, the EC has decided not to gazette a name from the AJBP until a thorough study has been done to evaluate the legality of the current situation.

In a letter written to Ven. Vedhanigama Wimalatissa Thera, EC Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya has stressed that the decision has been made by considering the two nominations received for one National List seat obtained by the AJBP. Two names have been proposed for the National List portfolio, “one from the Wimalatissa Thero, as himself the Secretary of the party and later Saman Perera has been nominated by Nishantha Ratnayake, the new secretary of AJBP appointed on August 7 by removing Wimalatissa Thero (sic)”, the letter stated.

(MM)

120 repatriated...Accordingly, 13 Sri Lankans from Qatar and

107 from London, UK were brought back to the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) during the early hours of the day.

All the returnees have been directed to PCR testing upon arrival at BIA in Katunayake.

Malaka Silva...The Police said he was arrested based on

a complaint filed by a businessman based in Thalangama, who claims that Malaka Silva issued death threats against him and attempted to extort a sum of Rs. 200,000 from him.

The complaint had been lodged with the Thalangama Police on 16 July while the arrest was made at around 8.40 p.m. Tuesday night following investigations into the complaint.

He was subsequently produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court yesterday (12) and released on bail.

State ministers of the new Government

The Covid-19 experience has opened up new avenues which will be explored by the Plastics and Rubber Institute of Sri Lanka (PRISL) in its efforts to serve the members and the rubber and plastics industries in Sri Lanka, according to its President Kaushal Rajapaksa.

He made these comments at the 55th annual general meeting (AGM) of the PRISL held recently as a hybrid event with both physical and online participants, at which he was re-elected President of the institute.

Speaking further, Rajapaksa said: “The rubber and plastics industries with their high value addition will have a leading role to play in the recovery process, and PRISL, as the apex body in the polymer education in the country, should be in a strong position to support the industry.”

The following were elected during the AGM:

Office bearers – President Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa from Kalhari Enterprises, Vice President (VP) R.A.L. Sampath Ramanayake from Camso Loadstar, VP Kalyana Dhirasekera from Aqua Packaging, Secretary P.P. Perera who is the Sri Lanka Representative of PIN365, Treasurer Lalith Jayawardene from DSI, and Assistant Secretary Prabath Jayasinghe from Gislaved Gummi.

Executive Council – Ananda Caldera from Global Rubber Industries, Dr. Susantha Siriwardena from the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, B.M.H.I.B. Wattegedara from Camso Loadstar, Janadara Jayawarna from Laugfs, Pio Perera from Vaughan Chemicals), K.A.C. Vidyarathne from Vanadium Lanka, Anura Herath from Penguin Lanka, Sumudu Bowatta from Camso Loadstar, H.N. Hari from Midas Group – Industrial Clothing), Parakrama Jayatissa from Champion Recycling, Dr. Upul Rathnayake from Dipped Products Lanka, Dinesh Gunasekara from Trelleborg Lanka, Kapila

Sooriyabandara from Ansell Lanka, Kersten Rausch from Eu-Retec Continental, and Sharad Kakati from Ceat Kelani.

Rajapaksa also pointed to the prominent representation of the dry rubber, latex, and plastics industry sector in the new committee, and stressed that this would add strength

to the PRISL to face the challenges due to the current social, economical, political, and environmental scenario, both locally and globally. With the gloomy global forecast on an uncertain recovery and the sluggish economic downturns predicted, countries like Sri Lanka will be facing the adverse fallout effects, he said.

“The Complast and Rubber Expo scheduled for August 2020 had to be postponed due to the current health situation. A virtual exhibition will be organised, instead, in October 2020,” he added.

He also appreciated the collaborative partnership which PRISL has established with Smart Expos India, a leading exhibitions organiser currently holding events in Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. A valuable opportunity will be provided to the local industrialists to display their rubber and plastic products globally through the platform of virtual exhibitions.

“This being the 60th anniversary of the PRISL, a series of events are being planned to commemorate the occasion. The main focus will be on improving the quality of the educational programmes in line with the regional and global developments. We also plan to expand the international networking with countries such as Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. The PRISL has also launched a dynamic drive to increase the Corporate Membership base. The rubber and plastic industries, with their high value addition, will have a leading role to play in the recovery process,” Rajapaksa concluded.

businessthe morningThursday, August 13, 2020

3

The Sri Lanka Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (SLPMA) welcomed the newly elected Government’s decision to create a new State Ministry for Pharmaceuticals Manufacture as a crucial positive step towards the strengthening of the local pharmaceuticals industry. The Association iterated the importance of its contribution to the nation as local manufacturers ensuring the availability of essential pharmaceuticals, and expressed its confidence in the Government’s vision for the nation.

SLPMA President and Navesta Pharmaceuticals (Pvt.) Ltd. Chairman Sanjaya Jayaratne congratulated the Government on its landslide victory and for championing the local industry.

“The Sri Lanka Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association warmly welcomes the new Government headed by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. We look forward to

working with Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi and State Minister of Pharmaceutical Production, Supply, and Regulation Prof. Channa Jayasumana, as we work towards a robust local pharmaceuticals industry,” he stated.

Members of the SLPMA have actively reinvested over Rs. 15 billion over the past five years on capacity building and market

expansion, setting up new plants and upgrading current facilities to enhance the manufacture of a wider range of medicines and infrastructure for the Sri Lankan market and for export. Currently holding 15% of the local pharmaceuticals market, the SLPMA said it aims to help the country by increasing the production of world-class pharmaceuticals locally to provide quality cost-effective medicines to all Sri Lankans. As the official body for local pharmaceutical manufacturers, the SLPMA holds frequent dialogues

on matters concerning the development of the industry with key stakeholders.

Further commenting on the new Government, Jayaratne said: “As the representative body of local manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical products, we warmly welcome the establishment of a State Ministry for Pharmaceuticals by the newly elected

Government. This highlights the importance the State places on a self-sufficient local pharmaceuticals manufacturing industry in the country and is an encouragement

for the industry. The Association will work towards strengthening ties with the Government and expanding our contribution to the national healthcare sector by expanding on the guaranteed buy-back agreement for local pharmaceuticals currently in effect. The SLPMA has always stood for quality, affordable pharmaceuticals and will support the Government secure the highest quality medicines at the most affordable prices.”

The establishment of the first privately owned pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in 1956 marked the beginning of the SLPMA. In the six decades since, its membership has grown to 15 entities including multinational pharmaceutical companies,

established local conglomerates, new ventures, and the State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC). The Association recently held its 55th Annual General Meeting at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Sanjaya Jayaratne was elected President at the meeting, while Gamma Pharmaceuticals (Pvt.) Ltd. and Interpharm (Pvt.) Ltd. Chairman and Managing Director Kalana Hewamallika was elected Vice President of the Association.

The SLPMA is an affiliated trade association coming under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and comprises those members who are solely involved in the manufacture and distribution of medicines in Sri Lanka.

The SIEMENS-DIMO Consortium recently signed an agreement with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to embark on the medium voltage distribution subproject Package 5 of the “National Transmission and Distribution Network Development and Efficiency Improvement Project” aimed at enhancing national power supply.

DIMO and SIEMENS have been partners for over seven decades working on power generation, transmission, and distribution projects in Sri Lanka. Package 4 of this project was also awarded to the SIEMENS-DIMO Consortium during the first quarter of 2020.

The demand for electricity in Sri Lanka is growing at a rate of about 5-6% per annum. Therefore, the generating sources as well as the transmission and distribution facilities have to be developed and strengthened in order to meet this growth in demand. The medium voltage distribution system is the backbone of the power distribution network and is the interface between the transmission network and the LV distribution network which provides supply to the consumers. It is therefore essential to reinforce and develop a healthy distribution system which has the capability of catering to the growing electricity demand of

the country while maintaining an acceptable reliability and quality above the set operational standards and norms.

DIMO Director Wijith Pushpawela stated: “DIMO is pleased to facilitate the National Transmission and Distribution Network Development and Efficiency Improvement Project with Packages 4 and 5. This is an important project in the nation‘s infrastructure development agenda as it will immensely contribute towards a more efficient and reliable power supply within Sri Lanka.”

The scope of Package 5 focuses on augmentation of the Ethulkotte Primary Substation with the aim of increasing capacity to cater to the increase in electricity demand, provisioning of a highly reliable power supply with a high

degree of operational flexibility in Battaramulla, Welikada, and Kalubowila areas, and automating the distribution network.

Construction of the new primary substation at Rattanapitiya is aimed at accommodating the anticipated load growth including town development requirements of the Nugegoda, Boralesgamuwa, and Maharagama areas which is fed by LECO (Lanka Electricity Company) and the requirements of the proposed educational area of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura are also included in this project. Augmentation of the Beligaha Primary Substation with the aim of increasing supply demand in the Galle, Dadalla, and Karapitiya areas and to provide a high degree of reliability and operational flexibility of the MV network in the Southern Province

is another objective of this project.The agreement was signed

between the CEB and SIEMENS-DIMO Consortium at the CEB Head Office premises with the participation of CEB Chairman Vijitha Herath, CEB Vice Chairman Y.G.I. Saman Kumara, CEB Distribution Division 4 Additional General Manager Eng. Rohan Seneviratne, DIMO Director Sarath Algama, DIMO Director Wijith Pushpawela, and SIEMENS Country Manager for Sri Lanka Prasad Palsokar. CEB Distribution Division 4 Deputy General Manager (Planning and Development) N.U. Perera, CEB Project Manager (GPDEEIIP-Tr2- Package 5) P.P.B. Samarasekara, and DIMO Head of Power Engineering Projects Dasun Arandarage were also present at this occasion.

Commercial Bank’s “Flash” digital bank account holders can now pay via the app for parking at Tenaga-managed on-street and off-street parking spaces, without having to drive around looking for a parking meter, consequent to a partnership between the bank and Tenaga Car Parks (Pvt.) Ltd.

Tenaga Car Parks (Pvt.) Ltd. is the pioneer in providing smart parking and traffic management solutions in Sri Lanka. Its services include management strategies tailor-made to suit each car park, traffic management services, and technical and consultancy services.

The parking management solution is now directly integrated to the Flash digital banking application which enables account

holders to enjoy this touchless and cashless payment option, saving time.

To enable this facility, Flash customers only have to click

on the “Street Parking” icon on the Flash app home screen and register their vehicle numbers. When the need to park arises, registered Flash account holders

simply specify the time of parking and effect payment online to Tenaga via their phone apps, without visiting a payment booth or locating a fee collector.

Commenting on the launch of this facility, Commercial Bank Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sanath Manatunge said: “The partnership with Tenaga is an attempt to provide further convenience to our customers through technology. With this contactless payment option, we not only hope to minimise the number of people our customers come into contact with, but also eliminate the stress of having to find a parking meter. They no longer have to suffer the consequences of missed parking ticket payments or fines.”

This year, Jetwing Hotels have garnered 24 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards, the hospitality chain announced yesterday (12).

Every year, TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel platform, pulls together all the reviews, ratings, and saves that travellers share from across the globe and use that information to spotlight the very best.

“Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions, Jetwing Beach, Jetwing Blue, Jetwing

Colombo Seven, Jetwing Jaffna, Jetwing Kaduruketha, Jetwing Kurulubedda, Jetwing Lagoon, Jetwing Lake, Jetwing Lighthouse, Jetwing Sea, Jetwing St. Andrew’s, Jetwing Surf, Jetwing Vil Uyana, Jetwing Warwick Gardens, Jetwing Yala, Calamansi Cove Villas by Jetwing, Jie Jie Beach by Jetwing, North Gate by Jetwing, Mermaid Hotel and Club, Oatlands by Jetwing, Saman Villas, Hotel J Unawatuna, and

Hotel J Ambalangoda have all been recognised for their excellent service by TripAdvisor travellers,” it said.

Mermaid Hotel and Club is also among the Top 10 of TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice All-Inclusive Resorts in Asia for the fourth consecutive year, being placed sixth on the list, which puts it among the top 1% of hotels worldwide.

Jetwing Hotels Chairman Shiromal Cooray, commenting on this

achievement, said: “We are always so grateful to our guests for taking their time to review their experience, since now more than ever we need their support. To our associates, who constantly go out of their way to provide guests with a memorable holiday, this kind of achievement is truly a testament of their hard work.”

Jetwing Hotels is a family-owned chain and has been in the tourism industry for the past 47 years.

SLPMA President and Navesta Pharmaceuticals (Pvt.) Ltd. Chairman Sanjaya Jayaratne

New state ministry for pharma manufacture welcomed by industry

Officials from the CEB and SIEMENS-DIMO Consortium at the agreement signing

SIEMENS-DIMO supports CEB to enhance national power supply

Commercial Bank COO Sanath Manatunge (fourth from right) and Tenaga Car Parks (Pvt.) Ltd. CEO/MD Duminda Jayatilake exchanging the agreement in the presence of (from left) Digital Payment Services (Pvt.) Ltd. Director Sanjiv Alles and CEO/MD Mufaddal Lukmanjee, Tenaga Car Parks (Pvt.) Ltd. Head of Business Development and Command Centre Operations Dilshan N. Mathew, Commercial Bank Head of Digital Banking Unit Pradeep Banduwansa, Commercial Bank Manager – Digital Banking Unit Anush Gunarathne, and Digital Banking Unit Officer Nuwan Sudusinghe

ComBank’s Flash enables contactless payments for Tenaga Car Park services

Jetwing wins 24 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards in 2020

PRISL President Kaushal Rajapaksa

Covid-19 presented opportunities for rubber, plastics industries: PRISL

the morningThursday , August 13, 2020

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brunch

BY NAVEED ROZAIS

Our pets will always hold the most special place in our hearts. From the second they come into our lives until they inevitably leave us, they grab hold and carve out the most unique of positions becoming part of our family and leaving behind a space that can never truly be filled again. Some of our homes are ruled by the whims and fancies of our pets, who rule over us as the cutest and most benevolent of dictators.

Saying goodbye to your treasured pet is probably one of the hardest things to have to do. They’re family, but you can’t very well bury them in the family plot at the cemetery. This is where Boocat comes in, stepping up to help you give your little friend the best of sendoffs.

A small business set up one-and-a-half years ago by Kanishka Asela with the help of his close friend Yohan Arun, Boocat is the first and only pet funeral director in Sri Lanka. Asela, who serves as Managing Director, leads a team of five, coming together to help you say that final goodbye to your treasured pet.

An animal lover and pet-owner himself, Asela understands the pain of losing these little extensions of your family. Having seen photos online of touching funeral services organised for pets in other countries, Asela realised that there was no platform in Sri Lanka that

allowed people to say goodbye to their departed pets properly, leading him to create Boocat.

Currently operating solely in the Western Province, the Boocat team visits homes (or veterinary offices as the case may be) to take charge of giving your pet the farewell of your choice. Asela explained that Boocat offers three main packages for those looking to say goodbye – pet funerals, pet cremations, and pet burials.

The pet funeral service allows bereaved owners to say goodbye to their pets much the way they would to a human member of the family, with the Boocat team providing a casket, floral arrangements, and other required supplies for the departed pet. All the bereaved owner

needs to do is organise for the religious (or non-religious) representative of their choice to preside over the service.

The pet cremation service is for those bereaved owners who want their pet cremated. Boocat arranges for the transport of the departed pet to a private piece of land in Kaluaggala where departed pets can be cremated. Bereaved

owners can opt to be present for the

cremation or have the ashes of their beloved pet

delivered to them within two days of cremation.

The pet burial service

allows bereaved owners to choose a final resting place for the departed pet, working with the Boocat team. If the owner’s choice is to have their pet buried privately on their own land, the Boocat team will arrange for the burial to take place. If owners wish for their pets to be buried elsewhere, the Boocat offers burial space within Boocat’s own private land for this purpose.

In addition to the services above, Boocat also issues death certificates to each owner and designs headstones to mark the passing of a beloved pet and their final resting place.

Speaking on the reception Boocat has received since its launch, Kanishka shared that the response to Boocat’s services has been very positive, sharing that the interest in pet funerals is increasing. Boocat builds awareness

of its services mainly through social media, also linking with veterinary surgeons in the Western Province. In 2019, Asela’s work with Boocat led him to win the title of Best Young Entrepreneur, at the J’Pura Employability Skills Awards, a competition encouraging young entrepreneurs at a university level organised by the Career Skills Development Society in collaboration with the Career Guidance Unit of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

Being able to say goodbye to a loved one, human or otherwise, is an integral part of the grieving process and being able to move on. Through its unique services, Boocat gives bereaved pet owners that bittersweet opportunity of being able to do one last thing for that little companion who brought them so much joy in their shared time together.

BY NAVEED ROZAIS

Mandarina Colombo, the city hotel for the discerning business traveller, reopened the doors to its rooftop restaurant “On the Eleventh” on 10 August with the introduction of “Nelum Kole”, a flavourful and authentic lunch menu based on Sri Lanka’s iconic nelum kole meal. The Nelum Kole lunch menu buffet is available on weekdays from 12 to 3 p.m.

The launch of Nelum Kole marks the opening of the On the Eleventh rooftop restaurant following the Covid-19 pandemic, along with Mandarina Colombo’s array of 80 rooms.

Mandarina Colombo General Manager Dinesh Hettiarachchi commented on the launch of Nelum Kole, sharing: “In the post-Covid situation, it’s needless to point out that not only the hospitality industry but also a subsection of the society whose livelihoods were based on the industry have been affected. Mandarina Colombo, as a part of the leading Sri Lankan conglomerate Macksons Holdings, is on the strong footing that our post-Covid revamp mission will not only cater to the reinstatement of our hotel’s commitment towards the local food culture, but also create an avenue to give back to society. We have initiated several attractive promotions including the new Nelum Kole menu.”

Mandarina Colombo’s local suppliers are spread out

across Sri Lanka and the new Nelum Kole menu includes raw materials sourced from Kumbukgete in the North Western Province, along with daily vegetables and lotus leaves supplied from the Colombo suburb of Bandaragama to name a few of the wide network of suppliers coming together in the creation of this tantalising meal.

The Morning Brunch was invited to an exclusive preview of The Nelum Kole menu and found a spread any Sri Lankan would swoon over. With three different varieties of local rice, including favourites like

fried rice and dunthel bath, a range of 10 rich vegetable curries, five mouthwatering meat curries, and an

assortment of side dishes and condiments, Nelum Kole creates an expansive range of authentic, flavourful, and tantalising Sri Lankan food.

Ever the place to go if you’re a foodie on a budget, the Nelum Kole meal starts at Rs. 500 for the base

vegetarian meal with the proteins of your choice being added on as you desire at very competitive prices (adding chicken to your meal would cost an additional Rs. 100, and so on depending on the protein you choose).

The vegetable curries on offer ranged from the standard fare

of green beans curry and ladies fingers to the more exotic

vegetables like lotus root and ambarella curry with a pleasant balance of flavour in each curry.

The meat portion of the menu offered fish, chicken, beef, mutton, and prawns, with each meat curry cooked to perfection with its own distinct flavour. There was also a variety of fried fish including dry fish.

The dessert section offered the tried and true Sri Lankan staples

of curd and treacle, cream caramel, and watalappam, each of which was a delight in its own right.

“Especially through the new Nelum Kole menu, our lunch will offer an array of authentic local cuisine. Hence, we do believe that as a local organisation, in this context, we have been able to contribute to the Sri Lankan

community at our level best as a part of our CSR commitments. Furthermore, I need to add that for a hotel, the food is the key value addition, hence we are very proud of the quality and unique taste of the food prepared by our chefs who have over 60 years of combined experience in the industry,” Hettiarachchi shared.

In addition to its mouthwatering weekday lunch menu, Mandarina Colombo also offers competitive conference, meeting, and banquet packages for any of its four meeting spaces and its 160-pax banquet hall. True to its vision of providing its guests with the very best, the team at Mandarina Colombo is ever available to tailor-make solutions best suited to the needs of their valued guests.

Mandarina Colombo launchesNEW SRI LANKAN

LUNCH MENU

Helping beloved pets rest in peaceA look at pet memorial and funeral service provider Boocat

PHOTOS ESHAN DASANAYAKA

Kanishka Asela (left) receiving the Best Young Entrepreneur Award at the J’pura Employability Skills Awards

The unique city hotel introduces ‘Nelum Kole’ at its rooftop restaurant

‘On the Eleventh’

sportsthe morning

Thursday , August 13, 2020

SL athletics given Rs. 10 m by Lyca’s GnanamThe Gnanam Foundation, attached to Lycamobile owned by Subaskaran Allirajah and based in the UK, donated Rs. 10 million to the Athletic Association of Sri Lanka (AASL) on Tuesday (11). Ben Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd. Director G.T. Jeyaseelan (on right), attached to Lycamobile, made the donation in Colombo to AASL President Maj. Gen. Palitha Fernando (on left).

PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA

Amid fears, second Test beginsThe England vs. Pakistan second Test will begin at Southampton today (13) while European sports are stunned with the news that an unnamed squad member of Barcelona has tested positive for Covid-19 yesterday (12). Also, earlier yesterday, another six players of Athletic Bilbao, a fellow La Liga side, have tested positive.

CCC on topThe first round of the post-pandemic Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Major Tier “A” three-day tournament was over yesterday (12). CCC beat Ragama by an innings and 125 runs to lead the table. But Army vs. NCC, Chilaw Marians vs. BRC, and Colts vs. Saracens all ended in a draw. In the Plate, Negombo beat Lankan CC by five wickets while SSC vs. Tamil Union and Moors vs. Badureliya were drawn. The centurions in this round were Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Upul Tharanga, Thulina Dilshan, Dilshan De Zoysa, Santhush Gunathilake, and Lahiru Udara (pictured). (IU)

5

BY REVATHA S. SILVA

Anil Mohan, the Founder and CEO of Innovative Production Group (IPG) which owns the total event rights of the Lankan Premier League (LPL), told The Morning Sports yesterday (12) that the postponement of the league is a huge positive for organisation of the tournament.

“It’s very, very good news for LPL. It (the LPL) was catching with the IPL (the Indian Premier League that is to start on 19 September). So now we have enough time to sell franchises and to make LPL one of the best leagues in the cricket world,” Mohan said.

Couldn’t meet 14-day quarantine

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced on Tuesday (11) that they postponed the LPL, which was to start from 28 August, until November, citing the stringent 14-day quarantine period for foreign participants imposed by the Sri Lankan Government as the main reason.

“This (LPL) has to be the No. 1 league. It should have top-level production quality,” said Mohan, whose IPG also owns the

league’s broadcasting rights. LPL was originally to be over by 20 September.

Anti-corruption allegations

Mohan also wanted to clarify about the talk, now doing the rounds in the cricket circles here, that IPG is under investigation by the International Cricket Council Anti-Corruption Unit (ICC ACU). IPG is also the production rights owners of the Sri Lanka team for the next three years from 2020. They won those rights early this year.

“I also want to clarify about the rumour that our competitors are spreading these days. They say that we (IPG) are under investigation by the ICC ACU. But I must tell you that ICC’s Chief of Anti-Corruption Alex Marshall was himself sitting there when the (SLC) production

bidding happened in Sri Lanka in February-March this year,” he stressed.

“I am working at present with at least eight boards including those of Zimbabwe, Pakistan, South Africa, and Ireland as well as the Asian Cricket Council. I am working with Star TV, Sony TV, and Sky TV. If there is an issue, no board will give me work,” explained Mohan who is based in Dubai.

November is a better window

“Whatever SLC is doing, they are doing it under ICC guidelines. They have to take ICC approval for everything. For example, if I am selling any franchise team, they need to take approval for that too from them,” he added.

“Late November up to December will be an ideal time for us (LPL). There could be only a T10 league that is going to be held during that period. But it will take just seven, eight days. Nothing else happens in the subcontinent during that time. All the players will come then and all the franchises will be happy too. The Covid-19 restrictions will most probably be less by then. And some of the other countries might be open too,” added Mohan.

IPG Founder/CEO Anil Mohan

LPL postponement a huge positive: Anil Mohan of IPGz Rubbishes ‘rumours’ on corruption allegations

BY REVATHA S. SILVA

As The Morning Sports reported on Monday (10), it was none other than Namal Rajapaksa who was sworn in as the new Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports yesterday (12).

He thus became the first Sports Minister of Sri Lanka to have represented the country at the highest level (see story below on the origin and history of Sri Lanka’s Sports Ministry).

Rajapaksa, 34, a product of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, represented Sri Lanka in rugby from 2010-14 while captaining the national team in 2014.

Earlier, he has led Sri Lanka Under-16 rugby team in 2000 and the national Under-19 team in 2004.

Complete restructuring on the cards

Talking to media after the swearing-in ceremony of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s new Cabinet in Kandy

yesterday, Rajapaksa said that restructuring the entire sports field is in new Government’s agenda.

“We always give emphasis only on cricket. But I am not the Minster of Cricket. I am the Minister of all sports in the country. We plan to initiate a restructuring in the entire sports field,” he explained.

Further describing his plans on the country’s key sport, cricket, and its dwindling situation at present, Rajapaksa said his Ministry will take steps to get assistance of top former cricketers of the country and make a restructuring

of the game. “I will take steps to get the assistance from former players and restructure cricket too.”

Thenuka is State Minister of Sports

Meanwhile, Thenuka Vidanagamage was sworn yesterday in as the State Minister of Sports. His portfolio was stated as “the State Minister on the Development of Infrastructure of Rural and Schools Sports”.

The 47-year-old Badulla District MP is the son of Uva Provincial Councillor Gunapala Vidanagamage and younger

brother of Anura Vidanagamage, who is also a Provincial Council Minister.

First-time ministersThenuka won third place from the

Badulla District, representing the victorious Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) at the 5 August parliamentary polls, with 68,338 votes.

He has represented his district in the 2010 and 2015 Parliaments, but has never held any ministerial portfolio before, like Namal Rajapaksa, who is also holding his first ministry after about 10 years in Parliament, representing the Hambantota District.

Namal Rajapaksa (on left) taking oaths yesterday (12) as the country’s new Sports Minister before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, as Presidential Secretary P.B. Jayasundara (second left) and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa look on Thenuka Vidanagamage being sworn in as the State Minister of Development of Infrastructure of Rural and Schools Sports

z New Sports Minister says cricket too will be restructured with help from former players

Restructuring sports on top of agenda: Namal Rajapaksa

Hambantota District MP and former Sri Lanka rugby player Namal Rajapaksa was sworn in as Sri Lanka’s new Cabinet Minister of Sports yesterday (12). His portfolio goes as “Youth Affairs and Sports”. Rajapaksa is Sri Lanka’s 18th Sports Minister.

The Minister of Sports, an appointment in the Cabinet of Sri Lanka, was created as a portfolio first in 1966 by Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake. It was as part of the portfolio of the Ministry of Nationalised Services. The first Sports Minister was Vithana Arachchige Sugathadasa, better known as V.A. Sugathadasa. The first Sports Ministry Secretary was Dr. H.S.R. Gunawardena and its first Director was Austin Rajakaruna.

Evolution of the portfolio

In 1970, under Premier Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the Sports Ministry was named “the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Sports”. Then in 1989, under President Ranasinghe Premadasa, it was renamed “the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports”.

In 2000, it became “the

Ministry of Tourism and Sports”. In 2004, it was called “the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs” when Mahinda Rajapaksa became President. In 2007, it was named “the Ministry of Sports and Public Recreation”. In 2010 during Mahinda Rajapaksa’s last tenure, it was renamed “the Ministry of Sports”.

Founder of Sugathadasa Stadium

V.A. Sugathadasa (1912-73) is considered a great servant of sports in the country. Twice the Mayor of Colombo, representing the United National Party (UNP), Sugathadasa also served as Chairman of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) and the Commonwealth Games Committee.

The famous Sugathadasa Stadium, situated at the old Prince of Wales Avenue at Kotahena, stands as a monument to Sugathadasa’s love for sports. The stadium has been built on land donated by himself. A fine football player in his school days, Sugathadasa was awarded the honour of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his indisputable service to the country and its sport.

A great history spanning over 50 yearsz The Sports Ministry’s illustrious past

1. V.A. Sugathadasa (1966-70)2. K.B. Ratnayake (1972-77)3. Vincent Perera (1977-88)4. Nanda Mathew (1989-93)5. S.B. Dissanayake (1994-2001)6. Mangala Samaraweera (2001)7. Lakshman Kiriella (2001-02)8. Johnston Fernando (2002-04)9. Jeewan Kumaratunga (2004-07)10. Gamini Lokuge (2007-10)11. C.B. Ratnayake (April 2010-November 2010)12. Mahindananda Aluthgamage (2010-15)13. Navin Dissanayake (January 2015-September 2015)14. Dayasiri Jayasekara (2015-18)15. Faiszer Musthapha (April 2018-November 2018)16. Harin Fernando (2018-November 2019)17. Dullas Alahapperuma (2019-August 2020)18. Namal Rajapaksa (appointed in August 2020)

SRI LANKA’S SPORTS MINISTERS

Sri Lanka’s first Sports Minister V.A. Sugathadasa