Postal voting gets underway

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Postal voting for the presidential election, scheduled for 21 September, commenced yesterday morning (04) and will continue until tomorrow, according to the Election Commission.

Voting will take place at over 1,500 centres.

Those who are unable to vote during this period can do so on the 11 and 12 September at polling stations set up in District Election Offices.

On the first day, only selected state employees were permitted to vote, and they included those attached to District Secretariats, the Elections Commission, and other state institutions directly involved with the election.

The staff at Senior DIG and DIG offices, Superintendent of Police (SP) and ASP offices, police stations, Special Task Force (STF) camps, other specialised police divisions, and VIP security units were allowed to cast their votes yesterday and they can do so today as well.

On 5 and 6 September, members of the security forces, and all other eligible voters, can participate in postal voting.

Meanwhile, election observers have been deployed to monitor the postal voting process to ensure there are no violations of election laws.

Rohana Hettiarachchi, Executive Director of People’s Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL), told The Island that they had stationed over 900 election observers.

Manjula Gajanayake, Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES), said that they had also deployed mobile monitoring units.

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Arundika leaves Ranil, opts to function as independent MP

By Saman Indrajith

SLPP Puttalam District MP and State Minister of Urban Development and Housing Arundika Fernando announced yesterday that he would function as an independent MP in Parliament hereafter. He said he had previously supported President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Making a special statement with the permission of the Chair, Fernando called for a concerted effort to defeat what he called destructive forces.

“As an independent MP I will talk to all to form a common front to save this country and people from imminent danger. There is an unholy group that makes use of social media to brainwash the youth. They will lead this country towards destruction.

“Due to two insurgencies in this country in 1971 and 1989, especially in 1989, over 60,000 young people had perished.

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Lord’s Honours Board, dream come true for Asitha

Rex Clementine in London

There were not many positives for Sri Lanka during their 190 run loss at Lord’s as their unbeaten run in London in Test match cricket that had stretched for 33 years came to an end. The only positive perhaps was the manner in which Asitha Fernando bowled. The fast improving 27-year-old quick finished with eight wickets that included a five wicket haul in the first innings.

“It’s a dream come true for me. Any bowler wants his name in the Honours Board. I always dreamed of it and tried hard that if I had the opportunity to bowl at Lord’s I would ensure I entered my name on that list. Very satisfying,” Asitha told journalists.

“Coming here and watching the Honours Board, I saw only Rumesh Ratnayake sir has done it. I was inspired to get my name there to become only the second Sri Lankan. Very happy that I was able to place my name amongst the legends. Rumesh sir actually sent a message congratulating me. Felt nice.”

Asitha’s skill test has won him many admirers in England. While rest of the bowlers have been ineffective once the ball loses the shine, Asitha has been able to unsettle the batters with the old ball by either reverse swinging it or bowling bouncers.

“In England bowlers have friendly wickets so you don’t have to make big changes. The ball does plenty here so the main thing is stick to a good line and get your length right. That’s why I was successful.”

Sri Lanka’s bowlers have started off games well bowling to good plans but it is in the third session that the opposition has taken hold of the game.

“It happened to us in both Tests. We are discussing how we should plan with our bowling attack. In the second Test, we changed the plans by bowling them bouncers when the tail was building partnerships and that worked. Maybe that’s something that we should do at The Oval as well.”

Asitha hails from the far off Katuneriya, a village between Negombo and Chilaw. He played his cricket for St. Sebastian’s, Katuneriya and appreciated the support his childhood coach had given him.

“From my childhood days my coach has been Anton Costa sir. He is the one who has guided me to come this far. He has always been behind me. Even now he always calls me before and after the match. He keeps a close eye on what I do and I am thankful to him always.”

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Fragile top order, moving ball bring woe to Sri Lanka

Rex Clementine
in London

Sri Lanka’s 33-year-old record of being unbeaten at Lord’s came to an end on Sunday when they suffered a 190-run loss with a day to spare at the Home of Cricket. Heading into the third Test match at The Oval on Friday, they have little time to turn things around.

England seamers have got the moving ball cause havoc while Sri Lanka had got their sums wrong when they opted to bowl first when conditions were bright and sunny at Lord’s. On day two and three it was cloudy and conditions were ideal for the fast bowlers. Sri Lanka were knocked off for less than 200 runs.

Captain Dhananjaya de Silva conceded at the post-match press conference that his team had been defensive in deciding to bowl first in the second Test to protect their fragile top order.

Former captain Dimuth Karunaratne batted for over two hours to post a half-century but overall has struggled while his partner Nishan Madushka is facing the axe after making three single digit scores. Pathum Nissanka making a comeback to the side made 12 and 14 at three and Kusal Mendis batting at three at Old Trafford had scored 24 and a duck.

“The new ball is the key. They attack with the new ball and once the ball gets older, it is easy for batting. The top order needs to be solid. Either you have to stay at the wicket or play some shots. We need to chat about that and come up with a plan,” he told journalists.

Dinesh Chandimal raced to a half-century in the second innings at Lord’s reaching the milestone in 42 balls but England kept attacking as they had the runs to play with. Ian Bell Sri Lanka’s Batting Coach has been asking the players to build a method that will work for them and the top order needs to come up with plans to counter the moving ball.”

Joe Root dazzled for England with hundreds in each innings at Lord’s and overtook Sir Alastair Cook as the leading century maker for England. After opting to bowl first, Sri Lanka had England in trouble reducing them to 216 for six but what they didn’t expect was a hundred from Gus Atkinson, who hadn’t scored a century in First Class cricket.

Sri Lanka’s options against Atkinson was poor but the moment they started bowling short at him, his batting deficiencies were exposed.

“After tea on day one, things started drifting away from us and we didn’t do enough to pull back the game. Once the ball had got soft, it became easy and Joe Root smartly started rotated the strike and put the loose balls away to the boundary. We lost the grip of the game after that.

Asitha Fernando finishing with a five-wicket haul to become the second Sri Lankan after Rumesh Ratnayake to get his name in the Lord’s Honours Board was a highlight in the game.

In Sri Lanka’s second innings, three batters made half-centuries but none had the application or the appetite to go on to make a hundred.

After back-to-back losses, Sri Lanka have now slipped down to seventh place in the World Test Championship although they were well placed at four prior to the start of the series.

England have now moved to third spot.

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New investment company will be established to manage state assets – President

President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced plans to establish a new investment company that will manage state assets, ensuring that the rights of the people are protected. He also stated that new laws would be introduced to support this initiative. Additionally, the President highlighted the potential for new investments that will generate assets and help create a structured retirement planning system.

These remarks were made during a ceremony in Colombo today (02), where the President participated in the launch of a new retirement insurance system for the elderly through the SANASA Movement. During the event, President Wickremesinghe also symbolically handed over six new insurance policies for senior citizens.

The President noted that he took control of the country during an economic collapse, made difficult decisions to rebuild it, and emphasized that without the people’s patience, Sri Lanka could have faced a fate similar to Bangladesh today.

President Wickremesinghe further elaborated;

The United National Party government, appointed in 1977, opened the country’s economy, prompting various groups to establish new institutions and businesses. It was during this time that Mr. P.A. Kirivandeniya initiated the SANASA Movement, leading to the constitutionalization of the program. The proposal for the equitable distribution of production and resources among all citizens, initially suggested by Dudley Senanayake and J.R. Jayewardene in 1962, was also incorporated into the constitution, encouraging organizations like the SANASA Movement to flourish and significantly contribute to the Sri Lankan economy.

In the 21st century, the economy expanded differently from the 20th century, with the rise of small businesses, particularly in the three-wheeler industry and the tourism sector. However, in 2022, Sri Lanka’s economy collapsed. I assumed leadership during this time of economic instability, and without the patience of the people, the country could have descended into chaos.

If people had taken to the streets to govern the country, Sri Lanka could have faced the same fate as Bangladesh today. Rebuilding the economy required making difficult and unpopular decisions, including necessary steps in consultation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). At one point, buying a vehicle, a house, or modern appliances seemed like an unattainable dream for many. However, we have overcome those challenging times, and with the economy now stabilized, the people’s purchasing power has increased, which in turn is expected to fuel the growth of small businesses and attract investors.

We have also initiated a program to grant “rights” to the people, starting with the decision to issue freehold deeds to secure land rights. As part of this effort, two million freehold deeds are being distributed. Additionally, we have launched a program to provide Colombo urban flats to people free of charge, and plans are in place to create estate villages in the upcountry, offering each family a plot of seven perches. This process of transferring “rights” to the people is progressing rapidly.

Additionally, there is a focus on providing subsidized housing loans to low-income earners. Traditionally, the funds from the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) were used to purchase bonds. However, under our current program, government spending has been reduced, and plans are in place to increase state revenues. As revenues grow, the need to use provident fund money for bond purchases will diminish. We are in discussions to redirect these funds towards investment opportunities, and we intend to consult with trade unions and employers on this matter.

There are also plans to establish a National Wealth Fund using government assets, similar to investment companies created by countries like Norway, Qatar, and Singapore, where profits from government revenues are used for public welfare. This initiative will help secure the “rights” of the people.

The SANASA Movement is already engaged in such a social investment program, and various service cooperative societies are also implementing similar methods. To support these efforts, new laws will be required, drawing inspiration from existing legislation in countries like Denmark and Sweden. These laws will also address investments and retirement plans.

Young entrepreneurs entering the new digital economy should explore opportunities in the entertainment industry. By modernizing agriculture and fishing, we can drive effective economic growth. However, before anything else, I want to emphasize that the SANASA Movement is a steadfast partner in this journey. It serves as a protective umbrella in the rain and a roof over your head. We are committed to continuing our support for this movement.

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An appeal to Maha Nayaka Theros

Why don’t you educate the people (and politicians) on the futility of offering hundreds/thousands of Ata Pirikara every day?

Encouraging such offerings often puts thousands of poor people in dire straits, and a few fraudsters have turned this into a very lucrative business. It is essential to strike a balance between devotion and reality.

If production of Ata Pirikara is tied to sustainable practices or local craftsmanship, it could benefit both the community and the economy, but this is not the case.

I would like to draw your attention to one more point.

Why do the ignorant people and crafty businessmen are allowed to disfigure the Chaithyas like Ruwanwli Seya, Kiri Vehera––the dagobas that have ever shone in serene white––with coloured cloths and electric bulbs. These Chaithyas symbolise purity, simplicity, and spiritual focus.

A Ratnayake

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Litton Das’ sublime century leads stunning Bangladesh counter

In a comeback story for the ages, Litton Das’ sublime 138 backed up by Mehidy Hasan Miraz ‘s  confident 78 helped Bangladesh bounce back from the depths of 26 for 6 to post 262 and keep Pakistan’s first-innings lead to a mere 12 runs in the second Test in Rawalpindi.

This was Litton’s fourth Test century and his first in more than two years. He was also ably supported by No. 10 Hasan Mahmud. who hung around for a ninth-wicket partnership that frustrated Pakistan for 149 balls, on top of adding 69 valuable runs as Bangladesh closed in on parity. In the end, the visitors fell a mere 12 short.

Bangladesh’s remarkable turnaround continued with the ball too with Hasan picking up two wickets in 10 balls. Pakistan, at 9 for 2, could only wonder what if having begun the third day’s play so well. Khurram Shahzad  had set the tone, picking up his first Test-match five-for. He finished with 6 for 90, having ripped through the Bangladesh top order in a fiery spell of 4 for 15 in the first hour of the day. But Mehidy and Litton added 165 runs for the seventh wicket to herald the visitors’ fight back. Then there was more rearguard action in the final session.

Resuming at 193 for 8 after tea, Litton and Mahmud stalled the Pakistan bowlers for more than two hours. Litton farmed most of the strike as he declined singles and only gave Mahmud a handful of balls to face. Mahmud showed solid defensive technique, playing his part in Litton reaching his century. The wicketkeeper-batter, who overcame severe cramps in the second session, reached the milestone with a delicate dab past backward point.

Pakistan finally grabbed the last two wickets when Litton, trying to take on Salman Ali Agha, mistimed his shot for once and holed out at long-on. Two balls later No. 11 Nahid Rana shouldered arms to a straight ball and was give out lbw. Apart from Shahzad, Hamza and Salman also chipped in with two wickets apiece.

Khurram Shahzad picked up his first five-for in Test cricket (Cricinfo) 

Earlier, the Bangladesh top order seemed clueless against the Pakistan pair of Shahzad and Mir Hamza. They struck six times in 34 balls in the first hour, swinging the new ball through hoops, but more importantly sticking to their lines.

Hamza created the opportunities, but it was Shahzad who got the wickets, picking three in five deliveries. His plan was quite simple. Target Bangladesh’s left-handers from around the wicket and always keep the stumps in play. It worked magnificently.

Shahzad had Zakir Hasan flicking uppishly with Abrar Ahmed taking a simple catch around the short midwicket area. In his next over, he cleaned up Shadman Islam, the opener walking right across his stumps but failing to account for Shahzad’s swing. Three balls later, it was Najmul Hossain Shanto’s turn to walk back, playing all around a full ball to find his middle stump rattled.

Hamza then had Mominul Haque caught off the first ball of the ninth over. It was a meek dismissal, with the batter chipping a full-length ball to mid-on with the Bangladesh score reading 20 for 4. That soon became 26 for 5 when Hamza got a length ball to nibble away ever so late with first-Test hero Mushfiqur Rahim only managing a thin edge through to Mohammad Rizwan. Shahzad then trapped Shakib Al Hasan, who played down the wrong line to be adjudged lbw. Shakib reviewed, but to no avail.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz added a fifty to the five-for he’s already taken in this game (Cricinfo)

At 26 for 6, Bangladesh’s lowest Test total of 43 looked in danger. But Mehidy and Litton shepherded them past that hurdle and many more. With the sheen off the ball, and the Khurram-Hamza pair out of the attack, the two batters dug in and took Bangladesh to lunch without further damage.

Litton went the aggressive route after the break. Still trailing Pakistan by 199 runs, he came down particularly hard on Shahzad, taking him for two fours in three balls in the third over of the session, before smashing him for three fours on the bounce in the next. Bangladesh scored 40 runs in the first six overs after lunch. Litton and Mehidy brought up the 100-run stand for the seventh wicket soon after which also saw them avoid the follow-on that was reduced to a margin of 150 as the opening day was washed out.

Litton reached his fifty with a clip towards deep backward square leg while Mehidy also did not take much time to reach his eighth Test half-century. Pakistan were not helped by fast bowler Mohammad Ali leaving the field, feeling unwell.

When Shahzad decided to go short, Litton and Mehidy took him on with the pull shot and had decent success with it. Litton clubbed the fast bowler over deep square leg while Mehidy got inside the line and achieved the same result over long leg. Having gone for just 15 off his first seven overs, Shahzad went for 58 from his next six. But he managed to make a comeback.

He foxed Mehidy with a fuller ball which he lobbed back to the bowler. That gave Shahzad his five-wicket haul and he quickly added anothers one, trapping Taskin Ahmed right in front of the stumps which signalled the tea interval.

Pakistan would have hoped of a swift end to the innings post the break but Mahmud and Litton were having none of it.

Brief scores:

Pakistan 274 and 9 for 2 in 3.4 overs  (Hasan Mahmud 2-3) lead Bangladesh 262 (Litton Das 138, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 78; Khurram Shahzad 6-90, Salman  Agha 2-13, Mir Hamza 2-50) by 21 runs

(Cricinfo)

 

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