Statement 1: Ecell should have a positive value for the cell to function.Statement 2: Ecathode 

Assertion is true but the reason is false. Feasibility of chemical reaction depends on Gibb's free energy which is related to Ecell ∘ as, ΔG∘=−nFEcell ∘When value of Ecello is positive then ∆Go becomes negative. Hence, reaction becomes feasible.Correct reason is  Ecathode >Eanode .