[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"taxonomy":4,"breaking":5,"article-fitch-ratings-upgrades-sri-lankas-long-term-foreign-currency-idr-to-b-from-ccc":19,"cover-media-fitch-ratings-upgrades-sri-lankas-long-term-foreign-currency-idr-to-b-from-ccc":43,"comments-fitch-ratings-upgrades-sri-lankas-long-term-foreign-currency-idr-to-b-from-ccc":55,"related-fitch-ratings-upgrades-sri-lankas-long-term-foreign-currency-idr-to-b-from-ccc":60},[4,4],true,{"data":6},{"articles":7,"ticker":8},[],[9,13,16],{"id":10,"text":11,"link":12},"6a88f1671984b727d3b0b4a0","Parliament passes amended budget bill after marathon debate",null,{"id":14,"text":15,"link":12},"6a88f1671984b727d3b0b4a1","Central Bank holds policy rate steady amid inflation concerns",{"id":17,"text":18,"link":12},"6a88f1671984b727d3b0b4a2","Sri Lanka clinches series win over Bangladesh in thrilling finish",{"data":20},{"id":21,"lang":22,"title":23,"subtitle":12,"slug":24,"excerpt":25,"html":26,"readingTimeSec":27,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":31,"tagIds":32,"authorIds":33,"coverMediaId":34,"galleryMediaIds":35,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":36,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":39,"relatedArticleIds":42},"6ab61c5e3b462735d0d48cff","en","Fitch Ratings upgrades Sri Lanka’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency IDR to B- from CCC+","fitch-ratings-upgrades-sri-lankas-long-term-foreign-currency-idr-to-b-from-ccc","Fitch Ratings has upgraded Sri Lanka’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘B-’ from ‘CCC+’, with a Stable Outlook, according to its latest rating action issued on 22 September 2026.  Comm...","\u003Cp>According to a rating action issued on 22 September 2026, Fitch Ratings upgraded Sri Lanka’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘B-’ from ‘CCC+’, with a Stable Outlook.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Labour Minister and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha said the decision reflects the progress achieved in Sri Lanka’s economy over the past two years, citing factors outlined by Fitch Ratings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Improvement in the Government’s revenue collection capacity has been a key factor. Government revenue reached 16.7% of GDP in 2025, exceeding the International Monetary Fund (IMF) target of 15.3% of GDP. The stronger revenue performance also contributed to a primary surplus of 5.4% of GDP in 2025, surpassing the 2.3% target.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dr. Jayantha said these developments have reduced the Government’s borrowing requirements while strengthening its capacity to service existing debt. He also highlighted the economy’s ability to withstand external shocks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to the Minister, Sri Lanka continued to demonstrate its capacity to maintain revenue collection despite challenges including the Ditwah cyclone disaster and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The strength of the country’s external sector has also been an important consideration in debt repayment capacity. Export earnings, tourism revenue and workers’ remittances have contributed to the accumulation of foreign exchange, while Sri Lanka has continued to build its foreign reserves despite external pressures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fitch’s rating definitions classify ‘B’ as a highly speculative rating, indicating that material default risk remains, although a limited margin of safety exists.\u003C\u002Fp>",65,"standard","published","6a8de2d51984b727d3b0b545",[30],[],[],"6ab61c5e3b462735d0d48cfb",[],"2026-09-25T06:05:17.000Z",false,"public",{"views":40,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":40},33,0,[],{"data":44},{"id":34,"url":45,"width":46,"height":47,"variants":48,"alt":12,"caption":12,"credit":12},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.newsradio.lk\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fa9957c80-ba37-4022-ab3d-e87574f9b93e\u002Foriginal.jpg",800,595,[49],{"key":50,"width":51,"height":52,"format":53,"url":54},"thumb",320,238,"webp","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.newsradio.lk\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fa9957c80-ba37-4022-ab3d-e87574f9b93e\u002Fthumb.webp",{"data":56,"meta":57},[],{"total":41,"page":58,"limit":59,"hasMore":37},1,30,{"data":61},[62,79,95,111,126,141,157,172],{"id":63,"lang":22,"title":64,"subtitle":12,"slug":65,"excerpt":66,"html":67,"readingTimeSec":68,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":69,"tagIds":70,"authorIds":71,"coverMediaId":72,"galleryMediaIds":73,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":74,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":75,"relatedArticleIds":78},"6ab654813b462735d0d4ee68","Deputy Minister Hemachandra explores agri-tech cooperation during Qatar visit","deputy-minister-hemachandra-explores-agri-tech-cooperation-during-qatar-visit","Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra, during his official visit to the State of Qatar, visited Argrico, a company engaged in modern, technology-driven agriculture and food ...","\u003Cp>Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra visited Argrico during his official visit to the State of Qatar. The company is engaged in modern, technology-driven agriculture and food production under challenging desert conditions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Minister Hemachandra observed the application of science and innovation to agricultural production in an environment characterised by extreme heat, limited freshwater resources and restricted arable land. The facility integrates vegetable cultivation, hydroponics, vertical farming, aquaculture, mushroom production and mangrove-related cultivation. The controlled agricultural systems demonstrate the potential for year-round production while contributing to greater food security and efficient utilisation of limited natural resources.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also noted with interest that coco peat sourced from Sri Lanka is being used in the company’s modern cultivation systems, creating an existing link between Sri Lankan agricultural products and Qatar’s growing agri-technology sector.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Discussions during the visit focused on opportunities for cooperation in controlled-environment agriculture, climate-resilient farming, efficient water and land utilisation and sustainable food production. Particular attention was also given to cold-chain management, post-harvest technology, storage and logistics, with a view to reducing food losses, preserving product quality and strengthening resilient food supply chains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Argrico has already invested in Sri Lanka, and discussions explored opportunities to further expand its engagement through additional foreign direct investment, technology transfer, research collaboration and knowledge sharing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Minister Hemachandra highlighted Sri Lanka’s natural advantages in agriculture and the potential to combine these strengths with modern science, climate-resilient technologies and efficient supply-chain systems to enhance productivity, strengthen food security and create greater opportunities for export-oriented agriculture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The visit underscored the potential for stronger Sri Lanka–Qatar cooperation in agriculture and agri-technology, bringing together investment, innovation, sustainability, food security and economic development.\u003C\u002Fp>",76,[30],[],[],"6ab654813b462735d0d4ee64",[],"2026-09-25T10:43:08.000Z",{"views":76,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":77},36,35,[],{"id":80,"lang":22,"title":81,"subtitle":12,"slug":82,"excerpt":83,"html":84,"readingTimeSec":85,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":86,"tagIds":87,"authorIds":88,"coverMediaId":89,"galleryMediaIds":90,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":91,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":92,"relatedArticleIds":94},"6ab654b13b462735d0d4eebf","Sri Lanka Navy seizes illegal drugs with street value exceeding Rs. 55 billion","sri-lanka-navy-seizes-illegal-drugs-with-street-value-exceeding-rs-55-billion","The Sri Lanka Navy has seized illegal drugs with a street value exceeding Rs. 55 billion through land-based operations and maritime surveillance conducted under the “Ratama Ekata” National Operation to eradicat...","\u003Cp>Illegal drugs with a street value exceeding Rs. 55 billion have been seized by the Sri Lanka Navy through land-based operations and maritime surveillance conducted under the \"Ratama Ekata\" National Operation to eradicate illicit drugs, Navy Media Director Commander Chaminda Walakuluge said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He made the remarks at a special media briefing held today (25) at the Ratama Ekata National Operation Headquarters and Media Centre.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Commander Walakuluge said that during the past nine months, naval operations at sea had led to the arrest of more than 300 individuals and the seizure of 53 vessels. The seizures included 1,080 kilograms of heroin, 590 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (Ice), 256 kilograms of cocaine, 862 kilograms of cannabis, 55 kilograms of hashish and more than four million narcotic tablets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said the Navy continues to conduct maritime surveillance operations while also carrying out awareness programmes aimed at protecting young people from illicit drug use. The operations are being conducted jointly with the Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Police, Police Special Task Force and Police Narcotics Bureau, among other agencies, he said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Continuous surveillance is being carried out using both conventional and technology-based methods, and the support provided by the fishing community has been acknowledged. Commander Walakuluge requested the fishing community to continue providing information to the authorities to support ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.\u003C\u002Fp>",61,[30],[],[],"6ab654b13b462735d0d4eebb",[],"2026-09-25T10:35:48.000Z",{"views":93,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":93},34,[],{"id":96,"lang":22,"title":97,"subtitle":12,"slug":98,"excerpt":99,"html":100,"readingTimeSec":101,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":102,"tagIds":103,"authorIds":104,"coverMediaId":105,"galleryMediaIds":106,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":107,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":108,"relatedArticleIds":110},"6ab6470b3b462735d0d4ccf3","Government focusing on revising VAT on books in upcoming Budget, PM says","government-focusing-on-revising-vat-on-books-in-upcoming-budget-pm-says","Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government is focusing on revising the VAT imposed on books through the upcoming Budget. The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the op...","\u003Cp>Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the Government is focusing on revising the VAT imposed on books through the upcoming Budget.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prime Minister made the remarks while participating in the opening ceremony of the 27th Colombo International Book Fair, organised by the Sri Lanka Book Publishers’ Association. The fair was officially inaugurated on 25 September at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) premises in Colombo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dr. Amarasuriya also presided over the presentation of scholarships to students under the “Daru Diriya” Scholarship Fund maintained by the Sri Lanka Book Publishers’ Association.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said the President had specifically instructed her to convey that the Government would be able to introduce a significant change to the VAT imposed on books through this year’s Budget. The Prime Minister noted that, as a Government that recognises the value of books, it fully understands the importance of such a change to the people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said the Colombo International Book Fair is not merely another exhibition held once a year, but an integral part of the cultural life of the country, eagerly anticipated by hundreds of thousands of people. She noted that, since its inception in 1999, the event has contributed to nurturing the reading culture of Sri Lanka for more than two decades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prime Minister said that reading means understanding another person’s life, society, culture and perspective, and that it greatly contributes to building a society founded on empathy. She also highlighted the importance of nurturing children’s interest in reading through the new education reforms, as well as allocating more time for reading during school hours.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The occasion was attended by diplomats, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura Professor Upul Subasinghe, President of the Sri Lanka Book Publishers’ Association Mr. Athula Jayakody, along with a large number of writers, publishers and other invitees.\u003C\u002Fp>",82,[30],[],[],"6ab6470b3b462735d0d4ccef",[],"2026-09-25T09:28:45.000Z",{"views":109,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":109},26,[],{"id":112,"lang":22,"title":113,"subtitle":12,"slug":114,"excerpt":115,"html":116,"readingTimeSec":59,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":117,"tagIds":118,"authorIds":119,"coverMediaId":120,"galleryMediaIds":121,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":122,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":123,"relatedArticleIds":125},"6ab6385a3b462735d0d4bdfb","Sri Lanka records 1,642,215 tourist arrivals by September 20, 2026","sri-lanka-records-1642215-tourist-arrivals-by-september-20-2026","Sri Lanka has recorded a total of 1,642,215 tourist arrivals from January 1 to September 20, 2026, according to the latest data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. During the first 20 days ...","\u003Cp>The latest data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority showed that Sri Lanka recorded 1,642,215 tourist arrivals from January 1 to September 20, 2026.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arrivals in the first 20 days of September totalled 107,093. Indian tourists accounted for 30% of the total arrivals in September, with 32,536 visitors, the highest number of arrivals from a single country during the period.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Between September 1 and 20, 7,906 tourists arrived from the United Kingdom and 7,393 from Australia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>India remained the largest source market for Sri Lanka during the year so far, with 418,019 tourist arrivals. The United Kingdom ranked second, with 157,895 tourists visiting Sri Lanka during the period.\u003C\u002Fp>",[30],[],[],"6ab6385a3b462735d0d4bdf7",[],"2026-09-25T08:27:07.000Z",{"views":124,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":124},23,[],{"id":127,"lang":22,"title":128,"subtitle":12,"slug":129,"excerpt":130,"html":131,"readingTimeSec":93,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":132,"tagIds":133,"authorIds":134,"coverMediaId":135,"galleryMediaIds":136,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":137,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":138,"relatedArticleIds":140},"6ab60f143b462735d0d477d7","Sri Lanka Navy brings 25 Indonesian fishermen ashore at Colombo Port","sri-lanka-navy-brings-25-indonesian-fishermen-ashore-at-colombo-port","The Sri Lanka Navy safely brought ashore 25 Indonesian fishermen at the Colombo Port yesterday (24), following a multi-agency rescue operation. The fishermen were aboard the Indonesian fishing trawler KM Garuda...","\u003Cp>Twenty-five Indonesian fishermen were safely brought ashore at the Colombo Port yesterday (24) by the Sri Lanka Navy following a multi-agency rescue operation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fishermen had been aboard the Indonesian fishing trawler KM Garuda Jaya VI, which capsized south of Sri Lanka on 22 September while within the Australian Search and Rescue Region. All 25 were rescued from the sea by the merchant vessel MV Moonstone, which alerted the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the coordination of MRCC Colombo, the Sri Lanka Navy dispatched two craft to bring the rescued fishermen ashore. The Navy subsequently transferred all 25 survivors safely to the Colombo Port, provided them with humanitarian assistance and handed them over to the Indonesian Embassy in Sri Lanka for further action.\u003C\u002Fp>",[30],[],[],"6ab60f143b462735d0d477d3",[],"2026-09-25T06:01:04.000Z",{"views":139,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":139},27,[],{"id":142,"lang":22,"title":143,"subtitle":12,"slug":144,"excerpt":145,"html":146,"readingTimeSec":147,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":148,"tagIds":149,"authorIds":150,"coverMediaId":151,"galleryMediaIds":152,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":153,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":154,"relatedArticleIds":156},"6ab60f143b462735d0d477df","Heavy showers exceeding 75 mm likely in several provinces today","heavy-showers-exceeding-75-mm-likely-in-several-provinces-today","The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is weakening into a depression, but its influence on Sri Lanka is expected to continue, bringing heavy showers and strong winds to several parts of the country today (...","\u003Cp>Heavy showers and strong winds are expected in several parts of Sri Lanka today (25) as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal weakens into a depression but is still expected to influence the country, according to the Department of Meteorology.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The department said showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central and North-Western provinces, with fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 75 mm likely at some places in these areas. It said the impact of the weather system on Sri Lanka is expected to gradually decrease from today as the depression weakens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fairly strong winds of around 30–40 kmph are expected at times over the western slopes of the Central Hills, North-Central and North-Western provinces, as well as in the Trincomalee, Hambantota and Matale districts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The general public is advised to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.\u003C\u002Fp>",41,[30],[],[],"6a985ebe55750bd6c4a636fb",[],"2026-09-25T05:59:32.000Z",{"views":155,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":155},28,[],{"id":158,"lang":22,"title":159,"subtitle":12,"slug":160,"excerpt":161,"html":162,"readingTimeSec":163,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":164,"tagIds":165,"authorIds":166,"coverMediaId":167,"galleryMediaIds":168,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":169,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":170,"relatedArticleIds":171},"6ab62af13b462735d0d4a520","Justice must be accessible to all without discrimination, PM says","justice-must-be-accessible-to-all-without-discrimination-pm-says","Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the establishment of the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice are among the most important commitments made by the Government to the people of Sri L...","\u003Cp>Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the establishment of the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice are among the most important commitments made by the Government to the people of Sri Lanka, emphasising that justice must be accessible to all without discrimination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dr. Amarasuriya made the remarks at Parliament on 24 September.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said the constitutional amendment currently under consideration must be viewed within the broader reforms being undertaken to strengthen the justice system as a whole. Improving access to justice cannot be achieved through a single amendment or through reforming one institution alone, she noted, but requires comprehensive reforms across the entire justice system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prime Minister highlighted measures taken during the past two years to strengthen independent investigations and improve the capacity of the Police and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to conduct investigations fairly and impartially. She also pointed to steps taken to ensure impartiality in recruitment, promotions and appointments within these institutions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said the Government has taken measures to improve the efficiency of the justice system by filling vacancies, increasing opportunities for hearings, focusing resources on courts with heavy caseloads, introducing technological support and providing additional support staff. Recruitment to the Government Analyst’s Department, which had faced longstanding vacancies and contributed to delays in investigations, is also being addressed, she noted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The proposed constitutional amendment would enable the establishment of Courts of Appeal in the provinces where required, as part of the broader effort to make justice more accessible to people throughout the country, she said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prime Minister said justice delayed has affected the lives of ordinary citizens and has also benefited an elite in this country. She noted that prolonged delays in investigations and legal proceedings had contributed to a cycle in which accountability was repeatedly weakened when governments changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stressed that the proposed amendment seeks to increase the retirement age of judges across the board and does not target any individual judge or particular court. Extending the judicial retirement age is not unique to Sri Lanka, she said, citing international examples including the United Kingdom, which increased the retirement age for judges from 70 to 75 in 2021, and Hong Kong, which increased it from 65 to 70 in 2019.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She further stated that the amendment does not confer special powers on the Executive over the Judiciary or alter the balance of power between the institutions of government.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Responding to criticism of the proposed amendment, the Prime Minister said the debate should be considered within the context of the Government’s wider commitment to strengthening the independence, efficiency and accessibility of the justice system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She concluded that the transformation taking place in the country is also reflected in growing public confidence in the possibility of building stronger public institutions and a more accountable system of governance. She also highlighted the response of young people following the recent railway strike, when some purchased additional tickets after services resumed as a small but meaningful indication of a growing sense of responsibility towards public institutions.\u003C\u002Fp>",137,[30],[],[],"6ab61c3b3b462735d0d48cf1",[],"2026-09-24T12:36:53.000Z",{"views":59,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":59},[],{"id":173,"lang":22,"title":174,"subtitle":12,"slug":175,"excerpt":176,"html":177,"readingTimeSec":59,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":178,"tagIds":179,"authorIds":180,"coverMediaId":181,"galleryMediaIds":182,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":183,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":184,"relatedArticleIds":186},"6ab502fb3b462735d0d3242e","Habeebu Lebbe Mohammed Rifan sworn in as Member of Tenth Parliament","habeebu-lebbe-mohammed-rifan-sworn-in-as-member-of-tenth-parliament","Mr.Habeebu Lebbe Mohammed Rifan was sworn in today (24) as a Member of the Tenth Parliament before the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. Following the oath and affirmation before the Speaker, he signed th...","\u003Cp>Mr. Habeebu Lebbe Mohammed Rifan was today (24) sworn in as a Member of the Tenth Parliament before the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rifan has been appointed to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mr. Mohamed Sheriff Abthul Wazeeth, who served as a National List Member of Parliament representing the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the oath and affirmation before the Speaker, Rifan signed the Members’ Roll placed before the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An Attorney-at-law by profession, Rifan completed his school education at Oddamavadi Central College in Batticaloa. He is also serving as the Kalkudah Electorate Organizer of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress.\u003C\u002Fp>",[30],[],[],"6ab502fb3b462735d0d3242a",[],"2026-09-24T10:15:52.000Z",{"views":185,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":185},55,[]]