[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"taxonomy":4,"breaking":5,"article-government-to-keep-strong-state-presence-in-energy-sector-president-says":9,"cover-media-government-to-keep-strong-state-presence-in-energy-sector-president-says":34,"comments-government-to-keep-strong-state-presence-in-energy-sector-president-says":46,"related-government-to-keep-strong-state-presence-in-energy-sector-president-says":51},[4,4],true,{"data":6},{"articles":7,"ticker":8},[],[],{"data":10},{"id":11,"lang":12,"title":13,"subtitle":14,"slug":15,"excerpt":16,"html":17,"readingTimeSec":18,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":22,"tagIds":23,"authorIds":24,"coverMediaId":25,"galleryMediaIds":26,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":27,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":30,"relatedArticleIds":33},"6ac09be63b462735d0f0e785","en","Government to keep strong state presence in energy sector, President says",null,"government-to-keep-strong-state-presence-in-energy-sector-president-says","President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the Government is committed to maintaining a strong state presence in the energy sector while improving the efficiency of state institutions and ensuring reliable service...","\u003Cp>President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the Government is committed to maintaining a strong state presence in the energy sector while improving the efficiency of state institutions and ensuring reliable services for the public.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The President made the remarks yesterday (02) while attending the commencement of construction of the Jet A-1 fuel pipeline system of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and two new oil storage tank systems belonging to CPC and the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminal Limited (CPSTL).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sri Lanka’s energy sector requires a well-planned and advanced agenda, President Dissanayake said, noting that state institutions in the sector had in the past faced financial difficulties and a lack of public confidence. He said CPC had accumulated debts amounting to Rs. 840 billion, creating significant pressure on the state banking system, a situation that had contributed to calls for the sale and privatisation of state institutions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Sri Lanka has a relatively small energy market, the Government believes it should retain a leading role because of the sector’s importance to the country’s economy and social life, he said. Continued state involvement, he stressed, must be supported by improved efficiency and the services the public expects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The President said the Government has ended the previous practice of recruiting employees to state institutions based on political requirements and that current recruitment has been limited to essential personnel required for specific projects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said CPC recorded a profit of Rs. 36 billion last year, while CPSTL recorded a profit of Rs. 3.5 billion. CPC has recorded a profit of Rs. 28 billion so far this year, he added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>President Dissanayake identified national energy security as the next major challenge, noting that existing fuel storage capacity is sufficient for only around 23 to 25 days. He said projects are now being implemented to expand pipeline systems, reduce fuel unloading times and increase storage capacity to at least 45 days. A new tank system with a capacity of 104,000 cubic metres has already commenced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also highlighted the impact of international developments on domestic fuel prices, saying the price of refined diesel in the global market had increased from US$80 to US$170 per barrel, while petrol prices had risen from US$70 to US$136.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Government had decided to share the impact of increased global fuel prices among consumers, suppliers and the Treasury rather than transferring the entire burden to the public, he said. Accordingly, the Treasury provided a fuel subsidy of Rs. 60 billion for five months from April, covering Rs. 100 per litre of diesel and Rs. 20 per litre of petrol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following another increase in global fuel prices in September, the Government increased the domestic price of diesel by Rs. 10 from 1 October, while the Treasury bears the remaining Rs. 70 of the increase that would have been required under the pricing formula. The President said the Treasury has allocated a further Rs. 41 billion for fuel subsidies for October, November and December.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He emphasised that CPC and CPSTL should not sell fuel below cost and that any difference arising from a Government decision to maintain prices below cost should be borne by the Treasury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>President Dissanayake also said fuel supplied to ships and aircraft generates foreign exchange for the country, noting that US$384 million had been earned so far this year from supplying fuel to aircraft. He further announced that an US$800 million project is scheduled to commence in November to increase passenger-handling capacity at Katunayake Airport by a further 10 million passengers, in addition to its existing capacity of 11 million.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The newly commenced Jet A-1 pipeline project would enable fuel to be supplied directly through a pipeline instead of bowsers, he said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The President also noted that the existing general fuel subsidy has resulted in higher fuel-consuming vehicle owners receiving a greater benefit. Accordingly, discussions will be held next week with the Ministry of Digital Economy to develop a digital mechanism to target fuel subsidies towards sectors with genuine requirements, including public transport, agricultural machinery, fishing vessels and lorries transporting vegetables.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He expressed his appreciation to the CPC and CPSTL chairmen, boards of directors, management and employees for their contribution and called on all stakeholders to work together to build a more efficient and sustainable energy sector.\u003C\u002Fp>",193,"standard","published","6a8de2d51984b727d3b0b545",[21],[],[],"6ac09be63b462735d0f0e781",[],"2026-10-03T05:56:44.000Z",false,"public",{"views":31,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":31},33,0,[],{"data":35},{"id":25,"url":36,"width":37,"height":38,"variants":39,"alt":14,"caption":14,"credit":14},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.newsradio.lk\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F10\u002Fda2ae947-52d3-44ff-af71-1c9e0e0d6b5e\u002Foriginal.jpg",800,595,[40],{"key":41,"width":42,"height":43,"format":44,"url":45},"thumb",320,238,"webp","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.newsradio.lk\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F10\u002Fda2ae947-52d3-44ff-af71-1c9e0e0d6b5e\u002Fthumb.webp",{"data":47,"meta":48},[],{"total":32,"page":49,"limit":50,"hasMore":28},1,30,{"data":52},[53,68,84,98,115,131,148,164],{"id":54,"lang":12,"title":55,"subtitle":14,"slug":56,"excerpt":57,"html":58,"readingTimeSec":50,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":59,"tagIds":60,"authorIds":61,"coverMediaId":62,"galleryMediaIds":63,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":64,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":65,"relatedArticleIds":67},"6ac0a8633b462735d0f1137a","Prime Minister Amarasuriya participates in Gandhi Jayanti commemoration at Temple Trees","prime-minister-amarasuriya-participates-in-gandhi-jayanti-commemoration-at-temple-trees","Sat, Oct 3, 2026\t\t\t          Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the Gandhi Jayanti commemoration held at Temple Trees on yesterdaya(02), marking the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi,...","\u003Cp>Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya took part in a Gandhi Jayanti commemoration at Temple Trees on 2 October 2026, marking the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the pioneer of non-violence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The commemoration was held under the patronage of the Prime Minister and High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka H.E. Santosh Jha. During the ceremony, the Prime Minister and the Indian High Commissioner paid floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.\u003C\u002Fp>",[21],[],[],"6ac0a8633b462735d0f11376",[],"2026-10-03T06:07:36.000Z",{"views":66,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":66},31,[],{"id":69,"lang":12,"title":70,"subtitle":14,"slug":71,"excerpt":72,"html":73,"readingTimeSec":74,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":75,"tagIds":76,"authorIds":77,"coverMediaId":78,"galleryMediaIds":79,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":80,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":81,"relatedArticleIds":83},"6ac09c0e3b462735d0f0e844","Government allocates Rs. 33.6 billion for school nutrition programme in 2026, PM says","government-allocates-rs-336-billion-for-school-nutrition-programme-in-2026-pm-says","The Government has allocated Rs. 33.6 billion for the School Nutrition Programme in 2026, with the aim of developing the programme into a comprehensive initiative that contributes not only to the health of chil...","\u003Cp>The Government has allocated Rs. 33.6 billion for the School Nutrition Programme in 2026, aiming to develop it into a comprehensive initiative that contributes not only to the health of children but also to strengthening the local economy, Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dr. Amarasuriya was addressing the National School Nutrition Conference 2026 at the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo yesterday (02).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By 2026, the Government’s school meal programme, implemented by the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, has become a national-level initiative covering 8,990 schools and more than 1.5 million students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first-ever School Nutrition Conference in Sri Lanka was organised with the participation of a wide range of stakeholders, including Save the Children, to discuss the expansion of the programme, future measures and research findings related to school nutrition. The main objective was to strengthen coordination among stakeholders involved in the Government’s school nutrition programme and reach decisions necessary to improve its sustainability and quality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prime Minister said that for many children attending schools across the country, the school meal is the most reliable and nutritious meal they receive during the day. She said the Government considers the programme a fundamental opportunity to help every child start the day well and continue their educational journey with confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“More than 1.5 million children in 8,990 schools are benefiting from this programme. We have allocated Rs. 33.6 billion for it in 2026. At a time when people are making significant sacrifices to make a living, the Government must be accountable for every rupee of public money spent on this programme,” the Prime Minister said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said the programme should be viewed as one of the Government’s major investments, moving beyond merely addressing hunger to addressing non-communicable diseases and other health challenges in the country. She emphasised the need to focus more seriously on reducing malnutrition and stunting among children while ensuring that school meals provide greater variety and nutritional value.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The school meal programme should be directly linked with the country’s agriculture sector, fisheries and cooperative system, she said, while also creating opportunities to economically empower mothers within communities. She stressed the importance of educating children about food waste and sustainable food systems, while encouraging them to consider new career pathways related to agriculture and nutrition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prime Minister called for the continued support of all stakeholders to develop a new model for the school nutrition programme that moves beyond traditional approaches and responds to the country’s current needs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Seneviratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, Acting U.S. Ambassador David Myers, Save the Children Country Director Maika Olad, representatives of institutions involved in the School Nutrition Programme, ministry officials and education authorities attended the conference.\u003C\u002Fp>",129,[21],[],[],"6ac09c0e3b462735d0f0e840",[],"2026-10-03T05:51:54.000Z",{"views":50,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":82},29,[],{"id":85,"lang":12,"title":86,"subtitle":14,"slug":87,"excerpt":88,"html":89,"readingTimeSec":50,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":90,"tagIds":91,"authorIds":92,"coverMediaId":93,"galleryMediaIds":94,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":95,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":96,"relatedArticleIds":97},"6ac09be63b462735d0f0e78d","Showers or thundershowers expected in most parts of the island after 1.00 p.m.","showers-or-thundershowers-expected-in-most-parts-of-the-island-after-100-pm","Showers or thundershowers are expected at several places in most parts of the island after 1.00 p.m. today (03), according to the Department of Meteorology. Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 75 mm is likely at so...","\u003Cp>The Department of Meteorology said showers or thundershowers are expected after 1.00 p.m. today (03) at several places in most parts of the island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 75 mm is likely at some places in the Central, Sabaragamuwa, Western, Uva, North Western, Southern and North Central provinces, as well as in the Mannar District.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The general public is advised to take adequate precautions to minimize possible damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Misty conditions are also expected at some places in the Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces during the early hours of the morning.\u003C\u002Fp>",[21],[],[],"6a985ebe55750bd6c4a636fb",[],"2026-10-03T05:47:07.000Z",{"views":82,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":82},[],{"id":99,"lang":12,"title":100,"subtitle":14,"slug":101,"excerpt":102,"html":103,"readingTimeSec":104,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":105,"tagIds":106,"authorIds":107,"coverMediaId":108,"galleryMediaIds":109,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":110,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":111,"relatedArticleIds":114},"6ac09c0e3b462735d0f0e84e","Sri Lanka secures ADB, EU and Japan financing for rooftop solar and virtual net metering project","sri-lanka-secures-adb-eu-and-japan-financing-for-rooftop-solar-and-virtual-net-metering-project","The Government of Sri Lanka has secured financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), together with grant assistance from the European Union (EU) and the Government of Japan, for the Rooftop Solar Integratio...","\u003Cp>The Government of Sri Lanka has secured financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), with grant assistance from the European Union (EU) and the Government of Japan, for the Rooftop Solar Integration and Virtual Net Metering Project, aimed at expanding access to affordable and clean energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The financing comprises a concessional loan of USD 35 million from the ADB, a grant of EUR 15.4 million from the European Union, equivalent to approximately USD 16.94 million, and a grant of USD 5.5 million from the Japan Fund for the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JFJCM).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The relevant loan and grant agreements were signed at the General Treasury in Colombo on 1 October 2026 by Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, and Ms. Shannon Cowlin, ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka, on behalf of the Asian Development Bank. Ms. Virginie Laffeur-Tighe, Head of Partnerships of the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka, and Mr. Naoki Kamoshida, Deputy Chief of Mission (Minister) of the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, were also present at the signing ceremony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ministry of Energy will implement the project from 2026 to 2030 in collaboration with Electricity Distribution Lanka (Private) Limited (EDL) and Lanka Electricity Company (Private) Limited (LECO), in support of the Government’s efforts to expand access to affordable clean energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>EDL’s CEBAssist solution will be enhanced through the introduction of an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system, a Distributed Energy Resource Management (DERM) system and distribution control centres supported by an Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS). These systems are expected to digitalise EDL’s customer and operational services and improve network reliability by enabling faster restoration of electricity supply following outages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smart meters and related infrastructure will also provide real-time visibility and control required to expand renewable energy use and extend the benefits of solar power to more consumers, supporting the establishment of a more efficient, reliable and sustainable smart grid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The project will introduce Virtual Net Metering (VNM) in Sri Lanka for the first time. Through EU grant financing, 25 MW of aggregated rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity will be deployed to help reduce the electricity cost burden on small and medium-scale entrepreneurs. These solar power plants will be equipped with advanced control capabilities, enabling the National System Operator to manage their generation in accordance with prevailing network constraints.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within LECO’s service area, low-loss conductors will also be installed alongside the VNM scheme to improve distribution network efficiency. High-capacity battery energy storage systems at distribution transformer level will increase the network’s capacity to accommodate renewable energy while providing greater control over renewable energy management.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With particular focus on the Negombo area, LECO expects the project to enhance network capacity to connect more high-capacity commercial and industrial loads, while strengthening the network to accommodate higher levels of renewable energy and improving the flexibility, resilience and reliability of electricity supply.\u003C\u002Fp>",133,[21],[],[],"6ac09c0e3b462735d0f0e84a",[],"2026-10-03T05:43:38.000Z",{"views":112,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":113},23,22,[],{"id":116,"lang":12,"title":117,"subtitle":14,"slug":118,"excerpt":119,"html":120,"readingTimeSec":121,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":122,"tagIds":123,"authorIds":124,"coverMediaId":125,"galleryMediaIds":126,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":127,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":128,"relatedArticleIds":130},"6ac09be63b462735d0f0e797","Construction begins on Jet A-1 pipeline and new oil tanks at Muthurajawela","construction-begins-on-jet-a-1-pipeline-and-new-oil-tanks-at-muthurajawela","President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the Government’s objective is to maintain a strong state presence in the energy market while providing an efficient service to the people, adding that significant pr...","\u003Cp>Construction of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Jet A-1 pipeline system and two new oil storage tank systems belonging to the CPC and the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminal Limited (CPSTL) began this morning (02), with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in attendance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The President said that the Government’s objective is to maintain a strong state presence in the energy market while providing an efficient service to the people, adding that significant progress has been achieved towards this objective over the past two years and that a strong energy market that does not place a burden on the people is now being built in Sri Lanka.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The work is being implemented in line with the Government’s national objective of developing infrastructure in the energy sector, with the aim of ensuring the security of aviation fuel supplies, reducing supply costs and providing the capacity required to meet future demand for aviation fuel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dedicated pipeline and associated tank complex are being built to connect Muthurajawela with Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, with the aim of meeting the future demand of the country’s aviation sector, ensuring the security of aviation fuel supplies and reducing transportation costs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Construction has started on five new Jet A-1 fuel storage tanks with a total capacity of 92,000 cubic metres. These comprise two large Jet A-1 tanks, each with a capacity of 30,000 cubic metres; two medium-sized tanks, each with a capacity of 15,000 cubic metres; and an additional tank with a capacity of 2,000 cubic metres.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fuel supply pipeline system will be connected to the airport through a 21-kilometre-long underground pipeline with a diameter of 10 inches from the Muthurajawela tank complex. The project is scheduled for completion within 30 months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen and expand storage and infrastructure facilities in the petroleum industry, CPSTL commenced construction today of three new storage tanks at the Muthurajawela Terminal. Upon completion, the three-tank system, comprising two tanks with a capacity of 15,000 cubic metres each and one tank with a capacity of 10,000 cubic metres, will provide an additional total storage capacity of 40,000 cubic metres. This will further enhance the petroleum storage capacity of the terminal and support the continued development of the country’s petroleum infrastructure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The project has a contractual period of 18 months and is scheduled for completion in April 2028. The tanks are being constructed in compliance with relevant international standards and recognised industry best practices, ensuring enhanced safety, reliability and operational efficiency. The additional storage capacity will strengthen the country’s fuel reserves, improve operational flexibility and support the reliable and uninterrupted distribution of fuel products to meet the country’s growing energy requirements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Minister of Energy Anura Karunathilaka said: “We are now in an era of energy transition. The world is rapidly moving towards the use of clean energy. The use of electric vehicles is very important in this regard, and our country is also now moving in that direction. The use of solar energy is also important. We expect to add 1,200 megawatts of solar power capacity to the national grid by 2029. As a country, we must focus not only on controlling fuel prices but also on controlling fuel consumption. The public also has a major responsibility in this regard. It is particularly important to change our patterns of energy consumption. Greater energy security can be achieved by avoiding periods of high energy demand, shifting towards electricity use and using fuel-efficient vehicles, particularly electric vehicles.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation D. J. Rajakaruna said: “We faced a major challenge due to the war in the Middle East. However, with the intervention of the President, relief was provided to the people and the situation was managed very effectively. As a result, while diesel prices in the global market increased by 91%, the increase in Sri Lanka was only around 39.5%. While petrol prices in the global market increased by 80%, the increase in Sri Lanka was only around 41%. Despite providing fuel at lower prices in this manner, the Corporation has recorded a profit of Rs. 28 billion this year. We also recorded a profit of Rs. 36 billion last year. This may raise the question of why fuel prices are not being reduced when there are such profits. However, we have used those profits to commence a number of infrastructure development projects at the institution. These include adding the capacity of 11 tanks, including the construction of six tanks that had previously been abandoned, to increase fuel storage capacity; modernising our oil-filling section, which is more than 90 years old, and establishing a gantry system similar to that at Muthurajawela; laying two new pipelines for unloading fuel from the port to Kolonnawa; constructing a new pipeline to transport Jet A-1 fuel to Katunayake; and upgrading the pipeline system and laying new pipelines, among many other projects. We are implementing these projects using those profits. Therefore, we have returned the benefits to the people through these investments.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those present included the Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Chrishantha Abeysena; Deputy Minister of Energy, Arkam Ilyas; Member of Parliament Kumara Jayakody; Secretary to the Ministry of Energy and Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Russell Aponso; foreign ambassadors; government officials including officials of the Ministry of Energy and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation; and representatives of Sinopec.\u003C\u002Fp>",244,[21],[],[],"6ac09be63b462735d0f0e793",[],"2026-10-03T05:37:05.000Z",{"views":129,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":129},26,[],{"id":132,"lang":12,"title":133,"subtitle":14,"slug":134,"excerpt":135,"html":136,"readingTimeSec":137,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":138,"tagIds":139,"authorIds":140,"coverMediaId":141,"galleryMediaIds":142,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":143,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":144,"relatedArticleIds":147},"6ac09c0e3b462735d0f0e858","Mahanayake Theros submit memorandum seeking state intervention to secure Sivarasa Anojan's release","mahanayake-theros-submit-memorandum-seeking-state-intervention-to-secure-sivarasa-anojans-release","A memorandum calling for the necessary State intervention to secure the release of Sivarasa Anojan, who has been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia, was submitted to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake by the Ma...","\u003Cp>The Mahanayake Theros of the Ramanna Maha Nikaya and the Amarapura Maha Nikaya have submitted a memorandum to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake calling for the necessary State intervention to secure the release of Sivarasa Anojan, who has been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The memorandum was issued by Most Venerable Makulwe Wimalabuddhi Thero, Mahanayake Thero of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya, and Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithreemurthi Thero, Supreme Mahanayake Thera of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya. Venerable Dr Omalpe Sobhitha Thero, Chief Sanghanayake of Southern Lanka, handed it over to Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage recently (30) at the Presidential Secretariat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A memorandum was also submitted on behalf of the Hindu community by Dr Sivasri K. V. K. Vaithiswara Kurukkal, President of the Hindu Priests’ Association and President of the All Ceylon Hindu Cultural Council.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also present were Venerable Pagoda Janthawansa Thero, Venerable Wepathaira Dhammasiri Thera, Sivasri Kugathasa Kurukkal, a member of the Hindu Priests’ Association, Attorney-at-Law Tanuja Navaratne and social activist R. A. Amila Sanjeewa.\u003C\u002Fp>",47,[21],[],[],"6ac09c0e3b462735d0f0e854",[],"2026-10-03T05:35:10.000Z",{"views":145,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":146},25,24,[],{"id":149,"lang":12,"title":150,"subtitle":14,"slug":151,"excerpt":152,"html":153,"readingTimeSec":50,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":154,"tagIds":155,"authorIds":156,"coverMediaId":157,"galleryMediaIds":158,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":159,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":160,"relatedArticleIds":163},"6ac09be63b462735d0f0e7a1","PM Amarasuriya meets UAE ambassador to discuss bilateral ties","pm-amarasuriya-meets-uae-ambassador-to-discuss-bilateral-ties","Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Sri Lanka, H.E. Khaled Nasser Al Ameri, at Temple Trees on 1 October. The discussions focused on further strengthenin...","\u003Cp>Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Sri Lanka, H.E. Khaled Nasser Al Ameri, at Temple Trees on 1 October.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Talks centred on further strengthening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates and expanding cooperation between the two countries across areas of mutual interest. The meeting also served as an opportunity to explore avenues for enhancing the longstanding ties and cooperation between Sri Lanka and the UAE.\u003C\u002Fp>",[21],[],[],"6ac09be63b462735d0f0e79d",[],"2026-10-03T05:29:51.000Z",{"views":161,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":162},19,18,[],{"id":165,"lang":12,"title":166,"subtitle":14,"slug":167,"excerpt":168,"html":169,"readingTimeSec":170,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":171,"tagIds":172,"authorIds":173,"coverMediaId":174,"galleryMediaIds":175,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":176,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":177,"relatedArticleIds":178},"6ac09c0e3b462735d0f0e862","Sri Lanka, ILO, employers and trade unions sign Decent Work Country Programme 2026–2032","sri-lanka-ilo-employers-and-trade-unions-sign-decent-work-country-programme-2026-2032","The Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2026–2032, aimed at promoting decent work and further strengthening Sri Lanka’s labour and employment sector, was signed  last Wednesday (30) by the Government of Sri La...","\u003Cp>The Government of Sri Lanka, the International Labour Organization (ILO), employers’ organizations and trade unions signed the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2026–2032 last Wednesday (30). The programme is aimed at promoting decent work and further strengthening Sri Lanka’s labour and employment sector.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The signing ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister of Labour Anil Jayantha Fernando. Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe also attended, as did Secretary to the Ministry of Labour S. M. Piyatissa and Commissioner General of Labour Nadeeka Wataliyadda. United Nations Resident Coordinator Marc-André Franche and ILO Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Joni Simpson participated, together with representatives of key stakeholders and employer and employee representatives of the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The programme provides a common framework for strengthening cooperation among the Government, employers, workers and the ILO over the next six years. Its key priorities include promoting productive employment opportunities, protecting workers’ rights, expanding social protection, strengthening effective labour governance and promoting social dialogue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The DWCP was developed through an extensive consultative process with technical support from the ILO. The process commenced in 2024 with a review of the previous DWCP, followed by consultations with key stakeholders. The NLAC also served as an important platform for obtaining the views of workers’ and employers’ representatives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prepared in consideration of Sri Lanka’s evolving economic and labour market conditions, the new DWCP places particular emphasis on creating better employment opportunities, strengthening labour market institutions, improving access to social protection, and creating a safe, fair and inclusive working environment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The programme is aligned with the development priorities of the Government’s national policy framework, “A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life.” It seeks to link the labour sector with national objectives such as building a productive economy, creating better opportunities for people, promoting inclusive development and improving the quality of life of citizens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Addressing the event, Fernando emphasized that economic growth and decent work should progress together and stressed the collective responsibility of the Government, employers and workers to create a productive, inclusive and safe working environment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All parties reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the DWCP 2026–2032 through continued social dialogue, consultation and progress monitoring. The programme will serve as a practical framework for creating better employment opportunities, strengthening labour protection and contributing to sustainable socio-economic development in Sri Lanka.\u003C\u002Fp>",105,[21],[],[],"6ac09c0e3b462735d0f0e85e",[],"2026-10-03T05:01:26.000Z",{"views":129,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":129},[]]