[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"taxonomy":4,"breaking":5,"article-new-homes-construction-begins-for-41-ditwah-affected-families-in-kandaketiya":9,"cover-media-new-homes-construction-begins-for-41-ditwah-affected-families-in-kandaketiya":34,"comments-new-homes-construction-begins-for-41-ditwah-affected-families-in-kandaketiya":46,"related-new-homes-construction-begins-for-41-ditwah-affected-families-in-kandaketiya":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},"6ac740113b462735d003c2c8","en","New homes construction begins for 41 Ditwah-affected families in Kandaketiya",null,"new-homes-construction-begins-for-41-ditwah-affected-families-in-kandaketiya","Construction of new houses for families who lost their homes or faced high-risk conditions due to the Ditwah disaster began in the Kandaketiya Divisional Secretariat Division in Badulla District yesterday (7), ...","\u003Cp>Construction of new houses began yesterday (7) in the Kandaketiya Divisional Secretariat Division in Badulla District for families who lost their homes or faced high-risk conditions due to the Ditwah disaster. The work falls under a government programme providing Rs. 5 million per family to construct new homes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Plantation and Community Infrastructure Minister Samantha Vidyaratne laid the foundation stone for the project at government-owned land in Mahathenna, Medaleyaya, Kandaketiya.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the first phase, 41 new houses will be built for families whose homes were completely destroyed. The housing project will be carried out in several phases, and initial construction started yesterday. The programme is intended to provide safe and permanent housing, with Rs. 5 million allocated for each house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compensation cheques of Rs. 200,000 each were presented to 45 families whose houses were partially damaged, under the second phase of the relief programme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vidyaratne said the government is giving priority to providing safe housing to families who lost their homes or were exposed to high-risk conditions due to the disaster. He added that the relevant government institutions are continuing to work together to help these families return to safe and stable living conditions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The programme is being implemented with the involvement of the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, the Badulla District Secretariat and the National Disaster Relief Services Centre.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Dinidu Saman Hennayake, Kandaketiya Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Harsha Ratnayake, Badulla District Secretary Sunil Galagama, the Kandaketiya Divisional Secretary, local government representatives, government officials and residents also participated in the event.\u003C\u002Fp>",71,"standard","published","6a8de2d51984b727d3b0b545",[21],[],[],"6ac740113b462735d003c2c4",[],"2026-10-08T05:57:16.000Z",false,"public",{"views":31,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":31},37,0,[],{"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\u002Fd536696d-237e-4e5c-af6e-a9144a15de30\u002Foriginal.webp",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\u002Fd536696d-237e-4e5c-af6e-a9144a15de30\u002Fthumb.webp",{"data":47,"meta":48},[],{"total":32,"page":49,"limit":50,"hasMore":28},1,30,{"data":52},[53,68,84,98,114,128,143,158],{"id":54,"lang":12,"title":55,"subtitle":14,"slug":56,"excerpt":57,"html":58,"readingTimeSec":59,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":60,"tagIds":61,"authorIds":62,"coverMediaId":63,"galleryMediaIds":64,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":65,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":66,"relatedArticleIds":67},"6ac74e923b462735d003d43b","Sri Lanka and Lithuania launch first political consultations","sri-lanka-and-lithuania-launch-first-political-consultations","Sri Lanka and Lithuania have taken steps to strengthen bilateral relations with the launch of their first-ever political consultations, as the two countries mark 30 years of diplomatic relations. Lithuania’s Vi...","\u003Cp>Sri Lanka and Lithuania have taken steps to strengthen bilateral relations with the start of their first-ever political consultations, as the two countries mark 30 years of diplomatic relations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lithuania’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Vidmantas Verbickas visited Sri Lanka from 4 to 6 October at the invitation of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra. The two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding on political consultations, establishing a framework for regular dialogue on bilateral relations, trade, investment, tourism and regional and international developments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The discussions also focused on digital transformation, GovTech, artificial intelligence, education, research and technology cooperation. The Lithuanian delegation visited GovTech Sri Lanka, SLASSCOM and the University of Colombo to explore opportunities for practical collaboration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The visit marked an important step towards expanding cooperation between Sri Lanka and Lithuania in political, economic, technological, academic and cultural fields.\u003C\u002Fp>",39,[21],[],[],"6ac74e923b462735d003d437",[],"2026-10-08T06:47:30.000Z",{"views":31,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":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},"6ac740113b462735d003c2be","2027 Appropriation Bill presented to Parliament for first reading","2027-appropriation-bill-presented-to-parliament-for-first-reading","The Appropriation Bill for the year 2027 was presented to Parliament yesterday (07) for its First Reading by Dr. Anil Jayantha, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning. The Appropriation ...","\u003Cp>Dr. Anil Jayantha, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, presented the Appropriation Bill for the year 2027 to Parliament yesterday (07) for its First Reading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Appropriation Bill for the 2027 financial year provides for the allocation of financial resources required to meet government expenditure amounting to 4,992,773,388,000 rupees, as well as provisions authorizing the Government to obtain loans, among other matters. It provides the necessary legal framework for government expenditure during the financial year from 1 January to 31 December 2027, including the provision of financial resources for such expenditure and the authorization required for obtaining the relevant loans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The 2027 Budget Second Reading, which includes the presentation of the Budget Speech and Budget Proposals, is scheduled to take place on 12 November 2026. The Second Reading Debate is scheduled to be held over seven days, from 13 November to 20 November, with the vote on the Second Reading scheduled for 6.00 p.m. on 20 November.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Committee Stage Debate on the Appropriation Bill is scheduled to be held over 19 days, from 21 November to 14 December. The vote on the Third Reading of the Budget is scheduled to take place at 6.00 p.m. on 14 December.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the period of the Budget Debate, Parliament is scheduled to meet at 9.30 a.m. every day, including Saturdays, except on public holidays and Sundays.\u003C\u002Fp>",62,[21],[],[],"6ac740113b462735d003c2ba",[],"2026-10-08T06:06:31.000Z",{"views":82,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":59},40,[],{"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},"6ac723a23b462735d0038ed2","Showers or thundershowers to occur after 1 p.m.; heavy falls above 100 mm likely in several areas","showers-or-thundershowers-to-occur-after-1-pm-heavy-falls-above-100-mm-likely-in-several-areas","Showers or thundershowers will occur in the most part of the island after 1.00 p.m. Heavy falls above 100 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and Southern provinces and in Anurad...","\u003Cp>After 1.00 p.m., showers or thundershowers will occur across most of the island. Some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and Southern provinces, and in Anuradhapura district, are likely to receive heavy falls above 100 mm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The general public is requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Misty conditions can be expected during the early hours of the morning at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.\u003C\u002Fp>",[21],[],[],"6a985ebe55750bd6c4a636fb",[],"2026-10-08T04:13:34.000Z",{"views":50,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":50},[],{"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":113},"6ac49cbe3b462735d0f85e43","World Teachers’ Day message commends teachers and outlines education measures","world-teachers-day-message-commends-teachers-and-outlines-education-measures","On this occasion of World Teachers’ Day, I extend my greetings to all those teachers dedicated to nurturing the knowledge and wisdom of future generations and building a society enriched with values and humanit...","\u003Cp>A World Teachers’ Day message extended greetings to all teachers dedicated to nurturing the knowledge and wisdom of future generations and building a society enriched with values and humanity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The message said that amid new education reforms being implemented to meet the demands of the modern, technology-driven world, teachers’ commitment to adapting to the changing world and guiding children towards new pathways is commendable. It said the teaching profession is not merely a job limited to earning a salary but a noble service provided with dedication, devotion and love.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The message said the government has taken a number of key measures to strengthen the education system and uphold the dignity of the teaching profession. As a solution to the teacher shortage that existed for a long time, it said graduates and National Colleges of Education diploma holders are being recruited into the teaching service on a formal basis, while legal and service-related issues are being addressed and the recruitment process streamlined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It said measures are also being taken to address salary-related issues, prevent delays in promotions, conduct efficiency-bar examinations in a systematic manner, and fill vacancies in the Principals’ Service and the Teacher Educators’ Service.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The message said there remains a commitment to enhancing information technology skills of teachers, facilitating them with digital approaches to education, modernising professional training programmes to elevate professional standards, and creating opportunities for overseas training to provide teachers with new opportunities linked to modern global technologies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It said teachers’ contribution extends beyond the confines of school hours and the curriculum. By recognising the challenges faced by children and nurturing their skills and abilities, the message said, teachers make an invaluable contribution to laying the foundation for a proud and promising future generation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The message wished all teachers working tirelessly to illuminate the future of children by embracing the changing education system continued strength, courage and good health to carry forward the invaluable service they have rendered thus far. It invited all to initiate a new social dialogue on education and wished a very Happy World Teachers’ Day.\u003C\u002Fp>",93,[21],[],[],"6ac49cbe3b462735d0f85e3f",[],"2026-10-06T06:33:40.000Z",{"views":112,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":112},94,[],{"id":115,"lang":12,"title":116,"subtitle":14,"slug":117,"excerpt":118,"html":119,"readingTimeSec":50,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":120,"tagIds":121,"authorIds":122,"coverMediaId":93,"galleryMediaIds":123,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":124,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":125,"relatedArticleIds":127},"6ac4808c3b462735d0f83b1c","Showers, thundershowers expected in several provinces after 1.00 p.m.","showers-thundershowers-expected-in-several-provinces-after-100-pm","Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, North-western and Southern provinces and in Anuradhapura and Mannar districts after 1.00 p.m. heavy falls above 75 ...","\u003Cp>Showers or thundershowers are expected after 1.00 p.m. at several places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, North-western and Southern provinces and in the Anuradhapura and Mannar districts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavy falls above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Southern provinces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The general public is requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Misty conditions can be expected at some places in the Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces during the early hours of the morning.\u003C\u002Fp>",[21],[],[],[],"2026-10-06T04:11:36.000Z",{"views":126,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":126},99,[],{"id":129,"lang":12,"title":130,"subtitle":14,"slug":131,"excerpt":132,"html":133,"readingTimeSec":134,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":135,"tagIds":136,"authorIds":137,"coverMediaId":138,"galleryMediaIds":139,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":140,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":141,"relatedArticleIds":142},"6ac472e93b462735d0f82a3d","Sri Lanka, ADB hold preparatory discussion on 2026-2029 development plans","sri-lanka-adb-hold-preparatory-discussion-on-2026-2029-development-plans","A special discussion on Sri Lanka’s development plans for the 2026 - 2029 period, with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as a key development partner, was held recently at the Presidential Secretariat, co-chaire...","\u003Cp>A special discussion on Sri Lanka's development plans for the 2026-2029 period took place recently at the Presidential Secretariat, with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as a key development partner. The meeting was co-chaired by Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka Ms Shannon Cowlin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gathering served as a preparatory meeting ahead of the programme review meeting scheduled to be held on 05 and 06 October 2026 to discuss the successful implementation of the ADB's annual programme for 2027.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Participants gave special attention to identifying development projects that should be prioritised for inclusion in the ADB's long-term project plans. They also focused on ensuring government ownership of programmes implemented with ADB financing, maintaining clear and efficient coordination between government processes and ADB procedures, and making effective use of limited concessional financial resources and technical assistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The discussion further covered the measures and approaches required to successfully address the challenges arising in accelerating Sri Lanka's development and achieving fiscal targets expeditiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Additional Secretary to the President W. D. R. Krishantha, Senior Assistant Secretary to the President Dr Danushka Perera and a group of senior officials of the Asian Development Bank also participated.\u003C\u002Fp>",55,[21],[],[],"6ac472e93b462735d0f82a39",[],"2026-10-06T03:43:08.000Z",{"views":126,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":126},[],{"id":144,"lang":12,"title":145,"subtitle":14,"slug":146,"excerpt":147,"html":148,"readingTimeSec":50,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":149,"tagIds":150,"authorIds":151,"coverMediaId":152,"galleryMediaIds":153,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":154,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":155,"relatedArticleIds":157},"6ac472e93b462735d0f82a33","Air Chief Marshal Kolitha A. Gunathilake appointed Chancellor of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University","air-chief-marshal-kolitha-a-gunathilake-appointed-chancellor-of-general-sir-john-kotelawala-defence-university","President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Air Chief Marshal Kolitha A. Gunathilake (Retd.) as the new Chancellor of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. The letter of appointment was presented...","\u003Cp>Air Chief Marshal Kolitha A. Gunathilake (Retd.) has been appointed the new Chancellor of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake presented the letter of appointment to Air Chief Marshal Gunathilake at the Presidential Secretariat this afternoon (05).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Air Chief Marshal Gunathilake has served as Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force and as Chief of Defence Staff.\u003C\u002Fp>",[21],[],[],"6ac472e93b462735d0f82a2f",[],"2026-10-05T14:21:27.000Z",{"views":156,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":156},138,[],{"id":159,"lang":12,"title":160,"subtitle":14,"slug":161,"excerpt":162,"html":163,"readingTimeSec":164,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":165,"tagIds":166,"authorIds":167,"coverMediaId":168,"galleryMediaIds":169,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":170,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":171,"relatedArticleIds":173},"6ac34b4e3b462735d0f55040","World Habitat Day observed under theme \"Adequate Housing for All\"","world-habitat-day-observed-under-theme-adequate-housing-for-all","World Habitat Day, proclaimed by the United Nations, is being commemorated today (October 5). This year’s World Habitat Day is being observed under the theme “Adequate Housing for All.” The main national event ...","\u003Cp>World Habitat Day, proclaimed by the United Nations, is being commemorated today, October 5, under the theme \"Adequate Housing for All.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The main national event is scheduled today at Temple Trees under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Dr. H.M. Susil Ranasinghe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A National Housing Week is being conducted islandwide in conjunction with the occasion. 5,000 houses constructed across the country with government assistance are scheduled to be handed over to the public today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Government aims to construct and hand over a further 30,000 houses by December 31. The Ministry has implemented a number of programmes aimed at ensuring every individual has access to a safe and secure home.\u003C\u002Fp>",33,[21],[],[],"6ac34b4e3b462735d0f5503c",[],"2026-10-05T06:19:39.000Z",{"views":172,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":172},95,[]]