[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"taxonomy":4,"breaking":5,"article-no-flooding-reported-despite-rising-reservoir-levels-irrigation-department-says":9,"cover-media-no-flooding-reported-despite-rising-reservoir-levels-irrigation-department-says":34,"comments-no-flooding-reported-despite-rising-reservoir-levels-irrigation-department-says":46,"related-no-flooding-reported-despite-rising-reservoir-levels-irrigation-department-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},"6adede8f3b462735d0275d41","en","No flooding reported despite rising reservoir levels, Irrigation Department says",null,"no-flooding-reported-despite-rising-reservoir-levels-irrigation-department-says","Water levels in several reservoirs across Sri Lanka have risen due to prevailing rainfall, but no flooding has been reported so far, the Irrigation Department said. Director of the Hydrology and Disaster Manage...","\u003Cp>No flooding has been reported so far even as prevailing rainfall has raised water levels in several reservoirs across Sri Lanka, the Irrigation Department said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>L. S. Sooriyabandara, Director of the Hydrology and Disaster Management Division of the Irrigation Department, stated this while addressing the media this morning (26). He said water levels in several major rivers, including the Kalu Ganga and Kelani Ganga, are also rising.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavy rainfall in the districts of Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Puttalam and Kurunegala has led to steps being taken to open the spill gates of the Deduru Oya and Rajanganaya reservoirs. Approximately 5,300 cubic feet of water per second is being released from the Deduru Oya Reservoir, while nearly 2,300 cubic feet per second is being released from the Rajanganaya Reservoir.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology, fairly heavy rainfall may occur in southwestern areas of the country in the coming days, Mr. Sooriyabandara said. He further warned that low-lying areas, including parts of Jaffna and Mannar, could be inundated if heavy rainfall occurs within a short period.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Irrigation Department has urged people living in low-lying areas and river basins to remain vigilant and closely monitor weather updates and rising water levels.\u003C\u002Fp>",55,"standard","published","6a8de2d51984b727d3b0b545",[21],[],[],"6adede8f3b462735d0275d3d",[],"2026-10-26T04:47:06.000Z",false,"public",{"views":31,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":31},19,0,[],{"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\u002F428eb507-7b5a-4113-99cc-7007cbd568f2\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\u002F428eb507-7b5a-4113-99cc-7007cbd568f2\u002Fthumb.webp",{"data":47,"meta":48},[],{"total":32,"page":49,"limit":50,"hasMore":28},1,30,{"data":52},[53,70,84,99,115,130,146,163],{"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":69},"6adf09a03b462735d027cef0","Officials briefed on next steps of Prajashakthi National Movement","officials-briefed-on-next-steps-of-prajashakthi-national-movement","A programme to brief District Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries and District Planning Directors on the next steps of the Prajashakthi National Movement was held recently (24) at Temple Trees under the leaders...","\u003Cp>A programme to brief District Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries and District Planning Directors on the next steps of the Prajashakthi National Movement was held recently (24) at Temple Trees under the leadership of Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dr Kumanayake told the gathering that proper coordination among officials was essential in carrying out all development activities, including those under the Prajashakthi programme. He stressed that issues obstructing development should be resolved systematically, that public officials needed to cultivate certain qualities, and that efficient teamwork could facilitate development work. He also underlined the importance of developing personally as an official who acts without corruption.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speaking further, Dr Kumanayake said: \"One of the prominent demands that emerged during the ‘aragalaya’ amid the recent economic crisis was that corrupt politicians should be removed. The issue of public servants also being responsible emerged alongside that demand. At the last election, the people had the opportunity to send corrupt politicians home and bring a new force to power. However, they cannot transfer public officials or send them home. There is no mechanism for that. When people visit a government institution to obtain a service and experience irregularities, injustice or wrongdoing, there must be a place where they can report it. That is why we established Internal Affairs Units in government institutions. What is corruption? Even among public servants, there is no clear understanding of this. If an official uses the authority entrusted to them to perform their duties in any way for their personal benefit that is corruption. If such practices are not addressed at the outset, and if they are followed by those at the top, they become the normal way of doing things. That was the system that existed in our country. Why should we reject such practices? Ultimately, they can lead to an economic crisis. Investors become reluctant to come to the country. Essential projects were not implemented, while unnecessary projects were undertaken. As a result, the country accumulated debt and eventually reached a point where it did not have sufficient foreign exchange to import fuel. Taxes were imposed at levels the public could not bear, and poverty increased. Corruption was the reason for this. These practices also destroy human relationships and lead to an increase in crime. They have now spread even into the private sector. As a result, our country fell to one of the lowest positions in the world in terms of preventing corruption. People had no place to report these matters. They were concerned about what would happen to their safety if they spoke out. Therefore, no one revealed what they knew. Eventually, these issues erupt somewhere, and the ‘Aragalaya’ were one such occasion. We need to encourage people to come forward and report these matters. Through this, we expect to strengthen integrity among public servants. Internal Affairs Units were established in government institutions for this purpose. Report any wrongdoing or injustice you experience to these units. We will intervene.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara briefed the gathering on five areas: the rural road development database planned for 2027, the introduction of an Innovation Hub, the preparation of a strategic plan, the collection of data for an online information system relating to tanks and the ellangā cascade irrigation system, and the introduction of an entrepreneurship development database.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speaking further, Mr Kapila Janaka Bandara said: \"Our expectation is to make the Prajashakthi programme the central hub of community and rural development. At present, data and information are its most important elements. Empires around the world have collapsed because of the lack of proper data and information. Therefore, one of the main objectives of the Prajashakthi Secretariat is to build a national development database. We are carrying out the preliminary work for this purpose. This database has been developed while seeking solutions to the challenges identified. We have already introduced around four data systems. Next year, we will develop an information system targeting rural-level development. One of these systems will cover rural roads. The Road Development Authority had around 10,000 roads under its purview. We intend to develop and implement an information system covering all roads below that level as well. The Prajashakthi Secretariat and the Ministry of Public Administration have submitted two proposals for this purpose. Funding has been confirmed for 2027. If we complete the necessary preparations by December, we will be able to commence the work in January. Through this database, proposals submitted by communities can be referred to the relevant institutions and development work can be carried out. Information relating to the work will also be added to the database. This will make it possible to access all relevant information about the development of a particular road at any given time. We are now living in a period of climate change. In the face of climatic variations involving severe droughts and heavy rainfall, we must manage our water resources properly to meet the needs of the public for drinking water, agriculture, other industries and electricity generation. We also intend to implement a three-year development plan targeting individual villages, extending below the Divisional Secretariat level. We are currently preparing the national strategic plan for this purpose. This is a technically challenging task. As the Prajashakthi Secretariat, we expect to obtain the support of the university system. We will not limit ourselves to universities. We will also work with other organisations and institutions that possess the necessary knowledge, skills, technology and information, including private institutions, voluntary organisations and government institutions, to develop an integrated programme. Our fundamental concept is that, once the community identifies its development needs, the potential for development should be identified by the relevant multidisciplinary teams and implemented through the Prajashakthi Movement.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Aloka Bandara said: \"During the pre-budget discussions, the President raised the question of how District and Divisional Secretariats could be further developed into central institutions for directing development activities. Under the previous structure, proposals were submitted through Divisional Secretariats, Divisional Coordination Committees and planning divisions, and were implemented through District Planning Directors and District Coordination Committees. A further structure has now been introduced below this level. The project proposals and plans emerging from it have potential beyond rural development alone and could be transformed into programmes at divisional, district, provincial or national level. Although Rural Development Councils submit proposals limited to their respective geographical areas, these proposals may have wider potential. The responsibility for identifying that potential and transforming the proposals into national-level programmes rests with Divisional Secretariats, District Secretariats, Provincial Councils and national-level institutions. The groups submitting proposals are keen to see them implemented and to obtain results in their villages. Therefore, there is a need to include and implement initiatives that can deliver results quickly. If implementation takes a long time and continues within the same traditional framework, public confidence in this movement may decline. Furthermore, as this structure is developed, we must recognise that it involves people. Differences in their thinking, interpersonal relationships and knowledge at village, divisional and district levels may lead to misunderstandings and conflicts during implementation. These issues must be resolved maturely by a team with experience in administration and planning. A structure extending to the national level is available to resolve such issues, and it must be used. It is important to discuss the problems that have emerged during the first year and determine the way forward. Traditionally, development programmes have been confined to 31 December. However, we must also consider structural changes that would allow activities to be approved and implemented even in the middle of the year. Community Development Councils should be briefed once or twice a year on programmes planned at national level. Members of these councils should work with a national perspective rather than focusing only on their immediate experiences, such as the construction of a village road. The potential of proposals submitted by these councils should be discussed at national level, and communities should be kept informed when future projects, investments or grants become available. The Government’s vision is to improve living standards within villages rather than bringing people from villages into towns. Therefore, it is important for officials serving on Community Development Councils to work with a broader vision that extends beyond their own villages. All necessary facilities have been provided to public officials, and we expect their fullest support. There appears to be a tendency among some officials to avoid their professional responsibilities by engaging in trade union action based on unfounded slogans and unjustified demands. If we are to develop the country, officials must pay particular attention to fulfilling the duties assigned to them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Secretary to the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Sampath Manthrinayake also spoke about the implementation of the Prajashakthi National Programme in 2026. Senior Additional Secretary to the President H.M.K.J.B. Gunaratne addressed the planned future activities under the programme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Additional Secretaries from various divisions of the Presidential Secretariat also briefed officials on several matters. These included the ‘Aththama’ programme under the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, relief for people affected by Cyclone Ditwah in accordance with circulars issued by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and the Litigation Management System introduced by the Legal Division of the Presidential Secretariat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Members of the Executive Council of the Prajashakthi National Programme, District Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries, District Planning Directors and other government officials attended the programme.\u003C\u002Fp>",428,[21],[],[],"6adf09a03b462735d027ceec",[],"2026-10-26T07:52:22.000Z",{"views":67,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":68},12,11,[],{"id":71,"lang":12,"title":72,"subtitle":14,"slug":73,"excerpt":74,"html":75,"readingTimeSec":50,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":76,"tagIds":77,"authorIds":78,"coverMediaId":79,"galleryMediaIds":80,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":81,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":82,"relatedArticleIds":83},"6adf09a03b462735d027cefa","Four Thabbowa Reservoir spill gates opened, releasing 880 cubic feet per second into Mee Oya","four-thabbowa-reservoir-spill-gates-opened-releasing-880-cubic-feet-per-second-into-mee-oya","Four spill gates of the Thabbowa Reservoir in the Mee Oya River Basin were opened by one foot each by noon today to control rising water inflows. As a result, water is being released into the Mee Oya at a rate ...","\u003Cp>Four spill gates at the Thabbowa Reservoir in the Mee Oya River Basin were opened by one foot each by noon today to control rising water inflows. Water is being released into the Mee Oya as a result at a rate of 880 cubic feet per second. Residents living downstream of the reservoir and along both banks of the Mee Oya are urged to remain vigilant and follow updates issued by the Irrigation Department and Disaster Management authorities.\u003C\u002Fp>",[21],[],[],"6adf09a03b462735d027cef6",[],"2026-10-26T07:38:24.000Z",{"views":67,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":68},[],{"id":85,"lang":12,"title":86,"subtitle":14,"slug":87,"excerpt":88,"html":89,"readingTimeSec":90,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":91,"tagIds":92,"authorIds":93,"coverMediaId":94,"galleryMediaIds":95,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":96,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":97,"relatedArticleIds":98},"6adf09a03b462735d027cf04","Irrigation Department warns of minor flooding in Kalu Ganga floodplain","irrigation-department-warns-of-minor-flooding-in-kalu-ganga-floodplain","The Irrigation Department has issued a flood warning, stating that minor flooding may occur in low-lying areas of the Kalu Ganga floodplain within the next 24 hours due to significant rainfall in the upper catc...","\u003Cp>The Irrigation Department has issued a flood warning that minor flooding may occur in low-lying areas of the Kalu Ganga floodplain within the next 24 hours. The department said the risk is due to significant rainfall in the upper catchment areas and continued showers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The warning was issued today (26) following an analysis of water levels recorded at river gauges in the Kalu Ganga basin and prevailing rainfall conditions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Low-lying areas in the Divisional Secretariat divisions of Pelmadulla, Nivithigala, Ratnapura, Kuruwita, Ayagama and Elapatha in Ratnapura District are at risk. In Kalutara District, the vulnerable areas include Ingiriya, Horana, Dodangoda, Millaniya, Bulathsinhala, Madurawala and Palindanuwara.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The department has urged residents in these areas, as well as motorists travelling through them, to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. It added that relevant disaster management authorities have also been informed to take appropriate safety measures.\u003C\u002Fp>",39,[21],[],[],"6adf09a03b462735d027cf00",[],"2026-10-26T07:11:26.000Z",{"views":67,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":67},[],{"id":100,"lang":12,"title":101,"subtitle":14,"slug":102,"excerpt":103,"html":104,"readingTimeSec":105,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":106,"tagIds":107,"authorIds":108,"coverMediaId":109,"galleryMediaIds":110,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":111,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":112,"relatedArticleIds":114},"6adf09a13b462735d027cf0e","Indian national arrested at Katunayake airport with kush cannabis valued at over Rs. 51 million","indian-national-arrested-at-katunayake-airport-with-kush-cannabis-valued-at-over-rs-51-million","An Indian national has been arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake with 5.1 kilograms of kush cannabis valued at over Rs. 51 million, Sri Lanka Customs said. The 24-year-old suspect was ar...","\u003Cp>Sri Lanka Customs said an Indian national has been arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake with 5.1 kilograms of kush cannabis valued at over Rs. 51 million.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Officers of the Customs Narcotics Control Unit arrested the 24-year-old suspect early this morning (26). The suspect had arrived in Sri Lanka on Vietnam Airlines flight VN671 and attempted to leave through the green channel of the airport's arrival terminal at around 1.15 a.m.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Customs officers subjected him to further inspection due to his suspicious behaviour. After a scan, a detailed search of his luggage led to the discovery of several sealed polythene packets containing 5,100 grams of kush cannabis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following preliminary investigations, the suspect, the seized narcotics and other relevant evidence were handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau for further investigations and legal action.\u003C\u002Fp>",37,[21],[],[],"6adf09a13b462735d027cf0a",[],"2026-10-26T07:01:38.000Z",{"views":113,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":68},13,[],{"id":116,"lang":12,"title":117,"subtitle":14,"slug":118,"excerpt":119,"html":120,"readingTimeSec":50,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":121,"tagIds":122,"authorIds":123,"coverMediaId":124,"galleryMediaIds":125,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":126,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":127,"relatedArticleIds":129},"6adefab03b462735d027a5a7","President Dissanayake congratulates Lula da Silva on his victory","president-dissanayake-congratulates-lula-da-silva-on-his-victory","President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his victory, describing it as a triumph over corruption, division and political misinformation. In a message...","\u003Cp>President Anura Kumara Dissanayake congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his victory in a message posted on X, describing it as a triumph over corruption, division and political misinformation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>President Dissanayake said the victory demonstrated that the people could not be misled by political dynasties or those who believe power is greater than justice. He described Lula da Silva’s victory as historic and praised his leadership in advancing progress, extending his congratulations to the Brazilian leader.\u003C\u002Fp>",[21],[],[],"6adefab03b462735d027a5a3",[],"2026-10-26T06:54:25.000Z",{"views":128,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":113},14,[],{"id":131,"lang":12,"title":132,"subtitle":14,"slug":133,"excerpt":134,"html":135,"readingTimeSec":90,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":136,"tagIds":137,"authorIds":138,"coverMediaId":139,"galleryMediaIds":140,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":141,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":142,"relatedArticleIds":145},"6adeed233b462735d02778c5","SLNS Gajabahu sails for India to join inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise","slns-gajabahu-sails-for-india-to-join-inaugural-bimstec-maritime-security-exercise","Sri Lanka Naval Ship (SLNS) Gajabahu set sail on 25 October 2026 for India to take part in the inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise. The ship departed from the port of Colombo amid a traditional naval f...","\u003Cp>Sri Lanka Naval Ship (SLNS) Gajabahu departed the port of Colombo on 25 October 2026 for India to take part in the inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ship left amid a traditional naval farewell. The joint exercise involves naval forces and coast guards of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, member states of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Scheduled from 30 October to 3 November, it aims to enhance maritime domain awareness, build operational coordination across the Bay of Bengal region, and strengthen regional security cooperation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Director General Operations Rear Admiral Chaminda Karunasena, Deputy Area Commander Western Naval Area Commodore Aruna Wijayawardhana and Director Naval Operations Commodore Athula Jayaweera were present at the departure from Colombo. Commanding Officer SLNS Gajabahu Captain Ashoka Weerasekara presented a memento to the Director General Operations.\u003C\u002Fp>",[21],[],[],"6adeed233b462735d02778c1",[],"2026-10-26T05:02:53.000Z",{"views":143,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":144},18,17,[],{"id":147,"lang":12,"title":148,"subtitle":14,"slug":149,"excerpt":150,"html":151,"readingTimeSec":152,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":153,"tagIds":154,"authorIds":155,"coverMediaId":156,"galleryMediaIds":157,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":158,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":159,"relatedArticleIds":162},"6aded14d3b462735d0273ed6","PM Amarasuriya says government aims to give every child the maximum benefits of education","pm-amarasuriya-says-government-aims-to-give-every-child-the-maximum-benefits-of-education","Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, stated that one of the Government’s primary objectives is to build an education system that enables every...","\u003Cp>Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, said one of the Government’s primary objectives is to build an education system that enables every child to receive the maximum benefits of education.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She made the remarks while attending a ceremony to hand over a newly constructed two-storey building at Vijitha Primary School in Polonnaruwa to the students. Built with an investment of approximately Rs. 55 million from the Government, the building comprises eight primary classrooms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite existing economic constraints and challenges, she said, the Government has commenced this process by allocating substantial financial resources to the education sector.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the official handover, the Prime Minister engaged in a friendly interaction with the students and inspected the facilities in the new classrooms. She also directed her attention to academic and welfare issues affecting the conduct of teaching and learning activities at the school.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Implementing education reforms requires more than merely revising curricula, she said. It is equally important to develop the necessary infrastructure, provide teacher training and establish a suitable school environment. The Government would therefore implement the new curricula in stages, taking into consideration the preparedness of the school system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the new education reforms, she said, the Government’s objective is to create a quality school environment where children can learn freely and happily, teachers can teach effectively, and the safety of children is ensured. Particular attention would be given to improving infrastructure in primary education, including classroom space, furniture and equipment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the country’s economic stability improves, the Government expects to place greater emphasis on sectors such as education and healthcare, she said. She also said the Government intends to allocate more funds for the implementation of education reforms in the coming year than it has allocated this year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prime Minister said legal proceedings had commenced towards the establishment of an Education Council to ensure professionalism and quality in the education sector. She added that both school curricula and teacher education curricula at National Colleges of Education were being revised to produce teachers equipped to meet the requirements of the new education reforms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Government aims to transform the entire education system by addressing institutional issues, infrastructure deficiencies and human resource shortages, she said. A key responsibility of the education system, she stressed, is to nurture citizens equipped with knowledge, skills and positive values. The dedication of teachers, together with the support of parents and the wider community, is essential to achieving this goal, she said, adding that all stakeholders must work together to protect village schools and ensure that children have access to quality education.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The occasion was attended by Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply T. B. Sarath, Polonnaruwa District Member of Parliament Padmasiri Bandara, the Chairman and members of the Lankapura Pradeshiya Sabha, education officials, including the Additional Provincial Director of Education of the North Central Province, principals, teachers, parents and students.\u003C\u002Fp>",132,[21],[],[],"6aded14d3b462735d0273ed2",[],"2026-10-26T03:37:05.000Z",{"views":160,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":161},23,22,[],{"id":164,"lang":12,"title":165,"subtitle":14,"slug":166,"excerpt":167,"html":168,"readingTimeSec":169,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":170,"tagIds":171,"authorIds":172,"coverMediaId":173,"galleryMediaIds":174,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":175,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":176,"relatedArticleIds":178},"6aded14d3b462735d0273ede","Bay of Bengal Deep Depression likely to intensify; rain expected in parts of Sri Lanka","bay-of-bengal-deep-depression-likely-to-intensify-rain-expected-in-parts-of-sri-lanka","The Depression over East-central and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a Deep Depression. It is moved westwards and lay centered near Latitude 15.3°N and Longitude 89.7°E. The system is ver...","\u003Cp>A depression over East-central and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a Deep Depression. After moving westwards, it lay centered near Latitude 15.3°N and Longitude 89.7°E.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The system is very likely to move nearly westwards and intensify further into a cyclonic storm over East-central and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal by today (26th October). It is then very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over west-central Bay of Bengal by 27th October, 2026.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the system is not expected to have a direct impact on Sri Lanka, an increase in rainfall is expected over the southwestern parts of the island during the next few days, as the wind flow associated with the system extends across the island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-western, Central and North-central provinces and in Trincomalee districts. Heavy falls above 100 mm are likely at some places in these areas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Showers or thunder showers will occur at several places after 1.00 p.m. in the Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strong winds of about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the Central hills, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee and Hambantota Districts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.\u003C\u002Fp>",63,[21],[],[],"6a985ebe55750bd6c4a636fb",[],"2026-10-26T03:25:32.000Z",{"views":177,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":177},20,[]]