[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"taxonomy":4,"breaking":5,"article-president-presents-vishishta-seva-vibhushana-medals-to-57-armed-forces-officers":9,"cover-media-president-presents-vishishta-seva-vibhushana-medals-to-57-armed-forces-officers":34,"comments-president-presents-vishishta-seva-vibhushana-medals-to-57-armed-forces-officers":46,"related-president-presents-vishishta-seva-vibhushana-medals-to-57-armed-forces-officers":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},"6abde9693b462735d0e71c57","en","President presents Vishishta Seva Vibhushana medals to 57 armed forces officers",null,"president-presents-vishishta-seva-vibhushana-medals-to-57-armed-forces-officers","The presentation of the “Vishishta Seva Vibhushana” medals, awarded in recognition of the distinguished service rendered by senior officers of the regular forces of the Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force, was h...","\u003Cp>President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presented “Vishishta Seva Vibhushana” medals to 57 serving and retired officers of the regular forces of the Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force at the Presidential Secretariat this afternoon (30).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Held under the President’s patronage, the ceremony recognised distinguished service by senior officers of the three Armed Forces. President Dissanayake stated that the senior officers receiving the medals had made an exceptional contribution to the country and its people. He noted that they remained committed to their duties and accountable for their responsibilities regardless of whether it was day or night, whether weather conditions were favourable or adverse, or whether their lives were at risk. He emphasised that the country needs a public service of this nature today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Established as an award under a proclamation issued by the President, the “Vishishta Seva Vibhushana” medal is a distinguished honour. It is awarded only to officers of the three Armed Forces who have completed at least 25 years of continuous service and have maintained a commendable service record. Eligible officers of the three Armed Forces receive the medal in accordance with regulations established by the President through a notification published in the Gazette regarding its conferment, forfeiture or restoration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following the presentation, the President joined the medal recipients for a group photograph.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The full speech delivered by President Dissanayake on the occasion was as follows:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We have a special appreciation for you as a group of officers who have demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility and accountability. As the most senior officers of the three Armed Forces, you are receiving one of the most important and distinguished honours today. You have earned this honour in recognition of the exceptional contribution you have made throughout a significant part of your lives towards safeguarding our motherland and its people. We are deeply grateful to you for the outstanding service you have rendered in protecting the country and its people. As the most senior officers who have served in the three Armed Forces, you have played an exceptional role for more than 25 years, including during the highly complex periods of armed conflict faced by our country and during other natural disasters. I know that you carried out these responsibilities with greater commitment, endurance and risk than an ordinary public servant. Your wives and family members also played an exceptional role in supporting you throughout your discharge of these social responsibilities. They stood behind you and provided the strength and support you needed while you made immense sacrifices and faced considerable risks. We must also extend our special appreciation to them for the significant role they played in supporting you. One of the major challenges we face as a Government today is the lack of a strong public service. The public service has suffered a significant decline. We are all aware, to varying degrees, of the reasons that have contributed to this situation. If we are to move forward as a country, we need a strong public service. The contribution you have made as public officials towards strengthening the public service has been exceptional. As the most senior officers of the three Armed Forces, you have played a significant role in serving the public service. You remained committed to your duties. You did not consider whether your duties had to be performed during the day or at night, under favourable or adverse weather conditions, or in situations where your lives were at risk. You remained committed to your duties and accountable for your responsibilities. We need a public service of this nature. As a group that has demonstrated responsibility and accountability, we have a special appreciation for you. If our country has experienced setbacks on many fronts, overcoming these challenges and moving forward requires people who have the resilience to endure them. You are receiving this distinguished “Vishishta Seva Vibhushana” honour today as a group that has faced the challenges encountered throughout your careers and made an exceptional contribution towards overcoming them. A common challenge we face as a country is establishing professionalism. We can create positions and professions. However, the question remains as to whether an individual has attained the required professional standard in the discharge of their duties. Today, these 57 officers have been selected from among the many officers of the three Armed Forces as those who have demonstrated such professionalism. This is essential to our public service. You have set important examples towards restoring the public service. There is also a concern regarding discipline within our public service and society. All of us must have the ability to maintain self-discipline. This is extremely important if we are to move forward as a country. Public servants work within the public service in the course of their duties, while in their everyday lives, they live and interact with wider society. In such circumstances, how do we maintain self-discipline? Many countries have progressed not merely through laws and regulations, but through the self-discipline developed by their people. Society is exposed to many forms of irregularities and anti-social activities. In such an environment, how do we maintain self-discipline? If we are able to maintain self-discipline regardless of the external environment, even when it is contrary to such values, that is extremely important. It is true that the “Vishishta Seva Vibhushana” award recognises your service. It is also true that, as President, I and the State honour you. However, this should no longer be regarded as something personal. This is not merely a medal or recognition that you have received. It should be regarded as a social responsibility. Only then can you become an example to your children, neighbours and relatives. You can also become an example to your institution. Only then can we rebuild our public service and society, which are facing a serious decline, and provide an example for others to follow. Therefore, I believe that the medal you receive in recognition of your distinguished service will serve as a foundation for our society to move in a new direction.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retired), Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal H. S. Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) and senior officials, including the Commanders of the three Armed Forces, were also present.\u003C\u002Fp>",285,"standard","published","6a8de2d51984b727d3b0b545",[21],[],[],"6abde9693b462735d0e71c53",[],"2026-09-30T14:03:08.000Z",false,"public",{"views":31,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":31},53,0,[],{"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\u002F61944c1c-5f83-419d-a790-8ff59f4e3d82\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\u002F61944c1c-5f83-419d-a790-8ff59f4e3d82\u002Fthumb.webp",{"data":47,"meta":48},[],{"total":32,"page":49,"limit":50,"hasMore":28},1,30,{"data":52},[53,69,85,101,115,132,146,162],{"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":68},"6abe3dec3b462735d0e85249","Train services to Peradeniya and Gampola to resume from October 2","train-services-to-peradeniya-and-gampola-to-resume-from-october-2","Train services on the Upcountry Railway Line to Peradeniya and Gampola will resume from tomorrow (October 2), after a suspension of more than 10 months. Train operations on the Rambukkana–Gampola section were s...","\u003Cp>Train services on the Upcountry Railway Line to Peradeniya and Gampola will resume from October 2 after a suspension of more than 10 months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The regular train timetable from Colombo Fort to Peradeniya and Gampola will come into effect from the afternoon of October 2, with eight daily train services, including intercity services. Advance seat reservations will also be available under the new timetable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Operations on the Rambukkana–Gampola section were suspended after Cyclone Ditwah damaged 103 locations along the railway line. Restoration of railway services after the cyclone has proceeded in several stages. Services between Ambewela and Badulla, and between Colombo Fort and Rambukkana, were resumed first. Services are now operating normally between Nanu Oya and Badulla, and between Nawalapitiya and Hatton.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Train services between Peradeniya and Kandy will remain suspended as restoration work on the Peradeniya Black Bridge has not yet been completed. Heavy rainfall has posed challenges to completing the construction work. Once restoration of the bridge is completed, train services to Kandy and Matale are expected to resume.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Restoration work continues on the Gampola–Nawalapitiya and Hatton–Nanu Oya sections of the railway line. The Department of Railways stated that approximately 75% of the Upcountry Railway Line is now operational.\u003C\u002Fp>",55,[21],[],[],"6abe3dec3b462735d0e85245",[],"2026-10-01T10:33:25.000Z",{"views":67,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":67},51,[],{"id":70,"lang":12,"title":71,"subtitle":14,"slug":72,"excerpt":73,"html":74,"readingTimeSec":75,"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":84},"6abe3ded3b462735d0e85253","Discussion held on Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Plan","discussion-held-on-anuradhapura-sacred-city-development-plan","A discussion on the Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Plan was held yesterday afternoon (30) at the Presidential Secretariat, under the leadership of Chief of Presidential Staff Prabath Chandrakeerthi and Ac...","\u003Cp>Chief of Presidential Staff Prabath Chandrakeerthi and Acting Deputy High Commissioner\u002FFirst Secretary of the High Commission of India Roshini Thomson led a discussion yesterday afternoon (30) at the Presidential Secretariat on the Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The initial cost of implementing the Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Plan is currently estimated at Rs. 7.7 billion. The Government of India is expected to provide the financial contribution required for the project, which is expected to commence before the end of this year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to Sri Lanka, he expressed his agreement to provide assistance for a Sacred City development project when he visited the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura. Accordingly, the Urban Development Authority and the Department of National Physical Planning have proposed jointly implementing development activities in the Anuradhapura Sacred City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The jointly prepared draft proposal has already been submitted to the High Commission of India, and the discussion focused on the proposal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>President Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently held discussions with the Maha Sangha and all relevant stakeholders regarding the Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Plan and instructed officials to expedite the project.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the project, a range of development programmes are to be launched while preserving the antiquity and religious character of the Anuradhapura Sacred City. These will include renovating access roads, ensuring the proper disposal of waste, improving sanitation facilities and restoring all dilapidated sites.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among those present were Second Secretary (DC) at the High Commission of India Ramya C. S., Director General of the Department of National Physical Planning W.T.H. Ruchira Withana, Director General of the Urban Development Authority D.M.D.S. Dissanayake and Director of the Department of External Resources Chandrika Senanayake, along with senior officials of the High Commission of India and officials from relevant institutions.\u003C\u002Fp>",80,[21],[],[],"6abe3ded3b462735d0e8524f",[],"2026-10-01T10:27:58.000Z",{"views":83,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":83},45,[],{"id":86,"lang":12,"title":87,"subtitle":14,"slug":88,"excerpt":89,"html":90,"readingTimeSec":91,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":92,"tagIds":93,"authorIds":94,"coverMediaId":95,"galleryMediaIds":96,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":97,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":98,"relatedArticleIds":100},"6abdf8493b462735d0e75bf5","World Children's Day message outlines education reform and equal opportunities in Sri Lanka","world-childrens-day-message-outlines-education-reform-and-equal-opportunities-in-sri-lanka","Children are the most valuable asset of a nation. Ensuring their physical and mental well-being and creating an environment conducive to their proper development is a primary responsibility of any government. C...","\u003Cp>A World Children's Day message said children are the most valuable asset of a nation and that ensuring their physical and mental well-being and creating an environment conducive to their proper development is a primary responsibility of any government.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The message said children's imagination, aspirations and creativity will determine the shape and colour of the country tomorrow. It said the country built for children must not merely be a country prepared to be handed over to them in the future; it must be a country that gives space to their dreams today, listens to their voices and provides opportunities for them to realise their potential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the best interests of children, it said, necessary steps were being taken to ensure equal access to education, guidance, social protection, opportunities for sport, leisure and recreation, proper nutrition and access to healthcare, while protecting children from all forms of violence and discrimination and safeguarding their rights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Race, religion, economic status, geographical background or any other circumstance should not be a barrier to any child's education or proper development, the message said. Every child should have equal and fair opportunities to realise their potential, pursue their dreams and create the future they wish for themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The message said the process of reforming the education system in Sri Lanka had already begun, transforming it towards a skills-based system suited to the new world, one that does not place a burden on parents or cause distress to children. The aim was to ensure that no child is left behind in the new Sri Lanka being built, and to provide every child with opportunities for development in a safe environment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It emphasised that the fundamental objective of all the programmes being implemented, from expanding educational scholarships to securing the future of children growing up in child development centres and those in need of care, is to create a dignified and secure tomorrow for every child in the country.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The message said it is the aspiration of every parent to give their children a better life than the one they themselves experienced. It said the country's economy was being steered towards a correct and stable direction in order to provide children with a safe and happy childhood, free from the shadows of an unstable economy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It said the national operation \"A Nation United\" (Ratama Ekata) had been launched, bringing everyone together to free the younger generation from the menace of illicit drugs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At a time of working towards the goal of building a safe and better country for children, the message said it greatly appreciated the initiative of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs in organising this year's World Children's Day celebrations under the theme \"Strong Minds – Enriched Children\", declaring a National Children's Day Week and conducting a range of meaningful programmes aimed at strengthening children's rights, well-being, protection, education and freedom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heartfelt wishes were extended to all the sons and daughters of the country for a Happy World Children's Day.\u003C\u002Fp>",135,[21],[],[],"6abdf8493b462735d0e75bf1",[],"2026-10-01T04:56:12.000Z",{"views":99,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":99},49,[],{"id":102,"lang":12,"title":103,"subtitle":14,"slug":104,"excerpt":105,"html":106,"readingTimeSec":50,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":107,"tagIds":108,"authorIds":109,"coverMediaId":110,"galleryMediaIds":111,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":112,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":113,"relatedArticleIds":114},"6abde9423b462735d0e71c00","Kandyan Hindu priests seek government intervention for Sivarasa Anojan","kandyan-hindu-priests-seek-government-intervention-for-sivarasa-anojan","The Kandyan Hindu Priests’ Association of Sri Lanka has submitted a memorandum to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, requesting the necessary government intervention to secure the release of Sivarasa Anojan, w...","\u003Cp>The Kandyan Hindu Priests' Association of Sri Lanka has submitted a memorandum to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake requesting the necessary government intervention to secure the release of Sivarasa Anojan, who has been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The memorandum was handed this afternoon (30) to Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, at the Presidential Secretariat by Dr Siva Sri Velu Suresh Sharma Kurukkal, General Secretary of the Kandyan Hindu Priests' Association of Sri Lanka.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake pointed out that the necessary government intervention to secure the release of Sivarasa Anojan is already being carried out.\u003C\u002Fp>",[21],[],[],"6abde9423b462735d0e71bfc",[],"2026-10-01T04:22:53.000Z",{"views":31,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":31},[],{"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":131},"6abdf8493b462735d0e75bff","Sri Lanka marks World Children’s Day under ‘Strong Minds – Enriched Children’ theme","sri-lanka-marks-world-childrens-day-under-strong-minds-enriched-children-theme","For decades, the 1st of October has been a special day in Sri Lanka, when we celebrate our children while also honouring our elders. It reminds us of our responsibility towards the generations that have shaped ...","\u003Cp>World Children’s Day is being celebrated in Sri Lanka on the 1st of October under the theme “මනසින් සවිමත් – දරුවන් පොහොසත්” – “Strong Minds – Enriched Children.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This year, the Government strengthened the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act, raising fines for relevant offences from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 100,000. Parliament passed the amendment in August, and it was endorsed in September as Act No. 21 of 2026. Employment of children under the age of sixteen is prohibited under the existing Act, and the higher penalties reinforce a commitment to protecting children from unlawful and harmful employment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Government has recognised a responsibility to strengthen child protection both online and offline. Work towards appropriate safeguards concerning children’s access to social media and digital platforms is being considered in light of international experience, while ensuring that children continue to benefit from technology for education, creativity and development. Several countries are similarly strengthening age-appropriate protections and safety requirements for children in digital environments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Responsibility was also described as extending beyond the digital space. The Government is making efforts to strengthen the legal framework against corporal punishment and to promote approaches to discipline that protect the dignity and well-being of children. Sri Lanka’s ongoing reforms in this area recognise the importance of protecting children from both physical and psychological violence. Harm is not limited to physical injury. Bullying, harassment, humiliation and violent forms of discipline can have lasting effects on a child’s confidence, emotional development and sense of security.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For decades, the 1st of October has been a special day in Sri Lanka for celebrating children while also honouring elders, a reminder of responsibility towards the generations that have shaped society and towards the generation that will shape its future. The theme carries particular significance at a time when childhood is being transformed by rapid social and technological change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Education, healthcare and material security remain fundamental to a child’s development. An enriched childhood also requires emotional security, confidence, dignity and the freedom to grow without fear, violence, humiliation or discrimination. A child who feels safe, valued and heard is better equipped to learn, build relationships, face challenges and contribute positively to society.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That need has become increasingly important as digital technology and artificial intelligence reshape how children learn, communicate and experience the world. Technology provides extraordinary opportunities, but it also exposes children to new forms of pressure and harm, including cyberbullying, harassment, harmful content and exploitation. Protection in this environment requires equal attention to mental and psychosocial well-being.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The measures reflect a broader commitment that every child, in every corner of Sri Lanka, must have the opportunity to grow up safe, healthy, educated and confident, irrespective of economic circumstances, geography, language, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability or any other difference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Government action alone cannot build such an environment. Parents, teachers, caregivers, communities, institutions and society as a whole share the responsibility of creating spaces where children can speak without fear, seek help without stigma, learn without humiliation and grow without violence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On World Children’s Day, a call was made to listen to children more carefully and to recognise that their thoughts, emotions and experiences matter, and to provide them not only with education and opportunity but also with the security, understanding and confidence they need to face a rapidly changing world. Strengthening the minds of children was described as strengthening the future of the country. Warmest wishes were extended to all the children of Sri Lanka.\u003C\u002Fp>",157,[21],[],[],"6abdf8493b462735d0e75bfb",[],"2026-10-01T04:08:26.000Z",{"views":129,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":130},48,47,[],{"id":133,"lang":12,"title":134,"subtitle":14,"slug":135,"excerpt":136,"html":137,"readingTimeSec":50,"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":145},"6abde9423b462735d0e71bf6","Afternoon thundershowers expected in most parts of the island from today","afternoon-thundershowers-expected-in-most-parts-of-the-island-from-today","The atmospheric conditions are getting favorable for afternoon thundershowers in most parts of the island from today (01).  The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage...","\u003Cp>Atmospheric conditions are becoming favorable for afternoon thundershowers in most parts of the island from today (01). Showers or thundershowers will occur in most parts of the island after 1.00 p.m.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fairly heavy falls above 75 mm are likely at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, Eastern and North central provinces and in Mannar district. 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 Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces during the early hours of the morning.\u003C\u002Fp>",[21],[],[],"6a985ebe55750bd6c4a636fb",[],"2026-10-01T03:49:11.000Z",{"views":99,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":129},[],{"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":161},"6abcfb3f3b462735d0e2b491","World Habitat Day to be celebrated on October 5 under the theme “A Safe Home for All”","world-habitat-day-to-be-celebrated-on-october-5-under-the-theme-a-safe-home-for-all","All arrangements have been made to celebrate World Habitat Day on October 5 under the theme “A Safe Home for All,” with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya as the chief guest, Minister of Housing, Constructio...","\u003Cp>Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Dr. H.M. Susil Ranasinghe said all arrangements have been made to celebrate World Habitat Day on October 5 under the theme “A Safe Home for All,” with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya as the chief guest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dr. Ranasinghe made the remarks at a special media briefing held today (30) at the Department of Government Information. He said a Habitat Week will also be conducted islandwide in conjunction with World Habitat Day celebrations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As part of the programme, 5,000 houses constructed with government assistance will be handed over to the public on World Habitat Day, he said. The government aims to construct 30,000 houses by December 31, with the objective of providing a safe home for every person. Priority will be given to low-income families in the allocation of these houses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The minister said community participation will be obtained for the construction of the houses. The government has provided plans for houses of approximately 550 square feet, ensuring that beneficiaries receive fully completed homes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Houses will also be provided to families who lost their homes due to the war in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, with the government allocating Rs. 2 million per house. Under the Yathiwara Mapiya Programme, Rs. 1.5 million will be allocated for each house, while Rs. 2 million will be provided for safe houses constructed for institutionalized children. Families who have completely lost their homes due to Cyclone Ditwah will receive Rs. 5 million per family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The minister also said the government has allocated Rs. 500 million for housing loans for public sector employees, with the government bearing four percentage points of the applicable interest rate. Migrant workers will be able to obtain housing loans of up to Rs. 10 million at an interest rate of 15%, with part of the interest to be subsidized by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said the selection of low-income beneficiaries will not be based on political affiliations. Applicants can provide their information to the Housing Officer at their respective Divisional Secretariat.\u003C\u002Fp>",93,[21],[],[],"6abcfb3f3b462735d0e2b48d",[],"2026-09-30T11:50:14.000Z",{"views":160,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":160},75,[],{"id":163,"lang":12,"title":164,"subtitle":14,"slug":165,"excerpt":166,"html":167,"readingTimeSec":50,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":168,"tagIds":169,"authorIds":170,"coverMediaId":171,"galleryMediaIds":172,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":173,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":174,"relatedArticleIds":176},"6abcfaff3b462735d0e2b18e","Prime Minister participates in National AI Expo 2026 second-day inauguration","prime-minister-participates-in-national-ai-expo-2026-second-day-inauguration","Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the official inauguration of the second day of National AI Expo 2026 held on 30 September at the Monarch Imperial under the theme AI Amplified. The exhibiti...","\u003Cp>Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya took part in the official inauguration of the second day of National AI Expo 2026 on 30 September at the Monarch Imperial. The exhibition was held under the theme AI Amplified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ministry of Digital Economy and SLT-MOBITEL jointly organised the exhibition, giving students an opportunity to engage with developments in the field of artificial intelligence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than 60 speakers from 16 countries joined representatives from government, industry, startups and academia at the two-day event on 29 and 30 September to showcase products, debate policy and accelerate AI adoption across Sri Lanka.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prime Minister visited the industrial and educational exhibition stalls while at the event.\u003C\u002Fp>",[21],[],[],"6abcfaff3b462735d0e2b18a",[],"2026-09-30T11:27:20.000Z",{"views":175,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":175},57,[]]