[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"taxonomy":4,"article-president-reviews-final-2027-budget-proposals":5,"breaking":30,"cover-media-president-reviews-final-2027-budget-proposals":34,"comments-president-reviews-final-2027-budget-proposals":46,"related-president-reviews-final-2027-budget-proposals":51},[4,4],true,{"data":6},{"id":7,"lang":8,"title":9,"subtitle":10,"slug":11,"excerpt":12,"html":13,"readingTimeSec":14,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":18,"tagIds":19,"authorIds":20,"coverMediaId":21,"galleryMediaIds":22,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":23,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":26,"relatedArticleIds":29},"6af42f0dc7f64abe9d233a03","en","President reviews final 2027 Budget proposals",null,"president-reviews-final-2027-budget-proposals","President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (11) reviewed the final document containing the 2027 Budget proposals at the Presidential Secretariat. Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Develo...","\u003Cp>President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on the 11th reviewed the final document containing the 2027 Budget proposals at the Presidential Secretariat. Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, was also present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>President Dissanayake is scheduled to present the 2027 Budget to Parliament on the afternoon of the 12th in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The budget includes Rs. 2,000 billion in capital allocations and moves beyond the goal of economic stabilisation towards economic expansion and transformative development.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The present Government has succeeded in achieving significant progress across several key sectors of the economy through sound management and strict fiscal discipline, despite facing both domestic and external challenges, including the Ditwah disaster and the Middle East crisis.\u003C\u002Fp>",34,"standard","published","6a8de2d51984b727d3b0b545",[17],[],[],"6af42f0dc7f64abe9d2339ff",[],"2026-11-11T08:11:12.000Z",false,"public",{"views":27,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":27},20,0,[],{"data":31},{"articles":32,"ticker":33},[],[],{"data":35},{"id":21,"url":36,"width":37,"height":38,"variants":39,"alt":10,"caption":10,"credit":10},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.newsradio.lk\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F11\u002F8e5618fb-9054-41fe-b4fd-f8d5d3193459\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\u002F11\u002F8e5618fb-9054-41fe-b4fd-f8d5d3193459\u002Fthumb.webp",{"data":47,"meta":48},[],{"total":28,"page":49,"limit":50,"hasMore":24},1,30,{"data":52},[53,68,84,100,116,132,148,164],{"id":54,"lang":8,"title":55,"subtitle":10,"slug":56,"excerpt":57,"html":58,"readingTimeSec":50,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":59,"tagIds":60,"authorIds":61,"coverMediaId":62,"galleryMediaIds":63,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":64,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":65,"relatedArticleIds":67},"6af43d14c7f64abe9d236712","Sri Lanka prepares first official passenger drone trial at Colombo Port City","sri-lanka-prepares-first-official-passenger-drone-trial-at-colombo-port-city","Sri Lanka is preparing to conduct its first official trial of an electric-powered, pilotless passenger drone on November 11 at Colombo Port City. The trial will use China's EHang E216, a two-passenger eVTOL air...","\u003Cp>Sri Lanka is preparing to hold its first official trial of an electric-powered, pilotless passenger drone at Colombo Port City on November 11. The trial will use China's EHang E216, a two-passenger eVTOL aircraft with 16 propellers and an automated flight-control system. The project will initially run as a six-month testing programme, with potential applications in passenger transport, emergency services, and tourism. If successful, the technology could introduce a new aerial tourism experience, offering visitors scenic flights over destinations such as Sigiriya, Pidurangala, and Sri Lanka's island attractions.\u003C\u002Fp>",[17],[],[],"6af43d14c7f64abe9d23670e",[],"2026-11-11T09:59:51.000Z",{"views":66,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":66},21,[],{"id":69,"lang":8,"title":70,"subtitle":10,"slug":71,"excerpt":72,"html":73,"readingTimeSec":74,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":75,"tagIds":76,"authorIds":77,"coverMediaId":78,"galleryMediaIds":79,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":80,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":81,"relatedArticleIds":83},"6af42ee0c7f64abe9d2339f8","PM stresses preparedness to face climate-related emergencies and disasters","pm-stresses-preparedness-to-face-climate-related-emergencies-and-disasters","Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasised the importance of being prepared to face emergencies and unusual natural disasters arising from climate change, as well as taking measures to minimise the damage...","\u003Cp>Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasised the importance of being prepared to face emergencies and unusual natural disasters arising from climate change, and of taking measures to minimise the damage they may cause. She stressed that disaster management requires an integrated approach involving multiple sectors rather than being confined to the responsibilities of a single sector.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She made the remarks on 10 November at the Colombo District Coordinating Committee meeting held at the Official Residence in Narahenpita. The meeting, held with the Prime Minister’s participation and chaired by Member of Parliament Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, Chairman of the Coordinating Committee, focused special attention on the flash floods and disaster situation experienced in the Colombo District due to heavy rainfall on 6 November.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Addressing the meeting, the Prime Minister pointed out that, in the face of ongoing climate change, the country must be prepared not only to respond to such emergencies and unexpected natural conditions but also to minimise the potential damage they could cause. She underscored the need for a coordinated approach to disaster management, involving different sectors rather than limiting responsibility to a single institution or sector.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prime Minister noted that the Colombo District and the city of Colombo have distinctive geographical and urban characteristics. She pointed out that the flooding and inundation currently being experienced are the result of numerous issues that have remained unresolved for a long period. She emphasised that these challenges must be addressed through a comprehensive programme encompassing waste management, proper waste disposal, the maintenance of waterways and the conservation of low-lying areas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Colombo District Secretary Ginige Prasanna Janaka Kumara presented details of several major projects currently underway to control flooding and rainwater accumulation in the Colombo District. These included a project, with an allocation exceeding Rs. 15,000 million, already initiated to control flooding in the Kolonnawa area alongside the Kelani River Basin Flood Control Project; a project launched at a cost of Rs. 450 million to clean and develop all waterways in Kaduwela; a project to clean and develop four major canals in Kolonnawa; and a project initiated by the Department of Irrigation to develop the riverbanks of the Kelani River. The Prime Minister paid special attention to the details presented regarding these projects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In addition to the ongoing projects, the Coordinating Committee discussed priority measures that should be implemented to minimise the risk of similar disasters occurring in the future. The Prime Minister stressed that necessary and appropriate decisions must be taken without further delay to address longstanding problems that have become increasingly severe due to the failure to make timely decisions over the years. She pointed out that cleaning canals, drains and waterways should not be an activity undertaken only when a disaster occurs, but must be an ongoing process supported by regular maintenance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prime Minister also paid special attention to the progress achieved so far in development programmes being implemented in the Colombo District, rural road development projects across the district, and the Praja Shakthi programme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meeting was attended by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Dr. Rizvie Salih, Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof, Deputy Minister of Defence, Retired Major General Aruna Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara, Members of Parliament representing the Colombo District, chairpersons of local government authorities, and a number of government officials from the Colombo District, including Western Province Chief Secretary Pradeep Pushpakumara.\u003C\u002Fp>",152,[17],[],[],"6af42ee0c7f64abe9d2339f4",[],"2026-11-11T08:45:50.000Z",{"views":50,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":82},29,[],{"id":85,"lang":8,"title":86,"subtitle":10,"slug":87,"excerpt":88,"html":89,"readingTimeSec":90,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":91,"tagIds":92,"authorIds":93,"coverMediaId":94,"galleryMediaIds":95,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":96,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":97,"relatedArticleIds":99},"6af2dd82c7f64abe9d20a145","Dr. Neville Fernando Memorial Air Force Hospital in Malabe inaugurated under new management","dr-neville-fernando-memorial-air-force-hospital-in-malabe-inaugurated-under-new-management","The Dr. Neville Fernando Memorial Air Force Hospital in Malabe, renovated with the direct contribution of the Sri Lanka Air Force, was officially inaugurated yesterday (09) under the patronage of Minister of He...","\u003Cp>The Dr. Neville Fernando Memorial Air Force Hospital in Malabe was officially inaugurated yesterday (09) under the patronage of Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. The Sri Lanka Air Force made a direct contribution to the hospital’s renovation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Air Force Commander Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe invited Dr. Jayatissa to the occasion. The minister emphasised that the initiative serves as an excellent example of the Government’s programme to make optimal use of unused and underutilised State properties for the benefit of the public.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The new management arrangement was put in place after Cabinet approval for a joint proposal submitted by President and Minister of Defence Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Minister of Health and Mass Media. The hospital will operate under a hybrid management framework, replacing the temporary administrative system that had been in place for eight years following its takeover in 2017.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ownership of the hospital has been transferred to a company fully (100%) owned by the General Treasury. Day-to-day operations have been entrusted to the Sri Lanka Air Force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The initiative aims to provide quality healthcare services to Air Force personnel and their families, as well as the general public, by utilising the expertise, professional standards and efficient administrative capabilities of the Air Force. The hospital’s operations will be conducted under the new administration of Chief Executive Officer Air Commodore Neeluka Abeysekera.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dr. Jayatissa stated that the Sri Lanka Air Force had long recognised the need for a dedicated hospital to serve its personnel, and that establishing a hospital specifically for the Air Force was one of the key achievements of this initiative. He further noted that, under the guidance of the President, this decision is expected to address the shortage of tertiary-level healthcare facilities in Colombo and Gampaha districts, which are home to a population of nearly five million. In particular, people in Kaduwela, Athurugiriya and Avissawella are expected to benefit from the expanded healthcare services.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the commemorative plaque was unveiled and the hospital was officially opened, distinguished guests participated in an inspection tour of the hospital premises. Among those present were Deputy Minister of Defence Major General (Retired) Aruna Jayasekara, Member of Parliament Asitha Niroshana, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha, Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Goonetileke, Mrs. Swarnamali Fernando, wife of the late Dr. Neville Fernando, former Commanders of the Air Force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Air Vice Marshal Lasitha Sumanaveera, members of the Board of Directors, senior officers and hospital staff.\u003C\u002Fp>",115,[17],[],[],"6af2dd82c7f64abe9d20a141",[],"2026-11-10T08:25:06.000Z",{"views":98,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":98},63,[],{"id":101,"lang":8,"title":102,"subtitle":10,"slug":103,"excerpt":104,"html":105,"readingTimeSec":106,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":107,"tagIds":108,"authorIds":109,"coverMediaId":110,"galleryMediaIds":111,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":112,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":113,"relatedArticleIds":115},"6af2a51dc7f64abe9d202b3d","Heavy falls above 100mm likely in several provinces as showers, thundershowers expected","heavy-falls-above-100mm-likely-in-several-provinces-as-showers-thundershowers-expected","Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern province and in Trincomalee district.  Showers or thundershowers will occur elsewhere in the island after 1.00 p.m.   Heavy falls above 100mm are li...","\u003Cp>Heavy falls above 100mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern province and in Trincomalee district. Elsewhere in the island, showers or thundershowers will occur after 1.00 p.m. Showers may occur during the morning in the coastal areas of the Southern Province.\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, Matara and Kurunegala 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>",31,[17],[],[],"6a985ebe55750bd6c4a636fb",[],"2026-11-10T04:18:00.000Z",{"views":114,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":114},67,[],{"id":117,"lang":8,"title":118,"subtitle":10,"slug":119,"excerpt":120,"html":121,"readingTimeSec":122,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":123,"tagIds":124,"authorIds":125,"coverMediaId":126,"galleryMediaIds":127,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":128,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":129,"relatedArticleIds":131},"6af1a8333b462735d04b37bb","Prime Minister participates in 2026 Poppy Day Commemoration","prime-minister-participates-in-2026-poppy-day-commemoration","The 2026 Poppy Day Commemoration was held on November 8 at the Cenotaph War Memorial in Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya. Upon her arrival at the venu...","\u003Cp>Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya participated in the 2026 Poppy Day Commemoration on November 8 at the Cenotaph War Memorial in Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On arrival at the venue, the Prime Minister was welcomed with the presentation of a poppy flower and escorted to the main podium accompanied by marching bands. The Prime Minister, together with other distinguished invitees, then paid floral tributes at the Cenotaph War Memorial, which commemorates the military personnel who sacrificed their lives during the First and Second World Wars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Minister of Defence Major General (Retired) Aruna Jayasekara, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Commanders of the Tri-Forces, former Service Commanders, government officials and several other distinguished guests were also present.\u003C\u002Fp>",32,[17],[],[],"6af1a8333b462735d04b37b7",[],"2026-11-09T10:26:14.000Z",{"views":130,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":130},89,[],{"id":133,"lang":8,"title":134,"subtitle":10,"slug":135,"excerpt":136,"html":137,"readingTimeSec":138,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":139,"tagIds":140,"authorIds":141,"coverMediaId":142,"galleryMediaIds":143,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":144,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":145,"relatedArticleIds":147},"6af1a8813b462735d04b37d0","Anura Karunathilaka elected president of Sri Lanka–Kazakhstan Parliamentary Friendship Association","anura-karunathilaka-elected-president-of-sri-lanka-kazakhstan-parliamentary-friendship-association","Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Minister of Energy Anura Karunathilaka has been elected President of the Sri Lanka–Kazakhstan Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament. The inaugura...","\u003Cp>Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Minister of Energy Anura Karunathilaka has been elected President of the Sri Lanka–Kazakhstan Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Association’s inaugural meeting was held yesterday (05) at the Parliament of Sri Lanka under the patronage of Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne. Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Sri Lanka, Sergey Viktorov, attended as Guest of Honour. Secretary-General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera was also present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Member of Parliament Ajith P. Perera was elected Secretary. Members of Parliament Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran, G.G. Ponnambalam and President’s Counsel M. Nizam Kariapper were elected Vice Presidents. Member of Parliament Sunil Rajapaksha was elected Treasurer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Speaker spoke of the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan, tracing it to the establishment of diplomatic relations on June 29, 1992. He described the opening of Kazakhstan’s first resident Embassy in Colombo in July 2025 as a significant milestone in bilateral relations and said the Parliamentary Friendship Association would further strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and cooperation between the two countries. He also pointed to opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, renewable energy, agriculture and information technology. He emphasised the importance of strengthening educational ties, higher education and people-to-people exchanges, expressing confidence that the Association would provide a valuable platform for parliamentarians to share experiences and promote mutual understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ambassador Viktorov briefed participants on Kazakhstan’s recently introduced parliamentary system, which operates under a unicameral legislature. He stressed the importance of parliamentary engagement in strengthening institutional relations and promoting closer cooperation between the two countries. He also highlighted opportunities to expand bilateral ties in energy, transport, education and tourism for the mutual benefit of both nations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As newly elected President of the Association, Minister Karunathilaka noted that despite the geographical distance between the two countries, Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan shared common interests in promoting peace, development and international cooperation. He acknowledged Kazakhstan’s support for Sri Lanka at international forums and highlighted the potential to further strengthen bilateral relations through increased cooperation in trade, investment, education, tourism and cultural exchanges. He further emphasised that the Association should serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue and practical cooperation beyond formal parliamentary engagements, urging all members to work collectively towards building a stronger and lasting partnership between the two countries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Delivering the vote of thanks, newly elected Secretary Perera expressed appreciation to all those who contributed to the establishment and revival of the Association. He pledged to work with all members towards achieving the Association’s objectives, highlighting opportunities to strengthen cooperation in trade, economic development, political relations and culture, while appreciating Kazakhstan’s continued friendship and support for Sri Lanka.\u003C\u002Fp>",119,[17],[],[],"6af1a8813b462735d04b37cc",[],"2026-11-09T10:22:24.000Z",{"views":146,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":146},87,[],{"id":149,"lang":8,"title":150,"subtitle":10,"slug":151,"excerpt":152,"html":153,"readingTimeSec":154,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":155,"tagIds":156,"authorIds":157,"coverMediaId":158,"galleryMediaIds":159,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":160,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":161,"relatedArticleIds":163},"6af1a8333b462735d04b37c5","Presidential Secretariat holds Deepavali celebration highlighting national unity","presidential-secretariat-holds-deepavali-celebration-highlighting-national-unity","A special Deepavali celebration, organised by the Presidential Secretariat Welfare Association, was held on November 6 at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo Fort, highlighting the importance of national un...","\u003Cp>A special Deepavali celebration organised by the Presidential Secretariat Welfare Association took place on November 6 at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo Fort, highlighting the importance of national unity and religious harmony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The event was held under the patronage of Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar and Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hindu religious rituals and traditions formed part of the programme, including a special religious pooja conducted by the Chief Kurukkal of the Mayurapathy Hindu Temple in Colombo, together with other Kurukkals. Priests representing several Hindu temples also participated in the religious observances. A colourful Hindu and Tamil cultural programme of traditional dances, songs and musical performances added significance to the occasion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Extending Deepavali greetings to those present, Dr Kumanayake said that religious and cultural celebrations of this nature play an important role in further strengthening national unity and religious harmony in Sri Lanka. He noted that when people from different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds come together to respect and celebrate one another's traditions and heritage, it helps promote mutual understanding, friendship and trust. He also emphasised the importance of creating an environment within State institutions where everyone receives equal respect and recognition and enjoys a sense of belonging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He commended the Presidential Secretariat Welfare Association for its continued efforts to organise such programmes. The Secretary to the President also expressed his appreciation to members of the Hindu business community, Hindu business associations in Colombo, business establishments and other donors who extended financial assistance and various forms of support to make the celebration a success.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The welcome address was delivered by Attorney Samith Thalakiriyawa, Secretary of the Presidential Secretariat Welfare Association and Assistant Secretary to the President.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Member of Parliament Kithnan Selvaraj, Chief of Staff to the President Attorney Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Senior Additional Secretaries to the President Roshan Gamage and Russell Aponso, and Presidential Legal Adviser Attorney J.M. Wijeyabandara were among those present. Senior officials of the Presidential Secretariat, diplomatic representatives, ministry secretaries, other State officials and members of the President's Office staff also attended. Representatives of the Colombo Hindu Business Associations Consortium, which provided financial and other sponsorship for the programme, were also present.\u003C\u002Fp>",99,[17],[],[],"6af1a8333b462735d04b37c1",[],"2026-11-09T10:19:14.000Z",{"views":162,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":162},81,[],{"id":165,"lang":8,"title":166,"subtitle":10,"slug":167,"excerpt":168,"html":169,"readingTimeSec":170,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":171,"tagIds":172,"authorIds":173,"coverMediaId":174,"galleryMediaIds":175,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":176,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":177,"relatedArticleIds":179},"6af1a8813b462735d04b37da","President Dissanayake presents Gold Awards at National Productivity Awards 2025\u002F26","president-dissanayake-presents-gold-awards-at-national-productivity-awards-202526","The National Productivity Awards 2025\u002F26 ceremony, organised by the National Productivity Secretariat under the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development to recognise excellence in the public, schoo...","\u003Cp>President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presented Gold Awards yesterday (08) afternoon to institutions that demonstrated outstanding performance in productivity, innovation, efficiency and continuous improvement, at the National Productivity Awards 2025\u002F26 ceremony at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The National Productivity Secretariat under the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development organised the event, held under the President’s patronage, to recognise excellence in the public, school, manufacturing and service sectors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First introduced in 2003 and held biennially, the National Productivity Awards competition was conducted this year for the first time since 2021. Alignment with Clean Sri Lanka, the Government’s flagship national programme, was a key feature of this year’s competition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The contest aims to encourage institutions in the public, school, manufacturing and service sectors to adopt best practices, utilise resources efficiently and improve the quality and productivity of their services and products.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Awards are given under three main categories: the public sector, the school sector, and the manufacturing and service sectors. Evaluation criteria include leadership, strategic management, human resource development, stakeholder relations, operational processes, innovation, digitalisation and measurable productivity outcomes. The framework also incorporates the three main pillars of the Clean Sri Lanka programme – social, environmental and ethical considerations. Special attention is given to employee welfare, community participation, waste management, energy efficiency, green productivity, transparency, accountability and ethical governance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti told the ceremony that productivity was not a familiar concept in Sri Lankan society, but the recognition programme gave the country an opportunity to bring it back into public discourse. He noted that inefficiency had been widely discussed for several decades and had become an accepted feature of society. Properly understanding and implementing productivity concepts was therefore essential to building a productive society through the efficient utilisation of limited resources, he said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Minister highlighted the importance of recognising the efforts of public servants, pointing out that they often worked hard to achieve their targets despite limited facilities. “Rather than simply demanding more work from people, we should give greater recognition to the work they do,” he said. Such recognition, he said, would help create a society in which employees were respected, entrepreneurs and industrialists were valued, and public servants could perform their duties with satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He emphasised that the awards should not be considered individual achievements alone, as they reflected the collective dedication and commitment of entire teams. He expressed the Government’s aspiration to establish the National Productivity Awards as the principal benchmark for measuring success in the public, private and school sectors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake said productivity and efficiency were essential for a developing country to achieve sustainable economic growth and improve living standards. Improving productivity, he said, was vital to attracting investment, strengthening international competitiveness, increasing wages and enhancing the quality of life of the people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dr Kumanayake revealed that approximately 15 per cent of Sri Lanka’s total workforce was employed in the public sector, while around 26 per cent of government expenditure was allocated to it. The public sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) remained at approximately five per cent, he said. He pointed out that low productivity in the public sector had contributed to a cycle that weakened individual performance, limited wage growth and reduced the sector’s ability to attract and retain skilled and talented employees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To overcome this challenge, he emphasised the need to improve the efficiency of public officials through technology, automation and digitalisation. He also highlighted the importance of developing human resource capabilities, attitudes and work practices, with particular emphasis on discipline, accountability, teamwork and improved concentration through concepts such as Deep Work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He further noted that the Clean Sri Lanka programme directly supported efforts to enhance productivity by promoting positive behavioural changes among human resources and developing a more productive workforce. He commended the decision to extend the productivity awards competition beyond the public and private sectors to include schools and youth groups, describing it as an important initiative to promote productivity across the country’s workforce, and called for the competition to be expanded further in the future to encourage wider participation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minister of Science and Technology Professor Chrishantha Abeysena, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Thilaka Jayasundara, Director General of the National Productivity Secretariat Suranga Gunaratne and officials of the Secretariat were also present.\u003C\u002Fp>",199,[17],[],[],"6af1a8813b462735d04b37d6",[],"2026-11-09T10:17:14.000Z",{"views":178,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":178},80,[]]