[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"taxonomy":4,"article-president-to-participate-in-religious-conference-marking-first-anniversary-of-ratama-ekata-operation":5,"breaking":31,"cover-media-president-to-participate-in-religious-conference-marking-first-anniversary-of-ratama-ekata-operation":35,"comments-president-to-participate-in-religious-conference-marking-first-anniversary-of-ratama-ekata-operation":47,"related-president-to-participate-in-religious-conference-marking-first-anniversary-of-ratama-ekata-operation":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":30},"6aead8633b462735d03d6be0","en","President to participate in religious conference marking first anniversary of Ratama Ekata operation",null,"president-to-participate-in-religious-conference-marking-first-anniversary-of-ratama-ekata-operation","A religious conference marking the first anniversary of the “Ratama Ekata” national operation against illicit drugs will be held tomorrow ( 5) at 2.00 p.m. at Temple Trees, Colombo, with the participation of Pr...","\u003Cp>President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will participate in a religious conference marking the first anniversary of the “Ratama Ekata” national operation against illicit drugs. The conference will be held tomorrow (5) at 2.00 p.m. at Temple Trees, Colombo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The national operation was launched on October 30, 2025, under the patronage of the President at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium. It aims to eliminate the drug menace in Sri Lanka by disrupting drug supplies, reducing demand, dismantling drug trafficking networks and strengthening law enforcement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Police Media Division reports said 310,984 drug raids were conducted during the first year, resulting in the arrest of more than 300,000 suspects. Over 18 tonnes of narcotics were seized during this period. The seized drugs included approximately 2,836 kg of heroin, 3,551 kg of crystal methamphetamine (Ice), 11,169 kg of cannabis, 297 kg of cocaine and 431 kg of hashish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sri Lanka Navy seized narcotics valued at approximately Rs. 109 billion during the year, according to information presented by Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister of Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The conference aims to obtain the guidance and participation of religious leaders in combating the drug menace and further strengthen collective social efforts towards building a drug-free Sri Lanka.\u003C\u002Fp>",55,"standard","published","6a8de2d51984b727d3b0b545",[17],[],[],"6aead8633b462735d03d6bdc",[],"2026-11-04T06:40:24.000Z",false,"public",{"views":27,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":29},31,0,30,[],{"data":32},{"articles":33,"ticker":34},[],[],{"data":36},{"id":21,"url":37,"width":38,"height":39,"variants":40,"alt":10,"caption":10,"credit":10},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.newsradio.lk\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F11\u002Fc66f3b1d-1656-4196-8821-907c50002d34\u002Foriginal.webp",800,595,[41],{"key":42,"width":43,"height":44,"format":45,"url":46},"thumb",320,238,"webp","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.newsradio.lk\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F11\u002Fc66f3b1d-1656-4196-8821-907c50002d34\u002Fthumb.webp",{"data":48,"meta":49},[],{"total":28,"page":50,"limit":29,"hasMore":24},1,{"data":52},[53,69,86,102,118,133,149,165],{"id":54,"lang":8,"title":55,"subtitle":10,"slug":56,"excerpt":57,"html":58,"readingTimeSec":59,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":60,"tagIds":61,"authorIds":62,"coverMediaId":63,"galleryMediaIds":64,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":65,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":66,"relatedArticleIds":68},"6aeb033a3b462735d03e0398","Discussion held on developing Ridi Viharaya as an international tourist destination","discussion-held-on-developing-ridi-viharaya-as-an-international-tourist-destination","A discussion on the progress and future plans of the project to develop the historic Ridi Viharaya in Kurunegala as an international tourist destination was held yesterday afternoon (03) at the Presidential Sec...","\u003Cp>A discussion on the progress and future plans of a project to develop the historic Ridi Viharaya in Kurunegala as an international tourist destination was held yesterday afternoon (03) at the Presidential Secretariat, under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs Namal Sudarshana and Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The project aims to develop Ridi Viharaya, a popular tourist attraction in the Kurunegala District, into an international Buddhist and spiritual wellness destination while preserving its historical and cultural heritage. It is expected to contribute to the promotion of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The discussion focused on the target of attracting approximately 5,000 foreign tourists per month to Sri Lanka through the temple, thereby making a significant contribution towards achieving the country’s future tourism targets. It was emphasised that yoga, meditation and other spiritual programmes could help establish the temple as a destination capable of attracting international attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Plans to maintain the temple and its surrounding environment as a carbon-free zone were also discussed. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring that transport operations, restaurant facilities and other activities within the area are managed in keeping with this objective.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The need to raise awareness among young people in the area and provide them with the necessary training to support the successful implementation of the project was also discussed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Development of the road network connecting Ridi Viharaya with nearby tourist attractions, together with improvements to infrastructure and other facilities, was considered. It was emphasised that these development activities should be carried out according to a coordinated and systematic plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The importance of bringing together all relevant institutions to ensure the successful implementation of the project was also highlighted. These include the Ministry of Tourism and its affiliated institutions, the Urban Development Authority, the North Western Provincial Tourism Development Authority, the Road Development Authority, and the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Department of Forest Conservation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meeting was attended by the Chief Incumbent of Ridi Viharaya, the Most Venerable Tibbatuwawe Buddharakkhitha Thera, and the Venerable Ridigama Vanarathana Thera, Member of Parliament M.K.M. Aslam, President’s Senior Additional Secretary Roshan Gamage, Professor W.K.A.C. Gnanapala, Professor Mohammad Halim Mohammad Aslam, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Director Manjula Weerakkody and Assistant Director Chandima Gamage, Urban Development Authority Director of Planning (North Western Province) Priyani Nawaratne, other government officials and representatives of private-sector institutions involved in the tourism industry.\u003C\u002Fp>",108,[17],[],[],"6aeb033a3b462735d03e0394",[],"2026-11-04T09:31:12.000Z",{"views":67,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":50},6,[],{"id":70,"lang":8,"title":71,"subtitle":10,"slug":72,"excerpt":73,"html":74,"readingTimeSec":75,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":76,"tagIds":77,"authorIds":78,"coverMediaId":79,"galleryMediaIds":80,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":81,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":82,"relatedArticleIds":85},"6aeae6673b462735d03d9694","Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participates in CHOGM 2026 opening ceremony","prime-minister-dr-harini-amarasuriya-participates-in-chogm-2026-opening-ceremony","Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the Official Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held on 3 November 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda. The opening session fe...","\u003Cp>Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the official opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda on 3 November 2026.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The opening session featured addresses by His Majesty the King; the Chairman of CHOGM, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Mr. Gaston Browne; Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey; and the Prime Minister of Samoa, representing the former Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his opening remarks, Mr. Browne emphasised the importance of ensuring inclusive development across all Commonwealth member states, irrespective of their size. He also highlighted the significance of cooperation in education and the empowerment of women.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In her address, Botchwey underscored the need to strengthen connectivity among Commonwealth countries through enhanced investment and trade relations. She also emphasised the importance of investing in distance education to equip younger generations with the skills required to meet future challenges, and highlighted the growing impacts of climate change and the importance of strengthening preparedness and resilience across member states.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The addresses highlighted the importance of collective action, inclusive development, economic cooperation and resilience in advancing the shared priorities of the Commonwealth.\u003C\u002Fp>",51,[17],[],[],"6aeae6673b462735d03d9690",[],"2026-11-04T06:57:14.000Z",{"views":83,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":84},27,24,[],{"id":87,"lang":8,"title":88,"subtitle":10,"slug":89,"excerpt":90,"html":91,"readingTimeSec":29,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":92,"tagIds":93,"authorIds":94,"coverMediaId":95,"galleryMediaIds":96,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":97,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":98,"relatedArticleIds":101},"6aeaae7e3b462735d03d1a96","Showers or thundershowers expected in most of island after 1.00 p.m.","showers-or-thundershowers-expected-in-most-of-island-after-100-pm","Showers or thundershowers will occur at most parts of the island after 1.00 p.m.  Fairly heavy falls above 75 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, North-western, and Southern pro...","\u003Cp>Showers or thundershowers will occur across most of the island after 1.00 p.m. Fairly heavy falls above 75 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, North-western and Southern provinces and in Mannar district.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The general public has been 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 Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces during the early hours of the morning.\u003C\u002Fp>",[17],[],[],"6a985ebe55750bd6c4a636fb",[],"2026-11-04T03:30:28.000Z",{"views":99,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":100},44,43,[],{"id":103,"lang":8,"title":104,"subtitle":10,"slug":105,"excerpt":106,"html":107,"readingTimeSec":108,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":109,"tagIds":110,"authorIds":111,"coverMediaId":112,"galleryMediaIds":113,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":114,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":115,"relatedArticleIds":117},"6aea22013b462735d03c28ba","Mehewara Passasum honours highest-performing Sabaragamuwa Divisional Secretariats for 2025","mehewara-passasum-honours-highest-performing-sabaragamuwa-divisional-secretariats-for-2025","The “Mehewara Passasum” recognition programme, honouring the highest-performing Divisional Secretariats in the Sabaragamuwa Province for 2025, was held yesterday (02) at the Ratnapura District Secretariat Audit...","\u003Cp>Six Divisional Secretariats in the Sabaragamuwa Province were recognised yesterday (02) under the Mehewara Passasum programme as the highest performers for 2025. The ceremony was held at the Ratnapura District Secretariat Auditorium, with Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne as the Chief Guest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The programme was organised under the initiative to decentralise the services of the President’s Fund to Divisional Secretariat level, with the aim of providing the public with more efficient and timely services. Three secretariats from the Ratnapura District and three from the Kegalle District were recognised for outstanding performance in receiving applications submitted to the President’s Fund and responding to them promptly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Ratnapura District, the Embilipitiya Divisional Secretariat secured first place, the Ratnapura Divisional Secretariat second and the Pelmadulla Divisional Secretariat third. In the Kegalle District, the Kegalle Divisional Secretariat secured first place, followed by the Mawanella Divisional Secretariat in second place and the Warakapola Divisional Secretariat in third place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The recognition programme reflects the efforts to improve the efficiency of public service delivery by bringing the services of the President’s Fund closer to the people through Divisional Secretariats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those present included Minister of Environment Dr Dammika Patabendi, Sabaragamuwa Provincial Governor Champa Janaki Rajaratne, Deputy Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep, and Members of Parliament Shantha Padmakumara, Sunil Rajapaksa and Attorney Niluasha Lakmali Gamage. Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary to the President’s Fund Roshan Gamage, Sabaragamuwa Provincial Chief Secretary Upali Jayasekara, Ratnapura District Secretary M.G. Lalith Ananda, Kegalle District Secretary K.G.S. Nishantha and Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Education Lakmali Udayakumari also attended, together with other public officials.\u003C\u002Fp>",71,[17],[],[],"6aea22013b462735d03c28b6",[],"2026-11-03T17:04:45.000Z",{"views":14,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":116},54,[],{"id":119,"lang":8,"title":120,"subtitle":10,"slug":121,"excerpt":122,"html":123,"readingTimeSec":124,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":125,"tagIds":126,"authorIds":127,"coverMediaId":128,"galleryMediaIds":129,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":130,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":131,"relatedArticleIds":132},"6aea22013b462735d03c28c4","Prime Minister attends Global Summit for Eye Health and Commonwealth CEOs’ Summit","prime-minister-attends-global-summit-for-eye-health-and-commonwealth-ceos-summit","Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the “The Value of Vision – Global Summit for Eye Health and Exhibition” and the Commonwealth Leaders and CEOs’ Summit on 2 November 2026, during her officia...","\u003Cp>Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya took part in “The Value of Vision – Global Summit for Eye Health and Exhibition” and the Commonwealth Leaders and CEOs’ Summit on 2 November 2026, during her official visit to Antigua and Barbuda for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Addressing the High-Level Segment of the Global Summit for Eye Health, she highlighted Sri Lanka’s longstanding commitment to universal healthcare and emphasised that eye health is an essential component of the country’s free public healthcare system. She also highlighted initiatives to promote eye care among children and young people, including school-based vision screening programmes and the President’s Fund initiative to provide spectacles to university students in need.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the Commonwealth Leaders and CEOs’ Summit, the Prime Minister highlighted two investment-ready projects in Sri Lanka supported by the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub: the Climate Resilient Agro-Ecosystems (CRAES) Project and the GreenPort Cornerstone: Green Hydrogen-Powered Zero-Emission Port Logistics Project. She invited Commonwealth business leaders and potential investors to explore these opportunities and invest in the implementation of the projects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The CEOs’ Summit provided a platform for strengthening partnerships and promoting investment across the Commonwealth.\u003C\u002Fp>",52,[17],[],[],"6aea22013b462735d03c28c0",[],"2026-11-03T17:01:30.000Z",{"views":124,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":75},[],{"id":134,"lang":8,"title":135,"subtitle":10,"slug":136,"excerpt":137,"html":138,"readingTimeSec":99,"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":148},"6aea220a3b462735d03c28ce","Cabinet approves €10 million EU grant for sustainable Sri Lanka-EU trade","cabinet-approves-euro10-million-eu-grant-for-sustainable-sri-lanka-eu-trade","The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the signing of a financial grant agreement to obtain a grant of €10 million from the European Union (EU) to strengthen sustainable trade relations between Sri Lanka and the...","\u003Cp>The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the signing of a financial grant agreement to obtain a €10 million grant from the European Union (EU) to strengthen sustainable trade relations between Sri Lanka and the EU.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The project aims to promote green transition initiatives and climate-resilient trade practices while further strengthening sustainable trade relations between the two parties. It is also expected to enhance the capacity of institutions engaged in trade and support Sri Lanka’s efforts to comply with international standards required to access the European Union market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development has planned to implement the project over a period of four years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal submitted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, to sign the financial grant agreement between the Government of Sri Lanka and the European Union to obtain the €10 million grant for implementation of the project.\u003C\u002Fp>",[17],[],[],"6aea220a3b462735d03c28ca",[],"2026-11-03T16:59:26.000Z",{"views":146,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":147},48,47,[],{"id":150,"lang":8,"title":151,"subtitle":10,"slug":152,"excerpt":153,"html":154,"readingTimeSec":99,"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":164},"6ae86d6a3b462735d03902e7","Sri Lanka promotes Expo 2027 at two-day London business programme","sri-lanka-promotes-expo-2027-at-two-day-london-business-programme","The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom, conducted a two-day business outreach programme in London on October 21 and 22 to promote...","\u003Cp>The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), together with the Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom, held a two-day business outreach programme in London on October 21 and 22 to promote Sri Lanka Expo 2027 and attract UK businesses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The programme included a Business and Investment Forum, a networking session and bilateral business meetings. Approximately 140 British buyers, investors and business representatives attended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe led the Sri Lankan delegation. At the forum, Samarasinghe highlighted Sri Lanka's economic growth of 5% in both 2024 and 2025 and outlined the country's economic reforms and investment opportunities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe highlighted Sri Lanka's export potential and invited UK businesses to explore trade, sourcing and investment opportunities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sri Lanka Expo 2027 is scheduled to be held from January 14 to 17, 2027, providing a platform for Sri Lankan exporters, manufacturers and service providers to connect with international buyers and investors.\u003C\u002Fp>",[17],[],[],"6ae86d6a3b462735d03902e3",[],"2026-11-02T10:32:25.000Z",{"views":162,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":163},92,91,[],{"id":166,"lang":8,"title":167,"subtitle":10,"slug":168,"excerpt":169,"html":170,"readingTimeSec":171,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":172,"tagIds":173,"authorIds":174,"coverMediaId":175,"galleryMediaIds":176,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":177,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":178,"relatedArticleIds":181},"6ae8280c3b462735d03867a6","Four new houses handed over to low-income families in Puttalam","four-new-houses-handed-over-to-low-income-families-in-puttalam","Four newly constructed houses for selected low-income families in the Mahakumbukkadawala Divisional Secretariat Division in Puttalam District were handed over under the patronage of Minister of Public Administr...","\u003Cp>Selected low-income families in the Mahakumbukkadawala Divisional Secretariat Division in Puttalam District were handed four newly constructed houses on October 30 under the patronage of Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Professor Chandana Abayarathna.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The houses were built under the national programme “A Place of Your Own – A Beautiful Life”, implemented islandwide by the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA), with a financial allocation of Rs. 1 million for each house. The programme aims to fulfil the housing aspirations of low-income families by providing them with permanent homes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four houses, constructed in the Mohoriya, Daluwegama and Mahakumbukkadawala Grama Niladhari divisions, were handed over to the beneficiary families. Housing construction activities under the programme are also underway in several other Divisional Secretariat divisions in Puttalam District.\u003C\u002Fp>",35,[17],[],[],"6ae8280c3b462735d03867a2",[],"2026-11-02T06:02:41.000Z",{"views":179,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":180},94,93,[]]