[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"taxonomy":4,"breaking":5,"article-presidents-fund-awards-scholarships-and-educational-assistance-to-106-central-province-students":19,"cover-media-presidents-fund-awards-scholarships-and-educational-assistance-to-106-central-province-students":44,"comments-presidents-fund-awards-scholarships-and-educational-assistance-to-106-central-province-students":56,"related-presidents-fund-awards-scholarships-and-educational-assistance-to-106-central-province-students":61},[4,4],true,{"data":6},{"articles":7,"ticker":8},[],[9,13,16],{"id":10,"text":11,"link":12},"6a88f1671984b727d3b0b4a0","Parliament passes amended budget bill after marathon debate",null,{"id":14,"text":15,"link":12},"6a88f1671984b727d3b0b4a1","Central Bank holds policy rate steady amid inflation concerns",{"id":17,"text":18,"link":12},"6a88f1671984b727d3b0b4a2","Sri Lanka clinches series win over Bangladesh in thrilling finish",{"data":20},{"id":21,"lang":22,"title":23,"subtitle":12,"slug":24,"excerpt":25,"html":26,"readingTimeSec":27,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":31,"tagIds":32,"authorIds":33,"coverMediaId":34,"galleryMediaIds":35,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":36,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":39,"relatedArticleIds":43},"6abb71783b462735d0dcceb5","en","President’s Fund awards scholarships and educational assistance to 106 Central Province students","presidents-fund-awards-scholarships-and-educational-assistance-to-106-central-province-students","The Central Province programme of the educational scholarship scheme implemented by the President’s Fund for children of low-income lottery sellers was held on September 27 at the Kandy District Secretariat und...","\u003Cp>A total of 106 students received scholarships and educational assistance at the Central Province programme of the President’s Fund educational scholarship scheme for children of low-income lottery sellers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The event was held on September 27 at the Kandy District Secretariat under the patronage of Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scheme is being implemented as a gesture of appreciation to lottery sellers, in recognition of their financial contribution to the President’s Fund through the sale of lottery tickets. It covers schoolchildren from Grade One to G.C.E. Advanced Level across all provinces of the country.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the Central Province programme, scholarships were awarded to children of lottery sellers. Educational assistance was also provided to schoolchildren from the Mahaiyawa Poornawatta (West) Grama Niladhari Division.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Addressing the gathering, Wickramaratne said the programme was an expression of gratitude for the significant contribution made by lottery sellers to the development of the country. He said that since 2025 the President’s Fund has been engaged in a major public service programme as a fund dedicated entirely to the people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During 2026, he said, the President’s Fund has so far spent Rs. 6,115 million on various programmes, including Rs. 856 million for medical treatment, as well as assistance for self-employment and vulnerable families. He further noted that financial assistance had also been provided to 41 religious institutions and for the staging of cultural pageants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following Cyclone Ditwah last year, Wickramaratne said, Rs. 2,060 million was provided to 206,001 schoolchildren affected by the disaster, at Rs. 10,000 per child. In 2026 alone, Rs. 2,666 million has been allocated for the Mahapola Scholarship Scheme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Speaker also noted that scholarships awarded to students who achieved outstanding results at the 2023\u002F2024 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination, which previously covered students ranked from first to 10th place, were expanded in 2025 to include students ranked from first to 20th place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said approximately 20,000 lottery sellers contribute more than Rs. 30 billion annually to the Government and the development of the country through their profession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to the Speaker, the Development Lotteries Board contributes Rs. 6 billion annually to the Government’s Consolidated Fund, Rs. 1.5 billion to the Inland Revenue Department and a further Rs. 600 million to the Ranaviru Fund, Kidney Fund, health development, social services and farmers’ funds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He described the lottery sellers as “silent heroes” who make a significant contribution to the nation and expressed his gratitude for their contribution to the country’s development.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni said students should seek knowledge not only through textbooks but also by actively exploring knowledge beyond the classroom. He stressed that discipline should be developed alongside knowledge and skills, noting that skills without discipline would have limited value to the country. He said the investment made through the Development Lotteries Board, the National Lotteries Board and the President’s Fund in the education of children is one of the greatest investments that can be made in the country.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena said the Government had introduced new education reforms to ensure that children with different skills and abilities would not be left behind by the existing education system. He said that while physical development could be carried out through various projects, developing human resources and transforming the way people think are more challenging tasks. He urged students to make maximum use of the opportunities provided through the programme, obtain a good education and become productive citizens who can contribute to the country.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Central Province Governor Dr. Harsha Suranga Fernando, Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary to the President’s Fund Roshan Gamage, Development Lotteries Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer M.R.H. Swarnathilaka, and National Lotteries Board Chairman M.D. Cyril Anthony Perera also addressed the gathering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Central Province Chief Secretary G.H.M.A. Premasinghe, provincial public representatives, Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatta, government officials and heads of the security forces were also present.\u003C\u002Fp>",176,"standard","published","6a8de2d51984b727d3b0b545",[30],[],[],"6abb71783b462735d0dcceb1",[],"2026-09-29T07:18:19.000Z",false,"public",{"views":40,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":42},24,0,23,[],{"data":45},{"id":34,"url":46,"width":47,"height":48,"variants":49,"alt":12,"caption":12,"credit":12},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.newsradio.lk\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Ffa538f0d-4514-425d-a741-3611ff8749fc\u002Foriginal.jpg",800,595,[50],{"key":51,"width":52,"height":53,"format":54,"url":55},"thumb",320,238,"webp","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.newsradio.lk\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Ffa538f0d-4514-425d-a741-3611ff8749fc\u002Fthumb.webp",{"data":57,"meta":58},[],{"total":41,"page":59,"limit":60,"hasMore":37},1,30,{"data":62},[63,80,96,111,128,143,160,177],{"id":64,"lang":22,"title":65,"subtitle":12,"slug":66,"excerpt":67,"html":68,"readingTimeSec":69,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":70,"tagIds":71,"authorIds":72,"coverMediaId":73,"galleryMediaIds":74,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":75,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":76,"relatedArticleIds":79},"6abb715f3b462735d0dcce8c","112 new Metro buses deployed on seven Western Province routes","112-new-metro-buses-deployed-on-seven-western-province-routes","A total of 112 newly introduced Metro buses were deployed today (29) along seven routes in the Western Province, with the aim of reducing traffic congestion in Colombo and providing a more comfortable and safer...","\u003Cp>A total of 112 newly introduced Metro buses were put into service today (29) along seven routes in the Western Province, with the aim of reducing traffic congestion in Colombo and providing a more comfortable and safer public transport service.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The deployment was held this morning at the Thalangama Metro Bus Depot under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The modern Metro Bus programme began as a proposal in the 2025 Budget, which allocated Rs. 3,000 million for the procurement of 100 comfortable low-floor buses to introduce a modern bus service to Sri Lanka’s public transport sector. From today, 104 buses received by Sri Lanka and eight buses provided by the Government of Japan were deployed into service.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The new buses will operate along seven routes centred on Colombo, running according to designated routes and timetables so passengers can reach their destinations on schedule. One of the main objectives of the new service is to reduce the number of private vehicles entering Colombo, particularly vehicles carrying only a single passenger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lanka Metro Transit (Pvt) Ltd, established to carry out the proposal, has progressed through the planning, procurement, infrastructure development and trial-operation stages. The initial Metro Bus route network has been finalised, comprising seven main routes with a total corridor length of approximately 188.7 kilometres.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The design of the fully digitalised system required for Metro Bus operations has also been completed, and the procurement process has commenced. The system is expected to support modern fleet management, passenger information, fare collection and operational monitoring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Plans for the Metro Bus depots have been completed, and the construction and infrastructure development programme has commenced. The Road Development Authority and the Colombo Municipal Council are also carrying out work to develop bus-stop facilities. The project is scheduled to be implemented in the future with a focus on several major cities across the country.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Addressing the gathering, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake said: “From today, 122 buses will be added to the public transport service for urban transportation. As this Government completes two years in office, I would like to describe this occasion as a symbol of the direction in which the country is moving. At a recent progress review meeting held with the President, he emphasised that public transport should be placed on the same level as this country’s free healthcare and education systems. His encouragement has been a great source of strength in taking this step today. The Government has invested approximately Rs. 7.5 billion to establish the Metro service. On the one hand, this can be described as a symbol of the country’s economic strength. It confirms that we have passed the litmus test during the Government’s two-year journey. We have taken less than a year to accomplish this task. Within a period of around 356 days, we have overcome a major challenge while adhering to all relevant circulars. We also hope to bring in another 50 buses before the Sinhala and Hindu New Year and deploy them on inter-city services to Jaffna, Kandy and Galle. To achieve the objective of reducing inter-city traffic congestion as the Metro service is expanded, an urban transport permit system should be utilised. We subsequently expect to bring the private sector into this programme. I would also like to request mayors to establish suitable locations for vehicle parking close to the relevant bus stops in order to promote the Park-and-Ride system. The Government of Japan also provided special assistance to us by providing eight buses to launch this bus project. In addition, as a result of discussions held during the President’s visit to China, the Chinese Government has agreed to provide 100 buses to the Metro company. I extend my gratitude to all those who contributed to this initiative and to all parties who dedicated themselves to making it a success.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr Prasanna Gunasena, Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara, Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof, Colombo District Members of Parliament, foreign ambassadors, Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Engineer Asiri Karunawardena, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Transport Board Sajeeva Nandana Kanakaratne, government officials, Chairman of Lanka Metro Transit S.M.U.P. Thilakaratne, Chief Executive Officer B.M. Piyatilaka and members of the company’s staff were also present at the occasion.\u003C\u002Fp>",195,[30],[],[],"6abb715f3b462735d0dcce88",[],"2026-09-29T07:55:32.000Z",{"views":77,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":78},34,32,[],{"id":81,"lang":22,"title":82,"subtitle":12,"slug":83,"excerpt":84,"html":85,"readingTimeSec":86,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":87,"tagIds":88,"authorIds":89,"coverMediaId":90,"galleryMediaIds":91,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":92,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":93,"relatedArticleIds":95},"6abb71773b462735d0dcceab","New Chinese ambassador meets Sri Lanka youth affairs and sports minister","new-chinese-ambassador-meets-sri-lanka-youth-affairs-and-sports-minister","China’s newly appointed Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Wei Huaxiang, met with Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage yesterday (28) at the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. During the meeting, d...","\u003Cp>Wei Huaxiang, China’s newly appointed Ambassador to Sri Lanka, met Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage yesterday (28) at the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Talks concentrated on further strengthening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and China. Special attention was given to expanding bilateral cooperation in youth development, youth exchange programmes and sports, with a view to creating new opportunities for Sri Lankan youth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ambassador Wei Huaxiang also stated that China could provide two additional dragon boats to Sri Lanka next year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also emphasised at the meeting was the importance of continuing cooperation to develop the skills of Sri Lanka’s younger generation, provide them with international experiences and strengthen ties between the youth of the two countries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Dinindu Saman Hennayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Aruna Bandara, and officials of the Chinese Embassy were also present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Huaxiang assumed duties as China’s new Ambassador to Sri Lanka in August 2026.\u003C\u002Fp>",45,[30],[],[],"6abb71773b462735d0dccea7",[],"2026-09-29T07:34:38.000Z",{"views":94,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":94},31,[],{"id":97,"lang":22,"title":98,"subtitle":12,"slug":99,"excerpt":100,"html":101,"readingTimeSec":102,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":103,"tagIds":104,"authorIds":105,"coverMediaId":106,"galleryMediaIds":107,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":108,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":109,"relatedArticleIds":110},"6abb715f3b462735d0dcce96","PM says government aims to build eco-friendly tourism that benefits village entrepreneurs","pm-says-government-aims-to-build-eco-friendly-tourism-that-benefits-village-entrepreneurs","Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that one of the Government’s key objectives is to build an eco-friendly tourism industry that empowers local communities while protecting the environment and cultural ...","\u003Cp>Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said one of the Government’s key objectives is to build an eco-friendly tourism industry that empowers local communities while protecting the environment and cultural heritage, ensuring that tourism revenue reaches small-scale entrepreneurs in villages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She made the remarks while taking part in the Western Province commemoration of World Tourism Day. The National Conference on “Digital Innovation for Sustainable and Culturally Integrated Tourism”, organised jointly by the Western Province Tourism Board and the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology of the University of Kelaniya to mark World Tourism Day 2026, was held on September 27 at the Western Provincial Council Auditorium with her participation. The conference theme was “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the event, Dr. Amarasuriya presented awards and certificates to schoolchildren who won the digital competition organised by the Western Province Tourism Board for school tourism and travel clubs in conjunction with World Tourism Day. The Smart Tourism Platform, jointly developed by the Western Province Tourism Board and Sri Lanka Telecom for the community-based sustainable tourism village of Alawala in the Gampaha District, was also launched at the conference in her presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said Sri Lanka possesses a unique heritage enriched by centuries of human creativity, wisdom, traditional knowledge and cultural diversity. She emphasised that safeguarding this heritage while contributing to the country’s social and economic development is a national responsibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said a key objective of the Government’s manifesto, “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”, is to strengthen the economy by equipping all sectors with modern technology and implementing genuine reforms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dr. Amarasuriya noted that Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has recorded significant growth since 2024. More than 2.05 million tourists visited Sri Lanka in 2024, generating USD 3.17 billion in tourism revenue. In 2025, 2,362,521 tourists visited the country, generating USD 3.22 billion in foreign exchange earnings. She said the Government has set a target of attracting four million tourists annually and generating USD 8 billion in tourism revenue by 2030.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Achieving that target, she emphasised, requires the knowledge and expertise of universities and research institutions to be directly applied to the practical development of the tourism sector. She also stressed the importance of cooperation among the public and private sectors, universities and stakeholders engaged in heritage conservation to transform innovations into practical solutions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prime Minister further said that equipping the younger generation and schoolchildren with digital knowledge, creativity and an understanding of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage should form the foundation of a sustainable tourism industry in the future. She noted that greater attention would be given to the tourism sector through the new education reforms and encouraged schoolchildren to consider tourism as an important career field for the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She reiterated that the Government’s objective is to develop an environmentally friendly tourism industry that protects Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural heritage, strengthens local communities and ensures that the economic benefits of tourism reach small-scale entrepreneurs at the village level.\u003C\u002Fp>",135,[30],[],[],"6abb715f3b462735d0dcce92",[],"2026-09-29T07:20:28.000Z",{"views":40,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":40},[],{"id":112,"lang":22,"title":113,"subtitle":12,"slug":114,"excerpt":115,"html":116,"readingTimeSec":117,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":118,"tagIds":119,"authorIds":120,"coverMediaId":121,"galleryMediaIds":122,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":123,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":124,"relatedArticleIds":127},"6abb715f3b462735d0dccea0","Sri Lanka calls for renewed faith in multilateralism at 81st UN General Assembly","sri-lanka-calls-for-renewed-faith-in-multilateralism-at-81st-un-general-assembly","Sri Lanka has called for renewed faith in multilateralism and stronger international cooperation to address global challenges, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath said. Addre...","\u003Cp>Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, addressing the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly yesterday (28), said Sri Lanka was calling for renewed faith in multilateralism and stronger international cooperation to address global challenges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The world is undergoing rapid transformation, Minister Herath said, while global institutions are facing growing challenges in responding effectively to emerging issues. He said unresolved conflicts, humanitarian crises, climate-related disasters, widening inequalities and technological developments advancing faster than governance mechanisms reflect the erosion of trust in global institutions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sri Lanka has also undergone a period of transformation, he said, with the Government working to rebuild public trust through good governance, institutional transparency and action against corruption. He noted that Sri Lanka has restored macroeconomic stability following the 2022 economic crisis and said the country remains focused on addressing the hardships faced by vulnerable communities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Referring to climate change, the Minister said Sri Lanka is on track to achieve 70 per cent renewable energy by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. He stressed that climate justice must become an urgent reality, particularly for countries that have contributed least to global emissions but face severe consequences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minister Herath also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to national unity, reconciliation and the rejection of racism and religious extremism in all forms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speaking on conflicts in West Asia, he stressed the importance of respecting international law and international humanitarian law, while reaffirming Sri Lanka’s position that dialogue is the only viable way forward. He also reiterated Sri Lanka’s support for the rights of the Palestinian people and called for an independent and sovereign State of Palestine existing alongside Israel in peace within the pre-1967 borders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He further highlighted Sri Lanka’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping, noting that the country has deployed more than 21,000 personnel to numerous missions since 1957.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Minister also called for reform of the international financial system, fairer rules on debt and development finance, and greater efforts to close the financing gap for sustainable development in developing countries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On technology and artificial intelligence, Minister Herath called for meaningful technology transfers, equitable access for developing countries and safe, secure and trustworthy technological systems. He said Sri Lanka has developed national AI ethical guidelines in line with international frameworks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said the United Nations remains an indispensable partner for Sri Lanka and supported the UN80 Initiative as an opportunity to renew and strengthen the Organisation and advance meaningful reform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Managing transformation cannot mean managing change for some while asking others merely to adapt to its consequences,” Minister Herath said, stressing that global transformation must be inclusive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He concluded by calling for a renewed commitment to multilateralism and a United Nations that listens more closely, represents more fairly and delivers for all.\u003C\u002Fp>",125,[30],[],[],"6abb715f3b462735d0dcce9c",[],"2026-09-29T07:14:37.000Z",{"views":125,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":126},28,27,[],{"id":129,"lang":22,"title":130,"subtitle":12,"slug":131,"excerpt":132,"html":133,"readingTimeSec":60,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":134,"tagIds":135,"authorIds":136,"coverMediaId":137,"galleryMediaIds":138,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":139,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":140,"relatedArticleIds":142},"6ab9f48f3b462735d0d97061","Showers will occur in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and several districts","showers-will-occur-in-western-and-sabaragamuwa-provinces-and-several-districts","Several spells of showers will occur in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts.  Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in Uva and Eastern p...","\u003Cp>There will be several spells of showers in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After 2.00 p.m., showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the Uva and Eastern provinces and in Polonnaruwa and Mullaittivu districts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The general public is requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.\u003C\u002Fp>",[30],[],[],"6a985ebe55750bd6c4a636fb",[],"2026-09-28T04:04:58.000Z",{"views":141,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":141},47,[],{"id":144,"lang":22,"title":145,"subtitle":12,"slug":146,"excerpt":147,"html":148,"readingTimeSec":149,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":150,"tagIds":151,"authorIds":152,"coverMediaId":153,"galleryMediaIds":154,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":155,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":156,"relatedArticleIds":159},"6ab654813b462735d0d4ee68","Deputy Minister Hemachandra explores agri-tech cooperation during Qatar visit","deputy-minister-hemachandra-explores-agri-tech-cooperation-during-qatar-visit","Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra, during his official visit to the State of Qatar, visited Argrico, a company engaged in modern, technology-driven agriculture and food ...","\u003Cp>Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra visited Argrico during his official visit to the State of Qatar. The company is engaged in modern, technology-driven agriculture and food production under challenging desert conditions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Minister Hemachandra observed the application of science and innovation to agricultural production in an environment characterised by extreme heat, limited freshwater resources and restricted arable land. The facility integrates vegetable cultivation, hydroponics, vertical farming, aquaculture, mushroom production and mangrove-related cultivation. The controlled agricultural systems demonstrate the potential for year-round production while contributing to greater food security and efficient utilisation of limited natural resources.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also noted with interest that coco peat sourced from Sri Lanka is being used in the company’s modern cultivation systems, creating an existing link between Sri Lankan agricultural products and Qatar’s growing agri-technology sector.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Discussions during the visit focused on opportunities for cooperation in controlled-environment agriculture, climate-resilient farming, efficient water and land utilisation and sustainable food production. Particular attention was also given to cold-chain management, post-harvest technology, storage and logistics, with a view to reducing food losses, preserving product quality and strengthening resilient food supply chains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Argrico has already invested in Sri Lanka, and discussions explored opportunities to further expand its engagement through additional foreign direct investment, technology transfer, research collaboration and knowledge sharing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Minister Hemachandra highlighted Sri Lanka’s natural advantages in agriculture and the potential to combine these strengths with modern science, climate-resilient technologies and efficient supply-chain systems to enhance productivity, strengthen food security and create greater opportunities for export-oriented agriculture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The visit underscored the potential for stronger Sri Lanka–Qatar cooperation in agriculture and agri-technology, bringing together investment, innovation, sustainability, food security and economic development.\u003C\u002Fp>",76,[30],[],[],"6ab654813b462735d0d4ee64",[],"2026-09-25T10:43:08.000Z",{"views":157,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":158},114,77,[],{"id":161,"lang":22,"title":162,"subtitle":12,"slug":163,"excerpt":164,"html":165,"readingTimeSec":166,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":167,"tagIds":168,"authorIds":169,"coverMediaId":170,"galleryMediaIds":171,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":172,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":173,"relatedArticleIds":176},"6ab654b13b462735d0d4eebf","Sri Lanka Navy seizes illegal drugs with street value exceeding Rs. 55 billion","sri-lanka-navy-seizes-illegal-drugs-with-street-value-exceeding-rs-55-billion","The Sri Lanka Navy has seized illegal drugs with a street value exceeding Rs. 55 billion through land-based operations and maritime surveillance conducted under the “Ratama Ekata” National Operation to eradicat...","\u003Cp>Illegal drugs with a street value exceeding Rs. 55 billion have been seized by the Sri Lanka Navy through land-based operations and maritime surveillance conducted under the \"Ratama Ekata\" National Operation to eradicate illicit drugs, Navy Media Director Commander Chaminda Walakuluge said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He made the remarks at a special media briefing held today (25) at the Ratama Ekata National Operation Headquarters and Media Centre.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Commander Walakuluge said that during the past nine months, naval operations at sea had led to the arrest of more than 300 individuals and the seizure of 53 vessels. The seizures included 1,080 kilograms of heroin, 590 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (Ice), 256 kilograms of cocaine, 862 kilograms of cannabis, 55 kilograms of hashish and more than four million narcotic tablets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said the Navy continues to conduct maritime surveillance operations while also carrying out awareness programmes aimed at protecting young people from illicit drug use. The operations are being conducted jointly with the Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Police, Police Special Task Force and Police Narcotics Bureau, among other agencies, he said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Continuous surveillance is being carried out using both conventional and technology-based methods, and the support provided by the fishing community has been acknowledged. Commander Walakuluge requested the fishing community to continue providing information to the authorities to support ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.\u003C\u002Fp>",61,[30],[],[],"6ab654b13b462735d0d4eebb",[],"2026-09-25T10:35:48.000Z",{"views":174,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":175},116,80,[],{"id":178,"lang":22,"title":179,"subtitle":12,"slug":180,"excerpt":181,"html":182,"readingTimeSec":183,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":184,"tagIds":185,"authorIds":186,"coverMediaId":187,"galleryMediaIds":188,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":189,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":190,"relatedArticleIds":193},"6ab6470b3b462735d0d4ccf3","Government focusing on revising VAT on books in upcoming Budget, PM says","government-focusing-on-revising-vat-on-books-in-upcoming-budget-pm-says","Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government is focusing on revising the VAT imposed on books through the upcoming Budget. The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the op...","\u003Cp>Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the Government is focusing on revising the VAT imposed on books through the upcoming Budget.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prime Minister made the remarks while participating in the opening ceremony of the 27th Colombo International Book Fair, organised by the Sri Lanka Book Publishers’ Association. The fair was officially inaugurated on 25 September at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) premises in Colombo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dr. Amarasuriya also presided over the presentation of scholarships to students under the “Daru Diriya” Scholarship Fund maintained by the Sri Lanka Book Publishers’ Association.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said the President had specifically instructed her to convey that the Government would be able to introduce a significant change to the VAT imposed on books through this year’s Budget. The Prime Minister noted that, as a Government that recognises the value of books, it fully understands the importance of such a change to the people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said the Colombo International Book Fair is not merely another exhibition held once a year, but an integral part of the cultural life of the country, eagerly anticipated by hundreds of thousands of people. She noted that, since its inception in 1999, the event has contributed to nurturing the reading culture of Sri Lanka for more than two decades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prime Minister said that reading means understanding another person’s life, society, culture and perspective, and that it greatly contributes to building a society founded on empathy. She also highlighted the importance of nurturing children’s interest in reading through the new education reforms, as well as allocating more time for reading during school hours.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The occasion was attended by diplomats, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura Professor Upul Subasinghe, President of the Sri Lanka Book Publishers’ Association Mr. Athula Jayakody, along with a large number of writers, publishers and other invitees.\u003C\u002Fp>",82,[30],[],[],"6ab6470b3b462735d0d4ccef",[],"2026-09-25T09:28:45.000Z",{"views":191,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":192},91,63,[]]