[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"taxonomy":4,"breaking":5,"article-showers-or-thundershowers-expected-in-most-parts-of-island-after-100-pm":9,"cover-media-showers-or-thundershowers-expected-in-most-parts-of-island-after-100-pm":35,"comments-showers-or-thundershowers-expected-in-most-parts-of-island-after-100-pm":47,"related-showers-or-thundershowers-expected-in-most-parts-of-island-after-100-pm":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":34},"6ac8ca6e3b462735d0060b52","en","Showers or thundershowers expected in most parts of island after 1.00 p.m.",null,"showers-or-thundershowers-expected-in-most-parts-of-island-after-100-pm","Showers or thundershowers will occur in most parts of the island after 1.00 p.m., while fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 75 mm is likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, North-Western a...","\u003Cp>After 1.00 p.m., showers or thundershowers will occur in most parts of the island. Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 75 mm is likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, North-Western and Southern provinces, as well as in the Anuradhapura and Mannar districts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The general public is advised to take adequate precautions to minimise possible damage caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the early hours of the morning, misty conditions can be expected at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces, as well as in the Galle and Matara districts.\u003C\u002Fp>",30,"standard","published","6a8de2d51984b727d3b0b545",[21],[],[],"6a985ebe55750bd6c4a636fb",[],"2026-10-09T10:18:27.000Z",false,"public",{"views":31,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":33},37,0,35,[],{"data":36},{"id":25,"url":37,"width":38,"height":39,"variants":40,"alt":14,"caption":14,"credit":14},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.newsradio.lk\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fe27ab44b-55c6-4d17-aeac-bf8e0caa2b2b\u002Foriginal.jpg",800,595,[41],{"key":42,"width":43,"height":44,"format":45,"url":46},"thumb",320,238,"webp","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.newsradio.lk\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fe27ab44b-55c6-4d17-aeac-bf8e0caa2b2b\u002Fthumb.webp",{"data":48,"meta":49},[],{"total":32,"page":50,"limit":18,"hasMore":28},1,{"data":52},[53,70,85,101,118,134,150,165],{"id":54,"lang":12,"title":55,"subtitle":14,"slug":56,"excerpt":57,"html":58,"readingTimeSec":59,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":60,"tagIds":61,"authorIds":62,"coverMediaId":63,"galleryMediaIds":64,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":65,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":66,"relatedArticleIds":69},"6ac8ca6e3b462735d0060b36","Sri Lanka Parliament delegation attends Bratislava peer training on research, AI and foresight","sri-lanka-parliament-delegation-attends-bratislava-peer-training-on-research-ai-and-foresight","A delegation from the Parliament of Sri Lanka participated in an international peer-to-peer training programme on parliamentary research, artificial intelligence (AI), innovation and foresight, held at the Nati...","\u003Cp>A delegation from the Parliament of Sri Lanka took part in an international peer-to-peer training programme on parliamentary research, artificial intelligence (AI), innovation and foresight at the National Council of the Slovak Republic in Bratislava from 29 September to 2 October 2026.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The programme, titled ‘Evidence, Innovation, and Foresight in Parliamentary Research’, was conducted under the Inter Pares Partnership with the Parliament of Sri Lanka to support the continued development of the Parliamentary Research Division. It offered an opportunity to exchange knowledge and best practices with research services of leading European parliaments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Discussions covered research workflows, quality assurance, the development of accessible research products, digital knowledge management, the responsible use of AI, and forward-looking research methodologies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary General of Parliament. The other members were Mr. Siyath Ahemed, Librarian; Mr. Mohammed Ajiwadeen, Senior Research Officer; Ms. Tekshila Erandathi Lokuge, Senior Research Officer; Mr. Nishan Wickramasingha Mohottige, Systems Analyst; and Ms. Sachinie Gunasekara, Deputy Principal Officer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A central element of the training was the secure and responsible use of AI in legislative research. Participants explored institutional frameworks for AI governance, data protection, confidentiality, accuracy, political neutrality and effective human oversight. Practical sessions also demonstrated how AI tools could support evidence gathering, document comparison, summarisation and knowledge management.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The programme also underlined the importance of legislative foresight in strengthening parliamentary decision-making. Through horizon scanning, trend identification and scenario development, parliamentary researchers can help legislators anticipate emerging challenges and assess the long-term implications of public policies beyond immediate political cycles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the visit, the delegation met with the Secretary General and senior officials of the National Council of the Slovak Republic. The programme also included cultural visits to the Speaker’s Gallery and the National Museum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Parliament of Sri Lanka expressed its sincere appreciation to the National Council of the Slovak Republic, International IDEA and the Inter Pares Partnership for supporting the initiative. Appreciation was also extended to the expert contributors and partner parliaments from Czechia, Hungary, Austria, Italy, Lithuania and the United States Congressional Research Service for their contributions to this capacity-building programme.\u003C\u002Fp>",95,[21],[],[],"6ac8ca6e3b462735d0060b32",[],"2026-10-09T10:35:44.000Z",{"views":67,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":68},45,41,[],{"id":71,"lang":12,"title":72,"subtitle":14,"slug":73,"excerpt":74,"html":75,"readingTimeSec":18,"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},"6ac8cb703b462735d0060c90","USS Tulsa departs Port of Colombo after replenishment visit","uss-tulsa-departs-port-of-colombo-after-replenishment-visit","The United States Navy ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16) departed the Port of Colombo today (09 October 2026), following a traditional naval farewell extended by the Sri Lanka Navy. The Littoral Combat Ship arrived in Sr...","\u003Cp>The United States Navy ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16) departed the Port of Colombo on 09 October 2026 after a traditional naval farewell by the Sri Lanka Navy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Littoral Combat Ship arrived in Sri Lanka on 07 October 2026 for a replenishment visit and left after completing its intended activities.\u003C\u002Fp>",[21],[],[],"6ac8cb703b462735d0060c8c",[],"2026-10-09T10:30:34.000Z",{"views":83,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":33},38,[],{"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},"6ac8cb703b462735d0060c9a","President presents appointment letters to 1,540 Grama Niladhari officers","president-presents-appointment-letters-to-1540-grama-niladhari-officers","President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the current Government’s economic and social development path is not about bringing rural communities to cities, but about creating economic opportunities and prov...","\u003Cp>President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the current Government’s economic and social development path was not about bringing rural communities to cities, but about creating economic opportunities and providing facilities within villages. He said the Government’s objective was to establish a highly developed road network between villages and cities, a good communication system and an efficient and strong public service.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The President made the remarks at a ceremony at Temple Trees on the morning of the 08th, where appointment letters were presented to 1,540 officers who qualified for Grade III of the Grama Niladhari Service.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also noted that the current Government was one that greatly respected the public service and expected public servants to be placed on a good salary scale. He said that was why the Government took steps to increase basic salaries and allowances despite facing extremely challenging circumstances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Appointment letters were presented for the first time to 1,540 officers selected for Grade III of the Grama Niladhari Service after the new Grama Niladhari Service Minute was promulgated. The recruitments were carried out in accordance with the policy of recruiting qualified individuals to the public service based solely on examination results and merit at interviews.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The current Government has taken steps to re-establish the Grama Niladhari Service under a service structure unique to the position, with a distinct salary structure, while addressing a number of long-standing unresolved issues. As part of this process, steps were also taken to place the officers several salary increments above the salary they were receiving at the time and to adequately increase the allowances provided for various requirements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The President symbolically presented appointment letters to the 28 candidates who secured first place at district level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speaking further, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Today, you are entering one of the most important professions in Sri Lanka. If you ask which public official works most closely with the day-to-day lives of the people of our country, it is the Grama Niladhari officer. The relationship between the lives of ordinary people in a village and the State, as well as all services provided by the Government, is centred around the work of Grama Niladhari officers. You are important to us not merely as officers responsible for a village, but because of the economic and social vision we have developed. Every country in the world is now facing the challenges arising from high population concentrations in cities. This is an issue faced by both developed and developing countries. When economic opportunities and services cannot be provided at the rural level, hundreds of thousands of people have left their villages and moved to cities. The translation of ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ illustrates very well how people living in remote areas, having lost their economic opportunities, faced immense hardships and migrated to cities. This is a challenge faced by many countries around the world today. However, we are fortunate in this regard. The majority of our population still lives in rural areas. So, what should be our economic and social development path? It should certainly not be about bringing people living in rural areas to cities. It is now evident that this strategy has failed. Therefore, our development path is not about bringing rural communities to cities, but about creating economic opportunities and providing facilities for people within their own villages. This requires a highly developed road network connecting villages and cities. We also need an effective communication system between villages and cities. To this end, we have discussed with the Ministry of Digital Economy and decided to establish a communication system covering the entire country within the next three years. At the same time, services provided to rural communities must be delivered quickly and conveniently. Therefore, our objective is to enable people to remain in their villages while meeting their economic and social needs. Grama Niladhari officers will have a significant role to play in this process. In providing these services, the need for officers to visit households, as well as the need for citizens to travel to Grama Niladhari offices and wait for services, should be minimised. However, it is equally important to maintain a balance in the digitalisation process so that human relationships and human emotions are not undermined in any way. We also plan to divide public service functions into three categories and incorporate them into the digital system: functions that can be completed at Grama Niladhari level, functions that can be completed at the Divisional Secretariat based on certification provided by the Grama Niladhari and functions that can be carried out by other government institutions based on certification from both the Grama Niladhari and the Divisional Secretary. The Ministry of Digital Economy and the Ministry of Public Administration have discussed the development of the digital system required for this purpose. We expect to allocate funds through the forthcoming Budget to commence this as a pilot project in two selected districts next year. At the same time, we need a strong public service. Every developed country in the world has progressed through a strong public service. However, today, both public servants and citizens who obtain public services are not in a state of satisfaction. There is competition within the public service over positions and offices. The public service has also experienced a degree of decline due to outdated computers, old vehicles and dilapidated buildings. As a Government, we are taking steps to change this situation. We have identified the need for 1,750 vehicles (cabs) for the public service and are taking steps to provide the necessary vehicles promptly to officials, including Divisional Secretaries. The Ministry of Public Administration will take steps to provide the required number of computers and equipment for digitalisation. Government institution buildings must be renovated, while new buildings must also be provided. Accordingly, we expect to allocate funds through the Budget to complete the third phase of Sethsiripaya and commence the fourth phase. At the same time, we must manage land properly. In this regard, I believe we need to change our preference for large buildings. Therefore, a formal assessment is being carried out to determine the amount of space required for offices and the specified land requirements and the responsibility for providing office facilities has been assigned to the Chief of Presidential Staff. I acknowledge that the current salary scales in our public service are inadequate. As a result, there are difficulties in recruiting skilled professionals such as engineers, information technology specialists and legal officers into the public service. However, if the salaries of public servants are increased by Rs. 10, it would result in an additional monthly expenditure of Rs. 13 million, while an increase of Rs. 100 would result in an additional expenditure of Rs. 1.3 billion. Therefore, we have identified the need to increase the efficiency of the public service while reducing its size. In doing so, we will by no means abandon the public service. It is our policy that the public service is essential and must be developed. However, we believe that the mechanism through which these services are delivered should be made smaller. Accordingly, a committee chaired by the Prime Minister has planned to merge government institutions. A decision has been taken to close 33 institutions identified by the Ministry of Finance. We have decided to provide compensation for this purpose. A number of institutions that should be merged have also been identified. The public service should not become a burden on the people. At the same time, we are a Government that recognises the need to provide the people with an efficient public service. Therefore, in order to manage the public service effectively, it needs to be made smaller. In order to bring in teams with strong skills and capabilities, they must be placed on appropriate salary scales. From our first Budget, we decided to increase the basic salaries of public servants in three stages. Accordingly, by 2027, we will bear an additional expenditure of Rs. 330 billion solely for salary increases. We should turn our attention to other allowances only thereafter. I believe that everyone should be treated fairly in this regard. We have provided a substantial increase in basic salaries. We have also increased the allowances provided to Grama Niladhari officers. The office allowance has been increased from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000. The uniform allowance has been increased from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 15,000. The allowance for purchasing stationery has been increased from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 3,000. We will present the next Budget on 12 November. In that Budget, we will consider how to balance the Rs. 330 billion required for the increase in basic salaries in 2027. Only thereafter will we consider how much expenditure can be allocated for allowances. I acknowledge that the public service should receive fair salaries. However, these salaries are paid from the taxes collected from the people. We are working towards reducing these tax rates. Our objective is to provide relief to the people by reducing Value Added Tax (VAT) rates over the next two to three years. If a child has to pay a tax when purchasing a book to read, we should remove that tax. Expenditure must be managed in line with these objectives. We have provided a substantial increase in basic salaries. We have also increased allowances while listening to the concerns of public servants. Therefore, let us act with an understanding of this situation. We have absolutely no intention of politicising the public service. We have a positive outlook for the future of this country and our public service has a major responsibility in achieving that vision. As a Government, we can formulate policies and have the Budget approved by Parliament. However, the responsibility for implementing the Government’s policy decisions down to the village level lies with the State Mechanism. This requires a strong public service. Those receiving appointments today will be the public officials closest to the people. In times of hardship or disaster, as well as at the birth of a child or at the time of a death, the first public official people turn to is the Grama Niladhari officer. Therefore, Grama Niladhari officers establish a significant part of the State’s relationship with the people. You are therefore entering a profession that carries great honour and bears a major responsibility towards the people. I wish you success in your new professional lives, with the confidence that you will be able to rebuild the traditional, caring and respectful relationship that existed between the people of the village and the Grama Niladhari officer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Professor A.H.M.H. Abayarathna said this was the first group to join the Grama Niladhari Service following the establishment of a formal service minute for the Grama Niladhari Service last year. He said it was also another group recruited to the public service based solely on qualifications and merit, and that those two factors made the day historic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Professor Abayarathna said that at a time when a major effort was being made to develop the country’s economy, the occasion could also be described as another step towards creating a more positive political culture. He said the service had a long history dating back to the 4th century BC, and that those present would therefore understand the importance and dignity of the Grama Niladhari Service within the public service.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said this era had created a special situation. Three or four years ago, he said, the citizens of the country began to aspire towards a new system and stood for a system change. He said the officers were receiving the appointments at a time when the people had placed their hopes in that change and when their active contribution was needed to bring about the change they had long desired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said they had been entrusted with a tremendous responsibility towards all citizens of the country, and that what they did and said today would become history in the future. Accordingly, he said, this was also an era in which history was being rewritten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said the people of the country had faced many difficulties, had shed blood and tears during the war, and during the economic crisis had even had to sacrifice their basic needs. He said the officers had been given an opportunity to fulfil a tremendous responsibility that went beyond merely carrying out a duty or providing a service for such a people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said such an opportunity had recently been witnessed during the Ditwah disaster. While expressing gratitude to those officers, he said he would also like to remind those receiving appointments that they should draw inspiration from their example.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said that if there was to be a system change, people must first change themselves and must change individually. He said that if those receiving appointments were able to bring the same happiness to their parents and loved ones on the day they retired as they experienced that day, they could be satisfied that they had fulfilled a social responsibility that went beyond merely performing official duties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He called upon all those receiving appointments to dedicate their service towards building a Sri Lankan nation with a strong social foundation, as well as a strong economy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Ruwan Senarath and other Deputy Ministers, Governors and Chief Secretaries of the Provinces, Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretaries to Ministries, including Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government S. Aloka Bandara, District Secretaries and a group of public officials also participated in the occasion.\u003C\u002Fp>",619,[21],[],[],"6ac8cb703b462735d0060c96",[],"2026-10-09T10:28:35.000Z",{"views":99,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":31},40,[],{"id":102,"lang":12,"title":103,"subtitle":14,"slug":104,"excerpt":105,"html":106,"readingTimeSec":107,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":108,"tagIds":109,"authorIds":110,"coverMediaId":111,"galleryMediaIds":112,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":113,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":114,"relatedArticleIds":117},"6ac74e923b462735d003d43b","Sri Lanka and Lithuania launch first political consultations","sri-lanka-and-lithuania-launch-first-political-consultations","Sri Lanka and Lithuania have taken steps to strengthen bilateral relations with the launch of their first-ever political consultations, as the two countries mark 30 years of diplomatic relations. Lithuania’s Vi...","\u003Cp>Sri Lanka and Lithuania have taken steps to strengthen bilateral relations with the start of their first-ever political consultations, as the two countries mark 30 years of diplomatic relations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lithuania’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Vidmantas Verbickas visited Sri Lanka from 4 to 6 October at the invitation of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra. The two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding on political consultations, establishing a framework for regular dialogue on bilateral relations, trade, investment, tourism and regional and international developments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The discussions also focused on digital transformation, GovTech, artificial intelligence, education, research and technology cooperation. The Lithuanian delegation visited GovTech Sri Lanka, SLASSCOM and the University of Colombo to explore opportunities for practical collaboration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The visit marked an important step towards expanding cooperation between Sri Lanka and Lithuania in political, economic, technological, academic and cultural fields.\u003C\u002Fp>",39,[21],[],[],"6ac74e923b462735d003d437",[],"2026-10-08T06:47:30.000Z",{"views":115,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":116},72,70,[],{"id":119,"lang":12,"title":120,"subtitle":14,"slug":121,"excerpt":122,"html":123,"readingTimeSec":124,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":125,"tagIds":126,"authorIds":127,"coverMediaId":128,"galleryMediaIds":129,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":130,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":131,"relatedArticleIds":133},"6ac740113b462735d003c2be","2027 Appropriation Bill presented to Parliament for first reading","2027-appropriation-bill-presented-to-parliament-for-first-reading","The Appropriation Bill for the year 2027 was presented to Parliament yesterday (07) for its First Reading by Dr. Anil Jayantha, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning. The Appropriation ...","\u003Cp>Dr. Anil Jayantha, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, presented the Appropriation Bill for the year 2027 to Parliament yesterday (07) for its First Reading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Appropriation Bill for the 2027 financial year provides for the allocation of financial resources required to meet government expenditure amounting to 4,992,773,388,000 rupees, as well as provisions authorizing the Government to obtain loans, among other matters. It provides the necessary legal framework for government expenditure during the financial year from 1 January to 31 December 2027, including the provision of financial resources for such expenditure and the authorization required for obtaining the relevant loans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The 2027 Budget Second Reading, which includes the presentation of the Budget Speech and Budget Proposals, is scheduled to take place on 12 November 2026. The Second Reading Debate is scheduled to be held over seven days, from 13 November to 20 November, with the vote on the Second Reading scheduled for 6.00 p.m. on 20 November.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Committee Stage Debate on the Appropriation Bill is scheduled to be held over 19 days, from 21 November to 14 December. The vote on the Third Reading of the Budget is scheduled to take place at 6.00 p.m. on 14 December.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the period of the Budget Debate, Parliament is scheduled to meet at 9.30 a.m. every day, including Saturdays, except on public holidays and Sundays.\u003C\u002Fp>",62,[21],[],[],"6ac740113b462735d003c2ba",[],"2026-10-08T06:06:31.000Z",{"views":132,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":116},71,[],{"id":135,"lang":12,"title":136,"subtitle":14,"slug":137,"excerpt":138,"html":139,"readingTimeSec":132,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":140,"tagIds":141,"authorIds":142,"coverMediaId":143,"galleryMediaIds":144,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":145,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":146,"relatedArticleIds":149},"6ac740113b462735d003c2c8","New homes construction begins for 41 Ditwah-affected families in Kandaketiya","new-homes-construction-begins-for-41-ditwah-affected-families-in-kandaketiya","Construction of new houses for families who lost their homes or faced high-risk conditions due to the Ditwah disaster began in the Kandaketiya Divisional Secretariat Division in Badulla District yesterday (7), ...","\u003Cp>Construction of new houses began yesterday (7) in the Kandaketiya Divisional Secretariat Division in Badulla District for families who lost their homes or faced high-risk conditions due to the Ditwah disaster. The work falls under a government programme providing Rs. 5 million per family to construct new homes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Plantation and Community Infrastructure Minister Samantha Vidyaratne laid the foundation stone for the project at government-owned land in Mahathenna, Medaleyaya, Kandaketiya.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the first phase, 41 new houses will be built for families whose homes were completely destroyed. The housing project will be carried out in several phases, and initial construction started yesterday. The programme is intended to provide safe and permanent housing, with Rs. 5 million allocated for each house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compensation cheques of Rs. 200,000 each were presented to 45 families whose houses were partially damaged, under the second phase of the relief programme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vidyaratne said the government is giving priority to providing safe housing to families who lost their homes or were exposed to high-risk conditions due to the disaster. He added that the relevant government institutions are continuing to work together to help these families return to safe and stable living conditions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The programme is being implemented with the involvement of the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, the Badulla District Secretariat and the National Disaster Relief Services Centre.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Dinidu Saman Hennayake, Kandaketiya Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Harsha Ratnayake, Badulla District Secretary Sunil Galagama, the Kandaketiya Divisional Secretary, local government representatives, government officials and residents also participated in the event.\u003C\u002Fp>",[21],[],[],"6ac740113b462735d003c2c4",[],"2026-10-08T05:57:16.000Z",{"views":147,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":148},68,67,[],{"id":151,"lang":12,"title":152,"subtitle":14,"slug":153,"excerpt":154,"html":155,"readingTimeSec":18,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":156,"tagIds":157,"authorIds":158,"coverMediaId":25,"galleryMediaIds":159,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":160,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":161,"relatedArticleIds":164},"6ac723a23b462735d0038ed2","Showers or thundershowers to occur after 1 p.m.; heavy falls above 100 mm likely in several areas","showers-or-thundershowers-to-occur-after-1-pm-heavy-falls-above-100-mm-likely-in-several-areas","Showers or thundershowers will occur in the most part of the island after 1.00 p.m. Heavy falls above 100 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and Southern provinces and in Anurad...","\u003Cp>After 1.00 p.m., showers or thundershowers will occur across most of the island. Some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and Southern provinces, and in Anuradhapura district, are likely to receive heavy falls above 100 mm.\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>\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 and Matara districts.\u003C\u002Fp>",[21],[],[],[],"2026-10-08T04:13:34.000Z",{"views":162,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":163},53,52,[],{"id":166,"lang":12,"title":167,"subtitle":14,"slug":168,"excerpt":169,"html":170,"readingTimeSec":171,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":172,"tagIds":173,"authorIds":174,"coverMediaId":175,"galleryMediaIds":176,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":177,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":178,"relatedArticleIds":181},"6ac49cbe3b462735d0f85e43","World Teachers’ Day message commends teachers and outlines education measures","world-teachers-day-message-commends-teachers-and-outlines-education-measures","On this occasion of World Teachers’ Day, I extend my greetings to all those teachers dedicated to nurturing the knowledge and wisdom of future generations and building a society enriched with values and humanit...","\u003Cp>A World Teachers’ Day message extended greetings to all teachers dedicated to nurturing the knowledge and wisdom of future generations and building a society enriched with values and humanity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The message said that amid new education reforms being implemented to meet the demands of the modern, technology-driven world, teachers’ commitment to adapting to the changing world and guiding children towards new pathways is commendable. It said the teaching profession is not merely a job limited to earning a salary but a noble service provided with dedication, devotion and love.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The message said the government has taken a number of key measures to strengthen the education system and uphold the dignity of the teaching profession. As a solution to the teacher shortage that existed for a long time, it said graduates and National Colleges of Education diploma holders are being recruited into the teaching service on a formal basis, while legal and service-related issues are being addressed and the recruitment process streamlined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It said measures are also being taken to address salary-related issues, prevent delays in promotions, conduct efficiency-bar examinations in a systematic manner, and fill vacancies in the Principals’ Service and the Teacher Educators’ Service.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The message said there remains a commitment to enhancing information technology skills of teachers, facilitating them with digital approaches to education, modernising professional training programmes to elevate professional standards, and creating opportunities for overseas training to provide teachers with new opportunities linked to modern global technologies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It said teachers’ contribution extends beyond the confines of school hours and the curriculum. By recognising the challenges faced by children and nurturing their skills and abilities, the message said, teachers make an invaluable contribution to laying the foundation for a proud and promising future generation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The message wished all teachers working tirelessly to illuminate the future of children by embracing the changing education system continued strength, courage and good health to carry forward the invaluable service they have rendered thus far. It invited all to initiate a new social dialogue on education and wished a very Happy World Teachers’ Day.\u003C\u002Fp>",93,[21],[],[],"6ac49cbe3b462735d0f85e3f",[],"2026-10-06T06:33:40.000Z",{"views":179,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":180},120,89,[]]