[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"taxonomy":4,"breaking":5,"article-sri-lankas-culinary-heritage-highlighted-as-tourism-strength-at-nestle-chef-awards":9,"cover-media-sri-lankas-culinary-heritage-highlighted-as-tourism-strength-at-nestle-chef-awards":35,"comments-sri-lankas-culinary-heritage-highlighted-as-tourism-strength-at-nestle-chef-awards":47,"related-sri-lankas-culinary-heritage-highlighted-as-tourism-strength-at-nestle-chef-awards":52},[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},"6aec1cf93b462735d040321f","en","Sri Lanka’s culinary heritage highlighted as tourism strength at Nestlé chef awards",null,"sri-lankas-culinary-heritage-highlighted-as-tourism-strength-at-nestle-chef-awards","Sri Lanka’s culinary heritage is a valuable part of the country’s identity and an emerging strength of its tourism industry, with traditional flavours, local ingredients and culinary traditions offering signifi...","\u003Cp>The Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat and Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Junior Awards Ceremony 2026 highlighted Sri Lanka’s culinary heritage as a valuable part of the country’s identity and an emerging strength of its tourism industry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ceremony recognised the outstanding talent, creativity and dedication of professional chefs in Sri Lanka. Traditional flavours, local ingredients and culinary traditions were highlighted as offering significant potential to attract visitors from around the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A distinguished representative attended the event, commended the achievements of the participating chefs and highlighted the importance of promoting Sri Lanka’s culinary heritage as part of the country’s tourism offering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The participation of more than 1,500 students in the Junior Competition was welcomed as an encouraging sign of the potential and enthusiasm of the next generation of culinary professionals. Appreciation was also extended to Nestlé Lanka and its partners for their continued efforts to nurture culinary excellence and develop talent in Sri Lanka.\u003C\u002Fp>",42,"standard","published","6a8de2d51984b727d3b0b545",[21],[],[],"6aec1cf93b462735d040321b",[],"2026-11-05T04:01:00.000Z",false,"public",{"views":31,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":33},16,0,15,[],{"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\u002F11\u002F8214d190-57d1-419a-a8a6-4f8b7ce77def\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\u002F11\u002F8214d190-57d1-419a-a8a6-4f8b7ce77def\u002Fthumb.webp",{"data":48,"meta":49},[],{"total":32,"page":50,"limit":51,"hasMore":28},1,30,{"data":53},[54,70,86,101,116,131,146,162],{"id":55,"lang":12,"title":56,"subtitle":14,"slug":57,"excerpt":58,"html":59,"readingTimeSec":60,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":61,"tagIds":62,"authorIds":63,"coverMediaId":64,"galleryMediaIds":65,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":66,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":67,"relatedArticleIds":69},"6aec1cf93b462735d040320b","Kegalu Balika Vidyalaya students take part in Vision programme","kegalu-balika-vidyalaya-students-take-part-in-vision-programme","Students of Kegalu Balika Vidyalaya participated yesterday (04) in the ‘Vision’ educational programme conducted by the Presidential Secretariat to provide students with learning experiences beyond the classroom...","\u003Cp>Students of Kegalu Balika Vidyalaya took part yesterday (04) in the ‘Vision’ educational programme conducted by the Presidential Secretariat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The programme is intended to provide students with learning experiences beyond the classroom and practical insights into the country’s history, democratic institutions and public administration. As part of the programme, the students had the opportunity to visit the Presidential Secretariat, the President’s House, the Temple Trees and the Parliament of Sri Lanka.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Senior Additional Secretary to the President Prasanna Chandith briefed the students on the importance of nurturing future leaders and developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for effective leadership.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The event was attended by Director General of Presidential Public Relations Dharmasiri Gamage, Media Adviser to the President and senior journalist Chandana Sooriyabandara, Assistant Director of the Tri-Forces Coordination Unit at the Presidential Secretariat, Lieutenant Colonel Nadeeka Dangolla, Principal of Kegalu Balika Vidyalaya H.A.T.D.K. Jayarathne and members of the teaching staff and the Old Girls’ Association.\u003C\u002Fp>",43,[21],[],[],"6aec1cf93b462735d0403207",[],"2026-11-05T04:39:35.000Z",{"views":68,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":33},17,[],{"id":71,"lang":12,"title":72,"subtitle":14,"slug":73,"excerpt":74,"html":75,"readingTimeSec":76,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":77,"tagIds":78,"authorIds":79,"coverMediaId":80,"galleryMediaIds":81,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":82,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":83,"relatedArticleIds":85},"6aec1cf93b462735d0403215","Interfaith conference marking one year of “Ratama Ekata” to be held today","interfaith-conference-marking-one-year-of-ratama-ekata-to-be-held-today","An interfaith conference organised to mark the completion of one year since the launch of the “Ratama Ekata” national operation, aimed at eradicating the drug menace in Sri Lanka, will be held today (05) at 2.0...","\u003Cp>An interfaith conference organised to mark the completion of one year since the launch of the “Ratama Ekata” national operation will be held today (05) at 2.00 p.m. at Temple Trees, Colombo, with the participation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The “Ratama Ekata” national operation, aimed at eradicating the drug menace in Sri Lanka, completed one year on October 30. The Government launched the special national programme with the objective of eliminating the drug menace in the country. It was officially inaugurated on October 30 last year at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo under the patronage of President Dissanayake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the key objectives of the programme are disrupting the supply of drugs across the island, reducing demand for narcotics, dismantling drug trafficking networks and expanding law enforcement operations. The programme also focuses on rehabilitating individuals affected by drug addiction, raising awareness among various segments of society, including schoolchildren and youth, and empowering communities to combat the drug menace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The interfaith conference aims to obtain the guidance and participation of religious leaders in the fight against drugs and further strengthen the collective contribution of all sectors of society towards eradicating the drug menace.\u003C\u002Fp>",53,[21],[],[],"6aec1cf93b462735d0403211",[],"2026-11-05T04:04:19.000Z",{"views":84,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":31},18,[],{"id":87,"lang":12,"title":88,"subtitle":14,"slug":89,"excerpt":90,"html":91,"readingTimeSec":51,"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},"6aec1cfc3b462735d0403233","Prime Minister Amarasuriya meets Kenyan Deputy President Kindiki on CHOGM sidelines","prime-minister-amarasuriya-meets-kenyan-deputy-president-kindiki-on-chogm-sidelines","Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with the Deputy President of Kenya, H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, on 03 November 2026, on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua...","\u003Cp>Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President of Kenya, on 03 November 2026 on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both sides reaffirmed the strong and longstanding relations between Sri Lanka and Kenya. Discussions centred on exploring avenues to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in agriculture, trade and investment, and climate financing.\u003C\u002Fp>",[21],[],[],"6aec1cfc3b462735d040322f",[],"2026-11-05T03:57:58.000Z",{"views":33,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":99},14,[],{"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":115},"6aec1cfc3b462735d040323d","Discussion held on securing IFAD support for Sri Lanka in 2028–2030","discussion-held-on-securing-ifad-support-for-sri-lanka-in-2028-2030","A discussion on securing support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for Sri Lanka during the 2028–2030 period was held on 03 November at the Presidential Secretariat under the patro...","\u003Cp>A discussion on securing support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for Sri Lanka during the 2028–2030 period took place on 03 November at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The talks focused on priority areas for agricultural and rural development, including increasing the incomes of small-scale farmers, improving agricultural productivity, strengthening rural livelihoods and developing rural infrastructure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dr. Kumanayake emphasised the importance of aligning the proposed programme with the ongoing ‘Praja Shakthi’ programme, which aims to improve the living standards of rural communities. The importance of identifying the Government’s priorities for obtaining IFAD assistance during the 2028–2030 period in line with Sri Lanka’s development needs was also highlighted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Accordingly, the meeting discussed strengthening coordination between relevant government institutions and IFAD, identifying development projects that could be implemented in the coming years and taking the necessary steps to expedite their implementation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>President’s Senior Assistant Secretary Dr. Dhanushka Perera, IFAD Country Representative Sherina Tabassum, and representatives of the organisation, Bodhi Wanniarachchi and Janaka Amarasinghe, also attended.\u003C\u002Fp>",48,[21],[],[],"6aec1cfc3b462735d0403239",[],"2026-11-05T03:55:54.000Z",{"views":84,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":33},[],{"id":117,"lang":12,"title":118,"subtitle":14,"slug":119,"excerpt":120,"html":121,"readingTimeSec":122,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":123,"tagIds":124,"authorIds":125,"coverMediaId":126,"galleryMediaIds":127,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":128,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":129,"relatedArticleIds":130},"6aec1cf93b462735d0403229","No additional tax burden on the public as government makes tax structure fairer, minister says","no-additional-tax-burden-on-the-public-as-government-makes-tax-structure-fairer-minister-says","The Government has not imposed an additional tax burden on the public but has instead taken steps to address shortcomings in the existing tax structure and make it fairer, more systematic and efficient, Ministe...","\u003Cp>The Government has not placed an extra tax burden on the public and has instead moved to correct shortcomings in the existing tax structure so that it is fairer, more systematic and efficient, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando has said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He made the remarks today (04) while giving a detailed clarification on various tax-related issues. Responding to social media claims that the Government had arbitrarily increased various taxes, he described those claims as misleading. He reiterated that, as stated by the President, the Government has not imposed an additional tax burden on the public.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tax revenue is the primary source of funding for maintaining essential government services, education, healthcare, development activities and infrastructure facilities, Dr. Fernando explained. Over the past two years, he said, the Government has taken measures to improve tax collection efficiency, tax administration and public compliance with tax obligations. The tax base has expanded as a result, enabling the Government to collect more tax revenue in 2025 than originally anticipated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Addressing claims that a new 6% tax increase had been imposed on alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco products, the Minister said the January 2025 adjustment to excise duties on selected products was not a newly introduced tax but a revision under the existing indexation mechanism. Under that mechanism, tax rates on selected products, including alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco and electronic goods, are adjusted by adding 4% to the average inflation rate of the preceding year. A 6% adjustment was therefore made in January 2025 on the basis of inflationary conditions in 2024. He pointed out that a 14% adjustment had been implemented under the same mechanism in 2024 during the administration of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Portraying that established mechanism as a newly introduced tax increase by the present Government was misleading, he said. Taking into consideration the economic impact of Cyclone Ditwah in 2026, the Government decided not to implement the relevant tax adjustment, using the flexibility available under the existing formula, he added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clarifying allegations of an increase in customs duties on electric vehicles, Dr. Fernando said the changes were part of a reform of the existing tax structure rather than the imposition of an additional tax. The revisions were intended to ensure fairness in the application of tax principles, address weaknesses in the existing tax structure and minimise revenue losses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said pressure on the foreign exchange market and increased demand for US dollars arising from the conflict in the Middle East had created a need to manage import expenditure. Instead of restricting all imports, the Government introduced a 50% surcharge on customs duties applicable to private vehicle imports as a short-term measure to manage foreign exchange outflows. He emphasised that the objective was not to increase tax revenue but to safeguard the country's foreign exchange reserves while preventing disruptions to economic activities and shortages of essential goods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Responding to concerns over the rise in withholding tax on interest income from 5% to 10%, the Minister said the revised arrangement had provided relief to individuals who are not liable to pay income tax. Under the previous system, 5% was deducted from interest income even from individuals who were not liable to pay income tax, and many did not pursue the refund process, resulting in an unfair situation. Under the revised system, individuals who are not liable to pay income tax can obtain an exemption from the deduction by submitting the required declaration or affidavit confirming their tax-exempt status. For individuals who are liable to pay income tax, the 10% deducted at source can be credited against their annual tax liability when the final tax assessment is calculated. The change in the withholding tax rate does not necessarily result in an increase in their final tax burden, he explained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Commenting on the increase in the tax rate on profits earned by companies in the alcohol and tobacco industries from 40% to 45%, the Deputy Minister said those industries have a relatively higher capacity to generate profits and that the Government had taken steps to obtain a greater tax contribution from these sectors. Imposing higher taxes on such industries, internationally referred to as 'sin industries', was a means of ensuring a fairer contribution without placing an unnecessary tax burden on the general public, he noted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Addressing criticism of the taxation of individuals and companies engaged in service exports, he explained that certain parties involved in service exports had previously enjoyed tax exemptions under the former tax laws. That had created an imbalance, as exporters of goods and businesses providing services within the country were required to pay taxes while certain service exporters enjoyed tax concessions. Service exporters have been brought within the tax framework to address that disparity. Instead of the 30% tax rate proposed by the previous Government, a rate of 15% has been introduced for companies. For individuals, the maximum tax rate applicable to income earned from service exports has been capped at 15%. Otherwise, depending on the applicable income tax thresholds, such income could have been subject to rates of up to 36%. He emphasised that the measure was intended to correct an existing distortion in the tax system while introducing a more favourable tax rate for the parties concerned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clarifying the introduction of VAT on services supplied through digital platforms, the Deputy Minister said the objective was not to impose a special tax on digital technology but to bring service providers operating through digital platforms within the existing VAT framework. Citing transportation and food delivery services provided through digital applications, he said those companies essentially provide the same services as businesses operating through conventional methods, which are already subject to VAT. Service providers should not be exempted from the tax system simply because their services are delivered through digital platforms. The amendment was introduced to ensure an equal tax base for all service providers, he added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Addressing reports that VAT on financial services had been increased to 20.5%, he said the measure was intended to simplify tax calculation and collection rather than impose an additional tax burden. Financial services were previously subject to VAT at 18% and the Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) at 2.5%, collected separately. Although both taxes were calculated on the same tax base, separate documentation and administrative procedures had to be maintained. The combined rate of 20.5%, representing the total of the two existing taxes, is now collected through a single mechanism, he explained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Concluding, the Deputy Minister emphasised that changes in tax rates alone should not be considered when determining whether the overall tax burden has increased. Attention should also be given to fairness in the tax system, adherence to policy principles, proper utilisation of tax revenue and measures to prevent waste, fraud and corruption. He further stated that despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the country had been able to maintain an uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, including fuel, fertiliser and medicines, through the economic management measures implemented by the Government. He reiterated that the Government remains committed to generating revenue through a fair tax system to ensure the uninterrupted provision of essential public services and the continuation of development activities, while ensuring that public funds are properly utilised without waste, fraud or corruption.\u003C\u002Fp>",329,[21],[],[],"6aec1cf93b462735d0403225",[],"2026-11-05T03:52:22.000Z",{"views":84,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":31},[],{"id":132,"lang":12,"title":133,"subtitle":14,"slug":134,"excerpt":135,"html":136,"readingTimeSec":51,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":137,"tagIds":138,"authorIds":139,"coverMediaId":140,"galleryMediaIds":141,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":142,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":143,"relatedArticleIds":145},"6aec1cfc3b462735d0403245","Showers expected after 1.00 p.m., with fairly heavy rainfall likely in several provinces","showers-expected-after-100-pm-with-fairly-heavy-rainfall-likely-in-several-provinces","Showers or thundershowers are expected at most parts of the island after 1.00 p.m. today, according to the Department of Meteorology. Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 75 mm is likely at some places in the Wester...","\u003Cp>The Department of Meteorology said showers or thundershowers are expected in most parts of the island after 1.00 p.m. today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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 Polonnaruwa and Mannar districts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Eastern coastal areas may also have showers during the morning hours. Misty conditions are expected at some places in the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces during the early hours of the morning.\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>",[21],[],[],"6a985ebe55750bd6c4a636fb",[],"2026-11-05T03:48:51.000Z",{"views":144,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":68},19,[],{"id":147,"lang":12,"title":148,"subtitle":14,"slug":149,"excerpt":150,"html":151,"readingTimeSec":152,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":153,"tagIds":154,"authorIds":155,"coverMediaId":156,"galleryMediaIds":157,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":158,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":159,"relatedArticleIds":161},"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,[21],[],[],"6aeb033a3b462735d03e0394",[],"2026-11-04T09:31:12.000Z",{"views":160,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":160},60,[],{"id":163,"lang":12,"title":164,"subtitle":14,"slug":165,"excerpt":166,"html":167,"readingTimeSec":168,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":169,"tagIds":170,"authorIds":171,"coverMediaId":172,"galleryMediaIds":173,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":174,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":175,"relatedArticleIds":177},"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,[21],[],[],"6aeae6673b462735d03d9690",[],"2026-11-04T06:57:14.000Z",{"views":176,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":176},69,[]]