[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"taxonomy":4,"breaking":5,"article-vision-programme-marks-two-years-as-students-visit-presidential-secretariat":19,"cover-media-vision-programme-marks-two-years-as-students-visit-presidential-secretariat":43,"comments-vision-programme-marks-two-years-as-students-visit-presidential-secretariat":55,"related-vision-programme-marks-two-years-as-students-visit-presidential-secretariat":60},[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":42},"6ab503223b462735d0d32438","en","Vision Programme marks two years as students visit Presidential Secretariat","vision-programme-marks-two-years-as-students-visit-presidential-secretariat","Marking the completion of two years of the ‘Vision’ Programme, students from Pinnawala Central College and Matale Siri Seevali College were given an opportunity today (24) to visit the Presidential Secretariat....","\u003Cp>Students from Pinnawala Central College and Matale Siri Seevali College were given an opportunity today (24) to visit the Presidential Secretariat, marking the completion of two years of the ‘Vision’ Programme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ‘Vision’ Programme was launched for schoolchildren jointly by the Presidential Secretariat, the Ministry of Education and the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The students visited the former Parliament building at the Presidential Secretariat and were briefed on the history of Parliament. Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage explained the role of the President’s Fund and its importance to schoolchildren.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ‘Vision’ commemorative book, featuring the two-year journey of the ‘Vision’ Programme and its special activities, was presented to the participating schools. Valuable plants were also presented to the schools as a symbolic gesture underscoring the importance of environmental conservation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among those present were Director General of Public Relations Dharmasiri Gamage, the Director and Assistant Director of the Tri-Services Security Coordination Unit, the principals and teaching staff of Pinnawala Central College and Matale Siri Seevali College, and students.\u003C\u002Fp>",48,"standard","published","6a8de2d51984b727d3b0b545",[30],[],[],"6ab503223b462735d0d32434",[],"2026-09-24T10:05:02.000Z",false,"public",{"views":40,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":40},33,0,[],{"data":44},{"id":34,"url":45,"width":46,"height":47,"variants":48,"alt":12,"caption":12,"credit":12},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.newsradio.lk\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fc1a4c7b7-34e6-4675-8e01-fee761afdfa2\u002Foriginal.jpg",800,595,[49],{"key":50,"width":51,"height":52,"format":53,"url":54},"thumb",320,238,"webp","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.newsradio.lk\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fc1a4c7b7-34e6-4675-8e01-fee761afdfa2\u002Fthumb.webp",{"data":56,"meta":57},[],{"total":41,"page":58,"limit":59,"hasMore":37},1,30,{"data":61},[62,77,93,108,123,139,155,170],{"id":63,"lang":22,"title":64,"subtitle":12,"slug":65,"excerpt":66,"html":67,"readingTimeSec":59,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":68,"tagIds":69,"authorIds":70,"coverMediaId":71,"galleryMediaIds":72,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":73,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":74,"relatedArticleIds":76},"6ab502fb3b462735d0d3242e","Habeebu Lebbe Mohammed Rifan sworn in as Member of Tenth Parliament","habeebu-lebbe-mohammed-rifan-sworn-in-as-member-of-tenth-parliament","Mr.Habeebu Lebbe Mohammed Rifan was sworn in today (24) as a Member of the Tenth Parliament before the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. Following the oath and affirmation before the Speaker, he signed th...","\u003Cp>Mr. Habeebu Lebbe Mohammed Rifan was today (24) sworn in as a Member of the Tenth Parliament before the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rifan has been appointed to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mr. Mohamed Sheriff Abthul Wazeeth, who served as a National List Member of Parliament representing the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the oath and affirmation before the Speaker, Rifan signed the Members’ Roll placed before the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An Attorney-at-law by profession, Rifan completed his school education at Oddamavadi Central College in Batticaloa. He is also serving as the Kalkudah Electorate Organizer of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress.\u003C\u002Fp>",[30],[],[],"6ab502fb3b462735d0d3242a",[],"2026-09-24T10:15:52.000Z",{"views":75,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":75},34,[],{"id":78,"lang":22,"title":79,"subtitle":12,"slug":80,"excerpt":81,"html":82,"readingTimeSec":83,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":84,"tagIds":85,"authorIds":86,"coverMediaId":87,"galleryMediaIds":88,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":89,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":90,"relatedArticleIds":92},"6ab4cab33b462735d0d2de56","Sri Lanka and Indonesia hold inaugural political consultations in Colombo","sri-lanka-and-indonesia-hold-inaugural-political-consultations-in-colombo","Sri Lanka and Indonesia held their inaugural round of Political Consultations in Colombo on 22 September 2026, marking a new step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The consultation...","\u003Cp>Sri Lanka and Indonesia held their inaugural round of Political Consultations in Colombo on 22 September 2026, marking a new step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The consultations began with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a framework for regular bilateral dialogue and enhanced cooperation between the two Foreign Ministries. Foreign Secretary Aruni Ranaraja led the Sri Lankan delegation. Deputy Minister for Asia-Pacific and African Affairs Dr. Santo Darmosumarto headed the Indonesian delegation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two sides discussed expanding trade and investment, particularly in the pharmaceutical, mineral and textile sectors. They also focused on defence and maritime security, fisheries, agriculture, tourism, education and cultural cooperation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sri Lanka sought Indonesia’s support for its bid for ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partnership status and accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both sides agreed to organize activities throughout 2027 to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The second round of Political Consultations is scheduled to be held in Jakarta in 2028.\u003C\u002Fp>",45,[30],[],[],"6ab4cab33b462735d0d2de52",[],"2026-09-24T06:10:54.000Z",{"views":91,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":91},36,[],{"id":94,"lang":22,"title":95,"subtitle":12,"slug":96,"excerpt":97,"html":98,"readingTimeSec":99,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":100,"tagIds":101,"authorIds":102,"coverMediaId":103,"galleryMediaIds":104,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":105,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":106,"relatedArticleIds":107},"6ab4bd5f3b462735d0d2c5e6","Digital transformation is part of Sri Lanka’s broader economic and social change, PM tells Global CIO Forum","digital-transformation-is-part-of-sri-lankas-broader-economic-and-social-change-pm-tells-global-cio-forum","The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the grand finale of Global CIO Forum on 23rd September in Colombo. The World CIO 200, the flagship global leadership initiative of the Global CIO Forum,...","\u003Cp>Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya took part in the grand finale of the Global CIO Forum in Colombo on 23 September, saying digital transformation is not simply a technological agenda for Sri Lanka, but an integral part of the country’s broader economic and social transformation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The forum is being held in Colombo from 22 to 24 September and brings together an international technology community for discussions on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure, cloud technologies, sustainable innovation and the future of digital leadership. World CIO 200, the flagship global leadership initiative of the Global CIO Forum, brings together Chief Information Officers and technology leaders who are shaping digital transformation across governments, enterprises and societies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prime Minister noted that the Government has placed digital transformation at the centre of its efforts to build a more productive, connected and inclusive economy, with a target of developing US$5 billion in digital exports, recognising technology as an important driver of future economic growth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dr. Amarasuriya further stated: “Digital transformation must serve a clear public purpose. Technology must improve people's lives. It must expand access to opportunity, strengthen public services, support economic participation and ensure that the benefits of technological progress are widely shared. Our objective is not simply to attract investment, but to develop long-term partnerships that contribute to Sri Lanka’s technological capabilities, knowledge base and human capital while creating opportunities for investors. This also means addressing the digital divide. Access to devices, connectivity, digital skills and services cannot depend on where a person lives, their income, their language or their gender. We must ensure that women and girls are able to access digital technologies, develop digital skills and participate fully in the digital economy. Closing the gender digital divide is not only a question of access; it is also about ensuring women's participation in the creation, use and governance of technology.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prime Minister further emphasised that technology is ultimately about people, creating opportunities for young people, enabling businesses to grow, improving public services and ensuring that innovation contributes to an inclusive and sustainable future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The event was attended by Minister of Science and Technology and Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, diplomatic core, Chief Information Officers and technology leaders who are shaping digital transformation across governments, enterprises and societies.\u003C\u002Fp>",104,[30],[],[],"6ab4bd5f3b462735d0d2c5e2",[],"2026-09-24T05:32:25.000Z",{"views":91,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":91},[],{"id":109,"lang":22,"title":110,"subtitle":12,"slug":111,"excerpt":112,"html":113,"readingTimeSec":114,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":115,"tagIds":116,"authorIds":117,"coverMediaId":118,"galleryMediaIds":119,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":120,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":121,"relatedArticleIds":122},"6ab4aeaf3b462735d0d2aa46","Preliminary discussion held on developing Ridi Viharaya as a tourist destination","preliminary-discussion-held-on-developing-ridi-viharaya-as-a-tourist-destination","A preliminary discussion on the proposal to develop the historic Ridi Viharaya in Kurunegala as a tourist destination was held yesterday afternoon (23) at the Presidential Secretariat, under the chairmanship of...","\u003Cp>A preliminary discussion on the proposal to develop the historic Ridi Viharaya in Kurunegala as a tourist destination took place yesterday afternoon (23) at the Presidential Secretariat. Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs Namal Sudarshana and Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake chaired the meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The talks focused on further enhancing the tourism appeal of Ridi Viharaya, a popular attraction in the Kurunegala District of the North Western Province, by preparing systematic development plans centred on the temple while preserving its historical identity and the surrounding ecosystem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was decided to prepare plans within a short period in consultation with the relevant stakeholders and commence the proposed development activities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Chief Incumbent and Trustee of Ridi Viharaya, Ven. Thibbatuwawe Buddharakkhitha Thera, Ven. Ridigama Vanarathana Thera, Member of Parliament M. K. M. Aslam, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Suranjith Wawita, Director General (Planning), Tourism Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H. P. Somathilaka, Deputy Chairman of SLAITO Nilan Wickramasinghe, President of the Ridi Viharaya Young Buddhist Association Upali Anura Pallemulla, Professor W. K. C. Gnanapala, Professor Mohammad Halim Mohammad Aslam, Ridigama Divisional Secretary Kushan Dhananjaya Wickramasuriya, Director of the Wayamba Tourism Authority A. Nalaka Sisira Kumara and a number of officials also attended.\u003C\u002Fp>",59,[30],[],[],"6ab4aeaf3b462735d0d2aa42",[],"2026-09-24T04:07:26.000Z",{"views":75,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":75},[],{"id":124,"lang":22,"title":125,"subtitle":12,"slug":126,"excerpt":127,"html":128,"readingTimeSec":129,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":130,"tagIds":131,"authorIds":132,"coverMediaId":133,"galleryMediaIds":134,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":135,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":136,"relatedArticleIds":138},"6ab4aec53b462735d0d2aa4e","Deep depression crossing Indian coast; rains to continue in southwestern Sri Lanka","deep-depression-crossing-indian-coast-rains-to-continue-in-southwestern-sri-lanka","The Deep Depression over the West-central and adjoining Northwest Bay of Bengal is moving west-northwestwards and is currently crossing the North Andhra Pradesh and adjoining South Odisha coasts of India. Altho...","\u003Cp>A deep depression over the West-central and adjoining Northwest Bay of Bengal is moving west-northwestwards and is currently crossing the North Andhra Pradesh and adjoining South Odisha coasts of India.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The system will not have a direct impact on Sri Lanka. Rainy conditions already prevailing in the southwestern part of the island are expected to continue because of the wind flow towards the system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central and North-western Provinces. Heavy falls above 100 mm are likely at some places in those areas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few showers will occur in North-central province and in Mannar district.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strong winds of about 40-50 kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the Central hills, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee, Hambantota and Matale Districts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.\u003C\u002Fp>",43,[30],[],[],"6a985ebe55750bd6c4a636fb",[],"2026-09-24T04:01:06.000Z",{"views":137,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":137},35,[],{"id":140,"lang":22,"title":141,"subtitle":12,"slug":142,"excerpt":143,"html":144,"readingTimeSec":145,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":146,"tagIds":147,"authorIds":148,"coverMediaId":149,"galleryMediaIds":150,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":151,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":152,"relatedArticleIds":154},"6ab432873b462735d0d1f595","Education committee to appoint subcommittee on Principals’ Service salary disparities","education-committee-to-appoint-subcommittee-on-principals-service-salary-disparities","The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Manpower and Human Capital has decided to appoint a Parliamentary subcommittee to study the salary disparities arising when teachers are appointed to the Principal...","\u003Cp>The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Manpower and Human Capital has decided to appoint a Parliamentary subcommittee to study salary disparities that arise when teachers are appointed to the Principals’ Service, as well as the resulting reluctance among senior teachers to enter that service, and to make recommendations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The issues were discussed when the committee met in Parliament recently under the chairmanship of Member of Parliament, Attorney-at-Law Hesha Withanage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Particular attention was drawn to a salary disparity under the Sri Lanka Principals’ Service Minute issued on 22 October 2014, which treats entry into the Principals’ Service from the Teachers’ Service as a “new appointment” rather than a “promotion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Officials pointed out that the situation is further aggravated by a significant difference in salary increments when a teacher is appointed from Grade 1 of the Teachers’ Service to Grade III of the Principals’ Service. They also noted that although an adjustment allowance was introduced under Circular No. 03\u002F2014 to address the salary difference at the time of appointment to the Principals’ Service, a salary gap emerges again as service progresses because those teachers do not receive the higher salary increments they would have received had they remained in the Teachers’ Service.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was also discussed that, as a result, senior and experienced teachers in Grades 1 and 2-I of the Teachers’ Service are being discouraged from sitting for the Principals’ Service examination and entering the Principals’ Service. Attention was accordingly drawn to amending the Service Minute so that entry into the Principals’ Service from the Teachers’ Service would be treated as a “promotion” rather than a “new appointment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The procedure for granting promotions within the Teachers’ Service was also discussed. The committee pointed out that a newly appointed teacher entering the service with a university qualification takes approximately 19 years of service to reach Grade 1 of the Teachers’ Service.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Attention was also drawn to the direct recruitment of Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) graduates to Grade 2 of the Teachers’ Service in accordance with the Teachers’ Service Minute. It was revealed that a verbal agreement had been reached with the Public Service Commission to recruit B.Ed. graduates as teachers under the previous system until 2030. It was stated that a Cabinet Memorandum has been submitted to recruit B.Ed. graduates to Grade 2 of the Teachers’ Service during this year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was also discussed that these recruitments are planned to be carried out separately from the ongoing recruitment process for 23,000 teachers, based on subject-specific vacancies existing at provincial level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The committee also considered the need to give universities until 2030 to update B.Ed. degree programmes so that they correspond with the actual subject requirements of the school system. In particular, it highlighted the need to introduce specialised B.Ed. programmes in fields such as Science, Mathematics and Primary Education.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The committee also considered the recovery of excess salary payments made to 261 laboratory attendants and security guards in the Southern Province. It was revealed that approximately Rs. 50.8 million had been overpaid after the employees were placed on the 12th salary step instead of the initial salary step of the relevant salary scale in 2008 and 2009. It was stated that the matter was identified in 2016 and was subsequently examined through an audit query in 2022. To date, Rs. 15.1 million has been recovered through the suspension of salary increments and deductions from salaries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Representatives who appeared before the committee pointed out that the employees were not directly responsible for this administrative error and that their letters of appointment had specified a particular salary scale. The committee decided to bring the matter to the attention of the Governor of the Southern Province by way of a letter, with a view to obtaining his positive intervention regarding the difficulties faced by the employees.\u003C\u002Fp>",172,[30],[],[],"6ab432873b462735d0d1f591",[],"2026-09-23T08:20:19.000Z",{"views":153,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":153},42,[],{"id":156,"lang":22,"title":157,"subtitle":12,"slug":158,"excerpt":159,"html":160,"readingTimeSec":59,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":161,"tagIds":162,"authorIds":163,"coverMediaId":164,"galleryMediaIds":165,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":166,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":167,"relatedArticleIds":169},"6ab432ad3b462735d0d1f5ce","President Dissanayake appoints three new High Court Judges","president-dissanayake-appoints-three-new-high-court-judges","Three new High Court Judges have been appointed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Accordingly, Mr Perumal Sivakumar, a Special Grade officer of the Judicial Service serving as District Judge of Jaffna; Ms ...","\u003Cp>President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed three new High Court Judges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They are Mr Perumal Sivakumar, a Special Grade officer of the Judicial Service serving as District Judge of Jaffna; Ms Anandi Kanagaratnam, a Special Grade officer of the Judicial Service serving as Senior Assistant Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission; and Mr Gnanesa Lalith Kannangara, a Special Grade officer of the Judicial Service serving as District Judge of Colombo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>President Dissanayake handed over the letters of appointment to the three appointees at the President’s Office this morning (23). Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake was also present.\u003C\u002Fp>",[30],[],[],"6ab432ad3b462735d0d1f5ca",[],"2026-09-23T07:30:12.000Z",{"views":168,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":168},39,[],{"id":171,"lang":22,"title":172,"subtitle":12,"slug":173,"excerpt":174,"html":175,"readingTimeSec":176,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":177,"tagIds":178,"authorIds":179,"coverMediaId":180,"galleryMediaIds":181,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":182,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":183,"relatedArticleIds":184},"6ab432873b462735d0d1f59f","Speaker endorses Chief of Defence Staff (Repeal) Bill","speaker-endorses-chief-of-defence-staff-repeal-bill","Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne endorsed the certificate on the Chief of Defence Staff (Repeal) Bill on 22nd September. The Bill was presented to Parliament for its First Reading on 4th August 2026. The debate...","\u003Cp>Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne endorsed the certificate on the Chief of Defence Staff (Repeal) Bill on 22nd September. The Bill comes into force as the Chief of Defence Staff (Repeal) Act, No. 22 of 2026.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Bill was introduced to repeal the Chief of Defence Staff Act, No. 35 of 2009, which established the office of the Chief of Defence Staff. With the repeal of that Act, the office of the Chief of Defence Staff will also cease to exist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Bill was presented to Parliament for its First Reading on 4th August 2026. Debate on the Second Reading was held on 9th September 2026, after which the Bill was passed without a division.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Act enacted in 2009 established the office to carry out functions including the coordination of activities between the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence, in accordance with prevailing requirements. Upon the commencement of this Act, all movable and immovable property belonging to the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff will be transferred to the Ministry of Defence.\u003C\u002Fp>",47,[30],[],[],"6ab432873b462735d0d1f59b",[],"2026-09-23T06:27:37.000Z",{"views":168,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":168},[]]