[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"taxonomy":4,"article-world-habitat-day-to-be-celebrated-on-october-5-under-the-theme-a-safe-home-for-all":5,"breaking":30,"cover-media-world-habitat-day-to-be-celebrated-on-october-5-under-the-theme-a-safe-home-for-all":43,"comments-world-habitat-day-to-be-celebrated-on-october-5-under-the-theme-a-safe-home-for-all":55,"related-world-habitat-day-to-be-celebrated-on-october-5-under-the-theme-a-safe-home-for-all":60},[4,4],true,{"data":6},{"id":7,"lang":8,"title":9,"subtitle":10,"slug":11,"excerpt":12,"html":13,"readingTimeSec":14,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":18,"tagIds":19,"authorIds":20,"coverMediaId":21,"galleryMediaIds":22,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":23,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":26,"relatedArticleIds":29},"6abcfb3f3b462735d0e2b491","en","World Habitat Day to be celebrated on October 5 under the theme “A Safe Home for All”",null,"world-habitat-day-to-be-celebrated-on-october-5-under-the-theme-a-safe-home-for-all","All arrangements have been made to celebrate World Habitat Day on October 5 under the theme “A Safe Home for All,” with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya as the chief guest, Minister of Housing, Constructio...","\u003Cp>Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Dr. H.M. Susil Ranasinghe said all arrangements have been made to celebrate World Habitat Day on October 5 under the theme “A Safe Home for All,” with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya as the chief guest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dr. Ranasinghe made the remarks at a special media briefing held today (30) at the Department of Government Information. He said a Habitat Week will also be conducted islandwide in conjunction with World Habitat Day celebrations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As part of the programme, 5,000 houses constructed with government assistance will be handed over to the public on World Habitat Day, he said. The government aims to construct 30,000 houses by December 31, with the objective of providing a safe home for every person. Priority will be given to low-income families in the allocation of these houses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The minister said community participation will be obtained for the construction of the houses. The government has provided plans for houses of approximately 550 square feet, ensuring that beneficiaries receive fully completed homes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Houses will also be provided to families who lost their homes due to the war in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, with the government allocating Rs. 2 million per house. Under the Yathiwara Mapiya Programme, Rs. 1.5 million will be allocated for each house, while Rs. 2 million will be provided for safe houses constructed for institutionalized children. Families who have completely lost their homes due to Cyclone Ditwah will receive Rs. 5 million per family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The minister also said the government has allocated Rs. 500 million for housing loans for public sector employees, with the government bearing four percentage points of the applicable interest rate. Migrant workers will be able to obtain housing loans of up to Rs. 10 million at an interest rate of 15%, with part of the interest to be subsidized by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said the selection of low-income beneficiaries will not be based on political affiliations. Applicants can provide their information to the Housing Officer at their respective Divisional Secretariat.\u003C\u002Fp>",93,"standard","published","6a8de2d51984b727d3b0b545",[17],[],[],"6abcfb3f3b462735d0e2b48d",[],"2026-09-30T11:50:14.000Z",false,"public",{"views":27,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":27},24,0,[],{"data":31},{"articles":32,"ticker":33},[],[34,37,40],{"id":35,"text":36,"link":10},"6a88f1671984b727d3b0b4a0","Parliament passes amended budget bill after marathon debate",{"id":38,"text":39,"link":10},"6a88f1671984b727d3b0b4a1","Central Bank holds policy rate steady amid inflation concerns",{"id":41,"text":42,"link":10},"6a88f1671984b727d3b0b4a2","Sri Lanka clinches series win over Bangladesh in thrilling finish",{"data":44},{"id":21,"url":45,"width":46,"height":47,"variants":48,"alt":10,"caption":10,"credit":10},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.newsradio.lk\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002F9f115533-a04a-4d2c-a092-6c64c4d8779b\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\u002F9f115533-a04a-4d2c-a092-6c64c4d8779b\u002Fthumb.webp",{"data":56,"meta":57},[],{"total":28,"page":58,"limit":59,"hasMore":24},1,30,{"data":61},[62,77,93,110,126,142,158,174],{"id":63,"lang":8,"title":64,"subtitle":10,"slug":65,"excerpt":66,"html":67,"readingTimeSec":59,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":68,"tagIds":69,"authorIds":70,"coverMediaId":71,"galleryMediaIds":72,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":73,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":74,"relatedArticleIds":76},"6abcfaff3b462735d0e2b18e","Prime Minister participates in National AI Expo 2026 second-day inauguration","prime-minister-participates-in-national-ai-expo-2026-second-day-inauguration","Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the official inauguration of the second day of National AI Expo 2026 held on 30 September at the Monarch Imperial under the theme AI Amplified. The exhibiti...","\u003Cp>Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya took part in the official inauguration of the second day of National AI Expo 2026 on 30 September at the Monarch Imperial. The exhibition was held under the theme AI Amplified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ministry of Digital Economy and SLT-MOBITEL jointly organised the exhibition, giving students an opportunity to engage with developments in the field of artificial intelligence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than 60 speakers from 16 countries joined representatives from government, industry, startups and academia at the two-day event on 29 and 30 September to showcase products, debate policy and accelerate AI adoption across Sri Lanka.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prime Minister visited the industrial and educational exhibition stalls while at the event.\u003C\u002Fp>",[17],[],[],"6abcfaff3b462735d0e2b18a",[],"2026-09-30T11:27:20.000Z",{"views":75,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":59},31,[],{"id":78,"lang":8,"title":79,"subtitle":10,"slug":80,"excerpt":81,"html":82,"readingTimeSec":83,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":84,"tagIds":85,"authorIds":86,"coverMediaId":87,"galleryMediaIds":88,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":89,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":90,"relatedArticleIds":92},"6abcfb3f3b462735d0e2b49b","President instructs officials to establish mechanism to engage parents against drug menace","president-instructs-officials-to-establish-mechanism-to-engage-parents-against-drug-menace","President Anura Kumara Dissanayake instructed officials to establish a mechanism to actively engage parents in protecting children from the drug menace. He emphasised that protecting children from this menace d...","\u003Cp>President Anura Kumara Dissanayake instructed officials to establish a mechanism to actively engage parents in protecting children from the drug menace. He issued the instructions at a meeting of the “A Nation United” National Steering Committee, established to eradicate the drug menace from the country, held this morning (30) at the Presidential Secretariat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The President emphasised that protecting children from this menace depends more on strong parent-child relationships than on the law alone. He also stressed the need to directly educate parents on the seriousness of the drug menace and how to monitor their children’s behaviour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He highlighted the need for a trusted individual to provide guidance to parents if their children are at risk of being exposed to drug use, noting that parents generally seek the assistance of a teacher or religious leader in such situations. He instructed officials to develop a systematic programme to provide reliable guidance, taking this into consideration, and pointed out the need for special training if teachers are to be involved in the programme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The President further emphasised the need to strengthen the programme being implemented to dismantle the distribution networks linked to the drug trade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was noted that the number of forensic reports completed daily has increased following the expansion of facilities and improved efficiency at the Government Analyst’s Department. A total of 8,000 forensic reports related to drugs were completed during September alone. Data entry activities have also been strengthened with the assistance of Navy personnel. It was further revealed that the improved efficiency in obtaining forensic reports has enabled a significant number of persons remanded in custody for drug-related offences to be released on bail, thereby helping to reduce prison overcrowding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The President instructed officials to refer the new Bill on drug control, which has been presented to Parliament, to the Committee in the first week of October, obtain approval and take steps to have it passed by Parliament by the third week of October.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Discussions were also held on developing a centralised digital system and software linking the Police, the Government Analyst’s Department, the Department of Prisons and the judicial system. The President instructed officials to discuss the matter with the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and other relevant officials and take steps to address the practical issues involved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He inquired into the measures taken to facilitate the direct submission of expert reports and Government Analyst’s reports to the courts by email, in accordance with the Act No. 07 of 2025. He also reviewed the measures taken to fill vacancies in the Legal Draftsman’s Department.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Programmes implemented in international schools to combat the drug menace and their effectiveness were also reviewed. The President highlighted the need to develop social media programmes targeting the younger generation to raise awareness of the dangerous consequences of drug use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Discussions were also held on the drug-related challenge spreading in the Northern and Eastern regions following the war, and the programmes being implemented to address this challenge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The President highlighted the importance of maintaining the 1818 hotline, introduced to provide information on drug trafficking, distribution and related illegal activities, and conducting a publicity programme on the response to information received through the 1818 hotline to strengthen public confidence in the service.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also reviewed the progress of the rehabilitation process, including measures to increase the capacity of rehabilitation centres.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Maha Sangha, including Most Venerable Narampanawe Ananda Thera, the Anunayake of the Asgiri Chapter, Most Venerable Waleboda Gunasiri Thera, Anunayake of the Ramanna Maha Nikaya and Most Venerable Kuppiyawatte Bodhananda Thera, together with members of the clergy, including Reverend Nishantha Fernando, Sri Velu Suresh Sharma Kurukkal, Muththusamy Alagesan Kurukkal and Sheikh Mohamed Arkam Nooramith Moulavi, also participated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Ravi Seneviratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government S. Aloka Bandara, Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration Ayesha Jinaseena, other ministry secretaries, government officials, the Inspector General of Police, and representatives of the security forces, including the Commanders of the three Armed Forces, Members of the “A Nation United” National Steering Committee were also present.\u003C\u002Fp>",194,[17],[],[],"6abcfb3f3b462735d0e2b497",[],"2026-09-30T11:22:39.000Z",{"views":91,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":91},32,[],{"id":94,"lang":8,"title":95,"subtitle":10,"slug":96,"excerpt":97,"html":98,"readingTimeSec":99,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":100,"tagIds":101,"authorIds":102,"coverMediaId":103,"galleryMediaIds":104,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":105,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":106,"relatedArticleIds":109},"6abcb3e13b462735d0e1a0dd","PM says aesthetic education vital to producing talented artists and humane doctors and engineers","pm-says-aesthetic-education-vital-to-producing-talented-artists-and-humane-doctors-and-engineers","Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government aims to produce not only talented artists, but also doctors who understand the pain of their patients and engineers who possess a strong sense of...","\u003Cp>Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said on 29 September that the Government aims to produce not only talented artists, but also doctors who understand the pain of their patients and engineers who possess a strong sense of humanity. She said aesthetic education plays a vital role in achieving that objective.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dr. Amarasuriya was attending the opening of Galle Bataduwa Sri Rathanajothi Vidyalaya as a specialized school offering all aesthetic subjects, with the objective of identifying and nurturing the aesthetic talents of children in the Southern Province.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister said education is not merely about passing examinations or accumulating certificates, but about producing sensitive and responsible citizens who understand the society in which they live and are capable of bringing about positive change within it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said aesthetic education develops not only children’s creativity, but also human values such as the ability to recognize the pain of others and respect diversity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emphasizing the economic importance of aesthetic education in addition to its human value, the Prime Minister said the forthcoming education reforms are expected to introduce a range of new fields that extend beyond traditional disciplines and can be directly connected to the economy. She also emphasized the importance of preparing Sri Lankan children for the economic and professional opportunities emerging globally through new fields such as digital art, new media, film, music technology and the creative industries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prime Minister said arrangements have been made to implement education reforms for Grades 2 and 6 next year and that Cabinet approval was granted on 28 September for the 13-year curriculum framework, the concept paper of the National Education Commission and the student assessment framework related to these reforms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya further stated: “We are moving through a transformative era. Our country is undergoing an awakening and change in every sector. Our people are moving forward in various fields, just as they are in the economy. For the first time, a film from our country has been selected for submission to the Academy Awards. Likewise, Rumesha Tharanga won a gold medal at the Asian Games. At a time when the country is moving forward with many such achievements, I hope that the Bataduwa Rathanajothi School of Aesthetic Education will also mark the beginning of many achievements by producing exceptionally talented individuals capable of achieving victories at the global level. The world is open to us. Opportunities are opening up to us. Achievements are within our reach. Therefore, this beginning is extremely important. Through this beginning, I believe that all of you will not only learn history, but will also be able to rewrite history.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage, addressing the occasion, said education has been given the highest priority in the development process of the present Government and that one of its key objectives is to build a human resource that is sensitive to society and the environment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chairman of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) and Member of Parliament Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera said the Government is directing the education sector towards new concepts and models with the aim of producing a generation of children with a broad vision that extends beyond existing limitations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The occasion was attended by Ven. Nakiadeniye Gnanuttara Thero and members of the Maha Sangha, Southern Province Governor Professor Susiripala Manawadu, Members of Parliament Arosha Liyanage, Thilanka U. Gamage and Lal Premanath, Vice Chancellor of the University of Visual and Performing Arts Professor Rohan Nethsinghe, government officials, Principal Sumith Samarawickrama, members of the academic staff and a large number of students.\u003C\u002Fp>",162,[17],[],[],"6abcb3e13b462735d0e1a0d9",[],"2026-09-30T06:42:35.000Z",{"views":107,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":108},29,28,[],{"id":111,"lang":8,"title":112,"subtitle":10,"slug":113,"excerpt":114,"html":115,"readingTimeSec":116,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":117,"tagIds":118,"authorIds":119,"coverMediaId":120,"galleryMediaIds":121,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":122,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":123,"relatedArticleIds":125},"6abc97a63b462735d0e139e9","President reviews digitalisation of local authorities and Divisional Secretariats","president-reviews-digitalisation-of-local-authorities-and-divisional-secretariats","A progress review discussion on the programmes to digitalise local authorities and Divisional Secretariats, being implemented under the Government’s digital transformation programme aimed at ensuring faster, mo...","\u003Cp>President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday afternoon (29) chaired a progress review at the Presidential Secretariat on programmes to digitalise local authorities and Divisional Secretariats. The programmes are being implemented under the Government’s digital transformation programme aimed at ensuring faster, more efficient and transparent public services.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meeting included an extensive discussion on the “National Framework for the Digitalisation of Local Authorities”, which is currently being developed by the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The President instructed officials to identify the full range of functions that a local authority is required to perform for citizens, distinguish between the services that can and cannot be incorporated into the digital system, and examine whether all such services are covered by the systems currently in operation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Establishing a single national system covering the entire public service, instead of separate systems operated independently by different institutions, was also discussed. The President emphasised the need for the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government and the Ministry of Digital Economy to work in close coordination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He instructed that three officers from the Ministry of Digital Economy be assigned to efficiently coordinate the further development of the national system operated under the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, while identifying shortcomings in existing systems and making the necessary amendments and improvements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Digital mechanisms developed to provide services to the public through local authorities were also discussed, including rates payments, miscellaneous revenue payments such as charges for display boards and bookings of playgrounds and public halls, shop rentals, water bill payments, and obtaining various permits and licences, as well as digital systems established to enable the public to obtain prompt solutions to their grievances. Particular attention was also paid to ways in which systems such as GovPay could be further developed through this programme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Digitalisation being implemented at Divisional Secretariat level was also discussed. More than 300 services currently provided by Divisional Secretariats have been identified, and the progress of networking services from the Grama Niladhari level through to the Divisional Secretariat and District Secretariat levels was reviewed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Attention was also focused on the digitalisation process currently being implemented at Divisional Secretariats in the Polonnaruwa District. The meeting discussed the success and experiences relating to activities such as the purchase of paddy and the provision of relief during disasters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The President instructed that, under the Divisional Secretariat Digitalisation Programme, the programme should initially be implemented as a fully equipped model module based on one selected district, with all necessary facilities incorporated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The “GovHR” digital system, which is being implemented to digitalise the entire process relating to public officers from the date of their appointment until their retirement, was also discussed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Senior Adviser to the President on Digital Economy Hans Wijayasuriya, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Aloka Bandara, Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy Waruna Sri Dhanapala, ministry secretaries and heads of relevant line agencies were among those present.\u003C\u002Fp>",142,[17],[],[],"6abc97a63b462735d0e139e5",[],"2026-09-30T04:37:15.000Z",{"views":124,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":124},38,[],{"id":127,"lang":8,"title":128,"subtitle":10,"slug":129,"excerpt":130,"html":131,"readingTimeSec":132,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":133,"tagIds":134,"authorIds":135,"coverMediaId":136,"galleryMediaIds":137,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":138,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":139,"relatedArticleIds":141},"6abc89a83b462735d0e10d5a","Afternoon thundershowers likely from October 1st in most parts of the island","afternoon-thundershowers-likely-from-october-1st-in-most-parts-of-the-island","The atmospheric conditions are getting favorable for afternoon thundershowers in most parts of the island from October 1st.  Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in Uva, Eastern and Central pro...","\u003Cp>Atmospheric conditions are becoming favorable for afternoon thundershowers in most parts of the island from October 1st.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Showers or thundershowers may occur after 1.00 p.m. at several places in the Uva, Eastern and Central provinces and in the Polonnaruwa and Mullaittivu districts. Fairly heavy falls above 50 mm are likely at some places in those areas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few showers may occur during the morning in the coastal areas of the Western Province and in the Galle and Matara districts. Misty conditions can be expected at some places in the Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces during the early hours of the morning.\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>",34,[17],[],[],"6a985ebe55750bd6c4a636fb",[],"2026-09-30T03:54:53.000Z",{"views":140,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":140},33,[],{"id":143,"lang":8,"title":144,"subtitle":10,"slug":145,"excerpt":146,"html":147,"readingTimeSec":148,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":149,"tagIds":150,"authorIds":151,"coverMediaId":152,"galleryMediaIds":153,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":154,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":155,"relatedArticleIds":157},"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,[17],[],[],"6abb715f3b462735d0dcce88",[],"2026-09-29T07:55:32.000Z",{"views":156,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":156},61,[],{"id":159,"lang":8,"title":160,"subtitle":10,"slug":161,"excerpt":162,"html":163,"readingTimeSec":164,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":165,"tagIds":166,"authorIds":167,"coverMediaId":168,"galleryMediaIds":169,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":170,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":171,"relatedArticleIds":173},"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,[17],[],[],"6abb71773b462735d0dccea7",[],"2026-09-29T07:34:38.000Z",{"views":172,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":172},55,[],{"id":175,"lang":8,"title":176,"subtitle":10,"slug":177,"excerpt":178,"html":179,"readingTimeSec":180,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":181,"tagIds":182,"authorIds":183,"coverMediaId":184,"galleryMediaIds":185,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":186,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":187,"relatedArticleIds":189},"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,[17],[],[],"6abb715f3b462735d0dcce92",[],"2026-09-29T07:20:28.000Z",{"views":188,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":188},49,[]]