[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"taxonomy":3,"breaking":4,"article-scholarship-programme-expands-for-estate-sector-students":18,"comments-scholarship-programme-expands-for-estate-sector-students":51,"related-scholarship-programme-expands-for-estate-sector-students":59},true,{"data":5},{"articles":6,"ticker":7},[],[8,12,15],{"id":9,"text":10,"link":11},"6a88f1671984b727d3b0b4a0","Parliament passes amended budget bill after marathon debate",null,{"id":13,"text":14,"link":11},"6a88f1671984b727d3b0b4a1","Central Bank holds policy rate steady amid inflation concerns",{"id":16,"text":17,"link":11},"6a88f1671984b727d3b0b4a2","Sri Lanka clinches series win over Bangladesh in thrilling finish",{"data":19},{"id":20,"lang":21,"title":22,"subtitle":23,"slug":24,"excerpt":25,"html":26,"readingTimeSec":27,"seo":11,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":31,"tagIds":32,"authorIds":36,"coverMediaId":38,"galleryMediaIds":39,"videoUrl":11,"publishedAt":40,"isBreaking":41,"isFeatured":41,"isPinned":41,"allowComments":3,"visibility":42,"location":11,"stats":43,"relatedArticleIds":50},"6a88f166ae8b28c3f2a59155","en","Scholarship Programme Expands for Estate Sector Students","The fund will cover tuition and transport costs for qualifying families.","scholarship-programme-expands-for-estate-sector-students","The fund will cover tuition and transport costs for qualifying families. Figures shared with reporters show a 21% change compared to the same period last year.","\u003Cp>Figures shared with reporters show a 21% change compared to the same period last year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Officials say similar initiatives elsewhere have produced encouraging early results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cp>This is a meaningful step, but sustained effort is what will make it count.\u003C\u002Fp>Ministry Official\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\u003Cul>\u003Cli>Officials confirmed the details in a press briefing on Matara\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Similar programmes are being considered for other districts\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>A follow-up review is scheduled within the next few months\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cfigure>\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Fed1fa8ff-504a-4e1a-8f56-7db6c2aa98b4\u002Foriginal.jpg\" alt=\"Education illustration\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Education — file photo\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003Cp>Authorities say progress will be reviewed again before the end of the year.\u003C\u002Fp>",30,"standard","published","6a88f1651984b727d3b0ad20",[30],[33,34,35],"6a88f1651984b727d3b0ad36","6a88f1651984b727d3b0ad33","6a88f1651984b727d3b0ad32",[37],"6a88f1651984b727d3b0ad42","6a88f165ae8b28c3f2a59056",[],"2026-08-15T00:46:30.101Z",false,"public",{"views":44,"uniqueViews":45,"shares":46,"comments":47,"likes":48,"trendScore":49},496,366,7,1,14,110,[],{"data":52,"meta":58},[53],{"id":54,"articleId":20,"parentId":11,"authorName":55,"body":56,"likes":27,"createdAt":57},"6a88f1661984b727d3b0b3d5","Kumari Gunawardena","This affects my area directly, thanks for covering it.","2026-08-08T00:46:30.642Z",{"total":47,"page":47,"limit":27,"hasMore":41},{"data":60},[61,82,102,124,145],{"id":62,"lang":21,"title":63,"subtitle":64,"slug":65,"excerpt":66,"html":67,"readingTimeSec":27,"seo":11,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":68,"tagIds":69,"authorIds":71,"coverMediaId":38,"galleryMediaIds":73,"videoUrl":11,"publishedAt":74,"isBreaking":41,"isFeatured":41,"isPinned":41,"allowComments":3,"visibility":42,"location":11,"stats":75,"relatedArticleIds":81},"6a88f166ae8b28c3f2a59159","National Reading Week Encourages Literacy Among Children","Schools and libraries islandwide are hosting storytelling and book-swap events.","national-reading-week-encourages-literacy-among-children","Schools and libraries islandwide are hosting storytelling and book-swap events. Figures shared with reporters show a 19% change compared to the same period last year.","\u003Cp>Figures shared with reporters show a 19% change compared to the same period last year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Officials say similar initiatives elsewhere have produced encouraging early results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cp>We are listening closely to feedback from the communities most affected.\u003C\u002Fp>Programme Coordinator\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\u003Cul>\u003Cli>Officials confirmed the details in a press briefing on Colombo\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>A follow-up review is scheduled within the next few months\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Community groups welcomed the announcement\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cfigure>\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Fc13f0fed-f029-4f0c-b814-565d2ea8c90a\u002Foriginal.jpg\" alt=\"Education illustration\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Education — file photo\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003Cp>More updates are expected in the coming weeks as the situation develops.\u003C\u002Fp>",[30],[70,34],"6a88f1651984b727d3b0ad35",[72],"6a88f1651984b727d3b0ad43",[],"2026-08-15T00:46:30.107Z",{"views":76,"uniqueViews":77,"shares":78,"comments":47,"likes":79,"trendScore":80},1215,850,8,10,253,[],{"id":83,"lang":21,"title":84,"subtitle":85,"slug":86,"excerpt":87,"html":88,"readingTimeSec":27,"seo":11,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":89,"tagIds":90,"authorIds":93,"coverMediaId":38,"galleryMediaIds":94,"videoUrl":11,"publishedAt":95,"isBreaking":41,"isFeatured":41,"isPinned":41,"allowComments":3,"visibility":42,"location":11,"stats":96,"relatedArticleIds":101},"6a88f166ae8b28c3f2a5915c","Vocational Training Centres to Open in Five Districts","The centres will offer courses in construction trades and hospitality.","vocational-training-centres-to-open-in-five-districts","The centres will offer courses in construction trades and hospitality. The development was confirmed by officials in Negombo this week, following months of preparation behind the scenes.","\u003Cp>The development was confirmed by officials in Negombo this week, following months of preparation behind the scenes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Officials say similar initiatives elsewhere have produced encouraging early results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cp>We are listening closely to feedback from the communities most affected.\u003C\u002Fp>Programme Coordinator\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\u003Cul>\u003Cli>Community groups welcomed the announcement\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>A follow-up review is scheduled within the next few months\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Officials confirmed the details in a press briefing on Negombo\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Similar programmes are being considered for other districts\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Authorities say progress will be reviewed again before the end of the year.\u003C\u002Fp>",[30],[91,92],"6a88f1651984b727d3b0ad2e","6a88f1651984b727d3b0ad2f",[72],[],"2026-08-11T00:46:30.112Z",{"views":97,"uniqueViews":98,"shares":99,"comments":47,"likes":48,"trendScore":100},1727,1376,0,226,[],{"id":103,"lang":21,"title":104,"subtitle":105,"slug":106,"excerpt":107,"html":108,"readingTimeSec":27,"seo":11,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":109,"tagIds":110,"authorIds":114,"coverMediaId":38,"galleryMediaIds":115,"videoUrl":11,"publishedAt":116,"isBreaking":41,"isFeatured":3,"isPinned":41,"allowComments":3,"visibility":42,"location":11,"stats":117,"relatedArticleIds":123},"6a88f166ae8b28c3f2a59151","Teachers Union Calls Off Strike After Salary Agreement","Classes resume islandwide after a deal was reached late Tuesday night.","teachers-union-calls-off-strike-after-salary-agreement","Classes resume islandwide after a deal was reached late Tuesday night. Figures shared with reporters show a 3% change compared to the same period last year.","\u003Cp>Figures shared with reporters show a 3% change compared to the same period last year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Officials say similar initiatives elsewhere have produced encouraging early results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cp>This is a meaningful step, but sustained effort is what will make it count.\u003C\u002Fp>Ministry Official\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\u003Cul>\u003Cli>Officials confirmed the details in a press briefing on Jaffna\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Community groups welcomed the announcement\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Similar programmes are being considered for other districts\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>A follow-up review is scheduled within the next few months\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>More updates are expected in the coming weeks as the situation develops.\u003C\u002Fp>",[30],[111,112,113],"6a88f1651984b727d3b0ad31","6a88f1651984b727d3b0ad2a","6a88f1651984b727d3b0ad39",[37],[],"2026-06-30T00:46:30.088Z",{"views":118,"uniqueViews":119,"shares":120,"comments":47,"likes":121,"trendScore":122},4455,3764,9,60,105,[],{"id":125,"lang":21,"title":126,"subtitle":127,"slug":128,"excerpt":129,"html":130,"readingTimeSec":27,"seo":11,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":131,"tagIds":132,"authorIds":134,"coverMediaId":38,"galleryMediaIds":136,"videoUrl":11,"publishedAt":137,"isBreaking":41,"isFeatured":41,"isPinned":41,"allowComments":3,"visibility":42,"location":11,"stats":138,"relatedArticleIds":144},"6a88f166ae8b28c3f2a59147","Education Ministry Reforms A-Level Curriculum for 2027","The changes add more practical assessment alongside traditional exams.","education-ministry-reforms-a-level-curriculum-for-2027","The changes add more practical assessment alongside traditional exams. The development was confirmed by officials in Batticaloa this week, following months of preparation behind the scenes.","\u003Cp>The development was confirmed by officials in Batticaloa this week, following months of preparation behind the scenes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Officials say similar initiatives elsewhere have produced encouraging early results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cp>The numbers are encouraging, but there is still a lot of work ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>Independent Analyst\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\u003Cul>\u003Cli>Officials confirmed the details in a press briefing on Batticaloa\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Similar programmes are being considered for other districts\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>A follow-up review is scheduled within the next few months\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cfigure>\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002F8e35b9eb-b1a2-433a-9f4c-95c6b157a2ac\u002Foriginal.jpg\" alt=\"Education illustration\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Education — file photo\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003Cp>More updates are expected in the coming weeks as the situation develops.\u003C\u002Fp>",[30],[34,133],"6a88f1651984b727d3b0ad25",[37,135],"6a88f1651984b727d3b0ad41",[],"2026-06-30T00:46:30.061Z",{"views":139,"uniqueViews":140,"shares":141,"comments":99,"likes":142,"trendScore":143},2841,2097,17,102,65,[],{"id":146,"lang":21,"title":147,"subtitle":148,"slug":149,"excerpt":150,"html":151,"readingTimeSec":27,"seo":11,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":152,"tagIds":153,"authorIds":156,"coverMediaId":38,"galleryMediaIds":157,"videoUrl":11,"publishedAt":158,"isBreaking":41,"isFeatured":41,"isPinned":41,"allowComments":3,"visibility":42,"location":11,"stats":159,"relatedArticleIds":165},"6a88f166ae8b28c3f2a5914a","University Entrance Cut-Off Marks Released for Science Stream","This year’s marks rose slightly compared to the previous intake.","university-entrance-cut-off-marks-released-for-science-stream","This year’s marks rose slightly compared to the previous intake. The initiative is expected to reach roughly 1399 people across the country in its first phase.","\u003Cp>The initiative is expected to reach roughly 1399 people across the country in its first phase.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Officials say similar initiatives elsewhere have produced encouraging early results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cp>We are listening closely to feedback from the communities most affected.\u003C\u002Fp>Programme Coordinator\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\u003Cul>\u003Cli>Similar programmes are being considered for other districts\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Officials confirmed the details in a press briefing on Kandy\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Community groups welcomed the announcement\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>A follow-up review is scheduled within the next few months\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>More updates are expected in the coming weeks as the situation develops.\u003C\u002Fp>",[30],[133,154,155],"6a88f1651984b727d3b0ad2c","6a88f1651984b727d3b0ad37",[72],[],"2026-05-25T00:46:30.071Z",{"views":160,"uniqueViews":161,"shares":162,"comments":99,"likes":163,"trendScore":164},2980,2239,31,81,38,[]]