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“Artha” National Programme: realizing another promise of the government – PM
In line with the President’s vision that no child should be left behind and the future well-being of all children must be ensured, one of the strongest commitments included in the election manifesto of the National People’s Power (NPP) government has now taken its first step toward realization with the official launch of the “Artha” National Programme.
The inaugural ceremony of the national initiative to provide a monthly allowance of Rs. 5,000 to children residing in orphanages and child care centers with the aim of uplifting their lives, was held on July 15 in Colombo with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
The “Artha” National Programme which launched under the guidance of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs is implemented in partnership with the National Savings Bank. From the monthly allowances of Rs. 5,000 allocated by the government per child, Rs. 3,000 will be provided to the management of the care homes for the children’s daily needs, while the remaining Rs. 2,000 will be deposited into a bank account under the child’s name. This saving is intended for the child to use in the future for educational or professional purposes upon reintegration into society.
Addressing the event, the Prime Minister emphasized that:
“Children who have lost the opportunity to live in their family homes under parental care for various reasons, children’s homes or similar care institutions become their final option. Ensuring the current well-being as well as the future security of children living in these institutions is a responsibility of the government.
As a government, we are responsible for guaranteeing the education and monitoring the physical and mental well-being of these children. The state cannot neglect the responsibility of caring for every child, regardless of their circumstances. In that regard, the “Artha” initiative being launched today becomes a meaningful national project. The main objective and vision of the Artha” initiative is to safeguard the present and future of these children without harming their identity.”
The Prime Minister further added that the children in care homes should be treated as our very own children, and we must remember that they are equally entitled to all the rights and privileges afforded to other children. Ensuring those child rights is also a core goal of the “Artha” programme. While stating that it is everyone’s responsibility to treat these children with dignity, the Prime Minister called upon the Department of Probation and Child Care Services, which holds the main responsibility for the protection and welfare of these children, to fulfill their role properly.
A budget of Rs. 1 billion has been allocated for this project through the government’s first budget and through this, the Artha programme will provide Rs. 5,000 monthly to 9,191 children who have been abandoned, orphaned, or placed under institutional care through court orders residing in 356 child care institutions across the country. There are 356 institutions in this regard of taking care of children.
Addressing the gathering as the subject Minister, Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj stated that this is the first time in history that a government has implemented such a systematic plan to take responsibility for children living outside of their biological families. She emphasized that this is a humane responsibility and added that all citizens of the country have contributed to making this initiative a reality.
The event was attended by Deputy Speaker Mohamed Risvi Hameed, Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara, Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs Dr. Namal Sudarshana, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhantri, Secretary to the Ministry K.D. Olga, including the Chairman of the National Savings Bank, other ministers, district secretaries, and public officials, and caretakers and administrators of child care centers benefiting from the Artha programme, as well as children representing care homes, who brighten the event with their talents.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
The United States declared independence from the British crown 250 years ago – but this week, it could not get enough of it.
From the minute King Charles and Queen Camilla stepped onto the White House South Lawn, US networks dumped their standard diet of political warfare and breaking news for something rare: pure pageantry.
In a country that seems to agree on almost nothing, the British royals managed something close to a clean sweep – drawing warm receptions from both sides of a political spectrum where neutral ground is rare.
The visit came at a fraught time in US-British relations, with the White House and Downing Street at odds over the war in Iran, straining a relationship both governments insist remains unshakeable.
The reviews following the King’s appearances at the White House, in Congress and in New York were warm across the political divide.
A commentator in the conservative Washington Examiner wrote that the UK needed more than conventional diplomacy – and that King Charles delivered.
“His Majesty’s Government under scandal-plagued Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer needed the monarchy to do what only the king could do,” the editorial said.
The King’s comments in Congress and at the White House’s lavish banquet on Tuesday – mixing humour with history and a call for unity – also were widely praised.
Some saw them as a subtle rebuke of President Trump.
“Sometimes it takes an outside perspective to see what’s really going on,” an opinion writer wrote in the Arizona Republic. “It’s striking to have a king remind us of what democracy is all about.”
For months, Donald Trump – a committed Anglophile and avid fan of the Royals – repeatedly told reporters that he was excited for the King’s visit. That excitement was on full display throughout the King’s visit to Washington, in which the world saw a warmer version of a president not shy to make his feelings known.
Uncharacteristically, Trump largely stuck to a script, making no mention of policy disagreements with Downing Street and lauding the long ties between the US and Britain.
“Before we ever proclaimed our independence, Americans carried within us the rare gifts of moral courage,” he said. “And it came from a small but mighty kingdom from across the sea.”
On Capitol Hill, where the King became only the second British monarch to address a joint session of Congress, Charles received a standing ovation – though some in the room heard something more pointed in his words.
“As opposed to Keir Starmer, who is looked at…as a leftist weenie, we saw in King Charles – someone who is proud of Britain,” Washington Republican Representative Michael Baumgartner told the BBC. “I think that was good.”
The warm welcome on Capitol Hill was not lost on President Trump.
“He got the Democrats to stand, I’ve never been able to do that. I couldn’t believe it,” Trump said at the banquet a few hours later. “They liked him more than they’ve ever liked any Republican or Democrat, actually.”
Elizabeth Holmes, an expert on the Royal Family and author, told the BBC that many members of the American public are broadly interested in the family, even as that interest has ebbed and flowed over the years.
“I think the fascination is rooted in a combination of novelty and distance,” she said. “It’s not something we have here.”
The King and Queen traveled to New York City on Wednesday where they made a few stops, including one at the 9/11 Memorial. Jacob Knutton, who manages a British-themed restaurant and store in New York, says business has been “a lot busier” around the King’s visit.
“There’s definitely been a lot of people talking about it,” said Knutton, who grew up in London and Australia. “Americans are talking about it and trying to get our opinions on it.”
But not every American is as enthused.
While recent statistics are hard to come by, a YouGov poll conducted in 2024 found that only 42% of Americans held a favourable view of King Charles.
In comparison, his mother, Queen Elizabeth, garnered a 67% approval rating. Over three quarters of those polled – 76% – held a favourable view of the King’s ex-wife, Princess Diana, who died in 1997.
According to Holmes, in the eyes of some Americans, Charles had a “far less compelling” narrative than his mother, who became Queen at a young age.
US feelings about King Charles are further complicated by his complex relationship with son Prince Harry, Holmes added.
Data from Google Trends suggests that US-based searches for the King during the visit spiked by 20 to 25 times over normal, and by 50 times during his speech to Congress.
Others who haven’t followed the royal visit closely, still are excited. “I think it’s cool that he’s here,” said Harry James, 21, who works in a fish and chips shop in New York. “It’s cool we can keep these traditions going.”
Holmes believes the visit already has improved US perceptions of the King. “Trump is such a polarising figure, and I think people were very eager to see their interactions,” she said.
His dinner comments, in particular, have “really taken off”.
“I think people are delighted to see British wit on display,” she added.
Near the White House on Tuesday, some of those who turned out to watch the King’s motorcade pass said they felt hopeful.
“It’s natural for human beings to disagree,” said Maribeth Massie, of Maine, who watched the King’s motorcade near the White House on Monday. “Hopefully they’ll lay some common ground together and move forward.”
Knutton also hopes the visit helps – in part for his business’ sake. His store imports nearly all of its goods from the UK, and feels the pinch of Trump’s tariffs, he said.
“I’m sure it will have an effect,” he said. “But I’m not expecting magical wand-waving.”
[BBC]
Oil prices have soared following reports that the US is preparing for an “extended” blockade of Iran.
The global benchmark oil price, Brent crude, briefly hit $120 (£89) a barrel on Wednesday evening, its highest price since 2022.
The BBC understands that energy executives including Chevron chief executive Mike Wirth met US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday to discuss how to limit the fallout from the conflict on American consumers.
Oil traders appear to have taken the meeting as a sign the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz will continue for a long time.
The executives discussed topics including domestic energy production, progress in Venezuela, oil futures, natural gas, and shipping, according to a White House official.
They described the meeting as being part of the President’s regular meetings with energy executives to discuss their industry.
The meeting follows separate reports from the Wall Street Journal that US President Donald Trump has instructed aides to prepare to extend the ongoing blockade of Iran’s ports, in an effort to squeeze the country’s economy.
Iran has said it will continue to disrupt traffic travelling through the Strait of Hormuz in response to the US blockade.
[BBC]
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level in the North-central, Eastern, and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kurunegala, Monaragala, Vavuniya, Mullaittivu and Kilinochchi districts during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 29 April 2026, valid for 30 April 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the North-central, Eastern, and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kurunegala, Monaragala, Vavuniya, Mullaittivu and Kilinochchi districts during the day time.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on the human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491
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