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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, today (Friday 17 October 2025) in New Delhi during her official visit to India.

The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, with particular attention to education reforms and development priorities.

Prime Minister Modi extended a warm welcome to Dr. Amarasuriya and appreciated her visit which adds fresh momentum to bilateral relations and the multi-faceted partnership that prevails between the two countries.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya shared with Prime Minister Modi, details of her poignant and inspiring visit to Hindu College, University of Delhi, where she had been a student on an ICCR scholarship in the early 1990s.

She also shared with the Prime Minister, the highlights of her visit to a model school in Delhi earlier in the day as a meaningful opportunity to observe innovative education practices.

Prime Minister Modi expressed support for Sri Lanka’s education reform agenda, and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya shared Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to create an inclusive and equitable education system addressing challenges faced by youth, especially school dropouts emphasising on the increasing need to also address social issues faced by male students in this regard.

The two Prime Ministers also discussed matters pertaining to the welfare of fishermen in both countries, and Dr Amarasuriya emphasized the importance of protecting the livelihoods and safety of fishermen on both sides.

Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to work together in partnership in the shared development journey of the two countries and reiterated support to Sri Lanka in advancing its Unique Digital ID initiative and strengthening digital governance. He also reiterated India’s continued support for development of the Sacred City Complex in Anuradhapura.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya stated that she conveys to Prime Minister Modi, the warm wishes of President Anura Kumara Disanayaka especially in the context of the auspicious festive season of Diwali.

Deepika Padukone, who continues to make global headlines for her career milestones, recently surprised fans after announcing that she is now the official voice of Meta AI across six countries.

Taking to Instagram, the Pathaan actress dropped a behind-the-scenes clip from a recording studio, where she was seen lending her voice for the project.

“Hi, I am Deepika Padukone. I am the new voice of Meta AI. So tap the ring and my voice will run out,” she said in the short video. The social media post was accompanied with the caption, which reads, "Okay, so this is pretty cool I think! I'm now part of Meta AI and you can chat with my voice in English across India, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand."

 Many called it a huge move for Indian tech, while others couldn’t get over how naturally her calm voice matched the AI’s vibe.

One user wrote, “Her voice is so soothing, perfect for AI!” while another commented, “Imagine getting advice from Deepika’s voice surreal!”

The 38-year-old star called the collaboration “pretty cool,” noting that users across India, the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can now chat with Meta AI using her voice.

Fans quickly turned the announcement viral, dubbing it "a crossover between Bollywood and Silicon Valley."

On the professional front, Deepika has also kicked off filming for King alongside Shah Rukh Khan marking their sixth collaboration after Jawan.

(Source - hungamaexpress)

A new ticketing counter offering discounted airfares for Sri Lankan migrant workers heading overseas has been opened at the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) headquarters in Narhenpita, under a new government initiative.

The counter was declared open yesterday (16) under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra.

Through this new service, migrant workers can purchase air tickets at concessionary rates — significantly lower than regular market prices — for flights to any destination worldwide where they are employed.

The launch event was attended by Dr. B.S. Yalagama, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Employment, Kosala Wickramasinghe, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency, Lal Hettiarachchi, Chairman of the SLBFE, D.D.P. Senanayake, General Manager of the Bureau, and Prasad Galappaththi, General Manager of the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency, among other officials.

This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on Sri Lankan migrant workers and support their journey abroad with more affordable travel options — a step the Ministry describes as a practical boost to those powering the nation’s remittance economy.

The Colombo Additional Magistrate’s Court has ordered a Government Analyst to verify the safety of whitening creams produced and sold by a company owned by Sri Lankan model Piumi Hansamali, media sources report.

The directive, issued yesterday (15) by Colombo Additional Magistrate Nuwan Kaushalya, was sent to the Department of Criminal Investigation’s Illegal Assets and Intellectual Property Investigations Division. The court has requested the analyst’s report to determine whether the creams are safe for human use.

This follows a formal request from the department itself, which is probing the cosmetic products for possible health concerns.

In a separate but related investigation, authorities have begun scrutinizing Hansamali’s assets amid allegations that she acquired wealth exceeding her declared income. The inquiries reportedly focus on high-value possessions, including a Range Rover valued at Rs 80 million—previously owned by a former President—a Colombo 7 residence worth Rs 148 million, and 19 bank accounts linked to Hansamali.

The probe into Hansamali’s financial holdings was initiated after a complaint lodged by civil society activist Sanjaya.

An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for severe lightning in several provinces and districts.

Thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in the Central, North-central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva and North-western provinces and in Ampara district, the department stated.

There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers, it added.

Accordingly, the general public has been requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

The general public has also been requested to seek shelter, preferably indoors, to avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms, and also to refrain from using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.

For emergency assistance, the public is requested to contact local disaster management authorities.

(Source - adaderana.lk)

Battling Migraines: Expert Tips on Understanding and Preventing Headaches

We all want to stay healthy, but in today’s fast-paced, competitive world, one common ailment affects countless people daily: headaches. For some, these headaches escalate into migraines—also known as “iruwārada”—bringing intense pain and discomfort.

Neurologist Dr. Padma S. Gunaratne told BBC Sinhala that migraines affect over a billion people worldwide, making it one of the most widespread neurological disorders.

What is a Migraine? Migraines are more than just ordinary headaches. They often come with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. While some headaches are simple and short-lived, migraines can be prolonged and debilitating. Doctors classify migraines as neurological disorders and carefully examine patients to rule out other underlying conditions.

Many migraine sufferers experience tension headaches triggered by stress, with women being disproportionately affected. Migraines can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours, and in some cases, even longer. While anyone can develop migraines, they are most common among middle-aged women.

What Causes Migraines? According to Dr. Gunaratne, migraines often result from everyday habits and lifestyle factors:

• Stress: High-stress levels make migraines more likely to occur.
• Poor Sleep: Inconsistent or insufficient sleep increases migraine risk.
• Diet: Certain foods like coffee, chocolate, cheese, and highly processed foods can trigger migraines.
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water may provoke attacks.
• Hormonal Changes & Weather: Women may experience migraines linked to their menstrual cycle or shifts in climate.

Some patients even experience warning signs before a migraine—known as “migraine with aura.” Symptoms may include temporary visual disturbances, flashing lights, or blurred vision, typically lasting 15 minutes to an hour.

5 Daily Habits to Prevent Migraines Dr. Gunaratne emphasizes that alongside medical treatment, simple daily habits can significantly reduce migraine frequency and severity. Here are five expert-recommended routines:

• Prioritize Good Sleep: Ensure at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Irregular sleep patterns can trigger migraines, especially in those already prone to them.

• Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can be a major trigger. Drink sufficient water throughout the day to maintain optimal hydration.

• Eat Balanced Meals: Never skip breakfast. Consuming healthy, regular meals helps prevent drops in blood sugar that may trigger migraine attacks.

• Manage Stress: Plan your day in advance and focus on tasks you can realistically accomplish. Incorporate stress-relieving activities like exercise or mindfulness to keep tension levels in check.

• Avoid Trigger Foods: Limit or eliminate caffeine, chocolate, cheese, and foods high in sugar or fat.

A Word of Caution: Dr. Gunaratne also warns against overusing painkillers. Relying too heavily on medication can reduce its effectiveness over time. Instead, preventive lifestyle changes combined with proper medical guidance are the key to long-term relief.

By adopting these habits, migraine sufferers can take meaningful steps toward controlling their condition, improving daily life, and reducing the intensity of future attacks.

Starting from midnight today (17), passengers flying out of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, will now be allowed to check in as early as four hours before their scheduled departure.

According to airport officials, the decision aims to improve passenger convenience and streamline airport operations, allowing for a more efficient and comfortable travel experience.

The United National Party (UNP) has appointed a three-member committee to engage in discussions with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the party announced in a statement issued today (16).

The committee includes UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene, UNP General Secretary Attorney-at-Law Thalatha Athukorala, and President’s Counsel Roland Perera.

Reaffirming its long-standing commitment, the UNP emphasized that its position remains clear — to bring all political parties together on a single platform to safeguard Sri Lanka’s democratic, multi-party system.

The appointment of this committee comes as a response to the SJB’s initiative, which recently formed a four-member team tasked with exploring the possibility of working collaboratively with the UNP.

That SJB committee comprises Kabir Hashim, S. M. Marikkar, Mujibur Rahuman, and Eran Wickramaratne, as previously announced by the Opposition’s Chief Organizer and SJB MP Gayantha Karunathilaka.

According to Karunathilaka, the SJB committee has been mandated to develop a proposal outlining potential avenues for cooperation with the UNP and to present it to SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa. This decision was reached during last week’s SJB Management Committee meeting, which unanimously agreed to explore ways of uniting the two parties while maintaining their individual identities.

He further noted that the SJB’s Executive Committee, having also approved the plan, endorsed the move for the SJB — as the main opposition — to take the lead in initiating structured cooperation with the UNP.

In essence, both parties now appear to be taking careful, coordinated steps toward exploring a potential political partnership, one built on shared democratic values and mutual respect for each other’s independence.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with the Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar, in New Delhi on 16 October 2025, during her first official visit to India as Prime Minister.

The discussions focused on further strengthening the multifaceted partnership between Sri Lanka and India, with emphasis on economic cooperation, connectivity, digital transformation, education. Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya appreciated the Government of India’s continued assistance in a wide range of development programmes in Sri Lanka, including projects related to trade, financial cooperation, and education. She also acknowledged India’s support to Sri Lanka during challenging times and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to advancing cooperation with India as a close neighbour and longstanding partner in the region. Both sides discussed enhancing collaboration in digitalization, technology exchange, and innovation, key priorities under the Sri Lankan Government’s development agenda. The Prime Minister highlighted opportunities for Indian investment in Sri Lanka, particularly in manufacturing, infrastructure, education, and knowledge services, and expressed Sri Lanka’s interest in further strengthening bilateral trade.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

2025.10.16

OpenAI plans to allow a wider range of content, including erotica, on its popular chatbot ChatGPT as part of its push to "treat adult users like adults", says its boss Sam Altman.

In a post on X on Tuesday, Mr Altman said upcoming versions of the popular chatbot would enable it to behave in a more human-like way - "but only if you want it, not because we are usage maxxing".

The move, reminiscent of Elon Musk's xAI's recent introduction of two sexually explicit chatbots to Grok, could help OpenAI attract more paying subscribers.

It is also likely to intensify pressure on lawmakers to introduce tighter restrictions on chatbot companions.

OpenAI did not respond to the BBC's requests for comment.

Mr Altman said OpenAI had previously made ChatGPT "pretty restrictive to make sure we were being careful with mental health issues".

These changes were announced in a blog post in August, which no longer appears on OpenAI's website.

"We realise this made it less useful/enjoyable to many users who had no mental health problems, but given the seriousness of the issue we wanted to get this right," Mr Altman posted on Tuesday.

He said ChatGPT could soon relax the restrictions "now that we have been able to mitigate the serious mental health issues and have new tools".

He added: "In December, as we roll out age-gating more fully and as part of our 'treat adult users like adults' principle, we will allow even more, like erotica for verified adults."

The changes come after OpenAI was sued earlier this year by parents of a US teen who took his own life.

The lawsuit filed by Matt and Maria Raine, who are the parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine, was the first legal action accusing OpenAI of wrongful death.

The family included chat logs between Adam, who died in April, and ChatGPT that show him explaining he has suicidal thoughts.

In a statement given at the time, OpenAI told the BBC it was reviewing the filing.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to the Raine family during this difficult time," the company said.

Child safety concerns Written erotica does not require age verification in the UK under the Online Safety Act.

However, pornographic images, including those generated by AI, would require users to prove they are over 18.

In the US, critics say OpenAI's decision to allow erotica on the platform shows the need for more regulation at the federal and state levels.

"How are they going to make sure that children are not able to access the portions of ChatGPT that are adult-only and provide erotica?" said Jenny Kim, a partner at the law firm Boies Schiller Flexner.

Ms Kim is involved in a lawsuit against Meta that claims the company's Instagram's algorithm harms the mental health of teen users.

"OpenAI, like most of big tech in this space, is just using people like guinea pigs," she said.

In April, TechCrunch reported that OpenAI was allowing accounts in which a user had registered as a minor to generate graphic erotica.

OpenAI said at the time that the company was rolling out a fix to limit such content.

A survey published this month by the nonprofit Centre for Democracy and Technology (CDT) found that one in five students report that they or someone they know has had a romantic relationship with AI.

On Monday, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill passed by the state legislature that would have blocked developers from offering AI chatbots companions to children unless the companies could guarantee the software wouldn't breed harmful behaviour.

Newsom said it was "imperative that adolescents learn how to safely interact with AI systems" in a message that accompanied his veto.

At the nationwide level, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an inquiry into how AI chatbots interact with children.

In the US Senate last month, bipartisan legislation was introduced that would chatbot users to file liability claims against their developers.

Why introduce erotica? Mr Altman's announcement on Tuesday comes as sceptics have been questioning the rapid rise in the value of AI tech companies.

OpenAI's revenue is growing, but it has never been profitable.

Tulane University business professor Rob Lalka, author of The Venture Alchemists, said the major AI companies find themselves in a battle for market share.

"No company has ever had the kind of adoption that OpenAI saw with ChatGPT," Prof Lalka told BBC News.

"They needed to continue to push along that exponential growth curve, achieving market domination as much as they can," he added.

(Source - BBC)

Sachila Chathnuka, a young entrepreneur from Galle, has made a remarkable impact on Sri Lanka’s car care industry with his brand "ShineMode", a mobile detailing service that brings next-level car care right to your doorstep.

"ShineMode" is far from ordinary. Sachila has elevated detailing to a higher standard by using world-renowned brands and even introducing some of them to Sri Lanka through his services, including Koch Chemie, Infinity Wax, Duel Auto Care, and more. His commitment to excellence has set a new benchmark for quality and results in the local industry.

While mobile detailing isn’t new globally, Sachila identified a major gap in Sri Lanka and filled it with genuine expertise, creativity, and passion. Through his ASMR and POV-style detailing videos, he allows anyone to witness ShineMode’s quality firsthand - every clip speaks louder than words.

At a time when most people settled for quick car washes, Sachila proved that quality work still holds more value than price. His journey has inspired a new wave of Sri Lankans to pursue perfection, appreciate real detailing, and even motivated a new generation of detailers to follow the same path.

(Source - Startup Sri Lanka)

Vice Chairman of China’s Sinopec Group, Lv Lianggong, assured Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath, that construction of the new oil refinery in Hambantota will begin without delay. The pledge came during a meeting held at the ministry in Colombo today.

The proposed project, estimated at USD 3.7 billion, is expected to produce up to 200,000 barrels per day once operational. Lv Lianggong led a 10-member delegation to discuss the project’s progress and unresolved issues related to its implementation.

Lv Lianggong said support from Minister Herath had helped resolve many long-standing challenges. As a result, the project agreement was signed in January. He also outlined remaining concerns that need to be addressed and requested the minister’s intervention to ensure swift resolution, citing the importance of the project to both countries.

Minister Herath agreed to personally intervene to resolve pending issues promptly, highlighting the positive impact of foreign investment on Sri Lanka’s economy. Both parties committed to commencing the project without further delay.

The Sinopec delegation is also scheduled to meet with the Ministry of Power and Energy, the Board of Investment, and other relevant agencies today.